10 Mistakes to Avoid When Running a Cleaning Business

As an owner of a small business, it’s important to learn from the mistakes of others and avoid them yourself. There are so many things to keep track of, and it can be easy to make oversights. Whether you run an independent maintenance venture in Reno or you operate a cleaning franchise, missteps can be costly. 

Naturally, you can consider them a part of your learning curve, but you shouldn’t risk wasting too much of your time and money. If you wish to learn what are the most common mistakes in the upkeep industry and take steps to correct them, continue reading!

What are common mistakes small cleaning business owners make?

When you’re operating a small business venture without previous experience, there are many things that you should take into account that you may not be aware of. Not every business is the same, so each will have its own unique set of challenges, but there are some general things to keep in mind. The following are some of the most common mistakes made by small cleaning business owners:

1. Not keeping track of expenses

One of the most common mistakes small cleaning business owners make is not keeping track of their expenses. This can quickly lead to overspending and put a strain on your finances. You need to figure out the costs of equipment and supplies, wages, insurance, and taxes. 

2. Employing an ineffective management style

Another common mistake is failure to select an appropriate management style. This can lead to a number of problems, such as poor communication, lack of teamwork, and low morale. To correct such mistakes, you need to check your decision-making process, improve your listening skills, and seek feedback.

3. Working without a clear marketing strategy

You may be missing out on potential customers if you’re not promoting your business effectively. If you don’t have the big picture in mind, you can soon get lost in the market, as the competition is tough. You need to figure out your target audience and generate leads. Also, it’s wise to pick your niche and find out a way to adjust your services. 

4. Not investing in the necessary equipment

Not investing in the necessary equipment can also be costly. You may need to purchase specific tools or supplies in order to meet the needs of your clients. Purchasing them after you’ve agreed to perform a job will lead to delays and poor ratings. 

5. Failing to properly train employees

If you don’t take the time to train your employees properly, it can lead to a number of issues. These issues can include low customer satisfaction rates, staff exhaustion due to frequent re-cleans, poor customer service, and low productivity.

6. Ignoring industry standards and current trends

If you’re not keeping up-to-date with industry standards and current trends, you’re at a disadvantage. You may be using outdated methods or materials that are no longer effective. Make sure that you uphold the official workspace safety guidelines and other regulations.

7. Not hiring enough staff or hiring too much

You need to have a number of cleaners that will meet the needs of your clients.  If you don’t have enough staff, you won’t be able to meet the demand. On the other hand, if you hire too many employees, you’ll end up overspending. To prevent such issues, make sure to track your workload, improve monitoring techniques, and identify qualified employees using refined recruitment strategies. 

8. Not doing your research

This should be something you do on a regular basis, and failing to research the market can lead to a number of problems. This includes making uninformed decisions, choosing the wrong suppliers, and not understanding your target market.

9. Ignoring competition

Even if you’re enjoying a period of success, it’s important to know what the competition is doing and how they’re impacting your business. You can’t rest on your laurels and expect things to stay the same.This is especially true if you’re launching a residential upkeep business.

10. Failing to set and track goals

This is another mistake that can be detrimental to your success. Without specific and measurable goals, you’ll have no way of determining whether or not you’re making progress. Fortunately, you can rely on software to keep track of it at all time, just make sure that you follow the trends.

Where in Reno, NV and beyond can I join a lucrative cleaning franchise? 

If you’re looking to start a residential or vacation rental upkeep business in Reno or elsewhere in Nevada, you’re probably considering to find an appropriate office space, right? Luckily, with MaidThis Franchise, you won’t have to leave your home in order to run your daily operations with ease. Even better, you’ll be equipped with top-notch software, great technical support, and useful training to help you attain your goals. 

Save your precious time and spend it with your loved ones at Bicentennial Park or some retail therapy at the local mall. Reach us today to start an exciting career journey!

