Monday, December 20, 2010

CHALLENGES ARE ALWAYS DIFFICULT – BUT NECESSARY


I have no doubt that many of you have faced some measure of what you thought were insurmountable challenges in the past year. You may have lost a job, a family member or a beloved pet. Maybe you had to overcome the trials and tribulations of health issues and medical payments. Early this year I too had a difficult challenge to overcome. I needed to make a decision that would ultimately change many of my personal and professional responsibilities and certainly the direction of my life. I had to choose whether I was going to continue the livelihood of our company by choosing to own it, or close it down.

Now there may be some who would think that that was not a difficult decision to make. One may ask, “Who wouldn’t want to be their own boss? Who wouldn’t want to take time off when they wanted to and tell people what to do?” Yeah, right! The reality is the amount of pressure that a business owner goes through especially during difficult economic times is considerable and that if you haven’t gone through them you would have no idea of the choices one has to make.

Sometimes, however, the most difficult challenges and decisions we face need to happen in order to move forward. So, you need to ask yourself “Do I want to move forward?” I chose to move forward and accepted my current position as owner. In the process, I have learned that the fears that engulfed me were overridden by my determination to be great at something, to be of value, to provide value and most importantly to prove that I could get it done.

As 2010 comes to a close and as we embark on another year, I’d like to share some of the things that helped me overcome my fears and face those challenges that came with the decisions I had to make all the while remembering what Walter Anderson, Editor of Parade magazine, said “Our lives improve only when we take chances – and the first and most difficult risk we can take is to be honest with ourselves.”

Know yourself.

This was and continues to be one of my most difficult hurdles. I thought I knew myself pretty damn well. Naïve? Oh, most certainly. I know we will always face unexpected circumstances. For example, one such situation presented when there wasn’t enough work and I had to make a decision to pay everyone else but myself whereby my personal financial security was tested. The thing is, that somewhere deep, deep, deep down I knew that I have talent and believed in myself so much that all I needed to do was to become creative, go back to basics and work really hard. I began pushing myself to limitless possibilities. And today, I can honestly say that it was worth it and I’m glad I didn’t give up. In the words of Optimus Prime from the movie Transformers: “Fate rarely calls us at a moment of our choosing.”

Which brings me to my second revelation: A positive attitude goes a long way. This is difficult to achieve in the face of uncertainty, but you have to think that it will always get better-because it does. I have surrounded myself with people who don’t believe in the words “no” or “can’t”. They help push me in the direction I am meant to follow but most importantly keep me from losing my focus on the big picture. My advice is to find several people who believe in you as much as you believe in yourself and allow them to keep you on track. You may suffer a little humility if you’re not the kind of person who asks for help or advice often but believe that you’ll be a better more successful person because of it.

Finally, invest in others. One of my most coveted revelations is that when I help another person succeed, I too succeed. For me, it is more than a little strange how much truth there is in how the Law of Attraction really works. Even though I’d like to say that I’m great and help everyone out (I have some borderline narcissistic tendencies) I can’t say that. Our company was founded on the principle of providing employment and job training to men & women who are willing to work. In the course of my ownership, I have expanded that principle on a personal level to help people who are in business or looking to start a business. I truly enjoy being a business owner even amidst all of the challenges that arise throughout any given day. I want other business-minded professionals to live their passions and excel because it is tough and we need all the support we can get. Due to my interests and vision I have accepted the responsibilities of directing a Mastermind group as well as a position with SCORE. One of my favorite quotes worth remembering is from Robert Allen “Everything you want is just outside your comfort zone.” As the New Year looms close by I hope that you can incorporate any of my personal revelations into your life. I hope that you embrace next year with as much determination and willingness to succeed as I have, and look forward to continuing.

On behalf of myself and the entire Sweeping Dimensions family we wish you and your family a safe and Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!

Friday, October 22, 2010

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Ladies: Is Protecting Yourself Important?

