Episode 1210 – Website Woes, Niche Decisions, and the Power of Saying No
Overcoming Common Challenges in Your Cleaning Business
Running a cleaning business can be full of challenges, and sometimes, the solutions are simpler than we make them out to be. In a recent episode, Mike and Lindsay tackled questions from cleaning company owners about everything from website woes to choosing the right commercial niche. Whether you’re struggling with tech issues, unsure about shifting your business focus, or facing growing pains, their advice is packed with practical insights. If you’re feeling stuck, keep reading for actionable tips that could make all the difference in your business.
Tackling Website Woes: Don’t Overthink It
Amber, a cleaning company owner, reached out about the struggles she’s having with her website. She’s stuck in the weeds with WordPress issues, zip file problems, and a whole bunch of other tech headaches. Mike’s advice? Don’t stress over having a perfect website. In today’s world, a website is more about being present and up-to-date than being a sales machine. Mike suggests using simple website builders like Wix or ClickFunnels to create a functional site. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just make sure it’s active, shows you’re in business, and offers a clear way for customers to reach out. Forget about trying to be a web design guru and focus on solving your customers’ problems.
Picking the Right Commercial Niche: Start Small, Think Big
Ryan was wondering which commercial niches are worth pursuing. Mike breaks it down by explaining that commercial clients generally have the budget for cleaning, but you need to find niches with enough demand. Some niches, like property managers or car dealerships, could be lucrative but have their own set of challenges. On the other hand, certain sectors like government work might seem like gold, but Mike warns that they can be tricky to break into. The key is finding niches with lots of potential clients and the type of pain you can solve. Focus on building relationships, as that’s often the ticket to landing big accounts.
The Power of Saying No: Don’t Spread Yourself Too Thin
When Maids of Distinction mentioned struggling with a sudden influx of commercial contracts, Mike gave some blunt advice: know your limits. He emphasizes that saying no is just as important as saying yes in business. Whether you’re focusing on residential or commercial, trying to juggle both can lead to burnout and confusion. For Maids of Distinction, Mike suggests deciding which path they want to take and building a system to hire and scale effectively in that niche. It’s about focus and having a plan—being everything to everyone rarely works out in the long run.
Transitioning from Residential to Commercial: Is It Really the Answer?
Martina asked about transitioning from residential cleaning to commercial and construction work. Mike’s response was firm: don’t jump into commercial cleaning just because it seems more profitable. He explains that many people make the mistake of thinking a change in niche will solve their problems, but it usually leads to a new set of challenges. Instead, Mike advises focusing on strengthening your business foundation—whether it’s improving your marketing funnel, mastering hiring, or fine-tuning your operations. Rather than switching niches, focus on solving the real problems within your current business.
The Takeaway: Focus, Plan, and Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Mike wraps things up by stressing that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to business growth. Whether you’re struggling with tech issues, deciding which niche to target, or juggling different types of contracts, the key is having a clear plan. Get help from someone who understands your specific challenges and has a proven system. Whether it’s joining a community or reaching out for one-on-one coaching, investing in expert guidance can make all the difference. Success isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right things with the right focus.