Any business that is run on a small scale and is privately owned is generally referred to as a small business.
A small business generally employs less than a hundred employees and would thus be a company providing its services to a limited area and perhaps a limited clientele.
Just like all small business owners, a janitorial business also has its advantages and disadvantages.
Why start small Although large businesses bring in more revenue, it is always better to start small and slow.
It is relatively easier for small business owners to change according to the market's needs than it is for medium or large businesses.
The owners enjoy independence in making decisions and changes.
This is not possible in an employment where all decisions are made at the top and then communicated to the employees.
It also makes it possible for the owner to maintain a close and more personal relationship with the clients.
This improves communication between the two parties and often results in satisfactory provision of services.
Small business huge problems Janitorial small business owners need to be most careful about the capital they intend to invest in their business.
Most companies that employ janitorial services disburse at the end of the month, so the fledgling business owner needs to keep that in mind and always have enough capital to cover all expenses that include employee salaries, equipment repair etc.
Services Companies or organizations that usually employ janitorial services might be huge buildings or a personal house.
It depends on the service provider to decide how much they can handle.
A small janitorial business may, but not necessarily is, limited in the services it offers.
For instance, a very small business that employs less than ten employees may not be able to take on the responsibility of cleaning and maintaining an office building of ten floors.
However, it can easily supply the cleanliness requirements of a large house.
Common services offered by janitorial businesses are floor cleaning, bathroom cleaning, carpet and curtain cleaning, furniture cleaning etc.
Some ambitious business owners venture into other areas like post construction cleaning and maintenance, and the maintenance of whole office and apartment buildings.
Safety first A janitorial small business employs a lesser number of employees than a large one, thus making it easier to make up for employee absenteeism or turnover.
However, this does not, in any way, reduce the responsibility on the business owner of ensuring the safety of its employees.
They must provide their workers with the essential safety training according to national standards.
The employees must be aware of all safety precautions and preventive measures.
This would indirectly improve the business owner's reliability and reputation because safe workers means less absentees and efficient work.
Ultimately, a janitorial small business owner would desire a larger and more profitable business.
Building a strong relationship with clients and delivering more than expected is the surest path to this kind of well established and reputed business.