Issue #18
Your 2014 Map to success.
Contents
04
Step 1 Decide who's coming back
08
06 Step 2 Hiring new employees
12 Step 5 Operating budget
10
Step 3 Plan your marketing calendar
Step 4 Plan your service offerings
16
14
18
Step 7 Prepping your vehicles
Step 6 Prepping your tools
Step 8 Analyze pricing structure
20
22
Step 9 Planning your safety calendar
Step 10 Fine tune your policies & handbook
Make-iT
Fake-iT
Write-iT
Stephanie Keegan
Chris Lambrinides
Jessica Ames
Design-iT
Run-iT
Cash-iT
Gina Lipere
Alex Lambrinides
Amy Fitzpatrick
Scrape-iT
Really Owns-iT
Box-iT
Sophia Bishop
Thad Eckhoff
Benita Kapteina
Sell-iT John Lee 02
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editor's letter Spring is right around the corner.. Seriously it may not feel like it right now but it is almost here. Did you spend the whole winter hanging out on the couch or have you been busy working on getting ready for the spring season? Don’t worry it's not to late. Included in this issue of Window Cleaning Business Owner Issue #18 is a master list of the 10 most important things you need to do to get geared up for the spring season. Within the list is a set of steps to take to ensure you have a great spring season. Be sure to download the free bonus material, that goes along with this issue at: www.shopwindowcleaningresource.com/winter-2014 While you are there check out our free winter webinar series about adding on additional services to your window cleaning business this year.
Window Cleaning Business Owner back issues are a rare commodity and hard to find - Unless you look online or go to the back of our warehouse that is. Visit: windowcleaningbusinessownermagazine.com to catch up. Window Cleaning Business Owner Magazine is bimonthly. To advertise or complain call 1-862-2660677 or email chris@windowcleaningresource.com Subscriptions are free, just find our website and get your name on the list. 20,000 copies printed each issue.
Deciding Who's coming back
Start
Step 1 in window cleaning success this year.
Reconcile all of the absentee and late records for all of last years employees. You want to make sure your employees can be dependable this year!
Step 1:
Step 4:
Evaluate last years employees.
Reconcile attendance records.
: Steptist3ics on
ta ch s Crun plaints. com
Step 2:
Crunch statistics on compliments.
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Go through the previous years compliments and complaints for each employee.
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Road Map
To Window Cleaning Success in 2014
Staying
Leaving
Step 7:
Make a deterimination on who's coming back and who isn't.
Download the totally free spreadsheet to track these metrics now! Visit: www.shopwindowcleaningresource.com/winter-2014
Step 5:
Rank last years employees based on the previous metrics.
Best to worst
Step 6:
Categoriz e from best your employees to worst. SHOPWINDOWCLEANINGRESOURCE.COM
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05
Hiring new Employees Step 2 in window cleaning success this year.
Start
Friendly Reliable Trustworthy Clean-cut
Step 1:
Brainstorm desired qualities.
Download a sample Craigslist ad for free right now! Visit: www.shopwindowcleaningresource.com/winter-2014
Step 2:
Write 3 advertisements.
Step 3:
Launch advertisements for Craigslist and newspaper.
06
Stepint5e:rviews.
Stepin4te: rview
ule
Sched
lize Forma estions. qu
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Road Map
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Rinse and repeat!
Step 11:
Train and evaluate your new hires to determine who stays.
Step 10: Shedule training.
Step 9:
Run a d groun rug and bac d test ko applic ants. n the desired
Con d
Step
uct
inte
8: Steckprefern-
o e Ch nces ired e des ts. the plican ap
6:
rvie
ws.
Step 7:
Narrow your selection.
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07
Plan Your Marketing
Start
Calendar Step 3 in window cleaning success this year.
Step 1:
Crunch last years marketing statistics.
1. 2. 3. 4.
Step 2:
5.
Identify what forms of marketing brought you an acceptable return.
08
6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Step 3:
Brainstorm a list of 10 new marketing methods for this year.
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Road Map
To Window Cleaning Success in 2014 Download this FREE excel calendar now! Visit: www.shopwindowcleaningresource.com/winter-2014
Step 4:
Step 9:
Investigate those methods and determine cost.
Grab a calendar and layout exactly what's going to happen each week throughout your season.
Cost
Method
You don't want to overdue it by trying too many new methods, but you also don't want to put all of your eggs in one basket!
