| |
| A. How will I find
clients and promote my unique services? |
| |
...... What
marketing tools and techniques work for this type
of business? |
| B. How should I run my
company if I never owned a business before? |
| |
...... What
professional documents, insurances and practices
are important? |
| C. How can I accomplish
goals without wasting money and time? |
| |
...... What
mistakes have others encountered in the past? |
| D. How should I work with
clients using hands-on organizing techniques? |
| |
...... Why do I
need to know numerous solutions for clients'
situations? |
Learn
the Secrets for Success from an experienced Professional
Organizer!
Course includes notebook filled with examples and
detailed information.
Recommended Reading: A
Manual For Professional Organizers
For fees, dates, times and location in West Los Angeles
-- or to schedule workshops in your city
--
call 310-391-7392 or send email.
Request
For Information form.
Reservations
required. Discount for NAPO members.
Check, M.O., Visa & MC accepted.
What It Takes to Become a Professional Organizer
In Family
Circle's Personal Planner 1998, an article
entitled "Make It Your Business"
describes what it takes to become a Professional
Organizer. Several veterans shared their tips,
and Donna was quoted as saying ... "Being a
sympathetic listener is another requirement. I
know that throwing things out can be an
emotionally wrenching experience for some
people." In the same article, she stated
that she has "known women, many years
removed from their teens, who still kept their
high school prom dresses with matching shoes in
the closet, as if they might wear those outfits
tomorrow."
***********************************************************
Being a
successful Professional Organizer (independent
contractor/business owner) requires ...
-
a passion to make
a difference in others' lives with kindness
-
non-judgmental
attitude
-
endless
enthusiasm, respect & support toward colleagues
and clients
-
self-motivation
& ethical business practices and skills
-
dedication
to the continuing education programs provided by NAPO
(National Association of Professional
Organizers) & other qualified training sources.
Even if
you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit
there.
Will Rogers
If you
believe that you can do something, or believe that you
can not
do something, in either
case, you are bound to be right.
Henry Ford
|
PRIVATE COACH
for Professional Organizers |
Your "Personal
Coach," Donna D. McMillan, will empower you and help
you focus on accomplishing your goals step-by-step. She
also offers private guidance in the marketing and
management of your business. As a veteran in this unique
industry, Donna has been a coach, trainer, mentor,
"cheerleader" and friend. She has the expertise
to bring you up to your highest potential.
What benefits will you receive?
Over 25 years of experience as a fulltime entrepreneur, Trainer, Coach,
Speaker and Professional Organizing Consultant. For the novice, intermediate or experienced
business owner, this Coach will expose new
opportunities, enlighten you about your own
talents, and target specific directions to aim toward
immediately.
Donna has been a Coach and Workshop Trainer for Small Business
Owners and Professional Organizers since 1993. She taught
workshops at 4 NAPO National Conferences and presented entrepreneurial training courses for new
organizers in Holland four times (1998-2000) with colleague,
Anne-Lies Van Overbeek of The Get Organized Institute.
On every level, business owners often feel the need to
"get back on track" or that they've run out
"steam." Most work alone, having no one for
accountability or brainstorming on ideas ... Donna calls
this "Caveman Syndrome." Her extensive
knowledge and enthusiastic approach will make a
difference for you, your business and your future!
PERSONAL
PHONE COACHING COMMITMENT
-
Four (4) weekly
appointments by phone, 30 minutes each
(if long distance, 40 minutes each to compensate
for phone costs).
-
Clients call Coach at same
pre-scheduled time each week. They also email 3-4
"burning questions" to Coach prior to each session,
which will be covered along with homework status.
-
Missed sessions will be
rescheduled in advance for same week.
-
Sessions focus on
answering your questions and completed homework assignments.
(See Success Seminar topics listed above.)
-
Recommended Reading:
A
Manual for Professional Organizers
Call
310-391-7392 for details, fees and to schedule appointments.
Pre-scheduled & pre-paid. Discount for
NAPO members.
Check, MO, Visa & MC accepted.
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|
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| **
Testimonials
of Colleagues** |
Dear
Donna,
I know I would have tripped, taking the first big
steps to become a professional organizer, without
all your help. You had immediate, clear, specific
advice for all my major questions, and some I had
not thought to ask. You were generous with your
time, concern and warmth, but were not afraid to
correct my mistakes before I had even made
them. You not only saved me hours and
dollars, but also anxiety and indecision. Our
weekly (phone coaching) calls came just before I
needed to take an important next step, and you
were right there to guide me. Thank you for your
patience and humor, and for sharing yourself me,
a total stranger. You are clearly at the top of
this profession, excited about what you do, and
thrilled to help all of us grow. It was an honor
to work with you, and I hope to continue our
relationship for many years.
Luci Gutman, What's
Organized?, Chicago Il |
Dear
Donna,
Thank you very much for your phone consultations.
I've developed my letterhead, business cards, and
terminology to describe my services. Also, I'm
developing my business plan and designing my
brochure. I would recommend your private phone
coaching to all those beginning their
professional organizing businesses. Being able to
ask specific questions regarding one's own unique
set of circumstances and concerns is a great
confidence builder. Thank you again for your time
and your knowledge.
