Professional Organizer Curriculum

Level 1 classes (i.e., 100, 101, etc.) are designed for beginning organizers. Level 2 classes are designed for intermediate organizers, and Level 3 classes are intended for advanced organizers. Level 4 classes are designed for organizers at all levels of experience. Teleclass, webinar and classroom formats are offered to accommodate different learning styles and budget constraints. A teleclass is designated with a "T". A webinar is designated with a "W".

An attendee must use his/her own best judgment as to whether a session meets the BCPO® CEU eligibility requirement that a class must provide skills and knowledge that further the professional's ability to better serve their clients. As with any class or conference session, it is always possible that the material the presenter covers will differ from the session overview. For additional information regarding CEU eligibility, please refer to the BCPO® website.

Please note: All cancellations and transfer requests must be made in writing. A processing fee will be charged for all cancellations or transfers. Please see individual course descriptions for fee information. No refunds will be made on cancellations received less than one week before the course. No transfer requests will be honored once course information is received. Transfers will be accommodated only on course availability. Please carefully read and ensure that you understand the course description. NAPO will not issue a refund of the course fee if a participant feels the course was not what (s)he expected.

PO-001W: Introduction to Professional Organizing

Title: Introduction to Professional Organizing
Course #: PO-001W

Course Description: This course is designed for the individual interested in learning more about the field of organizing. It defines the profession of organizing, introduces participants to the history of the organizing industry and of NAPO, presents an overview of how a professional organizer works, and explains the benefits of NAPO membership.

The course format is predominantly lecture, followed by a question-and-answer period and supported by handouts. While the course provides prospective organizers with a sound foundation, it is not designed to present all the ins and outs of the organizing profession, but simply to introduce participants to the industry. The course provides a framework from which each participant can decide whether and how to pursue organizing as a profession.

About NAPO
- What NAPO is and is not
- NAPO History
What is a Professional Organizer?
- NAPO's definition of a Professional Organizer
- NAPO's Code of Ethics
Who is a Professional Organizer
- Background
- Work Variables
- NAPO Specialties
A "Typical" Day for a Professional Organizer
- What is "typical"?
- Common Activities
- What's fun (rewards)
- What's not (frustrations)
How NAPO can help you

Prerequisites: None

Instructor: Geralin Thomas CPO-CD®, Metropolitan Organizing

Format of course: Webinar

Location: Online (*Please note: The dial-in number for this course is not a toll-free number. Registrants are advised to utilize a long-distance service that provides cost-effective rates for extended-length calls. In addition, use of land-based phone is strongly encouraged.)

Class size: Class is limited to a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 50 participants. If the minimum requirement is not met, course registrants will be transferred to the next offering of this class, free of charge.

Cost: $40 members/$95 non-members

Confirmation and Course Materials: Confirmation of registration & course materials will be emailed to you at least three days prior to the course start date. If you do not receive this email, it is your responsibility to contact NAPO (via phone: 856.380.6828 or email: napo@napo.net) at least 24 hours prior to the course start date.

Cancellation and Transfer Policy: ALL CANCELLATIONS AND TRANSFER REQUESTS MUST BE MADE IN WRITING. A $10 processing fee will be charged for all cancellations or transfers. No refunds will be made on cancellations received less than one week before the course. No transfer requests will be honored once course information is received. Transfers will be accommodated based on course availability.

Disclaimer: This course may be recorded and may be offered for sale at NAPO's sole discretion. By signing up for the course, you irrevocably grant NAPO all rights in any contribution you make to the recording.

Scheduled Dates & Times

July 10, 2013 8 PM - 10 PM ET	Register Now
August 13, 2013 1 PM - 3 PM ET	Register Now
September 10, 2013 10 AM - 12 PM ET	Register Now
October 10, 2013 10 AM - 12 PM ET	Register Now
November 12, 2013 11 AM - 1 PM ET	Register Now
December 12, 2013 6 PM - 8 PM ET	Register Now

PO-101W: Fundamental Organizing and Productivity Principles

Title: Fundamental Organizing and Productivity Principles
Course #: PO-101W

Course Description: This six-hour course provides a solid foundation in basic organizing theory. Participants are introduced to core concepts behind categorizing, sorting, and the disposal of excess. The fundamentals of paper and time management are presented, as well as the principles of space utilization and workflow. Also included are an overview of client types such as ADD and chronic disorganization, personality factors, and learning styles. Each topic draws on case studies or tried-and-true methods in the real world of professional organizing. This is a must-take course for all levels of professional organizers: the beginner seeking a good foundation in organizing principles, the intermediate organizer who understands practice and wants to understand theory, and the advanced organizer seeking to build upon experience and knowledge.

Prerequisites: None

Instructor: Debbie Stanley, LLPC, NCC, CPO-CD® is a licensed mental health counselor, industrial psychologist, and veteran author, instructor, and speaker in the world of professional organizing. She specializes in helping clients with chronic disorganization and hoarding and provides case consultation for peers. Debbie holds a B.F.A. in journalism, M.A. in industrial/organizational psychology, and M.S. in mental health counseling. She also holds the National Certified Counselor credential from the National Board for Certified Counselors and the Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization (CPO-CD®) credential from the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD), formerly the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD). Debbie is a member of NAPO's Golden Circle, leader of the Authorship and Publishing Special Interest Group, past president of NAPO-Southeast Michigan, and recipient of a 2009 NAPO Shining Star Award and 2010 NAPO Founders' Award. Debbie is also the author of books including Organize Your Personal Finances in No Time, Organize Your Home in No Time, Newbie Pitfalls: 50 Obstacles on the Road to Success as a Professional Organizer and How to Avoid Them!, Ethical Pitfalls for Professional Organizers, and Let Me Show You the Basement: A Guide to Staying Safe in Clients' Homes.

