Okay, so I wanted to share how I went about finding companies that needed cleaning services. It wasn't exactly a walk in the park, let me tell you. It started because, well, I needed to find some clients for a little cleaning gig I was trying to get off the ground.

Getting Started - Where to Even Look?

First thing I did was just sit and think. Obvious places came to mind, like offices, maybe small shops. I figured big corporations probably had contracts already, so I thought smaller businesses might be the way to go. Places like local lawyer offices, little tech startups, maybe dentists or small clinics. Places that need to look sharp but might not have a huge facilities team.

Then I hit the computer. Searched things like "businesses needing cleaners near me" and "office cleaning jobs wanted". Honestly, mostly got ads for cleaning companies trying to sell me services, or massive job sites listing agency work. Not quite what I needed. I wasn't looking for a job with a cleaning company, I was the cleaning 'company' myself, just me really.

Changing Tactics - Getting More Direct

Realized the direct online search wasn't cutting it. So, I switched gears. I started looking through local online directories, like the online Yellow Pages and just searching Google Maps for specific types of businesses in my area. Made a list, you know? Accountants, real estate agents, insurance brokers, that kind of thing. Just building a list of potential places right here in town.

I also checked out some job boards like Indeed, but I looked specifically for terms like "office cleaner needed" or "part-time janitor" posted directly by the business itself, not an agency. Found a couple that way, showed some small companies were indeed hiring directly sometimes.

Hitting the Pavement (Literally)

After building a small list, I figured the best way was just to go out there. Printed up some super simple flyers – nothing fancy, just my name, number, and "Reliable Cleaning Services". Then I picked a few local business parks and strip malls.

• I'd go during quieter times, maybe mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
• Walked into offices that looked like they fit my target list.
• If a receptionist was there, I'd just politely introduce myself, say I run a small local cleaning service, and ask if I could leave a flyer for the office manager.
• Sometimes, if it felt right and they weren't busy, I'd ask if they were happy with their current cleaning setup. Kept it brief, didn't want to be pushy.
• Persistence was key. A lot of places said "no thanks" or "we're covered", which is fine. Just had to keep going.

Trying Phone Calls and Emails Too

Walking around took time, so I mixed it up. For some businesses on my list where I could find a direct email or phone number (usually smaller ones where the owner's contact might be listed), I tried that too. Sent short emails, basically saying the same thing as my flyer. Made some phone calls, which I gotta say, I didn't love doing, felt a bit awkward, but I did it. Got a few "maybe later" responses that way.

The Grind and the First Win

It took a while. Weeks, really. Lots of pavement pounding, lots of printing flyers, lots of "no thank yous". Felt a bit discouraging sometimes. You just have to remember why you started. Then, finally, one of the places I had walked into, a small graphic design studio, called me back! The manager remembered me dropping off the flyer. They weren't happy with their current service and wanted to give me a try. Man, that felt good. Really good.

After that first one, it got a tiny bit easier. Had a reference, you know? And I learned which types of businesses seemed more receptive in my area. For me, small professional offices (lawyers, accountants) and medical clinics seemed the most promising. So I focused more on those.

So yeah, that's basically how I did it. No magic formula. Just figuring out who might need help, making a list, and then putting in the effort to reach out, mostly in person. It's still work finding new clients, but that's how I got the ball rolling.