The Pro Organizer Studio Podcast

Melissa Klug
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The Pro Organizer Studio Podcast

Pro Organizer Studio is a business building resource for professional organizers. We are here to help you launch & grow the professional organizing business of your dreams! Hosted by Melissa Klug, who is a master certified professional organizer and founder of home organization business Home By Eleven in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, and who is a business coach for pro organizers on 5 continents!

  1. Are you doing TOO MUCH?

    JUL 2

    Are you doing TOO MUCH?

    I have a simple...but complex question for you today--are you doing TOO MUCH in your organizing business? Are you burning out on back end tasks for your business--but also maybe not spending the time on the things that matter and can move the needle in your business? That's what I'm talking about today--trying to get you thinking about whether you're doing things that just aren't necessary! Connect with Melissa: hello@proorganizerstudio.com ________________________________________________________ In this episode, Melissa addresses a common challenge faced by professional organizers: doing too much. She emphasizes the importance of evaluating the behind-the-scenes tasks that may not be necessary for operating a successful business.   Melissa shares insights from her experience and interactions within the Inspired Organizer group, encouraging listeners to consider whether they are overcomplicating their processes. She provides practical advice on streamlining client interactions, minimizing unnecessary tasks, and conducting a time audit to identify time-consuming activities that don't add value.   Additionally, Melissa shares her own business strategy, highlighting her simplified approach and the success she’s achieved. This episode aims to help organizers find a better balance and avoid burnout by focusing their efforts on truly essential tasks.   00:00 Introduction and Purpose 00:33 Are You Doing Too Much? 02:00 Behind the Scenes: What's Necessary? 03:23 Melissa's Business Approach 05:10 Simplifying Client Interactions 14:05 Time Audits and Efficiency 21:04 Managing Client Expectations 26:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    27 min
  2. 225 | LET'S MEET IN PERSON!! Part 2 with Brandie & Ryan of Home+Sort and the How To Summit

    JUN 24

    225 | LET'S MEET IN PERSON!! Part 2 with Brandie & Ryan of Home+Sort and the How To Summit

    I want to meet YOU in Dallas in September!  This is part 2 of my conversation with Brandie and Ryan of Home+Sort and the How To Summit.  LINKS FOR LISTENERS: Come see us at the Summit in September! Hit this link: howtosummit.org and use code MELISSA10 for $50 off.  _______________________________________________________________________ overview and timestamps: This episode is the second part of a conversation with Brandie and Ryan of Home+Sort and the How To Summit.   They discuss the importance of continuously reevaluating business strategies, whether a solopreneur or a team leader, and how staying adaptable can lead to success. The discussion also highlights the upcoming How To Summit with new speakers, fresh topics, and an improved attendee experience.   The guests share insights on challenges in event planning, particularly under changing circumstances. They also touch on themes like client acquisition, neurodivergent organizing, and the value of community in the organizing industry. The episode aims to inspire and provide actionable strategies for business growth and personal development.   00:00 Introduction and Recap 00:36 What's New at the How To Summit 01:37 The Importance of Change and Adaptability 02:14 Event Planning and Client Experience 04:10 Summit Highlights and Speaker Lineup 06:05 The Value of Community and Networking 08:26 Investment in Personal Development 14:35 Exciting New Topics and Workshops 22:48 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    25 min
  3. What a 7 Figure Organizing Business Does That You Should, Too | Reevaluating Business Processes; Fluid Pricing and more from Brandie + Ryan of Home+Sort and the How To: Summit

    JUN 23

    What a 7 Figure Organizing Business Does That You Should, Too | Reevaluating Business Processes; Fluid Pricing and more from Brandie + Ryan of Home+Sort and the How To: Summit

    I am here this week with two of my FAVORITE people not just in organizing, but in life. Today I'm talking to Brandie & Ryan about how they run their 7 figure organizing business and the lessons that all of us should be doing--whether your business is 4, 5, or 6 figures.   LINKS FOR LISTENERS:   Get in touch with Melissa: hello@proorganizerstudio.com or proorganizerstudio.com   Join us at the How To: Summit (use code Melissa10 for $50 off): howtosummit.org     Balancing Business & Client Satisfaction: Insights from Home+Sort   We are here with two episodes this week with Brandie and Ryan from Home+Sort, and also the leaders of the How to Summit.   They discuss maintaining organizing businesses, reevaluating processes, pricing strategies, and delivering high-quality services.   They underscore the importance of adaptability, efficient client communication, and being responsive to market changes. They also emphasize the value of client satisfaction and efficient operational practices. The conversation offers practical advice for pro organizers to enhance their business strategies and client relationships.   00:00   Introduction and Podcast Update 02:46   Funny Anecdotes and Realities of Organizing 04:41    Home+Sort Business Insights 06:06   Adapting and Reevaluating Business Strategies 14:50    Pricing Strategies and Flexibility 20:31    Understanding the Value of Professional Organizers 21:20   The Unique Approach to Relocations 22:15    Ensuring Client Satisfaction 22:55   The Importance of Delivering Quality Service 25:33   Balancing Effort and Reward in Business 26:17   Challenges and Lessons from Real Experiences 28:10    Effective Client Communication 33:53   Evaluating and Improving Business Practices 40:12   Final Thoughts and Takeaways

