The Association of Relocation Professionals

The Member Column - June 2007
Julia Baldwin - Principal Relocation

July 2004 – What did I think in those early days as I launched myself into the Relocation arena of a somewhat sleepy region of the UK? Let face it East Anglia’s not nationally renowned for its high density of population or commercial enterprises, although those of us who live here can vouch for its many wonderful hidden attributes.  An ex- HR and IT Project Manager I strode out armed with personal and corporate relocation experience, plenty of self-motivation, practical resourcefulness, enthusiasm and a desire to provide a service that linked the individual into the community and positively enriched their both lives and relocation experiences.  A modern day Genus - the roman god who guides the individual through their path of life – C-genie (now Principal Relocation) was born.
 
It didn’t take me long to realise being a modern-day Roman guide wasn’t all togas & grapes, multi-skilled and multi-tasking was an absolute must when faced with those multiplying bills; but not a problem, not a wall-flower and not one to sit down when action is needed I began canvassing and promoting my business.  There’s no need to feel alone when you are starting out as there’s plenty of support via government and local business support groups, network groups, on-line groups, utilising and growing your contacts and of course the ARP! Couple that with sheer tenacity and you can make a go of anything.
 
They say life is one big lesson, and boy do I love this learning.  I could hold a master class on juggling hats.  I found out early on that the roman head wreath really wasn’t very useful, but those for sales, marketing, web-designer, comms expert, accounts, customer service, service delivery, researcher, and negotiator are now interchanged frequently.  C-genie has grown in the past 3 years and was recently re-branded as Principal Relocation.  Last year my efforts were recognised with a Daily Mail four star award for the Best Property Finder in Suffolk.  The business is continuing its growth in a vastly and increasingly competitive market where new Relocation Agents join the ranks daily.
 
Reflection is an important part of refining and improving service delivery and I have learned to be prepared and not surprised by anything.  I clearly remember some of my first relocatees; the delightful Swedish family that avidly watched Channel 4 cable reruns of Relocation, Relocation and were expecting a Kirsty Allsopp look-a-like.  I wish!  I think I was a mild disappointment to the husband who most obviously harboured fantasies regarding the lovely Kirsty, but wife and children were so obviously pleased with the extra support and help and their new home pushed the right buttons, I believe I was forgiven for not being Ms Allsopp herself.
 
And then there’s car sickness.  Come on we’ve all encountered it.  Small children, distracted parents, needless to say I no longer put my new handbag behind the driver’s seat.  Children’s books, toys, snacks (non-sticky and healthy of course), 4 umbrellas (well we do live in the UK), water supplies and wet wipes a-plenty are stuffed in the boot of MY car.
 
It’s a satisfying life working in Relocation, of course it’s all about the people. If you’re not afraid of hard work, long hours and can be flexible enough to accommodate ever changing requirements you’ll find that at the end of most days you have a smile on your face.
 
Julia Baldwin, Principal Relocation
www.principalrelocation.co.uk