florandorder

Name: Christie Flora
Position: Owner
Website: www.florandorder.com
Location: Moonee Ponds, Vic, Australia

Christie helps people gain control of their time so that they live and work towards their values and goals. By the end of working with her, people feel fulfilled at the end of the day.

What products/services do you offer?

I offer coaching services that help clients unpick unhelpful time habits and facilitate them in finding systems and habits that work for them so that they make the most of their days.

Why did you start your business and how long have you been running it?

My business started as a hobby blog in 2015. I’ve always loved life hacks, efficiency and organising, so I blogged about what I was trying out and learning. Blogging led to working with amazing clients and from those experiences, I saw the value that being organised and having direction in how you spend your time changes lives.

What struggles do you think most businesses face in your industry and what would you say they need to do to overcome them?

I think awareness is the biggest thing facing my industry. Before I niched into Productivity, whenever I said I was a Professional Organiser people were still unsure as to what it was. I think that’s slowly changing (Marie Kondo definitely helped there!) but people are still unaware that you can hire help in this area.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment is still standing! ha! I always had in the back of my mind that many businesses fail after 3 years so I had in mind that I needed to get over that hump.

What has been your biggest ‘fail’ so far?

Tricky! Nothing leaps out but I also see fails as just learning, or an opportunity that turns you in another direction.

What do you love most about your business?

I love that it offers me flexibility, ability to be creative, ability to provide service, and financial support.

What do you find most challenging?

It’s catch 22 – I love being my own boss, and luckily I’m quite self-motivated and disciplined, but I also find it challenging to have to always be the driving force. Which is where good planning and systems come into place as I can often just fall back on them and feel as though a ‘manager’ is directing me.

How do you promote your business (please include as many details as you can)?

I promote my business through blog posts, my newsletter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, doing videos, and 1:1 networking.

What business skills do you have (eg. graphic design, customer service)?

Prior to running my business, I was in the Public Service, so I have transferable skills from there such as administration and customer service skills.

What software did you/your designer use to create your website (eg. WordPress, Wix)?

WordPress. It’s where I’d started my blog and then my designer was able to upgrade it to a more complex site.

What are some of your favourite business tools and apps?

I love Xero, Trello and Asana. But my ultimate tool is Google Calendar. I love it and would be lost without it!

What do you like about your website and what’s not working for you?

I revamped my website at the beginning of the year and love it! When a website reflects who you and your business is, everything flows better. I’m proud to direct people to check out my site now whereas before I felt that it wasn’t ‘ready’ yet.

What lessons have you learnt during your time as an entrepreneur?

The most surprising thing that I quickly discovered about being an entrepreneur is that it’s the ultimate self-development training ground. I’ve stepped out and stretched my comfort zone so much that it’s unrecognisable from where I originally began. I find that extraordinary and I also feel very lucky to be ‘paid’ to work on myself.

What key tips for success in business would you like to share with others?

Consistency is key. Keep going and keep trying. Get good habits and routines in place that support the marketing and development of your business. Ask for help – create a team that supports you and wants the best for you, for me that’s my Business Coach, my sister (also my web designer and graphic designer), and my network of other small business owners.

What is the one thing that you want everyone to take away from this post?

Give things a try, follow what feels good. I would never have known that starting a hobby blog would lead me to where I am today. And I’m very glad it did!