FREE BOOK OFFER EXTENDED! FEMME FATALE ONLINE

The Kindle mystery novel, “Femme Fatale Online,”whose unknown villain appears only as a sexy avatar, will continue to be offered free to SL participants through Wednesday, October 17.

To get your complimentary of the enovel by Eugene Rodgers, email a request to rodgersmystery@gmail.com (your SL anonymity is safe since you don’t have to disclose your avatar or RL names). Include the letters “SLE” in the email.

You will receive a PDF copy, the same as we send to professional reviewers. (Amazon doesn’t allow authors to give out free copies in the same form as books ordered from them). You can read the book on Kindles, tablets, computers, and phones.

The book captivates readers with its story of an avatar who blackmails the hero, Rick, into industrial espionage and threatens the lives of him and his family. Detailed information on the book and author can be found on the book’s Amazon page (go to Amazon.com, search for “Femme Fatale Online,” and click on the title when it comes up) and on the book’s Facebook page (facebook.com/rodgersmystery).

Enjoy the challenge of following the clues, identifying the red herrings, and trying to figure out the real person behind the terrifying “Joan” avatar. As an anonymous reviewer posted on Amazon, “Who is the Femme Fatale Online? Read the book to find out. You may never use the internet again!” Have fun reading a story that’s part thriller and a subplot that has elements of romances, where a suspect tries to seduce the hero. Anyone who has ever wondered about the real person behind an SL friend, or suspected they weren’t who they pretended to be, will find the novel particularly engaging.

“Femme Fatale Online” was featured on the cable TV program, “America Trends.” Eugene Rodgers was named Virginia Author of the Year for an earlier book. He researched the background for the novel in SL, where his avatar is “Adolphe Menjou.”

Get your free copy if you appreciate mysteries and don’t object to some racy parts and raw language. And please post a review—even a one-sentence review—on Amazon.

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GeekSpeak: What happens if we discover alien life? Join the discussion Saturday September 22nd at 12pm SLT

What if we discover life on other planets?  On Mars or in the Solar system or maybe light years away.  Maybe alien bacteria or maybe intelligent beings.  How will it affect our understanding of our own place in the universe?

Will we want to destroy them?  Or will we want to isolate ourselves from them so that they cannot destroy us?  Will we want to trade with them?  Make peace with them?

Will our religions change because we contact alien life?  Will they have religions that will change?  Or will they try to convert us?

Come and discuss the future of Earth.  Your humanity will be checked at the entrance.

Best wishes
Kathen

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ONE OF A KIND LUXURY HOUSE/CLUB TO BE AUCTIONED FOR MSABC in SL- Friday, Oct. 26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Across Second Life is pleased to present an ultimate luxury home for auction, with all of the proceeds going toward raising funds for breast cancer research.

“We are thrilled that a top designer has chosen to come alongside MSABC to help us make a difference with this unique opportunity,” says Leala Spire, Strides co-lead. “The quality of the build is exquisite. One lucky homeowner will have an ultimate luxury retreat that includes everything, even down to potholders in the kitchen.”

AXL Pro Design has donated their Technozen Acqua House Furnished Easy, priced at L$79,999, for the auction. Creator Slash Hansome has put everything you could possibly think of when it comes to luxe living in this house and club, and Spire encourages shoppers to explore the house, which will be on display starting on Oct 1.

With a footprint of 128 meters by 128 meters and 4,899 prim, the one-of-a-kind modernist home boasts 93 adult menus, which means there are thousands of possible adult animations.

This new Japanese-inspired house has 4 bedrooms, a bar and lounge, private cinema, jacuzzi room, sauna, gym, three lounges, a kitchen, dining room, office, billiard lounge, a garage, two living rooms, balconies, an elevator and a piano lounge -- all with adult animations. This house has it all, even down to a security camera system, dishes in the cupboard and fully stocked refrigerators and bars! And, for the bold of spirit, there are even two secret rooms waiting to be found.

