[SeanK]

I'm not too bad as my wife earns a decent wage, I honestly would have thought twice about going down the self
employed route if this wasn't the case, but then most private PAYE jobs offer no better financial security other than the
state sick.
I was off for nearly a year and the majority of my customers stayed loyal and the few that moved came back.
The thing is you will get by, even if you have to run up a bit of debt you wont be long paying it back.
Stay positive sort out what you might be entitled to and cut out any bills that you can do without, that includes anything
to do with your business as well, freeze any insurances that you wont need for a while such as public liability also road tax
if you can park the van off road.
You can also come to a short term arrangement with your mortgage if you need to.

[slap bash]

The most important thing when starting a business is
Do you run the business or does it run you?

My business was started so I do not have to be there - my only job which is important is the sales and marketing and I have just employed a surveyor to look at all the new enquiries that come in so I don't have to do that even.

yA YA yA T he sun always Shines in Rhinoland. No every body starts with big money. When will you be writing the book for us to follow in your foot steps.

[G Griffin]

I had over four months off last year, Franky; it is hard.

Financially, we managed. My missus works part time but it's decent money. I dipped a bit into my savings, as well. (I had another part time income, too, and that was a big help [especially when they said they weren't paying me but they did  ] but that's no help to you). We did get offers from our families, too, but we didn't need to take them up. 

My round is mostly in my head. I leafletted my customers to let them know and that I was coming back. I lost one (3 windows  ) but received numerous texts and calls wishing me well and saying that they were prepared to wait for my return.
Another couple of wc'ers also did a few cleans for me but the rest of my customers were very patient. I think customers like to know where they stand.

Overall, I was lucky in many ways. A good family was vital and I reckon you've got that. My customers valued me as as a window cleaner and as a person and I think you've got that covered, too.
Personally my biggest struggle was myself; it can get you down and you almost feel inadequate. I lost my temper with my little boy one night and it nearly reduced me to tears; nothing is worth that. You can manage without money and a round but you've got to stay you. Your missus and son want you not money and a business.

So, do what you can to get by and manage your round but it's not the be all and end all; you can always start another or try something else.

Chin up, big fellah; you will survive  .

Ps. And I'll get round to donating one day 

[deeege]

^ top post Griff. 👍

[Darranvps]

The most important thing when starting a business is
Do you run the business or does it run you?

My business was started so I do not have to be there - my only job which is important is the sales and marketing and I have just employed a surveyor to look at all the new enquiries that come in so I don't have to do that even.

yA YA yA T he sun always Shines in Rhinoland. No every body starts with big money. When will you be writing the book for us to follow in your foot steps.

I started in March 2010 with no customers and only £2.40 in the bank
The most important thing I had was self belief

[SeanK]

Is that the first line in the book ? Bet you will want to buy it now Slap.

[Rich Wilts]

Ps. And I'll get round to donating one day 

I have to take exception to this, sorry.

Dont say your going to contribute. Just contribute. Saying you're going to donate doesnt help Franky out at all and doesn't get his bills paid.. In fact believing money is going to come in and then it doesnt is worse than nothing being given.

Sorry Griffin, but its the harsh reality of Frankys situation.  Its better to say nothing at all rather than this. Peace.

[Frankybadboy]

I know hat my customer base is very loyal and will be more than happy to wait.allready been receiving texts and emails say get well soon don't rush etc
Has for insurance I have British cycling gold cover which has allready started work on my behalf,once Iabitiy is agree in principle then they will start to dip feed me money.the driver is being done by the police staight away so this will make the claim easier
Database is starting to be up dated as we speak

The head is another fight and one I say brin it on lol

[Clever Forum Name]

This is why I swapped over to CP.

I could text all my customers in one go. The work still doesn't get done. But i could find someone and send automated texts to keep them in the loop in the mean time.

I saved for rainy months years ago and the money never gets touched.

I have a week off now due to an operation and will dip into it if I have too. Hoping I won't need to with money owed etc.

[Dave Willis]

Franky, when's the best time to send my begging letter?

[LT carpet cleaning]

Franky, when's the best time to send my begging letter?

 

[ascjim]

Staff will do the work. If I can use a computer I will be fine

[Jonny 87]

The most important thing when starting a business is
Do you run the business or does it run you?

My business was started so I do not have to be there - my only job which is important is the sales and marketing and I have just employed a surveyor to look at all the new enquiries that come in so I don't have to do that even.

yA YA yA T he sun always Shines in Rhinoland. No every body starts with big money. When will you be writing the book for us to follow in your foot steps.

I started in March 2010 with no customers and only £2.40 in the bank
The most important thing I had was self belief

I'm sure your words of wisdom have helped franky out tremendously. That's just what he needed to hear

 

[Jonny 87]

Franky you will be fine mate.

I've sent a little donation through, as have others, (although think you have to wait 14 days for it....stupid PayPal,lol) but the main thing is that you need to keep positive and know you WILL get better and WILL be back at it in no time.

As others have said, cut off any unnecessary spending, it's amazing what you can actually live on. Even if it means selling a second car (not sure if you have one but you know what I mean). Things like this can ease the pressure.

Worse case scenario is to take out a 0% credit card. You can get some nowadays that are 0% for 24 months. Use that to cover your ABSOLUTE necessities and just worry about it when you get back working. You will have it paid off within the year and be back to normal.

Wish I was local as I'd happily do your work on Saturdays till you were back on your feet.

Keep us posted on your progress too. Sometimes just talking about can help.

Keep going mate. You'll get there.

[Dave Willis]

Franky, fancy a race up Brassknocker Hill? I'm fancying my chances this week.

[G Griffin]

Ps. And I'll get round to donating one day 

I have to take exception to this, sorry.

Dont say your going to contribute. Just contribute. Saying you're going to donate doesnt help Franky out at all and doesn't get his bills paid.. In fact believing money is going to come in and then it doesnt is worse than nothing being given.

Sorry Griffin, but its the harsh reality of Frankys situation.  Its better to say nothing at all rather than this. Peace.

I never said I  would donate, I  said I'd  get round to it. There's  a difference.
It's  not easy for me, as well, you know. Put it in for us.

[KS Cleaning]

Wouldn't  got accident and sickness plan that would cover mortgage  payment and a little bit left over

I would get this policy checked out ASAP!  Any claim will be calculated at around 75% of your  previous years ' taxable income ' . Ignore the part of the policy where it says you will be paid ' X ' amount in the event of a claim.

[paulben]

Been there was off for 7 months . Son did what bungalows he could manage a few houses he did bottoms only.(he wont go up ladder and never used wfp before ). Sent letters to all customers explaining what was going on and visited some personally whilst between hospital stays . Wife had just taken redundancy so had some money.
Didn't lose many customers took about a while to get back to normal . Now work better than before .

[dazmond]

wow paul!7 months and you kept most of your customers?there you go franky that should give you some hope.

the reality is most of us will be forced to have time off work at one time or another due to illness/injury so an emergency fund of 6 months bill money tucked away in the bank is a wise move for us sole trader window cleaners ready to spring into action if the need arises.

ive got 3 to 4 months bill money but will build it up to 6 months now.


best wishes franky.chin up fellah

[Frankybadboy]

Franky, fancy a race up Brassknocker Hill? I'm fancying my chances this week.

uou get all the Patrice you need mate you need it