The Pro Organizer Studio Podcast

Melissa kicks things off with a classic "I didn't hit record" moment, then shares the big news: Cabri Caldwell is now a partial owner and official business partner in Pro Organizer Studio. That means more programs, more energy, and more support for organizers who want to build real businesses. And the first big move? A full relaunch of Inspired Organizer TEAMS, a program built for organizers who want to stop doing everything themselves and start building a profitable, sustainable team. In this episode, we cover: Cabri's "accidental team" origin story (spoiler: a huge, fast-moving client project forced the leap) Why hiring is a slippery slope in the best way once you experience less burnout, less emotional load, and more time and bandwidth The profitability reality: how teams shift you from "time for money" to scalable profit The hard parts no one glamorizes, like cash flow and payroll pressure, team emotions and conflict, and protecting your team from difficult clients The identity shift from solopreneur to CEO, and how strange it feels when clients don't even recognize you Why the right team members can change everything, from shelf builders to "wrecking ball" organizers who thrive on the dirty work Quote-worthy moments: "Sometimes entrepreneurship is just… accidental." "Teams are a gateway drug." "If your card gets flagged for fraud and payroll's due… that'll age you." "I'm excited about making people money." Want the TEAMS details? Visit proorganizerstudio.com/links for all the information. Questions? Email hello@proorganizerstudio.com Final takeaway: If you're burned out, stuck doing everything yourself, craving support, or dreaming of scaling (even with one hire like a VA), Inspired Organizer TEAMS is designed to help you do it with structure, confidence, and real systems instead of guesswork.

In this episode, Melissa is back with her Minnesota organizing besties (Missi, Cori, and Kielyn) for an honest conversation about fear, authenticity, mistakes, and doing business scared anyway. If you've ever: Frozen because you were afraid to make the wrong decision Stayed in a bad situation because you feared a bad review Wondered if you're "professional enough" to be yourself Procrastinated something small but important (👀 invoices, SEO, phone calls…) …we FEEL YOU! This episode is part mindset reset, part business strategy, part group therapy—with a lot of laughs and very honest moments along the way. Stay tuned: More episodes (and something brand new for team builders 👀) are coming this week. 🎧 Listen in, and remember: you don't have to be fearless—you just have to keep moving.  

What happens when four professional organizers (who are also actual IRL dear friends) finally manage to get on the same schedule… before 2031? 😅 In this episode, Melissa brings on her Minnesota organizing crew—Missi, Cori, and Kielyn—for the start of a longer, multi-part conversation packed with business talk, mindset shifts, team leadership, and the kind of honesty you only get from friends who've seen each other's mail piles. You'll hear about: Why community is non-negotiable as a professional organizer (and how to find "your people") Type A vs. Type B energy… and why "organizing isn't an emergency" What actually keeps you excited about this work when you've been doing it for a while The "woo" side of goal-setting (manifesting, affirmations) and the practical brain science behind it How to lead a team without doing all the things (and why letting go of control is the hardest part) Building a business by hiring people who are smarter/better than you at certain things (yes please) Plus: a New Heights-style intro, professional athlete clients, ADHD-friendly systems, and one organizer whose inbox is so empty it's basically offensive. 😂 Stay tuned: This is part one—more episodes with the full conversation are coming next. Mentioned in this episode Soundtracks by Jon Acuff--one of Melissa's favorite books! If you enjoyed this episode… Follow/subscribe so you don't miss the rest of the series, and share it with an organizer friend who needs a reminder that they don't have to do business alone. 🎧✨     Timestamps: 01:43 The Importance of Community 02:23 Spotlight on Kielyn and Missi 04:31 Spotlight on Cori 06:37 Organizing Styles and Personalities 09:25 Finding Excitement in Organizing 11:42 Manifestation and Mindset 14:16 The Power of Affirmations: A 30-Day Experiment 14:54 Personal Success Stories: Life-Changing Results 15:26 The Science Behind Writing and Speaking Goals 15:47 Daily Affirmations: A Personal Practice 16:58 The Importance of Positive Self-Talk 18:12 Mental Clutter and the Entrepreneurial Mind 19:31 The Psychological Aspect of Organizing 20:53 Customizing Systems for Clients 22:24 The Role of Teamwork in Organizing 25:23 Trusting Your Own Voice in Business 26:41 Embracing Team Input and Ideas 29:28 Conclusion: Letting Go of Control

