Discouraged HELP

[salamander]

Hi
Started my business 2 months ago, the name of my business is Awesome Cleaning Services,Inc.I'm getting very discouraged, having trouble getting my foot in the door.
I would like to hear some success stories about how you got started and how you got to where you are now( you Know the good,bad and the ugly)
I would also like to know is there anything you know now you wish you had of known when you started your business.

[logan5127]

We all have stories of regret as about any business does, but we are not here to discourage you anymore. We are here to encourage you. Starting out is hard and can make you have doubts sometimes. When you are just starting , keep a full time or part time job for your regular income. Start building your business slowly and learn as much as you can while it is slow. It will seem like you are getting nowhere but then a job will come in and then another and then another and before you know it you will have to quite your regular job. That is if you do quality work; have good ethics about your business and are fair and honest. Don't worry about the other cleaning companies having so much work, just concentrate on how to build yours. I worked a full time job for at least a year before being able to go full time into the cleaning. Some may have to go longer. Know this in your mind and don't expect your business to take off over night. I would say not to set your goals to high in the beginning but look at a year from now. Remember there is much to be learned right here at IJCSA. Especially for Full Members. There are also many books and sites to research your interest. Maybe even take some specialized classes so that you will be prepared when you do reach that point or goal you have in mind. I have saw so many cleaning companies start only to give up to fast. You must be in it for the long run or you to will be one that comes and goes fast. You need to be able to handle losing a bid or losing a client now and then. Don't let it discourage you. You will find that as you learn and start getting a few clients that it will get easier to get in those doors. Now put on that Happy Face and start Being the Best You can Be.

[Linda]

You are so right Dan and how many times have I come to you because of being discouraged lol? Several.
I have only been in business around 8 months. I put a bid in on a Industrial job and I didn't get it. Maybe someday I will. I have 3 bi-wkly residential accounts and 1 that calls me when she is entertaining. I just got 2 calls last night. Things are starting to pick up for me and I am so excited about that. I called a lady about 2 weeks ago, her husband is a friend of my husband. I talked to her for about half an hour, because I was told she had so much business she was turning it away. It turned out not to be exactly that way She told me not to give up that it took her 7 months to get 2 accounts Now she has like 7, but they are all from one family member who referred her to other family members. She cleans for 4 generations lol. She is happy with what she has and isn't interested in anymore. She said she only got a couple calls that she turned away and that hasn't happened in quite a while. She went with word of mouth only. I just placed my second add in 8 months. I am trying to go by word of mouth more than anything. I am hoping to have enough accounts within a year of starting to quit my job. If I don't, well I will just keep the faith and call Dan when I am depressed lol or throw a post at everyone for a little encouragement
Don't give up, it will work out

Linda

[Pages Personal Cleaning]

When you first start your business it can be very scarey.
You will doubt yourself and your abilities. But remember there have been many others before you that have went through the same thing and have become successful business owners.
When you first start out you need to keep your full time job for awhile or save up at least 6 months savings to cover your bills and expenses. When I started out I had a savings to cover my bills until I got established.
You just have to keep believing in yourself.
Patti

[salamander]

Thanks for the encouragement i needed it. I got a call yesterday from a apt complex asking if i would be interested in talking to the property mananger april 11th about taking care of all their mone in/move out apt. I know it's a start maybe i'll get it have to wait and see

thanks
cindy

[GDP Cleaning Service]

Hello,

Always remember to try to mention your Business to everybody you speak with during the course of the day it is a great way to spread the word about your company and it can pay off in a big way when you least expect it. Have some cards made up and leave some where ever you go. a website is also a good way of getting the word out there. getting your foot in the door can be tough to deal with but look at it this way at any time (usually when you dont expect it) you may get a call from a perspective client that could change your life so keep that in mind when you feel your efforts are not getting you anywhere because there is a good chance they are. keep your spirits up you will be fine.