LinkedIn sent me a reminder last week that I've been a professional organizer for 10 years and in business for in California for 5, I think that means I'm local right? I know I always say this but time flies! When Chris and I first relocated to California I wasn't sure if I would be able to get my business off the ground again. I had a small business in Michigan and then Chicago but Kuzak's Closet was nothing like it is today. The thought of starting over made me nervous but I had a vision and I stuck with it. It took me 6 months to get my first client and it's been a fun ride ever since. I hired my first assistant 3 years ago and now I employ 9 people due to the demand for Kuzak's Closet services. We have two divisions of the company, home organization and estate sales and the time and demand is divided 50/50.
People contact me all of the time, asking for the secret to how I stay so busy. I think they are disappointed that my response doesn't include earth shattering news, just basic principles for how to operate as a business owner and member of society. Thus today, to celebrate 5 years in California, I'm sharing my top 5 secrets for success. If you are reading this and you are struggling with your own business or have been wanting to start something I hope this is helpful.
This secret shouldn't be a secret, it should be a hard and fast rule. People are exciting, people are interesting, people have stories, you should get to know people. My business has been built on personal relationships with families, realtors, my staff, my shoppers, and my clients. I always put their stories first and it pays off. It makes my day so much more rewarding. With people as my priority I've been able to become apart of a community that I've helped build around me.
I can't tell you how many projects I've agreed to tackle without having a clue how I would be able to get it done. I always say yes and figure it out later. By doing this I've learned so much about myself and my ability to learn and grow. Many of the niche services Kuzak's Closet provides have been developed by me saying yes and then figuring it out later.
If you can follow my second secret, #3 will come naturally. When you say yes to things you will figure out what you like, what you don't, what people will pay for, what value will be added, and then you keep going in those directions. I can't tell you how often we have to update and make changes to our services page because we keep adjusting in the direction that each project takes us. Because of my versatility people in my network know they can count on me to tackle messy, gross, and impossible tasks.
In many of my high-end organizing homes we actually are on camera but in other cases we just act like it. It makes a big difference on your decision-making when you act like someone might be watching and you'd be surprised how many times that someone actually is! I've found that the person watching could be my next client or refer me to my next exciting project.
I've been very lucky in finding amazing people to be apart of my life here in California. I originally met Billy 4 years ago and he and his crew have been a staple in the success of Kuzak's Closet. 3 years ago I hired my first organizing assistant Devin, then Matt, then Jennalynn, then Sutzi and Al, then Noelani, then Taylor, and most recently Monica, Sarah, Hope, and Yovan. We are one big family and I love it! I can't imagine having more fun doing anything else. If you are looking to expand your business find quality people who understand your vision and don't worry so much about job descriptions in the beginning. You'll see what types of projects they are drawn to and then you'll understand how you can help them grow and develop within your business.
Well, thanks for letting me reflect on how I got to where I am today! It's been a great 5 years and I can't wait to see where Kuzak's Closet headed! You've all been such a great support and I know as blog readers many of you have never met me or probably ever will but I still feel like we are close friends and I appreciate that so much!