The competition: At present, there are more than 2000 POs around the world, the majority of them located in the United States. The industry is also growing in other regions, such as Canada and Europe. Nearly all professional organizers belong to either the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) or the International Association of Professional Organizers (IAPO), depending on where they are located. You’ll need to consider a membership too, in order to look professional and credible.

The expertise: Experts in this field say that people from any background can take up this profession. Remember, your ability and desire to “do things right” are prerequisites to become a PO. Although it is not easy to put together a complete list, some of the crucial skills include a passion for organizing, interpersonal skills, ability to generate and teach new ideas, sharp problem-solving ability and most important of all, the ability to organize your own business dealings. Do not panic if you don’t have all the above; becoming an organizer is a continual process of growth – you will hone your skills as you run the business.

Marketing tactics: Word of mouth advertising is the best way to market your business, rather than investing a lot of money in expensive advertising. Also, your personal network will work wonders in getting you new clients.

Spread your wings: Your business may not run on serving local clientele alone; hence plan to reach out to other cities. Even if your clients are at a distance, make sure that you stay connected via fax, phone or email. Follow that up with regular face to face meetings, which is the best way to discuss further business.

Put it in writing: It is always sensible to have contracts with clients. Make sure they cover all areas such as pricing, purchasing of supplies, cancellation procedures, etc. This not only protects both the parties, but also clearly defines deadlines and payments.

Charge right: You can opt for payments on hourly, daily or project basis. The fee also depends on several factors like your level of experience, area being served, the nature of work and type of service you provide. The average hourly rate in the United States lies between US$ 45 and US$ 65. Also consider the clients’ capability to pay and long term business prospects while fixing prices.

Now that you know all about how to become a professional organizer, translate that into action. Books like “A Manual for Professional Organizers” and “The Professional Organizer’s Complete Business Guide” from can give you a head start.

Once you’re up and running, tools like the TurboNote+ program from can prove to be of value.

Order Today for Immediate Download: Professional Organizer Business Start-up Kit

Special Bonus: The Becoming a Professional Organizer Start-Up Guide Kit™ also includes all of the necessary forms and sample business letters that are needed to operate a professional organizing business.

Do you know someone who’s so busy that they’re constantly saying things like “I’d pay someone to do this for me” or “I need more hours in my day!” or even “I wish I could clone myself” ? If so, what that person really needs is a personal assistant! Concierge or Errand businesses are a growing trend. Although the economy isn’t in the best shape, people are still leading very busy rat race type lifestyles. From busy working moms to jet setting professional singles – they all have a need for an extra set of hands or person to remind them of important appointments or tasks.

Starting a concierge service is going to take some work and creativity on your end. Although most people have a need for this type of service, some have a hard time justifying the expense. Your marketing and client acquisition strategy will require you to effectively demonstrate how easy their life would be with you on their team! Here are a few tips to consider when planning your Concierge (errand service) business:

1. Start with a business plan: You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a business plan – in fact, with this type of service business – you can write one yourself. You will want to write out the vision you have for your company, as best as possible – note any start up costs, price points, target demographic and market.

2. Discover your start up costs: Start up costs associated with a concierge business are surprisingly minimal. Like with any business, one of the first steps you’ll take is setting up your business legally. This means you will need to check with your state and local commerce offices as well as the IRS for any licensing and tax requirements. The cost of a business license in most states is pretty low ranging from $25 to $100. After you’ve established your business legally you’ll want to create your website and marketing materials. Depending on your level of technical and graphic expertise you may be able to do this on your own for nothing at all. However if you’re like most people, it’s something you’ll end up outsourcing. You can find a reputable website designer at places like GetAFreelancer to do your website for under $500 with matching business card and brochure templates for a little bit extra. It’s also advised to invest in business liability insurance. Depending on the range of services you offer, you’ll likely spend a lot of time driving around – if your current car insurance doesn’t recognize your vehicle as a business/commercial vehicle – you may not be covered if you get in an accident while doing company functions. All in all, the estimated start up costs for a concierge business would be under $1500.

3. Develop your legal documents and contracts: Because of the nature of a personal assistant concierge style business – it’s important to have contracts and agreements between you and your client. For example – you may offer a car pooling service shuttling kids to and from soccer practice. You’ll want to have a signed agreement that authorizes your clients children to be in the car with you.

