Organizer Business Models
There are many opportunities for a successful and fulfilling career in the organizing industry. Did you know that you can work in this industry and not have to be a business owner as well? Just think, you can be a professional organizer and not run your own business.
There are several business models that NAPO members have opted to operate within. There are members that have chosen to operate multi-person organizing companies where they employ organizing consultants or subcontract the work to others. Some members prefer to be a solopreneur where they own their own business and also provide organizing services. There are even some members that manage organizing companies.
If you’re thinking about a career in organizing, the following case studies are about actual NAPO members. As you will read, there are many different options to explore in this exciting and rewarding industry.
The Solo Specialist
Do focused activities consistently and do them well, rather than trying to do everything.
That notion has been one organizer’s Golden Rule in running her business as a solo operation. “One of the challenges in growing any business is thinking that you have to be everything to everyone,” she says. “The fear is that narrowing your focus will narrow your growth, when, in fact, just the opposite occurs.”
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Contractor
She could develop organizational systems for homes along with doing what she most enjoys—working in business settings. But why should she have to? There are other NAPO members who prefer to bring order only to residential settings, and this NAPO member is inclined to let them do so.
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The Subcontractor
The two organizers — a newcomer and a seasoned pro — met at a NAPO program, chatted briefly and exchanged contact information. A few weeks later, the veteran organizer phoned her fellow NAPO member and asked for a hand in finishing a large project.
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The Product Developer
When she began 30 years ago in the field that is known today as professional organizing, there were very few — if any — resources available. NAPO, The Organizing Authority®, had yet to be founded.
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The Boss Plus Two
They can help their clients better manage their time, money and paper, ensure that relocations run smoothly and de-clutter homes, garages and offices. But as the business continues to grow and become increasingly successful, many professional organizers must hire employees to handle the increased volume.
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The Supportive Administrator
She answers telephones and email queries, explains how the company’s services can help potential customers, manages the professional organizers’ schedules, prepares contracts for client work, assists with marketing, and follows up with clients once jobs have been completed.
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The Phone Coach
She always thought coaches shouted, blew whistles and made their teams do push-ups. That is, until she saw an organizational coaching workshop during a National Association of Professional Organizers convention in 1996.
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The Team Builder
When she was laid off from her IT job in corporate America, throwing herself into a new profession was not only exciting, but necessary. A year after starting her business as an organizer and member of NAPO, she found herself divorced with only four months of salary in the bank.
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The Fulfilled Employee
Running a professional organizing business requires marketing know-how and the ability to pitch your company to potential clients. In addition, there are Web site creation and maintenance, bookkeeping, phone calls, client follow-up, appointment scheduling, and so many more duties a business owner must address.
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The Owner, Contractors, and Employees
She began her professional organizing business in 1990, working solo from her home. Soon after joining NAPO in 1993, her once quiet apartment had begun bustling with the activity of a busy office as she hopped from appointment to appointment.
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