Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: wcs. on December 19, 2008, 06:46:23 pm

Title: s
Post by: wcs. on December 19, 2008, 06:46:23 pm
s

Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: AJ on December 19, 2008, 07:43:24 pm
Losing 48k per annum in one go off a housing association because of a merger.
this was about 8 years after we started and we took it for granted. never have all my eggs in one basket again.
we had to get the business back, quickly. I think thats when we really knuckled down and realized that you can't sit back, you got to keep on plugging away.
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Chris Cottrell on December 19, 2008, 08:34:59 pm
Losing 48k per annum in one go off a housing association because of a merger.
this was about 8 years after we started and we took it for granted. never have all my eggs in one basket again.
we had to get the business back, quickly. I think thats when we really knuckled down and realized that you can't sit back, you got to keep on plugging away.

theres some very good advise there
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: East coast window cleaning Services on December 19, 2008, 08:56:33 pm
When i bought the guy i was in partnership in 2006 when he decided to move to the states recovered from that, But this year bought another firm out and took on 25k plus of new work.
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: STEVE-UK on December 19, 2008, 09:01:20 pm
why did you come back from the states, was the grass not greener there?
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: East coast window cleaning Services on December 19, 2008, 09:05:18 pm
Na my Partner sodded off there meet a bird who lived there
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Dean Taberner on December 19, 2008, 09:27:09 pm
Falling from my ladder, breaking both of my legs and feet, then spending nearly 2 months in a wheelchair and topping it all off with nearly 12 months off work and struggling like hell to pay my mortgage and support my young family even with my insurance policy.


Thats when I realised that my ladders had to be dumped and WFP is the future.

Dean.   :-\
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Clive McDonald on December 19, 2008, 09:41:21 pm
When I put the phone down on cleantech having given them my card details for £1,200 worth of kit but only having 30 customers.Then two months later spending 8k on a van and still only having thirty customers.

I look back now, how i laugh.
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Dean Taberner on December 19, 2008, 09:42:55 pm
When I put the phone down on cleantech having given them my card details for £1,200 worth of kit but only having 30 customers.Then two months later spending 8k on a van and still only having thirty customers.

I look back now, how i laugh.

Excellent  ;)
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Martin-Swinscoe on December 19, 2008, 10:40:43 pm
Working 12 hour day/night shifts  in a local factory, I employed a young lad who always turned up with a unreliable older bloke who used to mess me around.
I sat by my machine one day last july and thought "what the hell am i doing here? i've got a good buisness that can support my family the hours are great and i'm doing 12 hours in a factory". Did nothing more than go straight to the managers office and told him i was leaving. Started fulltime selfemployed kept the young lad on with me finished the older bloke.
In the middle of a recession but so what i'm getting new customers every week.. ;D
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Oakley Windows on December 19, 2008, 10:48:05 pm
When I started to take pro-active decisions AND CARRY THEM OUT !! based on advancing the welfare of my business and take steps that produced real, noticeable and tangible results (such as designing and developing my website, buying and sign-writing van, going WFP, producing professional looking flyers and using them)
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Niall McAllister on December 19, 2008, 11:40:47 pm
Falling from my ladder, breaking both of my legs and feet, then spending nearly 2 months in a wheelchair and topping it all off with nearly 12 months off work and struggling like hell to pay my mortgage and support my young family even with my insurance policy.


Thats when I realised that my ladders had to be dumped and WFP is the future.

Dean.   :-\

know where you are coming fron,
for me this is mid turning point. two scull fractures, a brain bleed, and a broken collar bone. :'(
the wfp will be well on it's way when I get back to work 8)
niall
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Dean Taberner on December 20, 2008, 12:33:22 am
Thats nasty mate,

Are you ok now?

Dean
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: ftp on December 20, 2008, 08:20:48 am
That's a rather humble post Ewan, what's happened to all the marketing strategies and advice you've been ramming down our throats all these months? Turns out you are very small fry after all and will have to start again. What a disappointment you are. ;D
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: peter holley on December 20, 2008, 08:23:32 am
now. now ladies  ::)handbags away :-*
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: ftp on December 20, 2008, 08:34:35 am
It's exactly what i thought, to be honest Ewan.  ::)
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Paul Coleman on December 20, 2008, 08:46:49 am
What were or when was your turning point’s in your window cleaning business that change or advanced your business or outlook.



Becoming ill a few years ago and not being able to work for a few months.  It opened my eyes to just how dispensible I am and that I needed to change the way I worked in order to self protect.
Also, the advent of switching to WFP was a major one - especially once I got used to it.
There have been other lightbulb moments along the way too but those are the main ones.
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Oakley Windows on December 20, 2008, 08:53:01 am
You havent been trading 2 years yet Ewan.