Step 5:
Narrow new methods down to 1-3 to try this year.
Step 8:
Look at your budget and see where and how your new and old marketing methods will fit.
Step 6:
In 2014 try a combination of what worked in 2013 plus a couple of new methods!
Step 7:
Layout your previous years revenue by month. Take notice of increases and decreases. SHOPWINDOWCLEANINGRESOURCE.COM
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09
Start
Plan Your service offerings Step 4 in window cleaning success this year.
Watch webinars from the winter webinar series to help you decide what add-on services will fit for you!
Step 1:
Review the services you offered last year.
Step 2:
Determine the profitability of each service. 10
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Road Map
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Think outside of the box! Take a look at services such as bird control, shower door restoration and scratch removal.
Research each new method to determine what would be the best fit for you. Study the cost of the tools needed and training that might be needed. Also, see what competitors are offering this service, if any.
Step 4:
Brainstorm and review a list of new services.
Step 5:
Do your research!
Step 3:
Decide if you are keeping all of the services from the previous year. SHOPWINDOWCLEANINGRESOURCE.COM
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11
Operating Budget
Start
Step 5 in window cleaning success this year.
Download the FREE detailed operating budget template now! Visit: www.shopwindowcleaningresource.com/winter-2014
Step 1:
Download our free operating budget template.
Step 3:
Review, study and analyze your numbers.
Step 2:
Input last years actuals into the operating budget.
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Road Map
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Step 5:
Create this years budget.
Don't forget to add any new marketing, new employees, new vehicle expenses or anything else you may be expanding on this year.
Step 6:
Input last years numbers, and add in any new items.
Step 7:
Confirm that the predicted income and cash flow coincides with expanditures.
Step 4:
Did you go over budget? What did you spend too much on?
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13
Insepct everything thoroughly. The last thing you want is an accident on the job due to faulty equipment.
Step 1:
Inspect all of your equipment.
Step 2:
Make a list of any equipment that needs repairs.
Prepping your tools Step 6 in window cleaning success this year.
Start Step 3:
Repair any faulty items. 14
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Road Map
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Step 7:
Add your supply orders to your budget in advance.
For window cleaners using their systems throughout the winter, all you need to do is store in a controlled climate during the winter months. Once the new season starts it's ready to go. Just run some water through the system until you get a zero reading.
Step 5:
Thinking about adding a new service or trying pure water cleaning? Give Alex or John a call today! 862-266-0677
Replace all of your ladder ropes.
Step 6:
Take a look at your budget for this years supplies.
Step 4:
Polish and clean all of your set ups.
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15
Prepping Your vehicles Start
Step 7 in window cleaning success this year.
Step 1:
Check your fuel filter. This should be replaced every 24,000 miles.
Step 5:
Check the automatic trans fluid and filter.
Power-steering fluid lubricates the system and keep the steering feel consistent. Inspect the level with every engine-oil change.
This should be checked frequently although it needs to be replaced approximately every 24,000 miles.
Step 2:
Check your powersteering fluid.
Step 3:
Replace your battery typically every 48 to 60 months. 16
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Road Map
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Replace every 36,000 miles for engine belts or 60,000 to 90,000 miles for the timing belt.
Step 6:
Check your spark plugs. They could be effecting your mileage! Replace every 30,000 miles.
Step 7:
Check your engine belts and timing belts.
Step 8:
Check your coolant. Should be replaced every 24,000 miles.
Step 9:
Step 4:
Don't forget the air filter! Replace every 12 months, 12,000 miles or as needed.
Tires! The best way to determine if it's time to replace is with a tread depth gauge.
Step 10:
Don't ignore your brakes! These should be replaced approximately every 24,000 miles.
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Keep an eye on the brake-pad condition and replace as soon as safety is compromised. Neglecting your brakes is potentially lethal!
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Analyze pricing structure Step 8 in window cleaning success this year.
Step 1:
Analyze last years numbers from a profitability standpoint.
Step 2:
Identify low profit jobs.
Original Price
Start
New Price
Step 3:
Determine what price point they need to be raised to.
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Road Map
To Window Cleaning Success in 2014
Original Price
Step 7:
New Price
Step 5:
Keep your prices high when you're busy and lower them during slower months.
Identify your bottom line pricing for impending slow periods.
Raise your prices up and down with that 2 week lead time in mind.
