The Speak Organized Podcast

The Speak Organized Podcast

By Melanie SummersEducation
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The Speak Organized Podcast episodes

  • How to Raise Your Organizing Rates Without Losing Clients

    If you’re still charging rock bottom rates for your organizing services, this episode is your wake-up call. Undercharging doesn’t just hurt your income. It attracts low-commitment clients, fuels burnout, and trains the world to see organizing like a hobby instead of a real career.

    In this Speak Organized Podcast episode, I’m breaking down:

    • The 3 biggest ways undercharging sabotages your business

    • Why your price is about transformation, not time

    • A simple pricing baseline to find your real minimum rate

    • What to do today if you know you’re charging too low

    • How to raise your rates with confidence and better clients

      If you want to build a sustainable organizing business with freedom, flexibility, and real profit, this is where you start.

       

      🎥 Free Live Training on My Pricing Formula:

      https://youtube.com/live/-ZvkPsLOgtw?feature=share 

      📝 Companion Blog Post:

      https://ispeakorganized.com/blog/pricing-for-professional-organizers 

      ⚡ Special Offers Just for You:

      🚀 Organizer In Demand Membership – Monthly business training to scale your biz

      👉 https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/empowered-organizer

       

      📘 1:1 Coaching – Get all your burning questions answered in a private coaching session

      👉 https://ispeakorganized.com/coaching

       

      💼 Pro Organizer Forms Pack – Save time with ready-to-use contracts & forms

      👉 https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/po-forms-pack

       

      🧰 Explore All Courses & Resources:

      👉 https://ispeakorganized.com/courses

       

      Join our free Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/ispeakorganizedpnw

       

      If this episode helped you, do me a quick favor:

      1. Subscribe to the channel

      2. Tap the thumbs up

      3. Drop your biggest pricing question in the comments

        I’m cheering for you. Let’s raise this industry together.

        #professionalorganizer #organizingbusiness #pricingstrategy #speakorganizedpodcast #startanorganizingbusiness

        29 min
      4. Why Most Conferences Feel Like a Waste

        Conference season = growth season. 🔥 If you’ve ever left an event thinking “that was a waste,” tough love: it probably wasn’t the conference…it was how you showed up. In this Speak Organized episode, I break down the mindset + tactical moves professional organizers use to squeeze every last drop of ROI from conferences—so you leave with leads, partnerships, and momentum (not just a tote bag and a headache).

        ⚡ Special Offers Just for You:

        📘 Overbooked Course – Learn how to get fully booked with dream clients

        👉 https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/overbooked 

        💼 Pro Organizer Forms Pack – Save time with ready-to-use contracts & forms

        👉 https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/po-forms-pack

        🚀 Empowered Organizer Membership – Monthly business training to scale your biz

        👉 https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/empowered-organizer  

        🧰 Explore All Courses & Resources:

        👉 https://ispeakorganized.com/courses 

        Who this is for:

        • Aspiring or new professional organizers ready to turn “conference vibes” into booked clients
        • Established organizers who want a smarter networking strategy and measurable business growth
        • Introverts who want a simple playbook to engage without burning out

        What you’ll learn (fast):

        • The ROI mindset: why conferences are an investment, not a vacation
        • A simple pre-game plan (3 burning questions + speaker/sponsor research)
        • Front-row advantage: how to get your questions answered and remembered
        • Networking for introverts: make one meaningful connection per day
        • Sponsor tables → revenue: how to turn vendor chats into partnerships
        • Expense tracking 101 so more of your trip becomes tax-deductible
        • Action system: turn messy notes into a clean post-event plan

        — ✂️ TIMESTAMPS —

        00:00 Maximizing Conference ROI
        06:36 Understanding Conference Costs
        12:05 Practical Tips for Conference Success
        20:39 The Importance of Networking
        23:46 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

        Favorite sound bites:

        • “It was how you showed up.”
        • “Keep track of your expenses.”
        • “Make one connection per day.”

        Try this at your next event:

        • Write 3 burning questions before you go.
        • Sit in the front four rows.
        • Talk to 2 sponsors (ask how you can help each other).
        • End each day with 1 action item + 1 new contact.
        • Log every expense—yes, even the Advil.
        • 26 min
        • Overcoming Imposter Syndrome & Building Your Expert Authority: Christine Blosdale's 25-Year Journey

          Ready to break free from imposter syndrome and claim your spot as an expert?

          In this episode of I Speak Organized, I’m joined by Christine Blosdale, an expert business coach, bestselling author, and podcast host, who’s here to share her transformative 25-year journey. From overcoming self-doubt to building a powerful personal brand, Christine has walked the path—and now she’s showing you how to walk it too.

