Do you know what SDS sheets are?
Starting a small business can be daunting, there are so many things that we don't know right away. My business is a residential and commercial cleaning service and we have only been in business a year and about 6 months. I never heard of SDS sheets until I became a cleaner. I learned about this after I became IICRC certified. So what exactly are SDS sheets and why you should always have them with you while at a cleaning job, especially if you are using your own cleaning supplies? SDS sheets or Safety Data Sheets, previously known as a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) are for hazardous chemicals used on the job. The SDS sheet will contain the manufacturer's name, the ingredients, is it toxic or not, what to do in case of emergency - first aid measures, how to handle and store the product, exposure controls, personal protection, transportation, disposal and more. SDS sheets must be on file at your office and on the job site. So as a residential cleaner, should I have SDS sheets? As a precaution, I always have a copy of the SDS sheets for all the cleaning products I use on a job, when I go to a client's home or office. Even for household cleaning supplies that I use, if it has an SDS sheet, I have a copy of it. I keep it in a plastic folder and put it in one of my caddies. Note this only applies, if I am supplying the cleaning products, on some jobs the client especially commercial clients will supply their own cleaning supplies and the client is then the one responsible for having the SDS sheets available. A good practice is to ask your commercial client if they have SDS sheets and where they are located in the event you have an accident on the job site and only you or your staff are on site. Note: that you may not be required to have a SDS sheet if the product has the same purpose, duration, and frequency as a consumer product. How can I find SDS sheets? Go to Google or any other search engine you use Type in the name of the chemical: SDS (type in the name of the chemical colon then SDS) Review and make sure it is the correct SDS sheet. Print and put in your folder. Did you know know about SDS sheets prior to this post? Do you update your SDS sheets folder frequently or annually? Do you have any other helpful suggestions for start-up cleaners that want to make sure they stay OSHA compliant?Why do most contractors copy what they see — and wonder why it doesn’t work?
Hey Everyone My names Will, Im an Electrical Contractor out in the New England area (Connecticut / Massachuseets) Last year and a half, I been traveling the US speaking and working with contractors, working with them in the field and hosting podcasts... And something surprised me and it's starting to become a pattern in our industry. The biggest mistake I see tradesmen-turned-business-owners make? They chase what someone else is doing, when It comes to pricing, life styles, how they even act — Instead of figuring out what they actually need. Before you start hiring, expanding, or throwing money at tools, you need to ask yourself: What am I really trying to fix? That’s why I built this visual — a Blueprint to Defining Success — so we stop copying other businesses and start building with purpose. Would love to expose myself now and ask what do you all think?
Real Talk: The Ups and Downs of Running a Business
Let’s start a real conversation — no filters, no fluff. What’s it really been like running your business? I’m talking about the mistakes that taught you lessons, the wins that made it all feel worth it, the burnout you didn’t expect, and the goals that keep you going even on the tough days. Whether you’re just starting or deep in the game, your story can inspire someone else (and maybe theirs will help you too). Drop your honest take below 👇 Let’s build something real — together.Time for Hobbies!
When I started my business, I made the choice to give up some of the hobbies I enjoyed to make more time for my business to flourish. I've most recently started to pursue those forgotten hobbies - and it's reminded me of what a journey life can be! Going forward, I am going to make more of an effort to pursue my passions outside of work, hoping to create a little more balance in life. What about you? How are you making time for hobbies in 2025 (and beyond)?
Looking to scale, need advice
Hello, I am just seeking advice, I am a one man crew (with 1-2 helpers when available) for Lawn care, Parging & Snow removal (all insured). I am getting a large quantity of calls, bookings & deposits. But how can a sole proprietor scale up from me, to a crew of 5 and pay $25 an hour and be able to keep them working for months, or years to come? I cant see the "vision" of how to achieve that, sure I can get more clients. But its definitely tough with the massive undercuts of prices. Just some friendly advice will do, thanks all! MattAre there other Locksmiths using Jobber?
Would like to see a Locksmith Community in Jobber at times it feel like we are the only locksmith business using jobber, if you are a locksmith company leave a comment and state your name and business name so that we can support each other and help build a locksmith community.
Advice for new owners
I’ve been in customer service and other areas for years including public safety, but I am still trying to figure the best way to start/set up my business. I understand the management process, logistics side and other aspects following that including being an intern. I guess what I’m asking is if someone can give me advice on that area to help broaden my horizons and vision of owner/employee I should say. I am looking into the home services side, ie lawn care, landscape, concrete, pressure washing, outdoor construction (gazebos, arbor), etc. I’m open minded accepting and grateful for any advice or criticism from everyone. Thank you in advance. Najee Reynolds
