Obviously, there are two general avenues open to achieving this goal. One can either increase income or reduce expenses. Increased income can be achieved through increased sales from more business or higher pricing, and certainly involves a well-thought-out marketing plan. But it's the expense side of this issue I want to address.

Everywhere I travel and have occasion to converse with service-business owners, the conversation always seems to eventually wind up on the challenge of finding and hiring good people.

You've probably heard the expression "You've got to spend money to make money." Well, when it comes to a cleaning- or restoration-service company and its equipment, this old saying certainly applies.

Most business people realize that their services are best "targeted" to a specific segment of the marketplace. In other words, since you can't be all things to all people, be the ideal thing to some. The challenge then becomes identifying just what segment of the market is the best fit with your business.

The Boy Scout motto is "Be Prepared," a saying that should also be adapted to service businesses. Be Prepared; two small words that can sometimes represent a very monumental task.

In the modern business climate, only a fool would dare operate a service business without the proper insurance in place. The challenge, however, is that this business of insurance is very complex, and has the tendency to be very confusing. It is difficult to know exactly what combination of insurance options are right for you and your business.

The Internet has become a very useful and positive tool for many in the service industry. But at first glance, many still ask, "What does the Internet have to do with my carpet cleaning or restoration business?"

In 2003 and 2004 we looked at some of the factors to consider when deciding which financial path to follow, leasing or owning. The same fundamentals explored then still apply today.

Many business owners get the opportunity to attend industry-wide trade shows and conventions every year. These events can be very beneficial to your business, and are often a source for new ideas and technology.

The ultimate success of any service business is rooted in having a strong base of satisfied, happy customers that will both call back for future services and recommend you to their friends and family.