Articles

The Biggest Germ Gathering Spots In Your Office

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Surfaces and items that get touched often in an office space will risk having bacteria and germs on them. From desktops to keyboards, coffee pots to door handles, numerous areas around an office space could have germs growing on them. When someone touches these surfaces, the germs attach to their hand and get carried to their next stop. Human contact is the highest risk factor for germ transmission in an office or workspace. The more people that use an elevator button, the higher the number of germs growing on it.

We like to think that we keep our hands clean when moving from place to place. Even using hand sanitizer between touching high-contact surface areas isn’t always enough to kill all germs. It’s easy for companies to keep their office spaces clean and germ-free by hiring professional cleaning and sanitizing services regularly. These cleaning companies, such as Corvus Janitorial Systems, have experience in keeping high-contact surfaces germ-free.

Why Hire a Janitorial Service?

Companies that offer office cleaning services are excellent assets for high customer volume business locations. Restaurants, office buildings, stores, schools, hospitals, and clinics are all high-volume locations that see numerous customers daily. Add to that the number of employees at the business location, and the number rises significantly. The more people that visit a business location and touch surfaces, the higher the risk of germs and bacteria. A professional cleaning and janitorial service can reduce this risk significantly.

Common Locations for Germs

Germs live on almost every surface around an office. There are, however, certain areas where constant human contact creates a breeding ground for germs to survive for long periods. Surface areas such as elevator buttons, light switches, doorknobs, door locks, toilet handles, faucets, vending machines, and other high-contact surfaces will retain germs longer the more they get touched. Keeping these surfaces cleaned and sanitized is the only defense an office space has against germs.

The following is a detailed list of surface areas that germs will find easier to breed in due to high contact:

Elevator Buttons

Elevator controls see a lot of attention throughout the day. Both the controls in hallways and the control inside the cab of an elevator see constant contact from visitors riding the elevators through an office building. It’s always a good idea to clean doors and rails inside the elevator cab due to contact from riders.

Door handles, knobs, and locks

Doors will see the most use in an office space throughout the day. Everyone in the office will use a door multiple times during their work shift, making them a high-contact surface area to sanitize when fighting germs in an office space. Always clean the door’s surface around the handles also, due to people pressing on the door to help open it at times. Locks and latches will also need sanitizing when cleaning doors.

Desktop

Workspaces often carry the most germs due to being high-contact surfaces. These workspaces can include cubicles, countertops, tabletops, desktops, and other flat surfaces where someone spends time constantly. Germs travel by contact with people’s hands, spreading about as far as a person can reach from any given point.

Keyboard, Mouse, and Trackball

Electronics that get constant use, such as input devices for computers like keyboards and mice, will see the most germs in a workspace. People constantly eat at their computers while working, leaving crumbs, oil, grime, and other tidbits that contribute to germs. If co-workers share a workspace, the amount of germs rises significantly.

Telephones, Fax Machines, Printers, and Other Shared Devices/Appliances

There are many appliances and devices in an office space that co-workers share amongst themselves. Coffee makers, printers, fax machines, copiers, shredders, vending machines, kitchenettes, microwaves, refrigerators, and many other devices or appliances get constant use in an office space. Co-workers using the same copier repeatedly will have shared their germs and others that have used the machine. Watercoolers are also a high-contact area for germs to breed.

Sinks, Dishes, Sponges, and Soaps

Having a nice breakroom is excellent until the kitchenette doesn’t get cleaned properly. Sinks and dishes are the most common breeding grounds for coli and salmonella. Most new sponges will have these bacteria on their surfaces within three weeks. Using these germ-ridden sponges throughout the day will spread the germs to other surface areas. Two minutes in a microwave can kill most germs on dishes, but we recommend replacing the sponge every two weeks to prevent these bacteria.

Restrooms

Coli bacteria thrive in bathrooms. Every surface in a bathroom is likely to have some stage of E. coli bacteria growing on it. Faucets, sinks, countertops, trashcans, handles, rails, and everything in between is at risk of bacteria in a restroom. Keeping these areas cleaned regularly can help reduce the risk the bacteria poses.

