Here are some timeless facts you can use it talks or with clients:
- A week day edition of The New York Times contains more information than the average person was likely to come across in a lifetime in the 17th century England.
- Information Anxiety, Richard Saul Wurman.
- People who multitask are less efficient than those who focus on one project at a time. Time lost switching among tasks increases with the complexity of the tasks.
Study in the Journal Of Experimental Psychology, as written in the Star-Telegram.com 3/1/03
- Workers productivity decreases by 20 to 40% every time they multitask or “task switching”
University of Michigan study, 2001
- The document for a Boeing 747 weighs more than the plane itself.
- Jay Davidson, Office Systems magazine, March, 1995
- 25 percent of all resolutions fail within the first week and only 19 percent last for two years.
- 2001 survey conducted by Texas Instruments, published in its Work and Family alumni newsletter
If you have any fun facts (and can cite the source) please add yours here!
– Allison
Tags: fact, organizing, statistic
Mon, November 17 2008 » Statistics » Comments Off
Everyday I think there is a new emerging niche market for professional organizers.
I just read about the Professional Organizer in North Carolina who specializes in organizing Recipes and creating recipe books.
Today I heard about an organizer who specializes in managing home owners association duties. Many HOA’s have problems with deadlines, collections, and regular everyday systems for communication. So if you’re looking to expand duties and like office management type work, but don’t want to work in a traditional office, this may be a great market to approach.
Other emerging and booming niches:
Downsizing
Senior moves
Computers and Tech organizing
Medical Information organization
Organizing students
If you have never specialized, there’s never a time too soon. In business it is usually smarter to go deep and narrow rather than shallow and wide. You become the expert and the one people want for their specific needs.
Tags: niche
Fri, November 14 2008 » Marketing » Comments Off
A Roundup of Professional Organizers in the Media
submit your 15 minutes of fame to info@theprofessionalorganizer.com
You may be facing the prospect of roasting a turkey this month and making gingerbread men next month on exactly 12 square inches of counter space. And forget clearing the counter; the cabinets are so stuffed already, the doors won’t shut.
To the rescue: Jill Ferguson, a professional organizer in Brandon. After years of sorting out her family and friends’ places for free, she started her own business, Living Orderly.
Pam Sultzman is a recipe organizer with her own business. After working in the oil industry in Oklahoma and in banking in Charlotte, she started Pam’s Pantry. “I got tired of getting laid off,” she says.
Sultzman found her business when she took control of her own recipe collection. It took weeks. She sorted the recipes by categories, typed them all into her computer, printed them out and laminated them to keep them clean. Then she sorted them into a recipe box.
When it comes to recession-proof businesses, vice is nice.
Allison Carter, The Professional Organizer markets to “sloth”
There is no one like Oprah when it comes to getting the point across! Yesterday was a very exciting day in the organizing world as Oprah Winfrey launched her coast-to-coast “Clean Up Your Messy House Tour” with the aid of organizing expert, Peter Walsh. I couldn’t miss this debut and tuned in to watch as Oprah and Peter touted the importance of being organized in today’s uncertain world.
UPLAND – Sheila McCurdy has been an organizer all her life and may be the most organized resident in Upland.McCurdy recently won a National Best Books Award for her self-help book, “The Floor Is Not An Option,” second edition.
Thu, November 13 2008 » In the News » Comments Off
by Allison Carter
One way to prevent any miscommunication with clients is to have written policies. These can be sent to a client in advance by email, or presented during the initial session. Some organizers require signed agreements and others just like to make their policies known. These are some of the policy topics you may want to include in an agreement:
What to include in a policies statement
The Usual
- Payments -Timing, Method, Fees
- Do you get paid at Point of Service?
- Do you take a deposit and the remainder upon completion or half way through?
- Do you accept checks? Cash? Credit Cards?
- Do you charge by the hour, by the session, or by the project?
- Let the customer know what to expect.
- If you only take checks, you will want to communicate that clearly.
