Be in business for yourself but not by yourself
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How to Bid Janitorial and Commercial Cleaning Jobs
Feb 24th
Everyone has an opinion.
Price Per Square Foot
Some say knowing how much to price a janitorial, office-cleaning bid at is as easy as multiplying the total cleanable square feet of a building by so many dollars or cents per square foot. Unfortunately, this formula is often tossed about without even mentioning if the figures are based on a month or a year; a piece of information those new to the cleaning business would not doubt find quite valuable to know.
For example, per square foot figures ranging from $0.08 – $0.14 per sq. ft. or $0.95 – $1.50 per sq. ft., are offered up with little or no explanation; assuming it’s common knowledge that the former generally refers to a monthly calculation; while the latter is meant for a yearly price estimate.
Educated Guess
Others suggest you should rely on your own experience, simply guesstimate how long it should take to clean, and then charge so much per hour. But, that advice can be equally misleading. And the cleaning contractor with little or no experience is at a real disadvantage. The number and kind of cleaning jobs janitorial companies face can vary greatly in size, frequency and difficulty, as well as, in the actual nature of the cleaning (i.e. professional office, industrial/manufacturing, retail, restaurant etc).
In time, many cleaning business owners come to realize the differences from one project to the next can be so significant; the idea of pricing jobs based on their best guess of cleaning times is simply not a reliable or effective bidding method. In fact, even if they could somehow, eventually, develop a way of personally guesstimating the price for cleaning jobs, they may still be leaving their cleaning business vulnerable.
On one hand, what if they ever plan on having someone else do the bidding for their cleaning business? How long would it take to thoroughly teach a new person everything it took them so many years to learn? Too long is right! And in the worst case, what if, god forbid, something unforeseen ever happens to the business owner… leaving those left behind to run the cleaning business, but with no systematic way to estimate how long a cleaning job should take or how much they should charge.
Plain and simple, for most cleaning businesses who want to grow, bidding and estimating jobs should not rest solely on one person’s shoulders. Instead, there needs to be a reliable and easy to use bidding system.
‘Standardized’ Production Rates
Finally, still others insist you should just use a "standard", generalized, overall, production rate to figure the hours needed to clean a building, and then again, simply charge so much per hour.
There are two primary kinds of production rates in the cleaning business.
One is production rates for individual cleaning tasks; which means how much sq. ft. one person can clean in one hour… performing only one task. There are also overall cleaning production rates which generally refer to how many sq. ft. of a building can be cleaned by one person in one hour performing an entire set of what some may refer to as "standard" cleaning duties.
This overall production rate approach would suggest you simply divide the total area to be cleaned by a given ‘overall’, ’standard’ production rate figure – take the resulting hours, and multiply by your hourly rate.
The only problem, of course, is that every building is unique, and the kind, level and frequency of cleaning tasks each prospective customer wants can differ greatly in type, frequency and degree of difficulty. This makes it difficult to rely on a so-called ’standard’ production rate designed to cover a whole set of so-called ’standard’ type cleaning tasks… with an acceptable level of confidence the time estimates will be reliable and the resulting price decision will be a profitable.
Workloading
So, if this one-size fits all approach falls short too – what does work? What is the best place to start?
Answer: Workloading.
That’s right, workloading each job so you have a calculated cleaning time unique to the building you’re bidding on is the place we recommend most cleaning companies should start when it comes to bidding.
And, what is workloading?
Well, it’s the process of figuring out a time estimate for how long a building should take to clean by basically "loading" the "work".
What "work"?
Well, of course, all the cleaning tasks needing to be performed.
In simplest terms, workloading is the process of entering specific information about a building such as individual measurements (i.e. room dimensions), floor types (i.e. carpet, tile) and fixture counts (sinks, toilets), and then matching them up with an appropriate series of schedules consisting of specific cleaning tasks and associated production rates to generate an average per visit cleaning time.
