In the Window Cleaning Business, It's all About Keeping Your Focus: Proper Focus Equals Success

Hey Folks:

This month, I wanted to talk to you about the benefits of keeping your focus in your window cleaning business.

So what do you say we get right to it? Here we go...

**********************************

The benefits of keeping your Focus

**********************************

Without beating around the bush, I see a lot of window washers trying to either:

1. work other businesses in addition to window washing hoping something clicks.

and/or

2. offer many, multiple services in addition to window washing.

Let's talk about number 1 first.

1. Working other businesses in addition to window washing hoping something clicks.

This is probably the hardest thing for me to do...keeping focus on one business/one opportunity. Can you relate to that? I think that's a problem with many people.

I mean there are soooooo many business opportunities out there, and they all sound great when reading

about them. They really do. So what do we do when we're surrounded by all these supposedly "great" opportunities?

Well...I used to buy into or join lots of them. But I'll tell you the first thing I did when entering the window washing business. I looked back over the years and analyzed the successes and failures I've had. I knew that window washing was the last stop for me, so failure wasn't an option. The wheels had to stop spinning.

After my little "realty check", it finally hit me like a ton of bricks...

It simply all boiled down to having too many irons in the fire all the time. It's tough to spread yourself out among 2 or more businesses. Not only in terms of time, but in terms of deciding which ones to invest in.

Something has to give, so the end result was nothing really took off. In one time period, I was selling asset protection to high income prospects, servicing a bunch of payphones I bought, and talking to day care centers about buying some personalized books for the little kiddies.

Needless to say, bah humbug on that. And the bank account showed it.

But being a "business start up junkie" required some discipline as my window washing business grew. Whenever a business looked appealing or an opportunity arose, my blinders had to come on. Contrary to popular belief, the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence.

After my initial success of capturing window washing customers, I quickly realized that the profit potential in the window washing biz can be absolutely enormous. Why veer off course and dilute that profit by spending time building or doing another business?

One of the reasons I think I was so intent on forming another business is because of the philosophy of "don't put all your eggs into one basket".

This was drilled into me from a very young age. But here's the thing-windows are NOT going anywhere. We'll have glass forever, and more of it is appearing every day. It's a business that will never dry up and blow away unless people start living in caves. :o)

So I encourage you, regardless whether you're in the window washing biz part-time or full-time, give it 100% part-time or 100% full-time effort. The rewards can be tremendous as I am seeing all across the country from hundreds of my students.

2. Offering many, multiple services in addition to window washing.

This is a killer way to make lots of additional profits on top of window washing profits, but my experience has shown that if you do this BEFORE you've established a certain level of trust with the customer, it'll be much harder for you to accomplish this smorgasboard approach.

At the completion of a window cleaning job is a perfect time to go after the add on business like cleaning ceiling fans and mirrors like I discuss in my manual How to Start Your Own Residential Window Washing Business. But before you even secure them as a customer, it's way too early to bombard them with lots of other stuff.

Just plant a seed. Be subtle about it. The best way I've found to handle it is to use a "leave behind card" after the job is done, and then cement it further throughout the upcoming months, and throughout your entire relationship with that customer by sending out periodic correspondence.

Your little leave behind card could be similar to a tent card that you see in hotels. Inside the card is a listing of your additional services. Or have a flyer made up that details all your additional services and leave that with the customer.

And as far as "future correspondence", below is a letter you're more than welcome to use in case you

want to capture additional business besides your window washing jobs:

Dear John and Nancy:

Thank you so much for the opportunity to regularly

maintain the cleanliness of your glass.

As you may be aware, in addition to cleaning and

maintaining the windows of our ever-growing cust-

omer base, we have recently expanded our services

to include:

--pressure washing

--blind cleaning

--gutter cleaning

--driveway sealing

--awning cleaning

And if you are in need of assistance with anything

else, please let us know. Although window washing

is, and will continue to be, our main focus, our

customers are continually asking us if we do any

additional services, so if we have the knowledge

and tools to get your desired job done for you,

we'll be glad to take care of it. If not, we'll

point you in the direction of a reputable person

or company who can.

Thank you once again for the opportunity to be of

service to you and we'll see you soon for your next

window cleaning.

Sincerely,

Steve Wright

Clearview Window Washing Service

There's a goldmine sitting with each customer if you stroke 'em over the years using the above approach vs. using the one time "hit 'em over the head" approach.

The above letter also serves the dual purpose of keeping your company name in front of your customers, so even if a customer didn't need any additional work done, you'll still benefit from the exposure.

Now I talk about customers above, but what about prospects?

