What is an Organizing Consultant?
An organizing consultant is an individual who provides the service of "Organization". Organizers help you get your paper, life, time, objects, desks, projects and work organized. Many organizing consultants specialize in specific areas. accounting/financial, health, computer, office, residential, paper flow, filing, procedure manuals, records management, time management, project planning, event planning, space planning, kitchen design, closet design, errands, pack & moving, books & libraries, memorabilia & photographs, pack rats/chronic disorganization, seminars/workshops.
What are your Areas of Specialty?
I am a specialist in time management, paper flow, paper and document management, space/ office set-up and redesign, chronic disorganization, goal setting, filing systems, team systems and award program design. I work with corporations, small businesses, individuals, entrepreneurs, in-home offices, and provide residential consulting. I am a professional speaker and present customized seminars and workshops nationwide. I am the author of 14 books on organizational topics.
I also offer a range of coaching services to individuals and business groups in organization, goal setting, public relations and business development. I earned my Certification as a Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization from the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization in 2003.
How Do I hire You?
Call me at (916) 683-2155 for a free initial phone assessment. We will then arrange an appointment and begin the process. Each client's needs are unique. Consultations vary from three hours to an annual contractual basis.
When did you start your Business?
I started my business in October 1983 while I was residing in Hawaii. At that time my business name was Organized & Loving It. I converted to my name as my business in 1987.
How and why did you get started in this field?
In 1983, I was searching for a business. I completed all the exercises in What Color is Your Parachute?. Organization was the skill that stood out. I read all I could on the subject. I interviewed several organizing consultants by phone. I hired and met with one to give me the inside scoop about the field. I put my thinking cap on and designed and developed an eight week course on the subject of organization. I also improved my business skills by taking an 80 hour entrepreneurial skills course put on by the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce.
I continually improve my education by attending NAPO or POC conferences. I belong to the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (ICD) and take on-going educational courses about chronic disorganization, ADD and specialty areas of organizational and coaching work.
Have You Always Been Organized?
Although I am organized, I have some areas that did not initially come naturally to me. Over time and through conscious effort I made improvements.
What is your background?
My background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Arts Administration from Ithaca College, New York. My previous "work" includes positions in management, marketing, sales promotion, program design and accounting.
I also have a very unique skill set for creating organizational strategies and designing infrastructure for programs and organizations.
I hold Certified Professional Organizer - Chronic Disorganization credential from the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (ICD). I have also earned NSGCD Level I certificates in Basic Understanding of ADD, Understanding the Needs of Elderly Clients, Basic Hoarding Issues, Basic Mental Health and Challenges, Learning Styles, and Modalities, Needs of the Student CD Client, Understanding the Needs of Physical Conditions and Challenges.
What does a professional organizer charge?
A professional organizer's fee depends on: service provided, geographical location and business climate, project scope and organizer's experience. Fees generally are billed hourly. Rates appear to start out about $40 and range upwards to $200. Urban rates appear to be higher than in rural areas.
How can I become a professional organizer?
Read all you can about organization. Practice your craft at home and with friends. Volunteer your organizational services for local non profit or civic groups and build a reputation. Take business classes if you do not have any background or business experience. Talk with other organizers. Most will give you a few minutes of their time. Please understand to be a great organizer or operate a organizing business, you need to understand people (your clients). It is not about the stuff.
If you want extensive information, think about hiring several organizers for individual consultations on starting your organizing business. Many will serve as a business start up coach or mentor. Be up front with your needs and they may give you the assistance you require. If you live in a small market region, consider calling or meeting with an organizer out of the area. They may be more open as you are not a direct competitor. Join a professional organizers association such as NAPO or if you reside in Canada POC. These organizations offer helpful training and hold great conferences. See the link section for professional organizer associations and helpful information for professional organizers.
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