Common Mistakes When You Start A Power washing Business

start a power washing business

Randall here, I was doing some general reading when I came across the concept for this article. While written by someone in a different service industry I couldn't stop thinking how these common mistakes apply to ALL business start ups including those when you start a power washing business

Being an entrepreneur myself for the last 15 years I must confess that I have been guilty of a good number of these mistakes in the past. I can attest to the validity of these common mistakes and I urge you to take them to heart. You will be much...much better off by doing so. Enjoy the advice.

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Mistake : Thinking all you need is competency and determination to succeed. You often hear that start up business owners need an intense desire to get a business off the ground. It's true, you'll be much happier if you're intensely committed to what you're doing but this alone isn't going to pay the mortgage. You need more than this - you need a guide. Thoroughly research your market and write both a business plan and a marketing plan. One of my favorite sayings is "On the map of business Marketing is the X where the treasure is always buried". These plans don't have to be huge overwhelming projects, but done right you'll better understand what you're trying to accomplish. Consider these a path towards your business success.

Mistake : "Low balling prices". Many new power washers believe they can under price their competition and gain easy market share.This is probably the number one mistake made by new power washers. Not charging enough for your services will surely cost you your profits but will probably make your credibility suspect as well. In time you will come to realize that you're working very hard for very little . First Calculate how you need to charge for your services so you cover all of your costs and still make a profit. And constantly strive to improve your business to increase the value you offer to your customers.

Mistake : Being ignorant of marketing Many new power washers fail to make plans to market their new business. Some even confuse marketing with sales. Sales are jobs you obtain during the day. Marketing is doing everything you can to get the word out about your new power washing business.

Mistake : Going native.. At the start of a power washing business, everyone is wearing several different hats and maybe even working seven days a week. Problems are dealt with on the spot. You can sidestep this mistake by making sure that you have employment policies and procedures established before you even open the doors to your power washing business. This will help to avoid legal problems and keep employee morale higher. Remember, employees want to know the rules of your business. Make sure your employees follow the rules. If you don't have any rules you won't have a business the business will have you, I guarantee it. You are not the employees best friend, you are the business owner.

Mistake : Underestimating your capital needs. Most new power washers will totally underestimate the amount of money they need to get their business to break even then profitability. Your power washing business needs much more than just power equipment and supplies. You'll need to outfit an office ,contract for phone services, vehicles (or money for mileage expenses), uniforms, marketing materials (brochures,postcards, business cards, etc.), insurance, and professionals (lawyer, accountant) to get your business started right . As a commercial power washer, you will most likely bill at the end of the month and on top of that, some customers may drag their feet when paying their invoices. That means that you'll be providing your services well before you receive any payment so you need to have cash on hand to pay the bills. Develop a personal and business budget that can sustain your company and then add at least 50 percent to cover unforeseen expenses. This was the case for every business I started. Don't think you'll be the exception.

Mistake : Neglecting your family. A start up power washing business can be all consuming. If your marketing is successful you will probably be working 60 hours or more a week. This can be very demanding on your family. When you start this kind of cleaning business, it is not only extremely demanding on you, but on your family as well. Make sure to show appreciation to your family for the support they give you.

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In Conclusion

You would be amazed at how many successful entrepreneurs have made these mistakes when first starting out. Some of these mistakes resulted in spectacular failures and many business owners had to start all over again, older but so much wiser. My advice is to pay particular attention to mistakes 2,4,5 and 6 and while you're at it mistakes 1,and 3 too...just kidding. The point is that many articles could be written about each and every one of these mistakes, this is sage advice for when you start a power washing business. I wish you great luck.

"Aude aliquid dignum"
16th century latin phrase
"Dare Something Worthy"

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