Starting a Window Cleaning Business in Six Easy Steps
Getting started in the window cleaning business is not too difficult. Sure, it’ll take a little hard work. It will take a little money, but not much. Most window cleaners are able to start up with just a few hundred dollars. Here’s how you can start up and be in business in six easy steps.
1. Legal Structure
First it’s important to decide the legal structure of your business. This is important for tax purposes. Is your business a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company? Also, this is the time to think up a name for your business. Consider something near the beginning of the alphabet or something that starts with “A” or “AA.” This will put you towards the top of the list in window cleaning business listings. People are more likely to pick a company from the top of the list.
2. Gather Supplies
You’ll need a few basic supplies to get started. Don’t feel like you have to get top-of-the-line pro equipment just yet. You want to have the right tools to get started, but not be in debt if you decide window cleaning is not for you. You should be able to attain all supplies for under $600, half that if you just buy a basic set of tools. You’ll need squeegees, scrapers, towels, soap solution, a sturdy ladder, and an extension pole, all available at your nearest janitorial supply store.
3. Learn Window Cleaning
Chances are you’re probably not an expert yet on how to wash windows. There are several how-to videos available for free on YouTube. Visit the YouTube website and type in “window cleaning techniques” or “window cleaning tips” to get started. There are other websites available that can help you learn the skills necessary to be a great window cleaner. Practice on your own windows, and your friends and neighbor’s windows. Practice makes perfect!
4. Decide How to Charge
It can be hard to figure out what your rates should be. You want to be competitive, but also make a nice profit. Frankly, it can take a few jobs to figure out the rates that work best for you and your customers. When figuring out your rates, consider charging by the hour or by the window. When charging by the window, consider the size and location of the windows. Do you have to clean the screens too? Are there shrubs in the way that could make accessing the windows difficult?
5. Finding and Keeping Customers
You’ll need to find customers, obviously. Consider some promotional materials such as flyers, ads, or business cards. Find what works, but don’t feel like you need to try every possible angle available. Keep in mind that people that can afford window cleaning-most likely the ones that live in expensive houses or neighborhoods-should be your main targets. After you’ve finished a job for a customer, keep in contact with them using postcards or letters. Give a referral discount to them and their friends. Offer add-on services, such as gutter cleaning, to increase your profits.
6. Stay Organized
It’s important to develop a system to stay organized. Keep a detailed schedule so you’re sure to arrive on time. Also, develop a system to keep track of all of your customers. A great method is filling out a 4 x 6 index card for each customer with contact information, dates of service, and other information that can help you manage your customer list for increased profits, such as regular reminder postcards mailings.
Starting a window cleaning business isn’t too difficult. It shouldn’t cost you a large amount of money or take weeks to get you going. In just six easy steps you could be on your way to starting a successful window cleaning business. To learn more about becoming a window cleaning pro, read Profitable Window Cleaning, available at: http://extraincomebulletin.com
January 16 2011 | Business | Comments Off
How to Market Your Carpet Cleaning Business Successfully
With a little capital you can easily open this carpet cleaning business. Others open their business and started with less than a few thousand dollars capital. They even start up with no marketing plans. They think charging the customer the cheaper price they will get lots of customers. They only compete with the price.
You can easily beat your competitors by advertising. It is your advantage if your competitor’s lack of education on advertising and no marketing strategy. It will be easy to beat them. First thing you will do is analyze why your carpet cleaning service is needed in the market place. Is your business has a selling proposition to attract customers? If you are just another carpet cleaner who is just competing with price, you better quit and get a real job. You must have aim in running your carpet cleaning service in your community.
There are different kinds of services you can render on carpet cleaning service. You can either have specialty like removing pet odor in the carpet, or you can offer the steam cleaning and fast drying, and high level service. Think any service cleaning about carpet that no other carpet cleaner offers. Make sure you give the customer’s satisfaction in every service you render. If you mean high level of service, you should give it to your customers. Good and quality service you render with the customers will promote your business.
If you choose to be pet odor specialist on carpet, make some ads about pet odor. Make flyers regarding on how wonderful life can be with pets. At the same time promote your carpet cleaning service. Consumer usually prefers something unique. If you want your business to succeed think of something different that appeals your prospective clients. Try to be different with other carpet cleaner.