As women, we are naturally busy taking on more than we should. We get caught up in the stresses of life; work, school, birthdays, holiday parties, the end of yet another year and then taxes creep in on us. It is there, in the busy-ness of life that I find the reason for this article. Many of us know that being still at the end of a long day is because we’re lying down on a couch or in bed sleeping. During the day we walk around with our cell phones attached to our ear and a planner full of things to do lists (I’m so guilty of this). My question to you is this, how many times have you placed self-protection as a priority on your long list of things to do? Have you thought of visiting a martial art school or a university or community center that offer self-protection seminars?

It’s not about the class itself or the style of self-defense/martial arts. It’s about the why.

Many of us work late and walk to our cars in the dark. We go grocery shopping at night. In the rare occasions we get the chance to hang out on a girl’s night out. Our backs are turned away from people when we’re securing our children to a car seat and the list goes on.

As women we should feel confident in that we have a basic understanding of how to defend ourselves when we go out or invite people into our homes and offices. We need to realize that there is a real danger of harm. Too many of us come across real ass____ (please, fill in the blank) that our skin crawls and we begin looking for an immediate exit when confronted with one. Self-defense is not about learning any particular set of forms but partly in learning how to use what you have in front of you as an equalizer. Using your keys, your beverage (hopefully a really hot one), a chair, a pencil, etc. as a tool for a quick escape. We should learn to make use of what is needed when it is needed. To react by moving instead of standing still and being victimized.

I am painfully aware that not many schools, community centers, or local organizations advocate and market their self-protection classes well or consistently. Maybe once or twice a year we will see a flyer for an introductory workshop on women’s self-defense. I have taken some kickboxing and martial arts classes and know that if it weren’t for friends who told me about them I wouldn’t have known or have had an interest in going. Even though I don’t attend classes anymore, I can honestly tell you that I learned not to be afraid because of not having an idea of what to do if I were ever to be confronted in a bad situation. It is due to the value of what I’ve learned that I am a strong advocate in women making it a priority to spend some time out of their busy schedules to acquaint themselves with self-protection skills.

Our self-protection is a priority. We need it and we deserve it! Since most men in our lives don’t encourage us to participate in these types of classes it’s up to us to make the initial inquiry. At the very least, visit a school or community center that offers self-defense, kickboxing or martial arts and try a class. Believe me, it’s a great stress reliever and a good workout. You will learn to follow your intuition. Because if something feels wrong it usually does for a reason. It will be a blessing if you can use some of what you’ve learned in class in an unforeseen real life experience if there ever will be one. Look for programs that are taught at universities or community centers where the cost is minimal if not free. Look for a program where at least one member of the training team is a woman. We have a higher comfort level walking into a generally male dominated class/subject matter when we know that another woman will be there to greet us and be apart of our experience.

To all the guys reading this: If you have a scornful look because I geared this article to women and you feel that I’m being sexist (and I might, just a little), think about the women (daughters, wife, mother, etc.) in your life that you care for and love. Wouldn’t you want the piece of mind of knowing that they can take care of themselves? Admittedly, I have a beef if you will, with you fella’s. There are more and more martial arts, self-defense, MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) classes and seminars offered to you. What’s that all about?

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

DO YOU HAVE TIME FOR YOURSELF?

CREATING CH’I

As a business owner and woman I’m always looking for balance. Balancing my home life from that of my professional life. Balancing fitness and nutrition with an occasional massage. Even balancing time out for meeting up with friends and family. I often wonder where the time goes throughout the day. I swear I wake up in the morning and think I’m going to get a lot done that day and by the time I get home I’m wondering what I accomplished. Sometimes, I’m aggravated in realizing I didn’t do much.

Today’s blog entry is about finding the time for you. Finding the time to sit down, relax and enjoy your “me” time.

In traditional Chinese culture and philosophy there is a fundamental concept called Ch’i or Qi. Ch’i literally means “air” or “breath”. Conceptually it refers to the energy flow or life force that is said to pervade all things. Why write about Ch’i? I’ve read that the quality, quantity and balance of Ch’i are believed to be essential to maintaining a long and healthy life.

