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As I wrap up this 14-week journey with Happy Home Cleaning Co., I’m taking a moment to reflect on the experience the wins, the challenges, and the lessons learned. This project has been a whirlwind of growth, both for the business and for myself.

What’s Working?

The strong focus on client satisfaction and eco-friendly cleaning products has been a cornerstone of the business. Clients appreciate the personalized service, and word-of-mouth referrals have driven steady growth. My efforts to streamline cleaning routines and manage time more effectively are also paying off, allowing me to serve clients more efficiently while maintaining high quality results.

What’s Not Working?

Social media engagement remains an area where I fell short. Despite consistent posting, I struggled to generate the level of interaction I had hoped for. Additionally, handling all aspects of the business alone cleaning, scheduling, invoicing, and marketing proved to be a challenge. It’s clear that as the business grows, investing in better tools or delegating tasks will be necessary.

How Do I Feel the Project is Coming?

I feel incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished. Seeing the business grow from an idea into a functioning, profitable venture has been deeply rewarding. While there’s still room for improvement, the project feels like a success. It’s shown me what’s possible with dedication and a willingness to adapt.

What Am I Learning About Running a Business?

Running a business requires a balance of creativity, organization, and resilience. I’ve learned that systems and processes are essential for managing time and resources effectively. Building strong relationships with clients is equally important, as their satisfaction is the foundation of any service-based business. This experience has also taught me the value of continuous improvement being open to learning and refining strategies along the way.

What Am I Learning About Myself?

This journey has shown me that I’m capable of more than I thought. I’ve discovered that I thrive on challenges and enjoy the direct impact of my work on others. However, I’ve also realized that I need to be better at asking for help or finding tools to lighten the load. The experience has been a valuable reminder of the importance of balance and self-care in pursuing ambitious goals.

Looking Ahead

As I close this chapter with Happy Home Cleaning Co., I feel a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. The lessons learned will guide me in future ventures, and I’m excited to see where these skills and insights take me next.

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Week 11

With just a few weeks left in the journey with Happy Home Cleaning Co., this week has been about refining processes and gearing up for the final stretch.

What’s Working?

The consistent quality of service is continuing to generate positive feedback and referrals. Word of mouth remains my strongest marketing tool, and clients are showing their appreciation for the eco-friendly products and personalized service. Additionally, I’ve streamlined my cleaning workflow, which has allowed me to serve more clients without compromising quality. My current client base feels steady and reliable, which is a big win this close to the end of the course project.

What’s Not Working?

Social media engagement is still not as impactful as I’d like. While I’ve maintained regular posting, the content doesn’t seem to be connecting with the audience as I’d hoped. I also feel that managing the growing number of inquiries is becoming overwhelming, as I’m still handling everything solo. It’s clear that implementing better systems or tools for client communication would help streamline this process.

How Do I Feel the Project is Coming?

I feel optimistic but also a bit stretched thin. The business is meeting its revenue targets, and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished so far. At the same time, I recognize that the balance between operations and administrative work is something I still need to master. The project feels like it’s on track to finish strong, but there’s definitely room for improvement in certain areas.

What Am I Learning About Running a Business?

Running a business is a constant learning experience. This week, I’ve learned the importance of scalability creating processes that can grow with the business rather than adding to the workload. I’m also seeing how critical it is to manage client expectations and keep communication clear and timely. Every small adjustment I make to improve efficiency has a ripple effect, making the entire operation smoother.

What Am I Learning About Myself?

I’ve realized that I have a strong drive to deliver excellent service, but I need to be better at asking for help or delegating tasks when needed. I’m learning to appreciate the progress I’ve made while also identifying areas where I can grow. This experience has shown me that I thrive on challenges and enjoy seeing the direct impact of my efforts on client satisfaction.

Looking Ahead

Week 11 wraps up, my focus is on optimizing client communication and preparing for the final phase of this project. I’m excited to see how far Happy Home Cleaning Co. can go in these last few weeks!

