• Ability to listen and infer what a client means
  
  
• Ability to customize organizational systems to meet client needs
  
  
• Ability to teach and pass on skills
  
  
• Ability to visualize spatially
  
  
• Ability to ask the right questions to encourage the client to come up with the answer
  
  
• Ability to see the big picture and break goals down into manageable steps
  
  
• Ability to categorize and plan ahead
  
  
• Physical and mental endurance
  
  
• Compassion
  
  
• Responsibility
  
  
• Professionalism in attitude and appearance
  
  
• Strong business skills 

6 Tips for Becoming a Professional Organizer or Productivity Consultant

There are several ways to enter the field of professional organizing or productivity consulting: 

• Owning your own business
• Co-owning a business with other organizers or consultants 
• Working as an independent contractor 
• Joining an organizing or productivity company as an employee

As a small business owner, you need to be comfortable being an accountant, marketer, bookkeeper, salesperson, etc.  To have a successful business, you need business skills as well as organizing or productivity skills!  If you aren't comfortable with some of these tasks, consider outsourcing them to others - provided that you have the financial means to do so. 

3. Take stock of your financial situation.

Start-up businesses often spend 80% of the first year's income on marketing alone.  It is helpful to have financial resources (such as credit lines and savings) to draw from as a start-up business.  Many organizers and consultants continue to work a full-time or part-time job while starting and growing their new businesses. 

Professional Organizers and Productivity Consultants are well read in their profession, often drawing from a list of books suggested by NAPO.  They also participate in educational opportunities offered by NAPO including teleclasses, webinars and conference sessions.  You will also want to consider other business related classes, organizations, resources and workshops.

Do you like to work in people's homes, or do you prefer office organizing or consulting?  What age group appeals to you?  What are the things that you like to organize?  What areas of productivity are the most interesting to you?  Knowing what you like to do (as well as what you don't!) ahead of time saves a lot of time and money when starting your business.

6. Join NAPO-St. Louis.

Join NAPO-St. Louis to stay updated on new books, products, classes and business trends in the organizing and productivity fields.  Succeeding as a Professional Organizer or Productivity Consultant takes a lot more than just a knack for managing time or coordinating details.  It requires knowledge of organizational and productivity theory, an understanding of small business concepts and an ability to establish strong working relationships with clients.  NAPO membership provides access to valuable information that can help members acquire and hone these necessary skills.