Introducing newbie in LA

Introductions
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To my new brothers and sisters in the window cleaning profession:

After reading WCR obsessively for the last week, I have decided to start a window - cleaning business. What is it that stood out for me about you all and your forum? It’s that so many of you are saying, “I am happy I made the choice to go into window cleaning.” This forum has a more positive vibe than any other forum I can recall seeing.

I have been a private criminal investigator for 17 years, mostly doing murder conspiracy cases. I “get to” fly all over the world investigating the cases you’re reading about in the newspaper, sit in boardrooms and courtrooms and tell people how smart I am and why they should take the results of my investigation seriously. When people are gathered and introducing themselves and saying what they do, I “get to” have the most exotic-sounding spiel.

But I hate it! I hate doing this work. When I get a call on a new case, I feel a cold hand clutch my heart and I have to force myself to return the call. There is almost no competition in this business, which I used to think was a great thing. But the reason there is no competition is that nobody wants to do this work.

A week ago, I saw a hobo on the subway with a bucket and a squeegee. He was young and a bit genteel looking, and he appeared to be a wanderer funding his travels by squeegeeing. I got inspired and said “That’s what I want to do!”

Just a romantic notion, but then I found WCR and learned that this is for real. A person really can enter the business on a shoestring and build up from there. AND, most importantly, can be happy he made the decision to do so.

I am eager to talk with anyone in the LA area. I would be happy to help you in any way that I can [no charge], in exchange for advice. I hope that nobody has a case in court, but if you do, I can help you win it. Sorry, that’s all I know how to do right now.

I am off to Pico Janitorial to buy my first squeegee and start practicing! I will order the rest of my supplies from WCR, but I need a squeegee in my hand RIGHT NOW!

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Hey there @ericlvincent welcome to the WCR!

If you ever need it, we have a guide for new members about how to use the most common forum features of the forum -

http://shopwindowcleaner.com/miscellaneous/learn/how-to/use-the-wcr-forum.html

Angela WCR

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WOW! Welcome to WCR. I’m glad to hear you are so jazzed about the window cleaning industry. It sounds like you have a very interesting story. Please keep us updated as your new career develops.

One of the things I love about this business is you can make as much or as little of as you want. You can escape the corporate grind and get out there and work with your hands all day. Or you can grow it larger if you choose and put yourself back in the office.

Welcome and good luck!

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Welcome
If you need any help with ordering supplies feel free to call me anytime 8653100728

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There really is no substitute for liking what you do. This isn’t the most glamorous job, but I guarantee I’m happier going to work every day than most people are. And I’m fine if I don’t get any wow-factor at dinner parties.

Good luck to you! This is a great community for support and information.

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Thank you for the good word.

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Thank you. I take it you are part of WCR?

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Thank you.

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Hey man…

Welcome… Jump on in… The water is fine…

If you are serious about the business side of things. Feel free to join the WCRA ASAP!

It will make or break your immediate success. There is a lot of deep topics being discussed back there you won’t hear about in the open forum. I am not in LA. But I pass through quite a bit. You never know… Maybe we can get a cup of Joe and swap lies one day.

Until then… Get into the WCRA download the marketing materials so you look like a pro.

Get a copy of Johnny Orsinis Window Cleaning ebook… Google it. You will save yourself a huge learning curve by doing so.

If you have any questions at all… I suggest you use the search function after reading that book…

Don’t be afraid to ask though…

We are here to help. That’s what we do.

Albeit… You may run into a competitor on this forum or in real life… No worries my man. Plenty of glass out there for all of us.

Most importantly… Do something. Do something every single day toward your goal of not having to “get to” study morbid shit for a living. :wink:

I have seen some morbid stuff in my day. I can say it definitely affects the psychie after a while.

There is no greater satisfaction than improving the quality of life of others by giving the gift of clean windows. The being well paid to do so is just a bonus.

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Thank you Louie. You understand where I am coming from. I can’t tell anyone I know what I’m doing because they try to talk me out of it.

Are you in LA frequently?

I’m looking for someone I can give jobs to, because at this point, if I get one job, I’ll already be in over my head (I don’t know how to clean a window yet).

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Practice on your own windowsite until you get the hang of it

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Read the Johnny Orsini Book my man… It will give you 13 years of experience wrapped up in about a half days read.

I give mass props to that guy.

I have family from La Jolla to the Bay. I do pass through… but I live in AZ. Currently I am laser focused on my Arizona exploits. So I won’t be in your area anytime soon. I do have Skype if you want to video chat or something. I would be more than happy to help guide you along bro. But you do you. Ultimately you have to find your own path.

Skype: louiepalos2

That is no joke. Your windows. Your neighbors windows. Your friends windows… Etc.

Hey guys… I am starting a new career path. You may think its wierd but I really like the satisfaction of knowing I improved the quality of life of others while being able to see instant results.

I would like to practice my technique by cleaning the windows of your home. When would be a good time for me to come by and knock them out?

This way you can learn to clean windows in a friendly environment. You can also treat them like you would a client so it is practicing your approach to the home… etc… How you introduce yourself. How you exit. How you approach client with issues… etc.

That way you will be super comfortable your first paying client. BUT…

How do you get paying clients?

Ask your friends for referrals after you are done.

Also ask to leave a yard sign in their yard so you can skirt HOA and city ordinance.

Where your friends houses are… Leave Biz Cards or marketing material saying…

“Don’t be jealous. We can clean your windows too.”
You can see the fresh curb appeal and restored views at (address you just completed up to 5 houses down)_

We are always in (name of edition) providing satisfaction guaranteed window cleaning services. We invite you to call 310.456.7890 today for your free, no hassle, in person estimate.

When you are cleaning your friends houses… Make sure they leave a review online. VERY IMPORTANT.

Then you have some reviews to use as marketing collateral for further business development. You can use them on your fliers and other marketing material found inside the WCRA. Just saying.

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OK, Thank you Louie. I will definitely buy the Orsini book and join this
forum.

“Don’t be jealous. We can clean your windows too.”

Ha ha. I like that one. And I like your other tips, too. This is very
helpful.

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You should be able to find that book on this forum somewhere.

The search bar is your friend.

Or just save this document… http://windowcleanerproducts.com/stuff/johhnyorsinibook.pdf

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Thank you, Louie.

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Sure man. It’s what we do here.

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Thanks for sharing Louie.

Good luck to you Eric.