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My name is James and I am new to heavens best as of March 2nd, 2007. First I would like to say how pleased I am with the whole franchise in general, I went to rexburg with… well to be honest alot of fear. I can now say that i left there with alot of knowledge as well as confidence in the franchise. I entered into this with a long-time friend, his name is Mike. We “own” the area of approx. 750,000 people about an hour north of Philadelphia, PA. The area is a none stop growth area that is growing rapidly as the days go on. So now that I have introduced myself I would like to ask everyone what they did as a new franchise if you will. I find myself thinking into it possibly to much at times and not just going for it. We have been trying to mainly get the commercial jobs in to get a start because i feel there is a much more demand for commercial, They wanna look good for the customer as well. so all and all im hoping to get some advise from what at one time were the “new guys”. We look forward to meeting and in a roundabout way working with everyone. Again thanks for any advise anyone can give and good luck.
James Henriques
Hello James and Mike
Welcome to the best company on earth with the greatest people imaginable running it. You will also find out soon enough that we have a great bunch of operators who are eager to help in any way they can. If you like give me a call we can talk about getting started. I am close to you in Staten Island NY. June will be 3 years in buisness for us.
God Bless
Joe
Home 718 984 0487
Office 718 227 1720Welcome aboard,
I think while you are getting started and have some time on your hands, network, network, network. The Chamber, BNI type groups, etc…
The Chamber has been pretty big for me especially in my first few months when I knew almost nobody in the community. I found that most carpet cleaners don’t get involved with the Chamber and that I was able to get my name out to several folks within the community without much competition to worry about. And, the more active you are attending the functions, the more business you will get….
Just remember, the key to networking is to stay active and build relationships. The business will come…
Danbo
James and Mike,
Welcome to Heaven’s Best. It’s a company with an unbeatable home office, a terrific system and a whole lot of great people. This forum offers loads of advice and suggestions. So my first bit of advice would be to check this daily and to go back and read all the information over the last few years. You will not be disappointed.
Also, while commercial work will be important to your business, don’t ‘take a pass’ on residential. I do about 90% residential and 10% commercial. Residential will get you better prices, easier work and better hours. Direct mail letters to all your acquaintences. Run an ad for a spring special. Consider using your franchise express flyers. The commercial work I like to go after is churches, libraries . . . things I can do during day hours.
This is a great time of year to get going. Good luck!
Welcome to the family. Getting started can be a challenge but it doesn’t have to be. If you have working capital then you could test the advertising waters to see what works in your area. I would recommend doing franchise express at first until your phone book ads are published.
Join the local chamber of commerce. Send letters to all of your friends and family letting them know of your career change. Try to get in front of as many realtors and present your company to them.
See if there are any street or home fairs coming to town soon. Send a letter to the local newspaper editor announcing your arrival. (See Brian Sutton an Iowa operator for details).
Call the local schools and ask if you can drop “discount offers” into all of the teacher’s boxes and declare that month “Teacher Appreciate Month”
Treat every job like it was a Million Dollar Job, I heard somewhere that a happy custumer will tell 2-3 people a unhappy one tells 10. I went to a job yester day asked howd ya hear about us. client said a neihber had said what a wonderful job we did on her mothers home, and as she was saying that a client of hers came in and said she absolutely loved our system, and our custmer service was awsome! 😀
There are many effective way to find accounts and expand your business, here’s a look at some common options:
1. Make cold calls and leave a brochure and business card. This approach works quite well. “I want to ask your manager if I could leave a free cleaning proposal. It would serve as a back up bid just in case your cleaning people quit.”
2. Phone prospects from a target account list available on-line from the Allentown library or from Info USA. Use a script that offers a free estimate. Consider hiring and training your own telemarketer.
3. Join a leads exchange club. There are several to pick from in most cities.
4. Network with general contractors, commercial realtors, owners of the various building trades, and with the staff of local janitorial supply firms. Make sure they have plenty of your business cards. Post your card on bulletin boards.
5. Use a post card mail-out to your target account list. Make sure it is professionally designed as a direct response mailer.
6. Implement a consistent follow up program with post cards, phone calls, and emails. You must regularly make contact to keep your name fresh in their minds. When the “itch cycle” hits, you will be available to meet their needs.
7. Consider the advertising power of calendars, note pads, pens etc. from advertising specialty companies.
8. Approach all the people you know (especially other company owners you do business with) and ask them for referrals. Tell your neighbor you will buy them dinner if they help you land the business where they work.
9. Ask for referrals from present customers.
Once you generate leads:
· Make sure your literature and presentation materials are surpassingly attractive.
· Ensure that your bid pricing is accurate and competitive.
· Develop impeccable references based upon delivering excellent service to all of your customers.
· Tweak your presentation skills to ensure that you can address all the prospect’s concerns and are able to push all the right buttons.
· Consider purchasing training programs and attending seminars that focus on marketing and bidding of cleaning contracts
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