I have been contacted by several individuals who either want to start a cleaning service or have one or two small accounts and want to grow.  Although there are many questions you will have to answer personally as to commitment, startup costs, insurance, equipment, staffing, office space, licenses, etc., there are a few key marketing questions you will need to ask as you get started.  

 

The assumption is that you know how clean an office professionally which is different from cleaning your own home.  The equipment, procedures and expectations are different.  If you do not know how to clean professionally consider getting a job (out of your market area) and work your way from being a front line cleaner to either a floor tech or possibly a supervisor.  With the high turnover in the industry, you should be able to acquire some real world experience rather quickly.  I would caution you NOT to attempt to take away any of your employer’s contracts since that is unethical, not professional and could lead to a law suit for damages.  

 

It is important you not only know what you are getting into as to work load, pathogen exposures, physical requirements, different schedules (from an 8 AM to 5 PM day job), but also have a grasp of the dynamics involved in operating a successful custodial business.  By acquiring that knowledge and experience through an employee or subcontractor relationship you can get an education that many people would gladly pay for in some cases.  

 

Again look for a win/win outcome with your temporary employer or boss contractor and respect their accounts and their business.  Well, we still have not gotten to the question.  Maybe we will in the next article.  

 

Your comments and questions are important. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean…

 

 

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678-314-2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.


posted on 10/6/2014