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Ideas & inspiration for business owners

Ideas & inspiration for business owners

Discuss ideas and opportunities with other business owners and dive into topics like financial management, marketing, hiring, team engagement, and more.

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49 Posts

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sharonburchSkimmer Verified Partner

published in Ideas & inspiration for business owners

Which QuickBooks Workshop Should You Choose?

Hey there!Last week @Justine launched my upcoming workshop series where I'll guide you on automating QuickBooks for real-time reporting and how to use your monthly intel to inform decision-making in your pool service business. There are two workshop options to choose from: 1. Monthly flat rate invoicing (chemicals included) - invoiced in advance2. Per visit invoice (chemicals added) - invoiced in arrears So check out this video if you’re not sure which one to sign up for: To save your seat, choose a session from the options below and register using that link👇 All registrants will automatically be sent an email confirmation with the Zoom link, and don’t forget to add the workshop to your calendar 📅 Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024Session Options: 1. Monthly flat rate invoicing (chemicals included) - invoiced in advance Time: 2:30 - 3:15 PM ET / 1:30 - 2:15 PM CT / 11:30 - 12:15 PM CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 2. Per visit invoice (chemicals added) - invoiced in arrears Time: 4 - 4

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9 days ago

Pooldude2023Rookie Member

posted in Ideas & inspiration for business owners

Racing to the bottom

I have been involved as an owner in many service companies over the years but I have never seen an industry race so fast to be the cheapest service. This race to the bottom is a deadly approach to doing business and will only invite pool customer service while damaging the reputation of the industry. Instead we should all be thinking about how we can stand out, being honest with customers, educating them so that they can make the best decisions on there own behalf. I have a very good friend that said this industry is very different from most and I challenged him and his thought process on how false that statement was. While there are differing issues that arise, the fact remains the same, We are all in the service business! There are many things that can set a company apart from the rest that do not involve money. Small things that customers really will appreciate. Small things like honesty, integrity, dependability and good communication. You can start there and discover what is dif

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15 days ago

KerrySSkimmer Verified Partner

posted in Ideas & inspiration for business owners

Dive into Profits: Make 2025 Your Splashiest Year Yet!

Can you remember where you were on New Year’s Eve? It feels like just yesterday when the countdown filled the room, and at the stroke of midnight, cheers and hugs erupted in my small family gathering. I even indulged in TWO mini dairy-free Dipped Mocha Frozen Dessert Bars before deciding to go on a diet! Yet here we are, with less than 90 days left in 2024.As the year speeds by, it’s the perfect moment to pause and assess your financial strategies. To set yourself up for a successful and profitable 2025, I want to share three essential financial moves tailored specifically for pool service professionals. These steps will help you optimize your pricing, enhance cash flow management, and maximize your tax deductions, ensuring you finish the year strong.Optimize Your PricingI start here because proper pricing can lead to increased sales volume and improved cash flow. This enables you to invest in opportunities and manage operational expenses more effectively. Setting the right price ensur

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15 days ago

sharonburchSkimmer Verified Partner

published in Ideas & inspiration for business owners

If I'm using Skimmer, why do I need QuickBooks?

Greetings!I specialize in setting up QuickBooks for pool service business owners and bookkeepers to track financial transactions and provide the reports needed to make informed business decisions. In The Pool Deck, I’ll share information to help you learn new tips and tricks for running your business more efficiently with your software.I am going to start my first post with one of the most frequently asked questions I get from clients - “If I’m using Skimmer, do I even need QuickBooks?” The answer is YES! This question is typically asked due to frustration with using QuickBooks. They gave up trying to use it or ended up spending more money than expected to have someone else clean it up. If this sounds familiar, here are a few reasons why it’s worth taking another look. So, why do you need QuickBooks? The answer is simple. It’s the easiest way to know the true financial health of your business. Yes, you can still send invoices from Skimmer (and should) and see the cost of your chemical

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16 days ago

AtlasPoolsGeneral Member

asked in Ideas & inspiration for business owners

Building your own direct mail list

Kudos to Skimmer for doing so much for the industry, not just in the product, but the webinars and other resources available. One marketing option that doesn’t seem to get much detail on is direct mail. My highest return has been in quality postcards sent to a very highly targeted, self generated list. Using software like Propstream (built for real estate investors), you can target exactly where and who you want to be talking to and create a list specific to your business. In my case, I’m looking for homes worth $850k+, with pools, in specific zip codes. You can be more precise and even draw out your target area if desired. I download that info, do some spreadsheet magic to dumb it down for Vistaprint then design a postcard and send out about 2500 pieces per mailing using Vistaprint’s inhouse mailing system. Not the cheapest way to go, but it is easy and relatively fast. Typical cost is $100 per month for Propstream (if you want to generate new lists often, otherwise buy a month then c