I think ftp's point is that you DO come on here, number crunching, analysing, pontificating, twittering on about researching sales projected targets and all sorts of other boffin angled stuff (when I see it so far as Im concerned its like listening to the guy in a large organisation telling the shop-floor staff how to do their job when theyve never been anywhere near a shop-floor in their life. Have you ever been employed on the cards and worn a suit for a living?) and you have barely a year and  a halfs experience.

Anyway after 2 years someone in THIS game should be up and running, getting well established, recommendations (because by that time you are starting to prove yourself as reliable) continuing to expand, have reached what you wanted to initially achieve and be aiming for something higher. Being prepared to get out there and get on with IT and realised that by now that thinking about IT and analysing IT doesnt get the windows clean.

By the way Happy Christmas again Ewan.
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Pj on December 20, 2008, 09:01:41 am
What were or when was your turning point’s in your window cleaning business that change or advanced your business or outlook.



Becoming ill a few years ago and not being able to work for a few months.  It opened my eyes to just how dispensible I am and that I needed to change the way I worked in order to self protect.
Also, the advent of switching to WFP was a major one - especially once I got used to it.
There have been other lightbulb moments along the way too but those are the main ones.

Very much the same for me really!
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Paul Coleman on December 20, 2008, 09:22:47 am
You havent been trading 2 years yet Ewan.


I think ftp's point is that you DO come on here, number crunching, analysing, pontificating, twittering on about researching sales projected targets and all sorts of other boffin angled stuff (when I see it so far as Im concerned its like listening to the guy in a large organisation telling the shop-floor staff how to do their job when theyve never been anywhere near a shop-floor in their life. Have you ever been employed on the cards and worn a suit for a living?) and you have barely a year and  a halfs experience.

Anyway after 2 years someone in THIS game should be up and running, getting well established, recommendations (because by that time you are starting to prove yourself as reliable) continuing to expand, have reached what you wanted to initially achieve and be aiming for something higher. Being prepared to get out there and get on with IT and realised that by now that thinking about IT and analysing IT doesnt get the windows clean.

By the way Happy Christmas again Ewan.



Merry Christmas to you and your family.

I have been a member of CIU few days of two years prior to this have been looking at window cleaning for a few months so more like close to, two and a half years my involvement with window cleaning.

I’m patient I don’t rush, I realise it’s more important to learn at the beginning than just to go after the money.

To give you some idea with what I am like many years ago I trained to be a Photographer, training at the studio is four years I did it in two.

I don’t sit still I can honestly say my first 150 customers are no longer with me, by the end of 2009 I would expect another load of customers to be gone, replace by better customers.

This idea of still having your very first customer from when you began is a mistake unless you nailed how to price from day one. I couldn’t do that, how many here can say they can?


No chance.  My early pricing was pitiful.  I just didn't know any better.
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Oakley Windows on December 20, 2008, 09:24:03 am

This idea of still having your very first customer from when you began is a mistake unless you nailed how to price from day one.


I didnt say that.


This is your first post Ewan on this site

Hello all.

 Left my job to go self employed as a full time Window Cleaner last April.

Need help on, trying to work out should I base my Hourly rate on 24 - 30 hours cleanning only per week?(based in the Midlands). What would be a the lowest rate for me to cover all expenses and make success of building a small business.
(or survive the 1st year).

All comments welcome.  Thanks

I assume from that post that you started window cleaning April 2007. How many months is that?
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: elite mike on December 20, 2008, 09:26:35 am
matts on the ball this morning ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: craig b on December 20, 2008, 09:58:52 am
ewan i need do this my self....take some of your own advice you give to others..and follow through...
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: matt on December 20, 2008, 11:03:28 am
what a post

so now it seems that ewan isnt the success he has lead us to belive

year 2 i was stacked out with work, i bought the work from a guy who was retiring and a guy who was going back home to oz, infact i was at that point after about 6 months, the prices are good enough, was i lucky or just plain lazy ( to be in the right place at the right time ) ive since filled in the rounds, put flyers / said good morning to the houses in the spaces of the houses i didnt do on the street i did

im not sure why i get the sly digs off you as from where im sat with my well paid, compact round, ive done ok