- Do you charge extra for mileage? Is it one way or round-trip?
- Do you have a shopping fee?
- Do you charge for supplies such as label tape?
- What is included with your regular services and what is extra?
- Cancellation policy. Is there a charge if too close to appointment time?
- Rescheduling policy
- Length of work sessions – do you have a minimum number of hours if charging by the hour?
- If you charge by the session, how long is a session?
The Unusual
- Phones – do you want clients to answer calls while on the job or would you prefer that they turn phones off or send to voice mail?
- People – Do you mind if other people are listening in or working with you? What about small children without another supervisor? Are you willing to work with a parent who has to bow out to supervise a child in the house?
- Pets – how do you feel about animals? If you have allergies you will want to ask prior to visiting any home if there are pets. If you don’t like dogs or cats or any other pet, you can ask that the pet be kept in another room.
- Guns – you may want to add wording requesting that all fire-arms be taken out of the area or if they may prefer to alert you to the location so you don’t stumble upon any.
- Illegal substances, pornography, and intimate items – It is wise to request that the client remove anything from the room that they don’t want you to find by accident.
Would you like to use this in your newsletter, blog, or website? You can, as long as you use this complete blurb: Allison Carter, CPO® is the lead trainer at Organizer U, providing learning opportunities for Professional Organizers everywhere. If you’re ready to start your business, learn about the organizing industry, or refresh your current PO business, you can get your complimentary “10 Steps to Starting a Successful Organizing Business” at http://www.OrganizerU.com .
Tags: policies
Wed, November 12 2008 » Business Tools » Comments Off
By Allison Carter, CPO®
1. Do unto your clients and fellow organizers as you would have them do unto you.
Allison Carter - organizing prophet
Treat your clients with respect and expect the same back.
2. Thou shalt personalize systems to fit the needs of the individual.
No system is perfect for everyone. Find the best one for the client.
3. You shall have no other self so you shall take care of this one.
Set boundaries with clients. You can be their friend, but only if works for you.
Many of our clients have little to no support system and can become a burden on your emotionally if you allow it.
4. You shall help your clients in the way they need to be helped. It is not for you to decide their goals but rather to help them figure out their goals and help them to get the results they want.
5. You shall not try to be everything to everyone.
You may be good at many things related to organizing. But when something isn’t in your expertise, you can ask fellow organizers for help or refer someone else to the client to do what you cannot do. If you don’t have anyone nearby to contact, get on the phone and call someone far away. Professional Organizers are a uniquely helpful bunch.
6. You shall not judge the cluttered masses.
They are asking for help. Be careful how you word things so that you are not making them feel worse than they already do.
7. Thou shall not reveal one’s clients identity without express permission, nor talk about them in an undignified manner. If you are talking about clients because you think it’s interesting, you may just be turning away someone who would have hired you except for the fact that you talk about your clients. Even if you’re not saying their name, if you are not discussing the situation in a respectful tone, a listener may “hear” that disrespect in your voice.
8. Thou shalt listen with 2 ears. One ear is to hear what clients are saying. The other is to hear what they are not saying. What do they skip over? What have they stopped noticing? What are they in denial about? What is too difficult to talk about? What don’t they want to be challenged about?
9. Thou shalt teach your clients to organize for themselves. An organizer’s job is to pass on skills, not just be a re-arranger. Find ways to express principles, processes and best practices of organizing.
Thou shalt return to the client and offer to help with any backsliding, tweak anything that isn’t working, or move them forward on another project. Many clients are too embarrassed to call back if they have been backsliding. They may be glad for your call and pleased to get back into the organizing.
10. What would your 10th Commandment be???
Would you like to use this in your newsletter, blog, or website? You can, as long as you use this complete blurb: Allison Carter, CPO® is the lead trainer at Organizer U, providing learning opportunities for Professional Organizers everywhere. If you’re ready to start your business, learn about the organizing industry, or refresh your current PO business, you can get your complimentary “10 Steps to Starting a Successful Organizing Business” at http://www.OrganizerU.com .
