
Are you the greatest best kept secret?
The goal of any business is to get the word out to your target market. Whether you place ads in publications, distribute flyers door to door, network or use social media, the objective to get your info in front of as many people as possible. Referral is another great way to build a business. Sometimes you get business just by asking.
Whatever service you provide, make sure that your customers and prospects are aware of it. Don't (ass)(u)(me) that they know. If you are…
Read MoreAdded by Fred T. Gruber Jr. on May 8, 2013 at 12:20pm — No Comments

Communicate with your customers
You may have provided outstanding service to your customer. They are, overall, pleased with the work you provided but there's just one little thing that they though could be better. They know you worked hard and have proven to be a true professional, so they may feel a little uncomfortable complaining about it. Are you making sure that your customer is welcome to say something?
Many people don't like to complain because they don't want to bother you. Well, make sure that they know…
Read MoreAdded by Fred T. Gruber Jr. on May 8, 2013 at 12:03pm — No Comments

The un-salesman
You've probably received many phone calls and e-mails, soliciting for your business. We'll if you're like me, you dislike this invasive way of doing business. There are many great salesmen that can talk you into spending money you probably shouldn't. These guys can probably sell ice to an eskimo.
We believe in letting our work speak for itself, rather than trying to talk people into something they aren't sure of. We often get asked if we are going to charge more, once we are in the…
Read MoreAdded by Fred T. Gruber Jr. on May 1, 2013 at 5:02pm — No Comments

THE FEAR OF “GOING BANKRUPT”
Going bankrupt: what does that mean? There are a lot of myths and misconceptions regarding “going bankrupt” or filing for bankruptcy.
Even some “experts” on the topic aren’t helping. For example, there was a recent opinion article in a well-known magazine by an attorney, who spent a lot of energy perpetuating the misconception that bankruptcy is never a good idea.
The author took aim at consumer bankruptcies and the attorneys who handle them, painting them all with one broad…
Read MoreAdded by Dennis Jay Sargent Jr on April 22, 2013 at 3:09pm — No Comments

Results, not excuses!
I am often amazed at how many people use the economic situation or other factors as the reason why they aren't successful. I think some people are gripping onto any excuse as to why they can't get ahead. They want to blame external forces rather than take responsibility.
Sure. The economy can have some effect on cash flow but there are actions that you can take to counter it. I'm a results oriented person. I always expect to succeed, no matter what. If I fail or succeed, I am…
Read MoreAdded by Fred T. Gruber Jr. on April 16, 2013 at 7:46am — 2 Comments

Don't drop the ball!
Sometimes, opportunities will present themselves at the most unusual times. Will you be ready to accept the task or will you miss out?
It would be nice if everything worked the way you planned. Customers or clients would only call you, between the hours of 9-5. You wouldn't have to work late or on weekends. A big job would only come in when you aren't busy. Well, this is the real world and we sometimes have to work late, field phone calls at 9pm and take on a big job when you already…
Read MoreAdded by Fred T. Gruber Jr. on April 4, 2013 at 7:38am — No Comments

Three Health Benefits Of Carpet Cleaning
Carpet cleaning can improve the appearance of your home and extend the life of your carpet, but perhaps the most valuable benefit from the process is improving you and your family’s health. Most people are unaware of the importance of a regular carpet maintenance plan.…
Read MoreAdded by Fred T. Gruber Jr. on February 7, 2013 at 2:48pm — No Comments

What is your network really worth?
Perhaps you are starting a new business, trying to jump start an existing one or starting a new career. Your network is a great asset for furthering your success. Your network is worth a lot more than just the leads you may get. Here are a few examples.
Added by Fred T. Gruber Jr. on February 2, 2013 at 11:00am — No Comments

Bartering your services to grow.
I'm sure many of you have been in a situation where you wanted to do something that you know would grow your business but maybe you didn't have the funds for. Perhaps it's during a slow season or you had an unexpected expense come your way. I've found that bartering is a good alternative to get what you want. Here are some ways that you can barter to grow your business.…
Read MoreAdded by Fred T. Gruber Jr. on January 24, 2013 at 12:31pm — No Comments

What is your perceived value?
When looking for products or service, we are always looking for value. We want to get the most out of our hard earned dollar. Your prospects are also looking for value. What makes what you have to offer a good value?
Added by Fred T. Gruber Jr. on January 7, 2013 at 2:00pm — 1 Comment