When it comes to obtaining a long and healthy life I look at the stresses in my life and try my best in alleviating them. One such stress is cleaning my home. What a pain in the ass it is. Now, I don’t have a big home but it takes me forever to clean. In full disclosure, I take a lot of “breaks”; especially if the TV is on. Either way, I cannot seem to relax at home. That’s my point! I want to go home to feel relaxed and ready to lounge. No dog hair on the floor, on the bed sheets. No dishes in the sink. No cobwebs or dust bunnies in the corners. No floor to sweep and mop. Wouldn’t it be nice to come home to a clean home and not have to do anything but watch television or lay in bed reading?

So, I pose this question to you. Why not hire a cleaning service? Lessen one stress in your life. Come home to a space free from allergens; see that the laundry has been picked up from along side of the bed and the garbage taken out. At a minimum you get to come home and enjoy the comfort of a clean home. Let us, or any cleaning service in your area; help create a flow of Ch’i. It will positively affect your health and energy level whereby reducing stresses in your life.

All the best!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

KENYAN BUSINESS INTERNSHIP



I’d like to congratulate "http://www.heartlandinternational.org" Heartland International, a non-profit organization in Chicago for its successful efforts in developing a training program designed to bring young Kenyan entrepreneurs (ages 25-35) to the United States. The training program offers preparation for learning entrepreneurial skills that can be utilized in their communities in Kenya. Heartland International paired these individuals with small businesses within the Chicagoland area that matched their own businesses in Kenya. I had the opportunity and pleasure of hosting a business intern from this group.


My assigned intern, Ms. Justine Ayieye, owns her own cleaning business in Kenya. She spent several days with my staff and gained valuable experience in practical and everyday business situations. Ms. Ayieye’s responsibilities included taking on marketing tasks (passing out flyers in designated areas) and operational tasks (scheduling customers and crew members). Having Ms. Ayieye around provided my staff and I a first hand look into her own business and the challenges she faces. She recognized several differences; such as, the equipment that they use and in the time it takes a crew to clean a home. My team also found the distinction in business practices to be enlightening. For example, I couldn’t take the shocked look off the faces of my team when they found out how low the pay per cleaning is in Kenya.


I would also like to send a special thank you to the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) for their invitation to be a panel speaker at the beginning of this program. I have to admit, I was a little nervous in answering a bunch of questions but the other panelists and our facilitator, Ms. Meg Herman but the experience was definitely a learning one.


I congratulate Justine and her fellow Kenyan entrepreneurs for taking two months from their personal and professional lives to visit our country and learn about our culture, our people and most importantly the business aspects of an entrepreneur in the United States. I wish each of them every success in their future endeavors and hope to have the opportunity of seeing them again.


Saturday, July 31, 2010

A Lesson Learned

Is it possible to gainfully learn something from someone whom you see as unsuccessful? Be it a neighbor, a friend, a co-worker, or member of the family. In life, I have spent the greater part of my adult life listening to people who had great ideas and who inspired me to do better. Yet I viewed many as people who rarely seemed to emanate success in their own lives. For example, I have heard the myriad of “how to have a great relationship” from neighbors who later filed for divorce. Or in business, I have been told that “this is how to market yourself to be successful” from business consultants who were finding it difficult to run their own businesses. So, I ask myself, do I turn a deaf ear when someone offers advice on a subject I know they know little about?

In the past, I have struggled with the notion that I knew more than my neighbor, my friends, and god help me my parents. And yet, in recent years I have come to the standing realization that I have so much to learn from the very same people who I thought otherwise had much to offer. What I thought “I knew” was not at all what I know now.

I am bitterly aware that listening was one of my shortcomings. I didn’t listen close enough to what they were saying because if I did I would have been smart enough to utilize some of those thoughts and ideas into accelerating my personal and professional growth. I would have attended more events, more networking meetings. Been involved in more projects. I would have (albeit reluctantly) taken opportunities that were made available because someone thought it would be good for me.

