Automated Water Fed Suggestion System

Which water fed pole system is best for you? Whether you are just trying to learn more information or see which system is right for you, we can easily match you up with a package that fits your needs and budget with just 4 simple questions! Click here to get started. You can also conveniently check your TDS on the same page.

If you need even more personalised help selecting a system consider scheduling a consulting session with John and receive up to $100 off select pure water systems. John is our in-house water fed pole system expert and can answer your questions and help determine what system is right for you!

Are you a beginner to pure water? Click here to watch the introductory Water Fed Pole Video series.

Live Q&A!

Exciting news! A new live stream Q&A show airs this Sunday at 3pm central time on Luke the Window Cleaners youtube channel. We will be covering all things Excelerator. Hope to see you guys there! You can read more updated information here.

Water Fed Pole Compare O' Meter

Have you ever wondered how the top water fed poles compete against each other? You’re not alone! Window Cleaning Resource has come up with a handy way to compare your favorite water fed pole brands. Check out the live comparison sheet below!

To compare the brands even further check out the link below. Sort, compare, analyze and crunch the stats of your favorite WFPs! Sort by brand, product name, material, actual length, type, weight, compacted length, # of sections or price.

Click here to check out the Live Water Fed Pole Comparison Guide!

Northern Lite Water Fed Pole

Alex takes a look at the new Northern Lite Water Fed Pole from our friends up North! The Northern Lite water fed pole is a great 2-3 story water fed pole for residential or commercial window cleaning. With a short collapsed length of only 63", a true length of 29' and a reach of 32'.  Weighing only 5.6lbs without the brush this is a very user friendly water fed pole. Comes complete with brush, tubing, angle adapter and fittings. More details in the video below!

Just a few more days until the HUGE Convention

The convention is a mere days away! Don't miss the greatest industry event of the year!

Want to check out everything that's happening at the convention all in one place? Check out the Convention Mega Thread on the WCR forum! If you haven't already gotten your ticket yet do so now. There is still time (but only a little bit). Seriously, don't miss this!!!

1. The 2016 convention event is shaping up to be twice as good as last year.

What you can expect:

More high-quality speakers, presentations and classes

We have a bigger trade show with even more vendors than ever

There is even more networking events scheduled

There are even more giveaways than last year

Check out the schedule.

Read about the speakers.

2. Free Answering Service for 2016 convention attendees!

We’ve teamed up with AnswerForce to provide free answering service while you’re away! Take advantage of their 24/7 live answering service while you're traveling to, from and during the convention. Don't worry about missed calls! AnswerForce will handle it!

Learn more and sign up here.

3. Meet the Speakers

Check out our exclusive "Meet the Speakers" podcasts between Josh Latimer and the speakers! Stay up to date with everything behind the scenes convention related by checking out the blog!

Check out our featured 2016 speakers: 

Featured Keynote Speakers:

Joshua Latimer - The Executive Mindset

Howard Partridge - How To Build A Phenomenal Dream Team

General Speakers:

Matt Adwell - The Efficiency Filter

Jennifer Van Alstine - Business Finances 101

Santiago Arango - Referrals: Open the Floodgate!

Roman Basi - Tax Aspects of Closely-held & Family Owned Businesses

Henry Bockman - Use Systems To Automate Your Business

Beth Borrego - What's in YOUR Employee Manual?

Chris Cartwright - Suburban SEO Guide: 2016 Edition

Michael Dahlke - How I Took My Business to Over $1,000,000 FAST!

Michael Goeller - The Efficiency Filter

Allison Hester - Media Coverage: How To Get It, What To Do With It

Curt Kempton - Crafting The Ultimate Bid

Jamie Taggart - Stand Out Online and Win More Customers

Ryan Wilkins - Government and Commercial Sales

Get your ticket now!

More industry events!

You already know about the HUGE convention and what a tremendous opportunity it is to network, learn and grow your business. If you haven't heard about it click here to get in the know. It will be filled with the industry's best classes and seminars as well as a killer tradeshow.

