We’d like to introduce you to Melanie Summers, the CEO and founder of her own home organization company. Melanie is a busy mom who found her passion in helping others realize the transformative power of organization. Here is Melanie’s story of how she started as a professional organizer, what challenges she met in growing a new company, and much more!
Meet Melanie Summers
I’m Melanie Summers, the CEO and founder of I Speak Organized, a leading home organization company based in Washington state. As a busy mom and entrepreneur, I understand the challenges of juggling multiple responsibilities and the mental toll a cluttered environment can take.
My services cater to busy moms, entrepreneurs, seniors, and individuals with ADHD, offering expert home organizing tips and strategies. Over the years, I’ve expanded to include online courses on home organization, productivity coaching, and public speaking engagements, all aimed at empowering my clients to conquer clutter and live purposefully.
I share home organizing business insights and tips with hundreds of thousands of viewers on my YouTube channel and through my podcast, The Speak Organized Podcast, where I interview professional home organizers from around the world.
Melanie’s Inspiration
My journey into this industry began when I helped a friend’s mom sort through her belongings after a health crisis. Witnessing the relief and clarity that came from organizing her space was a profound experience for me. It was then that I realized the transformative power of organization and decided to start I Speak Organized.
Early Challenges for I Speak Organized
When I first started I Speak Organized, one of the biggest challenges I faced was building credibility and trust in a market saturated with organizing experts. To overcome this, I focused on creating high-quality content that showcased my expertise and genuine passion for helping others. Sharing practical organizing tips on my YouTube channel and blog gradually built a loyal audience.
Another significant challenge was trying to do everything on my own, from marketing and client acquisition to financial management. This approach quickly became overwhelming and limited my growth. I realized the importance of investing in professional development, training, and coaching. Attending business workshops and seeking mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs helped me develop a well-rounded skill set and grow my business more strategically.
Balancing my responsibilities as a mom and entrepreneur was also tough. Learning the art of time management and prioritizing self-care allowed me to maintain a healthy work-life balance and stay focused on my goals.
How Melanie Grew I Speak Organized
In the early days of I Speak Organized, my marketing strategy was heavily focused on content creation and leveraging social media platforms. I shared valuable organizing tips and insights on my YouTube channel and blog, which helped build a loyal audience and establish my credibility. Over time, I expanded my marketing efforts to include email campaigns, collaborations with other businesses, and public speaking engagements.
As my business grew, I realized the importance of diversifying my marketing channels. I began investing in targeted ads, SEO optimization, and creating online courses to reach a broader audience. One of my most successful courses, “From Overlooked to Overbooked: Mastering the Art of Client Acquisition,” offers a deep dive into proven client acquisition strategies, smart marketing techniques, and effective networking methods. You can find more details about the course here: melaniesummerscoaching.com/overbooked.
For new businesses, my top advice is to focus on two key areas: providing exceptional value and building genuine relationships. First, create content that truly helps your audience solve their problems—this establishes you as an authority and builds trust. Second, engage with your audience personally. Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and show that you care about their success. These simple yet profound steps can quickly set you apart and create loyal followers.
To get good reviews and word-of-mouth referrals, we like to ask for reviews right before the last session when the project has really come together. This timing allows us to capture clients’ excitement and satisfaction with their newly organized space. We also send a couple of automated text reminders to ensure they follow through. Additionally, offering incentives for referrals, such as free gifts or gift cards as a thank you token, can help boost word-of-mouth marketing.
Melanie’s Top Three Pieces of Advice
Starting a business in the home organizing industry can be incredibly rewarding, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Here are my top three pieces of advice for newcomers:
- Don’t try to do everything yourself. One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was trying to handle every aspect of my business on my own. Invest in coaching, mentorship, and training. Stop trying to reinvent the wheel and instead learn from those who have proven strategies. This approach not only saves you time and energy but also helps you avoid burnout by keeping you out of the weeds and focused on growth.
