Exceptional Competitors
Professional Cleaning Services
A competitor- a synonym for a business rival, can sometimes be seen as a risk to a cleaning services company. The Commerce Commission is clear about rules and business ethics and defines what anti-competitive behaviour is. Yet fierce competition occasionally still leads to questionable practices that can result in cleaning service companies losing clients or losing out on bids or tenders.
Standing out doesn’t have to be based on negative deeds, and it can simply be creating the perception that your brand is different- in a good way. It can involve implementing green cleaning programs or maintaining a professional business.
At CleaningNZwe maintain high standards of professionalism, and at the core of our business are engagement and interaction. This helps us deliver solutions to all members in a challenging industry.
Is the cleaning industry competitive?
Ibisworld compiles detailed reports, including in the commercial cleaning sector. The industry has grown over the past five years, and increases in the number of industry participants are anticipated. As new entrants open shop, the industry becomes more competitive.
Positioning yourself in the market involves benchmarking against similar competitors or those who you may aspire to emulate. Research your organisation type to establish whether a professional cleaning services business is viable. Information on other industry players is available through agencies such as Zoominfo or Dun & Bradstreet which can supply competitor information, and limited financial data.
And above all, develop and implement a plan to polish your cleaning services company. A professional brand will stand out as a company that people want to do business with.
How to be a True Professional in Your Cleaning Business
Several factors come to mind when you think of being a professional in the cleaning business: appearance, dependability, continuing education, pride in your work, treating customers and employees with respect and honesty and abiding by general etiquette rules.
Appearance:
As a cleaning contractor, you most likely won’t be wearing a suit and tie, but your presence is still essential, and it can leave a lasting impression on people. While cleaning, clothes no doubt become soiled. But when meeting with clients, always have a neat and clean appearance. Work shirts with your company name and logo also market your company. Besides personal appearance, the equipment and company vehicle should be clean. After all, if your clients see that your equipment isn’t clean, what faith will they have in your cleaning abilities?
Dependability:
Cleaning clients depend on their cleaning company to provide timely services, ensuring buildings are clean for employees, customers, and visitors. Your employees should show up on time and do the work as required in the cleaning contract. Whether it is the owner, manager, or cleaning staff, clients depend on cleaning, but without breaking items or ruining carpets, flooring, or furniture. If something does happen, be a professional by letting the customer know you will take care of the damages.
Continuing Education and Training:
There are constant improvements to chemicals, equipment, and cleaning procedures. It is essential to realize one can never know everything, but be willing to spend a little time every week reading and learning about new developments in the industry.
Pride in Your Work:
Some jobs will be easier than others. But putting 100% into every job, large and small, can set you apart from the other cleaning companies in your area. There is also nothing more satisfying to any professional than seeing a job well done.
Treat Customers and Employees with Respect:
Cleaning customers can be easy to work for or extremely difficult and demanding. It is always easier to smile and say hello to a friendly face, but it is just as important to be friendly to those demanding customers. Although the cleaning company may have started as a one-person business, once there are employees on board, treat them as individuals and valued members of your team. Ask for their opinions and be open to new ideas. Ensure employees know what is expected of them and that they too are expected to act as professionals.
Honesty:
Be honest with your clients about the services you provide and what those services cost. Stick to the guidelines set out in the agreements, and don’t be afraid to let a cleaning customer know there are services that you do not provide if the staff, equipment, or knowledge to do a job properly is not available.
General Etiquette Guidelines
At CleaningNZ we find that certain basics work across the cleaning industries:
• Leave personal problems at home, and work problems at work – even if you work out of your home, make sure there is a separation between the two.
• Avoid the use of foul language.
• Don’t eat, smoke or drink on the job.
• Stay out of desk drawers and file cabinets and don’t read loose papers that are left on desks and tables.
• Don’t take any items from customers even if it is something that they threw in the trash.
• Don’t use a customer’s phone unless you have permission to do so and then only in an emergency or if it is required to clock in and clock out.
Your cleaning company can stand out from the crowd by incorporating the above guidelines and becoming a fully-fledged professional cleaning service. A true professional in the cleaning business is someone who takes pride in their work and is always willing to go that extra mile. The key to this is finding the right cleaners.
Putting that little extra into what you’re doing will show your customers that you are the best one for the job! And your good reputation will soon be earning you new clients as word of the professional standards of your brand spreads.