Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: kate1 on September 28, 2010, 09:51:47 pm

Title: Getting serious
Post by: kate1 on September 28, 2010, 09:51:47 pm
Guys I have a couple of emails today about marketing and canvassing

I can set up a network for you all, but I cannot canvass for two guys in the same area

We can also put Midas in for you.

So it would be buying into a package.

But before I enter into this I need to know your opinions.

I think there would be issues regarding areas.

I would need a criteria, only commercial.

If you want 5 hours a week from somebody on the phone thats fine.

Let me know your thoughts.

Look foward to your comments.

It would have to be criteria and area lead.









Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: geefree on September 28, 2010, 09:55:50 pm
Well , i didnt understand any of that . ::)
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: kate1 on September 28, 2010, 09:57:45 pm
ok Gazz
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: geefree on September 28, 2010, 09:58:48 pm
sorry  ;)
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: kate1 on September 28, 2010, 10:02:11 pm
Gazz no

I far from want to show any more knowledge than any one else, dont be daft

But Ive had to reject alot of requests about doing telemarketing etc, so I am just in my thick head trying to work out a beneficial way that will help all.  Plus we have software to help people out, Im trying to think of a beneficial way to get round things.
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: geefree on September 28, 2010, 10:12:05 pm
I understand you really ,  ;)

I was simply having a laugh , but reading it again i sounded rather rude , so i apologise.

Its an interesting topic actually, and anything that  benefits a business has got to be looked at,


But the marketing network would be vast, wouldnt it?

would you be working alone trying to to satisfy the amount of potential work you would receive? 
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: kate1 on September 28, 2010, 10:15:46 pm
Thats fine dont worry

Ive just had to turn people down today, not rude, no worries.

But we can do something with the resources that we have, we have the latest technology etc.  Im just trying to tie it in with helping you guys out
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: geefree on September 28, 2010, 10:24:58 pm
I am a little lost now,

Are you following on from a previous post , updating etc?...

Forgive me if you are, but why would you want to help us guys out ?

Are you saying you are simply going to call customers, ....?

Are you a company that promotes new ideas,..innovations to help small businesses?
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: kate1 on September 28, 2010, 10:28:21 pm
Hi Gazz,

What Im suggesting is I can take care of telemarketing - only commercial.

And we would put Midas in for you guys for an hourly rate.

So you get the latest technology built in with a package, get pro telemarketers, and you also get the latest technology for running your business.

Midas isnt an app.

It runs on all phones,

If we were going to develop apps for androids, symbians, Iphones etc it would be difficult.  Youve now got the slate coming out
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: Clive McDonald on September 28, 2010, 10:34:33 pm
I think the problem with marketeers is they don't understand what we do .

Potentially Kate could fill a gap because most of us are hopeless at commercial.She probably needs to work with some of the firms that have the best practice regarding commercial. I'd have thought that ball park quoting or requesting email pics for quotes etc.

However i don't know anything about this aspect of our businesss.
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: kate1 on September 28, 2010, 10:37:11 pm
Could do it Slumpbuster, but I really need to do some research into what value a service I have to offer would benefit you guys, Ive already done commercial calls for somebody on here, but im not keen on gossip, Im keen on implenting some kind of system
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: mci services on September 28, 2010, 10:38:09 pm
I think the problem with marketeers is they don't understand what we do .

Potentially Kate could fill a gap because most of us are hopeless at commercial.She probably needs to work with some of the firms that have the best practice regarding commercial. I'd have thought that ball park quoting or requesting email pics for quotes etc.

However i don't know anything about this aspect of our businesss.

most of us don't and the ones that do don't need any help, and they certainly will not share it on here ;)
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: geefree on September 28, 2010, 10:41:11 pm
Kate ,

Would it not be better to do your research on how to help us guys..... first ?

