I wanted to reach out to the veterans on this page for some advise to see if there are any alternative to buying tickets to the up coming SOFTWASHAPOLOOZA, like a webinar or any alternative that does not involve travel. I am a few months into my Soft Washing business and can't afford to attend in person both financially nor physically (too many bids pending). I would be interested in any educational package that would be similar to the seminars at the polooza. I appreciate any guidance that you have to offer.
Have a Merry Christmas!
John Aloisio said
Dec 20, 2016
Travis,
The Certified Applicator Program is about the best you can purchase to help you along with the proper education. There is no comparison to attending a Polooza, but we all understand where you are at in your business, as we all have been there at some point. The event is invaluable for networking with all of the best in the industry and just talking shop. The classes are very informative and will shorten your learning curve. Even if you could attend the event, the Certified Applicator Program is really the next step.
Education and Knowledge is how we run our business model and it allows us to achieve a higher profit and higher sales volume than most in this industry. The networking is just a fringe benefit.
I am always available to talk if you need some advice, just as the rest of the Pro-Staff and BOD members. Feel free to reach out whenever.
-- Edited by John Aloisio on Tuesday 20th of December 2016 04:12:04 PM
Travis Gomez said
Dec 20, 2016
Thanks John,
Correct me if I am wrong but the applicator program that you are referring to is the 8 cd's and 2 hour test that gets you certified? If we're talking about the same program I have completed that. I guess my question is if you were me what should I do next. Here is what I'm faced with.
I have a 40 hour job that I will be quiting at the end of February after my yearly bonus is paid. My family and I will dependent on my bonus, Soft Washing, and construction work if I don't pick up jobs quick enough. I feel like I need to take every opportunity to learn more about soft washing and techniques I know I have only scratched the surface. If I attend the polooza I will spend roughly $1,000 for a brand new business that $1,000 could do allot of advertising to get more jobs. It's a tough decision what are your thoughts?
Tim Teed said
Dec 20, 2016
Have you done any softwashing jobs yet? Do you have any free time over the next 4 weekends. I know that if push came to shove and I had to find $1,000 in four weeks I would find a way. I would knock on doors and offer to hand clean gutters, wash siding with a bucket and a hose if I had to. Starting a business is very stressful. Part of the reason to attend these yearly meetings is to be around other business owners facing the same challenges and to meet people that you are comfortable with calling if you need help. The networking value is huge. All you need to do is pick up one bit of knowledge that can either save you from a mistake or help you make additional money. Last year I was tight on cash and I paid for two tickets using Paypal with the 6 months interest free. This will be my 6th year attending and every year I pick up some new knowledge. The training is not an expense but an investment. Based on my experience I would do whatever it takes to go to Orlando.
Travis Gomez said
Dec 20, 2016
Hey Tim,
Thank you for your advise. Yes I have done a few softvwashing jobs since getting certified and have several more booked for weekends to come. I come from a pressure washing background I have helped my dad with his pressure washing company since I was 11. After getting certified and building my trailer out I started getting jobs and going.
You answered my main question of if you had a new company and had the choice to spend 1,000 on paying for advertising, and other business expenses or spend it on the polooza what would you do? I hear you loud and clear you would pick the polooza with out a doubt. You gained more experience and knowledge at the polooza than any DVD or webinar training course could provide.
I appreciate the insight!
Brandon Vaughn said
Dec 20, 2016
80% of your success is educating yourself on how a business is to be ran, not how to SoftWash. Meeting the pros that come to Softwashapalooza, who are in the same business as you, and who openly share so much, is what makes events like this almost priceless. I would spend $1000 on education over advertising every day of the week.
Advertising will return you some money - but where do you advertise? How much? What works the best? What if you spent $1000 and got nothing? Knowledge is power, and the opportunity to pick the brains of the guys in person will pay you back in tens of thousands of dollars (if not hundreds of thousands) over the next few years.
I'll echo Tim's advise 1000%!
Travis Gomez said
Dec 20, 2016
Thanks Brandon,
I'm working on some of the logistics can't wait to meet you, Tim, John, AC, and everyone else at the polooza!
