Most of us entered the carpet cleaning industry by the “back door”- as technicians first. No shame in that. But sooner or later most carpet cleaners must morph into being a “leader” in their company. Being a good leader is both simpler and infinitely more difficult than you may have ever imagined …
Most of us sort of “stumbled” into carpet cleaning as a way to pay the rent/ buy groceries/ make the car payment, etc. Chuck Violand reminds us that the journey of life should be about much more than “growing old on the wand” …
Do you “fritter away days”? Chuck Violand fights this tendency to waste time. Read here Chuck’s musings on how to avoid this destructive habit and live your life to its full potential.
It is the “unspoken dread” among cleaning professionals. Sure, we make a lot of money and have all the toys. But many carpet cleaners worry about ever achieving true financial independence while they are still young enough to enjoy it! Steve Toburen shares how he retired from full time business at the age of 38 by giving readers two great links and one even more important date in Las Vegas next September …
After an extended absence from our industry an independent cleaner is looking to get back in the game. He’s looking for a shortcut to success but as usual Steve tells it like it is …
Chuck Violand sums up his recent posts comparing your carpet cleaning and/or restoration business to different types of sailing vessels with a few reminders for you, the captain of the boat. Chuck’s thoughts could mean the difference between a successful voyage or the disastrous “shipwreck” of your business …
How do you sum up life in one paragraph? Does it even remotely involve your truck mount, pre-spray, cleaning solution or other cleaning equipment? We sure hope not! Brian Dyson of Coca Cola has done a very nice job of helping everyone (carpet cleaning and restoration professionals included) keep focused on the really important things in life …
A prospective Denver carpet cleaner has caught the “entrepreneurial cleaning bug” but his wife just isn’t excited about this new development. Steve timidly ventures into the “family counseling” field with some hard-learned wisdom from his own experience in cleaning up …
When entering a new industry it can be an oh-so-very-overwhelming journey. So it is tempting to go the pre-packaged equipment route, especially if the company offers you a “protected territory” for your carpet cleaning business. But Steve says to be very, very careful. After all, you are putting one more link in the “supplier chain” …
Check out these 10 questions that just may keep you from joining the 80% of start-up businesses that fail within their first decade. Then share with your fellow board members other vital questions that have kept you safe, sane and profitable …
Chuck Violand points out that the most brilliant business advice can destroy your company IF implemented at the wrong time or in an impulsive manner. Read how to avoid the very dangerous “E-Drift” syndrome …
It is a no-brainer you must pick the “best” for your front line workers . How to define the best? The answers Chuck Violand provides might surprise you …
SFS instructor Chuck Violand shares ideas on how to maintain the excitement, sense of urgency and yes, the sheer joy you had in the start-up phase of your company …
Chuck Violand reflects on the sad fact that most small enterprises are not destroyed by fierce competition or outside forces such as a sour economy. No, the rot comes from within. Read on for an orientation on this insidious danger …
In his fourth and final installment of his “courtship series”, SFS Instructor Chuck Violand expounds on the true riches to be found in business and (no surprise here!) they have nothing to do with money!