Winter is the perfect time to clean your carpet filter!
Did you know that your carpet is the biggest filter, in your home or office. It can trap all type of pollutants like cooking grease, nicotine, pet dander and other allergens. Here are a some reasons why you need to clean you carpets, especially in the…
Added by Fred T. Gruber Jr. on December 28, 2012 at 2:00pm — 2 Comments

Looking back to move forward
As 2012 comes to a close, it's a good time to think about the future. It's a time to assess what needs to be done to make 2013 an even better year. You always want to move forward but looking back has some benefits too.
In order to know where you're going, you need to understand where you have been. You don't want to repeat yesterdays mistakes. You want to build upon your strengths and either eliminate or improve your weaknesses. Yesterday offers valuable lessons. Even though times…
Read MoreAdded by Fred T. Gruber Jr. on December 21, 2012 at 3:30pm — 1 Comment

Use your co-competitors to your advantage.
There are many advantages to having a small business. You can keep your costs down, make your own hours and enjoy more flexibility than most larger companies can. Here are some examples that can help you provide quality service on a large scale.
Create a network with some friendly co-competitors for the following reasons:
Added by Fred T. Gruber Jr. on December 13, 2012 at 2:41pm — 1 Comment

Schedule Some Fun!
As business owner, 9 to 5 or days off are a language we don't understand. It seems as if we are always thinking about our business. Most people aren't cut out to handle the responsibilities of running a business. It is important that you make time to do the things that you enjoy, as well.
Here are some things you can do to ensure that you balance yourself.
Added by Fred T. Gruber Jr. on December 4, 2012 at 12:03pm — 1 Comment

Even the darkest cloud has a silver lining!
Sometimes things seem to be working against you, then all of a sudden, BAM! something goes your way. It is important to never lose sight of the big picture. Even the most successful people suffer some setbacks. You just have to be ready to make lemonade out of lemons
We recently found ourselves in a difficult situation. We were trying to help fix a problem caused by another cleaning company. We fixed their problem but caused another one. The customer insisted that we discolored their…
Read MoreAdded by Fred T. Gruber Jr. on November 26, 2012 at 8:21pm — 2 Comments

Focus On The Positive!
Life is too short to dwell on the negative things. Since there is never a shortage of negative people and comments, you need to put your efforts in the positive!
If you have an idea that you think can help you to be successful, go for it! Many people will tell you that you are crazy for taking a risk. Well, nothing ventured nothing gained. I can understand why people might be like that, since they are afraid of the unknown.
Most of the people who have doubts are usually unhappy…
Read MoreAdded by Fred T. Gruber Jr. on November 13, 2012 at 1:22pm — 1 Comment

Consistency is the key to good networking!
Would you like to get more business from networking? Of course you do. Networking takes some effort and patience. Being consistently consistent, will get you the results you desire! Here are some important things, to keep in mind.
Attendance: If you want to get the most out of networking, you have to be present. You don't have to go to a dozen different groups. Find a few good groups and attend regularly. There are many…
Read MoreAdded by Fred T. Gruber Jr. on November 8, 2012 at 3:56pm — No Comments

You Create Your Own Luck!
Whenever I'm asked the question "how's business?" and respond "good", I'm amazed when some people reply "wow. you're lucky" My response to them is "Yes. I am lucky to be able to do something I love and make money doing it". Some people attribute success and failure with luck. Many Red Sox fans believed in bad luck until their team finally won the World Series, in 2007. The curse was lifted.
Luck has very little to do with whether you sink or swim, in business or life. Hard work and…
Read MoreAdded by Fred T. Gruber Jr. on November 1, 2012 at 7:42pm — 3 Comments

It's what you do,after the sale, that matters!
I'm often amazed at how many professionals drop the ball, after you've spent money with them. They spend more time, focusing on how to get new customers than on how to make their current and previous customers happy. There are a few things you should consider.
Added by Fred T. Gruber Jr. on October 25, 2012 at 12:37pm — 1 Comment

It's Good To Be Seen!
Added by Fred T. Gruber Jr. on October 23, 2012 at 3:20pm — 2 Comments
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Fred T. Gruber Jr. commented on Jim Vogel's event INSIDE 919 Apex Small Business Network 5-28-13
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