Shows
Task Force EntrepreneurCleaning Biz Update: Making a difficult choiceIn this show, I talk about some challenges we've run into, and a pretty major decision I'm making: to quit our residential business completely. Listen in as I talk through some of the reasons we're making this change, and what the plan is going forward. Originally aired Nov 20, 2023.
2023-11-2007 minTask Force EntrepreneurProfit and Loss...but mostly lossIn this show, I discuss a pivotal moment in the company as we shift into an investment phase, and focus on customer acquisition, and building our credibility online. It's a fairly risky strategy in terms of spending because, well, I might lose all of my money that I'm investing. Time will tell if it works. Originally aired 10/11/2023.
2023-10-1112 minTask Force EntrepreneurBad Reviews..and More Bad Reviews.One of the cornerstones of my cleaning company's business - has been higher quality than our competitors. But what happens when we don't live up to that standard? In this show, I discuss a day that seemingly would never end - when we had multiple bad reviews, and I almost shut the business down. It was a rough day. Originally aired Oct 2, 2023.
2023-10-0214 minTask Force EntrepreneurMillion-Dollar Milestone: How I Plan to Make $1M in Year 2 of My Cleaning BusinessHitting $1M in revenue per year is a big milestone for a business. It marks the transition from a business that has no idea, into one that has begun to flesh out processes, procedures, and figured out how to acquire customers. In my opinion, if you can do $1M in a year - you're doing at least one part of your business right. For this reason, my plan has been to bring my cleaning company to this magical mark, within 2 years of opening our doors. In this show, I detail my plan on accomplishing it, and illustrate how it's...
2023-09-2810 minTask Force EntrepreneurThe Courage to Charge: Confronting Pricing Anxiety in Your BusinessEver been afraid to reveal your prices to customers, dreading they might reject you for being too steep? I recall a real-life encounter where I quoted a higher than usual price, and to my surprise, the customer agreed! Through this experience, I learned that it's crucial to stand your ground on your pricing, even if it means facing rejections. Sometimes, rejection isn't a bad thing. It might just help you refine your marketing strategies and target the right audience. Originally aired 9/25/23.
2023-09-2508 minTask Force EntrepreneurGoogle Ads Tips From The Trenches To Supercharge Your BusinessFiguring out Google Ads can be a difficult thing. Figuring out where to spend money, what to tweak, and when to give up - can also be challenging. In today's show, I share some tips I've picked up after spending more money than I'd like to admit on Google Ads, in the hopes it helps you with your cleaning business, or service business! Originally aired on 9/21/23.
2023-09-2114 minTask Force EntrepreneurHow much does it cost to start a cleaning business?In this episode, we'll discuss the true cost of starting a cleaning business. We'll also discuss the essentials - the things you must have when starting, and I'll even get a chance to share how much I spent starting Mission Cleaning Services. Episode originally aired 9/4/2023.
2023-09-0410 minTask Force EntrepreneurThe Vilification of Hard WorkIf there's one thing that most high performers cannot disagree about - it's the fact that most people are allergic to hard work. In today's culture, it seems this rhetoric has increased significantly. In today's show, we'll discuss hard work, grinding, and why none if it is as bad as people make it sound. Originally Aired August 28, 2023.
2023-08-2807 minTask Force EntrepreneurWhat the U.S. Army Special Forces Taught Me About Finding Your WhyIn 2007, I was in Northern Iraq, assigned to the 25th Infantry Division. While there, I decided to try out for the elite U.S. Army Special Forces. While I never fully got a chance to test myself in their selection process, I learned a lot preparing for it, and got some amazing wisdom dropped on me by some senior Special Forces soldiers. In today's show, we dive into what I learned about Finding Your Why. Originally aired August 24, 2023.
2023-08-2409 minTask Force EntrepreneurCreate your Unfair Advantage and Reduce RiskIn this show, we talk about good risk vs. bad risk, and more specifically, how to mitigate risk by creating an unfair advantage. This is one of the best business tips I picked up over the years, and I hope you find it useful. Originally aired August 21, 2023.
