JANITOR'S GUIDE

AuthorHouse

Contents

1. Owning a Business..................................................12. Why Self-Employment?...............................................53. Myths and Fears....................................................94. The Decision to Self-Employ........................................155. Where Do I Look for Business?......................................276. How Much Do I Charge?..............................................377. How Can I Keep My Customers?.......................................538. What to Do When ...?...............................................659. Conclusion.........................................................7910. Appendix..........................................................85Supplement: Let's Get Started.........................................93The Cleaning Industry: Is Franchising the Answer?.....................101

Chapter One

"There are two times in a man's life when he should not speculate: when he can't afford it, and when he can." —Mark Twain

In conversation, the topic of owning your own business often throws up a red flag. You might think: corporation, big, overhead, employees, money. Undertaking a task like that is monumental. I am not talking about a big corporate business; I am speaking about a small, home-based janitorial service.

This is something that everyone has thought about at one time or another. The American dream, which many people attain, is owning a home, but the ultimate would be to own your own business. Owning a business can be a very challenging and rewarding adventure, but for many, this may seem way out of reach. People fear not being able to accomplish this major feat and falling short of expectations. Napoleon Bonaparte said, "He who fears being conquered is sure of defeat."

Yes, it is a dream that many feel is unattainable. But with the right drive, one can overcome this unrealistic idea or notion that owning a business is only for the rich and famous. Anyone can own a business, particularly one in the janitorial field. It does not require a lot of money up front, and you can profit nicely. Even if you need this to supplement your present income, it can be very easy to start.

There are many books written on how to start your own business, but none was written for this type of service with such detailed answers and methods of approach. I chose the janitorial field because I have been a janitor for over twenty years. I have experience and knowledge to help you along the way. I also have owned my own service for ten years. I will show you the ins and outs, and you will make the best choices with my help along the way. It is easy to do with the correct approach. You will experience low overhead costs, thus enlarging your potential for increased earnings.

The janitorial field is becoming more demanding in the twenty-first century. I highly recommend this to janitors who are finding it difficult to make a living, many of them only getting paid minimum wage. There should be no reason for you to let this opportunity pass you by. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, one that many have avoided. Take this opportunity by closely following the steps in this book, and you will be on your way to a new and even brighter future. Just think of the answer you can give when asked what you do for a living. You can respond, "I own my own business." How impressive!

This book will not only help you examine the positive side of owning your own business, but it will take you through a step-by-step detailed process of what you will need to do. Many businesses fail, but I think that by the time you read and follow my instructions, you will win.

If the interest is there, turn the interest into a desire, and then turn the desire into action. Now, let's get started on the road to a successful venture and explore the avenue of self-employment.

Chapter Two

"No one can build his security upon the nobleness of another." —Willa Cather

"I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself than be on a crowded velvet cushion." —Henry David Thoreau

"[I am] lord of myself, accountable to no one." —Benjamin Franklin

While a job in some industrial fields may offer greater financial security and attractive fringe benefits, it can also be routine, monotonous, and lacking in opportunities to use initiative. In many countries, however, even such industrial jobs are scarce, and the inexperienced or untrained cannot readily find employment.

Among the advantages gained by the self-employed are a flexible work schedule, a more active interest in the business with increased productivity, plus the satisfaction of worthwhile accomplishment. The self-employed can also choose their work companions, perhaps giving on-the-job training to sons and daughters and, thereby, equipping them with a useful trade.

This form of business has become very popular when it comes to supplementing your already-existing income. This era has brought so many changes to the business industry that it is causing many to look elsewhere for a career change, and one current avenue is the home-based business. This is what you call a sole proprietorship, which is very quick and easy to achieve. It is so easy that over 20 million individuals are seeking self-employment, and it is on the rise. Take advantage now. A very low-cost enterprise is the janitorial field.

If you are going to consider self-employment, there are some questions that you can ask yourself that will help you to see if this deserves your consideration: