Cleaning an office can be satisfying work, but it isn’t always easy. The same goes with starting your own business, but if you take it step by step and move forward with patience, you’ll be able to build a brand and business that you’re proud of.
1. CREATE AN LLC FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Selecting a legal entity may be one of the more difficult steps in starting your own business, but it is essential. You can create an LLC (limited liability company), which is recommended for small businesses that are just getting started. Keep in mind, though, that an LLC requires you—the business owner—to pay self-employment taxes and keep track of the business expenses. You can consider hiring an account to help you manage the business expenses and assist you with any tax questions you may have.
2. SELECT A NAME
Selecting a name for your business may take some time, but it’s an important step that you need to take. Pick a name that represents you and your business and that will be original, yet memorable. Your business name should also be relevant to what you do. You don’t want potential clients to have no idea what your business does as a reflection of the business name.
3. SET UP A BUSINESS BANK ACCOUNT
Setting up a business bank account will be important so that you can keep track of your business’ finances and keep them separate from your personal finances. This will also make it possible for your clients to make purchases online or checks payable to your business account. Look into the requirements of setting up a business bank account, like specific paperwork or employer ID number.
4. GET YOUR BUSINESS INSURED
This step is often overlooked, but those who have insurance in place can practice with peace of mind. We know that as a trained cleaning professional, you don’t intend for accidents to happen. However, you face risks every day on the job. Your client could slip and fall on your mop and bucket and injure their leg. Or, if one of your employees breaks a window in an office they’re cleaning, you’ll be glad that you have insurance.
Insurance Canopy provides top-notch insurance for carpet cleaners, house cleaners, janitors, maids, and window cleaners. For you, the business owner of an office cleaning business, you’ll want to take a look at the janitorial page. You can purchase an insurance policy online in ten minutes or less, which is available at the affordable price of $35 per month. You can also add on optional coverage for your tools and equipment, should anything happen to them.
5. DETERMINE YOUR SERVICES AND PRICES
Once you have set up your business details, including insurance, you’ll have an idea of your expenses each month. Now you’re ready to determine the services you’ll provide and the prices that will go along with each service. You can also put together certain packages, like daily, weekly, or monthly office cleaning. There are certain things that need more maintenance than others, so be sure to figure out what your business can handle.
6. PURCHASE NECESSARY SUPPLIES
Now that you’ve established what services you will be providing, you can stock up on cleaning supplies and equipment. There are several different cleaning supply websites that you can order supplies from for wholesale prices. Do your research so you can get the best supplies for your business, and the best bang for your buck.
7. GET THE WORD OUT
You’re almost ready! Now you just need to advertise your business so you can build your clientele. You can start with reaching out to family, friends, and neighbors to see if anyone they know owns an office that is looking for a cleaning staff. Consider setting up business accounts on Instagram and Facebook so that you can have an online presence and advertise your business on social media. You can get creative with your advertising efforts if you want, or you can stick to traditional and even cold call businesses to see if they are in need of janitors.
THAT’S A WRAP
There you have it! Seven steps to start your own office cleaning business. Follow these steps above with determination to succeed and your business will grow! It may seem slow at first, but give it some time. Best of luck!
