Ian, well done, matey. I started canvassing on Monday 8th March last year. I didn't have the kit, I was just testing the water, so my first clean was on 7th May. So, we've grown at roughly the same time.
I love the fact that people keep telling me that the economy/competition/Easterm Europeans/weather/cuts/fuel prices are all destroying the game. It's interesting because in the time they have been saying that, we've grown from zero to 322 customers, currently coming in at a rate of two or three a day even while we're still ramping up this year's campaign.
Lessons learned:
1. Stick to window cleaning until you're big enough - gutter vac has ended up as just a distraction. In five years we'll be glad we did it, but it's a pain for now.
2. Leaflets do work if you do them right (and in volume). The business has been built on them.
3. Ignore the doom-mongers. It's infectious. Surround yourself with optimists. I try not to read any post that looks like it's going to be a whinge. Try it, it boosts your mood significantly.
4. Price is not the deciding factor. People will pay for a good service.
Great news, Ian, and I look forward to next year's bulletin.
Vin