It really all comes down to calculating an estimated cleaning time for the building you’re bidding on. And when you have a calculated cleaning time, you can move forward confidently to pricing the job.
From there, cleaning business owners can multiply a monthly hours estimate times a properly ‘loaded’ hourly rate to determine a monthly price to charge.
When you start with calculating a cleaning time you’re way ahead of the guy who is simply guessing a price using an over-simplified method.
Janitorial bidding software programs are extremely useful and available to help you "workload" the janitorial jobs you’re bidding on.
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Janitorial Jobs – Become a Custodian
Feb 24th
Janitorial jobs have suffered much like any other industry jobs have due to the economic crisis across the country.
What Are They?
The definition for these types of jobs is rather broad, they are often confused with cleaning type jobs but according to the Department Of Labor, these types of jobs are more technical than cleaning jobs. The duties may include more maintenance type of duties than cleaning duties. Some general duties may include the following:
1) Boiler/Furnace Maintenance- a janitor may be required to maintenance a boiler or furnace.
2) Light Repair Duties- these duties may be defined simply as changing light bulbs, or may be as great as plumbing work.
3)Sidewalk Maintenance- clearing sidewalks and other walkways in common areas of debris, snow and ice.
4)Emptying Trash/Monitoring Incinerator-removing trash, calling rubbish removal company, monitoring an incinerator device in large apartment buildings.
Generally housekeepers or other cleaning type job descriptions are not expected to perform the additional duties that janitorial jobs would. Someone in this type of position may also be required to inspect building areas for repairs that is beyond their scope, but may be required to contact the right person to repair it.
Pay Rate
The pay rate for these types of positions will vary from state to state, but is usually above minimum wage and because of the additional duties that are assigned will be a couple of dollars more than a general housekeeper would expect to be paid.
In some states that are unionized the pay rate is set by the union. In other states that is not unionized the pay rate can be anything above minimum wage. Clearly it is up to the employer and the employee to come to terms on a pay rate.
Where Are They Most Likely to Be Employed
Most likely janitorial jobs are set in buildings that are commercially owned properties or in large apartment buildings. Schools, hospitals, government buildings, manufacturing plants all will probably have these types of positions.
Finding A Job
Finding a job of this nature in this economic climate may prove to be quite difficult because many companies have cut back on staff dramatically to try to save some money. Difficult but not impossible, scouring the local classified ads is a great place to start. Searching local government websites may also prove fruitful. Networking with people that you have a relationship also might result in a list of potential janitorial jobs.
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Demand For Janitorial Supplies is on the Rise
Dec 3rd
Janitorial supplies are the one thing every janitor needs to execute his daily duties as a janitor. Finding the right janitorial supplies can sometimes be difficult when searching for the right janitorial supply company. Not only finding the right place to do business with is important, but the cost of janitorial supplies is also important. Building a good relationship with a company you plan on working with is also a good idea, overtime after shopping with a supply company for so long they might began cutting you discounts on certain products. Every janitor need his tools so that he can get his job done, it could be a floor buffer, floor scrubber, mop bucket or even a wet floor sign. When searching for the right supplies you want to make sure you do your research and reviews on different companies. I suggest do a search on Google on “janitorial supply companies” or “janitorial company reviews” and start from there. If you’re looking for the best deals it might be a good idea to compare different products and prices from different companies in till you find the right one.
There are many ways of finding the right janitorial supply company for you or your business. You can always look in your local phone book or the internet. I always suggest if you find a company do some research on the company before just pulling out your credit card. You can Google the name of the company and see what kind of reviews they might have or any customer reviews that might have been posted on the internet. Janitorial supplies are very high in demand and a very profitable business, even with the economy at an all time low. You see everyone needs these janitorial products to up keep their business and to keep it clean. It doesn’t matter want kind of business you’re running you have to keep it clean and tidy. You might need your floors wax every two weeks or carpet cleaned and your walls dusted (you get my point). So you see you can’t run a company without your local janitor and your janitor is going to need his janitorial supplies.
