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allisonhester

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Blog Entries posted by allisonhester

  1. allisonhester
    (From the eClean Magazine Blog page) A Virginia trial-court recently ordered Yelp to reveal the identity of seven anonymous reviewers complaining against Hadeed Carpe Cleaning in Washington. The carpet cleaning service then sued the reviewers for libel and defamation.The libel suit claimed that the seven anonymous complaints came from the seven defendants, who were actually Hadeed's competitors rather than real customers. Alexandria Circuit Court Judge James Clark determined that because Hadeed claimed the seven reviewers represented themselves under false pretenses, it met the standard of the state law that allowed for disclosure of their identity.
    Yesterday, Yelp and Public Citizen Litigation Group filed an appeal, contending hat Judge Clark's ruling did not meet the Virginia statute hat requires the disclosure of anonymous names when their identity is central to claims against them. Public Citizen claims the Virginia isn't clearly defined. They also state that other states with more clearly defined laws have had rulings that disagree with Judge Clark's.
    "Every other appellate court has held, whether under the First Amendment or under state procedures, that anonymous defendants are entitled to demand that the plaintiff make a factual showing, not just that the anonymous defendant has made critical statements, but also that the statements are actionable and that there is an evidentiary basis for the prima facie elements of the claim," the brief said.
    Click here to read the original article
  2. allisonhester
    Complaint against roof cleaner picked up by local "Consumer Watchdog"Is giving your customers instructions to care for their plants after roof cleaning enough to protect you from liability? That's the debate in a recent newspaper column by a "consumer watchdog."
    A reputable roof washing company was recently targeted by an unhappy customer who complained that his roof-cleaning chemicals killed $600 worth of plants. The customer was so unhappy, in fact, that he wrote a local columnist who picked up the case. The headline: "Clean Kills Green."
    Note: the article mentions the roof cleaner has been in business for over 10 years and the customer said he was very happy with the roof cleaning itself.)
    The contractor admitted that the cleaning solutions possibly killed one plant and likely damaged the others, but states that the homeowner did not follow his instructions for caring for his plants after the cleaning.
    The columnist wrote: "My suggestion to (contractor's name) was that he print those instructions so customers know what to do. If they ignore the advice, it’s their own fault and (he) can’t be held accountable."
    Good advice, but a little too late.
    The columnist points out that she believes the contractor is at fault. The question now is which is more expensive...the $600 for new landscaping, or the price of negative press.

  3. allisonhester
    Wondering what's happening in the world of mobile cleaning? eClean Magazine's new blog page will keep you up to date with the latest industry news, tips, and articles.
    We've also moved the popular "Cleaning in the News" page to our blog section. (You can find these blogs under the "Cleaning in the News" section of our article categories list on the right-hand side of our site as well.) This week alone we reported on New York kitchen workers being fined for cleaning on a sidewalk, Denver's 40-foot blue bear needing a pressure washing bath, and the Arkansas oil spill cleanup.
    All of these updates are also posted on our Facebook page and our Twitter page, so be sure to "like" us there as well.
  4. allisonhester
    Flying to a cleaning industry event this year?
    A new MSN study found that the best time to make your flight reservations is seven weeks before you travel. That's when you'll pay the lowest fares.
    Traveling in Spring and Fall also saves you money.
    The most expensive reservations? You got it. The day before. Actually, starting about 11 days out, you'll start paying more each day you wait.
    So plan early...seven weeks early to be exact.
    (Subscribe to eClean Magazine for free, www.eCleanMag.com, the professional cleaning contractor's online resource!)
  6. allisonhester
    Today we’re going to examine an option that is strongly encouraged by
    blogging experts: using other people’s words rather than your own.
    Guest bloggers are good for offering variety as well as for SEO. Often other
    professionals are looking for ways to get their names/companies in front of new
    customers, as well as adding to their backlinks for SEO, so offering them a blog
    spot on your site, along with a short bio and a link to their site, is good for
    them and for you.
    Examples:

    A Realtor could write on the importance of cleaning a home’s exterior to
    keep the resale value up
    An insurance agent or roofer could write on the damage caused by roof algae
    A fire marshal could write on the need to keep kitchen exhaust systems clean
    A police officer could write on the dangers of keeping graffiti on a
    building

