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5 Signs it’s Time to Scale Your Cleaning Business

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Just like many other cleaning business owners out there, you want to grow, make more sales, attract more customers, and gain more profits, right? We all desire to be in a position where we will see our cleaning business grow exponentially, but how does a regular business owner know when the time is right to scale up? Sometimes, scaling can be very risky; if you expand too fast or before you’re ready, you can easily over-extend your resources and get into an unprofitable position. On the other hand, if you scale at the right time, your revenue will go up by leaps and bounds.

So, before you go ahead and take that healthy dose of risk by hiring more staff or increasing your business expenditure, you need to be sure that your business is fully ready to grow. If growth is important to you, read on to learn about the 5 key signs you need to watch out for to know when the time is right to scale your cleaning business.

1. You Have a Large Number of Loyal and Repeat Customers That Stick Around

Returning customers are at the heart of any profitable cleaning business – they are the people that have helped you build profits over the years. Excellent customer service equals happy-repeat customers, and happy, returning customers make a thriving business. Having a strong customer base in your janitorial brand is an indication that business is good and worth expanding. Scaling up will help you acquire new customers and give more attention to your loyal clients.

Often, your repeat customers will also bring a steady stream of new leads to your business. In any business, referrals have a higher conversion rate than any other type of lead, so they’re a great sign that you’re ready to grow and scale up.

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2. You Can Barely Keep Up With Demand

Customer demand is a driving force for sales in any cleaning business. Failure to have adequate inventory, personnel, and resources to meet the constant demand of your customers is a major sign that it’s time to scale your business. When clients seek out your competitors or other janitorial service providers to meet their demands, you will lose sales and miss out on profit opportunities.

If you have reached the point where you have more work than you can handle for weeks or months and frequently turn away customers, you are ready to scale, especially if your current time management is top-notch. Also, before you scale your business, wait for some months to be sure that the surge in demand you are experiencing is not a temporary one that is unsustainable.

3. You Have Been Profitable Over a Long Period of Time

You are making enough money and there’s money in the bank! Another great sign that you need to start considering scaling up your cleaning company is the fact that you have enjoyed sustained profitability for a while. If the overall financial health of your business has been remarkable for about two or three years and you have been able to sufficiently cover your expenses, you’re probably in a strong position to build on that success.

Sustaining your profitability for a while means that a lot of things about your current business model are working, and you should be able to take that model to the next level on a larger scale. There’s a high chance that something that’s already working for your business will continue to work even if you expand. However, you must be cautious not to scale too quickly.

4. Consistently Exceeding Your Revenue Targets

A business with a steady but stagnant income may not be ready for a rapid, full-scale expansion. If your cleaning business has consistently surpassed its revenue targets quarter after quarter, it’s probably time to consider an expansion. If your company can easily meet or exceed financial objectives and reach significant business milestones way ahead of schedule, then it’s fine to start speeding up your expansion plans and growth efforts. On the flip side, if your business falls short of these standards, it’s probably wise to postpone your plans to scale up.

Also, it’s important to know that a few weeks of making big profits or getting a high-paying customer isn’t enough for a business to start making expansion plans. Before you lease more equipment, buy new scrubbers, or hire additional staff, you need to slow down to measure your sales activities and evaluate your revenue goals to ensure your cleaning business is truly ready for expansion.

5. The Market Is Growing

The ability to identify a growing market is important in the cleaning industry. Having a big cleaning business doesn’t matter if there’s no demand for your service. Before you think about expansion, sit back and take a critical look at the janitorial industry landscape in your area. You should only think about scaling up if the size of the market in your location has consistently grown and will continue to grow at an increasing rate. You also need to be sure that your customer base will increase on a regular basis in the coming years.

Little or no competition and a large, relatively untapped customer base will greatly increase the odds of successfully growing your business in your current location. On the other hand, if competition is growing and your customer base is shrinking, it’s time to adjust to your sales strategy instead of trying to expand your business.

Do You Think You Are Ready to Go All In and Expand Your Cleaning Business?

Scaling a cleaning business can be a risky undertaking and shouldn’t be attempted lightly. Going into it unprepared or with great uncertainty is a recipe for disaster. The best way to minimize your risk is to focus on expansion only when the signs point to success and you are completely invested in seeing it happen.

