A MyHome Premium Home Services business has proved a catalyst for Josie Kelly who spotted a brilliant way to shape a new life for herself back in 2011.

“I had worked in marketing and events in multi-national firms. I was going through some personal life changes and wanted a fresh start and more flexibility,” she explains.

“My introduction to MyHome was as a customer. I remember being impressed by the branding and that even in the GFC the business seemed to be doing well.”

Josie says she hadn’t considered the concept of premium home services as a business opportunity but she was blown over by the apparently recession-proof and highly-professional business model.

Resilient and robust business model

And it’s certainly proved to be resilient in the face of challenging economic times.

“Financially it’s been fantastic. Even now, with the economic challenges people are facing, our business is going really well. We’ve seen very little drop off. Sometimes in tough periods customers are overworked and time poor and are happy to outsource more of the home tasks.”

Today Josie has a staff of eight, split into four teams of two, who provide premium home services to more than 130 clients.

“The MyHome team model is an efficient use of staff. We allocate tasks per team member which makes it a lighter load, and that makes it clearer and easier. It’s more fun for them; they can chat while they work and they develop a real team spirit.”

Josie is enjoying the work-life balance and financial benefits her MyHome management franchise delivers; she directs the business from a small but well-equipped home office, so there are very few overheads.

“I’m also on the road a few times to meet clients, and see how the staff are going. I am managing teams, and customers. 

Customer care

“Talking to our clients and managing their expectations is really important. We are not hands for hire. We give time back to people, and we have an exceptional, tried-and-tested Tri-colour process that minimises cross-contamination. All the products we use are tested. This is a professional, thorough and efficient process.

Josie ensures compliance through on the job training, regular updates, feedback from staff and customers.  

“We ring around regularly to check on our service delivery and to see if we can improve. Our customers appreciate that level of care.

“It’s a mutual trust. Our teams have to manage home security, handle keys and alarm systems, and ensure gates are closed to protect pets. We take our jobs very seriously.”

The formula works

Now well-established and enjoying the work-life balance she so craved, Josie reflects on the early days of building the business, and the challenges she faced.

“I come from a brand and marketing background so sales is not my strength. But I could see it was an important skill for a business owner so I followed the MyHome manuals. These were really helpful, any questions I had were answered.

“The business model is easy to follow, and if you stick to the formula, it works. The success is in the system.”

Once Josie started to win custom it didn’t take long for word of mouth to bring her more business; customers referred her to their relatives and neighbours.

Josie said the head office team provided, and continues to provide, lots of moral support, encouraging her endeavours. 

MyHome delivers a work-life balance

Working five days a week to establish the business has paid off. Now Josie can operate her business in four days, from 8.30 am to about 3pm.

“I meet with my teams first thing, and stay in touch with them throughout the day. If there are keys to put in the safe or things to review we will meet up at the end of the day too. In between, I have time to replenish supplies and allocate the next day’s jobs.”

Josie knows she can ramp up the business if she wants to take it to the next level. However, personal time is precious, and Josie is making the most of one of the key business benefits.

“This MyHome management franchise has given me the work life balance I was seeking. It has given me the opportunity to decide how I want to manage my time. I have a beach house on Philip Island so I go down there on Friday and stay through to Monday night. I walk a lot; I love it. 

“It is fantastic to have the freedom to manage your own time. I set my goals, and I know I will achieve them. 

“If you’re looking at your goals, and how long you will do it for, it’s important it isn’t a novelty because that’s too risky. For anyone who wants something that already has points on the board, well, MyHome has been going so well for so long, it’s a brilliant option.”

You can hear more from Josie in this short video.

If the sound of running a business like Josie’s appeals to you, it’s time to talk to MyHome Premium Home Services to find out more.