    41 min
  4. "Don't Be Like Us!"

    MAY 19

    "Don't Be Like Us!"

    My friend and fellow professional organizer Missi McKown sent me a voice message with an idea on how to start this podcast.  " So this is a cautionary tale. Please do the opposite of everything we do unless you'd like to burnout and stress yourself out, and also start dropping balls left and right, including family, friends, and relationships that are important to you. Okay, let's dive into it!" We are talking about some things we do in our business--and the why behind it--but also how we're working on better ways to make sure we're servicing our organizing clients but also not losing ourselves in the process.  LINKS FOR LISTENERS: Get in touch with Melissa: www.proorganizerstudio.com or hello@proorganizerstudio.com Learn more about Missi and her business, Clear Spaces Organizing in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area of Minnesota: www.creatingclearspaces.com _____________________________________________________________________ Balancing Boundaries in the Professional Organizing Business   In this episode of the Pro Organizer Studio Podcast, host Melissa Klug, joined by her friend Missi, explores the challenges and solutions surrounding boundaries in the professional organizing industry.  They discuss the importance of setting boundaries with clients, recognizing burnout, and the personal experiences that influence their professional lives. The episode also covers topics like the Enneagram personality test, the significance of establishing values, and practical strategies for managing work-life balance as professional organizers.   01:52 How Not to Be Like Us: A Cautionary Tale 03:08 Enneagram 2 issues when Organizing 06:24 Client Boundaries and Burnout 13:06 Melissa's Hypocritical Moment 21:58 Balancing Flexibility and Boundaries 27:48 Personal Reflections on Boundaries 29:48 Childhood Influences and People-Pleasing Tendencies 30:29 Validation and Love Language 31:55 Setting Boundaries with Clients 34:24 Blurring the Lines in Professional Services 37:07 Recognizing and Managing Burnout 42:39 Balancing Work and Personal Life 50:08 Under-Promise and Over-Deliver 58:10 Final Thoughts and Reflections

    59 min
  5. My Client Isn't Happy. Now What? | Missi McKown of Clear Spaces Organizing

    MAY 12

    My Client Isn't Happy. Now What? | Missi McKown of Clear Spaces Organizing

    No matter how great of an organizer you are, there will come a time where a client has something that isn't quite right in their house or something that they aren't happy with from you or your team. How you handle this can go a long way to turning dissatisfaction into happiness--and even getting that client to refer you out or have more sessions.  SYNOPSIS AND TIMESTAMPS Navigating Client Dissatisfaction and Delivering Exceptional Service with Missi McKown   In this episode, Melissa is joined by her friend and professional organizer, Missi McKown, to discuss handling client dissatisfaction in the organizing business. They explore strategies for turning negative client experiences into positive ones and share personal stories of going above and beyond to delight clients. Missi highlights the importance of communication, empathy, and flexibility in resolving conflicts, and the duo emphasizes the value of establishing a network with other organizers. This conversation offers valuable insights for anyone looking to elevate their client service and navigate challenging situations in their business.     03:24 Discussing Client Experience 04:12 Handling Client Dissatisfaction 06:54 Examples of Client Dissatisfaction 12:42 Conflict Resolution Strategies 24:43 Balancing Policies and Client Satisfaction 31:15 Handling Client Dissatisfaction with Empathy 33:05 Going Above and Beyond for Clients 37:20 The Power of Small Gestures 46:00 Miscommunication and Invoicing Issues 54:33 Navigating Donation Mistakes 59:22 Building a Supportive Network

