A Simpler Life

2009-11-16T12:41:00.004-06:00

Giving This Season
Two ways to show your support
With the holiday season coming up, I would like to remind you of a couple of ways you could give back. I know you do alot of giving throughout the year, but these two causes are near and dear to me, so I would like to ask you to consider giving to them.

The first one is the Forest Lake Food Shelf/Community Helping Hands. It is a local non-profit that helps families in the Forest Lake/Wyoming area. They accept clothes, food, furniture and monetary donations. ASLI frequently contributes to the wonderful place.
Forest Lake Community Helping Hand/Food Shelf

Another way might be to help me with something I have recently become involved in. It is called Molly's Adopt A Sailor and it helps by sending letters and care packages to sailors. As most of you know, my son Spencer has been in the Navy for two years now. He doesn't have the opportunity to come home for holidays, and him and his fellow sailors/soldiers always welcome things from home. This is a program that sends thoughts and reminders of home to sailors/soldiers that are away and don't have the every day items we are used too. Maybe consider giving toothpaste, deodorant, band-aids, etc., even non-perishable foods. I then pack these things and send them to my adopted sailor, and those in the unit.

If you are not a client, you can feel free to send me an email or call me and I will be more than willing to pick up any contributions you would like to give to either one of these organizations. I want to thank you in advance for any contributions you decide to make.

BRRRR

2009-10-13T12:19:00.003-05:00

Wow! We went from some nice weather, to cold and snowy quick. Hopefully we will get back up into a little warmer temperatures before we actually start getting our snowfall for the year. If you were thinking about getting your inside windows and screens done, let me know so that I can get you on the list for when it does get a little nicer out.

I am working on some new marketing and PR things for the business - I am excited and expect that it will result in some more business. That is always exciting.

A couple final things - become a follower today of this blog. All you have to do is click follow on the side, and you are done. I would also like to remind you ASLI is on Facebook. Please come over there and become a fan today - I offer specials and tidbits on there that are sometimes not offered anywhere else.

Thank you and stay warm!!
Trina

2009-09-08T11:26:00.003-05:00

Summer is fast leaving us (although you wouldn't know it by the weather we are having), and if you were like our family, you visitied the State Fair. We had a great time this year. A couple of years ago we decided that our point in going was to walk around and look at everything and eat, so that is what we do now. We start at one end, go up and down the streets, and stop and look at everything, and then figure out what we are going to eat along the way. We always have a great time, and it saves the hassle of if we are going to go on this or that ride, and who wants to do what.

Labor Day yesterday also marks the end of summer, and the beginning of school for kids! I can't believe how fast time flies! My youngest is starting 7th grade this year, my middle child starts 9th grade, and my oldest, who just turned 20 in August, recently graduated Nuclear Power Training School for the United States Navy on Saturday. He took his boards and is now a qualified Nuclear Mechanic Specialist. I am very proud of all my children.

With all the things reminding us that summer is ending, and fall is fast approaching, and it is time to think about having your Fall Cleaning done! There is nothing better than going into this season with your whole house cleaned top to bottom, including the screens on your windows. Hurry and schedule your appointment before it gets cold outside!

Contact ASLI today to get a quote, and get on the books. With the average person/family spending a MINIMUM of 5 hours a week cleaning their home, why not have ASLI take that away from you and enjoy that time doing the things you want. Simplifying your life is what ASLI is all about! You can also take advantage of many of the life management services I offer as well. Call today or check out my site at www.asimplerlifeinc.com

Thank you and enjoy your week!
Trina

Something New!

2009-07-22T09:27:00.001-05:00

I hope that the summer is so far finding you well. I would like to remind you about the great discounts offered by ASLI for your cleaning needs, as well as the special for July. Refer someone who becomes a regular client (ask for details) and you will receive a $50 gift certificate.

I also want to remind you to become a fan of ASLI on Facebook to take advantage of some great specials and hints that are offered there. Just simple go to Facebook and become a fan of A Simpler Life. If you aren’t on Facebook, join today and then become a fan.

