Don't wait for a job; make one! #1 -- Karelle Ahrens, the organization lady

Welcome to this, the first in a new series I’m presenting.

With the downturn in the economy, with the rise in unemployment, the news broadcasts ring with stories of hard times, desperation, foreclosures and hopelessness. Time to look beyond the media, to find optimism – this I believe.

In any group of people, no matter how dire the circumstances, there are those who do not sit and wait for salvation, but grab life and make their own destiny. We are not talking of Bill Gates, or Ford or those big time entrepreneurs who started with nothing and built an empire, stories of success that fly so high, they are beyond our comprehension, let alone our reach and provide us little inspiration beyond grist for daydreams. No, I want to present the everyday people around us, who instead of sitting back waiting for a job-offer and watching in horror while their unemployment benefits dwindle and castigating the governments for not doing something, instead, see a need, a niche and opportunity.

Today I am writing about an interesting woman I was fortunate to meet, and presenting her story in the hope her choices may inspire others to rethink their situations. And we are all in need of optimism these days.

I am also asking all of my readers, if they know of someone who deserves recognition for their independent spirit, for their self-reliance and their personal success (no matter how small) to introduce me via this wonderful technology. I would be happy to interview them long distance and showcase their stories as a message of hope to everyone.

Thank you and allow me to introduce my first such story:

“Organizational Consultant

For all your organizational needs!” -- Karelle’s business card

Karelle, pictured to the right, found herself unemployed in 2006 just as the economy started its rapid decline. Granted, she admits her unemployment was a personal choice, and based on changes in the management vision of her employer. Still, there she was in mid-life, needing an income and solely responsible to meet her financial commitments.

Then, she made another traumatic, personal choice to get divorced in early 2010. This change  made it even more difficult for her to make ends meet. She had hoped for some financial relief from unemployment, but being self-employed gave her no opportunity to collect any outside assistance. Therefore, she was in a position which forced her to either make it on her own or to lose everything. She chose to make it and to excel beyond her own expectations.

A serious natured and vibrant woman, articulate and intelligent, she spoke candidly about her history and current business prospects. We had lunch on my lanai -- pasta salad with Florida’s wonderful tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, fresh basil from my garden and parmesan washed down with a nice Merlot, for those of you interested in such details – while she answered my questions.

What does an organization consultant do?

“Organize things.” A laugh. “Whatever needs to be tackled.”

“My business is broken down into two main client types – commercial and private individuals. The commercial side would be primarily organizing small businesses who can’t afford office help, and find themselves working like mad but without the administrative side that keeps things on track, or tells them how much money their making, or if they’re making any. Many times businesses start up and the record keeping side is seen as unimportant, until it’s way out of control.”

I thought back to my time as an article in public accounting. Yes, I remembered the plumbers, farmers, electricians, store owners who walked in at year end with a big bag full of bits of paper – “Here” – and dump them on my desk. Even as an articling student, my time was billed out over $50 an hour…

“I don’t do the books – not my thing. I organize it for the accountant, and save them a lot of money. And this way, I met a number of public accountants, some of whom I ended up working for – organizing them, as well as their clients.”

“And on the private side: individuals who need help in getting and keeping organized. Computer files are a big one – not that I decide what should stay or go, but organize their files so they can find things without wasting half a day.’

I was about ready to hire her myself, on hearing this service, having outgrown my offsite backup storage twice now.

“I have clients who have me come in and balance their check-books, organize their bills, set up personal files. I go in once a week, or every two weeks for a couple of hours and keep them on top of things.” Another laugh. “I even organize closets.”

Now I definitely want to hire her.

"I also have one time clients -- people who want help organizing their households, or preparing to move in or out -- preparing the house for snowbirds who are returning for the season, making sure their house is ready, clean, fresh sheets on the bed, staples in the pantry -- whatever needs organizing."

What skills qualify you to be an organizational consultant, and where did you learn them?

“I worked for a large stock brokerage firm for over 11 years as a Service Associate and I also worked as the Operations Manager for about 5 years. I was responsible for a lot of different types of organizing and I also assisted the Financial Advisers with many aspects of their jobs. There was no shortage of work and I was always busy doing something or helping someone. I loved what I did and I really enjoyed working with the Clients.

You know, clients would come in with a box of statements, with no idea of where they stood or what was happening. I’d take half an hour while they were in with the broker, get a binder and organize their portfolios for them. By the time they came out, I’d go over their book with them, and they’d be happy. I loved organizing – and I learned I was good at it.” A big smile. “And I loved meeting the people, getting to know them and helping them. That was it – the people contact.”

Why did you choose to leave?