    And the list goes on.
    There are some sites where you can register, such as MyBlogGuest.com, where
    you can see articles by bloggers looking to be posted on blog sites. However,
    fair warning: you will be bombarded by emails if you sign up for notifications,
    and registering on the site is kind of pain. Still, there are some decent
    articles available if you have the time to dig.
  7. allisonhester
    When you can’t come up with ideas – or hopefully before you run out of ideas – host a contest. This is a fun way to drive traffic to your site, but remember, it will only be as good as you make it. You must promote your contest – put it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and tell everyone you come in contact with about it. If no one knows about it, no one will participate.
    Before starting a contest, be sure to do the following:

    Pick your prize. Since you offer cleaning services, some sort of free cleaning seems to be the natural choice. This might even lead to additional work from your prizewinner. For instance, if you offer a free house wash, you may end up getting them to pay to have the driveway or roof cleaned too.
    Pick your method of entry. Are you going to have a form to fill out on your website? Do they simply send you an email? Maybe you could create a survey? Do they have to answer a question – e.g., a topic they’d like to see you write on.
    Determine how the winner will be chosen. Is it going to be a random drawing or will you choose who has the best entry? (E.g., a photo contest or a blog idea question)
    Set the time limit. What is the deadline for entering the contest?
    Set any restrictions. For instance, if you are offering a free house wash, is there going to be a limit on the size of the house? How far you’re willing to travel?
    While you can always do a simple fill-out-the-form-to-win contest, you can also get creative. To see 10 examples that other cleaning companies have done, read the full article on our website.

  8. allisonhester
    Yesterday we talked about customer’s cleaning questions. By thinking of questions customers have asked about pressure washing, window cleaning, roof cleaning, concrete sealing and other services you offer,you will likely easily be able to come up with blogging ideas to last for awhile. But there are other places to look for content as well.
    Today’s Idea: Regurgitate (a.k.a. “reframe”) information that’s already out there. IMPORTANT NOTE: This does not mean plagiarize! However, if you read something interesting that you can turn into a blog, by all means, do so. Like I stressed yesterday, don’t make blogging harder than it has to be.
    For example, on November 9, Red Beacon – an organization that helps connect customers with plumbers, handymen, cleaning companies, etc. – posted a nice, concise article entitled the “Importance of Gutter Cleaning Before Winter.” (See our November Cleaning in the News Page to read the piece.)
    Rather than write your own article on the topic, your blog can start with something like this:
    (To read the rest of the article, please visit our website.)
  9. allisonhester
    ​
    Does just the thought of blogging make you freeze up?
    You’re not alone. Blogging – even if you’re a proficient writer – can be an overwhelming thought…especially when you’re first getting started. Trying to figure out what to write about can be paralyzing.
    The good new it doesn’t have to be that complicated – especially when you’re first getting started.
    Think of what you do every day in your cleaning business. What is there in your work that you can write about? How about starting with every question you’ve ever been asked by a customer. If you have technicians, other employees or even a spouse, brainstorm with them. You can probably easily come up with 20 to 50 topics right there. So make a list then write a paragraph or two, and guess what? You’ve got your first blog!
    For example, in his book “The Pressure Cleaning Marketing Bible,” author Steve Stephens refers to what he calls the “HydroTech Seven.” These are the seven most common questions that customers ask, and he trained his staff on how to answer these questions backwards and forwards.
    The HydroTech Seven are:

    I am calling around to get bids on power washing my house. Could you come out and give me a price
    Why are you so sure you will be the highest price?
    What kinds of chemicals do you use?
    Will cleaning harm my plants or animals?
    Are your chemicals environmentally friendly?
    Can you guarantee that mold and mildew will not come back?
    Will your services streak my windows?

