RightSized Living
Starting her small business was a challenging journey for
Jennifer Baker, owner and founder of RightSized
Living. She aimed to transform her experience as a senior
move manager into a business that embodied the belief that "there is
no greater reward than serving others." Entering a new market,
Jennifer had to convince potential clients of her unique value
proposition. With no initial funding beyond her savings, every
decision was critical. Jennifer also faced a strong local competitor
with an established customer base. Despite these hurdles, Jennifer
knew building a robust partner network was essential. She tirelessly
attended networking events, contacted industry contacts, and
leveraged social media to connect with potential partners and
clients. Her perseverance and strategic efforts gradually paid off,
allowing her to carve out a niche in the market and surpass her
competitors within a year.
The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center began by helping Jennifer identify key partners that were essential for her success and aligned with her vision. This network expanded her reach, resources, and client referrals. The SBDC also assisted in developing her marketing materials, ensuring a clear and compelling brand message through professional brochures, a user-friendly website, and an effective social media strategy. Recognizing the importance of a strong team, the Massachusetts SBDC coached Jennifer on hiring employees and providing insights on selecting candidates who fit her company culture. This support was invaluable as she transitioned from a solo entrepreneur to a team leader. A significant shift occurred when the Massachusetts SBDC helped Jennifer work on her business rather than in it. The MSBDC business advisor taught Jennifer to delegate tasks and focus on strategic planning, enabling her to scale operations more effectively. Additionally, the advisor helped Jennifer establish better accounting practices by introducing her to accounting software and training her in financial management. This comprehensive support empowered Jennifer to overcome initial challenges and set her business toward to sustainable growth.
In a remarkably short period, Jennifer has successfully positioned her company as the preferred Senior Move service for a multitude of senior living facilities. Her dedication and strategic vision have been instrumental in this rapid ascent. Under Jennifer's leadership, the company has grown significantly, now boasting a team of 16 highly skilled employees. This expansion has allowed them to handle a full schedule of moves, often booked several months in advance, reflecting the high demand for their exceptional services. Jennifer's commitment to excellence extends beyond just moving services. She has meticulously built a powerful network of partners, including real estate agents, downsizing experts, and other professionals. This network enables her team to offer comprehensive solutions that address every aspect of the moving process. Their approach is characterized by unparalleled professionalism, ensuring that every move is done with precision and care. Moreover, Jennifer and her team are known for their genuine compassion towards seniors during what can often be a challenging transition.
Through Jennifer's visionary leadership and unwavering
dedication, she has not only expanded her business but also set a
new standard in the industry for quality and empathy in senior
relocation services. The Massachusetts SBDC - Western Region team continues to work
with Jennifer to help further improve operations and financial
tracking.
"The Massachusetts SBDC has been instrumental in my success, offering more than just business advice—it's been a partner in my journey. My advisor consistently provided clear, actionable answers to my questions about marketing strategies, building a team, financial planning, and even overcoming roadblocks like creating the right materials to represent my business. I am incredibly grateful for the expertise, encouragement, and clarity that I've gained through my experiences with my SBDC business advisor. The positive impact on my company, my employees, and my confidence as a business owner cannot be overstated. I highly recommend this organization to anyone considering starting a business or any business owner that is navigating growth and/ or changes to their existing business." ~ Jennifer Baker