Format of course: Webinar

Cost: $179 members/$279 non-members

*Please Note: The registration rate includes all three sessions.

Scheduled Dates & Times

August 21, 28 & September 4, 2013
7 PM - 9 PM ET

PO-102W: Fundamental Organizing and Productivity Skills

Title: Fundamental Organizing and Productivity Skills
Course #: PO-102W

Format: 6 hour webinar course delivered via 3 two-hour sessions.

Location: Via telephone (audio) and internet (visual)

Course Description:
Designed for new and prospective organizing professionals, or organizers seeking a review of essential skills, this comprehensive course offers specific “how-to” skills for the hands on work organizers do. Gain confidence and knowledge by learning specific tools, skills and practical language that organizing professionals use in their practices with both business and residential clients. Case studies will allow for practical application of skills throughout the course.

Course content includes:

People Skills

Defining Professionalism
Active Listening Skills
Identifying Different Learning Styles
Necessary skills for Special Client Populations
Awkward Client Situations
Judgment and Respect

“Stuff” Management Skills

Different systems for clutter management
Where to start?
Strategies for sorting and categorizing
Strategies for discarding
Strategies for finding a home
Suggestions for containerizing
Dealing with client challenges
Maintenance Solutions

Time & Task Management Skills

Conceptualizing time
Goal setting
Setting priorities
Time traps
Delegation
Overcoming procrastination
Tools of the Trade
Building a “trusted system”

Project Management Skills

Defining the Project
Planning & Production
Execution
Close-Out
Tools of the Trade

Transferring Organizing Skills

Teaching your client to fish
Decision making skills
Breaking tasks into manageable steps
Rule creation / limit setting
Sharing feedback & Perspective
Homework
Backsliding
Follow up options

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to:

Recognize the interpersonal skills needed to successfully engage with business and residential clients.
Understand the essential skills needed to assist clients with categorizing, sorting, purging and maintaining.
Recognize multiple time and task management strategies and gain knowledge of additional resources and tools.
Identify the necessary steps for successfully managing client projects.
Understand the essential skill of transferring organizing skills to clients.

Prerequisites: None

Course Instructor: Organizing expert Perri Kersh provides simple and personalized organizing solutions for her client’s space and life so they can function at their very best.

Perri began her career as a time management consultant and study skills specialist in 1992. But, truth be told, she's been organizing most of her life. Through various careers in counseling, marketing and consulting, she settled in to her passion and started Neat Freak Professional Organizing, LLC in 2005.

As a professional organizer, Perri works with families, individuals, small business owners and students. She is a frequent contributor to local and national publications, and is regularly asked to speak at professional and group events. She was recognized as a regular expert on the Fine Living Network and South Africa’s The Home Channel.

Perri is a past Board member of the NAPO-North Carolina Chapter, and a member of NAPO. She holds a BA in Psychology and a MAEd in Counselor Education from Wake Forest University. When she's not busy organizing for others, she frequently neatens up after her husband and two children in Chapel Hill, NC.

Class size:Class is limited to a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 50 participants. If the minimum requirement is not met, course registrants will be transferred to the next offering of this class, free of charge..

Cost: $179 for members/$279 for non-members.

Scheduled Date & Time

September 12, 19 & 26, 2013
7 PM - 9 PM ET

PO-104W: Starting An Organizing Business

Title: Starting An Organizing Business
Course #: PO-104W

Course Description: Designed for new and prospective professional organizers, or organizers who missed some of the basics, this teleclass will be offered in four parts on successive evenings over a four week period. This all-inclusive NAPO class delivers a blueprint for launching and growing your business. Take charge of your career. Learn strategies for successful needs assessments, effective marketing initiatives, pricing your services and business basics. Students will develop a "Learning Plan" for themselves throughout the course so that they will have some clear next steps. A must take class to gain the knowledge and confidence to ensure success.

Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to:

Recognize the skills needed to run a professional organizing business.
Identify ideas for marketing their business.
Determine their fair market value for services.
Conduct a preliminary needs assessment.
Have a plan identifying their next steps in developing their business.
Know how to access additional resources for all the topics presented.

NAPO Core Competency areas covered: I - Preliminary Interview and IV - Ethics

In this class you will learn:

To Be or Not To Be a "Professional" Organizer
- NAPO's definition of a Professional Organizer
- NAPO's approved specialty list
- Are you an Organizer or a "Professional" Organizer?
Getting Yourself Organized
- Planning your business
- Planning your time as a new organizer
- Planning your growth
Get the Business Started
- Traits of a successful entrepreneur
- Business entities overview
- Insurances to consider
- Legal issues
- Transition to self-employment
- Tools for the new business
- Financial Overview
- Financials
- Pricing and fees
- Payment: policies, cancellations, invoicing, taking credit cards
- Bookkeeping and accounting
- Estimated taxes and tax returns; sales tax
Marketing – Getting Started
- Marketing is/is not
- Marketing strategies
- Maximizing exposure
- Starting package
Conducting Needs Assessments
- What is a Needs Assessment?
- Two Different Models
- Variables in conducting a Needs Assessment
- Case Studies
- New Organizer Pitfalls
Professionalism, Ethics & Competition
- What is a "Professional"
- Elements of your Professional Image
- Ethics vs. Professionalism
- NAPO Code of Ethics
- Consequences of breach of ethics
- Dealing with competition
- Responding to illegal activity
Down and Dirty: Know what you're getting into
- Reality and Risks
- Self-protection & common sense
- Tools for the job
Next Steps
- Using your Learning Plan

Prerequisites: None

Instructor: Geralin Thomas CPO-CD®, Metropolitan Organizing

Format of course: Webinar

Cost: $199 members/$299 non-members

*Please Note: The registration rate includes all four sessions.