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However, if you have a great team that communicates well with each other and can be trusted to effectively handle any problem that comes their way, you can start thinking about scaling up your business. You also need a sustainable revenue model and a clearly outlined plan for growth to scale confidently.

Scale Your Cleaning Business with Corvus

If you own a commercial cleaning business that you are having trouble scaling, a Corvus Franchise might be a great fit for you. At Corvus, our time-tested system, nationally recognized brand, and dedicated teammates will help you achieve your growth initiatives. From training to marketing to sales to collections and beyond, Corvus will take care of the grunt work so you can focus on the cleaning! We have helped thousands of individuals across the U.S. scale their cleaning businesses – you could be next. Learn more about franchising with Corvus here.

Carpet Cleaning 101: Hot Water Extraction vs. Dry Chemical Cleaning

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In addition to frequent vacuuming and spot cleaning, having your carpets professionally cleaned at least twice a year is integral to their maintenance and preservation. In this blog, Corvus Janitorial Systems goes over some benefits of routine carpet cleaning and reviews two of the most popular carpet cleaning methods recommended by commercial cleaning professionals: hot water extraction and dry chemical cleaning.

The Benefits of Routine Carpet Cleaning

Good carpet hygiene, quite literally, goes beyond the surface level. Here are just five good reasons to invest in high-quality carpet cleaning for your facility:

1. Microbiologist and immunologist at New York University Langone Medical Center and author of The Secret Life of Germs Philip Tierno Jr., Ph.D. found that a typical carpet contains nearly 200,000 bacteria per square inch, making it 4,000 times dirtier than a toilet seat.
2. The lifespan of a carpet is typically between 5-15 years, and routine carpet cleaning prolongs the life of a carpet significantly.
3. A fresh and clean carpet works wonders to enhance the overall appearance of your home or facility.
4. Carpet soiling can make it seem like vacuuming isn’t enough to maintain a carpet’s appearance. However, routine carpet cleaning using the methods described below will make it so that vacuuming is enough to remove most dry soils.
5. Carpets are breeding grounds for allergens, bacteria, and other germs. Regular, deep cleaning protects air quality and prevents exposure to dangerous pollutants.

Hot Water Extraction: What it is & How it Works

Hot water extraction involves injecting hot water and cleaning detergent into the carpet through a high-pressured wand. The combination of hot water and high water pressure breaks down and extracts dirt and other debris from carpeting quickly. This simple and effective approach makes hot water extraction the preferred carpet cleaning method across the commercial cleaning industry. Not only does it leave a carpet looking cleaner, but the hot water is also effective in killing bacteria and other germs.

The hot water extraction process consists of a few relatively simple steps. First, water and the chosen cleaning product are mixed and poured into the water tank. Once the mixture heats up, the liquid is released onto the surface under pressure, penetrating the carpet’s fiber and removing dirt and debris.

Dry Chemical Cleaning: What it is & How it Works

Dry chemical cleaning, also known as a “low moisture” system, relies on dry compounds accompanied with chemical cleaning solutions to remove dirt and debris from a carpet. These low moisture methods of carpet cleaning yield a quick drying time, especially compared to the hot water extraction method described above.

Typically, a cleaner applies pre-treatment detergents that break up carpet fibers to the carpet beforehand. Once the pre-treatment dwells for the right amount of time (generally between 5-10 minutes), a dry compound carpet cleaning powder is used. The cleaning compound is then lathered into the carpet using a rotary machine like the one pictured below. Lastly, the soiled cleaning compound is removed by vacuuming.

What is the Best Method for Your Facility?

Each facility comes with its own set of unique cleaning needs, and carpet care is no exception. If removing germs, allergens, mold, mildew, bacteria, and other irritants is your top priority, hot water extraction will likely be the best option. However, the several hours it takes for the carpet to dry afterward might make it less than ideal for businesses experiencing heavy foot traffic. In this case, dry chemical cleaning would be an excellent option. Both hot water extraction and dry chemical cleaning effectively attain clean, aesthetically pleasing carpets, so consider factors like time and cost to determine which technique best suits your facility.

