An email recently received:

Hi Steve:

Just wanted to let you know we Very Excited about this business.  We have ordered your book a few days ago and are anxiously awaiting it’s arrival.  ( we ordered it under my partners name.)  Just wanted to let you know a little about us.  I am a single mom of 3 and I work shift work making ammunition for the government.  I have been there for 3 years now and make decent money.  My partner is a stay at home mom with a husband that makes great money so she doesnt worry as much as I do.  I depend on my income now so I guess my question to you is how much faith do you have in this business? 

I will have to quit my job to put all my time into this business.  That really does scare me. But at the same time I feel it will be worth it in the long run.  I have researched our area as far as other window washers and they are few and far between. Like I said I do know in the long run it will be well worth it.  I am a very hard worker most weeks working 50-60 hours( (12 to 16 per day 6 days per week)..  This doesnt leave much time for my family and to be honest shift work sucks!

So I guess what I am getting at is in our area, how long do you "guesstimate" before I should leave my current job? It’s just a question and I am not looking for you to say "quit your job now"  I guess what I’m asking is how long did it take you to make decent money. Thanks for any input!

Ruthi

My Response:

Hi Ruthi:

Good morning.  And it’s good to hear from you.

I look forward to working with you and gina both.  The package has been shipped to you and it should arrive very soon. I’m sure you do make some decent money at that factory.  Sounds like you would have some pretty good benefits too.

I have an incredible amount of faith in this business.  The reason is because I have personally witnessed success story after success story after success story.  So it’s not just about me and the business I personally built. It’s about watching other folks build and grow their business.  I take a lot of pride in that.  So again, my faith that anyone can do this business is extremely high.

I will say though that I’m sure there are some folks who have purchased my program and will get around to it "some day".  So therefore obviously a lack of action really won’t build them a successful business. That’s why I’m always posting information to my blog and providing ongoing news.  It’s important that consistent action is taken.  Just follow the roadmap provided and you’ll be just fine. 

Is there any way to work this business part time while still working at the factory?  I’m sure that would be tough to do though.  But the window cleaning business and customers calling doesn’t happen overnight.  It happens quickly, but just not overnight. So I wasn’t sure how fast you need to generate dollars after you quit.  Do you have a couple weeks of savings to use for living?  I think the best thing for you to do is sit down and decide how much money you need each week.  Then let’s figure out a budget on what you can invest in flyers, postcards, etc.  And also what kind of initial money outlay there will be.

There isn’t much, but you’ll see great results if you have a yard sign for example.  And some nice letterhead and business cards.  This allows you to create an impressive estimate package.  Call me on this if you have questions.  Again, it doesn’t take much money to get started.  But to see better results, there are certain things that’ll really help you. 

I’m sure shift work isn’t the best.  So it’s time to fly the coop and get into something you control.  I loved that about the window cleaning biz.  It’s a low stress biz where you can do a house for $250 and be done by noon.  Some window cleaners might relax and go home after a job like this. I generally continued the day.  But the point is that you have options.

Ah…i see in your email where you’re asking me ‘how long before I should leave my current job?"  I would make absolutely sure you have all your ducks in a row.  Supplies bought, a yard sign, some letterhead, business cards, and some flyers.  Decide which marketing method you want to dig into first.  And then plan your attack.  My "massive action" newsletter would really benefit you.  Then plan 4 saturdays (or 4 sundays if you work every saturday) and distribute 1000 flyers each of those days. If you have a few bucks where you can invest in a couple of people to do that for you, great.  You can read more about this in my manual.  At the end of 30 days you should be in prime position to leave your job.  4000 flyers = 30 to 40 calls = 24 to 32 jobs.  That’ll provide you a serious jump start and some excellent income. So it may not take you a full month at all. I just try and remain conservative in my thinking.

I hope this helps.  My phone lines are open 7 days a week for any assistance. Take care for now.

Regards,

Steve
256-546-2446

P.S. Don’t forget to hop on board 3 Bears Window Cleaning Directory as soon as you have your business information in place and create your listing. It’s free advertising for your window cleaning business. Window cleaners who are listed are already getting calls from prospective customers finding them online in the directory and we’ve only been online a few short weeks.  So it works!

Hey all:

Hope you’re having a great memorial day holiday. I just wanted to post a bit of information from a telephone conversation that I had recently with a window cleaner by the name of Kelly King.  With his permission, I’ve posted it below.

I’d like to mention a couple of quick things before posting it.

One of my biggest challenges at times is to convince people that the economic downturn will not affect our window cleaning business overall. The other day I got an email from someone out of the blue who wrote "I’ll do some more research and look at the window cleaning business when the economy picks up". Huh?  That’s got to be one of the dumbest statements I’ve heard in a long time.

