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Self Maid

Self Maid
Author: Jason Shipway
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© 2025 Self Maid
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At 24 years old, I’ve built a multi 7-figure residential and commercial cleaning company with 2 locations and over 50 employees. Join me as I share thoughts, experiences, tips, and strategies from the depths of my head. This is THE podcast you need to listen to if you own a cleaning business or if you’re looking to start one.
91 Episodes
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Your business has a pulse—and it’s your clients who keep it beating. In this episode of Self Maid, We dive into why surveying your clients and following up consistently is the lifeline of a successful cleaning business. Discover why it’s always cheaper to keep a client than to chase a new one, how to ask the right questions to uncover hidden issues, and the simple follow-up habits that turn one-time customers into long-term advocates. Packed with real-world examples, practical strategie...
In this episode of Self Maid, I dive into one of my favourite proverbs: “He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever.” We’ll talk about why so many of us are afraid to look silly, how embarrassment is really the price of growth, and why asking “stupid” questions is often the smartest move you can make. I’ll share stories from my own business journey where humbling myself and asking for help made all the difference, and how you can encourage the same ...
When I first hit $20k a month in my cleaning business, I thought I’d made it. A single gym contract worth $6,000 a month got me there — but then, without notice, they cancelled. Overnight, I had to let two staff go and my revenue dropped back down to $13k. That’s when I learned the hard way that relying on one big client can break your business. In this episode, I share why you should never let a single client carry too much weight, how to celebrate the wins without depending on them, and wha...
I used to think I couldn’t take time off until my business was “ready.” The problem is, it’s never really ready — unless you give yourself a reason to make it happen. In this episode, I talk about why booking a holiday in advance can actually be one of the best business decisions you’ll ever make. When there’s a fixed date on the calendar, Parkinson’s Law kicks in — work expands to fill the time you give it. Suddenly, you’re forced to systemise, delegate, and get the important things done fas...
In this episode, I talk about the simple principle of delegation; how stepping back and letting others take on the work is the real key to growth. Instead of trying to do everything yourself, you create more freedom, more impact, and ultimately a stronger business by empowering others. Follow Jason Shipway on social media to stay up to date. Instagram link @jasoncleans (click me) TikTok link @jason.cleans (click me)
In this episode, I dive into one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in running a cleaning business: success doesn’t come from doing more, it comes from doing less, better. I’ll talk about simplifying your services, streamlining the booking process, and making your customer journey easy and stress-free. I’ll also share how cutting down the noise in your systems not only improves quality but actually makes it easier to scale. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by trying to do too much in your bus...
Feeling like your days run you instead of the other way around? In this episode of Self Maid, I break down how cleaning business owners can use time blocking to take control of their schedules, boost productivity, and create more space for growth. You’ll learn how to structure your week for maximum impact, protect your most important tasks from distractions, and still leave room for life outside of work. Plus, I share real-world tips, practical examples, and simple exercises you can start usi...
In this episode of Self Maid, I share my raw, unfiltered experience of setting up an offshore virtual call centre, something I know absolutely nothing about. It takes me right back to my early days in business, when every problem felt bigger than me and every decision was a step into the unknown. Six years in, running a multi-location cleaning business, you’d think I’d have it all figured out. But the truth is, there are still challenges that make me feel completely out of my depth. I talk ab...
Right now it feels chaotic, uncertain, and maybe even overwhelming, but one day, you’ll look back on this moment as the “good old days.” In this episode, I break down the highlight bias; why the past always feels better than it really was, and how to shift your mindset when today feels like a mess. If you’re in the thick of growing your business, this is your reminder: you’re not off track, you’re just in the part of the story you’ll one day be proud of. Follow Jason Shipway on so...
In this episode of Self Maid, we're talking about why being your own biggest fan isn’t just mindset fluff, it’s a real growth strategy. If you're not hyped about your business, why would anyone else be? I’ll break down how to confidently talk about what you do, create momentum through energy and storytelling, and build a brand people want to be part of. Whether you're running a cleaning business, selling a service, or just starting out, this is your reminder to stop playing small. You d...
