APPENDIX B – Frequently Asked Questions about a DBA Change
1. Why is NAPO considering a Doing Business As (DBA) change?
The 2016 Productivity Task Force Report recommended changing the name of the
association to "National Association for Productivity and Organization."
Additionally the report stated:
“As a task force, we viewed all sides of this issue and when all was said and done, the name change seemed to be the puzzle piece that enables the integration of productivity into NAPO in a noticeable and effective way for all. It is inclusive rather than exclusive.
Keeping the acronym of NAPO is important for the existing brand and accommodates the new meaning very economically.”
2. How relevant is “Productivity” to current NAPO membership?
NAPO leadership performed research based on the 2017 NAPO Member Survey, member website profiles, member round tables at NAPO2015, and past conference session attendance. In addition to the percentages mentioned in the Executive Summary, the following information was observed:
NAPO.net Member Profile Data
A substantial percentage of our members identify specialties related to business organizing and productivity:
In addition, over one half of the membership works in both residential and
business environments:
NAPO Conference Session Data
An additional research area includes attendees at past NAPO Conference sessions who demonstrated interest in productivity-related topics:
· NAPO2016 – the top two attended concurrent sessions (based on number of evaluations completed) were:
· The Art of Tactical Time Management
· Holistic Time Management: Learn, Teach, Sell
· NAPO2015 – the top two attended concurrent sessions (based on number of evaluations completed) were:
· Using Technology to Increase Productivity and Profitability
· Organized Mind, Organized Life: Brain Hacks for Productivity
· And the 4th most popular session "Evernote for Work: Step by Step”
· Productivity topics were popular at prior conferences as well:
· In 2014, the 2nd most popular session was Going Paperless to Boost Productivity
· In 2013, the 1st and 5th most popular sessions related to productivity
· Even as far back as 2012, three of the top five sessions, and in 2011 two of the top five sessions, were productivity-related topics
3. What is the difference between a Professional Organizer and a Productivity Consultant?
When looking to define Professional Organizer and Productivity Consultant, one must acknowledge the 80/20 rule since organizing and productivity are significantly interrelated.
The following definitions represent the 20% that hold true 80% of the time:
A Professional Organizer supports evaluation, decision-making, and action around objects, space, and data; helping clients achieve desired outcomes regarding function, order, and clarity.
A Productivity Consultant supports evaluation, decision-making, and action around time, energy, and resources; helping clients achieve desired outcomes regarding goals, effectiveness, and priorities.
4. If we do not make this change, how will it impact NAPO’s ongoing success?
No one can predict the future, however the Board of Directors works hard to assess trends in association growth and the market place.
The Board has considered the following:
- NAPO membership has experienced a steady decline of over 600 members since our peak in 2008.
- More and more NAPO members are expanding into the productivity arena. We believe it is important for our organization’s relevancy and fiscal health to keep these members and to keep them engaged.
- With the rise of social media and Facebook groups, NAPO has to be more than an online chat group. Personal connections, defensible credentialing, and valuable member benefits are essential to our future. The Board’s intent is to ensure that NAPO continues to be relevant as the needs of our association’s members grow.
5. What was the strategy behind keeping the NAPO acronym?
The primary reason to keep the NAPO acronym is to leverage the brand recognition that NAPO has developed over the last 32 years.
6. Will the DBA change affect or change our 501(c)(3) status?
No. NAPO’s attorney has assured us that a DBA change would have zero impact on our non-profit status.
7. How will the proposed DBA change impact SEO?
The DBA change would not impact SEO (Search Engine Optimization) on NAPO.net as the words NAPO, Professional Organizer, and Productivity Consultant will appear at the same frequency as they currently do.
8. How do the Founders of NAPO feel about the proposed name change?
Ann Gambrell, one of our five Founders, has shared that she is in favor of the DBA change. She has publically stated that she understands the changing trends in our industry and is in full support of NAPO keeping up with what is current.
9. What will happen to CPOs®? How would a NAPO DBA change impact CPOs?
The DBA change will have no impact on BCPO or the CPO® program.
10. What if I still want to call myself a Professional Organizer?
The DBA change will not alter or impact NAPO members’ ability to call themselves Professional Organizers, Productivity Consultants, or anything else a member may choose.
11. As a Professional Organizer, why is this change good for me?
Changing the DBA demonstrates that NAPO and its members can adapt to current trends. The recommended DBA name change better represents our membership and the variety of services members provide. This could create greater public awareness and broaden the NAPO membership base resulting in a stronger NAPO.
12. Why did we not consider changing the name entirely or changing the name to include international?
- There is no substantive advantage to changing the name from NAPO.
- Changing the name from NAPO would use resources that can be more effectively utilized elsewhere.
- A name change would be a greater hardship on our members and chapters than a DBA change, with minimal return.
- Data from current research indicates that US association memberships and credentials have greater value in the international marketplace than international association memberships and credentials.
- We are lucky that there is a simple solution to support our growth needs that doesn’t compromise brand equity and yet maintains the NAPO name which is so highly regarded.
Link to Member Opinion Survey - Survey closes at midnight eastern time on 4.12.17
