Sally Ann and Tricia are two good sorts who run an organising service for your home and office.

Sally Ann tells how they sorted their business quicksmart with A Good Sort

Sally Ann, what was the idea that first got the ball rolling?
Over a game of tennis, we realised we both had a passion for organising and we were sure we could make this into a business.

What got you excited enough about the idea to put it into motion?
We organised a few friends studies and loved working together and realised we had a marketable service.
Tricia had a great idea that she came up with many years ago to organise the day-to-day paper work most busy families have. Together we worked on this idea and eventually the my.organiser was born.

Where did the name for your business spring from?
After many combinations of organising words, we wanted something (with two meanings and clever) to describe us and what we do.
We love the fact that it is very Australian.

How is A Good Sort original?
We offer free tips and organising ideas on our website, and we also have two retail organising products, my.organiser and my.mini.organiser.
We’re two down-to-earth Aussie mums who tell it as it is!

What was the most difficult part in getting your business off the ground?
We would say that we are still getting it off the ground. Growing our business is an ongoing battle!

Has any part of your business gone down a different path than you first anticipated?
We now have two retail products– the marketing of them has taken over from our hands-on organising jobs. Hours are spent marketing our products, when sometimes we would rather be organising homes.

What do you enjoy most about running your business?
Seeing the finished result of an organising job and how our clients are amazed and delighted. We also receive many emails from people who have purchased our organiser and how it has changed their life. They’re both very gratifying.

Do you belong to any networks that have helped you grow your business?
Yes, there are many out there and you need to choose what suits you. We’re part of Mums in Business and Business Women Unite and Australasian Association of Professional Organisers (AAPO). All these groups are invaluable when you need advice or assistance.

What are your future goals for A Good Sort?
Our future goals are to organise mums to the point where they have time for themselves and that every house in Australia has a my.organiser in their kitchen.

What advice would you give another woman wanting to start a business of her own?
Go for it, but working from home has its draw backs. It’s very hard to switch off work when it’s always there. Our number one tip is to find a network of women who you can bounce ideas off.