In the early days of my professional organising business, I heard a lot of naysayers. When I told them about my service, they said things like,
“No one’s going to pay you for that!”
“Can’t people just do that for themselves?”
“You’ll have to organise businesses because no one will pay for residential organising.”
“Oh, that sounds like a nice hobby.”
Well, buddy – yes they were all blokes – you can submit your apologies here.
No, my business is not a hobby. And although some people do help others get organised for fun, there are plenty of us who do it for a living. I hope that message comes across loud and clear to any naysayers out there.
Now here’s another message I want to get across loud and clear to my fellow organisers:
If you decide that you want to have a business rather than a hobby, please treat it like a business.
I know that many organisers start out running their business as a “side hustle”. I did that myself, until I took it to full time. But right from the start, it pays to invest energy, time and actual dollars into the future success of your business.
Here are 5 ways to ensure that yours is a business and not just a hobby.
- Pay yourself a proper salary. In the beginning there may not be much income, but even so, always pay yourself first.
- As well as your salary, pay yourself superannuation. You don’t want to work hard all your life with nothing to show for it in retirement.
- Take out appropriate insurance and don’t work without it. I’m happy to share the details of my insurance broker, who knows and supports our industry very well. Just drop me a line.
- Take charge of your calendar. You can’t work 24/7 without a break, so plan time off to fill your cup. If you’re in it for the long haul, you better look after yourself as your best and most precious asset.
- Get advice from someone who’s been before you and who has things figured out. Someone like me, for example. 😊 I’ve said it before, seeing my fellow organisers succeed is one of my favourite things to do. I’d be happy to help you too.
If #5 takes your fancy, take a look at my online training or my Professional Organiser’s Edge program. Or book a call with me to figure out your next best step.
