Episode 1232 – The #1 Mistake That Could Be Killing Your Cleaning Business: A Classic Episode
The Biggest Mistake Cleaning Business Owners Make—And How to Fix It
In this replay of a classic episode, Mike Campion and Tracey Thompson cover a anoher powerful lesson for cleaning business owners. In this episode, they dive deep into the most expensive mistake that keeps cleaning companies stuck—and how to break free from it. Many business owners work harder and harder, believing their effort alone will lead to success. But without the right mindset and strategy, they stay trapped in the same frustrating cycle. Mike and Tracey reveal why this happens and what to do instead.
Wanting Isn’t Enough
Many cleaning business owners believe that simply wanting success is enough. They want more employees, more clients, or more profits, and they assume their desire alone will make things happen. But Tracey explains that this mindset creates a dangerous gap between wanting and doing. People can want something for years, but without action, nothing changes. Instead of taking real steps forward, they tell themselves stories about why success hasn’t happened yet. “I need more employees.” “I just need one big contract.” “Things will turn around soon.” But unless they actually do something different, they will stay stuck in the same place.
The Cycle of Fear and Panic
When business owners face struggles—whether it’s financial issues, hiring challenges, or burnout—they often panic and double down on the same strategies that got them into trouble. Instead of stepping back and reevaluating, they just work harder, hoping things will magically improve. Mike warns that this reaction is driven by fear, and fear clouds good decision-making. Business owners become so focused on immediate survival that they can’t see a way out. They tell themselves, “This has to work,” but in reality, that desperate mindset makes success even less likely. When fear takes over, people make emotional decisions instead of strategic ones, which only deepens their struggles.
Breaking Free from Old Stories
One of the biggest reasons people stay stuck is because they tell themselves the wrong story. Instead of looking for solutions, they blame outside factors—like the economy, employees, or even COVID. Tracey challenges business owners to change the conversation in their heads. Instead of saying, “I can’t find good employees,” ask, “If I could, how would I do it?” Instead of saying, “I can’t raise my prices,” ask, “What would need to happen for me to charge more?” This small shift in thinking opens up new possibilities. Mike compares it to arguing with yourself—except instead of arguing for why you’re stuck, you start arguing for why you can succeed. Once you stop defending the old way of thinking, you can finally start moving forward.
Decide to Do Something Different
At the end of the day, success starts with a decision. Business owners must decide to stop making excuses, take ownership of their results, and commit to doing things differently. That means stepping away from the old patterns that aren’t working and being open to new approaches. It means asking better questions, surrounding yourself with the right people, and being willing to try something outside your comfort zone. As Tracey says, “The first step is always to decide.” Once that decision is made, the right actions and strategies naturally follow.