QUALITY and ATTITUDE vs. SKILL

The quality of your work will be affected as much by your attitude as by your skill.

Good owners understand this. They realize that their employees performance will be directly related to how they feel about their job, themselves and their fellow employees

Even when an employee has the skill set to do their job, as an owner you must be able to give advice and counsel when an employee needs it. Improving an employee’s attitude should positively effect the quality of their work.

If necessary, an owner needs to be willing to give an employee a chance to change and work for improvement. They must believe in a person’s capability for growth through change.

They must have respect for the individual. They should provide an environment whereby their employees can achieve fulfillment. They must be open and honest with their employees. Excessive flattery and or criticism will sooner or later backfire and become counterproductive.

Good owners understand themselves. They must be aware that their own feelings can be distorted. The degree to which they understand themselves will ultimately effect the way they understand others. All people have defenses. Effective communication will help an owner work through these defenses. Once done, this will allow an owner to help their employees to have a positive attitude, which will improve the quality of their skill set.

Related Information and Articles:

• Building Your Own Carpet Cleaning Business
• Four Characteristics of a Successful Person
• Selecting a Professional to Clean Your Fine Carpets, Rugs and Furniture
• The 15 Factors of Success in Carpet Cleaning Business
• Twenty Steps to Success

Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog^®

Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times^® at www.baneclene.com/publications/.

Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com.

The Bane-Clene^® Team.

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Free Bane-Clene Information Package

Free packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail.

You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.

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“A to Z” Alphabetical Index to the Bane-Clene Web Site

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Franchising vs. Bane-Clene® for Your Carpet Cleaning Business Bane-Clene offers all the benefits of a franchise without the cost. Singer Sewing Machine Company has been credited with being the first franchiser. The turn of the century brought soft drink vendors into the picture, and modern day franchises really took off when McDonald’s came on the scene. Two trends that continue are the increase in dual income families and the overall aging of our population. These trends both point to the fact that service related businesses will continue to grow. Part of the great American dream has always been to own their own business, but the Small Business Administration reports that the majority of small businesses fail within five years. Some people start a business because they have some technical knowledge, but often they look at their business from a technician’s point of view instead of an investor’s position. Being a good technician does not ensure success in preparing a budget, planning advertising strategy or hiring and training employees. This is especially true in the carpet cleaning industry. A franchise may seem like a good option because franchises usually include training, a proven product or service, advertising assistance and expert advice. Most people believe that purchasing a franchise is a guarantee of success, but a franchise does not guarantee success. But, franchisees must have a good amount of capital in order to eliminate early cash flow problems. The initial cost of a carpet cleaning franchise can be as little as $4,000.00 or as high as $75,000.00, plus equipment costs, monthly royalties, compulsory advertising fees and restricted territories, a substantial investment is required. Sometimes these initial costs and restrictions far outweigh any possible return on investment. Better franchises offer a proven product or service. Also, there are royalties to pay, and how, where and with whom you do business is regulated. Unfortunately, competitors could care less about boundary lines. Many carpet cleaners started a business because they had worked for a cleaning firm and gained some technical knowledge. These operators often look at their business from a technician’s point of view instead of an investor’s position. Being a good technician does not help in preparing a budget, planning advertising or hiring and training employees. A franchise will help in these areas of business management. With Bane-Clene, a complete array of proven brochures, camera-ready art, video and radio tapes, sales aids and advertising layouts are available and there is a special class in advertising at Bane-Clene Institute. With Bane-Clene, you get all the benefits and help that are offered by a franchise and you keep all of the money you earn. Most importantly, Bane-Clene system owners enjoy a success ratio that is as good, or better, than the best franchise, and they are totally independent. Bane-Clene is NOT a franchise and has been in the service business since 1962. The company has been a supplier of cleaning agents and equipment since 1971 and there are NO territorial restrictions, royalties or mandatory advertising programs. Bane-Clene owners receive all of the assistance that a franchise gives, but without the initiation fee or the franchise fees. Bane-Clene Institute, the first industry school to receive the CRI Seal of Approval, offers a three-day management training program titled “Course to Success”. Toll-free hotlines are staffed by experts in the cleaning business to help with everyday problems. There is even a chemist on staff to answer technical questions. Manuals cover everything from accounting to the proper way to dispose of waste water. The Clene-Times®, our blog and our web site, provide updates on new technology as well as business oriented advice. The most inexpensive and effective advertising bargain is www.baneclene.com. Bane-Clene operators may have their own link from this website for a very low one-time fee. The Bane-Clene National Referral Service has provided thousands of jobs for Bane-Clene operators across the country. Bane-Clene systems owners are independent operators, and those who have achieved certification enjoy a success ratio that is as good or better than the best franchise. Related Carpet Cleaning Business Articles and Information: About Us Advertising the Bane-Clene Way Bane-Clene Can’t Promise This ... But, We Do Promise... Before You Finance Carpet Cleaning Equipment Carpet Cleaning Industry Potential Cash Flow in the Carpet Cleaning Business Eleven Commandments of Good Business Four Characteristics of a Successful Carpet Cleaning Business How to Own Your Own Carpet Cleaning Business Leasing Carpet Cleaning Equipment The 15 Factors of Success in Carpet Cleaning Business VIDEO: Bane-Clene® Business Management School What Makes a Company Successful in the Carpet Cleaning Business? Free Bane-Clene Information Package Free packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail. You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form. “A to Z” Alphabetical Index to the Bane-Clene Web Site Bane-Clene Home Page Copyright: Bane-Clene® Corp. Author: Wm. F. Bane - Bane-Clene’s Founder Date Published: August 1, 1998 in the 1998 Fall Cleaning Digest Date Modified: January 29, 2019

