I receive many inquiries about our Professional Organizer training and education programs and questions about how to get started in the field of Professional Organizing. Maybe you have questions too. If you do, than you might be interested in reading my top frequently asked questions and answers: Hi Anne, I wanted to introduce myself - my present circumstances - and last but not least honor the gift I was born with; a skill that just came so naturally that I didn't see the value in it or myself (obviously). Nothing like a divorce - to motivate one to grow up, change, accept myself and transition gracefully into the next chapter. I am wondering whether or not I should take your class in person? Get your book? Write a business plan before your book? and...frankly...in this economic climate, is business good or even happening for professional organizers? Any suggestions you have for short term plans, (i.e., places to work and 'learn the business' while generating income and...

Before becoming a Certified Professional Organizer, my friends kept telling me this is the right career for me, and they were right! I’ve been a Professional Organizer for almost eight years and certified for almost four years. I absolutely love this career. What I love more is training and educating new Professional Organizers so they can have a successful business too. There are no specific qualifications for our training programs . To help you decide if you are ready, answer these questions: 1. Do you have a sense of humor? 2. Are you non-judgmental? 3. Do you like to teach others? 4. Are you a good listener? 5. Can you visually measure space and approximate how furniture and items will fit? 6. Does the idea of cleaning out your closet excite you? 7. Does the idea of cleaning out someone else’s closet excite you? 8. Have you ever organized someone else’s stuff? 9. Do you get excited when you see a messy or disorganized space? 10. If someone doesn’t agree with your appr...

"CONGRATULATIONS! YOU ARE A FINALIST! On behalf of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO-LA), we are very pleased to inform you that you are an official finalist for the upcoming 2011 Los Angeles Organizing Awards! Nominations made by members of the professional organizing industry and the public earlier this year recognized you and/or your company as being one of the best in your field (Most Valuable Educational Resource). Please see the complete list of finalists in all twenty-four categories and vote now for the winners." I'm the underdog and up against some heavy-weight competition (large organizations such as NAPO and NSGCD). Your vote for me , Professional Organizer Training Institute , under the category MOST VALUABLE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE will make all the difference. Thank you, Anne

Wrapped up our 2010 training on September 29th by launching five new professional organizers. Meet from left Linda, Denise, Gordon, Susan, Sandy . View their exciting and awesome client practicum organizing project here . I'm looking forward to launching more professional organizers in 2011. I hope you will join me for one of our seminars or self-study programs .

If you have been thinking about entering the field of Professional Organizing but have no idea how to get started or are not sure if you are doing what you need to be doing to be successful, it’s time for you to get serious and educate yourself. Begin by reading my book Get Rich Organizing to verify this is the right profession for you. You might be able to organize anything, but can you organize someone else? You may have worked for a business, but can you manage your own? These are just a few of the questions that I will review with you. Next get in-depth training, education, resources, forms and other essential materials to launch, manage and grow your business by enrolling in our Self Study program . For the richest learning experience and to achieve your potential in the shortest period of time, attend our live 3-day seminar where you will work hands-on with a real client. Our next seminar is September 27-29, 2010 and it is already rapidly filling up. I’m looking forwa...

Thank you to the over 125 people who participated in the Professional Organizer Training Institute™ training programs this past year. It was my extreme pleasure to inspire, educate, and train you to launch your own Professional Organizing business. If you are planning to launch your business in 2010 we have upcoming training opportunities to get you started on a successful and profitable business: Webinar Units I, II, and IV: January 12-March 4, 2010; 5:00-6:00 p.m. Pacific Time; Tuesdays/Thursdays. Registration deadline is December 29, 2009. Seminar February 8-10, 2010 early bird registration deadline is January 18, 2010. This seminar is already half full. To say informed about future training opportunities and the organizing industry you are invited to become a fan of the Professional Organizer Training Institute™ Facebook page. Last, but not least, I am offering FREE shipping on my book Get Rich Organizing through December 24, 2009. After you submit your order, sen...

Last month I was invited to be on the NAPO Oregon Golden Circle Member panel at our monthly meeting. I thought it might be insightful to those who are interested in becoming a professional organizer and to those already in the business to read the questions they asked me and my responses: How has your business evolved since you first started as a professional organizer? (Include when you started your business.) I officially started my business SolutionsForYou, Inc. in January 2003 and joined NAPO and NAPO Oregon the same month. I was asked to be the NAPO Oregon board secretary in April 2003 and remained on the board until May 2009—acting as Secretary, Vice President/Director of Membership, President, and Immediate Past President. I loved all aspects of launching a business. After six months of business launching activities, my husband—who was working from home at the time, turned to me kicked the chair that I was sitting and said, “Don’t you think it’s time to find a client?” ...