2023-08-2110 minTask Force EntrepreneurMission Cleaning Pre-Launch Update #2In today's show, you'll hear the latest update as we prepare to officially open for business! Originally aired on Aug 17, 2023.
2023-08-1706 minTask Force EntrepreneurHere's what a Billionaire told me about starting a business.In this episode, I share some advice given to me by a bonafide billionaire about starting a business. The advice was so good, that I re-read it every few months as a reminder. I absolutely had to share it with you. Originally aired Aug 14, 2023.
2023-08-1409 minTask Force EntrepreneurMission Cleaning Pre-Launch Update #1As we begin our long journey to $1M/year in sales, we kick it off with our first update. We get our first recurring job, I freak out and delete our entire CRM, and generally am high-strung in this episode as I navigate the stressors of a new service-business owner. Originally aired August 10, 2023.
2023-08-1112 minTask Force EntrepreneurStop lying to yourself and start making moneyMost entrepreneurs I know have lied to themselves at some point. This episode is all about breaking down those lies, and motivating you to take that idea and move forward. I'll discuss the three most common lies: Lack of time, Lack of money, Lack of ideas. Show originally aired on August 7, 2023.
2023-08-0710 minTask Force EntrepreneurThe Hidden Realities of Surety BondsEver wondered why businesses opt for surety bonds? Are they as beneficial as they seem, or is there a hidden catch that you're not aware of? Join me, your host Mike, as I navigate this complex topic, offering insights from my own experience running a house cleaning service. I’ll be explaining from the ground up what surety bonds are and why they might not be as advantageous as they appear to be.But, don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom. I also explore the reasons why, despite my skepticism, many still appreciate the idea of ha...
2023-08-0306 minTask Force EntrepreneurThere's MASSIVE opportunity being wasted in the service industryEarly in my entrepreneurial journey, I looked down on the service industry - more specifically, I viewed those types of businesses as poor investments of my time or money. The reality is, though, that there's a TON of opportunity in this space. In this show, we'll dive into where that opportunity is, and how to spot it - so hopefully you can be the next to profit from it! Episode originally aired on July 31st, 2023.
2023-07-3107 min
Task Force EntrepreneurYou're losing customers if you don't do this one thingIn e-commerce, everyone knows email marketing is key. But in service businesses? Pressure washing? Cleaning companies? We'll discuss why it should be a key part of your strategy if it's not already. This episode originally aired July 28th, 2023.
2023-07-2810 min
Task Force EntrepreneurWhy falling in love with your business is badEver wondered why your passion-driven entrepreneurial endeavours met an untimely demise? Brace yourself as we unveil the harsh truth about why falling in love with your business idea can spell disaster. From the depths of my personal experiences, I divulge the hard-hitting reality of seeing businesses crumble due to unforeseen circumstances and the emotional turmoil of those who have tied their identity to their enterprise. Unmask the drawbacks of irrational decisions and clouded visions that are often the side effects of an impassioned business outlook. Discover the benefits of a more pragmatic approach - falling in love w...
2023-07-2808 minTask Force EntrepreneurFrom High Tech to High Clean: A Story of Entrepreneurial ResiliencePicture this: You’re flourishing in the tech industry, riding high on a wave of success. Then, out of the blue, you decide to pivot - due to unforeseen circumstances - and start a house cleaning business. Sounds crazy, right? It’s a turn of events that raised a lot of eyebrows, but for me, it was a decision grounded in entrepreneurial spirit and creative drive. I'm here to share the exhilarating journey of starting from scratch, having swapped silicon chips for scrubbing pads. And I want to share it with you.Craving a genuine story of jumpi...