Environment

The most overlooked hotspot in any building for germ distribution is the air around us. You cannot sanitize the air itself. The recent Covid pandemic has taught us that contaminants can linger in the area for a while. Good ventilation helps keep the air cleaner to breathe. Adding fresh air into the mix will help, especially with a fan running. Replacing air filters in HVAC systems and keeping them well maintained also helps.

Depending on the type of business, hiring professional cleaning services like Corvus can often be the best solution for a workspace to remain a germ and bacteria-free environment. Some companies will have other high-contact areas that pose a risk of bacteria or germs growing on them. Restaurants, for instance, will have surface areas like tables, chairs, booths, menus, and other items or surfaces that customers come into contact with daily.

Staying Germ-Free

Keeping an office space germ-free is easy with the help of a professional cleaning service and some patience. Regularly cleaning a workspace and its high-contact surface areas will reduce the number of germs and bacteria that put visitors and employees at risk. Hiring a professional cleaning service is quick and easy. All it takes is making a quick call or scheduling an appointment to get an estimate. Keep your office space, employees, and visitors safe from bacteria like E. coli and salmonella with professional janitorial help.

Office Bathrooms: What Should Be Cleaned Every Single Time

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Bathrooms are teeming with germs, and germs can make your employees sick. Sick days lead to reduced productivity and eventual profit losses. Keeping your office bathrooms clean and free of germs is essential.

Most business owners do not have time to focus on cleaning chores, and their office bathrooms sometimes only receive a partial cleaning. Many business owners do not realize how dirty and full of germs their office bathrooms are until a professional cleaner, such as Corvus Janitorial Systems, comes in for a deep cleaning treatment.

These Bathroom Cleaning Chores Must Be Carried Out Every Time

While some bathroom chores are done sporadically, many need to be carried out each time the bathroom is cleaned, preferably daily. Daily cleanings prevent germs from growing on bathroom surfaces.

Professional janitorial services will take care of the following office cleaning chores for business owners.  

Toilets

Every surface area of toilets need to be cleaned and sanitized, including the following.

1. Inside and outside of the bowl
2. Top and bottom of the seat, including the hinges
3. Tank and flush handle

Urinals

Urinals will also need to be cleaned. Janitorial services will clean and sanitize the following components.

1. Urinal handles
2. Internal screens
3. Inside and outside of the urinal
4. Pipes

High Contact Areas

Some surfaces of office bathrooms are touched much more frequently than others. High contact areas must be cleaned and sanitized daily, sometimes multiple times a day. Some of the high contact areas in a bathroom include the following.

1. Door handles
2. Bathroom stall handles
3. ADA switches
4. Light switches

Sinks & Countertops

Sinks and countertops are also full of germs because these are areas where people wash their hands after using the restroom. The following must be cleaned and sanitized daily.

1. Faucet handles
2. Sinks
3. Sink drains
4. Countertops
5. Mirrors
6. Soap dispensers

Storage Shelves

Storage shelves need dusting and restocking to ensure the bathroom is fully stocked with supplies. Because these surfaces can also pick up germs, they should be disinfected regularly.

Bathroom Flooring

Bathroom flooring needs constant care to ensure it is free of dirt and germs. Attendants will need to remove any trash from the floor. Sweeping and mopping are essential chores that remove dirt, debris, and germs that may be hiding out in the crevices of the flooring.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Janitorial Service

Keeping office bathrooms clean and sanitized requires consistent work. Most business owners are too busy running their companies to devote themselves to cleaning bathrooms. Corvus can help.

Hiring a professional janitorial service offers many benefits. Business owners need to be aware of the advantages of hiring these professionals so they can take appropriate action for the health and safety of their employees and customers.

1. Creates a Good First Impression

First impressions are everything in the business world. When customers use your facilities, they will judge your business on the level of cleanliness. If your bathrooms are not clean or well stocked, customers will notice.

2. Protects Employees and Customers Against Germs

Bathrooms are the germiest places in offices. When bathrooms receive professional cleaning services, employees and customers are less likely to be exposed to germs that can make them ill. By hiring a professional janitorial service, business owners let their customers and employees know they care.

