In this episode of Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner, Diane and Louise dive into the fascinating world of business strategy through the lens of game theory. They explore the concept of treating business as a game, where mindset, trust, and resilience are the keys to success.

From navigating ethical dilemmas to crafting dynamic pricing strategies, this episode unpacks the complex challenges faced by cleaning business owners. Diane and Louise discuss the importance of building trust with clients and employees, adhering to contract law and regulations, and setting personalized business rules to align with customer expectations.

The conversation highlights the significance of strategic decision-making, especially when faced with incomplete information, and how scaling a business requires adaptability and foresight. They also touch on emotional challenges, emphasizing the importance of tenacity, learning from failure, and charging what you’re worth to ensure sustainable growth.

Whether you’re leveling up your cleaning business or navigating the rules of entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with actionable insights and fresh perspectives to help you succeed.

🎧 Tune in to learn how to play—and win—the business game!

In this episode of Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner, Louise and Diane dive into the highlights and lessons from the recent Domestic Cleaning Business Industry Awards. They explore the journey of transitioning the awards from online to in-person events, emphasizing the power of community support in making such initiatives a success.

The discussion sheds light on the strategic value of participating in industry awards, offering tips on how to craft compelling applications and why nominating yourself is essential for recognition. Diane and Louise also stress the importance of highlighting specific examples in submissions to stand out. Beyond the awards themselves, they celebrate the broader benefits of networking and fostering a sense of belonging within the cleaning industry.

Key takeaways include the business visibility and credibility that come from winning awards and the unique opportunities offered by smaller, more focused events. They also hint at the future direction of the awards, with plans for greater in-person engagement and deeper community building.

If you're looking to elevate your cleaning business through industry recognition and community connection, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring reflections

In this episode of Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner, Louise and Diane explore the transition from cleaning as a hobby to a professional business. They discuss the challenges and realities of running a cleaning business, including client expectations, the physical toll of cleaning, and the importance of valuing one's skills. The conversation emphasizes the need for professional products, the joy of cleaning, and strategies for building a sustainable business while maintaining a work-life balance.

🎙️ New Episode Alert: Why Diane Hates December! 🎙️

In this festive-but-frustrating episode of Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner, Louise and Diane dive into why December can feel more bah humbug than holly jolly for cleaning business owners.

From the financial headache of holiday pay to the seemingly impossible task of recruitment during the holiday season, they break down why this time of year is a perfect storm for stress. (Spoiler: not all industries struggle—some are downright thriving!)

But it’s not all doom and gloom! Diane shares her love for the personal joys of Christmas, even while navigating the business chaos. Louise and Diane get real about the struggles, share some laughs, and highlight the importance of planning smarter for Decembers yet to come.

If you’ve ever felt the December Struggle Bus pull into your business, this episode is for you! 🚎✨

In this episode of Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner, Louise Trehearn and Diane Greenwood delve into the importance of COSHH training in the domestic cleaning sector. They discuss the integration of COSHH principles into practical training, emphasizing the need for understanding safety data sheets, risk assessments, and the real-world application of cleaning techniques. The conversation highlights the dangers of mixing chemicals, the significance of dwell time, and the necessity of informed product selection. The episode concludes with insights on how to effectively train staff and the future of training opportunities in the cleaning industry.

In this episode of Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner, Diane chats with Keith and Bex from MBT Property Management about their journey into the cleaning business. They discuss their backgrounds, the challenges they faced in starting and growing their business, and the importance of pricing and outsourcing. Bex shares her initial reluctance towards cleaning, while Keith reflects on his diverse work history. Together, they highlight the evolution of their business and the strategies they implemented to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

In this conversation, Diane shares her journey of running a business, highlighting the multifaceted roles she has to play, the challenges of employee dynamics, and the balance between work and personal relationships. The discussion also touches on future aspirations for their business, the importance of community support, and the launch of their podcast, MBT Unplugged, which aims to provide real insights into the cleaning industry and the entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode of 'Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner', Louise and Diane discuss the critical importance of training staff in the domestic cleaning industry. They highlight the costs associated with inadequate training and the challenges of traditional training methods. They emphasise the need for structured training programs, effective techniques, and the importance of assessing and empowering cleaners. The conversation also touches on innovative training environments and the long-term benefits of investing in training. Finally, Louise and Diane introduce an upcoming workshop aimed at enhancing training practices for cleaning business owners.

• Being busy doesn't always equate to growth.

In this episode of 'Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner', Louise and Diane discuss the viability of making your own cleaning products, particularly in a professional cleaning context. They explore the health and safety regulations that apply to professional cleaners, the risks associated with homemade cleaning solutions, and the importance of consumer trust in cleaning products. The conversation also delves into the regulatory landscape for cleaning products, emphasising the need for proper testing and labeling. Ultimately, they conclude that while making cleaning products at home can be feasible, it comes with significant responsibilities and legal obligations that must be adhered to.