Episode 1186 – Do I Need an LLC? Employee Caught Stealing? And MORE of Your Dilemmas Answered Live!
Live and Unfiltered: Mike Takes on Your Questions
In this live “ask me anything” style broadcast, Mike Campion opened the floor to cleaning business owners ready to throw their toughest questions his way. With no script and no filters, the session was packed with real-time answers, practical advice, and a few laughs. From hiring to handling tough customers, nothing was off-limits. Mike was in the hot seat, and he didn’t disappoint, breaking down complex business challenges into bite-sized, actionable steps. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key questions and the gold nuggets of wisdom that came out of this rapid-fire Q&A. Let’s dive in!
Do I Need an LLC to Start My Cleaning Business?
A Cleaning Nation member asked, “Do I really need an LLC to start my cleaning company?” Mike jumped right in with his classic disclaimer—he’s not a lawyer, but he’s got decades of business experience. So while this isn’t legal advice, it’s coming from a guy who’s been around the block a few times. LLC stands for Limited Liability Company, and it mainly helps with two things: protecting your personal assets if something goes wrong (like burning down a client’s house), and providing some tax advantages. But does that mean you need an LLC to get started? Nope! You can start as a sole proprietor and work your way up from there. An LLC is nice, but it’s not magic—it won’t suddenly make you more successful or profitable.
Automation Software: Which One Should You Pick?
Another listener asked about the best software for sending reminders to applicants before interviews. Mike had some solid advice: Don’t get too hung up on picking the “perfect” software. There’s no one-size-fits-all, but many good options, like Jobber and ZenMaid. The point is, having some form of automation is helpful, but it’s not going to make or break your business. People often stress over the little things, like which software to use, when what really matters is growing your business and getting more clients. So, pick one, try it out, and if it doesn’t work for you, switch to another—no big deal!
QuickBooks: The Go-To for Tracking Income and Expenses
Stephanie from Facebook wanted to know the best program for tracking income and expenses, and Mike had a much more definitive answer this time: QuickBooks. Why? Because everyone uses it, including accountants, so it’s just easier to get on board with what everyone knows. But here’s the kicker—knowing your margins is what really matters. QuickBooks will help you track the numbers, but you still need to understand what those numbers mean and how to use them to improve your business. That’s where a coach or mentor can come in handy, not just an accountant.
Dealing with Accusations of Theft: What Should You Do?
Now, here’s a tricky one. A long-time client suspects that one of your employees might have stolen something but can’t prove it. Should you fire the employee just to be safe? Mike knows this is a tough spot to be in. The key here is balance—be honest with your client about what you know and don’t know, and be fair to your employee. If there’s no proof, it’s hard to make a definitive call. But if the client feels strongly enough to cancel, you have to respect that too. The main takeaway? Handle it with transparency, keep communication open, and trust your gut when deciding how to move forward.
The Bottom Line: Focus on What Really Matters
Mike wrapped up the session with a reminder that it’s easy to get caught up in the details—whether it’s worrying about LLCs, software choices, or how to handle employee issues. But the real focus should always be on building your business, serving your clients, and making sure you know your numbers. Don’t let the little stuff distract you from the big picture!