Clean It Up
UK Floor Cleaning Forum => Carpet Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Mike Halliday on March 02, 2011, 12:39:00 pm
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I've noticed over the last year i have started to answer post then just deleted them rather than post the answer. or i know the answer but chose not to give it.
some times its because the poster uses an alias or doesn't list his address so I don't know who they are or usually its marketing information that I don't want my competition to know.... eg; at the moment I'm using a very effective marketing tool but I won't say so on here as my competitors will use it as well.
i think some of the website gurus on here keep a lot to themselves so they don't help out their competitors
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Been quieter myself for the last few months, same reason as Mike - competitors.
Not only those that maybe lurking behind false names, but also those who join the forums that dont post - just look and pick up.
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Guys,
You have over 10000 post between you and I find that attitude really strange.
Mike, you are a Mod on this forum but you won't post just in case you're speaking to a competitor....
Why are you both here if not to post?
Are you trying to say that you are quiet due to posting on forums?
I'm not trying to get into an argument, more interested in your reasons.
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I think they mean they have been staying quiet with regards to posting on the forum, not in business.
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I've noticed over the last year i have started to answer post then just deleted them rather than post the answer. or i know the answer but chose not to give it.
some times its because the poster uses an alias or doesn't list his address so I don't know who they are or usually its marketing information that I don't want my competition to know.... eg; at the moment I'm using a very effective marketing tool but I won't say so on here as my competitors will use it as well.
i think some of the website gurus on here keep a lot to themselves so they don't help out their competitors
Could also be that subjects are repeated alot as well. Not that anyone minds pointing people in the right direction, but with a little bit of searching you can normally find the answers for yourself. :)
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If I told you what I know, you would be as wise as I am. :)
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If I told you what I know, you would be as wise as I am. :)
is that good or bad ;)
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go on mike tell me,
rarley in your area ;)
Geoff
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Been quieter myself for the last few months, same reason as Mike - competitors.
Not only those that maybe lurking behind false names, but also those who join the forums that dont post - just look and pick up.
exactly.
the joshua tree post had 83 views before i posted a thank you. yet theres not 83 regular posters on here. most of my threads have at least 30 to 40 views before an answer, these people are lurkers.probably franchisers, (allthough some franchisers post and good on em) these lurchers are not interested in posting, they just read everything, gather the info and fk off with a big smile, knowing there better at what they do without giving anything back, thats why this forum or maybe a new forum should be paid for by members. members who either give something back or pay for the priviledge of getting top info. this would keep the cheapskates away, ewt for newt brigade, "WHO ARE YA, WHO ARE YA"
nearly deleted this one mike.
ps... ive had some good info off this sight and like to think (with my ltd knowledge) i try to give something back. maybe its time for a new forum with paid for membership where we can all help each other out and the money raised can go towards something like meetings or training or client awareness, just a thought.
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I recognise that this is your business, and I do see the need for more people to use the search function, but I've heard a lot about people not sharing their knowledge in this field lately, and it saddens me a bit. One of the great things about the internet is how egalitarian it is in terms of freedom of information. Anyone can learn pretty much anything online and that's a fantastic thing.
I personally have learnt so much from this site and other cleaning forums, and I don't intend to use it AGAINST anyone. When I see the level of information and expertise some of you guys have to offer, my jaw drops.
I hope when I've a few years under my belt I might still be willing to share what I know.
No offense intended.
Dave.
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thats why this forum or maybe a new forum should be paid for by members. members who either give something back or pay for the priviledge of getting top info. this would keep the cheapskates away, ewt for newt brigade, "WHO ARE YA, WHO ARE YA"
Realising the help I've had from the forum todate I can see Derek's point and would pay for a said forum but as a newbie I wouldn't have paid to join and therefore would never have got the oppurtunity to join here.
Stricker rules required to include full personal details maybe ???
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over the past year I have had some one try and sell me my own postcard, I forgot how many times I've seen my adverting & website copy used on other websites and leaflets. I have had people quote me my own posts as though they had thought of it themselves.
this is all from me posting on here, I don't mind anyone using any information i give but some take the P1ss.
if you look at my reply to Simon about leaflet response thisis personal information about my marketing that i really i don't want people in my area to know. why should I pay £1000s to find out what marketing works then tell my competitors the results so they can benefit from all the money I've spent...... and I do spend a lot on marketing, lots of it experimental that doesn't work
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and I do spend a lot on marketing, lots of it experimental that doesn't work
I think you've got your answer there. Post the unsuccessful stuff as successful, ruin the competition.
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just advertised in the local policmans diary... getting 10 calls a day..... well worth the money :D :D :D
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For me a good forum is all about exchanging ideas and knowledge gained from experience. When everyone starts getting defensive about what they post the forum is the worse for it. The vast majority of carpet cleaners in the country don't use forums, they simply don't have the same interest in what they do that people on here do. When it comes to marketing the main franchise players have dedicated marketing guys and a tremendous amount of ideas are passed around the network every month. You really don't need to go looking elsewhere.
Guess what I'm saying is if you are good at what you do as people on here are you should not worry that much about the average competition out there.
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over the past year I have had some one try and sell me my own postcard, I forgot how many times I've seen my adverting & website copy used on other websites and leaflets. I have had people quote me my own posts as though they had thought of it themselves.
this is all from me posting on here, I don't mind anyone using any information i give but some take the P1ss.
if you look at my reply to Simon about leaflet response thisis personal information about my marketing that i really i don't want people in my area to know. why should I pay £1000s to find out what marketing works then tell my competitors the results so they can benefit from all the money I've spent...... and I do spend a lot on marketing, lots of it experimental that doesn't work
Mike,
What is they say about imitation? Best form of compliment.