FOLLOW ALONG AT PROORGANIZERSTUDIO.COM/LINKS Goal setting doesn't have to feel overwhelming—or soul-sucking. In this episode, Melissa shares a powerful goal-setting workshop from inside the Inspired Organizer community, led by Cabri. Together, they walk through how to reflect on last year, set goals that actually fit your life and business, and create a plan you'll stick with—without burnout, guilt, or arbitrary pressure. You'll hear real examples from organizers setting goals around delegation, growth, visibility, and major transitions, plus practical strategies for breaking big goals into doable action. Whether you love big audacious goals or prefer a safer, steady approach, this episode will help you find a goal-setting style that works for your brain—and your season of life. Slides referenced in the episode are available at proorganizerstudio.com/links.   00:00 Introduction and Podcast Recap 00:42 Goal Setting Workshop Introduction 03:00 Visualization Exercise and Reflecting on the Past Year 06:34 Setting and Crafting Effective Goals 17:18 Sharing and Discussing Goals 19:40 Mapping the Path to Achieve Goals 23:10 Creating Vision Boards for Motivation 27:33 Personal Reflections and Key People 28:11 Creating and Using Vision Boards 28:29 Tracking and Managing Goals 29:57 Quarterly Planning and Goal Setting 33:04 Staying Focused and Motivated 35:39 Sharing and Encouraging Goals 37:33 Practical Tips and Strategies 51:57 Leveraging AI for Goal Management 53:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This is part 3 of my convo with Kim--if you missed the first two, they're up for you to go back--but in this one, we're talking about how you can (really, you can)--think about your obligations and your electronic life.  _______________________________________________________________ Navigating Business and Personal Challenges: A Conversation with Kim - Part 3 In the third part of this conversation with Kim, the discussion delves into the concept of obligation and the pressures of societal expectations. Kim and Melissa explore various aspects of personal and professional life, including the impact of feeling obligated to do things simply because one is capable of doing them. They discuss the importance of questioning these obligations and the societal norms that dictate them. The conversation touches on the pressures business owners face, especially around the holiday season, and how it is important to listen to oneself and make decisions that align with personal well-being. Kim shares her personal experiences and struggles with feeling unfulfilled despite having a seemingly good life and the impact of negative feelings on mental health. They also discuss the adverse effects of social media and the importance of setting personal guidelines. The episode is a candid exploration of personal boundaries, mental health, and the importance of self-awareness and self-care in both business and personal life.  00:31 The Burden of Obligation  02:41 Questioning Life Choices 04:54 Struggles and Realizations 08:40 Finding Balance and Setting Boundaries 17:37 Reflecting on the Past Year  21:54 Family Dynamics and Social Media 22:46 Struggles with Social Media Addiction 23:39 Content Creation Pressure 25:22 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health 29:15 Navigating Business Without Social Media 32:39 Personal Growth and Reflection 39:39 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

This is part 2 of my conversation with Kim Snodgrass of Rustic Home Organizing--in this episode, we talk about her realizing she needed to make major changes and how she did it.  ______________________________________________________________________   Resetting Your Nervous System and Embracing Slow Living: A Conversation with Kim Snodgrass (Part 2) In this episode, Melissa continues her conversation with Kim Snodgrass, delving into the concepts of dopamine detox and nervous system reset. They discuss the challenges of disconnecting from technology, the importance of listening to one's body, and discovering personal methods to find calm and simplicity. Kim shares personal anecdotes about embracing slow living activities such as making sourdough, watching cheesy movies, and finding joy in everyday tasks. Both Melissa and Kim emphasize the importance of not feeling obligated to act according to societal pressures or norms and encourage listeners to creatively carve out a lifestyle that aligns with their personal needs and desires. 00:00 Introduction and Recap 00:52 Dopamine Detox and Personal Journey 03:09 Disconnecting from Technology 05:03 Embracing Slow Living 07:46 Reevaluating Priorities and Self-Care 13:14 Rediscovering Passion for Organizing 13:43 Rediscovering the Love for Organizing  15:33 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 16:44 Permission to Be Creative with Your Life 19:15 Navigating Public Opinion and Personal Choices 21:41 Simplifying Organizing and Business Practices 26:11 The Trap of Obligation

