Posts tagged janitorial services

When Starting a Janitorial Service – Weigh Your Options

Nov 30th

Posted by admin in General

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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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Janitorial Cleaning Service – Getting Started

Nov 30th

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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.

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Janitorial Supplies

Nov 30th

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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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More Leads For Contractors Unveiled

Nov 9th

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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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Selling Without Cold Calling Part 4 – Working Your Network

Nov 9th

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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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Internet Marketing for Commercial Cleaning Business

Oct 27th

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You may have the best cleaning services on the state and your company may possess the best commercial cleaning equipment available today. However, one of the most important things to remember for your commercial cleaning business is that it takes more than service to make it through the cut-throat world of the service sector.

If you are looking for a way to promote your commercial cleaning business, one of the best and most accessible ways to go about this task is through the use of online marketing. Because the internet is one of the most accessible media available, more and more people are utilizing the web for their advertising needs. Here are several of the easy steps for you to be able to launch your own internet marketing campaign.

E-mail lists

When it comes to online marketing, emails are one of the most important things to have around. In cyberspace, the wise online marketer knows that the email contact is the most important piece of information on the web. This is because the email acts as the personal identification system in the web.

Email marketing, therefore, has become one of the most successful types of online marketing strategies to have around, since these contacts are essentially the company’s direct connection to the potential buyers. Because of this, one of the best ways to market your commercial cleaning business is through email marketing. There are several steps to successfully launching your email marketing campaign.

Lead generation

First step is to generate your janitorial service leads. The leads are the email contacts that you will use for you marketing strategy. One of the best ways to do this is through article posting in public online forums, where you can post well written material that will entice the reader to avail of your services. Add a link at the end of each article to allow them to contact you and for you to have a copy of their email address. Another way to generate leads is through lead selling companies which can be found on the internet. Be careful, however, of the types of leads that you get. The best email contacts are still those that are derived from consenting internet users who volunteer their email addresses along with other contact information such as the best places.

Article-writing

Once you have generated your janitorial lead, the next step is to create well crafted articles. This should be sent in sets, one to entice your potential customers, and another to provide the details of the service offered. But before you start your program, it is important that you have an auto-response system integrated into your email in order to provide swift response to the answers that potential clients will pose.

Updates

Once you have begun your email marketing strategy, always keep in mind that clients also need updates. For this, be prepared to occasional send additional articles offering new products, janitorial services, as well as activities that are launched by the company. With these easy steps, you can be assured that you will have an effective online marketing campaign to go with your excellent cleaning services.

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Hire a Good Janitorial Service

Oct 21st

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You’ve moved into your new office building, you have everything set up. The desks are in place, and you’ve even got the lights on. At this point you’ve probably taken note of one big problem. The problem is that your office is incredibly dirty and there is no one around to clean it! For a split second you might think that your employees can do it. For a bit longer, you might actually have them do it. Then you might discover that they don’t do a very good job. That can be a serious problem, because you can’t exactly yell at them for not doing a satisfactory job cleaning the bathroom when their primary job is something like accounting or software programming. You really don’t want to hear something like Well Bill from Human Resources did a horrible job cleaning the urinal this morning! It just doesn’t sound right, and the best thing you can possibly do in this situation is hire a janitorial service.

A janitorial service is a lot like a temp service in that they will send someone or multiple people to your business to take care of the cleaning and other menial tasks that you just can’t ask your employees to do. This is a quick solution, and probably the best if you can afford it, however when you go out looking for a janitorial service to take care of the tasks around your office, there are a few things that you need to look into, and some questions that you need to ask.

The first question that you should ask when hiring a janitorial service is whether or not the service you are looking at is reputable. Who have they worked with? What type of services do they offer? Do you know anyone that has done work for them, or used their services? These are all very good things to take under consideration when you are getting ready to hire a janitorial service. You should also check to make sure that they do thorough background checks on their own employees so that you don’t end up with any shady characters working at your office.

The next thing you need to look into is whether or not they actually have their own equipment. If they are just starting out, then it should be expected t hat they don’t have their own equipment because some of the more professional supplies can be extremely expensive. You can choose to hire a new company, which is a good way to help them get started, but you must also be prepared to provide them almost everything they need, save for a few mops which they should already have. To be on the safe side make sure you keep a utility closet full of mops, chemical cleaners, and a decent wash basin so that anyone you hire will have access to all they need.

Check to see if the service you’re looking to has a decent insurance program for its workers so that if they end up hurt, you won’t be sued for damages. This is also helpful because you won’t have to offer any type of insurance unless you actually hire them onto your staff. The decision to do that however is totally in your hands. You don’t actually have to hire them on, but if you like them, and your business is going to be around for a while, then it may be possible to hire the person on. If you do this however, it’s possible that you’ll have to pay a fee to the janitorial service, and there is the chance that the employee might not want to leave the employ of the janitorial service. Job security is very important these days.

If you need to find a janitorial service, all you need to do is have a look in your phone book, or do a Google search. One good search word is "officecleaningorangecounty", as it will bring up some good results for you. You can also talk to others who have hired janitorial services and ask them which ones are the best.

You obviously can’t just go out and hire the first service that you find. You need to find out all that you can about them so that you’re sure this is what you want. Check your budget, make sure that you can afford it, and most importantly talk to your other employees to make sure they want it as well. , , , , , , , ,