Maintaining the clean appearance of a property is essential for the satisfaction of both the people working in the facility and those visiting it. Employees take pride in a nice work environment, and as a result, productivity often increases. Visitors and customers will be fast to leave an untidy facility, and they will most likely hesitate to return.
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Nov 30th
What could be better than having gleaming tables, sparkling glass surfaces and spotless floors? A first impression is said to make a lasting impression – therefore your home or office space should look and smell clean. Maintaining a clean and healthy working and living environment is a daily activity that requires effective products that will reduce the amount of time you spend cleaning up.
Janitorial supplies are essential to maintain hygienic conditions, whether in a workplace or home. With a wide range of products that can take care of dirt, stains and odors, they help keep your surroundings spic ‘n span.
The first step in doing this is to find a provider that offers an exhaustive range of janitorial supply. These products include dust pans, laundry items, sponges, mops, dusting wipes, squeegees, toilet brushes, pole spray bottles, extension handles, specialty cleaners, window washers, and cleaning accessories.
APPLICATION OF JANITORIAL SUPPLIES
They are used in a variety of applications, such as:
* Cleaning the floor
* Washing clothes
* Cleaning window panes
* Disinfecting
* Getting rid of odor
* Cleaning computer screens and other appliances
* Drying hands
These products ensure that your environment is clean and healthy. A good hygiene level can keep sickness at bay and increase overall productivity. Places like restaurants, corporate offices, pubs and beauty saloons need to be clean and hygienic in to provide a lasting impression to employees and customers. Janitorial supplies ensure just that.
IDENTIFYING THE RIGHT JANITORIAL SUPPLIES
With a plethora of janitorial supplies, it is critical to know your specific requirements. Make sure to:
* Determine the kind and amount of traffic that visits your office/living place.
* Identify the materials that need to be cleaned.
* Prepare a budget for janitorial supplies.
Once you have this in place, visit an online retailer. Start comparing products. Compare different brands on the basis of:
* Price
* Environmental friendliness
* Discounts
* Special offers/ attractions
* Shipping costs
Apart from identifying the best products, it is important to:
* Ensure that the products are used correctly and according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
* Educate employees and other individuals on the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
* Use products with little or no fragrance, as some people could be allergic to strong smells.
* Ensure that all of your cleaning products (floor cleaner, disinfectant, etc.) have the same smell so they do not "compete" with one another.
A forefront leader in this specific category is UnisourceDirect, which offers an extensive range of janitorial supplies with great prices and free shipping.
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When Starting a Janitorial Service – Weigh Your Options
Nov 30th
When considering a new startup in the Janitorial business, should you go it alone, work with a partner or hook up with a franchise?
All three ways have their pros and cons and you have to consider your own personality as well. Your thoughts and ideas on how a business should be run might greatly differ from even your closest friend and if so you would probably be better off working on your own. It will mean a lot more work and overseeing different areas but even extra stress and effort would be worth the extra income and freedom.
On the other hand, if you had a business partner, you would be relieved of a lot of duties that could take you away from offering premium service to your customers as well as growing the business and collecting the revenue in a proper fashion.
Many people us a franchise when they start a janitorial business and that in and of itself is almost like having a partner. The franchisees typically have to pay between ten and thirty five percent to the mother ship and are relieved of the responsibility of carrying the receivables and sales.
The franchise generates new business on a regular basis and pays you whether the client pays or not so there is some worthwhile tradeoff when you go that route. Of course, some of the business that the franchises’ salespeople generate may not be your cup of tea and that can have some adverse effects on your business situation.
So when you do venture out into the world of self-employment, take some time and weigh all your options.
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Nov 30th
Tired of getting down on the floor and scrubbing? For most folks running their own business, this is not exactly the part of the job they love best. Most folks also don’t like coming in an hour early or staying an hour late to sweep, dust and run that smelly blue stuff through the toilet a time or two.
