How I Grew My Commercial Cleaning Service To $60K/Month [Update]
This is a follow up story for CleanLots.com . If you're interested in reading how they got started, published over 4 years ago, check it out here.
Hello again! Remind us who you are and what business you started.
I’m Brian Winch, creator and author of Cleanlots - America’s Simplest Business.
I started a simple environmental service in 1981 as a side business and grew it into a six-figure business of 40+ years. I started with little money, no special skills and a high school education.
We clean up litter debris outside commercial properties for property management companies. Our service is done on foot using simple hand tools. It’s almost as easy to do as going for a walk!
Today we make $60K per month and clean 150 properties per year!
Our business model has been successful because we can provide superior service for less cost. Check out this link to our original starter story!
See me clean up almost as fast as I can walk!
Tell us about what you’ve been up to. Has the business been growing?
I’ve been quite successful with using guest posting and guesting on podcasts as a means for brand awareness and free advertising. It’s quite simple.
Magazines, newsletters and podcasts are always on the hunt for new content to share with their audiences. They have story editors and writers but they will often look outside and work with ordinary people like you and me. You’re not going to write a sales pitch for your company. Instead you write about how to solve a problem their audience may have.
Your credentials will show in your tagline or bio. You can provide a link to drive traffic to your website. This is a great way to grow your email list! These are your people!
You can do this. I’m not a writer you say? Neither am I. I didn’t go to college. Write the way you talk. Tell your story and people will find what you write about is interesting.
I suggest you start with a few smaller publications to gain experience before you reach out to the larger ones. Look for their guest posting requirements on their websites then reach out to them.
I’ve appeared in:
Larger business/finance publications include Business Insider, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Inc. and Success.
If you work your business, your business will work for you. Too many people quit then blame others for their failures. Success starts with small victories and grows from there.
What have been your biggest challenges in the last year?
I’ve been trying to put together a budget for an updated website. My current site is old and showing its age. I’m not talking about a few tweaks here but a full rebuild. It’s functional but slow and is not the most mobile-friendly.
This is not something to rush into. I want to make sure I wind up with a site that will last several years before technology forces me revisit once again.
I’m 64 and can’t believe where time has gone! I enjoy what I do and will continue as long as I have my health. But I need to start thinking about and develop some sort of exit plan or business transition.
What have been your biggest lessons learned in the last year?
I’ve been thinking a lot this year about how important people are to your success. Not just your loved ones but those you work with or are connected to in your network.
One month last year was strangely slow in sales for my book, Cleanlots - America’s Simplest Business. I was beginning to question things such as whether my website was working or not. Then boom! My affiliates came through with several sales within a few days to make up the slack.
Always show gratitude for what you have. Thank people for being of assistance.
What’s in the plans for the upcoming year, and the next 5 years?
I’m updating my website. It will be more user-friendly and am sure will help generate more revenue. I think more businesses should have an audit done on their sites to at least show where some improvements can be made,
I’m looking at creating some content on Medium.com. Did you know they have over 3.9 million daily visitors and are growing?
On a personal note, my wife and I visited Italy last September. It was our first trip to Europe. It was such a great experience! We’re planning a trip to Spain next year. There’s nothing like travel to bring about life’s greatest experiences.
What’s the best thing you read in the last year?
Dare I say the Starter Story newsletter? I find the case stories to be both informative and inspirational.
Advice for other entrepreneurs who might be struggling to grow their business?
There is always a way. I know that sounds simplistic but it’s true. If you’re stumped then bring in a mentor. SCORE is such a great resource.
If you work your business, your business will work for you. Too many people quit then blame others for their failures. Success starts with small victories and grows from there. I offer free support when people buy my book. I coach them to focus on getting one client, their first client rather than several.
Where can we go to learn more?
If you have any questions or comments, drop a comment below!
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