4. Decide on your range of service: A concierge can offer a wide range of services. As long as it’s legal – you should remain open to any type of assignment. Typically concierge services are divided into two categories – corporate services and personal/individual services. The types of services you offer a business will vary from what you’ll offer an individual.

Corporate services may include things like courier services, event planning, travel planning, and transportation arrangement. Those types of things are often duties handled by executive secretaries, but many businesses choose to save money by hiring a concierge business instead. Personal services include gift shopping, cleaning services, relocation assistance planning, dry cleaning pick up, house sitting, reminder services, appointment making services, grocery shopping and many others.

5. Decide your price point: Most concierge businesses charge by the hour, with $25-30 being the going rate. It’s also wise to offer monthly package rates. This will help you secure long term contracts, particularly if you require a minimum number of months to sign up. Your packages should include a guaranteed number of services and/or hours per month – with an extra fee being charged for services or hours over.

6. Put your best foot forward: With your business cards and services brochures in hand – you’ll want to hit the ground running with your marketing strategy. Word of mouth is always the best way to grow a business – it’s free also! The first impression will be the lasting impression for potential clients, because of this you should be courteous to a fault! You want clients to know that you are a trustworthy and responsible individual. Your appearance should be well-kept at all times, answer your phones in the most professional manner and always be organized.

The sky is the limit when it comes to starting a concierge business, it will be challenging in the beginning – but that’s the case with any new venture. Don’t give up and always keep a smile on your face – you never know, you may be talking to your next client!

For the low price of just $29 – you’ll get this step-by-step guide on starting your concierge business!

Do you find yourself going to your friends or family’s homes to organize their mess? Does your brother call you when he needs help decluttering his home office? Or perhaps your mom tempts you with her tasty baked apple pies in exchange for tidying the kitchen pantry? If this sounds like you, then chances are – you have a talent suited for a professional organizer! One of the wonderful aspects of starting a professional organizing business is the minimal costs involved.

Professional Organizers aren’t required to have years of formal training rather an uncanny skill for establishing useful systems and order in peoples homes and office spaces.If you are looking to start your own professional organizing business, here are a few useful tips to get you started:

5  Tips to Starting a Professional Organizing Business

1. Establish your business legally: The most important step in starting any business is legal set-up. Due to the nature of a professional organizing business, this step should be relatively simple and quick. It will be important to research the state tax requirements for your business type. You will also want to inquire about any insurance needs as well. Even if your state does not mandate business insurance for professional organizers, you should consider purchasing liability insurance, heavens forbid you break an antique while organizing a client’s home.

2. Establish your online presence: Waste no time in purchasing your domain name and building your website.Although you may be tempted to spend a ton of money on a fancy webpage design, it isn’t necessary. There are many template services that allow easy set up – you can have your site up and running in a matter of hours. Using WordPress as your site’s platform is also another inexpensive option to explore. There are literally hundreds of free WordPress themes (templates) that are easy to install.

3. Determine your target demographic: The key to effective marketing is to focus on your target demographic. Are you going to market your services to families, busy professional singles, small businesses? The answer to this will help you navigate the best advertising approach. If you intend to market your services towards families, you will want to place advertisements in places like super markets, daycare centers and schools. For busy professionals you may choose to advertise at local gyms, lounges and meeting places.

4. Build your Professional Organizer portfolio: When courting potential clients you will need a professional portfolio to display your work. This portfolio should include before and after photos of the work you’ve done, examples of your methods, systems and literature about your services. Building an adequate portfolio will likely require that you organize several homes free of charge in exchange for permission to use these photos in your book. This will give you an opportunity to hone in on your skill while developing your client interaction.

5. Set your price model: As a Professional Organizer there will be times when you will charge per hour and other instances where you will charge per job. $35 to $50 per hour is the going rate for professional organizers – the greater your experience, the higher your rate.

The job of an organizer goes beyond clearing clutter – in many ways you will also be a teacher and a psychologist. There are varying degrees of disorganization, messier homes are often an underlying symptom to a larger problem. Your role will be most pivotal in identifying that problem and providing solutions to overcome them.

There’s a great book available for download: How to Start a Home-Based Professional Organizing Business, for just $29 – you will have instant access to the best walk-thru manual on the subject.

$29.00 Start a Professional Organizing Business