I've been reading on the forum for a few days and just wanted to see if I could get some help here. My parents and I have a small janitorial business in va and wanted some help on how I can go about getting some more business. We just deal with commercial. My parents have well over 20 years of experience in the field but we need help in getting some contracts now that they have their own business. I've tried cold calling but that doesn't seem to work so great. Thanks for the help.

Hi Applecs,

I have been in the commercial janitorial business for over 30 years and in my own for over 17 of those years. We do over $6M per year presently.

Yes, I understand that cold calling is difficult and may seem unproductive... at first. There are many ways to advertise; brochures, networking, websites, etc. I use them all, but cold calling and referrals have always been the best way to get new business.

Be politely aggressive. Keep knocking on doors and continue to follow up on any names or leads that you get. Continue to hone your skills at cold calling and talk to everyone, yes I mean everyone. Even if you think that person does not have a business to clean... they may know someone who does.

Getting business is just a difficult as keeping business, especially in this economy. And this business is not as easy as many may think as you and your parents probably already know. You just have to stay with it and eventually it will profit you.

If you would like, I can list some information that may help you in cold calling both on the phone and in person. Although I do both, I prefer in person as you can gather so much more information. Please let me know...

Stringer

Hi stringer,

I was actually hoping you would see this thread and respond. You seem like the most knowledgeable and experienced in this field. Yes I'd appreciate and thankfully take any info you have on cold calling and meeting with the right people. I also have some question's I'd like to ask you if you have the time.

This may be of some help Apple,

This first one is in two parts: How to make a cold sales call via the phone and what NOT to do... From Aurora University a good school: Please take the time to read this and practice it. I'll send more after you have read this and we can discuss it... ok?

Stringer

Greetings!

I picked up the phone and the sounding-
Too-cocky sales rep mispronounced my
Name and immediately launched into a pitch:

“I'm Pete Johnson with Nationwide Internet
And I'd like to tell you about how we could
Speed up your internet connection. I'd like to
Stop by next Tuesday and show you how we
Could do this. Would one or four in the afternoon
Be better for you?”

Obviously not a reader of this newsletter, the
Guy made every mistake he could in the short
Time he had his mouth open. He,

-didn't take the time to find out about my office
From the person who answered the phone here
Including what type of connection we have now
(He actually could not speed up my connection,
And I knew that for sure.)

-butchered my name (it's Sob'-check)

-made a bold assumptive statement about what
He mistakenly felt he could do, which signified
His ineptitude.

-asked for an appointment without asking questions
And giving me a reason why I should even continue
Speaking with him on the phone. Meet in person?
Are you kidding me?

For the purposes of this Tip, I'll focus on just one
Mistake: Being too assumptive or bold in an opening.

Don't Be Assumptive In the Opening
My premise here is quite simple. If you call someone
Cold and they don't know you or your company, and
The first thing they hear is how you “would” do something
For them, the first natural reaction is the fight or flight tendency. It causes the natural resistance to kick in. Stated simply, their reaction is, “You don't know me. How in the world could you say that? I'm going to argue with you and get rid of you.”

Granted, maybe you CAN do something for them.
What's important to realize is that THEY have not
Yet bought into that idea. (Con't)

part Two:

Here are words in an opening statement that
trigger the resistance:

“… want to show you how we could help you …”

“ … I know we can save you time and money …”

“ … we can improve your …”

“ … we can eliminate your problems in the area of …”

All of these statements make the assumption that
something is wrong. Again, maybe something is,
but if someone you don't know or respect tells
you that you're doing something wrong, what's
your response? Naturally you resent it. Same
is true on the phone.

OK, so what should we say?

“Weasel Words”

Use “weasel” or contingency words. For example,
“might,” “maybe,” “perhaps,” and “depending on”
are all good choices. As in,

“... the reason for the call is that depending on
your satisfaction with the speed and downtime of
your internet connection, we might be able to
help you cut down on the time you spend waiting
for pages to load, and your download time for email
and other files... ”

And notice how this leads right into questioning.

