by Lisa Mazurek

My business wasn't successful at first but I didn't give up. I studied business in college and had experience. So, it was just a matter of getting my business name out there. After working for other cleaning services and seeing the work they did, I just wasn't happy working for someone else. I knew if they could keep a business going the way they cleaned. I could probably do even better because of the way I clean.

I decided to create a plan for my small business. I choose a name that would stand out and describe the way I clean. Then without even thinking, a slogan jumped into my head. Next step was advertising. So, I started by placing a small ad in the neighborhood paper because it covered a large area and if I sent in a recipe, the ad was free. Of course, this wasn't enough advertisement but I did get my first customer this way. After a few months I decided to get a listing in the yellow pages. This seemed to get the phone ringing more.

My first customer was an older lady that lived about 25 minutes away. She had a small home and wanted it cleaned every other week. Now all I needed was more customers. Little by little I started getting more calls and my business started blooming. Well, nothing last forever. Because I didn't know what I know today I wasn't prepared for life's downfalls. So, I decided to start working a full-time job and clean part-time. This worked out well. I got a job at Motorola and then I landed an account with Antioch Manor apartments. With my full-time job, I knew I had financial security and health insurance so I could be prepared for anything.

My business started in 1995, but didn't really go full-time until after I was divorced. In 2004, I was able to quit my full-time job and just work for my business. This was the greatest feeling in the world. It all started with one customer. That customer was very happy with my work and referred a friend. Her friend was happy and referred a co worker. My first referral asked me if I could give her boss an estimate for his company. Well, after some negotiating I had another business account. It didn't end there. I started doing work for a contractor who had been impressed with my cleaning. Yes, my dream came true. My passion for cleaning became a successful business and it all started with one customer. Because of that one customer I landed eight accounts.

I've always known about the importance of referrals and that was the reason why I started a referral program for my customers. Every time a customer refers someone they get a discount on their next service appointment. Who knew this referral program could be so profitable. That is why you need to take care of all your customers. Don't be afraid to do a little extra and not get paid for it. Believe me, your customers do appreciate your hard work.

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