Thread by @RealNaijaGuy

HOW TO START, SETUP AND RUN A CLEANING SERVICES BUSINESS.

I promised this thread some time ago. Here it is.

Quick question: is this business model a profitable one?

Quick answer: Yes!

But as with all businesses, there are things that MUST be done to succeed.

Let's see them.

The first thing to do:

1. Research the Market.

This is ultimate. You can't and should never ignore it. In doing this, find out:

1a. Who are the people likely to pay for your service?

Where do they stay?

What is their income and lifestyle?

Where and how can you reach them?

1b. Who are your competitors? What are they doing?

Who are they serving?

How are they promoting their business?

What method do they apply in seeking new clients?

These questions will reveal a lot to you.

You MUST study the market to fish out your ideal clients!

2. Niche Down!

In other words, decide on a target market.

Who do you want to serve?

Residential buildings? Commercial buildings? Industrial buildings? Factories?

You can niche down further.

Instead of just rendering general cleaning services, you can specialize

in window cleaning, furniture cleaning, carpet cleaning, restrooms, floor tiles, wall tiles, curtains, gardens, flowers etc.

There are many options available.

TO SET UP THE BUSINESS

3. Register a business name.

It isn't difficult or expensive to do these days. A business name gives you some level of professionalism and can engender trust.

4. Get the necessary equipment.

The niche you choose will determine the equipment.

What you'll need to clean a residential building is different from what you'll need for an industrial space.

What you'll need for window cleaning will be different for cleaning toilets.

You get the point?

So get your equipment ready.

5. Start small

This is very important. Don't pump money into something you have not tested.

Start small and when you see huge signs of success, you can scale.

But start small.

Again,

Start Small!

6. Clarify your Unique selling Proposition!

What makes your brand different? What is the one satisfaction you will bring your clients?

You need to be clear about it and let it feature prominently in all your promotional materials or discussion.

Don't think too hard about it.

Just focus on what your client needs most. Then use that as your USP.

HOW TO SOURCE FOR CLIENTS

This is the lifeblood of your business. A fancy website, classy logo and all that don't mean shit unless you have a flurry of clients you serve.

Focus on client acquisition. Very important.

How to do that?

7. LEAVE YOUR COMFORT ZONE.

This may sound strange right?

This is not a business you do with laxity if you want to succeed.

You must leave your comfort zone and get active. Done, how then do you prospect?

7a. Send out cold mails.

Be brief, be direct and offer value. There are many templates to use.

7b. Carry out cold calls.

Dress impressively, step out with your business card, walk into your target organisation and ask to speak with the manager!

Yes, ask to speak with them.

Be bold, be confident, but be courteous and respectful.

You may get rejected, but don't let it get under your skin. You'll hut your pay day.

8. Run ads on social media.

Basically this is to put your business in the faces of people and have your brand somewhere in their heads.

HOW TO RUN THE BUSINESS.

Now you have everything set up. You have your first job. What to do?

9. Hire extra hands.

Don't go cleaning an office space by yourself. That'll be ridiculous.

Get workers and supervise them.

They could be hired on contract basis.

It is important to get honest and hardworking people. Don't get people who will go steal something and bring your brand to disrepute.

Train them on what your brand stands for and get then to represent that value.

You can print your logo on T-shirts and have them wear it, if you can afford it.

If you are on a tight budget, just keep it simple. A Top and a pair of jeans will do.

10. Stand out with your USP

What is that thing that your client may not expecting you to do?

Do it!

You specialize in cleaning restrooms? Buy rolls of toilet wipes and put it in the toilets

Yu clean floor tiles? Get a nice-smelling but MILD fragrance, put it in the cleaning water such that as you clean the while place comes alive.

Just go the extra mile.

11. Ask for referrals.

Yes, these business a lot on referrals. Do a good job and you'll probably get them.

However, still ask!

12. Agree on a retainer.

Focus on getting repeat jobs and not just a one-off deal.

With this, you are sure of a monthly income.

13. Promote your business.

As you get jobs and get clients, promote your business using channels that will reach your ideal clients.

YOU SHOULD NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

1. Focus on getting new clients.

2. MANAGE YOUR FUNDS WELL!!!

3. Be smart about payment negotiations

A part payment upfront is ideal.

Some clients are EVIL, sorry to say.

Be smart.

4. Again:

Focus on getting clients

MANAGE YOUR FUNDS WELL!!!

I hope this thread enlightened you.

Take action and see how it goes for the next three months.

2019 is still yours for the taking.