my turning point was at 10.00 the day i started as a favour to my mother in law's partener, he had broke his arm and leg on a skateboard, i was still doing carpentry, i had a kitchen to fit that week, i fitted that and then helped him out as he was concearned he would lose his work, i was just going to help him out and then when he was back to fittness i would wave goodbuy and get on with my carpentry work, we started at about 9 ish and i allways stopped in the building for a 10.00 break ( along with lunch at 1 and a cuppa at 3 ) i had cleaned 1 house in about 45 mins ( trad work ), not bad to be honest, 10 quid in 45 mins trad, considering i had never done it before even if i say so myself
anyways, 10.00 came i stopped, i thought to myself, what a stress free job, next house the ladder slipped on me ( on a slab ) and that was it, i got a canvas tool bag and filled it with sand, it was allways my " foot "

so i guess my turning point was at 10.00 that first day, i decided i might like this, that same week i bumped into a guy who was planning to retire, job done, i had 3/4 of a round, it was established since the houses were built in the 60's, passed on from 1 guy to the next who i got it off

tools, poles, cars, vans, brushs, they are just tools of the game, i would like to say that another turning point was my RT Zen-flex, its certainly made my life alot easier, not sure a turning point, but certainly a plus point

Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Jeff Brimble on December 20, 2008, 11:10:00 am
When I started to take pro-active decisions AND CARRY THEM OUT !! based on advancing the welfare of my business and take steps that produced real, noticeable and tangible results (such as designing and developing my website, buying and sign-writing van, going WFP, producing professional looking flyers and using them)

What percentage of work do you get from your new website, someones just offered to build me a 5 page flash site for £550 plus vat ?
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: peter holley on December 20, 2008, 11:30:59 am
ewan , dont just get rid of customers, try adjusting the price first, and then drop them if they wont play....
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Mike 108 on December 20, 2008, 11:38:00 am

 i got a canvas tool bag and filled it with sand, it was allways my " foot "


I like that!

I don't do much ladder work now, but I'll bet that bag of sand was even better than a 'Rojac' ladder stop.
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: matt on December 20, 2008, 11:58:00 am

 i got a canvas tool bag and filled it with sand, it was allways my " foot "


I like that!

I don't do much ladder work now, but I'll bet that bag of sand was even better than a 'Rojac' ladder stop.

it wieghed a fair bit, never moved a inch to be honest
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: ftp on December 20, 2008, 12:09:23 pm
After two years you should be settled in the job with as much work as you can handle i would have thought. Turning point? - never had one since i started the job.
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Oakley Windows on December 20, 2008, 12:25:12 pm
When I started to take pro-active decisions AND CARRY THEM OUT !! based on advancing the welfare of my business and take steps that produced real, noticeable and tangible results (such as designing and developing my website, buying and sign-writing van, going WFP, producing professional looking flyers and using them)

What percentage of work do you get from your new website, someones just offered to build me a 5 page flash site for £550 plus vat ?


Jeff I wouldnt say so far its got me a good deal. I am near enough the top of the list on various google search terms, particularly those I am trying to target.

The work comes in from it, 2 this week. One an £85.00 job every 12 weeks and a £20.00 every 6 weeks.

The £85.00 job is in my books a prestigious little number. Close Royal connections. Very pleased with that.

I did my web-page myself Jeff, no cost there, somewhere around £5.00 a month to host it.

www.oakleywindowcleaning.co.uk

Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: ftp on December 20, 2008, 12:27:54 pm
After two years you should be settled in the job with as much work as you can handle i would have thought. Turning point? - never had one since i started the job.


I agree, but don’t mean the work you have couldn’t be better.

As for having no noticeable dates or advancement in building your business, maybe you haven’t achieved much in two years that could have been in a few weeks.
   

The usual arrogant answer from you Ewan as always, i think you need help.
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: ftp on December 20, 2008, 12:34:11 pm
My business has been improving steadily all the time, i priced fairly well at the start and still have 90% of my original customers, i have add ons such as conservatory cleaning and gutter vacuuming as well as full exterior cleans so i don't need a turning point, just steady work and a comfortable income. What more could i want?
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: matt on December 20, 2008, 12:35:36 pm
After two years you should be settled in the job with as much work as you can handle i would have thought. Turning point? - never had one since i started the job.


I agree, but don’t mean the work you have couldn’t be better.

