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About Elke Keely

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]ith fifteen years experience, Elke brings a wealth of marketing and communications experience, working with numerous world-class brands including Yahoo!7, Microsoft, Samsung and Coca Cola. As Co-Founder of UrbanOutsource, Elke is responsible for the strategic planning, operations and execution of the business revenue channels.

Connect

Web: www.urbanoutsource.com.au

Email: [email protected]

Ph: +612 81999439

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About UrbanOutsource

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[dropcap]U[/dropcap]rbanOutsource is changing the way people buy services online. An on-demand quote and booking platform, UrbanOutsource takes the hassle out of sourcing trusted, experienced service professionals. Providing upfront pricing and access to fully vetted service professionals for common household services, such as cleaning, gardening and handyman. Simply tell us what you need done, confirm your booking and payment details, then instantly book a service for a time suitable to your schedule. Too easy!

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Q & A with Elke Keeley

What’s the story behind your business?

UrbanOutsource was created through pure frustration by co-founders, Noga Edelstein and Elke Keeley, as they juggled career, family, and life’s many commitments but struggled to find reliable household help. Both working in senior executive roles at Yahoo!7, neither had time to scroll through endless customer reviews or wait around for someone to quote, they just wanted a hassle-free way to source an experienced provider, and one that they could trust.

From this experience, UrbanOutsource – the “Uber of home services”, was born! For years we’ve been able to buy quality goods conveniently online, and now with the UrbanOutsource on-demand quote, booking and payment platform, making an appointment to fix a broken door or spring clean your home, is as easy as ordering shoes from Amazon. Fully verified, experienced cleaners, gardeners and handyman are instantly booked online, anytime, and all from the comfort of your lounge, or while on the train, or even between meetings – via your laptop or mobile device. The actual price is provided upfront, and payment is made via your credit card on file.

UrbanOutsource is a two-sided marketplace, and when we started talking to local businesses, we repeatedly heard frustrated stories of money wasted on search engine marketing and pay-per-lead fees, as well as wasted hours invoicing and chasing bad debts. We knew there had to be an easier way for small business. Once accepted into the UrbanOutsource network, there are no upfront costs, and our service pros only pay a commission on jobs actually performed. In addition, because customers pay securely online, our service pros can get on with doing what they do best – providing great service!

What was your first job?

First job was a ‘one-time clean’ for a semi. Following this service, the client became a regular cleaning and gardening customer. And, when it was time for him to relocate he engaged our specialist End of Lease cleaning team.

When you decided to start your own business, what was your big “why”?

Determination to find an easier way to juggle work, family and lifestyle. The reward is watching a concept grow rapidly into a business that has been accepted by so many.

What have you had to give up?

All the aspects of my previous roles I’ve been lucky to maintain and really utilise. However, the areas I’ve given up will not be missed, such as commuting an hour into the city, dealing with corporate politics, and zero work-life flexibility. Although running your own business has it’s own set of pressures, the benefits of flexibility and leading by example for ‘female empowerment’ is what’s important with a young family at home.

Your proudest achievement to date?

April 2014: Awarded First Prize at Women’s Pitch, an event for female-founded Start-ups. Recognised as the “the Female Founded start-up to watch”.

What would you tell your younger self not to do?

Listen and learn from others but believe in yourself and don’t fight the erg to just go for it!

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Embrace every opportunity – positive or negative as there will always be an outcome to learn or strive from.

What’s next for you and your business?

UrbanOutsource is helping busy people across Sydney, and has plans to launch in each capital city over the coming months.

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