“... and if I've caught you at a good time, I'd like to
ask a few questions about your internet service... ”

Plus, if he would ask questions of whomever answers
the phone before getting to a decision maker, he might
uncover some problems in advance.

To be the best salesperson around, you have to try
and not sound like a salesperson.

Want to avoid the mistakes this guy made, and many
others I didn't list that salespeople use every day as
bullets to shoot themselves in the foot?

And, would you like a step-by-step process with proven
examples to create your own interest-creating opening?

And, how about if I offer to take a look at it after you
create it and give you my suggestions?

You can get all of that in my "How to Easily Create
Telephone Call Openings that Stimulate Interest, and
Avoid Resistance" 60-minute seminar on audio CD.

Check it out, and actually hear a sample at

BusinessByPhone.Inc (http://www.businessbyphone.com/teleseminar.htm)

Art Sobczak, President of Business By Phone Inc.
<http://www.businessbyphone.com/cgi-bin/at.pl?a=169788>, specializes in
one area only: working with business-to-business salespeople--
delivering content-rich programs that participants begin showing results
from the very next time they get on the phone. He works with thousands
of sales reps each year helping them get more businesses by phone. Art
provides real world, techniques that help salespeople use the phone more
effectively to prospect, sell, and service, without morale-killing
"rejection."

For more information Art can be reached at:
Phone: 800-326-7721, Email: [email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>, Website: BusinessByPhone.Inc (http://www.businessbyphone.com)
<http://www.businessbyphone.com/cgi-bin/at.pl?a=169788>

Obviously Apple, you will have to edit and use your name and the cleaning business...but this is good 'stuff.'

Stringer

Thanks stringer for the cold calling article, it'll def be of help. Do you mind if I ask how long it took and how you got your first contract? Did you go out and get it or did you hire someone to go and talk to people?

Others that may help:

Janitorial Store - commercial cleaning tips and success tools for small cleaning companies (http://www.janitorialstore.com)

Top 10 Sales Mistakes | Company Activities & Management > Sales & Selling from Business Week (http://allbusiness.businessweek.com/sales/selling-techniques/3971-1.html)



Open ended questions in sales that get the prospect to answer... talk:

information gathering

What prompted you/ your company to look into this?
What are your expectations/ requirements for this product/ service?
What process did you go through to determine your needs?
How do you see this happening?
What is it that you'd like to see accomplished?
With whom have you had success in the past?
With whom have you had difficulties in the past?
Can you help me understand that a little better?
What does that mean?
How does that process work now?
What challenges does that process create?
What challenges has that created in the past?
What are the best things about that process?
What other items should we discuss?

qualifying

What do you see as the next action steps?
What is your timeline for implementing/ purchasing this type of service/ product?
What other data points should we know before moving forward?
What budget has been established for this?
What are your thoughts?
Who else is involved in this decision?
What could make this no longer a priority?
What's changed since we last talked?
What concerns do you have?

establishing rapport, trust & credibility

How did you get involved in… ?
What kind of challenges are you facing?
What's the most important priority to you with this? Why?
What other issues are important to you?
What would you like to see improved?
How do you measure that?

Thanks stringer for the cold calling article, it'll def be of help. Do you mind if I ask how long it took and how you got your first contract? Did you go out and get it or did you hire someone to go and talk to people?

I started as a janitorial salesman years ago. I was promoted to Sales Manager and then to VP of Sales and Marketing in the first 5 years.

Got fired, started this business, yep fired!

Quite simply I learned all I could initially about this business from literature, on line, and the companies own info. Then I hit the streets, knocking on every business door I came to, kept records of whom I spoke with, called back if they ask me to... Within the first two weeks I had four proposals presented and sold one. That one sale proved to me that this was the business I wanted to be in. I was excited about the sale and (important) I always remained excited and it showed to my customers.