Before setting out posting , and  not really knowing what help we need or how to gain it ?
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: David Kent @ KentKleen on September 28, 2010, 10:41:33 pm
can you give me an idea please kate of your charges for phoning and securing a 300 pupil primary school up here in the north east. 2 cleans per year. just windows no frames. many thanks. if the figures good i could start using you. many thanks
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: kate1 on September 28, 2010, 10:42:11 pm
So ultimately if i were to sort out some kind of telemarketing system, thats thats the bottom line.  You would also get latest technology too. How many of you would be in?
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: deeege on September 28, 2010, 10:45:50 pm
An idea of prices might help.
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: kate1 on September 28, 2010, 10:47:13 pm
Gazz its not to do with that, if I set up a system, we would deal with you with all you own worries, issues, difficulteis as you cant put everybody in the same basket, your all going to be different.What is a problem for one wont be a problem for another - all I can offer is telemarketing packaged with the latest business control.

Im just after feedback thats good for me, and I appreciate you guys for responding
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: geefree on September 28, 2010, 10:48:21 pm
apart from me  :(
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: David Kent @ KentKleen on September 28, 2010, 10:50:37 pm
Kate????
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: Clive McDonald on September 28, 2010, 10:52:32 pm
don't be too hard on her, "the coach' writes e books on window cleaning, has had his own wc biz but knows nothing about operations.

What i mean by that is, no knowledge of round software or wfp.No idea about a two man set up.

Also, although these people are good at marketing they don't know about strategies.

IMO
You need to work with jv price, dave st ives, or gardiners, and then you'd at least have a handle on this.

Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: kate1 on September 28, 2010, 10:54:13 pm
Ok guys you know best.

Ive tried to offer a solution, the phrase bigger solution comes to mind, but I think Im on a losing battle

Im offering you telemarketing and the latest technology to run your business and all you can do is find fault, dont kinda get that.  Have some hindsight please














Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: mci services on September 28, 2010, 10:58:56 pm
Kate there is a problem here as what you are offering, is an electronic solution plus a telesales.

now 95% of the guys on here are sole traders with maybe a few employees they can manage fine with the systems they have, well I can.

but your knowledge of tele sales is a bonus to these guys.

the guys that might be interested in the electronic solution already know how to gain commercial contracts.

so to me you have two separate markets.

although I could be totally wrong as I am often.

Hope you get what I am getting at here
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: David Kent @ KentKleen on September 28, 2010, 11:05:00 pm
Kate...... the point i was going to make is this..... Commercial window cleaning is CUT THROAT at the moment. Recession has driven prices down.... Factor in the price of telemarketting and your quotes will be beaten.
this is a genuine example.
300 pupil primary school cleaned twice a year up here in the north east, cleaned by a large commercial window cleaning company  £24.00 (twenty four) per clean. (48.00 per year)
speaking from up here i dont think people will want to spend on out of house telemarketing.. got more examples if you need them..
hope this helps
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: kate1 on September 28, 2010, 11:06:25 pm
ok
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: David Kent @ KentKleen on September 28, 2010, 11:13:59 pm
in the words of Duncan B. IM OUT! just trying to save you wasting your time and money. most will be using george or round tracker.
good luck
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: deeege on September 28, 2010, 11:15:57 pm
300 pupil primary school cleaned twice a year up here in the north east, cleaned by a large commercial window cleaning company  £24.00 (twenty four) per clean. (48.00 per year)

300 pupil school £24 per clean? Really? That isn't business, that is charity.
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: kate1 on September 28, 2010, 11:17:05 pm
just dissapointed really thats all
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: David Kent @ KentKleen on September 28, 2010, 11:20:28 pm
thats what your up against.... they do a really good job as you can imagine at that price!!!!! I JUST do domestic. more loyalty and you get the odd cuppa and cake i love it ;)
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: mci services on September 28, 2010, 11:26:03 pm
just dissapointed really thats all

don't be disappointed, you asked at 10pm when a lot of guys have had a few.

I just think you have two separate markets out there and actually your idea could include both if you dropped the electronic part for the smaller firms and as they expanded they could upgrade,
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: kate1 on September 28, 2010, 11:33:06 pm
Stu - to be honest Ive put forwared a validated idea.

Not prepared to get into rubbish about a job Ive been doing for 20 years.

Last Ive got to say on it, Im offering a national marketing campaign its up to people whether they want to take advantage of that and latest technology. 

If you want to take in and expand business you have all got to embrace technology. 

