So often someone will tell me that they know someone who loves to organize but doesn’t know if they can make it into a business or that they have a knack for decorating and projects but don’t know how.
I am going to be gut level honest here – I don’t have the magic plan. Nope, I started and winged it. It isn’t the smart way to do things and often I wish I could have a do over. Honestly I thought when we made the move to Texas I would have time to really get organized and set up before yelling “GO”.
I was blessed with an abundance of business.
I am a risk taker. I email people and go out on limbs (like Living Social). I take on projects that are new and challenging. I forget that I am one little person trying to do it all.
Here are things I do believe to be true:
- If God has given you a talent, he will give you a way to use it. God doesn’t give us a talent to waste it.
- Start today by sending out an email to everyone you know, make up business cards (even if it only has your name and phone number on it), post on Facebook or Twitter – let others know you are “opening for business”
- Explore opportunities like Service Magic, referral groups, Moms clubs, etc. Try to use no cost or low cost advertising to start or ask a Moms club if you can do a free class in exchange for advertising
- Every person you have helped with their home, organizing, projects is a source for a recommendation and referral – ask, ask, ask!
- Price yourself to be competitive – check others websites, NAPO, etc. for an idea of rates and fees
- Find a mentor – I wish I had had a mentor when I first started – find someone who can help you through the bumps and bruises
- Decide what you are going to offer as services – but don’t be afraid to be flexible. I started off staging homes and organizing and moved into other realms. Starting in January my business will be changing directions slightly once again. Tweak your services – what do you enjoy, what sells, what eats your time up so that you cannot enjoy life?
To all that have asked about this business and what it takes – it takes patience, a heart for others, a clear mind for organizing, a knack for what is current without being faddish -
There is no secret. There are not too many others in the field. When I sold real estate, the company office I worked for had 250 agents – many with more years of experience than I had. I easily was in the top 10 every year. They weren’t competition – they were others carving out their business the same as I was. As many organizers as there are – there are that many more clients that need help in big and small projects. There are projects I won’t tackle (hoarders, complete homes) and some organizers would never come for only a pantry.
I encourage you to do what you love.
