This is sort of an odd request - I know. This forum has been such a great help for familiarizing myself in the business. I am completely new to all of this, and am looking for assistance. I am not one to usually ask for help, but to lessen the learning curve - here I am.
What I am wondering is would anyone in the Midwest - MN, ND, SD, WI, IA - area be interested in allowing me to “shadow” them for a few days or a full week? I could drive down and stay at a cheap motel/hotel - hopefully you could take me under your wing, and show me the ropes. Now I know that technique only comes with time and experience, so I am more or less looking for other aspects of the business. Marketing, quoting, customer interaction, tips and tricks. You can have me as “hands on” or “spectator” as you wish or feel comfortable. I need to get going on this business venture quickly, and with someone’s guidance, it would move all the faster.
-OR-
If you would be so kind as to message me with your contact info, then I could just ask my “silly” questions to you directly. I don’t want to load up the forum with “simple” questions. Or if you feel there is another way to go about this, please don’t hesitate to let me know!
I’m game! Anything you need just ask. My # 319-325-9475
If you can swing it we are having the Midwest Window Cleaning Conference this weekend in Coralville, Iowa. You’ll be able to get some great hands on training from some great guys as well as marketing input, roundtable discussions, and a ton of other topics designed to build your business.
Sounds great! You can most likely count me in - we have a prior engagement the night before, but I can most likely “swing it”. If you have read my few posts then you would know that I am literally putting it all on the line to start this new venture, and any advice will greatly help. To be honest, I have never been a big fan of trade shows or industry get-togethers. Of course those have all been on a much larger scale, and mostly run by industry tycoons. Perhaps your conference will be a bit more lighthearted and casual. I will pm you for more info. Thanks again - you guys and gals have been great!
Tony,
That’s a mighty Christian thing you are doing. To help a stranger is a very gracious act. There are so many things we are up against. It’s nice to know we can count on each other.
I know I’d be no where in my business today w/out having been able to network w/ and pick the brains of guys that had already been down that road. I feel it’s the right thing to do what I can to give back.
If you can come Saturday there will tons of info before, during, and after the event.
Guys like Paul McQuillan (master marketer), Mike Draper (WFP, franchise model, getting your biz started), and of course Chris and Alex (building a company, direct mail, thinking outside the box) will literally give you more info in a day than you’d get at any other event you could go to this summer.
It’s coming together real well - thanks for asking. I’ll give everyone a quick update.
Selected business name and business model (registering with the state tomorrow)
Lined up biz insurance (only like $400/year for 1 mil GL…pretty good I think!)
Fixing up the van - I have a 99 E250, needs a little tune up, this will be my rig.
Looking into a website.
Going through all of my contacts to see what opportunities might be out there.
Placed and received my order with WCR - we had a couple hiccups but Alex took care of me
Going to find a local Jan/San supply tomorrow, and pick up a few extra items.
Had a garage sale, came up with $500 for selling my junk!!!
Opening up my free biz checking account tomorrow - plus they give you $50 just for opening one up!
(I have a lot going on tomorrow - if you couldn’t tell)
Practice, practice…you know the rest, I have been doing all of my windows, which have never been professionally cleaned. The rest of the week I will being doing friends and family to gain more experience.
Need to get a couple extension ladders (any recommendations on size???)
Other than that just researching, preparing, and revving up for some long needed work.
The wife is excited also, she has been practicing her technique too!
A website is a great advertising tool.
Ask if you can put up some business cards at the local Jan/San. Also talk to local Jan/San contractors and see if they need someone to sub window cleaning to.
For two story homes a 24ft extension should work or instead of getting several ladders save some bucks and get a Werner knockoff of a Little Giant ladder.
Having the wife working w/ you is going to be your saving grace when it comes to residential. It really puts the female clients at ease.
Not only is it a plus for the female clients (which I have read is a great majority in residential) we were also playing with the idea of making her 51% owner - for those eventual government gigs. At another company I once had a customer who asked if we were minority owned, which we weren’t, and he said that they have to give preference to these types of companies. They are a huge commercial construction outfit here, and I imagine they have some type of government subsidized money, and the gov’t requires preference to minority outfits. Either way, just another marketing position tool. Thanks Tony, you folks have really made me feel welcome.