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As I enter Week 10 with Happy Home Cleaning Co.,

What’s Working?

Client satisfaction continues to be a highlight. My focus on flexible scheduling and using eco-friendly products has earned me loyal customers who value the personalized service. Word-of-mouth referrals remain my strongest source of new clients, which shows that happy customers are the best marketing strategy. I’ve also made progress in streamlining my cleaning routines, which has improved my efficiency and allowed me to handle more clients within the same timeframe.

What’s Not Working?

Time management is still an area I’m working on. Balancing client work with administrative tasks like invoicing and expense tracking is a constant challenge. Social media marketing hasn’t gained the traction I had hoped for, even after experimenting with different types of posts. I’m considering investing in paid advertising to increase visibility and reach. Additionally, keeping up with the growing demand is making it clear that I may need to think about delegating tasks or finding ways to expand.

How Do I Feel the Project is Coming?

Overall, I feel proud of the progress I’ve made. The business is growing steadily, and I’m meeting my revenue targets. However, I recognize that there’s still room for improvement in terms of scaling operations and finding a sustainable work-life balance. The project feels like it’s on solid footing, and I’m excited to keep refining and building on what I’ve accomplished so far.

What Am I Learning About Running a Business?

Running a business requires adaptability, organization, and constant learning. I’ve learned the importance of tracking finances carefully and staying on top of administrative work, even when it feels overwhelming. Building client relationships has been key to success, and I’ve seen how small gestures, like follow-up messages or personalized service, can make a big difference. I’m also starting to see the value of investing in the right tools or help to maintain quality and efficiency as the business grows.

What Am I Learning About Myself?

This journey is teaching me resilience and focus. I’ve discovered that I thrive on the hands-on aspects of the business, like client interactions and service delivery, but I need to push myself to tackle the back-end tasks with the same energy. I’m learning that I’m capable of more than I thought, and while the challenges can be tough, the rewards make it all worthwhile.

Looking Ahead

As I move forward, my focus will be on improving time management, exploring marketing strategies that work, and laying the groundwork for scaling the business. Week 10 feels like a turning point, and I’m looking forward to what’s next for Happy Home Cleaning Co.!

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Week 9 Update

Reaching Week 9 with Happy Home Cleaning Co. has been both rewarding and challenging. Every week brings new insights, and here’s where I am right now:

What’s Working?

Client satisfaction remains high, which is encouraging! The focus on personalized service and eco-friendly cleaning products has been a winning approach. Clients appreciate knowing that I’m attentive to their individual needs, and the positive feedback has been a great morale boost. Referrals continue to come in from happy clients, which has been the strongest source of new business. It’s reassuring to see the impact of putting clients first and delivering a service they value.

What’s Not Working?

One ongoing struggle is scaling the marketing strategy. While word-of-mouth has been effective, social media hasn’t generated as much engagement as I’d hoped. I need to refine my approach, perhaps by testing new content or adding incentives for online referrals. Time management remains challenging, especially as my client list grows. Balancing client work with the administrative side of the business has been tough, and I’m still searching for the right tools and strategies to streamline my workflow.

How Do I Feel the Project is Coming?

Overall, I feel positive and encouraged about the project. The client base is steadily growing, and I’m on track with revenue goals. However, I also realize that there’s a learning curve when it comes to managing a business’s growth. As new clients come on board, I’m gaining confidence, but I also recognize the need for more structure in my scheduling and organization. I feel I’m laying a solid foundation, and I’m motivated to continue refining my approach.

What Am I Learning About Running a Business?

Running a business is about adaptability and constantly learning. No two days are the same, and I’m learning the importance of both planning and flexibility. I’m realizing the need for systems that keep everything organized, from financial tracking to client communications. I’m also learning that as the business grows, small adjustments—like automating certain tasks—make a big difference in efficiency and sustainability.

What Am I Learning About Myself?

