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Interview With . . . Charlene Lakhdar Charlene's Professional Organizing Services Davie, FL by Maria Gracia 1. How long have you been in business? Twenty years ago I called myself a consultant doing the work of what we now call 'professional organizer.' 2. Is this your primary business, or a part-time business? This is my primary and full-time business. 3. Are you a member of NAPO? (Please indicate if you're an officer.) Yes, I am a NAPO member. 4. Why did you become a professional organizer? Beginning in 1976 with the organization of a Business Department and spearheading efforts for establishing a day care center at a private school in Massachusetts, I realized my expertise lie in planning, organizing and developing systems that maximize the use of time and resources. 5. What type of organizing do you specialize in (home, office, etc.)? Home, office and commercial organizing. 6. Do you sell products, services, or seminars? Please describe. I do not sell products. I do sell services and seminars particularly for organizations. However, I do give referrals to various companies who do sell products that a client might want. 7. Have you written a book(s)? If so, what is the title(s)? No. 8. Do you publish a newsletter? If so, is it a print newsletter, or an e-zine? Is it free, or is there a charge? Not yet. 9. Do you have a web site? If so, what is the address? It's currently in the works. 10. Is travel a big part of your business? No. 11. Who is your primary target audience? Homeowners, small business owners and organizations. 12. Describe your typical workday. A typical workday would be checking my e-mail, keeping appointments with new and existing clients, conducting a needs assessment for new clients and reassuring existing clients that daily routines can be managed, networking whether it be in the supermarket or at the Chamber of Commerce, responding to telephone calls, taking care of my own paperwork and always saving time for my family and myself. 13. Every person interested in entering the professional organizing field is wondering, "Can I make enough money doing this?" What is your outlook on this question? I believe one can make enough money doing this work; however, it does not happen overnight in most cases. Be prepared for a good 6 months to a year before having your business really kick into gear and seeing some financial gain. 14. Which of the following marketing vehicles have you used to help you grow your business (direct mail, newspaper advertising, free workshops, radio, television, web site, e-zine, telemarketing, yellow pages, joint ventures with other professionals, publicity, other: please describe)? Free workshops, joint ventures with other professionals, word of mouth publicity, advertising with local businesses. 15. Which one marketing technique have you found works the best for you? Please describe. Joint ventures with other professionals. 16. Describe a successful, creative marketing technique that you use, or that you've used in the past. Approaching non-profit organizations with limited finances and offering to teach a class for free and then offering special customized, package deals for those interested in my services. 17. Do you feel that networking plays a big role in growing your business? Absolutely. Networking isn't just going to the obvious places to meet people. You are networking whenever you are somewhere talking about your profession whether it be church, grocery store, casually talking to the mailman, or attending meetings and conventions. 18. What do you do to generate referrals? I work with other professionals and companies offering products whether it be closet installation companies or companies selling containers, network, attend Chamber meetings and keep my business cards handy. 19. What do you find to be the most exciting part of your business? Giving relief to clients who have felt overwhelmed with clutter and seeing the relief in their faces when the job is done. 20. What do you find to be the most frustrating part of your business? People thinking a professional organizer is a maid service or secretary. 21. Describe your greatest success in this field. I helped one client sell many books for over $1000. Another client was able to clear her off-site locker in a few weeks after years of not being able to even look inside. I think my greatest successes are the many poignant one on one moments with clients as they work through the process of letting go. 22. As a professional organizer, do you have a funny story to share? Not at this time. 23. As an organizer, what professional organizing information or tools are you always on the lookout for? Upscale organizing containers and products, motivational books and other resources. 24. Looking ahead, what do you see as your greatest challenge? Always looking for innovative ways to expose my business and increase income. 25. What is your best tip for people interested in becoming professional organizers? Read, research, talk to other professional organizers, join NAPO and attend NAPO conventions. 
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