Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Clive McDonald on March 14, 2011, 07:13:26 pm
-
The e myth is the title of a book and i think it must have been written especially for us.Published in 95 and a bestseller ever since it addresses people who start a business and then get trapped by it. Trapped by having to work harder and harder and harder.
Trapped by not really haviing a business at all but merely a well paid job.
I'm in this trap and pretty fed up.I know a few of you have read it because it's been mentioned before on here.But if you haven't read it you can still have a view.
I'm coming up to four years in and all i do is work and work and work.If i carry on for another four is that all i have to look forward to?
I can't tell you what the book suggests as a solution because i am only half way through, but i do know that a few of you have found a way through, and i also know that many are in the same boat as me, and a few treat the job as a hobby.
So, thoughts please.It's okay to be as critical of me as you like- i can take it ;D
-
Wow you need help!
Employ staff if you don't already. It means a step back initially but will end up being two steps forward in the long run.
Basically I really don't have enough work for 1 man all year, but I do employ staff to do all of my work, as well as occasionally working alongside them to ensure they are doing a good job to a high standard.
Most of the time I am out quoting or chasing contracts though, except for when I am on holiday - which most years I take a lot ;D
You will get the point in the end - good luck!
-
I have never read the book.
My thoughts on work are, work to live, not live to work.
If you can,. dump some poor work, tweak your round so you dont work so much, then you will have more time at home, and more time to spend with your family.
You maybe worse of financially, but im sure you will be happier.
I have never read the book either Lee.
My thought's on work are get others to do for you, so you don't have to :o
It's great for everybody, because I create a job, which keeps somebody in employment and gives me more freedom to do whatever I want to when I want.
We're all winners!
-
Slumpy
Life they say is what you make it, I would say its how you see it. Lets have a run through, no rent to pay, no stock to buy, no vat, no staff, millions of potential customers, work how/when you want to suit you. Free as a bird.
You have never had it so good, but you want a business. Well go out and rent a shop, buy some stock, employ some staff, register for Vat and then sit and wait to see IF enough customers walk through your door to pay for it all. Then see what you think of window cleaning then.
-
Never read the book, but a few years ago I read or watched something by a successful multi millionaire. He reckoned to make that leap to being really successful you have to get of the tools whether you are a plumber, window cleaner or whatever. That can be difficult for some of us as it would take a fair bit of money to not work our self.
-
Well, I recommended the book to you. It's all about turning what you do from "doing a job" to "running a business". It's not about employing and it's certainly not about moving into a different business (such as a shop, suggested above, for some bizarre reason).
It gives one way (and one I happen to like) to go about the shift. I know this is something you struggle with, hence the recommendation.
Vin
-
I'm coming up to four years in and all i do is work and work and work.If i carry on for another four is that all i have to look forward to?
One thing is for sure. If you spend the next four years doing what you did for the past four years then I guarantee that nothing is going to change.
Vin
-
Well, I'm biased as I recommended the book to you. It's all about turning what you do from "doing a job" to "running a business". It's not about employing and it's certainly not about moving into a different business (such as a shop, suggested above, for some bizarre reason).
It gives one way (and one I happen to like) to go about the shift. I know this is something you struggle with, hence the recommendation.
Vin
-
I went thru a phase of wanting to take over the world but thought about it and decicded to keep it small with just me and no one else .... however will keep refining work until its mint with lots of income.
then sell up for a vast amount of money ;D
-
without staff ian and a " business " window cleaning rounds dont go for "vast amounts"
Its mad that well earning domestic rounds , go for less than crap priced contracts making about 10% profit, but its just the way it is!
-
Slumpbuster
I know you go on a bit about how good you are, so you obviously have no problem doing the work and getting it etc and i reckon you are in the upper earnings of a sole trader, so i reckon if your fed up its because a. you want more money and cant manage it so need to get staff etc
or b. change your mindset and be happy with what you can earn
If you are unsatisfied all you can do is change the situation or your mindset
I reckon unless you are really after fancy cars etc then you could flog your crap work , keep the cream , refine a bit, bang your prices up and if you really need it then get help in a couple of days a week or more, and just earn a decent sole trader wedge?
-
it's certainly not about moving into a different business (such as a shop, suggested above, for some bizarre reason).
I was not suggesting anyone buys a shop, I was just making a comparison to show how easy life is as a window cleaner compared with the headaches and overheads of running what many people would regard (wrongly) as a "proper" business.
No business is easy these days, and they all have their problem but window cleaning has got to be as close to foolproof as its possible to ever get.
-
it's certainly not about moving into a different business (such as a shop, suggested above, for some bizarre reason).
I was not suggesting anyone buys a shop, I was just making a comparison to show how easy life is as a window cleaner compared with the headaches and overheads of running what many people would regard (wrongly) as a "proper" business.
No business is easy these days, and they all have their problem but window cleaning has got to be as close to foolproof as its possible to ever get.