That’s why we hire commercial janitorial services. Not only does it save you from doing the dirty work yourself, it also puts the work in the hands of professionals. After all, most of us aren’t born cleaners.
Make Those Floors Shine!
The biggest cleaning headache, whether it’s a small closet-sized office or a 15-story skyscraper, is floors. Floor maintenance is probably 50% of your cleaning trouble, and sweeping for 10 minutes just isn’t going to get it done.
A commercial janitorial service will handle all your floor maintenance needs, from sweeping and mopping to waxing and buffing. They have the latest gear and chemicals on the market, and they can do your carpet cleaning and pressure washing as well. Very few of us can afford to stock up on the gear you need to remove these tough stains and blemishes.
When The Windows Turn Brown…..
Window cleaning is another major janitorial duty most of us don’t want to take on by ourselves. If you’ve ever cleaned your own windows, you know how tough it is to get it just right and not leave a big smudge that says, "Nice try". These services can do your windows perfectly using the latest techniques and equipment.
It’s The Little Details That Really Matter
Windows and floors are the biggest and most noticeable problems, but there are lots of tiny details that most of us never bother with cleaning. One example is your vents. If you don’t clean your air conditioning and heating vents, you are inviting every toxin and contaminant into your work space for workers and customers to enjoy.
Dusting is another small problem. Most of us can run a duster over the desks and surfaces, but you really need somebody with the state-of-the-art dust removal equipment to get it all. There are also the high surfaces which are most prone to dust, and which you don’t want to climb on chairs to do yourself.
Odor removal is an especially tricky problem if you’re not an expert cleaner. Where is that smell coming from? I don’t know, but it stinks and your customers might prefer the nicer smelling place down the street. Odor removal is best left to a specialist.
There are many more tiny details that a commercial janitorial service can help you with like wall washing, upholstery cleaning and mold prevention. These little details are what make the difference between a clean office and an office that is sparkling each morning when you come into work.
Hiring a commercial janitorial service is a step in building your business. For every small business owner, there comes a day when they decide they’ve had enough of mopping and scrubbing, and they can shell out a few bucks to have somebody else do it. Find a commercial janitorial service in your area, and leave the dirty work to the pros.
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Janitorial Cleaning Service – Getting Started
Nov 30th
A janitorial cleaning service is one of the best businesses for a hardworking, blue collar person to start from scratch. Every business and every building needs to be cleaned once in a while – in some cases, many times each day. With the overhead involved with hiring employees to provide janitorial services, it is convenient for a company to outsource to a commercial janitorial service provider.
This is where you step in!
If you are reading this article, you are probably looking for advice on how to start a janitorial service. Hopefully the following information and advice will get you moving in the right direction.
Start Up Costs and Financing Sources:
$500 and up
It is possible to get started with almost no investment, but you will be in a much better position if you have a few hundred dollars of basic equipment available. Equipment for a full-scale commercial janitorial service may run many thousands of dollars.
Writing a sound business plan describing how to start a janitorial service in your area – including detailed market research and plans for future growth – may help you to secure some of your initial funding from venture capitalists or angel investors.
Pricing Guidelines for Service:
Base your time at $20 to $50 per hour (before taxes and expenses) and price your services according to the time you expect to spend on each task.
Itemize the exact services you intend to provide. Charging by the hour tends to make clients comfortable asking you to do more and more work for the same money. Be clear that you provide certain services for a certain price. By charging a flat fee, you will continually earn a better hourly rate as you improve and become more efficient.
Advertising and Marketing:
Get listed in the yellow pages under all of the main services you provide. This is more expensive than one general listing, but you can’t expect all of your potential clients to look under “Janitorial Services” when they are really looking for “Window Cleaners”.
Face-to-face selling can go either way. Some managers and store owners like the fortitude of this very direct way of marketing, but others find it very annoying – especially if they get a lot of people coming in and asking to wash the windows. Always obey “No Soliciting” signs.
