[colley614]

Hi Guys,

Just a quick heads up on where I am. I started again on my own this week and I've been out leaflet dropping. I have a friend who is going to canvass these areas with me this next coming week. Saying that I couldn't help myself the other after and found myself canvassing for a couple of hours and so far I've picked up 10 customers and I've got about 6 that I'm quoting this coming week. But I'm going to start canvassing properly this week so hopefully I can pick a lot more up. I don't really consider 10 first cleans in a week to be that good but hopefully I'll make up on that this week when I go out canvassing.
I'm also going to buy another 5000 leaflets this week. I've also started going to a few networking events this week to see if I can get a little more work in this way. So far I've been to two different BNI groups " Yeah, if you can just write out your check for £700 we'll get the ball rolling...." I also went to a local one that just charges £10 a week for a breakfast and they seemed a lot more helpful. Gave me a few leads and also said they will speak to a local start up group to see if they can help me out and maybe get me a grant.
So all in all not too bad a first week but I hope my second week is a lot more productive.

[GDwindowcleaning]

Good for you mate, glad you finally up and running....

It not work out with richie then?

[colley614]

I think Richy just lost his way after his break in's and things. I think he's got his motivation back now and will do well for himself this year. I think in the long term he would start resenting going into partnership with someone as it has built his business up from the ground.
Plus from my point of view, part of the reason why I went self employed was the freedom it brings with it and I don't think you get that in a partnership. I think it will do me good having some time to myself with the stress I've had over the last couple of years. After taking flack from lads for needing new poles and things only to be shewed away by the director and being told there's no budget to replace the 7 year old poles (that were snapped and clamp levels were missing)

[GDwindowcleaning]

Cryptic but I get what you are saying, well good luck in your new venture mate and I am sure you will achieve whatever you want out of it....

[colley614]

It was kind of a football managers post wasn't it! 

You still canvassing George?

[GDwindowcleaning]

I am stepping away from knocking doors myself and want to build a team as I have been asked to be head of business development for another company. Its a big move but going really well...

[colley614]

Well if you ever wanted to build a team by me you canvass for me until the cows come home! To be honest I've been thinking of building my own canvassing team for my own business. Not a massive one but just enough so I can cope with the first cleans and stuff. But I don't know where to begin with it all. Last time I put adverts out for canvassers but the job centre would not list it as I "Wasn't promising minimum wage." I listed it on gumtree and got about 6 no shows, even though I was offering free coffee at interviews! I'll have to have a sit down and have a good think about how I can go about it.

Good luck with the new venture 

[GDwindowcleaning]

There is loads of potential work in the north west so could be a plan to set up a team up there. Worth a chat at the least lol....

[colley614]

Would absolutely be worth having a chat about.

[colley614]

What sort of workload do you normally bring in a day George?

[GDwindowcleaning]

About 100 quid a day on my own but would be aiming for more with a team, you get my text?

[Ian101]

Good luck with it mate takes balls to pack in a job even if crap and start up on your own.

If I can be of any help gissa a shout.

[colley614]

About 100 quid a day on my own but would be aiming for more with a team, you get my text?

I got the one before, have you sent another?

[colley614]

Good luck with it mate takes balls to pack in a job even if crap and start up on your own.

If I can be of any help gissa a shout.

Thanks Ian, means a lot.

[GDwindowcleaning]

Not sent another, just making sure I had the right number for you mate. Take a look and if you know anyone who it might be suitable for pass it on for me...

[colley614]

Yeah, still got the same number. I'll let a few people know about it at a networking event.

As for the £100 a day, I'd love to pick that much work up per day. But I suppose that would be quite a goal considering I try to do the first clean there and then.

[GDwindowcleaning]

Clean in the morning and canvass from 4 till 8, its hard going but I did it to start my round and I am sure you aint scared of hard work....

[colley614]

Hard work I've been out networking most morning at 6 this week and haven't been getting home until about 17:30. I'd work later but I think my Missus would hit the roof if I strolled in at 8-9pm after going out at 6. But I suppose I'll have to if I want to make a success of it.

I remember reading Duncan Bannatynes book and a lady went to him for business advise and said her Husband was standing in the way of her business. She was told in no uncertain terms "Well if you want to be a success, leave him." I think that's a little extreme but I'm sure if I explained that I'm doing all these crazy hours to get us somewhere more than just walking in with £250 a week in my pocket I know she would understand.

[GDwindowcleaning]

To be honest you dont need to be out networking at that time everyday, concentrate on domestics and leave at a normal time and make sure you canvass and grow everyday...

[colley614]

I just do the networking because you get to meet local business owners who have big office blocks. They were trying to brain wash me into joining so they asked the accountant sat in front of me how much business he'd had in the last 12 months out of BNI, he said "£90k." I nearly spat my sausage at the back of his head when I choked.
I sort of seen this last week as getting on the ground and putting my feelers out to see where didn't have any windies. This week I'm going to up my game and try and do some good figures everyday.