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    JaDawnya's Avatar
    JaDawnya Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Aug 12, 2009, 04:39 PM
    How do I market my cleaning service?
    I recently received my business license and I currently do not have any customers... How do I market my company?
    tickle's Avatar
    tickle Posts: 23,796, Reputation: 2674
    Expert
     
    #2

    Aug 12, 2009, 05:31 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by JaDawnya View Post
    I recently recieved my business lisence and I currently do not have any customers.... How do I market my company?
    YOu didn't have a business plan in mind before that ? Have flyers printed up, take out ads, It won't come to you, you have to go to it.

    Tick
    N0help4u's Avatar
    N0help4u Posts: 19,823, Reputation: 2035
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    #3

    Aug 12, 2009, 05:56 PM

    You can also ask people to refer you to others and offer them a 5% discount for a one time cleaning if they get you a new customer.

    You can go to banks, real estates, brokers, landlords, apartment buildings and ask if you can do clean outs when people move if you want to get involved in that.
    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
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    #4

    Aug 12, 2009, 08:53 PM
    Hi, JaDawnya!

    What type of cleaning service is it that you have, please? Commercial, residential or other type? It would be helpful to know that. I'm not in the cleaning business - yet. I am thinking about it, though... But, most of the new business that I get for my various things that I can do for people comes from the free ads and sites that I've placed for free on the Internet.

    If you'd like to know how to do that so that you get the most exposure when people go searching for what you do, please let me know on this thread.

    Please, also click HERE.

    Most of what you'll find for the first several pages, will be about me. And, that's for just my first and last name only, and not by searching for what I do. Even better results can be found by searching for what I do.

    Word of mouth and talking to people in person are the primary ways that you're going to get your business. Advertising on the Internet or via other media are going to also help. But, there's nothing that can match personal contact with people.

    Thanks!
    Stringer's Avatar
    Stringer Posts: 3,733, Reputation: 770
    Business Expert
     
    #5

    Aug 12, 2009, 09:35 PM

    Walk, talk and knock JaDawnya and never stop. Clough is correct, you need all forms of advertising (follow up with Clough on this), networking, incentives, etc but you have to get in front of people that make decisions and buy, that is the proven way to get business.

    Retail business for example has to set up their stores, display merchandise, spend money on advertising, etc. Then sit, wait and hope that customers will come to them. When the economy turns down retail stores are the first to feel it and many do not make it.

    Direct sales, going to the prospect is much better. See more people, sell more (period).

    Stringer
    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
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    #6

    Aug 13, 2009, 02:28 AM
    As usual, you're "right on the money" with your advice, Stringer!

    My question for you is, what sort of "things/information" should a person have with them and be prepared to present to potential customers at these "close encounters of the first kind?"

    Thanks!
    Stringer's Avatar
    Stringer Posts: 3,733, Reputation: 770
    Business Expert
     
    #7

    Aug 13, 2009, 08:04 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by Clough View Post
    As usual, you're "right on the money" with your advice, Stringer!

    My question for you is, what sort of "things/information" should a person have with them and be prepared to present to potential customers at these "close encounters of the first kind?"

    Thanks!
    In my business, commercial janitorial, it is very rare that anyone will see you initially on your first visit, but sometimes it happens. So you are dealing with either the receptionist or the 'gatekeeper.' So it is a numbers game so to speak. I leave only a brief brochure with my card stapled to it so the information stays together when given to the proper person.

    I get the person's name, phone number and email address (if possible), getting their card helps a lot. Here is where most fail in the effort; they don't follow up and call and/or email right away, you can miss an opportunity by hours.

    However, you can learn a lot from your initial call. While collecting the information simply ask (with a smile) 'are you pleased with your current cleaning company?' 'What's the name of the company that is presently cleaning your facility?' 'Do you know, are they going out for bid soon?' You may not find out anything at this point, but sometimes you do.

    In any case, make this person that you see on your first visit feel important and good about meeting you; smile al lot, thank them several times, etc.

    I always tell them 'you have been very kind and helpful, thank you so much... '

    Hope this helps, I am sure that others can expand on what I do and they will post also.

    Stringer
    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
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    #8

    Aug 19, 2009, 02:31 AM
    Hi again, JaDawnya!

    I do hope that you will be returning to this thread! As you can see, there can be a lot that can be discussed concerning the marketing of your business.

    Thanks!
    SmallBizExpert's Avatar
    SmallBizExpert Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #9

    Aug 19, 2009, 07:43 PM
    First, you should offer some of your services for a deep discounted price or even free in exchange for a testimonial. These testimonials should be used in all of your advertising:
    Direct mail, flyer, and website to name a few.

    Have some kind of crazy contest or promotion to get media attention. It could be that you are dressed crazy and the media will cover your story.

    Read about marketing in other sectors, because they often work better because they have not been used before in your industry. It will not work in my town or industry is a poor excuse.
    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
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    #10

    Aug 19, 2009, 11:18 PM
    You've raised some good, fresh pointers there, SmallBizExpert!

    Thanks!

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