Rich Cleaner Conference

[Mikey P]

So Mrs Wagner..


Just how many attended your event?
How did they hear of it?
How did you convince them it was worth $1000 a head to get in?
Would they all say they got their money's worth?
What type of cleaner was the event ideally designed for?
Are there successful owners that would be wasting their time at your event??
How much were the suppliers and manufactures charge to display their goods?
Will this be an annual event?
Would you let/sell TMF and or Mikey's Board have a table next year?

 

[Brian R]

Good or Bad, chances are the people won't tell you because they don't want to look like they just screwed themselves out of 1000 bucks.

But I would like to hear what went on.

 

[LisaWagnerCRS]

Just how many attended your event?

How did they hear of it?

How did you convince them it was worth $1000 a head to get in?

Would they all say they got their money's worth?

What type of cleaner was the event ideally designed for?

Are there successful owners that would be wasting their time at your event??

How much were the suppliers and manufactures charge to display their goods?

Will this be an annual event?

Would you let/sell TMF and or Mikey's Board have a table next year?


Hi Mike - Sorry I didn't see this post until you emailed me about it. Getting ready to fly out to AZ to meet with 150 of our Platinum group, going to be a BUSY week - I'm excited! (I know, you can give a crap...)

We had 650 at the conference and 200 virtual attendees (same price - we sold out the hotel and the one next door).

There were primarily cleaners and restorers - but also all types of service businesses. This year one of our testimonials came from a wedding planner who bought our carpet cleaning kit and converted the campaigns for her company (they are templates) - and she sent me a huge thank you for the money she was making from it. Because Joe still has the #1 selling marketing kit at Nightingale-Conant, which is a general program, we attract businesses from all walks of life.

This niche specifically though, we fill it the same way we teach all of our members to fill their calendars with jobs. Market to your House lists (existing clients, recent past clients, and hot prospects) and then to Endorsed lists (through your vendor partners) and then lastly to cold lists through on-line and off-line channels. Market consistently, not just as a reaction when you are slow, and make sure it is direct-response and not some image ad.

What someone gets out of a conference or class is entirely up to what they decide to get out of it. Because we do have a big ticket, we have to deliver big (especially since these past 2 years we've offered a double-your-money-back guarantee) ... that said, the price, the fact it is 5 solid days, and it's in another state, filters out those who would NEVER make that investment for an event and for themselves. So it brings us the most motivated crowd ready to learn from all over the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. And this in turn make the event that much more of a charging experience to everyone attending.

The trade show this year was a first, and we sold out the 55 booths quickly. They were $2,500 each. I personally chose who would be in our show, because I wanted to give our members a group of different partners to meet with, not just ten versions of the same stuff, and I wanted companies I knew directly as quality operations and products. Connections has gotten so huge now, you don't even have time to get to learn much about anyone - you just power through the aisles trying to quickly see if you have missed anyone.

We do not have the crowd size of the Connections show - but we have a crowd of qualified buyers who would be ideal customers of anyone who attends. I emphasized to this group that if they were coming to our show I did not want them smiling and standing for days hoping to get a few names – I wanted them to SELL. We moved a lot of product at the show. Our members got incredible deals, and I prepped all of them to come ready to buy their end of year supplies and big equipment.

You ask how we get cleaners to pay that, and to come, we've been doing this for now 16 years annually - many of our clients plan the rest of their year around our events. I had one couple who had a trip to Italy planned for their 25th wedding anniversary MOVE it so they could be at our event, because it gets them charged for the coming year, with a huge manual of strategies to act on, and is just an incredible networking and sharing experience.

Running a business can be a lonely place, so this is a time when you get to be surrounded by people who know where you are coming from, and will help you in any area you need help with. And the presenters we bring to the stage, this past year Tony & Mary Miller (The Dream Manager), Sean Stephenson (Get Off Your But author), Tony Hseih (Zappos CEO), Matt Mullenweg (Wordpress founder) – just incredible knowledge from people making things happen right now.

Now – YOU ASKED ME about Piranha, and this event. I did not start this thread. You could have sent me a private email, I'd write the same thing, but you posted it here for everyone. So you either really want to know these answers - or you want to start another thread where someone can call me an A-hole or bash everything having to do with Piranha.

We have been around a LONG time Mike. Multiply our 16 years of $1K events with our member levels from the basic buyers group at $125 a month to this Platinum group at $15K a year, to everything in between. We know how to create cash in this industry, a lot of it, and have generated countless millions for our clients, and millions for our company. We were the first to guarantee every product we produce, and every event we put on – we have the easiest return policy out there, because quite simply we are not the right fit for everyone, and they are not always the right fit for us.

