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 and classroom formats are offered to accommodate different learning styles and budget constraints. A teleclass is designated with a “T”.

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-001T: Introduction to Professional Organizing

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

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: 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.)

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: $29 members/$39 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 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 Dates & Times

September 14, 2010 7 PM to 8:30 PM CT (8 PM to 9:30 PM ET)	Register Online
October 14, 2010 7 PM to 8:30 PM CT (8 PM to 9:30 PM ET)	Register Online
November 16, 2010 7 PM to 8:30 PM CT (8 PM to 9:30 PM ET)	Register Online
December 6, 2010 11 AM to 12:30 PM CT (12 PM to 1:30 PM ET)	Register Online

PO-101T: Starting An Organizing Business

Title: Starting An Organizing Business
Course #: PO-101T

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: Teleclass

Cost: $179 for members/$279 for non-members for the set of four sessions

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

Scheduled Dates & Times

October 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2010
11 AM to 1 PM CT (12 PM to 2 PM ET)

PO-102T: Fundamental Organizing Principles

Title: Fundamental Organizing Principles
Course #: PO-102T

This course qualifies for 8 CEU credits for Certification / Recertification Program. For more information about becoming a Certified Professional Organizer, visit the BCPO Website.

Course Description: This eight-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 National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization. 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! and Ethical Pitfalls for Professional Organizers.

Format of course: Teleclass

Cost: $179 for members/$279 for non-members for the set of four sessions

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

Scheduled Dates & Times

October 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2010
6 PM to 8 PM CT (7 PM to 9 PM ET)

PO-103T: Starting Out as a Residential Organizer

Title: Starting Out as a Residential Organizer
Course #: PO-103T

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: Teleclass

Cost: $129 members/$229 non-members for the set of two sessions

*Please Note: The registration rate includes both sessions.

Scheduled Dates & Times

September 20 and 27, 2010
6 PM to 8 PM CT (7 PM to 9 PM ET)

PO-104T: Starting Out as a Business Organizer

Title: Starting Out as a Business Organizer
Course #: PO-104T

This course qualifies for 4 CEU credits for Certification / Recertification Program. For more information about becoming a Certified Professional Organizer, visit the BCPO Website.

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: Teleclass

Cost: $129 members/$229 non-members for the set of two sessions

*Please Note: The registration rate includes both sessions.

Scheduled Dates & Times

October 4 and 11, 2010
7 PM to 9 PM CT (8 PM to 10 PM ET)

PO-201T: Residential Needs Assessment

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

This course qualifies for 8 CEU credits for Certification / Recertification Program. For more information about becoming a Certified Professional Organizer, visit the BCPO Website.

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-CD®. For over twelve years, Mindy has worked to create order and clarity in the world around her. Her success in professional organizing has been built on her ability to help clients avoid overwhelm as they work to realize potential and vision in their space. 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, the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization and the National Speakers Association. In April 2007, Mindy received certification as a Professional Organizer specializing in Chronic Disorganization (CPO-CD®). Recognized as an industry leader, Mindy has been a presenter at three NAPO Annual Conferences and a national teleclass facilitator for the NSGCD. Mindy is currently President of NAPO-Richmond and serves as the Speaker’s Bureau Coordinator for the NSGCD.

Format of course: Teleclass

Cost: $179 for members/$279 for non-members for the set of four sessions.

*Please Note: The registration rate includes four sessions.

Scheduled Dates & Times

September 22, 29, October 6 and 13, 2010
5 PM to 7 PM CT (6 PM to 8 PM ET)

PO-204T: Eliminating Excess

Title: Eliminating Excess
Course #: PO-204T

This course qualifies for 2 CEU credits for Certification / Recertification Program. For more information about becoming a Certified Professional Organizer, visit the BCPO Website.

Course Description:
This intermediate-level course will give organizers 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 teleclass will be delivered in one (1) two-hour module.

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

Define 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 learning more about eliminating excess.

