One needs a name before one opens the business to the public. This is what the prospective client first sees when searching for a service provider, be it online, in an advertisement or in the phonebook. So finding the right name for one’s business is quite a big part of business preparations. It must represent one’s cleaning business to prospective clients, employees and suppliers.

The easiest way is to use the initials of the owner to name the business. It makes for a personality, ease of recall and if one has established goodwill in the business, may even attract new business. But if one intends to sell the business then one may need to use a less personality-oriented name.

Another option is a descriptive name for the business. The name may even suggest the kind and quality of business one is offering. One way to start in this avenue is use of words associated with the business and playing with them to form a new word. Using a thesaurus also helps as one can definitely expand the word choices for the name of the business. One can use the reverse route, looking at it from the client’s point of view and using the benefits to be received when the service is engaged. One can even put together a name from the first list (name association) and put it together with the second list (client benefit) to make a name and even more so, a by line. Many businesses use a byline to make the name more accessible and helps in creating better recall of the business being offered.

Marketing experts have prided a list of criteria to which names of businesses can be effective marketing tools. One aspect would be its ease of pronunciation. Also important is if it is easy to remember, and its distinct characteristics should take care of this. Also, is the information provided concise yet able to send the message across for clients to see? Also included is the aesthetics of the name such that it is not grating on the nerves to hear it repeated often enough. Also, is the byline or motto sensible enough to provide a concise summary of the service to be provided? These are but some of the considerations which needs to be taken into thought when making a business name.

Another consideration for the use of a business name is trademark and copyright laws. Check out the name one wishes to use at www.uspto.gov which is the US Patent and Trademark Office website. Also run a check with the local secretary of state if the name intended for use is already owned by another business. Once one has finished with these legal checks, get the opinions of family members so that one can get a pulse of the reaction.

One’s business name is the first thing that a potential client encounters. This name would be used throughout the life of the business thus considerable effort is needed in finding the right business name so that one can get a head start in the business.

See: How to start a cleaning business

One of the skills that you need to practice when establishing your own commercial cleaning business is presenting your services to a client and making him want to hire you. The challenge in making a sales pitch to a company that has already hired some other cleaning company maybe greater than pitching to a company that is actively seeking a cleaning service provider.

Nevertheless, the best way to create an impression is to be different in approach from other cleaning service companies. Here is a guide on getting that cleaning long term contract that you want.

1. Shop around and look for companies that hold office in and around the vicinity you would like to work at. You should be able to get hold of a name and fax number or phone number of the person in charge of outsourcing a cleaning service.

2. Prepare a smart looking company profile, proposal, bid estimate and a few business cards that you can give out before or after an appointment. You should be able to send in a copy of your company profile, proposal and your bid estimate before asking for an appointment.

3. Make sure that you catch the attention of the person in charge by incorporating a no-strings-attached clause in your proposal letter. Let them know that your intention is just to pitch your cleaning service to them and if they find it to their liking, then that is the only time that a formal business contract agreement will be made. You can send them a draft or sample of a contract with your company if you want to.

4. In the proposal, highlight your strengths and be sure to include any past cleaning jobs that you have done or any current clients that you have. If you still do not have any experiences, put all the cleaning seminars that you have attended as this will most probably catch their attention. Remember, they are looking for a professional cleaning service.

5. Give your prospective client an easy way to contact you for an appointment by adding a reply box in your proposal:

Yes, I’m interested! We can schedule a meeting on ___________ (date) at _____________ (time) in_________ (place). Contact _________ (name of contact person) at ____________ (tel.no.) for confirmation.

I might be interested but _____________ (reason for hesitance). However, I am willing to hear you out on ___________ (date) at _____________ (time) in_________ (place). Contact _________ (name of contact person) at ____________ (tel.no.) for confirmation.

I am not interested at the moment but I can refer you to _______________ (referral) which might be interested in your service.

Including these boxes will cover everything, gives the client a choice, and if they are not ready to hear you out, still gives you the possibility of getting a good referral.

6. On your appointment, make sure that you arrive on time (not too early, and never late). Keep your introduction short as you should have already covered everything in your proposal. Make sure that you get the client to talk about what they need instead.

See: How to start a cleaning service

If you want to break into the business world with a low-cost but high-profit business, then a commercial cleaning business may just be the business for you. You don’t need special skills. You can start your business with very little capital and even run it out of your own home. It’s easy to start small with this business and expand later on, there are infinite ways to market and grow.

Starting a commercial cleaning business can be a little daunting, after all, why take a risk when you have a comfortable job and great benefits? Why not when you can be your own boss, manage your own time and make good money. The cleaning industry is so diverse and growing so rapidly that now is the time that you should take part in the action.

A commercial cleaning business is one way for you to break into the cleaning industry. It’s a smart way to jumpstart your life and take charge of your finances. Here are a few business secrets that could help you with your commercial cleaning business!

1) Be a professional. People will trust you more if they know that you are a professional cleaner. This doesn’t mean that you should take special cleaning courses or haul heavy equipment around. Registering your business, getting the proper licenses and insurance papers goes a long way towards earning your client’s trust. Having someone take calls for you when you make appointments or answering your own calls is also one way to be professional. This way you can easily schedule appointments without worrying about scheduling conflicts.

2) Contracts, contracts, contracts. The main difference of a commercial cleaning business is the need to sign contracts with the client. Quality service can be ensured by these contracts. You can either have generic contracts drawn up or meet with clients so that you can make stipulations that you both agree with. Contracts also guarantee steady work for your company over a period of time until the contract ends. That way you never run out of work. Contracts also allow you and your client to develop a business relationship over a period of time. This can be really beneficial for you.

3) Specialize. Commercial cleaners can be generic but you can create a business plan that can specialize in some or all areas of cleaning. If you’re just starting out, one or two services are ideal. These can easily be added to later on in your business life and you will eventually want to consider adding new services later on.

4) Customize. Your contracts and contacts allow you to customize the way you clean your client’s residence or office. This gives you a lot of leeway and allows your client to tell you what he or she wants out of your company. This also gives you a great opportunity to do on the spot research.  What do clients normally ask of you? What do they want out of your services? This knowledge can be invaluable when you price your services or as a way of differentiating your company from the competition.

Just follow these simple secrets and you will be well on your way. Your commercial cleaning business can be the most successful on the block, in town and in your community. All it takes is a few secrets, which we hope that you will keep in mind when you open up your business!

See: How to start a commercial cleaning business