Many of our blog ideas are in direct response to networking conversations.  At any given time, Betsy and I can be found networking in different groups, talking to people about what we do, and building relationships with other business owners, teachers, attorneys, artists, busy Moms, etc.   

A scenario I’ve been given on more than one occasion while making my rounds networking is this, “I have piles of papers all over my desk.  I probably don’t need everything that’s there but haven’t had time to go through them.  I just need one good day to get through all of it.  If I know what I need to do, what’s the benefit of hiring you?”

To which I usually respond:  “Well, how long have those piles been sitting on your desk and what’s keeping you from getting to them?”
That question usually initiates a significant pause.   

Here’s the deal.  Most of us all know how to put our shoes on and take a walk (maybe even run).  We know how to ride a bike.  Many of us even know how to lift weights.  Do we all do these things on a regular basis?  No.  Especially when the weather is cold, I can think of so many other things I’d rather be doing than taking a walk or riding my bike.  And that’s why many personal trainers have thriving businesses.  They motivate people by making exercise challenging yet fun.

Of course there are many people who know what needs to be done to get themselves organized, but they don’t do it.  There’s nothing wrong with that.  Again most people would rather spend time with family and friends than organize papers in their office.  However, as Professional Organizers we offer our clients the motivation to stay focused for a finite period of time.  And they are able to get a lot more done in a lot less time by maintaining that focus.  We are essentially personal trainers for them and their clutter.

I currently have a client with whom I work on a regular weekly/bi-weekly basis.  There are times when I will stand next to him at his desk while he goes through the piles of papers that have accumulated since our last session; essentially acting in the capacity I described above.  One day he said to me, “Cara I know you may not think this is very productive, but I wouldn’t be doing this if you weren’t here.”  I responded by explaining the following:  “This isn’t about what I think is productive, it’s about you getting the most out of our time together.”  All of my clients are different and the definition of “organized” is going to look different for each one.  It’s my job to make sure each client is working towards his or her own goal of what it means to be “organized.”