Banner LA Organizer
November/December 2008                                                                              Volume 16, Issue 1
In This Issue
President's Message
NAPO-LA Chapter Meeting Information
Los Angeles Organizing Awards
Membership
Special Member Announcements
Visionary Leaders Wanted
Golden Circle
NAPO in the Schools
CD Support Group
Educational Development Committee
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Quick Links
NAPO Los Angeles 
 
Mission Statement: NAPO-LA is an organization dedicated to bringing Southern California area organizers together through networking, education, professional growth, industry updates, support and public awareness.
 
NAPO-Los Angeles
PMB 134, 10573 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Phone 213-486-4477

Who's Who

 
Board of Directors
 
President
John Trosko
323-512-7039 
president@napola.org
 

Vice President
Jodie Watson
818-590-7800 
vicepresident@napola.org
 

Treasurer
Josef Csongei
213-422-0765 
treasurer@napola.org
 

AbbeyKeuschHeadshotSecretary
Rosalind Lakomy
310-625-4154 
secretary@napola.org
 

Kathryn MasciDirector of Administration
Kathryn Masci
805-300-2876 
administration@napola.org
 

Director of Communications & Technology
Susan Culligan
661-713-3723
technology@napola.org
 

Director of Membership
Chantale Bordonaro
310-600-2601 
membership@napola.org


HeatherFurlong Director of Marketing
Heather Furlong
805-577-8267 
marketing@napola.org



Leslie Haber1Director of Professional Development
Leslie Haber
323-935-9235
professionaldevelopment@napola.org


Immediate Past President
Chris McKenry
323-525-0678 
pastpresident@napola.org

 

Mini Board Minutes

September
  • President's Brunch will be held at Bubba Gump restaurant the day after Organizing Awards.
  • John Trosko will attend the San Francisco Chapter's 20th Anniversary celebration as our Chapter's Ambassador.
  • A discount was given to new Associate Members if they joined our Chapter at the EXPO or within the following 4 days.
October
  • 2009-2010 Chapter budget approved by Board.
  • Renewals completed.  Membership currently at 130 Regular Members and 13 Associate Members.
  • Revised Policy and Procedures approved by Board, now posted on website under "Members Only" section.
 
Coordinators &
Committee Chairs
 
Database/Directory
Heidi Chianta
 
Educational Development Committee
 
Golden Circle   
Ann Gambrell
 
Greeter Coordinator
Christie Gelsomino
 
Greeters:
Jennifer Birner
Carol Hogg
Donna Rosman
Sasha Escandon
Marisa Nakhi
 
Historian
Christie Gelsomino
 
Librarian
Cindy Duffy
 
Meeting Assistant
Beth Flarida

NAPO in the Schools
Deborah Kawashima

New Member Orientation
Jean Furuya, Ann Gambrell

Photographer 
Sara Getzkin

Volunteer Coordinator 
Abbey Keusch
volunteer@napola.org

Website Coordinator
Susan Culligan technology@napola.org
 
Webmasters
Heidi Chianta, Claire Flannery, Carol Hogg, Katherine Macey, Kathryn Masci

 
Volunteers
 
Volunteers of the Month

February: Fay Wolf

March: Sara Getzkin

April: Abbey Keusch

July - Committee of the Month: Neighborhood Groups

August: Heidi Chianta

Volunteers of the Year

2007 Volunteer:
Cary Brazeman
2006 Co-Volunteers:
Kristine Oller and Claire Flannery
2005 Volunteer:
Deborah Kawashima
2004 Co-Volunteers:
Dee Saar and Laurie Clark

Membership

Chapter Meeting Attendance

September

Golden Circle Panel
Members: 18
Visitors: 12
Total Attendance: 30

Expo
Members: 89
Visitors: 63
Vendors (non-members): 17
Total Attendance: 169
 
October  

Members: 53

Visitors: 4
Total Attendance: 57
 
 
NAPO National Membership

Annual Dues
:
$200 - Active Member*
$150 - Associate-Branch
$250 - Associate-Local
$550 - Associate-Corporate
$20 - New Member One-Time Processing Fee

*Provisional member dues are $180 plus a one-time $20 processing fee. You are an active member* if you have completed your provisional membership year, or are a new NAPO member with more than one year of professional organizing experiece.