You could either pick up the carpet from your customers. Give them a free promotional discount or for every 2 carpet you clean they will receive 1 small bottle of perfume for their pets. Or any free accessories for their pets. Surely they will like your promotion and freebies.
Giving your customer with high quality of service, they will become your regular and loyal customer to your carpet cleaning service. You can also consider the pricing for every carpet. Carpet comes from different size and shapes. Make some listing on the pricing depending on carpet sizes and what kind of service do your customers want.
You also add flavoring scent for the carpet cleaning. Ask the customer want kind of scent he/she prefers. Some customer may like the idea but other may not, if they have allergy. But the good thing is that your customer can choose what kind of service they want. Your service will be different from other carpet cleaner. The more customers who are satisfied with your service, the more profit you will gain.
See: How to start a carpet cleaning business
January 16 2011 | Business | Comments Off
Direct Mail Marketing Is Now Available to Companies of All Sizes Using Digital Printing
Over the years Direct Mail Marketing or 1:1 Marketing has been one of the main marketing tools used by large business to target prospective customers. The problem with this process is the cost largely outweighs the potential returns, The Return on Investment or ROI.
The fact is that when these brochures, leaflets, flyers, catalogues or whatever other literature were sent out (and of course this is still the case) to their target audience they were or are really exactly the same, the only difference between each is an address label stuck on the outside, looking rather unprofessional, the rest of the information is utterly and completely the same! The reason for this is that the printing is done by lithographic offset printing on huge presses which cost enormous sums of money. Therefore, in order to be cost effective, many thousands had to be printed in one print run to bring the unit cost down to an acceptable figure. That’s why it has always been too expensive for smaller companies to introduce this method of marketing with any success.
With the litho process, each colour requires a separate plate which itself is expensive and takes a large amount of labour time to set up, furthermore there is an amount of wasted prints early in the run whilst the printer attempts to get the colours to match, the alignment correct and so on. Naturally if these costs were amortised over a small amount of copies the unit cost would be horrendous.
The biggest problem with this type of mass mail marketing is the ROI is about 1% to 2% and unless those turn into substantial business, the question has to be “is it worth it?”
Fortunately, with the advent of better quality Digital Printers and speciality software, it is now possible for companies to have small runs and sample runs prior to a full-scale roll out and to individually target by business type, authority or area. Variable Data Printing Software in conjunction with Digital Printing increases the potential ROI to a very desirable 10% to 15%. Personalisation is the key. Not only can the sticky address labels be eliminated by printing names and addresses directly onto each printed item, but each can also have a different bar code, individually personalised message and even a change of graphics and the colours can now be different on each printed part.
Companies simply provide a database of names and addresses to the print company, the individual graphics are designed in the Graphic Design department and uploaded to the Rip Drive. Rip stands for Raster Image Processor and is like a print driver but more sophisticated with many enhanced features. Once all the data is uploaded, the print job is ready to go and unlike the litho process there is no need to stop to change plates or waste many copies getting the print correct, all the changes are effected on ‘the fly’ by the rip, in other words whilst the job is running.
The advantages are obvious, by targeting prospective clients with the inclusion of more relevant data and with a more professional image it is more likely the recipient will read the information they receive rather than put it straight in the bin, also the labour costs are reduced as the printer runs the job non-stop and there is no need to set up individual plates or print large volumes which are not required. This type of marketing also means that it’s trackable and the success is measurable. It allows the marketer to get the message across more directly.
This process can even be combined with sending out data on CD and DVD or other types of media by printing and personalising the card wallets, Digipaks or the paper parts in a CD Jewel case for instance.
January 12 2011 | Business | Comments Off
Small Business: Using Awards For Better Publicity
Does your business strategy includes using awards for better publicity? Do you use the process of applying awards to check and refine your business strategy?
In terms of publicity, being nominated for an award can be just as helpful as winning the award.
Industry specific awards are a gauge of your company performance to your customers and the business community in general. Your business will benefit from finding the right awards and making an effort to include these in your plans for growth.
Using the Nomination
Small businesses who are nominated for an award can most definitely benefit from the award process. The award organizers may list the nominees – and a small business should take full advantage of this. Even if the nominees aren’t listed by the organizers, a small business should promote the nomination themselves.