The business world is always looking for ways to improve and of course will copy ideas that work.
I myself have learnt a lot off this site and off Cleantalk and use what I've learned on a daily basis to increase and improve my business.
The one unique thing about all our businesses is US. No one can copy or replicate that and I think that is what we all have to remember.
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If I told you what I know, you would be as wise as I am. :)
Better to say nothing and be thought a fool rather than to open your mouth and prove it! ;D ;D
Rog
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some times it might be a lot of people read the thread but dont post as they are unsure of what they would do themselves, I know I see some threads and the reply is ample so why elaborate!! I for one would pay to use a site like this, as its a great fall back for information or sounding board although I do believe the sign up should be more through with real names and areas/addresses used so we all are aware of who we are talking to, so include company details if you have no ulterior motive you have nothing to hide
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Think what mark has just posted says what i think really with people not knowing what to post or if they did would be unsure of sounding silly if they got or gave the wrong answer.
Signing up for a half page in yel pages its the future :D
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Nah Clinton. You're missing the most obvious perfect sales tactic.
Two rooms for £8.99! ;D
Rog
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Roger ;D
Well thats a good idea mind.8.99 em that with pershwan naan included ;D
Nope signing up for half page on friday in yell pages ;D
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I'd be up for a paid membership site. Wouldn't stop the lurkers feeding of our knowledge or your compition reading your posts tho.
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we dont respond to many posts on here i must admit, thats mainly because on the few occasions we have posted something we have either been beliitled or ridiculed.
we dont have anything to hide, our profile is filled in completely and we are fully trained in all aspects of work that we do.
our downfall...... is not using the correct terms that most members here use.
my partner was attacked for referring to a client as a cuzzy, with all kinds of comments about lack of respect for clients by using that phrase.
i wouldnt mind but its a something that we picked up from this forum in the 1st place, most refer to them as custy's.
in business you would go along way to find anyone who treats clients with as much respect as we do, no matter how difficult or stroppy they are, they are treated like royalty.
so yes maybe when responding to posts made by members who are maybe not quite so active on the forum as the rest of you, you may wish to stop and think before casting judgement. we are not all experts at grammar and explaining things in writing that does not make us any less professional in our trade.
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For some people it could just be as simple as getting up the courage to break their duck and make their first post.
I recall that I lurked for quite a few weeks mainly because I wanted to get the "feel" for the forum beforeposting and making a prat of myself (doesn't stop me making prat-falls now ;))
Often acceptance by others seems to come from the more posts you put up as other readers would appear to "get to know you"
I would encourage newbies and lurkers to start posting even if only brief comments or just agreeing with somebody else. Once you've got into the habit of posting it's difficult to stop ??? ??? ???
Rog
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I was first encouraged to post by Sarah Fox on the General cleaning section bet she regrets that!
Another feature think would be handy is a 'LKE' button similar to Facebook when someone writes a comment you agree with but doesn't really warrent a reply.
Some posts on here are really good and there is no way to acknowledge it as such, would also be a way for newbies and lurkers to ease themselves into a full blown post.
Every one of us on here holds back some information!
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over the past year I have had some one try and sell me my own postcard, I forgot how many times I've seen my adverting & website copy used on other websites and leaflets. I have had people quote me my own posts as though they had thought of it themselves.
this is all from me posting on here, I don't mind anyone using any information i give but some take the P1ss.
if you look at my reply to Simon about leaflet response thisis personal information about my marketing that i really i don't want people in my area to know. why should I pay £1000s to find out what marketing works then tell my competitors the results so they can benefit from all the money I've spent...... and I do spend a lot on marketing, lots of it experimental that doesn't work
Personally I just recycle your posts from Cleantalk when it first started >:( ;D ;D
I do agree with you that is the danger of this type of Forum
I do not know if it was coincidence or not, but a few months ago I mentioned about Oven cleaning
Next thing I know one of my Competitors is doing it
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As a newbie I must say that yes, I have done a lot of lurking. Before I got the kit I searched the forums for comments on the types of equipment and reviews available. Then I did some training and now I'm looking at the marketing. (although not relishing the legwork with flyers) So it's taken me 6 mths to get up and running during which time I couldn't contribute on a professional level and didn't feel the need to post some inane comment like 'Hi there!'. So having soaked up loads of info on this forum, and others, does it make me a threat to the local established CCs? Possibly, but I doubt it - not for a couple of years , anyway. (It's OK Colin, you can keep the Oven cleaning!!) But hey, that's business. Would a paid-for forum have changed anything? Of course not. I would have paid and still mined the info. But hopefully I can contribute more in the future once experience is gained.
BTW If you think newbies are a threat now, wait till the Council/ NHS/ MOD et al start making their staff redundant - no point putting that cash in the bank at the mo'.
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Well Tomsy, welcome to the forum.
Nothing wrong with your posts so far-look forward to hearing from you much more in the future as your business progresses.
Rog
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BTW If you think newbies are a threat now, wait till the Council/ NHS/ MOD et al start making their staff redundant - no point putting that cash in the bank at the mo'.
Good point.
With very generous pay offs.
Good time to be selling start up packages.