This guy is not part of my program. I don’t know the guy. He simply subscribed to my "6 Success keys" ecourse and I guess is looking at getting into the window cleaning business. He has obviously bought into the doom and gloom brought upon by the media and all the so called "analysts". Kind of sad really. Because of his mindset, he’ll miss out on literally thousands of dollars in window cleaning profits. Well…I wish him the best. 

Yes…in some other industries there is certainly doom and gloom. Sure. Restaurants, travel related companies, and high end retailers to name a few, are certainly affected. But I can guarantee you that our target market is not going to spend their weekends cleaning their own windows. Nope.

So the trick is to target the right group of prospects. That’s it. Obviously if we distribute flyers under car windshield wipers in shopping malls or store parking lots, we won’t get much response. But if we focus on the people who still have the disposable income (upper income), then we’re golden.

Anyway…during the conversation kelly and I had, he mentioned that his projected sales for the month of may will be $10,000! Some days he brings in $300. Other days are $700.  His best day this year was $1000. Um…doom and gloom? Hardly.

I’ll let Kelly finish the conversation in an email he wrote me after we spoke:

Hey Steve, 

Great talking to you too.  Yes, it would be totally ok for you to write up anything you want about our conversation.   Yes, my projected sales this month will be $10,000.  Wow!!  I never dreamed I could make that much in one month.  I have one really good employee that works with me.  This year has been our best year so far.  In May (our busy month) we do 2 to 4 houses a day depending on size.  Some days we take in $300.00 and other days are $700.00.  Average is about $400.00 to $500.00 a day.   Our best day though this year we took in $1000.00.   

In August 2008 it will be 4 years in business.  Right now (in May) I have not been doing any marketing.  But, yes we do postcards, door hangers and reminder calls to our current customers.  What I am getting right now is repeat customers and some phone book customers.  Lots of word or mouth also.  I had one lady tell me a friend of hers said we were the best.  So, we went out and cleaned her windows.  Later that day she called and left a message on my phone saying we were awesome.  That is what make my business so rewarding.  I never got any praise or thanks from any employer I ever worked for. 

Oh, I also joined a network marketing group called BNI.  It was one of the best moves I made 2nd to buying your package and following your instructions.  BNI has made me more connected to the business community and given me a broader sphere of contacts.  It makes me not alone in the business community.  I have friends that I can share ideas with.  

Thanks mucho Steve, 

Talk to ya later. 

Kelly King

Please read and reread the above if you need to. "Best day $1000". "Average $400 to $500 a day." "Best year so far", and on and on. So stay motivated and keep the doom and gloomers at arms length.  While other window cleaners are moping around crying the blues, you’ll be growing a successful window cleaning business!

To Your Success,

Steve

A very helpful window cleaning/hard water stain removal tip provided by tom spitz:

Hi Steve,
 
I was reading your blog post on 5/5 and was intrigued about the question of hard water stains. I recently did a house that had a glass sun room attached. The back wall of glass had been hit with sprinklers for over 20 years and it was ugly. I have used Mineral Shock in the past and it is an excellent product, but have come across another product called Magic Al’s Glass and Metal Magic. The web site is http://www.groundfloor.org. I used this along with a buffing machine and was able to get the glass clear. I have attached some pictures to show the results. Some of the areas took 6 or 7 passes with the machine but they came out clear, as you can see. I charge by the hour for this process and the people were thrilled with the final result. I also use this with great success on shower doors before I seal them. The best part of this product is that it does not contain acids. Just some info I wanted to pass along.
 
Tom

Here is a follow up email by tom with more information:

Hey Steve,
 
It is best to use a variable speed buffing machine. I bought a Makita that cost a little less than $200. I wouldn’t go cheap on the machine.     
   
On glass with screen damage from metal screens (such as Andersons) you can apply the cleaner to a white scrub pad and scrub it out. Immediately wipe off the glass then wash it. If you do part of the window and then show the customer, they can’t help but tell you to continue, because it doesn’t come off with soap and water.(I charge $10 extra per window for removal of the screen damage)
   
On glass with hard water stains (depending on how long they’ve been there) you can use a white scrub pad but using the buffing machine will be quicker and easier on the window washer. Believe me I learned the hard way. Also it is easier on your customers pocket book (I charge $75.00 per hour for the hard water stain removal). Just apply the cleaner to the glass, covering the area you will be working on, and let the machine do the work. Depending on the severity of the staining, it can take multiple passes of the machine but the results are awesome.  I seal shower glass and have to get it clear before sealing it. People are happy that they have an alternative to replacing the glass, whether it be windows or shower doors.
 
 Feel free to use whatever you need for the blog. Whatever information we can share with each other to help us make more money, is always a plus. Use the photos also. Fortunately I am a much better window washer than I am a photographer. If you have any other questions, let me know. Enjoy the weekend.
 
Tom

Photos of a hard water stain removal job that tom did from beginning to end:

Thanks very much Tom! Great information and a great photo collection. It’s much appreciated.  Have a great weekend.

