This question is for Stringer... I have decided to embark on the journey of running an office cleaning business... I have done all of the preliminary things (insurance, marketing, etc... now I am ready to start contacting potential customers to solicit them for business... My question is who do I contact in an office building about placing an office cleaning bid? Also, what is the best way to do so?

Hi, reggiel!

I will let Stringer know about your question. Would you mind if I changed the title of it to reflect that it's really for Stringer?

Thanks!

Thanks for letting me know about this question Clough.

I would ask to speak with the person that contracts for your janitorial service? If they are not available then ask for his/her information (card) so that you could send some information to them.

Personal contact or knocking on the door is always best as you also get a first hand view of the building and an opportunity to make a good 'first impression.' And leave something brief about your company or at least your card.

If you have additional questions Reggie please post them here.

Stringer

Thank you for responding Stringer and thank you also Clough... Stringer I was really trying to find out who I would need to make contact with in an office building... is it the Property Management Company or the buildings' maintenance department... also can you give me any ideas about other places I can solicit business from... where can I get forms for bids, proposal and other necessary forms relative to office cleaning. Sorry if it seems I am asking too many questions but I want to equip myself with all of the essentials so that I can be successful. Thanks again for allowing me to pick your brain... I really appreciate your help.

Hi Reggie,

I don't have the time at the moment but I will be back.

If the building is managed then seek out the property manager. Usually their name and suite number is located in the lobby.

What size buildings are you attempting to get Reggie?

May I ask what level of experience that you presently have in this business? Do you have any accounts now?

Later,
Stringer

Thanks Stringer... the size of the buildings I am initially interested, as a novice to this side of the cleaning industry (I have done residential carpet and upholstery cleaning), range from 500 to 10,000 square feet. I currently do not have any accounts... I am actively doing cold calls and emails... my plans also include face to face visits.

I am sorry that my time is a little limited Reggie but I will have more time later, possibly tomorrow (my birthday :rolleyes:).

At his point I would devote all your time to sales. See as many people, talk to everyone and buildings as humanly possible to...

1. Establish yourself, market yourself.

2. You will be devoting less time in the beginning to operations, mostly sales.

3. Build sales and have dollars flowing towards you.

Starting with smaller buildings is a very smart thing to do, simpler and more direct contact. Your chances of actually seeing a person is increased with smaller buildings, and less initial investment.

I would definitely sit down and start to put together (lay out) a business plan as soon as possible also. For sales, operations and financial.

Stringer

Just to add some info to this. I am also a carpet cleaner and have been working towards doing some janitorial stuff lately (in a smaller town it is a bit tougher to do without stepping on toes). I might add that you should look into hospitals and other medical facilities. Hosptials often own off-site buildings that house doctors offices and they contract out the cleaning of those facilities. For hospitals seek out the Environmental Services Manager and in doctors offices speak to the office manager. And as it has already been mentions the best chance is face to face. It is much easier for someone to say no over the phone.