    Steve goes on to give his answer to each of these questions in his book. For our purposes, I’m only going to use question 4 as our example of a potential blog:
    Customer Question: Will pressure cleaning my house harm my plants or animals?
    At HydroTech Pressure Cleaning Technologies, we utilize a concentrated housewash with surfactants that adhere to the wall like shaving cream. Because of this, we are able to use a minute amount to clean your home. The product stays on the surface with no waste entering into your soil system.
    Once the cleaning is complete, your soil’s pH level is guaranteed to be undisturbed. We not only use safe, environmentally-responsible solutions, but we also incorporate a complete neutralization or dilution process, again showing that we care about your home and foliage. Our solutions are 100 percent safe for pets, children, wildlife such as birds and even your favorite flowers or not so favorite weeds.
    While each of these question and answers from the book would need to be reworded a bit for blogging, having the questions and answers on your website not only gives you something to blog about, it can help save you time by not having to answer these questions over the phone.
    Remember, blogs don’t have to be written perfectly (although running spell check is always a smart idea!). However, they will NEVER, EVER work if you don’t start writing them.
    We will talk more about some writing tips such as headlines and key words. But for now, stop stressing, start planning, and most importantly, get to writing!
    Visit our website to read more of our Blogging ideas.
    *To find out more about The Pressure Cleaning Marketing Bible, email Steve Stephens atssconsulting@live.com.
  10. allisonhester