Prerequisites: None

Instructor: This course was developed and is being taught by Margaret Lukens, CPO®. A professional organizer, business consultant, and productivity trainer, Margaret founded New Leaf + Company LLC in Burlingame, CA. She works with business managers and owners through workshops, coaching, and hand-on organizing. She believes passionately in the power of professional organizing to support freedom, clarity, and room to grow. She regularly teaches classes and workshops including Plan to Thrive, Get Clients Now, and the GO System. 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. She is also a member of the International Coach Federation.

Format of course: Teleclass

Location: Via telephone (*Please be sure you have access to a land-based phone.)

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

Scheduled Date & Time

October 21, 2010
6 PM to 8 PM CT (7 PM to 9 PM ET)

PO-206T: Project Management for Professional Organizers

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

This course qualifies for 2 CEU credits for Certification / Recertification Program. For more information about becoming a Certified Professional Organizer, visit the BCPO Website.

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, 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: Teleclass

Location: Via telephone (*Please be sure you have access to a land-based phone.)

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

Scheduled Dates & Times

September 30, 2010
6 PM to 8 PM CT (7 PM to 9 PM ET)

PO-301T: Transference of Organizational Skills

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

This course qualifies for 1.5 CEU credits for Certification / Recertification Program. For more information about becoming a Certified Professional Organizer, visit the BCPO Website.

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: K.J. McCorry is the owner of Officiency Enterprises, Inc. a productivity, efficiency and sustainable consulting company based out of Boulder, CO. Ms. McCorry is the author of Organize Your Work Day In No Time, by Que Publishing, which is one of the recommended books for certification of the professional organizing industry. She is considered a nationally recognized expert and has appeared in New York Times , International Herald Tribune, Chicago Tribune, Real Simple, CNN Money, Better Homes & Gardens with TV and radio appearances on the Do It Yourself Network, The Peter Boyles Show, and World Talk Radio. She has been a contributing writer on productivity for the Boulder County Business report since 2002. She has been twice nominated for the prestigious Founders Award by the National Association of Professional Organizers. K.J. has been active with NAPO and has served as the Job Task Analysis Team Lead for NAPO Certification, Public Relations Chairperson, Professional Development Chair for Colorado Chapter and a Founding member of the NAPO Colorado Chapter. Ms. McCorry received her BA in Psychology and International Business from Metropolitan State College in Denver, Colorado and her Masters in Business from the University of Denver.

Format of course: Teleclass

Cost: $99 members/$199 non-members

Scheduled Dates & Times

To be announced at later time

PO-304T: Project Management for Residential Organizers

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

This course qualifies for 2 CEU credits for Certification / Recertification Program. For more information about becoming a Certified Professional Organizer, visit the BCPO Website.

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

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: Teleclass

Location: Via telephone (*Please be sure you have access to a land-based phone.)

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

Scheduled Dates & Times

October 28, 2010
6 PM to 8 PM CT (7 PM to 9 PM ET)

PO-305T: Project Management for Office Business Organizers

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

This course qualifies for 2 CEU credits for Certification / Recertification Program. For more information about becoming a Certified Professional Organizer, visit the BCPO Website.

Course Description: A project is a series of activities designed to achieve a specific outcome within a set budget and timeframe. Designed for intermediate and advanced organizers, this two-hour telecourse will cover project management practices as they relate to corporate professional organizing. Participants will learn techniques for successfully managing an organizing project, including: client needs assessments and action plans basics, 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 projectfor an office or business. Highlight business terminology for project management.
Assess client needs by defining goals, evaluating current processes, identifying resources/challenges.
Develop a prioritized plan of action, charting and dissecting projects into actionable tasks, determining progression (sequential or parallel), creating timeline, and assigning responsibilities.
Identify and optimize available resources (money, time, and people) including additional team members, client’s existing resources, and other professional services.
Determine how to charge and communicate estimated costs, set payment method terms, and handle budget overages/shortages.
Evaluate progress and troubleshoot issues surrounding team productivity, product lead time & proposed budget.
Manage client expectations with communication techniques when setting goals, providing options, negotiating setbacks, and issuing progress and issues/opportunities reports.
Create and employ business systems including client agreements/contracts, action plans, progress reports, and follow-up strategies.
Administer project closing including final review, follow-up activities, transference of skills/training, maintenance plan, and final payment.

