| You might think that starting your own carpet cleaning | | | | the client base you expect to build, and any prior |
| business will be as simple as purchasing a machine | | | | experience you've had working in the carpet cleaning |
| and hanging a notice in the supermarket, but you'd be | | | | field. Demonstrate for them that you've done your |
| wrong. Sure, you can have a shoestring operation like | | | | homework as far as analyzing the need for such a |
| that if that's all you ever hope to achieve, but if you | | | | service in the marketplace. They aren't going to be too |
| want to develop a successful, thriving business, you | | | | favorable toward you if you propose a carpet cleaning |
| need a well-defined carpet cleaning business plan. With | | | | business in an area where there are already a dozen |
| a business plan you know where you're going and | | | | others, unless you can prove that the area needs |
| don't have to just meander around wondering what to | | | | another one. Know your markets and how you're |
| do next. With a stable plan for your business, you have | | | | going to establish yourself within them. |
| a foundation on which to grow your business. | | | | Add a section to your plan telling exactly what your |
| Start by writing out your goals. Make them realistic and | | | | marketing strategy is based on and what you hope to |
| attainable. For example, if you're starting into business | | | | accomplish by applying it. Be sure to show the lender |
| with one truck-mounted carpet cleaning machine, don't | | | | how you are planning to get the money to repay your |
| set a goal of earning $1 million your first year, because | | | | loan, because that is going to be one of his major |
| you'll never attain it. Write a mission statement | | | | concerns. Project profit and loss as best you can. The |
| explaining what exactly the business is going to do, and | | | | lender will understand that you can't know definite |
| decide on some points that will help you achieve your | | | | figures, but work to come up with some numbers that |
| mission and goals. Do you plan to make customer | | | | are at least in the ballpark. Be specific and honest |
| service a priority? Write it in your carpet cleaning | | | | about your debts and expenses. If the lender catches |
| business plan. How are you going to market your | | | | any misinformation he's not going to want to do |
| services? Outline your ideas right in your business plan. | | | | business with you. A well-thought-out carpet cleaning |
| Commercial lenders are going to want to know a few | | | | business plan will get you started out on the right foot. |
| things about your company, so include them in your | | | | If it isn't perfect, there will be plenty of time to modify it |
| plan. Describe the services your company will offer, | | | | after while. |