I don't think any one apart from perfect windows read your post like that Vince ;) I knew exactly what you meant as I am sure slumpy did as well
-
I've been reading the replies with great interest.Rhino made me a bit jealous because he has such a good vision, and i can't believe he's come to so many right answers without some form of guidance.
He's doing what i've been thinking.I've got lots of excuses why i don't.
-
I've been reading the replies with great interest.Rhino made me a bit jealous because he has such a good vision, and i can't believe he's come to so many right answers without some form of guidance.
He's doing what i've been thinking.I've got lots of excuses why i don't.
Call me for inspiration whenever you like :D
-
I've been reading the replies with great interest.Rhino made me a bit jealous because he has such a good vision, and i can't believe he's come to so many right answers without some form of guidance.
He's doing what i've been thinking.I've got lots of excuses why i don't.
If you have lots of excuses "why you don't" then you are not ready to move in that direction. One day you will go "that is what I am going to do" and do it with positive thoughts backing up your decison not negative ones.
Was it 4 years you have been going? Not a long time in the grand scale of things, so maybe this sort of industry isn't for you after all, or perhaps you don't suit being "the boss". Not having a go just being realistic :)
We all go through times where we question why do we do this?
Sit down ask yourself what else would you do instead of wc'ing? Start up another business? go work for someone else? Sit around do nothing?
Maybe you will find the answer to what you are going to do, by questioning yourself ;D
-
Hey Slumps
Most businesses take up to three years to become established. My take on this is you enjoyed building the round up, figuring how to do things smarter/quicker and got a buzz out of both these aspects. Now you feel you are on the treadmill, going round and round.
You are 1 to 2 years ahead of me but I would take someone on part time on the existing work you have. Work it together and in your new free time either start something else or grow the business further.
For what it's worth, I am doing more power washing jobs and will soon market my business very differently with WC being just one of the things I cover. I will them employ and live the life of a Rhino. ;)
-
i agree with tom.whats happened is you enjoyed building the work up now you find it a chore taking on new work!/buying new van/equipment and now its boring you!
thats the thing with window cleaning at times.motivation!
ive nearly had a week off.van in garage for mot and repairs.jet washed girlfriends decking,done her garden today.ive had time to sort out invoices,paperwork out.ordered a few things etc.
im raring to go now.should get my van back tommorrow afternoon.only be a week behind.
i dont take my business or well-paid job(whichever way you wanna look at it!)for granted!!
im happy with my business and im slowly adding better work but i also have time to do other things.maybe your work/life balance is not right!
have you got any other interests apart from window cleaning,making money and reading business books?
maybe this is where your problem lies!! ;D ;D ;D
a good break would do you good! ;D ;D ;D
regards
dazmond
-
So, thoughts please.It's okay to be as critical of me as you like- i can take it ;D
I don't think there is an 'end point', in that if you're suggesting that if you had the right business, the right guys working for you, you could just sit back and relax and live off the income that everyone is generating for you, and then you think you would be well and truly happy.
I personally don't think that would be what would happen and the reality of the situation would be that you swap one set of problems for another set of problems, because that's what we're like.
I mean instead of 'working hard and being tired' problems, you'd have more worries about staff, getting work, keeping work, accountants, lawyers, health and safety issues, having to pay staff when they can't work (just look at last Winter) and all the other stuff (I'm probably unaware of) that comes with employing.
I don't think status and money make us happy; they're like drinking salt water; we keep on wanting more and yet we're never satisfied.
Just my thoughts!
-
Your right Tosh, but lots of people thrive in that position. Another option would be to "sell" half the business to a partner. Someone who can give you a cash injection for half the business and bring lots of new ideas and enthusiasm to the table. Something to consider anyway.
-
Well done Slump
You have found the answer to running a business
Many people are negative about the e-myth but it is because they just don't get it, these are similar to the PC Window fans who don't understand Apple products except of course their beloved iPhones
If you read the history of the e-myth author you may begin to understand why ,apart from the money" he shares the book with us
E-myth changed my business and my life and anyway who fails to embrace it is either blinkered, biast or unwilling to believe someone else may just have the answer
The e-myth is not the final answer to your business becoming a success but it may just set you out on the right road
Even the little tips like hanging a door-hanger flyer on the houses next to the ones you already do works so much better than any standard flyer and the building of your procedure manual answers the questions every technician moans about becoming an employer "why can't they do it as well as me"
I have just told you my thoughts on The E- myth but you know I really hope you all tell me I am wrong as it leaves all the more customers for my business
Gordon
-
Well done Slump
You have found the answer to running a business
Many people are negative about the e-myth but it is because they just don't get it, these are similar to the PC Window fans who don't understand Apple products except of course their beloved iPhones
If you read the history of the e-myth author you may begin to understand why ,apart from the money" he shares the book with us
E-myth changed my business and my life and anyway who fails to embrace it is either blinkered, biast or unwilling to believe someone else may just have the answer
The e-myth is not the final answer to your business becoming a success but it may just set you out on the right road
Even the little tips like hanging a door-hanger flyer on the houses next to the ones you already do works so much better than any standard flyer and the building of your procedure manual answers the questions every technician moans about becoming an employer "why can't they do it as well as me"
I have just told you my thoughts on The E- myth but you know I really hope you all tell me I am wrong as it leaves all the more customers for my businessGordon
Why have we all still got our customers then?
