Starting a new business can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor, but for Kristina Mitchell, her decision to join the Jim’s Cleaning franchise has proven to be a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
Explore the key strategies and insights that have contributed to Kristina’s early success as a Jim’s Cleaning franchisee.
From Control Room to Cleaning: Kristina’s Career Transition
Prior to joining Jim’s Cleaning, Kristina was working in the shift work-heavy industry as a control room operator.
While the job provided a steady income, the long hours and demanding schedule made it challenging to balance her responsibilities as a single parent.
Recognizing the need for a more flexible and family-friendly career, Kristina decided to take the leap and explore the world of franchising.
Kristina’s decision to join the Jim’s Cleaning franchise was driven by a desire for greater control over her work-life balance and the opportunity to build a business of her own.
The Jim’s Cleaning Training Experience
One of the key factors that attracted Kristina to the Jim’s Cleaning franchise was the comprehensive training program.
The training not only provided Kristina with the technical skills and knowledge required to run a successful cleaning business, but it also instilled in her the importance of following the proven Jim’s Cleaning system.
Kristina’s First 30 Days: A Remarkable Start
Kristina’s first 30 days as a Jim’s Cleaning franchisee have been nothing short of remarkable.
In her very first month, she reported an impressive 22 leads, and she was already making more than the pay-for-it guarantee provided by the franchise.
Kristina attributes her early success to several key factors:
- Leveraging the Jim’s Cleaning System: Kristina has closely followed the guidance and best practices provided by the Jim’s Cleaning franchise, which has proven to be a winning strategy.
- Embracing Transparency and Building Relationships: Kristina has made a conscious effort to be transparent, honest, and relatable with her clients. She emphasizes the importance of building a rapport with each customer, whether it’s through friendly conversation, complimenting their home, or engaging with their children.
- Responsiveness and Timeliness: Kristina understands the value of prompt service and has made it a priority to respond to inquiries within 10 minutes and schedule quotes as soon as possible, often the same day or the next.
- Flexibility and Going the Extra Mile: Kristina has demonstrated a willingness to go above and beyond for her clients, whether it’s accommodating special requests or ensuring that she delivers exceptional service within the agreed-upon time frame.
One of the key factors contributing to Kristina’s success has been her strategic location.
Kristina’s Approach to Pricing and Quoting
When it comes to pricing and quoting, Kristina has adopted a thoughtful and transparent approach.
Kristina’s strategy of not providing a fixed price over the phone has proven to be effective.
This approach not only helps to manage client expectations but also ensures that Kristina can provide a fair and accurate quote based on the specific needs of each job.
Building Rapport and Delivering Exceptional Service
One of the hallmarks of Kristina’s success has been her ability to build strong relationships with her clients.
She understands that cleaning services can be quite personal, and she takes the time to establish a rapport with each customer.
Kristina’s focus on building rapport has paid dividends, as evidenced by the glowing reviews she has received from her clients.
In addition to her personable approach, Kristina also goes the extra mile to ensure her clients receive exceptional service.
This includes being flexible, communicating clearly about any changes or delays, and going above and beyond the scope of the job when possible.
For example, with one of her NDIS clients, Kristina made a conscious effort to be sensitive to the client’s needs and provide additional support.
Kristina’s commitment to going above and beyond has not only earned her rave reviews from clients but has also helped to build trust and establish her as a reliable and trustworthy service provider.
Navigating the Challenges of Starting a New Business
While Kristina’s early success has been remarkable, she acknowledges that starting a new business has not been without its challenges.
One of the biggest hurdles she has faced is the transition from being an employee to being a business owner.
Another challenge Kristina has faced is the added responsibility of managing the financial aspects of her business, such as invoicing, payroll, and taxes.
Fortunately, Kristina has been able to rely on the support and resources provided by the Jim’s Cleaning franchise, including the assistance of the Jim’s Bookkeeping team.
Advice for Aspiring Jim’s Cleaning Franchisees
Based on her own experiences, Kristina has some valuable advice for those considering joining the Jim’s Cleaning franchise:
- Lean on Your Franchise: “Definitely lean on your franchise,” Kristina emphasizes.
- Follow the System: “Just copy what they do,” Kristina advises. “You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Jim’s has done it – Jim Penman and his team have built the system already. Just copy what they do, and you’ll be fine.”
- Focus on Customer Service: Kristina’s success has been largely driven by her commitment to providing exceptional customer service. “Building a bit of rapport, being friendly, positive, and making sure you’re communicating really clearly – that’s been really helpful,” she says.
- Embrace the Challenges: Starting a new business comes with its fair share of challenges, but Kristina encourages aspiring franchisees to embrace them. “It doesn’t feel as scary as I thought,” she says. “It felt a bit nerve-wracking when I first quit my job, but I’ve got faith it’s okay.”
Kristina’s journey with Jim’s Cleaning is a testament to the power of following a proven system, building strong relationships with clients, and embracing the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Her story serves as an inspiration for others who are considering taking the leap and joining the Jim’s Cleaning franchise.
To learn more about the Jim’s Cleaning franchise and how you can become a part of this thriving network, be sure to visit the Jim’s Group website or call 131 546 (Australia) or 0800 454 654 (New Zealand) to request an information pack. And don’t forget to check out the Jim’s Podcast for more inspiring stories and valuable business insights.