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Could you imagine being physically assaulted by a client while trying to provide a service? That's exactly what happened to me, Shannon Miller, and in this gripping episode, I lay bare the harrowing details of that day. Joined by my co-host, Jamie Runco, we plunge into the critical importance of establishing a code of conduct and setting clear boundaries in the cleaning business, especially when dealing with clients with mental health issues like dementia. Jamie shares her own struggles with verbal hostility, shedding light on the daunting task of maintaining professionalism under pressure.

Picture this: a chaotic scenario involving a client, an aggressive dog, and the imminent threat of violence. I had to urge my colleague Lori to escape quickly, all while managing the liability concerns of being a business owner. The situation escalated to a police intervention, leaving an emotional and physical toll that required a heartfelt conversation with my husband about its implications. Through this intense recounting, we stress the necessity of regular safety reviews and protocols to ensure everyone's safety.

We also tackle the pervasive issue of workplace harassment and bullying, emphasizing the need for strong professional boundaries and leadership's protective role. Drawing on personal stories, we discuss practical steps to prevent harassment, including using technology to block unwanted advances. The episode wraps up with advice on implementing policies for client protection, highlighted by a touching anecdote about caring for an aging pet named Adrian. This episode is packed with real-life experiences and invaluable insights for everyone in the cleaning business, so don't miss out on the essential lessons we share.

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Erica Paynter is the brains behind My Virtual Bookkeeper, a bookkeeping firm for cleaning companies, and the creator of Clean Co. Cash Flow Academy and the Clean Co. Collective. She’s on a mission to help cleaning business owners make sense of their numbers without boring them to tears! Erica’s all about turning messy books into profit-packed powerhouses.

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Thanks for tuning in to Cleaning Business Life — the podcast for cleaning business owners who want to build a profitable, sustainable company without burning out.

Hosted by Shannon Miller and Jamie Runco, each episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to start, grow, and scale a cleaning business — covering pricing, systems, leadership, boundaries, and the real conversations most people avoid.

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Because in life — and in business — clean is just the beginning.

— Shannon & Jamie