Surely you should have them by now? ;D
-
Even the little tips like hanging a door-hanger flyer on the houses next to the ones you already do works so much better than any standard flyer
hey gordon,
i tried to get some door hangers printed last year but couldn't find anywhere to do it. have you been able to, and would you mind letting me know who did them for you?
thanks
R
-
I've really studied the replies that have been given and appreciate your insights- dazmond tom vince and anyone else all pretty smart and perceptive.Gordon, i know exactly what you mean.
About the e myth book.Well it's quite uncomfortable because he's got me exactly, and just like those house makeover programmes where the subject kicks up because the house doctor tells them why they can't sell their house; it's a pooe hole, and your pets need to be kept in the garden etc.
Bye the bye it's some consolation that he's not that good a writer and there are a lot of errors.Surprising in a book thats been a bestseller for fifteen years and been revised, but maybe he carries the "thats the way we do things here" ethos into this and tells the subs they are merely typewriter monkeys.
That said he's got the subject pretty much nailed and the picture he draws of me-even though he doesn't know me- is not one i like. I'm just over half way through, and am just getting to his solution.
I do have faults.I'll give you a couple of examples.I have new vehicles, but a lot of the time they are left dirty. and the back of my van is often untidy and cluttered.This is probably not the best advert for a cleaning company.
Keep the comments coming.Thanks Clive.
-
Well done Slump
You have found the answer to running a business
Many people are negative about the e-myth but it is because they just don't get it, these are similar to the PC Window fans who don't understand Apple products except of course their beloved iPhones
If you read the history of the e-myth author you may begin to understand why ,apart from the money" he shares the book with us
E-myth changed my business and my life and anyway who fails to embrace it is either blinkered, biast or unwilling to believe someone else may just have the answer
The e-myth is not the final answer to your business becoming a success but it may just set you out on the right road
Even the little tips like hanging a door-hanger flyer on the houses next to the ones you already do works so much better than any standard flyer and the building of your procedure manual answers the questions every technician moans about becoming an employer "why can't they do it as well as me"
I have just told you my thoughts on The E- myth but you know I really hope you all tell me I am wrong as it leaves all the more customers for my business
Gordon
I'm with you on this. Did you ever take up any of their consultancy or other services to help you with procedure manuals, etc?
Vin
-
I'm with him on a lot of stuff.My admiration of mcdonalds predates reading this book, and if i can switch back just for a mo to bragging mode my procedures are the best on the forum.Try ordering four porridge at mcdonalds- they only have one microwave and there is a two minute cool down.(many a manager has had this lecture ;D} I believe the 'this is the way we do things here' stuff. But to answer your question i have never written my stuff down, and haven't got to his consultation bit yet.
-
oh you were asking gordon not me. ::)
-
my procedures are the best on the forum.
Your humility knows no bounds.
On what possible basis do you make a statement like that?
Vin
-
the one thing i have come to realise is that it hard to really push any business forward
if you have to be on the tools everyday.
-
Slumpy keeps on saying how he's three years ahead of everyone, and that his procedures are the best but he will never divulge how he is, it makes you wonder if he is just spouting hit air ??? Unless you want to set us straight slumps
-
I'm trying to learn on this thread which means a difficult element of humility and keeping my trap shut and taking on board comments such as thermoclean and gordon.
-
Hmmm,its manual work and customizing and refining methods to increase speed and productivity just means you get to fit even more manual work into the day and eventually it gets labour intensive and monotonous. Occasionally a customer might appreciate what you do(often the first clean)and then they become like the rest and just expect this excellent standard of work is the norm and you have made another rod for your own back.How odd that you have become so efficient that you sometimes you need to deliberately slow down if the customer is in,again no recognition for your art.
-
just bought this book from amazon. Been doing WC since june 2008 so a novice still but doing not too bad. This year i plan to build the work up more and hopefully year 4/5 i get someone to start helping me.
-
So, thoughts please.It's okay to be as critical of me as you like- i can take it ;D
I don't think there is an 'end point', in that if you're suggesting that if you had the right business, the right guys working for you, you could just sit back and relax and live off the income that everyone is generating for you, and then you think you would be well and truly happy.
I personally don't think that would be what would happen and the reality of the situation would be that you swap one set of problems for another set of problems, because that's what we're like.
I mean instead of 'working hard and being tired' problems, you'd have more worries about staff, getting work, keeping work, accountants, lawyers, health and safety issues, having to pay staff when they can't work (just look at last Winter) and all the other stuff (I'm probably unaware of) that comes with employing.
I don't think status and money make us happy; they're like drinking salt water; we keep on wanting more and yet we're never satisfied.
