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Interview With . . . Mary Beth Peterson The Organizing Experts Mokina, IL by Maria Gracia 1. How long have you been in business? Two years. 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.) Yes. 4. Why did you become a professional organizer? I was helping friends with their home organizing, just part-time and a very successful businesswoman tapped me on the shoulder and said, 'So are you just going to keep poking at this thing, or are you going to make a business out of it?' With her belief in me, I was confident that I could do it. So I did. 5. What type of organizing do you specialize in (home, office, etc.)? I specialize in organizing business owners. 6. Do you sell products, services, or seminars? Please describe. I do not currently do these things. My business is enough for me to handle, although I will be doing information products in the future. 7. Have you written a book(s)? If so, what is the title(s)? No. 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? No. 9. Do you have a web site? If so, what is the address? No. 10. Is travel a big part of your business? No. 11. Who is your primary target audience? My Business Owners. 12. Describe your typical workday. The typical work day for me is rather atypical. There are certain things I do every day like make appointments, follow-up with previous clients, research information, and make sure my life is staying organized. I plan clients about a month in advance so I am never scrambling for business. I work anywhere between 4 to 7 hrs. each day of the week with a client. I work some Saturdays, but always schedule a week day off if that happens. I have found there are certain jobs that I cannot do for 7 consecutive hours and so I have learned to pace myself. I also have 3 part timers I can call in to expedite a job. 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? Of course. That is completely up to your level of commitment, experience and professionalism. If you are inexperienced in running a business or marketing or you lack in people skills you will need time to develop, even if you are the most excellent organizer in the world! Accurately assess your strengths and weaknesses before you go at this full time. 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)? At this point I do business on a referral basis. My satisfied customers are my best advertisements. I also have relationships with business' that allow me to leave my cards or flyers in their establishments. I also look for opportunities to mention my services and give cards to prospects. I always get their number so I can give a follow up call to schedule an assessment. 15. Which one marketing technique have you found works the best for you? Please describe. I have not advertised in any traditional way because up to this point I am booked out months in advance. Perhaps next August I will do a back to school blitz. 16. Describe a successful, creative marketing technique that you use, or that you've used in the past. See above. 17. Do you feel that networking plays a big role in growing your business? See above. 18. What do you do to generate referrals? See above. 19. What do you find to be the most exciting part of your business? The most exciting part of my business is having a satisfied customer. I never leave a job with a dissatisfied customer. I communicate my desire to make sure they are satisfied. I repeat to them the words they use to describe how they feel and how they have benefited. Remember, if a customer is happy, they will tell 10 people, if they aren't they will tell 100. 20. What do you find to be the most frustrating part of your business? It's frustrating carrying boxes that are heavy, and putting things away in attics. But I never allow that to discourage me. It is part of the service I have chosen to provide. 21. Describe your greatest success in this field. Honestly, my greatest success is the organizing of my clients and their ability to function at a higher level of life because I was there. 22. As a professional organizer, do you have a funny story to share? Not at this time. 23. As an organizer, what professional organizing information or tools are you always on the lookout for? I look for gold nuggets. Tips to implement. I am interested in action. If I know all and do nothing, I am not a success. 24. Looking ahead, what do you see as your greatest challenge? Handling growth. I still am putting systems together. 25. What is your best tip for people interested in becoming professional organizers? Again, honestly assess your strength and weaknesses. Staff your weaknesses. Don't be afraid to put money into what you need. Be sure you set up a legitimate business. Register with the state. Pay your taxes. Always be a person of integrity. Never embarrass a client. Practice discretion. Be trustworthy. 
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