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16 days ago

nikiacostaTeam Skimmer

published in Ideas & inspiration for business owners

Between Two Stops Episode 2: Building a Great Business with Eric Fotenberry of JobTread

In this new Between Two Stops episode, we chat with JobTread CEO Eric Fotenberry. Eric shares how JobTread was started and offers tips on building a great business through efficient processes, driving productivity, fostering transparency and communication, and knowing when and how to make necessary changes. About JobTread: JobTread empowers pool builders and rennovation pros with simple yet powerful project management and construction estimating software to help tackle projects more efficiently. Get organized, complete your projects on time, and increase your profits. Learn more at www.jobtread.com.Between Stops is available in video format on Youtube and via audio-only on all major podcast platforms. To subscribe, visit http://www.betweentwostops.com. Have an idea or want to be a guest? Drop a comment below!

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21 days ago

JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team

published in Ideas & inspiration for business owners

On-Demand Access: Seven Operational Habits of Highly Successful Pool Service Companies

Want to find out what the fastest-growing pool service companies are doing to fuel their success? In this webinar, Skimmer’s @nikiacosta @FlaviaSwims share seven operational practices that the most successful pool service companies apply to boost efficiency, improve profitability, and scale their operations. Here’s an overview of topics covered during their discussion:Streamlining processes to increase efficiency and drive consistency The KPIs (key performance indicators) you need to track to stay on top Managing cash effectively to drive growth and reduce costs Upselling and diversifying services to improve growth Leveraging the power of AI to enhance your operations And much more! Click play to learn from the best about how to take your pool service business to the next level 🍿 Access the valuable FREE resources, templates, and sample AI prompts discussed in the webinar here. Feel free to drop your questions for Niki and Flavia in the thread below 👇

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22 days ago

Happy PoolsGeneral Member

posted in Ideas & inspiration for business owners

Automating Your Business- What do you do?

I have been working a lot on automating different parts of my business to streamline it. We are pretty small now with 3 techs but as we grow I want to limit the amount of support/admin staff we need, so I’m working on it now. What have been the most impactful things you have done to automate your business??What is one thing you would automate if you could, but haven’t been able to figure out? For me the most impactful has been automating lead follow up. I have workflows scheduled in my CRM to send text messages and emails at certain intervals for the first week after first contact. It has made a big difference because it’s less sporadic and people get followed up with without me having to remember to follow up. One thing I haven’t been able to figure out is how to automate the entering of receipts into quickbooks. I know there are tools that can enter the general data but I am looking for something that can look at each line item and decide if it’s chemicals, a part, gas, etc. I have

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27 days ago

teresaTeam Skimmer

published in Ideas & inspiration for business owners

How open are you to change?

There are countless books, articles, and TED talks about why change is hard and how the law of diffusion influences change across organizations and populations. One of my favorite thought leaders is Simon Sinek, who always finds a way to break down theories like this and make them understandable and actionable.Check his short overview about navigating and embracing change: I was prompted to share this video about taking a risk to make a change and having "an infinite mindset" after reading our team's feedback from a customer who recently switched over to Skimmer Billing."OH MY STARS!!!!!I cannot believe how much faster my billing session was. I am absolutely dumbfounded that it took me so long to get on board with Skimmer Billing. I should be slapped! Even with the extra time required to eliminate work orders already billed through QBO, it was unbelievably fast—only two hours! Most of that time was spent double-checking and triple-checking because I could not believe I was done! It was

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28 days ago

Michelle KavanaughSkimmer Verified Partner

published in Ideas & inspiration for business owners

The Importance of a Customer Loyalty Program

In today's competitive market, a well-designed customer loyalty program can be a game-changer, providing numerous benefits for both your business and your clients. Here’s why you should consider implementing one and some tips on how to get started. Why Have a Customer Loyalty Program?Enhances Customer Retention: Loyalty programs encourage repeat business, ensuring that your customers return to you for all their pool service needs. Increases Referrals: Satisfied customers are more likely to refer your services to friends and family, helping you expand your client base. Boosts Revenue: Loyal customers tend to spend more over time, increasing your overall revenue. Strengthens Relationships: Building a loyalty program helps create a stronger bond between you and your customers, fostering trust and long-term relationships.Tips for Developing a Customer Loyalty ProgramUnderstand Your Customers: Know what your customers value most. Do they appreciate discounts, free services, or exclusive off

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29 days ago

sharonburchSkimmer Verified Partner

published in Ideas & inspiration for business owners

Auto Pay + Auto Invoicing = Auto Cash $$ in the bank

How to set it up, the importance of testing, and key features like auto-generating invoices for pool service. Remember, it's a game-changer, so take the time to set it up right, and test, test, test.Auto Invoicing SettingsHave you tried it out? Need help?Comment below or send a message.

