I happen to agree - this is the time to thrive!
Take calculated steps towards building your own future and not having to rely on 'a boss' for your next paycheck. Whether you like the corporate rat race, the hustle-and-bustle of the big city, or a quite room/office in your own home, owning your own business will accommodate your personality quite well.
So if you like the sound of being your own boss, keep reading to find out what are the 5 critical factors that will give you a head-start in the right direction, and will make the difference between success and failure.
Before I keep going though, I want to mention that owning & running your own business will not be 'a walk in the park'. Some people like to make it sound super-easy, but the reality is that it's only easy if you can find a proven system that you can follow and rely on - like a personal coach. Only then can you expect great results and financial stability over the long term.
Choosing the right type of business to start, however, is *the most critical decision you will have to make* - before even making the first step. Choose a niche market, that also has the earning potential and allows for healthy competition without the need for too much starting capital. The Commercial Office Cleaning market is hailed as one of the most lucrative markets in America today. Add to that the fact that it has a built in continuity - and you have yourself a perfect scenario for earning a healthy pay check every month from the same customers.
So here are the top 5 things you'll need to consider if you are to succeed at starting and owning your own Commercial Cleaning business.
1. Keep your start-up capital to the bare essentials.
Unlike a retail businesses, a Commercial Cleaning Business would not require too much capital to start with. As a start you'll need the following: cleaning supplies, staff of less than three (whom you'll pay at the end of each month), a vehicle to get you to your appointments, and an internet/telephone connection to allow you to communicate with your clients and staff.
No need to rent an office space, as you can work from home (at least in the beginning - later on you can decide if you prefer to rent an office space separately). No need for a huge marketing budget (although a few dollars could come handy). And no need to keep an inventory - which usually takes a huge chunk of initial capital.
Keeping your initial outlay to the bare essentials, will make sure that you break-even (start making profit) in the shortest time possible - after that you start earning for yourself and your family.
2. Know and understand your market and your competition.
Knowing your competition in the area you're planning to work in will give you an edge, because you will know more about where your business fits in that landscape. It is critical that you position yourself right in the eyes of your potential clients, because then it will be obvious to them why they should pick your services as opposed to your competitor.
Sometimes it's as easy as pointing out the obvious - like stating "We only use chemical free cleaning materials that look after your office and your staff's health. "Knowing that no one else in your city offers this Eco service and stating it upfront - will make people flock to you.
Also, you should find out how much your competitors charge by asking around. Once you get an overall picture of the price structures of your competitors, you can then tailor your rates accordingly. Going lower is not usually the right answer - give your market what it wants. Maybe in your city there are a lot of very well off businesses that prefer to pay 'top dollar' to make sure they receive quality... You won't know unless you research your market and your competitive landscape very well.
3. Build up your client base through word-of-mouth.
Word-of-mouth is still the most effective form of advertising. Once you have built a good reputation, your clients will pour in. This is the key to your success. To establish a good rapport with your customers, give them updates regularly or offer special rates for regular patrons.
Make sure to ask for your referrals - happy clients will want to rave on about your good service. So don't be shy - contact them and let them know that if they refer to you another business that ends up becoming a paying client, you will give them a month's free services.
Don't be put off by the whole month's free thing - think of it like this: if a client stays with you for at least a year (but in reality it's a lot more) and you charge $1,000 (hypothetically) per month for you services - then you get $12,000 per client. So in actual fact you're paying $1,000 (a month's free services) to get $12,000 back... In business terms, this is a heck of a great deal!
4. Make sure you build your business to last.
How much you earn depends on how much effort you put into your business and how you set-up your payment structure. In the beginning you'll make sure you have water tight payment terms, and an offer that incentivize your clients to sign up for the long-term. You are not interested in a one month contract - you want your clients to stay with you for 6 months to a year - minimum. That way you ensure that money keeps coming in.
Later on when you've perfected the basics, clean up your processes and your systems and thing about branching out or offering franchise options to interested entrepreneurs - just like yourself.
The earning potential of having your own Commercial Cleaning Business are endless - you just need to know how, and what to do. But that shouldn't be a problem if you find a proven method that can guide you step-by-step through the whole process, effectively cutting out the possibilities of costly mistakes.
5. Own your business - don't let it own you.
One of the biggest (most attractive) advantages of this business is that it would not take too much of your time once you're up and running. In the beginning the business will require more of your time, but as you get your first few clients, and if you follow the system properly, you will start to notice that your daily intervention is needed less and less.
Beware however, not to get clingy - hahaha - it may sound funny now, but a common pitfall of new business owners is that they get so caught up in being business men and doing everything themselves, that they threaten to suffocate that business because they cannot grow without outsourcing, and delegating the necessary tasks.
Make sure you start to let go of the micro tasks in your business as you see the opportunity to grow. Hire more people, build your systems and processes and learn to manage your team from a distance - giving them the opportunity to do their job - according to your guidance of course.
At the end of the day - owning your own Commercial Cleaning Business will be the best thing you've ever done for yourself and your family. When you have a great system (road map) to follow, this business will not only give you the control you need over your own financial future, but it can be an awesome confidence boost too.
Most successful businesses are not so as a result of a 'stroke of luck'. With the list above you can make sure that things are not left to chance, and that the success of your own Commercial cleaning Business is solidly in your own hands. Find a proven system, do your research thoroughly, follow the system and expect to reap the results of your hard work. Remember - longevity in any type of business requires perseverance, determination, and flexibility.
Jeremy_Gray
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