Stay-at-Home moms are so very busy. There is so much to do in a wonderful city like Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs Stay-at-Home moms try to take advantage of all there is to offer no matter the season. The result of staying active and keeping up with our children is often running out of time to get everything done that needs to get done.
There are times Colorado Springs Stay-at-Home moms could use some help…whether it’s with day to day errands or planning a big event. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a business that was created to fill that exact need? There is – it’s called On the Go Concierge and it was created by Lori Clinton.
Lori, tell us about yourself.
I have a family of 5: Mom (me), Bill Clinton (adoring hubby), Hunter Clinton (14 year old loving and wonderful son), Daisy (the crazy beagle, but we love her!), and Patty ( the sweetest cat ever!). As you can see, the girls clearly outnumber the boys so us girls rock the house! I come from an Accounting and Human Resource background with 20 years of experience and no gray hairs to prove it. I have always worked for large corporations up until 2007. I was laid off and realized it was a good thing (of course after being totally devastated).
It was then I decided to combine many things I love to do. I love to shop, organize, run errands and assist people so I combined that into one great package…a concierge business. In 2008 I started On the Go Concierge and have not looked back.
Tell us about your business.
Things do not get any better than On the Go Concierge (OTGC)! I have created a smooth running business that can do anything from picking up your weekly groceries to making sure that every last detail of your wedding is taken care of for your big day. I owe it all to the many business and personal organizing skills that I have learned throughout my life and career. Managing your time is huge and OTGC makes sure that we do that for us as well as you. I have several small businesses that I do virtual/personal assistant work for. I manage their calendars and schedule to make sure they are on track and I free them up to actually ‘do business’ which leads them to making more money. That in turn more than pays for my services.
OTGC loves its clients and makes customer service its top priority. We make sure we do it right the first time so there is no wasting time on a second time.
What has been your biggest challenge so far?
The biggest challenge for me was my first year of business. Things did not just happen overnight. They came with trial and error…which I think is part of owning a business. You just have to make sure that you DO learn from those errors and make sure not to repeat them…it can cost you your business.
What has come the easiest for you?
The clients and work. I love working with people, so of course, that was the easiest!
Where do you advertise…or do you?
The only advertising that I have done and do is leaving pet sitting postcards at vet offices for their clients, posting my business information online on various free listings, Facebook, Twitter and of course, networking. Most of my business has come from networking, referrals, Facebook and Twitter. I work within my inner circle that branches out to others. It’s the only way to go for my business! That was one of my major trial and errors the first year.
What would you like to suggest to a mom who is interested in starting her own business?
If the business you are starting can allow you to keep your full/part time job, I would suggest keeping that the first year or until your business starts making money. That way you can get well established and still have a little more income coming in. Also do your homework and do not get discouraged!
Many thanks to Lori Clinton for sharing the story about her very creative business ideas, her successes and challenges as well as her advice for moms who may be interested in starting her own business?
Julianne Alvarez-Wish is a military wife, mother, business owner, professional writer, blogger and legislative advocate. She is the Director of Communications for Our Milk Money, the Colorado State Leader for the National Association for Moms in Business and the owner of Buy By Mom and Buy By Mom Blog. She is the Colorado Springs Stay-at-Home Mom Examiner for Examiner.com. She also blogs at A Wishful Thought. Her passion, purpose and goal is to help parents work from home so they can be home with their children.
A Wishful Thought 
