Auld Lang Syne

Well, it's the last day of 2007 and I apologize for not posting until now but with the holidays and just trying to keep things moving along - my blog has suffered. I hope your 2007 was good both business and personal wise and I wish all of you a safe,happy and prosperous New Year for 2008.
Now is the time to make yourself start that business, make more money, or whatever your New Year's resolution is - NOW is the time to put it into motion.Mine is going to be to reduce debt and increase income.
Anyway, I want to wish my best on all of you who read and post and may God bless you in the coming year. Happy New Year!

The Six Reasons People Clean

I read an article in ICS Cleaning Specialist mag about the six reasons people clean.
I did know them but never took the time to think about them. Howard Partridge, a seminar presenter for the cleaning industry, did a good job of listing them out.
1. Events - (dinners, graduations, etc.)
2. Visible Soil
3. Maintenance
4. Health issues
5. To Solve a Problem
6. Odor removal
A brief synop is given here but for the article pick up a copy of ICS magazine or go here to read it.

Something to think about...

I recently read an article in a trade magazine about how 80% of all soap dispensers are never cleaned and pretty much defeat the reason for washing your hands. I have to admit this is something I never thought much about.I mean, We wipe them down from time to time but never really "clean" them.
Is there an area of cleaning that you think never gets enough attention? Post your thoughts on this and let me know. Thanks!

Try something new...

I apologize for not posting for so long. We have just been getting slammed with business and I haven't had a lot of time to sit down in front of the ole' computer.A customer of mine wanted some ceiling tile replaced, painting done and redo a floor. We don't normally offer that, but it was something that we are capable of doing and I hate to tell a customer "no" if I can take care of it.
This opens up a new area of business for our company and my guys are digging it. Gives them something different to do and extra cash for them. Although we are running into snags as far as suppliers go, the guys are doing a good job and I think it's going to turn out pretty good.
Think about areas you can move your business into and you may discover a whole new stream of income you overlooked.
Hope this helps.

No news isn't necessarily good news

You haven't heard anything out of your customers for awhile so you assume that everything is fine. Then one day you get that phone call "Sorry but we're changing services." You find out that there were things that never got cleaned (Whether they were part of the deal or not) and that everyone was just ready to make a change.
Don't let your customers "suffer in silence." Actively engage them in communication. That way you don't lose a customer and they feel like there is a line of communication open should they have problems or questions about the cleaning. I'm not saying call or email everyday but stay in front of them whether it's cleaning related or to say "Happy Holidays".
Plus engaging them in communication will more often than not lead to more work for you and more profits.
And if you were wondering...yes I'm speaking from experience...Hope this helps.

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Be Gentle

When you come across a new cleaning problem that you haven't encountered before, it's always best to start with the LEAST aggressive method for handling it and move into the more aggressive method if needed.This includes chemical,cleaning pads, etc.
Obviously that is so you don't ruin or damage anything in the process of cleaning it.Also, check with cleaning reps about chemical interaction so as to make sure you don't create a volatile situation.
Or just do what I do - ASK SOMEONE! Your janitorial supply houses have probably run into a similar situation and can help you solve your problem a lot quicker and with a lot less headache.
Hope this helps!

Where were you?

Six years ago today, The United States endured one of the worst attacks on our soil ever recorded. I remember standing in our living room watching in horror as the events unfolded on TV. My daughter was only a month old and I remember thinking "What kind of world have I brought her into?"
I remember all of the flags flying after that in a statement of solidarity. I drove around today and maybe saw a handful of flags out.
We must never forget the innocent victims of that day and those who fought to try to save them.Please show your support today by flying your flag at the very least.
Observe a moment of silence and say a small prayer for their families as today is a difficult day for them.
God Bless America.

While we're on the subject...

When I was a police officer, we had a little saying that went "you can never have enough training..."
Same applies to whatever you do.It's not just time for kids to go back to school. I am attending a staffing seminar next month to learn better ways of hiring and staffing my sites. I look forward to it because that will help me to grow and go after more business.
If you want to stay on top of your profession, you must constantly be learning. Whether it's academically or on new methods or technology. The Internet, your local Chamber of Commerce or business partners are good places to start looking where you can find classes,etc. to improve your skills.
Plus it shows that you think enough of yourself and your profession to stay informed. Change is inevitable. Roll with it...

Back to School...