3. Promotes Cleanliness

Studies have shown employees feel more obligated to keep their workspaces clean when professional cleaners come in and carry out cleaning services. Business owners will find employees and customers are more likely to clean up after themselves, which promotes a healthier office environment.

4. Saves Money & Time

Business owners will find they save time and money when hiring a professional cleaning service to handle their office bathrooms and other chores. By hiring these services, business owners will have fewer employees’ sick days. Maintaining their flooring and other bathroom components will prevent expensive repairs and replacement.

5. Improves Employee Satisfaction

Employees report having a higher level of satisfaction when working in a clean environment. Dirty environments decrease employee morale and can affect production.

Choosing the Right Janitorial Service Is Essential

Once you decide to hire a janitorial service, selecting the right one becomes the next critical step. Business owners should not hire the first name they come across. Research allows business owners to ensure they pick the janitorial service that will offer them the highest level of professionalism.

When looking for a cleaning service, consider the following attributes.

  • If you are looking for a janitorial service, only select one that is certified and fully insured. Certified and licensed services prove the company is operating legally. Insurance coverage protects both the business owner and the janitorial service’s employees.

  • Ensure the service hires employees who are skilled and service-oriented. Inquire about the hiring practices. Learn what kind of screening employees go through before being hired.

  • Reliability is crucial when hiring any cleaning service. Business owners want to be sure they choose a service that is going to be dependable and flexible. As your needs change, the service should adapt to meet them.

  • Business owners should also consider environmentally conscious janitorial services. These services attempt to protect the environment by using cleaning products that are made from natural ingredients whenever possible. While not every cleaning business is concerned about their environmental impact, the best businesses care and take the appropriate steps to lessen their carbon footprints.

  • Checking the reputation of the cleaning service will give you a good idea of what to expect from the level of cleaning they offer. Read reviews and ask for referrals from the company before deciding.

Professional Janitorial Services Keep Your Office Bathrooms Sparkling

Taking care of the needs of your business can be time-consuming and stressful. It is especially arduous to care for your office cleaning needs.

Bathrooms are one of the dirtiest and germiest spaces in any workplace. If you are not performing the cleaning steps above each day, your office bathroom may not be clean enough for employees or customers.

Hiring the best janitorial service will ensure your office bathrooms are clean and free of excessive germs that make people sick. Seeking professionals for these chores means one less worry for you. If you are looking for a new cleaning service, contact Corvus Janitorial Systems today.

Franchisee Spotlight – Jorge Rodriguez, Corvus of San Antonio

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October’s Franchisee Spotlight Series features Corvus of San Antonio Franchise Owner Mr. Jorge Rodriguez. Read on to learn more about the standout Franchisee who goes above and beyond to Make Lives Better!

To keep up with the Franchisee Spotlight Series and all things Corvus, follow us on Instagram! @corvus_janitorial_franchising

As the second Franchise Owner to partner with Corvus of San Antonio, Mr. Jorge Rodriguez has had a big impact on the market’s success. “I don’t know where we’d be without him,” states Mr. Reed Warren, Regional Director.

Mr. Rodriguez runs his business full time and can service accounts any time of day. He even performs extra work, such as carpet cleanings. His flexibility for taking accounts and his great customer service has helped Mr. Rodriguez expand his business and partnership with Corvus. While he continues to grow his business, Jorge sets revenue goals and works toward them by making informed business decisions. While he is always grateful for new accounts, he is selective to make sure he can fully commit to his customers and provide consistent top quality service.

It’s very clear that Jorge takes pride in his work and it shows by the way he takes his time cleaning all of his accounts. Two of his customers have left Google reviews, stating “We have been through many other cleaning companies in the past and have never experienced such excellent service and attention to detail. Always on time, outstanding performance and great communication,” and, “Our school is cleaner than it has ever been. I am so impressed. I am increasing our time to 5 days a week starting in June. I am a happy customer and our teachers are thrilled to have their classrooms so clean. It matters!”

Thank you Mr. Rodriguez for your commitment to your business and customers. We look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come!