Walk around town and identify businesses which look like they really need your help. Send a professional-looking brochure to the general manager.
Essential Equipment:
A janitorial cleaning service can start very small and build up as it grows more popular. It is sometimes possible to start out by using the equipment of the client companies, buying your own equipment with that revenue.
Get a unique uniform – and unique does not mean outrageous! A uniform looks much more professional than jeans, and it can provide a marketing service for you, as well. When people recognize your janitorial cleaning service working at the company down the street, it lends credibility to you when you approach them for a contract.
Much of the following equipment will become useful as your business expands:
Safety Equipment:
- dust mask
- safety goggles
- heat resistant gloves
- heat resistant apron
- slip resistant, steel toe shoes
- hard hat
General Supplies:
- dust mop, brooms, and dust pans
- vacuum cleaner
- window squeegee and buckets
- wet mop and bucket
- scrub brushes
- towels, lots of towels
- window cleaning solution
- degreaser solution
- carpet cleaning solution
- plunger
- drain “snake”
- basic tool set: hammer, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.
- tape measure
- utility knife and plenty of blades
- tool belt
- ladder
- 50-foot water hose
- pressure washer
- chainsaw
- weed whip
- a cargo van to carry it all
Income Potential:
$15,000 to $60,000 per year, going solo.
There is a limit to the amount you can earn working alone. As you become more successful at negotiating with clients, you can eventually start hiring other people to do the work. The ultimate earning potential is unlimited.
Target Market:
One of the nicest parts about janitorial services is that you don’t have to look for new customers week after week. After you secure a few accounts, you will have a fairly steady source of income that only changes infrequently.
Convenience stores, restaurants, grocery stores, strip malls, and office complexes are all great places to start looking.
Tips for Success:
- Always be professional and courteous. Everyone encounters stressful and undesirable working conditions once in a while. It will carry you a long way if you can remain respectful and calm when dealing with these situations. Don’t let your clients walk all over you, but don’t let them walk out on you!
- Janitorial services are very repetitive from day to day. Keep a mindset toward using your time more and more efficiently.
- Go the extra mile. Do what you can to go above and beyond your clients’ expectations. This translates to job security and a better reputation in the industry.
- You should get your janitorial cleaning service bonded and insured. If you are not bonded and insured, your prospects for business are very limited.
Training, Skills or Experience Needed:
The best training is to have worked as a janitor for some time so you know what you’re getting into. It is not easy work. Read a few books on how to start a janitorial service. No matter how much you already know, you are sure to find new information that will help you to be more successful.
Schooling is not usually necessary, but you can earn better money and find more contracts if you learn to maintain HVAC or other common equipment. There are independent classes available for this type of training.
Cleaning Business, How to start a cleaning business, how to start a janitorial business, janitorial business, janitorial business opportunities, Janitorial Cleaning Service, janitorial services, keywords, start a commercial cleaning company, Start a janitorial business, starting a cleaning businessSelling Without Cold Calling Part 4 – Working Your Network
Nov 9th
Selling Without Cold Calling Part 4 – Working Your Network
This is part four in our series of articles dealing with how to make sales without cold calling, and we’ve truly saved the best for last. If you really want to give your sales efforts a big boost, networking is the way to go. After all, what else could you do that has the potential to lead to multiple deals from a single sales presentation? At the same time, there are many ways to network that will not lead to great results. With that in mind, you need to make sure that your networking efforts are well-directed; otherwise, your time would be better spent in other pursuits.
The first thing you’ll want to give consideration to is the kind of group or groups you should be networking with. The rule of thumb here is to go where your customers are. If you sell advertising, for example, that means looking for organizations whose members would have a high likelihood of using the products you sell, for example restaurant associations and Chambers of Commerce. The higher the percentage of members who use your product, the less time you’ll have to spend sifting through those who don’t at networking events.
