Have you checked out the AAPO News page lately?  Wow, there's a lot happening.  Our members are busy getting the word out about Organising and its benefits.

Here are some of the latest news items...

Working Order by Roz Howland

The Organised Family by Charlie Chapman

Experts Reveal Secrets to Being Organised, featuring AAPO members, Gail Rose and Marianne Shenton

Virtual Organizing in Action, featuring Roz Howland

The first session of the NAPO 2010 Conference in Columbus, Ohio, was the Ask an Organizer panel. The first question asked of that panel was, “What one question do you always ask of a client at the first needs assessment meeting?” The first answer given was, “Are you ready to get organised?” Great question, and a very apt one to start a jam-packed program aimed at beginners and more experienced organisers alike. Equally, they could have asked, “Are you ready to grow your business and learn how to deliver the best service possible to your clients?”

With the theme of Innovate, Connect, Inspire, the focus was on sharing new ways to reach customers and colleagues, new ways of looking at ourselves in order to be the best we can be, and new ways of looking at organising problems.

With delegates from all over the world – the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Portugal, Colombia and the UK – there were lots of opportunities to learn about the differences and similarities in this worldwide industry. Many of the challenges here in Australasia are the same as those in other parts of the world. Unfortunately a large contingent from the Netherlands could not attend as planned due to the ash cloud. Besides myself, AAPO was represented by two other members – one from Melbourne and one from Hong Kong.

Some emerging trends to watch are organising projects, green organising, senior relocation, social media, video use and education. I’ll be going into these in more depth in the future, along with other things I learnt on my trip to Ohio.

AAPO is only as strong as its members.  We are an internationally-recognised not-for-profit industry association, run solely by and for its members.  We are ably assisted by just one Virtual Administrator, who takes care of the day to day administrative tasks related to the running of AAPO.  The rest of our many functions - policy, PR, accreditation, conference organisation, budgeting and finance, sponsorship, newsletters, corporate alliances, marketing, member benefits, National Organising Week, professional development and more - involve dedicated members, giving their time and expertise.  Thank you members!

There are always positions available for short- and long-term positions within AAPO.  One of the great things about organisers is that if they see something that needs doing, they get in and do it.

And you don't have to be a volunteer to contribute to AAPO's growth, development and prosperity.  From time to time we conduct surveys to enable us to make decisions based on our members' wishes.  The most recent of these has been about the location of the 2011 AAPO conference.  Even 3 minutes of a member's time can make a difference.

All this is just one of the reasons I am such a big fan of our industry association.

Are all Professional Organisers the same?

Each organiser has their own style of working with clients and can offer a unique set of skills, experience and methods.

How do you know if you have the right Organiser?

You should feel comfortable with your organiser. The extent to which you "click" with your organiser can make or break the process, so take the time to find an organiser with whom you feel at ease.

You want to be treated with respect and compassion. A good organiser is there to support and assist you and will not be judgemental, critical or overly pushy.

Your organiser will give you flexible, personalised assistance - your organiser should be able to adapt tools and techniques to fit your individual needs. Be sure to ask about their experience and expertise.

The NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers) Annual Conference will take place later this month, and AAPO will be represented there.  I'll be travelling to Columbus, Ohio, for the event, attended by around 800 other Professional Organisers.  While there, I'll be meeting with other heads of Professional Organising associations, as well as reporting back to our AAPO members on emerging trends, new thinking and products, and the organising scene in the US.

Want to attend the NAPO conference yourself? It's not too late to register.  Click here to reserve your place.

The April edition of the AAPO Newsletter is out now.  Don't get it but would love keep up with news in the organising world?  Simply sign up here.

I'd like to thank Kat Tate, our dedicated newsletter editor, who is handing in her "red pen" and hanging up her Editor-in-Chief hat.  Thanks for the energy and ideas you've brought to the position.  All AAPO members and other subscribers have benefitted from your work.

Next month we'll have a new editor and I look forward to having Leslee Stroud on the AAPO team.

AAPO has today taken another big step.  Today was the first meeting of the Virtual Forum, ably led by Narelle Todd.  It's another way AAPO delivers for its members.  AAPO members come from far and wide and not all can make it to the large cities for a face-to-face Forum meeting.  The Virtual Forum now meets their needs, offering connectedness and education on a regular basis.  Thank you Narelle for your time and Congratulations to those who attended the first meeting of the Virtual Forum.  It's an historic moment.

It's never too early to become an AAPO member.

I speak with many budding Professional Organisers and some think you need to be up and running in business before you can qualify to be an AAPO member.  In fact, when you're just starting out or even thinking about starting out is the perfect time to join AAPO.

There are many resources that can help those new in business or the Organising world get traction, not to mention the wisdom of more experienced members.

That's one of the best things about AAPO - the openness of our members, and the way they are willing to share their knowledge and expertise.  We believe in a strong and growing industry.

AAPO members are bound by a Code of Ethics.  This Code of Ethics is a set of principles to provide guidelines in our professional conduct with our clients, colleagues and community.

Take a look at it here, and be assured AAPO members maintain the highest integrity.

Is a Professional Organiser the same as a cleaner or housekeeper?

Professional Organisers often get asked this question, and the answer is a resounding NO! AAPO's Immediate Past President, Wendy Davie, from Totally Organised, recently wrote about the difference, and I'm pleased to share her very clear explanation.

There are a few differences between these professions.  Some of these are:

* A Professional Organiser does not come in and clear your space without you being involved in the process.

* A Professional Organiser will transfer the skills of being more organised while working with you.

* A Professional Organiser should be involved in some Professional Development and Education relating to clutter, hoarding, strategies and project management etc.

* A Professional Organiser will teach you how to increase your productivity.

* A Professional Organiser should be involved with their Professional Association and work to build the industry profile.

* A Professional Organiser does not offer "Cleaning" services.