NAPO National dues can be paid online.
Proof of paid dues is required at time of joining NAPO-LA. NAPO National submits its renewal notices directly to members on their anniversary dates. NAPO-LA annual membership dues are renewed each September. You can also join NAPO-LA online.


NAPO-LA Chapter Membership

Regular Members:
Dues are prorated quarterly by 25%.

$100 - Level 1
Yearly dues and Website Listing in the "Find an Organizer" section of our website.

$165 - Level 2
Yearly dues, all meeting fees (with discount) and Website Listing in the "Find an Organizer" section of our website.
(This Membership option is only available from October 1 through December 31.)

$80 - Level 3
Same as Level 1, but for members who live 50 miles from the West Side or from ZIP Code 90064.

$25 - One-Time New Member Processing Fee
$25 - Lapsed Member Processing Fee


Associate Members:
Dues are prorated quarterly and are reduced by 25% each quarter.
$175 - Branch Associate Member - operates as a local branch or regional office of a Corporate Associate Member
$300 - Local Associate Member - a locally-based, self-operating retailer, supplier, designer, or independent sales representative engaged primarily in the manufacture, distribution, and/or sales of organizational equipment, supplies, or organizing-industry related services.
 

NOTE: All members are required to sign a Code of Ethics as part of their membership.

 
Associate Members
ClosetFactoryLogo.jpg
Custom Closets 310-516-7000 x224
 
EsselteLogo
Office Organization Products
Email Barb Schmit
714-328-7973

 
EZNetLogo
Versatile Storage Products
Email May Lee
   
949-261-5888
 
GarageEnvyLogo
Custom Garage Systems
Email Jaime Dietenhofer
310-205-3590

 
MASMovingLogo 
Mas Moving Services

 626-810-9200
 
MoldGuyLogo
 Mold Remediation & Products
818-262-5048

 NorthstarMovingLogo.jpg
Moving & Storage

1-800-275-7767
 
OrganizitLogo
Custom Garage Systems
Email Gus Gougas
818-232-7683

PoeticLogo.jpg
Creative Storage Solutions
Email Bryan Wataru
 818-321-1905
 

ScanDigital
Photo Scanning Services
Email Anderson Schoenrock
888.333.2808 

ClosetSolutionslogo
Onsite or Offsite Storage
Email Peter Given

818-365-3408

 
South Bay Closet Lady
Custom Closet Design
310-699-4240 

SteriCleanLogo
Extreme Cleaning Services
Division of Crime Scene
Ster-Clean LLC
Email Tammy Chalmers

888-577-7206

The Los Angeles Organizer

The Los Angeles Organizer

Newsletter Staff

JenniferBirner
Editor: Jennifer Birner
 editor@napola.org


BethZeiglerHeadshot
Assistant Editor: Beth Zeigler assistanteditor@napola.org


AbbeyKeuschHeadshot
Publisher: Fay Wolf, publisher@napola.org


Proofreaders:
Claire Flannery
Sheila McCurdy
Toni Scharff
 
The Los Angeles Organizer is published bi-monthly (January, March, May, July, September, November). The newsletter is e-mailed to NAPO-LA members, NAPO national board members, NAPO chapter presidents, and is available to the public on our website.  All contents are copyrighted. All rights reserved.

Submission Guidelines

Articles:
NAPO-LA members are encouraged to contribute to this newsletter.  Articles are not to exceed 500 words in length.  Submissions must be received by our editor no later than the 20th of the month preceding the month of publication.  You may send your article as a Microsoft Word file attachment or directly in the body of the e-mail.  If you would like to include a photo, this may be sent as a .jpg attachment, 72 dpi, with your article.  All article topics and content must be approved by our editor. 

Editor: Jennifer Birner - editor@napola.org

Advertising: If you are interested in advertising with The Los Angeles Organizer, please contact our assistant editor.  All ads must be received by the 20th of the month preceding the month of publication.  There are two types of ads available.