I’ve discovered that I thrive on client interactions and the hands-on aspect of my work. However, I’ve also recognized that I need to improve on the back-end tasks, such as administrative organization. I’m learning the value of delegation and exploring tools to handle tasks I find less engaging. This journey has also shown me that I’m resilient and motivated by challenges, which has boosted my confidence in taking on bigger steps for Happy Home Cleaning Co.

Looking Ahead

Moving forward, my focus will be on fine-tuning my marketing approach, optimizing my time, and building out efficient systems to keep up with growth. The journey has been eye-opening, and I’m excited to see where this venture leads in the next few weeks!

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Week 8 Update: Progress, Challenges, and Personal Growth

As I reach the halfway point in launching Happy Home Cleaning Co., it’s been a mix of learning experiences, small victories, and adjustments. Here’s where things stand:

What’s Working?

One of the main things that’s working well is my focus on customer satisfaction. By offering flexible scheduling and eco-friendly cleaning products, I’ve been able to create a loyal client base. Many clients appreciate the personalized approach and attention to detail, which has led to some great referrals. Word-of-mouth is proving to be a powerful marketing tool, helping me grow the business without spending too much on advertising.

What’s Not Working?

Time management continues to be a challenge especially with 2 kids and school full time. Balancing client appointments with the administrative tasks of running the business (such as invoicing, expense tracking, and responding to inquiries) has been more demanding than I anticipated. Additionally, I was hoping for stronger results from social media marketing, but engagement has been lower than expected. I may need to explore other ways to reach new clients or consider investing in paid social media ads to increase visibility.

How Do I Feel the Project is Coming?

Overall, I feel positive about the project. I’ve reached some initial revenue goals and the client base is growing steadily. I’m proud of the progress, but I recognize there’s room for improvement, especially when it comes to managing my time and refining my marketing strategy. I’m excited about where this venture is headed, and I’m gaining confidence with each client interaction.

What Am I Learning About Running a Business?

Running a business is all about adaptability. No two days are the same, and I’ve realized that staying flexible while keeping my goals in sight is essential. Organization and consistency are also crucial—I need to have reliable systems in place to manage finances, track client appointments, and handle follow-ups. I’m also learning the importance of building strong relationships with clients, as customer loyalty is key to long-term success.

What Am I Learning About Myself?

This journey is teaching me resilience and patience. I’ve discovered that I’m more capable of handling challenges than I initially thought, and I’m learning to take things one step at a time. I’ve also realized that I enjoy the creative and client-facing aspects of the business more than the administrative side, which is something I’ll keep in mind for future growth planning. Overall, I’m proud of the progress and excited for what lies ahead.

Moving Forward

As I move into the next phase, my focus will be on improving my marketing efforts, refining my scheduling, and finding ways to streamline the administrative tasks. I’m committed to making Happy Home Cleaning Co. a success and am excited to see how the business continues to grow!

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week

Start-Up Venture Progress: The Journey So Far

As I continue building Happy Home Cleaning Co., there’s been a lot of learning along the way—some wins and some challenges, but overall a lot of growth. Here’s a reflection on what’s been working, what’s not, and what I’ve learned so far.

What’s Working?

One of the main things that’s working well is the strong response I’ve gotten from initial clients. Offering flexible scheduling and eco-friendly cleaning products has been a big hit. Clients appreciate the convenience and the health-conscious approach to cleaning. Word-of-mouth referrals are also starting to come in, which is helping grow my client base without too much extra effort on marketing. Personalizing my services to each client’s needs has also been a key differentiator and is definitely building loyalty.

What’s Not Working?

While the business is growing, managing my time efficiently has been more challenging than I anticipated. Balancing client appointments with the administrative tasks of running the business (such as managing expenses, scheduling, and responding to inquiries) is tough, and I sometimes feel like I’m stretched too thin. Additionally, my social media marketing efforts haven’t been as effective as I hoped. Despite regular posts, the engagement and leads generated from platforms like Instagram and Facebook have been slower than expected, so I’ll need to reassess my strategy or consider allocating some budget for paid advertising.