Don’t forget to follow my blog. There are surveys and other articles posted there, and it is a great way to keep up with ASLI. Go to www.asimplerlifeinc.blogspot.com/ and check out what is happening.

I would also like to take the opportunity to tell you about a joint marketing venture I am doing. When it comes to my business, what I wanted to do when I set out to start ASLI was to make people’s lives simpler. My end of that was cleaning. Now, through a mutual friend, she can cover the cooking end of that. Jodi owns Jodi’s Komfort Kitchen. Whether you are looking to order lunch, or dinner, or maybe have that party catered, she can take care of the food end, and I can take care of the preparation and clean up end. Please take a moment to check out her website at www.jodiskomfortkitchen.net/ She offers a variety of foods, and some wonderful lunches and dinners. Her desserts are also delicious!

I hope you are enjoying the weather, and remember, simply….more time is what I want to offer you.
Trina

Summer has arrived

2009-06-29T23:21:00.002-05:00

Summer has arrived, and everyone is busy outside. Now is the time that most people realize they DO NOT want to spend their time inside cleaning. So now is the time to hire a service. I offer some great deals for first time clients, as well as for people that refer clients to ASLI.

You can also follow ASLI on Facebook (search for A Simpler Life, and then become a fan) or also on Twitter!!!

Finally - do you wonder if ASLI services the area where you live? Call today for to find out and receive a free quote!

Anniversary and Special of the Month!

2009-06-09T14:12:00.001-05:00

That is right – May 18th marked 2 years that I started ASLI. Some of you may wonder how that is if I have been doing this for 5 years. I have been doing this since 2004, but decided two years ago to venture out on my own. So here I am two years later, and business is growing, and I love it! I have wonderful clients, a great employee (with a second one to be hired soon!) and a job I absolutely love.

Everyone has a vision for their company when they start it – how much they want to make, where they want to be, what they expect daily. I am no different. I envisioned a company that really focuses on you – the client. I am asked quite often what sets me apart from other companies, and why I may charge a fee slightly higher than other companies. And I am very honest in my answers. I strive to be above the other companies. I want your life to be simpler, hence the name. I want you to have time to enjoy the things you want to do, and honestly, most people don’t put housecleaning on the top of their ‘enjoy’ to do list.

What sets ASLI apart from other companies is the actual work that is done, and the small touches put into your home. Blankets and pillows are straightened out and folded, and bathroom towels are neatly hung if we find that off the rack. When dusting or cleaning tables, things are picked up and cleaned underneath. There are always exceptions – if something is heavy, or valuable, it won’t be moved. A note can be left on the day of cleaning, asking that some little extra thing is done, and 90% of the time you won’t be charged for it. Things like woodwork and doors and frames are cleaned throughout the home on a rotational basis. This keeps your home clean. It is the little things that add up, and make you happy. And a happy client means a happy business owner.

I also wanted to tell you about a limited special I am running for June. Like every business, I have sales goals I like to reach. In order to reach my next goal, I am running the following special. If you are a current client, for every person you refer to ASLI, not only will you get your 50% off a cleaning when they become a regular client* you will also receive a $25 gift card as well. This special is only available for people referred and start service in June 2009. If you are not a client and you refer someone to ASLI during the month of June and they become regular clients* you will receive a gift card for $50. *A regular client is someone who has received 3 consecutive cleanings, not including the initial clean.

Please keep me in mind when it comes to cleaning needs for your friends, family and co-workers. Word of mouth and referrals are always the best way to grow a company.

Take care,
Trina

Take the poll

2009-06-02T14:34:00.002-05:00

I am looking to figure out what is the most important thing people are looking for when it comes to hiring a cleaning service. I know most people would say price, but that is not necessarily the case. Some people are more concerned about communication, or how reliable the company is.

Therefore, I am asking for help by answering the short poll on the right. When you think about hiring a cleaning service, what is the most important thing to you?