    1h 3m
  6. Why Can't We Do NOTHING? With Kielyn Simonson of OrgaNice

    MAY 5

    Why Can't We Do NOTHING? With Kielyn Simonson of OrgaNice

    Hey organizers! We are back with an episode about something that I am TERRIBLE at doing--which is...nothing. I am terrible at doing NOTHING. I always have to be busy, I always have to have something going on, and I always have to be in constant motion. My guest today is a friend who is wrestling with that same thing--Kielyn Simonson of OrgaNice in Minneapolis/St. Paul. This epsiode will help you know you're NOT alone in feeling this way!  LINKS FOR LISTENERS: Get in touch with Melissa: CLICK HERE  Learn more about Kielyn of OrgaNice: CLICK HERE TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction and Life Updates 01:47 Introducing Kielyn and the Topic of Rest 03:06 The Pressure to Stay Busy 04:34 The Impact of Technology on Attention 07:44 The Importance of Deep Work and Rest 16:07 Balancing Work, Rest, and Personal Time 28:33 Breaking the Cycle of Constant Activity 28:43 The Pressure of Social Media 29:29 Finding True Relaxation 30:26 The Importance of Hobbies 31:09 The Compulsion to Stay Connected 32:39 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 33:23 Learning to Say No 39:24 The Value of Rest and Delegation 51:18 Building a Supportive Network The Constant Hustle: Finding Balance as Professional Organizers In this episode, podcast host Melissa introduces her friend and fellow organizer, Kielyn Simonson of OrgaNice. They discuss the challenges of balancing rest and productivity as professional organizers and entrepreneurs. Melissa shares her ironic situation of working through the night, while emphasizing the importance of finding rest in their busy schedules. They touch on topics including societal pressures to always be busy, the impact of digital distractions, the struggle to prioritize self-care, and the value of creating boundaries and routines. Kielyn shares insights from her personal and professional life, highlighting the importance of community and support among organizers. The episode is a candid conversation about the obstacles of modern work-life balance and offers a call to action for listeners to prioritize their well-being.

    55 min
  7. 220 | STOP using Linktree! Do this instead...

    APR 2

    220 | STOP using Linktree! Do this instead...

    If you have a Linktree in your Instagram bio or anywhere else...STOP doing this! Here's what to do instead,

    6 min
  8. Why We Love Garage Organizing!

    MAR 24 · VIDEO

    Why We Love Garage Organizing!

    This episode is a "how to" of garage organizing! Sarah and I are here to tell you about ALL things relating to garages, and if you are someone who doesn't love organizing garages--we're trying to convince you they're GREAT!  LINKS FOR LISTENERS: Connect with Melissa at Pro Organizer Studio: hello@proorganizerstudio.com Sarah's Tidy Stock Photography: CLICK HERE Costco Shelving: CLICK HERE Container Store shelving: CLICK HERE Costco hand truck: CLICK HERE Melissa's favorite Home Depot folding dolly: CLICK HERE SHOW DETAILS: Mastering Garage Organization: Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Professional Organizers In this episode of the Pro Organizer Studio Podcast, host Melissa Klug is joined by fellow organizer Sarah Brent to tackle the daunting but lucrative task of organizing garages. They dive into the specifics of how to efficiently manage a garage organization project, including preparation, necessary tools, safety tips, and maximizing client satisfaction. Along the conversation, they share personal anecdotes, highlight essential products, and encourage organizers to break through common fears and hesitation associated with garage jobs. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for turning a messy garage into a thriving aspect of your organizing business. 00:43 Garage Organizing: A Lucrative Opportunity  02:28 Personal Stories and Experiences with Garages 03:19 Challenges and Misconceptions about Garage Organizing 11:29 Gender Norms and Overcoming Fears in Garage Organizing 31:18 Practical Tips and Tools for Garage Organizing 37:42 Understanding Bagster and Junk Hauling Options 38:41 Dealing with Hazardous and Special Waste 41:58 Safety Concerns and Precautions 44:45 Essential Garage Tools and Equipment 49:14 Organizing and Cleaning Strategies 01:05:17 Effective Use of Shelving and Vertical Space 01:11:20 Pegboard Organization Tips 01:12:11 Investing in Garage Systems 01:14:41 Garage Gym Setup 01:20:06 Bins  01:23:50 Moisture Control and Storage Tips 01:28:46 Labeling and QR Codes Debate 01:33:29 Monetizing Garage Organization 01:39:47 Final Thoughts and Resources

    1h 43m
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4.9
out of 5
121 Ratings

About

Pro Organizer Studio is a business building resource for professional organizers. We are here to help you launch & grow the professional organizing business of your dreams! Hosted by Melissa Klug, who is a master certified professional organizer and founder of home organization business Home By Eleven in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, and who is a business coach for pro organizers on 5 continents!

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