Free webinar on November 7, 2024, by CLA
The key to a successful business is bringing in new customers while keeping your existing customers happy. Experienced marketing-savvy owners will share simple and cost-effective promotions that will increase your customer base and revenue.
Other laundromat operators and I will discuss the topic and answer any questions you have.
Join us on November 7
How much time do you spend at your store?
I usually get this question from overwhelmed laundromat owners who feel tied to their stores. I’m happy to say my answer has changed over the years.
When I first took over the business, I was at the store pretty much every day. Now, I have systems and processes in place that allow the business to run smoothly when I’m not around.
Let me be crystal clear here, just because I am not at the store doesn’t mean I am not working on the business. Don’t get this editorial confused with some of that internet guru sh*t about this being passive like I’m on some beach somewhere because I’m not in the store.
Let’s be absolutely clear. The amount of money your business generates is a direct reflection of the amount of quality time you spend working on it, but that doesn’t mean you have to be physically present.
Here are the eight things to consider to allow you to work on the business without being tied to the store:
Document everything
Write procedures for all tasks, take pictures of how things should be set up, record videos of certain processes, such as how to use the POS. Documentation makes it easy to train your team, gives them what they need to be successful in their roles, and ensures consistency regardless of who is working.
Build a trustworthy team
You can’t step away from your business if you don’t have trusted team members to keep it running. Your team is the backbone of your business, so be intentional about hiring good people. After you hire them, give them the autonomy to handle minor issues on their own.
Leverage technology
There's software for almost everything. From communicating with clients to managing payroll, technology allows you to stay on top of things without being physically present.
Hire a solid manager
Hire someone with strong leadership skills who feels confident managing the team and day-to-day operations.
Thinking about, the thinking of laundry:
“Perfection is the enemy of progress.” Improve after you start, stop stressing about it before.
Install CCTV cameras
Just because you’re not at the store doesn’t mean you shouldn’t know what’s going on. Cameras allow you to monitor the store and ensure everything is running smoothly without hovering over your team.
Use remote monitoring systems
I use remote monitoring systems to check the status of the store and troubleshoot issues with the team. The difference between these systems and CCTV cameras is that I can actually interact with the software to resolve problems in real time.
Set clear expectations
Everyone should know their role, responsibilities, and how their success is measured. If a team member isn’t performing well, that can be a sign of unclear expectations.
Automate processes
Automation reduces the time and effort spent on day-to-day operations. Automate repeat processes like scheduling employee shifts and ordering supplies.
There’s a common saying amongst new business owners that says, “I went from working 9 to 5 to 24/7.” This is the reality for far too many laundromat owners, but it doesn’t have to be.
If you want your business to grow, you can’t do everything yourself. Even if you don’t have plans to expand to other locations, you can’t reap the full benefits of business ownership if you’re always at the store.
That's all I got for you today.
Waleed
🏴☠️ ✌️
p.s. For more thoughts on the laundry business, follow along on Linkedin.
Echoing the wisdom of Michael Gerber
Systems permit ordinary people to achieve extraordinary results predictably.
