Welcome to the Business Journal Archives
Search for articles below, or continue to the all new BusinessJournalDaily.com now.
Search
Youngstown Company Organizes So You Can Get Organized
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Debra A. Bish is really organized -- so much so that she recently organized a new business to help working men and women get organized.A former senior executive at a local bank and the mother of two small children, Bish has launched Organized A to Z, a direct sales company that also conducts seminars to teach busy professionals how to get their homes and lives organized."We have received nothing but positive feedback about the concept and the quality products that we feature," Bish said. "In fact, we are working on developing some of our own products, because we're seeing needs that aren't met by the available products out there."When Bish was working full-time for the bank (she left her position five weeks ago to launch the new company), she realized the only way she could accomplish her goals and still have free time was to keep focused and stay organized. Friends and family kept telling her how good she was at juggling responsibilities and staying organized, she said. So she decided to put her skills to use and teach others the organizational skills she believes anyone can learn. The concept is not just to provide clients with carefully selected organizational products, but also to provide the skills and knowledge in getting and staying organized, ultimately saving time and money."As I was researching the booming 'organization industry,' two things struck me," Bish related. "First, there are some great organizational products, but it was impossible to get the best products through one source. Wading through all the companies, catalogs, Web sites and magazines would be too time-consuming for the average person to tackle -- there needed to be simplicity, or organization would never happen. Second, once you did find products you liked, you might not be sure how to use them.Bish's business -- which is based in her home -- competes with companies that charge clients fees for organizing home or office spaces, and sell them proprietary products. "I wasn't seeing any avenues for those who wanted to work within their own preferences and budget, and learn how to use new products and ideas to get and stay organized," she said."That's where Organized A to Z fits in. We offer a large variety of products to meet clients' specific needs and the different areas of the home. During the workshop, we jump right in and help clients organize a trouble spot while teaching them how to use organizing principles that can be applied to other areas," Bish said. Clients can choose from one-hour workshops on organizing their kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, lifestyle or space savers. "The first 15 to 20 minutes is really the nuts and bolts on how to get and stay organized," Bish said. "We offer tips that clients and guests can start using immediately to make their lives a little easier and more organized." In addition to the how-tos of getting organized, workshop attendees receive a catalog detailing 150 of the newest products on the market. "Our products are so versatile that we provide clients with four or five different ways to use them according to their needs and preferences," Bush said.Organized A to Z is a direct sales company in that it relies on clients to invite company representatives, known as facilitators, into their homes along with their guests -- friends and family. Products are directly ordered through the facilitator.Unlike other direct-sales businesses, Bish's company does not compensate the sponsors (individuals hosting the party or workshop in their homes) based on the amount of product the sponsor's guests purchase. "With Organized A to Z, our sponsors get a set amount of free merchandise just for inviting us into their homes. That way, there is no pressure for their guests to make a purchase"The other aspect that differentiates Organized A to Z from other direct sales companies is that the facilitators who conduct the in-home workshops are employees of Bish's company, not independent contractors, she said.Citing information provided by the Direct Sales Association, Bish said most direct-sales independent contractors spend only 40% of their time selling their products, and 60% on administrative tasks. Organized A to Z employee facilitators are not required to schedule workshops or market their products. Instead, those tasks are handled centrally, Bish said, which is a significant benefit to individuals looking to make extra money while working less than 10 hours a week.For more information on hosting an Organized A to Z workshop or employment opportunities, contact Debra Bish at 330-716-2297."