Well...when dealing with prospects, the trust factor definitely hasn't been established yet, so it makes

it an absolute necessity to focus on capturing the window washing job and forgetting about the myriad

of other services you perform.

I mean if you're marketing for window washing prospects, and they respond to your window washing

advertisement, it only makes sense to hone in on window washing, right?

Yet I see a few folks try the "jack of all trades" approach where if the prospect doesn't make a decision to get their windows cleaned after the estimate has been presented, the window washer will immediately turn their attention to service #2, service #3, etc.

I know the theory is that if you offer 10 different services, they have to pick one, right?

Not necessarily.

Too much stuff presented can cause confusion and indecision. People really don't like to make decisions, so too many choices forces them into making a complicated decision. Therefore they don't make

ANY decision.

If you try and push too much down their throat, they may resist, and then you walk away with zilch, nada,

zippo. A lot of income could be lost over the years as a result.

I'm sure you've heard about the saying that goes like this: "Jack of all trades, master of none". That fit me like a glove for years UNTIL stepping into the window washing biz.

As I mentioned earlier, that's when I looked back over the years and wised up, and then instead of

"master of none", it was more like "master of one". The results were extraordinary.

So try it if you don't already. Present your window washing estimate, attempt to close the deal, or through your proper follow up strategy get the deal closed for window washing. Turn them from a

window washing prospect into a window washing customer.

THEN step back and watch your relationship with that new customer turn into all kinds of additional services and jobs, in addition to you raking in the profits by regularly cleaning their windows.

In conclusion, resist the distractions and resist the urge to branch out into other "things". Focus, focus, focus! If you're in the window cleaning business, then BE in the window cleaning business.

'til next time.

Best Wishes,

Steve

Steve Wright is the author of How to Start Your Own Residential Window Washing Business, and has started hundreds of individuals on the path to success in their own window washing business as evidenced by reading what some of his students have said here. Mr. Wright has also developed a revolutionary online web-based system called The Customer Factor to assist all window washing business owners in maintaining and growing a successful business. Using both of these resources provides the one-two punch needed for maximum success in the window washing business. For more information, give Mr. Wright a call at 256-546-2446 or visit either of the websites posted.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Glass Block Window Sizes For Basements, Bathrooms, and Buildings - 4 Steps For Success

When sizing a glass block window panel you need to throw out the old saying "measure twice and cut once." With an interior or exterior block window project you need to measure twice and don't cut at all (this is because you can't slice through a block and have it retain it's structural integrity and energy efficiency properties). Although determining the size of the block glass window does require skill and knowledge, it does not take a neurosurgeon to figure this stuff out. In this article you'll learn the 4 step process to get the correct window size, system, pattern, color and options for your needs and tastes.

Step 1) Where do you want to use the block window? What material is (or will be surrounding) surrounding the window opening?

o Will your glass block window be used in a lower level basement, a 1st floor garage or commercial building, or a 2nd floor bathroom window that is 20 foot to the sill? If you're putting the window on the lower level you can generally make the window panel larger since you won't have to be lifting it in the air (most basement windows tend to use anywhere from 8 to 15 blocks in a pre-assembled section - weighing from 50 lbs. to 90 lbs per section). Most second floor bathroom windows tend to use 12 to 24 blocks so you might want to select a thinner block thickness (either 2" or 3 1/8") so the panel is lighter and easier to install.

o The surrounding materials the window panel will be set in (also called the head - or top, jambs - or side, or sill - or bottom) are also important. If you're doing a basement foundation window that will be set inside a masonry wall made of concrete block, sandstone, or poured concrete you may want to size your block window using a mortar joint (to match up with your surrounding masonry materials) vs. a silicone jointing process for the window. For a bathroom window inside of a wood framed opening the silicone vinyl framed glass block window system might be preferred because this window is lighter (usually built with 2" thick blocks) and easier to set, making an upper level installation safer.

Step 2) Measuring an existing opening or determining the size you'd like to create a new opening

o To replace an existing window you start by measuring the opening first. When measuring an existing masonry opening for block basement windows or upper floor windows you usually want to measure assuming the frame will be removed (this happens about 90% of the time), from side to side, and from the top of the sill to the top of the header plate. The block window will need to be sized smaller than this opening remembering that you can't cut the glass, or as my Dad used to say fit 10 lbs of you know what into a 5 lb. bag. For upper floor frame openings you usually will measure the area inside of the frame after the window sashes would be removed to size your window.

o Creating a new opening for a block window If you're creating a new opening for a block window you want to begin with the end in mind. Choose your specific block window system, pattern, design, and/or colors and find out from your glass block window manufacturer what size the window panel will be after it's manufactured. Then you'll create your opening usually about ?" larger than the size of the panel (for example if the glass panel size is 40" x 40" you'll want to create your rough opening to be 40 ?" x 40 ?").

