Favorite Articles

Why The Big Concern About "Authenticity"?
The word "authenticity" has been tossed about a lot recently. It's become such a mainstream concept that you might believe that it's a trend. It's as if businesses have never been authentic before now and that it probably won't last. The truth is that many businesses are indeed authentic. They started that way fifty years ago and they still are.
The difference is that authenticity is something that is now more readily apparent. With social media being an integral part of our lives, consumers can now hold businesses to a higher level. And if they aren't aware of your "authenticity," then they may not pay attention to you....keep reading

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Just remember C- (cleaning) comes before D- (disinfectant application).
Whether you are offering services that involve applications of disinfectants, or are keeping your home and office as safe as you can, you must understand the importance of CLEANING before disinfecting....keep reading

LEE NEEDS YOUR HELP! QUESTION: Would you be interested in or have a desire for on-line training? If yes, what subjects? If no, what would you want?...keep reading

As I read the ICS online newsletter (you should subscribe), I found the following to be outstanding. I suggest you print it out and have it ready when you need it as re-inforcement. Bottom line is this - vacuuming alone won't get rid of dust mite allergens from a carpet - no matter how good it is....keep reading

BEWARE OF DEBIT CARD FRAUD! Debit-card use has jumped about 20 percent a year since 1996, according to the Federal Reserve, and . . ....keep reading

Focusing on current technical and business trends that have a major effect on 1-10 employee professional cleaning services. IN THIS ISSUE -- SEVEN TIPS FOR MANAGING YOUR BUSINESS IN A TROUBLED ECONOMY, RECENT POST AT JIMS CLEAN CHAT BLOG - Carpet Cleaning Detergents, NEWS YOU CAN USE - Bedbugs Are Back & EDUCATION ALERT: DIVERSIFICATION - Stone Floor Cleaning & Wood Floor Care....keep reading

Focusing on current technical and micro-business trends that may have a major affect on cleaning professionals. IN THIS ISSUE -- TRUTH, TRUST, & VALUE, WINTERFEST ALERT, RECENT POST AT JIMS CLEAN CHAT BLOG -- Standards of Clean YOUR Customers Insist On, NEWS YOU CAN USE, EDUCATION ALERT: FREE FRIDAY -- Tile & Grout Cleaning Workshop February 5, 2008...keep reading

It's a fact that most hard working small businesses and their employees tend to underestimate their knowledge and expertise. You really do have valuable expertise that most people don't, and they can benefit from what you can share with them or do for them. Don't hold yourself back!...keep reading

A better question may be, "What does your target customer want to buy"? Can you compete with the bait-and-switch company? Remember, low price attracts. You must differentiate yourself from the crowd....keep reading

This "Information Jammed," Members Only, 12 page report gives you answers to some very important questions and challenges every residential carpet cleaning professional faces, including:
#1 - Who really are your best referral resources?
#2 - Exactly what is a 'Referral Advocate or Resource'?
#3 - What are the key parts of a successful customer referral program?
#4 - How can I learn what problems to avoid in my own referral marketing program?
#5 - Where can I find an "Effective, Affordable & Do-able" referral program that really works?
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I had an experience just a few weeks ago with a furnace repair that made me think of how any service company, including cleaning services, can win and lose in the market place.
On a very cold Saturday recently, a tenant of ours called me to say that the furnace wasn't working. She had a newborn baby, and was understandably upset. However, when I called our furnace repair contractor, I was told by the answering service that they no longer work on Saturdays & Sundays!...keep reading

Before an answer to those questions can be discussed, first it's helpful to review "where we are" when it comes to what is happening with protector, and how cleaners and consumers see its benefits:...keep reading

2008's "EXPECTATION ECONOMY" is inhabited by experienced, well-informed consumers who have a long list of high expectations that they apply to each and every good, service and experience offered....keep reading

We, as adult learners, have the opportunity to open our minds to new learning, or we can pat ourselves on the back for our personal intelligence and endlessly repeat our cycles of success and failure. The choice is ours.
FACT:
It is a proven fact that the more we think we know, the less we will absorb any new knowledge! Learn why "hands-on" is so important to adults:...keep reading

No. 1 Trend for 2008 . . . It's the Economy! 2008 looks to be a year dominated by the ripple effects of the sub-prime mortgage crisis....keep reading

Cleaners are now so concerned that they don't leave soil attracting residues in carpet that most now run 'surfactant free' products, acid rinses, or sometimes softened water alone just to assure themselves and their customers that they've done their very best to keep the carpet staying clean longer after they leave.
WHY THE BIG CHANGE?...keep reading

Focusing on current technical and business trends that have a major effect on 1-10 employee professional cleaning services. IN THIS ISSUE -- The "Textile Pro's" - Damage Claims Skyrocketing! & Allergy Problems With Synthetic Fibres, Restoration BootCamp - The Bitter Truth about Marketing!, Resource Corner - Links & downloads & Education Alert....keep reading

Focusing on current technical and business trends that have a major effect on cleaning professionals. IN THIS ISSUE -- URGENT! VALUABLE SWINE FLU UPDATE, RECENT POST AT JIMS CLEAN CHAT BLOG -- FAQs - Protection Treatment for Pure Woven Silk & EDUCATION ALERT: IICRC Approved CCT Certification Course - November 4 - 6, 2008, 8 AM - 5 PM....keep reading

A Progress Chart Provides a Feedback Loop for Success How do you know if you're growing? One of the key ways is to 'chart' your progress. This means identifying each milestone or progress goal and recognizing when you've reached it. ...keep reading