Professional Organizing -- Initial Consultation with Client

Do you have a procedure in place for your initial meeting with your client, or do you just hope for the best?

The following ideas might help you as a Professional Organizer to plan your first meeting.

• Let the client tell you what their needs are. Don't jump in too quickly with solutions until you are sure you have heard all of their concerns. Try to draw them out and have them tell you more. You don't want to end up with a solution that does not meet their needs.



• Take notes. It will be hard to remember everything, especially when you have multiple clients. You could even design a form ahead of time, with different sections to remind you what you need to write down. You will have to design something that fits with your style, or look at examples from books on the subject.



• Reassure the client. They will often be hesitant and uncertain, since they have probably never worked with a Professional Organizer before. They may be embarrassed about the messy or disorganized state of their house. Don?t be judgmental.



• Give the client an overview of the process. This will help them to feel reassured and in control. This is another reason for having a process in the first place.



• Make sure they know what the next steps are. Will you come up with a written plan and present it at the next meeting? Or will you come up with a plan on the spot, and start right in on the work? It all depends on what you are comfortable doing.



• Think about how to present the money aspects. Will you bill by the hour? Or will you give an estimate for the entire job, and then stick to it?

It will help you to think these things through before you meet with your first clients as a new Professional Organizer.

For more information on these and other questions on Professional Organizing, I highly recommend Maria Gracia's book,
The Ultimate Guide for Professional Organizers. Or check your library for books on Professional Organizing.