Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in general services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Martina Biljan, Owner of Cleanca Cleaning Services Ltd., located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My company's name is CleanCa cleaning services, and we provide services in residential cleaning in Vancouver and the Metro Vancouver area. Our typical clients are individuals or families who would rather spend their time doing something else than spending their precious time cleaning. Having cleaning services for your home helps clients gain more time for other activities that they enjoy doing.
Tell us about yourself
CleanCa cleaning services is a company that was founded in late 2020. Like almost everyone else, I lost my job when the pandemic started. I was thinking about what if that was an opportunity in disguise. I really enjoy cleaning, and I find serving other people very rewarding, so I decided to give it a try. Very soon after I opened a company, I also started hiring other people, training them, and growing a team. It feels so good to know that I managed to create jobs for others as well.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is choosing to join BNI (Business networking international). It is an international networking organization that helped me grow professionally and personally. My chapter is always here to support me, and each week puts me in a position to present something new about my company and develop a relationship and also learn from other professionals in different fields. Otherwise, I would feel alone in this adventure of owning a business. Owning a cleaning company is the first company that I started building in Canada and in general, so every little thing that I accomplish is a big win for me. I also feel accomplished because I manage to find common ground with almost any type of client. Communication is key. And a key to communication is listening and providing thorough information about the services.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Everyone in my field and in general complains about the same issue. Finding quality staff. Every new potential associate costs lots of time and money to get trained, but even though I am offering an above-average hourly rate, I have a hard time keeping associates. I guess I will have to change the strategy. I understand cleaning is a hard job. You really have to love it to be able to stay in this business for a longer period of time. I want to work with people who have a growth mindset and who always look to go above and beyond when providing cleaning services.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do thorough research about the industry (is it worth it, how is the market for your profession in your area, what are other successful businesses in your field doing to be successful).
- Make sure to have a business plan and determine the one-year goal and three years goal.
- Stay flexible and ready to adapt, change, learn, and fail. Just keep on going. Don't hold grudges toward anything or anyone. Keep moving forward.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://cleancaservices.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CleanCaCleaning/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleanca_vancouver/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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