Episode 1270 – Stop Cleaning and Start Leading: The Mindset Shift Every Owner
In this replay of one of our top episodes ever, Mike Campion and Lindsay Bjorklund dive into the real reasons cleaning business owners stay stuck working too much. Mike challenges listeners to drop the COVID excuses and start thinking like true business owners—not worker bees. He shares how to stop cleaning without losing profit, and why your mindset is the biggest obstacle. They also tackle smart social media habits and what to do when employees are milking the clock. This episode is full of tough love, practical tips, and classic Campion fire. Don’t miss it if you’re ready to grow and finally get out of the field.
COVID Excuses? Time to Move On
Mike Campion kicked off this episode by reminding Cleaning Nation that COVID is not the reason your business is stuck. Yep, the pandemic was tough—but it’s 2024, folks! Plenty of cleaning companies thrived during COVID, and it’s time to stop blaming the past. If you’re still cleaning toilets 24 years into your business, maybe it’s time to ask, “Why?” and change your game plan.
Stop Thinking Like a Worker Bee
Mike had a little tough love for John, a cleaning business owner who’s stuck working too much. The truth? If you’re saying things like “I can’t grow because I’m too busy cleaning,” then you’re still thinking like a worker bee—not a business owner. Mike’s message was simple: stop tolerating the life you don’t want. Draw a line in the sand and decide to be the owner—not the cleaner.
Replace Yourself Without Losing Money
Another listener, Gus, asked how to stop cleaning without losing profits. Mike dropped some gold: the secret is to stop doing $20/hour work and start doing $200/hour work. You don’t just quit cleaning—you replace every job you do with one you sell and hand off to a team member. Job-by-job, your time becomes more valuable and your income stays steady.
Social Media Without Losing Your Sanity
Jen asked how to stay off Facebook while still getting clients. Mike’s tip? Be a content creator, not a content consumer. Post what you need to, set a timer, and get out. Don’t fall into the scroll hole! Have a plan, set goals, and treat social media like a tool—not a time-waster.
Are Your Cleaners Milking the Clock?
Last up, Angie felt like one of her team members was dragging their feet on jobs. Mike explained that the real fix might be to charge more or have a core-values-based conversation. If someone’s values don’t match yours, it might be time to part ways. But if they do care, just showing them how their choices don’t align with the team’s goals can spark real change.