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1 month ago

sharonburchSkimmer Verified Partner

published in Ideas & inspiration for business owners

Should you use Automated Payout Syncing with QuickBooks? YES!!! Here's why and how...

Thank you, Skimmer! Automated Payout Syncing with QuickBooks is a game changer! Skimmer's new payout syncing update automatically syncs with QuickBooks, creating both an invoice and payment record AND creating a bank deposit that reconciles with the payout. The reconciliation is 98% done for you! So, how do you set it up?Set up the QuickBooks integrations settings as shown below or in the video above.Payout syncing setup in Skimmer Choose 'undeposited funds' for payment deposit account in QuickBooks for the Skimmer Payouts Choose ‘banking/credit card merchant fees’ expense account in QuickBooks for the skimmer payout feesHere’s why: 💳 Online Payment Processing Skimmer uses Stripe for processing online credit/debit card payments Stripe takes a fee for processing credit cards, debit cards, and ACH online The new payout syncing feature helps reconcile the difference between invoice amount and actual deposit Example: Customer pays $100 - $2 processing fee = you receive $98 🏦 Quick

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1 month ago

Michelle KavanaughSkimmer Verified Partner

published in Ideas & inspiration for business owners

Overcoming the Fear of AI: Embracing Technology as a Powerful Business Tool

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept from science fiction; it’s a reality shaping the way we live and work. Yet, despite its growing presence in our daily lives, many people still feel hesitant or even fearful of AI. The common concern is that AI will replace jobs, control too much of our decisions, or operate in ways beyond our control. These fears, while understandable, often stem from a misunderstanding of how AI can be used positively, especially in the business world. AI is a ToolAt its core, AI is a tool designed to make processes more efficient, optimize tasks, and provide insights we might otherwise miss. It’s not here to replace human jobs, but rather to enhance them. Think of AI as a powerful assistant that can handle repetitive tasks, analyze vast amounts of data quickly, and automate processes that allow humans to focus on more creative and strategic work.For example, businesses are already using AI to:Automate marketing: AI tools can track customer behaviors

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1 month ago

JoeNew Member

asked in Ideas & inspiration for business owners

Marketing by Pool Monopoly

Considering using Pool Monopoly. Does anyone here use them? What’s been your experience?

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1 month ago

bradengeis6New Member

asked in Ideas & inspiration for business owners

Vaccum

What does everyone use for their vac? Riptide or Hammerhead?

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2 months ago

ClearPoolPartnersNew Member

posted in Ideas & inspiration for business owners

Customer Tags

Do you take advantage of Skimmer tags? As a person behind the scenes and someone who loves systems, I have found them vital in creating specific customer lists.I would love to hear how you guys use tags and which tags have been your favorite to use!

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2 months ago

JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team

published in Ideas & inspiration for business owners

On-Demand Access: Route to Success - Strategies & Considerations for Buying and Selling Pool Routes

Are you looking to grow your pool service business through route acquisitions or wondering how to position your routes for a profitable sale? Check out this webinar hosted by Skimmer’s @nikiacosta and members of The Pool Deck @KPeter @twalsh to learn practical tips on how to grow your pool service business through route acquisitions and sell routes for maximum profit from these two seasoned professionals.Here’s an overview of the topics covered during their discussion:How to determine the value of a pool route Key considerations for a smooth transaction The pros and cons of route brokerage services Legal and financial tips for a successful dealClick play to learn from the best about how to take your pool service business to the next level 🍿After watching, if you have any questions for our panelists, ask in the thread below👇

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2 months ago

sharonburchSkimmer Verified Partner

published in Ideas & inspiration for business owners

Are you struggling with Skimmer Payouts reconciling in QuickBooks? Steps I use

How I reconcile, or match, Skimmer Online payments to QuickBooks This is my step-by-step process on how to manage payouts when the processing fee is deducted.Here’s how I match payouts, handle processing fees, and reconcile payments in both Skimmer and QuickBooks. If you've been struggling with this process, I hope this helps you out. Skimmer Billing Report - Payouts Received SummaryClick on Payouts Received Summary - Highlight and copy the payout line that you plan to match in QuickBooksQuickBooks+ New - in the upper left corner of QuickBooks Bank Deposit - Select the bank account where the payout was deposited at the top and use the date that matches the payout date. Paste the Skimmer payout data in the memo box at the bottom left of the Bank Deposit. Add the payout processing fee in the bottom section as shown in the video. Return to Skimmer in a different browser window.Skimmer Billing Report - Payouts Received DetailPayouts Received Detail Select dates at the top and search fo

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2 months ago

Jachin80New Member

posted in Ideas & inspiration for business owners

Commercial Pool and how to do it well?

