{"id":5669,"date":"2022-05-28T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-28T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/?p=5669"},"modified":"2025-05-22T03:13:48","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T03:13:48","slug":"give-first-cleaning-service","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/give-first-cleaning-service\/","title":{"rendered":"How Debbie Sardone built a 7-figure business by focusing on giving, not profits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Debbie Sardone Explains How to Create a Highly Valuable Business\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KFvSfL0eU_w?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The following article is based on a presentation by Debbie Sardone at the 2021 <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/youtube.com\/playlist?list=PL8Co4V1UoDDCGpF6VpC0DrAtvsNmF6sRv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Maid Summit<\/em><\/a><em>, hosted and organized by <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/get.zenmaid.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>ZenMaid<\/em><\/a><em>. Debbie is a cleaning industry expert, <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/themaidcoach.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>business consultant<\/em><\/a><em>, and owner of <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/bucketsandbows.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Buckets and Bows <\/em><\/a><em>maid service. She is also the founder of <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/cleaningforareason.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Cleaning for a Reason<\/em><\/a><em>, a national nonprofit that has helped more than 33,000 women with cancer receive free home cleaning.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The call that changed Debbie Sardone\u2019s business \u2014 and life \u2014 came in 2006. The woman on the phone wanted a quote for a home cleaning because she was undergoing cancer treatment and unable to clean.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After Debbie gave her the price, the woman replied \u201cOh my goodness, I can\u2019t really afford that right now. But when I get back to work, I\u2019ll give you a call.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was business as usual. But soon after hanging up (without getting the woman\u2019s contact information), Debbie understood that she had missed an opportunity.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhy didn&#8217;t I give her the cleaning for free?\u201d Debbie says. \u201cI realized the only reason I didn&#8217;t give her the cleaning is because it hadn&#8217;t occurred to me. I was just thinking about business. I wasn&#8217;t being selfish.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And that\u2019s when everything changed. Debbie gathered her staff to announce that going forward, any woman with cancer could have a free cleaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That year, Debbie founded a nonprofit called Cleaning for a Reason, which partners with other businesses to provide free home cleaning to cancer patients in the United States and Canada. Since launching, Cleaning for a Reason has served more than 50,000 cancer patients, with more 1,200 cleaning businesses volunteering their services.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Debbie built this nonprofit while growing her cleaning service training academy and her $2 million residential cleaning company. She calls giving back and taking care of others \u201clifting as you climb.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou&#8217;ll be amazed at how the concept of lifting as you climb will change you personally and professionally,\u201d Debbie says. \u201cAnd how it will impact business in ways you never thought possible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you lift up others, you pass your competition with lightning speed, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/21-ways-to-market\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">attract better clients<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/grow-with-the-right-team\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">draw in top employees<\/a>. How? It all comes down to three principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/n5xfKNN3RqXVTWC-JrHV0P6Os56Ezh2kGOkx-3DvGDdSg3eSP8KZr7aQ7uhD3Ex5CDEp8qim3TV74MDn6gW8TZqcnCfT4_MGr5W39xLzM1VrqtsDkSpcKRrOe_JKrRJcMDyoWDKc\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"heading-1\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Principle 1: The more you give, the more you get<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It may seem counterintuitive, but if you want to succeed at the highest levels, you have to give at the highest levels.<br><br>It\u2019s about giving with an energy of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/carrie-knight\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">abundance<\/a> instead of giving from a place of scarcity or feeling that you can\u2019t really afford to be giving.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Business owners naturally understand that they won\u2019t make money unless they create value for others. That\u2019s why many don\u2019t pay themselves until they turn a profit, a sign that what they\u2019re delivering is being appreciated by clients.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When Debbie started her coaching business over 15 years ago, she had no experience or certifications. How did she get started? She worked for free. She gave away hours of advice without ever charging a dime.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI think probably the reason that I&#8217;ve been able to build the number one residential cleaning business owners academy in the world, is because I started out working for free,\u201d Debbie says. \u201cI started out giving, I gave back before I charged.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Debbie encourages business owners to adopt a give-first mentality. Who can you help? How can you give back? This doesn\u2019t always mean writing checks or giving everyone free cleanings. You\u2019re still running a business after all.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s an example of a give-first mentality: When you go to a networking event and interact with other vendors and colleagues, focus on how you can help them grow their business instead of what they can do for you. Can you do things like refer them to people or include their business in your newsletter?