What EXPERIENCE Teaches: 6 Valuable Lessons

Writes Roy:

The six valuable lessons mentioned in the last post (ex. 1995) are...

1. Stick to the knitting - Keep focused and stick to the business you know best. 'I burnt my fingers after going into the hard floor industry thinking it would enhance my core business: it very nearly cost me my cleaning business as I didn't have the expertise for that industry.' says Roy.

The decision to go into the bath-mending business was made on the grounds that it was an established business and the industry expertise was being provided by the franchise holder.

2. Cash Flow - The secret of a successful business is cash management - to monitor your cash balance daily and to get your business on a COD basis.

3. Be realistic - 'Unfortunately, not everyone is honest, and you have to keep a tight check,' says Maureen. She has some interesting tales to tell, like the home executive who went shopping to return only after her carpets had been done and the workers had long given up hope of getting the money, and the flat tenants who moved out overnight never to be seen again.

4. Spending discipline - 'Keep your overheads low until you can afford more,' says Maureen. The Sumptions started off in their garage, then moved into a one-room office, then into a two-room office and today own a house in Bordeaux.

5. Perseverance - 'I've been ready to throw in the towel many times,' says Roy. 'You have to expect the bad times and plan for them.'

The carpet-cleaning business is particularly seasonal, being busy in spring and quiet in winter. Special offers are used to encourage turnover in the slower months.

6. Customer service - 'I believe in added value, in giving the customer more than he expects,' says Roy, citing the example of giving a free bag of spot remover after a carpet clean.

'I've read a lot about customer service and it's the little things that count, and for which people remember you for,' adds Roy.

God Bless
Roy - 011 - 7822616