There are a few other industry events in the area you may want to check out. Check out a general synopsis here or read about the most anticipated events below:

1. Jack Kramers Famous Pressure Washing Class

Whether you are new to the pressure washing or roof cleaning industry, want help with cleaning more efficiently, or have employees in need of training, Jack Kramer’s pressure washing class is essential. The class will be on August 11 in National Harbor, Maryland, right before the convention. 

Participants will learn:

• What equipment will best fit your needs – including pressure washers (both hot and cold), GPM, PSI, unloaders, guns, hoses, nozzles, chemical applicators, tanks, and much more

• How to work safely and efficiently

• How to price your job for profit

• Proven methods for washing houses, roofing, and commercial properties– and more! 

Learn more or sign up here.

2. Jeff Scotts High Rise and Safety Class

Jeff Scott of Safety Green Training will offer a High Rise Rope Access / RDS Training class on August 10 through 11 in National Harbor, Maryland, right before the kickoff of the Huge Convention. It will include two full days of training starting at 8 a.m. 

Day one is in the classroom training and will cover the following:

• Management of Safety Equipment in Industry.

• Defining differences and needs for Qualified, Competent, and Authorized Persons.

• Equipment familiarization and inspection for Harnesses, Helmets, Descenders, Fall Arrest Rope Grabs, lanyards and Energy Absorbers, Carabiners, Ropes.

• Fall Factors.

• Personal Fall Protection to include Fall Restraint, Fall Arrest, Work Positioning, Rope Access.

• Knots to include: Figure of 8 on a bight, Figure of 8 Follow Through, Figure of 9 on a bight, Alpine Butterfly, Double Figure of 8 on a bight, Double Fisherman, and Barrel Knot.

• When to use each and how much each weakens the rope.

• Legislation

• Job Hazard Analysis & Work Plans.

• Rigging & Rigging Theory.

Day two provides hands-on training and will cover the following:

• Properly donning your equipment.

• Rigging.

• Mitigating Pinch points and how to properly access your Seat Board.

• Standard Work Procedure and Motion.

• Self Rescue.

• Pick off Rescue of an incapacitated worker.

 Learn more or sign up here.

Please note that a general admission convention ticket does not include these separate off-site events. But these events do come highly recommended as reputable and worth while.

Exceed Uni-Valve

The Uni-Valve from Exceed is the latest water fed pole in line on/off valve from RHG Products.  It's non-intrusive and no permanent modifications to your pole are necessary.  It's also very easy to operate and install, a great add on for those concerned with water conservation on the job. Click below to check out the Uni-Valve Water Fed Pole Installation Video!

How does it work?

While it will only work with water fed poles that have internal tubing, it's super easy to use! Simply, tug on the tubing at the bottom of the pole to start the flow of water.  Tug on the tubing at the bottom of the pole to stop the flow of water.

Watch this demo showing how easy it is to use the Uni-Valve!



Check out the Uni-valve fitted and in action!

Blog Finished?

Chris Lambrinides taking over the window cleaning blog for a while... what have I done!!

Blog Finished? Nah... just taking some time off for moving house for a little while. Being in Spain has it's difficulties, one of them being arranging internet connection & since I'm moving slightly off grid, it's going to take me a while to organise a company capable of getting connected to the big wide web! I expect to resume blogging sometime around the middle of September, after Mark Munro's show.

Meanwhile, I'll leave you in the capable hands of Chris Lambrinides (pictured) & his team from Window Cleaning Resource. Chris is currently preparing for the biggest window cleaning show in North America - the "Huge Convention", so I'm sure he will keep you posted on what's coming up & fill you in with all of the window cleaning based news. Some UK users will recognise that some of the information is USA based, but don't worry, I'm sure the information will be very useful. Thanks window cleaning blog readers... take it easy!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Click the logos to take you there.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year To All Readers: A special thank you to the sponsors of this blog who have supported it for so long & thank you yourselves for the readership! All the very best, Karl.