    Cleaning companies who provide snow plowing services can support military families through SnowCare for Troops, a non-profit organization that connects snow plowing service providers with military families who have a deployed spouse or family member.
    Founded in 2010, SnowCare for Troops has had over 1,200 volunteers who have helped more than 1,500 military families.
    The SnowCare for Troops program is underwritten by THE BOSS snowplow and is managed by Project Evergreen.
    To learn more, visit the SnowCare for Troops website.
    To learn more about adding snow plow services, see the November 2012 issue of eClean Magazine.
  11. allisonhester
    Pressure washers, roof cleaners, window cleaners, gutter cleaners, carpet cleaners, wood and concrete sealers:
    Have trouble keeping up with contests and giveaways? eClean Magazine has started a neww page on our site to make it easier to keep up with opportunities.
    This is a growing list, so if I've missed something, email me: allison@ecleanmag.com.
    All industry-related contests/giveaways are welcome!
    www.eCleanMagazine.com
  12. allisonhester
    It’s ridiculously hot in most parts of the country. Yesterday was 105 here in Arkansas, with no relief in sight.
    As nice as it would be to hibernate during the summer – or at least stay in the air conditioning – as contract cleaners that just is not possible.
    However, heat is dangerous. In fact, it’s the number one weather-related killer in the United States according to the National Weather Service. More than 1,250 heat-related deaths occurred in the heat wave of 1980. A 2003 heat wave that swept across Europe claimed more than 50,000 lives!
    So take it seriously and be smart.
    Some suggestions are obvious (but not always practical): stay out of the sun, stay inside. But others are more realistic for contract cleaners. What follows are four ways you can work smart in the heat:
    1. "Drink Water: Beat the Heat!"
    That chant was beat into my husband’s brain 20+ years ago during boot camp at Ft. Benning, Georgia, in the middle of summer. He, and all fellow young recruits were required to down gallons and gallons of water between “smoke sessions” (i.e., “drop and give me 20!”)
    Forcing soldiers to drink that much water was not just another way of mentally wearing them down. It’s the most important step toward preventing a heat-related illness or injury.
    Water makes up 70 percent of our muscles, and 75 percent of our brain. Without enough water, we become dehydrated and our bodies cannot function correctly.
    All this to say, drink plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated liquids. If you know you’re going to be working in the heat, it’s smart to start drinking water at least an hour or two before heading out, then drinking an additional eight ounces of water every 15 minutes while in the heat. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
    (Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney or liver disease, are on fluid restrictive diets or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids.)
    2. Wear Sunscreen
    Sunscreen should not be limited to kids at the swimming pool! And while it’s important for long-term care, such as preventing skin cancer, it’s important while working in the heat.
    When you are sunburned, you have suffered ultraviolet radiations burns, which can significantly slow down your skin’s ability to get rid of excess heat, making you overheat faster.
    3. Dress Appropriately
    This is kind of a hard one at times because you need to dress safely. Sometimes that means wearing personal protective equipment, which, of course, is HOT. But depending on the type of job, it’s not always necessary.
    Dress in light colors. Here’s a very important one: WEAR A HAT!
    Well-known industry member, the late David Olsen of Tidy Power Wash Service, posted graphic photos on Pressure Washing Institute’s bulletin board a few years ago after he had to have his entire scalp removed due to overexposure from the sun! The doctors said the skin cancer was a result of not wearing a hat.
    4. Eat Light
    Save that steak for when you are finished for the day. Food that is hard to digest – like high-protein foods – increases water loss.
    Heat Disorder Symptoms and First Aid Treatments
    In addition to taking precautionary steps to prevent heat related illness, it’s also important to recognize signs of what these disorders look like and how to treat them.
    1. Sunburn:
    This is the most well-known heat disorder, and can range from mild redness and pain to swelling and/or blisters on the skin, fever and headaches. Ointments can be applied in mild cases. Don’t pop the blisters intentionally, but if they do pop, apply dry, sterile dressings. In serious cases, see your doctor.
    2. Heat Cramps:
    These consist of heavy sweating accompanied by painful spasms – typically in the abdomen and leg muscles. Firmly pressing on or gently massaging the cramping muscles can relieve the spasms. Sip water unless nausea occurs.
    3. Heat Exhaustion:
    Typical symptoms may include heavy sweating; cold, pale and clammy skin; weakness; weak pulse; and fainting or vomiting. Get out of the sun, preferably indoors. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Sip water, unless nasea occurs. If nausea continues, immediately seek medical attention.
    4. Heat Stroke:
    This is considered a medical emergency, and requires immediate medical attention! With heat stroke, the victim will have a high body temperature, hot dry skin (sweating has stopped), a rapid and strong pulse, and possible unconsciousness. While waiting for medical assistance, move the victim to a cooler environment, remove clothing, fan the victim, and try to reduce body temperature with a cold bath or sponging. DO NOT give fluids.
    A Final Word
    Hot weather is more than uncomfortable; it is dangerous. Make sure you – and your employees – implement smart practices in the heat. Work slower and take plenty of shaded breaks. You may not get as much work done in a day, but at least you'll live to work another day.
    Allison Hester is the editor of eClean Magazine, the online resource for contract cleaners. Visit www.ecleanmag.com to sign up for free updates, online magazines and articles.
  13. allisonhester
    In early January, the United Association of Mobile Cleaning Contractors (*****) – a 501c non-profit organization run by mobile cleaning contractors – held elections to vote in its new board of directors.
    Ron **********, owner of Pro PowerWash in Phoenix, Arizona, and 25-plus year industry veteran, ran unopposed as the organization’s new president. Recognized as a straight-shooter and go-getter, ********** has already begun laying out his first steps for growing the association, with plans to “build a strong awareness and education program like no other.”
    **********, founder of the National Cleaning Expo (NCE), is familiar with the value of education, hosting numerous educational events and certifying over 200 contractors over the past two years. He also began PressureWashingInstitute.com in 2001, a popular industry bulletin board.
    Doug ********** of Clean and Green Solutions in Houston, Texas, who also ran unopposed, will fill the Vice-Presidential role. **********, who just recently joined the *****, said he decided to run for VP because he wanted “to be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem.” He added that he joined ***** because he likes the way the organization is set up. “In the *****, everyone has the opportunity to run for a position and be a part of change, from the rookie contractor to the seasoned pro. This helps to prevent the portrayal of a good ol’ boy club or that it’s set up as an independent business that benefits only a select few.”
    Mostly, though, ********** said he wanted to be a part of **********’ vision of change. “Like him or not, Ron is a proven leader in our industry – in my opinion, the foremost leader we have,” he said. “Ron knows this business inside out and is very knowledgeable on just about every facet of this business – from sales, to marketing, to running a business, to technological advancements, to environmental issues, and so on. Ron ********** has been at the forefront of them all and has helped many contractors, including myself, in all areas of their business.”
