A long time ago, before I ever started my cleaning and restoration company, I had an experience that changed my way of thinking forever.
I had hired a contractor to install a new water heater in my home.
A seemingly simple task, you’d think.
Unfortunately, the whole ordeal turned out to be a complete nightmare, but it proved to be a valuable lesson.
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This schmuck couldn’t stick to a schedule if his life depended on it. And quite honestly, I don’t know how he managed to stay in business.
I’d be shocked if he still owned his business, or even if he was able to gain employment with another company.
As it turned out, this guy’s incompetence put a major strain on my lifestyle for about a week, as he left me without any water in my home.
To make a long story short, I fired him and found someone who would actually get the job done right… and fast.
The 2nd contractor (who was referred to me by a friend) came to complete the job, and he did it in a couple hours. As I was happily writing him the check to pay for his services, he gave me one of the most useful pieces of advice I’ve ever gotten, anywhere:
Hire slow, fire fast.
Although this piece of advice has been very valuable in my personal life, it’s served me even better when it comes to business.
Whenever you find yourself in a similar situation, take the time to do a little research… before you spend your money.
The other day I got a call from a client in Pennsylvania who had a mold problem in his home.
He’d recently put his home on the market and when the home inspector came out, they discovered the mold.
He called a contractor who quoted him $5,000.00 to do the clean-up work.
Thinking this was outrageous, he decided to give my office a call. Long story short, he saved himself more than $4,500.00.
By taking the time to do a little research and asking a few questions in advance, you too will save yourself a lot of heartache and money.
Here’s a few questions you need to be asking:
1. Does this company have a track record of being ethical
2. Do they have comments from their happy clients
3. Can I contact their clients to verify those comments
4. Do they offer a satisfaction guarantee
5. Have they taken the time to earn a certification in their field
6. Will they show me proof of certification
So…
The lesson is, hire slow and fire fast!
You’ll make things a whole lot easier on yourself (and your pocketbook) by doing so.
Here’s to your success.
Kevin Thompson
P.S. My next no-charge consumer awareness tele-class is just around the corner. If you want to participate, just use the link above to register.