There are few epsiodes each year that get more feedback than when I talk to my friend Kim of Rustic Home Organizing. She's back to kick off 2026 with us and is telling us about her 4th year of organizing, which brought challenges she never envisioned. She has so much to say and I'm excited for you to hear it!  ________________________________________________________________________   Navigating Through Trauma and Overwhelm: A Journey with Kim Snodgrass   As they kick off the fourth installment of their annual series, Kim shares the intense personal and professional challenges she faced in 2025. Kim opens up about the emotional rollercoaster she experienced, the toll of overcommitting, the impact of social media and electronic influences, and the importance of listening to one's nervous system. The episode concludes with Kim's transformative journey to Montana for a dopamine detox, as she begins to reset her life and business.   00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:38 Meet Kim Snodgrass: From Baby Organizer to Pro 01:27 Kim's Life-Changing Year 04:24 The Struggles of Organizing a Major Event 07:00 Facing Personal and Professional Challenges 13:19 The Mental Toll of Overthinking 17:56 The Overwhelming Influence of Technology 18:58 The Rollercoaster of Event Planning 20:53 Diving into New Ventures 22:09 The Struggle with Overwhelm 23:41 Meltdown and Recovery 26:04 A Traumatic October 28:50 A Much-Needed Reset in Montana 32:45 Learning to Reset the Nervous System

This podcast is a real one. Cabri and Melissa are talking about burnout, how our phones are making life really hard for everyone, boundaries for 2026, and so much more. We hope this podcast helps you know you're not alone!  _________________________________________________________________________________ Reflections on 2025: Burnout, Balance, and the Quest for Happiness   Melissa shares a reflective and candid podcast discussion about the challenges of 2025, specifically highlighting feelings of burnout and the fast-paced nature of the year.   She and her co-host, Cabri, delve into the pressures of modern life, particularly the impact of social media and the struggle to maintain balance. They touch on topics such as setting realistic goals, the importance of self-care, and the need for boundaries.   Despite the chaotic year, they stress the importance of leaving room for unexpected opportunities and maintaining a sense of magic in life.    00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 01:34 Reflecting on a Challenging Year 02:26 The Pressure of Accomplishments 03:08 Balancing Life and Work 03:54 The Spoon Theory and Mental Load 06:27 Social Media and Perceptions 10:57 Struggles with Self-Care 17:03 Digital Detox and Moderation 24:52 Exploring the Concept of Balance 25:07 Social Media Detox Strategies 25:52 Work-Life Separation Challenges 28:51 Dealing with Burnout 30:50 Setting Boundaries for 2026 37:34 The Importance of Single Tasking 42:02 Reflecting on Goals and Self-Care 46:20 Excitement for the Holidays

The title says it all. It's just 15 minutes of Cabri and me talking about 100 different random things.   

Today we have a quick but hopefully impactful episode to help you avoid a common (and expensive) scam in the organizing industry.  Show Notes: The Moving Scam Alert [01:07] The Scam Overview Description of the scam email that's been circulating in the organizing industry. Melissa shares her personal experience receiving these emails. [01:44] Anatomy of the Scam Email Red flags in the email's language and structure. Overly formal or stilted English, mention of "aesthetic pleasure," and unnecessary state names. [03:19] The Emotional Manipulation Scammers claim to be deaf or hearing impaired to avoid phone calls and elicit sympathy. [04:26] The Financial Trap The scam involves sending a fraudulent certified check and asking the organizer to pay "movers" or other service providers. [05:28] How the Scam Works Explanation of how the organizer ends up losing money after the check bounces. [05:41] Increasing Sophistication Scammers are getting more advanced, using real addresses and names found online. [06:13] Advice: Ignore and Delete Melissa urges listeners to ignore suspicious emails and not feel obligated to respond. [07:07] Trust Your Gut Importance of listening to your instincts, even if it means missing out on a potential client. [08:17] Real-Life Example Melissa shares a story about following her gut during a consultation that felt "off." [08:53] Don't Feel Guilty It's okay to delete and forget about suspicious inquiries, even if it feels rude. [09:25] Business Best Practices Never pay service providers for new clients; only consider it for long-term, trusted clients. [09:59] No Shame in Falling for Scams Reassurance for anyone who has been scammed—smart people can fall victim too. [10:35] Final Reminders Trust your gut, say no when needed, and don't let scammers win. [10:24] Outro Teaser for the next episode and a final message to stay vigilant.

