Hiring a Professional Organiser
Q: Are all organisers the same?
Q: How do I know if I've got the right organiser?
Q: What about confidentiality?
Q: How often will I have to use an organiser?
Q: Should my organiser belong to AAPO?
For Budding Professional Organisers
Q: How do I know if being a professional organiser is the right career path for me?
Q: What skills and qualities do I need to be a successful professional organiser?
Q: Can I be an organiser on a part-time basis?
Q: Do I have to join an association to become a professional organiser?
Q: Is there a formal certification process to become a professional organiser?
Q: Does AAPO offer formal training courses for Professional Organisers?
Q: Can I earn a living as a professional organiser?
Q: How long does it take to build a successful business as a professional organiser?
Q: What does a client expect from a professional organiser?
Q: How do I become a professional organiser?
Q: What does a professional organiser do?
Q: Should I give my client a contract?
Q: How much should I charge as a professional organiser?
A: Each organiser has their own style of working with clients and can offer a unique set of skills, experience and methods.
A: 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.
A: Your organiser should offer you complete confidentiality. Organising is a personal process, and you can expect your consultant to hold all information you share as confidential.
A: Your organiser should fully inform you of the costs (which vary from one consultant to another).
There are many variables involved in an organising project, so it can be difficult for an organiser to quote for an entire job. Even so, you can expect fees to be openly and honestly represented and for your organiser to be upfront about any factors that will affect costs.
A: A good organiser will educate you. They want you to have the skills to stay organised well after the hands-on work is completed.
A: Yes. AAPO Professional Organisers are bound by our Code of Ethics.
A: If you have natural organisational skills and a desire to help others then there is a strong possibility that becoming a Professional Organiser is the right choice for you. Having good problem solving skills and being good with people are also valuable.
A: Regardless of their background, all successful "veteran" organisers share certain characteristics -- a passion for organising principles, a strong set of people skills, the ability to teach new ideas to people, sharply honed "problem-solving" skills, and the ability to organise their own business dealings. But don't worry if you feel lacking in some of these areas -- becoming an organiser is a continual process of evolution, so you will acquire these skills as you grow and evolve. Like many other businesses a Professional Organiser needs to...
A: Many people entering the organising industry start on a part-time basis. It's an industry offering great flexibility in the number of hours and days work. Many start-up organisers continue with part-time work until they are ready to run their business on a full-time basis.
A: We encourage you to join AAPO so we can continue to promote and grow our industry and provide support and resources to members. Membership with associations that support your business can also help, groups like BNI, networking groups etc.
You can also consider joining NAPO or the NSGCD - National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization. The greatest benefit is printed materials and discounted fees if attending their conferences overseas.
A: At the present time there is no certification program offered in Australia or New Zealand, but it is something current members have expressed interest in developing. It is hoped that such a program will be developed within the coming years. There are private training programs available but they are not endorsed by any professional association.
Those already working as a POs in Australia and New Zealand come from diverse backgrounds. Their training (formal or otherwise) may be in many different fields and from many different sources.
A: For now, AAPO does not offer any formal training, nor does it endorse any particular training course. However, several of our members offer this service. A list of these is included in the Member Resources section of the website.
A: If you believe in yourself, your ability and you're prepared to work hard (like any small business) then the answer is yes. Having said that, the majority of PO's in Australasia operate part-time and have another stream of income, which AAPO recommends.
More and more busy people and businesses are recognising the value of streamlining and simplifying theirs lives as life becomes more and more hectic. We probably don't need to tell you - being organised saves time, money and avoids lots of stress!
A: That depends on several factors including the amount of time you're prepared to invest, whether you will start your business on a part-time or full-time basis, and who will be your target market.
Business statistics indicate that it can take somewhere between two and five years to build the average small business.
A: Your client expects you to be competent in your area of specialty, to be honest yet non-judgemental, to be committed and willing to stand behind your work and most importantly to maintain a level of confidentiality. We strongly suggest that you discuss with your client their expectation so that the client is fully aware of what you can and cannot do for them. Knowing how to organise is one thing, knowing how to consult - that is to teach, structure your time with a client for the best results, make an assessment and deliver a result - is another.
A: We suggest you:
1. Thoroughly research the industry. Using the Internet is a great way to do this, and the United States has a wealth of information.
2. Investigate setting up a small business so you have a better idea of what's involved. Also, we recommend you check the members' directory as some of our members offer coaching, mentoring or more informal support.
A: Professional Organisers assist with many different areas of organisation including:
Domestic / residential
Business
Corporate offices
Time management
Paper management and systems for filing
Clutter control
Space planning
Wardrobe organising
Event planning
Errands
Personal shopping
Financial management
Memorabilia/photographs
Packing/moving
Information management
Training
Computers
Kitchens
Public speaking/ seminars/training
Home offices
Corporate offices
Downsizing
Relocating
Students
Children's rooms
Professional Organisers maybe very specific in the types of organising they offer or they may be general and offer a wide array of organising services. Some professional organisers offer products and/or have written books and/or offer seminars/workshops. Some POs work locally, while others have national or international availability.
A: That's up to you. But consider what a contract is: a communication tool. It explains your business policies (including pricing, cancellations, the purchase of supplies, etc.) up front so there is no confusion between you and the client. It educates clients about how you work. And it protects your interests if you encounter a difficult situation.
A: Professional Organising fees can range anywhere from $50 to $150+ per hour, depending on several factors, inlcuding...
