Have you been on the truck for 30 year by yourself or have you dabbled in the Chimp?
I have had up to 16 people working for me with as my staff total for many years. It seemed like I was always on the truck training techs anyway and with the all overhead office, staff, marketing etc...and seasonal spikes it became more profitable for me to go back to owner operator. I do however miss the daily morning tech training, giving away bonuses (Tvs and cash)and the grand Christmas parties for the staff.. In retrospect I was growing to fast and spending too much for marketing at the time. There wasn't enough left at the end of the month.
-What percentage of your work is true repeat clientele?
About 35%
-Please break down where the other percentage comes from?
Currently I am getting around 35% from the internet, 35% repeat and referral and 30% from my marketing system. These vary each month.
-Who answers your phones and what business software do you utilize?
I answer the phones. I use Final Answer by Steve Smith as database soft ware. I make my own marketing materials although I have PDQ.
-How many Yoakum marketing packages have you sold to date?
40
I would enjoy helping other small businesses with it. I think it would help a lot of the guys out. I didn't originally plan an even selling the idea. I kind of stumbled on it as way to market without having to spend any money when I was having a typical winter downturn as most here may be familiar with.
I needed to advertise and get clients(and pay my huge YP bill at the time) But, I didn't have any extra money.
I thought there must be some way to get my company's name out without spending money(I tried fliers, it sucked) I reflected on when I went fishing that summer. I couldn't catch crap where everyone else was fishing, until I went to a deserted inlet. It was teaming with fish! I caught my limit in no time. Then in a flash of inspiration it came to me.
Why don't I go where there are no fishermen. But, it is teaming with fish. That is when I started developing my system of marketing to groups and they refer my business their members. It has been a godsend for me. I costs nothing for me to set them up and once they are set up, I receive free marketing to their members forever.
As I mentioned earlier. I didn't plan on selling the system. I was going to keep secret all to myself, until other cleaners on the boards told me they wanted too wanted to learn how they could market for free throughout their area.
Not to get long winded, You can learn more about it here:
http://www.freemarketingforever.com
-Is Dirk an absolute legend in your town by now?
Dirk is a legend in his own mind as usual. Actually I don't talk to Dirk a whole lot. This town is very competitive for carpet cleaning as it has too many cleaners for it's population. (75 cleaning companies 200K population)
-Are you coming to M7F?
I would love to. But, I can't go. (Family stuff)
-Who's company did your advice/program have the biggest effect on? (besides you own)
Works well for me. Mike Hogan of Hogans cleaning has been having great success.
