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Interview With . . . Valerie Walker Destination Organized Ellicott City, Maryland by Maria Gracia 1. How long have you been in business? Since March 1, 2004. 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! In fact, I'm the president/founder of NAPO Baltimore. 4. Why did you become a professional organizer? I’ve always said that I wanted to be a Professional Organizer, but I did not think there was such a profession. When I decided to leave the corporate world, effective February 2004, an advisor told me I should have my own business. She showed me the NAPO web site. What a validation moment! 5. What type of organizing do you specialize in (home, office, etc.)? Home offices. Spare rooms. Storage rooms. Basements. Etc. 6. Do you sell products, services, or seminars? Please describe. We sell no products. We do however promote Get Organized Now! items in our newsletter and on our web site. 7. Have you written a book(s)? If so, what is the title(s)? I am in the process of writing a tips booklet and also a full edition of the same, it is a faith based book. 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? Yes. It's sent out via e-mail. 9. Do you have a web site? If so, what is the address? Sure do. It's http://www.destinationorganized.com/ 10. Is travel a big part of your business? No. I try to keep the commute down to about 25 minutes. The exception is for clients who find me in The Shepherds Guide. 11. Who is your primary target audience? Corporate members with home offices. Small Business Owners. Housewives. 12. Describe your typical workday. At least two days a week starts out with a networking event, and on those days consultations with prospects are held or half day organizing sessions are conducted on large projects. The other three days are spent in organizing sessions from beginning to end. 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 believe anyone can make a living at anything if you work hard at it, use your natural God-given gifts, and give back. 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)? Advertise in local newspapers. Free speaking engagements. Television commercial. Web site. eNewsletter. Yellow pages. Partnering with other professionals through networking. 15. Which one marketing technique have you found works the best for you? Please describe. Definitely referrals--word of mouth! 16. Describe a successful, creative marketing technique that you use, or that you've used in the past. Doing ‘clean sweeps’ for non-profits. 17. Do you feel that networking plays a big role in growing your business? Networking plays a HUGE role in growing my business! 18. What do you do to generate referrals? Offer a free one-hour session to clients who get us referrals. 19. What do you find to be the most exciting part of your business? Positively impacting people’s lives! 20. What do you find to be the most frustrating part of your business? Cancelled prospect consultations. 21. Describe your greatest success in this field. Helping churches and helping the elderly! 22. As a professional organizer, do you have a funny story to share? Sorry, not at this time. 23. As an organizer, what professional organizing information or tools are you always on the lookout for? Tips from established members of our industry and the periodicals that are out there! 24. Looking ahead, what do you see as your greatest challenge? Trusting consultants and employees with our client base. 25. What is your best tip for people interested in becoming professional organizers? Tap in to the ‘natural organizer’ in you. Want it bad? Find people that you can help. 
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