In the last week, I've gotten 11 emails and 5 phone calls asking me for my advice on how to become a professional organizer and run the business. It seems the industry has hit some kind of tipping point! I wish I could answer all of you personally, but I simply do not have time to do free coaching. If I do it free for one, I would have to do it for all, and that could easily add up to a full day of work with all the calls I get!
So here are my answers for all of you at once : ) And of course, if you would like to book my time for a personal consultation to help you grow your business profitably, you can book business consulting with me here.
How do you get training to become a professional organizer?
First of all, keep in mind that "professional" organizing is NOT just glorified cleaning, nor is it being a "virtual assistant." 50% of the job is knowing how to organize - but not just organize the way YOU would like it organized - you need to be able to partner with your client to create custom systems that work for their needs - not yours. You also should be able to communicate well and transfer the "skills" of organizing and maintaining systems to your clients.
To learn more about the business, I would suggest considering all the following:
- Working for a company that hires assistant or entry level organizers.
- Join NAPO and check out their training offerings - particularly regarding business training, safety on the job and how to teach others to organize.
- Consider also joining NSGCD so that you can learn about how to deal with special need situations such as ADD, Chronic Disorganization, Hoarding, and Mental Health Disorders. Joining this will help you understand what jobs to say no to so you don't get in over your head, and also give you a network of people to refer to who are qualified to deal with more challenging situation.s
In addition to the many organizers offering classes and coaching, here are a few reputable formal training programs that I can recommend:
Beginning Organizers
Ramona Creel (Excellent 12-module, virtual coaching program created by the founder of OnlineOrganizing, provides graduates of the full course with certification -- and covers everything you need to get your Professional Organizing business started, includes lots of documentation, too!)
www.clearsimple.com (Full program with a "certification" and after training support for marketing and building your client base.)
NAPO (Great Beginner courses offered virutally - conference teleclasses also available for sale.)
NSGCD (More advanced training)
A Red Bench (Virtual Teleclasses and Recordings also available)
Advanced Organizer Training
Coach Approach for Organizers (Certification Path as well - I attended this Excellent program which is led by the fabulous Denslow Brown and Cameron Gott. In my opinion, should be required professional development for all serious professional organizers (except of course those who have social work and coaching background already)
RELATED POSTS ON THIS BLOG
My Advice to People Thinking about Becoming a Professional Organizer
More Tips for Learning to Become a Professional Organizer (a bit dated, but still some good tips in there!)
Talking with Prospective Organizing Clients: Sell the Benefits not the Features
Using Bartering to Help you Grow Your Organizing Business Profitably
Don't be threatened by competition...there is enough work for everyone!
How to have the "I want to Quit my Job" conversation with your spouse / partner
Staying Safe when you Work in Client's Home as a Professional Organizer
To all the prospective organizers who have called and asked for one on one time with me, I wish I could talk to each of you for hours! Luckily my business is booming and I really don't have time to offer free coaching, however you are more than welcome to book some time with me to ask all your questions and get customized answers based on your personal situation and needs. I truly love helping people create and design their perfect business!
Click here to Book Time for Coaching on your Professional Organizing or Coaching Business.
All the best
