I have my own business, now what do I do?

Welcome to part two of running your own business! If you haven’t already checked it out, make sure to check out the first blog in this series, How I Became A Professional Organizer, before jumping into this gem.

Today, we are going to shed some light on actually starting your business. The nitty-gritty details that everyone needs to know but no one really loves talking about. Before we dive in, I need you to remember two VERY important things when it comes to running your own organizing business.

First, let go of perfectionism! It is a blessing and a curse for us organizers, but I promise you that those little mistakes along the way will help you grow and perfect your organizing techniques.

Second, just start. It may mean your business doesn’t look exactly as you want it to right away. That is okay--starting is the biggest thing. If you don’t get your business off the ground, it will never find success.

Managing your Website + Social Media

Getting your business in front of your target audience is important and should be your first priority. You need to establish your presence, showcase your offerings, and have a place where potential clients can see what your business is all about.

Start small and grow over time

When I first started the Orderly Space, I used an app to design a logo and I created my own website, which you can easily do using a premade template for Squarespace, Wix, or Wordpress. You can create a professional-looking logo using tools, such as Canva. Eventually, your business will grow enough for you to make that investment for the fancy website and carefully curated logo/branding. For The Orderly Space, it was 3 years before I reached out to a professional website designer to redo our branding and website. If you are far enough along in your business for this, check out BK Branding & Design --you will not be disappointed!

Make social media a part of your routine.

You can take two different approaches to social media managing--you can plan your content ahead of time or you can write your content on a consistent basis, whether that be daily or every other day. Whichever method you choose, using a social media tool to assist with post layout and scheduling is a huge time saver and helps you visualize your social media aesthetic.

I use the ColorStory app to load photos and edit them in a grid. Personally, I do not pre-plan any of my content. My social media routine involves me getting up at 5:30 am, grabbing my coffee, responding to DM’s and comments until just after 6 am, and then writing that day’s post. I tend to write whatever comes to mind or feels relevant for that day---analytics, engagement timing, etc. are not something I pay attention to. When it comes to social media, I do what works best for me and my schedule.

If you find you are more of the planning type for social media, check out a tool that will let you plan and schedule your posts ahead of time. Hootsuite and Later both offer free options for limited social channels that will let you stay organized and planned in advance.

Managing Teams + Schedules

For our team and business management, I highly recommend using Quickbooks products. For scheduling, we use TSheets. This helps track employee timing and allows me to schedule their jobs using the client database that we already have saved in Quickbooks. Each team member has the app on their phone so they can clock in/out and see the schedule. It also syncs back to Quickbooks which makes payroll super easy.

In line with managing your business, hiring an accountant to assist with the financial and tax side of Quickbooks is essential. Your accountant will be a blessing to your business and help track all the expenses and keep your business running smoothly.

Managing Inventory + Organizing Supplies

Managing inventory is an area where I get the most questions, and I get it. Having inventory, knowing what to buy, and knowing how much to have on hand can be daunting. When you first start, having an inventory on hand may seem like a huge overhead cost. It may not be right for you at first, but let me explain why I think it saves both you and your client time, money, and headaches.

We are able to literally show up to our client’s homes with a complete mobile Container Store of inventory that is available to use throughout the session. This saves them the time and energy from having to run to the store, order online, or get something only to have it not fit when it arrives. Having a variety of items at the ready will allow us to see what will and won’t work and means the client only purchases exactly what they need from us.

Tracking + Monitoring Inventory

We just revamped our inventory system with the help of my incredibly talented Inventory Manager Aimee. We used to keep a running inventory of our go-to-products, but now Aimee is tracking and monitoring all of that. Since we use Quickbooks for invoicing, she can track inventory levels of all of our products and order as necessary.

Most of our go-to products can be found from Amazon, Container Store, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Target. Thanks to Quickbooks, clients receive an itemized list of everything that went into their new system once we are completed with the organizing process.

My Organizing Toolbox

The other big component to starting your organizing business is to have an organizing tool kit. Everything from my favorite label maker to cleaning supplies and writing utensils can be found in my organizing tool kit and it accompanies me and my team to every session. You can find exactly what is in my organizing tool kit in this previous blog post.

Gaining Clients

Once you have your business established with all of the proper tools and systems in place, you are ready to go and make it what you want it. The time and effort you put into it is up to you. To build your portfolio, start working for friends and family so you can gain experience and make your mistakes on the people who will understand that you are working out the kinks of your new business.

Another great place to start is to get in contact with some local photographers and swap services. Offer free organizing services in exchange for photos you can then use on your website and social media. Remember: Social media is not just a look book, it is a chance for you to connect with your audience and give them a reason to reach out. At The Orderly Space, about 80% of our business is driven from Instagram while the rest is referral-based.

Believe in your Business! We do!

Don’t let your fears or uncertainties in building this beautiful new business hold you back! You have a gift to offer people--your skills can help make their homes and lives better. Take a deep breath and go for it. Remember to let go of perfectionism and be okay with a journey that will be full of both little bumps and tiny victories. I hope our tips and tools will help you succeed in your own organizing business! The Orderly Space has grown the way it has because of our dedication, our trials and errors, and my passion for organizing. If you have all of those things--you can make this into the business you always dreamed of!

xoxo

Jennifer

Running Your Own Organizing Business