Just my thoughts!
-
SALT WATER?YOUR FUNNY ;D
-
Some good comments, i shall be making some observations later.
Has anyone else got anything to say on this?
-
I think you are in the wrong job Slumps.
It's just window cleaning at the end of the day. I think you worry too much, want too much and over- complicate things. For most of us this is a last resort job that just happens to pay well with little effort or business acumen.
If you want more money either work harder or push your prices up. If you want to call yourself a business man then employ and take the crap that comes with it.
Chill out you greedy bugger! ;D
-
nobody can work all the time slumpy!as an alcoholic addict(clean and sober coming up to 5 years now!)who made a complete mess of his life im starting to be successful in quite a few areas of my life.my business is in a much better place than it was a few years ago and ive probably been a tad obsessed with window cleaning the last year or so!
getting a new van and wfp system,round software,uniform,signs for my van,business cards and leaflets and going about my business in a more professional manner im starting to reap the benefits with better earning power in less time plus im pricing much better for new work.
BUT I KNOW I NEED TO FIND SOME BALANCE!and not let it take over completely and find some leisure time.luckily i have a 12 step program and meetings that help me to keep my feet on the ground.
im certainly interested in reading this emyth thing.have you got a link?i would say your probably ahead of me in regards to equipment,van and a better earning round than me but im striving(not too much though!)to bang it into better shape!
having time for family,friends and doing fun things away from window cleaning including a few holidays to far flung places should not be underestimated.its as important as a good work ethic IMO.
im planning on going to barbados,new york and mauritous this year.
maybe reading a few business books might help me look at things different in regards to work.im not a natural businessman at all and ive undersold my service for far too long!
ive made a lot of mistakes in the past and life became unbearable for a few years due to alcoholism etc but its been one hell of a learning curve!good for character building!im through the other side well and truely now!
best wishes for a happy contented life(in business and private!)
dazmond
-
im certainly interested in reading this emyth thing.have you got a link?i would say your probably ahead of me in regards to equipment,van and a better earning round than me but im striving(not too much though!)to bang it into better shape!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/-myth-Revisited-Small-Businesses-About/dp/0887307280/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300530263&sr=8-1
Read and acted upon, this will help you to spend even more time with your family and friends. It'll certainly help if you want to expand and will help if you don't.
The only caveat: you have to deal with the uber-Californian style of the book and get the content out through that filter.
Vin
-
The e myth is the title of a book and i think it must have been written especially for us.Published in 95 and a bestseller ever since it addresses people who start a business and then get trapped by it. Trapped by having to work harder and harder and harder.
Trapped by not really haviing a business at all but merely a well paid job.
I'm in this trap and pretty fed up.I know a few of you have read it because it's been mentioned before on here.But if you haven't read it you can still have a view.
I'm coming up to four years in and all i do is work and work and work.If i carry on for another four is that all i have to look forward to?
I can't tell you what the book suggests as a solution because i am only half way through, but i do know that a few of you have found a way through, and i also know that many are in the same boat as me, and a few treat the job as a hobby.
So, thoughts please.It's okay to be as critical of me as you like- i can take it ;D
I don't think anyone else has mentioned this so here goes.
Many a tradesman/woman has been promoted to the manager/supervisor and feels great. All their hard work has been rewarded and they have made it. For a while they are happy with a bit more money for the family and kids so they live up to the new wage and all is good. Sometime along the way they become miserable in the job, their home life etc..
I have many friends in this position who hate the constant form filling, personnel issues...you get the idea. They are no longer doing what they enjoyed in the first place, ie. the trade they enjoyed. As an example my father is a carpenter at 68 years old from the age of 15 and still enjoys it. He wouldn't want to employ. he has worked hard and is well off. He knew that was what he wanted to do and never changed.
My point is if you become the boss and don't work , will you enjoy the money any more. You have swapped the trade that you probably enjoyed if the money worries were taken away for a different set of duties all together.
I think for some the better answer is to remain "on the tools" and find someone to run your day to day operation and develop your business for you. Almost become an employee and go home with a wage each week. By default the self employed version of the promoted manager at the start of this post is the tradesperson who went self employed, became too successful for his own good and now can't fit in the work around new quotes, invoicing, paperwork etc. Just because you are a good plumber, cleaner, sparky it doesn't follow you will run a good business but the jump to employing doesn't mean you have to be at the helm. In fact if you're not you are probably in a better position to ensure that the work and money are still being earnt while keeping an eye on the progress of your new employee.
If you are flat out meeting people, quoting, smoking around in the motor doing "stuff" the work can easily fall apart without your control and you end up putting out fires and pacifying old customers.
andy
-
you wont have any fires to put out if you dont smoke in the motor spongebob!!! ;) ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
-
thanks for the link perfect windows.i think ill order a copy!! ;) ;D ;D ;D
best wishes
dazmond
-
you wont have any fires to put out if you dont smoke in the motor spongebob!!! ;) ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I knew that was coming when I typed it.
