TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXPLORING PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZING AS A CAREER -- takes a beginning look at what it takes to be an organizer...including:

• What Makes a Great Professional Organizer?
• Defining a Professional Organizer
• Skill Building
• Educational Resources
• Certification
• Joining NAPO
• Pros and Cons of Professional Organizing
• Organizing Specialities
• Time Commitment Expectations

GETTING YOUR BUSINESS IN ORDER -- guides you through the nuts and bolts of setting up your business structure...including:

• Start-Up Costs
• Record-Keeping
• Insurance
• Setting Your Fee
• Other Income Sources
• Choosing a Business Entity
• Choosing a Company Name
• If You Don’t Want To Be The Boss

WORKING WITH CLIENTS -- describes what it is like to work with a client, from the first moment to the completion of an appointment...including:

• Purchasing Organizing Products
• Preparing Your Take-Along Bag
• Your First Contact With Clients: The Phone Call
• The Client Contract
• Assessments: Connecting With Clients
• Your Professional Image
• The In-Person Organizing Session
• Disposal Options
• Wrapping Up
• Payment
• Follow-Up
• When The Client Isn’t There
• Client Clutter Causes
• Tricky Client Scenarios
• Hoarding and Shopping Addictions
• Physical Safety Tips For Professional
• Organizers
• Providing Stellar Customer Service

MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS -- guides you through some exercises to help you start deciding on the most effective marketing strategies... including:

• Marketing Myths
• Marketing Best Bets
• Phone Book Listings vs. Websites
• Speaking Engagements
• Expos and Trade Shows
• Free Media Coverage in Newspapers
• Writing a Press Release
• 50 Ideas To Market Your Business
• Testimonials and References
• Marketing Conclusion

APPENDIX A: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS -- answers your top questions about the field of professional organizing

• Frequently Asked Questions

APPENDIX B: SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES -- offers a list of networking and professional organizations that help new entrepreneurs get started...including:

• Small Business Resources
• National Organizing Holidays
• Organizing Product Stores
• Donation Resources
• NAPO Chapters

APPENDIX C: MARKETING TIP SHEETS -- provides the following tools:

• Sample Press Releases
• Sample Announcement Letter
• Sample Basic Assessment Form
• Sample Marketing Timeline
• Sample Coupons and Invoice
• 8-Week Business Jump-Start Plan

CONCLUSION

• Final Thoughts
• Also Available From Time to Organize
• Inspiring Words
• About the Author
• Notes

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I just downloaded your "Everything You Need to Know About a Career as a Professional Organizer" manual and am devouring it as I write this. It has so much info -- it is fabulous. I have to admit I have gotten other manuals and while they were all right, yours has so much more.
- Karen Blazenko, British Columbia, Canada

This manual by Sara Pedersen was just what I needed! I knew I wanted to get into organizing, but was feeling rather lost about where to begin. To learn from someone who has so much experience and enthusiasm for the field put me at ease! Many of my questions on the business were answered, and there were a lot of great tips! As I am progressing with my business, I find myself referring back to the manual quite often. I would highly recommend this manual for anyone considering getting into professional organizing!
-A. K., Elk River, MN

"Everything You Need to Know About a Career as a Professional Organizer" is a great help to anyone researching the field of professional organizing. It gave me a good start as I weighed the pros and cons of switching careers. I especially liked learning about "the day in the life of a professional organizer" and the great tips for working with clients. Also, the marketing tips and "how to" tips were very helpful. All in all, a well-rounded manual for those looking to enter the field of organizing! Well worth the money.
- S. S., Seattle, WA