Step 3) Choose a glass block window system and select your pattern, design, air vent, colors, and block sizes.

o Block window panels can be made either with or without a frame. For existing basement windows in masonry openings a frameless block window is more cost effective, can be mortared in place, and is usually the way to go. The frameless window panels can be joined together either with mortar or silicone. The advantage of the mortared windows is they are harder to break in through and match most foundations. The advantage of the siliconed windows are they are smaller in size when pre-assembled together (which works well for tighter fitting openings), lighter, and have an all glass look.

o For upper level frame openings a vinyl framed block window can be an excellent choice since these windows are available in different frame colors and can be installed just like a standard replacement window. For openings you are creating, or can modify the size of, this is the way to go.

o There are a wide selection of block sizes, patterns, design possibilities, air ventilation products, and colors for your windows. A brief overview is presented below:

o Sizes and thicknesses of glass blocks - Glass masonry units are made is both metric and American sizes. Most of the blocks available in the United States are American sized. The American sized blocks are available in 4" x 8", 6" x 6", 6" x 8", 8" x 8", 12" x 12" and specialty shapes to turn corners or radiuses if you're looking to create a bay or bow block window. The blocks have nominal sizes meaning the actual size of the block units is ?" smaller allowing for a mortar joint (a 6" x 6" block actually measuring 5 ?" x 5 3'4"). There are 3 available thicknesses - 2", 3 1/8", and 4" thick. Thinner blocks are lighter and generally easier for someone less experienced to work with.

o Patterns, designs and colored glass blocks - Blocks come in a multitude of patterns providing different levels of privacy, style, security, and energy efficiency. The block are now available in standard and custom colors and artistically decorated murals to match any interior design style. Check out a comprehensive block web site to see the possibilities.

o Air ventilation and acrylic block windows - Glass block windows are available with vinyl air vents, dryer vents, or power exhaust fans. There are also acrylic block casement and awning windows that give you the look and feel of real block with the ability to open completely as well.

Step 4) Don't worry about any of the first 3 steps and call a glass block window manufacturer and installation professional - If you really don't want to figure out what size window you need call a block specialty company who offers design, fabrication and installation services. This type of company will usually come to your home or business (without a charge), measure your openings, figure out the right window size, and install it for you with a guarantee.

Mike Foti is President of Columbus Glass Block, Cleveland Glass Block and Mid America Glass Block of Cincinnati, Dayton, and Akron and Vice President Eastern Glass Block of New Jersey and New York. These companies are nationwide suppliers, glass block window manufacturers, and installation contractors of glass block windows, showers, walls, and specialty colored glass blocks. Mike can be reached at the following:

Tel. 614-252-5888 Nationwide 877-668-5888

mfoti@columbusglassblock.com

basement windows

vinyl framed glass block window

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Glass Block Windows - 5 Steps For Installation Success

Like many product categories the installation options for glass block windows have grown proportionately to the expanding design options. Years ago, blocks were made in a 8" x 8" x 4" size in a few patterns and put together inside a masonry window opening (usually by a skilled mason) block by block with a gray mortar and masons sand - not real sexy, but it worked. In today's world people want to use blocks more creatively in different types of openings (could be masonry, framed, steel openings etc.) for a wide variety of uses, and not have to rely strictly on a mason to get the job done. The following 5 installation steps can help you think through what's needed to have your block window installation project go smoothly.

o Step 1 - Ask, "What size is my window opening?"- The size of the opening is a large factor in the window installation approach. There are two basic ways to install a glass block window:

* (Option 1) As a window panel alone, or as a panel built into a vinyl or metal framed window system.

* (Option 2) installing the glass blocks one by one inside of the opening.

A benefit of glass block is it's a heavy material, the challenge is it's a heavy material when you're installing it! For most openings less than 25 square feet consider option 1, the block window built as panel (or section) vs. option 2. Option 2 is usually more difficult, costly, and requires a higher skill level. For the first option you can get a block window panel built by a glass block window manufacturer, often saving time and money.

o Step 2 - Ask, "Where is this block window going?" A key factor in the block window installation is if the glass window is going in new construction or a remodeling project, and whether the surrounding construction is masonry (poured concrete or concrete blocks) or frame (surrounded by wood). Here are some recommendations for each job condition:

* New construction projects in framed openings - For new construction framed openings use a vinyl framed nail in glass block window. Consult your glass window manufacturer for the size to create your rough framed opening. These windows (which are usually siliconed together for an all glass look) can be purchased with nailing fins to simply nail in from the outside just like a traditional vinyl window in new construction. Since they can be manufactured with the 2" thick series of blocks (in either a high privacy "Ice" pattern or "Wave" pattern from Mulia Inc.) they are lighter than traditional block windows. These windows can also be purchased for the 3" and 4" thick series of blocks as well if you'd like to try one of the upscale designed Beveled or Spyra series of blocks from Pittsburgh Corning.