- Do your market research and choose a target client demographic. This is where the money is made. Study the needs of your ideal client, understand what they struggle with, and tailor your services to solve their problems. When you nail this, your marketing and website almost write themselves, and SEO becomes much more straightforward. Knowing your target audience inside and out allows you to create compelling content and services that resonate deeply with them.
- Get your pricing right. There is a significant difference between providing a service for money and running a sustainable business. Do your research and stop charging rock-bottom rates that devalue the industry and your hard work. Price competitively to build a sustainable business that allows you to help more people in your community and provide financial stability for you and your family. Your financial goals should be crystal clear from day one, enabling you to make informed decisions that foster long-term growth.
Melanie’s Favorite Processes and Tools
When starting a home organizing business, having the right processes and tools in place from the get-go is crucial for efficiency and growth. Here are my top recommendations:
- Project 2 Payment’s payment processing software: One of the first tools I recommend is Project 2 Payment. It’s a game-changer for managing transactions smoothly and securely. This software not only simplifies payment collection but also helps you keep track of your financials effortlessly. Having a reliable payment processing system in place ensures you get paid on time and can focus on delivering exceptional service to your clients.
- A professional website: Your website is your digital storefront and often the first impression potential clients will have of your business. Make sure your website is professional, easy to navigate, and clearly communicates your services and value proposition. Invest in good SEO practices to ensure your site ranks well in search engines. Your website should also include a blog where you can share valuable content and establish yourself as an authority in the home organizing industry.
- A solid onboarding process: A streamlined onboarding process is essential for setting the tone with new clients and ensuring a smooth start to your working relationship. I highly recommend having a structured onboarding process that includes clear communication, setting expectations, and gathering necessary information. To make this easier, I offer a Pro Organizer Forms Pack that includes all the essential forms you need to get started. These forms help you stay organized and professional from the very beginning, making a great impression on your clients.
Home Organizing Industry Trends
The home organizing industry is always changing, and there are a few exciting trends on the horizon. More people are looking for virtual services, so offering online consultations and courses is a great way to stay ahead. Clients are also becoming more eco-conscious, so incorporating sustainable practices can really set you apart. Lastly, everyone loves a personal touch, so customizing your services to fit each client’s unique needs will make a big difference. By keeping up with these trends, you can continue to provide amazing value and stand out in the market.
What Keeps Melanie and I Speak Organized Going
The most rewarding part of running my own business has been witnessing the transformative impact it has on my clients’ lives. There’s nothing quite like the moment when a client walks into their newly organized space and you see the relief and joy on their face. Sometimes, our clients are so overwhelmed with gratitude that they cry tears of relief, and we often find ourselves crying with them and sharing lots of hugs. It’s incredibly encouraging to know that my work helps people reduce stress, increase productivity, and create a more harmonious home environment.
On a personal level, the flexibility of running my own business allows me to make my own schedule, ensuring I don’t miss the precious moments of childhood while my two little girls are still young. I even have the opportunity to homeschool my girls, thanks to business scaling techniques that allow me to work from home. The positive feedback and heartfelt testimonials from clients continually remind me why I started this journey and keep me motivated to keep growing and improving.
Connect with Melanie Summers, I Speak Organized
You can find me and all my resources at I Speak Organized. I offer a variety of content, classes, and coaching services designed to help you conquer clutter and live purposefully. My YouTube channel is packed with practical organizing tips and insights, and my podcast, The Speak Organized Podcast, features interviews with professional home organizers from around the world.
For those looking to dive deeper, I offer online courses like “From Overlooked to Overbooked: Mastering the Art of Client Acquisition,” along with 1:1 business coaching sessions to help you grow your home organizing business. You can check out all my digital offers, including the Pro Organizer Forms Pack, at ispeakorganized.com/courses.
Stay connected with me on social media for daily tips, inspiration, and updates:
🌐 Website: www.ispeakorganized.com
📺 YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@ispeakorganized
🎙️ Podcast: The Speak Organized Podcast melanieb8.podbean.com
📸 Instagram: @ispeakorganized
📘 Facebook: @ispeakorganized
Let’s work together to create spaces that support and inspire you every day.
