Secrets to Running a Successful Family Cleaning Business
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, family businesses contribute to more than 60 percent of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product. And at least half of all companies in the United States are family businesses (Harvard Business School).
Your cleaning business may very well fall into this area, since many new businesses rely on help and support from a spouse, siblings, children, parents and other relatives. And although a family partnership may seem straightforward and trouble-free, juggling family and business can be a difficult endeavor.
The Ups and Downs of the Family Cleaning Business
The upside to a family business is that the individuals know one another and can identify strengths and weaknesses. There is also a general feeling of trust and loyalty between family members. This can definitely help smooth out the rough spots. However, a family business can also bring about much frustration between family members and non-family employees alike.
The downside of running a family cleaning business is trying to keep "work at work" and "family matters" at home. This can become an even tougher undertaking if you work directly with family members. If you are not careful, the cleaning business can easily slide over from work time into family time. As the lines between family and business become blurred, you will find your attention diluted and this can prevent your business from reaching its full potential.
What are some common problems that family run businesses are likely to run up against?
- Giving family members jobs they are not qualified for
- Giving family members too much responsibility and not enough authority
- Allowing parents to evaluate children's work performance
- Paying family members more than non-family members for the same job
- Treating family members as "family" on the job and not as colleagues
- Constantly discussing business at family gatherings
- Ignoring mistakes because they are caused by a family member
- Giving family members special perks because of who they are instead of how well they perform job duties
How can you keep your cleaning business running efficiently when you have family members as employees?
First and most importantly, separate your family life and business life as much as possible. Once the time clock is running employees should not address family members as "dad", "mom", "uncle" or "son". Second, although it can be difficult, it is important to separate the family part of your life from the business.
Some family businesses have found it helpful to have three separate areas:
- The home, where only family issues are addressed
- The business location, where only business issues are addressed
- A neutral area - where a mix of family and business issues are addressed
Have a clear chain of command and organizational structure to include both family and non-family members.
For family run cleaning businesses, authority and control can be a difficult barrier to overcome. Clear and comprehensive management policies and practices can help lower this barrier. After all, longevity and success is the final goal of any business, and allowing for growth and opportunities within the business for family and non-family employees cannot be stressed enough.
A company policy manual and employee handbook can be helpful here, as it spells out not only the "chain of command" but other important guidelines that apply to all employees. Your business should have a written plan of how to accomplish your goals and what happens when key players of the organization decide to retire or leave the company. It's also important to keep open communication between family members and non-family employees.
Conclusion
Having loyal and dedicated family members part of your cleaning business can provide you the support and encouragement to take your cleaning business from a part-time endeavor to a successful company. Keeping family and business separate is difficult but necessary if you want your cleaning business to grow and succeed. Following a defined business structure can help you keep your family life intact and keep your cleaning business on a professional level.
Jean and I have worked as co-founders and co-owners of very successful cleaning businesses for many years as a husband/wife team. Our years of experience have provided us unique insight and problem solving skills that can help other cleaning business owners enjoy the success we have shared together.
For more information, check out the links below:
Coaching with Steve Hanson, I.C.E., A.C.T.
Consulting with Jean Hanson, Authorized Duct Tape Marketing Consultant