Hey guys, I’m very new to the business with 40 pools and just finished my pool operater license. I am wondering if you could share with me the best ways and examples of documents to get bids for large commercial pools. Its a small town and want to do this well. Thanks.

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2 months ago

JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team

published in Ideas & inspiration for business owners

On-demand access: Transforming Your Pool Service Business with Skimmer

This week, Skimmer’s own @nikiacosta @jcmedrano @sarahrd hosted a discussion about how Skimmer can optimize every aspect of your pool service business:Simplify scheduling and route planning so you can focus on servicing more pools. Improve communication with your customers to build trust and loyalty. Get paid faster with automated invoicing and online payments. Boost efficiency with new features and resources.Watch the on-demand recording to learn from Skimmer experts who know the platform inside and out!The best part is if you have any questions or want more information, ask our presenters in the thread below👇

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2 months ago

wakefieldpoolandspaRookie Member

asked in Ideas & inspiration for business owners

Best Fleet Fuel Card Recommendations

Howdy everyone! I’m shopping around for fleet fuel cards and just wanted to see if anyone had any solid recommendations in their experience.

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3 months ago

Happy PoolsGeneral Member

posted in Ideas & inspiration for business owners

Structured pricing vs. “winging” it?

How many of you guys use a pricing structure to generate quotes? At the moment I kind of pull a number out of my butt and see if it sticks. It’s an educated guess of the high end of the range I think I can get without too much price pushback, but it delivers inconsistent results. I am working on a solid price structure that I use consistently, but I’m trying to make sure I cover my bases without being overly complex. Pro’s and cons- Winging it lets me experiment with pricing on the fly based on the conversation I am having with the customer. Structured pricing would let me delegate the quoting function, or not have to put much mental energy into it (maybe AI can do it for me if I have the right guardrails…). What do you guys think? If you were building a pricing structure for the first time (or again) what elements would you include in the structure?

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3 months ago

JustineThe Pool Deck Community Team

published in Ideas & inspiration for business owners

The year is flying by as we get ready to head into the long weekend, and it's full-on right now to keep up with everything to ensure your customers, your team, and the day-to-day operations are running smoothly. But it's also important to take a moment to stop working IN the business and start working ON the business as part of a 2024 midpoint check-in! This interactive workshop design is precisely for that, to help you understand how you are tracking against your FY24 goals so you can either stay the course with renewed confidence, revise your goals based on insights and trends, or even set new goals—which it's never too late to do!The session will be hands-on, with worksheets, activities, and live discussion. Its purpose is to help you create clear, actionable goals for the remainder of 2024 and set yourself up for heading into 2025 with aligned business objectives. Even if you didn't start the year with a plan, this is your chance to map out what you want to achieve before the end

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4 months ago

ClarityDerekRookie Member

asked in Ideas & inspiration for business owners

Orenda and Skimmer

Does anybody know when Orenda and Skimmer will integrate on Skimmer app? Thank You!

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4 months ago

GreySharkPoolsConversation Starter

posted in Ideas & inspiration for business owners

From Bland to Branded: How a Wrap Put Our Mascot on the Map

When our pool company started, we noticed that most service companies in our area had plain work trucks with poor signage, if any. It was hard to tell who they were, what they did, or how to contact them.We knew we needed a way to make a splash (pun intended) and stand out from the crowd. Still, when the only available pickup truck that met our budget and equipment needs was a plain white pickup truck, we contacted a highly recommended vehicle wrap company. They assured us they could turn our plain truck into a rolling billboard that would stand out and be memorable.After providing them with our logo featuring our mascot, Greyson the Shark, they got to work on the design. We were pretty excited when we approved the final renderings but were amazed to see the fully wrapped truck in person. The transformation accurately represented the look and feel we wanted for our business. It communicated who we were, what we did, and how to reach us. The visibility of our business skyrocketed after

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4 months ago

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