The Pro Organizer Studio Podcast

I am thrilled to be joined today by Lisa Trigstead, who you may know as NeatFreakMcKinney from her thriving community on Instagram. Lisa started her professional organizing business as a second career, after working as a school teacher for many years. Today, she is sharing her business story, as well as her best time-management tips.   As entrepreneurs, it can definitely be a challenge to keep all the things our lives and businesses going off without a hitch. I hope Lisa’s advice and perspective in this episode helps you find new ways to approach your busy schedule and find more time in the day for the things that truly matter. (00:00) - Intro to the Episode(01:09) - Introducing Lisa Trigsted(02:04) - How Lisa manages her time on Instagram(05:08) - Lisa shares her business story(10:08) - How Lisa balances all of the things in her schedule(12:25) - Lisa’s marketing strategies for attracting clients(13:53) - Lisa’s experience collaborating with other brands(15:44) - Why Lisa thinks it’s important to share your

Today, I am sharing an imaginary coaching scenario that I’ve pulled together based on a composite of many of the coaching calls I’ve been on the giving and receiving ends of over the last few years. As a professional organizer, I think you’ll relate to at least a few of these challenges I’m going to illustrate when it comes to growing your business. And you’ll also learn a model for empowering yourself with some self-coaching as you are working through your own growth challenges in 2020 and beyond.   (00:00) – Intro to the Episode (01:07) – The imaginary business coaching client scenario (03:15) – Jen explains the Karpman Drama Triangle (04:47) – The Rescuer (05:46) – The Persecutor (06:36) – The Victim (07:26) – Jen analyses her imaginary coaching scenario using the Karpman Drama Triangle (13:33) – Episode Wrap-up Resources mentioned: The Drama Triangle Book   Join our free Facebook group for podcast insiders to get notified about new episodes (plus get behind-the-scenes access and other goodies weekly)!

I am so excited to welcome Heather Freeman of the Decor Fix onto the podcast today! Heather is an interior decorator turned course creator who brings tons of experience and insight that meshes so well into our world as organizers. Today, we are discussing conflict resolution between our clients and their spouses, as well as some tips Heather has learned along the way about bringing all of your experiences in your toolbelt to the table to give the most value to your client. I know she will be a fan favorite, and I can't wait for you to hear her story.   (00:00) – Intro to the Episode(01:12) – Heather shares a bit about the evolution of her business(02:58) – Heather’s tips and insight on client spousal conflict resolution(08:00) – Developing the tools to create the space for resolving clients’ deeper needs(11:29) – When your client’s spouse doesn’t agree with hiring an organizer(16:09) – Being the mediator between a couple during a project(17:20) – Creating a course or service to upsell to your clients or give

Today on the podcast, I’m having an awesome conversation with Elli Richter. Elli is a life coach and a Psych-K facilitator. She describes her business as helping people to unblock their subconscious, heal the past and co-create a downstream and purpose-driven life. If you have any interest in our brain and how the subconscious works when it comes to working with organizing clients or even on yourself, I know that you will enjoy this interview.    (00:00) – Intro to the Episode(01:10) – Elli shares her story(02:56) – Tips for practicing compassion with your clients (05:02) – The science behind our neurological conditioning(06:57) – Avoiding the “rescuing mode” as a professional organizer(11:25) – Setting up healthy personal boundaries for the benefit of your business(17:47) – Elli explains more about Psych-K(26:05) – Recommended resources for learning more about these topics(28:05) – Tips on helping your clients through the life-change process of organizing(34:31) – How to connect with Elli online(37:10) – Ep

Today, I am interviewing Lindsey Escalante. She is a professional organizer at Simplifying The Everyday, out of Seatle Washington. In the short amount of time she has been in business, Lindsey has discovered some unique and innovative ways to save time serving her clients, and also to give back through her business. I know you guys will enjoy this one!    (00:00) – Intro to the Episode(01:23) – How Linsdey got into professional organizing(04:14) – What led Lindsey to pursue a Konmari Certification(13:33) – The benefits of the Konmari Certification(16:36) – Lindsey shares about her new website, Find Organizers That Fit(19:07) – Behind the scenes of creating Find Organizers That Fit(22:07) – Ignoring the roadblocks that delay you from accomplishing your goal(24:07) – Who Find Organizers That Fit is great for(25:40) – Lindsey’s biggest tip for anyone who is trying to start something new(31:40) – Lindsey’s Home Refresh projects for foster families (36:34) – Episode Wrap-Up   Join our free Facebook group for podc