Step 6:
Put policies into place to raise prices when you get booked more than 2 weeks out.
Step 4:
Put a supply and demand price model into effect.
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19
Planning your Safety
Start
Calendar Step 9 in window cleaning success this year.
3: Sterpite outof
W age c1-p st pra n be ces o ety ti saf h . eac topic
1. 2. 3. 4.
Step 1: Identify 12 safety topics
5.
Step 2:
6. 7.
Make each topic seasonal.
8. 9. 10. 11.
Choose topics about safely working in the heat for the summer months and ladder safety in the spring.
12. 20
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Road Map
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Step 4:
Schedule a meeting now for once a month d until the en of the year.
Step 5:
Assemble a t sign in shee ch ea r fo meeting.
Step 6:
Include real world examples and s case studie in each meeting.
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Start
Fine Tune your policies & Handbook Step 10 in window cleaning success this year.
Step 4:
Remove any old, outdated policies that are no longer used.
Step 1:
Identify any key frustrations from the previous year.
Step 2:
Review your policies and handbook. 22
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Road Map
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Outdated policies to be removed:
Step 7:
Print everyone a new handbook.
Step 5:
Update the handbook with your changes.
Step 6:
Schedule a staff meeting for the Spring to review the changes.
Step 3:
Write n and po ew chapters licie key fur s to rectify stration s.
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Final Checklist
Start
Use this final checklist to see how prepared you are for the upcoming season. Each step you finish in this issue check it off here and track your progress. Have the best 2014 season ever!
Step 1: Decide who's coming back
Step 6: Prepping your tools
Step 2: Hiring new employees
Step 7: Prepping your vehicles
Step 3: Plan your marketing calendar
Step 8: Analyze pricing structure
Step 4: Plan your service offerings
Step 9: Planning your safety calendar
Step 5: Operating budget
Step 10: Fine tune your policies and handbook
Don't forget to check out the Spring downloads and extras on the next page that support each step from this issue.
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Spring 2014 Be prepared this season and don't forget to check out all of the free support materials that are available to you.
What's available? • Free webinars on how to build and improve your business: Don’t let your house go up in flames! A clogged dryer vent is just a fire waiting to happen
Dryer vent cleaning services available!
Postcard created with
10 Steps to Direct Mail
Success
• Detailed operating budget • Marketing calendar • Sample Craigslist advertisement • Employee ranking spreadsheet
Visit: www.shopwindowcleaningresource.com/winter-2014 SHOPWINDOWCLEANINGRESOURCE.COM
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25
HydroClean™
HydroTube™ & Speed Brush
HighRise™
Innovative Solutions That Perform Ultra Pure
We are the leader in Pure Water Cleaning Systems. We have the most complete line of Pure Water Systems and water fed poles to fit any application. Check out the new Hydro Tube™ Pure Water System. Simple to use, easy on the budget!
The Rubber is the Key
For the last 30 years, Pulex has crafted its rubber from only pure natural rubber from just one single geographic area. The result is a perfect blade, every time! With 11 different handles in brass, stainless steel, aluminum or plastic, you will no doubt find the one that feels just right. And to make it even better, Pulex products are all interchangeable with the tools you use today.
™
HighRise Automated Cleaning System
High productivity and safety. The HighRise™ takes over where the Ultra Pure leaves off. The HighRise™ provides: • Dramatic Labor Savings - do a months worth of work in one day • Safe - operated from the top of the building eliminating over-the-edge work • Effective - cleans entire building, including window frames providing extended life of structure • Environmentally Friendly - doesn’t use harsh chemicals and uses a small amount of water • Fast ROI
Your NEW must have cleaning tool!
HydroClean™ Indoor Ultra Pure Water Cleaning System • Clean doors, glass windows, walls, window sills, furniture, tables, desks & more! • Reduce labor up to 50% • Reach difficult areas without moving furniture • Keeps glass cleaner longer
www.ipceagle.com
OFFER YOUR CLIENTS A NEW SERVICE, INCREASE REVENUES, AND HELP SAVE SONGBIRDS. Introducing UV Liquid, a new product for saving the lives of birds. Clean windows endanger birds. Now, you can be part of the solution. UV Liquid brilliantly reflects ultraviolet sunlight. This ultraviolet light is invisible to humans, but glows like a stoplight for birds. While birds enjoy tetrachromatic color vision and visual acuity up to 12 times better than that of people, birds still have difficulty seeing glass. UV Liquid helps birds see windows and avoid striking the glass. UV Liquid is easy to apply. Simply use our bingo market to make small dots on window glass. The dots dry to virtually clear, are effective for three months or more, and are easy to remove.