Oh well I tried

Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: gordonswindows on September 28, 2010, 11:39:13 pm
Well might as well give my tuppencworth

What Kate is selling is everything you guys moan about and want

You all constantly moan about paperwork collecting round schedules and then having to knock doors at night when all you really want to be doing is cleaning windows or as most of you put it making money

Kate is offering this to you but you are unable to see the bigger picture and worse you are suffering from the sole traders ego of "nobody knows my business better than me" rubbish.

A school for £24 why would you want it. Everyone is squeezing their prices down rubbish we are all cutting each others throats rubbish

The more you talk of recession double dip and the world is going to end the more likelihood it will. Yes things are tough yes people are getting tighter but not ALL people. A recession is the BEST time ever to begin or grow a business, you just have to know where to look

Most w/c let their customer find them ie was doing a two bed semi today and this wifey came over and asked me to do her windows too, result! No not a result

Can she afford you,will she be a good payer ? What happened to her last w/c

What I am trying to say is if you let your. Ustomer choose you you get what u get, but if you choose the customer you want it is easy

Ask yourself why your customers use you, then ask what type of customer they are and then find out where similar customers live or work then go and get them

Kate will get them for you but if YOU don't know who your customers are don't expect Kate to know them

Recession recession yes if you want it to be it will be but you we are the lucky ones we have control of our own destiny not like employees

Reach for the stars have a little faith and invest some time and money to come out the other side as a business that beat the recession

Go on be first to negotiate a deal with Kate, be her loss leader and get ahead of the competition

Gordon
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: kate1 on September 28, 2010, 11:43:23 pm
Gordon

One word

Your a bloody lifesaver
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: jr windows on September 28, 2010, 11:43:23 pm
Hi Kate,
What sort of money are we talking about on a monthly basis?

Thanks Jason
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: geefree on September 28, 2010, 11:46:41 pm
Go for it Gordon ! ;)
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: kate1 on September 28, 2010, 11:50:57 pm
Jason pm me, will try and sort something out
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: David Kent @ KentKleen on September 28, 2010, 11:52:48 pm
Gordon......
I dont want the £24 school it was an example of the prices up here and the low low margins she would have to work on up here to make her money with her telesales. as regards double dips etc, I started my window cleaning business this year. I reach for the stars!!! have taken on another worker within 8 months. At this present moment could do with another.
You will be familiar with george or round tracker and IMO you dont need any other system than one of these.
George manages my rounds and debts.
Our quality of work manages our customer retention and customer growth.
 :D
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: roundbuilder on September 28, 2010, 11:53:29 pm
Why wont you tell us what this would cost as at the end of the day money talks. I want to know how many pound notes ill have to give over.
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: David Kent @ KentKleen on September 28, 2010, 11:56:36 pm
Can i clean your windows kate?
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: kate1 on September 28, 2010, 11:59:16 pm
Husbands got a pair of glasses any good?  Seriuosly though guys you really have got to look at the bigger picture.

No naggling,arguing, cutting eachother down.  You got some blinking good resources on here.
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: roundbuilder on September 29, 2010, 12:05:36 am
kate you talk the talk ill give you that. I cant understand why you are trying to drum up business gone midnight what we all want is to know how much your services will cost as ill prob give it a go if others do but without a price we wont know
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: gordonswindows on September 29, 2010, 12:16:21 am
Hi Cleeen

Give her a break

It is just like when a client calls you and asks how much to clean my windows?

You will probably want to see the house, what type of windows how is the acess does she have a conservatory etc etc

Kate needs to know the scale of your business ie £24 school or whatever

It is easy to sit at home picking fault but positive actions get positive re actions

And what better time to get a window cleaner on a forum than midnight, afterall you guys who still trade the old way work all day and collect or knock doors at night there is no point in Kate "talking" to you during the day now is there.

