Sounds good. Have you tried to contact your local SBDC or SCORE? They can be very helpful. edit

Netosha I don't know much about the cleaning business, however I do know that whenever I'm considering a new business idea, www.entrepreneurmagazine.com proves to be a great place to look for ideas and leads on getting started. I took the liberty to check the site for a how to book on cleaning services, and I found it for you. Here is the link. If you can spare the change, it may prove to be a good investment http://www.smallbizbooks.com/c/s/00049.html. Good Luck with your endeavor and I hope you prosper greatly with it. edit

thanks alot Susie. I ordered that book on cleaning services and it does have some good information in it. I will begin studying it and putting it in effect. What kind of business are you in? edit

Joseph yes I do have a company phone. I just ordered my business cards and some flyers. I will begin knocing on doors and contacting prospects. Hopefully I will have the same kind of luck
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Service business requires the least amount of capital. WOM (word-of-mouth) marketing is the cheapest and best. Make sure your client(s) is/are happy with your work. Research the market (prospective clients). Ask your client what they need/want. Spell out specifically what work you will perform. Work with suppliers - treat them well and pay them on time. Ask for discounts ONLY when you can explain how this will favorably improve your business with them. Ask the client if your work is/was satisfactory. NEVER make excuses or defend your performance instead immediately and urgently take care of the problem. Get back to people in a timely manner. Walk away from a client who you cannot satisfy... better to concentrate on "good match" clients. Offer "free advice" on service improvements (which you provide) based upon your observations (you will also learn about the client’s demands and satisfaction). Look the part, well groomed and crisply dressed when marketing yourself. Be enthusiastic. Know your business and stay connected with trends/products. Know your competition. Prepare a professional quote (printed or email) and include everything including tax and your terms. Don't get in over your head. If you have to hire additional help or rent equipment - do it even if it means breaking even. Approach each "job" as an opportunity for a "relationship" in other words think about the long term. Make sure you have adequate insurance and a certificate as proof and/or surety bond (if need) edit

Netosha, I'm into real estate investing. I'm new to the industry, but I've always carried a passion for real estate. Unfortunately I wasn't able to find a guide on the entrepreneur site for that:), but I do have great coaches to guide me.

I don't know if you had a chance to really read William's post yet, but it is so precise. Those are all keys for success which could unlock many doors for you. check it out if you haven't. Oh, and most importantly fear tends to set in when you make up your mind to embark upon new ventures, but what I've found to be 100% true is that "there is nothing to fear accept fear itself". If you allow it, it will keep you from attaining your goals, so from me to you "Don't be afraid", just do it! Be blessed!


Great Post William! edit