How to do better

M

mattia

Member
I have been pressure washing for about 1 year, Went full time at the beginning of march...I do alright but want to do better...The problem is money, I just make enough to keep it working...Not complaining at all, Love every day and keep my big ears open for new things...But need the money to get further along, Like equipment and more marketing...Even went to the idea of a partner, But darn it, I have worked hard to give someone part of what I have built...

Can someone tell me how they have jumped up there business with out S.B.A or partners to be in there business...Please I am all ears...

Desperate in Iowa

Matt
 
Drive on over!

Hello Matt,

I just looked at Mapquest and they show you are 235 miles from me. Give me a call and we can set up a time that you could come and see what and how we do what we do.

We do many different things maybe I could give you some ideas on stuff you could try to do in your area.

Dave Olson
 
Thanks Dave, Will be getting a hold of you soon!!!

Matt
 
In the service industry-Statistics shows that it takes approx. 3yrs to truly build a business. keep producing Customer Service & a Quality Product - If there is a demand, you will make it.
 
matt

if i were you i would be on my way to Dave's as we speak.
You asked someone to put a hand out,they did, you better take it.
There are those that are charging for this now.
At their price im sure it's worth it. It is mostly hands on type trainning not buissness training. Buissness training you take with you for the rest of your life.
Run dont walk. Offers like this dont happen everyday.
 
Ron p, been out there already, nice st-up, dave is also nice along with the employees...

Thanks for caring Ron, changed alot of my thinking and have been doing fair since the spring, first year full time... Looking forward to next year...

Tim must of been doing a search, for this was in july of this year..

Matt
 
Matt,
Let us know if we can help. We would be happy to help if we can.
Beth

p.s. DO go see Dave O. He's a wonderful person. Very knowledgeable.
 
Matt, below are a few things that have really helped my business.


1) Equipment Leasing. I was in business only a year and three months when I leased my trailer.............total overkill (two hot water washers) but it has really paid off over time. It seems like you end up paying more money in the end, but for a cash strapped business, leasing was the way to go at the time.

2) Build a good relationship with a local bank. I do all of my banking, personal, business, and morgage with the same bank. I now have a rather large line of credit with them which is completely unsecured (no personal or business assets tied up with it) This line of credit has saved my butt on more then one occasion, especially in winter.

3) Organization - I use computer software to keep detailed info about my business and customers. Start with Quickbooks Pro (www.quickbooks.com) I now also have ServiceCEO from Insight Direct ( www.insightdirect.com ).

4) Employees/Workers Comp Insurance I recently got workers comp insurance thru Paychex www.paychex.com They offer a "pay as you go" program, where I only had to put down a $75 deposit to begin WC coverage. This was a dramatic difference when compared to the $1400 the state wanted.....
 
Beth and Rod, Thank you for offering, I will call I am sure for some marketing info, It seems you really have it dialed in...

Mike H. Good info that you have offered, I am sure I will use this, and others will ben. also....

I wish I had this kind of responce back in July when I asked,LOL, but I am happy that there is more movement know...

thanks again Guys and Gals,

Matt ;)
 
Thanks for the kind words folks.

Matt did come over and went out with my guys one evening when they were doing flatwork.

I hope we were able to provide Matt with some food for thought on how to get his new business up and going.

Dave Olson
 
Mike H, what means did you use to learn QB pro? I have it but can't seem to learn it for some reason. The sad part is I am very computer literate. Please don't tell me you read the 6 inch thick book.
 
Dave, yes learned alot the night I went with your guys, but it is not as easy as they made it look... Take care

Matt
 
Mike,

I have a propensity for learning computer software very quickly and easily. I also got A's in accounting in college, which certainly helps.

I learn more by doing, rather than through books. I mainly use the on screen help functions, especially the index. I have two monitors hooked up to my computer, and somethimes I will keep the help function open on the top screen while I work on the bottom.

I started with quickbooks 5 years ago, immediately after starting the business.........I had alot more time on my hands back then to figure things out.

I'd love to share my knowledge of that, but its hard to find the time. If you have a specific question, email me.

I also used the boards at www.quickbooks.com and got help from other quickbooks users on a few occasions.
 
Thanks Steve, I am playing with it again today and tonight. I think I may have figured some of it out. I will let you know if I come across any major problems. Do you have any words of advice as to where I should be careful or anything like that?
 
Just make sure you set up accounts under the proper heading as some can not be reversed after they are set up. Always make up a backup daily on a cd or zip disc, floppy disc can lose information over time. For things like house wash, decks, concrete ect. leave the price at $0.00 so you can just add it in on each invoice. For set price items go ahead and type in the price, this will save you a lot of time. Set up accounts for your credit cards by the bank such as First USA and not Master Card or Visa. This will keep them seperated. Reconcile them once a month just as you would do your checking account.
 
Matt ,

I suggest going slow and easy. Try getting a loan for the money you need. Buy used equipment and work with what you got.

Partners are not bad if you can work together. I prefer calling the shots and remaining my own man.


Check out the shopping center series thread and try to get some commercial work that is more consistent and steady.


Call me and explain what your problems are in more detail I may have some suggestions. Make sure you are keeping good books, know every penny and where it’s going. You’ll surprise yourself sometimes at how much you actually spend on stuff you could trim.


Marketing: when you find that extra money make sure you a lot some every month for mailer or ads in something. Do it every month even if you think its not working. A good marketing campaign takes time. Good luck and feel free to call 602.694.2680
 
Thanks Ron for your offer and will be calling you soon, I have voted out the partner and have bought my hot water machine, plus have just bought my enclosed trailer, I bought a tnt 6 by 12 for the winters up here and theft, matter of fact it is snowing up here as we speak... I have been moving slow,and will get a part time job to help with expense... I remember when I started subbing for work I had to work nights to make ends meet and will do it again... Right know I have more time than money, so I will alot my time accordingly... Might get back to my old subbing job for the winter, but I will not let my plan of p.w. die, just not in my nature...

By the way, I did this with out any loans or help( except from the help from you wonderful people) I will repay all of you when I get a chance, as you have payed me with your time and respect...

thanks again,

Matt :) :) :)
 
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