  • Web site Link: This is a small ad, located in the left side column of the newsletter.  The ad can be your logo, a photo, or a small message.  The ad contains a link to your web site.  (When someone clicks on it, they will be taken to your site.)  Please submit in .jpg format, 72 dpi, 125 pixels w x 100 h.
Price: $25 NAPO-LA Members, $35 Non NAPO-LA Members

  • Full Ad:  This is a large block located at the end of our newsletter.  This ad can provide details about your company or service, along with a logo and/or photo.  See current newsletter for examples.  Please submit ad copy (100 words max) in a Word document or body of an email, and no more than one logo and one photo in
    .jpg format, 72 dpi.
Price: $35 NAPO-LA Members, $45 Non NAPO-LA Members

Assistant Editor: Beth Zeigler - assistanteditor@napola.org

Forward this issue to a Friend


NAPO-LA is not responsible for the products and/or services advertised.

NAPO-LA CALENDAR
November
24 Board Meeting, 2:45pm
24 Chapter Meeting, 6:15pm

December
No NAPO-LA meeting

January
 6  Organizing Awards Kick-Off at Container Store, Century City
 8  South Bay Neighborhood Group
13 CD Support Group
19 Board Meeting, 2:45pm
19 New Member Orientation
19 Chapter Meeting - Leadership Forum (time tba)
30 Los Angeles Organizing Awards
31 Los Angeles Organizing Awards Oceanside Brunch
 
February
23 Board Meeting, 2:45pm
23 Chapter Meeting, 6:15pm
28 EDC Workshop: "Organizers Toolbox"
President's Message

johntroskoA San Francisco Gala to Remember

By John Trosko
President, NAPO-LA


 
One of the most enjoyable parts of my "job" as President of NAPO Los Angeles is traveling and representing our chapter at various events around the country. After all, the Los Angeles Chapter has grown to have one of the largest and most innovative memberships in the country, and it's important that we support our colleagues in the ways they've supported us.
 
On October 4th, I had the pleasure of representing NAPO Los Angeles at the 20th Anniversary Gala of NAPO San Francisco Bay Area. This year, the San Francisco chapter put aside their annual conference to acknowledge the people and projects that built the country's largest NAPO Chapter, of over 200 members.
 
Held in the private and picturesque setting of Wildwood Acres Resort http://wildwoodacres.com  30 minutes from San Francisco in the hills of Lafayette, over 100 guests attended. Under the shaded canopy of mature oak trees, we toasted their past and future in the illuminated gardens of the beautiful retreat. Networking, a delicious dinner and a thoroughly entertaining show filled with historical reenactments celebrated the chapter's past achievements and their own founding members. Sponsored by Barbara Hemphill's Paper Tiger Institute, the evening's organized excellence was complete when the special 20th Anniversary dessert appeared.
 
The Los Angeles Chapter of NAPO is proud to congratulate the San Francisco chapter on its monumental service to its members, and a 20-year track record as a leader in the organizing industry. I was honored to attend and play a small part in the festivities. I want to especially thank President Stephanie Barbic, Past-President Mary Ann Pate and the entire Board of Directors for including me in the festivities. Bravo to our colleagues!
 

presidents message nov/dec 2008 

A peek inside the lovely ballroom, at Wildwood Acres Resort. 

presidents message nov/dec 2008 

Guest mingle outside the party.

presidents message nov/dec 2008

John Trosko, Emily Wilska CPOŽ, (Director of Professional Development) and Joshua S. Zerkel CPOŽ, (Vice-President) pose for a picture.

presidents message nov/dec 2008

John Trosko and Nicole Singleton, (Executive Director).
Organizing Expo a Huge Success!

NAPO-LA Chapter Meeting Information

Leslie Haber1
By Leslie Haber
Director of Professional Development

Upcoming Chapter Meetings
November 24th
This November, NAPO Los Angeles will be hosting a special screening of the award-winning film My Mother's Garden, directed by Cynthia Lester. A question and answer period with the filmmaker will immediately follow the screening. NAPO LA recommends visitors RSVP for this very special meeting via the NAPO Los Angeles website (www.napola.org) as seating is very limited.

My Mother's Garden is the story of Eugenia Lester, whose hoarding disorder has entered a dangerous and life threatening stage. Directed by her daughter Cynthia, it documents how one family comes together to cope with their mother's disorder and rebuild a lost sense of family. My Mother's Garden was an official selection of the 2006 New York IFP Market and was a finalist for the IFP Socially Conscious Documentary Award. The film has also received support from the 2007 New York State Council For the Arts and the 2007 Pacific Pioneer Fund. For more details about this stunning film, visit online: http://www.mymothersgardenmovie.com
 
December - There will be no meeting, see you in 2009!

