Not a question just for newbies to the industry but something for all of us here. If we can learn from others mistakes, then maybe we can avoid those for ourselves.
Please share your biggest Cautions for everyone to avoid.
Mine: Starting out, I tried getting insurance, but there were hassles with that and stupid red tape all around to be covered for all that I wanted. So I worked for a long time with absolutely no coverage, Fortunately, me being careful on the job, I never had any issues, but looking back, I realize that it could’ve ruined any and all effort I had put it to this biz venture. Now of corse I’m insured for all that I offer. Great peace of mind!!
Key point here: Get Insured ASAP if your not already.
Probably, taking on too much business. It’s great to have plenty of work but focus on quality and not so much quantity. Pace yourself, take on what you can handle and need. If you do great work the business will be there, take on too much and you get sloppy. Deadlines will kill ya! Take the best of the best, be choosy if you can. Just slow down and enjoy being your own boss!
Spend your money wisely: when doing your marketing whether it is storefronts or residential, make sure you spend money on marketing. Many of us are not professional marketers. Get someone elses opinion on how your door hangers look and also your business cards. Take time planning them out. And also understand You cannot be everything to everyone! Learn your market and make a connection
My biggest window cleaning mistake so far: A summer villa, guest house, sauna, 97 windows in total, panes maybe that times 3.
Had a colleague to help me out. She worked with hourly rate, subcontracting me. What I did not realise, though, was that she was s…l…o…w. I washed three windows to her one, and I am not the fastest there is.
She made the whole deal an agony. No extensions, just buckets and rags and an ancient squeegee.
Learned my lesson. This year, same villa, higher price, going solo armed with wfp to the outside (really needs long reach tools) and good kit to interior cleaning. Sure, nice to have someone to talk to, but not at any cost.