Tags: organizer life
Wed, November 12 2008 » Uncategorized » Comments Off
By Allison Carter, CPO®
Every house is loaded with this stuff and so far, there doesn’t seem to be an easy way to help clients get rid of it (in most areas.)
After much research, I have found a very very limited number of places that will accept paint and haul it away and even fewer that recycle.
(opportunity for some business is awaiting!!!)
So how do you dispose of old house paint properly?
You have a few options:
Use it up
Mix it up with other leftovers to create a brown and paint a storage room or area that doesn’t need a decorated look. Use it as an undercoat on your next paint job. Keep painting on coats until it is all used up. Buy just enough for the room.
Dry it up
- For cans more than 1/4 full: Dry with Waste Paint Hardener or cat litter, mulch, or shredded paper.
- For cans less than 1/4 full: Take off the lid and leave it out to dry.
After latex paint is dry you can safely send it off with regular trash pick-up.
Pass it on
donate to schools, theater groups or anyone else who wants paint.
Try offering it on Freecycle.org and Craig’sList.org (sign up for local area)
California and Oregon have some amazing Paint Recycling stores:
* Amazon Environmental – California http://www.nvo.com/amazon/door/
* Metro Paint – Oregon http://www.oregonmetro.gov/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=521
* Los Angeles - In the Los Angeles area there are household hazard waste disposal centers that accept paint, solvents, oil, etc. during business hours and on some weekend days. There are several located around the city and the way to contact them is to call the City of LA Household Hazardous Waste Hotline at 800.988.6942. For other city services such as “bulky item pick-up” the city will come haul away large bulky items such as old sofas, furniture, appliances, etc. for free. That number is 800.733.2489. Also, dialing 311 within Los Angeles will connect you to the same hotline.
If you know of other paint recycling / disposal resources please let us know!!
Would you like to use this in your newsletter, blog, or website? You can, as long as you use this complete blurb: Allison Carter, CPO® is the lead trainer at Organizer U, providing learning opportunities for Professional Organizers everywhere. If you’re ready to start your business, learn about the organizing industry, or refresh your current PO business, you can get your complimentary “10 Steps to Starting a Successful Organizing Business” at http://www.OrganizerU.com .
Tue, November 11 2008 » Home Organizing, How To » Comments Off
By Allison Carter, CPO®
Every organizer comes to rely upon a few choice containers and other products that can be used in a variety of situations.
And we love to share our favorites with our friends and colleagues.
Here is a list of some old standbys.
Home Office:
- file folders
- hanging files
- file Drawers
- drawer Dividers
- screen Risers
- printer stand
- pencil holder
- cd binders and cases
- magazine boxes
- desktop file box
- good chair
KITCHEN
- lazy susan
- can risers/tiers
- lid organizers
- drawer dividers
- shelf risers
- elfa door spice rack
- glideout shelves
- tupperware® Modular Mates
CLOSET
- huggable hangers
- shoebag
- purse bag
- purse cubbies
- elfa drawers
- sweater bags
- overdoor hooks
- valet rod
- tie-belt rack
- scarf hanger
- clear shoe boxes
- sock drawers
- Command hooks
BATHROOM
- shelf risers
- pull out drawers
- shower caddy
- little drawers – Sterilite
- 3m command hooks
LAUNDRY ROOM
- little bins
- elfa drawers
- shoe bags (to catch little items)
- pull out drying rack
- lingerie hanger
- pull out ironing board
- ironing board and iron rack
- hamper in every room
What are your favorites? And where do you use them most?
Would you like to use this in your newsletter, blog, or website? You can, as long as you use this complete blurb: Allison Carter, CPO® is the lead trainer at Organizer U, providing learning opportunities for Professional Organizers everywhere. If you’re ready to start your business, learn about the organizing industry, or refresh your current PO business, you can get your complimentary “10 Steps to Starting a Successful Organizing Business” at http://www.OrganizerU.com .