I apologize for not posting for awhile. Between my little girl going back to school and just taking care of business in general, there just aren't enough hours in the day...
Kids like to share things.When you put a bunch of kids together in one room with computers, desks, art stuff and books - you've got a playground for germs.
This year when you send your child back to school, put a travel pack of sanitary wipes in their book bag and show them how and when to use them. This will help them to keep clean in general, and you will be teaching them about germs and how they can make them sick.
Have a great school year and hope this helps...

Cleaningtips.com

I recently received an email from Loren Yadeski over at Cleaningtips.com so I checked it out. They got a good thing going over there and I'm getting ready to join them. They have a great layout and an area to submit your cleaning tips whatever they may be. Knowledge is power and as the old cliche goes "two heads are better than one."
Loren just posted an article that I think will make everyone appreciate cleaning in an "up close and personal" manner. Check out the article here.

Not just for hair anymore...

Something that I have found is coming on strong in the cleaning industry is peroxide based cleaners. I currently use a product that is peroxide based and I use it on glass, carpets and floors and it works great!
Peroxide based cleaners are more versatile and can be used for different applications. They also, in my opinion, are more effective. The product I use can be used for spotting and cleaning carpets and the spots don't wick back after cleaning.
Give them a try. If you have questions or want more information, feel free to email me.

"All work and no play..."

When you own your own business, it's easy to immerse yourself in your business. On the other hand, this may cause problems. If you are a young single person, you need to schedule down time for yourself. Take your vacations or off days. You need that to recharge yourself. I've found if I get a day or two off, I come back with a better attitude and a fresh outlook.
If you're married and/or have children you have to allow yourself your time with your family and kids. They only grow up once. As well as make time for yourself to recharge. Putting even additional time constraints on your already limited asset.
We won't even touch on this topic from a health point of view. Both mentally and physically.
The old adage "All work and No Play" certainly applies here. If you just keep burning the candle at both ends you will eventually go up in smoke. Plus you deserve to give yourself a break.
My friend who is also in this business just got back from his first real vacation in ten years!
Don't get me wrong. I'm all about business. But there has to be an even keel between work and play. Take care and stay sane. Hope you found this helpful.

Keep it simple

The other day I had pencil marks on some VCT tile and when I went to mop them up they really gave me a time getting them off. So the next night I had the same thing and this time I just took an eraser (duh) and erased them.
That is a classic case of KISS. (Keep It Simple Stupid). The lesson I learned here is not to overthink a cleaning problem. As a professional cleaner I have multiple options for various cleaning situations. Sometimes that is a good thing but sometimes it can be a hindrance also.
So the moral of the story here is not to overthink a situation. Whether it be a cleaning problem or some everyday occurrence.
Hope this helps.

Gain by "giving" away

I bought my work van "used" to say the least. Today I went to get the rear view mirror mounted as it didn't have one when I bought it. I went to a local glass shop and they put it on free of charge.
I then went over to a tire shop to get a spare tire mounted. The guy that sold me the van gave me a tire to see if the owner of the tire shop would trade with me. He did. And I got a better tire for a spare. I also got that free of charge.
Both of these businesses just gained a new customer. All it cost them was a little time. They gave me something they just as easily could have charged for - but they didn't.The glass shop could have charged for mounting the mirror, and the tire shop could have charged me for mounting the tire.
If any of my vehicles need tires or window or glass repair - I will visit these businesses first. Simply because of the money they saved me this time around. They gave me value right out of the gate. For that, they gained my loyalty.
Have you given your customers value today? Think of ways to "give away" a product or service to gain new customers and I guarantee your business will explode.
Both of these businesses did and they now have a new customer.
Hope this helps.

Remember the Heroes

Today is Memorial Day. Today is the day we give thanks to those who have given us our freedom and who continue to stand vigil so that we may continue to enjoy our freedom.
Let us not forget those who are in our VA hospitals and in our mental hospitals who suffer everyday from their service to their country. They too have given the ultimate sacrifice. They have given their lives in a different way. They have to live with what they went through everyday.
Today, honor them by flying your American flag and give a moment of silence for all those men and women who have given of themselves for this country and who continue to serve on the front lines to preserve our way of life.
Sammy Hagar has a song "Remember the Heroes", and in it is a line that goes "who's gonna fill their shoes?"
Let's pray there will always be those to protect our freedom. God Bless America.

Pay At The Pump!