Use the businesses newsletters and websites, to link to the award site and publicize the nomination. This will aid increasing the company’s name recognition and credibility. Let your clients know that others have confidence in your business.
Many awards will have a set of criteria and it’s a great idea to list the standards when you announce the nomination. You will increase your customer’s knowledge about ‘what’ your business does and the quality of your work.
If the nominees are listed publicly, take a look at who is in the top group with you. It’s a great opportunity to take note and identify what separates you from the other competitors, and being associated with the other nominees is incredibly powerful.
Awards Publicity for Better Business
The publicity from winning an award can boost traffic to your website, win you additional awards and lead to business growth. Customers often use awards to help make their buying decisions – dealing with an ‘award winning business’ is part of the ‘proof’ aspect of a sale.
Make sure that you display awards and nominations prominently on your website or in your shopfront – these serve as a quick reference for customers that you are a recognized leader in your industry. Customers note awards as a seal of approval on your company by a knowledgeable outside group. These awards act as recommendations from people who should know.
Displaying your awards can help develop pride in your company by current employees or even attract skilled new employees to your rising star. Employees with a sense of pride contribute strongly to the performance of your company and add value to your business.
Seeking Funding?
Awards may help your business if you are seeking funding from Banking Institutions or Venture Capitalists. Banks and investors often use awards to identify the strongest performing companies within an industry.
New Business Partners?
Many companies use awards to identify potential business partners. Press releases or articles in industry magazines bring your company to the attention of a great supplier. These industry connections build your company’s overall performance.
Business Development…
Without a doubt, applying for an award forces a business owner to review their business plan and future directions. From my own experience, I know that having to answer questions, quantify results and describe my vision is an incredibly powerful tool.
I have recently been nominated for Telstra Business Woman of the Year, and was a shortlisted candidate. I didn’t make the finals, but the process certainly helped my business management process.
Most recently I have been nominated for a MCEI Marketing Award – and I found that completing the application was just like completing my marketing plan – an incredibly rewarding experience. Winning the Women In Business category was a boost to my self confidence and the confidence in my business.
Where do you find awards to apply for?
The best place to find awards to apply for would be your local Chamber of Commerce or Business Association.
Check out your industry associations and professional bodies.
January 11 2011 | Business | Comments Off
Cheap Marketing Strategy – Apply For Small Business Awards and Contests
Now is not the time to stop marketing your business. Fact is sales and marketing are the two ways to produce revenues. You must continue to keep your customers interested and informed and attract new customers. The economy will turn around and you want to be ready for it. The key is to find cheaper ways of promoting your business.
One-way that costs little or no money is applying for and winning small business awards and contests offered by corporations, professional associations and government agencies.
As a small business owner I received multiple awards from the Small Business Administration, local Chamber of Commerce and community organizations. Each time I was recognized for excellent service, community service, or leadership there was another story in the newspapers about my company. Television interviews and speaking invitations rolled in. More opportunities to bid on contracts came our way.
When someone else toots your horn it increases your credibility. Potential customers learn about you and become customers. The media wants to tell your story. It starts with you. You have to toot your own horn first by nominating your company or getting a customer to nominate you.
Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
Yearly the U. S. Small Business Administration has a Small Business Week program during which they present an award for Small Business Person of the Year for each state. From the state award recipients they choose a national winner. There is no entry fee. The U. S. Chamber of Commerce has the America Small Business of the Year awards program which is open to members and nonmembers. The online application is available for $25 for members and $150 for nonmembers which include a one year e-membership. You must be able to attend the organizations annual summit where the awards are presented. Check to see if your local Chamber has an awards program. I received an award for the fastest growing business in the region from my local Chamber of Commerce. The Stevie American Business Awards celebrate business people in many categories. One category recognizes women entrepreneurs and their achievements. The entry fee is $230. The United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship offers awards for achievement and advocacy as well as education and others. The Association presents awards at their annual conference. There is no entry fee. Check out awards and contests and awards sponsored by organizations specific to your industry. I was in the contract maintenance and cleaning business and received the Executive Housekeeper of the Year award from the Massachusetts chapter of the International Executive Housekeepers Association. Newspapers and magazines recognize entrepreneurs with business lists such as largest business, fastest growing business, fastest growing woman-owned business, largest woman-owned business.
