National Association of Professional Organizers
Washington, DC

Our newest Corporate Partner, Address Our Mess, provides a much-needed service to those who have cleanup needs, including situations where there has been hoarding behavior.  They are a full service company that assists professional organizers in creating livable home conditions. Services include fire and smoke damage restoration, water damage repair, mold remediation, and even biohazard cleanup.  They also offer construction and repair services.

Address Our Mess was started by Jeff Cohn and Josh Rafter, and is a division of SI Restoration, in business since 1989. They are fully insured, including pollution control insurance for mold removal.

The company has joined the Institute for Challenging Disorganization, and client privacy is a major cornerstone of their philosophy.  Trucks are marked only with the company logo, not with the services provided.  It’s a personal and confidential cleanup.  To learn more, visit their website at http://www.si-restoration.com.  Welcome!

HOW DO YOU DO WHAT DO? by Joe Johnson

I’ve been asked several times the past few months, “How do you do what you do?”  The answer is fairly straightforward.  “Our in-home design appointments are very similar to your in-home new client assessments.”

First and foremost, ShelfGenie designers create unique solutions for our clients based on how they use their space.  We are NOT salespeople trying to sell the most Glide-Outs possible.  Our goal with each design consultation is to transform an area by providing more space, easier access and better organization.

After some “get to know you” small talk, a designer spends a minute or two talking about ShelfGenie.  We then use a product sample to demonstrate the key features of our Glide-Outs.  Next we show pictures of various options installed in previous clients’ homes.  The picture tour usually demonstrates options that a client had not considered which immediately involves them in the design process.

With these preliminaries completed, a designer begins the assessment phase by opening cabinets and asking both the client and themselves questions such as, “Where do you food prep?”  While asking this question we are looking at where the mixing bowls, measuring cups, etc., are stored.  If the food prep utensils are spread throughout the kitchen, we suggest moving everything close to the food prep area and then propose a Glide-Out solution.

During the assessment stage we are also looking for a place to store trays, cutting boards and cookie sheets.  Are pots and pans convenient to the stove?  Where is Tupperware stored?  Is it near the sink or fridge?   Our solutions depend on the answers to these questions.

Another frequently asked question is, “Do you use everything currently stored in your cabinets?”  As you know, the answer is usually no.  We then identify the items that can be edited and propose a solution for the items that will remain in the space.

Many times a designer will advise a client not to install a Glide-Out in a particular cabinet because it’s not cost-effective to do so.  We’re designing solutions NOT selling a product.  Our honesty frequently catches clients off-guard but is definitely appreciated.

Each design appointment is different, but these are the types of questions designers discuss with each client so that together they can develop the best solution for how that client uses their space.

When the assessment is complete, the designer creates a simple drawing of the solution and then uses an Excel spreadsheet on their laptop to create a quote for the client.  All of this is completed in-home.  An average appointment lasts from 1.5 to 2.0 hours.

Overview of the ShelfGenie Process

1. Design Consultation – Designer works with client to design a custom solution for their problem areas.   Appointments usually last from 1.5 to 2.0 hours depending on how much there is to discuss.  Designers bring laptops and develop a quote during the appointment.  If a client decides to proceed, the next step is measuring.
2. Field Measurement – Once the paperwork and deposit are processed, the installer has 48 hours to contact the client to schedule a field measurement.  During the field measurement, actual factory cut measurements are gathered.  Field measurement appointments generally last 20 – 25 minutes.
3. Installation – 4 to 5 weeks after the field measurement, the installer receives and inspects the client’s order.  He then schedules the actual installation with the client.  99% of our installations are completed in one day.

At ShelfGenie’s annual conference last month, ShelfGenie of Northern Virginia’s lead installer, Jim Burgess, was named ShelfGenie’s first ever “Installer of the Year”.

Established in 2012, the Barry Izsak/Glorya Schklair Conference Scholarship Fund provides financial support to provide a complimentary full-conference registration to no less than two NAPO Members to attend each NAPO conference starting with NAPO2013. Each funded conference registration will provide one NAPO Industry Member with access to the educational courses and professional skill development opportunities that are only available to the attendees of NAPO conferences. Scholarship award recipients are responsible for all transportation, hotel, meals and other travel expenses related to attending the conference.

The Barry Izsak/Glorya Schklair Conference Scholarship Fund directly supports the educational mission of NAPO by providing access to the educational experience of conference for the benefit of Industry Members who otherwise may not be able to attend due to financial or other extenuating circumstances. This fund was endowed through the generosity of Barry Izsak, NAPO President 2003-2007.

Learn more about it here!

On behalf of the Washington DC Chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO-WDC), we are pleased to invite you and your company to participate in the Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference for Professional Organizers (MARCPO 2012). This is the premiere event for Professional Organizers in the Mid-Atlantic region.

The 14^th Annual MARCPO Conference and Expo will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2012, in Bethesda, Maryland at the DoubleTree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center.

Based on the success of last year’s conference and the incredible lineup we have scheduled for this year, we are anticipating well over 100 professional organizers in attendance from the East Coast and beyond. Together, we represent thousands of clients serviced annually.

Click here to see the FULL LIST of all sponsor opportunities and to register for MARCPO 2012!

NAPO-WDC is proud to host the MARCPO 2012 Conference and Expo. We look forward to providing a richly rewarding educational experience for all attendees and hope you will join us for this exciting opportunity!

Register today – Early Bird discount ends September 1st!

Why Sponsor and Exhibit at MARCPO 2012?