You’ve probably heard me say that actually doing an organizing job is all very personalized to your style, how you prefer to work, and the client’s specific project because everybody has different stuff. One of the biggest keys to being successful is knowing how to competently serve them the moment you show up so that they can immediately feel the difference and see the value of your work together. Whether this is your first client or your fiftieth client, every single job is going to feel like you’re starting over again just a little bit, since you learn something new each time.   (00:00) – Intro to the Episode (01:11) – Recognizing your clients' clues on how to serve them well (03:37) – The example of the Working Couple (05:44) – Knowing what to do during your first session with a new client (07:59) – Developing systems based on your clients’ individual routines (09:42) – How the Inspired Organizer® course prepares you for the consultation (14:13) – Showing up confidently and getting started on your first j

In October 2019, I held the second-ever live retreat experience for Pro Organizer Studio. It was a group of 12 women, hosted in Las Vegas, NV. So before you start thinking we were just partying for 5 days, believe me - we got a lot of work done! But we also had a lot of fun. To recap our experience, I invited Megan Rogers, who is a professional organizer from Oklahoma, today to talk about her retreat experience, and what all went down.   (00:00) – Intro to the Episode(01:20) – Megan shares how she get into professional organizing (09:50) – A recap of the Las Vegas retreat(14:48) – The format of the retreat(16:46) – Jen’s one-on-one coaching sessions(21:30) – Information about future events(22:25) – Megan shares more about her business plans(25:42) – Megan’s favorite podcasts(27:47) – Episode Wrap-up   The rest of the show notes can be found at proorganizerstudio.com/blog/vegas-retreat

My guest today is McKayla Thompson. McKayla is 18 years old, and she a professional organizer who launched her business before she even graduated high school. As you can imagine, she is extremely ambitious and motivated to be an entrepreneur and get her business going in Ohio.   Today’s episode is actually a coaching call, where I will be talking with her about where she is with her business now, what obstacles she is facing, and what actions she can take to overcome those obstacles. So, if you are listening today, you are likely to be inspired by her level of self-awareness and her dreams for her business. And regardless of your age or stage of business, I think you will also relate to some of the common fears that organizers have everywhere. I hope you get a lot out of listening in on this coaching session!   (00:00) – Intro to the Episode(01:55) – McKayla shares why she started her business and her current struggles(03:10) – Addressing McKayla’s client pre-qualification process(13:15) – Addressing McKayla’

Kamille Sommer is a professional organizer in Denmark. I know there are many women listening to the podcast who are wondering, “could I ever start an organizing business where I live? No one here has ever HEARD of this industry.” Today you’ll learn what she has done and continues to do as a trailblazer in her country to educate the population and get clients. She’s also found ways to expand her business online, all while keeping her part-time day job. I hope you’re ready to take notes because there’s a lot to be inspired by in this episode.   (00:00) – Intro to the Episode (01:09) – Introducing Kamille (01:57) – Kamille shares how her organizing business got started (06:00) – How Kamille has worked to spread awareness of organizing in Denmark (09:15) – The differences between the European mindset of outsourcing versus the US (11:09) – How Kamille balances her part-time job with her business and life (12:40) – Representing the organizing industry for Denmark’s equivalent of Houzz  (14:20) – Kamille’s Organizin

Maybe is it just a stereotype, but most professional organizers are list-makers. I know that organizers are also super tough on themselves, and I think it’s unfortunate that we have this long list of all of our shortcomings that we are carrying around in our heads all of the time. I think it’s important to counteract that with some positivity. So, for today’s podcast, I’m sharing 3 lists to make to increase your confidence.   (00:00) – Intro to the Episode(01:39) – The journaling exercise that changed my life(02:41) – The list challenge(02:57) – List #1 - The timeline of accomplishments(07:44) – List #2 - Accomplishments that are not time-specific(10:46) – List #3 - Above and beyond accomplishments(13:04) – Bringing it all together mentally for confidence and direction(17:18) – Episode Wrap-up   The rest of the show notes are at proorganizerstudio.com/blog/confidence-lists