I have fired 5 from our $15K program over the years, mostly for just a chronic bad attitude, or no incentive to actually WORK to make their business better. If someone is in our most elite group, I expect action and growth from them. You don’t just pay the money and expect that magic pill to make it all work for you – you have to get into action. We teach making your business Easy, Lucrative, and Fun – but you still have to work to get an ELF business. Lazy people don’t last long in Piranha.

There are people out there who bash us, but we have a thousand companies who love us, and I’m getting ready to meet with a hundred of them this week, many having had their best year ever despite everyone saying it was all going to die this year.

The skills we teach – tactical, strategic, direct response marketing – is the one area that can transform a company no matter what the outside environment is. It is not always easy, but it is simple. We just had a coaching call yesterday, we had everyone look at their year and list what worked last year for their marketing, and what did not. For this year, it’s simple – do MORE of what worked, and fix or eliminate what did not. And get off your butt and DO IT NOW. Movement always outperforms meditation. And even a mediocre marketing campaign rolled out aggressively will make you more money than the perfect one sitting unopened on your shelf.

Last question – ICS and CF both had tables at our event. I didn’t have room to add TMF for the set-up I had.

We will have a conference this year in October. I am looking at possibly moving to a larger property, but the service at our last location was so phenomenal, that might keep me there another year to reward them for going over the top this last time. Every partner from this year has first choice of booths for 2010 – if I expand by another 20 spaces then we could chat about if you really did want to be at one of our events. If it just would be a novelty for you, then there really is no point in wasting your or our time.

I have no idea why you posted this Mike – but I guess let’s let the bashing begin.
Lisa

 

[Mikey P]

Why did I post this?

After 5 years of putting on Mikefest I'm getting tired of losing money. Sure it's a great time for all but the time and effort put into planing it it ridiculous.
Worse part is, I'm so busy scooting around like Larry Cooper on a Segway running the show I don't even get to sit in on the classes.


I figure you would have some ideas for me.



Thanks and chill out dear, your slip is showing.

 

[Willy P]

And now for a little Education Laughter and Farting :wink:




That was a lot of bubble blowing...

"filters out those who would NEVER make that investment for an event and for themselves"
read SHEEP

I have fired 5 from our $15K program over the years, mostly for just a chronic bad attitude, or no incentive to actually WORK to make their business better. If someone is in our most elite group, I expect action and growth from them. You don’t just pay the money and expect that magic pill to make it all work for you – you have to get into action. We teach making your business Easy, Lucrative, and Fun – but you still have to work to get an ELF business. Lazy people don’t last long in Piranha.

So, you took 15 k off these people and fired them?

The skills we teach – tactical, strategic, direct response marketing – is the one area that can transform a company no matter what the outside environment is.

Hmmm- You can pay to take the courses OR this school and most others will give you a student to work with your business FREE.
http://www.capilanou.ca/future/calendar ... -bmkt.html

Or you can read it

http://www.buzzmarketing.com/business-m ... books.html

But the bad part is you don't get Benny Hinn preaching a sermon

 

[Willy P]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Joe-Polish-Student- ... %26ps%3D63

PS- Marty was wondering why you aren't pregnant and barefoot in the kitchen?

 

[LisaWagnerCRS]

I knew you needed a thread to share your artistic talents on Willy.

Mike, I've worked on putting on 5 CFI conventions, 2 CFI restoration symposiums, 3 Connections events, and 9 piranha boot camps and conferences. If you want some suggestions for marketing, filling, and turnkeying events, we can chat about that at Mikeyfest. I know you put a lot into this, and I'm happy to share what I've learned in my own channels.

No need for the shameless piranha plug here, I don't need it, and I'd help you without it anyway. In fact, I bet you could ask everyone coming in Feb to bring 20 bucks and even Terry would. You provide value here, along with twisted abuse, but no one would have an issue with you making money on the show.

Am I wrong guys?

Lisa

 

[Bjorn]

bring 20 bucks NO FOOKING WAY sweet heart

 

[Willy P]

bring 20 bucks NO FOOKING WAY sweet heart

You can get a case of mac and cheese AND weinies for 20 bucks. And maybe some mark down fruitcake.


Lisa, I was the kid your parents warned you about. :wink: Now I'm the adult your kids warn you about. What do you think of this Ebay offering? I'll bet he's fired!