The second thing you’ll want to be thinking about is what kind of value you can provide to the organization. In other words, what do you bring to the table? If you only show up looking for what you can get, your chances of success are going to decrease significantly. On the other hand, looking for ways to provide value to the organization and its members will almost guarantee your success.
Let’s return to the example of the advertising salesperson that has joined the Chamber of Commerce as a networking opportunity. With the rapidly changing nature of the current economic situation, especially the downturn in the service and entertainment sectors, what kind of value could you provide to the Chamber’s members? While it may be impossible to offer lower prices, could you highlight techniques that would help the members to extend their advertising budgets? Recognizing that many small businesses are hurting the most, what recommendations could you make that would help them to maximize the impact of their advertising campaigns? How about introducing them to ideas that could help improve their retention rates? Bring this kind of information to the meetings, and the members will beat a path to your door!
Providing value also means participating in meetings and events to the extent your circumstances allow. This might mean manning the organization’s booth at the local county fair or serving meals at chapter meetings. I have a close friend in the petroleum industry who belongs to an old west style posse; he rides in all the local parades and takes sick kids out on camping trips, often sacrificing his evenings and weekends to do so. He does it primarily because he loves giving back to his community in this way, and this has led to his being approached on several occasions by other members when they needed a new petroleum supplier. The point is this: focus first on what you give and the benefits will come.
A final item to consider would be volunteering to give a speech. I realize this sends waves of panic through some of you, but I promise this is one of the best ways to get your message across at networking events. The reason is simple: the person at the front of the room is usually looked to as an expert on the subject they are presenting. Whether you truly are an expert or not really doesn’t matter; the fact that you are giving the speech is all the credential you need. If you’ve never done any public speaking, I would recommend joining a Toastmasters group or taking a speaking class at the local community college; the benefits will be well worth the effort you put forth.
When you feel ready to take this challenge on, remember a few guidelines. First, don’t make your speech an extended sales pitch. Use your "elevator pitch" or "30-second commercial" as an introduction, then make the topic something of general interest to the audience. Trust me, if the speech is done well members will be seeking you out for help with their lubricant-related problems. Second, be respectful of the time you’ve been allotted; don’t go overtime! Third, if you really want to be considered an expert, dress the part.
Done correctly, networking can be a great source of leads and, eventually, additional sales. Take the "value first" approach, and you’re sure to be a hit!
I hope you’ve enjoyed these articles and have been able to put at least some of the ideas into practice. If you have had some success in putting these principles to work, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to e-mail me at the address listed below, and until next time, happy sales to you!
By: Jerry Kennedy
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Jerry Kennedy is the owner of Inside Out Business Solutions, a sales and customer service training provider based in Northern California. With a lengthy background in petroleum sales, Jerry has been on the front lines and knows the challenges sales people face every day. You can learn more about Jerry and Inside Out Business Solutions by visiting www.inside-out-solutions.com and by reading his blog at www.dropdeadsales.com
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More Leads For Contractors Unveiled
Nov 9th
More Leads For Contractors Unveiled
Tired of listening to wailing entrepreneurs about how bad the economy is? Sick of old and balding economists harping how they have never seen a situation like this since the recession in the 1920’s? Are you one of the fearless few who have a gung ho attitude and never-say-die spirit? If you answered yes to the last question, then seize this opportunity to separate your business from the others who are wallowing in misery.
Take calculated risks and open your company to a lot of wonderful possibilities. Read on as we spill more leads for contractors to ease the business hardships that most entrepreneurs are going through nowadays.
Before anything else, you as a contractor must first know yourself. Learn the ins and outs of your trade. Consistently upgrade your knowledge and improve your skills. Maintain a positive outlook towards your work so that clients may be attracted to your happy disposition. Once you have settled all these issues, you may now proceed to the next step.
Define and market yourself. Having a distinct image will set you apart from other contenders in the industry. If you prefer to be a general contractor, then by all means position yourself as such. However, should you decide to specialize, do so. You can be a professional consultant in bathroom remodeling, kitchen reconstruction or attic renovation. Being a guru in electrical wiring design and implementation will also give more leads for contractors. Knowing what makes your clients tick will keep you on your toes and alert you for life-changing breaks.