How Do I Feel the Project Is Coming?

Overall, I’m feeling positive about how the project is progressing. It’s rewarding to see clients happy with my services, and I’m learning a lot about what it takes to run a business on a day-to-day basis. I’m confident that with a few adjustments to my workflow and marketing strategy, Happy Home Cleaning Co. can continue to grow and meet the revenue goals I’ve set for the 14-week timeline.

What Am I Learning About Running a Business?

Running a business is all about adaptability and balance. I’m learning that no two days are the same, and I need to be flexible to handle the different demands of clients, marketing, and operations. Organization and time management are crucial to staying on top of everything, and I’ve realized the importance of tracking finances closely. Also, building relationships with clients is essential for success. A happy client not only brings repeat business but also referrals, which are invaluable for a small start-up like mine.

What Am I Learning About Myself?

This journey is teaching me resilience and patience. I’ve realized that I can handle more than I thought, and I’m proud of the progress I’ve made so far. I’ve also learned that I need to be more strategic about delegating tasks or automating certain processes to prevent burnout. I’ve discovered that I enjoy the creative aspects of business, like developing service offerings and interacting with clients, more than the behind-the-scenes work, which is something I’ll need to account for as I plan for future growth.

The road hasn’t been easy, but I’m excited about what’s ahead for Happy Home Cleaning Co. There’s still a lot of work to do, but the learning process has been invaluable, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this venture evolves over the next few weeks.

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Hey everyone,

I’ve been diving deep into my business operations plan lately, and it’s all starting to come together well, sort of. The next six weeks are going to be critical because we’ll be taking our service live, which is both exciting and a bit nerve wrecking!

When it comes to what I’ll actually be offering, I’ve been going back and forth on whether to focus on purchasing physical products or sticking to services only. Since this is all relates to my cleaning business, the obvious route would be service-based. However, I do want to offer some eco-friendly cleaning products for clients to purchase if they prefer that, but I’m still weighing the logistics of that.

One thing I’ve been thinking about a lot is whether or not we need any specific licenses or permits. For a cleaning business, it’s pretty straightforward here in Ontario you need your business registration and liability insurance (a must in this line of work). If we expand into selling products, I may need to look into other certifications, especially if we’re going eco-friendly, but for now, I think we’re in the clear.

Overall, I feel like I have a pretty clear vision of what’s needed to launch this cleaning business. Besides the products, I’ll need basic things like uniforms, cleaning equipment, and marketing materials. A decent website with booking functionality is non-negotiable these days, so I’m working on getting that set up ASAP. Social media, of course, will play a huge role too, and I plan to document the behind-the-scenes process to build trust and excitement before the official launch.

As for the actual tools I need, I’m looking at:

• Website with online booking: Squarespace or Wix seem like easy options that don’t require much coding knowledge.

• Social Media Management: Probably going to start with Instagram and TikTok because the content for a cleaning business can be super visual and satisfying to watch.

• Marketing: Canva for creating content, paired with a few ads to get our name out there.

It’s all about creating a seamless experience for customers from booking to the actual cleaning. The goal is to make it as stress-free as possible for them.

Now, it’s just a matter of pulling the trigger and making these things happen. It feels like a lot, but breaking it down step-by-step has really helped. The next six weeks are going to fly by, but I’m ready to see where this goes!

If anyone’s been through this process before, I’d love to hear about your experiences! Drop me a comment or message me. I could definitely use some advice on marketing or sourcing products.