By the way, I was fired because I fired a lazy @$$ that deserved it, but I did not know that he was a cousin of the owner until it was too late:). But now I see that that was a blessing in disguise. When my partner and I started this business, I mortgaged my house to have the money, the first sale came in about two and a half weeks. However it was a medical account that billed at $18,500.00 per month and it went from there.

More questions? Ask away...

By the way, please read what I have posted earlier, there is good info there and I have more items, much more that could help you if you want to be helped. :)

Stringer

Thanks again for more help and the answers. I actually have a lot of questions, but I'll ask as I think of them. When you went out knocking on doors, who did you talk to and how did you get them to meet with you? Did you just go around to buildings that were near by your area? What type of cleaning does your business do? Do you have any government contracts? Sorry for asking so many questions, it's just rare to come across anyone that knows as much and as willing to help out. Thanks again

Thanks again for more help and the answers. I actually have a lot of questions, but I'll ask as I think of them. When you went out knocking on doors, who did you talk to and how did you get them to meet with you? Did you just go around to buildings that were near by your area? What type of cleaning does your business do? Do you have any government contracts? Sorry for asking so many questions, it's just rare to come across anyone that knows as much and as willing to help out. Thanks again

1. When you make first contact it is rare that you will see the decision maker. However, you can get a lot of information after telling the receptionist or secretary who you are:

Who makes the decision to contract for your janitorial service, your cleaning at night?
(Ask for his/her card, if possible) Name, title, phone number, address with zip code, email address, etc.

Do you presently use a company that cleans your facility? Who might that be? How many people do they use each night? Have they been here for a long time? Tell me, do you think that they are doing a great job? etc.

Always be polite and smile, treat no one as a person less important. For your own good, this person can help you or 'kill' you. And always be grateful to them, next time bring them flowers or candy (something) and say 'you were very gracious...thank you very much.'

Does the company have a website?

2. After you have this information call the person the next day, leave a very brief voice mail if you cannot get through. Call again the same day, but do not leave another voice mail until the next day... you do not want to tick them off. If no contact try sending them a short email.

3. If/when you reach this person, tell them BRIEFLY why you are calling and who you are and your company. Simply ask them if there is any interest now or in the near future for your services. If so, set up an appointment to meet them and discuss HOW YOU CAN solve their problem/s once you have determined that there are problems.

Did you just go around to buildings that were near by your area? What type of cleaning does your business do? Do you have any government contracts?

Yes, if and when I got business I wanted this initial business to be close for control. Now we cover the complete northeastern part of Illinois (11 counties) and the northwestern half of Indiana.

Commercial, with 80&#37; of our business in the medical market. It requires a lot of knowledge about hazmat, and special cleanings but it is a niche market and it has been good to us.

No government work at any level, to me it is worthless. Either they pay slow or not at all, especially in this economy.The 'sweat to reward' ratio is NOT there at all.

Also they always want the service on a silver platter and want to pay in copper pennies. You end up chasing that little profit that you made.

More? Fire away, I have to leave in a bit though.

Stringer

Np, it's getting late anyway I don't want to keep you from sleeping or getting work done. Just 1 more question today before you leave, where did you get your proposal from when you first started? Do you yourself know how to write them or is there a software or something companies can buy?

np, it's getting late anyways i don't wanna keep you from sleeping or getting work done. Just 1 more question today before you leave, where did you get your proposal from when you first started? Do you yourself know how to write them or is there a software or something companies can buy?

In the beginning I used what the company I worked for had. I reworked it and came up with a better one.

Now I use one that I put together with the help of our attorneys that is a proposal and a contract combined.

Yes there are ones that I can give you that are online that are cheap and some that don't cost anything. But they will need to be tweaked a lot so that you cover your butt.

More?

I think that's enough for today, you've helped me a lot. Thanks and I'll keep posting as I need help. Hope you keep stopping by the forum so I can get more help later on.

I think that's enough for today, you've helped me a lot. Thanks and I'll keep posting as I need help. Hope you keep stopping by the forum so I can get more help later on.