Your company has been identified as offering products or services that professional organizers and their clients are excited to know more about.

Professional Organizers understand the importance of being educated and staying current on the best organizing products available on the market today.

Reach your target market at a nominal investment with direct exposure through sponsorship, product donations, exhibitor and other vendor opportunities.

Sponsorship and Vendor Opportunities

Again, this year we are offering the same streamlined and upgraded sponsorship benefits and are now offering a significant discount to encourage earlier registration.

Below is the Early Bird Registration pricing for each sponsorship level. Register today to get these rates!

Click here to see the FULL LIST of vendor opportunities at MARCPO 2012

Click here for more info on the NAPO DC Corporate Partner Program including details on discounts on MARCPO fees!

Register by September 1, 2012 and Save at least 20% with the Early Bird Rate!

The National Association of Professional Organizers, Washington, DC – Metro Chapter (NAPO-WDC), the premier resource in the DC Metro area for organizing professionals, will host the 14th annual Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference for Professional Organizers (MARCPO) on Saturday, October 13, 2012.

The event will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel & Executive Meeting Seminar Center in Bethesda, Maryland.  The day-long event titled, “Content, Connections, and Clarity” will feature several well recognized speakers and strong educational programming geared toward both new and expert organizers.

Register Now and Enjoy the Early Bird Discount!

MEGA SESSION SPEAKER - Dr. Ari Tuckman

MARCPO 2012 will begin with opening keynote speaker Ari Tuckman, PsyD, MBA. His highly anticipated presentation on “The Psychology of ADHD: Organizing Around a Lifetime of Disorganization”.

He is the author of three books: ”Understand Your Brain, Get More Done: The ADHD Executive Functions Workbook”, ”More Attention, Less Deficit: Success Strategies for Adults with ADHD” and ”Integrative Treatment for Adult ADHD: A Practical, Easy-to-Use Guide for Clinicians”.

He is a psychologist in private practice in West Chester, Pennsylvania, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, as well as anxiety, depression, and school/work difficulties. He has given more than 200 presentations and routinely earns excellent reviews for his ability to make complex concepts understandable and useful. He does a popular podcast about ADHD with over 100 episodes and approaching one million downloads.

ADHD is a neurological condition, but neurology often drives psychology. This is especially true for many adults with ADHD who spent most of their lives undiagnosed and therefore untreated. As a result of this lifetime of additional struggles, they tend to develop certain mindsets and ways of relating to others. While this may have played a protective role before the person is diagnosed, finally getting appropriate treatment can be a real game changer in terms of what they are capable of. Unfortunately, some of those mindsets may still persist and undermine their progress in getting their lives in order. This has significant implications when trying to organize an adult with ADHD, whether they have been diagnosed or not. We will discuss how these common mindsets develop and how to work around them with compassion, while still pushing your clients to achieve their best. Even though organizers are not psychologists, there is a lot of psychology involved in being an effective organizer. This session will give you a few more tools in your tool box which will not only enable you to provide better services for your clients, but enjoy your work more.

View Full Conference Schedule & Session Descriptions

WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS

Those in attendance will have a choice of several concurrent sessions. The topics of the presentations will be of interest to both experienced and new professional organizers. You will gain insight into both the organizing and business aspects of our industry.

The workshop topics include:

Jeanne Rossomme of RoadMap Marketing helps to shift your focus away from MORE customers to BETTER customers resulting in more profits and empowering work.

Heather Ahern, owner of Functional Home discusses what happens to someone’s digital legacy after death in her session “Advance Planning for Your Virtual Afterlife”.

“What an Organizer Needs to Know to be Successful in E-Commerce” presented by business coach and the Fearless Leader of Bold Business Works Deborah Gallant.

Susan Samakow is America’s Premier Self Talk Expert and delivers “Managing Overwhelm: 6 Strategies Your Clients Can Use “After” You Are Gone.

Ketura Persellin, PhD, the owner of The Wardrobe Workshop presents “Organizing a Clothes Closet? First, Unlock Your Client’s Personal Style”.

“Succession Planning: Do you Know your Exit Strategy?” Sharee Calverley Lawler, owner of Collective Method helps you develop an exit strategy from your business. It’s never too early to plan.

 Register Now and Enjoy the Early Bird Discount!

Basic Organization, LLC, is a professional organizing firm specializing in residential organizing services. This seven-year old company is in a period of growth and you could contribute to its success. The open position is part-time with flexible days and hours. The work may be somewhat sporadic at times. This is an ideal position for someone who is looking for a little extra money, doing something challenging and fun. You will receive on-the-job training with the potential for increased job responsibilities over time.

Basic Organization provides services to busy families, business owners, downsizing seniors and the chronically disorganized. We teach our clients the skills to get organized and live a more simplified life. We provide ideas, information, structure and solutions to help people regain control of their space. For more information on our company, please visit www.basicorganization.com.

The position would require:

• Stellar organizing abilities
• Physical abilities such as climbing stairs, lifting and moving boxes and small furniture
• Good people skills such as patience and high energy
• Excellent customer service attitude
• Being able to think quickly on your feet
• Working well as part of a group and individually

Basic Organization services the whole DC metro area and you must provide your own transportation to job locations. Some equipment may also be required. A background check is required.

In you are interested in working for Basic Organization; please go to http://basicorganization.com/#/contact/employment-application  to fill out an application.

This is a paid advertisement. Advertisements on NAPO-WDC’s website, blog, social networking sites and/or any other technological outlet do not imply endorsement of their service or product.