Carpet Cleaning with Corvus Janitorial Systems

Corvus Janitorial Systems offers first-class floor and carpet care for your facility. Our team pays close attention to areas underneath desks and trash cans where crumbs, dirt, and debris frequently accumulate. As part of our routine inspection, we will assess your facility’s carpet condition and recommend when a complete carpet steam cleaning is due. Contact us today to receive a free quote and learn more about the janitorial services we offer.

Franchisee Spotlight – Oscar Patterson, Corvus of St. Louis

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May’s Franchisee Spotlight goes to Corvus of St. Louis Franchise Owner, Mr. Oscar Patterson. 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

Meet Mr. Oscar Patterson, Corvus Franchise Owner extraordinaire! Since opening the doors to his Franchise in 2012, Mr. Patterson has continuously proven himself as a valuable partner to the St. Louis market and Corvus Community.

Mr. Patterson is a good cleaner, no doubt, but his charismatic personality is what sets him apart. As any person reading this can tell from the picture below, his smile alone can make anyone’s day! “His ability to charm the clients he services is a massive strength,” says Corvus of St. Louis Operations Manager, Mr. Louis Kline. From meeting new customers at an initial walkthrough to rectifying concerns with existing accounts, Mr. Patterson has a special way of making his customers feel valued.

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Ever heard the expression “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”? Mr. Patterson approaches his business with a hustler’s mentality, and his actions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic proved just that. His Corvus Franchise took a major hit after losing one of its largest accounts due to business shutdowns. But Mr. Patterson demonstrated resilience, and through the hard times, he persevered. The standout Franchisee supplemented lost income by taking on an incredible amount of one-time, electrostatic spraying jobs for various customer accounts throughout the St. Louis area. And as it turns out, he is now earning more than he was before.

Mr. Patterson stands out as a fantastic father as much as he does as a business owner. When he is not busy running a successful franchise, you will likely find him spending time with his children. The great pride Mr. Patterson has for his kids shows what an engaged, supportive, and loving dad he is.

On behalf of everyone at Corvus, thank you, Mr. Patterson, for all that you do! We are all so grateful for your partnership and look forward to watching your continued success.

10 Pro Tips from Corvus Janitorial Systems

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Whether you are the current owner of a cleaning business or are interested in becoming one but do not know where to start, getting advice from experienced professionals is worthwhile. Here are ten pro tips from Corvus Franchise Owners and employees on cleaning, disinfecting, and business ownership:

On Cleaning and Disinfecting

  1. Understanding the distinction between cleaning and disinfecting enables you to provide high-quality cleaning services and better explain to customers the importance of your services. Cleaning removes dirt, dust, and debris from surfaces or objects while disinfecting uses chemicals- aka disinfectants- to kill germs on surfaces and objects. Traditional cleaning methods like using soap and water can decrease how much a virus is on the surface, but you must apply a disinfectant to kill it completely. As well, it is critical to allow sufficient dwell time before wiping the disinfectant off.
  2. Restroom floors should be a significant focal point during every clean. Not only are restroom floors the culprit of bathroom odors, but they are also susceptible to becoming discolored without proper maintenance. In addition to cleaning, be sure to disinfect the bathroom floors to kill bacteria and odor thoroughly. You can use products like antimicrobial urine mats to protect floors from staining and reduce odors and bacteria.
  3. Hard water buildup is tough to remove, so it is best to prevent it from happening in the first place. Be sure to give extra attention to any areas in a facility where hard water is likely to build up over time, such as faucets and toilets. If you encounter hard water buildup, pumice stone and Scotch Brite Heavy Duty scouring pads are popular tools for removing the building.
  4. For a cleaning product to be effective, you have to let it interact with the soiled area and material. Most people dunk their mops into their buckets, run the fibers over the area and call it a day…, but that does not fully take care of sanitizing or killing the odor. Instead, you should adequately dilute the chemical, apply it, and let it sit for the appropriate amount of time. Typically this time is between 3-5 minutes, but it is always a good idea to carefully read the instructions to be sure.
  5. Proper mop hygiene prevents the spread of germs and increases their longevity. Never leave a mop head sitting in water overnight as it weakens the mop fibers and encourages bacterial growth. Wash your mop and bucket after every use and allow it to fully dry. Replace your mop heads when they show signs of wear and tear. These signs include frayed edges, pieces of the mop are falling off, and severe discoloration.

