[Neil-MDC]

hey everyone. i need some hrlp/advice/info!!!

i've been in business since August and only really got one main contract. as this does not pay alot i also work full time.

I love working for myself but need a ongoing income.

i was thinking of maybe adjusting my services that i already offer or even adding new ones. this might help attract new business!! i've been thinking of going into window cleaning using WFP system or even trauma scene cleaning!!!

If anyone has any info or help i'm open to any comments

Thanks Neil

[steve doyle]

tell us about what you do now

[Neil-MDC]

well i mainly work on new build sites... cleaning showhomes.

i advertise office cleans, builders cleans, domestic and end of tenancy clean!!!!!

i currently work alone so i'm restricted to workloads i take on!!!

i have lots of experience in small office(as in sales office), builders cleans, exterior jetting and window cleaning!!!

i worked for a company and went up the ranks, ended up with my own van and a couple of lads working for me!!!! teamleader responsibilities. then the company went bust and i ended up in a factory!!!

like i said started the business mid year and its been touch and go really!!!!!!

[steve doyle]

You seem to offer alot of services, could it be possible that your spreading yourself to thin? i believe as far as marketing goes to concentrate on one or two main services, become "known" for that service, build up business and offer other services in addition.

I think if you try to offer all things to all men it is harder to get the message across?

so my advise would be pick the most profitable parts of your business and concentrate on marketing them,  having no more than a strap line saying " we also clean; upvc, windows, conservatories, etc,etc,etc". at the bottom of your flyers.

This way you get clear, concise, bold advertising and branding. ie "mdc office and commercial cleaning" or similar

p.s,
the company you were with went bust, look at what they did which worked and what didnt. dont copy their business exactly or you will get the same result! (im not suggesting you have copied it, but maybe looking objectively at them may help you understand yours better?).

[Neil-MDC]

yeah it makes alot of sense! builders cleans make us the most profit...i've never done an office clean apart from sales office on site!! never done domestic only showhomes!!!

maybe i could highlight that we are build clean specialists!! to be far i was the main man for builders cleans for our region with the other company!!!

the main reason why they went bust is because the tried to as they say"trying to run before you can walk". Image was a big thing for them and they overspent on things that were not important!!!!

So maybe now i could use the following .....

Cheers Steve

MDC Cleaning Services - New build cleaning specialists

or something along that line!!!!

[steve doyle]

glad to be of service 

Interesting you said the other company tried to "run before they could walk", sounds like your going to avoid that trap now. Im a great beliver in keeping things as simple as possible.

others on here may be able to give you more things to consider,

good luck,

steve

[Neil-MDC]

it has made me take a step back and look at the bigger picture. I found myself heading towards badlands and now i can focus on what is easier and simple to achieve.

Just doing some new research at the moment...looking at local businesses and the competition!!!

Thanks again Steve

[myvanwi]

it has made me take a step back and look at the bigger picture. I found myself heading towards badlands and now i can focus on what is easier and simple to achieve.

Just doing some new research at the moment...looking at local businesses and the competition!!!

Thanks again Steve

Neil,
We are a domestic cleaning business but would love to get into builders cleans as there is more profit. How do you get these sites? We have alot of building going on near us but we have approached the Head Offices of the building companies and got no response and when we approach the site managers they tell us to go through head office? Any help would be gratefully received.