Choosing Collaboration Over Competition with Laurie Palau

Meet our guest blogger, Laurie Palau of Simply B Organized and This Organized Life Podcast. Today, Laurie is sharing her insights on the importance of choosing collaboration over competition in the world of professional organizing, and some tips on how to make it work for you.

How to collaborate with and not just compete with other organizers

In 2009, when I started my Professional Organizing business, our industry wasn’t nearly as mainstream as it is today.  I may not have had a ton of competition, but I faced a whole bunch of other challenges, from explaining to people what exactly a professional organizer does, to how to market myself in a world without Instagram or Pinterest (think about that for a minute!)

Fast forward to today, and the landscape of our industry has a whole new look, and it’s easier than ever to start a professional organizing business (thank you social media and Marie Kondo!).

However, popularity breeds growth, and for some that can be very unsettling. 

If you find yourself thinking that all this competition will result in you getting a smaller piece of the pie, I want you to THINK AGAIN.

“Rather than stress about the quantity of organizers, focus on the quality of your clients.”

One of the many things I love about our industry is the ability to form and cultivate relationships with clients. You become a trusted resource, a confidant, even a therapist!  

The difference between you and every other organizer out there is YOU.  

Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, try to focus on how you can serve your people well. If you like to blog, then blog. If you prefer video, then give away free content on a YouTube Channel. By investing time in your audience of clients, followers, or subscribers in a way that is authentic to YOU, they will not only get to know you, but trust you as their go-to person.

Having a network of other professional organizers to collaborate with only strengthens the value you bring to your clients.  Let me give you an example. I can’t stand video. I do it when I absolutely have to, but I’d prefer to be behind a podcast mic any day!  Yet I know that some of my followers are visual learners and would prefer to watch video. So when I see other organizers publishing great video content, you know I am all over sharing that!

Because it’s less about me, and more about how I can serve my people well.

YOU’RE NOT JUST AN ORGANIZER, YOU’RE A BUSINESS OWNER.

Among other things, joining a community of other like-minded people in your industry is a great way to break down barriers so you feel less alone in your entrepreneurial journey. I have seen this firsthand with the SBO Partner Program. 

My collaboration journey: In 2017 as my own company continued to grow and pivot, I chose to look to other organizers, both new and established, for inspiration, content, and to provide a sense of community for my clients and for one another. 

I called it The SBO Partner Program (you may have seen our #communityovercompetition).

I have dedicated the past 3 years to growing a network of Professional Organizers all over the globe in different geographic areas who we continually support in a variety of ways. If you want to learn more about our program, click HERE.

My parting advice

We all have gifts, and if organizing is one of them, keep serving others the best you can, and don’t worry about what your neighbor is doing. 

Seek out a group that is a good FIT for you. A place that champions your wins, and helps you navigate roadblocks. 

Entrepreneurship has its challenges, but you don’t have to do it alone. Focus on growing your brand, serving your clients, and staying authentic to who you are.  

Cheering you on from the sidelines! XOXO, Laurie

Laurie Palau

Laurie Palau is the author of the book HOT MESS: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized and host of the popular weekly podcast This ORGANIZED Life. For additional information visit www.simplyBorganized.com.

Related Links:

5 Things to know before starting your career as a pro organizer

Achieving Goals regardless of obstacles

How to network with your competition with Boss Project

3 Lists to Make to Increase Your Confidence

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