Janitorial Franchises: Embracing Diversity

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Valued at almost $293 billion, the commercial cleaning industry is growing by the day—and Corvus Janitorial Systems offers people from all social classes the chance to become part of a unified, cooperative, and collaborative community. In efforts to become more inclusive, we’re looking for franchisees of all ages, genders, religions, races, and abilities. We believe that, as our workforce becomes more diverse, we will use our franchisees’ unique experiences and perspectives to drive growth, increase competition, and solve industry-wide problems.

Although the push for diversity and inclusion isn’t a new concept, America’s industrial sector still has work to do. Minorities will have more than $3 trillion in purchasing power by 2030; just 20 years after that, people of color will make up almost half of the country’s population. While these changes are promising, they’re not reflected in the makeup of most companies’ executive boards. For instance, women are promoted 20% less often than men, and less than 20% of the workforce is disabled.

As our country changes, it’s becoming increasingly important for companies to recognize the societal and competitive advantages of diversity, and to ensure that their workforces reflect current demographics. Here, we’ll explain the differences between diversity, equity, and inclusion, why these qualities are so important in janitorial franchising, and we will also offer a few tips for the advancement of diversity.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Similar, but Different

To understand the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the franchising world, employers must first learn the significance of each variable and how it drives change.

  • Diversity is the concept of a group of people from different backgrounds, all coming together to achieve a common goal. It also refers to differences in identity, preferences, experiences, and thought patterns. A person’s identity encompasses numerous aspects, including their age, race, gender identity, religion, body size, and social status. Workplace diversity is defined as the hiring of people from all backgrounds and identities. While a single person cannot be diverse, a group of people certainly can be.
  • Equity is access, advancement, opportunity, and fair treatment for all. It’s a practice that requires companies, even cleaning franchises, to find and remove obstacles that have, in the past, prevented certain groups from taking part in the workforce. Equity largely determines who can access career opportunities and how workers are valued. The implementation of workplace equity plans should be well thought out and purposeful, and franchise owners must thoroughly evaluate their procedures and guidelines to ensure that their workplaces are fair.
  • Inclusion is more than a byproduct of diversity; it’s also the result of decisive actions that make employees feel respected and valued. Inclusive workplaces are safe spaces where team members can speak freely and work according to their own needs, responsibilities, and schedules. Along with these qualities, inclusion also encompasses assorted styles of work, leadership, and communication. To create an inclusive workplace, a cleaning franchise owner must meet workers’ unique requirements and allow their voices to be heard.

Corvus is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in its practices and philosophies. Contact us today to learn more about our views or to discuss franchising opportunities in your area.

Fostering Creativity and Innovation

The commercial cleaning industry is run by people of various backgrounds, experience, and skill levels, which means that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives will build a spirit of innovation and creativity. When franchise owners focus on these qualities and create a diverse and welcoming work environment, employees are more likely to share their thoughts with others. DEI offers several benefits, but its ability to help businesses stand out is one of the most important.

Offering a Selection of Skills

Cleaning franchise owners who hire workers from diverse backgrounds are more likely to gain access to the skill sets needed for business growth and expansion. By building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment, franchisors and franchisees bring in new perspectives that make brainstorming and problem-solving easier.

Recruiting Top Talent

Inclusion and diversity are important criteria for many job seekers, even in today’s employment market. When potential team members see that a cleaning business hires people of all races, nationalities, ability levels, and backgrounds, they’re more likely to feel welcome. This level of acceptance allows franchises to recruit the area’s top talent, as hiring decisions are based on qualities other than physical appearance.

Increasing Employee Morale

Working in a diverse and inclusive environment increases workers’ morale and job satisfaction, which will reflect in the quality of results produced. When employees feel truly at home, they tend to thrive in their roles—and the business will flourish as well.

Boosting Productivity

As diversity and inclusion come to the forefront, so does a commercial cleaning franchise’s collaborative spirit and, in turn, its productivity. A diverse team brings a range of skills and experience to the table, facilitating team-wide learning and collaboration. As productivity increases, so does the free flow of ideas—putting DEI-focused cleaning franchises ahead of competitors who are still doing things the old-fashioned way.

