[busy ladies]

Hello-
I've started my home and office cleaning business here in Omaha Nebraska a little over 2 months ago. I've done a lot of advertising on "Graigslist" and that's where I've gotten my clients from. I have a total of 5 clients. I need to get more clients really soon beacaues, Only one of my clients is a weekly one at $75.00. It's not making the bills! I feel like I may be doing something wrong and I can't figure it out? Is there a cartain cleaning routine that will take under 4 hrs for a first time cleaning? I'm really anal but, Is there any way I could get done in less that 4 hours? My client's love the way I clean and have never had any bad comments. I guess I just need help with a routine to cut my cleaning time. Also, How do I get more clients?
Any information would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you so much :)

[Clough]

Hi again, busy ladies!

There are a small number of us on this site who are privy to that about which you are asking and concerned. Hopefully, we can be gathered together here at the same time sometime!

In the meantime, you might want to use the information that I've posted below on another thread that is quoted below.

I, and others would love to be in dialogue with you on a live basis sometime soon!

Thanks!

There have been many questions on this site where having a cleaning business on the domestic and/or commercial level has been the subject.

If you put the two words, Clough, Cleaning into the search function at the top of this page, you're going to find tons of threads where what to do in various stages of operating a cleaning service are discussed.

The threads that have the most responses would be the best ones to look at. There is one that's titled "cleaning advertising not getting many responses" that might be a particularly good one for you to read the posts on it.

Stringer is an authority and outstanding member here who can give you the best and most sound advice concerning what you're asking

If you need help with how to advertise for free and most effectively on the Internet and also in other ways, please let me know.

Thanks!

[Stringer]

"The system" is always the answer Ladies. There is a system to cleaning homes or offices... a starting point and a finishing point. And the way you clean during this time has to be efficient and also effective.

If you are interested in further discussion, please post again.

-Stringer

[busy ladies]

Stringer-
Thank you! I would love to learn a strategy for cleaning. I really need to get a routine dow and would love your help! By the way... I love your quotes! :)

[Stringer]

I am sorry but I only have a moment presently, I will get back tomorrow.

Always be planning and training, include your key people in the planing. When you r workers have experience; ask them if they know a "better" way of cleaning the site. Even small suggestions that are effective and save time and do the job well are helpful. You may want to cash reward those who come up with great ideas. (Share some with me if they do please.)

Let's deal with some of the simple things first;

Carry all the small things that you need on a Brute Barrel or in a cart, put a large plastic trash bag in the barrel or cart. Put in the barrel; dusters, glass cleaner, small broom and dust pan, a damp clean cloth, paper towels, all sizes of trash bags, polish, etc.

Organize the whole building/home; If there is more than one person/s cleaning this site then have the "top" areas cleaned first, dusting and wiping to the floor. Same with the washrooms, always clean sinks, mirrors, partitions, toilets, dispensers, etc first. Then sweep and mop the hard floors or vacuum all the carpets. While one person/s is doing this have another empty all the trash to a staging area and then take the trash out to the dumpster last thing. As this person removes the trash from the cans have them put several new clean bags in the bottom of the can for next time. Put in a new proper sized bag and TIE IT OFF so the bag does not slip into the can with heavy trash. When they finish this they should then help with the vacuuming and moping. They need areas of responsibilities but they should also help to get the job done. They should have certain responsibilities but also work as a team.

Each person should have a designated job to do and possibly a designated area. This builds "ownership"/pride of that job/area and when something is not done or done properly no one can say "well I thought that Suzy did it?"

The building should always have a "final check" prior to leaving.

And when something could not be done for whatever reason a "note" should be left I a prominent place stating the reason. Nothing irks a client more than to come in an see a room that was not cleaned. Possible they changed the lock and forgot to tell you and first thing in the morning they forgot and were just angry it wasn't completed. A note corrects this problem and tells them that you are on top of things. I would also call in the client in the morning. Teach your workers to ALWAYS call you immediately when something isn't right.

Make sure always... that the building that you are cleaning is locked/alarmed and secure with all lights that should be turned out, out each time before you/they leave for the evening. If you cannot do this you should call the client.

Which brings me to another important point; always get an emergency phone numbers (at least two) of two of the people with the client for security reasons and for emergencies such as pipe breaks, fires, damage, etc. And tell them you will not bother them unless it is absolutely necessary.

I have to leave now but tomorrow I can go over;

Proper, efficient, effective and productive equipment.

Proper chemical solutions

Green cleaning if you want

Time; in the building and out to do the job properly and make a profit.

By the way that is one of the reasons you are doing this; profit AND always remember... it is not an ugly word... more tomorrow if you are interested.

-Stringer

[ISneezeFunny]

Great suggestions by Stringer.

As far as marketing goes, you have to just keep pounding the pavement, go door to door, make cold calls (somewhat ineffective), offer some sort of incentive for the other people to hire you, perhaps offer a "free cleaning" to see how well you do it, etc, etc, etc.

Also, understand that right now... it's a rough time for everyone. Don't get frustrated, just keep at it, and best of luck.

[Stringer]

Thanks Sneezer, I still do some motivational business talks through another company located here near Chicago and I have even given some talks at some local colleges and high schools. I enjoy that very much. There is nothing to compare to reaching a young mind that is interested in business.

I think I mentioned this once before but I was the national trainer for the Republic Steel Corporation in Canton Ohio at one time. But I give talks ranging from straight motivation, business, starting a business, some for free...

Like Clough, you are very kind to say that.

[Clough]

So, how's it going now, busy ladies! :)

Thanks!