 
"Kudos" From October Meeting 
October Optimization!
Our thanks to Associate Member and Search Engine expert, Gus Gougas, of OrganizIt! for his fact-packed October presentation of internet and online marketing tools! With his vast experience in "cyber-world," Gus gave us valuable tips and tricks to utilize at little or no cost to enhance our own web existence! The lucky winner of our October Silent Auction will get a private session with Gus to learn even more about the powerful and practical uses of the internet to increase exposure to their own web pages. We thank Gus for his time, efforts, and exemplary volunteerism!
 

Silent Auction - November
Susan CulliganSusan Culligan is the owner of Got to Get Organized, based in Ventura, California. Susan has been organizing since 2005 and has served the NAPO-LA Chapter as Director of Communications and Technology since 2006. Susan also serves on the Chapter's Educational Development Committee. One of her organizing specialties is information, and she trains clients in managing email, working with Outlook, and setting up computer-based filing systems.

Susan started her organizing business to bring order into the lives of clients struggling with clutter, confusion, and overwhelm. Having lived in New York City apartments for many years, then in a cabin in the woods in Upstate New York for another ten, and having personally moved over 20 times, Susan knows well the value of keeping things simple. She is actively pursuing a lifestyle and organizing philosophy of voluntary simplicity and environmental responsibility.

In 1985, Susan went into business for herself, training the staffs of such nonprofit organizations as The College Board and The Ford Foundation, as well as New York law firms and investment banks, in the (then) brave new world of word processing. In the 1990s, she moved on to designing, art directing, and producing high-tech magazines, journals, and books until her move to California and rebirth as a professional organizer.

Susan's organizing focus is on helping her clients gain clarity not only in their physical environments but also in their minds and spirits. She believes that organizing can be fun as well as transformational, and believes strongly in bringing the relief of humor into a sometimes painful process. She recently signed on as a consultant for Tomboy Tools, educating and empowering women through teaching them how to use tools and do home repairs; this effort is fired by her deep and abiding conviction that any woman's life is enriched by learning how to fix her own leaky toilet.

Susan now lives in a bungalow near the shore in Ventura, where she shares her home with her roommate and their four dogs and four cats.
Los Angeles Organizing Awards


JodieWatson2008By Jodie Watson
Vice President, NAPO LA

Our chapter's Special Events Task Force Team is busy planning and preparing for The 2009 Los Angeles Organizing Awards which will take place at The Luxe Hotel, Bel Air, CA on Friday, January 30, 2009. This is going to be such a fun, exciting event and is our chapter's contribution to "Get Organized Month." You'll definitely want to be a part of it.
 
Here's some info you need to know and some ways you can get involved.
 
VOTE ONLINE
Voting for the 2009 Los Angeles Organizing Awards has begun. Go online to napola.org to cast your ballots now! There are over 15 categories ranging from Best Organizing Products, to Best Organizing Website or Blog to Most Helpful Organizing Technology to Best Organizing Book. Your vote counts. And don't forget, if you are an associate member or a member who has a product or book, be sure to campaign for votes among your network of colleagues, clients, friends and supporters. You never know, it could be you up there receiving an award this year!
 
REGISTER TO ATTEND
Registration to attend the Awards is now open. Go online to purchase your ticket and while you're there, purchase one for a friend. Price for NAPO-LA members is $125 each and for non NAPO-LA members $150. A percentage of the proceeds from this year's event will be donated to NAPO in the Schools, our national community outreach program that brings basic organizing principles to students in all grade levels. For more info or to purchase tickets, contact Dolores Kaytes, Registration Coordinator at awardsregistration@napola.org.
 
SUBMIT A VIDEO
Promote your business through video at The 2009 Los Angeles Organizing Awards. Video submissions are now being accepted for the 2008 Year In Retrospective video to be shown on the big screen at the event. Deadline for submissions is December 15, 2008. Contact Fay Wolf, Media Coordinator at awardsmedia@napola.org for submissions details and guidelines.
 