SOMEONE ELSE’S JOB

It’s an odd characteristic of human nature. A lot of us look at another person’s job and think it’s easier than our own. But is it? Also, to add a little bit of irony to this, is that the more talented a person is, then the easier they make their job look.

There are many times when your observation may be correct. But it is always wise to keep in mind that looking at someone else’s job is like looking at the proverbial iceberg; we only see the tip. All the problems and turmoil are submerged and out of sight.

None of us arrived at our present position without making many decisions, some right and some wrong. We’ve made sacrifices that we alone know about. We’ve work hard through the years to develop and fine tune our skills and talents. We want to be given credit for our accomplishments. So do others.

If we downgrade the accomplishments or the work of others, we are usually guilty of one of two things: a false confidence in ourselves or a need to inflate our ego.

For the people in a company to get along, each must give the others credit for their skills and abilities. There must be mutual respect. It takes many different temperaments, talents and abilities all working together to make a Carpet Cleaning Company successful. People must give others credit, whether they are above, below or on the same level as themselves.

All jobs are important whether they are your job or someone else’s job.

Everyone must recognize that for a Company to be successful and grow.

Related Information and Articles:

• Building Your Own Carpet Cleaning Business
• Four Characteristics of a Successful Person
• Selecting a Professional to Clean Your Fine Carpets, Rugs and Furniture
• The 15 Factors of Success in Carpet Cleaning Business
• Twenty Steps to Success

Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog^®

Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times^® at www.baneclene.com/publications/.

Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com.

The Bane-Clene^® Team.

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Free Bane-Clene Information Package

Free packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail.

You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.

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“A to Z” Alphabetical Index to the Bane-Clene Web Site