I wouldn't buy it or read if I was you Daz. You seem to have the balance just right. It might just play with your head.
andy
-
I have started reading it today
I think it is bang on the money but, i am not really out to get massive with window cleaning, just want to refine my work and stay small... Im happy having time with the family etc i can live on what window cleaning provides working mon-fri with a bit of help...
But if i was out to be massive i'd definitely take on board everything in it
-
The e myth is the title of a book and i think it must have been written especially for us.Published in 95 and a bestseller ever since it addresses people who start a business and then get trapped by it. Trapped by having to work harder and harder and harder.
Trapped by not really haviing a business at all but merely a well paid job.
I'm in this trap and pretty fed up.I know a few of you have read it because it's been mentioned before on here.But if you haven't read it you can still have a view.
I'm coming up to four years in and all i do is work and work and work.If i carry on for another four is that all i have to look forward to?
I can't tell you what the book suggests as a solution because i am only half way through, but i do know that a few of you have found a way through, and i also know that many are in the same boat as me, and a few treat the job as a hobby.
So, thoughts please.It's okay to be as critical of me as you like- i can take it ;D
I don't think anyone else has mentioned this so here goes.
Many a tradesman/woman has been promoted to the manager/supervisor and feels great. All their hard work has been rewarded and they have made it. For a while they are happy with a bit more money for the family and kids so they live up to the new wage and all is good. Sometime along the way they become miserable in the job, their home life etc..
I have many friends in this position who hate the constant form filling, personnel issues...you get the idea. They are no longer doing what they enjoyed in the first place, ie. the trade they enjoyed. As an example my father is a carpenter at 68 years old from the age of 15 and still enjoys it. He wouldn't want to employ. he has worked hard and is well off. He knew that was what he wanted to do and never changed.
My point is if you become the boss and don't work , will you enjoy the money any more. You have swapped the trade that you probably enjoyed if the money worries were taken away for a different set of duties all together.
I think for some the better answer is to remain "on the tools" and find someone to run your day to day operation and develop your business for you. Almost become an employee and go home with a wage each week. By default the self employed version of the promoted manager at the start of this post is the tradesperson who went self employed, became too successful for his own good and now can't fit in the work around new quotes, invoicing, paperwork etc. Just because you are a good plumber, cleaner, sparky it doesn't follow you will run a good business but the jump to employing doesn't mean you have to be at the helm. In fact if you're not you are probably in a better position to ensure that the work and money are still being earnt while keeping an eye on the progress of your new employee.
If you are flat out meeting people, quoting, smoking around in the motor doing "stuff" the work can easily fall apart without your control and you end up putting out fires and pacifying old customers.
andy
I think the point missed like you say is that some people can run a business as a technician and do most of the work and be happy, its all about what you want in life!
The book points out that you shouldn't restrict your business growth by what you want etc, but some people took on window cleaning for exactly that reason, to restrict working hours to a certain amount for reasons to do with health, family , religion whatever, but then i suppose we/they are the ones it doesnt apply to!!
-
Slumpy its time for a new challenges to the next step, Mate
You are a bright fellow but need new challenges to keep you happy. I think you need to plan your challenges for a longer time so you never get board.But bee careful not to drop your successes to move to a new challenges, make them part of the bigger goal,
Now get out there and find something to keep you busy.
-
Slumpy its time for a new challenges to the next step, Mate
You are a bright fellow but need new challenges to keep you happy. I think you need to plan your challenges for a longer time so you never get board.But bee careful not to drop your successes to move to a new challenges, make them part of the bigger goal,
Now get out there and find something to keep you busy.
No, Slumpy doesn't need new challenges, if you ask me. It's the last thing he needs. He's too busy telling everyone that everything he does is better than them. That's fine as long as you are better than everyone else. Then to come on here and say that all is not well in the engine room is slightly odd... I think he needs to get his current business working.
You see, my view is that everything I'm doing is unlikely to be the best way. What are the chances that I'm doing it better than every other window cleaner and every other businessman in the UK? Zero. So, I read almost every thread on here (apart from the ones about weather/miserable git at number 5, etc.). I've learned an astounding amount and I'm constantly learning. I try what I read (I was rinsing brush on today to see how it goes, for instance). I also try to spread about a little of what I've learned. Again, Slumpy disapproves of that. He's of the opinion that we should keep our knowledge to ourselves.
So, we have someone not willing to accept that his way of working may not be the best, who also thinks that information is something to be hoarded rather than shared (look through his posts and see when he's given away any concrete details about how he works).
So, bluntly, no book is going to fix Slumpy's problems. I recommended it to him before I'd realised what sort of person I was dealing with.
I think it's a real shame, as the book contains some rather startling stuff in it that could transform his life but I solemnly predict that if Slumpy is still coming in here in twelve months, his refrain will be exactly the same as this year. I'll be glad (genuinely) if I'm wrong but this is one of the few things in the world that I'm pretty pessimistic about.
