Must Have Tools for Success: The Power of Your Calendar

When you think about a “must-have tool” for your window cleaning business, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s the latest ergonomic squeegee, a cutting-edge deionized water-fed pole, or a ladder so lightweight it feels like you’re carrying a feather. But here’s the thing—I’m not about to talk about any of that. Nope. The ultimate tool you need to win in this business isn’t something you’ll find in the back of your van or hanging in your shop. It’s your calendar.

Hear me out.

Yes, scheduling clients is important, but I’m talking about so much more than penciling in work orders. I’m talking about taking ownership of your time—blocking out space for phone calls, quotes, planning, gym sessions, and even your numbers. Because, and trust me on this, if you’re not intentional about your day, it will run you instead of you running it.

The Calendar is Your Playbook

Think of your calendar as the playbook for your business (and your life). If you’re looking to scale your operation, it all starts with how your time is scheduled. Want to add another truck? You’ll need time to interview and train new hires. Thinking of expanding into a new territory? You need time to strategize. Want to stop being the “one man in a van” fixture wearing more hats than a baseball team’s Hall of Fame exhibit? Your calendar is going to guide you there.

During my early years, I was that guy. Hustling hard—on the ladder, rushing to calls, and juggling way more than I could handle. I had the tools, the clients, the drive—but not the space to breathe. And worst of all, I was winging it.

Then I started using a calendar—not just for appointments, but for everything. I blocked time for business strategy. I scheduled catch-up slots to return those “Sorry I missed your call” missed calls. I made appointments with myself to get to the gym, so I wouldn’t hurt my back on the job. I created time to focus on my numbers and track those big goals I’d written down for the year.

And it was a game-changer!

Scale Your Business by Managing Your Time

You see, owning a business isn’t just about knowing how to clean windows. It’s about growing a business, and that requires a different skill set. Multitasking? Definitely. Creativity and risk-taking? Absolutely. But if you’re not managing your time, none of that matters. You can’t oversee employees’ time if you haven’t learned to manage your own. You can’t aim for higher revenue if you don’t know whether your daily actions are driving you toward your financial goals.

The calendar becomes your boss—not to constrain you, but to free you. It frees you from forgetting important tasks, from dropping the ball on clients, from losing opportunities because you’re just “too busy.”

What’s the ROI of Your Time?

Here’s a little reality check—how many jobs have you missed out on because you didn’t follow up fast enough? How many times have you said, “I’ll get to it later,” and then forgotten all about it? How often have personal goals (family time, fitness, education) fallen to the wayside because your workday swallowed them whole?

If these things are happening, don’t worry—I’m not here to criticize. I’ve been there. But I’m also here to give you a nudge in the right direction.

Start by giving your calendar the love it deserves. Block out time as if your business depends on it—because it does. Use it to track more than your jobs; track your life. Schedule time to reflect on what’s working and what isn’t. Build daily checkpoints into your week, and watch how the little actions start adding up to massive results.

Be Intentional with Your Time

Here’s the bottom line. If you’re not planning your time, opportunity will slip through your fingers. On the flip side, when you take control of your calendar, you’re in control of your business, your goals, and your life.

Think about what’s on your calendar right now. Do you have time set aside to re-evaluate goals? To hit the gym and keep that body ready for the physical demands of the job? To review last month’s numbers and adjust your strategy? To follow up with potential clients? If not—what are you waiting for?

Your Time is Valuable

I’m not telling you this because I have it all figured out. I’m sharing this because it’s something I’ve learned—and it changed everything for me. If you want to talk about how this can change things for you, reach out to me. Seriously, send me an email or give me a call. I’ll add you to my calendar (because, of course, I have space blocked out for conversations) and we’ll chat.

Your time is valuable. Don’t waste it. The best “tool” for your trade isn’t about more reach or better grip—it’s about taking charge of your time. The only question is, are you ready to start?