Summer is here

2009-06-01T11:02:00.003-05:00

With the weather turning warmer everyday, most people are getting outside and enjoying the weather, and things they usually do in summer. Some garden, some landscape, some walk or bike, and some just enjoy being outside. Whatever you do, it is important.

Your outside of your home needs just as much attention as the inside. You hire a cleaning service to take care of things inside you don't want to do. Did you know that ASLI also offers limited services for the outside of your home as well? Things like lawn mowing, de-weeding of garden/rock beds, organization of your garage, and more. You can simply call or email for information.

I am constantly educating myself on anything to do with the cleaning industry. Many people don't realize how many different types of things there are to learn, and keep up on. I participate in teleconferences at least 2 times a week, and subscribe to numerous blogs and magazines that focus on the cleaning industry, so that I can bring the best things to my clients. Satisfaction is always my priority, and I want to do whatever I need to so that happens.

Join me again soon to find out what else is happening with ASLI and remember - my goal for you is simply...more time.

Take care,
Trina

Finally time to catch up

2009-05-27T21:52:00.000-05:00

What started out as good intentions got away from me. Soon after I sent out the email that I was going to blog at least weekly, my grandmother died. Needless to say, the month of May ran away from me quickly. I have finally taken care of family obligations, and wanted to catch up.

Which brings me to a topic that affects everyone. It is amazing how little, or in my case, big things can all of a sudden disrupt your life. While I didn't blog, I still ran my business, while dealing with family issues. Unfortunately not everyone can handle everything in a time of need. Most families now are dual income, and there are usually children, sports, date nights, and other activities going on.

The most common question asked of me is, "Am I really in need of a cleaning service, and how often should I have it done?" My answer to that is this - if you are calling me, and having me come out to your home to give you a quote, yes, you probably need a cleaning service. As far as how often - I recommend at least every other week. Any less than that and you are setting yourself up for feeling overwhelmed that your home is getting to dirty in between cleanings. With every other week, most people start to notice within a couple of days before their cleaning that the home is getting dirty.

If that is the case, I strongly suggest going with weekly service. While this may not be affordable for everyone, it is something to think about if you absolutely don't want to have to do anything in between cleanings.

I am noticing more and more that it is both people in the relationship saying that they don't want to do the cleaning, and they want to spend more time together - whether it is relaxing, or doing things that need to get done with the kids and other obligations. Somehow it always seems to fit in the budget, and it makes for happier families.

Until next time remember - simply...more time. Isn't that what everyone is looking for?

God Bless
Trina

Another week

2009-05-07T20:58:00.001-05:00

Things are moving along quite well right now - business is picking up, and my employee is working out spendidly!!! Of course I want the growth to continue, and hope it does.

Clients and friends are always asking me for tips on cleaning, or other household chores. I have really tried to get away from products that are not environmentally safe. I try to use products that are natural, and sometimes that always doesn't work. I have found through trial and error, as well as feedback, that clients want their toilets to look great (along with the whole bathroom!) and I have found that I do have to use the typical toilet bowl cleaner.

One thing that I have found to be of great use, and works well, is vinegar. Most people say they do not like the smell of vinegar, but it really doesn't stay around long, and by the time most clients get home the smell has long ago left the home.

I am always looking for ideas and comments - if there is something you would like to see me talk about let me know. If there is a promotion or discount you would like to see for people that refer clients, please let me know.

I hope you are enjoying this beautiful weather, and remember, I am here to simply give you more time!!!!!!

Take care,
Trina

Another first for A Simpler Life (ASLI)

2009-04-23T20:03:00.000-05:00

I have finally decided to join the program, and get a blog going for the business. Look for this to contain updates, or just helpful hints from ASLI. For now, I will update this weekly, with new entries being posted Monday morning.

Join me in this adventure, and be sure to bookmark the page, as well as tell your family, friends and co-workers to read along as well.

Trina
Owner - A Simpler Life