Interview with Marlo
Please take a moment to read this before hiring Marlo.
How did you get to be The Organizing Coach?
My journey began with the simple introduction to Franklin Covey Planners. Something magical happened when I got my first planner and saw what it could do for me. I fell in love with the philosophy and the simple how-to's of using it.
I devoured countless organizing books, learning how to squeeze more out of my day. And it worked! I was extremely efficient. People were impressed with how much I could fit in my calendar and how busy my life was. I prided myself on being the “go to girl” and the one who would get it done even if it meant working extra hours.
Well, long story short, I became addicted to being busy--emotionally, physically and mentally. Although I was extremely organized, it was creating a lot of problems in my life.
When I wasn’t experiencing an adrenaline rush, I was running on fumes. I felt worn out, tired and like I was always playing catch-up. Since I was always on the go, I ate crappy food. I gained weight. I couldn’t relax. I put other’s needs before my own. Sure, I pretended everything was okay but I couldn’t even stand being alone or have nothing to do. This would mean I would have to get honest with myself and see what was actually happening. Looking back, I was a very unhappy soul.
I was a human-doing instead of a human-being.
Can you relate?
Eventually I realized my approach to being organized was focused on getting better and faster at what I was doing, just to fit more in. Deep down, I knew keeping this pace or lifestyle wouldn’t allow me to be happy, healthy and free.
There was no defining moment that forced me to wake up. But I did! It’s no longer about how many to-do’s I can get crossed off my list, but rather the quality of what’s on my list to begin with! It is also not about filling every moment of every day, but creating the space for new experiences, and a life of ease.
Now I have an abundance of time and energy. I cook healthy, yummy food and enjoy a variety of ways to stay physically fit. I love being immersed in nature, traveling to visit friends, learning how to play my guitar and taking glorious naps with my cat! The best part is that I have created space to get to know myself, my passion, and what makes me truly happy.
I have learned and lived the typical ways of getting organized, but to truly make a long lasting difference I had to take it to a deeper, more holistic and sustainable way of living.
Because I have designed my life of spontaneity, freedom, balance and fulfillment, I am committed to help others transform their life of craziness and overwhelm to one of peacefulness and simplicity.
What is your professional background?
It is amazing to see how things unfold. Everything from my formal education to my previous work in non-profits directly supports me as The Organizing Coach.
I have a BS in Business/Psychology from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a Masters in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma. Before I created my organizing business, I worked as the Director of Programs for Girls Incorporated and Program Specialist for Girl Scouts.
In June 2003, I committed to OrganizeTogether full time and have helped thousands of people organize their life from all over the world.
What makes you stand out from other professional organizers?
The most obvious way I stand out is the incredible results my clients experience because of the unique coaching process we use. In reality, there are not many organizing coaches. Typically, professional organizers physically organize for you, or with you. However, as an organizing coach, we schedule regular phone sessions over a period of time which gives continuity. This builds a foundation of trust leading to long-term results. Coaching with me creates a support system that provides you with an accountability partner, truthfull dialogue, and new perspectives--all designed to create B-I-G shifts in thinking. This generates forward movement towards your vision of an organized life.
Coaching, however, is only one way I stand out.
I have a strong commitment to creating solutions that are in harmony with our planet. My business practices, product development and recommendations carefully consider the environment, as does information I share through my coaching programs and tele-classes.
You will see from my website that I am willing to share everything I know and that I bring a new and fun perspective to organizing your life. I promise to make it refreshing, enjoyable, and simple.
What types of qualities does your ideal client have?
My ideal clients are committed and willing to invest in themselves to make a change in their current situation. They also have support from their friends and family. Their focus is to create space and live in balance, instead of continuing down the fast-paced lifestyle our culture thrives on. They understand that by becoming more organized they will be able to discover and live their life’s purpose more fully.
I absolutely love working with people who have a sense of humor, are fun, creative, open minded, eco-minded, and are willing to explore solutions at a deeper level.
I know my clients are naturally creative and resourceful, even if they don’t see it in themselves yet.
Can you really help organize someone long distance?
Absolutely! I know because I have helped people in person and long distance. And I have to tell you from my experience, distance coaching is much more powerful.
Let me explain...
Distance coaching provides more accountability and empowerment. When I was physically helping people, I found that clients would wait to act on something until I showed up. There is a different level of commitment when I am not physically there to help. I find the process more permanent and successful.
Distance coaching allows for a lifestyle change. It is a process of learning new skills, exploring new beliefs, and applying new knowledge. It also takes time to unlearn all the energy-draining habits and patterns that exist. Therefore, more results are seen with distance coaching because distance coaching occurs over a time period full of support and guidance.
Distance coaching is more economical. Not only can you easily budget for the coaching programs, you will also have more coaching time than you would for hands-on help. My coaching programs cost far less than if I came to your home.
Distance coaching is focused. The shorter durations are designed for you to see immediate results. These focused sessions are spread over time so new information and ideas have time to sink in and take root.
Distance coaching is much more gentle. I know many people expressed embarrassment or shame with their home and it was really difficult to invite me in, even though there was no judgment. This allows you to feel more open and safe.
What results can I expect from working with you?
The results you will experience are many. Here are a few I think you will relate to:
- You will be able to create more space--physically, emotionally, and mentally.