When you win an award write a press release and send it to your media contacts just in case they did not get the news. Put it on your website, in your newsletter on your Linkedin, Twitter and Facebook page.
January 11 2011 | Business | Comments Off
Why Businesses and Foundations Give Grants and Award Money
Why would a business, person, organization, or foundation give you and your business a grant? Well, there are many reasons.
Businesses give grants and award money to businesses or startups because their giving is a “thank you” to the community that they serve. The business offering the grant or award may come up with a program and guidelines so that businesses and individuals applying for the grant or award, can receive money to accomplish certain goals that the giving business wants to see accomplished in the community.
A business giving grants and awards to a person or business benefits the business that gives. The giving is a tax advantage, and the giving provides a promotional opportunity for advertising and media.
A person may give you a grant or award money to start or improve your business. People start nonprofits because there is a sickness or disease that they want to see cured or there is a need that they want to see met. People who give grants and awards do so, because while they are busy managing their money or creating more money, they can give to an organization that will help them see their goals or dreams fulfilled. They will give to you or your business if you can demonstrate that you can aide in seeing that their goal for a cure, or a need is met.
That person may develop a program and publish guidelines establishing what is necessary to receive the grant or award money for your business. You or your business or startup must demonstrate that you can meet these needs. This is called meeting the guidelines.
A person gives grants and awards to people or businesses because the giving is tax deductible. Also, the giving provides an opportunity for the positive promotion of the person who is doing the giving.
Foundations and organizations give for all of the reasons above. They give because there is a need that they would like to see met, or a disease that they would like to see cured.
Their giving is also tax deductible and gives the foundation or organization a “good name” which can lead to good promotional opportunities. The promotional opportunities may lead to donations to the foundation, which will lead to the foundation being able to give more grants and awards to businesses and startups like yours.
Qualifying for grants and awards is the key to receiving funding. Help in applying for any grant or award can be received at http://rainmakersbusinessnetworkinggroup.blogspot.com.
January 11 2011 | Business | Comments Off
Using Achievement Awards to Make a Difference
In business it is wise to find ways to spur employee productivity. Achievement awards have long been used to foster good relationships between workers and the company. Everyone likes to know that their work is recognized and appreciated.
Every business should take steps to identify and reward talented workers. Otherwise, these skills may well be appreciated elsewhere. Many companies now realize that this is an essential step to remaining viable in an increasingly competitive environment.
Employee Incentive Programs
These programs are designed specifically to boost worker morale, and indirectly improve the company’s profits. Offering recognition awards is actually just one way among many that today’s businesses try to improve efficiency.
It should be noted that no such endeavor can be successful if done willy-nilly. If this is done, the honors would lose their worth.
Admittedly, only larger companies can afford to stage big events at which achievement awards are presented. This does not mean that smaller businesses cannot find creative ways to make employees feel appreciated. This could mean a small session such as a staff meeting that is held right in the office.
Buying Achievement Awards
For some companies that have budgetary constraints, doing something in-house may be the best option. This may mean printing special certificates which state why the employee is being recognized. Some companies will give their workers gift vouchers as tokens of appreciation.
Providers of these products do strive to meet the needs of companies regardless of their size. The variety of options available and cost means that there is something for any budget.
Keep in mind that the idea is to demonstrate that good work is valued by the company. Types of awards generally offered include:
* Certificates
* Etched crystals
* Trophies
* Shields
* Medals
Each type of recognition awards comes in various styles and sizes. The choice of style, size and of course, material used will determine the cost of the item.
But there are other factors which play a role. Elaborate designs and the amount of information inscribed will also increase the price.
Request a catalog from companies that offer these products. These are often mailed in booklet form, but increasingly they are being sent in digital format. Company newsletters will help to keep clients updated on new products and special deals that are being offered.
Buying Recognition Awards Online
For added convenience many of these products can be purchased online. This is especially useful for business owners who have limited time to shop around. This also enables easier product and price comparisons.
Buying recognition awards online is no different in principle from buying any other type of product over the Internet. Problems may arise if the items become damaged during shipping. There may also be concerns regarding the accuracy of the information that is printed.
