The Pro Organizer Studio Podcast

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

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

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

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

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