Straight Talk – an ISSA Podcast - podcast cover

Straight Talk – an ISSA Podcast

Straight Talk, an ISSA podcast, presents a curated playlist of the hottest topics facing the cleaning industry today—from health and safety to infection prevention to innovative products to business development and much more. ISSA, the worldwide cleaning association, brings together the top experts and decision makers give our listeners and members the most up-to-date information for their businesses.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Ban These 3 Things on EVERY Job!

Steve Toburen is the founder of Home Front Success and is known for presenting a seminar entitled Hiring the Very Best! In this episode of Straight Talk!, he shares what he calls "negative moments of truth" when technicians engage with customers.

Sep 05, 202311 min

The Marketing and Sales Integration Strategy Demystified

As you engage in growing your company, what is your marketing and sales integration strategy? This is an important question because, at times, the marketing and sales teams run independently, supporting each other, of course, but perhaps losing out on opportunities. Ed Marsh is a growth and strategy consultant and the founder and principal of Consilium Global Business Advisors. In this episode of Straight Talk!, he outlines several concepts and strategies that will enhance any marketing/sales in...

Aug 31, 20237 min

The Reciprocity Effect: Celebrating Support Staff at Harvard Law School

Rehan Staton is a recent graduate of Harvard Law School. Not too many years ago, he was hanging on the side of a sanitation truck, unsure what to do with his life. While getting into Harvard changed him, in many ways, it did not. Here is his story. Learn more about Rehan's non-profit organization: https://www.thereciprocityeffect.org...

Aug 30, 202312 min

Elevate Your Strategy: 5 Game-Changing Sales & Marketing Automation Campaigns to Spark Success

If you are involved in sales of any type, for any segment of the industry, you can’t ignore the impact that sales and marketing automation campaigns can do for you. These powerful catalysts can earn you the results you need for your cleaning or restoration company. Dean Mercado , the CEO of Online Marketing Muscle , shares his favorite strategies in this episode of Straight Talk!

Aug 30, 202315 min

ISSA Industry Alert: New Cutting-Edge Cybersecurity Program for Members

We live in a world of hacking, cybercrime, and digital attacks. It affects us personally and professionally, and some of the main targets of cybercriminals are companies and organizations like yours, which have a huge payoff if the effort is successful. That payoff for criminals means you will suffer, and even be shut down for a time, or even forever. ISSA now offers a security protection program for its valued members. This program is in partnership with Cyber Controls, powered by Elpha Secure....

Aug 14, 202317 min

Hard Floor Maintenance Tips for Educational Facilities

Becky Kaufold is the manager of government affairs and sustainability at Spartan Chemical Company, and the chair of the Floor Care Products Division with the Household & Commercial Products Association, or HCPA. In this episode of Straight Talk!, she shares strategies for educational facilities to consider as they tackle challenging hard floor care issues. Learn about the first article and video on the topic of creating shiny floors effectively and safely shared by the HCPA here ....

Aug 02, 20235 min

3 Proven Strategies to Maximize Your Lead Generation Program

Lead generation is crucial to company growth as it fuels the sales pipeline with potential customers who have expressed interest in the products or services offered. By capturing and following up on leads, businesses can build a steady stream of qualified prospects, ultimately driving revenue. That all sounds easy, but we know describing it is not doing it. Dean Mercado , the CEO of Online Marketing Muscle , discusses getting leads that turn into revenue....

Jul 31, 202317 min

Optimize Your Sales Force With Tools That Measure

In this episode of Straight Talk!, learn about the tools you need to measure the results of your sales force. With proper tools, such as a CRM system, among others, you know exactly how your team is performing and what you can do to empower them to improve. Today's guest is Ed Marsh , a growth and strategy consultant and the founder & principal of Consilium Global Business Advisors....

Jul 27, 20238 min

Blood on a Plane: The Hazards and Risks for Travelers

Dr. Gavin Macgregor-Skinner is the senior director of GBAC, a division of ISSA, and in his travels, he has seen and experienced situations that should just not happen, such as blood on a plane. In this ISSA/GBAC Alert, he digs into a global issue with contamination situations on airplanes and what the industry needs to do about it right now. For any cleaning or disinfecting questions or concerns, use this form .

Jul 13, 202311 min

From Theory to Tangible Results: DEI in Action

Diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI, are three words that most embrace as an important concept, but many aren’t sure how to truly implement and onboard an effective DEI strategy. Marcela Sztainberg is the head of human resources at Essendant, and Amie Kromis is the DEI director at Essity North America. Together, they team up on this episode of Straight Talk! to describe what they do with their own organizations regarding DEI programs and initiatives. Both embrace the ISSA Hygieia Network to...

Jul 12, 202334 min

Networking Made Easy: Unlocking Success With a Simple Three-Phase System

From building relationships to landing new business, networking can be a valuable marketing tool for those attending events. In this episode of Straight Talk!, Dean Mercado , the CEO of Online Marketing Muscle , shares a three-phase system that if implemented will work for anyone looking to maximize networking opportunities.

Jul 01, 202315 min

Breaking Down ESG for the Industry

There are many reasons why ESG can be confusing to individuals and company leadership, but when you break it down, it's easy to see the importance of knowing the components and embracing them. Randy Burke is the CEO and founder of DCS Global, and in this episode of Straight Talk! he discusses what the acronyms really mean when you analyze how to run a company or organization. He also lists the pitfalls some may encounter when trying to comply.