OKGO - A New Waterfed Delivery System

This British window cleaning invention could transform your life (and business).

OKGO - a pure water delivery system used from an enclosed secure van. For Pure water window cleaners everywhere. In the words of Jordan King (the inventor) - "This British window cleaning invention could transform your life (and business)".  One of those new products that just stood out at Mark Munro's Window Cleaning Show was OKGO, a new system of using your waterfed pole on the go. If you have a van system & you are tired of snagged hoses & hooking up each time you stop, this may be the device for you. A conservative estimate shows that this system may give you 20% of your time back by speeding up your workload... but probably a lot more. Watch the videos below for details on how to get futureproofed.

Jordan King of OKGO talks..

I have tried all of the available ways of using WFP system in my area and found that each way had its benefits and drawbacks. Methods have included, back packs, trolleys and sliding racks from the rear of the vehicle. Some of the following drawbacks:

• Lifting heavy items from the rear of the vehicle (reels, trolleys, backpacks)
• Setting items up at each stop
• Dragging equipment over rough ground and over steps leaving the vehicle unlocked
• Hand spooling with a dirty rag
• Bending over to reel in Fighting with hose connectors bruised/wet legs from lifting reels
• Wet van smashing knuckles on the floor, etc, etc, the list goes on!

Many window cleaners will recognise some of the above and trust me, i know first hand how tough it can be because I live it day in day out (although i would not swap jobs with anyone). So, I have used my knowledge as an engineer to design, patent and produce a system to make life easier for WFP window cleaners..

The OKGO system was mounted for the show, even the pivoting mounting system showed engineering expertise.

OKGO: Basically OKGO is a frame which allows spooling and winding from outside of the vehicle therefore, doors can remain locked. Hoses are diverted via a pulley system through the van floor and can be fitted to almost any vehicle and can divert to anywhere on the sill as required. Poles are mounted externally and can be left there between stops.

Part of the systems unique characteristics is the remote spool lock which locks the pole tightly against the van allowing transport while externally mounted. In essence the system has the following benefits:

• No heavy lifting
• No bending
• No hand spooling (toxicariosis)
• Van remains locked
• Totally dry van
• Maximum efficiency

With regards to efficiency we estimate it can be improved by 20% on an established WFP round. In addition though, the other main benefits are peace of mind and well being as the video demonstrates. The final product construction has been called 'Bullet proof' and utilises materials, where necessary, such as stainless steel and prudent manufacturing such as powder coating to ensure that it wont let you down and will be with you for years and years to come.

My town Corby, Northants, UK, was once home to one of the biggest iron ore mining and steel manufacturing facilities in the world and it is in the spirit of old fashioned British engineering that we present the 'Bulletproof' OKGO. Thanks to Mark Munro for his invitation to attend the WCP Trade Show 2014. More can be found on our Facebook page Waterworks Window Cleaning. Hope to see you there soon!

 

OKGO at the WCP show.

Two New Biodegradable Soaps For Window Cleaning

EBC Glide & Window Cleaner from Window Cleaning Resource

EBC GLIDE Glass & Window Cleaner is an advances formula designed for maximum results in minimum time. Super concentrate means you less chemical. Super effective means you clean better, faster! Readily biodegradable surfactants make this a great choice for environmentally sensitive areas.

Features of EBC Glide include:

- Superb Wetting with minimal bleeding

- Subtle impact cleaning agents for grease splashes

- Reduces drag; makes squeegees glide

- Stays wetter longer

- Will not harm glass, plastics, or metals

- Polishes metals

- Extends life of squeegee rubber, especially the tips

- Smoother razor scraping; less chance of scratching

- Unique formula leaves sparkling shine

- Leaves no haze, even on polymer treated surfaces

- Windows stay cleaner, longer

- Superior wetting and rinsing

- Environmentally friendly. Biodegradable

- Super-Concentrated: less packaging water

- Contains no phosphates or ammonia

- Contains no hazardous chemicals

- Less end-streaking

- Perfect foam/sud level

DIRECTION OF USE:

-Use only 1/8 fluid ounce per gallon of water

-Perfect foam and perfect glide

-Do not allow window to dry

Thank you all for your interest in GLIDE. EBC GLIDE. What can I tell you about this soap?

