The Business of It All

I am the type of person that I sometimes act without thinking things all the way through. That's sometimes good and sometimes not so good. When I decided t start my company I just plowed ahead and just started. I got business, started networking and got clients. What else did I need right? Apparently I needed a business plan. I heard this term alot but I always thought it was something you needed if you were trying to get funding. Since I didn't need funding I didn't think I really needed one. I figured I could just wing it and I would be fine. Don't get me wrong, things were moving along but not just as fast as I would have liked them to.

Then I met Judi Glova, business coach, of Pinnacle Coaching. A few months ago she became one of my clients when I helped her with a move. During the process we were talking about what it is that she does. As she explained different aspects of her business it sounded really interesting. Since I had never worked with a business coach I wasn't sure what they did. Nonetheless I decided that it would be helpful if we started working together. So we did.

We had several sessions where I did different exercises. I didn't really understand it at the time, how it all was tied together, but eventually I would. Soon enough I realized that we were working towards putting together my business plan. (I 'm a little slow, OK?) Ever though I am still tweaking my business plan, just putting it down on paper was the beginning of everything coming together. Goals were established for the next 5 years, breaking down each year individually. Other things were also defined such as mission statement, who is my target audience, what are my services, income goals, etc.

This was probably one of the best things I could have done for my business. The goals that I listed in my plan have started becoming a reality. The phone is ringing and they are ringing with the types of clients I listed, the ideas that I listed, etc.

Who knew that putting a couple of pages together could jump start my business even more? Was it worth it? Absolutely! Do I recommend it? Absolutely! I have no idea what it will do for anyone else but it certainly did wonders for me. I'm just excited to see what else but develop from my ideas in my plan. Stay tuned for more....

Just remember: Clear the clutter, clear the mind, be more productive.

Moving right along.........

The past couple of weeks have been very busy. Juggling my daughter and her summer schedule and the business is definitely a challenge. Finding reliable babysitters is the most challenging part of all. Nonetheless, I think networking has become my new job title. I try to get to as many events as I can to meet people and get the word out about what I do. My hard work is starting to pay off and the word is definitely getting out because the phone is definitely ringing. Woohoo!!!

When networking the most important thing to remember is that it's not about whether this person will be my client but who they know and who they can refer me to. There's a whole learning curve when networking. So many people try and sell the person that they're talking to. Wrong!! According to my networking coach, Anne Hilbert, she says that it's about reading people, following their energy (or knowing how to work with their energy) and developing a relationship with the person you are talking to. (Anne would be so proud of me.) Most business doesn't happen at the event. But what can happen is a plan to get together outside of the event where you can learn more about that person. That's where the business happens.

Happy networking everyone!

Today is the day everyone. I have arrived. I have finally started my blog. I have had a blog account set up for months now and have not done anything with it. But lo and behold today is the beginning.

So what am I going to write about? I could give organizing tips, or teach about how to organize something but I think it might be more interesting and fun to wrote all about the making of my "rise to fame" and my "story."

For a long time I have thought about starting my own business or actually being my own boss and not working for anyone. I really had no idea what that business could be. At one point in life I became a loan officer. The best part of that was being my own boss and dictating my own schedule. Being a single mom gave me the flexibility I needed. The stress of that job didn't agree with me because I actually got physically sick and that was the end of that. Because it was just a job and because I was sick, it wasn't that important so I gave it now. At the same time I had learned that being a professional organizer was actually a career. Who knew you could make a living doing was I have always done and that I love to do? I could actually organize other people and be paid for it. Oh, happy days!!!!

That was the beginning of Organize2Harmonize. I joined NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers) and NAPO-LA, found networking groups to attend, and started spreading the word. I created a website, got business cards, letterhead, did mailings, etc. However, starting a business isn't as easy as it sounds. Or at least the making money part of it. In the very beginning I got a few clients, friends and family, then a couple more from other people that I knew but making the money I need to live off of, is another story. So you keep trudging away.

Then on the marketing. Sometimes I feel like I'm not really sure what that is or what I am doing. One thing that I do was get magnets for my car advertising my business. They were very inexpensive and I've actually gotten two clients from them. I write articles online, I have a online radio talk show, as well as doling the whole social networking thing. (That's a whole other challenge.)

Some days I have clients, some days I'm networking, some days both and some days I am just lost and not knowing where to turn. Luckily those don't last that long. All days I am trying to get more business, make new appointments, connect with new people and market, market, market.

Let's take today for instance. I was up early to get my daughter to camp, this week it's cheer camp, then I went to the gym for a quick workout, then home to shower and change for my coaching session. That session was great so when I got home I started working, working, working. I've been on the phone and computer for hours. Although I ma not making money per se, I feel very productive. I know I'm doing the right things and moving in the right direction. I'll probably be attached to this desk until I pick up my daughter from camp, drop her at a friends house for the evening then head out to my monthly NAPO meeting. I'll pick her up around 9pm, get her to bed and continue working on the computer. Does it ever end?! Maybe not but I'm busting my butt for no one but me and I love that.

Just remember: clear the clutter, clear your mind, be more productive.