Scheduled Dates & Times

September 10, 17, 24 & October 1, 2013 8 PM -10 PM ET	Register Now
December 9, 10, 11 & 12, 2013 12 PM - 2 PM ET	Register Now

PO-105W: Starting Out as a Residential Organizer

Title: Starting Out as a Residential Organizer
Course #: PO-105W

Course Description: This course is for any organizer looking to improve upon the skills and knowledge needed to produce a successful residential organizing business. Concentrating only on residential requirements, by means of case studies and the latest research, students will learn the specific challenges of space, paper and time management in the home. The class also covers ways that organizers facilitate decision-making for their clients as well as recognizing backsliding and successful methods of addressing issues with a client. Students will also learn fun, doable marketing strategies. Students will walk away confident in their knowledge of effective project assessments, using work plans, and developing a portfolio of resources for residential projects.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

Differentiate organizing from cleaning.
Have a variety of advertising, marketing, and public relation ideas to attract their choice clients.
Use speaking as a marketing tool.
Prepare and deliver to clients an assessment for a residential project.
Easily visit with a client to determine the work plan for the client.
Prepare a resource portfolio (other people who can help).
Understand different types of residential organizing projects such as space, paper, and time.
List ways that organizers can facilitate decision-making for their residential clients.
Recognize backsliding and effective ways to address it with a client.

Prerequisites: None

Instructor: Elizabeth Hagen, CPO^®, Professional Organizer/Speaker

Format of course: Webinar

Cost: $149 members/$249 non-members for the set of two sessions

*Please Note: The registration rate includes both sessions.

Scheduled Dates & Times

June 17 & 24, 2013 6 PM - 8 PM ET	Register Now
September 30 & October 7, 2013 6 PM - 8 PM ET	Register Now

PO-106W: Starting Out as a Business Organizer

Title: Starting Out as a Business Organizer
Course #: PO-106W

Course Description: This course is for the beginning organizer who wants to build a strong foundation of skills and knowledge to launch a successful business organizing practice. The class examines organizing practices that apply to working with professionals in a business setting, including home offices, corporations, commercial enterprises, and other business settings. Using case studies and examples from the instructor's first-hand experience, participants will be introduced to strategies that address modern workplace challenges. The class covers business client assessments; the basics of agreements/contracts; an introduction to workflow analysis, filing mechanics and systems, and time management strategies, and an examination of communications in business as it effects productivity.

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

List the key features of a client agreement for a business organizing project.
Be able to do a high-level assessment of a client's technology skill level and technology needs.
Define "document life cycle."
Describe the use of an inbox/outbox system.
Identify steps in a workflow process.
Know more than one type of paper-based filing systems for office use.
Write a clearly defined goal (-specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-oriented.)
Explain more than one simple method for prioritizing tasks.
Know the Pareto principle (80/20 Rule) and give examples of its use
Define the principle of delegation
Understand key communication principles

Prerequisites: None

Instructor: The course was developed and is being taught by Ann Damani-McKinney, CPO®. Ann is the founder of Conceivable Solutions, Inc., an organizing and efficiency firm that helps its business clients through consulting and training. Ann is an industry leader and sought after trainer and speaker. She has served many functions for both NAPO and NAPO-GA.

Format of course: Webinar

Cost: $149 members/$249 non-members

*Please Note: The registration rate includes both sessions.

Scheduled Dates & Times

June 3 & 10, 2013 8 PM - 10 PM ET	Register Now
September 16 & 23, 2013 1 PM - 3 PM ET	Register Now
November 5 & 12, 2013 8 PM - 10 PM ET	Register Now

PO-107W: Eliminating Excess

Title: Eliminating Excess
Course #: PO-107W

Course Description:
This beginner-level course will give organizers many of the tools they need to help clients achieve and maintain a clutter-free life. Organizers will learn to recognize different types of clutter, understand the factors that cause clients to keep more than they need, and develop strategies to help clients eliminate the excess. Class materials include dozens of resources for donating, recycling, and disposing of excess. This course will be delivered in one two-hour module.

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

Define excess, clutter, a collection, and a hoarder.
Identify key hazards associated with keeping clutter.
List different types of clutter and why people keep them.
Identify resources for donating, recycling, or disposing of unwanted items.
List strategies for eliminating and staying clutter free.
Understand how a client's brain type and behavior patterns can contribute to their clutter habits.
Compile a list of resources for donating or disposing of excess.

Prerequisites: None

Instructor: This course was developed and is being taught by Margaret Lukens, CPO®. A small-business advisor and productivity strategist, Margaret founded New Leaf + Company LLC in Burlingame, CA. She works with professionals through coaching, workshops, and hand-on organizing. Through her Plan To Thrive™ program, she helps business owners, including many professional organizers, to plan for and build a thriving business. She believes passionately in the power of professional organizing to change people’s lives. Margaret holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration. A member of NAPO since 2003, Margaret is a past president of the San Francisco Bay Area chapter.

