​These weeks went both fast and slow at the same time as we wrap up the end of another month.  Do you have big plans for the weekend?  Whatever you do, be safe and don’t forget the sunscreen.
LOCAL IT IS
We are planning to support our local economy this weekend by shopping with some of the local businesses and people from our own community.  There are quite a few farmers’ markets in the valley that we haven’t explored yet, and I think most of them stay open until the end of May.  Locally owned businesses work hard to provide one of a kind customer service.  This positive support is also great for the local economy.
WHERE WE LIVE
Peoria is one of the fastest growing cities in the valley.  We have 52 miles of hiking and biking trails, over 500 acres of parks to play at and Lake Pleasant Regional Park.  Lake Pleasant is a reservoir that is part of the Central Arizona Project water way system.  It is a very big lake that offers camping, fishing, boating and picnicking among other things.  They hold informational classes that include learning how to do different water sports to learning about the local wildlife.
Pleasant Harbor has a big bar and restaurant that has fantastic views of the water and surrounding mountains.  And yummy food!
Since we are a locally owned and operated business, we like to talk about our hometown.  We work all over the valley, but Peoria is where we call home. In our opinion it is a very nice place to live and we hope that everybody has a chance to visit it sometime in the near future.
Now, time for the Friday Dance….

​All of us have had a horrible service experience and have been so disappointed that we vowed to never return as customers again, while other people may demand better service.  We have had to deal with some very poor customer service using the plumber that was hired by our home owner’s warranty, so it’s not really a choice of who you get to use.  Some of the services they have performed have been successful, and others not so much.  Is it too much to ask that our toilets not run all night and day?  Be sure to “jiggle the handle” has become a phrase we use around our home regularly. Although this sounds funny and I’m sure many people are going through the same thing, there is nothing more irritating than going to bed and hear the toilet running!
We will continue to fight for peace and quiet!  People should treat people as you wish to be treated.  This simple sentence is a powerful way to earn customer loyalty.  We are not sure if the plumber they send out is using sub standard parts or just isn’t sure how to fix this problem.
Upon requesting a different person for the job, the customer service person got very defensive and rude.  She stated that he was the “Westside” person and would be returning…for the fourth time.
CORE VALUES
Customer service is not “one size fits all”.  In this situation, the owner is obviously not hands on for their own business.  They have not responded in real time or listened to their customers.    Feedback is not important to them. Just listening and doing what is right should not be that unique of an idea to keep your customers happy!
HIRING A SERVICE BUSINESS
Communication is vital when you want to show your customers that they are valued by you.  They should have peace of mind that you will get the job done that you are expecting.  Being open to customer feedback is important to understand their changing needs.
CUSTOMER LOYALTY
One of our amazing original clients has retained our services since 1983!  We have been through thick and thin with them and they hire us to clean the new offices as that they open them.  This is unheard of in the service business!  They understand that we work all night sometimes and that our business hours usually start in the afternoon.  Our owner listens and is quick to say yes that he can take care of a request and tell you to have a great day.  This is where experience counts!

​This also applies to Chandler, Scottsdale, Peoria, Surprise, and all the cities in between.  Offices big and small, two story and single story, warehouses and stores, we’ve cleaned them all.  From top to bottom and start to finish, we can takeover whenever you call.
Everybody has their niche of expertise and while nobody likes to clean we have found that we are good at it.  Some places are a little harder to clean than others, but the bottom line is you want to come into work and have it shine.  We have the knowledge and 35 years of experience to back it up, some methods are the same but many have changed.  Just like your business, you tried many ideas before you found what works for you.
Clean offices increase employee morale, productivity, and decreases absenteeism and turnover.  You do not have to settle for subpar janitorial service because you are on a tight budget.  We welcome the opportunity to set up a custom cleaning plan that fits your budget.
Celebrate hump day, the week’s almost over!