HOST AN ORGANIZER
To encourage organizers who have to travel and pay for hotel accommodations in order to attend our event, we invite out of town NAPO members to stay with us in our own homes. This allows organizers to travel to LA and attend the awards without worrying about hotel costs. It's also a great way to bond with new friends the weekend of the awards and create the feeling of a NAPO family! We are offering hosting to NAPO members only. If you would like to offer to host a fellow NAPO member during Awards weekend, please contact Abbey Keusch, Travel Coordinator at awardstravel@napola.org.
 
OCEANSIDE BRUNCH
The 2009 Los Angeles Organizing Awards will continue on Saturday, January 31, with a special Oceanside Brunch to be held at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. at Santa Monica Pier. The brunch is co-presented by NAPO-LA's Golden Circle and everyone is invited to attend.  Tickets are $35 each and will be on sale soon. For more info contact NAPO-LA President, John Trosko at president@napola.org.
 
The Los Angeles Organizing Awards is our night when we as an industry come together to celebrate our hard work throughout the year and all that we do to help keep America organized. Click here to watch the video of last year's event.

There are so many ways you can get involved. Cast your votes, buy your tickets, submit your video, host an out of town organizer, attend the brunch, volunteer to help out or all the above. Thanks for doing your part to help make this event a great success.
 
I look forward to seeing you on the red carpet!

NAPO LA Members



Members in the News
Robin Davi, CPOŽ was selected as onlineorganizing.com's October "Organizer Of The Month!"  Robin is a Past President of our very own NAPO-LA. She was also the recipient of the 2004 Volunteer of the year award from NAPO-LA.
 
On October 28th, NAPO-LA President John Trosko became a contributing author to the "Experts' Guide to Doing Things Better: 100 Ways to Make Life More Efficient."  The book, released by Clarkson Potter, features over 100 leading experts in their fields and offers must-have advice for getting more done in every aspect of life.  The book also features Richard Branson, Colin Cowie, Barbara Corcoran, Laura Mercier and Rue McClanahan.  In addition, this fall Trosko has been featured in New York Magazine, Women's World Magazine, California Real Estate Magazine and was named one of Organize.com's "favorite organizers."


Welcome Our Newest Members
 
New Members
 
AbbeyKeuschHeadshot
 
Nicole Ballard
Nicole Ballard Design Group
Carson, California 90746
562-235-1908
nicole@nicoleballard.com 
 
  
   AbbeyKeuschHeadshot
 
Brooke Butin
heather/brookes interior organization
Los Angeles, CA 90025
310-409-4690

AbbeyKeuschHeadshot
 
 
Judith Epstein
Archival Services
San Francisco, CA 94127 
  AbbeyKeuschHeadshot
 
 

Erin Haas 
Erin's Simple Solutions
Los Angeles, CA 90034
404-964-7550
erinlhaas@gmail.com

KarenHamilton
 
 
Karen Hamilton
WestSide Organize
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310-409-9817
kardenham@vzavenue.net

 
 
Cara King
 
Cara King
Kings of Organization
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
310.770.5271
cara@kingsoforg.com
 
AbbeyKeuschHeadshot
 
 

Regina  Lark
A Clear Path
Los Angeles, CA 90024
818-400-9592
regina@aclearpath.net 
 AbbeyKeuschHeadshot




Laureen Lazarovici 
Sherman Oaks, CA, 91403
818-205-9660

laureen18@gmail.com
 
 

AbbeyKeuschHeadshot

 
 
Julie Naylon
No Wire Hangers
City: Los Angeles, CA 90026
323-388-9131
  
 
 
AbbeyKeuschHeadshot 
Jenelle Osborne
OriJenel Organizer
Lompoc, California 93436
805-452-7574




 

carlaandshari
Organized Outfitters, LLC
Pasadena, CA 91107 
Carla DeLaurie (pictured right)
626-676-6526

organizedoutfitters@yahoo.com

Shari Richardson (pictured left)
818-441-1000

Sharirichardson33@yahoo.com

AbbeyKeuschHeadshot
 
 
Michele Wibbelsman
Venice, CA 90291
713-927-7845

missy@wibbelsman.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
New Associate Members

May Lee (not pictured)
EZnet Organizer
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949-261-5888
mlee@eznetorganizer.com
MarkLevy

