[sonya]

Hi everyone! Im sonya, and a newbie! well thats not really true I registered a while back but have been too nervous to post. I have read 95% of this forum and I can honestly say that it's brill, following small companies like myself from start to finish is the most amazing thing! Martin606, Blacksheep,Dustdees,pds or and fox. Just some of the most amazing people. I wish you every succes.
Well I hope this post helps me to post more now. I just have to get this off my chest!LOL

[dustdees]

Hi Sonya,

Welcome to the Forum!!

I can assure that you will pick up loads of advice from everyone who uses this board.
I am a newbie to the forum as well really, I have learned alot so far.

Do you have a DOmestic Cleaning biz or commerical and whereabouts are you based?

Regards
Denisex

[Derek_Walker]

Hi Sonya,

Welcome to the forum,

Well done for taking the first step, the first post is always the hardest. I hope this will be the first of many, there is certainly alot of information on this site and even seasoned professionals learn new things all the time.

Regards

Derek

[blacksheep]

hi sonya welcome on the forum, you will find people on here are the most helpfull and plesent, if it werent for the guys & gils on here i would not be taken off soon. we all have to start some where and even now i give ltd advice just in casc i get it wrong or make a prat of myself ,its wonderful to have a forum just to chat, advice or just to clear something up your not sure of . anyway hope you enjoy been here as much as i do blacksheep

[sonya]

Thankyou to Dustdees,Mr Walker and Blacksheep. What a very nice welcome! To answer Dustdees question. I am an ex domestic cleaner (employed by agency) on and off for 5 years. I then met my partner who is in facilities management (building maintenance) and as of 5 weeks ago, contract cleaning. It has been a very hard slog guys, I don't no wether you gals have childen but I have 2, 1 boy and a girl. Ive been working durning the night mainly getting together all my templates for letters and risk assessments ,method statement introductions ect...nackard!! Time to start chasing contracts Im terrified to be honest, but  with the support of this forum, I know if I come across anything Im not sure about I just need to post. I am also going to start sharing my opinions with other postees. To anyone out there feeling a bit shy come on register and start posting its very liberating!!!

[blacksheep]

hi sonya, your futher along then me, printers just let me down,was getting covers for my tender pack togeather, i can laugh now but not at the time i was fumeing, i got the name from martin god bless his cotton socks, the name has nothing to do with lips as i told them oh ,name been a kis cleaning company,i asked for elegance and professional looking something they would pick up,open and reed not bin,guess what i got! lips every where a very large one looking like a certin female part, it more resembled something you would show a pimp to tell him your services not cleaning it was so tacky, can only work on my business on my day off so its taken time but getting somewhere now.i get stressed now but not as much as i will trying to keep staff ho what joy,lots of things go wrong with start ups i wonder if anyone else has funny stories buy for now got to get up for work at 4 dont feel tired so will toss & turn all nite fall asleep at 2.30 or 3 then alarm gos off at 4 sorry fancyed a chat

[sonya]

Oh sorry to hear that you are going to sleep....I seem to never get to bed at night, since not working now and got all these loose ends to tie up. Would have loved to talk to you futher blacksheep, well theres always tomorrow. Shame though stayed here staring at the computer wating for a reply you as I saw you was flashing still online. Then started writing out some draft task lists. waiting for 45 mins looked up and saw your post opps to late still replied anyway.. nite nite.. sonya

[Jan K]

Hi Sonya and welcome too!

Mine is a domestic set up but I too have 2 children (2 girls...fight constantly), it is hard going having to juggle work and family (and I have to say at the mo, work comes first, but it's all worth it in the end.....whnever that will be lol)

Good luck!

Jan

[michelle warren]

Hi Sonya, great to read your intro ... i'm a newbie too and i agree that the info and support you get from this site is fantastic (and i find it's quite nice when i can offer info to others too). I've been running my business for nearly 2 years and have recently moved into the commercial / new build market (my partner has just given up a full time job to run that sector of the business which is a bit scary). We have 3 children (a boy aged 4, and 2 girls aged 6 and 7) and i initially set up the business to work around their needs and so that i could complete my degree, whilst still earning a wage. However, i hadn't anticipated the demand and i now employ ten ladies (domestic and commercial), plus two men and student temps who work on the building sites. It's been (and will continue to be) a huge learning curve, but i have to say i've learn from my mistakes (particularly the financial ones) ... but i wouldn't change the business i've chosen. Even when i'm doing paperwork in the middle of the night or covering on a Sunday morning early shift!!!
Good luck in your new venture, Michelle

[sonya]

Hi michelle, thanks for reply. Was it scary for you and your partner moving from full time employee status to now self employment, and what was the force behind your partner joining you? Hope Im not being to nosey.
What was it like for you tendering for a new build and turning up for your first day on the job? I know I will be a bundle of nerves...
Thanks again michelle for your time and welcome, I can only admire you guys and aspire to one day welcoming a newbie after 2 years for trading myself what an achievement that will be!! Sonya

[michelle warren]

Hi Sonya, great to read your reply. I think that it's really important to remember that at some point (or in my case most of the time!) you'll feel really scared about what you are doing. I find that it's this feeling that makes me keep trying ... sometimes i get a new contract, sometimes i fail miserably, but i always learn from it. It was terrifying when my partner left his job to become self employed...it wasn't too much of a worry when it was just me as we still had a regular wage. We had decided that if we didn't take the plunge now we never would (we're both 32) so it was kind of in at the deep end.
I've always been really lucky with the people i've dealt with for new contracts, they've been really nice. I always meet them with the attitude that although i want their business they probably need my services just as much. always remember ... good cleaners are like gold dust!!
Good luck ... please email me if you want a chat.
Michelle

[Tim Downer]

Hi Sonya
Welcome to the forum.
Sorry its a bit belated, but have been really busy at the moment and haven't had much time to look at the forum. But as in the Office today, thought i would have a look over a cup of coffee.
I agree totally with the guys n girls before me with their comments regarding this forum. Its great for helping each other out and getting ideas.
You get to see how others are doing from when they start up, and its fantastic to see them get bigger and better as time goes on.
Keep all of us posted.

Regards

Tim

[Clean 'n' Tidy]

Hi Sonya,

Welcome to the forum. I too have 2 children but mine are a bit older that. It is hard juggling work, kids and home and suppose best mention the husband ( who is a good support). My husband works with me two days a week and then holds down a part time job as well.

Hope all goes well with your venture if you require any advise then just ask.

rgds
kim