It's the THIRD day of our AI-palooza and today we are talking about super cool high end stuff you can do with your business. Queuing up some deep work with AI starting now! GET THE SLIDES AND THE STUFF proorganizerstudio.com/links _________________________________________________________________________ AI-Powered Deep Work: Maximizing Efficiency with AI Agents and GEO   In this third-day session of AI Palooza, the host shares insights on leveraging AI tools for deep work, particularly through the use of AI agents and the concept of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). They discuss practical examples of AI agents automating complex and tedious tasks, such as gathering data from Airbnb or organizing business contacts.   The episode also touches on the importance of generative engine optimization for maintaining online visibility. Listeners are encouraged to visit ProOrganizerStudio.com/links for additional resources, including tutorials, presentation slides, and videos.   The host also invites experts to contribute their AI success stories and announces the closing of the Inspired Organizer Program enrollment.   00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back 00:14 Day Three of AI Palooza: Deep Work with AI Agents 01:48 Using AI Agents for Business Efficiency 03:04 Practical Applications and Examples of AI Agents 10:14 Setting Up and Using Custom GPTs 16:27 Introduction to Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) 22:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In Part 2 we are talking about two KEY things in using AI for your organizing business: prompts and room transformations. This is chock full of crazy useful info and if you want more details, you can see slides and video that accompanies the episode by going to: proorganizerstudio.com/links ________________________________________________________________________ In this episode, Melissa and Cabri continue their discussion on how professional organizers can leverage AI to enhance their business. They emphasize the importance of detailed prompts for effective AI use, share various examples related to marketing content, blogging, client interactions, website SEO, and strategic goal planning.   Among the impactful ideas discussed are using AI for project mockups to visualize transformations for clients, conducting audits for marketing content, websites, SEO, client experience, tasks, and service offerings.   The episode also includes insights on how to utilize AI for strategic goal planning and client remarketing. The conversation underscores the significant potential of AI in driving sales, enhancing client satisfaction, and streamlining business operations.   00:00 Introduction and Overview 02:31 The Power of Prompts in AI 06:19 Using AI for Blogging and SEO 10:23 AI for Business Audits and Client Experience 26:18 Project Mockups: Visualizing Transformations 35:22 Conclusion and Next Steps  

Are you scared of AI? Unsure of how to use it? Don't know that it can help run your organizing business and cut down hours of your work per week? We're doing EVERYTHING AI this week.  GET SLIDES TO ACCOMPANY THIS PODCAST AND INFO FROM THIS EPISODE AT: proorganizerstudio.com/links _______________________________________________________________________ Harnessing AI for Professional Organizers: Part 1 Melissa, from the Pro Organizer Studio, introduces a mini-workshop styled podcast focusing on how artificial intelligence (AI) can transform organizing businesses. Joined by her business partner, Cabri, they embark on a detailed discussion, revisiting content from the How to Summit workshop held in Dallas, aimed at demystifying AI for professional organizers. The episode elaborates on the benefits of using AI to save time, increase revenue, and enhance business operations. They address common misconceptions about AI, such as the fear of it being 'cheating' or replacing human jobs, and provide a guide on how to start integrating AI tools like ChatGPT into everyday business processes. Melissa emphasizes the necessity for organizers to embrace technology and highlights various AI tools and platforms that can streamline tasks ranging from content creation to business audits. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:51 AI Workshop Series Announcement 01:16 Importance of AI in Organizing Business 01:46 Accessing Workshop Materials 02:36 Enrollment Extension for Inspired Organizer 03:29 Introduction to AI with Cabri 04:21 Cabri's AI Journey and Insights 09:59 AI Tools and Platforms 21:44 Getting Started with AI 21:52 Popular AI Platforms 25:21 Using AI Effectively 31:25 Prompting AI for Best Results 31:35 Conclusion and Next Steps

check out more at www.proorganizerstudio.com/links

My client and friend introduced me to the concept of Boss October several years ago--and I loved it so much I make sure we do it every year. This year, we are going extra on it--and I'm talking about that and giving you practical ideas to go implement it for you as well.  Connect with Melissa at hello@proorganizerstudio.com  