You see she has identified her customer has worked out a plan of action and is reeling you in

Now I'm off to bed

G'night all
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: roundbuilder on September 29, 2010, 12:22:22 am
sorry gordon but what a load of crud i want to know what will cost are you working on this together gordonswindows and kate1 as i asked a norkmal question and instead of kate1 answering you did gordon. Well think ill stay with the devil i know as something is fishy here.
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: kate1 on September 29, 2010, 12:46:32 am
Ok Cleen, Im up as the same as you are, because I cant sleep.   Nothing to do at all whatsoever with regards to business.  No nothing to do with Gordon whatsoever.  Why are you  suspicious conspiracy etc.  Really what would I or Gordon be able to gleam out of this????????????????/ ??? ???

I am purely trying to offer a service, nothing more or nothing less.

Sorry i just dont get the connection between me and Gordon ?????

Nope Im not going to give prices out until I get some serious contenders, its not complicated.  Its a straight foward service, and if people want me to help I will discuss in a professional manner, as and when the time is fit.

Please dont try and make assumptions, or strange connections, when there not there. 

Ive been doing this for a very long time, and I hope that Im a professional in anybody that I represent.  We dont play games in our industry or have odd alliances

I dont want to sound too harsh or anything, and I certainly dont want to hurt anybodies feelings, but im too old for forming alliances or playing games
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: ts on September 29, 2010, 01:04:44 am
I cant sleep either lol whats been happening!
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: kate1 on September 29, 2010, 01:21:49 am
TS, that did make me giggle it was like somebody running in the room and saying "was up"
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: gordonswindows on September 29, 2010, 08:01:52 am
Good Morning All

Well said Ewan
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: GB Window Cleaning on September 29, 2010, 08:18:13 am
300 pupil primary school cleaned twice a year up here in the north east, cleaned by a large commercial window cleaning company  £24.00 (twenty four) per clean. (48.00 per year)

300 pupil school £24 per clean? Really? That isn't business, that is charity.

I am also shocked! £24??? how long does that job take??? wow!!!
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: Paul Coleman on September 29, 2010, 08:18:22 am
First of all I would say to Kate not to assess the results from here on just a few posts.
Sure it would need to be known first what the cost would be.  Any business person would need to know that - or at least to be able to set a limit on the costs.  As Ewan says, cost and value are often different.  I tell my more cost conscious potential customers that you can't have the best AND have the cheapest as no business could sustain that approach unless they had money to burn.

Anyway, without wanting to sound too thick, I'm not entirely certain what is on offer here.
Some of it I get, some of it not.
The sentence: "I would need a criteria, only commercial." is ambiguous to me.  Are you saying Kate that you would only try to get commercial jobs or are you saying that we can set a criterion as commercial only if that's what we choose?

Also, although I've heard of "Midas", I don't know what it is.  Some kind of business management software I presume.  I suppose like the original King Midas, we also might need to be careful what we touch  :) .
I'm also unclear whether personal face2face canvassing is on offer or telesales only.
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: ronnie paton on September 29, 2010, 08:20:36 am
Kate i would be interested but how i would see it working would be you getting the appointments and me priing it, that way you do what your good at and im able to get a price i want.

You would have to stipulate areas maybe obviuosly it would ause problems if you were alling the same company or if the data was saved then you would maybe be able to have several in the same area without calling the same customer but depending on the amount interested people you could well exhaust an area.

clearly the price would be important either per hour or per appointment and i believe the info needed to seel eah ompany would be personal to them and could be discussed individually, if it was me i would give you one of my portfoliios and you could get some personal knowledge of each company.
Title: Re: Getting serious
Post by: kate1 on September 29, 2010, 08:33:04 am
Hi, sorry Paul, I will make myself clearer.

I would have to do it on area, and I cant/wont canvass for two people in the same zone, dosent make sense.

Yes it would only be commercial customers, as I dont think ringing people in their home to do domestic would work.

I would charge £12 50 an hour, and would hope to do at least 20 commercial calls an hour, make the appointment on behalf of whoever decides to use the service.  I would probably ask for a min hours per week.  With regards to Midas, yes anyone who uses this service would get the latest uptodate business management system included.

Thats the general outline, but I need to think about how I would sort the areas out, and also of course I couldnt do all the calls myself, so I would have to use other people.  I would expect for people to supply their own data, or at least make lists of companies they want to target.

Ronnie I will respond, but can you give me a wee while to try and establish how I would organise the areas.

Hope that helps