The ITF Flowcast

Hey Flowmies! If you have ever tried to run Facebook Ads, you know there are definitely more opportunities to pull your hair out than there are to get customers. If you have been meaning to run some ads but go into convulsions at the thought, this episode is for you. Victoria Erran of Reciprocity 5 was kind enough to conduct a master class of Facebook ads. She gets into the nuts and bolts of the procedures with several Flowmies and walks them through each step, uncovering potential problems and showing how to avoid them. You should know that this episode is actually a class rather than an interview like we typically would run. So, while you may benefit from just listening to it, the real value comes with you sitting down at a computer and going through the step-by-step procedures with Victoria as she screen-shares her methods. We really appreciate her taking the time to put this information together and if you aren't running Facebook ads now, bookmark it so you now where to find it later when you are. Flow on!

Aw Flowmies, we have a fun one for you! We invited Nando Medina, Luis Martinez, and Adrian Dominguez in to join Gabe Gutierrez for a West Coast Flowmie Roundtable! But don't let these party animals fool you, they know a thing or two about business. We talk about how important it is to know your worth, how to avoid getting trapped in low profit jobs, when to focus your services and when to broaden them, and how ITF is such a rare group to have both community and a wealth of information and advice just ready to be shared. We also have some fun offering Luis some marriage advice for the very near future! Come have some fun with us. And as always, Flow On!

What up, Flowmies? The name of the game is Safety and that's why we are having our first returning guest, Michael Draper of Expert Safety Services! We talk about some of the most common issues plaguing window cleaners today, such as the use of ladders and what are some good strategies to use while working on a roof. We also address why employer mindset plays an important role with the implementation of safety protocols in a business. We also blow up those weak excuses window cleaners use to ignore safety precautions. This is one you need to listen to as if your life depended on it! Cuz it might! Flow on!

Getting a Google review has to be one of the toughest to get. Are they really worth the effort? How can we increase the chances that our customers will leave one? Well, we know just the person to ask! Today on the Flowcast we have Shawn Hill, Community Marketing Director of NiceJob, the review management and reputation marketing experts. We answer several review-based questions such as: Why should small business owners pay attention to online reviews? What has changed about the role that online reviews play in the Google Algorithm in the last 10 years? & what is the best way to respond to a bad reviews? This Flowcast will make you think about your online reviews in a TOTALLY different way than you ever have. Flow on!!

What up Flowmies! Today it's time to talk about the things that we just hate thinking about... finances. Bekki Harper, Financial Advisor with Bekki Harper Financial, helps us to ease into discussing those hard questions and gives us a place to start. We talk about retirement, planning for injury, handling growth wisely, and how to get started. The thing is, most of the things she advises are not complicated and you can start planning for the future TODAY. This is one you need to make time to listen to. Get started and get flowing for the future! 

Man, we have a good one for you this week, Flowmies!  Carlos Gonzalez, CEO of Enviro Bio Cleaner (EBC) is sitting down with Host Nando Medina to talk about his rise in the soft/power wash industry. He shares how he went from growing up in foster homes to running one of our industry's top companies, His drive to do what is best for both his business and its employees, and the bitter-sweet day he stepped away from the pressure washing company that started it all. Carlos is a very thoughtful and insightful person and this interview is filled with gems that any entrepreneur can learn from. It's an enjoyable listen from start to finish!  Flow on!

Whatup, Flowmies! Its time for another ITF Fundraiser!  This week Kevin and Gabe talk to Collin Vautrin, a new Flowmie and window cleaner who got the call you never want to get. Listen in as he tells about the health ordeal he has been through and how its affected his life and ability to work. So, that means its time for the Flowmies to do what they always do... Raise some money! We talk about the upcoming auction that will drop this evening (6/10) and how you can have a part. Let do this! Flow on!

Whatup, Flowmies?!? This week we speak with Hazen Warlick, the Business Development Manager for ABC Window Cleaning Supply Company. He talks about his growth in the company, going from what he thought would be a short-term gig to the job he is passionate about. He shares about his pride and joy, a training program he designed called the "Wash and Learn WaterFed Demo" for customers who might be new to WFP use. We also explore ABC's philosophy of treating both customers and employees like family. Its a great interview with a great guy. Flow on!

What up Flowmies! This week we interview none other than The Big Squeegee himself, Mike Nichols! He talks about the growth of his business, how he and his wife supported each other through their professional pursuits, and how getting his sons involved in the family business has made his goal of working less while remaining profitable become achievable. We also delve into his foray into the Water Fed world and eventual design of a "brush" that will be on the market very soon. Flow on!

Roundtable in session!!!! Yes, you guessed it, it time for another Flowmie Roundtable! Kevin and Sarah come in to answer some of the burning questions that you all have been contemplating in ITF, such as: "How has the value of physical, emotional, and/or mental health changed since you stared your business?" and "What are your plans for when you can't physically do the work anymore?" and probably the most important question any business owner can ask themselves, "Have you ever clogged up a customer's toilet?" Listen in as good friends talk shop and give you insight into the issues you care about. Flow on!