As a business owner, today I look for and listen attentively to those who can offer any advice no matter how small. I attend after hours networking events even when I’d rather be at home or finishing a project at work. Why? Because that’s where people share their ideas, their opinions, and their triumphs and tribulations. I may learn something valuable that would immediately help my business grow and then I may learn of what not to do because it would hinder the growth of my business. Or I may learn about an idea that may not help me in any way but may help someone I know. What’s ironic is that at times I may even learn something about myself.

A continual goal of mine is to “listen”, even when I feel someone isn’t (at that moment) making any sense. As a kid, I remember sitting around a dinner table with my parents and their friends (always against my better judgment) hearing “the” adults talking business and life. I would think to myself and often times to my dismay out loud that I would be different, I would make my own rules, I’ll do it my way. And as I would vocalize my thoughts, I would hear “it may not mean anything to you now but wait until you’re my age, you’ll see.” All I’d like to say to them is that I remember and I thank you. I am not only hearing you but also listening.

Business is tough and life is tougher. It is up to me to make every opportunity count and to learn something because it may be of value sometime in the future if not now.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Sweeping Dimensions Commits to its Employees Personal Saftey


How many small companies invest in the personal safety of their employees?

Next week Sweeping Dimensions will be hosting a self-protection seminar. On what started as a team-building event for our employees has grown to include friends and family. This article is written mainly because of the overwhelming feedback I have received from everyone I have mentioned the seminar to. I have not once been questioned on “why” I am hosting the event. I have gotten lots of “when” and “where”. It is surprising to me how excited my staff are of this experience. It’s been a long time since I have heard a common conversation among them. A few are looking forward to “defending” themselves against a fellow employee. Hmmm…..that sounds like trouble!

Robert Bartkowski, owner of
www.whitecollarwarrior.com, is instructing our group next Tuesday. Mr. Bartkowksi, a student of martial arts for the last 17 years, will educate us on effective, efficient and easily applied self-protection skills in the (hopefully) unlikely event we become a target to an attacker. What appealed to me about his program is that we do not need to learn tons of ways of beating off an attacker, we only need a few good ones. It’s not about strength or size that matter, it’s about using basic techniques that cause the most pain. Which is kinda cool, since several of our staff are older and petite and for some ungodly reason believe that they couldn’t defend themselves.

I am thankful that I have employees who like what they do. Who take great strides to arrive to our offices before dawn and often times go home after the sun has set. I feel a responsibility to them. I also have a responsibility to my nieces and nephews who are growing up in a world that is different and scarier than the one I grew up in. Knowing that they too can utilize techniques that can keep them from harms way is priceless to me.

As with my staff, I too am looking forward to Tuesday’s seminar. I have ton’s of stress and aggression built up and the idea of Mr. Bartkowski in full gear (the assailant) waiting for us to practice what we’ve learned is extremely tempting. I guess I’ll have to buy a lot of ice for when he goes home.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Cleaning Ceramic Tile Floors


I have been looking forward to writing this article. Over the years, I’ve received tons of questions on how best to clean ceramic tile floors. Even my aunt and I have had our differences on the best way to clean tile floors. She says vinegar and water and I say soap and water or peroxide cleaner. Who’s right?

Glazed Ceramic & Unglazed Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tiles come to two basic constructions; glazed and unglazed. A glazed tile is when the body of ceramic tile (called bisque) is coated with a glaze. The glaze coating is comprised of liquid colored glass and is fused to the surface of the bisque under very high temperatures. The liquid glass coating is what creates the texture, design and color of a glazed tile and protects the body of the tile from (bisque) staining.

Unglazed tiles have no glazing on the surface and are the real culprits for attracting dirt. The color of the bisque goes all the way through the tile. Unglazed tile is an excellent choice for most heavily trafficked areas because wear is not visible.