Format of course: Webinar

Location: Online (*Please note: The dial-in number for this course is not a toll-free number. Registrants are advised to utilize a long-distance service that provides cost-effective rates for extended-length calls.)

Cost: $129 for members/$229 for non-members.

Disclaimer: This teleclass may be recorded and may be offered for sale at NAPO's sole discretion. By signing up for the teleclass, you irrevocably grant NAPO all rights in any contribution you make to the recording.

Scheduled Date & Time

September 26, 2013
1 PM - 3 PM ET

PO-201W: Residential Needs Assessment

Title: Residential Needs Assessment
Course #: PO-201W

Course Description: This course covers the "whys" and "how" of conducting a needs assessment, from initial client contact through the in-home consultation. A needs assessment is a systematic review of your client's current organizational situation and discussion of desired results. New and veteran organizers will learn the importance of conducting this assessment as a critical first step in successful client/organizer relationships. Participants will also learn assessment preparation, useful skills, and communication and presentation techniques. Additionally, discussion will be held on different types of assessment methods.

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

Conduct initial phone intake to determine client needs and viability for proceeding.
Convey the importance of needs assessments to clients.
Identify diagnostic areas every assessment should cover.
Determine how to charge for the assessment process
Properly prepare for initial client meeting.
Assess the use of forms and tools to complete an assessment.
Conduct a successful assessment.
Market additional organizing services when appropriate.
Identify organizer limitations and offer client additional/alternative resources, if necessary.
Determine the best type of assessment method for organizer and client.
Initiate successful client follow-up.

Prerequisites: None

Instructor: The course was developed and is being taught by Mindy Godding, CPO®,CPO-CD®. For over sixteen years, Mindy has worked to create order and clarity in the world around her. Mindy's specialties include: project management in large scale jobs, organizer training, and public speaking. Mindy is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, Institute for Challenging Disorganization (formerly the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization) and the National Speakers Association. Recognized as an industry leader, Mindy has been a presenter at six NAPO Annual Conferences and a national teleclass facilitator for the ICD. She mentors organizers across the country. Mindy was recognized by the ICD with the Volunteer of the Year Award in 2011.

Format of course: Webinar

Location: Online (*Please note: The dial-in number for this course is not a toll-free number. Registrants are advised to utilize a long-distance service that provides cost-effective rates for extended-length calls. In addition, use of land-based phone is strongly encouraged.)

Cost: $199 for members/$299 for non-members for the set of four sessions.

*Please Note: The registration rate includes four sessions.

Scheduled Dates & Times

July 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2013 4 PM - 6 PM ET	Register Now
October 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2013 2 PM - 4 PM ET	Register Now

PO-202W: Residential Information Management

Title: Residential Information Management
Course #: PO-202W

Course Description: Designed for the intermediate-level organizer, this course will equip the organizer to effectively work with their residential clients to establish appropriate methods for handling incoming information, including mail, school papers, and electronic information. Organizers will learn various techniques to help clients overcome their paper piles, lack of a family communication center, and mishandled storage solutions for action, reference papers and memorabilia. Attendees will discover methods of working with clients on the conundrums associated with e-mail, electronic documents and the influx of data from the internet. An overview of "cloud" solutions is included in this course.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

Identify the different types of action paper, listing solutions for handling each type of action paper found in the majority of residential households.
Explain different types of action systems.
Identify & explain the components of a home communication center.
Recognize, identify, and explain various processing and storage methods for vital reference papers.
Define an appropriate order when systematizing paper based upon the length of time it needs to be kept.
Identify appropriate storage containers.
Recognize & prioritize effective handling of emails.
Recognize, identify, and explain various methods of storing information electronically "in the cloud."
List various categories of paper memorabilia and appropriate archiving and storage methods for each.

Prerequisites: None

Instructor: Course developer and instructor Janice Russell, CPO-CD®, COC is a past Education Chair for NAPO. As the Overseer of Order of Minding Your Matters® Organizing since 2002, Janice honed her superb organizing and training skills both in education and the corporate world. She is a Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization and a Master Trainer in CD and Organization as designated by the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD). Janice is also a Certified Organizer Coach through the Institute for Applied Coach (IAD). Membership in ICD and NAPO complement her Psychology degree from Duke and Master of Education from Vanderbilt. As a speaker, author and hands-on organizing professional, Janice helps homeowners and busy professionals organize their space, papers, electronic documents and time.

Format of course: Webinar

Location: Via telephone (audio) and internet (visual)

Cost: $179 for members/$279 for non-members.

Scheduled Dates & Times

August 12, 19 & 26, 2013
12 PM - 2 PM ET

PO-203W: Time Management from the Inside Out for Professional Organizers

Title: Time Management from the Inside Out for Professional Organizers
Course #: PO-203W

Format: Four-hour course, delivered in two, two-hour sessions (via webinar), and taught by Julie Morgenstern or a senior faculty member of Julie Morgenstern Enterprises, LLC.

Location: Via telephone (audio) and internet (visual)

Course Description: Time management is an essential skill for maintaining any organizing system, and a critical component to creating a meaningful and fulfilling life. Organizers of every specialty (from residential to business, paper to digital, projects to teams) encounter time management challenges during the course of their client service. This class is designed to provide intermediate organizers in all areas of specialties with the insight to recognize and address time management issues that arise during their client work. Built around Julie Morgenstern’s “Inside-Out” philosophy, this course will enable you to evaluate client strengths and weaknesses with respect to time management, and provide practical solutions based on each individual’s unique personality, needs and goals.