Before making an order, all the details should be fully worked out. Some companies provide discounts on orders over a certain value amount. Shipping could also be discounted, or if the order is large enough, it could be free. These help make online shopping for just about any products so much cheaper.
Recognition awards can also be custom designed according to customer specifications. This will provide the client with control over the look of the item. These days many companies are able to offer this particular service. Even if your own design is not perfect, the company can help you refine it.
It usually makes sense to stick with a company once a relationship has been established. This will entitle you to special offers or any discounts the company is offering. Longtime customers are often in a better position to negotiate better rates as well.
Achievement awards can vary greatly in quality depending on the company being dealt with. You will find too that the level of customer support offered by some companies fails to make the grade. This shows the importance of doing everything possible to find a company that meets your expectations.
January 11 2011 | Business | Comments Off
Business Excellence For Regional Competitiveness
Business Excellence Quality Awards have in recent years gained popularity within the region, often championed by national bodies to promote quality and best business practices. Whilst the awards themselves are secondary in importance to the prevalent adoption of the business excellence concept, the ultimate aim is to improve national economic performance as a whole.
The most popular Business Excellence model in the world is the Malcolm Baldrige Award. This was first introduced by the US government in 1987. It represents the use of quality management principles and tools in business management to realize systematic enhancement of business performance, based on the principles of customer focus, stakeholder value and process management.
The majority of organizations use these models to identify improvement opportunities and ideas for future organizational development. For example, users of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model do so for multiple of reasons; including self-assessment, strategy development and business management.
The Middle East has recognized the benefits of the business excellence model and embraced it, this is demonstrated by the fact that a number of national establishments have in recent years launched national Business Excellence Awards e.g. the King Abdulaziz Quality Award (KAQA) in Saudi Arabia. Such awards can raise awareness of quality and stimulate positive attitudes towards adopting best business practices that address the needs of all stakeholders of organizations.
Key practices in business excellence applied across functional areas in an organization include continuous and quantum leap improvements, preventative management and management by the analysis of facts and figures. Some of the tools employed are the balance scorecard, the Six Sigma statistical tools, Process Management and Project Management.
Business excellence as described by the EFQM refers to outstanding business practices in managing the organization and accomplishing results, based on basic concepts such as results orientation, customer focus, leadership and constancy of purpose, management by processes and facts, people involvement and development, continuous learning, innovation, partnership development and social responsibility.
Business excellence encourages the use of best business practice in areas where its impact will be most beneficial to performance. Its criteria can identify the strengths and weaknesses of management practice, for example benchmarking could be used to identify gaps and the best way to bridge them. Understanding the complementary relationship between business excellence models, best practices and benchmarking are fundamental to the success of these models as tools of continuous improvement.
The national business excellence award program helps regional organizations improve their business performance and possibly command a leading position in product or process quality. This results in improved competitiveness and productivity growth. Such a program also raises awareness of quality costs which if poorly managed can be a significant proportion of product cost. Improved quality of products and services is synonymous with improved productivity, lower costs and increased profitability.
The implementation of such a program at a national level results in an improved business leadership commitment to excellence in manufacturing and services, which is becoming more and more essential to the national economy and its ability to compete effectively in the global market place. As a result of participation, commitment to excellence becomes an integrated part of the strategic planning process of the organization.
Business Excellence benefits all regional organizations, irrespective of their type, size and sector, as the concept of quality improvement is equally applicable to small and large companies, to ‘for-profit’ and charitable organizations, to service industries as well as manufacturing, and to the public sector as well as private enterprises. Enhanced management understanding of the operation, workforce involvement in quality, combined with placing greater emphasis on statistical process control results in spectacular improvements in the cost and quality of products and services.
Business excellence quality awards help to improve quality and productivity by (a) stimulating regional companies to improve quality and productivity which in turn results in a competitive edge; (b) recognizing the achievements of those companies that improve the quality of their products and services and are role models to others; (c) establishing guidelines and criteria that can be used by business, industrial and governmental in evaluating their quality improvement efforts; and (d) providing specific guidance for other organizations that wish to learn how to manage for high quality by publicizing how winning organizations are able to achieve excellence.
