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- Ask Steve: I’m 44 and Still the Owner-Operator – What Should I do?

In-Between - Ask Steve: I’m 44 and Still the Owner-Operator – What Should I do?

- Ask Steve: What Should I Do When a Competitor Undercuts My Prices?

The real moral of this story, don't put all your eggs in one basket! - Ask Steve: What Should I Do When a Competitor Undercuts My Prices?

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Dave DeBlander

Dave DeBlander is the owner of Pro Clean Restoration and Cleaning, a turn-key carpet cleaning/ restoration business in Pensacola, Fl. He is also an author, speaker and business consultant. His books include 40 Words (To Awaken the Entrepreneur Within); 40 Days (To Awaken the Power Within); How to Get Off the Truck and on to the Beach; and How to Develop a Turn-Key Business. His business products include the Upsell Video and The Game Changer Business Performance Program. He can be reached at www.davedeblander.com and 850-637-SELL.

Articles

ARTICLES

10 Factors in Hiring and Retaining Employees

July 2, 2012

By Dave DeBlander

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Here are 10 important factors in hiring and keeping fabulous employees that will be an integral part of your turn-key business.

The Difference Between Price and Cost

April 2, 2012

By Dave DeBlander

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When I speak to realtors or referral sources or prospects, I always emphasize the difference between price and cost. Your clients need to know there is a huge difference and they ought to know what the difference is.

10 Laws to Live By

March 26, 2012

By Dave DeBlander

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Law No. 1 - It’s got to be fun: Life is too short and the potential to enjoy all aspects of life are too great to overlook this law. Sure, bad stuff happens to everyone, but that should be for a season and not for a lifestyle. Enjoy your customers, your vendors, the thrill of the pursuit or go and do something else. Running a business can really be a lot of fun. Are you having fun or would you be better off working for the man? Here is how I have fun in my business.

Beat Your Best

February 15, 2012

By Dave DeBlander

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For the most part, you are competing against yourself, not others. Sure, you have competition. And while competition can definitely motivate you, your main competition is with yourself. People implement ideas and get motivated through one of two different factors.

Love Those Dry Erase Boards

January 4, 2012

By Dave DeBlander

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Twelve years ago, I was cleaning a commercial carpet and I was intrigued by all the dry erase boards all over the office.

Make Every Day a Masterpiece

January 4, 2012

By Dave DeBlander

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Legendary college basketball coach John Wooden had many tremendous sayings, but probably his most famous was, “Make every day a masterpiece.” That's great advice.

How Do I Pay My Employees?

December 5, 2011

By Dave DeBlander

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I have a business mentor and neighbor who always inspires me when we get together, and he gives me great ideas and sound business principles. He is also very rich.

Is It Time To Quit?

November 11, 2011

By Dave DeBlander

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Having been in this industry for over twenty years and having coached business owners for the last five years, I would have to say there are situations in which taking down the sign and closing the doors is not a bad idea.

Choose Wisely

October 31, 2011

By Dave DeBlander

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Good businesspeople make good decisions, while poor businesspeople make poor decisions. That may seem like a rather simplistic statement, but it is true and the reality behind it is monumental.

10 Ways to Get Unstuck

September 19, 2011

By Dave DeBlander

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Many carpet cleaning/ restoration companies seem to grow to a certain size and then proceed to get stuck there for years and years. Why is that and what can be done about it?

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