THRILL YOUR CLIENTS IN 2014.
BOOST YOUR SALES! ORDER TODAY!
TOLL FREE: 877-733-2753 | info@WindowAlert.com | www.WindowAlert.com
Our focus is to continually educate ourselves and keep up with new technology so we can always produce the best quality resin at a low cost to our customers.
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Nationwide DI Products are available at Window Cleaning Resource Call 862-266-0677 or visit www.shopwindowcleaningresource.com/manufacturer/nationwide-di-water-solutions.html
The GlassRenu Contractor Grade System is offered as a complete solution for the removal of the most common types of scratches and acid damage on glass of all types. Included in the System: • Premium variable speed grinder/polisher • 3 Renu FastFelt Polishing polishing pads • Rasp • Wire brush • GlassRenu Finishing Sprayer
• 4 Custom density backing disks • 110 Most commonly used RenuDisks® • Non contact temperature gun • GlassRenu Polishing Sprayer • Manual/Instructions
GlassRenu Scratch Removal System
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WCRA Members pay $1,995.00!! That's $500 off!
The best window cleaning web show
The best window cleaning Magazine other than this one ;-) Window Cleaning magazine
October 2013
Window Cleaning magazine
New Wagtail Orbit
Wagtail gets into the WFP market
New AquaTap
The new U.K. digital magazine for professional window cleaners.
Latest water saving device
High rise with Empire
Read the interview, watch the film
Darron’s Story
How his life changed after window cleaning accident
Window cleaning in the Redneck Riviera WCM catches up with Jeff Temperley
Available now to download or view online. Free to subscribers at www.windowcleaningmagazine.co.uk
The best online window cleaning blog
Robinson-Solutions
Professional Window Cleaning Window Cleaning & Water Fed Pole information from around the world!
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
SPECIAL 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION For 50 years the name UNGER has been synonymous with high quality and innovation. To celebrate our 50th Anniversary, we have designed a limited edition selection of ErgoTec® tools in a luxurious shade of gray with golden speck, featuring our commemorative logo.
Exclusive: ErgoTec KIT BOX
The ErgoTec 50th Anniversary limited edition kit includes a choice of 14” or 18” ErgoTec Squeegee, 14” ErgoTec Washer with Ninja Sleeve, and 50th Anniversary Bucket on a Belt. Each kit includes a Certificate of Authenticity. Contact www.windowcleaningresource.com today to reserve your kit. In stock March 2014. Tools also available separately.
www.ungerglobal.com
The Proof: ErgoTec KIT CERTIFICATE
Amazing News USA Now you can have top quality UK Water fed pole cleaning equipment at realistic prices available in the USA from April 2013. Brodex are Europe’s leading pure water window cleaning equipment & telescopic pole manufacturers, bringing you a “One -Stop-Shop” for your pure water and high level cleaning needs.
Why America? We have studied the American window cleaning industry over the last 12 months and recently attended the IWCA Convention to meet some of you guys. What we discovered was that American Window cleaners are very entrepreneurial, discerning and professional which makes them an ideal fit for the Brodex range of professional window cleaning equipment.
Why now? In our search for the ideal distribution partner we came across Window Cleaning Resources, who have ticked all our boxes in terms of professionalism, national distribution network and customer service, we are proud to say that they will be our US distributor and your sources of top quality UK manufactured pure water cleaning systems and water fed poles.
Products & Services
From 6ft to 72ft Comprehensive Water Fed Pole Range Carbon Hybrids - Aluminium - Carbon Fibre
& Take a look at the Brodex range & Great prices here:
www.shopwindowcleaningresource.com
Call 862 - 266 - 0677
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n Van, Trailer & Static mounted pure water window cleaning systems n Portable trolley pure water window cleaning systems n Water fed poles from 6ft to 72ft n Industrial, automated window cleaning systems n Domestic pure water window cleaning systems n Interior pure water window cleaning systems n On-site pure water generator n Gutter cleaning systems n Hot pure water window cleaning systems n Solar panel cleaning systems n Accessories & spares n Training & Support
=
A winning combination!
For more Brodex info: k www.brodexsystems.co.u