[freshi]

I recently got a cleaning job in a dental office. Now I am thinking of expanding to an acual business. I do not know where to start. Do I need more than one licence for the state of Washington? Where do I go to get it? What are some important things I should know going into this? Any advice would help. Thanks!:)

[Clough]

I have looked. And, I don't believe that you need to get a license to clean in the State of Washington. You may also want to get bonded. I have never found it was necessary, though. Your reputation and references usually take care of any questions concerning your honesty and integrity.

Some important things to know and do:

1. Get insurance. Go to an agent who has many carriers so that you can find one that gives you the most coverage for a reasonable price.

2. I'm sure that you already know this but, take the appropriate safety precautions with whatever cleaning product you are using. Like, breathing masks, goggles and gloves.

3. Think of all the things that you would need to clean or maintain any kind of surface. Purchase those things. Keep your receipts for tax purposes

4. Best to have one vehicle that is just devoted to your cleaning business. Easiest this way for tax purposes.

5. Advertise. When you have enough money, put an ad in the Yellow Pages of your local phone book and in other news media that is in print. I am self-employed. Most of the people who find what I do for a living, find me in the ads that I place online. If you do a Google search for Clough Quad Cities, you will see that I am on the first three or four pages of the search. All of these ads are free! You could do the same thing. Any place on the Internet where I have an ad, is a place that works. I have been doing this for well over two years, and I know the ones that don't work.

6. Make your own business cards to save money. Always carry them with you. And, find a way to bring up what you do for a living in any conversation that you have.

7. Make up advertising "shingles" and place them anywhere you can find a public bulletin board where you will be allowed to advertise a business. Quick Shop type places, bowling allies, grocery stores, libraries, laundromats, etc. Can also give people your "shingles" to hang up on the bulletin boards of where they work.

8. Do an excellent job for people. Word will spread.