Episode 1263 – Ask Mike Anything: Real Talk for Cleaning Company Owners
It’s time for another round of Ask Mike Anything! Mike Campion and Lindsay Bjorklund are back, answering real questions from real cleaning business owners — no fluff, just honest advice.
Here’s what got tackled in this episode:
Jonathan’s Question:
“I have contacts all over the state, 50+ miles apart. I’m having trouble training and keeping quality high because it’s like having a small team in each county. Should I invest in a traveling trainer, or should I focus on one area at a time instead of spreading out?”
Cam’s Question:
“For commercial cleaning companies, do you bill on net 30, net 15, or the beginning of the month? I’m billing on net 30, but with daily accounts and payroll, it’s a struggle. How can I switch from net 30 and get paid faster?”
Mike dives deep into these — with laughs, straight talk, and smart strategy. Let’s break it down. 👇
Don't Grow Too Fast
Mike starts with a truth bomb: growing too quickly in too many places is a big mistake. A lot of owners spread out to feel important, but that can hurt your profits and stress you out. His advice? Build deep roots in one area before you expand. Make sure your home base is strong first.
Be Honest with Yourself
Why do you want to grow? Is it really for money and freedom — or just to feel “legit”? Mike says it’s okay to want to look big, but be real with yourself. He recommends waiting until you’ve reached at least 10% of your perfect customer base before expanding. Grow smart, not fast.
Don't Be a Bank
Still billing net 30? Mike says you’re acting like a bank — without the perks! You pay your cleaners every two weeks, but you wait a month to get paid? That’s a no-go. Switch to billing before the work starts. Mike’s done it, coached others to do it, and it works — even with big clients.
Train Like a Boss (Without Being There)
Got a spread-out team? Don’t waste money on a traveling supervisor. Mike says the key is building a system. Train your cleaners to help with interviews, watch each other’s work, and take full ownership of jobs. Give them the power, and they’ll rise to the challenge.
Cut the Dead Weight
If you’ve only got one or two clients in faraway cities, it might be time to cut them. Mike says one client in a city is worse than none. Focus on areas where you already have strong business. Consolidate. Build teams. Less stress, more profit.
Want more of this kind of advice? Check out Grow My Cleaning Company and catch more Ask Mike Anything episodes. Mike’s got your back — with real talk, smart strategy, and zero sugar-coating.