How We Got Featured In The News And Grew Revenue To $55K/Month [Update]
This is a follow up story for CleanLots.com . If you're interested in reading how they got started, published about 6 years ago, check it out here.
Hello again! Remind us who you are and what business you started.
My name is Brian Winch. I started a simple environmental service in 1981 and, within a few weeks, grew it into a successful business of 40+ years.
We clean up litter material outside commercial properties for real estate management companies. Our service is done on foot using simple hand tools. Almost as easy to do as going for a walk! We clean up discarded drink cups, cans, bottles, fast-food wrappers, and cigarette butts from the sidewalks, parking lot, and surrounding landscape.
We offer our customers superior service for a better price by cleaning their properties after hours so we can see and clean all litter without vehicle interference.
We have added three new clients that are generating an additional $3000 per month and another 4 properties with existing clientele for a further $5700 per month since our last interview.
Tell us about what you’ve been up to! Has the business been growing?
Our business is not only recession-proof, but it’s also pandemic-proof. We have grown our business during the last 2 years. I believe both the public and property management companies have a heightened awareness of the importance of maintaining their commercial properties litter-free.
See opportunities in adversity. Tune out the doomsayers and what they’re selling. You as an entrepreneur have a solution to people’s problems.
The litter material is unsightly. Discarded PPE (masks) is worse.
At the onset of the pandemic, we noticed many people chose to discard their masks outside businesses. This was new litter material that had to be cleaned up. We saw an opportunity to obtain media attention to gain exposure for our service.
I contacted the news-tip line of the largest TV news station in my market and pitched my story. A producer quickly contacted me and arranged for a reporter to interview me outside one of my properties early the next morning.
The story aired on the dinner news and then again on their lunch broadcast the following day. Their online story led to national interest from across the country. I recalled the saying; if life gives you lemons - turn them into lemonade. I think I succeeded!
I’ve added a company page to my LinkedIn profile. I can share all sorts of content that is viewed and engaged. I should have done this earlier!
What have been your biggest lessons learned in the last year?
See opportunities in adversity. Tune out the doomsayers and what they’re selling. You as an entrepreneur have a solution to people’s problems.
People want to learn how your product or service will be of benefit to them. You need to be consistent with this message in all of your marketing efforts.
Don’t give up! Develop the mindset that there is always a solution to a problem. Seek out the help of a mentor if you’re struggling.
Where are your prospects? You need to be on the social channels where they interact. Start with one or two. There’s no need to be everywhere. Don’t spread yourself too thin in terms of the time you spend on each.
What’s in the plans for the upcoming year, and the next 5 years?
I enjoy the service I provide in my community. I get satisfaction from seeing the results of my work and knowing that we make a positive impact. I most likely will scale back on my working hours but I can’t see myself retiring anytime soon.
I love sharing my business opportunities with others across the country. I offer free support as one way of giving back and honoring my dad, who didn’t live to see how I turned his gig into a successful business. My contact information is provided in my book. I hope this offer encourages people who otherwise might not start a business to go for it!
Have you read any good books in the last year?
I like listening to The Side Hustle Show podcast hosted by Nick Loper. All sorts of interesting people and side hustles!
Advice for other entrepreneurs who might be struggling to grow their business?
Don’t give up! Develop the mindset that there is always a solution to a problem. Seek out the help of a mentor if you’re struggling. SCORE is but one place to check into.
Work your business and your business will work for you. It might be simplistic, but it’s true. Too many people fail by giving up. If you truly are passionate about what you do then you’ll find a way to make it happen!
Where can we go to learn more?
Go to my website: https://www.cleanlots.com to learn more about this simple low cost opportunity. I have a free Report that you can download that details this green business and watch a video that shows how the work is performed. It really is almost as easy to do as going for a walk!
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If you have any questions or comments, drop a comment below!
