A professional organizer is, of course, organized. A professional organizer also loves to be of service, is able to be open and adaptable to a client's ideas, is quick, proactive, confident and committed. Professional organizers also have knowledge of systems and furniture arrangement, as well as products, supplies and accessories to facilitate a perfect end result for the client. Professional organizers usually specialize in one of several areas - space planning, time management, paper management, clutter control, and closet or storage design.

This is a business which requires little in the way of start-up expenses. You can purchase business cards and run a small ad in your local publication easily for under $100. As you establish yourself and earn some seed money, you can invest more to obtain a website, cell phone, and additional marketing materials to gain new clients. Many of your new clients will also come from referrals, so it's important to keep in touch with your current customers even after the job is done. Professional organizers usually charge between $25 and $40 per hour for services rendered, and there is an income potential of $25,000 - $50,000 per year as an organizer.

There are professional organizations you may join to boost your credibility, knowledge, and gain new training. One such organization is NAP Online (National Association of Professional Organizers), located at http://www.napo.net. The website states the National Association of Professional Organizers is a non-profit professional association whose members include organizing consultants, speakers, trainers, authors, and manufacturers of organizing products. Founded in 1985, it is the only national association of and for organizers with over 1800 members throughout the world.

So who's made a success of their professional organizing business? Take a look at Linda Depaz, owner of Be Clutter-Free (http://www.beclutter-free.com). Not only has Linda made a successful career out of professional organizing in the Erie, PA to Buffalo, NY area, she also offers online consultations to help people get organized. In addition, Linda offers free articles on handling clutter, a free email tips pack, ebooks, and she teaches an online course titled "Learn to Be Clutter Free". For individuals interested in becoming a professional organizer, Linda is working on a new course titled "Learn to Be a Professional Organizer". Visit her website at http://www.beclutter-free.com for more information.

If you feel you have what it takes to help others get their lives in order, why not look into becoming a professional organizer? Have fun doing what you love, utilize your natural traits and talents, and create a fortune for yourself while you work!

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Create Your Own Fortune is written by Michele Jai Johnson, owner of The
Fortune Cookie (http://www.thefortunecookie.org), a website devoted to
teaching principles of abundance and prosperity. The Fortune Cookie website
offers free articles, a free daily tips ezine, free ebooks, recommended
books, teachings, and products, and is the home of the Share The JoyT Art
Cards.
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