Simply Back to Basics Organizing & CoachingTM
What is a Professional Organizer?
What is your background/training?
Is there a certification process for organizers?
How does organizing work?
What is a Life Coach?
Is this counseling?
What factors determine how long a project will take?
What does it cost?
Can you purchase supplies for me?
Do I have to do whatever you suggest? What if I don't like something?
Shouldn't I be able to do this myself? It seems like a luxury.
What can I do to get started?
Q: What is a Professional Organizer?
A: A Professional Organizer is a person who will work with you to help you solve problems at home or at work, that are interfering with your efficiency and enjoyment of life. Often organizers come from a variety of backgrounds that include working closely with people and problem solving on the job. Organizers are high achievers and self motivated. They know the value of pleasing their clients, and can help them to identify problems and create successful systems to solve them. According to the National Association of Professional Organizers, a Professional Organizer enhances the lives of clients by designing systems and processes using organizing principles and by transferring organizing skills. A Professional Organizer also educates the public on organizing solutions and the resulting benefits.
Q: What is your background/training?
A: I am a NYS certified school psychologist and have been working in WNY since 1990, when I graduated from Alfred University with a M.A. in School Psychology. I have worked in a consultant, counseling and assessment role at the preschool through high school level, at Language Development Program (Formerly LDP, now Summit Educational Services), Niagara Falls City Schools, Amherst Central Schools and Lockport City Schools. I am trained in communication skills, solution focused problem solving and am experienced with all types of learning abilities and styles. I have extensive experience with project management, office organization and computer/technology. I am extremely logical and orderly by nature, so a career in organizing and coaching fits exceedingly well with my personality and lifestyle. I am an independent, reliable and honest worker. Owning my own business was a natural step for me. I am a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and NAPO-NY and adhere to the Code of Ethics of confidentiality, honesty and quality work. I continuously engage in professional improvement through reading, networking with other professional colleagues, conferences, seminars and personal developement.
I won the Grand Prize in the 2007 Rolodex Office Makeover Challenge, presented at the NAPO Conference in Minneapolis, MN.
Q: Is there a certification process for organizers?
A: The first ever exam leading to National Certification for Professional Organizers (CPO) became available for Professional Organizers in April 2007 at the National Association of Professional Organizers annual conference. This exam is available to professional organizers who can document a specific amount of past experience and knowledge. Since this is a brand new level of certification, it may take a while for Professional Organizers in your area to attain this credential. In the meantime, it is important to look for someone you feel comfortable with, both personally and professionally. References may be requested and checked.
Q: How does organizing work?
A: When you first contact me, we will schedule an Initial Consultation, during which we will spend about two hours together, assessing your needs. I will ask you a series of questions designed to help me get to know you and understand the areas of your home or your life, in which you would like to make changes. Through this analysis, we will develop an action plan to address your concerns, including a list of any supplies needed, such as folders, files, storage containers, etc. We will identify tasks that need to be completed and who will complete them.
Next, we will meet for the Follow Up to implement the plan. This involves actually doing the hands on work together; sorting, purging, ordering and putting things away. This will be a tiring, but fulfilling and moving process. You will begin to see and benefit from the fruits of your labor.
Usually, additional sessions are needed to complete the project and we would schedule this accordingly. After we complete our work together, I will call you periodically to see how things are going. You are always welcome and encouraged to call or e-mail me with questions or concerns.
Q: What is a Life Coach?
A: A Life Coach is a person who helps you identify your key values and needs, and helps you to set goals that make you happy and are in line with your values. Making career changes, improving relationships, improving communication, improving the flow of household chores, helping teens/children develop routines and responsibilities, and developing a consistent approach to family discipline and harmony are all examples of areas that a life coach can address. The process is the same as in organizing, where the first hour is spent in assessment and analysis, then a focal point is chosen, strategies are developed and the interventions put into place. We will continue to have periodic conversations via phone or visits to monitor, support, and make any needed changes. Organizing and coaching often overlap in a natural partnership.
Q: Is this counseling?
A: Coaching is a form of counseling, as many similar skills sets are used, but it is not "therapy" or meant as a sole support for people with significant emotional or behavioral problems. Organizing and coaching can be a terrific supplement to ongoing counseling/therapy services, and may be something a psychologist or social worker may recommend to their patients. If, as we work together, I sense that there are larger or deeper issues going on then I will refer you or your child to appropriate support services.
Q: What factors determine how long a project will take?
A: The scope of the project is the biggest influence of the time (i.e.: a kitchen vs. a laundry room; sorting paper vs. objects). Other factors include how quickly you can make decisions; how much "stuff" there is to go through; how much gets donated or thrown away (less to re-home later); and if you can or want to do things on your own, in between visits. We will work together and I will pace our progress to move as quickly as we can without it being overwhelming.
Q: What will it cost?
A: Simply Back to Basics rates are $85/hour for organizing, coaching and daily money management, and $40/hour for shopping, internet research and any collaborative calls (to outside service providers) made on your behalf. Sometimes mileage may be charged for travel outside my typical service area. An additional cost would be for any necessary organizing supplies or products. Usually organizing clients spend an average of 10-15 hours working with me per project. Some clients have me come on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, others monthly or every few months and others call me when needed. Daily Money Mangagement clients would see me on a regular basis for shorter time periods.
Q: Will you purchase/pick out supplies for me?
A: Yes, most of my clients prefer this. I am familiar with many products and stores and can save you time, money and frustration. While I work carefully ahead of time to ensure that the products selected match the expectations of the client, if something doesn't work out that I purchased for you, I will gladly exchange or return it. Sometimes I do the research online and e-mail links to products with information for them to place the order themselves, and other times I go directly to the store to pick things up. The cost of your supplies is additional and will be quoted separately on your invoice. Shopping charges are $40/hour.
Q: Do I have to do whatever you suggest? What if I don't like something?
A: It is not only important, it is imperative that you are comfortable with any changes we make. It absolutely has to work for you and I am happy to make as many suggestions as it takes in order to find a solution that is workable for you. You are free to accept or reject any suggestions and I will encourage you to do so if you have any hesitation about a particular idea. Your satisfaction is my number one priority.
Q: Shouldn't I be able to do this myself? It seems like a luxury.
A: People hire organizers and personal managers for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes it can be for a jump start on ideas; sometimes because they need help to implement their ideas; and sometimes it is a matter of not having time or energy to do it themselves. Hiring an organizer is similar to hiring any other professional. Some people have the both the skills and time to meet their goals alone, and others prefer to hire an expert to get the most done in the least amount of time. Organizers are by nature "get it done" kinds of people, so for clients who procrastinate, this can be a lifesaver. In addition, the time savings gained by being organized can potentially pay for the cost of the organizer, not to mention the mental health benefits that come from feeling peaceful and balanced!
Q: What can I do to get started?
A: Simply call or e-mail me and I will call you to set up an initial appointment. Although you may feel the urge, it is not necessary to "tidy up" before I come over. In fact, in order for me to help you most, it is essential that I see things as they really are. Also, things are likely to get worse before they get better, as we will be pulling things out in order to sort through them. Just relax and wait for me to come and we will begin together. In the meantime, take a moment to pat yourself on the back for taking that first step towards a simpler life.
Visit my blog at www.simplybacktobasics.blogspot.com
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Linda Groat, M. A. |
“Providing Customized Solutions
for Life Situations” TM
Simplify Life. Reclaim Space. Focus. Prioritize.
Get it Together. Keep it Together. Let Linda Help! TM
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