Setting the Stage for Growth in Your Cleaning Business

Running a cleaning business can be both rewarding and challenging. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand, creating the right environment for growth is key to success. As the founder and CEO of Spotless Co., a thriving Wisconsin-based cleaning business, I’ve learned a thing or two about scaling up. Here are seven areas I’ve discovered about setting the stage for growth over the years.

1. Build a Solid Foundation

Before you can grow, you need a firm foundation. This starts with defining your mission, values, and goals. What makes your cleaning business unique? Why should customers choose you over the competition? For Spotless Co., it was essential to differentiate ourselves. We wanted to be the company that clients trust to make their spaces shine, not just a name on an invoice.

Document your processes early on, from how you onboard clients to how you train employees. Consistency is the backbone of scalability. I documented everything I did when I started the business by creating step-by-step guides. It took time, but it paid off as we grew. New hires could hit the ground running, and clients received the same excellent service every time.

2. Invest in Your Team

Your employees are the lifeblood of your business. Treat them well, and they’ll take care of your customers. I’ve always believed in recognizing employees as an organization’s greatest asset. Hiring the right people and providing them with the necessary training and tools is crucial.

At my company, we implemented a training program that didn’t just teach cleaning techniques but also focused on customer interaction, time management, and some leadership training. Regular check-ins and open communication created a sense of belonging and accountability among team members. We hit this area hard because all our employees are across Central Wisconsin, and we needed them to feel they were a part of the organization. As a result, our employee retention rates improved, and happy employees meant happy customers!

3. Focus on Exceptional Customer Service

In the cleaning industry, word-of-mouth referrals are the best ‘thank you’ we can receive. Providing exceptional service goes beyond just doing a good job. It’s about understanding your customers’ needs and exceeding their expectations. For example, one of our clients mentioned how much they appreciated it when we left a handwritten thank-you note after completing a particularly tough job. That small gesture led to several referrals and cemented our reputation for going above and beyond. You can also bet that we write more handwritten notes now than ever before!

Listening to your customers is equally important. Surveys, feedback forms, or even casual conversations can provide invaluable insights. As your business grows, continue to keep this personal touch alive. People remember how you make them feel, and that can set you apart in a crowded market.

4. Tell Your Story to Stand Out

Marketing isn’t just about promoting your service. It’s about sharing your story in a way that resonates with your audience. Customers want to know who they’re supporting and why your business matters. Highlight what makes your company unique, whether it’s your dedication to eco-friendly practices, your team’s expertise, or your commitment to community engagement.

At Spotless Co., we found that sharing personal stories on our website and social media about how we started and what we value helped build trust and connection with our customers. For example, posting a behind-the-scenes look at how we train our team to handle specialty cleaning tasks showcased our expertise and gave clients confidence in our services. Be authentic and consistent in your messaging—people are drawn to genuine and relatable brands.

5. Stay Financially Savvy

Growth often requires investment, whether hiring more staff, purchasing equipment, or ramping up marketing efforts. Having a clear financial plan is so critical. Monitor your cash flow closely and look for areas where you can reduce costs without compromising quality. If monitoring your finances is an area where you struggle, make it a priority to find a good bookkeeper or accountant who can support you.

Negotiating with suppliers for bulk discounts helped us. Additionally, we reinvested a portion of our profits back into the business, enabling us to expand without taking on excessive debt.

6. Network and Learn from Others

You don’t have to do it all alone. Networking with other business owners outside the cleaning industry can provide valuable insights and opportunities. Joining a local chamber of commerce, a local business group, or an industry association can help you discover new strategies and build relationships you might not have had the opportunity to develop otherwise.

A study published in the Journal of Business Venturing emphasizes the importance of social networks in entrepreneurial success. Building relationships within your community can also lead to partnerships and referrals. For example, collaborating with a local real estate agent led to a steady stream of move-in/move-out cleaning jobs for Spotless Co.

7. Maintain a Growth Mindset

Finally, growth starts with you. A business can only grow as much as its leader does. Stay curious, keep learning, and be willing to adapt! There will be challenges (part of the process), but each is an opportunity to improve. When I faced setbacks, I viewed them as lessons rather than failures. This mindset kept me motivated and focused on long-term success.

Setting the stage for growth in your cleaning business requires your intentional efforts and a clear vision. By building a strong foundation, investing in your team, leveraging technology, and maintaining a growth mindset, you can create a business that thrives.

Remember, growth doesn’t happen overnight. Take it one step at a time, and celebrate the small wins along the way. If I can do it, so can you. Here’s to a cleaner, brighter, and more successful future for your business!