I've been in business since May 22 and I've only had 2 paying customers since then and now it is July. I keep passing out flyers to neighborhoods that I would like to clean in. I've been passing out business cards as well. I've put an add in the local paper as well. Right now we only  market to residential cleaning because we haven't been bonded yet. It is just the two of us, so we are the owners and operators of our business. We feel there is no need to get bonded unless we go commercial or hire employees to work for us. But it seems that will never happen because we aren't getting any calls. We tried putting flyers on people's cars in the hospital parking lot but we were told that we would have to take them off because there is a no solicitation rule set by the hospital. What are we to do? We've been putting flyers in people's doors but we still aren't getting any calls. I've tried Craigslist too and we have a website. I was told that most businesses grow from word of mouth but how can we get word of mouth if no one is calling us to give us a chance to build up a good reputation in the community. I really feel like throwing in the towel.

 What do your flyers and cards look like?  

 If you do get a call, how are you handling the call?

What neighborhoods are you going into?  Middle class, upper, etc.?  Who is your target market?

Remember, right now is a bad time to get people to spend on things they don't "need" in their budget.  Most people are having a hard time keeping food on the table and gas in their car.  They are cutting out the extras everywhere!

 In times of recession (or near recession as we are now) there is a dramatic increase in the number of persons who enter into the cleaning business as well as a marked increase of those who do not survive.  Not to say that you cannot make it, just to let you know before I say anything thing else that it is going to hard to you right now.....

With that said, you are in for the time of your life right now to get your business established and you are going to have to give, give and give more until it hurts.  Because you have little to no experience (professionally) and/ or referrals you need to get some, and the best way to do that is to offer your services for free (or deeply reduced) in lieu of referrals.......  Start with you neighbors, church, or other organizations that you many belong to *(some will say family- however that can backfire on you as it will appear to be fake to any prospective clients).  I suggest calling all of the local churches and asking if they know of anyone in their community who could benefit from a one time cleaning and explain your needs for the referrals.

Get a couple of these jobs under your belt and get the referrals that they will give you then market yourself using these tools as a step up from your other new competition.   The added bonus just might be that the free jobs turn into a little something, something if your work is valued and appreciated.  Too, if you go through churches you can ask for a mention in thier service programs.

Think outside of the box 

Well said T. P   I agree very much.  I know I do some extra and not charge my client just because of all the money issues.