Monday, November 26, 2007

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.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

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.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

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

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

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!

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

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.