EBC GLIDE was created, in part, directly from the overwhelming success of EBC Multi-purpose cleaner (EBC MPC), which was launched back in early 2012. In our run up of establishing EBC MPC as one of the "go to" soaps for the pressure washing contractor, we also knew that a secondary component of our soap blend (EBC MPC) offered some very unique characteristics relating to cleaning windows from a down streaming or x-jetting application.

In 2013, I began reaching out to window cleaning professionals to "pick their brain" about window cleaning soaps and what they need for not only a soap to be good but for a soap to be in a category of it's own. Buzz words such as glide, slip, wetting, suds and drag were just a few of the "tag" words along with other ones that actually established the cornerstone of what EBC GLIDE is today. Obviously I cannot go into describing in detail the formula or blend of EBC GLIDE but I will say that based on the 7 months of beta testing and formula adjustments, we are confident that EBC GLIDE posses a unique balance of "stuff" in it that positioned us for our launch. As with any product launch, it will take some time for the soap to get out there and have the measurable impact that we are looking for. We we are in this for the long haul and look forward to working with window cleaning professionals world-wide. Today we are establishing our distributor network for EBC GLIDE, with WCR being one of our first distributors to carry it. Our infrastructure is solid with two production facilities currently meeting the demands of our EBC soap lines for our domestic and international distributors.

We (EBC) are actively involved with our distributors and the contractor community on a daily basis. Our distributors matter. Our contractors matter. We involve ourselves in the industry to the extent that we do not just want to hear what our product can do but more importantly where our product line can use some improvement in. This type of feedback is very important to us and we view it as a win-win for all involved.

When beta testing was well underway it was comforting to hear comments such as "your soap Carlos stands shoulder to shoulder with GG3 or GG4" or "EBC GLIDE cut through that kitchen grease on the window like no other". We certainly wrestled with a few issues along with way regarding the formula where adjustments had to be made based on the feedback. However we worked through those "speed bumps" and positioned EBC GLIDE for our launch this past week with WCR

Moving forward we are excited to be working with WCR and obviously based on this thread we are eager to continue to receive continuous feedback from all that test, try or use GLIDE on a regular basis. Thanks for the interest everyone and we look forward to hearing more feedback from those that will be receiving samples from WCR.

Carlos Gonzales
Manufacturer Enviro Bio Cleaner
EBC GLIDE Window Soap
(707) 759-2244

A new detergent from Jim Thompson, a window cleaner in the UK.

New Window cleaners Shine! By Mpower! glass cleaning solution is here! No Soap or detergents No chemicals Fully Biodegradable!

Long lasting shine! Self cleaning properties! Seals rubber window seals to stop black streaking! Will be available from this week in 500ml bottles! No nasty chemicals! 100% Biodegradable Eco Friendly! Smear and streak free windows guaranteed!

More Eco friendly biodegradable products coming soon from the Window cleaners shine brand! For cleaners! By Mpower.

Developed by a Jim Thompson, a UK Window Cleaner.

Introductory offer now on!

• £4:99 1/2 ltr will make upto 125ltrs of solution!
• £7:99 1ltr will make upto 250ltrs of solution!

20ml into 5ltrs of water this will last all day using the solution in a traditional base and it will make enough mix to last between 15 to 20 UK houses a day. So costing will be just £1 a week to use! That is 20p per day! That 1/2ltr bottle will last you 5 weeks! Remember this is a professional formula not an off the shelf dish washing soap!

Window Cleaning Offers

Join the WCRA for $99!

