If you’re thinking about becoming a professional organizer, chances are pretty good that you already have a knack for organizing, but there’s much more to it than just working with clients. You also need to know how to set your fees and policies, conduct an initial assessment, and of course, market your business so you have clients to work with. I’m covering many of these topics here at Your Organizing Business, but if you’re ready to get going, you probably want to learn a lot more – and quickly!

When I was getting started, I did lots of online research, gathering ideas and making plans for my new business, but I really didn’t feel ready to do anything official until I took a one-day seminar with Debra Milne of ProfessionalOrganizers.com. In one day I received reassurance that I was definitely on the right track, learned about lots of things that hadn’t yet come to mind, and received a binder full of helpful information, along with a CD of templates I could use in my business. Without that seminar, I don’t know whether I’d have ever gained the confidence to move forward with my ideas.

Since that time, Debra has expanded her program to three days, consisting of the following modules:

• Create Your Business as a Professional Organizer
• Marketing Basics for your Organizing Business
• Client Relationship Management and the Practical Approach

The program is offered several times per year in various locations, with the next session being held in Toronto from August 17 to 19. Another session will be facilitated by Joel-Marc Golberg in Montreal from September 21 to 23. I worked with Joel on the National Board of Directors for Professional Organizers in Canada, and can testify to his industry knowledge and his commitment to supporting other organizers.

Because I think so highly of this program, I’ve made arrangements to offer my readers a $50.00 rebate when they register for any session of the three-day Comprehensive Training Program for Professional Organizers®. To take advantage of this offer, simply print the attached letter and present it on the first day of the seminars.

If you’re not able to attend the live workshop, you’ll be pleased to learn that ProfessionalOrganizers.com also offers on-demand webinars and self-study manuals, as well as a free newsletter full of information to grow your organizing business.

By the way, Debra Milne is a Golden Circle member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), a Silver Leaf member and past Vice President of Professional Organizers in Canada (POC),  the past POC Durham Chapter Chair, and recipient of the 2007 Harold Taylor Award, so you can be sure that she really knows her stuff!