Mark Levy
The Mold Guy, Inc.
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
818-262-5048
mark@themoldguyinc.com

 
LauraMcHolm


Laura McHolm

NorthStar Moving Corporation
Chatsworth, CA 91311
818-262-5048
laura@northstarmoving.com
 

LuisOrtiz



Luis Ortiz
MAS Moving Services Inc.
Walnut, CA  91789

626-810-9200
luis@masmoving.com

LoriRubin



Lori E. Rubin
South Bay Closet Lady
San Pedro, CA 90732
310.699.4240
SoBayClosetLady@aol.com
 

ClosetFactoryLadies

Closet Factory
Sue Breitrose and Jeannine Wainrib
Kay Wade (not pictured) 
Los Angeles, CA 90061
310-516-7000 x224
                                 Kay.wade@closetfactory.com
 
 
 
 
 
Bryan Wataru (not pictured)
Poetic Office Accessories, Inc.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
818-321-1905
bryan@poeticofficeaccessories.com
NAPO's 21st Annual Conference & Organizing Exposition


Mark your calendars! April 29th-May 2nd, 2009
Caribe Royale All-Suites Hotel & Convention Center Orlando, FL
If you would like to learn more about the Annual Conference or to register, download a copy of the Annual Conference Brochure.

Announcing the 2009 NAPO National Talent Show in Orlando!
The NAPO National Talent Show Committee is hard at work planning for the 2nd annual show at conference in Orlando Florida on April 29th. This year's show should be bigger and betShawnKershawter, with attendance expected at 400, featuring the talents of your colleagues from across the nation. Tickets are $50 and include a wide variety of dessert items, coffee, teas and one drink ticket.

Pictured at right, Emcee Shawn Kershaw, rehearsing at the 2008 NAPO Conference Talent Show.

Here are some important dates to note. Look for more details in NAPO newsletter and chats:
  • November 11th - Conference brochures mailed out
  • January - Conference registration opens, and Talent Show ticket sales begin
  • March 1st - Application deadline for acts
  • March 20th - Notification if your act is accepted
  • April 2nd - Entry fee deadline
  • April 29th - Dress rehearsal: 5 PM
  • April 29th -  The Talent Show: 8 - 11 PM
In addition to acts, the Talent Show committee is accepting volunteers to be stagehands, ushers, judge attendant, and sound coordinator. You'll be required to attend dress rehearsal and volunteer orientation as well as arriving early before the theater doors open. The committee is preparing a web page with application details and job descriptions. For more information, contact - TalentShow@NAPO.net
Visionary Leaders Wanted by Nomination Committee

AbbeyKeuschHeadshot
By Chris McKenry,
Immediate Past President

 
NAPO-LA members in good standing who have drive and leadership abilities are being sought to join an award winning team. If you share enthusiasm for working with your peers and leading a fast growing professional organization, consider nominating yourself - or a colleague - to the NAPO-LA Board of Directors.
 
Nominations are being accepted through January 20, 2009. At that time the nomination committee will place qualified candidates on the February ballot. The board term runs May 15, 2009 - May 14, 2010. 
 
Click here for a brief description of each board job description. If you have any questions please contact Chris McKenry, Immediate Past President and Nomination Committee Chair.
 
Click here for Nomination Form. Complete and return by email or fax (323-424-3721) by January 20, 2009.
 
2009-2010 Chapter Board Elections
-Nomination process begins November 2008
-Elections held online during February 2009
-Board Term - May 15, 2009 - May 14, 2010
Golden Circle

Tanya W 2
The Truth about Professional Organizers
By Tanya Whitford, CPOŽ
of Organizing Wonders

I have learned a lot about organizers over the last 9 years. Since it can't all fit in this article- here are a few of the highlights. 
 
1. There are organizers more organized than me.
I have run into people at conference who seem to not only work full-time organizing, but they have a TV show, 3 books, a product line, coach their son's softball team, and are pregnant with twins. I then start to question my time management skills. 
 
2. Organizers make the best volunteers.
The skill, dedication, and vision of some of our volunteers are staggering. NAPO would not be where it is today without them. Volunteering and being on the Board was one of the best things I ever did for myself and my career.
 
