[John_McGavin]

Ive had a really slow year. Quiet all year until the end of October, but even then im alot quieter than previous years. Even December isnt that great, no phonecalls at all this week apart from 2 cancellations.

Im planning on doing something else, maybe even going back to working for an employer, but will keep the carpet cleaning as a sideline.

Just can make a good enough living doing this full time Got a family to support and really miss a secure wage each month.

At least I can look back when im grey & old and say at least I gave it a try.

Best wishes for 2008 everyone

John

[Andrew Briscoe]

Got into c/c in 89, 4 years ago started a contract cleaning
service for offices/ business premises etc, then builders cleans.
Employ 8 staff, i do training ordering and booking etc, 1 part of business sells the other, so is good for building up trade in either service.

Next year, plan to get into hard floor stripping and resealing, janitorial supplies, of paper products etc, don't have a website, so looking into that.
 Havn't had a holiday in donkey's , and am kn*ckered, so booking soon. Hope to build up business and retire early,
Regards,
Andrew.

[Straker Cleaning]

John, Best kick start for my business recently, was revamp of website.
May not work in all areas but in remote areas, many people rely on internet for finding things.
Mark Roberts has recently redone mine and i average 1 email a day and 1 or 2 calls a day, simply via web searches.
May be worth looking at, before you go back to wage slavery...................... i have been that close on a few occasions, even started to learn to drive a bus a few years back. Luckily something came up and i stuck with it......... glad i did now 

Best of luck, whatever your path.

[Susan Dean (1stclean)]

well a new vans been  ordered and payed for , maybe a new t.m. but defo going to get a  much better type of custy this year and make some money , and ill be haveing 3 months in austria on hoilday

[Mike Osbourne]

I plan on retiring.  If what I have planned works well then by the summer I wont be cleaning anymore.  I may still post hough??

Best, Dave.

Hi Dave,

I'll start the bidding then £5000 for your list.

ps are you serious or just had a bad day?

Have you thought what new exiting challenges are beyond cleaning?


Mike

[Mark Roberts]

Will be charging more for websites (Shaun ), getting more sleep and actually do some work on my own sites for once which will allow me to test new things not normally seen on cc sites.

With cleaning there are few different chemicals I want to play with if I can get them and a few new techniques to try out.

[John_McGavin]

Thanks Chris. In my 4th year now and have enjoyed my time working for myself. Ive got a young family and have been able to watch them growing up, first day at school etc.. something I could never really have done working for an employer.

This type of work is so seasonal and if I could only find something to tide me over in between it'd be great. Thought about expanding into cleaning but then having to go down the route of employing staff & the headaches that will come with it.

If I do go back to a 9 to 5 job at least i'll be able to sleep at night knowing the mortgage and bills are paid eh 

Anyway just want to say thanks to all the people who have given me advice over the years.

Have a great Christmas everyone. Hope Santa's good to you 

[liahona]

Mike, I never have a bad day.  Just picked up 10 more horses, two more foals any minute now and just booked in almost 600 people for next year,  (not cleaning, dont be silly).

And yes, not that my cleaning challenges weren't exciting but again, where else do I take the business to?  You know who I clean for so there isnt any other challenge really I am interested in. 

I will still be involved in the business to a degree but not anything I can go into right now as it is only in the "hope it happens" stage.

The job I was after for you as well could be up for grabs but you have to get yourself a "proper" machine if you are to take it on.

Best, Dave.

[mark_roberts]

Just to clarify its the other Mark Roberts who does websites not me as I havent a clue about computers but may get Mark to do something for me in that department.

I really want to become more organised.  Accounts, marketing, general paperwork is a mess and all last minute which is getting to me.

Want to put somesort of referral system in place.

Also want to put a fitness plan into action, hike more and climb Ben Nevis at Easter.  Holidays will be New York and Florida in July.  Buying dollers now as i think the rate may fall.

For those struggling it takes time.  Bear with it and it will come together but Jan, Feb and March can be tough.