Addicted my friend, addicted.

I am here most everyday at some point for the last two years or more. I enjoy helping where I can.

You should check out the 'answer' portion and give advice where you can.

Good night now.

Stringer

Addicted my friend, addicted.

I am here most everyday at some point for the last two years or more. I enjoy helping where I can.

You should check out the 'answer' portion and give advice where you can.

Good night now.

Stringer

Had to spread the rep but I must tell you I enjoyed reading your post.
I have no interest in starting a service of my own but I found your advice informative,understandable and very interesting. :)

Had to spread the rep but I must tell you I enjoyed reading your post.
I have no interest in starting a service of my own but I found your advice informative,understandable and very interesting. :)

You are to kind Artsy. Thank you. :)

Stringer

Hi stringer. When you get a chance could you send me or post the proposals you were talking about last time? Thanks.

Later tonight or tomorrow Apple. I just got in and it is7:45 PM AND the Bears Game is on... everything stops when the Bears are on... :)

Stringer

Haha OK thanks. Take your time.

janitorial bid proposal sample forms - docstoc

Janitorial Job Bidding Software|Janitorial Management Software|Bid Calculator|Cleaning Business|Janitorial Inspection

JANITORIAL BIDDING ORDER FORM & DOWNLOAD

How Do I Submit a Janitorial Bid?


I copied these from another post that I answered Apple, hope these help.

You may need to copy and paste these online. If it doesn't work, let me know...K?

Stringer

Hi, applecs!

Stringer has already given you some very valuable information on this thread! His advice concerning what you're are asking is second to none and as good as gold!

What I have to offer you, is how to market yourself on the Internet so that you get the most optimum exposure.

If you're interested in knowing how to do that, without it costing you anything, please let me know on this thread.

Thanks!

Hi stringer, thanks for the reply. I'll take a look at those.

Hi, applecs!

Stringer has already given you some very valuable information on this thread! His advice concerning what you're are asking is second to none and as good as gold!

What I have to offer you, is how to market yourself on the Internet so that you get the most optimum exposure.

If you're interested in knowing how to do that, without it costing you anything, please let me know on this thread.

Thanks!

Hi Clough. Sure I'd like to know some ways to advertise. Could you provide me some of the ways when you have time. Thanks.

Hi again, applecs!

I'll be happy to help you with the advertising thing! I couldn't get on here until really late tonight, because I had a rehearsal. I'll try to be on earlier in the next evenings.

In the meantime, if you click HERE (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=Craig+Clough&aq=f&oq=&aqi=), HERE (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Quad+Cities+Handyman&aq=f&oq=&aqi=), HERE (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Piano+Lessons&#37;2C+Music+Teacher+Quad+Cities&aq=f&oq=&aqi=) and HERE (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Rock+Island%2C+IL+Piano+Tuning&aq=f&oq=&aqi=), you'll get an idea as to how I advertise.

On the last link, you'll find "Absolute" listed first. That's me.

Thanks!

Thanks Clough for the help. I'll look over the site's in the next few days and ask more questions if I think of any.

Hi Stringer, hope you see this thread even though it's been awhile since I last spoke with you. Hope you've been doing well. I had some more questions that I'd like to ask you if you don't mind?

I'm here for a moment Apple.

I'm also on here, for a bit, applecs!

I'm also on here, for a bit, applecs!

Good morning my friend.

Good morning my friend.

And, a good morning to you, too, my friend! :)

I hope that you're weathering this winter well! It's been a really trying time for me, here! I'm also house and dog-sitting again. Seems to always snow when I do that in the winter. Really hilly here. Was "trapped" for a day...

And, a good morning to you, too, my friend! :)

I hope that you're weathering this winter well! It's been a really trying time for me, here! I'm also house and dog-sitting again. Seems to always snow when I do that in the winter. Really hilly here. Was "trapped" for a day...

I am done with winter.. no more please! Too cold, windy, gloomy and very depressing! Bring on spring... NOW!

