It doesn't matter what a fantastic
service your cleaning business provides if no one knows that you
exist. If you are clever and motivated there
are numerous ways to promote your business that don't have to cost a bundle.
Here are just a few:
·
Always be prepared with an
"elevator speech". When you meet new people be ready to
talk about your cleaning business and its USP (unique selling proposition). Talk about the benefits you offer as
opposed to the services you provide.
Let people know how your services can solve their problems.
·
Set networking goals. When attending events, workshops
or meetings, don't sit by people you know.
The point is to meet new people. Make a goal of handing out five business
cards. If you want to be
interesting, be interested in others; get their business cards and ask questions
about their business.
·
Joining groups is another way to
promote your cleaning business. Every community has numerous
organizations, such as a chamber of commerce, Rotary, BNI (Business Network
International), that are excellent places to meet people and talk about what you
do. But don't join if you are not
going to participate. Simply being on a group's mailing list will not generate
sales or interest in your business.
·
A great way to meet people is to
volunteer in your community. Other volunteers will generally ask what
you do. Wearing a shirt with your
business name will be a reminder of the services you provide.
·
Teach a class through the local
community education program. Community education programs attract
people throughout your local service area.
It will help you make contacts and also establish you as an expert in
your field.
·
Ask people for
referrals. There is nothing wrong with asking your
current customers if they know of others who can use your services. In turn, you should be interested in
their company and be sure to promote them when the appropriate situation
arises.
·
Look for joint ventures and team
up with a business that compliments yours. As a cleaning company you may want to
work with a real estate agent, rental agency or apartment complex.
·
Write a press
release
announcing your new business, employee promotions, or attendance at industry
events or conferences. Most
newspapers have a business section and they are always looking for stories on
local businesses.
·
Direct mail
campaigns can be
effective as they can be targeted to a specific group. However, they can be expensive and you
may need to do repeat mailings before someone will contact you. Start out by using postcards or web
cards to let people know about your business, and then follow up with a phone
call.
·
Do you send e-mail? Make sure to include a signature
line on your
e-mail that includes your business name, website (if you have one) and a line or
two about your business.
·
Establish a website
presence. Today people surf the web for
information on almost all the products and services they buy. You can post a tremendous amount of
information about your services, background and expertise on a website.
To effectively market your
business requires some time and creativity, but it doesn't mean you need to
spend a lot of money. Put your best
foot forward by using the above tips and then adjust your marketing plan as your
business grows.
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Jean Hanson helps owners of small cleaning companies build a more profitable and successful cleaning business through her online community at TheJanitorialStore.com. Read inspirational cleaning success stories at http://www.cleaning-success.com, and sign up for weekly cleaning tips at http://www.TheJanitorialStore.com.