Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner

Instagram for business

In this episode, Louise and Diane discuss the effective use of Instagram for cleaning businesses, exploring various strategies for content creation, audience engagement, and the importance of a well-optimized profile. They debate the merits of social media marketing versus other strategies, share insights on posting frequency and timing, and emphasize the need for high-quality content. The conversation also touched on handling criticism on social media and the value of community engagement. Additionally, they highlight the benefits of DCBN membership and available resources for cleaning business owners.

Contracts in domestic cleaning

Confessions of a Cleaning Business Ownerwith Diane Greenwood & Louise Trehearn
Running a cleaning business comes with its challenges—contracts, cancellation policies, and making sure everything runs smoothly. In this episode of Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner, Diane Greenwood and Louise Trehearn dive deep into the importance of contracts, terms and conditions, and how tools like DocFlight can streamline document management.
Join us as we discuss how to protect your business, enforce policies, and use automation to set your cleaning business up for growth. Whether you're just starting or scaling up, this episode is packed with practical insights for cleaning business owners.
🎙 Key Topics:✅ Do you really need contracts as a domestic cleaner?✅ How terms and conditions protect you and your clients✅ The best contract options for cleaning businesses✅ Enforcing cancellation policies fairly and effectively✅ How AI and automation can simplify contract management✅ Why document management is crucial for business growth
🔗 Brought to you by the Domestic Cleaning Business Network (DCBN) & DocFlight.
Tune in now to take your cleaning business to the next level! 🚀

The Price of Clean: Handling Price Increases & Customer Expectations

In this episode of Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner, we discuss the challenges of pricing in the cleaning industry, particularly the emotional and practical difficulties of increasing rates. From managing customer reactions to navigating difficult conversations, we explore why clear, authentic communication is essential for maintaining client relationships while ensuring financial stability.
We also look at the complexities of one-off cleaning jobs, the importance of managing customer expectations, and the reality that not every client will be the right fit for your service. Additionally, we cover recruitment strategies, the emotional aspects of hiring, and how structured systems can make the process more efficient.
Key Takeaways:
How to communicate price increases effectively
The emotional impact of pricing decisions on both clients and business owners
Why managing customer expectations prevents dissatisfaction
The hidden challenges of one-off cleans and pricing them correctly
The emotional side of recruitment and how to simplify hiring
Whether you are dealing with pricing, customer relationships, or recruitment, this episode offers insights and strategies to help you run a more profitable and sustainable cleaning business.

Navigating Price Rises Without Panic

Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner – Navigating Price Rises Without Panic
In this episode of Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner, we discuss the reality of rising costs in the cleaning industry and what it means for business owners. We explore pricing strategies that protect profit margins, the emotional impact of price increases, and why losing some customers does not always mean losing profitability.
We also look at the ongoing demand for cleaning services, recruitment challenges, and whether the agency model could be a solution for some businesses. The key message is to remain calm, focus on business fundamentals, and avoid panic-driven decisions.
📌 Key Takeaways:✔ Price increases are a reality, but profitability does not have to suffer✔ Pricing should be based on costs and desired margins✔ Emotional reactions can cloud business decisions✔ Cleaning services remain in demand despite some cancellations✔ Long-term strategy is more important than short-term panic
Listen now to take control of your pricing with confidence.

Why am I still Cleaning??

In this episode of Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner, we discuss why many cleaning business owners still find themselves cleaning, even when they have a team. We explore the reasons behind this, including lack of planning, unexpected staff absences, and the difficulty of saying no to clients.
We look at strategies for effective scheduling, proactive client communication, and making difficult business decisions. We also highlight the importance of financial and time management in preventing burnout and keeping the business running smoothly. This episode is for anyone looking to step back from cleaning and take on the role of business owner.

Can you make millions in the cleaning industry?

In this episode of Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner, Louise Trehearn and Diane Greenwood break down the real potential for making millions in the cleaning industry. They tackle the common misconception that high turnover equals success and emphasize why profit is the true measure of a thriving business.
Together, they explore the importance of understanding financials, the risks of relying solely on accountants, and why financial education is crucial for cleaning business owners. From navigating misleading turnover figures to ensuring sustainable profit, this episode is packed with insights to help you make smarter business decisions.
Key Takeaways:✔ You can make millions in cleaning, but profit matters more than turnover.✔ Turnover can be misleading—profit is what keeps a business sustainable.✔ Many high-turnover cleaning businesses have shockingly low profit margins.✔ Commercial cleaning isn't always as profitable as it seems.✔ Understanding your numbers is essential for long-term success.✔ Most cleaning business owners lack financial education.✔ Accountants don’t always understand the cleaning industry—know your own numbers.✔ Setting the right prices starts with knowing your profit margins.✔ Regularly tracking financials prevents unpleasant surprises.✔ Success isn’t about big contracts alone; sustainable profit is key.
Tune in for a no-nonsense conversation that will change the way you think about money in your cleaning business! 🎧💰

Can I change my business to the agency model?

Struggling to decide between the agency model and the fully managed model for your cleaning business? In this episode, we break down both approaches, helping you understand which one aligns best with your goals.
You'll discover:✅ The key differences between the agency and fully managed models✅ The pros and cons of each, including cost-effectiveness, VAT advantages, and quality control challenges✅ How technology can streamline operations and improve efficiency✅ The impact of market changes on small cleaning businesses✅ How to transition between models without disrupting your business
If you're looking to build a cleaning business that fits your values and long-term vision, this episode is a must-listen!

Will it get easier to recruit in 2025

In this insightful episode, Diane sits down with industry expert Louise Trehearn to discuss the evolving recruitment landscape in the cleaning industry as of January 2025. They delve into the challenges business owners face amidst rising employer national insurance costs, new employment laws, and shifting economic conditions.
Discover how these changes are impacting hiring strategies, why flexibility in work is becoming more crucial than ever, and how the agency model might reshape the industry. Diane and Louise also highlight the importance of understanding labor market trends, building business resilience, and adapting to maintain a competitive edge.
Key Takeaways:
How economic changes are influencing recruitment challenges
The rising costs and uncertainties for employers
The role of flexibility in attracting top talent
Why resilience and adaptability are essential for business growth
The potential shift towards agency models in the cleaning industry
Stay ahead of the curve and learn how to future-proof your cleaning business in the face of ongoing change.

Being undercut on price in your local area

Are you feeling the squeeze from competitors slashing prices in your neighborhood? In this eye-opening episode of Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner, we tackle the challenge head-on. Join industry experts Louise Trehearn and Diane Greenwood as they unpacks strategies to overcome price undercutting and highlights how to differentiate your cleaning business through superior service, added value, and smart marketing. Whether you're competing with bargain hunters or looking to reposition your brand, this episode provides actionable insights and expert advice to help you stand out and thrive in a competitive market. Tune in for practical tips that will empower you to boost your business and win clients without sacrificing your worth

Finding your first customer when starting a cleaning business

🚀 Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner 🎙️
Struggling to find your first customers in the cleaning business? In this episode, Louise and Diane break down proven marketing strategies to help you get started. From Facebook groups and Nextdoor to leafleting and networking, they share practical tips to build trust, make connections, and grow your client base.
🔥 Key Takeaways:✅ Leverage Facebook & Nextdoor for local reach✅ Build strong relationships through networking✅ Use leaflets & proactive outreach to attract clients✅ Surround yourself with growth-minded business owners
💡 "People buy from people." 💡
If you're ready to take your cleaning business to the next level, tune in now! 🎧✨