The WCRA Standard subscription is a yearly subscription with a renewal fee of $199 each year. It includes the following marketing benefits:

• Unlimited Downloads of Pre-tested 4 x 6 Postcards

• Unlimited Downloads of Pre-tested Jumbo Cards

• Unlimited Downloads of Pre-tested Door Hangers

• Unlimited Downloads of Pre-tested Email Templates

• Unlimited Downloads of Pre-tested Fliers

• Unlimited Downloads of Pre-tested Promotional Items

• Unlimited Downloads of Pre-tested Business Forms

• Unlimited Downloads of Pre-tested Service Contracts

• Unlimited Downloads of Pre-tested Commercial Proposal Packets

Business Development:

• Manuals

• E-books

• Business Planning Tools

• Members only webinars

• Private members only forum

• Half price on all WCRA/PWRA event admission

• Live members only chat.

The WCRA has also partnered with many different companies to bring its members even more discounts on tons of industry related items.

• $120 off the Annual Membership for the Customer Factor (for new accounts only)

• 10% off the WindowCleaning.com membership

• $500 off GlassRenu

• $249 off the PWRA membership

• 10% off Reach-iT Water fed poles

• 5% off the entire WCR store

• At Cost Printing

• Unadvertised members only specials

• 50% off Service Kick

• $5 Basic Plan at ResponsiBid

• 30% off Kevin Dubrosky services

• 7% off LogoMotive Promotions

• Free setup with BidSlot

• Insurance Discount with Joseph D. Walters Insurance

• Free Membership Fee Waived at CLC Lodging

• $100 off Answernorx

• 15% off territory licenses with Solar Maid

• $10 off activiation of Fleet Locate

• 18% off Smart Service

• 5% off all orders from Window Cleaning World

• Discounted Monthly Payroll

• 25% off Street Bidder

• 20% off Aramark

• 10% off Idea Reps Promotional Products

• 13% off Yard Signs

• 30% off Xero Accounting Software

• 30% off vWork App Software

• 5% off A Beautiful View Window Cleaning Store

Don't forget the great benefits that actually help to get you work!

• WCRA members map

• Insured members directory

• RFP Service

Sign up today and get all of these amazing benefits for only $99!! 

All year 4 members receive free shipping & 10% off.

Professional window cleaning supplies, tools, equipment, and products available at the guaranteed lowest prices. Shop Window Cleaning Resource carries a huge selection of traditional window cleaning supplies, waterfed poles, water purification systems, high-rise gear, soaps, chemicals, extension poles, sponges and brushes. Window Cleaning supplies support available from 7am – 8 pm east coast time. All window cleaning equipment orders received before 2pm ship the same day. Call 1-862-266-0677, use the live chat feature or stop by the warehouse at 206 Old Prospect School Rd, Sparta NJ 07871 if WCR staff of professional window cleaners can help in anyway.

New product - get it now!

Winsol Awning Fabric Spot Remover is designed to remove grease and tar from fabric awnings. The safe blend of emulsifiers and degreasers will also remove paint, ink, soot and bird droppings from fabric awnings. Pour a small amount directly onto the spot or stain and scrub gently with a soft brush or cloth then rinse clean. Use caution using this product on logos or lettering as it may remove or some artwork. 

Window Cleaning Business Owner Magazine 16

Get it now free - while it's still hot!

Window Cleaning Business Owner Magazine starts shipping soon. Get yours free online. This edition features the American Window Cleaner Magazines + all the content below & more. Only from your Window Cleaning Resource providers & found no where else. back issues here.

Click here to download.

WCBO (Window Cleaning Business Owner) Issue 16 - What's in this issue?

• Best Mustaches
• Cool Products
• American Window Cleaner Magazines
  Funniest Cartoons
• To Hire or Not to Hire
• Window Slanguage
• Window Cleaning Blues
• Personality Types in Customers
• Personality Types in Window Cleaning
• The Top 11 Best AWC Magazine Covers

Whats New & On Offer In The Window Cleaning World?

Plus much, much more - click the picture to take you there!

