[Dean Taberner]

Hi guys,

As above,

This is more of a seeking advice post than a blowing of my own trumpet thread as it might first come across,

I'm out on the tools day in day out and over the last few months I've found my day interupted by phone call after phone call and me needing to step aside to send emails, text messages etc.

I'm finding that even when I'm out on the tools that my productive time is getting less and less due to the need for me to be doing the above necessities.

Is anybody else in this position? I'm sure there are a few on here who could advise on this.

Cheers,

Dean.

[S.A.J]

You missed Facebook of that list Dean 

[Archer]

Dean feel free to give me a ring

[bobplum]

Dean feel free to give me a ring

he cant ...his too busy answering calls

[Archer]

Ok Bob,

well i am going to ring him now then 

[Rob_Mac]

Dean

I have recently moved off the tools, back in March.

Forced rather than through choice, I kept saying I would step back but as you know there is never a right time and it is easy to just carry on.

Today I have done a full set of RAMS, booked accommodation for works in Leicester, prepped up invoices for tomorrow, got my receipts all in order for my accountant and this afternoon put a couple of overhead lance holders into one of the vans.

Everyday I am answering emails, phone calls, getting on with day to day paperwork. I have set up my second revenue stream, am putting the work in for the third service and will be onto a 4th website for February.

I don't know how I did it all in the past.

Rob

[Tom-01]

Dean

It's good that you're in that position mate.

I was in a similar position this time a year ago. Trying to do all the work, quote new jobs, do the paperwork etc.

I decided to take someone on, which was a gamble as it was approaching wintertime. Then I got nervous about him going out on his own and kept delaying it, still had the same problems re finding time for the 'business' stuff.  Then I broke my foot so he had to go on his own, and from then it was amazing how much I could get done and how much more efficient everything was.

Now I try to be 'on the tools' 3 days a week, 3 big days mind and have the other days spare for everything else, quotes etc.

Do you have anyone working for you? If not maybe think about, you may lose out financially for a bit but you will have extra time to get in new work, really good work.

It's only you that can hold your business back, so you need to trust in and rely on others.

Hope that helps.

Tom

[robertphil]

heard so many stories of  when the cats away the mice will play,doubt itd be possible to stay away  properly

 know of 1 boss who borrows cars to spy on his workers and checks for laddermarks  on the grass etc

 id love to be off the tools but doubt i will ever

[poleman]

I have been a window cleaner all my adult life, I have always been on the tools but about 6 or 7 years ago was office based (business premises)and a big part of that was a big push to get larger contacts, I had a window cleaning manager and a office manager and our long term plan was to go national, I was working 24 7 as thats what it took to get to the top! but I was just not happy, the stress of dealing with staff, customers, chasing money owed, took a toll on my health to a point I was in hospital

So my point is, window cleaning for me is being out on the tools, getting regular exercise each day and meeting your customers face to face and enjoying your job 

[Total shine cleaning services]

I too only do 2-3 days a week now and let my employee do the bulk, I do the administration, canvassing and first cleans

Graham

[Ian101]

for me it will be when I can afford to carry spare gloves in the vans for my lads to wear on cold days 

[bobplum]

for me it will be when I can afford to carry spare gloves in the vans for my lads to wear on cold days 

"lads"  definitely a multi national

[Soupy]

First thing you need to do is stop thinking 'backseat'.

You are not taking the backseat you are taking the driving seat.

It is difficult to see the bigger picture while you are knee deep in windows.

I have been in the office 4 years now - the lads think it's just a skive for me - trust me it aint.

[ben M]

Ok Bob,

well i am going to ring him now then 

not too late.....

[bobplum]

Hi guys,

As above,

This is more of a seeking advice post than a blowing of my own trumpet thread as it might first come across,

I'm out on the tools day in day out and over the last few months I've found my day interupted by phone call after phone call and me needing to step aside to send emails, text messages etc.

I'm finding that even when I'm out on the tools that my productive time is getting less and less due to the need for me to be doing the above necessities.

Is anybody else in this position? I'm sure there are a few on here who could advise on this.

Cheers,

Dean.

its now , because your asking the question

[wfp master]

never ever i hate working inside. get a robot to answer calls ect while your out helping the others make you money.