We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Courtney Plaster a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Courtney, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear a story from back when you were an intern or apprentice. What’s a memorable story you can share with us?
Back when I was trying to become a programmer, I took an internship at a local advertising agency in their Studio Development department. It was both challenging and fun. This specific internship position was brand new so there was some lack of support for me as a budding developer. I was forced to reach out for help in unexpected places and with unexpected people. Although it felt frustrating at the time, my ability to ask for help was challenged and my breadth of knowledge grew by leaps and bounds. Years later, I have maintained friendships with many of these people and continue to be grateful for the opportunity. I ended up not becoming a developer but the skills I learned that summer have been a huge asset to my current business!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Sure thing! Decluttered Digital is a full-service agency focused on helping families, professionals, and small businesses manage their tech, their time, and their photos. We specialize in productivity and digital tools as well as print photo scanning and restoration.
Our clients range from anyone needing help managing their digital sprawl to the “keepers” of photo archives. Our mission is to provide solutions for your technology and photos while helping you maintain a spirit of curiosity, confidence, and intention.
I have over 20 years of experience working in client supporting roles as well as a background in the tech industry, specifically User Experience. I love problem solving and would consider myself a logistics person. I am a Certified Photo Manager with The Photo Managers and a member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO).
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
For the parents out there, you all know how crazy life is with work, school, and activities. As if I wasn’t already busy enough, I chose to start my business in the fall of 2020. This was our first full year of virtual learning and I was navigating this at home with a 1st grader. Looking back, I think my stress and panic to figure everything out helped guide me and created a strong direction for my business early on.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
I love, love, love my clients and they are 100% the best source of referrals and new business. I try really hard to earn their trust and keep communication lines open. As a result, I’ve built some really amazing connections and relationships with the people I have met along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.decluttereddigital.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decluttereddigital/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decluttereddigital
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbplaster/
Image Credits
Brad Bunyea