This week Cas had a chat with Professional Organiser, Samantha Godfrey, who shares her startup journey, her love of organising others and some of her top tips for running an organised work at home business.
Tell us a little about the person behind the business?
I have an extensive background in Accounting & Administration. I am married with two young children and a family rabbit named Bunny! Growing up, I was always the “dependable, organised” person and although I don’t think I am overly manic about it, I do love to be organised and live in a clutter free home. Life is just easier that way – who needs added stress in todays world?!
And now a little about the business itself?
Organise My Space is a new Professional Organising business. Founded in September 2012, we can help you and your family find easy organising solutions. We have a website and a social media presence which grows by the day. We offer a home decluttering & organising service either in person, within the Greater Sydney area or via Skype to anyone in the world! We also have an Online Shop on our website to provide organising products & printables to make life easier and give you a place for your precious items.
How did you come up with your business name?
I wanted a business name which was simple, easy for people to remember, and also didn’t pose any questions about what it is I offer. Organise My Space just seemed to cover it all!
What made you want to begin a WAH business and how did you get started?
During 2012, I found myself at a crossroads as a contract position I had, ended. After soul-searching for months and working through my strengths, weaknesses, and relating this to my experience, I came across the Professional Organising field. Who knew there was such a job?! I researched online, and via books and procrastinated for a bit (through fear more than anything!), then after having yet another conversation about it with my long-suffering husband, decided to get the ball rolling. I have always dreamed of my own successful business, and I have “dabbled” previously, but I’m older & wiser now, so I’m ready to “Go For It”!
What inspires you to keep your business going?
I have to say, what inspires me the most is people–Successful people who I encounter through networking and researching, my family, who are always supporting me, my daughter who is older and “gets it.” I want to inspire her to be the best she can be, so I try to lead by example, and last but not least the lovely people who support my business via social networking. I love interacting with them and knowing that, in some small way, I have helped them.
How do you advertise your business and which methods have proven more successful?
I am currently advertising on kidspot.com.au and taking part in a program on their website called “Mums Say”. I have fliers in all of the community centres in my area, plus I do a lot of networking via Facebook. I have found Facebook to be the more successful method of getting my name out there, so far. I work on new content for my website every day. I offer daily organising tips plus weekly tasks–a bit of inspiration and laughter via my website and blog. I’m currently looking into link parties (I’ve only just recently discovered this) and other ways to network virtually as I’m trying to increase my website’s daily unique visitors.
Do you have a current best-selling product or service? If yes, tell us about it.
I have put together a product called the “School Memory Organiser,” which is a series of pocket folders that house your child’s school memories – currently from Preschool – Year 6. Each year contains a one page interview sheet where you can record your child’s achievements, stats, likes/dislikes, etc + room for favourite artworks; school photos, etc.
How do you juggle your family and your WAH business? Any tips for other WAHPs?
I am lucky I have an extremely supportive husband. Overall, though, we have systems in our home and schedules that we follow. Again, we are not manic about these things. We do have flexibility, but we tend to do things at the same time each day and every member of the family knows what they need to do. My biggest tip to other WAHPs would be to be realistic about what you can achieve in a day! You are only one person and I think sometimes we expect way too much of ourselves.
And finally, what advice would you give to anyone wanting to start a WAH business?
My advice would be to: Write down your strengths/weaknesses/work experience. Work out if any of these can be transferred to a passion of yours? Do your research. Building a business takes a long time – be patient! Don’t forget your big picture – envision what your business will look like in ten years time!
Do you offer any discounts to Support a WAHP Members?
10% Discount on Products & Services
Other Comments?
I recommend Support a WAHP mainly within my Facebook networking groups. I think any business who supports Work at Home Parents is worth mentioning to everyone! We all need tips, tricks and support for success.
Connect with Samantha:
Name: Samantha Godfrey
Business: Organise My Space
Website: http://www.organisemyspace.com.au
Facebook:
Location: Penrith, NSW, Australia
About Cas McCullough
