I'm happy to say that the new window cleaning forum, Window Cleaning Institute, will be open soon. We are working on the finishing touches to what we hope will become the new home for the window cleaning industry.
Here's a brief synopsis of what you can expect there -
Positive and professional will be the buzzwords for the forum. We want to WCI to become a unifying force in the industry so we've done a few things differently than other boards.
For instance since we want new ones to feel at home, we have a spot called Newbie Corner where they can post any question they need answered without worrying about a old timer telling them to read more or use the search feature. We will also make it a place where you won't have to worry about being sold to. While all industry manufacturers, suppliers, and sales reps can be part of the forum they have there own area for sales. If you need anything you can do one stop shopping and get product answers from them all in that area. The rest of the forum is for education and while the manufacturers, suppliers, and sales reps are welcome to contribute they won't be able to sell in that area making it a safe haven for those wanting to keep those things separate. We also have an area on WCI for all the industry associations to participate in and a section for international cleaners to talk about problems specific to their regions.
Add it all up and you can see how Window Cleaning Institute will be a place where you can get everything you need to make your business a success.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Setting expectations
I recently held the 5th annual Midwest Cleaning Conference and got the chance to talk to cleaners from different industries. The nice thing it that it allows me to get a different perspective on a variety of things. Sometimes it's as simple as what is clean when it comes to windows. Of course the obvious answer might be removing the dirt but in talking to pressure cleaners it's not the same as it is for window cleaners and it all boils down to expectations. Not ours or other cleaners but those of your potential clients. I did this video to explain how to use those expectations to your benefit no matter the industry.
For more educational topics go to Window Cleaning Institute
Friday, February 15, 2013
Why would a window cleaner...
become a member of the UAMCC (United Association of Mobile Contract Cleaners), especially if they were already a member of a window cleaning industry association?
I asked myself that very question when I was asked to join. Having been a member of many associations in my time in the industry I had mixed feelings as to what it would do for me. For instance would my customers know about it or even care that I was a member? Would I get other benefits from the association that would bring me huge profits?
I took a moment and asked myself why anyone joins an association. I came up with a few reasons and most had nothing to do with padding my pocket. First, I entered this industry with little or no knowledge on what being a professional window cleaner means so the advice and networking I got from members of the association I joined at that time (MWCoA or Master Window Cleaners of America) helped me with the newbie questions that guys on other forums gave me a hard time over asking. Second, there were networking events that these associations sponsored where I could get out from behind the keyboard and see firsthand what these guys were telling me. And third, I was able to use the fact that I belonged to a group dedicated to making me a better cleaner as a selling point with clients. I mean doctors, lawyers, and other professionals all do ongoing education (many times through their own associations) to build confidence in their clients so why shouldn't I?
With those reasons in mind I weighed my decision of joining the UAMCC. I looked at an even bigger picture now than a window cleaning association. Here was a group that is working to get all mobile cleaners to pool their resources and knowledge. Some of the services of these other industries are a great fit for me and I would have access to others who are just as dedicated to improving their service as I am. As I thought about it I realized this would be the perfect fit for me and it was in mo way a conflict with any window cleaning association I might join again. In fact I found that many of the members were also in associations specific to their industry or service.
So if you are a window cleaner who has seen the value in associations for that industry I urge you to look at a bigger picture and enjoy the benefits offered by the UAMCC.
Take a moment to look at the website and please feel free to ask me any questions you have on my experience in the organization so far.
http://www.uamcc.org/
PS don't let the description fool you there are more than just pressure washers there.
I asked myself that very question when I was asked to join. Having been a member of many associations in my time in the industry I had mixed feelings as to what it would do for me. For instance would my customers know about it or even care that I was a member? Would I get other benefits from the association that would bring me huge profits?
I took a moment and asked myself why anyone joins an association. I came up with a few reasons and most had nothing to do with padding my pocket. First, I entered this industry with little or no knowledge on what being a professional window cleaner means so the advice and networking I got from members of the association I joined at that time (MWCoA or Master Window Cleaners of America) helped me with the newbie questions that guys on other forums gave me a hard time over asking. Second, there were networking events that these associations sponsored where I could get out from behind the keyboard and see firsthand what these guys were telling me. And third, I was able to use the fact that I belonged to a group dedicated to making me a better cleaner as a selling point with clients. I mean doctors, lawyers, and other professionals all do ongoing education (many times through their own associations) to build confidence in their clients so why shouldn't I?
With those reasons in mind I weighed my decision of joining the UAMCC. I looked at an even bigger picture now than a window cleaning association. Here was a group that is working to get all mobile cleaners to pool their resources and knowledge. Some of the services of these other industries are a great fit for me and I would have access to others who are just as dedicated to improving their service as I am. As I thought about it I realized this would be the perfect fit for me and it was in mo way a conflict with any window cleaning association I might join again. In fact I found that many of the members were also in associations specific to their industry or service.
So if you are a window cleaner who has seen the value in associations for that industry I urge you to look at a bigger picture and enjoy the benefits offered by the UAMCC.
Take a moment to look at the website and please feel free to ask me any questions you have on my experience in the organization so far.
http://www.uamcc.org/
PS don't let the description fool you there are more than just pressure washers there.
For more educational topics go to A New View Exterior Cleaning
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