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[rhyde]

Mikey, there's still room on board for you to take your profits out of this world !

 

[billyeadon]

Lisa,

That was one hell of a response. I think we should put you in charge of the Middle East. We would already be out.

Rock on.

 

[Ken Snow]

I hope when I grow up I have the maturity to respond in as classy a way as Lisa always does. I usually end up coming off like an a'hole.

 

[Mikey P]

I agree, Lisa did answer the question very well.

I hope she and the rest of you know the quiz was in no way a set up for asshole loser POG owner ops to vent their spleens.


I look forward to spending some time with Mrs Wagner in Nashville.



I can't wait to learn out how I can bilk all you wankers out of a grand each to come watch Tony test protectors again in 2011 :shock:

 

[harryhides]

LOL @ Ken.

Mikey, don't you know that you get what you pay for, ya chump.

Lisa, how many days was the trade show open and for how many hours per day ?

I like the idea of fewer booths but not so sure about the lack of choices ( except in Mags ) for the attendees.
Do you not take on some liability ( from the implication that you stand behind those chosen vendors ) when you limit the choices and do you test each and every product of the chosen few ?
Do you take a charge back on the hotel rooms sold or just trade for the event space ?
Knowing that Connections is also in October, what was the reason for picking that date for the next event ?

 

[Erik]

I hope when I grow up I have the maturity to respond in as classy a way as Lisa always does. I usually end up coming off like an a'hole.

Ken,

I have read a lot of your post and in no way do you come off as an a'hole. I think you come across very respectful and helpful, even if you are a rich bastaj. lol

ps- I still think your company could benefit from a Zipper- no matter what Brian says lol

 

[LisaWagnerCRS]

LOL @ Ken.

Mikey, don't you know that you get what you pay for, ya chump.

Lisa, how many days was the trade show open and for how many hours per day ?

I like the idea of fewer booths but not so sure about the lack of choices ( except in Mags ) for the attendees.
Do you not take on some liability ( from the implication that you stand behind those chosen vendors ) when you limit the choices and do you test each and every product of the chosen few ?
Do you take a charge back on the hotel rooms sold or just trade for the event space ?
Knowing that Connections is also in October, what was the reason for picking that date for the next event ?

First off, thank you Willy for that link. One way to generate money from someone trying to use your trademarked name to make money is through a really great intellectual property legal team. Especially if they are using it in a negative light, and without permission. It was a nice cha-ching from all the nice abuse you send on Piranha's behalf - so thank you for that. You actually will make me some money I can say came from spending time on this board - LOL!

Okay Tony - regarding your questions. The trade show was one day - we had workshops with vendors in the first half, and then trade show hours from 1-8pm with food served in the show. We did this originally because many shows drag out their hours over 3 days because they want to build their room block through their vendors - and it adds a lot of expense to a group of people who spend a lot of their year traveling to shows. But I have to say, they all came in liking it, but wanted more hours added - so I am making some adjustments for this year.

My bigger responsibility was what value it created. I wanted to make sure the members enjoyed the new benefit - and I wanted to make sure the Partners generated sales. I have never liked how this industry tends to bleed manufacturers and distributors to fund their shows, and then treat them like 2nd class citizens. On CFI's board I fought tooth and nail to make sure suppliers were "allowed" to serve as officers if they wanted to. They are part of this industry also, and it grates me when people take their money and then feel no responsibility to give value in return – or even a voice. I know there are some bad apples on this side, just as there are a lot of bad cleaners, I just don't like the double standard.

I suppose I take some liability for choosing some instead of all. We once had a carpet cleaning company I referred to my rug client do a poor job. They complained, and told me I should just not ever refer anyone. And I thought about that, and thought that would be the easy way out – but I wanted to do what was best for my rug clients… and giving them great referrals was what was best.

So – I implemented a survey to send to every single referral, letting them know that I wanted to make sure anyone I recommended was truly great. This let my clients know I cared. But I also sent a note or a call to the company being sent one of my clients BEFOREHAND to let them know – hey I’m sending you a client, and I am going to survey them when they are done. I know you will do a great job, but wanted to give you the heads up.

This creates a much higher likelihood of success for my clients and for the referring companies.
I want my word – and my referral – to MEAN something.

When I created this Buyers Group, and consequentially this trade show, I took this on as my personal responsibility. That I bring my best members great Partners. They all have an open channel with me. I have them tell me what is working and what is not – and they know that when things are not right that I jump on it with the same intensity I come here and spar with.