WCRA Payroll - Only $39.95 per month for 1-10 employees • Pricing includes • Unlimited payroll processing per month, even daily! • Direct Deposit or Self-Print Checks • Tax Pay and Tax Filing for Federal, State, and Local Taxes • Accounting Software Integration for QuickBooks and many more! • Self-Service HR Tools and Compliance Posters • Online reports, new hire reporting and account set-up • NO HIDDEN FEES • FULL Support by Paychex Employees • Annual fee is $40 per company and $4.25 per W2 or 1099

New Insurance Benefit - WCRA members we have a big surprise for you! We are super excited to annouce a partnership with Joseph D. Walters insurance agency! This top of the industry insurance company is willing to offer all WCRA members an exclusive discount on insurance. So what kind of a discount are we talking? We are glad you asked!
  
WCRA members will now get a 25% discount on their premiums. All members will get the first $2000 of equipment coverage included at no charge. Members will also get an additional 10% off if they pay their premium in one payment. Members will have access to an exclusive “All About Insurance” subforum.  This will be the place to get answers to questions about general liability, workman’s comp, commercial vehicle as well as homeowners insurance coverages and policies. Wait there's more! There is an additional 5% discount if you get a quote in the next 60 days!  

The WCRA, Window Cleaning Resource Association, offers many postcards to its WCRA Members. They come in 4 x 6 and 8.5 x 11, are completely adjustable, and can be edited to fit your business needs.  They are Photoshop files, ready for you to just plug in your information.  New cards are added on a regular basis to offer all of the members a huge selection for each season.  Best of all, they are completely free to our WCRA Members.

WCRA and PWRA Members now have the opportunity to apply for a commercial fuel card with a special cost savings rebate! Based on your location and the proximity of the closest station, you will receive an invitation to apply for one of the following brands: Shell Fleet Plus Card, ExxonMobilBusiness Card, Sunoco® Corporate Card, the Phillips 66®-Conoco®-76® CommercialCard or the 76® Commercial Card. Each credit card has a rebate offer that helps to save money and provides the tools to manage fuel expenses more effectively. Scheduled mailing will be sent out approximately three times a year to our members inviting them to take advantage of this discount. When you receive an invitation to apply, we hope you will take advantage of this added member benefit so you can experience the benefits, savings and convenience these commercial fuel cards have to offer.

WCRA - PWRA Members At Cost Printing - WCRA and PWRA members are eligible for at cost printing. We charge you what we get charged as a printer. Save up to 25% on normal printing costs. Includes Standard Business Cards 2 x 4

Postcards: 2.75 x 8.5, 3 x 6, 4 x 6, 4 x 9, 4.25 x 5.5, 5 x 7, 5.5 x 8.5, 6.5 x 9, 6.5 x 12, 8 x 6.5, 8 x 10, 8.5 x 11, 9 x 11, 9 x 12.

4.25 x 11 Door Hangers (1-sided)

4.25 x 11 Door Hangers (2-sided)

8.5 x 11 Flyers (1-sided)

8.5 x 11 Flyers (2-sided)

8.5 x 11 Brochure (Tri Fold)

8.5 x 11 Brochures (Z Fold)

8.5 x 14 Brochures (Tri Fold)

Stock up on window cleaning equipment - WCRA members get an exclusive discount when you order any products from Window Cleaning Resource.com! Once you are a WCRA member you will be able to enjoy a 5% off discount off of everything in the Window Cleaning Resource store. We wanted to say thank you for becoming a WCRA member and we know this discount will come in handy when you are making future purchases. So what exactly do we offer? 

At Window Cleaning Resource we offer window cleaning supplies, tools, equipment, an products at the guaranteed lowest prices. Shop Window Cleaning Resource has carries an enormous selection of many different products including: traditional window cleaning supplies, waterfed poles, water purification system, high-rise gear, soaps, chemicals, extension poles, sponges and brushes. Window Cleaning supplies support is available from 7AM to 8 PM east coast time for your buying convenience. All window cleaning equipment orders received before 2 PM ship the same day. Since you are a WCRA member we have you built into a special tier and your 5% discount is added automatically to each item in the store. Need help? No problem! Call 1-862-266-0677 and talk to a representative or use our live chat feature located at the store! 

