Since becoming involved with the industry, I’ve seen many people become successful organizing consultants, but sadly, I’ve seen many others who started an organizing business only to shut it down after a few years, or even a few months. Sometimes there’s an unforeseen change in health or family situation, but often it’s because they lacked the skills required to effectively manage a business.

Here it is – the 7th Professional Organizers Blog Carnival, and the last one for 2009. We have a record number of professional organizers participating this month, and I’d like to thank those who are joining us for the first time, as well as our regulars and everyone in between! Grab your favorite beverage and get ready to read and enjoy!

Tags: balance, blog carnival, Christmas, clutter-free gifts, conference, family, goal setting, hoarders, holidays, NAPO, organizing products, paper, social media, success, Twitter
Now that it’s December, many of us are looking ahead to the new year, and starting to set goals to grow our businesses, buy a new home, improve our relationships with others, or make other positive life changes. At the same time, we’re trying to come up with clutter-free gifts for our clients and loved ones. I have a suggestion that may help you achieve both at the same time!

I blogged fairly recently about the monthly teleclasses for professional organizers offered by A Red Bench, but they’ve just announced a free class scheduled for Monday, August 10 that I’m sure you won’t want to miss. In addition to their coaching service, A Red Bench, Angela Ploetz and Christa Wagner each operate their own successful organizing businesses, so they’ve learned a thing or two about effective time management, and are planning to share some of their secrets in their free teleclass, Ask The Organizer: How We Get The Right Things Done (without going crazy).

It’s no secret that the majority of small businesses close within the first year, and very few make it to three years. Since launching my business in 2002, I’ve seen many people come and go from the field of professional organizing.