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

Define what good time management is
Shift perceptions of time to make it easier to take control
Diagnose six common obstacles to good time management
Integrate time management lessons into client sessions
Generate practical solutions for all personality types and situations
Teach the mechanics of daily planning
Coach client in eliminating time wasters
Guide clients in developing a big picture view
Work with people in a wide variety of circumstances

Prerequisite Reading Material: Time Management from Inside Out, by Julie Morgenstern

Course Designer: Julie Morgenstern is a veteran Professional Organizer and Time Management coach who has been working with clients for over 23 years in the residential, small business, and corporate sectors. She is a New York Times bestselling author of 5 books, including Organizing From The Inside Out, Time Management From The Inside Out and Never Check Email In The Morning. Julie has developed and delivered time management coaching, speeches and training to individuals and companies throughout the US and all over the world, including Norway, Sweden, Moscow, Dubai, China, Japan, Singapore, South Africa and New Zealand. She trains professional organizers and time management coaches through her Organizing Institute, and has received many industry awards, including NAPO’s Founder’s Award and The LA Organizer Awards for Best Time Management Expert in 2010 & 2011.

Cost: $149 for members/$249 for non-members.

Confirmation and Course Materials: Confirmation of registration & course materials will be emailed to you at least three days prior to the course start date. If you do not receive this email, it is your responsibility to contact NAPO (via phone: 856.380.6828 or email: napo@napo.net) at least 24 hours prior to the course start date.

Scheduled Dates & Times

June 18 & 20, 2013 1 PM - 3:00 PM ET	Register Now
September 17 & 19, 2013 1 PM - 3:00 PM ET	Register Now

PO-206W: Project Management for Professional Organizers

Title: Project Management for Professional Organizers
Course #: PO-206W

Course Description: This course is designed for intermediate and advanced professional organizers. The class will cover the general process of successfully managing an organizing project. This course will include project planning with a client, other organizers and outside contractors as well as methods for working within time, budget restraints and managing pitfalls.

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

Define Project Management.
Have a clear knowledge of the advantages of having a successfully planned organizing project.
Plan an organizing project from the "Initial Assessment" through "Follow-up".
Coordinate the project with the client(s), other organizers, and outside contractors.
Keep the project on task, within time and budget restraints.
Manage unexpected pitfalls.
Close out the project, managing follow-up or continued maintenance.

Prerequisites: None

Instructor: Heather Cocozza, CPO®, PMP, is the owner of Cocozza Organizing & Design, LLC, where your space is designed for your specific needs. Prior to her career as a professional organizer, Heather spent 13 years in corporate America, as a Project Manager at PricewaterhouseCooper and IBM managing large-scale ERP system implementations.

Heather has been a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) since 2005. This certification is sponsored by the Project Management Institute (PMI), a well-respected and global organization whose primary goal is to advance the practice, science and profession of project management throughout the world. The PMP® credential recognizes demonstrated knowledge and skill in leading and directing project teams and in delivering project results within the constraints of schedule, budget and resources.

Heather joined NAPO in 2006 and has been on the NAPO Washington, DC Chapter Board of Directors for the 2007-2008 term and the 2009-2010 term.

Format of course: Webinar

Cost: $129 members/$229 non-members.

Scheduled Dates & Times

October 17, 2013
11 AM - 1 PM ET

PO-301W: Transference of Organizational Skills

Title: Transference of Organizational Skills
Course #: PO-301W

Course Description: This course will focus on how to assist clients to make behavioral change to support new systems, processes and habits to create organizational success. The professional organizer will understand the principles of change management and behavior modification and learn tactics and strategies to create successful change. Participants will also gain insight to adult learning principles and effective communication techniques. This course will equip professional organizers with tools to assist in the transference of organizational skills to their clients.

Prerequisites: None

Instructor: Donna D. McMillan, founder of McMillan & Company Professional Organizing (1984) and Island Organizers (2006), based in West Los Angeles, CA, is one of the organizing industry pioneers.

Before becoming a Professional Organizer, Donna's background included 20 years in business management in the corporate arena. Since 1984, her development of countless systems and techniques to "organize-categorize-systematize" have empowered businesses, solopreneurs and individuals. Her specialties include efficiency training and productivity coaching with solutions for paperwork, filing systems, information, workspace and time management. Donna has provided training/coaching for Professional Organizers and clients, nationally and internationally, since 1993. Also, she is the author/creator of the Personal Assets Inventory Workbook (1993).

As a nationally-recognized professional, Donna's expertise has appeared in syndicated columns of newspapers: Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Business Journal, Beverly Hills Business, Brentwood News, The San Diego Union-Tribune, Senior World, Honolulu Advertiser's Homescape Magazine, Examiner.com Los Angeles; magazines: AMEX Beyond Open, Entrepreneur.com, Real Simple, Fortune Small Business, Dwell, Family Circle, Physician's Money Digest, Home Office Computing, Kiplinger's Retirement Report; Radio, TV and Cable programs; and in books: Organize Your Small Business - 70 Tips From A Collection Of Experts, Organizing Plain and Simple, Simple Steps to Organizing Everything, The Consumer's Guide to Experts, Time Management for Busy People, Golden Tips for Getting Organized.