5 Management Skills for Your Cleaning Venture

Venturing into the residential upkeep industry can be quite rewarding, given the low overhead costs and the booming market. Nevertheless, it does bear some challenges and requires thorough planning, setting clear and realistic goals, and a high level of focus.

Another crucial thing is considering the style of leadership and set of skills that will ensure your cleaning company or franchise in Reno thrives. If you want to learn about various styles of leadership and attain the necessary skills to manage your venture, continue reading!

What are the different types of management styles?

There are many different management styles that can be successful in the maintenance industry. They can be categorized by three general types: democratic, autocratic, and laissez-faire. However, some classifications cite more different types of leadership, and we’ll discuss six of them here: 

1. Autocratic

In this management style, the manager or owner makes all the decisions without input from employees. This style is not recommended for modern businesses as it alienates workers and often leads to poor results. Keep in mind that you will have to be authoritative in some of your decision-making.

2. Parental

This style is also known as paternalistic management. It involves a strong authority figure that treats the staff and business partners as though they are part of an extended family. The manager expects loyalty and obedience in exchange. When carried out properly, it’s known to boost morale and motivate employees to exceed their goals on a daily basis. 

3. Democratic

This type of leadership involves employees in the decision-making process, through either consensus or voting. The main benefit of this approach is that it builds team morale and allows employees to feel like they have a say in their work.

4. Laissez-Faire

This style is the opposite of autocratic, and hands over control to employees. It can be successful if workers are trustworthy and responsible. However, it often leads to confusion and a lack of direction. If you pick this type of leadership style, it’s necessary that you handpick the most reliable maids, so effective recruitment strategies should be of utmost importance to you.

5. Transactional

This type of management is based on a system of rewards and punishments, with employees being rewarded for meeting goals and punished for not meeting them. While this style can be effective, it does not motivate employees to exceed expectations. It relies on workers’ self-motivation, so it can lead to high staff turnover.

6. Transformational

This is one of the most popular management styles today, as it focuses on employee development and growth. A transformational leader works with employees to identify their strengths and weaknesses and help them improve. What’s more, he or she seeks to inspire and motivate employees, giving them an opportunity to show their talents.

What are the necessary leadership skills?

Now that we know about different types of management styles, what leadership skills are necessary to run your business successfully? Here are five of the most important skills that will help you thrive: 

1. Emotional intelligence

This term is used to describe the ability to be aware of and understand your own emotions and the emotions of others. Managers with high emotional intelligence are good at handling relationships, solving conflict situations, and motivating employees by showing empathy, respect, and acceptance.

2. Communication skills

Good communication is essential in any business setting. Leaders need to be able to effectively communicate goals, vision, and strategy to their employees. They should also be good at active listening, giving accurate feedback, suggesting improvements, and fostering an atmosphere of mutual trust.

3. Problem-solving and decision-making skills

Problems are inevitable in any business, so it’s important that leaders have the ability to identify and solve them quickly. This involves being resourceful, analytical, and creative. Decisiveness is also something that is expected but should be backed up with experience and caution.

4. Resilience to stress

Running a business can be stressful, so it’s important that leaders have the ability to handle stress in a healthy way. This includes being able to stay calm under pressure and manage time effectively.

5. Financial literacy

Owners and managers in the maintenance industry need to be knowledgeable about financial concepts such as budgeting, forecasting, and accounting. This can help you make sound decisions about your business finances and avoid some common management mistakes.

How can I benefit from a cleaning company franchise in Reno, NV, and beyond? 

If you feel like you have what it takes to make a breakthrough in the industry, having an established brand name behind you can be your one-way ticket to success. Here’s where MaidThis Franchise comes in handy. 

With the support of our international team, you’ll be able to hone your skills and track your progress step by step. Whether you’re a veteran or a newbie, we can help you market your venture, make the most of your time, and avoid the unnecessary commute, as you’ll be able to work from the comfort of your home. 

Enjoy this additional downtime by spending a day with your loved ones at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park or anywhere else in the vicinity. Apply today to become a member of our family and leave your worries behind!