After the first big snowfall here, that was it for me! That was enough snow!

I hope that applecs will be returning to this thread sometime soon! It got off to a really good start and then just stopped...

I can't remember if you're into gardening, Stringer. If you are, have you seen the following thread?

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/gardening-plants/what-you-doing-prepare-next-season-399861.html

Hi guys. Stringer, I finally have some time on my hands now to help my parents out with the business. I've been doing research and studying some more since last talking with you. I just wanted to know how you went about everything from the very beginning? When you went to different places, when you did cold calling, when you actually got to speak with someone that makes decisions?

I can't remember if you're into gardening, Stringer. If you are, have you seen the following thread?

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/gardening-plants/what-you-doing-prepare-next-season-399861.html

A little, mostly landscaping Clough, I'll check it out thanks.

I was just checking, and it would appear that this thread is now archived. That means that in order for it to be noticed, someone would actually have to go to the forum topic area where it's located, if they haven't already posted on it.

Originally Posted by Clough https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/small-business/starting-janitorial-business-392661-4.html#post2198886)
I can't remember if you're into gardening, Stringer. If you are, have you seen the following thread?

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/gardeni...on-399861.html (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/gardening-plants/what-you-doing-prepare-next-season-399861.html)



A little, mostly landscaping Clough, I'll check it out thanks.

There would appear to be some really helpful exchanges of information going on there, Stringer!

Are you still there, applecs?

I can see that you still would appear to be looking at this thread.

Thanks!

Stringer and applecs,

Would you please help me out on the following thread?

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/small-business/things-say-if-you-forgot-about-customer-440254.html

Thanks!

Yes I'm still here, I posted my questions above. I'm just waiting on stringer for a response.

Okay. Are you still interested in the advertising aspect of your business?

Yes but not at the moment though. I would like to get things started first, get some work, before I do that

Hi guys. Stringer, I finally have some time on my hands now to help my parents out with the business. I've been doing research and studying some more since last talking with you. I just wanted to know how you went about everything from the very beginning? when you went to different places, when you did cold calling, when you actually got to speak with someone that makes decisions?

Apple, there are so many answers to this question as so many things apply.

When you first address a prospect or the receptionist, little things like a smile, tone of voice, attitude means so much IMO. You have about thirty seconds to form an initial good impression. You have to be non threatening. Simply be yourself.

You can gain a lot of information from the receptionist; Are they happy with the cleaning? Who presently does the cleaning? Etc.

You have several things on your agenda with the receptionist; Could you speak to the person who 'contracts for janitorial service?' If not, ask them for his/her card (usually it contains all the info you need including the email address.) Has the present cleaning company been there a long time? Have they gone out for bid recently? Etc.

Always follow up with this information if you do not see the right person initially. And IMO and experience this occurs rarely. The 'lead time in most cases from initial contact and signing a contract for mid and large contracts is usually three months due to many factors; length of present contract, decision making time, etc.

When making you first phone contact put a smile in your voice, be polite (realize that he/she gets a lot of calls. (In the three county area surrounding Chicago there are a minimum of 3,500 cleaning companies.) Get to the point, briefly tell them who you are, why you are calling, and a small bit about your company. Ask them if you can offer a proposal. Ask to make an appointment.

Cold Calling : Sell : How To : Eric Wolfram's Writing (http://wolfram.org/writing/howto/sell/cold_call.html) (You may need to copy and paste this)

Hope this helped some, there is so much more...

Stringer

Yes but not at the moment tho. I would like to get things started first, get some work, before I do that

By advertising, you'll be more likely to get the work.

What about the buildings that don't have gate keepers or receptionist, the one's that have people in the lobby for front of the building? How would you get a lead from those kinds of places?

What about the buildings that don't have gate keepers or receptionist, the one's that have people in the lobby for front of the building? How would you get a lead from those kinds of places?