Format of course: Webinar

Location: Via telephone (audio) and internet (visual)

Cost: $129 members/$229 non-members

Scheduled Dates & Times

October 8, 2013
7 PM - 9 PM ET

PO-302W: Downsizing with Senior Clients

Title:Downsizing with Senior Clients
Course #: PO-302W

Course Description:

This course, designed in collaboration with the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM), will teach professional organizers (POs) how to prepare for and execute a successful downsizing project for senior clients. POs will gain valuable insight into the unique physical, mental, and emotional challenges of working with seniors. This course will provide specific tools and techniques to handle these specialized needs. Faced with downsizing their clients' decades of memories, POs will gain practical, motivational strategies to maximize the older adult's sense of control, independence, and self-esteem

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

POs will hear how to effectively relay the vision or end result of the downsizing project to their senior client. POs also will discover how to begin the project, based on a senior client's medical, physical, and/or emotional needs.
POs will understand how to assess their senior clients' unique needs.
POs will learn how to deal with the physical purge, particularly with issues common among seniors.
POs will understand how to deal with the emotional purge and the underlying emotional issues.
POs will acquire insights on how to downsize and space plan for senior clients who are moving from their current homes.
POs will hear how to effectively downsize a client who is not moving from his or her home.
POs will learn to identify local aging-related resources, as well as new types of partnerships unique to downsizing seniors.
POs will explore Aging in Place concepts, as well as other areas of opportunity for Professional Organizers working with older adults.

Prerequisites:

PO-201T, Residential Needs Assessment, or equivalent

Instructor:

Margit Novack is a pioneer in Senior Move Management and Founding President of the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM). Margit founded Moving Solutions in 1996 and was awarded Business of the Year by the American Society in Aging (ASA) in 1999. Margit is Founder of eSMMART, a web-based training platform for Organizers and Move Managers who wish to increase their competency with the senior client. Margit shares her passion and knowledge by speaking regularly at national conferences on issues related to seniors.

Margit is a Golden Circle Member of NAPO, a member of the NAPO Greater Philadelphia Chapter, and is the Founding Board President of of NASMM. She holds graduate and undergraduate degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and a Certificate in Senior Move Management (cSMM) from eSMMART.

Format of course: Webinar

Location:Via telephone (audio) and internet (visual)

Cost: $149 for members/$249 for non-members.

Scheduled Dates & Times

November 13, 2013
7 PM - 8:30 PM ET

PO-303W: Understanding Learning and Thinking Styles

Title:Understanding Learning and Thinking Styles
Course#: PO-303W

Course Description:
Studies show that people are most successful and happiest when information is being shared in their preferred learning style and when working in their preferred thinking style.

Designed for advanced-level organizers, this course will build your awareness of some of the most promising studies exploring how we think, process information, and what stimulates our comprehension and learning. A quick tour of the most up-to-date research sets you up for some practical ideas to incorporate into your organizational toolkit.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

Understand the difference between learning (sensory) and thinking (personality) styles.
Be able to identify your learning and thinking preferences and be able to formally or informally assess the learning and thinking preferences of your clients.
Learn how to assess the learning and thinking styles of your clients; either formally or informally.
Learn how to use the knowledge of your clients' learning and thinking styles to build rapport and trust.
Learn how to create unique systems to meet the goals of your clients based on their learning and thinking styles.
Learn how to effectively transfer organizational skills based upon your clients' learning style

Prerequisites: In preparation for this course, it is advisable that you complete the Learning Styles Assessment & Thinking Assessment forms in advance of the class. These forms will be distributed to registered course participants, as part of course materials.

Please note that these assessments are the intellectual property of Come to Order and NAPO has granted permission to use them in the instruction of this course. Copyright permission has not been granted for use of these assessments outside of this course.

Any questions about the assessments or the use thereof should be directed to Kathy Jenkins at Come to Order, 804-550-9428, www.ComeToOrderVA.com.

Instructor:

The course was developed and is being taught by Kathy Jenkins, CPO®. She is the Founder of Come To Order® and The Organizing Tutor™. As a Certified Professional Organizer®, Certified Family Manager® Coach and Love & Logic® Parenting Facilitator/Coach, Kathy happily spends her days helping busy families simplify and come to order in every aspect of their lives, not just with their stuff! She has a particular affinity for paper.

Kathy is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), NAPO Golden Circle, NAPO Education Committee, the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD) and Faithful Organizers. She also serves as the Leader of the NAPO Student Organizing Special Interest Group and the NAPO Richmond Chapter Secretary. She is proud to be counted as one of the creators of the NAPO in the Schools Elementary Program.

Format of course: Webinar

Location: Via telephone (audio) and internet (visual)

Cost: $139 for members/$239 for non-members.

Scheduled Dates & Times

July 22 & 29, 2013 7 PM - 8:30 PM ET	Register Now
November 19 & 26, 2013 7 PM - 8:30 PM ET	Register Now

PO-304W: Project Management for Residential Organizers

Title: Project Management for Residential Organizers
Course #: PO-304W

Course Description: A project is a series of activities designed to achieve a specific outcome within a set budget and timeframe. Designed for organizers with fundamental knowledge of project management in professional organizing, this two-hour class will focus on project management practices as they relate to residential organizing. Participants will learn techniques for successfully managing an organizing project, including: client needs assessments and action plans, resource strategies, goal/timeline/budget tracking, progress reporting and other client communication, team management, and project closure.

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

Define and articulate the phases and process of an organizing project.
Assess client needs by defining goals/vision, evaluating current time and budget requirements, identifying resources/challenges.
Develop a prioritized plan of action, charting and dissecting projects into actionable tasks, creating timeline, and assigning responsibilities.
Identify and optimize available resources including additional team members, client's existing resources, products, and other professional services.
Successfully assemble and manage a team by defining roles/responsibilities, using motivation and supervisory techniques.
Evaluate progress and troubleshoot issues surrounding team productivity, product lead time & proposed budget/timeline.
Manage client expectations with communication techniques when setting goals, negotiating setbacks.
Administer project closing including final review, follow-up activities, transference of skills/training, maintenance plan, final payment, and follow-up strategies.

