Last Updated on April 4, 2024 by The ZenMaid Team

WHY TRUST US? The ZenMaid team has eight current and past cleaning business owners, including our CEO and founder Amar, who know the ins and outs of the maid service industry like the back of their hands. They share their expertise with us in product development, with the customer success team, and content, which includes the article you’re about to read. We also partner with some amazing leaders in the cleaning industry, like Debbie Sardone, Angela Brown, Courtney Wisely, Chris Schwab, and more, to provide you with the latest industry insights. The tips and advice you’ll find on our blog have helped our team grow their maid services, and we’re excited to share them with you to help you grow your business too.

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We Asked the Experts, and Here’s What They Said: The 4 Main Systems Every Maid Service Needs

As a cleaning business owner, your ultimate goal is to scale and provide top-notch services to your clients while ensuring smooth operations and maximum efficiency within your company. Achieving this requires that you implement well-defined systems that streamline various aspects of your maid service. In this article, we’ll unpack the 4 main systems that every cleaning business needs to take their operations to the next level.

1. The Phone System

In the age of constant connectivity, your phone system is the lifeline of your cleaning business. Imagine a scenario where your personal cell phone is constantly buzzing with calls from clients and team members, leaving you in a perpetual state of on-the-go mode. Not only is this exhausting, but it also hampers your ability to focus on strategic aspects of your business.

To overcome this, establish a dedicated phone system for your cleaning business. This includes setting up a separate business phone line, which could be a traditional landline or a more flexible VoIP service. Having a dedicated line ensures that all business-related calls are channeled to the right place, and it helps you maintain a healthy work-life balance.

If you are considering a 24-hour service, consider hiring someone or bringing in a virtual assistant to handle calls outside regular business hours. Remember, consistency is key, so put your phone system rules in writing and ensure that all team members are aware of and adhere to them.

2. The Hiring System

Building a competent and reliable team is critical to the success of your cleaning business. Developing a well-structured hiring system streamlines the process of finding the right candidates and effectively onboarding them.

Start by identifying the best platforms for candidate prospecting, such as popular job boards like Indeed or social media networks like Facebook job groups. Allocate a monthly budget to promote job openings and attract a steady flow of potential hires.

Once you receive applications, streamline the interview process by designating specific days for interviews, conducting group Zoom meetings, and arranging in-person interviews for final candidates. Providing a clear timeline and a consistent interview process helps applicants understand what to expect and contributes to a positive candidate experience.

To simplify the onboarding process, create a hiring packet that contains all the necessary paperwork and information new team members need on their first day. This approach not only saves time but also ensures that critical details are not overlooked as they transition from training to fieldwork. 

3. The Training System

A well-trained team is the backbone of any successful cleaning business. To maintain high-quality service delivery, you need a comprehensive training system that equips your team with the necessary skills and knowledge.

Start by implementing a structured training program for new hires. During the first week, provide them with training videos that familiarize them with the tasks they’ll be performing. This allows them to understand your company’s cleaning standards and methodologies.

Next, offer field training for a period of two to six weeks, during which new team members work alongside experienced trainers. This hands-on experience builds their confidence and ensures they’re capable of delivering top-notch services to your clients.

Additionally, set up an onboarding process where your new team members gradually take on more responsibilities as they progress through the training program. Conduct regular quality checks during this period to ensure they meet your service standards.

Reward their hard work and dedication with certifications upon completing the training program. Celebrate their achievements to instill a sense of pride and motivation within your team.

Here’s an example of what this looks like in a condensed timeline: 

First Week of Training: During the first week, have your new hires watch training videos that familiarize them with the tasks they’ll be performing.

Field Training: For week two to week six, provide on-the-job training with a training manager. This hands-on experience will reinforce their skills and build confidence.

Onboarding: For the first five weeks, let your team members go out and provide services to clients. During this period, send one of your trainers to perform quality checks and ensure they’re meeting your standards.

Certification: At the end of week six, reward your hard-working team members with cleaning certifications. Celebrate their achievement with a company gift, such as a monogrammed stainless steel cup.

4. The Sales System

A robust sales system is essential for attracting and converting potential clients into loyal customers. It helps provides consistent customer experiences and ensures no leads fall through the cracks.

Develop a sales script that guides your team through initial interactions with potential clients. Encourage a friendly and engaging approach that fosters trust and rapport.

During these interactions, gather essential information, such as how they heard about your cleaning business and the specific services they’re interested in. Understanding their needs allows you to tailor your services accordingly.

Offer estimates to potential clients through multiple channels, such as over the phone using online tools or via email. Ensure your team has access to all necessary information to provide accurate and timely estimates.

To prevent leads from going cold, implement a nurture campaign that keeps potential clients engaged and informed about your services. Utilize software designed for the cleaning industry to automate communication and maintain regular follow-ups.

Don’t Forget Automation and Technology

There are fantastic tools that can take care of repetitive tasks for you. It’s like having a squad of virtual assistants to handle scheduling, invoicing, and customer communication. Imagine all that extra time and energy you’ll save!

Sure, investing in these tools might require a little upfront cost, but trust us, it’s totally worth it. Once you automate your processes, you’ll be amazed at how much smoother everything runs.

No more double bookings or missed appointments. Automation means fewer hiccups and more happy customers. And speaking of happy customers, with online booking, they can easily schedule your services through your website—no more phone tag!

At ZenMaid, we’re pretty passionate about systems and automation. In fact, we have an entire library of free resources about it! Check them out right here. 

Wrapping Up

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, so take it one step at a time. Stay open to learning and improving, and don’t forget to stay up to date with industry trends. For instance, ZenMaid hosts an annual summit where industry experts share their insights, and the ZenMaid Mastermind Facebook group lets you connect with other business owners, sharing ideas and asking questions.

Next Steps

If you found this article helpful for your maid service, you may also like:

• What Does the New FTC Ban on Non-Competes Mean for Your Cleaning Business?
• 7 Fatal Flaws That Will Kill Your Maid Service (And What To Do Instead)
•  6 Ways to Enhance Your Cleaning Customer’s Experience With AI
• How to Find an SEO Agency for Your Maid Service – 2024 Guide
• Q&A with Stephanie Pipkin: Boosting Your Maid Service Profits and Other Tips

This talk first aired at the 2022 Maid Service Success Summit. The Maid Summit is an annual online event that brings together the most successful leaders in the cleaning industry, like Debbie Sardone, Angela Brown, Courtney Wisely, Amy Caris, Chris Schwab and more. Get free access to masterclasses and workshops to help you grow, scale, and automate your cleaning business to get more leads and profit. Make sure you’re on our email list to find out how to get free tickets to the next event.