You realized your first goal: owning your own business. Now elevate its scope and reach with some helpful tips.
Starting, and then growing your cleaning business, takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Of course, it also takes customers. Building your reputation and finding your place in the market are both important aspects, and realizing customer service remains the best path forward for commercial cleaning franchises is also vital.
But some leg work, research, and innovation can help franchise owners develop their client base and further put them on the path toward growth.
There are many ways to begin growing your cleaning business, but it should be noted that premium customer service remains task No. 1. A survey from Cleaning & Maintenance Management estimated that most janitorial companies expected 89 percent of their new business to come from replacing other cleaning services. There’s nothing wrong with acquiring new accounts by taking over the work other companies were doing, but there are better ways to grow — and remember competitors will be looking to do the same.
Excellent customer service not only strengthens your current customer relationships, it offers proof to others when you look to expand your customer base. An American Express survey found that 70 percent of consumers said they’ve spent more money to do business with a company that delivers great service. Adhering to tried and true principles of customer service — issuing accurate bids, showing up on time, keeping your equipment in working order, and maintaining your needed supplies — will make a real impact.
But what do you do when you’ve got a great handle on customer service? Here are five ideas for growing your cleaning business.
1. Improve your Networking Skills
Networking is the heart of any business. Making connections can be a critical step in growing your cleaning business, but finding the right spots and opportunities can be a challenge.
- Try attending a trade show, to meet both clients and other business owners. Consider exhibiting your products and services.
- Join a community association. Many communities have associations specifically for business owners. Joining such a group opens up new possibilities and helps you keep in tune with what’s going on.
- Be involved. Volunteering or contributing to community events offer great business opportunities. It acts as a way to build your reputation and get some free (or at least cheap) advertising.
2. Set Up a Referral Program
Customer referral programs are a proven way to build your customer base, and have had success with almost any business — including commercial cleaning. Trying a discount incentive, or a free service, if a customer sends you new business may sound expensive but it’s a great way to extend your client list; word of mouth has long proven to be an effective form of advertising.
3. Blanket Your Community
This goes hand-in-hand with networking. While going door-to-door and canvassing neighborhoods may not be feasible, having ready-made flyers or brochures to distribute at community events or through your networking circles gives you a chance to put your business front of mind.
4. Partnerships with Other Businesses
Building partnerships with other service providers can be a great way to build a mutually beneficial business relationship. For example, a landscaping company can refer you to their customers and you can do the same for them.
Besides referrals, partnering with other companies can increase the value of your service to your customers. You save them time in finding someone to perform additional service and can vouch for your partner companies, giving them confidence in the level of additional service.
5. Rely On Support From A Regional Office
If growing your cleaning business is a priority, you should lean on a regional office — such as Jani-King of Cleveland — for critical support. Jani-King of Cleveland has more than 30 years of experience and works with Jani-King’s proven franchise plan to drive results for franchisees. From sales, marketing, training and more, the support a new franchise owner earns from the regional office helps fuel growth goals.
Still Going Strong. Commercial cleaning franchises never faltered during the pandemic with their services remaining in demand.
Jani-King Support Your Growth
Founded in 1969 and franchising since 1974, Jani-King has become one of the world’s largest commercial cleaning franchise companies with more than 12,000 franchises servicing from nearly 7,600 locations. In Northeast Ohio, Jani-King of Cleveland has served as the region’s master franchisor for more than 30 years and has become a trusted cleaning partner with several regional institutions like the Cleveland Cavaliers, University Hospitals, and PGA Tour events.
Jani-King of Cleveland offers the support new franchise owners need to begin growing their cleaning business, including:
- Insurance Programs
- Billing and Collecting Services
- New Account Offerings
- Buying Power
- Field Support