Prerequisites: None

Instructor: Colleen Ashe, PMP®, CPO®, is a veteran project manager with a passion for all things organized. After spending more than 25 years in business, working with international clients and Fortune 500 companies, Colleen now puts her keen problem solving abilities, leadership skills and commitment to client service to use as the CEO -- Chief Expert Organizer -- and founder of Ashe Organizing Solutions, Ltd. (www.asheorganizing.com) in New York. She uses her creativity, innovation and collaboration strategies—along with her love of organizing—to help others bring order to their homes and businesses. Colleen enjoys sharing her organizing tips and strategies to save people both time and money. Colleen is a certified Project Management Professional® (PMP) and a Certified Professional Organizer® (CPO), as well as a Subscriber to the Institute for Challenging Disorganization.

Format of course: Webinar

Cost: $129 members/$229 non-members.

Scheduled Dates & Times

Register Now
September 9, 2013 11 AM to 1 PM ET	Register Now

PO-305W: Project Management for Office Business Organizers

Title: Project Management for Office Business Organizers
Course #: PO-305W

Course Description: Using an interactive learning environment, participants with advanced project management skills will share ideas and techniques, and apply project management principles to each stage of the project lifecycle on an office or business organizing project. Advanced project management topics include: costs and determining how to charge; how to identify, track, communicate and negotiate issues; and how to use collaborative software. Role playing will afford real time use of, and transfer of, skills.

Course Objectives:

Project Goals

Be able to solve "real life" projects using project management methods.
Clearly define goals/visions, resources and challenges.
Develop an actionable list of tasks, resources, create timelines, and assign responsibilities.

Project Costs

Determine how to charge. Clearly communicate costs, set payment methods and terms, and learn how to handle the budget.

Project Timelines

Know how to address team productivity and timelines and manage client expectations.

Project Administration

Use project management tools or software associated with a business or office project to track a project.
Apply project management techniques in creating contracts, action plans, and progress reports documenting a completed project.

Project Wrap-up

Include follow-up activities, making sure there is transference of skills, training, a maintenance plan, and ensure that final payment is made.

Prerequisite: PO-206 Project Management for Professional Organizer, OR have project management experience and are already familiar with Project Management Phases: Definition, Planning, Execution, and Close-Out Phase.

Heather joined NAPO in 2006 and has been on the NAPO Washington, DC Chapter Board of Directors for the 2007-2008 term and the 2009-2010 term.

Format of course: Webinar

Location: Via telephone (audio) and internet (visual)

Cost: $149 members/$249 non-members.

Scheduled Dates & Times

June 6 & 13, 2013
7 PM - 9 PM ET

PO-402W: Safety in the Organizing Environment

Title: Safety in the Organizing Environment
Course #: PO-402W

Did you know there is a pest currently making a comeback and not even the finest hotels are immune? Do you know what to look for in used furniture, even expensive antiques?

Suppose…
… a client misuses a toxic chemical while you're there.
… you encounter rodent droppings in a client's basement.
… a client screams at you and throws something in your direction.
… you sprain your ankle while on a job.
… a fight breaks out in a client's office.
… you sees marks on a client's child and suspect abuse.

Would you know what to do? Could you keep yourself safe while responding appropriately?

There are thousands of other potentially dangerous situations that you or your staff might encounter as professional organizers in the field. Have you thought of them all? Are you ready?

Course Description: This course raises awareness of the many safety issues a professional organizer might encounter on the job and provides specific options for avoiding, eliminating, or mitigating these risks. Both personal and environmental safety are addressed, including client criminal activity, domestic violence, and personal assault; respiratory, contact, and ingestion dangers; risks associated with insects and animals; and emergencies and injuries related to lifting, exertion, individual limits, and temperature extremes. Enlightening and sometimes startling, this three-hour course prepares professional organizers to protect themselves, their staff members, and their clients.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to:

Define personal and environmental safety on the job as a professional organizer.
Anticipate and avoid or mitigate potential safety risks.
Recognize subtle dangers that would escape the notice of the average person.
List health and safety tools of the trade and assemble a safety kit.
Help clients to identify and correct dangers in their homes and offices.
Plan safe and appropriate responses to a variety of dangers and emergencies.
Recommend environmentally responsible disposal options for hazardous materials.
Identify options for further preparedness training and research.

Prerequisites: None

Format of course: Webinar

Location: Via telephone (audio) and internet (visual) (*Please note: The dial-in number for this course is not a toll-free number. Registrants are advised to utilize a long-distance service that provides cost-effective rates for extended-length calls.)

