No news isn't necessarily good news

This was a draft I started back in 08 but it is still true today as much as it ever was...please feel free to share your experiences as well...good or bad...
 
You haven't heard anything out of your customers 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 done (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 business related or just to say "Happy Holidays"....
Plus engaging them in communication will more often than not lead to more work for you and more profits.
In these days with so many "quick" forms of communication it is vital to stay in front of your customer on a regular basis...
Also supervision is key to making sure things are getting done and done right...
And in case you were wondering...yes I'm speaking from experience...Hope this helps.

gun control...an oxymoron?....

I just saw a video with VP Biden telling women they should buy a shotgun if they want home protection instead of an AR-15. The video then shows every woman who fires one getting knocked on her butt and/or getting hurt from the kickback...then it shows some women firing an AR-15,,,,anyone who knows their weapons knows there is very little kick from an AR-15 and these women fired the weapon with very little trouble or effort...

I then watched another video where Biden tells people to shoot people through their front door...as a former police officer I can tell you this is the dumbest advice I have ever heard a public official give to his constituents....This is not only stupid but against the law...you can't shoot someone through a door because there is no "imminent threat" of danger to that person...just shows how little Biden knows about the law...

I find it appropriate that obama (lower case and no "President" in front of it intended) appointed an idiot like Biden to head this so called "task force" giving out moronic advice on what Americans should and should not do concerning their weapon purchases and use of force choices.. It just reinforces how idiotic this administration has been and has been led since it took office. They still blame former President Bush for everything that is wrong now...even when they can't seem to get this country back on track. Even Canada's leaders can't believe that we just keep going from one economic crisis to another...and they want us to believe that we need "control" over our weapons and what we can and cannot have?....REALLY?!?!

What this administration fails to understand is criminals don't give a damn about gun laws and restricting what the law abiding public can and can't buy is NOT going to stop the gun black market...as the old saying goes.."gun laws only hurt the public...NOT the criminal!"....we can only hope that calmer and smarter heads will prevail when it comes to this issue and luckily this is obamas last term in office...unless the dictator in chief exercises his already worn out executive priviledge and does away with the term limits law...

Stay tuned...I'm sure there will be more to come on this issue....

Look who's back....back again....Chad is back....tell a friend!

Ok....soooooo...it's only been five years since I got back on my blog...so much has changed in my life I don't know where to begin....I still have my business...only with a new name...new partner...but same quality service...or dare I say better!...new wife...new family.......
It's been a wild hectic ride the last three years...through divorce....a personal bankruptcy....new blended family....a revamped business...do I need to explain any further my disappearance?....but like the phoenix I have risen from the ashes and became anew...not sure where I'm headed next...so in the meantime...if you want to see the changes to my business take a closer look here...we've really added a lot of new stuff !
I will commit to posting more ( once again!) and keep this newly revamped blog alive...notice the changes I've made and feel free to comment on the changes or make suggestions or even badmouth it! Just let me know what you think! PLEASE!! I don't get offended easily so let 'er rip!
Also this blog isn't going to be just about cleaning anymore... you're going to see more political, pop, etc. everyday news type blogging on here as well...I have to admit..I've become a little bored with cleaning and judging from the lack of posting and questions over the last five years...no one else is real interested in it either..
So kick back....open a cold one and let's talk!.....about whatever! But let's keep it G rated folks! No reason for profanity or potty mouth on here...we're all adults...so let's act like it!...Have a great weekend! Check back often!

Happy New Year!

Once again I know I haven't posted in 3 mos but I can't begin to tell you how much business I have taken on in that time. It's just been nuts...In a recession I feel very fortunate to be increasing business- not losing it...
I know this has been a rough year on all fronts - from the housing bust, wall st, etc. i could go on and on. I just hope President elect Obama can live up to his campaign promises he's made to try to straighten things out. He certainly has a full plate to deal with. Let's pray he does what's right and not what's "good for Washington"...
Anyway, whatever kind of year you've had - I hope 2009 is better for everyone. I know a lot of people are glad to see 2008 go and are hopeful for 2009.
(I myself have made a resolution to pay more attention to my blog).
God Bless these United States and here's wishing you a Happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

DisneyWorld is losing Millions of Dollars!

Relax...DisneyWorld isn't going anywhere...What I mean by that is DisneyWorld does nothing to get the input from it's patrons of what they want or want more of...Maybe they are happy with the amount of money they are racking in. Or they just don't care...
My family and I just returned from our maiden voyage to Disney World. Here are just a few ideas from me... I'll try not to get in a rant...

1) Don't have the same menu in all of the parks!! - This is my number one! Unless you're booked in one of their pricy restaurants. you're toast! By the end of the trip I wasn't even eating because I was sick to death of cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chicken nugggets and fries! Thus my mood was not the greatest...
Change it up a little bit!

2) Have some sort of shuttle service from depot areas to the front of the park or have curb service. There were some older folks there and it was hot...Some people were really struggling. Plus you had to walk everywhere anyway and that just added to it...They had strollers for kids but no help for the adults...

My point being is that if they would provide an exit survey they may utilize some suggestions, improve the parks and build a better overall resort. They had a lot of good amenities and unique designs. Now they just need to listen to their patrons.

Some rain must fall....

I know 2008 hasn't exactly been a banner year for a lot of people. I've had my trials and tribulations just like everyone. With the continuing war, economic recession, housing bust, world unrest,hurricane after hurricane it can make you just say "Stop the world I wanna get off!".
But you have to try to see the positive side of it all. Alex Green wrote a very good article "A Thorn with every Rose" in Early to Rise about it. It's a daily e-zine I get published by Agora Publishing that focuses on the health, wealth and wisdom aspects of life.
If you're feeling beat up today, give it a read. It might make you feel a little better about the world we live in...
Have a good weekend.