Understanding Customers’ Needs

Increasing diversity and inclusivity doesn’t just bring internal benefits; it also allows franchisees to market their janitorial services to the right audience. When employees come from backgrounds like those of the target demographic, promotional opportunities and growth come naturally.

Raising Revenue

With the successful management of an inclusive and diverse workforce, revenue increases are a virtual certainty. As employees become happier and more fulfilled in their roles, they’ll introduce productivity-boosting concepts that differentiate your business from its competitors. DEI isn’t just about the money, though; it’s also about your cleaning company’s culture.

Driving Financial Performance

The economic benefits of an ethnically, gender, and demographically diverse team cannot be understated. Numerous studies show that diverse companies typically achieve financial returns exceeding national industry averages.

The advantages don’t stop there—a team’s makeup should reflect that of the community and the company’s customer base. Whether you’re a franchise owner or a franchisor, the team you’ve built will make a significant difference in the business’ performance.

Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace: Tips for Commercial Cleaning Franchises

Now that we’ve gone over the importance of diversity and inclusion in business, we’ll offer a few franchise-friendly tips.

  1. Assess the franchise’s current state. Even the best diversity initiatives are useless without a preliminary diversity audit. The process is simple; it starts when owners learn about community perceptions, supplier relationships, and consumer demographics. When owners know who they’re marketing to and hiring, they’ll learn where to focus their DEI efforts.
  2. Find financial support. When franchisees come from diverse backgrounds, some may be economically disadvantaged. Corvus Janitorial works strongly to offer the financial aid minority franchisees need to get started.
  3. Focus on minority suppliers. Diversity in ownership is just one way for franchisees to become more inclusive. Another way is to focus on minority and women-owned supply businesses. Finding a diverse selection of vendors strengthens the community in which a franchise runs and increases competition, improving the quality of goods and services.
  4. Create innovative recruitment strategies. Using conventional talent recruitment methods provides run-of-the-mill results. To increase the breadth and depth of your franchise’s talent pool, consider going to job fairs in disadvantaged communities, taking part in workforce development programs, and recruiting at community colleges.
  5. Rewrite job descriptions. To attract a wider selection of potential hires, it’s best to write inclusive job descriptions. Use a text editing utility to cut antiquated, biased verbiage, and re-evaluate skill requirements so roles appeal to more applicants. By focusing on qualities needed to do the job, rather than a person’s work history, you’ll find more candidates.
  6. Approach interviews differently. The job interview process is sometimes biased against candidates from certain genders, races, and cultures. Your cleaning franchise’s interview process must fairly assess applicants’ qualifications without relying on outdated stereotypes.
  7. Be more supportive. Diverse hiring practices are a great first step, and increasing support and engagement is a natural progression. Providing career development and resource assistance further supports new employees and allows them to grow, thrive, and broaden their career prospects.
  8. Take an active role in the community. Participating in professional groups and community organizations helps cleaning franchise owners respect, understand, and tap into the diversity that’s already within their companies. Becoming part of the community creates lasting connections that help franchise owners attract new clients and find a diverse choice of potential hires.

 

Creating a more diverse cleaning franchise is a long-term effort. Results will be slow to come, and the process will naturally create challenges. With time, hard work, and commitment at the franchisor and franchisee levels, everyone will enjoy the public relations, business, and profitability benefits that come with an inclusive workplace.

Create a More Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Workplace

Recent events have brought matters of equity, diversity, and inclusion to the forefront, and nowhere is it more important than in today’s work environment. At Corvus Janitorial Systems, we’re committed to inclusivity in everything we do, and we’d love to share that focus and commitment with you. Receive more information via our online form or call today to discuss franchising with one of our friendly client service representatives.

The Commercial Cleaning Industry: An Overview

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Commercial cleaning is a billion-dollar industry that is growing in popularity every year. Businesses of all sizes are realizing the importance of keeping their premises clean and orderly and are turning to janitorial service providers, such as Corvus Janitorial Systems, to do the job. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the commercial cleaning industry and explore why it is growing so rapidly. We will also discuss how the industry is changing over time and what trends to watch for in the coming years.

