My name is Marie and I am happy to have found this forum! My story is that I lost my job last month and I am looking to get out of the business I was in (caregiving) and would like to start working for myself. Working overtime, I still never quite made enough to pay all of my bills, and also give my children the kind of life I would like them to have, so I'd like to determine my own income, and my own schedule! I'm tired of missing out on important things because I am working according to someone else's schedule.
However, I live in Northern Michigan, it's January, and I'm trying to get this business started, and to be honest, I'm a little intimidated! Looking forwards to getting to know all of you, and hopefully pick up some advice and encouragement along the way!
Welcome Marie. We all were intimidated in the beginning. I admire your determination. This is definitely the place to be to learn the business. They slow winter will give you plenty of time to get things set up, read all the posts here on the forum and watch as many videos as you can about how to actually do the work. There are quite a few videos about how to work in the winter. If you find clients, you can clean glass year round. Store fronts is a good way to get started in the winter because many of the window cleaners in your area might not be willing to brave the cold. If you are you can pick up some work. Storefronts however are not as profitable as residential. By the time spring rolls around, you can see where your most comfortable working. Good luck in your new venture.
Welcome Marie
Now is the time to start working on your marketing for the spring rush. Take a look at WCRA membership. It will be the best investment you make. Start now planning your strategy for the break in the weather in April
Sorry you lost your job. Starting up from scratch is a challenge. It takes a lot of slugging it out and staying for the long term. When you get discouraged simply ask for some encouragement. We all need encouragement when it comes to doing commercial store front sales. Prepare yourself for the task ahead and you will do well. Phil gave you some great advise. Learn as much as you can. This is an opportunity the principles of business and the techniques for window cleaning. There are plenty of helpful people here and lots of resources.
Welcome, Marie. I’ll give you one bit of advice that I never realized: You already know what your main goal is, to do right by your little ones. Plan your steps to lead to that achievement. Try not to just be reactive and take absolutely every opportunity that comes your way.
And yes, stick around. You’ll get great advice on many things.
Hey Marie, feel free to study for free how to use a Water Fed Pole at /test-drive.html
You can enroll online and watch the training videos, and do the exam all for free. There is even a video by John Lee on how to quote for Water Fed Pole work … , if you choose at any time to take up the in-field test-drive, you just pay the $99 to WCR and they will send you a full kit including a Pure Water System – I would guess it would be great for when you can line up a few jobs ! I started in window cleaning with a determination to not use ladders - we called our business ‘Ladderless Window Cleaning’ ! … If you never climb a ladder, you will be amazed how clever you can be with a Waterfed Pole. Ladders are necessary for some windows - we just did not do them - we could stay busy with the work we could reach with a pole. Stay Safe ! Enjoy your new career, and join the WCRA - you will learn how to attract new customers quickly.
Hey Marie, welcome to WCR! You have definitely come to the right place for advice and help on getting into the business.
As some others have mentioned the WCRA ( Window Cleaning Resource Association) could be a great help to you in getting started because we can offer a lot help and tools right off the bat. I’d be happy to talk to you more about it anytime. Here’s a link to some info on it.
What part of northern Michigan? I work out of mid-michigan. I have a few store fronts up north i am looking to get away from due to the distance. Depending where your at they could help you get a route started.