I put $30 in my work van and I didn't even get a quarter of a tank. Gas prices around here are at 3.21/gal and higher. In my business, fuel costs are a major consideration. With all the running around I do I put gas in my beast every couple of days or so. I have had to use my other vehicles for things such as appointments, running to the bank,etc. because they get better gas mileage.
The oil companies cry that they aren't making anything. Well, excuse me if I don't cry for you Argentina! They have been gouging us for years.The refineries are being blamed due to lack of maintenance. Alternative fuels have been around for years but Congress won't do anything with them because the big oil companies are paying them to keep them out of the game.
I invite anyone and everyone to weigh in on this and let me know how high gas prices have affected your business and/or lifestyle and what prices are where you're at. It may not change anything but getting it off your chest might make the squeeze at the pump not hurt so much.
I know this post really isn't cleaning related but I just have to vent about this and get it out there. Thanks for reading.

Best Price Please...

Whenever I hear those words I instantly know that person is a bargain hunter and doesn't care about quality. They simply want the lowest price. When I hear those words I tell them if they are looking for the lowest price - I'm not it.
They get my 'best price'. My best price for my time and quality of cleaning. I've been in this business for seven years now. I don't try to be the lowest price. Simply because I don't have to be. I don't mean that to sound arrogant but I have customers that have been with me since I started. They get my best cleaning because they are willing to pay for quality. That's what I provide. Quality cleaning for a fair price.
Being the lowest price might be good when you're starting out to get work. But it's hard to move away from that once you start that way. I don't recommend it.Get paid what you're worth and for what you do. You will end up making more for your time if you don't try to lowball everyone.Your service will be valued more and you will be able to command better prices later on and for other services. Hope this helps.

CleanPeers.com

My webmaster recently posted a link to my blog on CleanPeers.com. This is an EXCELLENT site for tips on cleaning, training, specialty cleaning, etc. Just about anything you need to know about the cleaning business or cleaning in general - you can probably find it on this website. It features cleaning professionals and their advice on cleaning and the industry. Check it out here.

Work Together

I network with a few other local cleaning companies - more of the "mom & pop' companies. Although one is among the top 10 companies locally, they are still mom & pop owned. I have profitted from knowing these people. Not just in business but I consider them friends as well. I would hope they have gained from knowing me as well. Business is about relationships. The money you make is merely a measure of success of your accomplishments. If you nuture your relationships and take care of them - the money will be there. I've always been a huge proponent of networking and it has paid off - both in making new friends and gaining business.
Network with other companies. You gain immensely. Not only from a business standpoint but also in making new connections with interesting people.
Good luck !

Look Behind you!

When I'm cleaning a site I always try to take the time and walk back through the area I just cleaned. Too often I've found pieces of debris that have fallen out of my trash can or off of my dustmop, etc.
When cleaning I have found it is best when you finish an area to look behind you for anything you might inadvertently drop. It's best you find it right then instead of your customer finding it the next morning.
Hope this helps.

Light it up!

Last night I went to strip & wax a floor in a poorly lit entryway. It was rather difficult to make sure I got everything up due to the lighting. So I stripped the floor twice.- which meant extra time and extra stripper, but I wanted to make sure I did a good job for the customer.
When faced with a cleaning job - maximize your lighting so that all areas are cleaned and any spots are able to be removed. It will make your job easier and your customer will be pleased with the extra attention you gave the job. Hope this helps.

Do you know....?

Whenever you try out a new cleaning product that you're not familiar with ALWAYS, ALWAYS pretest it on an inconspicuous spot. Unless you're familiar with it's usage and have used it on many surfaces many times before, pretesting is the "ounce of prevention" to equal the "pound of cure".
I've seen floors bubbled because the previous contractor used too strong of stripper for the floor.
I myself have a horror story of when I went to use a neutral cleaner on a rubberized gym floor.I used a green scrubbing pad and man, that thing foamed up like no ones business. I tried mopping it up because my autoscrubber vacuum quit on me (that's another story all together..) and ended up with a mess. In short, I called in a local rep and he helped me get it cleaned up with the right cleaner. No damage done,luckily. Just a big mess!
Same holds true if using a cleaner that has been sitting on a shelf for awhile. Compositions can change.
This applies to all cleaners - not just floor products. And above all remember these three words. READ THE LABEL. It's there to help folks...
Hope this helps!

OOPS!

I just realized I hadn't posted my cleaning tip this week. Sorry about this! It's been a busy week. Today's tip deals with the proper way to clean and care for your floors. Hope this helps.

