Starting A Business

[Dreamz]

Hi everyone, I just wanted to pop in and share some good news. 3 years ago I put an ad on craigslist for house cleaning. Since that first post I've worked literally non-stop for hundreds of clients, and have a couple dozen really regular clients now that I love like family. Business is SO good I had to get it licensed last month, and am now in the process of getting insurance and hiring others. It's such a huge contrast to the inner turmoil I'm experiencing because of PTSD. Being able to work for myself is the one thing I can be really proud of and it gives me something to look forward to in life.

Anyway, I just hope this thread reaches someone (probably some other girl sitting at her computer all day like me) and maybe gives you that little push to try something different.. Anything can happen, just be open to the opportunity.

 

[Court]

Wow that is amazing!!! Congrats :)

 

[Dreamz]

Thank you :) its funny because there are so many times where I'm thinking "is this real?? is life really going this good?"

Ptsd makes me feel so stuck in the past, and then I go to work and it's like living another life. I even get flashbacks at work but this site is helping so much to identify them and cope.

 

[franciemarnie]

That's fantastic. I have a dream that I am working on which I hope someday to bring to fruition and bring in income with. Your story is inspiring!

 

[Dreamz]

Franciemarnie, the one thing I can really recommend is putting an ad on Craigslist for your services or business. Heck, I have even had the urge to start some kind of cake-decorating or nail art business because you can reach so many potential customers through that site. It's very typical to get 1-5 or more good leads a day. Of course take general safety precautions, but in general 99% of the people you meet from there are so kind and sweet.

Follow you dreams, they are there for a reason and everyone has a special skill :)

 

[Muzikluvr]

So so so very glad you posted! I couldn't be happier for you. I especially appreciate your posting the conflict between your inner life and your business life. It is such a very odd feeling to be successful in any aspect of my life, while also feeling the negative angst brought on by PTSD.

Keep your eye on the positive! Congratulations on your thriving business.

 

[Dreamz]

Thanks so much to the 3 of you that posted, today was pretty bad emotionally but now it's feeling very uplifted :) and muzikluvr, yes you get it exactly. I didn't even start saving clients phone numbers and addresses until a few months ago. There was always just this feeling of "I dont do that great, they won't want me back" even if they tipped and ASKED me to come back regularly.

Just for the sake of discussing this and PTSD, I am feeling a lot of lack of motivation to expand my business. Financially, I could work the same amount I am now and be fine, but there are so many things I could improve on (advertising in places other than craigslist, raising the price, buying professional supplies, cleaning commercial businesses vs. residences, etc) but all those ideas tend to fizzle out because it's a lot to just process what's going on now.

Every single day I get home and just feel.... surreal! Life was so bad 4 and 5 years ago, then this oppurtunity falls in my lap. I'm forever thankful and feel totally blessed, even though I'm "on-guard" all the time there's a feeling like things will just keep getting better, at least as far as work.

***big hug to everyone***

 

[anthony]

I believe the saying, "you create your own opportunities" holds true, and is reflected above. Well done.

 

[circe47]

Great news! I wish I could manage to do something of my own two. I keep saying I'm going to start a dog massage business, but certain people say it's not practical unless you live somewhere like Beverly Hills where people pay for extravagant services and products.

Any input? Would YOU pay $25 for a 45 minute massage for your dog?

 

[anthony]

I don't have a dog, and if I did... No, I wouldn't.

 

[cherryblossom]

Would YOU pay $25 for a 45 minute massage for your dog?

No I wouldn't. Sorry.

I will add that I don't have a dog either. However, I would absolutely love to own a dog. But if I did own one, the only services I would pay for would be veterinary, kennels for holidays, and dog walking if I was at work for a long day.

 

[circe47]

Thanks for the input. At the very least I want to start a grooming/kennel business.