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Salesmanship for Carpet Cleaning Technicians Most carpet-cleaning technicians seem to know only two kinds of sales techniques for add-on sales: “hard sell” and “no sell”! We recommend that owners and cleaning technicians take a professional sales training class. These are offered at many colleges and Dale Carnegie™ locations. The real key to selling is simply finding out what the customer wants and needs and then suggesting solutions to their needs, wants or problems. You do that by explaining the value and the benefits of the services you offer and by showing the customer what’s in it for them. Sales is a two-way “win-win” street - the customer gets a benefit and you get a sale!. There are SIX STEPS to making a sale: Prepare: Your clothing should be neat and professional - what the prospect or customer thinks of you on first impression will affect present and future business dealings. Make eye contact with the customer. Always treat your customer the way you expect to be treated - with courtesy and respect. Be the expert your customer expects. Know the advantages and benefits of your products. Have your sales tools, such as brochures, handy. Get the customer’s attention: The first few moments with the customer are the most important. Always begin with introducing and identifying yourself - your name, your company, and why you are there. After that, it’s time to get the customer to focus on his or her home and what you can do to help protect it. Identify your customer’s needs - by looking, by asking questions. Do you see signs of pets or children? Ask at least three open-ended questions such as who, what, when, where, why, which. Offer solutions: This is your chance to introduce extra products and processes, such as carpet protector, rug cleaning, upholstery cleaning, stone floor & countertop cleaning and protection, wood floor . One approach is to start with “based on what you’ve told me, … ” Finish by explaining the advantages and benefits. Show the advantages & benefits: For example, “Teflon® carpet protector provides unsurpassed protection against stains. Protection against stains saves money, saves time, and makes vacuuming more efficient.” Overcome customer objections: The most common objection is a result of price resistance. Just show them what a good value carpet protection is. “Only pennies a square foot . . . I can treat just the high traffic areas.” Or, I also have less costly carpet protectors manufactured by Bane-Clene: Bane-Guard™ and Sta-Clene®. Close the sale: Summarize the benefits. Ask for the order. Most technicians forget this! Instead of asking for the order directly, you may give the customer a choice of one add-on sale or several of them - offer alternatives. Or you may make a suggestion based on your customer's wants or needs: “Based on what you’ve told me, I recommend carpet protection in the family room.” How important are add-on sales? They can make the difference between success and failure! Is hard sell necessary? NO!! Related Carpet Cleaning Business Articles and Information: Add-On Carpet Cleaning ‘Plus Sales’ Bait and Switch in the Carpet Cleaning Industry Building Your Own Carpet Cleaning Business Customer Service in the Carpet Cleaning Industry Eleven Commandments of Good Business Four Characteristics of a Successful Carpet Cleaning Business How to Sell Carpet Protectors Image in Carpet Cleaning Make More Money with Carpet and Upholstery Protectors! Pricing Your Carpet Cleaning Service Sell Maintenance Programs Sell The Sizzle Telephone Etiquette in the Carpet Cleaning Business The 15 Factors of Success in Carpet Cleaning Business The Customer Is (Still) Always Right There Is No Substitute for Service Tips for Increasing Your Carpet Cleaning Business Training for Cleaning Professional Companies Twenty Steps to Success VIDEO: Bane-Clene® Business Management School What Makes a Company Successful in the Carpet Cleaning Business? Free Bane-Clene Information Package Free packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail. You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form. “A to Z” Alphabetical Index to the Bane-Clene Web Site Bane-Clene Home Page Copyright: Bane-Clene® Corp. Author: Donald W. Terry, Sr. - Bane-Clene’s Chemist

SATISFACTION

When talking to a potential customer, we certainly want to tell them about the features and benefits of them choosing our Carpet Cleaning Company. But what we sometimes forget is “the most important factor”. You must emphasize the satisfaction that clean carpet, upholstery, etc. will bring them, not only for the appearance, but also the health benefits.

You want to “help” your customers’ imagination. You want to stress the fact that you are improving their environment by removing the hidden dirt and germs that naturally accumulate over time. Certainly caution should be exercised in discussing this as you don’t want them to be insulted. But by tactfully mentioning the benefits to these elements being removed, it will add to their ultimate satisfaction in your Company and the services you provide.

Remember, you understand your Company and services but make sure your customer understands them also. Don’t leave anything to their imagination. By doing so you will increase your sales and your profits.

This will then increase your satisfaction.

Related Information and Articles:

• Building Your Own Carpet Cleaning Business
• Four Characteristics of a Successful Person
• Indoor Air Quality and Carpeting
• Selecting a Professional to Clean Your Fine Carpets, Rugs and Furniture
• The 15 Factors of Success in Carpet Cleaning Business
• Twenty Steps to Success

Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog^®

Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times^® at www.baneclene.com/publications/.

Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com.

The Bane-Clene^® Team.

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Free Bane-Clene Information Package

Free packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail.

You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.

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“A to Z” Alphabetical Index to the Bane-Clene Web Site

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Mistakes Carpet Cleaners Make It’s only human to make mistakes - but most mistakes are avoidable! One common mistake is forgetting to do the “little extras” which can endear your customers to you. Do you leave a small bottle of spotter with a customer who has problems with kids’ messes? If there are pets that shed, do you sell them a Handi Groom Groomer Brush®, the Handi-Brush™ or better yet the Grime Reaper Upholstery Pet Hair Brush to take care of the pet hairs? Do you use Per-Scent® in our cleaning solution to leave the room smelling fresh? Do you leave traffic lane paper to prevent tracking of freshly cleaned areas? Do you rake after cleaning? Do you fail to use Wet Floors Warning Caution Pads, especially at the bottom of steps or where someone might step from a wet carpet onto a hard surface? A fall can be hazardous to your billfold! Do you make the mistake of being afraid to add services to your business? Some technicians don’t bother to warn customers to be careful of falling, that the carpet might be stiff for a while after protector application, that the great big coffee spill might wick back up but you will be glad to come back if it does. If the carpet has been mistreated with bonnet cleaning or shampooing for years, do you warn them that it may take several cleanings to get all the junk out or do you assume they’ll call you if there’s a problem? Most customers don’t call to complain - they just never use you again! If you see evidence of a pet, do you check to see if your customer uses a powdered deodorizer? Do you call back to be sure the job was satisfactory? Do you rake in the carpet protector with a Grandi-Brush®? Fluorocarbons tend to leave the carpets stiff for a few days. Raking reduces this and ensures even application. Another serious error some of our customers make is not keeping up to date. Bane-Clene has the most generous education packages in the industry from our training classes in Indianapolis covering management, carpet cleaning and care, upholstery, stone and wood floors to video training programs on DVD. If you’ve not been to school in more than two years, you are missing out on some good information. If you’ve not been in five years, you are probably making many mistakes and missing opportunities! Associated with this is the mistake of not training technicians. Untrained technicians can be hazardous to your business! Another serious mistake is not pre-inspecting the job before proceeding. If the sofa is badly frayed or torn, wouldn’t it be wise to get a release? Are there bleached out spots? Are there stains on the sofa? Is the carpet loose which might cause rippling? Are the seams coming apart? Do you see evidence of delamination? Along this same line is the mistake of not pretesting for dye stability, especially oriental rugs and upholstery. Have you made the mistake of trying to help a customer with a problem that is really the mill’s problem or the retailer’s problem and then getting into the middle of the litigation yourself? If there is a defect, the mill or retailer should be contacted first, and you should follow their directions so that the responsibility remains where it belongs - with the retailer or the manufacturer. Do you make the mistake of not being prepared? Do you have your spotting kit fully stocked and ready to cure those tough stains? When you walk into the home or office carrying the Pro’s Choice Spot and Stain Removal Kit, the customer know that the “expert” has arrived! These are just a few of the mistakes I run into, but avoiding them will really help your business. by Donald W. Terry, Sr. Free Bane-Clene Information Package Free packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail. You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form. “A to Z” Alphabetical Index to the Bane-Clene Web Site Bane-Clene Home Page Copyright: Bane-Clene® Corp. Author: Donald W. Terry, Sr. - Bane-Clene’s Chemist Originally Published in the Winter 1998 Bane-Clene Cleaning Digest Date Modified: February 20, 2019

LOSING SALES?

Are you losing sales to new customers? Are your repeat customers not calling you back?

The availability of information on the internet has made our customers more knowledgeable. They have become more sophisticated and in some cases harder to convince.

As a result, we need to know our Carpet Cleaning Service and what our company has to offer from A to Z. We have to be prepared to answer all relative questions quickly and thoroughly. You should be able to recognize the obvious problems the customer is having and be able to offer solutions.

