McMillan & Company Professional Organizing
Home Site Map Mission Services Relocation Photos Contact

For Professional Organizers


For
Professional
Organizers
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

Ask The Organizer's Coach

Building a Professional Organizing Business?

All your life, you've been an "organized" person. Whenever family, friends, co-workers or employers needed someone who could quickly solve a clutter or chaos problem, you could provide the solutions! You have enjoyed helping others to become more organized ever since you can remember, and your organizational abilities and talents have increased through career experiences.

Now, you'd like to use all your valuable skills and succeed with your own service-oriented Professional Organizing business ... but you don't know how or where to begin!

Do you want to ...

  • save time and money while starting and operating your business?
  • avoid mistakes and frustrations while promoting your services?
  • quickly learn tips and techniques to succeed as a business owner?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Information is Power ...
The best resource for learning is from a respected veteran in your own industry. Continuing education in this field is important. Other professionals benefit from a coach, why not you?

 

Specialized training offered by McMillan & Company Professional Organizing
~~~
New 5-Hour Course targets career-specific topics
~~~
Private Phone Coaching includes weekly half-hour sessions

 
 

| Qualifications | Testimonials | Featured Articles | What It Takes |

  Up to Top Down to Index
  Success ~~ as individual as a fingerprint ~~ is achieved
by pursuing our own dreams.
     

SUCCESS
SEMINAR

FOR
PROFESSIONAL
ORGANIZERS

"Success as a Professional Organizer"
Seminar presented by Donna D. McMillan
McMillan & Company Professional Organizing

LEARN the ABC's of a Professional Organizing business ...
everything you've wanted to know, but were afraid to ask!!!

   
 

A 5-hour training course where you will learn the answers to ...

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.

Back to Top V- Down to Index -V
 
-


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 educational programs provided by NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers) & other sources. 

 
Also, you can "jump in with both feet" ... http://www.napo.net/get_organized/conference.html
 
 
    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
 
 
Please continue ...
 
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 22 years' experience as a fulltime entrepreneur, Professional Organizing Specialist, Coach, Trainer and Speaker. For the Novice, Intermediate or Experienced Professional Organizers ... this Coach will expose new opportunities, enlighten participants about their own talents and target specific directions to aim toward immediately.

Donna has been a Coach and Workshop Trainer for Professional Organizers since 1993. She also presented entrepreneurial training courses for new organizers in Holland (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." Many 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
    (40 minutes each, if long distance, to compensate for costs).

  • Clients call Coach at same pre-scheduled time each week.

  • Missed sessions will be rescheduled in advance for same week.

  • Sessions focused on answering your questions and completed assignments.
    (See Success Seminar topics listed above.)

  • Recommended Reading: A Manual for Professional Organizers

Appointments are pre-scheduled & pre-paid. Discount for NAPO members.
Check, MO, Visa & MC accepted.

 

For more details, call 310-391-7392 or email

Back to Top Ask The Organizer's Coach V- Down to Index -V
   
 
** 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
 
 
 
Back to Top V- Down to Index -V
 
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
 

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, she became an active member of the
National Association of Professional Organizers (
NAPO) in 1991. She has served as:

NAPO-LA 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.


<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Additional information available on our site ...
Profile of Donna D. McMillan
Who Hires a Professional Organizer?
What are the Specialties of a Professional Organizer?

Back to Top V- Down to Index -V
  <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
- FEATURED IN NAPO ARTICLES
 

NAPO NEWS, Official Publication of National Association of Professional Organizers
(now available
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 17 years ago, she didn’t 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:

  1. True professionals never stop investing time, energy and money in their business.

  2. Seek training in organizing techniques and business skills – attend NAPO meetings, Conferences, Toastmasters, plus classes for new business owners and for organizers.

  3. Hire a private coach immediately, stay focused and motivated, keep moving ahead.

  4. Volunteer and support our industry on committees in a local chapter or NAPO National, grow personally and professionally.

  5. 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



Services & Solutions for
office & home
OrganizeCategorizeSystematize
Home Services Relocation Products Workshops Articles Clients
Site Map Profile Publicity Photos Links For Info Email

Be sure to add our site to your Favorites and visit again soon!!!

McMillan & Company Professional Organizing www.organizer4me.com 310-391-7392