Mark

[Mike Osbourne]

Dave,

So you're looking for a stable career maybe?   

Self hypnosis is an excellent tool for creativity and problem solving. Who knows you just might come up with an amazing idea that ticks all the boxes.

You know I owe you one so if you want to learn I'd be happy to show you.

Yes one day I will have a truckmount, but for the timebeing I'll have to work hard for a meagre crust.

Mike 

[Darren O]

John Mc Gavin how do you not look into window cleaning ive been doing it for years and make good money from it also it works well with the carpet cleaning and you dont need alot of cash to start it.

[John_McGavin]

Cheers Darren. Did think about it, but diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis last year and its in my hands of all places, so thats a no go.

J

[M.Acorn]

Yep i have had some very very quiet times ! i was a head chef prior to doing this , i started off the back of my wifes business she ran a domestic cleaning agy and was subbing to another company she was always moaning about never seeing me due to stupid working hours (although she is prob sick of the sight of me now ! she shut down her business about 2 yrs ago ( thanks inland revenue ) so lost all the work from her, i have a couple of letting agy`s i work for they keep me ticking over just.And when it gets really really really bad i help my mate out cleaning windows and doing builders cleans usually in the coldest months though not nice work..This pays me nearly what i earnt working as a Dj playing clubs was resident for 2 promoters and also ran a promotions business,did also get into production put a small studio together (presently in mothballs) and released a couple of 12`s all died off now did have a booking for nye but changed my mind due to stupid smoking law , i like to smoke a lot when i am playin  then there was getting there and back and other stuff to take into consideration things have changed a lot since i was a regular on the scene can`t have fun anymore without someone watching your every move

[Susan Dean (1stclean)]

Mike, I never have a bad day.  Just picked up 10 more horses, two more foals any minute now and just booked in almost 600 people for next year,  (not cleaning, dont be silly).

And yes, not that my cleaning challenges weren't exciting but again, where else do I take the business to?  You know who I clean for so there isnt any other challenge really I am interested in. 

I will still be involved in the business to a degree but not anything I can go into right now as it is only in the "hope it happens" stage.

The job I was after for you as well could be up for grabs but you have to get yourself a "proper" machine if you are to take it on.

Best, Dave.

i would love a trip out cleaning with you befour or if you move on as it would be nice to see if i could pick up some tips to move on a bit more , ive draged myself from the cheapest to one of the top middle charges in 8 months  just need a few more tips to go too the next levle now

[Doctor Carpet (Ret'd)]

clean carpets, nose operation, clean carpets, holiday, clean carpets, holiday, clean carpets, holiday, clean carpets, holiday, clean carpets, holiday, clean carpets, Christmas. Somewhere along the line I'll also take a one day holiday every few weeks or so!
........life is for living not working!

[Mike Osbourne]

'If man carries out the duty given to him according to his nature, he overcomes the bondage of living'

Some wise old indian bloke.

[Dave_Lee]

One things for certain, I'm putting prices UP! and job numbers down and going to make more profit for doing less.
Dave.

[Len Gribble]

Dave

Quantify by taxation fuel/selling you home etc. they will understand.

Len

[carpet guy]

I'd love to put away the tools and concentrate on resolving other peoples problems, having trained in pelvic and spinal correction a few years ago, something that got me back on my feet,  when facing a " wheelchair" future.

For those of you who are struggling, it's been an unusual year, with many outside factors affecting the market, but you can control your destiny to a greater extent than you realise.

I know all the correct marketing techniques, but have been lazy in implementing them and have been successful in spite of myself. Don't be like me, always carry your business cards, network with everyone, be on time, be pleasant and honest and make sure you REALLY are doing a good job and, when you know you have achieved a fantastic result, TELL THE CLIENT and ask for a couple of referrals

Work your client list !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[psg]

You could buy a tm that sorts the revenue avoids the 2 weeks in hospital recovering from a hernia and you will get twice as much work done in a day and not arrive home f*&$%d & you won't need to employ a decorator.