The outside is completely landscaped and features an adult swimming pool, dock, gardens, patio, parking, a club and helipad. You can even take a walk along its cliff side and discover a natural trail and scenic overlook. For a sneak preview, check out the photo gallery of the house on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/gp/160579805@N03/vsX30s

You can tour this house starting Oct. 1 through Oct 26. on the Parade of Homes Tour.  Tour HUDs will be available at the Strides office, located on American Cancer Society Island starting Oct. 1: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/American%20Cancer%20Society/192/197/23

While touring the home, get your landmark and details on the Auction Party being held on Friday, Oct. 26 and all the info on how you can place your bid.

If you have any questions about the auction or MSABC please contact Leala Spire or Sandie Loxingly.

Each year, more than a million passionate women, men, and children participate in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation. The events unite communities by honoring those affected by the disease and raising money to reduce the burden of breast cancer.  Dollars raised through Making Strides Against Breast Cancer help the American Cancer Society fund innovative breast cancer research; provide education and guidance to help people reduce their risk; and offer comprehensive patient support to those who need it most so that no one facing breast cancer ever has to walk alone.

KEY STRIDES DATES

Parade of Homes: Starting Oct. 1, shoppers and homebuyers can pick up a Parade of Homes HUD at the Strides office and then discover some of the great home designers in Second Life, get your new home, and fight breast cancer – all at the same time. The parade of homes will conclude with the special live auction for the AXL Pro dream home.

Out Shop Breast Cancer: Starting Oct. 1, this event will take shoppers across the grid, exploring and shopping at stores in support of Strides. Store-owners will use American Cancer Society breast cancer vendor kiosks to feature special products in their stores. Shoppers will make their strides across Second Life by teleporting from store to store with the Out-Shop Cancer HUD, available at the Strides office.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk-A-Thon: Registration is now open for the Oct. 20 walk-a-thon, https://makingstridessecondlife.org/get-involved/strides-walk-2018/. Join fellow walkers on the track or sponsor a walker for the 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. SLT event.

MSABC Gala: The annual gala event will be 2 to 5 p.m. SLT on Oct. 27 and celebrate breast cancer patients, survivors and pay homage to loved ones that are no longer with us. This is a chance to meet new people,  reconnect with old friends, and share stories with others about your personal connection to breast cancer. This is a formal attire event with special live performances. Donations are encouraged throughout the event.

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FREE BOOK OFFER EXTENDED!

The Kindle mystery novel, “Femme Fatale Online,”whose unknown villain appears only as a sexy avatar, will continue to be offered free to SL participants through Wednesday, October 17.
To get your complimentary of the enovel by Eugene Rodgers, email a request to rodgersmystery@gmail.com (your SL anonymity is safe since you don’t have to disclose your avatar or RL names). Include the letters “SLE” in the email. You will receive a PDF copy, the same as we send to professional reviewers. (Amazon doesn’t allow authors to give out free copies in the same form as books ordered from them). You can read the book on Kindles, tablets, computers, and phones.
The book captivates readers with its story of an avatar who blackmails the hero, Rick, into industrial espionage and threatens the lives of him and his family. Detailed information on the book and author can be found on the book’s Amazon page (go to Amazon.com, search for “Femme Fatale Online,” and click on the title when it comes up) and on the book’s Facebook page (facebook.com/rodgersmystery)
Enjoy the challenge of following the clues, identifying the red herrings, and trying to figure out the real person behind the terrifying “Joan” avatar. As an anonymous reviewer posted on Amazon, “Who is the Femme Fatale Online? Read the book to find out. You may never use the internet again!” Have fun reading a story that’s part thriller and a subplot that has elements of romances, where a suspect tries to seduce the hero. Anyone who has ever wondered about the real person behind an SL friend, or suspected they weren’t who they pretended to be, will find the novel particularly engaging.
“Femme Fatale Online” was featured on the cable TV program, “America Trends.” Eugene Rodgers was named Virginia Author of the Year for an earlier book. He researched the background for the novel in SL, where his avatar is “Adolphe Menjou.”
Get your free copy if you appreciate mysteries and don’t object to some racy parts and raw language. And please post a review—even a one-sentence review—on Amazon.