I am super excited for this interview with Moriah Riona. She is an award-winning graphic designer and brand strategist who owns a full-service branding and marketing studio for creative female entrepreneurs. Moriah’s passion is helping other women succeed in business by giving them the tools they need show up confidently, attract the right clients, get paid what they’re worth, and build brands and lives that they love.  (00:00) – Intro to the Episode(02:30) – Moriah shares about her business and client process(04:50) – What is driving Moriah’s clients to re-brand?(07:00) – How to differentiate yourself from your competition(08:00) – The future of professional organizing(10:00) – Why not to copy your competition(12:09) – How to know when to bite the bullet and re-brand(17:17) – The role social media has played in entrepreneurial overwhelm(19:40) – Moriah shares about her work in social media strategy and management(27:00) – How to hone in on your vision and bring it to life in an authentic way(32:00) – Moriah

Today, I am chatting with Di Ter Avest, owner of Di Is Organized in Baltimore, MD. While I have heard many aspiring organizers say that they want to wait to start their business until their young children are in school, Di Ter Avest shares how she manages her organizing business with two little ones. With the right support system, healthy boundaries and some pre-planning, balancing your priorities may not be as hard as you think.   (00:00) – Intro to the Episode(01:00) – Di shares how she started her business(06:53) – How Di’s confidence has grown since going through Inspired Organizer®(11:10) – How Di balances work in her business and family life(15:18) – Di describes her experience in the Inspired Organizer® Facebook community(18:14) – How Di created a brand that fits her authentic self(20:39) – Episode Wrap-up   The rest of the show notes can be found at www.proorganizerstudio.com/podcast

Today, I am joined by Ashley and Julie, who are business partners behind Mind Your Mess in Houston, TX. I hope you’ll listen to their entire story. If you’re a solo organizer who has ever been interested in bringing on a business partner, you will definitely want to hear how these two met, how their partnership was formed, and where Mind Your Mess is headed today. Their friendship and sky’s-the-limit mindset are truly inspiring. (00:00) – Intro to the Episode(00:56) – Introducing Ashley and Julie(01:50) – How Ashley and Julie met and became business partners(04:49) – How Mind Your Mess handles client projects then vs. now(09:15) – How Ashley and Julie knew they were the right fit(13:20) – How Ashley and Julie divide up tasks in the business(19:35) – The ladies share their advice on what to look for in a business partner(23:15) – Exciting news about expanding Mind Your Mess(28:20) – Laura Berg’s position on the Mind Your Mess team(29:36) – Seeking guidance on how to structure a business expansion legally(32:04

Something I often tell my students is that there is no growth in your comfort zone. Today, I am reaching out of my comfort zone again to share some of my personal highs and lows as an entrepreneur. From my journey as a professional organizer to the growth that I have seen through Pro Organizer Studio, I truly feel that this online community has watched me grow up in many ways. Here are some lessons that I have learned throughout my 5 years in business.    (00:00) – Intro to the Episode(01:04) – The history behind launching Pro Organizer Studio(03:16) – What I’ve learned from all the emotions that come with entrepreneurial life(5:58) – The importance of continuous challenges(7:49) – Finding my true purpose by showing up consistently(9:13) – You have what it takes to step up and show up(10:34) – How I came to the conclusion to get certified as a business coach(14:22) – Four areas in which I struggle and am working to change(16:22) – Episode Wrap-up   The rest of the show notes can be found at www.proorganizerst

Today, I am joined again by the incredible Sam Pregenzer of Simply Organized. Sam has found much success in the organizing world, but it doesn’t come without a cost. Today she opened up about the growing pains of entrepreneurial life. Sometimes balancing multiple business projects and multiple kids’ schedules is just not that pretty, and finding time for self-care becomes a bit of a chess game. Clearly she is finding a way to make it work. I hope this candid conversation encourages you today.   (00:00) – Intro to the Episode(01:30) – Sam shares about her busy summer and getting back into fall routines(08:28) – Customizing workflows around a unique and growing business(14:16) – Projects that Sam enjoys the most(16:16) – How Sam became a field editor for Better Homes and Gardens(20:21) – The process of rebranding Simply Organized to SO|Home(21:41) – Sam talks about choosing partnerships with other companies(22:22) – Sam shares about moving and her plans for her new house(25:04) – How Sam finds time for self-car