Until next time! ✌️

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step One: 

            1.         Miniature sculpture holder

            2.         Finger stretcher for finger exercises

            3.         Paper clip alternative for bulky stacks

            4.         Improvised earring hanger

            5.         Page-turner for old, delicate books

            6.         Back-scratcher for small areas

            7.         Quick-release mechanism for a small bag

            8.         Jewelry clasp

            9.         Bookmark for thick books

            10.       Eyeglass holder

            11.       Zipper pull replacement

            12.       Mini curtain tieback

            13.       Necklace unclasper

            14.       Mini artwork hanger

            15.       DIY toothpick holder

Step Two:

Top 10:

            1.         Finger stretcher for finger exercises

            2.         Quick-release mechanism for small bags

            3.         Jewelry clasp

            4.         Zipper pull replacement

            5.         Mini curtain tieback

            6.         Necklace unclasper

            7.         Phone stand for lightweight phones

            8.         Hairpin for thick hair

            9.         Keychain ring

            10.       Improvised shoelace lock

Top 5:

            1.         Finger stretcher for finger exercises

            2.         Quick-release mechanism for small bags

            3.         Zipper pull replacement

            4.         Jewelry clasp

            5.         Phone stand for lightweight phones

Step Three: 

Finger stretcher for finger exercises.

Naming:

            1.         FlexiRing

            2.         FingerFlex

            3.         DigiStretch

            4.         HandStrong

            5.         FingerMax

            6.         FlexiGrip

            7.         DigiBand

            8.         FingerFit

            9.         FingerPro

            10.       GripMaster

            11.       FlexPoint

            12.       HandZone

            13.       FlexoGrip

            14.       HandHinge

            15.       StrengthBand  

Why You Should Buy It:

FingerFlex is the ultimate tool for anyone looking to strengthen their hands and improve finger dexterity. Whether you’re an athlete, musician, or someone who spends long hours typing, FingerFlex helps relieve stiffness, build muscle strength, and enhance your grip.

Its compact and durable design makes it easy to carry anywhere, so you can use it during breaks, while watching TV, or even on the go. With regular use, you’ll experience improved flexibility, reduced tension, and stronger fingers all in one easy-to-use device. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or simply looking to enhance your hand performance, FingerFlex is your go-to solution.

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Customer Persona: Sarah Johnson

Age: 35

Occupation: Marketing Manager at a Tech Company

Income: $80,000 per year

Location: Durham Region

Family: Married with two young children (ages 5 and 7)

Living Situation: Owns a 4-bedroom home in a suburban neighbourhood

Hobbies/Interests: Enjoys spending time with family, outdoor activities, and traveling. Values a healthy lifestyle and is conscious about using eco-friendly products in the home.

Pain Points:

• Struggles to find time to clean the house due to a demanding job and family commitments.

• Feels stressed and overwhelmed when the house is cluttered or untidy, but doesn’t want to sacrifice quality family time to handle cleaning chores.

• Wants a trustworthy and reliable cleaning service that provides eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products, as her family has allergies and young children.

• Prefers a service that offers flexible scheduling, as her work hours can be unpredictable.

Needs:

• A cleaning service that offers flexibility in scheduling, such as evenings or weekends.

• Affordable pricing, as cleaning is a regular necessity.

• Eco-friendly products to ensure the safety of her family and maintain a healthy living environment.

• A reliable and trustworthy team that can be counted on for consistency and professionalism.

How Happy Home Cleaning Co. Helps Sarah:

Solution: Sarah can rely on Happy Home Cleaning Co. for a flexible, affordable cleaning service that uses eco-friendly products, ensuring a safe and clean home for her family. By offering evening or weekend appointments, we accommodate her busy schedule, providing her with peace of mind.

Emotional Benefits: With Happy Home Cleaning Co. handling the cleaning, Sarah has more time to focus on her career and family without worrying about the state of her home. This reduces her stress and allows her to enjoy her home as a calm, relaxing space.