    To read the full article, go to Pressure Cleaning Contractor Magazine's site: www.PWCMag.com and click on the Feburary issue. The article is on page 12.
  14. allisonhester
    From the July 2011 Issue of PCC Online Magazine
    by Allison Hester
    Kory Finley of K & J Pressure Cleaning in Tampa struggled quite a bit when first getting started in the industry. He had to learn some lessons the hard way. That’s why he stresses the importance of doing “your research” before doing anything else, including a market analysis. “Make sure there is a need for the type of service you want to provide and that people are willing to pay for it.”
    To read the entire article, go to http://www.pccmagazine.com/?p=392
  15. allisonhester
    (Taken from the Fall 2011 issue of PCC Magazine. Go to http://www.pccmagazine.com/fall-2011-partial-magazine-available to see the rest of the free version of this issue.)
    In July, members of the pressure washing community – led by Paul Kassander of the PowerWashStore.com,with the help of Kory Finley and Ron ********** of the National Cleaning Expo –turned what could have been a simple skid giveaway into something much more valuable – a chance of a lifetime for a terminally-ill child.
    Numerous members of the power washing industry donated $100 or more to the Make-A-Wish Foundation drawing during NCE East in Tampa.
    During the NCE East event in Tampa, Florida, $5,472 was raised for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has been giving children with life threatening medical conditions hope and strength by making their unique dreams come true.
    “Make A Wish seemed like the perfect program. I have my own kids and can’t imagine what it would be like if my children were in the same situation as some of these
    other children,” says Paul. “Their stories are a reminder of why we’re all working to begin with – to take care of our families. If there’s something we can do to help bring a little joy into their lives, then that’s what is most important.”
    While many industry events raffle off donated equipment, Paul said he wanted to try to do something more significant at NCE. “I thought if I donated a simple pressure washer – something that everyone can use – we would have the ability to raise more money for a charity than if I was to just donate a washer to the event. I was looking for a way for the industry as a whole to give back to the community.”
    The skid donated was a cold water, 5.5 gpm, 2500 psi pressure washer with a Honda engine. The unit’s list price was $2500. Additionally, Kory Finley, who helped coordinate the NCE event, donated twin pump softwash cleaning system for the raffle. “That gave people other options since a lot of roof cleaners don’t use pressure washers,” Paul adds.
    Prior to and during the NCE event, raffle tickets were sold by the hundreds. Time was also given to allow a Make-A-Wish representative to give a special presentation during the event itself. During the event’s opening night reception, Ron ********** (NCE, Pro Power Wash, Pressure Washing Institute), AC Lockyer (Softwash Systems) and Chris Tucker (Apple Roof Cleaning) all took their turns getting soaked in a dunk tank, raising funds for the charity.
    “I was extremely pleased with the participation, and I was especially surprised at the amount of people who spent over $100,” Paul said. “I expected a lot more $10 or $20 donations, but several people gave $100 or more.”
    Paul says he was also pleased with the number of people who bought tickets who had no interest in the equipment itself. For instance, Paul pointed out that his direct competitor, Russ Johnson of Southside Equipment, donated $100 to the event. “I think that was a real standup thing to do,” explains Paul. “It went beyond our head-to-head competition as distributors and we came together for a good cause.”
    In the end, Pamela Starr, a presenter for Constant Contact, had the winning ticket. She then donated the machine back to auction off, which helped us raise another $1,000, the winning bid by Dave Muirhead of Sky View Window Cleaning. That, in turn, put the charitable event over the top, raising more than the amount needed to sponsor a child’s wish.
    Paul Kassander of the PowerWashStore.com with the skid aution winner, Dave Muirhead of Sky View Window Cleaning
    “It was a great feeling to see the outpouring of support from around the country. I think most did it more out of the kindness of their hearts more than anything,” Paul adds. “I hope we can continue to do these kinds of things every year. I would love more than anything to be able to donate a $2,000 to 3,000 pressure washer and get this
    type of support. Instead of just donating $5000 to Make a Wish, let’s turn it into $10,000 or more.”
    Paul says he was not surprised by the generosity of those there. “As a whole, the power washing industry gives a lot back but just doesn’t get the attention they deserve because they do it in the shadows. They do it at night, when people aren’t around.”
    He concludes that “things like this raffle help bring their generosity out in the open and let people know we are giving back. We need to get the word out that we are here and we want to help make our communities cleaner and protect the environment at the same time. The more awareness we can generate about what we do, the better businesses will be and the more professional our industry will become.”
    As a final note, Paul wanted to be sure to thank Kory Finley and Ron ********** for giving him the opportunity to raise money for Make a Wish. “ I wouldn’t have been able to do it without NCE putting that platform out there for us, which allowed us to do something big.”
  16. allisonhester
    On October 3, Carlos Gonzalez began his day as a pressure washing contractor but ended his day as a hero.
    Carlos, owner of New Look Power Wash in Fairfield, California, was driving home after cleaning a San Francisco hotel when he noticed traffic was stopping ahead. It was raining heavily, and he could see a car that was “obviously” facing the wrong direction. “I thought it was just a spinout, but as I got closer I noticed a woman standing next the car holding her arm,” he explains.
    No one else had stopped to help, so Carlos pulled over. “The woman walked very fast towards me and obviously had an arm injury,” he explains. By then, some other drivers stopped to help. Carlos instructed the woman to go sit in one of other vehicles that had stopped to assist. He told another individual to call 9-1-1.
    However, there was a bigger problem. “There was fire billowing out under the hood of her car and heavy black smoke was pouring out,” he explains. He looked at the car and determined he might be able to put the fire out with his pressure washer.
    He asked several people to stop traffic so he could back his Landa trailer up to get it within 150 feet of the fire. “I handed the Landa key to a gentleman and gave him instructions on what I wanted him to do relating to turning the pressure washer on,” he says. “I put on a ladder-saver nozzle, as I figured this would be my best bet to knock the fire down,” Carlos explains. “As I proceeded to apply water to the fire, a small explosion took place under the hood. I continued to apply the water up next to the car and eventually put the fire out.”
    Shortly thereafter, the California Highway Patrol and fire department arrived. Both were extremely thankful to Carlos’ quick thinking and bravery. Carlos says he always tries to keep extra water in his tanks for instances like this, and to help drivers whose vehicles have overheated and need water for their radiators.
    Carlos' heroic efforts serve as a great example of how everyday pressure washing contractors give back every day.
    This article will be featured in the new PCC Magazine, to be released 10/22
  17. allisonhester
    My husband, Michael, has spent two of the past four Memorial Days in year-long deployments, first to Iraq in 2008 then in Afghanistan in 2010. So I naturally thought this holiday weekend would be important to him. It is to me. I remember how much it hit home last year that MY husband was one of the soldiers our nation was honoring on Memorial Day.

