As of October 2018, Pure Window Cleaning has been operating in Oklahoma for 1 year. It has been both an incredible year and a stressful one, but despite its ups and downs we are grateful and blessed to be where we are. My move from an employee to the owner of a small business has taught me many interesting lessons in the last year, and I thought they might be worthwhile to recount for myself and for any interested in possibly doing something similar. While I run a window cleaning business, I have focused on those things that could apply to any prospective small business owner or entrepreneur. So here’s at least 7 important things I’ve learned:
1: Learn to cope with failure, deal with rejection, and persevere.
When I started this business a year ago, I became the one thing I never thought I would have to become: a salesperson. I had limited resources, but I went to Staples order 200 cheap flyers, got a solicitor’s permit in several cities, and went door to door. For hours upon hours, day after day, I went from one door to the next. At times I would hit 50 houses and receive no interest in what I was trying to sell. Of 10 that I did receive any interest from, maybe 1 would actually book a job. But I continued on, because I had to.
If you’re wanting to start a business, you’re going to have to put in the footwork (literally) and deal with the long hours (without pay), the stress, the rejection, the scoffs, the lack of money, the hot summers, etc. all with a smile on your face and a “thank you for your time!” Many will not get past this step. But if you can put up with it, and not take anything too personal, you’re headed in the right direction.
Practical note: It helps to have a motivation. In my case I have a family: a beautiful wife, two young boys, and I wanted to provide for them. We were in a difficult spot when I decided to go forward on this plan; failure really wasn’t an option. A motivation that can drive you to put up with the stress and the feelings of failure is certainly helpful.
2: Don’t cut corners–especially on integrity.
As I said above, when I set out to go door to door I went and purchased a solicitor’s permit. I made sure to go to the city clerk, and ask what the requirements were for going door to door. I also made sure I understood the state and local laws regarding the practice. I did this for two reasons: 1) to protect myself, and 2) to show respect to others and their property. When I drove into a neighborhood, or walked up to a door, I respected all posted signs (i.e. no soliciting; no handbills; etc.) and their property (i.e. I never walked on their lawn; looked into windows; tried to push myself into their house; etc.). In other words, I treated people as I would hope they would treat me: with respect.
When I did get a client, I made sure to give a fair price, to treat their house with care, to listen to their concerns (and quickly address them), to come in clean clothes and showered, to show up on time, to always make sure I requested permission to take pictures of anything for my social media page, to let them know if I made a mistake (i.e. accidently broke something–and offer to pay; forgot to do something they asked), and to make sure they were pleased with the service before leaving.
If you can do those things, and genuinely show a respect for others, it goes a long way to building your business quickly.
3: Find good support.