Commercial cleaning is a growing industry with high demand. 

Commercial cleaning services are in high demand due to the growth of the commercial cleaning industry. The commercial cleaning industry has been growing rapidly in recent years and is expected to continue to grow in popularity. This is due to the fact that businesses are realizing the importance of keeping their premises clean and orderly. Janitorial services provide a convenient and cost-effective way to do this, and as a result, they are in high demand.

The Covid pandemic in many ways accelerated the growth of the commercial cleaning industry, by spotlighting the need for a clean and germ-free business environment, whether it be in an office, school, gym, medical facility, or other public space. Market data suggests that industry growth of commercial cleaning services is expected to continue through 2025 and beyond, making the commercial cleaning industry an ideal career for many in the post-Covid world.

Many changes and trends have been taking hold in the commercial cleaning industry, making it an exciting and lucrative industry.

The commercial cleaning industry is constantly changing and evolving. New technologies and methods are being developed all the time, which means that janitorial services must always be on the forefront of these changes. In order to stay ahead of the curve, it is important to keep up with the latest trends in commercial cleaning. Some of the most popular trends right now include green cleaning, commercial cleaning franchises, on-demand janitorial services, and Covid-specific cleaning services.

Green cleaning services

Green cleaning is a trend that is gaining popularity in the commercial cleaning industry. This type of cleaning uses environmentally-friendly products and methods to clean offices, buildings, and public spaces. Green cleaning is becoming increasingly popular because it is seen as a more sustainable way to clean. HEPA vacuums which help the business environment’s air quality are in high demand. For businesses sensitive to the use of chemicals or certain cleaners, microfiber – a synthetic material that is extremely effective at trapping dirt and dust – can be used as microfiber cloths and mops are available. Businesses who want to keep their premises clean and tidy without harming the environment may choose green cleaning services.

Commercial cleaning franchises

Commercial cleaning franchises are another trend that is on the rise. As is the case with a Corvus Janitorial Systems franchise, this business model allows entrepreneurs to start their own janitorial services businesses without having to invest in all of the necessary equipment and training. Corvus franchises offer a flexible business model and fit any lifestyle, while providing support throughout the entrepreneurial journey. 

On-demand janitorial services

Janitorial services on demand are another new trend in the commercial cleaning industry. This type of service uses a mobile application to connect a business with a janitorial service provider. By bringing janitorial services to businesses in an easy way anywhere in the U.S., on-demand janitorial services are becoming increasingly popular because they are seen as more convenient and efficient than traditional janitorial services. On-demand janitorial services come with some challenges: the cleaning service a company selects may not have a good reputation and further information about specialty services may not be available. Working with a well-established commercial cleaning company such as Corvus solves these challenges.

Covid-specific cleaning services

Since the Covid pandemic began in early 2020, many changes have come to the corporate world. However, one big change has been the area of workplace safety and cleanliness. On this front, commercial cleaning providers have led the way, with businesses scrambling to reopen their offices in a safer and cleaner way than before. Previously, many companies only performed professional cleaning sporadically. But, since Covid, many companies have transitioned to weekly commercial cleaning services or are cleaning at even more-frequent intervals. Office disinfection services have also become more prominent in overall operations. 

Below are our answers to the most commonly-asked questions regarding the commercial cleaning industry.

How large is the commercial cleaning services industry?

As of 2022, the commercial cleaning services industry in the United States is nearly $100 billion in size, according to data from Statista and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The U.S. market represents nearly one third of the global commercial cleaning industry.

Is the commercial cleaning industry growing?

The answer is yes: the commercial cleaning industry is growing and thriving – the industry is expected to increase by a compounded annual growth rate of 6.1% through 2027, driven by increasing awareness in businesses regarding workplace hygiene, sustainability, and employee wellness. The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted these concerns and accelerated awareness around workplace cleanliness and employee safety. 

How many people work in the commercial cleaning industry? 

In 2021, there were 2,298,400 people working in the commercial cleaning services industry in the U.S. Employment in the industry is expected to increase by 4% annually through 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

How many businesses are there in the commercial cleaning industry in the U.S.? 

