How did you start? - Cleaning Talk - Professional Cleaning and Restoration Forum

Silverdot · 09-01-2009, 02:54 AM

As I'm starting out with my new residential cleaning adventure I would like to learn from people who have been there and done that. What's your story. How did you start up? What/how did you do to advertise? What brought you success?

What advice would you give to someone just starting out based on your experiences?

Thanks

foreclosure-cleaning · 09-08-2009, 09:25 AM

Realtor by trade; saw an opportunity with all the foreclosures cropping up in the market. Advice? Be in it for the long haul. Don't expect success overnight... stick with it and watch your business grow. Surround yourself with other positive people in business. Network your butt off. Tell everyone you know about you and your new business. You never know where that next client will come from. "Know" you can do it. Against all naysayers, odds, hurdles, you have to KNOW “YOU” can do it... belief is more than half the battle.

Go for it and good luck! KICK BUTT OUT THERE!

Cassandra

Silverdot · 09-08-2009, 11:28 PM

Thanks for the encouragement. I wish everyone on this forum was as nice as you!

Cricket · 09-10-2009, 03:34 PM

I'm new to this site and even newer to the business (haven't cleaned my first roof or siding yet!). Unfortuantely, I'm scheduled to be one of the millions who have lost or will lose their job to corporate downsizing. And as a 48 year old publisher, my chances of getting another job as a publisher in rural northcentral Wisconsin are very slim. However, through my years as a publisher and business manager I've had to research and launch new businesses and initiatives for my company. With that experience I took it upon myself to research business opportunities over the last year or so after work or on weekends. Well, I have my mind and crude business plan set for a roof and siding cleaning company. Looks like low cost entry, there's a need for the service from coast-to-coast, and I won't have to travel all over the country to make a living (I hope). My biggest fear though is to create and place affordabe advertising that works and generates leads that will get me started, and to learn the proper and preferred way to clean roofs and siding.

I wish all of the luck in the world to others out there looking to start their own business because it can be daunting. However, as others have said in this thread, keep the faith and work hard. I will keep others informed of my progress and please, please feel free to contact me with ideas or helpful hints -- I need it!

RoofCleaningNashville · 09-12-2009, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverdot

Thanks for the encouragement. I wish everyone on this forum was as nice as you!

Don't pat yourself on the back yet. He probably missed the post where you told everyone that you only wanted a job not a business and that you had no intention of becoming a legitimate business.

wubb2005 · 09-15-2009, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoofCleaningNashville

Don't pat yourself on the back yet. He probably missed the post where you told everyone that you only wanted a job not a business and that you had no intention of becoming a legitimate business.

LOL Thank You!

foreclosure-cleaning · 04-08-2011, 11:55 AM

In starting your business, it's a good idea to keep up with the trends in your industry (this will help you strategically niche and target markets within markets as you grow your business). For example, the fast-growing foreclosure cleanup industry has a new niche around the bend: commercial foreclosure cleanup. (See How to Add Commercial Trash Out Services to Your REO Foreclosure Clean-up Business). Following the numbers (the trends) within your industry can lead you to contracts your competition will likely miss early on. (Remember, early bird gets the worm.)

Wishes of great success to you!

Cassandra

BusyBee · 04-11-2011, 09:52 AM

residential cleaning is not as fun as you think it would be ! people complain over little stuff, call in switch the hours, schedule they cant make up their mind its just so much more difficult then commercial clients good luck !

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SwissClean · 04-20-2011, 02:01 PM

Everybody can do cleaning nowadays . Next day we will all be able to create supermarkets chains , or put a man on the moon . I think everybody needs to think well about this , this is a place where professionals get work , amateurs don't . My oppinion , though there are some exceptions

DSCS · 04-20-2011, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SwissClean

Everybody can do cleaning nowadays . Next day we will all be able to create supermarkets chains , or put a man on the moon . I think everybody needs to think well about this , this is a place where professionals get work , amateurs don't . My oppinion , though there are some exceptions

We need to educate the consumer on the difference in a professional cleaner and a trunk slammer

sprintcar93 · 04-20-2011, 03:36 PM

ooppppsss Sorry Cassandra. I didn't know you was a realtor. lol But as you will see... I just call 'em like I see 'em. lol

Referring to another post I made.

As for residential vs commercial... I guess that is another thread I'll start.

I started with $0 and a 1974 Nova that barely made it to the 1st job. We took $35 of the first job and put an ad in the paper. That got calls coming in. I put in many, many hours building my business. I did everything possible to get the word out. Yes, it did work so if you're serious just keep pounding the pavement. If you're not serioius, it won't work. And by serious I mean this... atleast 6 hours a day 5 days a week you will get out and try to drum up business some way some how. Here is what I did... I figured I'd be working 40+ hours a week cleaning. So, I would put in 40+ hours marketing myself. And when I got a few jobs I kept right on doing the same thing. Then when I started cleaning 20 hours a week and marketing 40 hours a week I cut it down to 20 cleaning and 20 hours marketing. Then 30 hours cleaning and 10 hours marketing. Then when the schedule got full I hired someone and we started the whole thing over again until finally all I did was run my business.

DSCS · 04-20-2011, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverdot

As I'm starting out with my new residential cleaning adventure I would like to learn from people who have been there and done that. What's your story. How did you start up? What/how did you do to advertise? What brought you success?

What advice would you give to someone just starting out based on your experiences?

Thanks

educate yourself on the house cleaning business learn as much as you can. Dont forget to rite a business plan and what you want out of your business. And dream big dont let any one get you down you can do this.