As a long-time cleaning service owner, I know how it fills when things are not working out the way you would like and you’re ready to throw in the towel.

Throughout the last 29 years, I have had many days and long nights where I seriously thought about closing my business. But over and over, I talked myself into getting back up and never quitting. Here are a few quick tips I learned along the way on how to stay the course even when it looks and feels like the only option is to quit:

1. Take a deep breath and step away.
2. Ask yourself, “How can I resolve the source of my frustration?”
3. Be determined to keep going; you must remember that success is not easy and requires hard work.
4. Don’t be influenced by what you see or hear on social media. Understand that most people only post their highlight reel, so you never really know what other business owners are going through.

It’s important to give yourself the grace to step away and calm yourself so you can see a clear path to move forward. Once your mind is clear, take an honest assessment of the challenge you are facing and start the process to resolve the issue that has you discouraged. Taking the first step to finding a solution is the most important step.

Remember, nothing worth having comes easy. It’s a myth that being a business owner allows you to be the boss and simply give orders for others to do the work. In reality, you will always be the most invested person in your business and the hardest worker there.

In today’s world, social media gives us the ability to see others’ lives and how great they are portrayed to be. Looking at others’ “get rich quick” videos, designer clothes, and fancy cars can be deceptive. It’s human nature that this can cause a hardworking businessperson to get discouraged from comparing their life to others who appear to be more successful. But comparison is a huge mistake – being successful is only attained by staying the course and making the necessary adjustments along the way.

I have worked long hours and dealt with the loss of staff and customers, but I didn’t give up. Did I feel tired? Yes. Did I feel sad sometimes? Yes. And did I cry? …Yes.

But I didn’t give up. I regrouped.

We as cleaners are part of a massive group of people who provide an age-old essential service.

Remember – the goal is to stay the course and provide a service that gives families a trusted service they can’t live without. If I could do it, you can, too.

Now go take a bite out of grime! 🧹🧼🧽

Sincerely,

Robin Crockett

CEO & Founder, Heaven Scent Home Cleaning & Virtual Bid App