My latest organizer interview is with Seana Turner of The Seana Method. Seana primarily serves Fairfield County, CT, but also offers virtual time management and coaching services. She is a Professional Organizers Blog Carnival Superstar Blogger and has previously been a guest blogger here on Your Organizing Business, so I’m very excited about sharing this interview with you.

Seana, how did you come up with your business name?

When I was selecting my business name, I decided to go with one that would be broad enough to include organizing, decluttering, coaching and time management services, as well as any other services I might decide to offer. I chose to use my first name because it is one of those names that is difficult to pronounce, and I figured if the business failed, at least I might have taught a few people how to pronounce it properly (“Shahhh-na”). I also hoped, and was glad to discover, that the name is unique enough that I had no trouble securing my domain.

What is your specialty?

My focus is the residential sphere. I think my specialty is helping young moms who are trying to keep it all together. Many of my clients have moved out to the CT suburbs from New York City, and their spouses commute in every day. This puts a lot of pressure on Mom to do everything. I help with everything from decluttering to playroom design, bedroom organization, paperwork management, kitchen organization and more.

What other services or products do you offer?

I have had an increasingly large client base who seek support in downsizing and residential unpacking.

Do you offer any products or services for other organizers?

Not specifically, although I often chat with new organizers who want to tap my brain on everything from getting started to marketing. Others helped me, so I’m happy to give back.

What professional associations or other organizations do you belong to?

NAPO National, NAPO-CT, Faithful Organizers and FOCUS Organizers (a neighborhood group).

How do you approach a new organizing project?

I always begin with a free, in-person client consultation. I am lucky that my service area is geographically small, which makes it feasible to visit people in their spaces and talk about their project. I find that meeting in person breaks the ice, puts people at ease, and allows both of us to ask questions and set expectations. I then prepare a proposal summarizing the consultation, defining the project, and laying out the terms of the agreement. If the client decides to go forward, the next step is to put a date on the calendar!

How has your business changed since you first started out?

I think the biggest change has been growth. When I started out, I worked very part-time. This was fine with me, as my children were still at home and I enjoyed having a balance between work and personal time. Now I work a more full schedule with clients, and invest more time in marketing and networking initiatives.

At what moment did you consider yourself successful?

For me, success is all about client satisfaction. I think the first time I felt successful was when a client called me back (after a bit of time) to come and help her on another project. This affirmed that my service had value, and that my client felt her life would be better if I were a part of it.

What would you do differently if you were starting your business today?

The technological aspects of business have changed a bit in the past ten years, so if I were starting now I think I would invest more up front to get my website and social media platforms set up. Back in the day, I did most of it by myself, learning by trial and error. In the current climate I think there is a lot to be gained by bringing professionals in early on.

What is the biggest challenge you currently face in your business?

Technology! Since I am a small operation, I don’t have a full tech team standing at the ready to address problems. If my website is attacked by malware, I have to figure out how to respond. I never welcome these challenges, but I must admit that I have learned a lot by having to deal with them.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve discovered about running an organizing business?

How diverse and amazing people are! Sorting through belongings has exposed me to a vast array of items I would never otherwise see. Clients have fascinating stories to tell, about themselves and their families. Every day brings surprises and unanticipated delights.

What’s your favorite organizing product?

I love all the usual suspects, such as clear shoe boxes, turntables, shelf risers, fridge bins, label makers, and sorters of all types. I was recently impressed by a drawer insert that I saw in the Bulthaup kitchen showroom called the “prism.” It is a series of built-in troughs which span the width of the drawer, providing instant storage for all utensils. No additional inserts necessary. You can see what this looks like here.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

My favorite thing is to sit on the beach, in a chair, and bake like a potato. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the waves lapping up on my toes. Since I live in a coast community along Long Island Sound, summer is a very happy season for me.

What else should we know about you?

I spend my spare time making decorations for our church’s Vacation Bible School (VBS). Last year I had giraffes and lions all over my hallway. This year, I’m trying to figure out how to make a life-like train.

Thanks for sharing, Seana! I learned a lot about you and the town where you live. 

Who’s next?

If you’d like to be interviewed for Your Organizing Business, simply fill out the questionnaire.