          We dive into the real, raw truth behind imposter syndrome, how to use it to fuel your rise, and why authenticity is your superpower. Christine’s wisdom will help you take those crucial steps to gain confidence, stand out, and start building your expert authority—just by being YOU.

          If you’re tired of hiding in the shadows and ready to take your organizing business to the next level, this episode will give you the clarity and tools you need. Plus, Christine shares her top tips for creating a media kit, repurposing content like a pro, and growing your visibility without feeling overwhelmed.

          This episode is your sign to stop doubting yourself and start making bold moves in your business!

          Don’t forget to hit subscribe for weekly episodes packed with actionable tips and real-world advice. Join our community by clicking the link in the description for exclusive resources, my Empowered Organizer membership, and a free Facebook group where you can connect with other aspiring professional organizers.

           

          Connect with Christine and take her free quiz! https://ExpertAuthorityCoach.com

           

          ⚡ Special Offers Just for You:

          📘 Overbooked Course – Learn how to get fully booked with dream clients 👉 https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/overbooked

          💼 Pro Organizer Forms Pack – Save time with ready-to-use contracts & forms 👉 https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/po-forms-pack

          🚀 Empowered Organizer Membership – Monthly business training to scale your biz 👉 https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/empowered-organizer

          🧰 Explore All Courses & Resources: 👉 https://ispeakorganized.com/courses

          Join the Free Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/ispeakorganizedpnw 

           

          1 hr 9 min
        • From Corporate Cubicle to Booked-Out Boss: Melissa’s Leap into Professional Organizing

          What happens when a corporate space planner with a stable paycheck, benefits, and 16 years of experience says “enough” and takes a leap into the unknown?

          Meet Melissa Chamberlain, owner of Tidy Up with Melissa, who went from designing retail floor plans for JoAnn Fabrics to running a thriving professional organizing business in Northeastern Ohio. In this episode, Melissa gets real about what it actually takes to leave your comfort zone, start from scratch, and build a business that aligns with your passion and lifestyle — even without a clear roadmap.

          We’re diving into:

          The exact moment Melissa Googled “how to become a professional organizer”

          What she did before quitting her job to set herself up for success

          The fears she faced and how she turned them into fuel

          How she landed her very first high-ticket client right out of the gate (hint: she’s still a client today!)

          Melissa’s advice for anyone sitting in their cubicle dreaming of “someday”

          Whether you're just thinking about starting your organizing business or trying to go full-time, Melissa’s story is proof that you don’t need perfection — you need courage and consistency.

          This episode is for the aspiring professional organizer who’s ready to stop waiting for the perfect time and start building the business you were meant for.

          ⚡ Special Offers Just for You:

          📘 Overbooked Course – Learn how to get fully booked with dream clients

          👉 https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/overbooked  

          💼 Pro Organizer Forms Pack – Save time with ready-to-use contracts & forms

          👉 https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/po-forms-pack  

          🚀 Empowered Organizer Membership – Monthly business training to scale your biz

          👉 https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/empowered-organizer  

          🧰 Explore All Courses & Resources:

          👉 https://ispeakorganized.com/courses 

          Connect with Melissa:

          https://www.tidyupwithmelissa.com/  https://www.instagram.com/tidyupwithmelissa 

          44 min
        • LIVE Replay - Boost Your Organizing Business With These Simple SEO Tricks!

          Welcome to this expert-led session on SEO for professional organizers! 🎯 Join Aaron Traub as he shares actionable strategies to help you rank higher on Google, optimize your Google Business Profile, and attract more local clients to your organizing business. Learn about essential SEO practices such as keyword placement, website optimization, building backlinks, and gathering reviews. By the end, you'll be ready to leverage SEO as a powerful tool to grow your business.

           

          ⚡ Special Offers Just for You:

          📘 Overbooked Course – Learn how to get fully booked with dream clients
          👉 https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/overbooked 

          💼 Pro Organizer Forms Pack – Save time with ready-to-use contracts & forms

          👉 https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/po-forms-pack 

          🚀 Empowered Organizer Membership – Monthly business training to scale your biz

          👉 https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/empowered-organizer 

          🧰 Explore All Courses & Resources:

          👉 https://ispeakorganized.com/courses 

           

          Timestamps:

          00:00 - Introduction to SEO for Professional Organizers
          03:00 - Why SEO is Crucial for Organizing Businesses
          06:30 - How Google Decides Who to Rank
          09:00 - The Importance of Ranking in Google’s Map Pack
          12:00 - Top Keywords Professional Organizers Should Target
          14:30 - Optimizing Your Website: Title Tags & Meta Descriptions
          18:00 - Google Business Profile Optimization Tips
          21:00 - The Power of Reviews for Boosting SEO
          24:00 - Building Trust with Local Listings and Backlinks
          27:30 - Social Media’s Role in SEO
          31:00 - Common SEO Mistakes to Avoid
          34:00 - How Often to Update Your Website for SEO
          37:30 - Optimizing for Multiple Locations and Service Areas
          41:00 - Final Thoughts on SEO and Growing Your Business

          For more tips and resources on SEO for organizers, check out Aaron's blog posts and helpful tools here: https://geauxseo.com/professional-organizers  

           

          In this podcast-style presentation, learn how to improve your **website SEO** and **google seo**. We cover basic website setup and **backlinks**, plus we provide helpful **seo tips** and **seo for beginners**. Tune in for all the details!

          50 min
        • How To Get Honest Answers From Your Clients

          Ready to level up your client onboarding process? In this episode of the Speak Organized Podcast, I sit down with Amy from Amyzing Spaces to unpack exactly how to structure your intake form, build lasting client trust, and implement systems that actually stick. 

          Whether you're just starting your organizing business or looking to streamline your consultations, this episode is packed with strategies that work.

          🔹 Learn the #1 intake form question that reveals client dynamics

          🔹 Tips for onboarding neurodivergent or overwhelmed clients
          🔹 How to set systems that last beyond the session
          🔹 Why follow-ups, client homework, and high-touch service matter
          🔹 Marketing strategies that actually get clients: Facebook groups, LinkedIn & more

          ✨ Want to turn your passion into a full-time six-figure business? Join the Empowered Organizer Membership → https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/empowered-organizer 

          🎓 Browse all courses, coaching & forms → https://ispeakorganized.com/courses 

          👇 Drop your biggest takeaway in the comments & subscribe for weekly pro organizing biz tips!

          📲 Stay Connected: Instagram → @ispeakorganized

          Free Facebook Group → https://facebook.com/groups/ispeakorganizedpnw 

          Coaching & Membership Inquiries → https://ispeakorganized.com/coaching 


          Connect with Amy
          www.amyzingspaces.com 
          @amyzingspaces on FB and IG


          Clients, especially those who are people pleasers, often struggle to provide honest project feedback during organizing sessions. It's critical to ensure the system works for them, not just for you, so it's important to ask for feedback and make adjustments accordingly. Effective client engagement leads to long-term client success.

          39 min
        • Stop Wasting Time: Backend Systems Every Pro Organizer Needs to Scale & Succeed

          ✨ Want personalized help growing your professional organizing business? Take the free quiz and get your personalized path inside The Organizer Growth app: https://studio.com/melanie-summers 


          Feeling buried in the business side of your organizing biz? You’re not alone—and today’s guests are here to help you rescue hours worked and actually enjoy running your business again. 🙌

          In this candid, behind-the-scenes episode, I sit down with Stephanie Sikora and Jen Martin, co-founders of Reset Solutions Consulting, to unpack what’s REALLY draining your time, energy, and profits as a professional organizer—and how to fix it without burning out.

          These two industry powerhouses built and scaled organizing companies with teams of 5 to 19 organizers, and they’ve made every mistake (so you don’t have to). From charging for ALL your time (yes, even planning and proposals), to using walkie-talkies on site (you’ll never go back), to building backend systems that actually work, this conversation is packed with wisdom, laughs, and actionable insights.

          💥 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

          • Why your systems are secretly leaking time and money

          • The #1 mindset shift to go from side hustle to CEO

          • The biggest time-wasters in your business (and how to fix them)

          • Why perfectionism is costing you profit

          • Real talk on burnout—and how to bounce back

          • The must-have tools and tech for streamlined workflows

          • How to close clients faster without sounding salesy

          • What to automate, delegate, or eliminate immediately

          • 🔥 This episode is for you if:

            You’re a solo pro organizer drowning in admin work, running a lean team and hustling too hard, or scaling fast but stuck in the cycle of I don’t have time to fix this!

            This isn’t just talk—it’s a free business audit in podcast form.

            🛠️ Ready to streamline, scale, and rescue hours you didn’t even know you were losing? Tune in now, and let’s get your business running like a well-labeled pantry.

            👇 ALL the tools, tips, and nerdy organizing gadgets mentioned are linked in the description.