* New construction projects in masonry openings - For most masonry openings under 25 square feet it is best to purchase mortared or siliconed block panels that can be set into the opening and mortared in at the top (also called the head), sides (also called the jambs), and bottom (also called the sill).

* Remodeling projects in framed openings -

- (Option A) If you can adjust your openings to fit one of the vinyl framed glass block windows you can install your project like a standard vinyl replacement window (make sure the window manufacturer takes the window nailing fins off for this type of installation) by placing the vinyl window in the opening, insulating around the window, and installing aluminum coil stock capping to meet the glass block window.

- (Option B) If you can't adjust your existing wood opening then remove the existing window sashes and mortar the glass block into the wood opening and install aluminum coil stock to the block and caulk where the coil stock meets the glass masonry units.

* Remodeling projects in masonry openings (concrete blocks or poured walls) - In remodeling projects measure the entire size of the masonry openings with the existing frame being removed (the only time you don't remove the metal or wood frames is when the frame is either seated over the concrete blocks or poured walls and removing them might cause damage to the surrounding interior or exterior walls). Then size your block window panels to be smaller than the masonry openings (these block windows can be sized basically in any 2" size increment). The window panels can then be mortared into the openings.

o Step 3 - Ask, "What should I use to put the glass block together into a window panel assembly?" - You might have heard varied opinions about how the block panel should be assembled (the most common methods are using mortar or silicone). While some companies may tell you that only one method is correct, they are often just trying to get people to buy the fabrication method they prefer. You should choose that method where the panel size is going to fit best into the opening (making sure the joints do not exceed 1" around the window). Included below you'll find some advantages of both the mortar and silicone systems:

- Advantages of Mortar over Silicone - Mortar is the traditional way to build a block window. The advantages of this system are the ability to vary the size of the mortar joint (helpful when you have an odd size), the mortar joints can be finished to match the existing masonry, and it's very difficult to break a block out of mortared joint.

- Advantages of Silicone - Silicone is preferred if you like an all glass look to your panel, or if you need a smaller window in an opening (silicone joints are smaller than mortar joints), and transportation is safer because the glass window will stay together better than with mortar.

o Step 4 -Ask, "How do I handle an opening greater than 25 square feet?" - When openings become larger than 25 square feet (mostly in commercial, architectural and institutional projects) it is often better to build the window block by block within the opening (this is because the panels would need to become larger, heavier, and are more difficult to handle). With openings of this size you will need to keep the following installation points in mind:

* The window usually requires a "soft joint" at the top (head), and sides (jambs) of the opening - Windows greater than 25 square feet need more space for expansion and contraction requiring glass block caulk be used at the jambs and head of the opening along with an expansion strip. For larger openings an aluminum channel will also help with concerns regarding wind loads.

* Structural steel or aluminum may be required - To allow for wind loads and structural safety larger openings (greater than 20 feet high for 4" blocks and 10 feet high for 3" blocks, and 25 feet wide for 4" blocks and 15 feet wide for 3" blocks) there should be a metal stiffener put into the glass block window. This stiffener could be a metal hidden plate, an I beam, or a T shaped mullion of steel behind the window/wall.

o Step 5 - Ask, "What should I do if my skills or physical abilities don't allow me to do this type of installation?" - Call a specialty glass block contractor or find a nationwide glass block window manufacturer (to make a pre-made glass panel) to make contract out the installation of this window. This will ease the process, reduce cost, and improve the quality of the block window installation project.

Now that you've got the 5 installation steps you're ready to either to get your hands dirty or hire the right specialty glass block contractor for your project.

Mike Foti is President of Columbus Glass Block, Cleveland Glass Block and Mid America Glass Block of Cincinnati, Dayton, and Akron and Vice President Eastern Glass Block of New Jersey and New York. These companies are nationwide suppliers, glass block window manufacturers, and installation contractors of glass block windows, showers, walls, and specialty colored glass blocks. Mike can be reached at the following:

Tel. 614-252-5888 Nationwide 877-668-5888

mfotigb@aol.com

glass block windows

how to install glass block windows

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.