Tue, November 11 2008 » Home Organizing » Comments Off
By Allison Carter, CPO®
Going into jobs with the right supplies can really make the job easier and it will go faster.
Imagine trying to make a cake without a big mixing bowl. You could probably make do, but the right tools make every job easier.
Here is a long list of tools that organizers like to carry.
Every organizer is going to operate a little differently from the next, so you might not need them all.
We welcome you to comment with your favorite tools of the trade.
General Organizing
- Post-it notes – extra sticky, various sizes
- Sharpies – thick and thin
- masking tape
- folding boxes, laundry baskets, something to sort into
- tape measure – sturdy – 25 feet
- scissors
- rubber bands
- little zip lock baggies to catch small items
- garment rack (portable) for closet organizing
- catalogs – to show your favorite products
- resource list – useful services
- label maker
- extra label tape
- extra batteries or charger
- gloves (for dusty or dirty spaces)
- face mask (for dusty or dirty spaces)
- hand sanitizer / wet wipes
- allergy medication – in case they act up
- tool kit – sometimes you just need to find a screwdriver
- level for hanging things
- apron with pockets
Home Office
- extra hanging files
- extra manila folders
- extra plastic tabs
- Post-it tabs
- notebooks
- page protectors
- mini stapler
Would you like to use this in your newsletter, blog, or website? You can, as long as you use this complete blurb: Allison Carter, CPO® is the lead trainer at Organizer U., providing learning opportunities for Professional Organizers everywhere. If you’re ready to start your business, learn about the organizing industry, or refresh your current PO business, you can get your complimentary “10 Steps to Starting a Successful Organizing Business” at http://www.OrganizerU.com .
Tags: tools
Tue, November 11 2008 » Home Organizing » Comments Off
By Allison Carter, CPO®
Your clients look to you for advice on everything and anything having to do with organizing.
By creating a fantastic resource list, you can become the “go to” expert.
Keeping the list up can be challenging as businesses change often. But it’s worth the effort. Clients will call you year round if they believe you are the one in the know and trust your advice.
Here is a list of some of the businesses often requested by clients:
- Recycling centers
- Consignment stores
- Thrift stores
- Stores that stock specific products you recommend
- Favorite products
- Charity donation drop off
- Charities that pick up
Websites:
- Online sale sites
- Online auction sites
- Recycling information websites
- Web stores that carry your favorite products
- computer back-up
Services:
Be aware that you could run into trouble if you recommend only one service. If they use the service and something goes wrong, they could ultimately blame you for recommending that business. It is wise to recommend more than one service for anything.
It’s ok to say you have only used one of them.
- Closet designing/installing
- Painter
- Decorator/Designer
- Contractor
- Handyman
- Shredding
- Accountant/bookkeeper
- Virtual assistant
- Cleaning service
- Junk Hauling
- Personal assistant
- Life coach
- Electronics networking
- Computer repair
Would you like to use this in your newsletter, blog, or website? You can, as long as you use this complete blurb: Allison Carter, CPO® is the lead trainer at Organizer U, providing learning opportunities for Professional Organizers everywhere. If you’re ready to start your business, learn about the organizing industry, or refresh your current PO business, you can get your complimentary “10 Steps to Starting a Successful Organizing Business” at http://www.OrganizerU.com .
Tue, November 11 2008 » Business Tools, How To » Comments Off
If you want to clear desktop clutter, it’s so helpful to have one gadget that does the work of many. So if you have an iphone or ipod, work at your computer, need to sync, use usb drives, need more usb ports – then you may want to take a look at the Griffin Simplifi.
Besides syncing you ipod, it also has a card reader and a usb hub – consolidating 3 gadgets into one.
That’s my kind of organizing gadget.
Tags: computer
Mon, November 10 2008 » Office Organizing, Products » Comments Off
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