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Episode 1197

Cleaning Company Marketing- The Easy Way to Grow Fast and STOP Wasting Money: Episode 1197

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Episode 1197 – Cleaning Company Marketing- The Easy Way to Grow Fast and STOP Wasting Money

Benji Kohn Shares His Journey to Cleaning Success

Continuing are Top Five Youtube podcast videos, coming at number three, Mike Campion interviewing Benji Kohn, a cleaning industry veteran and owner of Citi Clean in Huntington Beach, California. Benji’s background in cleaning goes back 14 years, starting from a unique and somewhat dangerous role with Stanley Steamer. He quickly learned the ropes of the business, including the “hose drop” – a method of cleaning where hoses are dropped from tall buildings to reach the trucks below. From there, Benji went on to work in the real estate appraisal business and eventually launched his own cleaning company, Citi Clean. As a veteran of the US Army, he brings a disciplined approach to his business, but even with all his experience, he has faced challenges that many cleaning business owners can relate to.

From Hose Drops to Business Ownership

Benji’s journey is anything but typical. He spent his early years in the cleaning business doing “hose drops” from tall buildings, which requires not just physical stamina but also problem-solving skills. These early years taught him critical lessons about being resourceful, and how small mistakes in the cleaning world can have big consequences. Benji’s story takes a more traditional turn when he transitions into owning Citi Clean, which serves the Huntington Beach area. But even with a strong foundation, Benji faces some hurdles that Mike is ready to help him overcome.

Facing the Fear of Inherited Business Relationships

One of the most interesting aspects of Benji’s current challenge is his mentorship connection with a seasoned cleaning professional, Terry Jones. Terry is retiring and passing on his loyal client list to Benji, but there’s a catch: these customers are used to working with Terry, not Benji. This brings up a tough question—how do you transition a client base to a new owner without losing trust or business? Mike jumps in with advice on how to handle this delicate situation. The key is to approach these clients not as a stranger but as someone who’s continuing Terry’s work, giving them a sense of continuity and building a relationship over time.

Taking Action and Calling Clients

Mike’s advice for Benji is straightforward: start by calling each of the 700 clients on that list. The goal is to uncover what these clients need and what keeps them loyal to Terry. Mike encourages Benji to ask tough but insightful questions like, “What would I have to do to make you never hire me again?” or “What would I have to do to make you keep hiring me no matter what the price?” This direct approach allows Benji to learn what his clients truly care about, and what services or value they may be missing. These calls also help Benji establish himself as the go-to person for his new clients, even if they’re still adjusting to the change.

Marketing the Right Way: Drip Campaigns and Facebook Groups

Once Benji understands his clients’ needs, it’s time to put that information to work. Mike advises him to set up a drip marketing campaign, sending out emails to these clients regularly. This builds trust and reminds them of the value Benji brings to the table. A critical part of this process is not pushing sales too hard but offering valuable content that resonates with the clients’ interests. As Mike puts it, “You can email them daily as long as it’s interesting and valuable to them.”

Benji is also encouraged to build a Facebook group for his clients, where they can share best practices and tips. This group could serve as a valuable resource for his clients, increasing their engagement and loyalty to Citi Clean. For Mike, the power of building a community, whether it’s through email or social media, is a game-changer for businesses looking to grow sustainably.

Benji’s Advice to Cleaning Nation

To wrap up the episode, Benji shares a few key pieces of advice for others in the cleaning industry. His best tip? Never think you’re alone in this business. It’s easy to feel isolated, but connecting with others who are in the same boat can offer valuable support and motivation. He also talks about how learning from his mistakes, like his initial feeling of being stuck, has made him more resilient. Finally, Benji shares a product recommendation for cleaning business owners who work with carpet, tile, and stone: CTI Pro’s Choice. This product has been a game-changer for him, giving him confidence when facing tough stains.

For Benji, it’s clear that success in the cleaning business doesn’t just come from doing a great job—it’s about understanding your customers, building lasting relationships, and always looking for ways to grow and improve. Cleaning Nation can take a page from Benji’s book and start implementing these strategies today to move their businesses forward.

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