The beauty, elegance and durability of ceramic tile; whether glazed or unglazed, has made it a favorite flooring choice. It makes a stunning addition to any home. It also offers a seemingly endless variety of style options with many textures, patterns and sizes to choose from. Best of all, ceramic tile is super easy to clean and maintain.

Three easy steps in getting the floors looking their best are:

Step One:

It is important to sweep or vacuum regularly to remove loose dirt. Be sure that the vacuum does not have the beater bar attachment on. A beater bar is meant for carpets only and will damage the ceramic floor. Using a vacuum and its attachments are perfect for collecting dirt along edges/corners and in between tiles.

Step Two:

Mop floors. For allergy sufferers and people looking for sustainable methods of cleaning floors you will be happy to hear that the best way to clean ceramic tile is with warm soapy water. Sometimes water alone will do the trick. Liquid dish soap is a mild household detergent and is a non-toxic cleaning product. My favorite is that it’s inexpensive! Another inexpensive household all-purpose cleaner is a combination of vinegar and water. Making sure to change the water often. Too much soap or dirty water will make floors dull or sticky.

Cleaning stains out of grout can test your patience. A simple, inexpensive way to clean grout is with a mixture of peroxide and water. CAUTION: NEVER USE peroxide on colored grout. Peroxide may discolor them like bleach would. Hydrogen peroxide is considered a “safe” bleach. Colored grout can be cleaned with; get this, shaving cream. To avoid any problems, first test in a hidden area, really well hidden.

What type of mop to use? I am partial to microfiber mops. Microfiber picks up and traps dust, dirt, pet hair and grease inside the grooves of the fiber. It is environmentally friendly. It also uses a minimum amount of water on the floor. Microfiber mop pads can also be used on all floor surfaces and are machine washable; helps cut costs down.


Step Three:

After cleaning, rinse floor with clean warm water and wipe dry. Enjoy the beautiful shine.

Helpful tidbits:

- Use walk-off mats to minimize and contain dirt being tracked in at entryways. By using walk-off mats the amount of dirt being tracked in is reduced. Walk-off mats also reduces the wear to the finished surface. Just don’t forget to shake the mats often.
- Do not use steel wool, scouring pads/powders or other abrasives. These products can scratch the finish of the tile.
- Do not use bleach or ammonia based cleaners. These products can discolor the grout if used on a regular bases.
- Do not clean glazed tile with an oil-based cleaner.

In the end, it just so happens, that neither my aunt or myself were wrong in our preferred choice of cleaning ceramic tile. I just hope she doesn’t read that. I’d hate for her to gloat!

If you have any comments or suggestions on cleaning ceramic tile, I would love to hear from you. Send me an email at
ldiaz@sweepingdimensions.com.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Moving... Making the Best of It!

Moving season 2010 is coming up fast. Most people move between Memorial Day and Labor Day and it is arguably one of life’s most stressful experiences. It’s a time when we’re buying packing supplies, canceling and setting up utilities such as phone, cable, electricity, and sending out change of address postcards. You know… the one’s with the cute little dog in the picture. We have to manage on packing breakables without breaking anything and staying sane especially when we’re looking for something that’s been packed already.

I have had the unfortunate timing of moving four times in the same year many years ago. I haven’t moved since. This year I want to share a few helpful hints on keeping your move …well moving.

  1. Kids are still in school. Use this time to organize yourself.

  2. Make a list. Sounds corny but in the end you’ll appreciate having written things down.

  3. Call and set up a time with a moving company. This could mean friends and family. Pizza and beer anyone? Food & drinks do wonders to bribe extra sets of hands.

  4. Start packing! A budget friendly idea: don’t buy brand new boxes. Head to your local grocery store or business and ask for any boxes they would like to recycle. Many companies receive daily shipments and are often happy to recycle. You’re going to need LOTS of boxes!

  5. Do Not! I must repeat, Do Not! Clean wood furniture with an oil based cleaner right before the move. Furniture becomes slippery and if you’re moving it chances are it may fall.