John Aloisio said
Dec 21, 2016
Solid advice from Brandon and Tim. A few of the great and knowledgeable people you meet at these events. Like Tim said one good tip or piece of advice can make your year. We had our biggest year ever this past season, which is still going as we are working for the next three days and three next week, without spending a dime on pay per click. PPC was always a huge expanse for me over the last four years, spending upwards of $3000.00 a month. After doing some tracking and actually measuring my cost per lead, I decided to focus on different marketing avenues. I bounced my new marking ideas off......you guessed it.....a few of my friends "In Network". They were supportive, had constructive critiques and helped my decision making. I met all those people at Softwashpalooza. I will be doing a presentation at the event this year, and the title of it is "The Power Of The Network". So this topic is near and dear to me.
I hope his helps
Bob Riddick said
Dec 21, 2016
Travis, you have gotten some great advice from the "best of the best" In Network SWS Pros. And it sounds like you'll make it to Orlando.
You will learn more in three days by attending, than you would in three years on your own. I promise you will thank these brothers for their advice!
Michael Hickey said
Dec 23, 2016
I haven't attended Softwashapooloza for a few years because it clashes with a family holiday ( business is quiet, daughter on holidays from college, son takes time off work and we go skiing to Austria for a week) but I have to say I really enjoyed the one event I did attend and I would love to go back. Hopefully 2018 will be it God willing.
Jesse Bracken said
Dec 24, 2016
I am doing everything possible to attend this year. Snow plowing up here in CT is always the ball and chain keeping me from going...
I wanted to reach out to the veterans on this page for some advise to see if there are any alternative to buying tickets to the up coming SOFTWASHAPOLOOZA, like a webinar or any alternative that does not involve travel. I am a few months into my Soft Washing business and can't afford to attend in person both financially nor physically (too many bids pending). I would be interested in any educational package that would be similar to the seminars at the polooza. I appreciate any guidance that you have to offer.
Travis,
The Certified Applicator Program is about the best you can purchase to help you along with the proper education. There is no comparison to attending a Polooza, but we all understand where you are at in your business, as we all have been there at some point. The event is invaluable for networking with all of the best in the industry and just talking shop. The classes are very informative and will shorten your learning curve. Even if you could attend the event, the Certified Applicator Program is really the next step.
Education and Knowledge is how we run our business model and it allows us to achieve a higher profit and higher sales volume than most in this industry. The networking is just a fringe benefit.
I am always available to talk if you need some advice, just as the rest of the Pro-Staff and BOD members. Feel free to reach out whenever.
-- Edited by John Aloisio on Tuesday 20th of December 2016 04:12:04 PM
Thank you for your advise. Yes I have done a few softvwashing jobs since getting certified and have several more booked for weekends to come. I come from a pressure washing background I have helped my dad with his pressure washing company since I was 11. After getting certified and building my trailer out I started getting jobs and going.
You answered my main question of if you had a new company and had the choice to spend 1,000 on paying for advertising, and other business expenses or spend it on the polooza what would you do? I hear you loud and clear you would pick the polooza with out a doubt. You gained more experience and knowledge at the polooza than any DVD or webinar training course could provide.
I appreciate the insight!
80% of your success is educating yourself on how a business is to be ran, not how to SoftWash. Meeting the pros that come to Softwashapalooza, who are in the same business as you, and who openly share so much, is what makes events like this almost priceless. I would spend $1000 on education over advertising every day of the week.
Advertising will return you some money - but where do you advertise? How much? What works the best? What if you spent $1000 and got nothing? Knowledge is power, and the opportunity to pick the brains of the guys in person will pay you back in tens of thousands of dollars (if not hundreds of thousands) over the next few years.
I'll echo Tim's advise 1000%!
I'm working on some of the logistics can't wait to meet you, Tim, John, AC, and everyone else at the polooza!
Solid advice from Brandon and Tim. A few of the great and knowledgeable people you meet at these events. Like Tim said one good tip or piece of advice can make your year. We had our biggest year ever this past season, which is still going as we are working for the next three days and three next week, without spending a dime on pay per click. PPC was always a huge expanse for me over the last four years, spending upwards of $3000.00 a month. After doing some tracking and actually measuring my cost per lead, I decided to focus on different marketing avenues. I bounced my new marking ideas off......you guessed it.....a few of my friends "In Network". They were supportive, had constructive critiques and helped my decision making. I met all those people at Softwashpalooza. I will be doing a presentation at the event this year, and the title of it is "The Power Of The Network". So this topic is near and dear to me.
I hope his helps
Travis, you have gotten some great advice from the "best of the best" In Network SWS Pros. And it sounds like you'll make it to Orlando.
You will learn more in three days by attending, than you would in three years on your own. I promise you will thank these brothers for their advice!