Vin
-
I don't think anyone else has mentioned this so here goes.
Many a tradesman/woman has been promoted to the manager/supervisor and feels great. All their hard work has been rewarded and they have made it. For a while they are happy with a bit more money for the family and kids so they live up to the new wage and all is good. Sometime along the way they become miserable in the job, their home life etc..
I have many friends in this position who hate the constant form filling, personnel issues...you get the idea. They are no longer doing what they enjoyed in the first place, ie. the trade they enjoyed. As an example my father is a carpenter at 68 years old from the age of 15 and still enjoys it. He wouldn't want to employ. he has worked hard and is well off. He knew that was what he wanted to do and never changed.
My point is if you become the boss and don't work , will you enjoy the money any more. You have swapped the trade that you probably enjoyed if the money worries were taken away for a different set of duties all together.
I think for some the better answer is to remain "on the tools" and find someone to run your day to day operation and develop your business for you. Almost become an employee and go home with a wage each week. By default the self employed version of the promoted manager at the start of this post is the tradesperson who went self employed, became too successful for his own good and now can't fit in the work around new quotes, invoicing, paperwork etc. Just because you are a good plumber, cleaner, sparky it doesn't follow you will run a good business but the jump to employing doesn't mean you have to be at the helm. In fact if you're not you are probably in a better position to ensure that the work and money are still being earnt while keeping an eye on the progress of your new employee.
If you are flat out meeting people, quoting, smoking around in the motor doing "stuff" the work can easily fall apart without your control and you end up putting out fires and pacifying old customers.
andy
Spongebob: Brilliant post!
Not sure what angle you're coming to this from (i.e. whether you've read the book) but this is exactly the problem the book addresses. How can a technician spend time doing what they love rather than ending up running the business instead?
Vin
-
I think the comment about Slumps not offering advice or helping others is wrong. He has offered me good advice before. What he doesn't do, is respond to posts that are from someone who clearly has not spent any time reading through previous posts e.g. "what's the best way to clean windows".
I got the book yesterday and will start reading it tonight.
-
If you ever tell anybody what a great film the blues brothers is, and they are doubtful, it's because so many films afterward copied the style and the humour.I have those days too ;D.This book, the emyth, is fifteen years old and many other books have since filleted the ideas and re-presented them as their own.
The different perpectives given on this thread have been food for thought and i wouldn't disagree with any of them.I think my problem is fairly typical and representative.I wanted to expand and took someone on, we ran out of work very quickly, and i got more work.Because i wanted to keep two people busy i didn't fuss much over the quality.If an £8 terrace 8wk that i had to drive to get to the rear rang up i'd take it.My helper left, i got someone else, they left, and finally a third left.
Then i was stuck trying to keep up on my own.
So what does the book say about this.Well, it says that i should work on my business rather than it, and i should approach it as a prototype of a much larger business with scalable processes.And to quote the book directly;
How must my business- as- a- product work in order for it to successfuly attract not only customers but also employees who want to work there?
Where the business is the product, how the business interacts with the customer is more important than what it sells.
-
All business books are cloned from Think and Grow Rich published by Napoleon Hill in 1937 IMO. Its still in print and still the best.
What all of them do however is feed on your own internal dissatisfaction which is part of the human condition. Do they really offer solutions or are they just a mirror into which you stare deeply and see what you want to see?
Being dissatisfied with your life is normal but is it healthy? I don't know you Slumpy but I would say by many peoples standards you are already a great sucess in life. why beat youself up?
Acceptance of what is rather than what isn't can be a great personal quality as well
-
I think the comment about Slumps not offering advice or helping others is wrong. He has offered me good advice before. What he doesn't do, is respond to posts that are from someone who clearly has not spent any time reading through previous posts e.g. "what's the best way to clean windows".
I got the book yesterday and will start reading it tonight.
Tom,
Looks like your experience differs from mine; I'm just saying it as I found it.
He even criticised me in the past for giving away information. I quote: "You came across to me as a very bright and switched on .Your background in marketing etc makes you an especially good person to know.The only bit i didn't like was your readyness to share info.If possible i like to stay about three years in front of this forum (how they laughed when i told Alex the future was hot and how an demand system would be the norm), but to maintain this there has to be an element of keeping ones gob shut. "
I'm afraid with attitudes like that he's destined to stay in the same place he's currently in for ever. Which is fine but sad.
Vin
-
Time for another one of slump's stories ;D;
In my other life i deal exclusively with one big wholesaler in Leicester.It's a family business- asian- and the turnover is several million.They needed some stuff off a firm that has risen to become one of the largest suppliers to primark.So this second firm is a bit bigger with a turnover in the tens of millions.Anyway this second firm would not supply.The size of the potential order was quite big but every approach was knocked back. Sick of being given the run around by underlings my supplier phoned the MD and told him who they were, a well established reputable biz with good money to spend.
