We were lucky to catch up with Layne Brookshire recently and have shared our conversation below.
Layne, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Folks often look at a successful business and imagine it was an overnight success, but from what we’ve seen this is often far from the truth. We’d love to hear your scaling up story – walk us through how you grew over time – what were some of the big things you had to do to grow and what was that scaling up journey like?
I couldn’t agree more. Success stories are often condensed into a highlight reel, but the truth is, the journey to where we are today at Ms. Placed Professional Organizing was a path with its fair share of challenges and learning opportunities. Scaling up was a process that required careful planning, strategy adjustments, and a resilience.
When I reflect on our scaling journey, several key elements come to mind:
1. Customer-Centric Approach: Our initial success was built on a deep understanding of our clients’ needs and word-of-mouth referrals. As we grew, we continued to prioritize the customer experience. We invested time and resources into gathering feedback, adapting our services, and ensuring our clients were delighted. Happy clients and clutter-free, streamlined homes and offices became our most significant source of referrals.
2. Strategic Expansion: Scaling required us to identify new markets and opportunities. We conducted thorough market research to pinpoint areas where our services were in demand. Expanding into these markets was a calculated move, often involving new company roles and partnering with other home service-based businesses in Austin.
3. Team Building: One of the most crucial aspects of our growth was building a strong, dedicated team of organizers. We faced several challenges in recruiting and retaining talented individuals who shared our vision and passion. But, over time, we learned the importance of investing in our team’s growth, providing ongoing training, and creating a positive, upbeat work culture.
4. Leveraging Technology: Technology played a significant role in our scaling efforts. We invested in custom software and digital tools that streamlined our operations, improved client communication, and enhanced our efficiency. This not only improved our service but also allowed us to handle a larger volume of clients.
5. Finances and Funding: Managing our finances was a major hurdle. We secured funding when necessary, but we also made a concerted effort to maintain a healthy financial profile. We closely monitored our budget, adjusted our pricing strategy, and reinvested profits into our growth initiatives.
6. Obstacles and Adaptation: Along the way, we encountered obstacles, from economic downturns to a global pandemic where going into homes was a huge no-no, to unforeseen competitive challenges. These were difficult moments, but they taught us the importance of agility and adaptation. We learned to pivot our strategies when needed and find new avenues for growth.
7. Marketing and Branding: We continued to refine our branding and marketing efforts. Building a strong online presence and investing in digital marketing played a pivotal role in reaching a broader audience and driving growth.
In reality, our scaling journey was not without its share of mistakes. I made wrong decisions, overextended myself at times, and learned from these experiences. What’s crucial is that we took these mistakes as opportunities to improve and fine-tune our strategies.
Since the beginning of Ms. Placed Professional Organizing in 2010, our path to success was indeed a series of meaningful moments, strategic shifts, and ongoing efforts. It was far from overnight, and the nitty-gritty details are what truly shape a business. I hope that sharing our scaling story sheds light on the realism of business growth, with its ups and downs, and provides actionable insights for others on a similar journey.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Layne Brookshire, and I’ve had the privilege of being in the professional organizing industry since 2010. It all started from a passion for helping people transform their lives through decluttering and organizing their spaces. I’ve always believed that an organized environment can have a profound impact on one’s mental and emotional well-being, and I wanted to provide a service that could make a difference in people’s lives.
At Ms. Placed Professional Organizing, we offer a range of services dedicated to creating organized, functional, and harmonious living and working spaces. Our core services include home and office organization, decluttering, space optimization, and downsizing assistance. We take a personalized approach to understanding the unique needs and challenges of our clients, tailoring our solutions to suit their lifestyles and goals.
Our mission is to solve the problem of disorganization and clutter in our clients’ lives, helping them regain control and reduce stress. We understand that the world can be chaotic, and we believe that a well-organized space can be a sanctuary from that chaos.
What sets us apart is our commitment to providing more than just tidying up. We focus on the emotional aspect of organization, recognizing that clutter often carries sentimental or psychological weight. We work closely with our clients to not only declutter their spaces but also empower them with the skills and mindset to maintain an organized life.
I’m most proud of the positive impact we’ve had on the lives of our clients. Witnessing the transformation from chaos to order and seeing the relief and joy on our clients’ faces is incredibly rewarding. We’ve helped people regain control, reduce stress, and enhance their quality of life.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that at Ms. Placed Professional Organizing, we’re not just about neat spaces; we’re about life transformation. We’re here to support and guide you through the journey of organization, and we take pride in our empathetic, client-focused approach. Our work goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about creating harmony and balance in your life. Whether you’re overwhelmed by clutter at home or seeking efficiency in your office, we’re here to make a positive difference.
