The Marine Industry is huge and at times overwhelming.
You see, whereas, most of those considering a run at the boat cleaning sector look primarily to private yacht owners, they often miss so many other types of customers.
When it comes to boat detailing one of the biggest customers can be yacht brokers, as they often have an unlimited amount of business, and getting in that door can provide you with endless referrals for all sorts of cleaning, detailing, and restoration services.
So, perhaps, we should explore all the potential market segments, customers, and off-shoot marine service opportunities.
Consider if you will that banks can become great customers, as the number of repossessed vessels are a huge potential niche.
Someone has to clean those boats up for future sale, and you know the bank can't do it, nor does it want to.
Marine Insurance Adjusters often have to hire boat detailers to clean up damaged boats, often with a little detailing, expensive painting can be avoided.
Likewise vessel painters often need color sanding, and touch-up services, and can send lots of work your way, often more than you can handle.
And don't forget the vinyl sign and stripping guys out there, they need to strip the wax before they put the decals on, then they need to have it re-waxed around their work - they need someone they can trust to do it right.
Custom Yacht Interior Designers are also very good for referrals and they generally have a decent size rolodex of clientele.
Same with electronics installers who often make a mess inside leaving sawdust, and plastic, composite, or fiberglass shavings around when completed.
You can do quite well for very little actual work if you jump in their boat as well.
When it comes to custom yachts there are also Captains, Crew, and Chefs along with their concierges and coordinators - and after such an excursion you need your boat cleaning company to be on their short list and speed dial.
Marina's have lots of work, and you'd be surprised how busy they can keep you if you just say "yes" to any job they offer you.
Why not take the job to power wash the walk-ways, dock, and building or repaint the railings, refurbish the wood, or wax the storage boxes? Besides that means you are out in the open where everyone can see you and they know they can trust you if you are working for the marina and cleaning up the facilities, just make sure to have plenty of business cards on you at all times.
See that point? It may sound like a smelly job, but someone has to do it, even if no one wants to - yes I speak of fishing vessels, and there is lots of work to be done if you are willing, and after a big catch, that's the last thing the captain or crew wants to deal with, the job is yours if you dare.
Don't be too arrogant to take that work, besides, there is lots of extra sushi to go around, it's part of the deal, fringe benefits indeed, and all the Omega 3 you'll ever need.
Look around the marina, what else do you see? Tourist vessels, whale watching, jet ski rentals, parasailing boats - there is lots of work if you will think outside the box.
How about around the corner on the beach - power washing life-guard stations, cleaning their vehicles, don't be shy, just ask, maybe they'll buy? It's your job to look around the marina, harbor, and see what's there, there is lots to clean, treat, coat, re-paint, refurbish and that salt-air is constantly deteriorating everything.
Put it this way, you have job security, and if you are not afraid to work hard, you'll be busy.
And those big jobs, well, they will come your way too, as long as you keep your image tight, stay professional, and give great customer service.
Please consider all this.