In the smaller buildings such as you described you simply ask if you could speak to the person that makes the decision to contract for services. In buildings that are say 2,000 sq ft or less you have a better chance of seeing that person. These size buildings may not have cleaning 5 or 6 days per week, so be sure to ask how many days per week they require service. The initial contact I mentioned above still applies apple.

Stringer

By advertising, you'll be more likely to get the work.

I'm actually going to start posting on craigslist pretty soon. What are some other place for good exposure?

Originally Posted by Clough https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/small-business/starting-janitorial-business-392661-5.html#post2198995)
By advertising, you'll be more likely to get the work.



I'm actually going to start posting on craigslist pretty soon. What are some other place for good exposure?

We need to do this in steps... craigslist is good, but not the only place to advertise.

Are you a member of hoobly.com?

Thanks!

In the smaller buildings such as you described you simply ask if you could speak to the person that makes the decision to contract for services. In buildings that are say 2,000 sq ft or less you have a better chance of seeing that person. These size buildings may not have cleaning 5 or 6 days per week, so be sure to ask how many days per week they require service. The initial contact I mentioned above still applies apple.

Stringer

Sorry stringer I wrote that wrong, I meant to ask what about the buildings that don't have receptionist or anyone for that matter in the lobby? These aren't small buildings either, they're pretty decent sized, close to 100,000 sq ft.

We need to do this in steps... craigslist is good, but not the only place to advertise.

Are you a member of hoobly.com?

Thanks!

No, haven't heard of that site. You mind giving me a briefing of the site? Thanks.

Sorry stringer I wrote that wrong, I meant to ask what about the buildings that don't have receptionist or anyone for that matter in the lobby? These aren't small buildings either, they're pretty decent sized, close to 100,000 sq ft.

If I understand what you are asking Apple all you would need to do is ask whomever you find the same question or ask for the 'manager.'

EDIT: If you cannot find anyone then simply take down the company name, address, etc and Google it for a phone number and follow through.

For new construction simply ask for the Job Sup... he sill usually be very helpful in giving you a lot of info.

Originally Posted by Clough
We need to do this in steps... craigslist is good, but not the only place to advertise.

Are you a member of hoobly.com?

Thanks!


no, haven't heard of that site. You mind giving me a briefing of the site? Thanks.

If you list something on that site, depending on how you word your ad, it can become visible on the first page of a Google search within minutes!

If you're interested in doing that, as well as knowing how to do that, please open up another browswer or tab, and join Everything from Everywhere (http://www.hoobly.com/)

Thanks!

I have to leave for a while guys. Apple if you have further questions please let me know.

Stringer

Ok thanks. And when you make cold calls to the decision makers what do you, as in you personally, usually say? Do you have something that you always say, how do you start the call?

If you list something on that site, depending on how you word your ad, it can become visible on the first page of a Google search within minutes!

If you're interested in doing that, as well as knowing how to do that, please open up another browswer or tab, and join Everything from Everywhere (http://www.hoobly.com/)

Thanks!

Yea that sounds great. So after I register I just post a ad, like I would on craigslist?

Originally Posted by Clough
If you list something on that site, depending on how you word your ad, it can become visible on the first page of a Google search within minutes!

If you're interested in doing that, as well as knowing how to do that, please open up another browswer or tab, and join Everything from Everywhere

Thanks!


yea that sounds great. So after I register I just post a ad, like I would on craigslist?

What we do, is to work on the words for the ad here. It will need to be worded just right. Some people's ads never get noticed in searches because of the way that they've worded their ads.

Please let me know, on this thread, when you've joined that site.

Thanks!

What we do, is to work on the words for the ad here. It will need to be worded just right. Some people's ads never get noticed in searches because of the way that they've worded their ads.

Please let me know, on this thread, when you've joined that site.

Thanks!

Ok I just registered right now.

Ok thanks. And when you make cold calls to the decision makers what do you, as in you personally, usually say? Do you have something that you always say, how do you start off the call?

Hi, my name is... I am with... we are a janitorial company in your area, and we have been doing business here for over... years. We would like the opportunity to talk with you about becoming your service.

