You assume way too much and probably use too many words that are meaningless like “multi-truck company.” I have three if that counts as multi-truck. And yes the sales stops if I stop selling because… well… I am the salesman. Just like if I hire a salesman and he quits or dies, the sales stops until someone else starts doing it. I have been in business 11 years, I have 5 employees and three trucks. You said you would clean a customer’s big screen TV or pick up dog poop. Good for you, I won’t and it’s not because of my ego it’s because of my focus.
Finally, it doesn’t really matter if Cintas uses subs or not, the point is that they have a focus and stick to it. Just to make sure though, I called the local Cintas company location and asked if they could do some tree trimming for me. I was told no, they don’t offer that. I also asked about pressure washing and cleaning up dog poop and was told they don’t offer that either. They do offer indoor janitorial for bathrooms hospitals, vet clinics, etc… but no tree trimming or pressure washing. So, I guess they understand focus too.
[MENTION=167]Steve[/MENTION] Let’s post about business in the proper forum, ok?
This whole discussion started off because I state that offering to please your customers by offering them what they want. You state to only specialize in a few things. Maybe Admins or a mod can move the rest of the discussion over to this thread, so as to not have a hodgepodge of subjects in the one thread.
Now back to your last reply…
Multi truck company IS a common term. It is not meaningless. It describes a company that runs more than two trucks, everyday, producing cash flow. Not one or two on the road with backup equipment setting at the shop… The difference is the LEVEL at which a company is. These are the real players in the business world. They know how to make money consistently.
Now, you are the salesman. Great. Now you know that your company is not sellable as a product. I say this because HOW can you start a company, if you never know WHAT exactly is the end game (aka, exit strategy). Someday you will want to retire, pursue other interests, or start a new venture. Your company is worth market value of your equipment and what ever little else someone would pay you for your client list.
Other, forward thinking, growth focused businesses, NEVER rely on the owner to keep the machine running, nor does one or two employees, make or break a business. A well run business, is ALWAYS looking for the right people. Even if they currently don’t have a opening. So, your presumption that if your salesman dies, so do your sales until he is replaced, is not a really thought out answer.
It’s all about systems. EVERY franchise has systems. Every one. Every well run and growing business, has systems.
You have been at this for 11 years. I think that is great, especially, if YOU are completely happy with your business. I certainly have not been trying to tell you, that you’re all wrong. But I can see, you have no exit strategy. I think that is sad. Lots of small businesses without one too. I see lots of guys across the country find out what I have told you. They get hurt, sick, or too old to do the work anymore, and they realize they are lucky to get a fair price out of their equipment. It’s sad for them and I refuse to let my business end up the same way. There is a solution, and you have to want it. Simple as that.
Here is a simple question Steve… Please tell me what your business does. I will be happy to tell you what mine does.
As to the Cintas’s debacle… If someone called you and said “XYZ will clean my windows at my house for 50 bucks, will you?” You wouldn’t waste time with them either. I am sure if you actually called them, they got the gist you were not really someone looking to pay what they would want to do what you were asking. The fact is, companies like Cintas’s ARE cross selling services because many businesses are preferring to deal with ONE company. To cut ONE check. To get ONE bid.
What do uniforms and floor matts have to do with janitorial cleaning? Nothing. So are they REALLY focused? That’s a matter of opinion. Why do you think many janitorial companies ALSO offer window cleaning?
I am not saying you should do anything and everything, but if it’s profit, and it conveniences your client, why are YOU letting it go so someone else can market to them and potentially end up taking your client? You need no degree to clean windows, and the skills it takes tends to be a short learning curve.