As for having no noticeable dates or advancement in building your business, maybe you haven’t achieved much in two years that could have been in a few weeks.
   


so you are still looking for work and you havent acheived much, yet you still feel you have the right to have another of your " digs" at ftp

its statement like that, thet imply your a huge success, yet in this thread you have admitted your not

i guess ego's are strange things
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: simonwonder on December 20, 2008, 12:42:52 pm
when all else has failed to produce the results have now redesigned flyers and stopped trying to do everything myself
new year coming and a friend helping with flyer distribution
and a wife who until now hasn't really helped , now helping with typing up off most of the paperwork due to me suffering from tennis elbow.
have now re thought strategy and having recently gained a £300 a month contract  can now move forward  .
now gaining more custom from all avenues .
long may it continue .
what  down turn ?

may i wish everyone a fantastic christmas and a very prosperous new year

regards
simon
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: ftp on December 20, 2008, 01:39:27 pm
Ewan, your trouble is you put up a post (you've done it several times) asking a question about someones buisiness. They reply quite innocently and then you jump on them telling them they've got it all wrong, they don't know what they are talking about and they know nothing about business you then proceed to lecture them on how to do it, when it turns out you know very little about your own. Do you wonder why you are often described as a troll?

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D .......... aparently if you put a row of these at the end you can say what you like.  ;D
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: craig b on December 20, 2008, 01:45:59 pm
levels of succsess is measured on personal level..
if you acheive what you set out to.. that is a succsess..
i always wanted to be my own boss i acheived that.
i wanted two vans working i acheived that..(so i could do less work)
its what you get out of it for yourself..
next goal me not working...and retire when iam 45
34 now....
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Paul Coleman on December 20, 2008, 04:13:05 pm
After two years you should be settled in the job with as much work as you can handle i would have thought. Turning point? - never had one since i started the job.

That was roughly the way it was for me too.  Two years to get a fullish workload.  That was without any customer culling though (except for a very few really awful ones who I wouldn't work for if they were the last custies on earth).
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: ftp on December 20, 2008, 04:40:20 pm
What's the point in turning work away if you have the capacity to do it? It's not the price that's really important it's the quality. £25.00 job that takes an hour or a £5.00 job that takes five minutes?
I don't know best and i'm not particularly strong on diy either.
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: matt on December 20, 2008, 05:31:56 pm
After two years you should be settled in the job with as much work as you can handle i would have thought. Turning point? - never had one since i started the job.


I agree, but don’t mean the work you have couldn’t be better.

As for having no noticeable dates or advancement in building your business, maybe you haven’t achieved much in two years that could have been in a few weeks.
   


so you are still looking for work and you havent acheived much, yet you still feel you have the right to have another of your " digs" at ftp

its statement like that, thet imply your a huge success, yet in this thread you have admitted your not

i guess ego's are strange things



I have achieved a lot so far and I will always be looking for new work.

You and a few others are always looking to comment in a negative way, you just don’t like it when you get some of your own treatment back.

No one who is just a sole trader is going to be a huge success; it’s just a question of achieving the max earnings at that level, many have said it could take up to 4-5 years if you are able to do it, obviously now according to you and others it doesn’t, but I disagree I think it does take a few years.

I don’t think you or the others have or know how, after all it’s not rocket science.

As for egos I don’t brag, you do all the time and when you here of others successes you complain that they are bragging.

Even a very simple topic like this, you having trouble with, says it all really.

I haven’t done any DIY but I could list everything that I have achieved but that’s not what the thread is about, then you will only say you are bragging.


you mention i brag, its mainly either defending myself / showing that im not some down and out part time window cleaner, or and this is mainly the reason, its just in discussion, then again, its nice to see you think im bragging, must mean something is right with my biz / life eh

this is a simple topic, you have asked me for my turning point, ive told you, yet you still think my reply doesnt have intellectual content ? ? ? ?, it doesnt say it all, your question has been answered by me, so what part of it am i having trouble with ? ? ? ?

you can come on here and spout your sales / marketing qouta's, it doesnt impress many, now we learn you have been at is a tomato season and you need more work

Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: peter holley on December 20, 2008, 05:32:55 pm
ewan ....just wondered...how old are you? do you live at home with your parents?
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: peter holley on December 20, 2008, 05:39:18 pm
your still living with your parents then?
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: matt on December 20, 2008, 05:44:19 pm
Ewan, your trouble is you put up a post (you've done it several times) asking a question about someones buisiness. They reply quite innocently and then you jump on them telling them they've got it all wrong, they don't know what they are talking about and they know nothing about business you then proceed to lecture them on how to do it, when it turns out you know very little about your own. Do you wonder why you are often described as a troll?

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D .......... aparently if you put a row of these at the end you can say what you like.  ;D



Well you lot do have some funny ways about doing things, it does make me laugh.

To be fair I’m not really interested in your business, (don’t take this personal) I don’t think you understand enough same as the matt’s although you lot would be good for advice on DIY (don’t take that personally either) as you are strong in that area.

