Think Outside the Box

It's so important to "think outside the box" on a regular basis. In other words, don't do what all the other window washers do in your town. Be different, think different.
 
One of the things I hear a lot is "But that's the way {Insert window washing company name here} does it", or from those window washers who have been in the business for a few years, I'll hear "But I've done it like this for {insert number of years here}"
 
In order to create a business that attracts prospects like bees to honey, we need to "be different" and we need to "do thinks different". One of the ways to be different is to show up at the door for every single estimate you present to a prospect.
 
Many folks are doing that and congratulations. You're a step ahead of everyone else. But it's amazing how many window washers insist on using the phone in place of making a personal visit to the home.
 
Yeah, yeah, yeah…I've heard all the arguments about higher gas prices and the extra time it takes to travel to a prospect's house, present the estimate, etc.
 
Well…both the gas prices and your time can be factored directly into the price of the job, so no worries there.
 
And the number of jobs you close due to your personal visit will be so much better than your competitors. Of course the exception would if your "first impression" isn't good. Like in the case of someone who has multicolored hair, holes in their jeans, piercings everywhere, and topped off with a safety pin clipped to their nose (like I saw the other day). Yeah…that'll make a super impression. :o)
 
Anyway, assuming you show up in "wow" factor mode, dressed to the hilt representing your company, every single time you show up and "put in an appearance", the chance of you getting the job skyrockets.
 
It truly does. But unfortunately I'm not able to convince all folks of that, so they just flat out won't close as many jobs as the ones making personal appearances. Contrary to popular belief, it's a people biz, so we need to get out there and talk to the people. If we do that, our  business grows. If we insist on sitting in our ivory tower trying to secure jobs by phone, then our business won't grow as fast, or worse, it'll just limp along.
 
So do the opposite of what most window washers do. Think outside the box and make personal appearances to close more sales!

This is just one way to "be different", but let your mind run wild with this business. There are so many different things you can do that most window cleaners don't do. Here's a couple more:

–How about looking into sponsoring a little league team. It's less expensive then you might think. A nominal and the purchase of uniforms. It's great company exposure!
–How about buying or having made for you a box where you can stick full size flyers in it. The box can attach to your car or truck. As you are cleaning the windows at your customer's house, prospects can walk by and grab a flyer and call you at their convenience.

So have fun with "thinking outside the box". If you do what average window washers don't do, you will surely end up with more jobs and more customers then they do. There is absolutely no doubt about it. It's been proven over and over again.

Best Wishes,

Steve