As of 2022, there are 1,207,299 commercial cleaning businesses in the U.S. (a 7.7% increase from 2021). 

What are the startup costs associated with the commercial cleaning industry?

The commercial cleaning industry is highly labor-intensive; therefore, the highest costs are associated with employee wages (41.8% of revenue on average), followed by supply purchases (22.7% of revenue), according to industry data. 

The commercial cleaning industry is a key industry to watch over the next few years, due to its growth opportunities and increased demand.

The commercial cleaning industry is constantly changing, which means that there are always new trends to watch out for. This growth is due to the fact that businesses are realizing the importance of keeping their premises clean and orderly. Janitorial services provide a convenient and cost-effective way to do this, and as a result, they are in high demand. By keeping up with the latest trends, you can ensure that your business chooses a commercial cleaning company that meets today’s moment in the post-Covid world. To request more information about commercial cleaning services for your business, contact Corvus Janitorial Systems today.

Expanding Your Janitorial Franchise: Tips to Help You Take It to the Next Level

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As a janitorial franchise owner, you’re part of an ever-growing community of business leaders. You’re also in an optimal position for growth. Being part of the commercial cleaning sector further increases that potential. After all, this industry is in high demand right now, and it’s only going to surge moving forward.

Reports show that the commercial cleaning sector has grown by more than 5.5 percent annually over the last few years. That places it among the nation’s fastest-growing industries. It’s also projected to pick up more steam in the years to come.

Having said that, taking a janitorial franchise to the next level is often easier said than done. You may be ready and willing to grow, but putting that motivation into motion requires certain measures. If you’re ready to move up in the industry, consider the following points to help you expand your janitorial services and truly establish your place in the commercial cleaning sector.

1. Take Advantage of Available Resources

Franchise owners are in a unique position. Rather than starting a business from scratch, you’re part of a well-established brand. That gives you a range of exclusive benefits that aren’t available to the average entrepreneur.

For one, the franchise most likely offered the training you needed to get up and running. That means there was no need to take part in multiple business courses, accounting classes, and other types of training business owners typically need to get off the ground. At the same time, the training you received was specific to the janitorial services sector as opposed to a more general education.

Franchises also enjoy a higher success rate than other start-ups, so you placed yourself in a position to succeed right from the start. Additionally, you were probably up against fewer financial hurdles than other entrepreneurs. Furthermore, franchisees receive all the tools and equipment needed to serve their customers from the beginning, so purchasing all those essentials along the way wasn’t a problem for you.

You’re banking on all the attributes the franchisor has already built, too. Instead of having to build a reputation, discover effective marketing strategies, determine which customers to market to, and overcome other hurdles, all that has already been done on your behalf. You simply have to live up to the expectations of the franchisor.

On top of all that, franchisors make numerous other resources available to their franchisees. An entire community of leading company executives, experienced franchise owners, and other experts is at your disposal. Taking advantage of all those resources is the most significant and effective way to propel your business to new heights. They’re there for you; don’t hesitate to use them.

2. Hone Your Marketing and Advertising Strategies

Franchisors develop marketing and advertising strategies and pass those along to their franchisees. That gives you the benefit of brand awareness and recognition among numerous other bonuses. It also gives you a solid basis on which to promote your business. Still, it’s only a starting point. Expanding upon that foundation is another key to success.

While the commercial cleaning industry thrives on general marketing and advertising tactics, you’ll need to further hone those aspects based on the needs and expectations of businesses in your area. Countless prospects could be relying on the janitorial services of your competitors. It’s not that they offer more options or better services than you; it’s simply because they’ve successfully targeted local customers.

In short, many prospects either don’t know you’re there or don’t realize you offer the services they’re looking for. Making yourself known to local prospects means tailoring your marketing strategies to their expectations. Those differ from one location to the next.

If your area is known for its range of medical facilities, focus on promoting your ability to meet their unique needs. In cities that are rife with office spaces, advertise the ways you can improve their productivity and reduce illness-related absences. If there are numerous manufacturing facilities in your area, focus on your cleaning solutions for sensitive equipment and your knowledge of the distinct needs of manufacturers in different market niches.