Do you presently use a janitorial service? Are you interested in a competitive proposal to perform our service? There is no charge to sit down for a bit and do a walk through and present a quote for out service.

Is next Tuesday at 2 pm good for you?

(Did you take a look at the site I posted Apple?)

Stringer

Originally Posted by Clough
What we do, is to work on the words for the ad here. It will need to be worded just right. Some people's ads never get noticed in searches because of the way that they've worded their ads.

Please let me know, on this thread, when you've joined that site.

Thanks!


Ok I just registered right now.

Are you using a separate browswer or another tab, please?

Hi, my name is............I am with ......................we are a janitorial company in y9our area, and we have been doing business here for over.........years. We would like the opportunity to talk with you about becoming your service.

Do you presently use a janitorial service? Are you interested in a competitive proposal to perform our service? There is no charge to sit down for a bit and do a walk through and present a quote for out service.

Is next Tuesday at 2 pm good for you?

(Did you take a look at the site I posted Apple?)

Stringer

Yes, and I've actually read one of stephan schiffman's books about sales too. Thank you. Ok then it seems I'll just have to give all of this a try first to see how it goes.

Are you using a separate browswer or another tab, please?

Another tab

Okay, good!

What's the name of your business, please?

Apple Cleaning Service

That's great that the name of your business begins with the letter "A"! You'll be more likely to be found sooner on certain search engines that operate alphbetically.

Also, when listing in the Yellow Pages of the phone book, your business should be first or near the beginning of the listings.

Now, what specific types of things are you willing to do for people, please?

Please list as much as you can.

Thanks!

Well our company just does commercial janitorial work. Within that there's different things like cleaning windows, sweeping, vacuuming, moping, cleaning bathrooms, dusting, floor care, carpet care, emptying trash and recycle bins. I'm sure there's more but I can't recall anymore at the moment

well our company just does commercial janitorial work. within that there's different things like cleaning windows, sweeping, vacuuming, moping, cleaning bathrooms, dusting, floor care, carpet care, emptying trash and recycle bins. I'm sure there's more but I can't recall anymore at the moment

Okay, that's good!

Now, what are the possible locations where you'll be wanting to do the work, please?

I'm asking about the State, cities, towns and counties.

Thanks!

It would just be in the northern virginia and southern Maryland area. Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties, and the independent cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, Manassas, and Manassas Park for virginia. Rockville, silver sping, potomac, bethesda, gaithersburg for Maryland.

Thank you for posting that!

Now, I'm going to check out what kind of competitioin that you will have online.

It will take me a few minutes...

I've performed the following searches.

Arlington, Virginia Cleaning Service - Google Search (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Arlington%2C+Virginia+Cleaning+Service&aq=f&aql=&aqi=&oq=)

Fairfax, Virginia Cleaning Service - Google Search (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Fairfax%2C+Virginia+Cleaning+Service&btnG=Search&aq=f&aql=&aqi=&oq=)

Cleaning Services in Maryland - Google Search (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Cleaning+Services+in+Maryland&aq=f&aql=&aqi=&oq=)

Virginia House Cleaning Service - Google Search (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Virginia+House+Cleaning+Service&aq=f&aql=&aqi=&oq=)

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Virginia+Commercial+Cleaning+Service&aq=f&aql=&aqi=&oq=

Would those places listed on the searches be represetative of what you might be doing?

Thanks!

Yes those are some of the places except for the house cleaning service one

I'm formatting an ad and will be back shortly, applecs...

Np, thank you very much clough for all your help and time

Possible ad:

Commercial Cleaning Services in Virginia could be a possible title for your ad.

A commercial janitorial service in the [list at least several areas]

We offer commercial janitorial work. Window cleaning, sweeping, vacuuming, moping, bathroom cleaning, sanitizing, dusting, floor care and maintenance, carpet cleaning, trash disposal, etc.

References available. Insured and bonded. [I'm not sure what kind of coverage that you have as far as insurance and being bonded.]

