Frequently Asked Questions
If you've ever been told you're well-organized, a good planner, or someone who can work organizing miracles, then we would like to invite you to peruse the following FAQs to see if this could be the right industry for you.
What is a Professional Organizer?
What qualities do I need to run a successful organizing business?
What kind of specialties are there?
Can I do this business on a part-time basis?
Do I have to join an association to become a Professional Organizer?
What kind of education and experience do I need?
What are the costs involved when starting an organizing business?
How can I test my skills as an organizer?
Can one earn a living as a Professional Organizer?
How and what should I charge?
How do I find out the market rate in my geographic area?
Do I have to sell products and maintain an inventory?
How long does it take to build a business as a Professional Organizer?
What does a client expect from a Professional Organizer?
How are Your Training Courses different from others
What is a Professional Organizer?
A Professional Organizer is a consultant who provides structure, solutions and systems to increase productivity and reduce stress. Professional Organizers help others restore order to their lives creating systems and solutions and helping them form new habits that enable them to live and work in a peaceful, non-chaotic environment.
The field of professional organizing has existed since 1985 when five forward-thinking women coined the phrase and founded the National Association for Professional Organizers (NAPO). That was the beginning. Today there are thousands of Professional Organizers throughout North America and many other areas around the world.
Professional Organizers may be very specific in the types of organizing they offer or they may be general and offer a wide array of organizing services. Some professional organizers work with specific clients such as, seniors, children, students, legal/medical offices, ADD, chronically disorganized, etc.
Others offer products and/or have written books and/or offer seminars/webinars on organizing. Some organizers work locally, while others are available national or international. The need for organizing services has come about as lifestyles have become increasingly more complex, filled with more information, responsibilities, work and possessions.
What qualities do I need to run a successful organizing business?
Successful Professional Organizers...
- Have open ears, engaged minds and ready hearts.
- Have the touch to be able to simplify processes.
- Practice good work ethics.
- Are always open and adaptable to new ideas and willing to learn new things.
- Are intuitive and listen well and can understand what's really being said.
- Are proactive and can identify problems and recommend solutions.
- Are confident and trust their intuition and are extremely self-assured.
- Are committed and remain focused, driven and passionate.
Successful Professional Organizers are dedicated, driven, masterfully organized professionals who genuinely want to positively impact the lives of people they work with.
What kind of specialties are there?
While the possibilities are endless, specialties include...
- residential organizing
- office organizing
- personal productivity
- event planning
- relocation or move assistance
- financial organizing
- chronic disorganization
- coaching and consultation
- technical and computer training
- closet and shelving systems
- computer training and organizing
- memorabilia and scrap booking
- project management
- space planning
- time management
- paper management
- clutter control
- chronic disorganization
- behavior modification
- wardrobes
- public speaking/seminars/training
......and so much more!
Can I do this business on a part-time basis?
Yes, you can structure your business any way you like. The beauty of owning your own business means that you can set your own hours. If you only have one day a week, or evenings and weekends only, then yes, you can operate your organizing business on a part-time basis!
Many new organizers keep their full-time job, and work part-time to build a business until the income generated is at least at par with the income earned at their full-time job. While others are those wishing to re-enter the work force by starting their own business.
Do I have to join an association to become a Professional Organizer?
As with other small and home-based businesses, we would strongly advise that you join one or more associations or organizations where you can network with other entrepreneurs and potential clients.
We also recommend that you consider the following organizations dedicated to promoting and supporting the field of professional organizing.
NAPO - National Association of Professional Organizers
POC - Professional Organizers in Canada
NSGCD - National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization
You can get to know other organizers through your professional associations -- and build a strong support network. In addition, these associations provide a number of educational and business building opportunities -- through their annual conferences, newsletters, and local chapter activities.
In addition to the above, we would also suggest that you join local small business associations such as your Chamber of Commerce, Board of Trade or other similar groups.
What kind of education and experience do I need?
While some professional organizers have a college degree, most have previous work experience in both the corporate and small office/home office arena, even if you only plan to specialize in the residential market.
You will need basic entrepreneurial skills to operate your own successful business and have a good understanding of what an organizer does, have a thorough knowledge of organizing products and services and, of course, excellent organizational skills.
A Professional Organizer should have a thorough knowledge of organizing products and services, have excellent listening and evaluative skills, and be able to tailor an organizational system to each individual's particular needs.
What are the costs involved when starting an organizing business?
That depends entirely on your budget and your desire to learn and to be involved with the many training and networking opportunities available. Since there is absolutely no need to take on office space other than your home office, you do not have to worry about rent.
If you wish to join networking associations, such as NAPO, POC, and NSGCD, your local Chamber of Commerce or Board of Trade, your annual fees need to be considered.
Assuming that you already own a computer and printer, your business cards, brochures and other materials can be printed from your own office or handled professionally.
Your set up costs could include educational materials and webinars, professional membership fees, businessl licensing and registration fees.