 

On Business Ownership

  1. Learning from people in your field who have already succeeded is a great way to excel in business. By partnering with a commercial cleaning franchisor like Corvus, you are joining a network of cleaning professionals who share similar goals and aspirations. You will have the opportunity to speak with other Franchise Owners on matters such as strategies for maximizing profit, improving efficiency, acquiring extra one-time work, and creating a work-life balance.
  2. Many cleaning professionals bring a cleaning checklist to their customer accounts. A tangible list allows you to keep track of your cleaning specs and helps you remember tasks that are not a part of your regular cleaning routine (like a one-time electrostatic spray or once a month high dusting). We suggest leaving space on your checklist to document matters such as customer feedback or cleaning hot spots.
  3. Save money by monitoring your chemical usage and maintaining equipment. Keeping track of inventory prevents you from running out of supplies and prepares you for upcoming expenses. Follow proper maintenance procedures of your equipment to increase the longevity of use and provide better service.
  4. When you work hard and take pride in your work, receiving negative feedback can feel discouraging. Rather than letting it bring you down, see it as a learning opportunity. Owning your mistake and doing what you can to make it right shows that you are committed to the quality of your services, ultimately leading to the likelihood of customer loyalty and retention.
  5. As a business owner, it is your responsibility to ensure customer accounts are cleaned correctly and on time. But sometimes “life happens,”… which is why Corvus recommends having a backup cleaning crew who can take your place as needed. It is a good idea for your team to accompany you on several cleans beforehand and assure that all necessary background checks have cleared. That way, your crew understands what the customer expects from their cleaning service and can be ready to fill in at short notice.

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About Corvus Janitorial Systems

Founded in 2004 to Make Lives Better, Corvus Janitorial Systems offers professional commercial cleaning and disinfecting services to a wide variety of businesses throughout the United States. The nationally recognized Corvus brand and proprietary systems have helped our network of dedicated, local Franchisees succeed in their business goals and achieve independence, security, and freedom. Contact us today for more information on franchise opportunities with Corvus.

Franchisee Spotlight – Shedrice Banks, Corvus of Denver

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In this month’s Franchisee Spotlight Series, we are featuring Corvus of Denver Franchise Owner Mr. Shedrice Banks. 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

Mr. Shedrice Banks became Corvus of Denver’s very first Franchise Owner when the market opened its doors in 2009. The standout Franchisee and his wife, Mrs. Shaquana Banks, played an integral role in getting the Denver market up and running, and they continue to be treasured members of the Corvus community.

While Mr. Banks boasts many excellent qualities, it is his ambition that elevates him. The first few years following Denver’s opening consisted of many late nights and early mornings, but Mr. Banks always rose to the occasion. He could be depended upon to show up with a positive attitude and ready to work hard. This determination enabled Mr. Banks and Mrs. Banks to turn their commercial cleaning franchise into a full-time, scalable business. In 2010 Mr. Banks left his other job to partner with Corvus full time, and he has not looked back since.

The vast experience and industry knowledge Mr. Banks has derived from working in the commercial cleaning business for over a decade sets him apart. “He knows how to clean efficiently and in the rare occurrence that one of his customers has a complaint, it is fixed immediately. He does not lose business. He communicates well and just does everything right” says Corvus of Denver Regional Director, Mr. Michael Kerby. This is why he regularly refers to Mr. Banks as an exemplary Franchisee when speaking with potential Franchise Owners.

Over the last several years, Mr. Banks has proved to be just as good a friend to Corvus as he is a business partner. He cares deeply about his Corvus Franchise, which in turn, translates into caring about everyone around him. Mr. Banks has fostered both personal and professional relationships with many Corvus employees throughout his partnership. He texts back and forth with Corvus employees about basketball- one of his greatest passions- and never misses the opportunity to wish them a happy birthday.

Thank you, Mr. Shedrice Banks, for all that you do for Corvus! We are so grateful for your partnership and look forward to watching your continued success.