I do actually understand something about business and I do understand my own business, the reason for the thread is starting, next year I have taken some work of some very well run window cleaning firms I have got them on the back foot, so I know I am doing something right going to be a turning point as it’s taken a couple of years to get here, or to put it so you understand I always turn down work (everyday) for less than £25.00, not bragging and I’m not rolling in cash, but I am up to something and the money will come later, whereas to many chase the money now, when you should be patience.

But then again, you do know best


I think the real trolls have been on here for a long time and have gone nowhere!

If I am still posting this regular in another two years I will agree to being a Troll!

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D :P


you have mentioned me in this again, so i will reply

i guess im not the best business person in the world, i know that, i run my biz fairly basically, the reason, i cannot take anymore work on, im running at 110 %, now this will change when i work full time, but thats 3 years down the line, see im the type of guy ( i guess you hate ) who thinks, if its working and its doing fine, then why change it, im after a simple life, i dont want to employ ( now keep in mind, ive run building jobs, ive run houseing association new kitchen / shower contracts ) ive done all the ordering, all the "getting trades in at the right time " and all the paperwork, this doesnt scare me, i can do it,ive slept with a pad next to the bed for when i wake up and remmber i need to order something or get a plumber down for the day etc etc BUT, i come home from work and spend time with the family ( currently having a bath ), its fairly easy to understand if you think about it, will it change when they are slightly older and not wanting to do silly things with dad, i guess so

you mention your 25 quid work, i have a number of big houses, its a funny thing, i earn the same on them as i do on the 10 quid houses ( well the bigger houses are a slight bit more, but nothing to write home about ), i know that a row of 10 quid houses can earn me the same as 5 25 quid houses, done in the same time, as you say, its not rocket science is it




Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: matt on December 20, 2008, 05:46:06 pm
Some say, I am an adult with responsibilities.

Hope that’s answered your questions, p holly


your still living with your parents then?

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

nothing wrong in still living with parents, though it does explain a little more now
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: peter holley on December 20, 2008, 05:50:21 pm
Some say, I am an adult with responsibilities.

Hope that’s answered your questions, p holly


a polititions answer ::)
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: matt on December 20, 2008, 05:52:17 pm
Some say, I am an adult with responsibilities.

Hope that’s answered your questions, p holly


a polititions answer ::)

ive asked him once before if he is a politician, he does like the non-answers
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: peter holley on December 20, 2008, 05:55:20 pm
 ewan said..........quote...For example about a year ago I went and got some work that would pay all my bills, the idea was I would only have to clean one a day but that would be enough to pay the bills, I still keep these jobs today. Although it has crossed my mind this last week to get rid of them in the near future, because things have moved on. Just a bit of silly fun but I never worried about paying the bills just because of these few jobs.

i job a day to pay your bills.  ::) thats why i wondered if you were a homeowner!
i personally understand and agree with a lot of your posts, but you do have a habbit of contradicting yourself.
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: ftp on December 20, 2008, 05:56:22 pm
your still living with your parents then?


I just take it you want me to spell it out.

No, home owner with family and all the associated cost if that is what you are wondering about, child care being the biggest bill




I thought you said Tax was the biggest bill - remember?

Oh i remember, you also said you didn't pay tax since you started this job.

Confused or what?
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: NWH on December 20, 2008, 06:10:57 pm
Matt you have your own issues, as does a few others I don’t care if you only work part time and were a Stetson or whatever it is that seems to bother you, but you and others definitely have issues.

I don’t feel the need to defend or justify myself on here, don’t think I ever have, although I will post.


Good on ya buddy. ;D
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Paul Coleman on December 20, 2008, 06:21:54 pm
If more of my time is taken with small jobs, not that there is anything inherently wrong with this work and I don’t make the decision lightly I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m trying to do.

It’s not complicated is it, like I have said in a few post good part of the fun with being self employed you are able to do things like this.

As soon as I hit a particular figure I will employ someone (another turning point), take a hit in pay, but like I said the money will come later. The moment I settle in a routine it’s time to move things along next year I will have to establish a new routine with the new work and my refreshed outlook on things.

It’s all part of the fun, that’s why I post the way I do, looking ahead I suppose.

Enjoy the freedom being self employed give’s you, and mould you business as it suits you.

For example about a year ago I went and got some work that would pay all my bills, the idea was I would only have to clean one a day but that would be enough to pay the bills, I still keep these jobs today. Although it has crossed my mind this last week to get rid of them in the near future, because things have moved on. Just a bit of silly fun but I never worried about paying the bills just because of these few jobs.


