Starting a new business can be a very exciting venture. When considering multiple business plans, choosing one that monopolizes on a pre-existing skill is an effective place to start. For this reason, brainstorm activities already existing in your everyday life. Are you a skilled omelet chef? Do you give inspiring motivational speeches? Do you de-stress by running a vacuum?
If the last scenario rings true, perhaps consider starting a cleaning company. After all, everyone has to clean at some point. This common platform provides a base to build a business. Here are a few steps to take when starting a cleaning enterprise.
1. Check local competition. In some areas, a high demand makes it difficult to schedule a maid service or janitorial firm. Other locations have an abundance of cleaning service companies available. Offer your services where they’re needed. Choosing the right location can be the deciding factor in a new business’ success or failure.
2. Decide what to clean. Offices and houses have different cleaning needs. Decide on a specific industry. Homes will have counters that need to be cleaned, TVs to be dusted and knick-knacks to be organized. Offices will need more routine maintenance like refilling toilet paper holders and soap dispensers. Both will need sweeping, vacuuming and mopping.
3. Choose a company name. When selecting a unique company name, it’s common to include a descriptor for your specific services. Home cleaning services often refer to themselves as maids while commercial cleaners are custodial or janitorial. Choose this descriptor wisely so potential customers know what services you perform.
4. Obtain all of the needed licenses and insurance policies. Your city or county hall will be able to tell you which licenses are required. For insurance, you’ll need coverage against both injury and damages. Injury insurance should cover accidents that happen to you, your employees and your customers. Liability insurance will take care of damages incurred if you somehow damage your customer’s property or items.
5. Find the best cleaning chemicals. The products you need will vary depending on commercial or residential use. Test a few varieties until you’re satisfied with the quality. Buy in bulk to eliminate the possibility of running out of the most demanded supplies.
6. Use industrial-grade equipment. Invest in the pro grade version to handle the all day, every day use.
7. Advertise. Design a company website, purchase ad space in your local newspaper, distribute flyers and call prospective clients. Effective advertising can go a long way.
8. Start cleaning. Be polite to everyone you meet. Follow-up on all referrals and be sure to thank your customers for their business. You never know when a new customer’s space will turn into a bi-weekly appointment.
These are the basic steps you’ll should consider when starting a new cleaning business. Along the way, be cognizant of those necessary changes that will make a big impact on your business. Differentiate yourself from the competition and constantly make your processes more efficient. Over time, you may find that your business starts to thrive!
Originally posted on April 11, 2013 @ 3:58 pm