By Kathie Hightower and Holly Scherer
Winter 2007-08
Do you have a knack for creating the most inviting and functional environment possible, even in the most unlikely quarters? In fact, many military spouses seem to thrive on the planning involved in a move and enjoy the chance to set up systems in a new house.
After all, it's an all-too-frequent task for anyone married to the military!
These are the individuals most likely to succeed in the business of professional organizing, or perhaps a related business such as home staging or home redesign.
"I've always had a passion and talent for decorating and organizing," says Army spouse Sandee Payne, author of the books That Military House: Move It, Organize It and Decorate It and Move Your House: Plan It, Organize It and Decorate It. "No one else, in my extensive research, was catering to the military, so I took the opportunity and am so happy I did."
The business of professional organizing and home staging has exploded. Why? Maybe it's because the world grows more complex and we generate ever increasing amounts of information and assorted "stuff." Perhaps it's because shows such as HGTV's Design on a Dime, Curb Appeal and Mission Organization are raising awareness of the field.
The National Association for Professional Organizers (NAPO, www.napo.net) boasts 29 chapters and 4,000 members covering a wide range of specialties from residential organizing to corporate organizing. Specialties within those groupings include moving and relocation, garage and estate sales, electronic organizing, and closet design and installation. Some businesses focus on specific populations such as seniors moving from home to an assisted living facility or individuals with disabilities.
Organizing Education
Like other professional associations, NAPO provides members with education (through chapter meetings, conventions, teleclasses and a newsletter), networking and credentials. NAPO operates teleclasses such as "Professional Organizing 101: Starting an Organizing Business." It provides the Certified Professional Organizer exam, part of the professional certification process; for military spouses, this professional certification can cut through the constant need to "prove yourself" as you move. (Of course, for this kind of business, the fact that you have moved a lot can add to your credibility!)
If your focus is home staging - preparing homes to look their best for a sale - the International Association of Home Staging Professionals (www.iahsp.com) provides similar benefits of education, networking and credentials. The association was started by Barb Schwarz, developer of the Accredited Staging Professional course for industry pros to earn their certification.
It's important to research thoroughly before diving into a professional organizing or home staging business. As Payne says, "There is way more to know than just organizing skills - marketing, finances, business insurance, client contracts, invoicing, wholesale accounts, sales strategies and more."
One outstanding resource is The Two-Second Commute, a book by Michael Haaren and Christine Durst. Written with virtual assistant businesses in mind, the book covers the critical considerations for mobile business owners. The book includes an extensive chapter on how a business can impact your family, an important factor to think about and discuss before taking the plunge.
Your local Small Business Administration (SBA) offers resources and classes that can help your research, including assistance in developing your business plan and one-on-one help through its SCORE program. Check into the SBA's new "Patriot Express" loan program available to military spouses, at www.sba.gov/patriotexpress.
The new Military Spouse Business Association (www.milspousebiz.org) also provides information, networking and inspiration, whether you already run a business or are just considering it.
"Look at successful businesses in the industry," suggests Payne, "and see how they go about presenting themselves. Look at their fees, services, advertising, websites, etc. Make yourself compatible and competitive."
Other books mentioned by spouses we interviewed include How to Start a Home-Based Professional Organizing Business, by Dawn Noble; Everything You Need to Know About a Career in Professional Organizing, by Sara Pederson, The FabJob Guide to Becoming a Professional Organizer, by Grace Jasmine; Building a Successful Home Staging Business, by Barb Schwarz; and How to Start a Home-Based Interior Design Business, by Susanne DeWalt. Also check the radio show Diva in the House: The Voice of Real Estate Staging, with Gina McNew (www.radiosandysprings.com), and Barb Schwarz's videos and podcasts at www.stagedhomes.com.
Sell Yourself
Business owners stress the need to be comfortable yet proactive in selling yourself and your services. Marketing is crucial for any kind of business. However, some clients don't like to share the fact that they had to hire someone to help them get organized!
"I make it a point to mention my business when I'm out and about, somewhere in conversation," says Payne. She also has found success speaking to groups, remaining active with her local Chamber of Commerce and joining a networking/leads group of 30 business owners.
"I also made personal ‘cold calls' to every Realtor in my area," she adds. "I not only worked up a memorable and quirky marketing piece, but I managed to speak with general managers to set up quick visits at their upcoming sales meetings. The results were incredible."
Sarah Pearce and partner Terri Bukartek own a redesign business (DS&T Redesigned Interiors, www.dst3.net) and engage in home staging for their clients. They started their business after their spouses retired from the Army.
As Pearce points out, she learned a lot about redesign after 13 moves in 28 years by decorating many different homes. When she decided to start her own business, she added to her credentials, knowledge and networking with a one-week seminar in redesign and home staging through Interior Redesign Industry Specialists (www.weredesign.com).
"We have been in business almost two years and it's going so well that we hired two subcontractors, in addition to our two regular employees," Pearce said.
The opportunity to work as a subcontractor or to subcontract business to others is another possibility to keep in mind as you move. As NAPO president Standolyn Robertson says, "You could use other professional organizers as subcontractors to service clients in a region once you move from that location."
That way, you can continue to fulfill longer-term contracts with a customer during or after a military move - an essential aspect of a mobile business.
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Military spouses Kathie Hightower and Holly Scherer are public speakers and co-authors of the recently released second edition of "Help! I'm a Military Spouse - I Want a Life Too: How to Craft a Life for YOU as You Move with the Military." For more information or to request a presentation at your community, go to www.militaryspousehelp.com or send a message to kathie@militaryspousehelp.com.
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Get Organized!
1. Find a mentor. You will learn much faster and save yourself some of the heartache of learning the business from square one. Ask a million questions. Pay for the opportunity to shadow on the job.
2. Use professional-looking business cards. Your first impression often is your only impression.
3. Do not pick a business name until you have been in business for a few months. Your specialty area may become apparent as you work with clients and figure out what you like to do.
4. Appear confident. Gain confidence by practicing on friends and family.
Source: www.theprofessionalorganizer.com