            🧠 Key Takeaways:
            • Done is better than perfect. Let go of the control and scale your organizing business with ease.

            • You’re probably not charging for everything. It’s time to bill for planning, proposals, and backend time.

            • Stop writing 38-step onboarding emails. Close clients faster with proposal tools and pre-qualifying questions.

            • Don’t DIY everything. Hire a VA. Use Zapier. Free yourself.

            • Burnout isn’t your fault. Set non-negotiables and build systems that support your life, not drain it.

            • Stop sending clients 32 basket links. They don’t care. You do. Let your systems do the talking.

            • Use the right tools. ClickUp, Dubsado, Loom, Google Chat, ChatGPT, and that sexy little voice memo device (hi, Ploud 👋).

            • Community matters. Find your people. Learn from those who’ve walked the path—and got systems to prove it.

               

              Connect with Stephanie and Jen 

              📌 https://www.resetsolutionsconsulting.com/ 

              IG @Pro_organizers_consulting 

               

              ⚡️ Special Offers Just for You:

              🚀 Empowered Organizer Membership – Monthly business training to scale your biz 👉 https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/empowered-organizer

              📘 Overbooked Course – Learn how to get fully booked with dream clients 👉 https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/overbooked

              💼 Pro Organizer Forms Pack – Save time with ready-to-use contracts & forms 👉 https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/po-forms-pack

              🧰 Explore All Courses & Resources: 👉 https://ispeakorganized.com/courses

               

               

              📱 Connect with Me Instagram: https://instagram.com/ispeakorganized

              Facebook: https://fb.com/ispeakorganized 

              Join the free group: https://facebook.com/groups/ispeakorganizedpnw 

              Website: www.ispeakorganized.com

              Email List: https://ispeakorganized.com/subscribe

              🎵 ADHD Focus Music: https://www.youtube.com/@ISpeakVibes 

              1 hr 2 min
            • Write Words That Work: Copywriting Tips for Organizers & Home Pros with Molly Winters

              📣 Want to turn browsers into BOOKED clients? This episode is for YOU!

              I sat down with Molly Winters—former professional organizer turned copywriting genius—for a deep-dive into how your words can make or break your organizing business. If you're struggling to write your website, sell your services online, or just sound like yourself in your content… this is your sign to stop winging it and start writing with strategy.

              What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

              ✅ The REAL definition of copywriting (and how it’s different from content!) ✍️
              ✅ Molly’s RELATE Writing Method for service-based business owners 💡
              ✅ How to stop sounding stiff and start sounding like you 🎤
              ✅ The #1 mistake most organizers make on their websites (you might be doing it!) 🚫
              ✅ Small SEO tweaks that help clients actually FIND you on Google 🔍
              ✅ Calls to Action that convert (no more ghosting!) 🛎
              ✅ Real talk on using AI tools, writing your own site, and how to make it FUN again 💥

               

              💡 Whether you’re new to business or ready to level up, this episode is packed with strategy, mindset, and clarity to help your copy connect—and convert.

               

              ⚡️ Special Offers Just for You:

              Monthly Business Training: Join the Empowered Organizer Membership to grow and scale your 6-figure organizing business!

              https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/empowered-organizer 

              Overbooked Course: Learn how to book clients using proven strategies

              https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/overbooked 

              Pro Organizer Forms Pack: Save time with ready-to-use contracts and forms

              https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/po-forms-pack 

              Tons of Courses & Resources: Explore tools to scale your business

              https://ispeakorganized.com/courses 

              📌 Molly's Website & Socials:

              Website: https://mollyzwinters.com 
              Instagram: @molly.winters.writing
              Facebook: The Connection Copywriter
              LinkedIn: Molly Winters

              📱 Connect with Melanie:

              Instagram: @ispeakorganized
              Facebook: https://facebook.com/ispeakorganized 
              Join the private Facebook group: https://facebook.com/groups/ispeakorganizedpnw 
              Website: www.ispeakorganized.com 
              Email List: https://ispeakorganized.com/subscribe 

              @ispeakorganized @ISpeakVibes

              49 min
            • 🔥 How to Make BIG Money as a Photo Organizer | Lucrative Services for Pro Organizers

              📸 Want to add a HIGH-PROFIT, low-labor service to your organizing business? This episode is for YOU!

              I sat down with Darla DeMorrow, a 20-year organizing industry veteran, to dive into one of the most lucrative and underutilized services in the professional organizing world—photo & keepsake organizing!

              If you’ve been looking for a way to diversify your income, reduce the physical toll of organizing, and future-proof your business, this conversation will change the game for you.

