4/8/2008
What I Learned from Steam Cleaning Carpets
One summer when I was in high school, a friend of mine and I got our hands on a steam carpet cleaner and some chemicals. We went around Colorado Springs trying to get our friends, neighbors, and acquaintances to let us make the carpets in their homes and businesses sparkle. Boy, did we learn some great business lessons!
Physical labor is hard work! We thought we were going to make some easy money. But what we’d estimate as a 4-hour job usually turned into an 8- or 9-hour job. When you start moving furniture around, you learn there’s more to logistics than meets the eye. By the end of the summer, I knew physical labor was not going to be part of my career choice! (I turned out to be a writer — mission accomplished.)
Presentation skills make the difference. At first, we naively assumed friends and neighbors would hire us because they knew us and liked us. Wrong! We had to explain why steam cleaning was superior to other methods. We had to demonstrate the product to prove our claims. And because we knew what we were doing and were incredibly enthusiastic, we were persuasive. As a matter of fact, we talked ourselves into taking jobs we soon wished we hadn’t …
Always scope out your project in advance. One business owner hired us to clean his entire very large and very elegant home. We pulled in a couple buddies to help, and in the middle of it, the client says, “Hey guys — as long as you’re here, would you mind moving that grand piano from the mezzanine to the living room?” Of course, we said, “Sure! No problem!” I don’t know if you’ve ever moved a grand piano down a spiral staircase, but it was a miracle we didn’t destroy the piano, the man’s home, and ourselves. It took about two hours, and of course, we didn’t receive any extra pay or even a tip. Sigh. Many lessons about human nature and business dealings in that little experience.
Always get a deposit. Another man hired us to clean his office. As we drove to the job we were licking our chops — offices were usually much simpler and cleaner than homes. However, when we arrived, we saw that in the middle of the off white carpet was a black oil stain about 10 feet in diameter. These people had literally spilled a barrel of oil in the middle of their office floor. We were skeptical we could clean it, but did negotiate a higher price. After spending 12-plus hours on the job, we did as much as any human being could do, but still it wasn’t perfect. The owner refused to pay us a dime. Served us right for not nailing down the specifics and getting an advance. Lesson learned.
Failure is cleansing. Most of our clients were pleasant and more than satisfied with our work. But the learning came not from our successes, but from our failures. A job that went south made us sharper on the next one. If you’re willing to try something new and stumble occasionally, you can become successful . That was probably the greatest lesson I took away from my brief foray into carpet cleaning.
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This post is part of Robert Hruzek’s latest What I Learned from … project.
This time, Robert has teamed up with Marcus from Lessons from Odd Jobs.
Between Robert and Marcus, I’m looking forward to lots of entertaining reading about strange job experiences! It’s not too late to turn in your entry!
26 Responses to What I Learned from Steam Cleaning Carpets
Great lessons, Brad; especially that last one. But part of the cleansing process is that one word: “lettigo”. Being able to learn (AND move on) is essential!
Good to see you’re in your element now!
Lettigo is right, Bob. One thing worse than “ready, fire, aim” is “ready, aim, aim, aim …”
Great lessons Brad
But it’s a miracle you didn’t destroy that grand piano!
Joanna
Brad, I’m glad that you found your true calling but if you ever get nostalgic, my door is open – no grand piano or spiral staircase. LOL! This was a great post with awesome lessons. I too have learned that the best lessons have come from failures and most spills can be cleaned up.
Joanna, I’ve had a fear of moving pianos ever since! Karen, “most spills can be cleaned up” – love it!
Brad, thanks for participating. I especially love your last point that “learning came not from our successes, but from our failures.” It makes me wonder why we never want to share our failures with others–wouldn’t it just give them an opportunity to learn too?
Marcus, it’s funny you mention that, because I’m planning to do a post on that very subject! Needless to say I agree with you completely about the learning opportunities presented by failure.
Presentation is important – but presenting the product is a mistake. Unless you setup the situation or your client asked “why should I use steam cleaning as opposed to another form of cleaning?” And even then you should have responded “Great question, do you mind if I ask you a question before answering? Why do you ask?”
Good point, Zach. Information dumps put customers to sleep.
Thanks Brad, this blog rocks!
Isnt this really hot water extraction cleaning, not steam cleaning ?
Isnt this really hot water extraction cleaning ? not steam cleaning.
Geoff, I think you are correct.
Sorry ddint realise duplicate posts, thought it didnt work.
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Hi Brad – we met via Lennie, at the WBDC. I dated a carpet cleaning guy once and he worked really hard, he always told me to never have carpet – i tend to agree with him – way too hard to keep clean !! I like how you included the whole darn enrollment and sales cycle, and when your younger how tedious that whole process can be!
Hi Karen, I remember you – thanks for stopping by my blog. I like your blog. Your carpet cleaning beau might have been an excellent carpet cleaner, but with advice like that, he might need some help in the sales department!
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It’s an unfortunate fact that carpets will get dirty. Since carpets take a lot of abuse, it’s inevitable that they will have to be cleaned at some point. It’s also an unfortunate fact that carpet cleaning products contain toxic chemicals. These may not always be listed as such on the label.
Spot removers typically contain the most dangerous chemicals and many contain solvents. Solvents dissolve dirt and grease without using water. Sometimes, depending on the cleaning methods used, solvents are used in addition to water.
aving a clean carpet is more than just healthy. It can also prolong the life of the carpet. If you have just installed the carpet, you already realize the expense involved in doing so. But, even if you have not just done this, you probably realize the benefits of keeping your carpet clean. It will add value to the home if it is well maintained. It will help to keep the home odor free as well.
i also think it is hot water extraction the best steam cleaning you can find in http://www.daimer.com
Steam cleaners
You providing good information i also seen http://steam-cleaner-machines.blogspot.com/ this blog which also very informative,Please find the link and post comments!!!!
Steam cleanerss last blog post..KleenJet® Supreme 3000CV
Thanks for the informations!.. I can’t wait to try it!..
I think you can’t beat the lovely warm feel of a lovely clean carpet first thing in the morning and disagree with those who say laminate and wooden floors are best. Sure they look great, but they’re not all that comfortable.