| After their initial start-up phase, far too many window
cleaners begin to neglect their duties. As a result their job security suffers. Ev and I
know this because we've "stolen" jobs away from other window cleaners when they
failed to deliver excellence for their clients. We hear complaints about these
"flakes" time after time, when our new clients are calling us because they're
disappointed with their current service. When you’ve started your window cleaning
business and it’s running smoothly, it pays to think ahead and give yourself an extra
edge of job security by delivering the little extras |
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| that will make your clients glad to write those
checks out to you, month after month. We've experienced the job security that comes from
applying ourselves with integrity to fulfill each client's needs - not just fulfill them,
but exceed them. You can too. What's more, you can keep your clients for as long as you
choose. If you are starting a window cleaning business, delivering excellence will help
you build job security, because your clients will be praising your name. |
The good news is, delivering excellence is not all that difficult to do.
How do you do it? Here are 7 tips:
1. Show up on time and be consistent. Being punctual shows your client
that you respect their schedule and that you can be counted on. Don’t vary the time
you both agreed on unless you must. While starting your window cleaning business, create
or develop systems that provide a structure within which you can work efficiently and
consistently. Developing consistent systems also provides a way for you to check off your
mental“to do” list while working, reducing the likelihood that you’ll
forget something.
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accurately with an estimate that's fair for you and your customers.
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please click here (a popup window will open
with instructions). |
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2. Be thorough. Focus on one task at a time,
while keeping in mind the whole picture. Know where you are going next, not just as you
start your window cleaning business, but as you clean at each of your jobs. Fully complete
one task before beginning the next. Move your cleaning equipment along with you.
Don’t spread it out and leave it in anybody’s way.
3. Do your job to the best of your ability. Clean as if your life
depended on it! Well, maybe not your life, but your livelhood does depend a job well done.
Show that you care. Do what you would like to have done for your own place of business.
Work quickly but never rush or take risks with your safety or anyone else’s.
4. Return your clients' phone calls as soon as you possibly can. Don't
give them even one reason to think of you as less than professional. Make it easy for your
clients to keep you on and refer you and your service to others.
5. Keep up to date. Continue learning and educating yourself about your
business. Don't assume that you always know the best way to handle new situations. We can
all afford to step back periodically, get a fresh perspective, and reinvigorate ourselves
and our approach. Check out professional window cleaning associations on the Internet.
Learn what’s new with other professionals and how you might benefit from the new
information.
6. We’re all human. Mistakes can and probably will happen every once
in a blue moon. Apologize and make amends if you need to.
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7. Say thank you. We send our holiday cards just before Thanksgiving.
That way they won't be lost in the sea of Christmas cards. This is a nice time to thank
your clients for giving you the opportunity to serve them. But don't wait for the
holidays. Whenever the urge to say thank you strikes, say it! When we first started a
window cleaning business, we sent a round of thanks to all our clients. Now one of them, a
real estate agent, consistently refers new clients to us.
These 8 tips for excellence aren’t much more than common sense, but we all know how
uncommon that can be. As you start a window cleaning business, be professional, work to
consistently fulfill your clients’ expectations, and then go one step further and
give them more than they bargained for. You will have job security for as long as you
choose.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
This article was adapted from the newly revised and improved edition of Suzanne Arthur's
ebook, Start Your Own Window Cleaning Business. Two of Suzanne's other business ebooks,
featuring the Suze & Ev Method, are Start Your Own House Cleaning Business, and Start Your Own Office
Cleaning Business. These ebooks, as well as a handy cleaning tips ebooklet, can be
found at http://www.start-cleaning-business.com.
Do you know someone who would benefit from this article? We can
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| Real-world, common sense strategies
for small and home based business success. Your issues... real answers. |
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Starting a Window Cleaning Business: 7 Tips for
Excellence