Read More

Trying out an SL Pregnancy : One Woman’s Story” - “Seersha Heart

Seersha Heart: I’ve been a resident of SL for a few years now.  I have never investigated SL pregnancy or had any close friends who experienced one.  I know I have a couple friends with kids, yet I could not tell you if they started at pregnancy or began with children.  Pregnancy is big business in SL, there are a multitude of resources available.  It can be relatively inexpensive or costly.  Much like an SL wedding, you decide your investment.  This story is one woman’s experience from conception to birth using the Mama Allpa birth system. 
The mother to be is has never tried an SL pregnancy.  For this story I recruited Durn for many reasons.  She is a honeypot of a gal with a salacious appetite for carnal pleasures.  I gifted her with a Mama Allpa female system and marked off the calendar.  I made notes of conversations with Ms. Durn.  Her opinions are all her own.  Here is her story;

Durn: I can be a bit of a party girl.  I make no apologies for making the most of my social life here in SL.  I knew that Seersha was working on something with SL pregnancies.  Most of what she works on is pretty interesting.  I saw a chance to participate so I volunteered.  It's not as if I will get stretch marks right?
I began this story by putting on the Mama Allpa and wearing it as I experienced a ‘normal’ week.  I didn’t read up about it, just added the HUD and took off.  I decided to begin by visiting the Mama Allpa main store.  Wow what a hookup place!!  My IMs lit up before I rezzed all the way.  There are men there wanting all kinds of things.  And wearing black, showing off one's chest is a rather frequent occurrence.

Some are not my thing.  There was a man there who asked me if I ever thought of becoming a horse.  Apparently, he wanted to mate me in horse form.  He was quite polite about it when I told him that no I didn’t want to be a horse.  Another interesting character was a man RPing a priest.  I admit to spending a little time with him to see what his ‘rp’ was about.  I will tell you more about the priest later.  There was a man there who wanted me to let his friend get me pregnant while he watched.  I’ll call him Military man.  He wanted me to insult him and to demean him as his friend was impregnating me.  I would like to say Horse, Priest and Military were the most unusual men I met there yet that would be a lie.
I met a couple nice and sweet men too.  One man, Ken, IMed me that he wanted to find a “one man” woman and settled down with her.  He confessed that he did not seem to be meeting family-oriented women at the clubs he visited, and a friend suggested he try this location.  I hope Ken found someone nice to settle down with in SL.
For me, no judgement here, the most unusual was a half man half demon that is hung like a horse.  He doesn’t bother getting dressed.  Watson, yes, I thought it was a strange name for a man/demon too, made his avi.  Impressive and large, his sole purpose in SL was to spend his time recruiting slaves and other women who wanted to be “breeders”.  He offered to make me a “treasured” pet but I passed on the offer.  There are several men who visit this location who desire to make as many women pregnant as possible.  I never found out why.

One day, not long after I added the HUD, I noticed that I was pregnant.  Just like that, I clicked on the HUD and my status was pregnant.  The only candidates for baby daddy are men wearing the corresponding Mama Allpa male HUD.  The baby daddy?  This is where my story gets funnier.  There were three possible candidates, Priest, Military and an up and comer I will call Deadbeat.    I wasn’t quite sure which it was, you may be impregnated without having sex.  All you need to do is be close to the person and exchange HUD info.  Since I wanted to get pregnant fast I pretty much took any opportunity.  Sometimes proximately, sometimes the old fashioned fun way.  I did not keep track of who and when.  I thought the HUD will tell me who the daddy was.  I was wrong.  To determine baby daddy, the daddy must be within 10 meters of me while I am tested.
The first 10-meter test was for Military man.   I had my fingers crossed for him.  A bit kinky but very nice guy.  He was not “the guy”, the daddy.  I was sure it would be the Priest or the Deadbeat.  It just so happened that I spent time with them both on the day I believed to be the day of conception.  Deadbeat daddy showed up for the test.  As you probably figured out already, Deadbeat turned out to be my baby daddy.  The baby was a boy!  The Priest was disappointed.  An ironic turn of events, the Priest asked me if I would get an abortion, so he could make me pregnant.  At this point I was pretty done with hanging with the studs at main store.
Now that I was pregnant there were things to consider.  To me, the most important was my shape.  My landlady made a nursery for me in my skybox, so I was free to spend my time figuring out these details.  I decided to design my own shape using the measurements on existing shapes.  I also decided to update my shape at each four-week mark.  I learned I was pregnant at 10 weeks so that is where I began.
Now, after the fact, I started reading a bit about SL pregnancy.  I visited a couple clinics.  I wondered what the baby daddy did in this relationship.  Turns out my baby daddy didn’t even IM me once after.  Being industrious, I made #1 Deadbeat Dad signs with his picture and passed them to all my friends.  I had other men step forward offering to RP the daddy role.  I decided to just see what happened.  I sent the baby daddy a present.  A kiosk from marketplace of a book titled “Having a Baby in SL Guidebook”.  I found the best source of information to be mid-wives and doctors at the clinics.  Everyone I spoke to was super friendly.