3. You can tell who is a future leader.
The "It" factor doesn't just apply to American Idol. Chapter leaders have a way of noticing the future leaders when they first join. Sometimes it takes some convincing, but these future leaders eventually fulfill their destiny.
 
4. We are cooperative not competitive.
I did not believe this at first - but it is true. I have never felt that I am competing for clients. But rather the right clients for me. Organizers refer work to each other and assist each other all the time. What other industry does that?
 
5. Organizers share their resources.
Whenever I need a resource for my clients or myself - I just ask the NAPO-LA Yahoo group. It is invaluable to share and receive wonderful resources.
 
6. Organizing in a big group is fun!
Some of my favorite days of organizing have been our big Chapter Get Organized events when we have organized the offices of places like the LA Free Clinic and Habitat for Humanity. Working side-by-side with 25 other organizers is an incredible lesson no matter how many years you have been in this business!
 
7. I clean differently when organizers come over.
My husband thinks I am crazy for cleaning the closet before company rather than shoving everything in it. I would not do that for my "other friends,"- because they would never look in my closet. But an organizer might!
 
8. Organizers support you in all you do.
Not only have I found that organizers support me in my business endeavors, but they have also been there to support me during my acting career, my marriage, and my pregnancy. My "organizer friends" offer to come early and help set up for a party or help clean up along the way. My "other friends" never do that! When I really needed some last minute help on my own move, Justine Miceli and John Trosko came to my rescue for which I am forever grateful. Organizers make the best friends!
 
I am so thankful to be in an industry full of camaraderie, skill, dedication, intelligence and support. I doubt there are any other groups like us!
 

Meeting Update 
The Golden Circle Visits the Artists' Colony
By Ann Gambrell
Golden Circle Liaison

On October 19th, seventeen LA Golden Circle members gathered at the Burbank Artists' Colony home of Glory & Gene Schklair. Toni Scharff co-hosted the fun afternoon of great food, conversation and networking. After a wonderful luncheon, Glorya lead a most interesting tour of the colony's artistic environment. Gene is a well-known sculpture artist and we enjoyed viewing his fun artistry throughout the building. Gene is also a recognized NAPO photographer and was so honored at a past NAPO national conference. We have also named Gene an honorary Golden Circle member.
 
Ann Gambrell, Golden Circle Liaison, led a brief meeting welcoming new member Tamara Zook and all attendees, including two Orange County members. She also updated members on LA Golden Circle's involvement in the (January 30th - 31st) 2009 NAPO LA Organizing Awards event and Brunch. Many members willingly volunteered to participate in a special (surprise) Golden Circle program at the awards evening. Kristine Oller has volunteered to take the lead on this one! Stay tuned! Members were thanked for their participation in the recent 2008 Pre-EXPO "Ask The Organizer" panel program. Kudos to all our participants - panel and attendees. It was a tremendous success and received rave reviews. The next Golden Circle quarterly meeting will take place on Saturday, January 17, 2009. See you all then.

Tips 
 1.  To give added value to your client services, at no charge: When you make the initial (verbal or written) contract, mention "also included" items when you quote your fee. Ex: no charge for shopping time, lunch break or arranging for contractors and helpers without charging for your time. When the initial project is finished, send, along with a thank you note, something useful that relates to the work done. A typed list of file categories and their location or a list of vendors or services you have discussed with them which you can  recommend based on your experience with the client.
--Beverly Clower, Avenues to Organization, info@avenuestoorganization.com
 
2.  In the kitchen, place your coffee and tea supplies near where they are to be used. Having supplies together makes it easier and makes it a more pleasurable task.
 --Katherine Macey, Organize to Excel, katherine@organizetoexcel.com


About the TIPS Program:
NAPO-LA's TIPS Program is managed by the chapter's Golden Circle members. Ann Gambrell is the chair and invites all chapter members to submit their organizing tips via email or on index cards that will be available at the monthly chapter meetings for deposit into the "Organizing Tips" box.

When submitting TIPS, you are invited (optional) to include your name, business name and contact information. This will serve to promote you when the client/public TIPS are posted on the NAPO-LA website's home page.

