Latest Blog Posts
What do you have planned for Valentine’s Day?
Looking for that perfect clutter free Valentine’s Day Gift? One that says:
- I understand you,
- I want you to be happy,
- I want to make your life easier
Let’s get organized
Contact Julie if you need help making this happen or buy a gift certificate.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She enjoys working with her clients to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She reduces clutter, streamlines processes and manages time to help her clients be more effective in reaching their goals. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Carolyn Shannon is my guest blogger today. Her business Venting Creatively helps people to find creative ways to shine a light on their life from a different view. She publishes a magazine called Women of Worth magazine.
Being productive leaves time for the things that are important to you
Top 10 Productivity Time Killers
Every day countless hours are wasted away due to non-productive activities. Time is money, so when distractions and procrastination set in profitability will decline. A survey conducted by OfficeTime.net has revealed 10 of the biggest time killers. The main offenders that reduce our productivity are:
1. Emails
2. Surfing the net
3. Watching TV
4. Procrastination
5. Meetings
6. Non-business conversations
7. Commuting & travel time
8. Social networking
9. Cell Phones & texting
10. Dealing with red tape
Types of Time Wasting
There are many factors that lead to procrastination. There are a few broad categories that most time wasting falls into.
1. Indecision.
Perfectionists will often struggle with indecision. Some things may never become perfect, and putting too much focus on perfection will mean too much time spent on one job. Splitting the work into smaller tasks is one way to deal with it more effectively.
2. Avoidance.
Fear of being judged can be the main cause of procrastination. It could be fear of failure or even success. Neither of these is something to be ashamed of. Success should be celebrated, and failure is the best way of learning. Think less about what others may think and more about trying your best at the task at hand.
3. Thrill Seeking.
This is when procrastination is justified because the worker likes the thrill of an approaching deadline. If this is the case it is best to move deadlines closer and set personal targets. This still gets you the thrill of working against the clock, while reducing procrastination.
How to Put an End to Time Killers
The first step to battling time killers is to understand and appreciate the amount of time that is being wasted. What is the value of all that lost time? Time wasters will directly affect your career advancement opportunities and reduce the amount of income you could have received. Tracking where your time is spent will allow for efficient time management. Don’t just rely on your memory to remember what you did during the day. Use a system so that you have a written record that can be looked over and analyzed. This could be as simple as creating a timetable on a piece of paper or utilizing a computer program or app to record your daily activities. Cutting down on time killers is a good start, but there are other strategies that should be used to effectively manage your time:
1. Define your purpose.
You need to know exactly what you want when starting a task. Without a definite purpose, you will lose focus.
2. Smart goal setting.
Choose realistic and specific goals and targets. It should be measurable so you know when it has been completed.
3. Plan on a regular basis.
As factors change, your plan should be adjusted to reflect the reality of the situation.
To truly beat time killers you need to work on your mindset & stick to your plan for the long term.
Which type of Time Waster Are You?
1. Thrill Seekers
They feel they can procrastinate, as they enjoy the feeling of working against a deadline
Tip: constantly set and adjust deadlines so that you still get the adrenaline rush but are using your time more effectively than procrastinating
2. Avoiders
They prefer to procrastinate as a means to avoid being judged. Whether it is a success or a failure
Tip: Success is a good thing and nothing to be ashamed of. Failure is a way to learn and improve. Focus on doing the best job you can and not on what others think.
3. Indecisive people
They are often perfectionists but procrastinate to shift responsibility from themselves
Tip: Not everything has to be perfect so try to take small risks and use your intuition. Mistakes may mean you learn something new. Try to split the task up into more manageable parts.
Need help setting new patterns and mindsets this year contact me. I can work with you virtually to help you become more productive and have time for the things that are important to you.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Do you want your desk to say you are a leader, hard worker, and creative? Could your desk say that you are messy, boring, and behind the times? Let your workspace be your business card. You may have a physical office or a portable office, organize it to suit your needs so you can work efficiently, and show your clients that you are knowledgeable and a leader in your field.
This mobile work station can help to keep your work organized
Technology
Use technology that helps you accomplish your business. Having state of the art technology that you don’t understand and can’t use competently or having outdated technology will give your clients the wrong impression. Purchase the technology that is right for you and your budget. Don’t fall into the trap of buying technology that is more powerful than you need to make a “good” impression. Clients may feel like you are showing off. Show your clients that you are knowledgeable, prepared appropriately and ready to lead them through the task at hand.