Karen S. Haas, Haas Organizing Services, Simi
Valley, CA |
Dear Donna,
Thank you so much for all the great materials you
provided in your workshop. I have followed the
list of techniques religiously and received
tremendous results. My business has grown by
leaps and bounds. It has exceeded my
expectations! Your lessons are invaluable to me,
and I am eternally grateful. Thank you, thank
you, thank you!
Karen L. Simon, PC Tech Associates, Santa Monica,
CA |
Dear
Donna,
Your workshop was wonderful! I have been using
the tools and techniques you taught with great
success. As valuable as the information is, the
support you give is equally important. Best
wishes as you continue impacting our business
community.
Bette Martin, Necessary Indulgence Professional
Organizing, Studio City, CA |
|
|
QUALIFICATIONS
Donna D. McMillan is a highly-experienced
Personal Coach and Trainer. She has been
coaching Professional Organizers since 1993
in phone consultations, workshops and
seminars in Holland (1998-2000).
|
 |
As a veteran
in this unique industry since 1984, Donna became an active member of the
National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) in 1991. She has served as:
Chapter Newsletter Editor/Publisher, 1993-94
Los Angeles Chapter President (2 terms), 1994-96
Chapter Liaison, 1997-98
Certification Committee Member
Director on the National Board of Directors, 1999-2000
Earned the "Golden Circle" designation
Taught workshops at 4 NAPO National Conferences
NAPO National Golden Circle Chair 2000-2005
Has coached Professional Organizers since 1993
At the 1998 Annual National Conference, Donna was
presented with NAPO's
Founder's Award for
"outstanding contributions to the organizing
profession."
This award was established to recognize one person within
the profession
who most embodies the spirit of NAPO and its mission.
At the 2007 Los Angeles Organizing Awards, she received the
Best Organizing Coach or Mentor distinction.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Additional
information available on our site ...
Profile of Donna
D. McMillan
Who Hires a
Professional Organizer?
What are
the Specialties of a Professional Organizer?
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<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> |
| - |
FEATURED
IN NAPO ARTICLES |
| |
NAPO
NEWS, Official Publication of
National Association of Professional Organizers
(online
for Members Only)
|
 |
- Spring 1995 - "Eye On The Industry:
Business-To-Business Organizing Fills Need"
- Winter 1996 - "Organizers Working
Together"
- July-Aug 1998 - "NAPO Honors" ...
Founders Award Winner
- July-Aug 2001 - "Golden Circle Corner" by
GC Chair
- Sept-Oct 2001 - "From Dallas To Amsterdam
..." |
| |
NAPO-LA's
newsletter, THE LA ORGANIZER
|
| |
- September 1996 - "Highlights - Tribute To
Our President"
- June 1998 - "Conference Highlights: ... and
the award goes to ..."
- January 1999 - "A Hit In Holland"
- October 2001 - "October's Featured
Organizer" |
|
|
October’s
Featured Organizer
By: Jan Benadom, Staff Writer
Donna D. McMillan of McMillan & Company
Professional Organizing
Living in West Los Angeles,
CA, is far from the family farm in the center of
Kansas where Donna grew up. She and her two
younger sisters helped their parents year-round
during their childhood. The strong work ethic she
learned then is a basis for her organizing
business today.
Donna worked in the
corporate world 20 years and five years with Mary
Kay Cosmetics, which offered excellent sales
training. When her corporate position was
eliminated in 1984, she immediately established a
new, unique business. Her entrepreneurial spirit
and extensive sales and office/business
management skills helped to build its foundation.
When her first client
visited Donna to pickup a completed typing
project, she was amazed by how organized her new
home office was. The client, a florist, then
asked for help to "fix" her own filing
cabinet and described it as overflowing with
articles and photos of floral designs. From that
initial contact, Donna added organizing to her
Services Menu.
Although she started her
business in 1984, she did not discover
NAPO until 1991. Through a friend, Donna heard
about a radio interview with Tom Nevermann (then
NAPO’s President). A week later, another
friend referred her to Ann Gambrell, one of
NAPO’s Founding Members. Ann kindly invited
her to a local monthly meeting, and that first
night, Donna joined NAPO and the LA Chapter.
As one of the original
generalist organizers, Donna now fulfills her
childhood dream, "making a difference"
for individuals in both companies and homes.
Also, during the last seven years, countless
colleagues have benefited from her training
workshops and phone coaching for professional
organizers. She feels continuing education is
essential to learn new techniques, products, and
professional services to benefit clients, their
assorted personalities and needs.
Her advice to new NAPO
members:
True
professionals never stop investing time,
energy and money in their business.
Seek
training in organizing techniques and
business skills – attend NAPO
meetings, Conferences, Toastmasters, plus
classes for new business owners and for
organizers.
Hire a
private coach immediately, stay focused
and motivated, keep moving ahead.
Volunteer
and support our industry on committees in
a local chapter or NAPO National, grow
personally and professionally.
Build
strong relationships with colleagues
(locally and nationally), it’s
worthwhile.
If you would like to contact
Donna, she can be reached at Donna@organizer4me.com. Her website is www.organizer4me.com
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