To promote wider participation in the business excellence quality award across the region, respective government institutions need to take a more proactive role in educating their business community on the importance of quality. As a member of the KAQA Award winning team for the industrial manufacturing sector last year, the author strongly believes that business excellence makes commercial sense, is a means to sustained growth in revenue and profitability and a sure way to regional competitiveness
January 11 2011 | Business | Comments Off
Awards and Trophies
There are many different types of awards and trophies. Also today there are many companies that are making unique and different kinds of awards. Companies are now experimenting with glass, wood and metal to come up with beautiful designs that anyone would be happy to receive as a prized possession.
What can they be used for?
o Sports Activities- Sports is a prime sector that needs awards and trophies. The top three need to be congratulated and shown recognition for their hard work and win. Thus trophies are especially required in the Sports industry.
o Corporate Affairs- This is where excellent work needs to be recognised and so an award is required. Even a simple plaque saying “best salesman of the year” can be a real morale booster. An employee does not need only remuneration for the work that they do but they also need that pat on the back to say they have done a good job.
o Schools and Colleges- Students that do really well and excel in their field too need recognition. What better way to do this then to award them along with a certificate stating the good work.
o Social Clubs- Social clubs that host various events too need awards to show and honour the good work done. Even events like beauty pageants or a chess tournament needs awards.
o Organisations- By organisations we mean hospitals, government authorities, NGOs, etc. Even they need recognition of good work.
Different types of Awards and Trophies
Acrylic Trophy
Acrylic is a clear plastic that very much resembles glass but is way better than glass in many ways. The most common high end acrylic used is Polycast, Plexiglass and Lucite. Acrylic is 93% clear making it the clearest material available. Really thick glass sometimes has a green tint to it whereas the acrylic remains clear. Acrylic is also easier to shape than glass making it a good choice for awards. Also acrylic is less likely to break than glass as it is force resistant and sometimes even a baseball hit against an acrylic window does not break it. Acrylic can easily be engraved upon making it a beautiful award.
Crystal Trophy
Crystal has a diamond like quality that makes it brilliant and a beautiful choice for very special awards. Really good quality crystal is expensive but keeping the occasion in mind it is a good option. Crystal needs to be cut into the shape that you require and most award making companies will customise it for you.
Metal Awards
Metal that is iron, bronze, silver, gold and even platinum can be used to make your trophy. The more common metals used are bronze and iron. Bronze can also be plated with silver or gold making it a top choice. Metal can be structured into any shape and size and is unbreakable so they last for a very long time without damage.
Wood Plaques
Wood plaques are a flat surface award that can either be hung like a frame or it is mounted on another wooden base. You can even get bronze plaques but wood can be a great option too. It is inexpensive and lasts for a long time.
Glass Awards
Glass awards are a good option when organising Corporate Awards functions. Logos and Name of the recipients can be engraved on the Glass trophies. Glass trophies /awards can be designed in different colours using coloured glasses.
This is a little information about wards and trophies, but if you are looking for a company that can make these awards for you then you could contact Recognition ID. They also customise awards as per your requirements. For more info click here http://www.recognitionid.com.au.
January 11 2011 | Business | Comments Off
Security System
When it comes to cyber security systems for your network, it is difficult to consider any measure too extreme. However, whether you run only one computer of your own or a whole company network full of workstations, there are a few key elements of top notch security that just about anyone can implement, and that are quite effective at protecting against cyber maladies. Cyber security protect your computers, personal data, and entire network from being used for nefarious ends, so the concept is something that should be taken seriously.
First, your online security should include a good antivirus, anti malware, and anti spyware suite. In addition, you should have a strong firewall program in place to protect against hacker attacks. Your best bet to make sure that all of the above protective programs are compatible with one another is to download them all as a package from a single, reputable company with years of excellent ratings for their security systems. Once these elements are in place, there are a few more things that can eliminate further vulnerabilities from your security systems.
Specifically, installing automatic patch management software tools is a great way to make sure vital security patches and updates are downloaded and installed the moment they become available, rather than waiting for administrator or user permission. This takes the potential for human folly and error out of the equation in this scenario, thus beefing up your cyber security even more. Finally, make sure that your network is secured with a strong password in order to avoid other people intercepting your data or pirating bandwidth on your network. All of these tips when taken together can indeed create incredibly strong cyber security systems that just about anyone can manage, but are incredibly hard for online bad guys to crack. Happy downloading!
January 10 2011 | Business | Comments Off