David, it's not a mess
Believe it or not, you have already learned alot. I know that this is not alot of comfort at this time, but you did not create a mess. You tried a business and ran out of capital. This is very very common.
I agree with the other writers, keep plugging away. If you have to get a job with another company to keep the dollars coming in, don't give up on your dream. Do your business on the side if possible, out of your house, on weekends if you can.
Different business, but my wife was able to start with one account and "take the plunge". She grew that one account to dozens.
I have not read all your posts, so I am not sure of your business...just by reading some over the past several weeks I gather you were doing an appliance repair business. Not sure if I am correct. Since I have started a few businesses of my own I can give you some general advice that worked for me. Feel free to tell me to go to %$%^ if it cannot apply to you!
1) Do another job to keep money in. Think of money coming in as a "revenue train", and all the cars are attached. Meaning, don't ever let that train come to an end. It must keep rolling. There cannot be "slow times" if at all possible. This may not be a great job, it won't be running your business, but it takes the edge and worry away.
2) Refuse to think that you will lose your house or your belongings. That is simply not an option. Period. Don't give into negative ideas. I know you were probably kidding about living on the beach, but don't let negative thoughts linger.
3) If you can do your job on the side, do it. Example. You want to fix appliances. Fine. Get another job that is NOT fixing appliances, but something that is at least ok. NOT a straight commission job (talk about worry). Build up your savings and capital.
4) Since you are NOT doing an appliance repair job with someone else, there is no conflict of interest--get an answering machine on a SEPERATE number from your regular number, or on a cell account. Continue building your business and do repairs at night and on the weekend. Talk about a niche...how many other companies do the work after hours? Maybe your niche is "Competitive rates, but on YOUR hours!" This allows you to build/promote/execute your business on your time.
5) Run everything from your house. Focus on low overhead on everything. Buy nothing you don't need to service your clients on a moments notice. Do not carry excessive inventory of anything.
6) Sometimes bartering does work. Does someone need a good deal on an appliance, with free installation, and they own a print shop? Maybe you do the work, they print your fliers. (again, I am assuming it is that kind of business you had).
7) Spend all your time talking to as many people as you can. Stores may have installers, but what about whan all their installers are busy? You're the guy. And you're the same guy for many other stores. They don't have to know that. You're the weekend guy.
8) When things are so hot that you feel you can leave your week job, then make that move, but not until then. DO NOT rent space anywhere until you positively cannot do the work out of your home, whatever that work may be. Rent and overhead eat into your business revenue and don't stop. Don't go down that road until you have to. Until then, keep an eye out for rentals that don't seem to be occupied over a long period of time...this may be a more motivated landlord when YOU are ready to deal, and you don't have to settle for "what's available" when you are ready to move.
Again, tell me to jump in the lake with my suggestions, I may be wrong in the kind of business you have, or you may have tried all the above and the time/location is just not right. I hope this might help a little.
Remember this, keep the revenue coming in no matter what. You didn't make a mess, and you didn't fail. It was just not right at this time. Keep moving, and keep us all posted on your activities.