Familiarize yourself with local businesses that might need janitorial services. From there, understand the specific cleaning and disinfection solutions they’re looking for via keyword research and other strategies. That’ll give you the information you need to target various prospects in your area. You can even launch different marketing and advertising campaigns for each market niche. In turn, you’ll be able to expand beyond your current scope.

3. Use the Power of Networking

Numerous marketing and advertising outlets are now available from email and social media to print mail and beyond. That doesn’t mean networking is any less relevant than it was in the past. In fact, it’s even more important now than ever. It gives you ways to further extend your reach.

Joining an industry-specific association can work wonders for your reputation while increasing awareness of your business among other advantages. Some well-known associations in the commercial cleaning sector are:

Those are only a few options that are relevant to the commercial cleaning sector. There may be others in your city or state, too. Being a member of associations like these testifies to your dedication to the cleaning industry, the environment, and the varying needs of clients.

By extension, they help reinforce your position in the industry. Seeing that you’re a member of such an organization may entice prospects to choose your business over the competition as well. These organizations can also offer a wealth of resources to further your expertise.

That’s only one networking option. Attending trade shows, business conventions, and other events will also help spread the word about your services. Those events don’t have to be relevant to the cleaning industry. Businesses in all industries need janitorial services. As such, your presence is sure to be applicable.

Keep in mind, different types of businesses have different cleaning and disinfection needs. Because of that, you’ll need to understand the unique requirements of the prospects who’ll likely be in attendance. Then, you’ll be able to promote the services that are most relevant to the people you’ll be reaching out to.

4. Build Strong Business Relationships

Building strong business relationships is yet another way to expand your janitorial franchise. This could be considered a form of networking and marketing, but it extends well beyond the basics. It could also lead to a continually growing list of new clients.

Think about some of the prominent industries in the communities you serve and what you have to offer them. For example, you could reach out to local commercial real estate agents. Offer your cleaning services to help them prepare their listings for viewings and new tenants, and move-outs. In turn, they might recommend you to property managers for office spaces, apartment complexes, and other commercial properties.

Maybe you work with local schools. If so, you could use that relationship to market yourself to daycare centers, nursing homes, and other facilities that may need your services. Perhaps you’ve provided janitorial services for several local retail spaces. List those on your website to show other stores in the area that you cater to their needs.

Once you gain the trust of one respected client in your area, that business relationship could spark a range of new opportunities. From there, you could expand into any number of new sectors. It’s an ongoing cycle that’s sure to foster your businesses as long as you continue to build upon existing relationships and maintain a reputation for excellence.

5. Embrace Technology

Those previous points cover ways to foster your company, reach more prospects, and make conversions. Now, we’ll look at a factor that could help you keep your business processes organized and streamlined. Technology has advanced by leaps and bounds in recent years, and a range of new tools have been made available for businesses.

Among those is business software. Numerous options are at your disposal in this arena. They range from accounting and finance management software to dispatch and workflow management solutions. Each one is designed to foster businesses of all sizes and in all market niches.

Some business software options cover a range of factors while others target a single aspect of daily operations. Many software suites can be further customized to meet the distinct needs of your franchise as well. Being part of a franchise, you may be limited in the types of software you’re allowed to use per the franchisor’s prerequisites. Still, it may be possible to take advantage of some of the tools on the market.

Business software can offer several benefits. It’ll allow you to better manage relationships with customers while helping to keep track of invoices. It can aid in planning for upticks in demand for different services and help you hone your marketing efforts to name a few possibilities. At the same time, it may help you better handle the growing volume as your franchise expands.

Enjoying Growing Success with Your Franchise

Being a franchise owner gives you a solid foundation and multiple resources to draw from. Those resources are effective tools for fostering and growing your business. Marketing, networking, and building strong business relationships can help to further expand to new customers and into new niches of the market.

Along the way, using business software to your advantage can set you up for even greater success. Tools like these are designed to meet the specific needs of businesses like yours. They can also grow and change along with you, setting you up to meet the needs of your expanding clientele.

If you are interested in starting your own janitorial business, speak to a Corvus representative today about franchise opportunities. Contact us today.