Cost: $139 for members/$239 for non-members

Scheduled Dates & Times

October 29, 2013
10 AM - 1 PM ET

PO-403T: Chronic Disorganization: Understanding Emotional Challenges with the CD Client

Title: Chronic Disorganization: Understanding Emotional Challenges with the CD Client
Course #: PO-403T

Course Description: This course is designed for organizers who are interested in getting a broad overview of how chronically disorganized (CD) clients differ from non-CD clients. Participants will learn the defining features of chronic disorganization, the emotional responses that often occur and the situations that may cause those responses. In addition, the class will explore components that lead to positive client relationships as well as some basic techniques and creative methods that will benefit the CD client during the organizing process. This course will also help generalist organizers decide whether to pursue working with the CD population and, if so, learn how to further their education in that direction.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

Determine when a client meets the criteria for chronic disorganization (CD)
Recognize situations and signals of common emotional challenges that occur with CD individuals
Differentiate between the emotions of CD versus non-CD clients
Identify at least three organizing techniques that are useful when working with CD clients

Prerequisites: None

Instructor: Kate Varness, CPO-CD® MA and Sue Becker

Format of course: Teleclass

Location: Via telephone (*Please note: The dial-in number for this teleclass is not a toll-free number. Registrants are advised to utilize a long-distance service that provides cost-effective rates for extended-length calls. In addition, please be sure you have access to a land-based phone.)

Cost: $99 for members/$199 for non-members

Scheduled Dates & Times

October 21, 2013
8 PM - 9:30 PM ET

PO-404W: The Power of Multiple Income Streams and Other Business Model Options

Title: The Power of Multiple Income Streams and Other Business Model Options
Course #: PO-404W

Course Description:
In business, there are an unlimited number of options available to make your business grow and thrive, many of which may be unknown or unclear to business owners. This course is designed to clearly demonstrate how these options can enhance your business by examining the differences, advantages and disadvantages of each.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

Distinguish among the various legal forms of business, (i.e. sole proprietor, LLC, S-Corp, etc.)
Appreciate the legal and financial differences between subcontractors and employees.
Identify the advantages and disadvantages of working as an employee, subcontractor, or in-house organizer
Consider the various methods of delivering professional organizing services, from hands-on to coaching and consulting
Evaluate the different avenues for creating multiple income streams through speaking, writing, products, and so on.
Discover the best options for moving forward in the professional organizing industry for you

If you are a practicing professional organizer in search of new and exciting ways to reinvent your business, then PO404T is for you!

Prerequisites: None

Instructor: Author, speaker, consultant, and CPO®, Patty Kreamer is the President of Kreamer Connect, a Pittsburgh-based company that works nationally with individual and corporate clients to become more productive and perform better while at the same time simplifying their work and lives. Patty is the author of But I Might Need It Someday, The Power of Simplicity, and The Clutter Rescue Course™. She transfers her skill through her books, custom seminars and keynotes as well as through her consulting, coaching and organizing services. http://www.byebyeclutter.com/about_Patty.htm

Format of Course: Webinar

Location: Via telephone (audio) and internet (visual) (Please note: The dial-in number for this course is not a toll-free number. Registrants are advised to utilize a long-distance service that provides cost-effective rates for extended-length calls.)

Cost: $129 members/$229 non-members.

Scheduled Dates & Times

September 18, 2013
7 PM - 8:30 PM ET

PO-405W: Preparing for the BCPO® Certified Professional Organizer® Exam

Title: Preparing for the BCPO® Certified Professional Organizer® Exam
Course #: PO-405W

Course Description:
You're an organizer ready to take the Certified Professional Organizer Exam and you can answer any question they throw at you, right? Are you sure? Prepare for the BCPO test with your peers in a guided teleclass. You'll be armed with the right information to handle any question you encounter. Wouldn't it be great to be armed with some guidelines and best practices to manage them in the best way possible?

This 4-hour study prep course prepares you to manage questions on all the subjects in the BCPO outline. It provides specific strategies for test-taking, terms you need to know, and organizing concepts. It even has 25 mock exam questions to help you become familiar with the style of questions included in the certification exam.

This course presents content for all levels of organizers preparing to take the Exam, soon or down the road. Attendees will be asked to contribute by participating in discussions and providing one short book summary.

Each registrant also receives a copy of the e-book, Guide for Preparing for the BCPO® Certified Professional Organizer® Exam.

Please Note: It is highly recommended that you visit the BCPO® website to download the list of Suggested Reference Sources. It is also highly recommended that participants choose a book to read from this list and be prepared to discuss it with the class.

Prerequisites: None

Instructor: This course is presented by Allison Carter, CPO® and Leslie Walden, CPO®. The two teamed up to create a group study course for their own chapter while preparing for the inaugural exam in 2007. The sessions go such rave reviews, they recreated the content and process for this NAPO Teleclass.

Allison Carter, CPO®, owner of the Professional Organizer and Organizer U. is a leader in the organizing industry and has been a mentor/trainer to new organizers since 2003. Her professional resume includes: Chair of NAPO's Chapter Relations Committee, NAPO Marketing Task Force leader, NAPO-Georgia President, NAPO-Georgia Marketing Director, workshop presenter at two NAPO conferences, and presenter of NAPO's Sticky Issue Teleclass.

Leslie Walden, CPO®, is the founder of It's Time to Get Organized, LLC in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a Golden Circle Member and mentors new organizers. Leslie has served as NAPO-Georgia's President, Vice President, and Past President. She has also chaired NAPO-Georgia's GO Month and Disaster Month Events. She has an MBA and Masters in Education.

Format of Course: Webinar

Location:Via telephone (audio) and internet (visual) (Please note: The dial-in number for this course is not a toll-free number. Registrants are advised to utilize a long-distance service that provides cost-effective rates for extended-length calls.)

Class size: Class is limited to a maximum of 50 participants.

Cost: $149 members/$249 non-members for the set of two sessions

*Please Note: The registration rate includes both sessions.

Scheduled Dates & Times

May 22 & 29, 2013
7 PM - 9 PM ET

National Association of Professional Organizers

Home : Our Profession : Education : Professional Organizer Curriculum

Connect with NAPO