Starting from Scratch
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Category: Carpet Cleaners Discussion
Forum Name: Introduce yourself
Forum Description: New around here? Come on in and say HI!
URL: https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4206
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Topic: Starting from Scratch
Posted By: bonesheal
Subject: Starting from Scratch
Date Posted: 18/September/2007 at 9:38pm
Greetings cleaners! I imagine I will read a lot more than I post until I've accumulated a thimble full of wisdom to spread around. I'm getting ready to start a one-man carpet cleaning business, and would appreciate any advice I might get. Between now and my start time (about six weeks) I intend to:
1. Acquire financing
2. Take the CCT course
3. Spend a week working with an established carpet cleaner
4. Acquire equipment
I'd like to hit the ground running as soon as I have my equipment. I realize that marketing will probably be the hard part. My initial marketing plan is to join a local leads group and deliver flyers to my entire development, then knock on the doors adjacent to and across from my customers as I clean their houses.
I'm leaning toward a new Butler System, but I'll listen carefully to any dissenters. Given my lack of experience and my need to focus on marketing, I want something that is very simple to use and appropriate for a one-man, one wand operation. I'm planning on getting a new rig because I am unqualified to determine the value of a used one and I would prefer to learn maintenance for a while before I start to perform repairs.
I've been going through old posts for hours. I appreciate the knowledge base you guys have built up.
Dan
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Replies:
Posted By: Michael
Date Posted: 18/September/2007 at 9:53pm
Welcome, bonesheal. Looks like you've got a good handle on where to start. I belong to a leads group called LeTip. It's been great for me. Find one you like asap and do your insurance through their resident insurance person--once they see you provide leads, they'll be more motivated to throw some your way. They'll also have a banker. See about going through their banker for a loan. S/he can at least put you in touch with someone if they are personally unable to help you out. Trust me, once they see you're eager to give them your business, they'll feel obligated to return the favor.
Door knocking can work. It depends on your demeanor and confidence as much as anything. Alternatively, or in case no one's home, leave them a flyer and a free spotter. Bridgepoint's Home Pro Spotter marketing program might be your thing. Check it out.
What area will you be servicing?
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Posted By: splash_$$$_dash
Date Posted: 18/September/2007 at 9:55pm
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http://www.i-boards.com/ics/
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Posted By: bonesheal
Date Posted: 19/September/2007 at 12:01pm
Thanks for the advice, fellas. I checked out that other site--lots of good info there too. I looked at Bridgepoint's website--that's a clever idea. Any tips on how to find a good leads group? I looked at BNI for another job, and they were a bit expensive, but it may have been worth it for all I know.
I'll be serving the North Raleigh area of North Carolina.
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Posted By: Michael
Date Posted: 19/September/2007 at 2:21pm
I just checked. It looks like North Carolina has no Letip chapter. The two big ones I'm personally aware of are Letip International and BNI. They work more or less the same. You're right, they cost money, but a good chapter will make it a smart investment. I checked the BNI website, and it just says they're currently forming chapters in your area, whatever that means.
http://www.trianglebni.net/index.php?customernumber=2805294844844&pr=Chapters&=SID
You could check it out again. The more relaxed and less demanding the leads organization, the fewer leads it will generate for you. Our profession works very well for these organizations. At the very least join your local Chamber of Commerce.
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Posted By: John L
Date Posted: 30/September/2007 at 7:57pm
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Welcome here Dan.. What State are you from?
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