During my 30+ years in the cleaning industry nothing generates more interest than the subject of bidding and estimating the cost of cleaning services. One might think that this only applies to Building Service Contractors who are new to the business and don’t have much experience in calculating costs and submitting bids, but that is not the case. Almost everyone in the cleaning industry is interested in the subject; this includes manufacturers, salespeople, building owners and departmental managers.

I recall teaching a seminar on Bidding and Estimating some 20 years ago and one attendee had over 30 year experience. Being impressed that he’d come to my class, I asked him why he, with all his years of experience would attend the seminar and his response was “I can’t take a chance that one of my competitor’s will know more about bidding and estimating than I do.” That hit home with me as to how important bidding and estimating is to everyone in the industry. (more…)

Filed under: Bidding and Estimating by William Griffin
Originally Published: CMM December 2011

I like to use writing surfaces in my presentations and classroom activities. I find them to be a great way to actively involve students in the learning process. I also like the fact that after the class I can take the written sheets and type them up and in some cases to turn them into PowerPoint slides which saves me from have to write some things on the flip chart in the next class.

If you haven’t seen or used Static Cling Sheets in place of paper, give them a try, they are come in several sizes, are inexpensive, easy to travel with and far more flexible in use than paper. Markers work great on them and they cling to any smooth flat surface without tape, adhesive or pins. http://www.grafixplastics.com/cling.asp

I think the biggest benefit of using writing surfaces comes when I get students out of their chairs and in front the writing surface in group exercises. This keeps everyone on their toes and involved vs. sitting listening to me talk. (more…)

Filed under: Training by William Griffin
Originally Published: CBM December 2011

When Jeff mentioned he’s like publish a regular column on the subject of hard floor care I was eager to be involved. To keep things interesting, from time to time I may use a guest columnists and I may occasionally interview other experts who can shed light on the art and science of hard floor care in homes and commercial properties.

To lay the ground work for future columns, in this article I will deal with industry trends and income opportunities that relate to hard floor care. I’d like to think of this as your column, it would be helpful if you communicate with me so I know what information would be most useful to you. Feel free to get in touch via my cell phone or email. My contact info will appear at the end of each column. (more…)

Filed under: Floor Care by William Griffin
Originally Published: CMM December 2011