hello
i just started my own cleaning business 5months ago with my husband
i have one contract so far........its a small resturant cleaning once a week which is not much.....i just basically looked through the phone book and thats how i got it really called a bunch of people and got lucky.....
what i need too know is how i go about getting more contracts how do i approch the client?
what do i say too keep them interested...??
is there anywhere elese that i can find contracts other than a phone book can someone guide me where too go and how too find them?


i also would like to know how i can market my business that will attract the eye?



my business is called prestige cleaning we do commercial and residential

please answer

fromrestige cleaning
hamilton ontario

Clough

Hi, Prestigeservice!

The fact that you're making personal contact with potential clients is good! How about stopping in at places and asking people in person? Are you in the Yellow Pages of the phone book? Have you advertised anything online? Also, are you a member of or attend meetings where a goup of people might gather, like a church, club or other type of organization, please?

Thanks!

Prestigeservice

yes i have called people through the phone book and also have gone and met people face to face...no i havent joined a group of any sort...but it would be nice if anyone could help me in trying to point me in a good direction for my buiness

Stringer

Cold calling is hard work but it works and gets results.

Be upfront when talking to them; " I am in the cleaning business and we would like to be of service to you. We do cleaning, windows, scrub floors and wax them, we clean carpets, etc. Can we take a moment and talk?"

Groups:

Local Chamber of Commerce

Local net working groups

Newspapers (business sections)

Trade magazines

Local business fairs

Etc...........

Stringer

Clough

Hi again, Prestigeservice!

Do you have businuess cards and flyers printed up that tell some things about the services that you provide, please?

Thanks!

Stringer

HI Clough, you are right. I made a bad assumption and thought that they were already set up.

Incorporated, liability insurance, business plan, equipment, supplies, possibly flyers, etc?

Stringer

Prestigeservice

yes i do have those

Stringer

Good, now get out and knock on doors, that's where it all starts....

Stringer

Clough

Hi, Stringer!

In my opinion, your assumption was totally "in place", appropriate and "on the ball!"

A lot of things go into the business planning of this type of business and things might not get sorted in the correct order at first. Best to be thinking of everything involved, right off the bat!

Thanks!

Clough

Hi again, Prestigeservice!

Do you mean everything that Stringer has mentioned, please?

I also asked you earlier on this thread if you've advertised anything online about your business. Have you?

Thanks!