Problem solving is a huge part of our job, but how good are we at actually solving problems? More importantly, how do we react when a problem arises? One of my favorite sayings is to just say "make it work - figure it out" but what does that mean? Lend me your ears as I explain.

So if certification doesn't make you an expert, what will? You may not like the answer, but it's the truth.

This topic is near and dear to my heart. I have put off recording it for a long time but I think this is the time for it. Please listen and take my words seriously. We can make this industry great again.

The new year usually means people making changes. My business is the same. At the end of every busy season I re-evaluate how everything went the year before and make the appropriate changes.

I don't really have a theme this week. I had had a lot on my mind and this episode is me trying to turn those thoughts into words. Hopefully you get some words of wisdom out of my ramblings.
I will be taking the next two weeks off due to the holidays. I will be back to my regular schedule on January 8th. Happy Holidays!

 We might be called Chimney Sweeps, but our job goes far beyond just running a brush up a flue. We are actually called to inspect the chimney, and then sweep if necessary. How you do that will decide what kind of professional you are. Lend me your ears as I explain how and why we inspect our chimneys. 

To me, the phone call is the most important part of your customer's experience. That sets the table for their entire experience with your company. So why is the office the most underutilized and undertrained part of most companies? Lend me your ears as I explain our phone process.

How do you price your sweepings? I don't mean what do you charge - I mean how do you come up with the prices? I have tried several different methods of pricing our jobs and finally figured out the missing ingredient - our standard of care. Lend me your ears as I explain how we price our sweepings.

The most important process for any company should be how they train their employees. How can you expect to have a well oiled machine if you don't show and tell everyone you hire how to do their job well? We haven't perfected it, but we are very intentional about how we train our employees. Lend me your ears as I explain our training process. 

Hiring is not as simple as putting an ad on Indeed or Facebook. Timing matters. We hire when you least expect it and it has worked wonders for us. Lend me your ears as I explain the mindset behind our hiring.