Pareto's Principle might sound like dry economic theory, but it's actually one of the most powerful tools cleaning business owners can harness to transform their operations and profitability. In this eye-opening conversation, we dive deep into how the 80-20 rule (first observed by Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto in 1896) applies specifically to cleaning businesses today.

Ever wonder why some cleaning companies struggle while others thrive with seemingly less effort? The answer often lies in recognizing that 80% of your results come from just 20% of your inputs. We unpacks how this manifests across every aspect of your business—from discovering which clients truly drive your revenue to identifying which marketing channels actually deliver customers.

The most fascinating (and perhaps uncomfortable) revelation? Your legacy clients—those who've been with you since day one—might actually be your most expensive relationships to maintain. We challenge the emotional attachments that keep you tied to underperforming accounts with a simple thought experiment: "If you broke your leg tomorrow, would these clients continue paying you while you recover?" The answer reveals the true nature of these business relationships.

Beyond client management, we explore practical applications of the principle to marketing, time management, service offerings, and team building. You'll learn why specialized add-on services (like $35 sheet changes) can be gold mines, how to identify which 20% of your efforts produce 80% of your complaints, and why building a truly scalable cleaning business requires recognizing these patterns.

Ready to work smarter rather than harder? Listen now to discover how to analyze your business through the Pareto lens and make strategic decisions that dramatically increase profitability while reducing unnecessary work. Your future self—and your bank account—will thank you!

Send us a text

It can be crowed when trying to figure out who you are going to learn from

Up your cleaning game, join over 6000 Cleaning Business Owners most of whom are located here in the United States.

Support the show

Questions? Feel free to reach out!

Shannon Miller: cleaningbusinesslife@gmail.com

Join my FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583362158497744
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIjMz_-9YyiFvNVIgb61iYg

See Shannon's latest courses: www.KleanFreaksUnversity.com

Force of Nature represents a revolutionary shift in how we approach cleaning – both for professionals and everyday consumers. This groundbreaking product transforms simple household ingredients – water, salt, and vinegar – into hypochlorous acid, a powerful antimicrobial agent that kills 99% of germs while remaining gentle enough for virtually any surface.

For professional cleaners constantly navigating specialty surfaces like marble, granite, teak, and bamboo, Force of Nature offers a compelling solution to the ever-present challenge of finding safe, effective products. The versatility is remarkable – from kitchen counters to bathroom fixtures, children's toys to pet areas, and even toothbrushes. The absence of chemical fragrances makes it particularly valuable for clients with sensitivities, while its effectiveness against pathogens satisfies even the most hygiene-conscious customers.

Beyond practical cleaning applications, Force of Nature represents a meaningful business opportunity. The company offers specialized business packages for professional cleaning services, providing a competitive advantage in marketing eco-friendly, "green" cleaning solutions. In an industry where chemical exposure can lead to sensitivities over time, this gentler alternative helps protect the health of cleaning professionals without sacrificing cleaning power.

The initial investment includes a starter kit with the electrolysis device, though the ongoing costs involve just the simple capsules containing the basic ingredients. For cleaning businesses looking to differentiate themselves and expand their client base to include the increasingly eco-conscious consumer, Force of Nature offers both practical cleaning advantages and compelling marketing opportunities. Try it yourself to experience how traditional cleaning chemicals might become a thing of the past.

https://www.forceofnatureclean.com/ref/shannonmiller/?campaign=podcast

Amber Elise Interview link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2155653/episodes/13428722-episode-16-meet-cleaning-content-creator-amber-elise.mp3?download=true

Send us a text

Up your cleaning game, join over 6000 Cleaning Business Owners most of whom are located here in the United States.

Support the show

Questions? Feel free to reach out!

Shannon Miller: cleaningbusinesslife@gmail.com

Join my FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583362158497744
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIjMz_-9YyiFvNVIgb61iYg

See Shannon's latest courses: www.KleanFreaksUnversity.com

Ron Papke’s journey from addiction and homelessness to building a thriving cleaning restoration business is nothing short of inspiring. With just $2,500 and a few lawn mowers, he laid the foundation for what would grow into a million-dollar company specializing in water restoration, mold remediation, air duct cleaning, and more.

What makes Ron’s success stand out is his mastery of organic marketing—achieving massive growth without relying on hefty advertising budgets.

His company’s leap from $500,000 to its first million in revenue came largely from a simple yet powerful strategy: customer yard signs. By placing signs at every job site and leaving them up until a client objected (which almost never happened), he created an unstoppable local presence.

The proof? His business boasts over 700 Google reviews, while his nearest competitor has just 40.

Beyond marketing, Ron’s business approach is full of game-changing strategies. His innovative “scheduling close” technique shifts the focus from price to value by first asking if customers qualify for special discounts (like first responders, teachers, and veterans) before offering time-sensitive pricing incentives. He also requires a $50 deposit on every job, which not only reduces last-minute cancellations but reinforces his company’s professionalism.

Ron is a firm believer that strong communication skills are key to success—so much so that he recommends every business owner join Toastmasters. Not only does it refine public speaking, but it also serves as a powerful networking tool with management-level professionals. He also leans heavily into video marketing, stating, “People trust videos on a whole other level.” His email campaigns are equally strategic, with segmented messaging that tracks engagement to fine-tune follow-ups.

Perhaps one of Ron’s most impactful business practices is how he nurtures relationships with referral sources. Whether it’s insurance agents or property managers, he keeps his business top of mind through thoughtful, memorable gestures—homemade jerky, bottles of liquor that double as constant reminders of his brand, and seasonal gifts that create natural touchpoints throughout the year.

Want to revolutionize your cleaning business? Connect with Ron on Facebook to learn more about his strategies or join his private group for exclusive insights on building a thriving cleaning empire.

This version keeps the energy high, refines the flow, and makes Ron’s strategies even more compelling.

Sign up for my email list here:

Send us a text

It can be crowed when trying to figure out who you are going to learn from

Erica Paynter is the brains behind My Virtual Bookkeeper, a bookkeeping firm for cleaning companies, and the creator of Clean Co. Cash Flow Academy and the Clean Co. Collective. She’s on a mission to help cleaning business owners make sense of their numbers without boring them to tears! Erica’s all about turning messy books into profit-packed powerhouses.

support@myvbk.com

Up your cleaning game, join over 6000 Cleaning Business Owners most of whom are located here in the United States.

Support the show

Questions? Feel free to reach out!

Shannon Miller: cleaningbusinesslife@gmail.com

Join my FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583362158497744
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIjMz_-9YyiFvNVIgb61iYg

See Shannon's latest courses: www.KleanFreaksUnversity.com