Clock started, and life goes on in SL.  When I hit my 30th week, I was feeling a bit curious.  Happy with my shape design, I decided to visit the main store location again.  Who was standing there where I met him?  You guessed it; Baby daddy.  He didn’t even notice me there which worked well for me as I didn’t want to continue a relationship with him.  I planned to stay a few minutes.  I wanted to see how people would react to pregnant me.  I was chatted up quite a bit.  Mostly the same kinds of men as before.  Some getting their kink on and some wanting a relationship.
At this point, since I really wasn’t into family life in SL, I started getting bored.  My clothes didn’t fit well, and I was running out of ways to shock and to surprise people.  That had been my main source of fun during the “weeks” of pregnancy.  By shock, I mean showing up at an ex boyfriend’s DJ gig.  He got a kick out of it.  By surprise, I mean just being in SL and pregnant.  People act differently around you.  It was interesting to see how people behaved.  The strangest reaction was when I donned a formal gown with my big round belly and showed up at a popular club.  Suffice to say I have never seen any pregnant women there and I won’t say the club name.

Birth time rolled around quickly after that slow part in the middle.  I wanted a birth partner and Seersha said she would be it.  I picked out a clinic, a birth method and all the extras.  In the end I decided I did not want to simulate birth.  I’m a simple gal.  In the end I just changed my shape back to “normal”.  The baby is nestled in inventory.

Seersha Heart: Thank you for all your energy, Durn.  I feel like you aren’t telling the full story of the people you met at main store.  Care to elaborate?

Durn: Hmmm…I won’t tell details of the people who were nice folks just wanting to experience an SL pregnancy.  I met several of those.  I will say I was surprised at how many men stake out the main store location.

Seersha Heart: Would you do it again?  Get pregnant?

Durn: Anything is possible.  I am not planning it now, but I am like SL.  Things change a lot.

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Welcome to Second Life! A new resident’s tale- Pen Dragon Reporting.

Living in Second Life seems, well, like second nature to most of us. But, do you remember being new? Dealing with issues like how to wear clothes so you don’t get kicked out of everywhere you visit? How did I get a bench on my head and how do I get it off? The struggle is real! Beyond that, do you remember why you came to Second Life? Were you looking for roleplay? Wanted to be like a superhero and fly? Maybe it was because you heard about all the adult sims. Whatever your reason, we all had one and we all had our struggles as new residents. I took some time and traveled to some New Resident Welcome Centers and spoke with people who have just started their journey into their second life.

As I first forayed into the world of the new resident centers was at the London Social Sims. I tried speaking with several people who were only in their first or second day and found that most were away from their keyboard and too busy trying to figure things out to answer. Some were even rude when approached, but I didn’t let that deter me. Next I went to Firestorm social island. The people I met there were much more friendly and willing to speak with me.

I met LilyRose first. She is 19 and from Tennessee,  just ending her first full week in Second Life.

SLE: My first question is how did you learn about Second Life?

LillyRose: I stumbled on it by accident. I was looking for a free download to the Sims 4 and this was the first thing that popped up.

SLE: haha. This place is better than any video game in my opinion. Is there anything you are looking forward to experiencing in SL?

LilyRose: In real life I am wheelchair bound so there are alot of things that I can't do so I want to do them here. Although,  was told there is a replica of the R.M.S Titanic i want to see that!

SLE:  Yes, there is. It's a formal ballroom and quite beautiful.  When you first discovered Second Life by doing your search, did you have any expectations as to what it might be like?