"yes."Said the MD (also asian- not a racist comment but relevant)"I know quite well who you are.Fifteen years ago, when i was traveling, desperate for orders i came to you.You kept me waiting, you humiliated me.I waited for four hours before leaving without seeing you.All the time you had said i will see you in a minute. I vowed then that i would never supply you."
My friend said he didn't remember the encounter, it may have happened but it wouldn't have been rudness of a deliberate nature.In those days he had always been busy with customers and they took precedence over reps.
The MD had waited fifteen years for this moment of payback.My friend said he genuinely didn't remember, it would have been unintentional, and if an apology would help he apologised. In the end he was supplied, but relations were business like at best.
Anyway, that said, whatever it is i did, and i think i know, Vin i'm sorry mate.I can remember you vowing never to post on a thread that i was on so at least we are making some progress.
-
In General-
I find the ones in business (any kind) who analyse, analyse & analyse. Read all the books, talk the talk etc. are more often than not the ones who lag behind, never really progressing anywhere. One great idea after another, an ideal, what they would do if they actually thought it would work.
The ones who just get on with it, go out & actually do it are the ones who I see progress.
Just a general observation, not aimed at anyone. :)
-
Yes.On this point the book states the difference between ideas and innovations.
Your fitting of an immersion element is an innovation. Well done, that was excellent. I suppose my inventing the hot system, electric reel, loop tidy, visit cards, and some 3yrs, IF, stuff i can't talk about might count too. ;D
On another subject mac my little boy is off for another final cut lesson at apple tomorrow.I've ordered cs5 student off adobe with after effects.My little boy is a big captain underpants fan(It's a bestselling kids humourous book series) , his idea is to utube his own version -captain thunderpants- (starring himself off course) as a superhero who using adobe effects can fart huge flame throwers.Thats my boy.
-
Yes.On this point the book states the difference between ideas and innovations.
Your fitting of an immersion element is an innovation. Well done, that was excellent. I suppose my inventing the hot system, electric reel, loop tidy, visit cards, and some 3yrs, IF, stuff i can't talk about might count too. ;D
On another subject mac my little boy is off for another final cut lesson at apple tomorrow.I've ordered cs5 student off adobe with after effects.My little boy is a big captain underpants fan(It's a bestselling kids humourous book series) , his idea is to utube his own version -captain thunderpants- (starring himself off course) as a superhero who using adobe effects can fart huge flame throwers.Thats my boy.
Very good Slumps. Once he gets to grips with the software & gets a bit more experience he should consider editing & authoring other peoples video footage for a fee. Slide shows of photos & video clips of peoples treasured memories etc.
I used to do a bit, mainly converting VHS to DVD then authoring it with multi menus & music etc. Or making digital slide shows from peoples wedding photos. Add the right music with subtle transitions & when you can make the hairs stand up on the back of someones neck- you've cracked it! ;)
-
What all of them do however is feed on your own internal dissatisfaction which is part of the human condition. Do they really offer solutions or are they just a mirror into which you stare deeply and see what you want to see?
Being dissatisfied with your life is normal but is it healthy? I don't know you Slumpy but I would say by many peoples standards you are already a great sucess in life. why beat youself up?
Acceptance of what is rather than what isn't can be a great personal quality as well
Vince,
It's not often I read a philosophical post on this forum and think, "This guy really knows what he's talking about", but you really do know what you're talking about; or at least what you've typed chimes with me.
What you've typed isn't usually a conclusion that someone comes about by their own intuition, because it's counter-intuitive. We usually think that if we can get all the 'externals' in our life in a certain way (the right car/house/woman/business/income/holidays/etc), then at that point we'll be happy. But it doesn't work like that (IMO, and in many other people's opinion too). As you say, that's part of the human condition.
I'd be interested to know how you know this? A 12 Step program or some religious or spiritual path?
-
He's sort of right about think and grow rich too. Anything the human mind can concieve and believe it can achieve.Being the central message.
It stands up well and is brilliantly well written, hardly dated, and credited with making more millionaires than anything else on the planet.
Compare and contrast with the other well known book how to win friends and influence people by dale carnegie, and this is has become very wooden and corny now.
As to spiiritual beliefs let me guide you tosh, and be your guru,Happyness is coming on this forum and everyone agreeing with you (and 400 a day, and finding the right van).
-
Well thank you for those kind words but I'm afraid that its just a product of getting older really rather than some deep inner wisdom.
Much of life is about getting on with what you have got. You only have one skin and have to live in it.
Also you have to tell the difference between reality and aspirational fantasy. So many things, even the crass stuff like X Factor makes us believe there is a world out there beyond the rainbow. If you buy this toothpaste or wear these clothes you will have a better life. Unfortunately life doesn't have a rewind button.
C S Lewis in Alice in Wonderland has Alice get to wonderland by stepping through a mirror. The symbolism of that is very significant. The Wizard of Oz, somewhere over the rainbow. Superman, Batman, Spiderman all had secret identities. Starting to see a pattern emerging?
