Consistency is a huge word when operating your business. I believe it is one of the key ingredients to success. You should strive to keep things exactly the same on a daily basis. A quick example, something that upsets me, if I go to McDonald's at 10:30 P.M. a 1/2 hour before they close and ask for a cheeseburger and chocolate shake. What answer do I usually get "sorry the shake machine is closed for cleaning" This to me is not fair I believe the first customer coming through the door, should receive the same service and items as the last person coming through the door. NO EXCEPTIONS!
If you relate this to the janitorial service business which we have chosen, there are many variables, price, service,staff, quality of work. In many cases we perform repeat business such as daily, weekly and bi-weekly service. Remember when you cleaned a residential customers house for the first time? How much attention to detail, and thorough you were? Do you still perform the duties like its your first time cleaning for this customer? I hope so. This my friend is consistency. Customers will choose you for loyal, committed and dedicated service. Sure you will have some errors but if you are consistent your customers will keep you around longer.
I know of some cleaning services who are "on the rebound" continually defending themselves to the customer, "yes we performed that, or we do that ever other week, or we only clean that monthly" You will lose customers this way, unless the customer has a clear understanding of the duties performed in writing they will expect it every time. Keep your business consistent by performing your duties the same every time. If you continue to think to yourselves "this is my first time cleaning for the customer, hopefully it will not be your last time" Make out a list of instructions for yourself and staff. Make one for every service you perform. Title this list
"THINGS THAT ARE DONE DAILY ON ALL JOBS"
for example residential, other than your basic duties. If you always vacuum the furniture for crumbs,check the upholstery for stains or polish all the wood furniture top to bottom.... or if you always clean the soap residue out of the soap dish and wipe down the shampoo bottles in the shower. You would add this to your list to keep it consistent. Once you do have your list compiled of things that are done, separate the things that are special that are not required and advertise them. Using the two examples above you could state in your advertisements, flyer's etc.
"Our residential cleaning program pays strict detail to the extras, some things you can expect by choosing Joe's cleaning service"
1-Did you know? Mold and Mildew can accumulate on shower items, shampoo bottles, soap dishes, etc.. along with disinfecting your shower we pay close attention by fully sanitizing these items for your health and safety
1- We understand that your furniture is a large investment Joe`s cleaning service takes pride in maintaining your furniture on each visit by performing vacuuming of upholstery, minor upholstery stain removal and full cleaning of furniture woodwork with polish.
I think you have the idea separate your regular cleaning duties from your special duties, but stay consistent with all of them, your customers will appreciate it, and in turn will keep you around longer.
P.S. Using that top example how about this for cross promotion.
1- We understand that your furniture is a large investment Joe`s cleaning service takes pride in maintaining your furniture on each visit by performing vacuuming of upholstery, minor upholstery stain removal and full cleaning of furniture woodwork with polish. (If our cleaners cannot remove the stain from your upholstery on each cleaning visit, please accept $10.00 off a full upholstery furniture cleaning performed by our trained carpet cleaners)
Kevin Carnahan
Founder (IJCSA) International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association
http://www.ijcsa.com
Owner: http://www.ijcsa.com
1. Everyone Makes A Difference ? Despite not letting him... Read More
Concrete cleaning can be a lucrative business to start. Here... Read More
As a franchisor I am always asked by new and... Read More
What does it take to grow a business and run... Read More
On Monday the Department of Corporations in California revoked franchise... Read More
Approximately 200,000 new businesses are started each year. More people... Read More
Franchising is the fastest way to build small businesses, provide... Read More
Costs of over regulation and over disclosure end up hurting... Read More
E-mail and Internet use are integral parts of the typical... Read More
If you have ever had your antique shop or mall... Read More
"Order Now!" "Your Business Will Fail If You Don't Have... Read More
CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR INTERN: Specify the number of hours the... Read More
Starting and managing a small business is no fun chore,... Read More
A lot of business owners I've spoken with lately have... Read More
We love Wichita because it has great all round weather... Read More
If you plan to upgrade your workshop into an Authorized... Read More
Many auto detailers fall short in their sales presentations. I... Read More
Scenario OneDuring a recent presentation, a business owner was given... Read More
Until the day I learned to play chess I loved... Read More
Small business success is very similar to learning to walk,... Read More
Researching information for a recent business plan, I came across... Read More
My 16 year-old daughter said, "Gee Dad! You look just... Read More
Purchasing a franchise has become one of the most popular... Read More
BioTechs even with the latest news had shed over 1000... Read More
A few years ago, I visited Beijing for the first... Read More
same day cleaning service Wilmette ..You see it often in large shopping complexes. Customers seem... Read More
Every business regardless of size needs a "Business Image Manual"... Read More
So what exactly is a "Small Business Lone Ranger?" A... Read More
Looking for a place to add a Quick Lube away... Read More
I ran a franchise company for many years, a car... Read More
As a practitioner and student of Small Business Marketing, I... Read More
Most doctors never distinguish the difference between customers and patients.... Read More
Where do you find the right people for a business... Read More
You know what makes me really happy? Drinking a Starbucks... Read More
Everyone loves a good story. Whether it's the story of... Read More
If small business had no important outside audiences, it wouldn't... Read More
Nothing can drive a business down faster than customers who... Read More
You'd like to go into business for yourself, and believe... Read More
So you want to start a business but you don't... Read More
Summer is a time for the outdoors, for that well-deserved... Read More
Cash is the lifeblood of any business. As humans need... Read More
You've come up with the best idea since sliced bread,... Read More
1. Know Where You're Going ? Coach Herb Brooks had... Read More
Q: After years of dreaming about starting my own business,... Read More
You've been meaning to tend to the administration part of... Read More
If you own a small business, you should know that... Read More
How a donation is different from a sponsorship and what... Read More
Office support services can range from basic data entry to... Read More
If you own a small business, then you know the... Read More
To get approval for your small business loan application, you... Read More
Small Business |