The destructive results of “Owner Arrogance”
It takes a healthy self-confidence to open and run a small business today. But Chuck Violand reminds you to not let this confidence morph into destructive pride and arrogance.
leadership
The “Lone Ranger” Rides No More (Part II)
Once you build your network of “informal” business advisers it’s time to actually listen. For self-made business entrepreneurs this is often easier said than accomplished.
The “Lone Ranger” Rides No More (Part I)
The image of the lonely but brave entrepreneur fighting against incredible odds is ingrained in the American psyche. Chuck Violand explains why this is so sad and unnecessary …
“The 20 Foot Rule”: Improving relationships.
Make eye contact and say hello. Sounds simple. However, many of us struggle with even the most basic people skills. Here is a simple rule to make it happen for you and your workforce.
Business ADHD: Are carpet cleaners their “own worst enemies”?
Did you start your own business because you were bored/frustrated/unemployable??? Chuck Violand warns against the “Business ADHD Leadership” trait.
“SFS changed my life”- Brad Macauley
Illinois carpet cleaner Brad Macauley found the push he needed to make a real change for the better in his business and life. How and why did he do it?
Read on …
David Gargan discovers “cleaning freedom”!
Industry veteran David Gargan just loved the physical act of cleaning carpets … until he hit the big 4-0! Learn how Dave “broke free from the wand” and discovered the wonderful gift of personal time with his family.
The difference in “saving” vs. “investing” your time
All cleaners; technicians, managers and owner-operators can benefit from better time management. Chuck suggests cleaning professionals stop focusing on HOW to “save” time and concentrate more on WHERE they “invest” time.
The best business books from 2010- Pick one.
Remember in 2011 you were going to read more than the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition? Well guess what? No more excuses! If you walk into Borders you will be overwhelmed by choices so let us help!
Is your cleaning business a “leaky bucket”?
Is your carpet cleaning/restoration company constantly “leaking”? The first road to patching the leaks is to recognize the problem … and its cause. Chuck Violand points where to look for lost energy, profits, … you get the idea.
Don’t be a “Chief Problem Solver”- Part II
So Chuck has weighed in earlier on why you need to get out of solving every single problem for your employees. Yet you are probably already there! So how do you get out of being a “problem solving Sugar Daddy”? Follow these four steps to relief…
What can a carpet cleaner learn from the “Three Stooges?”
The “Three Stooges”? (We’re not talking about Chuck Violand, Big Billy Yeadon and Steve Toburen of SFS fame!) Nope, Chuck says that we learn how to avoid “Paralysis by Analysis” from Larry, Moe and Curly!
What can carpet cleaners learn from Honda?
Even with Honda’s high quality (and profits) their executives still aren’t happy. Why not? Chuck Violand explains and in the process you will learn a valuable lesson for your cleaning and restoration business …
Woody Allen- the next carpet cleaning industry guru?
Woody Allen postulated years ago that “75% of success is just showing up”! Chuck Violand focuses on that other vital 25% which you can control …
The two BIG responsibilities of a good leader …
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 …