I'm nearly 3 years into business. Last year, we only brought home $12k each.

keep working, at least you do something useful.

Thanks man.

To say it's been a rollercoaster is an understatement.

If you don't mind me asking, what kind of work are you in?

Congrats if you did that under these conditions you are well under your way. 3 to 5 years is the guide line for staying in business from the start. Keep at it.

You are in the wrong business or go about it the wrong way if you can only make 12k. Not all business is worth pursuing. Self employed requires so much time that often goes unpaid.

We are a partnership cleaning company focused around window cleaning predominantly, which in Colorado has actually been very productive.

We do residential, construction, commercial, whatever really.

We also do actual construction phase cleaning of the homes and windows which is VERY laborious.

We were going very very strong the first couple years but last year when covid hit it went almost radio silent.

Sadly a couple of builders we were doing work for that yielded nearly $20k per year, vanished. Yeah, in Colorado. That's a big deal.

So yeah year over year analysis for this year was just AWFUL. We were down $9k each. From $21k a year to $12k a year filter through this last year.

Of course our llc makes more than that but we've got some overhead costs with phones, gas, tools and materials, insurance, etc.

As an individual it would be decent money, but splitting it through a partnership is cutting in half filter down profits.

My business partner actually took leave for the better part of last 6 months and is allowing me to operate and take all profits.

When he returns he may start his own venture.

Not the wrong business but it was hammered by covid... Even though it's still "essential."

I explained above that we lost nearly $20k in contractual agreement because those companies went under. It's really really bad!

I'm thinking about a lot man but I'm not just going to walk away from what I've built. I've done most everything from the ground up. Everything.

Why would I want to work 40+ hours for a company that could give a shit less shit me?

Also, no offense, but I don't think you've built a business from the ground up if you don't understand there are periods of weeks on end nonstop work and there are slow periods or economic retraction which has affected us the most.

Thank you!

I have heard that as well.

It's the splitting in half that hits us as partners. As an individual the first two years we would have made $50k+ but 2 owner operators not only cuts profits in half, it doubles over head costs and man hours.

probably do something else that is more profitable OP

WAAAAY easier said than done.

Have no clue how to run a business. You may be good at what you do, but that doesn't make you automatically know how to run a business.

What are you saying?

What can you contribute to this conversation, and did you even read any of the above posts?

I bet if you add on sanitization into your cleaning services, you would get more clients.

People are broke from paying rent and taxes. They don't have extra $ and energy to give towards you. It is sad but the reality of things.

Yeah, probably on the residential front.

People are so disturbed by this pandemic I don't think the world can truly recover mentally...

Yes, that makes sense on the residential front.

The construction cleaning falling apart though is a dark sign of a massive recession or crash coming.

OP, Keep Pushing.

Whatever the business, keep grinding. Lean into the mission.

It is worth it.

I have owned my own business for 18 years and I would not consider going back to work
for someone else.

There will be a point where your breakout happens.

It felt so close!

Thanks for your kind words.

A lot of it also was several prospective contracts wanted to see us in business for a couple years before they would give us a shot. Now that we've got some experience, we will likely pick up a bunch more work.

Seriously thank you though for actually adding to the conversation rather than being an egotistical asshole. You also have experience in that you've run a business.

I recall someone that started a shitter business. Porter Potty and such.

Paid all equipment off. Weathered the most serious of recessions up until the time.

I wonder with Covid, are they still in business?

Yeah covid is BAD BAD.

Like holy shit, here we go.

Definitely apocalyptic, not in and of itself, but the initial waves it has produced will forever change this planet. We have ALLOWED this to happen!

I really don't want to be doom and gloom anymore. I'm trying to see the best in the world! However, there seriously isn't much good left. It's all being overtaken by the darkest of historic moments.

It's brought me to God which I'm very thankful for. I'll be honest. I haven't read the good book enough. I don't know a lot, but I've a great foundation from some great people in my life.

I still don't like organized religion because of all of the bad that comes from the church. All the religions fighting one another aren't helping along a better world at all. There's a disconnect with the word anymore... Most have lost sight. Now we will come into a technological depression era.

They are forcing us into accepting the mark. I can feel it.

Anyway, I still try to live life as normal as possible but all the while I feel like a fire surrounded by extinguishing beings.

If you really just stop and close your eyes and think about the beauty of this world, all the best things you can think of, think also why they never stay.

It is sin. Real sin, not the sin prescribed by churches. It was pretty clear what the ten commandments were telling us.

How does this all relate with business? Well, I must make a living and the only way to do that in this world is by currency and slight conformity with societal systems ie taxation, using a vehicle, paying bills. But I live well below my means. I actually need to see a doctor but put that by the wayside due to focus on getting my debt eliminated.

Yes, making 12k in a year and I still paid taxes, debts and have a bit saved.

Most can't say that.

Portable shitters took a hit with no one going anywhere. Might be a good time to buy that business for pennies on the dollar.

Feels good though doesn't it. Being your own boss, plus TWO of you making a profit.

There's nothing like it in the whole world.

Congratulations.

One wrong statement or belief, and your roomie can lose it all these days.

You need to do what government does. Find sheep and make money off them. Or if you are not that talented, find hos and make money off them.

No money in no money operations sun.

Hang in there. Busted my ass getting my business up and running, but there comes a time where if you are prepared it will take off.

Success happens when preparation meets opportunity. This Covid bullshit will end, and your services will be in demand once again.

I have to get in. I could not imagine just one contract for the government for a training base. So many porta jons.

I personally would not want to do the work but would pay well for a good person that is reliable.

Without construction it has to be a hard time for many. Also festivals and concerts last year. That all will change. I would try to find a mentor in the field.

Hang in there OP. It has to very tough but you are almost there. it will pay off. building the base of a good business takes time and money. the reward comes down the road.

Great advice! Keep going! What about residential window cleaning in higher end neighborhoods? You’ve probably already thought of all of this but I’m just trying to help because small businesses are ESSENTIAL to America’s success. Nursing Homes, Private Schools (many are open), Apartment Complexes (you could try partnering with the Property Manager), smaller health care facilities (large hospitals probably already have contracts), small office parks, get on NextDoor and offer your services. Any way you could branch into office cleaning or mobile car detailing?

I have done all of that! Great thinking!

One battle is pricing. Pricing just too high and nobody takes your bid. Too low and, well you know the nightmares that will bring lol

It's many factors but the timing of the pandemic was certainly not ideal.

Thanks a ton!