My major in college was marketing and business management and I am involved in marketing for my companies, however Clough is the expert in that area on this site as far as I (and many more) are concerned.
Failure is not all bad Jnlramirez you learn things from everything that you do or have tired to do. But the drive to succeed is only found in a select few I am afraid.
You have to continually stay in a learning mode. In the past, I had started and lost two companies that were not involved in cleaning each lasted about two years or so. I lost them, not because I did something wrong or lack of desire or effort. But because of things that I thought at the time were out of my control. I learned valuable lessons in the process, lessons that have benefited me with my businesses now. One particular lesson; always have cash reserves. Always remember that people who do not make mistakes... are not doing anything. You continue to learn, gather experience and... hopefully wisdom. Don't make the same mistakes repeatedly, that is stupid. Starting, don't bite off more than you can chew...
Some ideas for marketing: on-line, calling cards, local papers, magazines, trade shows, networking, brochures and to me, one of the most vital... get your butt out there and knock on as many doors as you can... never stop prospecting for new business.
You may have to make 100 calls (phone and in person) to have 3-4 good appointments to make one good sale... that's what it takes. Success is beautiful and stressful. At first you have no money, then when you do, you have to worry about how to keep it... but everything starts with the very first and second step. Seldom does the client beat down your door and plead with you to please let me buy your service... really?
To me the two best ways to get business; knock on doors (and always follow up) and word of mouth (networking)... talk to everybody (period). On-line advertising is also another great method.
BSCIA (The Building Service Contractors Association International) is one of several associations that represents service contractors in the USA and internationally.
www.BSCAI.org or Google it. You may also want to go to many other sites such as
How to Start a Successful Cleaning Business, join for a nominal fee and get great info and advice, for newbies and experienced colleagues. Even a question and answer service there.
Once everything is equal and you have experience not only in the actual cleaning aspect but the BUSINESS end of it too, it comes down to pricing way too often. Too many companies rely strictly on low price and do not value added selling, and in the short or long run , they loose and go out of business. When you are certain that you and your company are the best around it is foolish to give it away. Starting, this can be understood because you need business... now. But shortly thereafter you need to become a problem solver and sell your service at a cost that reflects your service and your pride in yourself.
Knowing the right price to bid is a hit and miss thing, you will loose a lot before you start having some success or you may get lucky. But isn't it funny that luck follows hard work... Pricing varies a lot around the country, difficult to even suggest prices to you. There are so many factors in pricing; type of building, density of the building, and competition as I mentioned before.
I am successful in many ways; personally, in love, in friendships and in my businesses. I work primarily when I want to, my time is my own. But I am always thinking and plannig about the business and new ideas or problem solving something. But let me tell you that, that has been for the last 8 to 10 years, before that there were times that I didn't see a bed for three days... that's what it takes... "failure is not an option" you do whatever (with morals) it takes to get the job done and be successful and build references, they are priceless.
It's funny really, I have friends that think that all I do is get up around 10 am and work maybe 1 or 2 hours a day, have everything that I want and that I have people that do everything that I need done. True, I do have these people, trusted loyal employees (about 500 of them) that I take care of and pay a lot of money too. But I am always planning and thinking how it can be done better. And I still enjoy making cold sales calls to new prospects when ever I get the chance.
The whole point here IS THIS Jnlramirez: (secret) YOU want people to make the money for you... use your money to make more money... Ha, people pay a lot to get that secret that I just gave you free and it is a simple one. But for this you have to get the money and business... simple fact.Then what you do with it to promote your company, yourself and make your life and your family's life easier is the true test of your metal.
I give seminars and I am a guest speaker at local colleges, associations, local Chambers, etc. I get great pleasure in helping others succeed... Yes I am paid most of the time for this, but not always. I give talks at local high schools that give me great pleasure also.
I wish you success and "luck" and please let me know if I helped at all,
Stringer