Today we’d like to introduce you to Mitzi Weinman.
Mitzi, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have had so many people say to me that I must have been born organized. Every time I hear that, I must laugh, because when I was growing up, my father put a sign on my bedroom door that read: Cleanliness is next to godliness; welcome to the gates of hell. Not only was my room disorganized but I was also a procrastinator. My procrastination caused me and my family a lot of stress. When I went off to college, suddenly, I had a fresh, clean start. I didn’t have a lot of stuff. I organized my dorm room and rethought my approach to schoolwork. For the first time, I felt organized, and it felt good! When I started TimeFinder in 1989, my vision was, and still is, to give my clients a fresh, clean start, just as I had when I went to college. I want them to feel the pleasure and relief that I felt in being organized and getting things done in a less stressful way.
After years of coaching clients, the managing partner of an accounting firm asked if I could do a workshop for his manages. I said, “Yes!” I’m not sure what drove me to say yes since I had no idea how to do a workshop. That yes changed the trajectory of TimeFinder, allowing me to offer workshops and coaching as well as becoming a professional speaker.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
. Starting a business is challenging. Early on, I would wake up in the middle of the night crying, not knowing if I would keep finding new clients. I did! During TimeFinder’s early years, I, like so many of us, faced a difficult time in my life. My mother had complications from a minor car accident that lead to a subdural hematoma and, subsequently, a severe brain bleed. At the same time, my boyfriend, Stu (who later became my husband), had his own tragedy. Stu’s dad was having a bone-marrow transplant at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. While my mom was in the ICU at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, Stu had to fly to Seattle to be with his dad and family because of complications from the transplant.
A few days after Stu arrived in Seattle, his father passed away. My mom remained in hospitals, rehabs, and skilled nursing facilities for the next two and a half years before she passed away.
I learned an awful lot during this time. I learned, as difficult as it was, that I needed to remain focused on my business while dealing with insurance, legal issues, and house matters for my mom and dad. I learned to be an advocate for my mom who, literally, didn’t have a voice.
I developed a stronger compassion for those who are facing life’s obstacles and are distracted during difficult times in their lives, but I wouldn’t let anyone pity me during that time, and I remain adamant that pity parties don’t help anyone—actions do!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about TimeFinder – what should we know?
TimeFinder evolves with the times. When I started there was no email, social media platforms or electric calendars. However, what is important to understand is that even with all the technology available to us, time is still the same and you can’t manage it. Through my work, I help people learn to “self-manage” by developing good habits & techniques to reduce stress which can result from procrastinating, feeling disorganized and overwhelmed and rushing to get done things done at work and/or at home. My philosophy is to keep things simple; plan a focused day, anticipate what you can, delegate thoughtfully and respect your time and other people’s time.
I am most proud when I see my clients become more relaxed at work, lead their teams thoughtfully and have a positive impact. Accomplish goals they never thought they would be able to accomplish. I love seeing my clients make breakthroughs in having productive days and being able to go home at the end of the day and be present in at home.
I’m not sure what sets me apart from others except that I am who I am. I care for my clients and want them to succeed. Often, I spend time with clients and non-clients on the phone and should bill for that time but don’t. I really want to help them see that if they do things a bit differently, they can find the success they are looking for.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mom was my first cheerleader and helped me get my first client. Now my husband and son are by my side as well as friends. I have had clients bring me into their companies when they’ve changed jobs; supporting my work. My mentors have been many entrepreneurs that I’ve met through the years.
The help I’ve received is invaluable. I’ve learned to listen better even when it was difficult to listen to what I was hearing. Learning to be open to what sometimes feels like criticism has been a challenge but I do it.
What this has done has helped me shape my vision for TimeFinder and to adapt to changing times.
Contact Info:
- Address: 55 Nichols Road, Needham, MA 02492
- Website: www.TimeFinder.net
- Phone: 781-444-3220
- Email: Mitzi@TimeFinder.net
- Instagram: Mitzi_TimeFinder
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeFinder-95794975844/
- Twitter: @TheTimeFinder
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timefinder/
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