[tabitha]

what would be the best way to train up staff for house cleaning? i work by myself at the moment but i need to employ some people as i'm getting so busy. I have seen some sites on the internet offering dvd courses on running a house cleaning business but they are so expensive, i don't mind paying the money but i don't know how good they are. I just wondered how everyone else managed to learn how to run their business

[cml]

Tabitha its not clear whether you are asking about taking on additional staff or running your business.  However I would suggest the following:

a) In reference to training new staff that you examine some of the cleaning  courses offered. i.e. BICS (British Institute of Cleaning Science) is a start amongst others as you know.  Secondly, you currently I assume are working in the industry and therefore experienced.   You may benefit by offering training by getting new staff  to shadow you during your work and you with them at commencement of their work  i.e. a short induction and training schedules on how you want things to be done in regards to the contract of works.  This will eliminate cost of training at the outset but also enable you to monitor and control the quality of works if done to your standards.

2.  Running a business.  I assume you may not mean the whole business but the area in reference to taking on staff.  Might I suggest a very good source of reference at buisness link.  This would give you a short sharpe introduction to all aspects of running a business but in particular the area about employing staff. 

Once you have read this it would give you a clearer picture in regards to the directions you wish to take and then you could home in on a precise area that you are not too sure about and post a question in relation to that.  This no doubt would enable you obtain a lot more clear and concise reponse to keys questions you may have that may have some real benefits to you.

Good Luck!

[Nick Murnin]

hi Tabetha, thats some great advice from CML. as mentioned, your local business link are great when we started years ago they were a great help, we still use them. also you should contact your local Chamber of Commerce they will help you with HR advice and other business related matters. you have started in the right place, this forum contains a wealth of information on all manner of cleaning and business matters. Im sure you will bennefit from established businesses such as CML without going to the expence of purchasing software or training packages as this will not guarentee you sucess in your business. I know I have made most of the mistakes.