WHO is your worst enemy? And WHAT to do about it!
As business owners we tend to “cherry pick” and only do the stuff we enjoy and avoid what we dread. Yet it has been well said, “Success comes to those who will do what others won’t do.”
starting carpet cleaning
How can I speed up production?
Steve offers 8 tips to increase efficiency and speed up production for maximum profits. (Without creating negative moments of truth.)
“Steve, why are my techs such pigs?”
A Nevada carpet cleaner is struggling with “don’t give a darn” employees. Steve shares how he solved the same problem in his company.
So what “Success Skills” are you lacking? (Part I)
Sure, nobody cleans better than you do. Wonderful! We salute your hard work! And yet, are you still struggling after all these years? In this series Chuck Violand shares a few possible reasons why…
“How much per square metre should I charge?”
Square foot, square metre- the question is the same! A new carpet cleaner in Great Britain is facing this pricing quandary and wants a formula for pricing. So Steve gives him one …
One tech or two on carpet cleaning trucks?
Nothing (with the exception of how to price your work) will get carpet cleaners more agitated than the eternal question of one person versus two person crews. Steve explains why he came down somewhere in the middle …
How much do you charge to be a SFS “member”?
Dedicating 5 days to the SFS seminar (and gaining SFS membership) IS a big investment. Is it worth it? You be the judge after reviewing what is included…
“A first class event from beginning to end”- Rick Massimi
Rick attended SFS as he opened his new carpet cleaning business. He received a long-term vision and plan for his company, a turn-key “Business Infrastructure” AND a great system to make more profit on each job with Scotchgard.
Should I start out hitching a ride as a sub-contractor cleaner?
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 …
When should I move my owner-operator carpet cleaning operation out of my house?
It makes a lot of sense to start your cleaning or restoration business out of your house. However, sooner or later you will be faced with the question of “when should I stop storing all these cleaning chemicals and equipment in my garage?” Steve waxes nostalgic …
Why won’t my wife get on board with my new carpet cleaning venture?
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 …
“What can I do to pay the bills till my carpet cleaning business kicks in?”
In a perfect world your first clients would all be clamoring for clean carpets BEFORE you even open your doors for business. Surprise! It doesn’t work that way, as one slightly disillusioned Kansas City carpet cleaner is finding out …
Should I go with a “one stop package” carpet cleaning “business opportunity”?
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” …
Steve’s “Bleeding Hearts” Advice Column Directory
Steve Toburen answers pleas for help from carpet cleaners, mold remediation and fire and water damage restoration professionals. If you are starting a carpet cleaning business or an experienced small business person you will surely find practical advice here.