You must also know your competition and what they have to offer in case your customer mentions one of them. Avoid being negative and derogatory about your competition; you need to focus on the features and benefits of your company. Tell your customer about the equipment you use, the fact that your chemicals are safe to them and their family and pets (if applicable). Mention without being boastful any training, schools, seminars, etc. you have attended. Point to any industry related organizations you may belong to. All of these selling points will help you avoid losing sales and further enhance the credibility of you and your Company.

Thorough knowledge of your service is the greatest confidence builder for you and your customer. You know you can help your customer. It won’t be long before they know it too. You know you have given them valuable advice and solutions for their problems. You are earning the right to ask for their business.

In any business, “knowledge is power” - use this power to keep you from losing sales.

Related Information and Articles:

• Advertising - the Essential Element for Carpet Cleaning Companies!
• Building Your Own Carpet Cleaning Business
• Four Characteristics of a Successful Person
• Selecting a Professional to Clean Your Fine Carpets, Rugs and Furniture
• The 15 Factors of Success in Carpet Cleaning Business
• Twenty Steps to Success

Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog^®

Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times^® at www.baneclene.com/publications/.

Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com.

The Bane-Clene^® Team.

---

Free Bane-Clene Information Package

Free packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail.

You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.

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“A to Z” Alphabetical Index to the Bane-Clene Web Site

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It’s Easy To Lose Customers Keeping customers should be the primary goal of any service company, including carpet cleaning companies. 3% - Move 5% - Find other business relationship 9% - Competitive reason 14% - Dissatisfied 68% - Leave because of an employee’s or owner’s indifferent attitude Established customers do not “cost” in terms of advertising since they already know the company. Familiar and steady customers spend more because they trust the firm, cause fewer problems, and are eager to share their recommendations with friends and acquaintances. It’s easy to lose established customers. An insensitive clod who insults their intelligence by giving a haphazard explanation of a procedure, or worse, one who ignores them altogether, can lose that customer immediately. A gum-popping, put-them-on-hold telephone person can cause a customer to go somewhere else for service. The Yellow Pages and the web are full of firms just waiting to take that customer away. A lackadaisical attitude in a customer’s home by a service technician may create the desire to make a call to a competitor for service in the future. But, the surest way to lose that customer is to ignore a complaint or give that complaint a little lip service and hope it will go away. To assure customer satisfaction, it is necessary to find out just who is dissatisfied and why. Solicit comments from customers. Listen to what they have to say and act on the information. The absolutely best way to tell your customers you want to satisfy them is to offer a money-back guarantee. They must be happy or they pay nothing. A few unscrupulous people will take advantage of this policy, but on a long term basis, a customer base will be built that will, indeed, be the greatest asset owned by the company. This has been the policy of the Wm. F. Bane Co. since its founding in 1962. Related Information: ABCs of Advertising Advertising - the Essential Element Advertising the Bane-Clene Way Building Your Own Carpet Cleaning Business Customer Service in the Carpet Cleaning Industry Eleven Commandments of Good Business Four Characteristics of a Successful Carpet Cleaning Business Image in Carpet Cleaning Phone Courtesy Telephone Etiquette in the Carpet Cleaning Business The 15 Factors of Success in Carpet Cleaning Business The Customer Is (Still) Always Right There Is No Substitute for Service Tips for Increasing Your Carpet Cleaning Business Twenty Steps to Success What Makes a Company Successful in the Carpet Cleaning Business? Related Carpet Cleaning Business Products: Consumer Postcards Course to Success Video - Advertising, Marketing & Sales DVD's Just A Reminder Postcard Thank You / Reply Card Free Bane-Clene Information Package Free packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail. You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form. “A to Z” Alphabetical Index to the Bane-Clene Web Site Bane-Clene Home Page Copyright: Bane-Clene® Corp. Author: Wm. F. Bane - Bane-Clene’s Founder in the Cleaning Digest Date Published: November 1, 1994 Date Modified: February 20, 2019

STAY IN CHARACTER

There is a certain quality about owners, bosses or supervisors that makes their actions seem natural. The reason for this is that they stay in character. They remain themselves at all times. They do not pretend or try to be someone they are not. Above all, they avoid trying to “act” like they or others think that leaders should act.

