If you've ever hankered after running your own business, what about considering the business cleaning industry? Trust me, cleaning is no longer a dirty phrase and the rewards can be more than you may expect . . .
Although nowadays I mainly write informational articles like these and run an internet business, for many years I ran a redbrick janitorial supply company. Some of the points I learned now there made me believe that maybe, just maybe, I'd made the wrong choice within the washing industry!
What made me believe? Well, my company supplied cleaning chemicals and apparatus (it still does - I just don't work there anymore!) to end-users and to what, in the united kingdom, are termed Agreement Cleaners. These are firms who clean on a industrial and contractual basis for other businesses - hence the term Contract Cleaning.
Some of these businesses specialise in heavy-duty, one-off cleans at commercial and catering sites. That's a dirty, tough job. However, the types I noticed who appeared to be making the money - and some of them made really serious money - were the types who specialised in light office cleaning.
It took me a while to figure out why and, by this time around, my own business was more developed and I didn't want to improve it. Experienced I known the money to be made in cleaning offices a few years earlier, I'd have put the steering wheel over and changed to cleaning services rather than supplies.
But that's history. Finished . I'd like to give out in this article is WHY you should look at a cleaning business as the selection of employment. Below are a few reasons that may tempt you:
1. Low entry cost. You can begin an office washing business with just a few hundred pounds or dollars and also a pickup, panel van or actually an instapaper.com/p/cleaningworl estate car. I've seen it done. Comparison this with setting up a janitorial source business. If you ask me I'd say that if I started that type of business once again - understanding what I understand now - I'd want to have about £50K ($100K) in my own pocket before I'd even consider it.
Why? One word - share. Fine, let's make that two terms - share and premises. No, that doesn't perform it. Three words - stock, transport and premises. I think you might see where I'm going!
Yet I've seen many Contract Cleaning businesses start up with minimal tools and succeed. Yes, some fail. Running a business this happens. But generally in the office cleaning industry those that work at it'll be successful. That brings us to the next point.
2. Grow as slowly or as quickly simply because you prefer. This is one of the few types of business in which a pretty great income can be had from the term go. If you're happy with that, fine! Maybe you simply want to work 3 or 4 times and spend the others of your period on your leisure. On the other hand, I've seen these office washing businesses simply explode when it comes to turnover for those that want it. One in particular that springs to brain proceeded to go from zero turnover to just under £1M (about $1.9M) in HALF A YEAR.
If it doesn't get your attention I have no idea what will! Right now before you get too excited, that's a turnover shape from a firm who was simply really trying hard. Profit margins are generally pretty good though, so although you may not be an over night millionaire like some business concepts promise, you would be earning serious cash at those sort of figures.
3. Swift transition into a management placement. Sure, at the start you'll be the main one doing all of the work. That is the way stuff are - but office washing businesses need to employ workers to accomplish the task. That leaves you - the boss - to manage the business. I have yet to see one successful owner of this sort of business obtain hands (or anything else) dirty regularly. Maybe sometimes you will need to do that - but the vast majority of that time period you'll be the one in the suit - out getting further agreements!
4. Good exit opportunities. It may seem strange to say selling a cleaning business before you have also started one but consider this: many people never, ever think about the day if they may well want a transformation. Cleaning businesses with a good agreements portfolio and a wholesome turnover to profit balance can literally be worthy of a fortune. Bigger clothes snap them up each day of the week. Could you find yourself retiring in a decade time? Or less? I've seen it done. Perhaps you can perform it too!
To conclude this short article I would point out that, although beginning and owning a cleaning business is quite easy, only you will be able to make it work. It's not an easy money choice - but it's a darned sight easier than many other business options I have seen. A last little bit of advice. In case you are serious about getting started down this road, go and work for a cleaning business for some time. Sure, it's maybe not the greatest job you'll ever possess but contemplate it an investment for future years. Then go and arranged your own up!