WANT TO JOIN US FOR BOSS OCTOBER? Email me at hello@proorganizerstudio.com   In this episode, Melissa shares the second part of her mainstage presentation at the How To Summit in Dallas.   She discusses seven key insights for professional organizers, emphasizing a solid digital foundation over social media vanity metrics and the importance of community support. Melissa also highlights the value of understanding ADHD and neurodivergence to better assist clients and grow your business.    Additionally, she provides details about the upcoming changes to the Inspired Organizer program and invites listeners to join. Throughout the episode, Melissa encourages organizers to focus on sustainable business practices, value their email and customer lists, and find joy in their work.   00:00 Introduction and Podcast Update 00:31 Inspired Organizer Program Details 01:27 Starting the Main Presentation 02:14 The Importance of Clients and Digital Foundation 02:37 Social Media Realities for Organizers 06:14 Ownership of Your Business Assets 10:14 The Pitfalls of Comparison 14:18 Understanding ADHD and Neurodivergence 19:07 The Value of Community and Support 23:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If you weren't able to be there--or even if you were and want a refresher--here is the presentation I gave at the How To Summit Last week.  You can follow along on slides and see what I presented by going to proorganizerstudio.com/links  If you want more information on Boss October--check it here: CLICK ___________________________________________________________________ In this episode of the Pro Organizer Studio podcast, Melissa returns from hiatus and dives deep into the key learnings from her experience and 233 podcast episodes. She discusses her undiagnosed ADHD, her journey in organizing, and her main stage presentation at the How To Summit.   Melissa shares the first three of seven lessons she's learned, including choosing the right business structure, overcoming perfectionism, and the importance of setting a solid digital foundation. She also introduces 'Boss October,' a concept aimed at helping organizers reset and improve their businesses before the new year.   00:00 Welcome Back: Melissa's Return and Podcast Overview 00:31 Diving into the Main Stage Presentation 01:24 Accessing the Presentation Slides 03:21 The Seven Things 233 Podcast Episodes Taught Me 06:05 Organizing Changed My Life 12:04 The Importance of Setting Your Own Business Goals 16:29 Perfectionism is Ruining Your Business 23:18 Setting Your Digital Foundation 28:39 Introducing Boss October 29:51 Recap and Conclusion  

HEY ORGANIZERS!! We are back from the How To Summit and we have a hangover--and we mean that in the BEST way. We have so many ideas and thoughts and plans that we wanted to share a little with you. Lots of info here so stay tuned for MORE coming your way this week and this month!  Connect with me at hello@proorganizerstudio.com  ______________________________________________________________________________ Post-Summit Recap: Insights, Ideas, and Boss October Plans In this episode, Melissa reconnects with listeners after a hiatus and shares updates from the recent How To Summit. Alongside co-host Cabri, they discuss key takeaways related to organizing strategies for clients with ADHD, senior downsizing, and creating recession-proof businesses. They emphasize the importance of building communities for support and accountability. Melissa and Cabri also announce an upcoming initiative called Boss October, aimed at helping organizers tackle pending tasks and preparations for 2026. Finally, they hint at future workshops on AI and other topics, encouraging listeners to stay tuned and join their mailing list for more details.  00:00 Welcome Back! 00:50 Recap of the How To Summit 02:11 Summit Highlights and Key Takeaways 04:10 Diverse Organizing Strategies 10:20 Building a Supportive Community 12:18 Workshops and AI Insights 24:26 Boss October Challenge 28:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Today on the pod I'm taking you to a casual convo we had on a recent live coaching Zoom we do in our Inspired Organizer® group! This was just a snippet from a 90 minute coaching call but it has some great suggestions on apps and other things that help keep us physically healthy on our hard organizing jobs. ________________________________________________________________________ Essential Technology and Tips for Professional Organizers   In this episode of the Pro Organizer Studio Podcast, host Melissa Klug shares insights into the tools and strategies that have transformed her professional organizing business. Melissa highlights the importance of technology in managing tasks, citing her use of apps like Notes, Google Keep, and Sortly for efficiency and client coordination. She further discusses the utility of Google Lens for assessing the value of items and several other handy apps like MileIQ for mileage tracking and Curio for inventory management.   The conversation also touches on physical health tips like foam rolling, wearing supportive footwear, and using back braces to cope with the physical demands of organizing. Additionally, the podcast features recommendations from the Inspired Organizer community on various tech tools, apps, and health tips to enhance both business operations and personal well-being.   00:00 Introduction to Pro Organizer Studio 00:42 Live Zoom Sessions and Community Insights 01:56 Technology Tools for Organizers 03:02 Using Google Lens for Valuations 08:04 Mileage Tracking with MileIQ 15:10 Protecting Your Physical Health 21:28 Additional Tips and Tools

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