Finding commercial only work (non private)

[DMD]

Hi guys,

I currently run a business that deals in refurbishment and cleaning of new-builds prior to handover to clients. I employ 3 window cleaners at the moment. Construction work is very hard to judge as its not mon-fri constant. I can do for example 1 clean on monday, then they phone up 'oh can we book in 8 cleans for wednesday'. Thats how tight it can be.

That side of my company i have covered by staff and i don't lift a finger except to answer my phone/paperwork etc.

I'm looking to get more regular work and utilise the staff i have, i.e.: my window cleaners as i want to keep them in full time employment.

How best would i get into more commercial window cleaning? the reason i ask s because I'm VAT registered and unless it was cash in hand, i wouldn't get much work as straight away i would need to add 20% to my prices.

Anyone able to shed any light on ways to get work, or canvassers who specialise in this line of work?

Thanks,

David

 

[Smurf]

Better lift a finger and **** off your chair and make some cold calls to local business then as sounds like you have had it way to easy. /emoticons/biggrin.png

 

[DMD]

Better lift a finger and **** off your chair and make some cold calls to local business then as sounds like you have had it way to easy. /emoticons/biggrin.png

Thats my problem, i landed on good fortune (did a bit of work for a surveyor who in turn got me in then never needed to even quote new sites)

cold call - walking into shops etc or via phone?

 

[boarcity]

im very suprised youve got to the point of 3 workers without making the commercial contacts . in my experience the firms who distribute contracts seek you out ,check out that youre up to the job and then invite you in , not the other way round

 

[mr shine]

you could try becky swan , she runs a tele marketing company and ive read nothing but praise for her gaining commercial work for windys , just google her name and your bound to get a contact number , or as smurf says get of your lard **** /emoticons/biggrin.png

 

[Smurf]

You can try both but you have to get past the so say "gate keeper"first and speak to the decision maker to get any chance of picking up new work.

Thats my problem, i landed on good fortune (did a bit of work for a surveyor who in turn got me in then never needed to even quote new sites)
cold call - walking into shops etc or via phone?

 

[DMD]

you could try becky swan , she runs a tele marketing company and ive read nothing but praise for her gaining commercial work for windys , just google her name and your bound to get a contact number , or as smurf says get of your lard **** /emoticons/biggrin.png

Thanks, i will have a look. I have heard of her, i think on 'cleanup' website

im very suprised youve got to the point of 3 workers without making the commercial contacts . in my experience the firms who distribute contracts seek you out ,and invite you in , not the other way round

I've had 7 staff prior to now, i let a few go when i realised i was taking on work to keep them in work and not making me enough money to justify my outgoings at the time. I don't even own a business card /emoticons/biggrin.png in construction you need to constantly be on at surveyors to price up new work, but the thing is - if i take on a new site, thats a site i will be on for at least 2 years so a few of them and it ticks over nicely. Just as i've mentioned - the timescales are a bit all over the place. This is why i am trying to pick up commercial work now and i will need to do a marketing drive to get access to the people you speak of.

You can try both but you have to get past the so say "gate keeper"first and speak to the decision maker to get any chance of picking up new work.

Yeah, i know the ones you mean. I think the telephone is a better tool for commercial, door chapping is a better way for domestic, although i may be wrong /emoticons/smile.png