"Compete, don't compare!
Compete against yourself, don't compare
what you are or what you have
against the success of others.
That's only a recipe for disaster.
Always aim to surpass your personal best!"

-- David Schloss
Motivation Plus, Inc.

Good for you! It is a rewarding profession, and I believe that there are plenty of opportunities to work with people who want to become organized!

I receive many emails each week from people just like you who are fascinated by this profession. Due to these frequent requests, I thought it would be more efficient to add this information to my site. I hope my "advice" is helpful to you.

I personally became a Professional Organizer after 27 years of OJT (On the Job Training). My small business organizing skills are the result of numerous years of personal, first hand experience in the small business world.  

I did go to college, but did not major in any special "Professional Organizer" classes. On hindsight, if I was to begin my career again and knew that I wanted to specialize in small businesses and home offices, I would have focused on a Business Degree. However, that is not a prerequisite to becoming a Professional Organizer.

After all, there are MANY different specialties in the Professional Organizer field. Where do your organizing strengths lie?

Homes ~ offices ~ financial/bookkeeping ~ kitchen design ~
space design ~ time management ~ moving/relocation

These are only a few of the specialties that Professional Organizers focus upon. Determine what YOUR personal organizing strengths are, and then pursue and build upon your own personal forte and interests. 

As a personal example, after a few years of organizing just about anything (to get my business off the ground), I determined that my interests are in teaching QuickBooks to small businesses, on a one-on-one basis.  I then became a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor in 1999, and it has become the backbone of The Efficiency Experts. 

There are many great resources on the Internet for the organizing profession. I suggest you start with the NAPO site (National Association of Professional Organizers) at www.napo.net. I was completely amazed, upon attending my first conference, just how many people do this for a living!

And if you happen to live in Southern Arizona, definitely look into joining the Tucson Professional Organizers, otherwise known as T-Pro.

I also suggest you visit my links page where you will find other sites that can supply you with information and ideas. Take the time to do the research, then listen to your own heart. It WILL guide you.

As for creating, operating, and building your business, it is very similar to any other consultant's business. It takes time, hard work, and the understanding that money does not roll in overnight. You still need time to get your own business organized, target your market, capture your clients, and then work to supply your clients with the BEST service. Remember that service is your Number One product and the basis of positive referrals and repeat business.

Becoming a Professional Organizer and building The Efficiency Experts has been a positive and enjoyable experience for me. I wish you the same.