The new WCR warehouse is now being fully stocked.

The Window Socket - A Panefully Clean Suction Solar Sticker

The Window Socket - A New Pain or extra Pane Charges?

Stick the Solar-Powered Window Socket on Glass and Watch it Charge: Here’s a design that rivals the light bulb in its ingenuity: the Window Socket.  The disc-like socket designed by the Korean duo Kyuho Song and Boah Oh has a base of mini solar panels and a suction cup that ensures effective adhesion to virtually any transparent glass surface that is exposed to the sun. The panels absorb solar energy, which is then converted into electric energy by an embedded converter.

“This product is designed to enable you to use electricity freely and conveniently in a space restricted by the use of electricity such as in a plane, a car or outdoors,” according to Song and Oh’s design brief on Yanko. “Thus this product was designed to draw a socket used indoors outdoors. We tried to design a portable socket so that users can use it intuitively without special training.” It doesn’t get more simple that sticking the window socket on a pane of glass and watch it (or not) while it charges for five to eight hours.

Once completely charged to 1000 mAh, it stays charged for up to ten hours. Although we’re not in love with the plastic components (who needs more plastic in the world), the Window Socket impresses us as a fantastic solution for nomads, off-grid dwellers or other people living alternative lives. It would also make a great backup for small appliances and phones during power outages like those we experience so regularly in Egypt and Lebanon.

Could future power be more personal and off the grid?

Solar outlet gives power from your windows: Your window might be an unlikely place to plug-in your smartphone, but a team of designers has made that possible with a novel take on the portable electronics charger. Industrial designers Kyuho Song & Boa Oh created a solar charger called the Window Socket that suctions onto glass and converts solar energy to function like an electrical socket. The units also contain a 1,000mAh battery, which is equivalent to a smartphone’s lithium-ion. The battery takes 5-8 hours to get fully charged.

“This product is intended to enabled you to use electricity freely and conveniently in a space restricted in the use of electricity, such as in a plane, a car, and outdoors,” the inventors wrote in a design brief. “Thus, this product was meant to draw out a socket used indoors outward. We tried to design a portable socket, so that users can use it intuitively without special training.”

News about the invention was published in Yanko Design on Friday. The Window Socket appears to use the Korean specification for wall outlets, but could become more widely available in the future, the environmental news Web site Grist speculates. Note that there’s one downside: the charge only lasts for 10 hours. The designers do not appear to have created a product Web site with any further information.

An immediately available product is the “OffGrid” solar backpack by New York startup Voltaic Systems. They are available in a variety of styles, with either built-in or detachable solar cells. The solar charger powers an internal battery that connects to devices via an integrated USB port for an output of up to 4 Watts.

A less conventional alternative comes from another New York startup, SiGNa Chemistry, a maker of miniaturized fuel cells. All that’s required to power your smartphone is a tiny chemical hydrogen cartridge and some water, or even urine. The liquid initiates a chemical reaction that generates power instantly.

Plug It On The Window: The Window Socket offers a neat way to harness solar energy and use it as a plug socket. So far we have seen solutions that act as a solar battery backup, but none as a direct plug-in. Simple in design, the plug just attaches to any window and does its job intuitively.

Word Of Advise From The Sparkle King

Never a truer word spoken from the Sparkle King (above).

So recently I've been going over the window cleaning forums, my favorite being Window Cleaning Resource, when I came across this post from Jesse Green of Sparkle King in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. What struck me from Jesses musings is that although being quite young, he has captured what every window cleaner has been thinking for eons, but couldn't quite put them into words. His thread was a tongue in cheek response from a newer member who exploded on to the forum to boost his ego, or maybe to sell some "how-to" DVDs. Jesse is known as "greenj26" on the WCR forum.

A so-called expert has told you that your all a bunch of bumbling fools.

Fortunately, the solution is as easy as purchasing his marketing DVDs.

