Member Profile: Barbara Smith

Your Name: Barbara Smith

Name of your business: B. Smith's Residential and Commercial Cleaning Services, LLC

When did you open your business? June, 2010

What services do you offer? Residential house cleaning services; commercial-janitorial office cleaning services; free cancer patient cleaning, move-in/move-out, post-construction, sick/shut-in cleaning, window cleaning.

Why did you start the business?  It has been my dream for quite some time to own my business. I enjoy cleaning, it is relaxing. I started my business to supplement my income now and also after I retire from my current job.

How many people are in your company? 1

What has been the biggest surprise, good or bad, since you started? I can't believe the wealth of information that is available for a cleaning business. Also, I discovered that this can be a very successful and lucrative business it you have the mindset to always continue to learn new things and use innovative techniques in running your business.

What is the toughest part of running your business? Not becoming overwhelmed with all of the information that is available.

What is the best part of running your business? Researching and organizing everything.

Is there anything that you would have done differently? No

What is the most important thing you will be adding, doing, changing in the next year for your business? I plan to really jumpstart my business in 2011.

Where do you see your business in 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years? In 2 years, I would have some lessons learned under my belt, but still be profitable. In 5 years, taking my business to the next level. Definitely have the procurement process in place. In 10 years, I expect to have a very lucrative business with 3 to 4 teams in place.

What advice could you give others and please don't hold back! Don't be afraid to take a risk if this is truly your dream and passion.

How do you use MyHouseCleaningBiz.com to help you with your business? I plan to use your best practices to grow my business.

School - high school, college, technical school:  I have my MBA.

What are some of your prior jobs or businesses? I am currently a VP and branch manager at a local bank. In past banking positions, I have been a team leader, consumer loan officer, and consumer underwriting.

Is there a specific person or event in your life that made you decide to go into business for yourself? I have always been a good leader and I possess a strong work ethic. I am not afraid to roll up my sleeves to get a job done. I think this is important when you lead other people. Also, with so many companies downsizing and laying people off, I feel it is important to have other means of supplementing my income and securing my future. Also, I think it is a good idea to get my business up and running while I am still working and when I am ready to retire, I can devote all of my time to my business.

Website: http://www.bsmithrccs.com

Email address: [email protected]