How do I start an organizing business?

The most popular question I get is, “How do I start an organizing business?”

There is more to running a business than just knowing how to organize. In fact, if all you can do is organize, than you probably should not run a business. There are many hats to wear when you have your own company: book-keeper, scheduler, customer service, sales, marketing, and many more.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) in the United States is chock full of help for you at the low price of zero dollars. For anyone who has never run a business I would highly recommend their no-cost on-line courses found here:

SBA:   http://www.sba.gov/training/startingabusiness/index.html

In addition, the SBA has Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) all over the country that provide counselors for all kinds of businesses, from start-ups to expanding businesses, all for the low cost of zero dollars.

SBDC: http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/sbdc/index.html

In addition to these classes, get yourself a mentor or coach who is already in the organizing field so you can learn the nuances of this business. There are some subtle differences and some biggies!
A mentor can teach you about ethical standards in this business, how to deal with difficult clients and situations, how to organize people who are chronically disorganized, etc.