              What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

              ✅ Why photo organizing is a hidden goldmine 💰
              ✅ The step-by-step process to offering this service (even if you’re new!) 📂
              ✅ How to price and sell photo organizing for BIG profits 💵
              ✅ The best tools & software for tackling digital & print collections 📱
              ✅ How to handle sentimental items & emotional clients ❤️
              ✅ Real numbers: How much clients pay for this service (it’s more than you think!) 👀

              💡 Whether you’re a pro organizer looking to expand or just starting out, this is a MUST-WATCH episode if you want to offer premium services that clients will pay top dollar for.

               

              Special Offers Just for You:

              Monthly Business Training: Join the Empowered Organizer Membership to grow and scale your 6-figure organizing business! https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/empowered-organizer 

              Overbooked Course: Learn how to book clients using proven strategies at melaniesummerscoaching.com/overbooked

              Pro Organizer Forms Pack: Save time with ready-to-use contracts and forms at melaniesummerscoaching.com/po-forms-pack

              Tons of Courses & Resources: Explore tools to scale your business at ispeakorganized.com/courses

               


              📌 Darla's Website & Socials: https://HeartWorkOrg.com
              📌 Follow Corinne on Social:
              https://www.linkedin.com/in/DarlaDeMorrow/ 

              https://www.facebook.com/HeartWorkOrganizing/ 

              https://www.instagram.com/darlademorrow/ 

               

              Connect with Melanie:

              Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ispeakorganized

              Facebook: facebook.com/ispeakorganized

              Join the private Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/ispeakorganizedpnw
              Website: www.ispeakorganized.com
              Email List: ispeakorganized.com/subscribe

              53 min
            • 💰 Why You’re Broke: Fix Your Business Finances & Scale Like a Pro!

              💸 Ready to STOP stressing about money and START making bank as a professional organizer?

              In this episode, I’m sitting down with Corinne Morahan, Founder & CEO of Grid & Glam to talk about the BIGGEST financial mistakes organizers make and how YOU can build a profitable, scalable business that doesn’t drain your energy or bank account!

              Corinne went from Wall Street finance to full-time organizing boss, and she’s sharing insider financial secrets that most organizers ignore—at their own risk. Plus, she spills the tea on why she still uses a literal old-school calculator every day (and why you probably should too!). 😆 📌

              In this episode, we cover:

              ✅ Why most organizers are undercharging & how to fix it ASAP

              ✅ The “VIBE” method to design a business that actually makes money

              ✅ How to track your numbers WITHOUT hating your life

              ✅ Why diversifying your revenue is CRUCIAL (and how to do it!)

              ✅ Hourly vs. Package Pricing: What ACTUALLY works?

              ✅ The ONE question that determines if your business will succeed or fail

              ✅ Financial tools & systems that make your life 100x easier ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

               

              🔥 Special Offers Just for You 👇

              Monthly Business Training: Join the Empowered Organizer Membership to grow and scale your 6-figure organizing business! https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/empowered-organizer

              Overbooked Course: Learn how to book clients using proven strategies at https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/overbooked  

              Pro Organizer Forms Pack: Save time with ready-to-use contracts and forms at https://melaniesummerscoaching.com/po-forms-pack

              Tons of Courses & Resources: Explore tools to scale your business at https://ispeakorganized.com/courses

              ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

              🚀 Resources Mentioned:

              📌 Corinne’s Website & Membership: https://www.gridandglam.com/

              📌 Follow Corinne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gridandglam/ 

              👉 https://www.instagram.com/corinnemorahan/

              📌 Check Out the Profit First Method: https://profitfirstbook.com/

              🔥 SPECIAL OFFER! 🔥 Corinne is offering 50% OFF your first month in her Vibe Membership with code MELANIE! 💖 🎟

              Join here: https://www.corinnemorahan.com/offers/LWzpMwKn/checkout?coupon_code=MELANIE 

               

              💬 What’s YOUR biggest struggle with business finances? Drop a comment below! 👇👇👇 🔔 Like, Subscribe & Hit the Bell for more expert organizing biz tips! 🚀✨

               

              Connect with Melanie:

              Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ispeakorganized  

              Facebook: https://facebook.com/ispeakorganized 

              Join the private Facebook group: https://facebook.com/groups/ispeakorganizedpnw

              Website: www.ispeakorganized.com

              Email List: https://ispeakorganized.com/subscribe 

               @ispeakorganized ​

              52 min

            About The Speak Organized Podcast

            From the publisher's feed

            🌟 Meet Melanie Summers, Your ADHD Organizing Expert! 🌟

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