“With the downturn in the markets, my employer changed their business mandate, and we were instructed to ‘encourage’ small investors to take their business elsewhere. Well, I thought that a terrible way to treat long-term customers, and couldn’t live with it.

On top of that, I was emphatically informed I was not paid to do these organizations for the clients and to cease. They didn’t see it as an added benefit, a service but as a waste of resources. I lost the one thing I enjoyed the most.

I chose to follow my heart and go out on my own.”

Are you glad you made that choice?

“Every day. I don’t make near the money I did, but I’m a frugal person. I cover my mortgage, pay my bills, put gas in my car and eat. It’s enough.” Another laugh. “Not much more than that, but enough.

The one thing that I have realized in the past few years is that "Life is too short" and it is what we make of it that makes all the difference. I have learned to live in the moment and to embrace the moment. Each day is a new opportunity to be and to experience anything and everything that I want. It is a privilege and a pleasure to have the choice to enjoy who we are and what we do! So, that said, it is not about the money -- as it really is only money, isn't it."

These private clients, what demographics best describe them?“

I take on a lot of elderly people. Sometimes they’ve lost a spouse and are alone and needy. I do all kinds of things for them, keep their financial records straight, prescriptions in order, run errands, find the professionals they need, even keep their personal diaries up to date for appointments and such. Sometimes, I will go so far as to make sure they’re adequately protected with living wills, trusts, quit claim deeds and arrange other legal matters.

I am a notary, so I can witness for them, and I have the contacts they might need.

On the other side, single men make up a sizeable portion. They are too busy to organize their households -- or don’t know how.”

We share a laugh at the helplessness of men – no insult intended to those of you who do not fit this description.

“And Moms – they are so busy with jobs, chauffeuring the kids here and there, running back and forth all the time. Yes, I have Mom’s who need help and I organize for them, as well.”

We share some "run-ragged Mom" stories from our own histories.Then she adds an afterthought.

"Some Moms have suggested I might want to add student organization services to my roster. Helping those kids who are badly disorganized, assisting their growth from 'stuff everywhere, unable to find,to do,to hand in homework,' to teaching them how to organize. I'm giving that possibility some thought."

Tell me about your clientele
My Clientele base is very solid. I have a regular clientele base that I have worked with for at least a couple of years that are on either a weekly or an every other week basis. These clients are truly the root of my business. I am booked every week day and very often on a Saturday.

But, I am always accepting new clients and am always somehow able to accommodate them as necessary. I also have clients that are in need of my services on a "once-in-a-while" basis. And, I have many one-timers that I hope will enjoy and appreciate my work and will become regular clients at some point in the future.

My clients and I have a great rapport and the main source of my business comes from their referrals. That, to me, is the greatest compliment to me and my business!"

What is the cost of your services?

For the first time she hesitates before giving me an answer. “Negotiable. Yes, I have a standard hourly rate, but I’m willing to take personal circumstances and need into account. And I’m flexible – I’ll low-ball to get in the door. What’s to be gained from saying that’s my rate, take it or leave it? Better to get the job, do the job and if nothing else, get the reference. Some income is always better than none.”

Do you plan for growth?

"I hope for it. Right now I am very busy, but I am always striving for growth in every aspect of my life. I do not personally do well with being stagnant because it then becomes boring and monotonous for me. I enjoy the flexibility and diversity that my business and my abilities provide. I don't try to be all things for all people, but I do try to remain open to possibilities and I see the potential for myself and my future in that belief. In a lot of ways, I am what is considered a "Handywoman" and I enjoy providing a variety of professional services that involve both inside the home and outside the home type of work. Opening up my parameters and offering more services seems to have opened up a much greater and far better opportunity for growth for me and my business.

One area I hope to increase is the assistance to snow-birds, who are in residence only part of the year, but need someone to organize the needs of their homes while they’re away. But there are already some fairly big companies in that field. Still – I see a niche for those people who want a more personal service, from someone they can get to know and trust. I see potential.”

Will you take on help from others, bring them into the business?

“I’ve had a few people tell me to call them when I’m big enough to give them a job.”

And this led into a conversation of those who sit and wait for a job, and why won’t they take the opportunity to make one? Why would these persons wait for Karelle to build up her business; wait for her to give them a job, instead of coming on board and helping her build it, learning from her and building clientele of their own under her guidance? Hence, the title of this series.

What does it take to go out on your own and succeed?"

Belief in yourself," Karelle says. "Believe it can be, and you can make it happen. Expect success and act as though it is already yours. And patience."

After a moment, she adds, "And you must be having fun! If you're not having fun, and it becomes tedious work, you'll never succeed."

Are you willing to talk to others out there who may want to ask your advice in starting such an enterprise in their own area?

"Yes"

Thank you, Karelle, for sharing your story with us.