[Dave Anderson]

So Oct 06 I started in the window cleaning game...Andrew McCann talked me through it all and then I placed an order for a Freedom trolley and scaffold pole...

Nearly 5 years later I'm full...not to say that the round is perfect but I'm only taking on work at prices I want and work I actually want....

It's been a struggle...moving here to The Netherlands and not speaking Dutch put the damper on canvassing so leaflets was the way for me....in excess of 25 thousand stuffed into letter boxes..

The round is as full as I want..still have a week off every 8, 1 week with 09:00>13:30 finishes.

The round is where I want it and now it has enough work to give a healthy profit at the end of year and also allows me time to operate a part-time hobby business which will be to make money to cover Dec, Jan off for bad weather.

So to all those currently building their business's...keep plodding on...it will come just keep the faith.

Some things people told me:

You cannot build a round with leaflets >>>> Wrong takes longer than canvassing...but does work.
You should not build a round and give scheduled clean dates >>>> Wrong it works for me.

Somethings I learnt along the way:

Don't price just to get a job.

Plan for winter and try to get at least 8 weeks money put away for every winter.

If you have a static wfp operation...protect it for winter...spend money on this!

Iso and other alcohols are only good in enclosed systems.

Buy the best poles you can afford and they will not last forever...so they have to be replaced.

Take time for yourself....get a hobby!

Try to build a secondary business (part-time hobby type), helps for winter money.

Don't let it all 'take over your life'.

Not everyone is a messer but some are ....learn that people are people and make mistakes/forget.

If you are being played >> Get rid.

Do what you say you are going to do when you say you'll do it...

Be honest and fair to your customers but equally be fair to yourself and your business.

If a customer dumps you...learn from it...more than likely it's not a attack on you per sey.

As with everything in life...not everybody will tell you the truth.


There are loads more but these are just a few of my experiances...

So keep the faith...and a very big thank-you to everyone that has helped, given advice along the way...and thanks to Gardiners for excellent service and products in my first 5 years.

Cheers Dave.

ps. If this post comes across as 'I'm full of it and just boasting' well yes I am but hoping to give those who are building a business a tiny helping hand.

[Mike #1]

well done mate really pleased for you    . MIKE

[mister bit]

Good work   

[Blue Frog Systems]

Well done Dave

Some good advise there too

[GB Window Cleaning]

yeah well done mate, by the way whats your hobby/part time business for the winter if you dont mind me asking?

[Jista]

Well done m8 chuffed to bits for ya

BTW Where abouts in holland are you living.

[Dave Anderson]

Cheers for the nice words guys....

> Jista..I am living in Oss, N.Br

> GB Window Cleaning...my part time hobby business is making bespoke leather/cordura, canvass products mainly for    the biker community but also items such a dog leads/collars and other things I can think of. It's not meant to be a full time business but something which I can do in my spare time and will help over winter. It's not fully established yet as I am still perfecting the products and winter 2012/2013 is the target year.

[bobby p]

canvass is cool- dont by chance make caps /hats from tarpaulin do you?

[dazmond]

good post dave.although i do think the weather is usually worse in holland than back here in manchester!having emergency money is paramount in any business.

i do think that scheduled cleans is a big no no.i have a few text/phone the night before but i like to be more flexible and turn up roughly on time.

leaflet only also is not for me.leaflet THEN canvass  few days later i find more successful.also it makes the work more compact.so many people have  busy lives that they never get round to ringing you even though they do want a window cleaner!!

i agree get the best poles you can afford and go straight for a van mount.

my round changes all the time.adding new customers here and there.losing a few due to moving,losing job etc.

i am targeting bigger 8 weekly accounts at good prices and i can always find room to fit them in!!


i also think if your starting out you should eat,breathe and let window cleaning take over your life!!its sometimes the only way of building a half decent round.once your established the work becomes self generating and you can slack off a bit and do other things!


best wishes



dazmond

[Dave Anderson]

Good points there Dazmond just goes to show 'it's a horses for courses game' 

Right off to work...have a great day all.

[TomCrowther]

Nice post Dave, I agree with pretty much all of what you said apart from the dog collars 

[Dave.]

Well done Dave, thanks for your advice too

I canvass only, but leave a leaflet if people are not in.  I'm quite pleased with the amount of call backs I get - sometimes it's two or three months after I've dropped a leaflet

Dave

[cozy]

Dave, you a cheese scoffing cloggy.  I know Oss. Had a holiday in Vinkeloord (Spelling?) lovely place.

[Dave Anderson]

Cozy>>> Thought you might know somewhere like Vinkeloord...it's a campsite you pikey!  

Silverleaf>> Keep plugging away

TomCrowther >> Depends on who's wearing it?!

BobbyP >> It's more your biker gear really

And as much a I hate to say it...the best advice came from the pikey Cozy...if you get dumped, dump a customer go out and get 2 to replace them....great advice!

Cheers
Dave.