There is something in what you say IMO.  Bumping along in an overly settled manner can become demotivating after a while.  I intend to freshen things up in the new year.  Intend to increase my monthly turnover by a minimum of 30% by the end of this accounting year (September) whilst freeing myself from much of the lower paid work.
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: matt on December 20, 2008, 06:21:57 pm
Matt you have your own issues, as does a few others I don’t care if you only work part time and were a Stetson or whatever it is that seems to bother you, but you and others definitely have issues.

I don’t feel the need to defend or justify myself on here, don’t think I ever have, although I will post.



issues, i have issues with people who pretend to be big time charlies coming on here, putting down people who are happy with a sole trader sized round, then it turns out that the said " big time charlie" isnt as successfull as it was first implied, infact "big time charlie" is even not as big as " sole trader window cleaner ", we have seen it a few times before, they come and go, but are soon found out

you dont need to defend or justify yourself to me, afterall im not on the attack, as personally i dont care enough about you to attack or seek justification

Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: jaykie on December 20, 2008, 06:49:24 pm
Im glad certain people are getting stick as its this sort that are the reason that some dont post as much on here anymore, the truth always comes to light in the end, just looked back at some of the posts where these certain people tried telling me how i do things wrong and wont succed with my methods, oh how i laugh  ;D
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Alex Gardiner on December 20, 2008, 06:58:32 pm
Turning Point:

Fitting a large enough tank in the vehicle to allow two of us to do all the windows on every house with the pole system. Why didn't we do that from day one? It was early days and forums like this didn't exist to ask advice.
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: matt on December 20, 2008, 07:47:26 pm
Matt you have your own issues, as does a few others I don’t care if you only work part time and were a Stetson or whatever it is that seems to bother you, but you and others definitely have issues.

I don’t feel the need to defend or justify myself on here, don’t think I ever have, although I will post.



issues, i have issues with people who pretend to be big time charlies coming on here, putting down people who are happy with a sole trader sized round, then it turns out that the said " big time charlie" isnt as successfull as it was first implied, infact "big time charlie" is even not as big as " sole trader window cleaner ", we have seen it a few times before, they come and go, but are soon found out

you dont need to defend or justify yourself to me, afterall im not on the attack, as personally i dont care enough about you to attack or seek justification





Turning point for you could be you might want to stop harassing people on here!

you have brought my name into this discussion a few times, im just repling to posts, its a discussion forum, thats what its for

You admit you have issues, says it all really and just because you have a few who agree with and are like minded that doesn’t make you right.

we all have issues of some kind, you seem to have issues with people who DIY kit, people who are not " big time charlies"

There have been some very successful window cleaners who have had enough of yours and others post and they are “big time Charlie’s” compared to you, and that’s what you don’t like.

honeslty, not bothered if you earn 1 mill a year, i have mates who have BIG building companies, they employ alot of blokes, my daugthers god father has a  very successfull company,  you seem to think i am jealous of them, if they are happy then thats great, but it doesnt impress me what they drive or if they light a ciger with a 50 quid note, money doesnt do it for me, standard of life and lifestyle does, some1 on here does a bit of surfing, now thats great in my eyes, he is living his life how he wants

Part time or DIY, this type of window cleaner doesn’t really matter to the big time Charlie’s, but you have made it clear on numerous occasions you do have a problem with it, ironic isn’t it.

Im glad i dont matter to them, what gets me is when they put people like me down, because im hapy with my lot and i dont want to employ

Fact is it’s not as important as you would like to believe, big blow to your ego. Stop comparing yourself, your either part time or DIY or both compare like with like.

it isnt allways that clear though, i have some very nice commercial work, so im part-time, i DIY kit, YET i have some nice contracts that do compare to " big time charlies " , see the lines do blur, or is that too confusing for you

What you going to do next compare yourself to Ionic or OCS, see what I mean.

nope, but i know OCS are about to lose some work, which i could do, i know they will not care, as they have enough work, but thats beside the point

Put it this way I don’t compare myself to you. I bet you still don’t get it.