Today I am super excited to be chatting with Matlin Pessarra of Minimized Professional Organizers in Charlotte, NC. In the two short years that Matlin has been in business, she has grown a massive Instagram following and she has worked with a number of local influencers and celebrities in Charlotte. I have invited her onto the podcast today to talk all about her experiences with business collaborations. (00:00) – Intro to the Episode (00:55) – Introducing Matlin Pessarra (1:22) – How Matlin got into professional organizing (3:40) – Matlin shares how her business has evolved since she first launched (6:10) – How Matlin has used Instagram strategically as a marketing tool (10:25) – How Matlin got started with collaborations (12:50) – Collaborating with influencers (18:30) – Collaborating with celebrities (23:36) – Collaborating as an alternative to paid advertising (25:34) – Cold-approaching businesses to initiate a collaboration (27:55) – Lessons Matlin has learned from business collaborations (30:41) – Matli

This week on the podcast, my guest is professional blogger and planner designer, Laura Smith of I Heart Planners. In this interview, we have covered her business journey as an organizing-focused blogger, all the way to being the designer of The Sweet Life Planner. She has done all kinds of interesting things related to organizing for her audience online. So, if you're interested in creating more for your organizing business online, you are really going to love this episode!   (00:00) – Intro to the Episode(01:07) – Introducing Laura Smith(01:42) – Laura shares how I Heart Planners got started (4:23) – How Laura transitioned out of her full-time job (6:11) – Creating and selling printables(10:58) – How Laura created her ideal planner(16:50) – Laura shares the details of her online organizing summit, GetOrganizedHQ (18:42)  – The Sweet Life Society membership program(20:54) – Laura’s blogging schedule and tips for consistency(26:15) – How to deal with the comparison game(30:28) – How to not give up on your busi

In this week's episode, I am featuring one of my Inspired Organizer™ students, Kandy Negus of Order Your Spaces. One of my goals with this podcast is to feature professional organizers who are living their dream in a wide variety of life circumstances, backgrounds, and business goals. I hope you enjoy listening to Kandy's inspiring story today. (00:00) – Intro to the Episode(00:55) – Introducing Kandy Negus(1:52) – How Kandy got into professional organizing (5:02) – What gave Kandy the push to finally launch her business(6:23) – Kandy shares her “why” for choosing this path(7:39) – A message to the perfectionists (8:35) – Advice for aspiring professional organizers(11:37) – The technical side of business for the digitally challenged (16:38) – Kandy shares the benefits of an accountability partner/community(17:37) – Personal boundaries and schedule as a solopreneur(19:17) – Kandy’s plans to expand her business(22:49) – Living your purpose regardless of your stage of life(25:21) – Episode Wrap-Up The rest of t

I'm excited to welcome back Nikki Boyd of At Home With Nikki. Nikki is a professional organizer in the Charleston, SC area who started her business 6 years ago with a YouTube channel.  Her brand has now expanded to a local organizing business, a new book called Beautifully Organized, virtual coaching services for clients worldwide, and much more. Today, we are catching up on what is new in Nikki's world. I am sure you will enjoy this one! (00:00) – Intro to the Episode(01:12) – Check out our 2017 interview with Nikki Boyd(02:30) – Nikki shares the process of writing her book, Beautifully Organized(5:35) – How Nikki’s book is different than other organizing books(6:35) – Update on At Home With Nikki(9:49) – What does a normal day look like for Nikki?(11:37) – Nikki shares about working with client’s virtually(12:31) – How Nikki’s virtual organizing process has changed(13:12) – Nikki’s biggest learning curve as a businesswoman (14:47) – How big is Nikki’s team?(15:35) – Nikki’s open showroom office(19:35) – Wh

In this week's episode, I'm sharing a new concept that I've coined "the 2080 principle," which is my take on the mindset shift that is needed in order to break the cycle of discontent, boredom, and struggle that may be related to your daily habits. If you're ready to take the steps towards creating your ideal future, I hope you'll tune in for this one. (00:00) – Intro to the Episode(01:10) – The 8020 Rule & how I stumbled upon the 2080 Principle(02:25) – How some organizing philosophies could lead us astray(04:14) – Organizing your life around your future goals(06:07) – Life lessons I’ve gleaned from my baby-boomer husband(07:44) – The 2080 Principle defined(08:03) – My vision and priorities for my 2080 self(08:35) – The challenge(10:13) – The 3 priorities framework(11:10) – Jen’s strategy for 2080 success(15:36) – Episode Wrap-up The rest of the shownotes are at proorganizerstudio.com/podcast