Ultimately, our brand is about empowerment, helping individuals and businesses take control of their spaces, their time, and their lives. We invite you to join us on this journey toward a more organized and stress-free existence.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Maintaining high morale within a team is essential for productivity, job and client satisfaction, and overall success.
Effective Communication: Open and transparent communication is the foundation of a motivated team. Regularly update your team on the company’s goals, progress, and any changes. Encourage team members to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback. Actively listen to them, and ensure that they feel heard.
Set Clear Expectations: Ensure that your team knows their roles and responsibilities. Clearly define expectations and objectives for each team member. When people know what’s expected of them, it reduces uncertainty and boosts confidence.
Recognize and Reward: Recognize and celebrate your team’s achievements, both big and small. Recognizing their hard work and contributions through verbal praise or tangible rewards can significantly boost morale. It shows that their efforts are valued.
Foster a Positive Work Environment: Create a workplace that is welcoming, inclusive, and respectful. Encourage collaboration and teamwork, and address any conflicts promptly. A positive work culture goes a long way in keeping morale high.
Provide Growth Opportunities: Invest in your team’s professional development. Offer training, workshops, and opportunities for skill enhancement. When employees see that their growth is encouraged, they are more likely to stay motivated.
Empower and Trust: Delegate tasks and responsibilities, and trust your team to handle them. Micromanaging can be demoralizing. Empower your team to make decisions and take ownership of their work.
Work-Life Balance: Encourage a healthy work-life balance. Avoid overloading your team with excessive work or unrealistic deadlines. Consider flexible work arrangements when possible to help team members manage their personal and professional lives.
Lead by Example: As a leader, your behavior sets the tone for the team. Show dedication, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude. Your actions should align with the values and expectations you set for your team.
Provide Constructive Feedback: Regularly provide feedback that is constructive and specific. Acknowledge accomplishments and provide guidance on areas for improvement. This helps team members understand their progress and how to grow.
Promote Wellness: Consider wellness initiatives such as wellness programs, mental health support, and stress-reduction activities. A healthy team is a motivated team.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Be open to adapting your management style to meet the changing needs of your team. What motivates one person might not work for another, so being flexible in your approach is crucial.
Conflict Resolution: Address conflicts within the team promptly and fairly. Unresolved conflicts can have a significant negative impact on morale. Encourage open discussions and mediate when necessary.
Stay Connected: Keep in touch with your team and check in on their well-being and life outside of work. Understand the challenges they face, both professionally and personally. Showing that you care can make a big difference in morale.
Remember that maintaining high morale is an ongoing process. It’s about building a positive, supportive, and motivating work environment. When your team feels valued and motivated, they are more likely to be productive and committed to the success of your business.
Have you ever had to pivot?
In early 2020, like many other businesses, we faced a significant disruption to our normal operations. Our core services revolved around in-person home and office organization, which required close physical interaction with our clients. With the global pandemic and the resulting lockdowns, social distancing, and safety concerns, our traditional way of doing business became untenable.
The decision to pivot was not easy, but it was necessary for the survival and growth of our business. Here’s how we adapted:
Online Master Classes: We quickly recognized the need for people to declutter and organize their spaces at home, especially when they were spending more time indoors. We began offering online master classes called, “Luxury Closet Master Class” (These are not free and available on our Youtube). These classes allowed us to reach an audience at home and share our expertise from a distance.
Video Content: We embraced video as a powerful medium for engaging our audience. We started creating and sharing video content on platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. These videos included organization tips, success stories, and practical demonstrations of organizing techniques. Video content not only educated our audience but also made us more visible in the online space.
Social Media Engagement: With more people spending time on social media, we increased our social media presence. We posted regularly, interacted with our followers, and provided valuable content to help people stay organized during challenging times. Social media has become a vital channel for connecting with our audience.
Website Enhancements: We revamped our website to offer VIP access to resources, templates, and tools for DIY organizing. This made it easier for people to access our expertise and apply our methods independently.
The pivot to an online model was not without its challenges. It required us to learn new technologies, adapt our business model, and find innovative ways to engage with clients and audiences virtually. But the shift also brought several advantages, including the ability to reach a growing audience, diversify our revenue streams, and remain relevance in a changing world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.msplaced.com/
- Instagram: @msplacedorganizing
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msplacedorganizing/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msplacedproorganizing/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@msplacedorganizing?feature=shared
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ms-placed-professional-organizing-austin-2
- Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/msplacedorganizing/
Image Credits
julesj.co Photography