Desk Photo / Screen Saver
Use a photo that lets your clients learn something new about you. Make yourself memorable to your clients. Make sure it is in good taste, you want to make a professional impression on your potential clients. Be authentic, not boring. An interesting screen saver on your laptop will have the same effect.
Business Cards
Have them close at hand so you can give them out at the appropriate time. You don’t want people to take them because they feel obligated, you want them to have them because they are interested in you. Make sure your business card is professionally designed. If you want to show you are a leader don’t use the free sites. Make sure they are readable, scannable, classic and interesting. Good supplies show that you value quality and do quality work.
Piles on Your Desk / Piles of Paper in Your Bag
This relates to your organizing style. Too many piles give the impression you are behind in your work and may not be able to help your clients in a timely manner. The perfect office will make some clients feel uncomfortable because they will feel like they are not good enough to work with you. Determine how you function best, piles, filing cabinets, trays, desktoppers. Remember to keep loose papers neatly piled or stored in the way that works best for you. Lead by example, if you are prepared to work then others follow your work ethic making it easier to accomplish the job on time.
Lighting
When you enter your office is it dark and stark or bright and light? What does that say about you? I don’t care, I don’t notice details or I am open and I want you to be comfortable. Adding lighting to your office can make the space more inviting, and interesting and make it easier for clients to read information. If you are dealing with an older population eyesight can be declining. Good lighting makes it easier for them to engage with the information. The more ways you show your clients you understand their needs the more likely they are to trust that you are an expert.
Books
Keep up with popular books in your industry, even if you don’t find them interesting. Your clients may ask you about them. You want to be able to make a comment that helps them to understand the value of the book or article. You can also display a few books to show your clients that you have diverse interests in intriguing topics. It shows them that you like to expand your knowledge. Leaders develop many skills not just the ones directly related to their business. Skills and knowledge learned from others make you a better leader.
Pictures on the Wall
Displaying your certification and education reassures clients of your expertise. But a wall full of outdated certificates may not give the best impression. Have a couple that shows your current accomplishments. You want your clients to know you value education and keeping current is important.
Try to Avoid
- Leaving your unfinished lunch on display
- Having your desk cluttered with staplers, pens, tape dispensers, post-it notes, etc. Keep them in your desk drawer or in a box. Have your desk say that you are a leader and expert.
- Silly objects, you are trying to show your clients that you are a leader, not a funny one.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
More and more people are downsizing before moving. They may be moving to a smaller place. They may have decided to have a more minimalist lifestyle. They may be moving a great distance and choose not to take their stuff with them but furnish their accommodation when they know what they need. Selling your stuff is one way to fund your move.
My guest blogger is Liz Wolf a freelance writer who wrote this article for SpareFoot.com
You’re preparing to move and it’s time to declutter. Don’t just trash the stuff you don’t need when you can make some decent money selling it.
In fact, 77 percent of people said they’ve tried to sell belongings before a move, according to a new survey released by SpareFoot.com.
While there are many ways to sell your stuff, it turns out that 78 percent of tech-savvy millennials go online to sell their items, compared with 52 percent of the general public who have ever tried to sell something online. (You can download the full survey results here.)
“I think there’s a technology gap,” said Liana George, owner of Houston area-based By George Organizing Solutions. “That’s how my daughter in college got rid of a lot of stuff, like her bed and bedding, when she moved back home. Millennials are much more digital. That’s how they think.”
Whether you’re tech-savvy or not, there are plenty of ways to unload your extra stuff for cash. Here are the most popular ways people sell their items:
1. Garage Sale
Garage and yard sales actually beat out all other methods with 50 percent of movers saying they’ve hosted a sale, according to SpareFoot.
Research group Statistics Brain reports that garage sales nationally generate a whopping $4.22 million in weekly revenue.
“I’m not surprised because sometimes it’s all people know,” said Donna Smallin Kuper, professional organizer and author of How to De-clutter and Make Money Now. “They don’t know that there are other options that are actually much better, that will net more from their sales and be faster. People who have garage sales all complain that they only got pennies on a dollar. Well, that’s because it was a garage sale!”
“I feel garage sales are too time-consuming for small profit unless you have an entire house to get rid of,” added Ellen Limes, owner of Organized by L in Columbus, Ohio. “We do more donating just to get rid of it.”
While garage sales are a ton of work – and “shoppers” can be stingy with their dollars – you do get to pocket all of the proceeds and there are tips for a successful sale.
