You may be “just a carpet cleaner” but have you ever been accused of being “a blue-sky person”? Do you recall information better when it is explained in story form? Have you noticed that one of your child’s favorite sayings is “Mommy, read me a story?” If your head is nodding up and down, you are going to love this book.
Chuck Violand has been kicking off the Strategies for Success seminar for the last couple of years reflecting on his love of boats … and how different business models are like varied boats- all of which require different skills and tactics to avoid a tragic shipwreck. So which type of boat are you skippering? Check back in frequently to see Chuck’s latest thoughts …
A harried Florida cleaner is battling an upholstery cleaning problem. Steve explains that sometimes the best thing to do is “throw in your cards” but do so with honor and dignity …
As a professional carpet cleaning entrepreneur you have built a great and unshakable reputation for quality. Or have you? Steve Toburen analyzes how a complacent attitude can quickly sink a recognized world leader in quality …
I was going to write this blog post in 2009 but then I put it off! So I rationalized that all you carpet cleaning and restoration professionals out there could wait for the new year. I can’t believe 2010 is already here. Be sure to read this blog post right away. Set a deadline! (Unlike me!)
Good morning, Steve,
Even though I own my own carpet cleaning business I have also been building my own house and contracting it out myself. The people I am coming across are astounding! These “professional” businesses and contractors have absolutely no customer service.
“I solve problems. That is what I do.” How often have you thought that this mantra essentially sums up your business life as a carpet cleaner? And yet Chuck Violand shows that this constant “desperation problem solving” may actually hinder instead of help your cleaning business …
Get the inside scoop on how your employees see your company and more importantly … their BOSS. (Which of course means YOU!) How to find out this vital (but possibly uncomfortable) information? Read on …
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 …
Picking the best people for your office staff many times means picking people that are smarter and more capable than you. This is a painful hiring process but always has good results. SFS instructor Chuck Violand explains why …
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 …
Our hi-tech world can keep you constantly connected. Is that always a good thing? Chuck Violand evaluates this current (and in his opinion very damaging) trend …
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 …
Way back in the 50’s Bo Diddley sang a song titled “Who Do You Love?” If Bo were around today he would change the lyrics to “Who Do You Trust?”