Please call [Your first and last name] [Phone Number], or by email at [Email address]

[If you put your first and last name in an ad, it will make you look more credible.]

Keywords: Commercial Cleaning Service in [Location], [Another Location] janitorial service, Prince William county cleaning service, window cleaning in [City and State],

I'm sure that you get the idea. You put in as many things that you can do as well as where you can do them.

Do you get it, as far as how to post an ad, applecs?

If you work at it, and study ads that I've posted, you'll wind up on the first pages in searches.

How do I look up the ads you posted?

I'm going to find the links now.

It will take me a few minutes...

So I should put everything you wrote in the descriptions box except the title right?

Links...

Link One (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=Piano+Lessons%2C+Music+Teacher+Quad+Cities&aq=f&aql=&aqi=&oq=)

Link Two (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Quad+Cities+Piano+Tuning&aq=f&aql=&aqi=g-p1&oq=)

Link Three (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Rock+Island%2C+IL+Furniture+Refinishin&aq=f&aql=&aqi=&oq=)

Link Four (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Quad+City+Party+Pianist&aq=f&aql=&aqi=&oq=)

Those aren't all. But, at least it's a start. Most of what you'll find for a number of pages will be about what I can do.

Thanks!

so i should put everything you wrote in the descriptions box except the title right?

You can put the title in the box also. But, I would suggest varying it.

For instance, it's important to use words that are variances on words when advertising on the Internet. Ing, er, plural and also singular for descriptive words. Different search engines will pick things up in different ways.

Cleaner, Cleaning, Cleaners are three different types of words that you could use at the same time in ads.

So do the ads expire

So do the ads expire

On hoobly.com, I don't think that they will expire for a number of years.

On other sites, you'll need to be renewing them.

Do you already have a website?

Thanks!

Ok that's good. So you've had that one ad up from the beginning? No, no website yet

If you click on the following link, you'll find the ads that I have on hoobly.com

clough: Hoobly profile (http://www.hoobly.com/members/clough/)

That's only one of many sites where I have ads placed.

If you would like to know how to start a website that gets excellent exposure, without it costing you anything, please let me know on this thread.

Thanks!

Yes I would def be interested in that

Are you on a high-speed Internet access?

At home yes but not at the moment I'm posting from my phone

Please go to Webs - Make a free website, get free hosting (http://www.webs.com/)

There, you can have a website for free that can get excellent exposure, depending on how you word things on it.

Thanks!

Ok, I'll have to take a look at it when I get home. Thanks for all the help clough, you've been very helpful. Hopefully all of this helps the business out

Please study my ads and also what I've put on websites.

You will be successful with what you put on the Internet. But, it's important to word things the best ways.

Thanks!

There is also Weebly.com which is free to use and is ad-free. You can even sell items on the site without paying for a web package. It gives you a lot of pages too.

Another SEO designer mentioned that Weebly gets picked up by the search engines the best out of all the free web developers. Something about the background page source that helps it.

You can transfer your domain to the site as well for free.

You should definitely have a website with your business. It will help your clients get more information about you and your services. Make sure to put it on your business cards and give extras to your clients so they can hand them out to their friends/coworkers.

Good luck!

Thanks hbf I'll look into that site also

Hey, applecs!

What about what we had going here?

Thanks!

Of course, Clough. Like I said before, I really appreciate all your help and time on the advertising info you provided

I'll be around here much later tonight, applecs, and I hope that you are, too!

Thanks!

I just wanted to comment on this entire discussion and say that Clough and Stringer are awesome!! And when I get rich I hope to donate to whatever you guys are doing, because you guys are such wonderful and helpful people!!

I just wanted to comment on this entire discussion and say that Clough and Stringer are awesome!!!!!! And when I get rich I hope to donate to whatever you guys are doing, because you guys are such wonderful and helpful people!!!!

Hi Reef, that was a very kind thing to say, thank you, and I know that Clough appreciates it too.

Stringer