Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephanie Shalofsky, Founder of The Organizing Zone, located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Organizing Zone provides office organizing services to small business owners, office managers, and CEOs who are overwhelmed by their cluttered, disorganized offices and don’t know where to start to get organized.
Our services include:
- Transforming mailrooms, storage rooms, and office kitchens so that essential supplies have a clearly defined home.
- Streamlining paper and digital filing systems so that documents can be easily found within seconds.
- Creating more efficient workspaces with systems in place for managing workflow as well as calendars and task lists.
Tell us about yourself
After years of corporate employment, I was ready for a change and wanted to do something on my own. My objective was to figure out how best to use my skills to help others achieve their goals. Stumbling into the organizing profession proved to be my light bulb moment. My skills and prior work experience in both corporate and entrepreneurial work environments provided a solid foundation for launching and growing my business.
In addition, there’s nothing more gratifying than seeing a smile on my client’s face as we discuss their completed office organizing project. These small business owners, office managers, and CEOs revel in their calm, clear, organized office spaces. As a result, they can more effectively focus on their daily responsibilities.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been my ability to successfully navigate the ups and downs that come with owning a business. When I started my company 14 years ago, the financial crisis of 2008 was in full swing. Not exactly the ideal time to start a new business! I weathered those times, pivoted at different points over the years as I further solidified my ideal client profile, adjusted my marketing efforts accordingly, and varied my service offerings. The most significant challenge has been managing during the past couple of years.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Making tough decisions is one of the hardest things a business owner has to do. Whether it is firing a difficult client, turning down an opportunity at face value could be lucrative, knowing when to shift direction. These are just a small sampling of the types of situations a business owner faces. It is easier to avoid making these decisions, but then the future and financial well-being of the company are in jeopardy.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be flexible and open-minded so that you can quickly adapt to changing business conditions.
- Identify professional and personal goals and focus on achieving them while maintaining good work-life harmony.
- Surround yourself with trusted friends and colleagues who can provide guidance, support, and another perspective when there are problems to solve and possible opportunities to pursue.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Focus on those areas where you excel, as you have the appropriate skills and experience to address the issues and hire others to handle the rest.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.theorganizingzone.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrganizingZone
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/organizingzone/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieshalofskyofficeorganizer/
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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