I inadvertently started my own business recently. It started out just cleaning homes for a few people on the side because my afternoons were free. At the suggestion of some encouraging people, I put an ad in the local online classifieds. Amazingly, someone called me for a consultation a few days later.
I now have 2 regular clients and 1 part-time client. The client who called in regards to my ad has given me some new and interesting challenges. I not only clean houses but I also offer services in home organization--getting rid of the clutter. I am having a blast! I am actually using the knowledge I have gained in my collegiate pursuits--a first for me in the job world. I spent today on the phone and online talking with buyers of certain memorabilia. I also got to contact an artist about a possible piece he did several years ago to verify authenticity. Next on the agenda is contacting some curators about certain other pieces of artwork that I have questions about.
This has been a bit scary though. I also have to advertise myself, meet, and talk with people I have never met before. Surprisingly, in person, I am very reserved and have a difficult time talking to people at first. But, so far I have not panicked and am enjoying setting my own hours and schedule. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to go to the nearest metropolitan area and discussing collectibles, art, etc. Once I finish my degree in Art History, this could definitely be a career path I could enjoy. Who knew?
I had a potential client call me earlier wanting help with clutter and getting her home organized and under control. Little-by-little, things are falling into place and it is happening quickly but not in a way that has caused me to feel stressed. And, surprisingly, I am good at keeping records. Hopefully, this will take off in the next few weeks and I can be completely out of debt and have a nice nest-egg started by December. It pushes my school plans back a semester, but I am actually okay with that. I have never been okay with postponing school before but everything going on right now feels right.
I am amazed about how capable I feel about doing this. The events of the past few years have made it difficult for me to believe that I am able to do certain things. But, I now know that I can survive hitting rock-bottom and climb back out of the hole. It is an amazing feeling to believe that you can succeed at something. Fingers crossed that the fliers I put out generate some interest and the phone does some more ringing.
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