Some organizers also hire the services of a bookkeeper, while others perform their own accounting duties.
How can I test my skills as an organizer?
After you have practiced on your own home or office, you may want to offer to do organizing projects for friends or relatives. It's up to you whether you charge or not but upon completion, you will want to ask for a testimonial, pictures and references.
There are also some organizers who hire others to help with large projects so you may want to attend a NAPO or POC chapter meeting and let the members know you are available to work with them as a sub-contractor or tag-along.
Can one earn a living as a Professional Organizer?
Although there are many variables such as one's determination, marketing ability and location ~ the answer is yes, most definitely. As life becomes more and more hectic, busy individuals need your help ~ and they're willing to pay for it.
Public awareness of the organizing industry is increasing. Therefore, the demand for organizers is on the rise. The number of people joining the profession is also on the rise ~ but not to worry ~ there is plenty of work for everyone!
Generally speaking, your geographic location, experience and skill sets will dictate your fees. However, a new organizer with great skills and great training can expect to earn $40+ per hour in the residential market and upwards of $60+ per hour in the corporate market.
A Professional Organizer with an established reputation can earn much more ($90 - $150 per hour) depending on the types of projects. Keep in mind that many hours of your time will not be billable time as many hours will be spent working on the administrative and sales side of the business.
How and what should I charge?
Many organizers charge an hourly rate to their clients while others charge fixed fees for certain kinds of jobs, such as moving an office or residence, or other projects.
Like any other business, what you charge will depend on a variety of factors: the value that you bring to your clients; the types of services that you offer; what are your income or profit objectives; what are the current market rates for your services; and what you need to earn.
How do I find out the market rate in my geographic area?
Location plays a big role in what the market will bear. For example, if you live in a urban or downtown area, you can charge more than if you live in a rural area or small town. You will also want to consider the cost-of-living for your area as you design your fee. Keep in mind that when you are doing residential work you may not be able to charge as much as you could when you work in the corporate market. One way to find out the going rate in your geographic area is to talk with local Professional Organizers.
Understanding your local market is important as you design your fee. You don't want to price yourself out of the market, and you don't want to sell yourself short.
Do I have to sell products and maintain an inventory?
You may need to be aware of products available in the marketplace and how products can be used in creative ways but it is not necessary to stock items or shop for your clients. However, this could become a value-added service that you offer.
How long does it take to build a business as a Professional Organizer?
A lot depends on the time you have to invest. If your plan is to launch into this and work at it full-time, you could have a thriving business in a matter of months. If you plan to work part-time, and you have less time to invest in marketing your services, it will more than likely take longer.
Traditional business wisdom tells us that it takes an average small business owner two to five years to build a business. It could take you that long, and you need to be ready for that reality ~ however, due to the high demand in this relatively new industry, most Professional Organizers do it in far less time.
What does a client expect from a Professional Organizer?
A client will expect an organizer to be competent in his/her specialized area, to be honest, to be responsible, to stand behind his/her work, and to maintain confidentiality. It is important for a Professional Organizer to discuss with a client what he/she expects and for the client to be aware of what a Professional Organizer can provide.
It will be important for you to establish a good relationship with each client. Ask questions, be a good listener, and be flexible.
How does one become a Professional Organizer?
You have great organizational skills. You're sure of it. You've been like this for years and the idea of having your own business, using your talents and doing work you love is infinitely appealing.
Our mission is to promote professionalism and success in the field of professional organizing and to that end, we offer a comprehensive training program designed to add to your existing skill sets and teach you how to develop a viable and thriving business. We guide you through the initial decision making process as well as moving forward into working with clients.
We firmly believe that organizers who are armed with in-depth information and knowledge about the industry will get their businesses up and running much quicker than those who try to do it on their own. As you and your business deserve every advantage, get the training and support necessary to empower you to succeed.
How are Your Training Courses different from others?
The Comprehensive Training Program for Professional Organizers® is comprised of professional instruction at an advanced level and is intended to develop and foster your entrepreneurial spirit as well as your organizational talents and capabilities.
Our philosophy is that you most likely already have the skills and talents to be a Professional Organizer. What we want to provide you are the tools and the knowledge needed to turn those skills and talents into a successful income-generating entrepreneurial venture.
If you're ready to earn top dollar, leverage your skills and enjoy the career of a lifetime then click below on your personal learning style to learn about our Comprehensive Training Program for Professional Organizers®.
Comprehensive Training Program - Webinar Series
- View several informative video presentations from the comfort of home
- Three comprehensive training & exercise manuals
- Learn at your own convenience
- Ongoing e-mail and video support
- eCertificate of Completion
- Ideal for those who prefer active participation
- Three comprehensive training & exercise manuals
- Role playing and practical hands-on training
- Ongoing e-mail and video support
- Certificate of Completion
- Three comprehensive training & exercise manuals
- Learn at your convenience
- Ongoing e-mail and video support
|
