We are currently in the month that I refer to (In the Pool Cleaning Service Business) as "the Banks of July". It's that time when all is well, the cash is flowing, and you seem unstoppable. You are also making frequent deposits in the Bank, thus - "The Banks of July"

Something that you have to remember about this month is that it's over today. Today is the last month that you can sit back on your haunches and pluck money from your tree. The demand for clean pools is starting to take a back seat to "Back-to School".

Now is the time when Pool Business Owners will be separated from "Pool Boys". You need to get busy and start becoming a family to your clients. Sure, they've seen how good of a job that you have been doing on their pool and spa - but what extraordinary thing have you done for them lately? As far as their concerned you're nothing but an overgrown ape that vacuums their pool and sprinkles a little chlorine in for good measure!

I know many of you are shaking your head and thinking that your situation is different. You probably think that your clients know the hard work and dedication that you put into their swimming pools. Guess again!

I'll give you an example: Yesterday I went to get my oil changed in my truck. Nothing fancy - heck I could've probably done it myself. However, I like many of your pool customers enjoy not having to deal with it.

While I was sitting around waiting for the work to be finished I noticed that I had never been to this oil changing station before. In fact the more I thought about it the more I realized that the last few oil changes have been somewhere different every time.

It's not that these places weren't doing the job they advertised - It's the fact that they were not doing anything up and beyond the basics. How could've they kept me a as a loyal customer?

1. The one thing that they could've done is brag on themselves by making me feel that they are the best oil and lube station in town. Show me their knowledge by taking me out to the vehicle and walking me through potential problems that may arise.

2. Take down my information so that they can follow up with a phone call the next day. Nothing impresses me more then a company going out of their way to make sure that I'm happy with the job they performed.

3. Remind me when it's getting time for my vehicle to be serviced again. The main reason why I never go to the same shop is because they never remind me that they are the ones that serviced my vehicle last time and they would love to have my business again.

Just remember that people like to feel important. Just because you serviced somebody's pool this July doesn't mean that you gave them the attention they required to have you back next Summer!