In this episode, we unpack how to choose the right business coach, not just the one shouting the loudest online. I’ll walk you through the importance of value alignment, personal connection, and setting clear goals before you invest in any mentorship. Because here’s the truth: if you don’t know what you want, you’ll end up attracted to whoever’s best at selling it. We’ll talk about why coaches can’t give you answers to questions you haven’t asked yourself yet, and how finding the right fit ca...
I recently hopped on a plane from Perth all the way to Brisbane for an intensive four-day certification course in Applied Microbial Remediation through the IICRC. Guided by the S500 and S520 professional standards, I dove deep into the science of mould, water damage, and microbial growth, learning how to properly remediate issues most homeowners don’t even realise exist. In this episode, I break down what I learned, debunk common mould myths, and share practical tips you can apply right...
In this episode, I dive into one of the biggest silent killers of cleaning businesses: cash flow problems. You’re paying your team every week, but your clients are taking 60 to 90 days to pay you. That gap? It can crush your growth if you don’t have a plan. I break down the real numbers behind this cash flow squeeze and share three powerful ways to fix it — including how to use overdrafts, invoice financing, and even my credit card to bridge the gap and keep payroll running smoothly. If you'v...
In this episode of Self Maid, I dive into one of the most underrated but insanely effective ways to grow your residential cleaning business: door knocking. Yep; just you, some flyers, and the courage to show up. I break down why this strategy works so well in male-dominated niches like pressure washing and window cleaning, and why most residential cleaners are leaving money on the table by ignoring it. We’ll explore some of the mindset blocks that stop people (especially women) from giving it...
In this episode, I break down how to turn your clients into loyal, selfless salespeople, without begging for referrals or bribing them with lame discounts. We’re talking about building a referral system based on reciprocity—where both the referrer and the referred person benefit. It’s simple, smart, and it works because it taps into how people actually behave. I also share one of my favourite stories; how George Clooney gave $1 million to his 14 best mates, with one condition that created the...
The last few weeks have been tough. We've lost key team members, taken a hit to our revenue, and had to face some hard truths about the business. In this episode, I’m opening up about what’s been happening behind the scenes; what went wrong, how we're responding, and what I’ve learned through it all. If you’re going through a rough patch in your business, this one’s for you. It’s not all wins and highlight reels, this is the real stuff. Follow Jason Shipway on social media to stay...
In this special episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing my full story, from humble beginnings to building one of WA’s most recognised cleaning businesses. You’ll hear the raw, unfiltered truth about the early struggles, the breakthroughs, the turning points, and the lessons that shaped both me and the business. Follow Jason Shipway on social media to stay up to date. Instagram link @jasoncleans (click me) TikTok link @jason.cleans (click me)
75 episodes in - what a milestone! Thanks for riding with me. In this solo episode, we’re diving into one of the most underrated business growth strategies: simplification. Inspired by a Valentine’s Day gift stall I saw that sold pre-packaged, handwritten-card-ready gifts (genius, right?), we explore how making things easier for your clients can make your business explode. From streamlining booking and payment, to packaging your services in a way that sells itself, this episode shows you how ...
In this episode of Self Maid, we answer four critical listener questions that highlight the most common, and most pivotal challenges cleaning business owners face when scaling. From raising prices and adding GST without losing clients, to hiring staff before demand is fully there, and stepping back from cleaning when clients only want you. Whether you're a solo operator preparing to grow or already managing a team, this episode breaks down practical strategies for each stage of your business ...
Should you trust your gut or follow the numbers? In this episode of Self Maid, Jason shares how to balance real-world feedback with hard data to make better decisions in your cleaning business. Learn how to avoid blind spots, spot hidden opportunities, and lead with both insight and evidence. Follow Jason Shipway on social media to stay up to date. Instagram link @jasoncleans (click me) TikTok link @jason.cleans (click me)