Start a Cleaning Business

5 Signs You’re Ready to Purchase a Commercial Cleaning Franchise

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You’ve been dreaming about purchasing a commercial cleaning franchise, and you think it might be time. What could be better than setting your own hours, being your own boss, and (most importantly) doing what you’re passionate about? These thoughts compel you. But just before you make the move, doubt creeps in, and you pause.

Are you really ready?

Taking the plunge into entrepreneurship is a big one, so it’s understandable to be nervous and even second-guess yourself.
If you’ve been thinking about owning your own commercial cleaning franchise, but you aren’t quite sure you’re ready to take the big first step, check out these 5 indicators. Cast the doubt aside and take a look. You may already be there!

1. You’re Excited

Yes, you have your doubts and healthy quotient of worry. Purchasing a franchise isn’t something anyone should spontaneously jump into. Doubts can be crippling, but if your excitement shines through the fog of fear and anxiety, it’s a sign you may be ready.

The doubt that comes creeping into your brain proves you’re thinking clearly and weighing the pros and cons. You aren’t about to jump into something feet first, which is a good sign. That means you’re excited, but you’re also thinking about the situation logically.

On the flip side, your excitement reveals your passion for the venture. This passion is what will fuel your future success. You’re likely ready when you have a healthy balance of both.

2. You’ve Done Your Homework

There’s a lot to owning a commercial cleaning franchise. Not only do you need to understand the cleaning industry, but you also need to research various franchising companies in your area. Once you’ve explored your options, reviewed the Franchise Disclosure Agreement, and feel good about it, don’t overthink it! You’re ready.

3. You’re Financially Equipped

Your financial status is one of the biggest (and most obvious) factors in your overall readiness to purchase a commercial cleaning franchise.

Purchasing a commercial cleaning franchise is a big investment. It involves putting a lump sum of money down initially and getting it back over time, and then some.

If your finances and credit are in good shape and you can make the initial investment comfortably, then it may be time to move forward.

4. You Understand the Risks Involved

Any business, franchise or not, comes with an element of risk. It’s the potential rewards that make it all worth it. A 2019 study by the Journal of Economics & Management Strategy shows that franchises boast an 8% higher two-year success rate than independent businesses, making them a safer alternative, though still not risk-free.

If you’ve done your research, fully understand the risks, and feel prepared to take them on, that’s another sign you may be ready to purchase your own commercial cleaning franchise.

5. You Have Support

Even if you’re the only one who signs the dotted line, your family and friends become a part of this journey as they offer their advice, love, and support. Even if they aren’t part of the financial decision-making process, they’re the ones who will be your sounding board and the ones who will celebrate your success with you.

If your loved ones support you, you’re more ready than you knew. With the support of those who love you most, there’s not much you can’t do.

Make the Dream Come True with Corvus Janitorial Systems

If you’re ready to take that life-changing step to own a commercial cleaning franchise, Corvus Janitorial Systems is prepared to help make it happen. We’ve helped thousands of other aspiring business owners achieve the same goal.

Corvus makes the process easy with financial and technical support to assist you along the way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help bring your dream to life.

Franchisee Spotlight – Domonique Spears, Corvus of Nashville

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This month’s Franchisee Spotlight goes to Corvus of Nashville Franchise Owner, Mr. Domonique Spears. The Corvus brand entered the state of Tennessee less than one year ago, and Mr. Spears’ influence on the up-and-coming market has not gone unnoticed.

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

Mr. Spears’ cleaning experience goes back to helping his older brother clean the school where he worked. Then, just shortly after graduating high school, Mr. Spears got a job at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he went on to work for five years. In a recent interview with Corvus of Nashville’s Regional Director, Mr. Jonathan Frias, they discuss how this experience primed him to clean at a high level and provide top-notch customer service.

Since the start of his Corvus Franchise, Mr. Spears’ strategy has been to clean Nashville’s smaller accounts. And according to Mr. Frias, this approach has worked out very well. “He listens to the advice we have given him. Dominique is always willing to learn and get better,” he says.

Mr. Spears works another job in addition to his Corvus Franchise, making it challenging to meet up for last-minute changes that arise. But even though his work schedule is demanding, he still manages to make it work. For example, Mr. Spears was more than willing to meet up with Mr. Frias on a Sunday for an initial walkthrough of a new customer account. Talk about an impressive work ethic!