  6. Donate to charity. Some things are best given away and you end up feeling better about yourself. We’ve all heard the saying “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Or woman’s!!

  7. If you live within the Chicagoland area, call us to do your move-in, move-out cleaning. We can clean your home fast and efficiently without cutting corners or wasting time. There’s nothing like a completely clean home; especially, when you didn’t do the cleaning.

  8. Breath in. Breath out. It will be over soon.

If you must clean your home before or after moving, put together a kit of basic cleaning supplies and microfiber towels. A few things you’re sure to use is an all-purpose cleaner, a degreaser, dishwashing soap, & buckets. Set aside until movers (friend’s & family) have emptied your home (move-out). Do not pack away your vacuum cleaner. You’re going to need it after all is gone. A great time saver: clean inside of appliances and cabinets ahead of time. Some of the most time consuming areas to clean is inside of an oven that hasn’t been cleaned, in say a year, and inside of kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

One request, make it a goal to be a little more environmentally conscious. Recycle when possible. Dispose properly.

I wish you the best of luck throughout your move. If you’re finding yourself in a jam, give us a call. We can help!


Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Sterling Silver, Oh My!!

Mother’s Day is fast approaching and I’m a little stressed; to say the least. Like no other Mother’s Day, this year brunch will be (you guessed it) at my house. Not only am I hosting brunch this year, I have an amazing group of women who will be there. Mom, obviously, but then there is my grandmother, my godmother, my aunt and my cousin. All of whom are all excited to see each other and talk as if young girls.

As a token of my endearing affection to these women who have raised me and given me guidance (with the exception of my cousin) throughout my lifetime, I am preparing an amazing brunch. One in which they will remember for a long time. Cross your fingers I don’t burn the muffins or forget to buy coffee. My tablescape and menu are planned. What’s the worry? Two words, sterling silver! I’m bringing out the platters and flatware in sterling silver. If any of you own sterling you already know what I’m talking about.

Work! It takes work to handle and clean. So I decided to share with you tips on how to clean sterling silver for special occasions like Mother’s Day just in case you wanted to impress. Many who own sterling silver know that to clean is to clean by hand. No dishwasher! Hollow handles on flatware may loosen with exposure to heat and detergent and any spill of dry dishwasher detergent especially on flatware can cause dark spots.

Like many of us, silver is no exception, it has enemies. One such enemy is rubber. Rubber corrodes silver. Please don’t use those handy rubber gloves to clean sterling silver. Use plastic or cotton gloves when cleaning and or polishing. If wondering what other enemies has silver sweating; salt, olives, salad dressing, eggs, vinegar and any type of fruit juice. A good idea is to serve these foods/condiments in china or glass containers. Your investment or family heirloom would appreciate it.

My favorite method of cleaning sterling flatware (albeit the lazy way) is in warm sudsy water being careful to use a soft cloth. I rinse well and always dry immediately. I never soak any of the flatware. If the silver is tarnished and it will always be, I’ll clean off the tarnish with toothpaste or a paste of baking soda and water. I’ll use the rub, rinse and dry method. It just takes longer and a little or a lot of patience depending if I’m doing this the day of the event.

I’ve got to admit one thing, when cleaned and polished, sterling silver looks amazing! Its beauty increases with use causing a patina or soft sheen. You will most certainly impress any guest dining in your home.

Good luck. Happy Mother’s Day!


Tuesday, May 4, 2010

The Benefits of Plants in Your Home


A few months ago, my father told me about an article he read on how plants improve the quality of air we breathe. I’ve come to adopt the idea that having more live plants around me is a good thing. My sister and I set out to find whether or not there is truth behind nature. Does nature provide us a simple way to improve our emotional and physical health as we live in a high-tech, fast-paced lifestyle?