Employ the reasonably priced services of account managers. They can be found in the real and virtual world. With the help of a telephone directory, you can get in touch with a manager whom you can meet up with face to face. Meanwhile, you can search the internet or the virtual world for trustworthy experts. Don’t forget to check out their history with previous clients to have a good idea how they work. No matter which alternative you pick, both options do the same type of work. They sort of make a match between your services as a licensed contractor and the requirements of the shrewd clients. Remember that they will charge you a fee, depending on the magnitude of the project. It is just a sound business investment that can tre 1000 mendously help your firm.
Seek help from satisfied customers. Their glowing testimonials will encourage a lot of people to buy products from your company and take advantage of your services. This can only happen if you have indeed impressed them. Reward these people with discounted rates in their next purchases or give them freebies to whet their appetite. Sooner than you can say profit, long queues will be forming outside your company’s door.
Remain an optimist and follow these guidelines to ensure your firm’s survival and profitability. Do not allow yourself to be dragged down by losers who always see the glass as half-empty. With this article explaining more leads for contractors, you are one step ahead now. Best of luck!
By: Thomas Johnsen
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Thomas Johnsen is the Author and Leading Expert on High quality contractor leads and the creator of the publication How to Find Contractor Leads. Visit the site now to find easy-to-understand step-by-step guides on locating contractor leads available online today.
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Networking Clubs And Their Relevance To Contract Cleaners
Oct 31st
Networking Clubs And Their Relevance To Contract Cleaners
If you are a new business just starting out into the world of contract cleaning then your immediate aim is to gather as many new customers as you can and constantly grow the business. The initial stages are hard and it is difficult to gain those first few customers. How gain you gain a foothold in this highly competitive market? Many of the marketing strategies you might employ have been explained in previous articles. One area that was not explored in these articles was networking.
As a new business you will probably receive a number of invitations to go along to various local networking organisations meetings. At these they will no doubt try and impress upon you the huge benefits to be gained by networking. You will also be told how much business was generated for its members over a period of time. All will seem very impressive and like myself you may very well be impressed enough to join the weekly breakfast or luncheon meetings. This could cost you anything up to 500 a year to be a member plus the cost of the meal or maybe as little as the cost of the meal. Some of the internet networking organisations charge a small monthly fee and then organise monthly local meetings.
When I started out into the field of commercial cleaning I was willing to try anything that might generate business so I joined a number of these organisations. So how successful was this as a means of expanding my business?
I did in fact persevere with some of these breakfast meetings for a whole year, having paid the yearly subscription it was in fact something of a necessity. However it does not take long to realise that the people who attend these meetings are not in fact your likely customers. Many of the individuals who attend networking meetings are just starting out in their business and are operating as sole traders working from home and not in any way, shape or form likely to be your potential customers. Others are well established but still operate as single entities such as business coaches and have no office as such. Others may be proprietors of shops just starting out and these are potential customers.
However you as a contract cleaning company are looking to clean offices and office complexes and these are inhabited by well established companies who do not by and large participate i 1000 n local networking groups. So you are not going to come in contact with the group who are going to provide the more lucrative cleaning contracts.
I can look back on my time with these networking groups as a learning experience and we probably just about recouped our membership fees. Other than that very little long term benefit was derived from the experience. Networking it would seem from my own experience is not a path I would necessarily recommend to the start up cleaning business. Use that time period to utilise other marketing techniques which are more useful to the cleaning business entrepreneur. If you do fancy the idea of networking then you must target a different audience. That is the established businesses, and to do that you will need to join such organisations as the Chamber of Commerce where your networking will not be so overt and often done in a more sociable and relaxed atmosphere.
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David Andrew Smith is the owner of www.wesparkle.co.uk a contract cleaning company which provides cleaning services throughout much of the UK
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