However, Hazel Thornton, owner of Organized for Life in Albuquerque, NM has a word of advice: “I tell clients, ‘If you do have a garage sale, promise me that whatever doesn’t sell goes straight to donation,’” she said.
2. Word of Mouth
Thirty-five percent of respondents said they have sold items just by word of mouth among friends and family.
“Start by letting your family know and ask them to tell their connections,” advised Julie Stobbe, owner of Mind Over Clutter in Ontario, Canada. “Next send the information to friends and co-workers and groups you might belong to. If you’re dealing with people you know, they’re more likely to show up and buy the item than when you’re dealing with the public.”
An ideal way to sell furniture or appliances is to ask the new homebuyer or neighbours if they’re interested.
3. Craigslist
Thirty-two percent of movers have tried selling stuff on Craigslist.com.
More than 60 million people use this free site each month in the U.S. alone. Craigslist is good for selling larger items like home appliances, bicycles, furniture and yard equipment.
4. eBay
Looking to reach a bigger audience? Twenty-four percent of movers try eBay to lighten their loads.
eBay is a big e-commerce player with 25 million sellers worldwide. High-end clothing, collectibles and smaller electronics are popular items.
However, some might find eBay’s large, competitive marketplace rather intimidating. Also, eBay charges sellers for listing on the site, whether items sell or not, and takes a commission on the sale.
“Twenty-four percent is surprising, because I find that eBay is a little bit complicated, and there’s so much competition with professional sellers,” Smallin Kuper said. “There are easier ways.”
5. Facebook
Twenty-one percent try hawking their stuff on popular social networking sites. People spend a heckuva lot of time on Facebook, so why not use it to sell your belongings?
Consider offering your Facebook friends the first opportunity to buy your stuff by creating a photo album and labelling it “Online Garage/Yard Sale.”
“We have several Facebook groups just for selling in our master-planned community,” George said. “It’s easier to know somebody three blocks over has something and I can go get it… We do porch pick up where we just leave things on the porch and people put the money under the mat.”
“I sold a washer/dryer to a friend’s son and a bear rug to a friend in California,” Smallin Kuper added.
Or expand your reach and find a Facebook “Yard Sales Group” in your area. Groups can be very large and many are private, so you must join before you can sell.
6. Consignment Stores
Just 15 percent of movers try their luck with consignment stores to make some extra money. Consignment stores work well for high-end clothing, purses, home décor and furniture.
“They’re a great way to sell stuff because people are already going there looking for those items,” Smallin Kuper said. “You split the sale with the seller, but you don’t have to do anything but show up.”
Of course, these shops are picky in what they accept.
“That’s a good thing because they know what sells,” Smallin Kuper added. “If you take it to them and they say, ‘Uhh, we really don’t want these clothes.’ Great. Now you know just donate them. You have to put your ego aside when you go to consignment stores.”
7. Amazon
Fourteen percent of movers try to sell their excess goods on Amazon.com.
Amazon offers a large marketplace like eBay, but it’s less expensive to use. You can list on Amazon for free and then it’s $.99 cents per item sold on top of the commission for the sale if you have the basic, individual seller’s account. Books, DVDs and video games are best-selling items.
“It’s such an easy way to sell stuff, especially books, but anything that Amazon sells, you can sell,” Smallin Kuper said. “…You’re listed along with other used items and if you want your item to sell fast, just drop the price a little bit and boom! You’ve just sold something and all you have to do is ship it.”
8. Free Apps
Four percent of movers report using other methods to sell their stuff. There are a lot of new entrants looking to help people sell their stuff via a variety of marketplaces, mostly in the form of free smartphone apps. Some of the services include Letgo, OfferUp, VarageSale, Close5 and Decluttr.
You can find this blog post at SpareFoot
What was your most successful way of selling your items before moving?
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Information below from Fire Prevention Canada: Working with the private and public sectors to achieve fire safety through education. Fire Prevention Canada is a non-profit organization that depends on sponsors and volunteers to help keep Canada fire-safe.
This year’s national theme is “Have Two Ways Out.©” Fire Prevention Week is recognized every October during the full week – Sunday through Saturday – that October 7th falls on. Despite the fact that fewer fire losses are reported in Canada, still, on average, eight Canadians die from fire every week. Most of these fires are preventable and caused by careless behaviour. That is why it is critical to educate Canadians and incite them to act. During this week, fire departments across the nation will promote public awareness of the dangers of fire and the ways we can protect ourselves from fire.
Did you know that modern homes burn much faster?
Research over three decades has shown that modern homes may be making house fires more deadly than ever before.
