Anyone else out there on the cusp of starting their organizing business? Please join me on my journey!

I have done the following in the last few days:
*emailed my insurance agent about getting coverage
*emailed my web guy for a quote on my website
*came up with a name for my business! This is huge, I had been having trouble with it.
*bought the domain name for business
*researched protecting name - still confused about this part
*spoken to other organizers for advice
*got out my copy of Maria's book to reread!
*spoken to DH about start-up costs - he basically gave me free reign to do whatever I need

Need to:
*contact CPA/financial planner with some questions I have

Chef, I have a lot on my plate right now, but have been contemplating this for a long time. I just bought Maria's book.

I told my accountant what I want to do, and he was very excited about it. Have also told all my current customers as I meet them that I am adding this service (especially basements ) as that is where I do my current business all the time. My customers think it is a great idea, but, remember I am standing in their mess as we discuss this, so I have to be very gentle and "light" about it.

I will be speaking to my insurance company this week, I possibly can add this to my current insurance.

Have contacted my realtor friends already as I meet up with them on my current work.

Oh yes, did I mention I am scared to death if I get a call? LOL!

Oh WL! How exciting, please join me on this thread.

Next up...find out what is required in your city/county to get a business license and to run the business from your home. Good luck! Keep us posted.

That I found out last year - I believe it's an $85 fee and an easy application. Need to print it out again.

If it's ok to throw out ideas...what about working up a PowerPoint presentation to take to targeted groups? Service Organizations are always looking for Speaker/Experts/Entertainers. Women groups would love to know they are not alone in their battle with clutter and that you're there, with expert knowledge and the techniques to turn a problem into a solution.

The 55-60 y/o group might be thinking about downsizing but held back by clutter.

Services for specific situations like Organizing for Christmas, Organizing for Back to School, Organizing for a return to the workforce, Organizing for a Move, Service for those coping with a parental home [frugal 4,Waterlady]...for example

Have been working on a name myself, and my county requires a business certificate which used to be $35. Since it is a service, I imagine it is taxable and NYS would like their 8.125% tax.

Tax depends on the state. Many states don't tax services. But you should find out because that may change how you price yourself.

One city I was in made me go before the zoning board to have an office in my home. They want to ensure that I won't bring traffic into a residential neighborhood. The questions were easy to answer but there was a $200 fee for the zoning appeal.

Those are great ideas Cyd= and should be part of a marketing plan. Sometimes new people will pop in the forum and say they started a business and now don't know what to do to get customers. Not saying it is easy- it isn't. That is why you must do a marketing plan before jumping in with both feet. How will you get customers? Without them, there isn't any point in worrying about names, licenses and insurance!

Here's a question for you...I looked at a bunch of sites and don't see any addresses. Have you found the need to rent a PO box for any reason? I'd prefer not to use my home address on any literature.

You are absolutely right that you do not want to use your home address on things you pass out. I don't have my address on anything.