Say A Little Prayer

I don't have to go into what today is....Just say a little prayer for the families of the tragedy, the troops who are fighting for us seven years after that tragic day, and put your flag out to show your patriotism and to show you support our troops. Thanks.
God Bless America.

Dont let this happen at your place!

From a recent article on Cleanlink.com, statistics indicate that slips, trips and falls are the second most common cause of accidental deaths in the U.S. - accounting for roughly 15 percent. These types of accidents are costing businesses millions of dollars in compensation.
We offer a FREE report titled "10 Best Ways to Prevent Slip & Fall Accidents" on our website cnscleaning.com. This is FREE to anyone who wants it. Especially good material for Facility Managers, Business Owners, etc. Gives good tips on preventing slip & fall accidents in the workplace.
We also provide a FREE safety analysis of any business in and around the Wichita, Ks. area.
Keep yourself protected! Go to cnscleaning.com and download your FREE report now!

Going Green

I just received an article from Contracting Profits about stripping floors with no chemicals. Very interesting article and definitely alot better for the environment. In a nutshell it involves using electrolyzed water to strip the finish instead of chemicals. Dry ice blasting and using steam for cleaning are also mentioned. You can find the article here.
This is a hard sell to the seasoned dyed in the wool floorman. It's that old "we've always done it this way" type of thinking that's hard to get past. Also change is scary. People are creatures of habit and don't particularly like having that routine changed.
This type of floor cleaning definitely creates a safer, cleaner, and healthier environment all the way around. A good read and hopefully will start to catch on as BSCs begin to make the switch to green cleaning.
If you are currently utilizing this system and have comments about it feel free to post. Thanks!

Catching up!

Man,
It's been a crazy few months!We are in our peak period right now with floors,carpets,etc. and so there hasn't been much time to sit in front of the computer. This business is kind of like deep sea fishing(which I LOVE!) in that when the fishing is good - you try to rack in as much as you can hold because there will always be slow times from time to time.
Another thing on my plate is my 20th HS reunion is coming up and I caught up with a lot of old classmates online with some incriminating photos of me back in high school. It's been a real trip remembering "back when". But it's good to see everyone again and reminiscing.
Anyway, i've got a ton of stuff to share so stay tuned and Good luck and good fortune.
grins,

101 Uses for Windex

A high school classmate of mine that I've stayed in touch with over the years emailed me the other day to ask what should she use to get fingernail polish out of carpet. Being a parent I could picture her chasing her child with a bottle of fingernail polish in their hand sccreaming "Gimme that!" After a little snicker I emailed her a few options and wished her good luck.
She emailed me a couple of days later and said that Windex works to get fingernail polish out of carpet. I about fell out of my chair!
Now I'm sure the people at P & G would be thrilled to know that Windex has yet another use and I haven't tried it to see how well it works.
But being a cleaning professional I would advise against using Windex to remove fingernail polish from carpet. I have to think that there may by some unfavorable chemical reactions that could happen with the dyes in carpet, etc.
I know over the years there have been several "Old Wives" remedies for cleaning different things. However to avoid any unfavorable chemical reactions, make sure what you're using is intended for what you're cleaning. Just a good rule of thumb.
I am going to contact P & G and see if they're aware of this discovery and to discuss reactions, etc.

Learning to Let go

I apologize for not posting for so long but there have been some major changes going on with me and my company.
For one I have been diagnosed as the proud father of a bouncing baby ulcer. I won't go into details on everything but let's just say I have been forced to slow down in my day to day operations and have been making changes to move me to a more "hands off" role in the cleaning. Also i have had to make changes in my diet and lifestyle as well. I don't drink or smoke or anything but the days of eating pretty much what I want are gone. Plus I'm a worrier. Just ask my wife. I drive her crazy with my obsessing about problems...so with the rotten diet,crazy hours and my constant worrying - it's no surprise it's come to this.

The good news is my employees and ops assistant have really stepped up and are handling things so that I may stay home at least 3 nights a week. Which has really helped my health in that I am getting more sleep and not just working myself in the ground. Plus I am eating at home more and not eating junk while I'm out working.

This has all been a major transition for me and I ask for your prayers and good thoughts as we make this life change. It is hard after eight years to start letting go when I have been involved intimately in the day to day cleaning and operations and trust someone else to handle it for me. That has been the biggest hurdle. I just pray God continues to bless me with good people and plenty of work to keep things rolling. Now that I will have more time, I am going to be focusing on building business and doing other things - including spending more time with my wife and kids.

If you have been put in a similar situation as mine I would love to hear any tips, comments, or observations that you had in making your transition in your life. Thanks for reading!

Through the eyes of a child...

I took my family to dinner tonight at a local restaurant and my six year old daughter was looking at the light fixtures and she asked me how much they cost. I told her I didn't know. The fixture in question was a ship made from some kind of glass. It was an attractive piece and looked very nice when lit up with some built in lighting.
My daughter said " I bet it cost $10,000!" I told her I thought that may be a bit high - but I'm not in the lighting business so who knows...
My daughter then pointed to the light at our table, which was also made of glass and said - "I bet that costs $100 and I bet that boat costs $10,000."

I thought it was interesting her perception of value. If you ask a child how much something costs - I will bet you good money they will ALWAYS give a price well above what the item is worth. Children just see more value in something than adults. I think really due to what they see on TV or in a catalog. They are led to believe they just cannot live another day without this game or toy, etc. from the commercials and ads. (Chalk one up for marketers -eh?)Then as they get older, children see that things are not worth what they thought as a child. I guess you could call that getting "worldly-wise".

Anyway, I thought that was interesting and wanted to share. More later...

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.

Technorati Profile

Technorati Profile

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!