Skyler Sullivan, a remote cleaning entrepreneur, skyrocketed his business to $60k a month in just two years while juggling a day job. He shares how he secured his first clients and cleaners, revealing effective marketing strategies using tools like 'Nice Job' and 'Booking Koala.' Skyler discusses the importance of community networking for lead generation and the balance between subcontractors and employees. He also dives into the logistical challenges of running a remote operation and emphasizes the significance of customer engagement for sustained success.
Skyler Sullivan successfully built a remote cleaning side hustle by connecting homeowners with professional cleaners while maintaining his day job.
Effective marketing strategies, including local networking and online engagement, were crucial for expanding his customer base and building trust.
Skyler emphasized the importance of long-term goals and learning from challenges to enhance service quality and ensure customer satisfaction.
Deep dives
The Remote Cleaning Entrepreneur Model
A successful business model centers around facilitating connections between homeowners seeking cleaning services and professionals looking for work. By operating remotely, individuals can manage this model without needing prior experience in cleaning services. The approach allows entrepreneurs to take advantage of the growing demand for cleaning services, especially in the current world where flexible work opportunities are desired. This model not only helps meet the needs of homeowners but also creates a sustainable business avenue for individuals seeking income from home.
Overcoming Initial Challenges
Skylar Sullivan, who grew his cleaning business significantly, faced substantial hurdles in the early days, including unhappy clients and challenges with service quality. His first few cleaning jobs did not meet customer expectations, leading to customer frustration and requests for refunds. These initial setbacks highlighted the importance of asking the right questions and establishing clear communication to set appropriate service expectations. By learning from these experiences, he refined his processes to ensure better service delivery and customer satisfaction.
Balancing Workforce Management and Demand
In the cleaning business, successfully meeting customer demand requires a careful balance between acquiring clients and ensuring the availability of cleaning staff. Initially, Skylar encountered difficulties in fulfilling bookings due to insufficient qualified cleaners, stressing the need for effective recruitment strategies. Building a team with high character and strong attention to detail became vital to maintaining service quality and securing loyal clients. As the cleaning company expanded, leveraging a recruitment pitch focused on collaboration and shared success bolstered the workforce needed to satisfy the growing customer base.
Leveraging Local Networking and Marketing Strategies
Skylar utilized a mix of marketing strategies to build his cleaning business, including joining local networking groups that allowed him to connect with other service providers. These interactions not only helped create a referral ecosystem but also established trust within the community. Additionally, advertising through platforms like Google and participating in online engagement, such as local mom groups, further expanded his customer reach. Creative marketing approaches, coupled with a focus on service quality, helped him stand out against competitors.
The Importance of Adaptability and Long-Term Vision
Successful entrepreneurship requires flexibility and a focus on long-term goals rather than immediate profits. In establishing his cleaning business, Skylar adopted a mindset that allowed him to view challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than setbacks. By acknowledging the significance of high-quality customer interactions and continuously adapting his approach, he was able to secure repeat clients and solidify his brand's reputation. This long-term perspective, combined with the willingness to invest time and effort into overcoming obstacles, plays a critical role in sustainable business success.
Building a remote cleaning side hustle from scratch. How crazy unique is that? This is a model that Skyler Sullivan took when he found nebraskaelitecleaning.com.
He helps homeowners get the help they need while also helping on-the-ground professional cleaners get the work they want — and still makes a margin in the middle.
And the most interesting part is he’s running this $60k/month operation in less than two years — all while keeping his day job.
Tune in to Episode 645 of the Side Hustle Show to learn:
How Skyler landed his first customers and cleaners
How to market a remote cleaning business in today's world
Exact tools and strategies he uses to scale a service business