To our surprise, there have been studies (NASA Clean Air Study) showing that plants can produce oxygen as well as remove common harmful chemicals from the air improving the quality of air we breathe. These oxygen producing plants break harmful chemicals from common household items into harmless organic byproducts into the soil, which in turn they use as food. Examples of items and the chemicals they release are found in synthetic carpets (releases formaldehyde), petroleum products (release benzene), toys, chemical cleaners, paint, and furniture with synthetic components.

Top oxygen producing plants are:

Mother-In-Law’s Tongue, Areca Palm, and Sprouts (yes the food type). Specifically, sweet pea sprouts and sunflower sprouts. A really cool tidbit is that a person could live in an air sealed room if there are roughly eight Mother-In-Law’s Tongue and an Areca Palm in the room with you. If you try this, let me know how it went.

We wondered how many oxygen producing plants we needed to buy. Unfortunately, the answer wasn’t as simple. We sat down to figure how much time we spent in our home/office, the number of people in the home/office, and the number of synthetic materials and furnishings we have. Yes, all this to find out how many to buy. We thought of buying 3-5 plants and realized that the NASA clean air study recommended 15-18 good sized oxygen producing plants for an 1800 square foot home/office. Yee!

Having plants around not only improve the quality of air we breathe they also brighten up our homes and offices. Before running out to the store make sure you take in to account the amount of space and light in your home. Also you want to make sure you choose plants that are suitable for your environment.

Sweeping Dimensions – The Company…

A few days ago I was asked to talk a little about my company, Sweeping Dimensions. As I talked about who we are and what we’re all about, I realized that I have not talked about Sweeping Dimensions in such great length before. So why not share it? And, I promise, I will give you the short version.

Sweeping Dimensions Cleaning Service is a cleaning company. We have and continue to clean homes and businesses in the Chicagoland area. As of this writing, we have been in business for 5 plus years and so look forward to another 50 plus years! Cross your fingers! ;) We serve many different customers; homeowners, small business owners, property managers, realtors. And proudly use eco-friendly products and equipment. Every opportunity to encourage the use of sustainable products and lower the amount of waste in our landfills is a challenge we are always ready for.

With all of that said, Sweeping Dimensions is more than a cleaning company. We are a company that focus’ not only on the needs of our customers but also on the needs of the communities around us. We were founded with the primary mission to educate, train and provide employment for those with the desire to learn a new trade; to become a professional in that trade. We train our employees to become knowledgeable in the proper care of our customers’ investments. To understand how to use the equipment (vacuums, cloths, mops, etc.) to clean better and more efficiently, to determine the surfaces of the home or office that ensures proper care and maintenance and to smile even when the day is long, rainy, and cold.

As a family owned and operated business, we have been fortunate to be a part of a growing enterprise that encourages a high level of quality and professionalism while supporting the welfare of the people who make up our community.

What Happened to Good Customer Service?

Every so often I come across a potential customer who is skeptical on using a cleaning service to clean their home or office. It is generally a previous experience where communication between the cleaning staff and the homeowner broke. Whereby the cleaning suffers and the homeowner is almost always not happy with the outcome of their cleaning.

Sweeping Dimensions is a family business built off of quality and professionalism. Outside of proper employee training, the only way I see to accomplish great quality is to have a deep commitment to providing amazing customer service. Cleaning a home or office is not only about dusting, washing dishes, changing linens or vacuuming. Cleaning is also about understanding the needs of our customers’ home or office and tailoring their cleaning appropriately.

We go to great lengths to secure proper communication between our staff and our customers. We get to know our customers and their expectations. As an example, I enjoy providing in-home estimates (free of charge). It allows me the opportunity to personally introduce myself and our company. Once the cleaning is scheduled, we call or send an email confirming the cleaning. Here we ask if our customer has any questions or changes to the cleaning. And finally, we provide a follow-up call to see how we measured against our customers’ expectations. By the way, our teams have cell phones to call the office if there are ever any questions or concerns they cannot address on their own.

As consumers we should always expect exceptional customer service and quality cleaning. Never settling for less.