Delivery problems, order problems, product problems – they get solved or I personally step in and pull a large amount of business away from the Partners. Likewise, I promote our Partners constantly – and share direct experiences from our members, and from myself.

I’m sure there are cracks in this plan, and I’m sure there are some excellent companies I have not been introduced to yet, but for now it is working for everyone.

Regarding Connections – our event has always been an October gig. We began moving it around when Connections started jumping from September to October and back and forth. You have to remember, we are in our 16th year of this event, they are “younger” than us, so even though by and large Piranha Members do not attend Connections – I know the vendors do, so I’ve been very good at booking around them. Two weeks after them this year, and again, several week after them this year. If I wanted to crush them, I could book it before Connections and market and grab bodies – but I’ve always been a supporter of Connections so that would be stupid.

In fact, this year we did a one day free event to bring Piranha Members to Vegas, and got half of the crowd to go to Connections also, because I know they needed some more bodies. It was a tough year for events, so though they never ask me for help, I try to do what I can that makes good business sense also. I even bought a both at both shows this year, which was the first time we’ve done that. I looked at it as a donation to the cause, I spent 11 years on the board of CFI, several on IICRC, 4 on the Connections board, and I know how hard these guys work. If I can help, I do.

This year Tony, Connections is in September 30 (they were 9/11 in 2009). So I picked October to give them buffer space.

When you sell out an entire hotel – they give you all the space you want for free. One of the pluses of bad times for hotels due to the recession is you get to make some great deals if you have an event.

Hope that answers your questions,
Lisa

P.S. Mikey, please quit calling me Mrs. Wagner - you make me feel old, and married, and I'd rather not be either. Looking forward to our chat.

 

[rick imby]

"We are what we repeatedly do.
Excellence then is not an act, but a habit."
- Aristotle

Your responses must be a habit also then.

Thanks,
Rick

 

[harryhides]

Yes, thanks Lisa that's the ticket re my questions.

I too have always felt that there was a double standard re the suppliers.
Networking and the internet is also going to continue to keep suspect suppliers and manufacturers on their toes.

I've never understood the October date for any event as it is usually one of our busiest months of the year.

 

[Ken Snow]

I'm with you Tony, I've always felt that wintertime when it is slow would be ideal and/or mid summer when those with families can make a vacation out of the trip.

 

[Mikey P]

That is why when we move MF to Vegas it will still be in February.

 

[Willy P]

First off, thank you Willy for that link. One way to generate money from someone trying to use your trademarked name to make money is through a really great intellectual property legal team. Especially if they are using it in a negative light, and without permission. It was a nice cha-ching from all the nice abuse you send on Piranha's behalf - so thank you for that. You actually will make me some money I can say came from spending time on this board - LOL!

What's my cut?
I'd better order that today then and pay for express shipping!

I've gotta admit you're thick hided enough to take my teasing.....
You still haven't responded to my marriage proposal.

 

[Shorty]

Willy too small :?:

Ooroo,

 

[Willy P]

Willy too small :?:

Ooroo,

Naw- I'm 6 foot 2 and weiegh 215. :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

 

[LisaWagnerCRS]

The whole idea of having to give 50% of my earnings in a divorce ... yeah, it's kind of put a damper on the whole gotta-go-get-married craziness.

Besides... though I am a believer in tough love, and though I do not pretend to know the 105 strategies for a successful, happy marriage... I'm pretty sure calling someone an a-hole on a public forum is probably not part of that succcess strategy. LOL!

Lisa

 

[Ken Snow]

LOL Lisa~ he probably pulled pigtails in elementary school too!

 

[Mikey P]

besides, could you ever show off a husband at a high school or college reunion that swears by a Resoil?

 

[Willy P]

The whole idea of having to give 50% of my earnings in a divorce ... yeah, it's kind of put a damper on the whole gotta-go-get-married craziness.

Besides... though I am a believer in tough love, and though I do not pretend to know the 105 strategies for a successful, happy marriage... I'm pretty sure calling someone an a-hole on a public forum is probably not part of that succcess strategy. LOL!

Lisa

Tell the truth- It's because I'm not "ethical" unless I send cash for the dowry. You judged me, I judged you. :wink:

LOL Lisa~ he probably pulled pigtails in elementary school too!

I'm old- I dipped them in the inkwells

besides, could you ever show off a husband at a high school or college reunion that swears by a Resoil?

Still plagued by inability and a small doodle? Whens that second Vortex coming online?:roll: