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Interview With . . . Elinor Warkentin Goodbye Clutter! Consulting and Organizing Services Vancouver, BC, Canada by Maria Gracia 1. How long have you been in business? My first client was in Wales in 2000. 2. Is this your primary business, or a part-time business? Yes, this is my primary and full-time business. 3. Are you a member of NAPO? (Please indicate if you're an officer.) No, but I belong to POC (Professional Organizers of Canada). 4. Why did you become a professional organizer? I was looking for a change of career, in an area where I could help people, on a spiritual or emotional level. I love organizing and am good at helping people work through difficult decisions. 5. What type of organizing do you specialize in (home, office, etc.)? I am best at helping people let go of clutter, whether that is at home, in a home office, or at work. 6. Do you sell products, services, or seminars? Please describe. I do not sell products but I do accept invitations for speaking engagements. 7. Have you written a book(s)? If so, what is the title(s)? Not yet. When I do, the title will be 'Taking out the garbage cans of life!' 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 an occasional simple e-newsletter, free of charge. 9. Do you have a web site? If so, what is the address? Yes, my web site address is www.goodbyeclutter.ca 10. Is travel a big part of your business? I would like travel to be a bigger part of my business. I work mostly in Vancouver BC but have worked with clients in Manitoba, New York, England and Wales. My dream client is a villa in Italy. 11. Who is your primary target audience? People who are ready to make big changes in their lives, including letting go of the clutter that is blocking them. 12. Describe your typical workday. My sessions with clients are usually 3-6 hours. We choose an area that is challenging to them and work through the room, purging the clutter and organizing what is left. Sometimes there is a lot of talking and occasionally some tears. By the end of the session, I am usually physically exhausted but mentally primed, aware of just how much the energy in the space and person has changed. Common phrases I hear when I am leaving are 'I feel so much lighter' and 'I feel so much better.' 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 women with motivation and good skills can do well in this business, but it is not a place for those who want to make a quick and easy buck. A good organizer, with the right skills, can do well. Until a few months ago (Nov 2005), I was married and this was a second income, a part time focus. Now I am separated and working hard to increase the income. This month has been my best yet, with a very healthy income and one I would be happy to have on a consistent basis. Consistency may not be a part of being self-employed, life happens, seasons bring changes in client dynamics, anything could happen. Ask me this question again in a year, Jan 2007. 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)? I have advertised at a local movie theatre, in community newspapers, church newsletters, at networking events, by donating to fund raisers, via my website, and numerous creative ways. 15. Which one marketing technique have you found works the best for you? Please describe. My best advertising is word of mouth. Happy clients have brought me the most work. 16. Describe a successful, creative marketing technique that you use, or that you've used in the past. I like to have fun and I like to be the authentic me. I held a promo party at the movie theatre where my ad was showing and then an after party at an art gallery and tasteful sex-toy shop across the street. At the movie I was able to make some announcements and give away door prizes to a packed theatre house and then a small group of invited guests had an interesting time in a most unusual party venue where my minister gave a business blessing and the gallery owner spoke briefly about letting go of the mental clutter we might have about our sexuality and sexual expression. It was creative, unique, relaxed, fun and inexpensive to boot! 17. Do you feel that networking plays a big role in growing your business? Yes! I network where ever I go, from the coffee shop to designated networking events. I don't believe in picking up as many cards as possible and emailing them all a generic 'pick me' email. That would be clutter to me! Before I go, I set a goal for a small number of real connections that I want to make, and then I throw my shoulders back, put on my best face and walk in with a smile, knowing that mostly, I want to enjoy myself. 18. What do you do to generate referrals? My appreciation for referrals is usually a gift certificate for the movie theatre where I advertise. 19. What do you find to be the most exciting part of your business? I am excited when getting rid of clutter leads to exciting, positive changes in clients. I love finding unusual homes for precious items. When a client feels good about the process, I feel good too. 20. What do you find to be the most frustrating part of your business? Hmmm, not sure what this might be. 21. Describe your greatest success in this field. I helped one client sell many books for over $1000. Another client was able to clear her off-site locker in a few weeks after years of not being able to even look inside. I think my greatest successes are the many poignant one on one moments with clients as they work through the process of letting go. 22. As a professional organizer, do you have a funny story to share? One morning I was working with a client who worked with children and therefore had many toys and crafts to clean up. She put her hand in a paper bag on the floor and pulled out what she thought was a toy mouse but then realized it was a previously live now dead mouse! She shrieked and jumped. I shrieked and jumped. And then we both had a good laugh. 23. As an organizer, what professional organizing information or tools are you always on the lookout for? I am always on the lookout for more time. If anyone finds some extra, please send it to me! 24. Looking ahead, what do you see as your greatest challenge? Can I really juggle all my work, volunteer and personal projects that are on my plate?! Besides building and maintaining my business, I am a trustee of an international women's travel friendship organization and am currently increasing my volunteer commitment with Professional Organizers of Canada. It is the human potential course I am taking, Executive Success Program, that is helping me believe that I can do all I set out to, it is helping me clarify my goals and reach them! 25. What is your best tip for people interested in becoming professional organizers? Be authentic. Be prepared for hard work. Be prepared for a rewarding career. Wear a helmet and enjoy the ride!! 
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