​We hope everybody had a great and relaxing weekend and that you are ready to tackle a new week.  Every Monday it helps to walk into your office knowing from top to bottom what you need to do that week.  This is a great tool in your everyday life also; it helps you dress appropriately so you can go from one place to the next without any major wardrobe changes.    If you have errands to run or things to drop off or pick up, you can utilize your time doing these all at once.   Sometimes it even helps to have a lunch plan in place. (This great incentive allows you to look forward to certain meals all morning, think of all the things you can accomplish until lunchtime!)
GET MORE ACCOMPLISHED
It helps to set a weekly goal.  Prioritizing helps you get organized in the most efficient way.  You have to deal with every piece of paper that comes into your office.  Sometimes copies are crucial for important things that might not be available on your computer, or could possibly get lost.  Create a file for these and label it properly, this will save you a lot of time when you need it right then.  Simple things can put your mind at ease and cause less stress.
LISTS, LISTS, LISTS
You can use a calendar, note pad, or a planner.  There are so many planners out there that you can customize to fit any and all of your needs. You can even use simple post it notes.  They let you focus and keep track of what needs to be done on a day to day basis. One of the best things about post its are all the designs and bright colors out there, you can brighten up your day.   My all time favorite thing to do is cross things off my list.  I feel so accomplished when this happens!
It takes trial and error to run a business.  Find a place to start and tweak what isn’t working out for you.  You know your business better than anybody, do what works for you.
 You could make a difference in the world of your business.  Hiring a janitorial service could bring your productivity to the next level.  Contact us today for a customized plan for your office, and you will have one less thing to worry about on Monday mornings. (And you can cross that off your list)
Now about that lunch plan……

​It’s Friday…Finally!  Take a breath of fresh air and release the pent up stress you’ve been holding onto.   Sometimes going out in the fresh air helps us put thing into perspective. 
Earth day reminds us to be in a green state of mind.  One of the great local things to do in the valley of the sun is to visit the Phoenix Zoo.  This Saturday, they will have stations set up with tips about how to celebrate Earth day, including many tips about water and energy conservation as well as the 3R’s.  Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.  Our family has enjoyed a lifetime of watching the zoo grow and change.  It’s one of our favorite places.
FREE PET ADOPTION
Among the many festivals and flea markets still going on this weekend, the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control is having a free pet adoption weekend on Friday and Saturday.  They currently have over 800 cats and dogs in their care!  They are waiving the fees for all of the cats and the dogs that are over six months old.  Giving a pet a new home is a great way to give back also. 
I realize that this is not cleaning related, but since we are a local business we like to give back to the community.  I see or read things in the news and pass them along because I think they are worthy causes. These are just my opinions on interesting places to visit. We currently have five rescued pets and fully support giving animals a new home for the rest of their lives.   Some of our offices do have people who bring their pets in to work, and we have had offices that have cats that live there full time.
Whether you spend your weekend planting trees and flowers, visiting the zoo or any other Earth Day celebrations going on, enjoy it!

Saturday, April 22, 2017 is when we celebrate Earth Day.  Many people will plant trees, or get together as a work team to clean up parks and oceans.  There is something everyone can do to keep our earth healthy.
KEEP IT CLEAN – KEEP IT GREEN
A few earth friendly practices that you can incorporate into the work place would be to switch to light bulbs that use up to 75% less energy than regular light bulbs.  Many companies use re-manufactured ink to print their documents. Water faucet motion sensors in your work place restrooms can save thousands of gallons of water a year.  Ride sharing is also a popular way to save on gas and money.
GO GREEN, SAVE GREEN
We have proudly provided green cleaning to leading business owners and corporate clients for decades.  Our program focuses on the health and well being of employees and the environment.  Your business is unique and we can help keep it that way by using earth friendly cleaning products and practices.
We dare you to celebrate Earth Day by making your office green.
DON’T TRASH THE EARTH
Successful companies have a purpose, ours is to provide a green janitorial service that continually strives to improve our services to meet the evolving needs of our clients’ expectations. Make a difference in the world by doing something “green”.

