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David Mills

David Mills

David is one of the founders of Story Collaborative and serves as the Chief Growth Officer. He is passionate about finding the right strategy for each client and helping them move into sustainable growth. He is a veteran of organizational development and communications and has worked with thousands of businesses and nonprofits across the country.

More from David Mills

David Mills
By David Mills
on May 08, 2025

A local approach to being found online is the key for independent cleaning companies

Have you ever wondered why some cleaning companies show up first in Google searches while yours is hiding on page five? The secret isn't magic—it's local SEO! When someone spills red wine on their carpet or needs their office cleaned ASAP, they grab their phone and search for "cleaning services near me." If your business doesn't appear at the top of those results, you're missing out on customers who are ready to hire you right now.

David Mills
By David Mills
on May 08, 2025

You can grow smart without the big enterprise costs

Running an independent cleaning business is tough. You're juggling client calls, managing your team, handling schedules, and trying to find new customers—all at the same time! The big cleaning franchises have fancy software systems and teams of people to handle all this. But what about you?

Good news! You don't need to spend a fortune on enterprise software. HubSpot offers tools that can transform your cleaning business without the enterprise price tag. Let's look at how HubSpot, especially its Sales Pro and CRM features, can help your cleaning company compete with the big players.

What Is HubSpot and Why Should You Care?

HubSpot is like a Swiss Army knife for small businesses. It combines customer management, marketing, sales, and service tools all in one place. The best part? They offer a free CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system that you can start using today!

Think of HubSpot as your digital business assistant that works 24/7 to keep your cleaning business organized and growing.

The Free CRM: Your Business Foundation

HubSpot's free CRM is a game-changer for cleaning businesses. Here's what you can do with it:

  • Keep all your customer information in one place: No more scattered notes or lost phone numbers! Store all your client details including addresses, cleaning preferences, and special instructions.
  • Never forget a follow-up: The system reminds you when it's time to check in with clients about their next cleaning appointment.
  • See your business at a glance: Simple dashboards show you how your business is doing without complicated reports.
  • Track every conversation: Every email, call, or message with a client is recorded, so any team member can pick up where another left off.

Even with just the free version, you'll be more organized than many franchise operations!

HubSpot Sales Pro: Your Secret Weapon

While the free CRM is great, upgrading to Sales Pro (starting at $45/month) gives your cleaning business serious advantages:

  • Email tracking and notifications: Know exactly when clients open your quotes or cleaning proposals, so you can follow up at the perfect time.
  • Meeting scheduler: Clients can book cleaning consultations directly on your calendar without the back-and-forth emails.
  • Quotes and proposals: Create professional-looking cleaning service quotes with just a few clicks.
  • Sales sequences: Set up automatic email follow-ups for potential clients who inquired but haven't booked yet.
  • Call tracking and recording: Record your calls with client permission to train your team on handling inquiries better.

Real Benefits for Your Cleaning Business

How does this technology actually help your day-to-day operations? Here's how other cleaning businesses are using HubSpot:

1. Never Miss a Cleaning Opportunity

When someone calls about your services, you add them to HubSpot in seconds. The system reminds you to follow up if they don't book right away. Many cleaning businesses report booking 25% more jobs just by having a system that prevents leads from falling through the cracks.

2. Turn One-Time Cleanings Into Regular Clients

After a one-time cleaning, HubSpot can automatically send follow-up emails offering recurring service packages. One cleaning company owner said: "We converted 40% of our one-time clients into monthly contracts using HubSpot's follow-up sequences."

3. Remember Every Client's Preferences

Your clients love it when you remember their preferences (like "don't use strong-smelling products" or "pay extra attention to the kitchen"). HubSpot stores all these details so any cleaner can provide personalized service—just like the big franchises promise.

4. Make Scheduling Easier

The meeting scheduler tool lets clients book consultations or cleanings based on your actual availability. No more double-bookings or phone tag!

5. Grow Your Referrals

Set up automatic emails that go out after each cleaning asking for referrals. One independent cleaner reported: "I get 3-4 new referrals each week now that HubSpot automatically asks for them."

