I have read other post on this site about starting over after a criminal conviction. Of course a felony is as far as I know is the worst, I suppose short of murder. In my situation I took money from an employer. It went on for several years. It was wrong and I am ashamed when I think about it. If fact I have to focus on the future for my sanity. I have adapted the philosophy of I can not change the past, only what I do know. I was convicted close to three years ago, served two years house arrest and now I am on probation. I basically started my own business and have been very blessed that it is doing better that I could ever have dreamed. I have resolved to do the right thing and provide the best value and best service from what I do and never to repeat my mistakes. So you might ask what is the problem? Part of my marketing effort has been networking with other business owners. One group I joined two years ago requires that you sign an application. I did not disclose my past. I made many friends along with the business contacts. Recently one of the members discovered my past and I was forced out. Through this group, much of my business has concentrated in a small community. Now I am afraid because of gossip the word will spread and I will lose business. I have always thought if any one should ask, I will not lie, however I do not think it is something I should just volunteer. Am I wrong on this point? What should I say to one that might ask?

What should I say to one that might ask?Hello bill:

"It's none of your business". You can use more tact than that, if you wish, but, I don't think you owe people an explanation.

Look, you're doing the right thing. Just keep doing it. Yes, there are people who will use anything at their disposal to discredit you. So what? That ain't news. Just keep doing the right thing. Your conviction is VERY recent. It'll drift into the distant past if you give it enough time.

excon

In not "disclosing my past", did you not properly answer a question? If so, they had a reason to throw you out - if notpossibly they were wrong... although perhaps their by-laws required a clean record.

The "none-of-your-business" answer may work for people just being nosy, but I'm thinking, that business associates expect and deserve a straight answer.

Other than, that all you can do is be sure that you and your emplyees (if any) are absolutely honest in all your dealings with the customers and community.

Good luck.

You own your own busiess, and unless it is important to a job, it is none of their business

In fact what you supply and how you provide your service, is what is iimportant, most companies would dance with the devil if they can make money with the help of your company.

As a safe guard, don't keep all of your business in one area, in one or two major contracts. You need to spread the base of your bsiness out

Hi, bill1000!

What is the business that you have, please? Also, do you have a website and advertise on the Internet?

If your business has to do with providing a very personal service to people, like teaching in some way, or going into peoples' homes repeatedly and on a regular basis, it would probably be in your best interest to be up-front with potetial clients before they find out about your past second-hand.

But, we don't know what the business is that you're providing...

In the United States at least, it's very easy for people to perform a simple background check on someone. Granted, not all information can be found for free, but maybe just enough to make some people wonder and be cautious about the person that they're considering hiring, or have even hired already.

Getting bonded might be a good way to build your reputation. Also, joining social groups of various kinds around where you live could add to that.

Thanks!

Thank you to all who have answered. Yes I was wrong for no being up front about my past when I joined the group. I would have hoped that with the relationships I had built and the excellent work I do (not boasting I always get receive excellent feed back) they would have given me a chance. How naïve I am. I am still struggling with the disclosure up front. I will not hesitate if and when asked.

Does society and people not allow someone who has made a mistake the chance to start again? If they don’t, how can one rebuild? I am sure no one would like me to live off society, i.e. welfare l, if I can not earn a living?

Again I come back to the question “How To Rebuild Reputation After A Felony”. Any one knows of any books on this subject?

I asked you in post #5 about the type of business that you have, bill1000.

Would you please care to share some some information about it?

Thanks!

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