Organization FAQs

Q: What is a professional Organizer and how do I know who to work with?
A: On a very basic level, a Professional Organizer is someone who helps bring order ot some aspect of your life. It is important to note that Professional Organizing is not a licensed profession so professional organizers are not easy to define. Professional Organizers can have widely varying backgrounds, education, experience and philosophies. The best way to find evaluate a professional organizer is to have a consultation, ask questions and have a clear understanding of the outcomes.

Q: You keep saying that your services are Systems-based and Client Focused. What does that mean?
A: Systems-based means doing more than just putting away your stuff. It means creating systems, processes and procedures that help a business operate more efficiently.
   Client-focused means that the organization is based around the needs, wants and personality of the client. It means that we don't come in with a pre-fabricated system and then try to "train" our client to use it. Rather, we build the system from the ground up so that it can be the best possible system for the client.

Q: What can I expect from the free consultation? How long will it take and what should I do to prepare?
A: The free consultation will last 30-60 minutes. You should expect to talk candidly about your business - where you are, what problems you are experiencing with your organization, what you would like to be better or more efficient etc. Please don't feel the need to clean up your office. It is much better for us to see it in its natural state so that we can really understand the best way to help you. If we decide that we are a good fit for each other, you can expect to determine the outcomes and receive a contract stating exactly what we'll be accomplishing as well as our confidentiality agreement.

Q: What can I expect if I hire you?
A: You can expect to be part of the process. In order to build a system around you it is absolutely necessary that you be a part of it. Exactly what to expect varies based on the outcomes agreed upon but each and every client is part of the process.

Q: How long does it take?
A: It varies greatly depending upon the outcomes. Once the outcomes have been determined we will talk to you about a time frame and set up a series of appointments.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: This also varies based on the outcomes. During your free consultation we will come to an agreement about the outcomes as well as the cost. We bill a flat fee so you will know from the outset what the full cost will be.

Q: Why do you bill based on a flat fee?
A: Our experience has shown that charging on an hourly basis was a disincentive for our clients to talk to us. Our ability to communicate and take as much time as necessary is absolutely vital. We bill a flat fee so that our clients can feel free to talk to us and spend the time that is necessary to get the best result.

Administrative FAQs

Q: Why would outsourcing administrative work benefit me?
A: It might not! Outsourcing can be beneficial in three ways: It can be easier, better or more profitable to outsource. Most small businesses are looking to outsourcing for profitability. If you can save time by outsourcing and IF you have something more profitable to do in that time, then it can help. If outsourcing allows you to do more than you could do yourself (for example, if you are able to do more marketing by outsourcing the labeling and stamping of your mail-outs) then it can help. Lastly, if outsourcing can keep you from having to hire an employee before you are ready, then it can help. We will speak to about this when we talk about your project so that you can make an informed decision.

Q: Why don't you provide receptionist or telemarketing services?
A: The value of our administrative support is the fact that we are all professionals. We work, on average, three times as fast as a "temp" or entry-level employee with a much higher degree of accuracy. For this reason, you can get a professional product for less than the cost of utilizing a temp or entry-level employee. Things like reception and telemarketing can't really be done any faster so our clients wouldn't get the same value.

Q: How do you find the members of your team?
A: I find them through networking. Someone will come to me recommended by one of my business associates. At that point they submit a resume. If I am satisfied with the resume we will have an interview that may include skills assessments. Then I check their references. They must have three extremely positive references (not just verification of employment) to be considered.