Starting Small and Growing

The beauty of HubSpot for cleaning businesses is that you can start with the free CRM, then add features as you grow:

  1. Start with the free CRM to organize your client information
  2. Add Sales Pro when you're ready to boost your sales process
  3. Consider Marketing Hub when you want to attract more clients automatically
  4. Add Service Hub when your team grows and you need help desk features

This step-by-step approach means you're never paying for more than you need.

The Bottom Line

You don't need the resources of a big franchise to have professional systems. HubSpot gives independent cleaning businesses the technology to compete with bigger companies at a fraction of the cost.

With better client management, automated follow-ups, and professional proposals, you'll not only match the big franchises—you might even outshine them!

Why not give the free HubSpot CRM a try today? You've got nothing to lose but the sticky notes and spreadsheets that are currently running your business!

David Mills
By David Mills
on April 25, 2025

Running a business today feels like navigating a storm without a compass. (Or maybe navigating a magnetic story with a compass). Social media posts vanish into feeds. Email campaigns collect digital dust. You’re left guessing which efforts actually connect with customers – and which drain your budget.

David Mills
By David Mills
on April 25, 2025

 HubSpot Agents are Revolutionizing Content, Customer Support, CRM, and Sales

Imagine a world where your business tools handle repetitive tasks, fill knowledge gaps, and adapt to new challenges on their own. That’s no longer a futuristic dream—it’s here. Four intelligent systems, designed to work seamlessly within a popular platform, are reshaping how companies engage customers, manage relationships, and close deals.

David Mills
By David Mills
on August 28, 2024
In the bustling B2B landscape, it's easy to get caught up chasing big fish. But what if the real opportunity lies in the vast schools of smaller fry? Microenterprises, often overlooked, represent a goldmine of potential for savvy B2B service providers. Here's why your business should consider diving into this vibrant ecosystem.

1. Not So Micro After All: The Surprising Scale of Small

Don't let the "micro" fool you. In many countries, microenterprises make up over 90% of all businesses. That's not just a market; it's an ocean of opportunity. With digital ventures lowering entry barriers, this sector is set for explosive growth.

Consider this: In the EU, microenterprises account for 93% of all businesses. In the US, businesses with fewer than 10 employees make up 79.4% of all firms. The sheer volume presents a massive addressable market for B2B services tailored to their needs.

 

David Mills
By David Mills
on August 28, 2024

Understanding the Shifting Landscape of Young Adult Financial Needs

Recent research by ZenBusiness has unveiled a significant trend among Generation Z that financial professionals should take note of: an unprecedented surge in entrepreneurial aspirations. This shift in career outlook and financial priorities presents both challenges and opportunities for accountants, financial planners, and insurance agents seeking to serve this emerging market.

David Mills
By David Mills
on August 27, 2024

The Rise of Zoomerpreneurs: A New Market Emerges

Recent research by ZenBusiness reveals a significant shift in the business landscape, one that B2B companies serving micro-enterprises cannot afford to ignore. An astounding 93% of Generation Z individuals (aged 18-25) have taken steps towards business ownership, signaling a boom in the micro-enterprise sector.

David Mills
By David Mills
on January 30, 2024

You may have noticed that it’s getting harder to get in front of new customers. They’ve walled themselves off with email, ad, and interruption blockers and filters. They’re disconnected.

David Mills
By David Mills
on January 24, 2024

As companies (and nonprofits) grow, the products and services and the customer support required to deliver them can race out ahead of the sales operation.

David Mills
By David Mills
on September 18, 2023

With all of the elements of the sales environment that we cannot control, it's vital to streamline what is within reach.

There's a lot about the sales environment that sales leaders cannot control. The list includes the economic cycle, the growing size of the buying committee, a lengthening decision cycle, rising costs of doing business, and the behavior of the competition. Proof of this reality is the fact that 71% of the Fortune 400 missed their sales goals in Q1 of 2023- and the normal rate is about 40% globally. Focusing on what you can't control is a sure path to frustration.