Jun 30, 20238 min

The Capitalism of Sustainability

Steve Ashkin is the founder of The Ashkin Group, and has created a new paradigm for the industry to consider. In this episode of Straight Talk!, he presents his thoughts and invites others to consider joining the ISSA Sustainability Council. All that information is here .

Jun 22, 202311 min

Mechanical Marvels: The Autonomous Revolution by Kärcher

Technology is evolving. Innovation is rampant and can’t be ignored. And at the top of the food chain with innovation is autonomous floor cleaning equipment. Increasing productivity without sacrificing quality is the goal of all working in the cleaning industry, and it is now possible with the products produced by Kärcher . Gary Ashurst is the Executive Vice President of the Institutional and Aftersales Business Unit at Kärcher North America Inc. In this episode of Straight Talk!, he discusses wh...

Jun 13, 202311 min

Bring the Operations Mindset to the Revenue Side

Ed Marsh is a growth and strategy consultant and the founder & principal of Consilium Global Business Advisors. He believes the operational mindset can do more than drive workplace productivity and quality. In this episode of Straight Talk!, he digs into the concept of using the same type of system to drive revenue for companies.

Jun 13, 20237 min

The Science of Cleaners and Degreasers Simplified

Jason Welch is a microbiologist with Spartan Chemical Company , and has been involved in formulating approximately 100 products during his tenure. In this episode of Straight Talk!, he describes how cleaners and degreasers work, the pH component of cleaning, the science behind the chemistry, and much more. All of this so that you, as a cleaning industry professional, have the information you need to make educated decisions on products for your company or facility....

Jun 12, 202318 min

3 Ways to Embrace AI for a Competitive Advantage in the Cleaning Industry

Does the rapid growth of artificial intelligence alarm you? Or perhaps it intrigues you? Either way, AI is here to stay and the use of this type of technology might benefit your company. In this episode of Straight Talk!, Dean Mercado , the CEO of Online Marketing Muscle , shares three specific strategies you need to know to stay ahead of the competition.

May 30, 202313 min

How to Handle Chronic Whiners and Complainers on the Sales Team

Dave Kahle is a leading sales consultant who works with sales teams to help them succeed. In this episode of Straight Talk!, he explains how to handle chronic whiners and complainers and strategies to address the issue before it becomes a larger concern. Get your copy of " How to Kreate Kahle’s Kalculation of Sales Productivity ".

May 25, 20236 min

The ISSA Hygieia Network: Empowering Women and Creating Legacies

In this episode of Straight Talk!, Dr. Felicia Townsend, the program director of the ISSA Hygieia Network , discusses what the organization is doing now and what it plans for the future. The various programs, events, and opportunities offered by the Hygieia Network continue to grow and help those connected to it.

May 19, 202326 min

Are You Prepared When Traveling Overseas?

Johnathan Tal is the CEO of TAL Global, an international security consulting and risk management firm. In this episode of Straight Talk!, he shares strategies to stay as safe as possible when traveling overseas and some unique situations that travelers may not think about when away from home. This video complements the articles on the following ISSA media sites on CMM & Cleanfax ....

May 17, 202310 min

How Saying 'Um' Derailed a Promising Career

Jim Ryerson is the founder of Sales Octane and is a well-known public speaker and sales trainer. His passion is helping others with their professional growth and development. Yet there was a time in his own career when a single negative review of one of his presentations derailed his plan to pursue public speaking. This is his story.

May 12, 202325 min

How to Maximize Your Google Maps Listing for Cleaning and Restoration

Do you have a Google Maps listing? And do you actually show up in your marketplace? If you have any type of Google Maps challenges with your company, this episode of Straight Talk! is for you. John Clendenning is the founder and CEO of Carpet Cleaner Marketing Masters and in this episode, he lays out the strategies you need to maximize your Google Maps listing.

May 08, 202313 min

Demystifying 5 Concrete Floor Care Misconceptions

Greg Cabot is the sales and marketing manager with Ameripolish , and is an expert when it comes to cleaning and maintaining any type of concrete flooring material. In this episode of Straight Talk, he provides the technical details anyone involved with concrete cleaning and maintenance needs to do their work, from processes to products. Plus, learn more about the SmartFloor system .

May 04, 202311 min

PDI's Unique Solutions for Comprehensive Cleaning Systems

Julie Dumais-Nakos is the Director of National Accounts – JanSan/EVS, at PDI . In this episode of Straight Talk!, she shares important information about cleaning and disinfecting products, processes, and more that the industry needs to enhance their cleaning systems in facilities. From better cleaning and disinfecting strategies to products proven to protect staff and occupants, she focuses on real solutions that work.

May 03, 20239 min

ARCSI Announces Rebranding Move

In this episode of Straight Talk!, learn how the Association of Residential Cleaning Specialists International (ARCSI) is undergoing a rebranding as it enjoys its 20th anniversary in 2023.

May 02, 20237 min

5 Tips to Building a Strong Online Brand

Dean Mercado is the CEO of Online Marketing Muscle and knows the value and importance of building a strong company brand. In this episode of Straight Talk!, Mercado provides five key strategies every company needs to analyze and implement in order to compete and succeed in business.

May 01, 202313 min
Hosted on Buzzsprout
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android