Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melanie Summers, Founder of I Speak Organized, located in Vancouver, VA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I Speak Organized a full-service home organizing, productivity, and life coaching business. We serve hard-working families and professionals all over the world - both in person and virtually.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Melanie Summers. I'm a Professional Organizer, Productivity-based Life Coach, and Decluttering Expert living with my husband and two daughters in Vancouver, WA. I like to speak organized to give you the tools to conquer your clutter, live with more purpose, and learn about the business of tidying. You may know me from my YouTube channel, my Podcast, or on social media.

Have you ever asked yourself:

  • How will I ever be able to tackle this mess?
  • How do other people have time to get everything done?
  • Where do I even begin to get organized?
  • How can I stay on top of my never-ending to-do list without sacrificing my entire day?
  • Is it even possible to get it all done without losing my mind (and all my free time)?

If so - first of all - SAME.

Second of all, you've come to the right gal! Whether this is the first or millionth time you've tried to organize your life, I can help you get off the Hot Mess Express train and live a calmer, more productive life. I am proof, not only to myself but also to my clients, that organizing + productivity are skills anyone can learn. I relate to my clients in the sense that I once was very disorganized, both mentally and spatially. I've always admired naturally organized people with good time management skills, and I've worked really hard to become one of them. I will show you the exact techniques and strategies I used that completely changed my life.

My first organizing job happened purely by accident five years ago in Seattle. A good friend's mom was battling health issues, and they needed to clean out their house, top to bottom, to appraise and refinance. I discovered the healing power of decluttering and taking control of your space through that experience. I saw the way it gave that family some much-needed peace, and I knew there was something to this organizing stuff beyond making things neat and tidy. I love everything about serving others. I love the positive, healing effect that intentional living brings to people. It's a job that I truly enjoy, I love giving my clients my all, and it feeds my soul with the deepest sense of fulfillment. It's the best, hard job next to raising my two beautiful baby girls. Nice to meet you!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Building my life and schedule around a business I love! When my family needs me, I don't have to request time off or worry about losing my job. I'm able to drop everything to be there for them and plan my work schedule around family commitments. Taking control of my schedule and planning habits has given me so much freedom!

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

I have a hard time relating to many folks in traditional work environments. There is no PTO, no sick days, no co-workers, and no quitting... When something goes wrong, there's no manager to complain to or ask for help - YOU have to step up and fix whatever problems arise. I feel like until you've owned your own business, it's hard to understand just how much time and pure dedication goes into it. It's similar to being a parent - you can't just turn them in and say, "Nah. Not for me, but thanks for the opportunity!" Finding local friends that can relate is challenging. Many of the entrepreneur friends I have I've never even met in person.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Invest in a mentor or some kind of coaching when you're ready to scale. Find someone who is just ten steps ahead of where you want to be and learn all you can from them. If you're resistant to investing in education and mentorship, then how will you develop the right mindset and environment for your future customer to invest in your goods or services? Semi-contrary to my last tip - Don't get "shiny-object syndrome." There's always a new system, software, subscription, or course out there that is "finally going to get your business to 40000000x your revenue this year!" Do your research and definitely invest when you need to but set boundaries - choose tools that you like and can use easily and then move on to serving your clients. Be a Go-Giver. I read a few of the Go-Giver books by Bob Burg and John David Mann and tested out what being a 'Go-Giver business owner was like. Well, let me tell you, my clients and community are now filled with extremely grateful and wonderful people who can't wait to hire me. I listen to their needs more, I ask more questions, and I promote my "competition" on my podcast and YouTube channel every single week! My clients get better results, and I get tons of referrals from the business connections I create. If you're skeptical, I'd suggest reading the first book to learn more.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://ispeakorganized.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ispeakorganized
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ispeakorganized/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ispeakdancer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-summers-79587a1a4/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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