“I mean imagine if the craft you are trying to learn is to be an original. How could you learn the craft of being an original?” - JonathanSafran Foer
 

Hint: the answer isn't the exclusive prize of a secret cabal of ultra-wealthy carpet cleaners.
 

The very best window cleaning companies on WCR are a mix of styles because they are scattered across the country and exist in a specific ecosystems which they have adapted to.

The problem with cookie cutter marketing approaches is that they are merely one person's success formula (unlike a online business owner community). A narrow slice of the experiential pie, if you will. The simple fact that one person has succeeded with this formula may be a testament to their own drive and perseverance more than to their magic system.

If a system is developed by a super salesman personality and you are a stay-at-home computer nerd, do you really think it will work?

Why not devote your energy to your website?

There's more ways to be successful than you can count.

Who defines success anyways?

Yesterday I came to the realization that I'm really lazy. Then I briefly thought that, maybe I'm just efficient... but I knew that wasn't true. Then it finally dawned on me that I have no self discipline because I am always doing what I want.

On occasion I feel like a failure because I don't have a level of income commensurate with my level of education... and then I roll out of my hammock and pluck a grape from my harbor and pop it in my mouth.

Thinking about creating my own free videos on here for “The Bohemian Window Cleaner.”

I don't know if I could make a million dollars (p.s. A million isn't what it used to be). I know a few millionaires, though. My uncle rose up from a pig farmer to owning a large construction company worth millions. He's had so many ulcers and surgeries - all stress related...
 

No thanks.

I've been in multi-million dollar homes where the homeowner is following me around telling me how stressful it is to be rich, how everyone is after their money.

I was in a mansion of a gentleman who retired from a high position in a computer software development company in Silicon Valley. He said he had to get out before he had a heart attack as was common for that level of responsibility.

There's no magic secrets. The age of the internet is making that abundantly clear. The same information that Scientologists paid thousands of dollars for can be found free on the web. That's unfortunately making it harder for guru types to fleece people of their money. Accountability. Remember Paul McQuillan, anyone?

Kevin Dubrosky, on the other hand, has had hundreds of testimonials from the WCR community.

As far as vehicle wraps, fancy shirts, etc etc.... do whatever works. How can someone in one part of the country - know what works across the country in all the hundreds of distinct neighborhoods.

You have to think and understand biology to survive the new modern economy. A successful organism adapts and harness it's environment. You want to live in Arizona, be a lizard. You want to live in Alaska, be a bear.

Postcards, letters, vehicle signage, websites, email, facebook, newspapers.....they are all tools. Some of them are more effective than others.

Phone book anyone?

Future: Angie's List and other review sites. Website (quality of appearance and content, SEO). Water-fed pole technology (look at the UK window cleaning industry as a guide for where we are going especially with insurance and safety). Soon, I think I may get a dragonfly or some such system for cleaning high interior windows.

Some of these strict business guys think that it's just crunching numbers and having the best equipment doesn't matter. But I find that the better equipment I have, the better and easier it is to do the job, which results in more $ per hour and more confidence in the presentation of my services to the customer. There's a psychological component to business - it's not just crunching numbers.

I have found that a lot of the secret to my own system is just that it allows me to be more confident when I talk to the customer. Knowing your stuff makes you more confident.

The gap between the social classes is widening. The middle class is disappearing – fact. Targeting the more affluent class is becoming more difficult. Many are on do-not-contact lists.

The most exclusive customers find you. You need to be able to be found.

A little about Jesse of Sparkle King Window & Gutter Cleaning who services Cape Cod, the South Shore, and the South Coast of Massachusetts: "Hi, I’m Jesse Green owner and operator of Sparkle King. I have been helping customers add that bit of sparkle to their homes since 2008. Creating my company, I imagined what kind of experience I would want as a homeowner. I wanted to have someone I trusted in my home, someone with experience and passion, and someone who can explain the process in a simple easy to understand manner. I have sought to embody those traits in my business and hope you will actually enjoy having your windows cleaned when you choose Sparkle King."