Too many times I've been called to a customer's house or place of business to look at their floors and I go in and usually the story goes like this - they had a new floor put in X months ago and just haven't been happy with how it looks lately. They tell me they sweep and mop it but now it's dull,scratched up,etc. and want to get that "new look" to it again.
So I ask the $10,000 question - "Do you have a floor care plan?" 9 out of 10 times I get a "what do you mean?" response or just a simple "no".They get the new floor but have no idea how to properly care for it.
One thing I tell people is the floor catches everything. Therefore you must have a floor care plan in place to keep it looking good. Especially in businesses. They get high traffic and need constant care.
When you have a new floor installed or have a floor that needs attention - talk to local floor cleaning professionals about cleaning it up and get on a consistent program to keep it up. This will vary as to what type of flooring we're talking about. Different types of floor will require different types of care. Get more than one estimate - I recommend at least three.
I also don't advise on "doing it yourself". Too many times I have been called when someone tried doing it the way they thought it should be done and I had to redo it - costing them even more money. If you don't have experience for that type of floor. Call a professional. It will save you money and grief in the long run because they will know the proper way to care for it.
The main point is this - Your floor catches everything and says volumes about your business. It should be properly maintained and cleaned with a floor care program. If you have questions or have a floor cleaning horror story - please share. Thanks!

The Secret To Success In Business

I recently received an email from a friend of mine, who is more like a brother, and is also in the business. He has been at it a little longer than me and has helped me tremendously in building my business and sharing his wisdom on lessons learned. His email said this -

"As I see it.. the best way to succeed in business is to create so much value for your service and go so far above and beyond what they expect, while not requiring anything in return."

That's pretty much the essence of business and keeping your customer. That's why this guy is successful. He busts his butt for the customer and doesn't ask for anything.

So in a nutshell, to succeed in business you have to give your customer more value than they expect and pay for. If you do that, you'll have a customer for life.

More later...

The Air That We Breathe

I am seeing more and more in trade magazines about Indoor Air Quality Standards and articles on improving indoor air quality. This is a part of building maintenance that is starting to get pushed to the forefront as workplace health care concerns are on the rise. In order to achieve this all aspects of building maintenance must be brought into play. This includes carpet care, hard floor care, air duct maintenance and constant detail dusting. Not to mention everyday cleaning.
I will be touching more on this in later posts. If you have questions or something to share on indoor air quality, feel free to post.
Have a good day!

Cleaning tip #2

Sorry so late in posting today folks - had a floor to do this am. Anyway hope everyone had a good weekend. Today's tip deals with saving time and energy in cleaning. Enjoy!

There is no reason to clean something that doesn't need cleaning. A mirror may just need hand prints removed. A carpet may just need spotted instead of a full on clean. Whether you clean for a living or just clean your own place - you can save your self time and energy by just doing what needs to be done. Not cleaning for the sake of cleaning. For some areas, a touch up is all that is needed. Hope this helps. Have a good day!

grins,
Chad

Erase those marks!

I normally don't endorse brand names but I have to tell you that the best way to get rid of practically ANY mark on a wall is to use Mr Clean's Magic Eraser. I haven't found anything that is easier or better for taking off marks. I have used this product over and over in my cleaning and 99% of the time it can take off any kind of mark. They really got a good product in this!
Hope this helps! Have a good week.

Free Cleaning Tips

Every week I will be posting a free cleaning tip. This will help you if you have been having problems or questions about a certain type of cleaning. I will start this next Monday. Stay tuned!
You know what they say 'cleanliness is next to Godliness'.
More next week!
Thanks for stopping by.

FREE REPORT

Hey everyone! Hope your Monday is starting off well...If you are a building maintenance manager or are in charge of safety around your workplace - my 10 step report is a must for you!
Slip & fall accidents are the #1 legal headache for businesses. A typical slip and fall accident can cost a business well into the tens of thousands of dollars each!
Download my free report - just go to www.cnscleaning.com and make sure your workplace is as slip free as possible!

Update

Ok, you should be able to comment and leave questions on this blog...If you are unable - email me at cburns31@cox.net and I will get it figured out. thanks for posting...

Welcome everyone!

Welcome to my cleaning blog. This is for anyone who may have a question about cleaning and not sure how to go about it. There are no dumb questions and all advice is given on good faith and no liability is assumed for any results that occur. This is due to the fact that there is no way to have all information needed. Now that we have the legal mumbo jumbo out of the way - I hope this helps to solve any cleaning problems you may have. Good luck and happy posting!