Describe a decision you made in the past that helped you learn or grow.
When I first started my cleaning company, I was hungry to grow and excited to prove myself. Like many new business owners, I thought saying “yes” to every opportunity was the key to success. One particular job seemed simple at first: a large residential cleaning project that promised a good payout. Without much hesitation, I accepted the job—without a proper walk-through, detailed agreement, or accurate time estimate.
That decision became a turning point.
What was supposed to be a quick job turned into a 12-hour day for my small team. The client had higher expectations than we anticipated, and we didn’t charge nearly enough to match the time, effort, and materials we used. By the end of that day, we were exhausted, underpaid, and questioning if this business would really work.
But here’s where the growth began.
Instead of seeing it as a failure, I took time to reflect. I realized I needed systems. I needed better communication. I needed to know the value of my service—and not be afraid to charge for it. That one hard lesson taught me three key things:
1. Never skip the walk-through. A visual inspection helps us understand the real scope of work and set clear expectations.
2. Create clear, written agreements. This avoids misunderstandings and keeps everyone on the same page.
3. Respect your value. Underpricing doesn’t just hurt the business—it impacts the quality and morale of the team.
Since then, we’ve automated our booking process, implemented professional intake forms, and use transparent pricing models. Every job is now approached with care, clarity, and confidence.
Looking back, that tough decision was a blessing in disguise. It helped shape us into the reliable, trusted cleaning company we are today. And most importantly—it helps us serve our clients better than ever before.
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