Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ellen Delap. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ellen, appreciate you joining us today. Can you share a customer success story with us?

The job of a certified professional organizer is a cross between Mary Poppins, Fairy Godmother and Martha Stewart. Working with a busy family, there was an overwhelming amount of stuff, a tsunami of paperwork and lots of schedules to manage. The parents are busy working professionals and the kids are active in many after school activities. Our work together included setting up paper management systems where we created an actionable paper command center, filing in notebooks and file cabinets, and a tax organizing system to never lose a paper, manage tasks and be sure taxes are turned in on time. We edited and decluttered each room, especially technology in multiple spaces and too many clothes. As our time and work progressed, we set up an agenda, tools and time for weekly family meetings that helped everyone communicate and work together cohesively as a team. It is a dream to work with individuals and families, especially those with ADHD, to make their lives easier and simple. Partnering with each person, together we made decisions, created systems and routines, and worked through the challenges of organizing and productivity. Now this busy family is thriving, productive and organized!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As a former kindergarten teacher, being organized was my superpower. “Teaching” people how to organize with simple strategies could make life easier, less stressful, and more productive so they could do what they love most. In 2000, I read an article in the Houston Chronicle about professional organizing and our national association, the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO). That’s how my business started! In my work with clients, we streamline their time and space and create effective routines for an organized and productive lifestyle.

Giving back to our community is an important way to use my skills. Serving as a volunteer with local philanthropies helps others in our community. Kingwood Women’s Club, Mothers Against Cancer, FamilyTime Purple Ribbon Luncheon and the Attention Deficit Disorder Association Southern Region are where I have served locally. I am a past president of our national association NAPO.

What do I love most to organize? My business, Professional-Organizer.com is a productivity and organizing practice. As a Certified Professional Organizer, my work varies with each of my clients. Work can range from home organizing a closet or pantry, to office organizing clearing off a desk, to creating routines for a productive day at work.

In owning a business over 20 years, I am most proud of the connection I have with my clients. It’s rewarding to know I can help someone make a difference in their life each day. My non-judgmental, positive, calm approach helps my clients get started and make changes. What sets me apart is my mantra, “keep it simple sweetie!”

What is a day like as a professional organizer? As a productivity and organizing professional, it’s natural for me to create structure and routines for my work and life. I know that consistency and communication are personal and professional strengths. My morning starts with a walk around our neighborhood, then on to work with my clients. I connect with clients by email, text and phone throughout the day in time blocks. The end of my day wraps up with time with my husband watching a Hallmark movie. For me it is all about meaningful work and spending time with people we love.

Is your home perfect? There is a place for everything and everything in its place. It’s not perfect but it’s perfect for me!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Pivot is something we are all learned about as we navigate the uncertainties of our time. During March 2020 when our businesses slowed, I had been building a practice with my clients where we met in person and had to pivot to meeting virtually. Through the next few months, I found that more and more of my new clients enjoyed the opportunity to meet. Meeting virtually we could dig deeper into the back story of their disorganization and clutter and create meaningful new perspectives on moving forward with organization. That pivot showed how connection, trust and support are the essential elements in my work with my clients. Now my virtual business is 30% virtual work. It is joyful to work with anyone anywhere.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

As an introvert, social media is the spot for me to shine! I am not an early adopter however I love the creativity and connection of being on social media. I carefully chose four platforms to share education, inspiration, and connection for my brand. I post routinely on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest, all while using each platform to its best advantage. I have a content calendar, create using online tools and schedule posts to maximize timing. For me it is all about connecting by commenting on posts. That builds rapport with my followers, knowing that commenting stands out from just liking a post. My recommendation is to start small, be consistent, create branding, and get connected. Follow me on social media so we can connect!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.professional-organizer.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellendelapcpo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EllenDelapProfessionalOrganizer
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellendelapproforganizer/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/texasorganizer
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EllenDelap

Image Credits
Ellen Delap