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Interview With . . . Christine Rice Organize It Today Columbus, Indiana by Maria Gracia How long have you been in business? Just about 3 years now. 2. Is this your primary business, or a part-time business? This is my primary business. 3. Are you a member of NAPO? (Please indicate if you're an officer.) No, I am not a member. 4. Why did you become a professional organizer? I love helping people find ways to become more organized, so they are less stressed and can take time to enjoy a more fulfilling life. 5. What type of organizing do you specialize in (home, office, etc.)? I specialize in finding tailored solutions for each individual, whether it be for their home, their office, or their life. 6. Do you sell products, services, or seminars? Please describe. I offer several products and service packages to help people reach their personal organization goals. I also offer my services as a guest speaker to groups in our local area. 7. Have you written a book(s)? If so, what is the title(s)? I have a self published manual for home based business owners entitled Let's Get Down to Business: A Practical Guide for Creating Success in Your Home-Based Business. I've also recently written a book entitled The Organization Prescription-Your Immunization Against Disorganization. 8. Do you publish a newsletter? If so, is it a print newsletter, or an e-zine? Is it free, or is there a charge? I publish a free monthly e-zine, offering helpful tips and product features, etc. 9. Do you have a web site? If so, what is the address? My website address is http://www.organizeittoday.com 10. Is travel a big part of your business? Not currently. 11. Who is your primary target audience? My primary target audience is busy, working mothers, and dual income families. 12. Describe your typical workday. I currently work part time in an office and on my days off I work on my business, either by organizing sessions, consultations or marketing and network building. 13. Every person interested in entering the professional organizing field is wondering, "Can I make enough money doing this?" What is your outlook on this question? I think that the possibilities are endless, depending on your commitment and enthusiasm. For me, I've started out slow, building a steady business foundation that continues to grow daily. 14. Which of the following marketing vehicles have you used to help you grow your business (direct mail, newspaper advertising, free workshops, radio, television, web site, e-zine, telemarketing, yellow pages, joint ventures with other professionals, publicity, other: please describe)? Free workshops, web site, ezine, trade show exposure, newspaper publicity (interview). 15. Which one marketing technique have you found works the best for you? Please describe. Free workshops and newspaper publicity. 16. Describe a successful, creative marketing technique that you use, or that you've used in the past. I have magnetic vehicle signs that I get quite a few comments on. People call and say they saw me driving around and need my services. I also rely heavily on word of mouth advertising. 17. Do you feel that networking plays a big role in growing your business? It is huge for me. I have met so many people in the last few years. It was difficult for me at first, but I forced myself out of my normal "comfort zone" and it has paid off. I get a lot of referrals from people I have networked with. 18. What do you do to generate referrals? In addition to network gatherings, I offer clients a discount for referring others to me. 19. What do you find to be the most exciting part of your business? I love the relief on people's faces when we've completed their organizing project and they are finally free to enjoy their spaces. 20. What do you find to be the most frustrating part of your business? Disorganized people tend to be somewhat procrastinating, so getting them called to action and schedule a session sometimes is a long process. 21. Describe your greatest success in this field. My greatest success is in the fact that I have built my business from scratch, my way and at my pace. I have something that I can be proud of and learn from everyday. 22. As a professional organizer, do you have a funny story to share? I was not always organized. In my early adulthood I was actually a very messy person, and not a great housekeeper. One day, with a few moments notice, company was dropping by. I stashed dirty dishes in the oven. Days later, having forgotten about them, I pre-heated the oven, and well, some of the dishes were plastic. I had a huge mess to clean up & began honing my skills as a more organized person from that day forward! 23. As an organizer, what professional organizing information or tools are you always on the lookout for? I am always checking out the new products in the storage and closet organizing areas of my local home improvement stores. I love coming up with new ways to use the standard products. 24. Looking ahead, what do you see as your greatest challenge? I think my biggest challenge is managing business growth during the transition of making this my sole source of income. 25. What is your best tip for people interested in becoming professional organizers? Do plenty of research, offer services to friends and family to build your expertise and confidence and always strive to create great customer relationships, word of mouth advertising is your best friend. 
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