Coach: Kathi Burns
Founder: Organized and Energized
Focus: Organization Coaching
Introduction
I've always been comfortable with change - you could even say I thrive on it. Before becoming a board certified professional organizer, I had seven different careers, including being a licensed yacht captain and a travel writer. But it was during those long weeks at sea, sitting in the Gulf Stream watching satellites pass overhead, that I had my first real clarity about "stuff."
"I was thinking about things in my apartment, and none of it meant anything. I'd been on the sea for about five weeks at that point, and I didn't miss anything from my apartment. That's when I realized - it's not that substantial."
Living out of a suitcase as a travel writer for 42 weeks a year only reinforced this revelation. These experiences taught me something crucial: most people fear change, while I embrace it. That's when I realized I could help people transform their lives in a non-invasive way - by helping them change their space.
Starting With Just $49
Would you believe I started my organizing business with just $49 in my pocket? After going bankrupt post-9/11, I moved to California and had to get creative. Here's what I did:
- Printed two-up flyers on 8.5x11 paper
- Hole-punched them and added rubber bands
- Walked through expensive neighborhoods hanging them on doors
- Waited for the phone to ring
It wasn't glamorous, but it worked. Every day of door-hanging usually resulted in at least one phone call, which often turned into a client.
Building Credibility and Growing the Business
Early in my career, I made some strategic moves that really paid off:
- Became Board Certified: I was one of the first 78 board-certified organizers in the world
- Started Writing: Became a "Dear Kathy" columnist for a local newspaper group, writing 500 words weekly
- Published Books: Wrote multiple books that established me as an expert
- Got Media Exposure: Appeared on Good Morning America, Oprah, and in various magazines
Key Lessons Learned
1. Delegate Early
The biggest mistake I made was trying to do everything myself.
"I would be in tears trying to do tech. Now that I have a team behind me that's just ticking in the background, I'm doing what I really love to do - talk and create content."
2. Find Your True Avatar
After spending thousands on avatar research, I realized something important: your ideal client is often a reflection of yourself. For me, it's creative, successful women entrepreneurs who need help getting organized - because that's exactly who I am.
3. Go Deep, Not Wide
Don't try to be everywhere at once. Focus on mastering one platform or approach before expanding.
Creating Multiple Revenue Streams
Over time, I've developed various income sources:
- One-on-one organizing services
- Package deals (buy 20 hours, get 1 free)
- Online courses
- Books and content creation
- Speaking engagements
- Collaboration with other coaches' programs
Final Words of Wisdom
If you're thinking about starting your own coaching or organizing business, remember this:
"Every desire is a creative spark from source to you. If you really have the desire to do something, just honor it and follow through. Don't feel like you're not good enough. Don't feel like you don't know how to do it. It doesn't matter because that creative spark is there for you."
The key is to be intentional about what you're creating. You can either let things happen to you, or you can be the boss and create whatever you want to create. The choice is yours.
Want to learn more about organizing your life and business? Visit organizedandenergized.com for free trainings and resources to help you get started on your journey to an organized, energized life.