Prerequisites: None

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: Teleclass

Location: Via telephone (*Please be sure you have access to a land-based phone.)

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

Scheduled Dates & Times

November 18, 2010
6 PM to 8 PM CT (7 PM to 9 PM ET)

PO-401T: Sticky Issues

Title: Sticky Issues
Course #: PO-401T

This course qualifies for 2 CEU credits for Certification / Recertification Program. For more information about becoming a Certified Professional Organizer, visit the BCPO Website.

Course Description: You’re a person of integrity, ready to face any situation professional organizing can throw at you, right? Maybe so…but even experienced organizers may encounter situations where the right course of action is not immediately clear. Wouldn’t it be great to be armed with some guidelines and best practices to manage them in the best way possible?

This two-hour course prepares you to handle such “sticky issues.” It provides you with specific strategies and talking points for surviving common awkward situations, conflicts, and uncomfortable scenarios. It also includes a step-by-step checklist for working through difficult decisions. Students will learn about managing expectations, respecting intellectual property rules, keeping confidences, avoiding conflicts of interest, and maintaining professional standards. Whether you’re an experienced organizer or a novice, this course is indispensible.

Prerequisites: None

Instructor: Allison Carter, CPO®

Format of course: Teleclass

Cost: $99 members/$199 non-members

Scheduled Dates & Times

Future dates and times for this teleclass will be announced at later time.

PO-402T: Safety in the Organizing Environment

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

This course qualifies for 3 CEU credits for Certification / Recertification Program. For more information about becoming a Certified Professional Organizer, visit the BCPO Website.

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 newly expanded 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: Teleclass

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

Scheduled Dates & Times

September 16, 2010
5 PM to 8 PM CT (6 PM to 9 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

This course qualifies for 1.5 CEU credits for Certification / Recertification Program. For more information about becoming a Certified Professional Organizer, visit the BCPO Website.

Course Description: This course is for any organizer interested in getting an overview of how chronically disorganized (CD) clients are different from non-CD clients. The professional organizer will better understand the potential impact (for better or worse) that s/he can have on a Chronically Disorganized individual. Participants will learn how to recognize a CD client when one is encountered, as well as recognize some of the emotional responses that often occur with CD individuals, and learn about some of the possible causes and signals to watch for. Class will emphasize the importance of continued education for the professional organizer, and our roll as professionals regarding trust, relationship building, and boundary setting. Included are helpful tips, tools, methods, techniques, and other creative ideas for the professional organizer that will benefit the CD client. This class will also help the generalist organizer decide if s/he does, or does not want to work with the CD population, or to further his/her 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 the impact of emotions on CD versus non-CD clients
Identify at least three organizing techniques that are useful with CD clients

Prerequisites: None

Instructor: Terry Watson, CPO-CD® and Sue Becker

Format of course: Teleclass

Cost: $69 for members/$89 for non-members

Scheduled Dates & Times

September 21, 2010
7 PM to 8:30 PM CT (8 PM to 9:30 PM ET)

PO-404T: 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-404T

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: 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.)

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

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

Format of Course: Teleclass

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

September 15, 2010
6 PM to 7:30 PM CT (7 PM to 8:30 PM ET)

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

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

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: Teleclass

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

Cost: $129 members/$229 non-members for the set of two sessions

*Please Note: The registration rate includes both sessions.

Scheduled Dates & Times

September 1 and 7, 2010
6 PM to 8 PM CT (7 PM to 8 PM ET)

National Association of Professional Organizers

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