    Not so.

    “I so do not want to go to church tomorrow,” he confessed last night as we were driving home from dinner.

    With a little prying, he continued. “They are going to make a be to-do about Memorial Day. They will recognize those who’ve served. I don’t want to have to stand up. I don’t want to have to think about it. I just want it to go away.”

    As I prodded further, I began to understand.

    Mike said he didn’t need a special day to remember the guys who had died in Afghanistan while he was there. He thought about them every day. Mike remembered his contractor friend who he’d laughed at during lunch for piling on the ice cream, then learned the man had had been blown up by an IED later that same day.

    Mike remembered having to build the podium so a service could be held for the first two soldiers killed on his FOB shortly after he arrived. They were not in his unit, nor was anyone who was killed, and they may not have been best friends, but he knew them and he remembered them. And most of all, they affected him.

    I admit I was caught off guard.

    When Mike had told me about people getting killed, he always had a somewhat nonchalant “that’s just how it goes” attitude. At least that’s what he portrayed. I guess I didn’t remember that deep down, my often unemotional husband is indeed human.

    So we are not “celebrating” Memorial Day in our household. We are not putting flags up in the yard. We’re not watching the hours of war shows and movies on TV. We will not partake in parades or concerts or anything else celebrating those who have served.

    Because that’s what MY soldier wants, and that’s how I will honor him this weekend.

    Mike may be alone. He may be the only soldier out there who is angered by “Welcome Home” banners, or is hurt when he sees rows of U.S. Flags. I confess I don’t really understand it, but I also don’t understand what he’s lived through the past two out of three years.

    And so, with this in mind, I ask all of us to honor our soldiers however they wish to be honored. To be respectful. To be patient. To be understanding. That’s how we can let them know how much we appreciate their sacrifice.
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