Email your TIPS to: goldencircle@napola.org
NAPO in the Schools

Deborah preferred
Updates! 
By Deborah Kawashima

NAPO in the Schools National Committee Chair
 
Calling all NAPO in the Schools Trained Providers who are in the NAPO-LA chapter! NAPO-LA chapter member Christie Gelsomino, Scrapbook Designer and Vision to be Organized, is putting together our very own local NAPO in the Schools networking social that we hope will become a group that will meet bi-monthly. The meeting will be all about lending support to each other, sharing tips on getting leads, practicing our presentation skills and even making our materials for the elementary program!

All interested NAPO-LA members (Trained Providers and those interested in getting involved with NAPO in the Schools) please contact Christie Gelsomino: ChristieGelsominoChristie@Scrapbookdesigner.com  or 661-993-8291.
 
Training is required of all NAPO members wanting to become NAPO in the Schools Trained Providers. This training is available to you as a benefit of your NAPO membership. Sign-up for the pre-recorded national training calls that are posted on the NAPO website along with the training call schedule. This training is for the elementary program. In early 2009, training will be available for the middle school program. The high school program is scheduled for 2010.

Please contact Deborah Kawashima for any questions: Deborah@creativeOrganizer.com or 323-656-9665
 
NAPO in the Schools is a nation-wide community outreach program bringing professional organizers into the classroom to do an interactive presentation that plant's a seed in the student's mind that being organized is important and really does make a difference.
CD Support Group

January Meeting on Chronic Disorganization
By Jean Furuya


If you are working consistently and on an on-going basis with chronically disorganized clients, you are invited to participate in an informal support group.
 
Next Meeting
Tuesday, January 13th, from 6-8:30pm. Limited to 12 attendees.
Topic for discussion: Case Study: Challenging Clients
A simple pot luck is planned.
Time will also be spent sharing our individual issues.

We will continue to work on "Resources: How can we help the indigent hoarders?" Please bring resources to share.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Jean Furuya.
Email: jean@theofficejeanie.com   Phone: (310) 316-1753
Educational Development Committee


Organizer's Toolbox - Products, Gadgets, & Resources
February 28, 2009
Speaker: Tanya Whitford, CPOŽ

It is not enough to just be a good organizer. You must also keep on top of the latest products and resources that will work for your clients. In this workshop, you will learn just which products are unique and will meet your clients' needs and which ones are a waste of time and money.

This  is a fun and interactive three-part workshop.
  • Part 1--25 products that have stood the test of time and passed Tanya's standards for usefulness in her ten years as a Professional Organizer.
  • Part 2-- demonstration of gadgets and software programs that can be the solution to your clients' problems as well as additional revenue streams for you.
  • Part 3--resources for your clients, from donating out-of-the-ordinary items to recycling things you did not even know could be recycled.
This is a must-attend workshop for new and veteran organizers alike. Attendees will take away an increased knowledge of products and resources that will make them even more valuable to their clients. The handouts and the product samples alone will be worth the price of admission. Not only will this workshop be a lot of fun, but it will be one of the most informative and useful ones you could ever hope to attend!

(Bonus Offer: Attendees are also invited to bring in one of their favorite products for the exciting "Show & Tell" portion of the workshop)

Tanya Whitford, CPOŽ has been a NAPO-LA member for ten years. Her passion for products, gadgets, software and resources has made her a tremendous asset to her clients and resulted in thousands of dollars in extra revenue for her business. She has received rave reviews for her product workshops in the past.

More details to follow!

Coaching List

Are you ready to create a successful organizing business?

Do you want to learn how to:
  • apply proven business techniques and practices?
  • find your niche and the clients who need you?
  • avoid the frustration and stress of common mistakes?
  • become an expert in this rapidly growing industry?
The Educational Development Committee
provides a Directory of NAPO-LA organizing consultants available to provide guidance, advice and support to potential, new and existing professional organizers. Contact
consultants directly for information and fees. Click on
the link below to be connected to the Directory.


Email the Educational Development Committee
at education@napola.org with questions.

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Directory of Coaches for Professional Organizers


Organizers offering their services:
Chantale Bordonaro
Simplicity Source
Jean Furuya
The Office Jeanie
Dolores Kaytes
Highly-Organized
Carol Keller
Organizing Experts,LLC
Sheila McCurdy
clutter STOP
Jodi McDaniel
CSG by Design, Inc.
Donna McMillan
McMillan & Company



For information about each organizer listed above, click here.
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