Newer homes and furnishings are made with more synthetics which make fires ignite and burn faster. They also release more toxic gases when burned. Most fire victims die from smoke or toxic gases and not from actual burns. Deadly conditions are reached much more quickly now than in the 1970s when more natural materials were used in home and furnishings.
Over 30 years ago, an important study conducted tests in actual homes with sizes and floor plans, furniture and items, and smoke alarms on the market. That report concluded smoke alarms generally provided the necessary escape time for different fire types and locations. This research led to the popular use of smoke alarms in residential settings
A more recent 2005 study found a troubling difference with the previous investigation. The amount of safe escape time was consistently shorter and the fire growth rates were faster. It is thought that synthetic materials currently found in homes contributed to this change. The study concluded that because fires could be more aggressive, the time needed to escape home fires has been reduced from approximately 17 minutes to as little as three minutes.
This gives less time for occupants to escape a fire and is shorter than the seven minute response time target for fire services. This disparity can mean the difference between life and death.
With this in mind, this is just a gentle reminder that it’s everyone’s responsibility for fire safety. Your line of defence is as follows:
- The prevention of fires in the first place;
- the detection of smoke and fire with working smoke alarms as a second line of defence; and
- Evacuation to safety by having a well-rehearsed fire escape plan is the third and most important action are all important notes.
Need help organizing a plan in your home, contact Mind over Clutter to help with streamlining your processes and developing home routines.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Here is a great video on how to store batteries safely to prevent a fire in your home.
Batteries can be recycled in many locations. Share in the comments where you recycle your batteries.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually through Zoom. She enjoys working with her clients to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She reduces clutter, streamlines processes and manages time to help her clients be more effective in reaching their goals. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
When you start organizing your bathroom or bedroom you may find cosmetics. Here is an infographic with information on how long to keep your cosmetics before throwing them out. Thanks to Natalie Brown a staff writer at BuzzFeed News for posting this information. For more ideas on bathroom organizing read her post 7 Easy Bathroom Organizing Ideas You’ll Actually Want to Try
By Natalie Brown BuzzFeed News July 2017
Have you found any alternative uses for expired cosmetics? Share them in the comment section
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She enjoys working with her clients to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She reduces clutter, streamlines processes and manages time to help her clients be more effective in reaching their goals. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Reading Time – 5 minutes
Today’s post is by Jackie Heath of Allied Van Lines. Thanks for sharing your expertise with my readers.
Moving someone off to college? Here’s a quick list of what’s necessary, and what really isn’t.
Your first impulse when packing up and heading out to college will probably be to include all those creature comforts you’re sure you can’t do without. Sure, you’ve heard space will be limited, but you still need clothes to wear and books to read, right?
Not necessarily. If you’re like most new college students, chances are, there’s quite a bit you can do without.
What to Pack for College
Although every college is different (and your packing list will vary depending on whether you’ll be staying in a dorm room or apartment), almost everyone considers these items a necessity:
> Mattress/bed (assuming one is not provided)
> Sheets and bedding for the bed
> Pillows
> Computer
> Power strip/cords
> Lamp
> Alarm Clock
> Garbage Can
> Showering accessories (including towels)
> Daily toiletries
> Weather-specific clothing (note the weather-specific designation; for many students, it’s best to keep a closet rotation that allows you to store your seasonal items at home when not in use)
> Hangers
> Wall décor
> Music/headphones
> Laundry basket or bag
> First-aid kit
Of course, not all of these items have to be purchased in advance and put onto the moving truck. If space is limited, you may want to make a list of items to bring with you from home and a separate list of items you can buy once you arrive. A last-minute trip to the drugstore can usually provide you with everything you need to get settled in.
What Not to Pack for College
More important than what to pack for college is what not to pack. These items tend to be bulky, heavy, or not relevant—which means that not only will they crowd your room, but you’ll pay more for the moving van, as well.
> Air conditioner
> Printer (the campus should have plenty)
> Cooking appliances (with the possible exception of a microwave and/or mini fridge)
> Stuffed animals
> High value items, including jewelry
> Books (with the exception of a few favourites and/or a well-stocked e-reader)
> Furniture other than a bed and desk chair
> Off-season sporting equipment (like skis during summer or a bicycle in winter)
> Bookcases and shelves
> Weight-lifting equipment
We also recommend not bringing things like school supplies, as you may not be sure what you need until you arrive and attend a few classes first.