There is no one “best” way to lead, just as there is no one “best” kind of leaders. Good leaders are as different as people in general. Yet, just as each one may be different, they have one trait in common. They are themselves, no matter what that self may be.

Being a good leader many times is more attitude than aptitude. You just stay in character.

Related Information and Articles:

• Eleven Commandments of Good Business
• Four Characteristics of a Successful Person
• The 15 Factors of Success in Carpet Cleaning Business
• Twenty Steps to Success

Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog^®

Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times^® at www.baneclene.com/publications/.

Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com.

The Bane-Clene^® Team.

---

Free Bane-Clene Information Package

Free packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail.

You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.

---

“A to Z” Alphabetical Index to the Bane-Clene Web Site

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The “B”s Of Success In a Carpet Cleaning Business Developing these “B” characteristics will help you become more successful in your carpet cleaning business! “B” ready - Truck should be well-stocked with everything you need to work and with all the products you hope to sell. “B” punctual - People are busy and appreciate promptness. Have the courtesy to call if you are running late and offer them the opportunity to reschedule. “B” clean - You are in the cleaning business. Your appearance reflects the image of your company. Pay close attention to your personal hygiene to ensure that nothing about your person is offensive to the customer. This goes for your truck, too. Keep it clean! “B” professional looking - When making a sales call dress in a business suit with a tie. Skirts or business slacks are the preferred attire for ladies. Carry a briefcase or clipboard. Clothing should be clean, pressed, fit well, and shoes polished. “B” uniformed - If you are also the service person, be sure to wear a clean uniform when doing the work. Clean sneakers or booties should be worn when in a customer's home. “B” knowledgeable - Know about your company, the products and services you offer, and the products you service, i.e. carpet, upholstery, wood floors, tile and stone. Product knowledge will help make you an expert in the cleaning industry and set you apart from most cleaners. “B” a listener - Listen closely to what the customer is saying Answer questions and provide information they want to know. Most customers do not want to hear about your recent divorce, back ache, mean boss, religious persuasion or political views. “B” fair - Treat all customers, regardless of wealth, influence, or size of the job, in the same manner. Do not give preferential treatment based on money spent and do not price the work on the money available, only on need. “B” firm - Once you have carefully figured a job, don’t change the price you have quoted. If you go up, they’ll suspect you of gouging. Go down and they wonder what was left on the table. If another company beats your price, let them have the job. They deserve it. “B” flexible - Cleaning arrangements and maintenance programs are not set in stone. Be willing to make changes to better meet the needs of the customer. “B” polite - Always be courteous to the customer, even in stressful situations. Use tactful reserve in all conversations. The customer is always right even if they are wrong. “B” friendly - If you smile and are friendly, you will most likely put the customer in a good mood and make them more receptive. Remember, however, not to be overly friendly and forward. Maintain a professional distance and use respect in addressing the customer. “B” positive - If you do not believe in what you are selling, why should the customer? Never say anything derogatory about your boss, company, co-workers, competitors or the services offered. Even without voicing negative comments, a poor attitude can usually be sensed by the customer. “B” sincere - Sincerity is the most important characteristic of a successful salesperson. Be straightforward and honest with your customers. Do not promise more than you and your fellow workers can deliver. Related Information and Articles: Building Your Own Carpet Cleaning Business Clean Image in the Cleaning Business Four Characteristics of a Successful Person The 15 Factors of Success in Carpet Cleaning Business Twenty Steps to Success Free Bane-Clene Information Package Free packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail. You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form. “A to Z” Alphabetical Index to the Bane-Clene Web Site Bane-Clene Home Page Copyright: Bane-Clene® Corp. Author: Wm. F. Bane, Bane-Clene’s Founder Originally Published: November 1, 2008 Date Modified: February 13, 2019 by Donald Terry