Thank you, Mr. Spears, for all that you do for Corvus! We look forward to watching your continued growth and success.

Success Stories From Corvus Franchise Owners

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Interested in starting your own cleaning business? If so, then a Corvus franchise might be right for you. Hear stories from some of our successful Franchise Owners about their business ownership experience.

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.

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.

Growing a Cleaning Franchise

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A Franchise Owner can learn and grow in new areas despite not having as much experience as you may expect.

A significant benefit to partnering with a franchising company is working alongside individuals who understand the industry through and through. As a Franchisee, you have access to a pre-established business model, the backing of an existing brand, and training and support you typically would not find when starting your own business. Other benefits include established capital, a shorter development period, the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, and being your own boss. It is no surprise that the franchise industry in the United States employs over eight million people and generates $825.4 billion in economic activity.

But just like anything worthwhile, some problems come along with franchising. Luckily, Corvus Janitorial Systems can provide clear, actionable solutions. Read on to learn our suggestions for growing your cleaning franchise:

Dream Big!

Corvus believes in dreaming big, working with integrity, building valuable relationships, and making lives better. We provide technology and tools, sales and marketing support, ongoing training, and a stellar reputation that empowers you to stop dreaming and start doing. Owning your own commercial cleaning franchise means owning your future, independence, and security…all without facing the daunting task of starting a business from scratch.

Foster Relationships

As previously stated, a thorough and well-thought-out expansion plan is essential to growing a successful franchise. A notable component of this plan is fostering existing relationships. From the franchisor to the customers to the surrounding community- trust, honesty, and open dialogue are vital elements to upholding valuable relationships.

Building your franchise would be substantially harder without experienced professionals showing you the way. Every relationship is valuable along your journey, which is why keeping an open line of communication between you and your franchisor, employees, and clients- both new and old- is of the utmost importance.

Follow a Consistent System

For a franchise to truly expand, each individual involved must understand and agree upon the rules, goals, processes, and values it holds. A consistent system ensures that everyone is on the same page, yet inconsistency continues to be a significant challenge Franchise Owners face. Partnering with a franchisor like Corvus assures you that a proven system is already in place. Our decades of experience have shaped our understanding of what does and does not work, which in turn allows you to focus on implementing what you learn in training, create guidelines, and build a strong team.

Hire the Right People

While we are on the topic of teams, let us take a moment to discuss the importance of hiring the right people and providing the proper training. Take your time when building your team. Ask potential candidates questions that require thought and discussion to ensure their experience and values align with your franchise. You are working hard to turn your dreams into reality, so hire a team that is ready to work hard and willing to learn.

Listen to the Customer

As a commercial cleaning franchisor, delivering high-quality cleaning and disinfecting services is ultimately your top priority. Therefore, customer satisfaction is the ultimate testament to how your business is performing. When customers provide feedback, listen carefully and make it clear that what they are saying is understood. This is especially true when the feedback is negative. Rather than feel offended or get defensive, see it as constructive criticism. When you are growing a franchise, any feedback you receive is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Partner with Corvus

Following a franchisor with an established expansion plan and experienced staff will enable you to grow at your desired rate. Corvus understands that human connection is the basis of any successful business transaction. Since 2004, we have helped entrepreneurs all across the nation successfully open and operate their own businesses. We are more than a franchise opportunity…we are a network of small business owners with similar goals. Check out our blog for more resources on Franchise Ownership and all things commercial cleaning.

About Corvus Janitorial Systems

Founded in 2004 to make people’s lives better, Corvus Janitorial Systems is a full-service commercial cleaning franchisor that offers cleaning services through reputable local Franchisees. Corvus has been guided by its mission to transform people and transform places by consistently delivering independence, security, and freedom to Franchisees who deliver high-quality cleaning to offices, educational buildings, medical buildings/offices, recreational centers, industrial parks, and other spaces. Visit our website for more information regarding Corvus and the franchise opportunities we offer nationwide.

Disclaimer: This blog is for general information only. It is not intended to advise an individual on their purchase of a franchise and should not be used in place of legal counsel. There are many factors that affect the purchase of a franchise. Any person considering the purchase of a franchise should become familiar with their state laws related to franchising.

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.