Professional organizers help business and residential clients get rid of clutter and organize their space, time, events, finances or projects. If you love to organize and have the flexibility to find solutions that will meet your clients' needs, you could find success as a professional organizer.
Instructions
1. Get advice from your local small business association. Find out what kind of licenses you need. Choose a name for your business. Decide how you will incorporate your business.
2. Write a basic business plan and marketing plan. Set a budget. If you need help with this, contact the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in your state. SBDC offices are usually affiliated with state universities. The staff will give very low or no-cost help to start-up small businesses.
3. Do sample projects for friends, family and yourself. Take before and after pictures of the projects. Use the experience to figure out what types of work you like to do.
4. Visit the National Association for Professional Organizers (NAPO) website. Get information about classes and certifications. Decide if you are ready to join. Benefits include a listing in the NAPO directory, support and classes.
5. Decide what your niche will be and what kinds of jobs you will do. Will you specialize in professional office organizing, residential garages, closets? Are you willing to work with people who have chronic disorganization or hoarding disorders? Read about the various types of organizing jobs and think about which ones you'd like to do.
6. Find free and low-cost ways to market your business. Create a business card, flyers, brochures and a website. Join social networking groups. Put ads in local newspapers and websites that appeal to your target market.
7. Locate resources that you will need. If you will want to subcontract jobs like painting and moving furniture, find someone who will do it. Find stores that sell organizing supplies locally and online.