Regards,

Steve
 

(Click the above headline to read full post)

Hey all:

Wow…I can’t believe it’s been 10 days since my last post. Time sure does fly on by lately. One of the reasons for the delay is that we’re revising 3 Bears Window Cleaning Directory. This directory is setting the search engines on fire which means that window cleaners who are listed are getting calls.  But  it’s about to get even better. For those of you registered with 3 Bears, I’ll notify you soon with an update notice. You’ll love it!

Ok…I’m going to reach into my grab bag of emails that I’ve received recently along with my responses. And here we go:

Hi Steve,

Take care,
Matt

My Response:

Hi Matt:

Good morning.

I personally believe it makes no difference.  I know there are window cleaners out there who feel differently.  But putting yourself in a customers shoes, will they really be asking themselves "Well…his company name has "washing" in it so therefore he must not do a good job. I need a "window cleaner".  Um, probably not.

Read the rest of this entry

Hey all:

Hope your week is going well so far. It’s monday…it’s a great day…and we’re window cleaners in our own window cleaning businesses. Can’t ask for anything more than that. 

Before posting the following email, I wanted to say that 3 Bears Window Cleaning Directory is off to a rip roaring start. I just started promoting it about 10 days ago and in google if you search for "window  cleaning directory" (without the quotes), it’s listed in the 21st position out of over 1.3 million results. 1.3 Million! I’m taking the search engine knowledge I’ve learned over the years and applying it directly to 3 Bears. What this means is that the window cleaners who are listed in the directory will benefit, plain and simple. So grab a free listing in 3 Bears Window Cleaning Directory for your window cleaning business if you haven’t already. And with our recently introduced new feature, you can now display your company information in 3 different cities!

Ok, I received an email a couple of days with a pretty cool idea on working with charities. For you "out of the box" thinkers out there, this is right up  your alley. Here is the email:

Hey Steve, 

Nelson

My Response:

Hi Nelson:

Good morning.  Haven’t been called a "stud" in awhile.  )  I appreciate it for sure. 

Congrats on becoming a full time student and running a window cleaning business.  That takes guts, so again, congratulations on doing that. I always admire folks who do the opposite of what most people do.

And now onto your questions.

1.  The thing about A-1 is that it won’t work in all situations.  And I can almost guarantee that it won’t work for the job you’re describing. I hate to say that, but it’s a fact that we can’t come in as magicians and give the homeowner factory new glass if their glass hasn’t been cleaned in 13 years.  What happens is that calcium, iron, and other minerals from rainwater/sprinkler systems will settle within the pores of the glass.  Once this happens, they can be very difficult to remove. 

I did have one window cleaner call me very recently raving about a product called "mineral shock".  You can read about it here.    It’s not as acidic as some really harsh cleaners.  I mean you could get Crystal Clear 550 from ABC, but it’s very acidic. And you need to wear gloves and eyewear when using it.  So you can imagine how harsh it is.  So again…it’s not possible in all situations to remove all stains.  It really just depends on the severity of the stains. 

2.  Even if a window cleaning customer doesn’t ask you, you should definitely be asking them how often they would like your service.  This is a must. I asked at the end of the job when folks were most excited about their clean glass.  I didn’t offer a discount though.  My window cleaning business was never built on price.  That’s not saying offering discounts is wrong. I just didn’t work with discounts.  One of the reasons could be because of the exact situation you’re describing.  I tried a test where I offered customers a 10% discount at the door if they agreed to have me come back every 6 months.  The prob though was that when I called them in 6 months, I’d get delayed.  They might say "call me in a couple weeks".  Or call me in a month.  So I may have ended up actually doing my "six month customer" 7 to 9 months later. 

So it’s possible to secure semiannual customers at full price w/o the discount.  At least that’s what my test proved.  But feel free to try it yourself in your area and just monitor the results. It may work for you there.

3.  Referrals are the lifeblood of any business and are really fun to get, not to mention free since referrals are usually coming from satisfied customers.  Similar to above, I didn’t provide a discount to folks who gave me referrals.  Again though…I need to stress that that doesn’t mean it won’t work.  I just didn’t do it in my business.  I will say that it can be kind of tough to manage a "pay for referral" program.  It would create a bunch of paperwork for you trying to keep track of who referred who.  I have something I’ll be posting to the blog soon from a guy who did offer discounts for referrals, but he did it with a twist.  This’ll be posted to the blog soon.  So check back regularly. 

4.  Excellent, excellent idea on the charity.  Ah…you’re an "out of the box" thinker.  That’s a perfect way to get business exposure.  Do you mind if I post this idea on the blog?  Great idea.  Some window cleaners would look at this situation and think of "lost profits".  But it should be thought of as great company/service exposure and great PR.  A definite win-win as you mentioned.

Thanks for your comments once again and I hope the above helps.  Take care for now. And talk soon. 

Regards,

Steve