How to Start a Carwash: Five common mistakes for startups

How to Start a Carwash: Five mistakes for startups

Steer clear of these common mistakes to launch a successful business.

In the article, “5 Mistakes to Avoid as an Entrepreneur,” featured on Entrepreneur’s website, contributor Zechariah Newman discusses common mistakes new investors need to avoid to ensure better chances of success.

“Entrepreneurship is a land of risk and reward where most of your traditional work boundaries have been removed. No one tells you how to work, how long and how hard to work or how much you can make. There are, in fact, a million advantages to the freedom of entrepreneurship,” writes Newman in the article. “However, there are also an equal number of pitfalls that this same freedom creates. One of them is that entrepreneurs have the ‘freedom’ to think they are doing things right, when in fact they are doing them wrong.”

In the article, Newman shares five common mistakes to avoid:

  1. The wrong success. If they aren’t careful, new investors can fall into the trap of believing certain material items will make them “successful.” To avoid this trap, think about and write down what success means in your perfect world. “Be conscious about what you are aiming at, and take consistent steps to reach it,” says Newman in the article.
  2. Improper communication. “It is comfortable to feel confident and assume that you are communicating properly — with employees, contractors and mentors — but the bottom line is that many of us don’t,” asserts Newman in the article. “What you intend to say, and the impact you intend to make, when communicating with staff, for example, may not be the right words or have the right impact at all.” Speak using facts, and leave out any emotion those facts may evoke to help avoid this mistake. You can also have your employees take personality tests ahead of time to know how they communicate.
  3. Bad “servant leadership.” The term, “servant leadership,” is a popular buzzword right now, explains Newman in the article. However, many business owners might not understand what that means or entails. “Servant leadership means not allowing others to walk all over you. It is not about creating an environment of dependency on you. Often, subservient leaders are ones that need others to need and rely on them,” reports Newman in the article. To help tackle this mishap, practice true servant leadership. Provide an environment of service and do what is best for your employees, which may include letting them go. To serve your employees well, set them up for success by properly training them and holding them to a high standard.
  4. The “customer is always right” mentality. This is a common misconception. If you follow this motto, then you could end up serving a select group of customers instead of the majority. “Operating your business as if every customer is ‘right’ can confuse your message and train your customers how to treat you and your staff,” states Newman in the article. Instead, take on the mindset of “The customer is always honored.” Treat them with respect, however, sometimes they can be wrong.
  5. Chasing money. A common pitfall is chasing money instead of freedom. When money is a little tight, business owners may feel money is synonymous with freedom. “Chasing money can lead to an unlived life, getting us to chase the wrong things,” explains Newman in the article. “Money should be a byproduct, not the focus.” Make choices toward freedom in the long term. You won’t have true freedom as an entrepreneur if you focus on short-term monetary gains. Freedom and finances will come with proper training and growth.

Read the entire article to learn more about these common mishaps here.

 

You May Also Like

Managing employee relationships

Essential insights to ensure a thriving business built on trust and professionalism.

Managing employee relationships

As a carwash owner or operator, you know the success of your business largely depends on your employees. They are the backbone of the operation and their skills, talents and dedication are crucial for achieving your goals.

But, how can employers ensure that their employees are motivated, engaged and productive? One of the most effective ways is by building strong relationships based on trust and respect.

Autobell fundraiser benefits American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The carwash company donated a portion of its sales of its Rain Repellent Special wash.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The carwash company donated a portion of its sales of its Rain Repellent Special wash.
ZIPS features Razorback gymnast Jensen Scalzo in Car Wash Convos

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Meet the University of Arkansas senior in this episode in the second season of the series.

ZIPS features Razorback gymnast Jensen Scalzo in Car Wash Convos
Big Dan’s Car Wash opens first location in Southwest Georgia

ALBANY, Ga. — The site boasts a 150-foot tunnel, self-prep stations and 30 vacuums.

Big Dan’s Car Wash logo
Quick Quack celebrates Victoria grand opening with 12 days of free washes

VICTORIA, Texas — The new wash is the second of at least three planned Victoria locations.

Other Posts

Mammoth Holdings opens Silverstar Car Wash in Coon Rapids

DALLAS — The opening marks the 26th Mammoth location under the Silverstar Car Wash brand.

25th Mammoth location under the Silverstar Car Wash brand.
MCA to host networking event

LANSING, Mich. — The event will feature Mark Fisk, a partner at Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications.

Mark Fisk, a partner at Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications
UNC’s Paulina Paris featured in ZIPS Car Wash Convos

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Paris joined the UNC women’s basketball team for the 2022-23 season after being ranked as the No. 27 player in the country.

Nothing but net in the latest episode of Car Wash Convos with Paulina Paris, UNC Women’s Basketball's star Guard, and her host Kaitlyn Schmidt.
Mammoth Holdings names Bethany Gillam chief people officer

DALLAS — Gillam will oversee talent recruitment and development, compensation and benefits, and all other aspects of human resources.

Mammoth Holdings names Bethany Gillam chief people officer