The young Cuban entrepreneur Leidy (@leidy.aragon), who runs a cleaning business in the United States and has inspired many on social media with her story of overcoming challenges as a single mother, shared a valuable anecdote on TikTok. In her video, she starts by saying, "Avoid this mistake," and goes on to recount an embarrassing situation she experienced while working at a client's home.
"Never speak in your clients' homes," she advises. "The client never told me she spoke Spanish, and guess what happened? It turned out to be the most embarrassing moment of my life." Leidy explained that while she was cleaning with a colleague, the colleague made a derogatory comment about the cleanliness of the house, unaware that the owner understood Spanish perfectly.
"The lady didn't get upset, but she said, 'If I called you, it's because my house is dirty and messy, and I need it cleaned, that's why I'm paying you,'" Leidy continued, confessing how ashamed she felt about the incident. "I shared this so it wouldn't happen to you. Do not speak in clients' homes. Over time, you will learn to value your work, to learn professional ethics... these are things you will learn along the way," she emphasized in her story.
In the comments, many thanked her for the advice and shared similar experiences: "I lost my job because of the same reason, talking too much"; "Even if they don't understand Spanish, we shouldn't speak ill of those who give us the opportunity to work, the lady reacted very well"; "Of course, if they call us, the house will be dirty, but we learn from everything"; "Besides, there are cameras everywhere"; "Due to bad comments, clients have canceled services, if clients didn't make their homes dirty, we wouldn't have jobs," some commented.
Key Takeaways from Leidy's Cleaning Business Advice
Here are some essential questions and answers inspired by Leidy's experience that can help others avoid similar mistakes in their cleaning businesses.
Why is it important not to speak in clients' homes?
Speaking in clients' homes can lead to misunderstandings and unprofessional situations, especially if the clients understand the language being spoken. It's crucial to maintain professionalism and respect at all times.
What should you do if a colleague makes an inappropriate comment while working?
If a colleague makes an inappropriate comment, it's important to address it immediately and remind them of the importance of professionalism and respect in the workplace. Apologize to the client if necessary.
How can you improve your professional ethics in a cleaning business?
Improving professional ethics involves continuous learning and self-reflection. Attending workshops, seeking mentorship, and valuing client feedback can help enhance your ethical standards and professional behavior.