Sherri Curley started The Practical Sort, a small Eco-organizing business putting her coordination skills to work.
Origin Story: Sherri Curley does not call herself an “empty nester,” she prefers “free bird,” shedding the negative and hollow connotations of her children leaving the nest. She asked herself, “what does that look like?” Jackie’s Better, Smarter, Richer class appeared on her computer screen (“as if Jackie communicated through the universe to me,” she adds).
Sherri was not sure what she was going to do. Jackie asked her what she was good at. With a long history of helping individuals and non-profits find and restore order, an organizing business seemed like a natural conclusion. The Practical Sort Eco-Organizing Solutions was created.
Sherri offers organizing services using an eco-friendly paradigm drawing upon her previous work at the US Environmental Protection Agency. Busy women can feel overwhelmed and scattered by the disorganization cluttering their living spaces. Most of her clients have little time, desire, or ability to get their personal spaces sorted. The Practical Sort helps them rediscover productivity and the comforts of their homes by gaining control and transforming their surroundings. She encourages reducing what people bring into their homes. She then encourages releasing what they no longer need or want in a way that is kind to the environment.
Journey of re-creation, re-imagination: Sherri writes, “As my business has evolved, I have added engaging with realtors to assist their clients with pre-sale home prep and project management services. For example, if a client is too busy or has difficulty getting their home market-ready, I give them a hand. I help by researching, scheduling and confirming handiwork contractors, painters, carpet installers, stagers, gutter cleaners, etc. I also liaison between the contractors and realtors to ensure the projects are completed thoroughly.”
She recently teamed up with one of Portland Metro area’s premier home cleaning services, Executive Choice Cleaning and Staging Spaces PDX. This paring “will offer a one-stop shopping experiences for relocating clients.”
What’s working now? Sherri has been trying different approaches to reach potential clients. Referrals from past clients and realtors have been most lucrative. Real Estate Open House networking events, realtor broker meetings, and SBDC gatherings have been effective as well.
Take Away: “I am currently enrolled in an intensive non-traditional business training curriculum. We devote considerable time exploring ourselves, our personal roadblocks, and ways to push through them.” She adds, “Keeping an open mind as to where the journey is taking me is key.”
For more information about The Practical Sort or to schedule a free phone consultation, please visit www.ThePracticalSort.com or contact sherri@ThePracticalSort.com.
To take Jackie’s Better, Smarter Richer class or buy the work book, visit the Products links on this web site.
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