Hey, what's up, guys? Welcome back to the channel! It's a bit chilly out here, but we're going to heat things up with something different today. I'll be answering a question from my new best-selling book on Amazon, Start a Pressure Washing Business Volume One: Tough Love. The success of the book has been amazing, and I owe it all to you!
If you're looking to gain valuable knowledge, the book is a cheap investment at just $10 on Amazon. It's packed with questions from the channel and practical advice for starting your pressure washing business.
Let's dive into a question from the book. This one is from "deadlyguy5594":
Q: What's your opinion on word of mouth when starting out? Should I do a few jobs pro bono for friends and family, or would you recommend against that?
This is a great question. While I never did pro bono work early on because I couldn't afford to, there isn't a definitive right answer. Here's my take:
Starting Out with Pro Bono Work
Doing some jobs for friends and family can be beneficial. It allows you to:
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Get before and after photos: These are crucial for marketing.
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Earn reviews and testimonials: Ask for reviews on Google, Facebook, and other platforms.
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Gain experience: Practice your skills and build confidence without the pressure of paying customers.
However, it's important to be cautious. The key is not to get stuck in the pro bono or discount mentality. Many guys fall into the trap of continuously offering discounts, which leads to a race to the bottom and difficulty becoming profitable.
Avoid the Discount Slippery Slope
While doing a few free jobs early on can help, make sure it’s temporary. Use these opportunities to get reviews and testimonials, then move on to paying jobs. This way, you avoid the "gateway drug" of constant discounts, which can undermine your business.
If you understand that this is a short-term strategy, it can be beneficial. Do around 10 free jobs, ensure they all leave reviews, and get video testimonials if possible. Make the most of these early jobs by leveraging the reviews you receive.
Maximize Your Winter Earnings
For those worried about business slowing down in winter, consider diversifying your services. Glenn Jernigan, for example, has successfully incorporated Christmas light installation into his pressure washing business. He makes over $150,000 in about eight weeks through the holidays!
We’ve created a five-day digital boot camp with Glenn, Mike Vidan, Justin Rogers, and myself to teach you how to start and profit from this business. If you're interested, click the first link in the description or the comments to join the boot camp.
Final Advice
Deadlyguy5594, I hope this answers your question about pro bono work. Be careful and use it sparingly to avoid getting stuck in a discount mindset. Make sure your free jobs pay off with valuable reviews and testimonials.
For more tips on starting and growing your pressure washing business, check out my best-selling book on Amazon. And don’t forget to join us in the digital boot camp to learn about the profitable world of Christmas light installation.
For comprehensive training on starting and growing your pressure washing business, be sure to check out the SESW Softwash 101 class. It's packed with valuable insights and proven strategies to help you succeed in the soft washing industry.
