Strategies for Cleaning Companies to Find Business and Attract Corporate Customers
As a cleaning company, tapping into the corporate market can be a lucrative opportunity. Corporate clients, such as apartment complexes, commercial buildings, and various businesses, offer a steady stream of work and the chance to build a reputable brand. This article delves into effective strategies for a cleaning company to find business and attract corporate customers.
Targeting Apartment Complexes for Residential and Corporate Opportunities
Apartment complexes represent a dual opportunity for cleaning companies. They need their common areas like lobbies and hallways cleaned, which offers direct work. Additionally, cleaning staff often come in contact with residents, creating a referral base for residential work. Best of all, apartment complexes are easy to approach. You can simply visit the leasing office and request to meet the property manager.
Meeting with Local Businesses to Build Relationships
To successfully penetrate the local market, it's essential to meet with the right businesses. Here’s a structured approach:
Initial Meeting Schedule
First, create a list of local businesses that align with your target market. Reach out to these businesses by scheduling a 15-minute meeting to introduce yourself and your company.
Follow these steps during your meeting:
Introduce yourself and your company. Explain how they would benefit from your services. Ask if they have any questions. Suggest a trial period or express your desire for their business. Leave your business card or flier and shake hands before leaving.Follow-Up Strategy
To maintain a relationship, implement a regular follow-up plan:
Send helpful information like cleaning tips via email every quarter. Reach out periodically to offer assistance or propose special seasonal projects.By staying in contact, you build trust and visibility, increasing the likelihood of future business.
Networking and Incentive Programs to Attract Commercial Clients
For commercial clients, create a networking strategy and provide incentives. Here are several methods:
Local Chamber of Commerce Engagement
Join the local Chamber of Commerce to gain visibility and networking opportunities. Attend their after-hour and breakfast events to connect with local business owners.
Vendor Partnerships
Identify vendors who service commercial buildings, like HVAC contractors, and offer them incentives to promote your cleaning services or develop joint ventures. Here’s an example:
Find a local HVAC contractor who services many buildings for mechanical maintenance. Offer to pay them a promotional fee (e.g., $1,000) to give you a chance to sell your services to their clients. Assume the HVAC contractor refers 25 of their clients to you, each with a monthly cleaning contract worth $500. Your total revenue would be $120,000 annually, making your initial investment of $1,000 worthwhile.Joint Ventures and Special Offers
Explore joint ventures with other service providers. For instance, collaborate with a scientific equipment cleaning service to offer bundled seasonal cleaning packages for labs and research facilities.
By offering these creative strategies, you can significantly expand your client base and improve your business's profitability.
Conclusion
Targeting apartment complexes and developing local business relationships are just two effective strategies for a cleaning company. By understanding your market and offering incentives, you can successfully attract and retain corporate clients. Whether it's through local network events or vendor partnerships, staying proactive and offering value will keep your business thriving.