Look at the nerdy kid who comes home from his failing school to his home on a run down council estate and jumps straight on his X Box and becomes a super hero battling all sorts of enemies, driving fast cars or playing as a footballer against Barcelona or whoever.
Its all escapism but for that you need to have something you want to escape from. Slumpy does it with his books, others I believe (don't want to offend anyone here) do it with religion. Drink, well we know about that.
I am 57 now, one of the blokes I went to school with has posted up on Friends Reunited that he now lives in Thailand with his Thai girlfriend who is 30 years his Junior. Is he fooling anyone?, he's not fooling me and I can't imagine he's fooling her when the lights are off, maybe he's just fooling himself.
-
Not read the book or some of these posts as too busy cleaning windows ;)
Is this possibly another example of trying to turn what must be one the most simplest businesses in the world into something far more complicated ..... like I say this job / business is not rocket science .... yes it can be improved and this "improvement" will be different things to different people depending what you want from window cleaning.
Wont bore u with my background / knowledge of big business but for me the simplicity of this business IMHO should be left as it is.
-
I agree vince, but looked at the other way everthing becomes a mirror image of us.The person with the nasty little dog probably is nasty.The pit bull owner a bully.
Someone with a large and profitable business, a multifaceted personality, an intelectual with wide reading, probably projects and descibes me best- if you get what i mean.
In other words i am okay with looking in the mirror but escapism is part of my nature.
-
Well lets try another bounce of the ball. The person with the large and sucessful business may well just be a ruthless nasty numpty who doesn't care who he walks all over to get what he wants.
-
;D I've always thought that. How many of us had really great bosses in our previous careers? How many great chummy managing directors have you worked for? Not many I bet.
-
Someone with a large and profitable business, a multifaceted personality, an intelectual with wide reading, probably projects and descibes me best- if you get what i mean.
What's a multifaceted personality?
What sort of 'wide reading' do you do, and how does reading equate you to being an intellectual?
I'm just interested! ;D
-
Well most recently i've read business books and biographies. I used to read the classics, hemingway, frank richards, dickens etc.
I don't read much spiritual stuff as i believe is your interest, but i am fairly conversant with most philosophies.i know about calculous, churchills speeches, and excel spreadsheets.
My outook tends to be genial and humourous.Thats why i included frank richards because i knew you'd have to google it ;D
My general knowledge is quite poor.On that quiz programme the chase i am rubbish.
-
Okay let me give you a couple of examples of my intelectualism tosh as you did say you were interested.First if i wanted to get a rise out of you the easiest way would be to equate myself casually with some kind of officer class.But as i don't, you can stand down.
Second this idea of blogging seems a lot like the sermon a vicar used to give- except that the parable is more often to do with smart biz than godliness.Here's an email one of the leading biz intelectuals sent me today and if you analyse it as a blogg it is a classic sermon.Here goes.
Idea tourism
It's possible for a tourist to visit Times Square in New York City, see nothing new or unexpected, and leave the city unchanged.
Same with the Eiffel Tower in Paris or a shopping mall in Dubai. Tourism doesn't always open your mind, but when it works the way it supposed to, it sure does.
Which brings us to the notion of idea tourism.
It's possible to do a drive-by of some of the big ideas of science or politics or technology and see only what you want to see. I don't think there's a lot of point in that. If you want to truly understand Darwin, then go to a lab and do some experiments. If you want to understand a gun lover, go to a shooting range for an afternoon. If you want to see how social networking will actually change the way ideas spread, go use it. Intensely, and with a purpose in mind.
Only when we try the idea on for size and actually use it do we understand it. With more ideas offering visitation rights than ever before, learning how empathize with an idea is critical.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's another that the author of a recent best selling book sent me.
Thanks, Clive - interesting idea. Will noodle on that for a bit... :-)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So you see Tosh that i am in correspondence with some of the greatest minds and up to date thinkers in the world, and not only that but i am interested to hear how people on here react to ideas too.
-
i know about calculous,
But not how so spell it ;D.
-
The e myth is the title of a book and i think it must have been written especially for us.Published in 95 and a bestseller ever since it addresses people who start a business and then get trapped by it. Trapped by having to work harder and harder and harder.
Trapped by not really haviing a business at all but merely a well paid job.
I'm in this trap and pretty fed up.I know a few of you have read it because it's been mentioned before on here.But if you haven't read it you can still have a view.
I'm coming up to four years in and all i do is work and work and work.If i carry on for another four is that all i have to look forward to?
I can't tell you what the book suggests as a solution because i am only half way through, but i do know that a few of you have found a way through, and i also know that many are in the same boat as me, and a few treat the job as a hobby.
So, thoughts please.It's okay to be as critical of me as you like- i can take it ;D
work work work sounds about right
i dont dont know if you are doing well or not
but if your still just in the habit of collecting customers after 4 years
thats a mistake lots of new window cleaners keep making
next thing, they talk about employing staff (because they collect customers and dont no nothing else)
most never learn, just depends what you will be doing in the next 4 years
that book didnt help by the sounds of it