put it this way, i know you dont, i have enough good quality work, now thats a great feeling, the feeling that i dont need to change my work for better paying stuff, and i qoute : Start of year three will be like beginning again,

you might find it hard to understand, i dont need to start again, as ive just about got it right


replied in red, why do i bother to reply, well i just dont want you to feel like im ignoring you

now im off to have pizza and watch the simpsons with my daughter

Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: matt on December 20, 2008, 09:25:58 pm
for the record

the big time charlies i speak of are the people who come on here and look down at the guy who is happy with his round he works on his own, he might even drive a old van or car

now the successfull people on here who have the biz that they want, they employ a few guys etc etc, dave st ives for example ( i know of a fair few, i have even spoken to 2 guys ) i have utmost respect for them and if i were to exapnd in the future and take on a lad etc etc, i would gladly ask for advice off them and i would listen to them, they are the people who have it yet they do not have to mock / look down at the guys who dont, they do not need to judge others

you also find that the big time charlies, do not have it all, they like to think they have, but in many cases its all blag, window cleaners tales, along the lines of the fisherman who caught the biggest fish in the lake, of course no1 was a round , he then put it back to fight another day
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: NWH on December 20, 2008, 09:28:35 pm
I don`t know about that Matt i`ve spoken to a good few on here on the phone and you might not think they don`t but they do trust me,they just don`t like to come across like that on here.
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: matt on December 20, 2008, 09:36:34 pm
I don`t know about that Matt i`ve spoken to a good few on here on the phone and you might not think they don`t but they do trust me,they just don`t like to come across like that on here.


fair enough, speak as you find ;)
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Clive McDonald on December 20, 2008, 09:37:36 pm
I like to argue with both Matt and Ewan.

Matt has become more hardworking and a better businessman but still aspires to be ordinary and a plain working man. He is very good at practical things, and would i think be a good and fair boss to have.

Ewan asks many of the right questions and seeks knowledge. He is hardworking, honest and will be a success, but has to realise that he can't force his opinions on others even when he is right.


When I say i like to argue i mean when i am interested in something. I try to avoid trying to win an argument just for the sake of it.
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Oakley Windows on December 20, 2008, 09:38:41 pm
I try to avoid trying to win an argument just for the sake of it.

Rubbish!! ::)
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: matt on December 20, 2008, 09:49:50 pm
I like to argue with both Matt and Ewan.

Matt has become more hardworking and a better businessman but still aspires to be ordinary and a plain working man. He is very good at practical things, and would i think be a good and fair boss to have.


funny enough i was thinking earlier, im sure ive had the same discussion with clive, thats a good point, i like to think of myself as a ordinary working man ( i could never be described as plain ;)) in reality i do well out of it , so a well paid working man i guess

im not sure why you stopped getting on my case, i like to think you finally understood me, but from your post above it might be because you belive ive improved and now work harder ;), a bit of both p.haps ? ? ? ?

we did have some good discussions ;)
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: peter holley on December 20, 2008, 09:53:23 pm
...diy....ionics....diy ....ionics.... :D
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Clive McDonald on December 20, 2008, 10:28:35 pm
Matt Oakley
I promise you I try very hard not to rattle peoples cages (although sometimes i just blurt things out). I try to stick to the issues.

In my own way I do try to help people, but in reality not once have i succeeded on here. I try to help people earn more money but mostly get into a row about telling people how to run their lives. Examples?
You. Bigger tank
Other Matt and Jeff1. Buy and use a van
Squeaky. Self belief
Mike Boxal. Develop better income streams.
Georgesystems. give a seperate cash figure
Alex. Partner the xls oversees

Many of these as arguments are unwinnable anyway.
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Oakley Windows on December 20, 2008, 10:31:05 pm
I was joking, remember them??  ;D
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Nathanael Jones on December 20, 2008, 10:32:41 pm

I promise you I try very hard not to rattle peoples cages

PMSL!!!!

I'll nominate that for bizarre quote of the month!!!

:)
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: jaykie on December 20, 2008, 10:33:33 pm
reflectionswindowcleaners.co.uk/admin4.aspx (http://reflectionswindowcleaners.co.uk/admin4.aspx)

Check out the van jeff1
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: matt on December 20, 2008, 10:45:37 pm

Other Matt and Jeff1. Buy and use a van


i have a van now, its a berlingo multispace

i also have a 400 L tank, its still in my garden, ordered when i knew i had my hernia ( a few weeks before i went to orlando/disney ) its been sat in the garden for allmost 3 months, i will get it installed over the christmas break

not sure on the hose from the van though, i will get a hose / reel and the like, but i still think my cart will be faster fro my round, BUT im going to give it a fair go, 1 turnaround with the cart and then 1 with the reel

who knows, getting a hose reel could become a " turning point "

Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: matt on December 20, 2008, 10:47:23 pm



more bitching please??? ;D ;D ;D ;D

im watching with interest :o

its better than TV  ;D ;D

 though im off to watch herbie full loaded, i sky +'ed it , incase any rushes off to watch it, its half over )
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: peter holley on December 20, 2008, 10:49:01 pm
who gives a monkeys arse?