2023-07-2817 min
arabologyArabology 5.10 [Best of Alternative Arabic Music + Rami Musa Alayan Interview]The 4-hour 5th season finale of Arabology aired on June 13, 2013 and featured music by some of the Arab World's best alternative musicians/artists along with commentary (in English) by DJ Ramzi. Also includes interview with Director Rami Musa Alayan who discussed his film 'Private Sun' as well as with the film's soundtrack composer Frank Gelat.
Show features music by Joussour, Michel Sajrawy, Mike Massy, Tania Saleh, Egyptian Projet, Rim Banna, Dal'ouna, Ramzi Aburadwan, Omar Offendum, La Tlateh, Hiba, DAM, Macel Khalife (ft Mahmoud Darwish), Pangia, Mashrou' Leila, Donia Masoud, Maryam (ft Zeid Hamdan), Rasha, JadaL, Toot Ard, Aziz Maraka, Tamer...
2013-06-113h 39arabologyArabology 4.1 [Best of Alternative/Indie Arabic Music]The 4th Season Premiere episode of 'Arabology'--a weekly radio show hosted by Dr. Ramzi Salti, Lecturer at Stanford University--brings you the latest Arabic tunes from the alternative music scene in the Arab world, along with commentary, in English, about the featured artists and their music.
Playlist for Arabology Thur 17 January 2013 3pm - 4:30pm DJ: Ramzi S.
Artist/ Track/ Album/ Label
1. Rim Banna/ The Absent One/ Revelation of ecstasy and rebellion/ Kirkelig Kulturverksted
2. Oumeima El Khalil/ Ouhibbouka Akthar/ Ya/ Forward Music
3. Darine Hamze/ Ahwak/ Beirut Hotel (Soundtrack)/ Lfp Les Films Pelléas
4. Jadal/ El Makina/ El Makina/ Mahmoud Radaideh
5. Mike Massy/ Y...
2013-01-161h 24arabologyArabology 3.9 [21 Indie/Alternative Arabic Songs and Instrumentals]The 9th episode of the 3rd Season of Arabology (aired Nov 29, 2012) was hosted by DJ Ramzi who played a variety of Arabic songs while commenting about them in English.
Playlist for Arabology Thursday, 29 Nov 2012 3pm - 5pm DJ: Ramzi S.
Artist/ Track/ Album/ Label
1. Samsa/ Qalbi Ma Kayelli Khir/ Alem Jdid (New World)/ Skander Guetari
2. Maraka, Aziz/ Amman/ Master Copy/ Cd Baby
3. Aburedwan, Ramzi / Bahar (Sea)/ Reflections Of Palestine/ Riverboat Records
4. Laroussi, Djamel/ Kifach Hilti/ Arabic Beat/ Putumayo World Music
5. Ajram, Nancy/ Ady El Beida/ Super Nancy/ Emi
6. Mashrou Leila/ Wajih (Themightyrouge Remix)/ unreleased/ Mashrou Leila
7. Kfoury, Wael/ Ma'oole Tishti...
2012-11-272h 02arabologyArabology 3.8 [Indie Arabic Songs + Fairuz's Birthday + Male Belly Dancer + Screenwriter Saleem]This Thanksgiving edition of Arabology (aired Nov 22) was co-hosted by Ramzi, Eric and Ahmad and included beautiful Arabic songs about counting one's blessing and not forgetting others.
The show also featured two special songs for Fairuz's 77th birthday, two new songs by Mashrou' Leila, and a special interview with male belly dancer/screenwriter Saleem who wrote the controversial stage play 'Salam Shalom.'
Playlist (Artist/Track/Album/Label)
1. Abu Ghazaleh, Tamer/ Khabar 3ajel (Urgent News) Single/ Eka3
2. Beirut Biloma/ Beirut ya Hayati C-Rouge Mix/ Single/ Reverbnation
3. Fairuz/ Nassam (Housed Up Remix)/ Dj Nader - Hizzy Hips In The Mix/ Level...
2012-11-202h 09