I worked for 4 cc outfits, including Stanley Steemer of Rochester, NY, before having the opportunity to give it a whack on my own.
There were MANY things that impressed me about Stanley and some things that didn't. I loved how we kept the trucks nice and clean at the end of EVERY day. I loved the systems in place and that we methodically worked the system, job after job.
I HATED the high pressure sales, if I wanted to make any money at all.
Like, REALLY hated it. I felt embarrassed a lot of days when I was paired with the most high pressure guys. I couldn't believe how bold and pushy some of the guys were.
I was the opposite so I made no money with Stanley. The pay was truly miserable because my upsales were just not there.
When I first started on my own it took me YEARS to take my eyes OFF of Stanley, even though I rarely see them where I live now.
I knew they were successful and tried my best to emulate them. My pricing was per room and often closely reflected whatever I saw them doing at the time. My pricing had little to do with my business and everything to do with theirs. HUGE mistake. I could't be profitable by playing their game. I had to change it up.
It was a real grind, trying to be something that I'm not.
Real success didn't start to come until I began to realize the importance of maximizing MY strengths. I began to engage in my craft like never before. I found this place and dove in. I implemented piece by piece, learning that I often have to try something for a week or 2 before I really know if I like it or not.
A simple pre vacuum and mechanical agitation using a
CRB or rotary is enough to set a cc biz apart in many markets.
My confidence grew so my customer interaction really improved. I started to believe I was the best and the homeowner picks up on that. I take my time with any interested homeowner, telling them just what we will be doing and why.
I've heard Zero Rez spends a fortune in my market on radio advertising. I've heard 30K a month but can't verify if that is anywhere near true but I will say they are on EVERY major station near me A LOT.
There was a time that this would scare me to death.
That time has passed. I'm as in tune with my market as any franchise owner near me. I got here by personally serving thousands of customers in central IA.
I'm small, so I'm nimble. I can change directions on a dime.
That being said, I'm vulnerable and envy the security some of these big guys enjoy.
I'm constantly working on getting bigger and better without losing site of what has gotten me success.
Maximizing MY strengths and trying to iron out my weaknesses.
This is getting long but it's a great thread. I know Marty will chime in and complain about how wordy it was so I'll go for now.