LilyRose: I kinda thought it would be like sims or even imvu where you just talk with people and make an avi to dress up, but this world has been much more than I thought!

SLE: What has been your best experience during your first week here?

LilyRose: I was in the garden of dreams there is a swing there that’s in a tree. It's hard to get there but when you do the view is amazing!

SLE:  Have you found people to be friendly and helpful or have they been rude or made you leery?

LilyRose: Mostly the men are nice. I’ve found that the women like to pick apart how your avi looks. A Lot say its bad if your avi is not mesh. Mesh is expensive.

My next encounter was with KateLove. She has been here a little longer, working her way into her second month in Second Life.

SLE: How did you learn about SL?

KateLove: I saw it on youtube a lot of times and then I downloaded it.

SLE: What was it about Second Life that attracted you?

KateLove: The people. And to and learn more about this place and it looked very fun.

SLE: What interests you the most in SL?

KateLove:  Oh! That i can talk to people and learn more about the outside life.

Unfortunately she wouldn’t elaborate on what she meant by outside life.Instead of pressing into personal matters I decided to move along and find someone else who is new to Second Life. I teleported to New Resident Island at Lawst Paradise. It was here that I met Michelle who is a month old in SL.

SLE: How did you learn about Second Life?

Michelle: Heard about it from the ads on the net. I liked the open game play and customization of the character, so I joined.

SLE: What has your experience over the last month been like?

Michelle: I would good and have had fun which is the most important thing. But there have been some people who have been pushy, but most people have been very nice.

SLE: Great! Is there anything you haven't experienced yet that you are looking forward to?

Michelle: There some places with game play requirements that I would like to try.  At times being booted from a place because I am new can be quite annoying.

SLE: I'm sure! Tell me a little about you, what your interests are, where you are from and your personality.

Michelle:  I enjoy dancing and chatting with others.  My favorite places are real life recreations especially the Disney Park Sims.  I am from Pennsylvania and I am a creative type. In real life I am very reserved and shy, but sl is fun because I can experience things that I normally will never do.  I am a big Disney and a history nerd.

After speaking with some new residents I wondered what it was like for those people who donate their time to help the new residents figure out Second Life. I was fortunate enough to meet Isa. She has been in Second Life for over 11 years and spends her time helping out at New Resident Island.

SLE: In your experience, what is the biggest hurdle facing new residents?

Isa: I think most people have to learn a lot of things before they are able to "live" easily in SL and they want to learn it too quickly. I always tell them , you needed years to learn to walk, to eat, to dress in RL, so you need to learn it in SL to, it doesn't  take years, but you really should learn it.

SLE: Why do you help new residents?

Isa:  I think because I like to help people. I am in SL for 11 years now, so I know a lot about it.

SLE: Good point! So this is a passion for you?

Isa: laughs. no, no, it is an addiction! When I started, there was no help. After joining SL , I did not know how to teleport , so I left and only after reading an article I tried again. Now there are the Second Life help sims and then people like Treacle, she is the "boss" here , made this help sim.

SLE: What seems to be the most frequently asked question?

Isa: A lot of people also ask, what is the aim of the game. So the big question is: is it a game?

I always tell them that a game need a winner , you have to follow rules to win, to be better than the others then I tell them  "If you think that real life is a game, then Second life is a game to..... "

But for me SL is to do everything I don't dare to do in Real life.

Second Life can be scary as a new resident, but it seems that the ones that join today are having a better experience with more help available than ever before.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lawst%20Paradise/126/21/22 New Resident Island

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Firestorm%20Social%20Island/127/121/33 Firestorm New Resident Help area

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/London%20England%20UK/227/108/22 The London Sims, Social Area

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New Blog Devoted to Virtual Sex & Romance

A new blog features discussions and information about sex, romance, and related issues in virtual worlds: www.virtualsexromance.wordpress.com. (Note that there is no “and” or “&”). Sex and romance are among the most popular pursuits in SL.As in RL, they occasion many questions and discussions, which the new blog will cover. “I’ve had interesting talks in SL about virtual relationships,” said Eugene Rodgers, who created the blog. “For instance, does a person in a committed RL relationship cheat if they have virtual sex with someone else? And why is BDSM popular in SL? Contributions to my blog should prove enlightening.” Rodgers is the author of “Femme Fatale Online,” a mystery novel with an unidentified villain who acts through an avatar in a virtual world like SL. “She tries to seduce the married hero into a virtual sexual relationship,” Rodgers said. “He agonizes over whether to go along. I first planned a blog to address this and other issues raised in the ebook, but decided there was a greater need to focus entirely on sex and romance.”

