We were lucky to catch up with Tabi Berkey (they/them) recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tabi, thanks for joining us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?
While furloughed in 2020, I had a chance to assess my strengths and weaknesses according to my perceptions, what supervisors and coworkers had reported, and what supervisors had written on performance reports. Once I had a list of the top qualities I was looking for in a job (and the qualities I wanted to stay away from), I started researching, eventually discovering home organizing. My partner and I were living about two hours away from each other at the time, and she and her two kids let me work with them on decluttering and organizing their home, while I deep decluttered my own home in preparation to move. I loved the process of helping creative people find their items when their creativity struck, and I wanted to test the market before I dove into a new career fully, so in the final months of 2021, my partner shared my post on her social media, and I was lucky enough to find my first few clients. Their and their families’ reactions to my assistance confirmed my career change, and I committed to becoming an LLC in January 2022. After that, word spread through local groups on social media, and the scary joy of the first client who wasn’t connected to family or friends was absolutely thrilling! That made the business feel even more real than filing the LLC paperwork did.
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?
I’m Tabi (they/them), and I’m the Owner/Operator of Organization Pending, a home organizing service available in Columbus, OH, and virtually. I assist clients with the decision making process behind routine decluttering, and determining the organization systems that create functional spaces for them and their families. Many clients enjoy the benefits of personalized tips and advice through in person Training Sessions or virtual Body Doubling, learning the steps of home organizing through a hands-on approach. Clients especially appreciate Organization Pending’s Community Recommendations page, where they can find local donation options, resources for recycling and disposing responsibly, and other recommendations for their homes and lives. Crafty clients also love knowing their decluttered supplies are going to support sustainable fashion education through Organization Pending’s partnership with Columbus Fashion Academy.
Organization Pending’s Kid Organization Sessions are gaining popularity as well over the past year, helping kids learn the steps and tips of decluttering and organizing their belongings for life-long skills. Often kids’ bedrooms quickly get messy because they represent multiple spaces in a home, incorporating all the functions of the bedroom, but possibly also: a playroom, an office/study, an entertainment area for friends, a craft area, and a reading nook. Changing interests can also cause clutter to accumulate, and older kids really benefit from a sentimental box for school awards or stuffed animals/toys they love, but don’t play with anymore (make sure to remove any batteries before storing!).
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Servant leadership was a core principle at one of my former library jobs – it was one of those things that when you learn about it, it’s an instant fit to what you’ve already been doing or feeling. Coming from a customer-forward background in libraries and retail, I understand how often people just need a little help from someone who can meet them where they are. Applying those principles to my business means really listening and exploring each client’s goals and needs within each room we’re working on, figuring out how each room functions within the home as a whole. It’s grabbing a tissue box when we find a sentimental item from a loved one who’s passed. It means honoring people’s time with clear hours, and making sure everyone’s on the same page with clear communication. It’s the attention to the details in client satisfaction that has led to over 70% of new clients finding Organization Pending through word of mouth.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Attention to customer satisfaction, and listening to client needs has led to over 70% of new clients finding Organization Pending through word of mouth, and has led me to add services according to client needs. In the past year, I added Maintenance Sessions and Maintenance Packages, making sure clients have the assistance they need long-term, at a reduced cost. Client-led growth makes sure the right people are finding me, and I’m offering the services they need most.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.organizationpending.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/organizationpending/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/organizationpending/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/organization-pending/
- Other: Better Business Bureau®: https://www.bbb.org/us/oh/columbus/profile/professional-organizer/organization-pending-llc-0302-70146013
LinkTree:
https://linktr.ee/organizationpending