Environmentally Conscious Cleaning Practices

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Earth Day and every day, Corvus Janitorial cares about the environment. Eco-friendly products and practices have been growing in popularity over the years as we learn more about the true impact of traditional ones.

Ranging from eco-friendly cosmetics to cleaning practices, it’s safe to say that this is no longer a trend. And who wouldn’t want to make choices that are better for the environment? But that’s not their only selling point. Did you know that environmentally conscious cleaning practices aren’t just better for the planet, they’re better for you, too?

By implementing eco-conscious cleaning practices in your office, school, or other workspaces, you can ensure a safe and healthy environment for anyone who spends time there. Here are our suggestions:

Evaluating Your Cleaning Products

Not all cleaning products are created equally. Some are significantly better, healthier, more effective, or some combination of these improvements. As part of your new eco-conscious cleaning routine, replacing your chemical-heavy lineup with more targeted and less harsh products is a great first step.

And beyond that, many traditional cleaning products do have expiration dates that many of us tend to forget about. Cleaning products degrade over time, often without providing us with scent changes, texture differences, or visual cues that they may no longer be effective. This means that we could end up using a cleaning product for years after it has expired.

While this last point isn’t exactly an environmental concern, degraded cleaning products may leave you thinking that your space is safe, clean, and healthy when it isn’t, so it’s still worth a mention. Every six months or so, rummage through your supply closet to ensure that nothing needs replacing.

Adopting Greener Cleaning Practices

One of the best and easiest green cleaning practices is swapping out single-use paper towels with microfiber cloths, rags, towels, and other reusables. Single-use paper items like paper towels and fast-food napkins contribute to deforestation, global warming, and pollution. Sturdier rags and cloths can be washed and reused over and over again.

Some other suggestions for green cleaning practices:

• Bring in oxygen-producing plants and dust regularly to improve air quality
• Spot clean with more natural ingredients like white vinegar, lemon, and baking soda
• Buy recycled paper products for the office
• Buy your cleaning supplies in bulk; less packaging means less waste
• Clean any given room from top to bottom, starting from the far wall and moving toward the doorway; this way, you don’t end up cleaning the same area twice
• Employ a daily cleaning task list so that fewer deep cleans are necessary

Get creative with your green cleaning practices. For example, if you don’t have microfiber cloths or old rags to use, what else do you have that you can bring in from home? You can clean with worn-out sheets, ripped or stained shirts, or an old pair of socks. Old toothbrushes are great for digging into and scrubbing small spaces.

If you know that several of your employees live close to one another, suggest having a carpool day once per week. While this isn’t exactly a cleaning practice, it is something you can do to bring the eco-friendly movement into your workspace. You could also switch to motion-sensor lighting to consume less energy after hours when no one is around or when someone forgets to flick the switch off on their way home.

Conserving Water

If you’re looking for bigger ways to implement eco-friendly practices into your workspace, installing water-efficient fixtures is one way to do so. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), water-efficient faucets and accessories reduce a sink’s water flow by 30% or more from the standard flow.

Retrofitting bathroom sink faucets with WaterSense-labeled models could save billions of gallons of water nationwide each year. Installing low-flow toilets, touch-free faucets, and regularly checking for and fixing leaks can also help. But even without springing for fancier fixtures, we can simply be mindful of how much water we’re using and try to reduce it.

Rather than leaving the water running while we’re cleaning, turn it off when it’s time to scrub and turn it back on when you need it again. Informing employees or coworkers about water conservation can make it a team effort and increase its impact.

Water is a limited resource. We can all play our part to use it more efficiently and reduce unnecessary water usage. Conserving water keeps it pure and clean for us and future generations and protects the environment.

Hiring A Team to Take the Guess Work Out of Your Commercial Cleaning

No matter how small it may seem, any step toward environmentally conscious cleaning practices is something positive. And when you’re not sure how to keep your commercial space clean, healthy, safe, and sparkling on your own, we’ve got a team for that.

The incredible and conscious crews at Corvus Janitorial will work with you to determine what your goals are for your workspace and how they can meet them. With convenient and flexible hours, unique cleaning and disinfecting plans, and customized services, you’ll find exactly what you need right here.