for goodnesake you all end up on a slab when your dead! only YOU know your own circumstances and aspirations...success is measured when you reach YO UR goal...that goal could be having a wee with your trousers on!!! aaarrggg this forum dus mynut in ;D



more bitching please??? ;D ;D ;D ;D

im watching with interest :o

im a nutter by the way ..thatsa why people ignore me... ... this is fun you are all nuts ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: mark dew on December 20, 2008, 10:51:51 pm
discount, you are fantastic.  ;D

Turning points were finding wc forums. My profitability increased by half or more within 6 months of doing this.
2nd was inheriting money and using it to buy van and wfp gear. Invested rest towards 1st house. So having something to work for and investing in kit that allows me to meet commitments, quite easily was a milestone.
The 3rd is a turning point in progress really. Writing risk assessments and being more safety conscious is what i'm doing with some of my work at the moment.
Threads like the guttervac, sl2 etc are making me look into this type of market. With the kit in place i will then concentrate investing on the marketing side. Website, quality staionary etc.

Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: peter holley on December 20, 2008, 11:08:31 pm
No, success is a result not a goal.

See you learn something everyday.   ewan said...




ewan you have given away far to much.... it apears you have knowledge but you dont know how to use it ...from what you give away in your posts i pay more tax than you earn ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D    as you dont pay tax!!!!!
 

oh thats right im thick and cant run a buisness :D

thats why i asked your age and if you lived with mummy and daddy?

you talk knowledge of an intelect but spout nonsense in terms of life experience

im not alone in my opinions ::)
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Oakley Windows on December 20, 2008, 11:10:11 pm
Ewan as you appear to be ignoring the thread on vans and the two incidents of me asking you what vehicle you drive, Ill ask you here.

Ewan what is your works vehicle?
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: matt on December 20, 2008, 11:10:46 pm


That part was okay. It's my attempts to put a little bit back that have failed.


i will only quote a little bit as you mention your going to delete it ;)

i believe you have tried to help others, your electric reel idea, i know it works well for you, it was the rather OTT you went about it that was funny, it was as if you had the whole board doing a drum role

fair play for trying though, i still wonder if some1 a little more humble had mentioned it, people who are known to DIY stuff, Jeff B or even myself, i wonder what the outcome would have been, would a few more have given it a go ? ? ? ?
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: matt on December 20, 2008, 11:11:47 pm

Other Matt and Jeff1. Buy and use a van


i have a van now, its a berlingo multispace

i also have a 400 L tank, its still in my garden, ordered when i knew i had my hernia ( a few weeks before i went to orlando/disney ) its been sat in the garden for allmost 3 months, i will get it installed over the christmas break

not sure on the hose from the van though, i will get a hose / reel and the like, but i still think my cart will be faster fro my round, BUT im going to give it a fair go, 1 turnaround with the cart and then 1 with the reel

who knows, getting a hose reel could become a " turning point "





That would be a turning point at your level, don’t be so hard on yourself.    :P

at my level ? ? ? ? , well i guess at your level it would be ground breaking then eh  ;D ;D ;D ;D

ftp was right, the  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D works  ;)
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: NWH on December 20, 2008, 11:12:17 pm
Probobly not.
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: NWH on December 20, 2008, 11:18:03 pm
NoI don`t do it the Mrs does lol,now now Dave will pull you up on having a go at peoples spelling.Nice name that Holley this time of year. ;D
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: peter holley on December 20, 2008, 11:32:42 pm
NoI don`t do it the Mrs does lol,now now Dave will pull you up on having a go at peoples spelling.Nice name that Holley this time of year. ;D

LOL ;D
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Londoner on December 21, 2008, 08:11:11 am
I would say the big turning point for most people it when their income is enough each week to pay the bills. It may not sound like a big turning point but it sure feels good.
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: ftp on December 21, 2008, 08:32:08 am
I've found a turning point - i'm turning away from Ewans  posts.

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: Clive McDonald on December 21, 2008, 06:41:31 pm
what marketing course did you do Ewan? ill start a new topic and give you the chance to shine.
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: AuRavelling79 on December 22, 2008, 06:42:59 pm
Turning Points:-

1. 2004 Joining and using this forum (thanks guys)
2. 2005 WFP (trolley)
3. 2006 Van mounted system

And not a turning point, but a gradual process - pricing correctly.
Title: Re: Turning Points
Post by: supernova77 on December 22, 2008, 06:57:09 pm
Leaving my IT job back in December 2005 with only 1 months money to live off of, and 0 customers... That made me canvass, canvass, canvass.

When I look back I think that maybe it was a silly thing to do - But would I be where I am now if I hadn't taken the risk? Probably not, so I'm glad I did take the risk :)

Andy