Key Features:

• Flexible scheduling (weekends, evenings)

• Eco-friendly cleaning products

• Affordable rates tailored to regular clients

• Personalized cleaning plans that meet her specific household needs

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understanding my competition

Molly Maid

I would say Molly Maid is one of the big players in the residential cleaning world. Their website is clean and easy to navigate, which I love and can appreciate. You can book a cleaning in just a few clicks, which is super convenient. They lean heavily on customer testimonials, giving off a trusted brand vibe. Molly Maid positions itself as a premium service the type of company that people who want reliability and consistency will turn to. They focus a lot on professionalism, which clearly works in their favor. But here’s the thing with great reputation comes great pricing. apparently their services aren’t cheap. Also their reviews are generally positive, I did notice some complaints about inconsistency, depending on which franchise you’re dealing with. Seems like even the pros have some off days. lookingg at their Social Media they’re active, but I wouldn’t say super engaging, They post cleaning tips, customer stories, and promotions, but you don’t see a ton of interacting seems basic. a step in the right direction, but there’s definitely room to improve in terms of building a more personal connection with their audience.

Strengths: Well-established, over 40 years, all over canada, trusted, and professional

Weaknesses: High pricing, inconsistent service depending on location,

The Maids

The Maids stood out to me because of their 22-step cleaning process? lol . It’s clear they’re built on attention to detail, which is a great selling point. Their website is also easy to use, with a similar booking system to Molly Maid’s. But what sets them apart is their team-based approach. Instead of one cleaner, you get a group working together, which they say makes the service more efficient, i defientely can see that working in their favour

Their market positioning focuses on health benefits: cleaning your home while reducing allergens and bacteria. They are targeting customers who want a clean home and a healthier environment.

As for reviews, most are positive, praising the thoroughness of their work. That being said, the same complaint i see most of is the price, While they don’t list prices online, it seems like they might be on the higher end, and not everyone feels like they’re getting what theyre paying for.

The Maids post some cool content, like cleaning hacks and tips. But just like olly maid, I’m not seeing much engagement. They seem to have followers, but not much conversation going on.

Strengths: Detailed cleaning, health-focused, team-based efficiency

Weaknesses: Expensive, and customers don’t always feel like it’s worth the price

Merry Maids

Merry Maids website is super simple to navigate, and I like how easy it is to request a quote or schedule a cleaning. They do a great job making the process straightforward, and they highlight customer testimonials right up front, which adds some credibility.

Merry Maids markets itself as the go to for busy families and professionals people who just need someone to come in and make their lives a little easier. They push the peace of mind angle, mentioning that all their cleaners are trained and insured.

Their reviews are a mixed, Some people rave about the convenience and professionalism, but like Molly Maid and The Maids, service inconsistency seems to be a recurring theme. Depending on which franchise you’re dealing with, the experience can vary quite a bit.

On social media, they’ve got a presence posting tips, promos, and customer stories but again the engagement just isn’t there. It feels more like a one-way conversation than an interactive community.

Strengths: Reliable, well-known, and family-friendly

Weaknesses: Inconsistent quality across franchises, higher pricing

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Message Map for American Eagle

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Strengths&Weakness

As an entrepreneur, understanding my strengths and areas for growth is key to unlocking my full potential. After reflecting on my journey, I’ve identified both where I shine and where I can improve.

One of my core strengths is my drive for achievement and success. I set ambitious goals and push myself to excel. For example, when I launched my consulting business, I aimed to double my client base within six months—and I did! This relentless perseverance and determination allow me to navigate challenges with tenacity, always finding a way to make things work.

Another strength is my self-confidence and ability to stay composed in uncertain situations. Entrepreneurship is full of unknowns, but I’ve found that my ability to remain calm and tolerate ambiguity helps me adapt and thrive, even when the path forward isn't clear.

Of course, no journey is without its areas for improvement. I recognize that I sometimes rely too much on external input, indicating a need to strengthen my self-sufficiency and independence. To address this, I’m focusing on making bolder decisions on my own and trusting my intuition more. Additionally, while I’m fairly creative, I believe there’s always room to expand my imagination. Engaging in activities like brainstorming and exploring new industries will help stretch my creative muscles.

Understanding these strengths and weaknesses not only keeps me grounded but also excited about the path of continuous growth ahead.