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you approach a meeting with a give-first, instead of get-first attitude, that person will never forget you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"heading-2\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Principle 2: Don\u2019t hoard your success<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/bOTZuyF2JmNlT6OmjB350EFfn-9-cWCE-GKbtWFqB7aqO2DR8ElDWx2kd4c5KLeHPu188zpXIpgFFSsIhYiIzhHi04OLR1OFXFPdN1SWmtyax1tkWontD2gSU7ePVXite-JmqCp9\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Want to know the secret to zooming past the competition? It\u2019s simple: Share your success.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Again, this doesn\u2019t necessarily mean giving away money. It could mean being generous with your time and participating in others\u2019 charity programs and community events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However you do it, make giving back part of your lifestyle, not just a one time thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you ask people in Debbie\u2019s community about her cleaning service, Buckets and Bows, they won\u2019t tell you about price, quality, or experience.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><p>\u201cEverybody in our town knows that if you have cancer, Buckets and Bows will come and clean for you for free,\u201d Debbie says \u201cWe&#8217;ve won awards and received recognition and tons of publicity, radio shout outs&#8230; You can&#8217;t buy that kind of recognition. And all of those things were a result of giving back first.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/get.zenmaid.com\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/free-trial-banner-1.png\" alt=\"\"><\/a><\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"heading-3\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Principle 3: Giving leads to growth and profits<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you believe giving will hurt your business\u2019 bottom line, think again.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A give-first mentality creates an opportunity for you to be known for something bigger than cleaning. For consumers, this often outweighs price and eliminates your competition.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your competition is always competing on price. They have a different coupon, a different offer, they&#8217;re cheaper than you. But when you&#8217;re known for something that has nothing to do with the prices you charge or the cleanings you do, you\u2019re no longer competing with your lower priced competitors.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you\u2019re known as that company who cares and gives back to the community, you\u2019re on solid ground. People will choose you regardless of price because they love what your brand stands for \u2013 and they want to be associated with the values of your brand.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But don\u2019t take this as permission to slack on your services. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/quality-management-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Quality still matters<\/a>. You still have to deliver on your promises, but you\u2019ll be able to charge a premium rate while building a following of loyal customers and proud employees.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead of asking yourself how you can win over leads, you\u2019re asking: Do I have enough people to staff the demand? Do I have the opening when the customer wants it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lift as you climb. It will change your life and your business forever.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Learn more:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more resources on how to grow and perfect your cleaning business, check out the replays from the <a href=\"https:\/\/youtube.com\/playlist?list=PL8Co4V1UoDDCGpF6VpC0DrAtvsNmF6sRv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2021 Maid Summit<\/a>, hosted by <a href=\"https:\/\/get.zenmaid.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ZenMaid<\/a>. The summit featured more than 60 presentations from other maid service owners who shared tools and strategies to help you achieve the highest levels of success in your business.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>If you found this article helpful for your maid service, you may also like:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__list wp-block-latest-posts\"><li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/how-we-got-free-local-news-coverage-for-our-cleaning-business\/\">How We Got Free Local News Coverage for Our Cleaning Business<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/how-reagan-bell-turned-getting-fired-into-a-thriving-cleaning-company\/\">How Reagan Bell Turned Getting Fired Into a Thriving Cleaning Company<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/what-your-cleaning-business-needs-in-a-cancellation-policy\/\">What Your Cleaning Business Needs in a Cancellation Policy<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/why-i-switched-from-hourly-to-flat-rate-after-7-years\/\">Why I Switched From Hourly To Flat Rate After 7 Years<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/why-ryan-williams-started-a-cleaning-business-from-working-at-zenmaid\/\">Why Ryan Williams Started a Cleaning Business From Working at ZenMaid<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The following article is based on a presentation by Debbie Sardone at the 2021 Maid Summit, hosted and organized by ZenMaid. Debbie is a cleaning industry expert, business consultant, and owner of Buckets and Bows maid service. She is also the founder of Cleaning for a Reason, a national nonprofit that has helped more than [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":5672,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"How Debbie Sardone built a 7-figure business by focusing on giving, not profits","_seopress_titles_desc":"Debbie Sardone built her 7-figure business by focusing on giving. Learn her 3 principles of giving so you can give back, boost profits, and win customers.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[125,26],"tags":[129,126,29],"class_list":["post-5669","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-business","category-mindset","tag-business","tag-debbie-sardone","tag-maid-service-mindset"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5669","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5669"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5669\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11482,"href":"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5669\/revisions\/11482"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5672"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5669"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5669"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5669"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}