Share in the comments what you packed for college that was completely useless.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of physical activity to reduce clutter, in your home and office. She guides and supports you in managing your time. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Organizing Challenges Unraveled – Storage Solutions
On the People in Connection Internet TV show, I discussed Organizing Challenges Unraveled – Storage Solutions. When you are short of storage space in a specific area, there are many products on the market that can give you more.
Over the Door Hanging Products
There are a number of over the door hanging products found in stores such as Walmart and Canadian Tire. There are over the door hooks to use for hanging coats, clothes, towels, purses, and belts as well as over the door rings for hanging tea towels, hand towels and paper towels. There also is a great product that has 5 pockets /shelves that are about 6” deep, which could hold shoes, office supplies or laundry supplies. Using over the door hanging products makes installation easy and quick and you don’t need to put holes in your walls.
Magnetic Products
There are magnetic products that can be used to make storage space on metal appliances such as your refrigerator, filing cabinet or washing machine. One is a rack with 3 slots to hold papers, magazines etc and a filing pocket to hold file folders. They are available at office supply stores like Staples.
Unused / Hidden Spaces
There are unlikely places in the home that can be turned into great storage areas. Under the staircase can be lined with cedar to become a storage area for clothes or bedding. It can be fitted with a bar to hang clothes or shelves for storing containers.
Furniture with Storage
Using pieces of furniture is a great way to make additional storage spaces. A simple chest of drawers can be used in an entranceway to store hats, mitts, pets’ leashes, keys etc. An antique dining room buffet with drawers can be used to store CDs and DVDs. Two-drawer filing cabinets can be used as a night table in a child’s bedroom holding books and toys and later used for school work as the child matures.
Nebel Foldable 15″ Tufted Square Storage Ottoman
When you need to make space to store items think outside the box, many spaces can be used to creatively and attractively store the things you need and love.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Do You Play Well with Others? A look at cooperative competition
Coopetition occurs when companies work together for parts of their business where they do not believe they have competitive advantage and where they believe they can share common costs. (Source: Wikipedia)
In my experience, most professional organizers are very happy to share resources and expertise with their colleagues and reap many rewards from doing so. I asked my client, Julie Stobbe, about her thoughts on the subject, and was so impressed that I invited her to share them here today as my guest blogger.
Cooperating with someone in your line of business is a great way to get to know people, brainstorm and learn ideas and help each other with areas that you are weak in.
When I decided to try coopetition, I did it on a project basis. I used it to help me to market better, because marketing is not my strength.
I would think about something I would like to have (product development) or something I would like to do (offer a new service) and think about someone who had mentioned that they had an interest in the same thing. I would approach them with an idea and see if they were interested in working together to develop and implement the plan. It was nice to have a partner to walk the path with and hold my hand.
The payoff is having to do half the work while increasing business for both parties with the understanding that if they get busy and need help, they would approach me first, and I would do the same for them. If you develop a service with a partner, if someone gets sick, you have the other person as backup. I always selected someone who lived east of my main marketing area. This made it easy to get materials delivered over a larger area – half the work, twice the area covered. This gave us both exposure to a larger market.
Here are some examples of projects I’ve worked on with people in my field and with complementary businesses:
- Developing organizing tip booklets; we have 4 different topics.
- Developing courses to offer to colleges, school boards and groups; we have 3 different 3 hour courses prepared.
- Advertising someone else’s electronic resources (because I don’t want to develop them at this time) in exchange for services.
- Advertising together so the cost of printing is shared by both companies.
- Recommending specialty services to clients, such as clutter removal service, rug cleaning, and website design.
- Inviting someone to attend new meetings and events with me. That way I don’t have to walk in alone, and perhaps they can make introductions too.
Although I have been fortunate and careful with whom I partner, there are always things to consider.
- The person you partner with now represents your company as well as their own. Make sure you have similar business ethics or your company’s reputation may be adversely affected.
- If you are producing a product and the quality of what they produce is not up to your standards, you may be disappointed. However, you have both contributed time and money to the project so they may use it the way they want to.
- One of the companies may work much harder at marketing the product or service than the other company. Make sure that you can live with it if you realize that you are marketing them but they are not marketing you.
Overall, I have gained a lot from coopetition with others. I have grown as a business person, I have learned new skills, I have made good friends I can depend on, and I have learned to be flexible. I hope my coopetition partners have found me to be reasonable, supportive and hard working. Taking a chance to work with good people is really making a sure bet.
Thanks to Janet Barclay of Organized Assistant for interviewing me.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
