Even in slow economic times, you can be your own boss and make a great income with a residential cleaning business. To start a cleaning business you need two sets of skills: business skills and cleaning skills. While neither skill set is hard to learn, starting and growing your cleaning business is not simply a matter of common sense.
Before You Open Your Business
Licenses, permits, and other legal requirements. Required licenses and permits vary by location. If you have employees you have to comply with employment laws, including OSHA regulations. You need to know the local, state and federal requirements for your type of business.
Office Space. Should you work from home of rent an office? If you rent, you will want where to rent and to know how to best to negotiate your lease.
Insurance. What insurance coverage do you need? If you have employees, you may be required to have workers' compensation insurance in addition to liability and comprehensive coverage.
Business Plan. Banks require a business plan before they even consider lending money to a new business.
Accounting. Basic accounting skills are essential for managing your finances.
Cleaning Methods
Professional housecleaning is not the same as cleaning your own house. To make money with a cleaning business, you and your employees need to practice efficient and effective cleaning methods.
Attracting and Keeping Employees
Your employees are key to the success of your business. Start off right by careful hiring. It is well worth the time and effort it takes.
Five-step approach to hiring.
1. Telephone screening
2. Written application
3. Personal Interview
4. Employment and personal reference checks
5. Criminal history and driver's license checks
Employee Training
Before your employees start to work, train them in the cleaning methods and materials you want them to use. Observe them to make sure they are able to clean properly. Review their performance. Retrain periodically if methods or materials change or just to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Pricing Your Services
Your pricing must allow you to make a profit without charging too much. Your price has to cover payroll, other employee expenses, and operating expenses and leave enough for a reasonable profit.
Scheduling and Routing
Simple off-the-shelf software can help you set up efficient scheduling, which is critical for your bottom line.
Attracting and Keeping Clients
Skillful use of advertising and other media will bring clients to your door. A thoughtful marketing strategy directs your advertising and provides a huge competitive edge. To keep your clients happy so they request ongoing services, you not only have to do a good cleaning job, you also have to build relationships with them.
Success is Achievable
There is a lot to known in order to be successful in a residential house cleaning business. But anyone with the drive to succeed and basic organizational ability can learn the cleaning methods and business skills needed to operate profitably. A residential house cleaning business is an excellent way to be your own boss and earn a good living.
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About
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Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon
International. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2009 (Fri Jul 10 2009)
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