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Interview With . . . Vickie Dellaquila Organization Rules Pittsburgh, PA by Maria Gracia 1. What is the name of your company? Where are you located? How long have you been in business? My name is Vickie Dellaquila. My company name is Organization Rules. I'm located in Pittsburgh, PA and I've been in business a little over a year. 2. Is this your primary business, or a part-time business? Yes, this is my primary full time business. 3. Are you a member of NAPO? (Please indicate if you're an officer.) Yes, I am a member of NAPO. 4. Why did you become a professional organizer? I was the kind of child that enjoyed re-organizing my drawers, closet, and furniture so that it would flow better for me. I have been an organized person all of my life and enjoy helping others simplify and organize their lives. 5. What type of organizing do you specialize in (home, office, etc.)? My speciality is residential organizing from basement to attic, paper and financial organizing, personal budgeting, preparing homes for the real estate market, downsizing seniors and relocation services. 6. Do you sell products, services, or seminars? Please describe. My company provides residential organizing services, financial and budgeting services, preparing homes for the real estate market, senior downsizing, and relocation services. My company also provides seminars on organizing, downsizing for seniors, and budgeting. 7. Have you written a book(s)? If so, what is the title(s)? No, not yet. 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, Organization Rules publishes a free e-zine that is published every two months. 9. Do you have a web site? If so, what is the address? Yes. It's http://www.organizationrules.com 10. Is travel a big part of your business? Yes, I travel throughout southwestern Pennsylvania. 11. Who is your primary target audience? My target audience is home owners, those needing assistance in budgeting their money, and seniors. 12. Describe your typical workday. 6:30-7:00am- Checking and responding to email. 7:00-8:30am- Prepare for the day. 8:30-12:00pm- Appointments with clients, attend networking meetings, or work in my office on business related items. 12:00-1:00pm-lunch 1:00-5:00pm-Appointments with clients, attend networking events, or work in my office on business related items. Occasionally attend evening networking events or meet with clients. 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? Yes, one can make enough money in the professional organizing field, however one needs to be patient. It takes time and experience to grow a business. 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 found word of mouth, articles about my business published in local newspapers and magazines, and providing free presentations has helped my business grow. 15. Which one marketing technique have you found works the best for you? Please describe. Network, network, network. You never know who you will meet to help grow your business. 16. Describe a successful, creative marketing technique that you use, or that you've used in the past. I have a sign on my van with my business name, phone number, website, and tagline 'A little organization a day, keeps the clutter away!' Copyright 2003. 17. Do you feel that networking plays a big role in growing your business? Networking plays an enormous role in growing a business. 18. What do you do to generate referrals? I receive referrals from past clients and other affiliates. 19. What do you find to be the most exciting part of your business? I receive great joy from seeing someone simplify their life by de-cluttering and organizing their environment. 20. What do you find to be the most frustrating part of your business? The most frustrating part of my business is not being able to help those who not ready to get organized. They may have stated they need help and are ready to get organized, but are just not ready to take the first step. I feel bad for them, however I know in time that first step may come for them. When they are ready to take it and I hope I can help them. 21. Describe your greatest success in this field. The great pleasure is seeing someone have a positive change in their life after the de-cluttering and organizing process. 22. As a professional organizer, do you have a funny story to share? One time I was taking some donated items to the Goodwill for a client and kept hearing a funny noise from the back of my van. I was listening to music and at first thought something was wrong with my van. When I arrived at the Goodwill much to my amusement, a Tickle me Elmo had come to life in the back of my van! 23. As an organizer, what professional organizing information or tools are you always on the lookout for? I am also on the lookout for charities that will pick up donations or recycle. I also love to read information about new organizing products, ideas, and suggestions. 24. Looking ahead, what do you see as your greatest challenge? My greatest challenge will be to keep my business goals in mind and balance them with my home life. 25. What is your best tip for people interested in becoming professional organizers? Read articles, books, websites on organizing and starting a small business. Help someone get organized in their home or office to see if you really like the field. Most importantly, do what you love and have fun at it! 
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