​I’m not quite sure who comes up with these weird holidays.  National Garlic Day makes me think of garlic shrimp pasta with a nice side of garlic bread.  Then again it is almost lunch time.  In the business world it reminds me of “vampires” who do business by offering a deep discount with the hopes of raising prices later on.  They do it just to get their foot in the door. Getting the right price is about more than two parties agreeing on a price at that moment in time.  Pricing is about the long term sustainability of a company and the business relationship you hope to have.
Here is another type of “vampire” that is out there affecting all types of people in the business world:
We have a few construction companies who repeatedly ask for bids, but never give us any business.  They are fishing for the lowest price to use against their regular after- construction cleaning company.  This seems unethical to do to a company that gives you a valuable service that you depend on to make you look good.  If they have the knowledge and the skill set to complete the jobs to your satisfaction, don’t make them take under market prices for the job.  Just like you they have employees to pay, insurance, supplies, etc. 
VALUE
Our first step in determining pricing is to find out what our customers value, and then adjust the pricing to whatever they need.  Many customers want to have extra services included in their twelve month contract.  Some clients need to have their carpets cleaned twice a year, and have the price broken up over a twelve month period.  We can customize these services to meet your needs and spread the price out.   Many cleaning companies have multiple service levels in which you can customize the services you need.
GETTING YOUR RIGHT PRICE
We strive for a functional partnership with the people we work for.  Occasionally we do have to renegotiate our prices; usually the client will want to add a few more services that were overlooked at first. 
We fight to keep our prices as low as we can and still run a successful business.  We are very grateful to the companies that hired us and have kept us for many years.   Please contact us if you would like to talk about your cleaning needs, or is you have any questions.
Yeah!  You have made it half way thru the week!  Now about that lunch…

​Today is National Animal Cracker Day.  I had a hard time trying to figure out the importance of all the things going on today, so I decided these sweet little cookies that come in zoo or animal shapes are enjoyed by everybody.  To celebrate today, why not enjoy a box of these delicious treats?  It might help take the sting off of what actual day it is. 
THERE’S NO CRYING ON TAX DAY
Tax day is not a national holiday!  It’s actually a day that is dreaded by many and it’s a lot of work to get ready for such an awful day.
Lucky for you that hiring a janitorial service is deductable.  Business expenses must be both ordinary and necessary.  An ordinary business expense is one that is common and accepted in your business.  Therefore, hiring a cleaning service is just good for business and a great tax write off.
TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR EMPLOYEES
If you take good care of your office, your employees probably do not notice.  They come to expect to arrive every day at their desk to find it neat and tidy, the carpet and floors free of debris, and their trash can emptied.  The toilets should be sparkling and restrooms stocked and ready for the day.  That’s the beauty of a good janitorial service.
Cleaners are often not seen or heard during normal day time hours.  They come in during the night and clean so you can open your workplace the next day.  The better the service, the cleaner your office and the less your employees think about cleanliness when they come to work.  Silent cleaners are an asset to any business, their employees and your customers.
If you are buying, leasing a new office or just need a change in your service contractor please consider giving us a try.  With many years in the janitorial business we can give you all the services you require for one affordable price.
If your taxes are all done and filed, you can take a deep breath and relax.   Enjoy your Tuesday and don’t forget to grab a box of animal crackers.

Are you feeling energized and ready to work?  Neither are we! We hope everybody had a fantastic weekend, whether you celebrated Easter and ate too many eggs and jelly beans or just hung out with family and friends.  We are having such great weather; it’s too bad spring comes with all the beautiful blooming trees and itchy watery eyes and sneezing.
HOW MANY DAYS UNTIL EARTH DAY??? 
There are five days until the 46th anniversary of Earth Day.   We should all be doing something every day to celebrate.  For many of us, good habits have become second nature.  Using reusable grocery bags is a good and simple habit (when we can remember to put them back in the car). Turning off the water while we brush our teeth or wash and soap our hands is also an easy one to remember to do.
As a local business we have a unique opportunity to take a local stance on sustainability and encourage others to do their part to save the earth.  Do you provide a product or service that helps reduce energy consumption?  Be sure to let other people know.  It’s important to others to support businesses that take care of our Earth.
Does your business celebrate Earth Day?  Please tell us about it.

​Today is National Reach as High as you can day.  You can celebrate by not putting imaginary limitations on yourself.  Most do the best they can with what they have to work with; but what you really should do is reach for the stars and challenge yourself to reach your full potential.    Easier said than done, but we should give it a try. 
Or in our case, this could mean high dusting!  Most people don’t notice anything above eight feet.  Dirty lights, ceiling fans and air conditioning vents are often covered in dust.  These are often overlooked areas in your workplace.  We can schedule this and an array of commercial cleaning services in the Phoenix area.  We can cover all your cleaning needs from floor to ceiling.
SPRING IS HERE
Phoenix is sunny and warm this week.  All the trees and flowers are blooming and the birds are chirping (all night long at our house).  This must mean that Easter is this Sunday.  So whether you are out hunting for Easter eggs, taking photos with the Easter bunny, or having a nice leisurely brunch with friends and family, have a wonderful weekend.