Rodgers is restricting the blog to serious discussions and legitimate questions. “I’ll remove any salacious material or improper solicitations that may be posted,” he said.

Blog topics include:

Best places to make friends and go on dates

Questions and advice about virtual relationships

Is it acceptable for a committed person to pursue virtual sex or romance?

Meeting in RL  LGBT & BDSM

Best clothing-free sites

The Future—How will virtual reality affect online sex and romance?

Other Virtual Worlds

Be among the first to raise questions or initiate discussions at www.virtualsexromance.wordpress.com!

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GeekSpeak – how smart will your smartphone get?

One day you will discover that your smartphone is smarter than you are.  It will not only have more brainpower; its senses will be better than yours.  It will sense temperature, air quality, pollen count, radiation as well as your heartbeat, weight and stress level. And all smartphones will be talking to each other.

What other senses will phones have?  Do you see a time when they will contain Geiger counters?  Lie detectors? 

Will they always be external to us or will we start implanting phones into our brains?  Will the connections between these implanted phones slowly turn us into the Borg?  Would that be a bad thing?  Will some people choose to be Borg?

Come and talk to us in GeekSpeak.  But turn your phone off, it might learn too much.

IM Vulcan Viper if you have ideas for new subjects.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Danmu/143/127/51

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Tips on Starting Your Own Cleaning Business

A cleaning business may not seem like the most glamorous of business ventures but running your own cleaning business can be very rewarding, whether you’re running it in real or a virtual life. One of the best things about this type of venture is that it can be done without too much expense. Think of all those swanky homes you’ll be able to look around while you’re working, and you’re certain to meet some very interesting clients while you’re there. There are also a range of different cleaning services you can offer, which include maid services, carpet and upholstery cleaning, janitorial services and more. Below are some tips to make your cleaning business a success.

Decide on Your Clientele

Before you jump in and start offering cleaning services think about the clientele you want to attract. Cleaning homes will be an easier market to get into and require less in the way of startup cash. If you already have a job and want to see whether your cleaning business will take off before jacking it in, then start with a couple of clients. You’ll be able to schedule in the cleaning work around your full time job. Taking it slow also means you’ll get the chance to offer a quality service, possibly even one that’s bespoke for special clients.

Advertise Wherever Possible  

Before you start advertising your business think about the image you want for your brand. Design a logo and make sure it appears on all your advertising material. There are several different places you can advertise:

• Local papers
• On your vehicle
• Business cards
• Referral program
• Flyers

Cleaning Products

Make your service stand out by only using natural cleaning products. This will mean your clients benefit from a healthy cleaning service. As well as cleaning products, you’re also going to need cleaning supplies and equipment, such as gloves. You may need to source disposable gloves, medical gloves or nitrile gloves depending on the type of cleaning you are doing. Other equipment such as cleaning cloths and brushes and buckets should be sorted too. Be aware that some clients may request certain cleaning products for different appliances or surfaces in their home. You’ll need to figure these into the cost.

What Should You Charge?

This can be a difficult one to quantify. The important thing is not to sell yourself too low. If your rates are low, clients will think they’re getting a service that is less than average. Cleaning is not an easy job to do and you should charge what you consider your service is worth. At the end of the day, a customer will expect to pay more for a quality service.

Hopefully, you’ll eventually get to the point where you need to take on extra employees to cope with your workload. This is when you’ll be able to stop cleaning and start running your business. It will also allow you to look at expanding into other areas of cleaning, such as window cleaning, carpet cleaning, party cleanups, real estate cleaning and much more. A good way to expand your business is with referrals. Try to be as dependable as possible and provide your clients with a cleaning service second to none.

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