- You will develop the ability to apply what you learn to all areas of your life.
- You will learn how to organize in an easy, fun, and simple way for longer lasting results.
- You will finally take appropriate actions with clarity and focus.
- You will have the confidence and ability to modify solutions to meet your current and future needs.
- You will feel like you have more than enough time to do what you want.
- You will design your life with ease.
Sound good? These are TYPICAL results for my clients. And the changes can come QUICKLY.
How soon can I receive benefits and results?
Positive results will start to happen immediately when you are 100% committed to the process. You create the changes in your life. As your coach, I am 100% committed to support you in the process. Sometimes it will feel like snail pace, but then something will connect and you will make quantum leaps! It is really unpredictable, except knowing that IT WILL HAPPEN.
How will we work together?
We are a team, accomplishing more together than we would alone.
The relationship between a coach and client is Co-Creative, meaning that we are equals and both have an active role. I am not a therapist, counselor or consultant. I am a trained coach using honed communication skills to support you as a detached thinking partner. Together we create more power for you to affect meaningful change and take dynamic actions towards your goals.
What can I do to get the most out our experience together?
There are actually several things you can do.
- Arrive to your coaching session on time, centered and engaged.
- Complete the “Weekly Progress Form” and the “Post-Call Recap form” for each session.
- Make our coaching sessions a priority.
- Come to every call with a specific agenda – a clear understanding of what you’d like to take away from the session.
- Co-create the process to suit you. This means providing feedback to me to know what is working and what needs to change to best support you.
- Use what you learn. Complete what you agree to do.
- Be open-minded. Try new approaches. Experiment.
- Get to know yourself as you are now and allow yourself to change into the person you want to be.
- Emulate the behavior you admire.
- Tell the truth to yourself and everyone.
- Be willing to change your beliefs and patterns if they do not serve you anymore.
What types of coaching packages do you offer?
I offer three coaching packages to choose from.
Each package is designed to transform your life by creating a foundation with flexible tools and deepened life skills. You will be able to apply your new beliefs, skills and experiences to all areas of your life immediately as well as modify them as your life requires down the road.
Monarch Coaching Package
Do you feel like you need more "hands-on" help? This is a great program if you would like more direction, collaboration, support and accountability. The 60-minute session allows more time for you to physically sort through an area of your home, brainstorm solutions, and even work together on an actual project while we are on the phone together. This creates the momentum and confidence necessary for you to move forward and transform your life.
What's included:
- 3-60 minute private and confidential phone sessions each month
- 3-15 minute scheduled accountability calls each month
- Unlimited e-mail support
- Recordings of your coaching sessions for you to listen over and over
- 6-month commitment
- OrganizeTogether tools and resources
- Organize Out of the Box
Fast Track Coaching Package
Do you need extra accountability to take consistent action? You will benefit from the built-in accountability calls to get you moving quickly, stay on track and eliminate blocks that are in your way. You will organize your life faster than you would on your own.
What's included:
- 3-30 minute private and confidential phone sessions each month
- 3-15 minute scheduled accountability calls each month
- Unlimited e-mail support
- 6-month commitment
- OrganizeTogether tools and resources
Basic Coaching Package
Are you an independent self-starter? If so, this may be the package for you. It includes the same OrganizeTogether tools, resources and consistent action to creating a simple and meaningful life as the others, without the brainstorming or added collaborative time with me. This can also be used for maintenance after 6 months of one of the other packages available.
What's included:
- 3-30 minute private and confidential phone sessions each month
- Unlimited e-mail support
- 6-month commitment
- OrganizeTogether tools and resources
Do you need pictures of my space?
Actually no. However, pictures can really be helpful for you! Before and after pictures will show an amazing transformation you can be proud of. Also, getting you behind the camera and viewing the photos without being in the room will give you a perspective you wouldn’t have otherwise. You will finally have fresh eyes on your own space!
Is 30 minutes long enough?
This is one reason the coaching sessions work so well. This amount of time creates more focus so you feel productive and centered. Trust me, if it were much longer, you would be tempted to solve all your organizing challenges at once and end up feeling more overwhelmed at the end of the call. This time allows you to jump start actions that you can do on your own.
If you feel like you need more “hands-on” help, I have created a coaching package that allows us to work 60 minutes together. This allows you to actually dig into your closet, or clear off your desk with phone support along the way.
How long is your program?
Each program is at least 6 months to allow for enough follow through for everything to kick-in. This allows for you to integrate and apply new skills, knowledge, and beliefs, ensuring a lifestyle change. Remember there will also be some unlearning in there too!
The two hardest things to do in life are to START and to FINISH. I am here to help you finish what we start!
I have found anything shorter than 6 months just gets us going. Although you may “know” what to do doesn’t mean it has become part of your life. Have you heard the saying, “You know it when you live it?” This happens with consistent action over time. I 'm here to provide the accountability needed for long-lasting success.
If you are willing to make the 6-month commitment, your life will truly be transformed in more ways than you thought possible!
Can I contact some of your former clients to see what it is like working with you?
Yes, I encourage you to! Please go to the Client Testimonials page and read all of them. See which ones you feel drawn to. If there is an e-mail listed, this is an invitation to contact them directly.
Marlo, based on everything I’ve read and heard about you, I know you are the one I want to learn from. How do we get started?
Congratulations on making a decision to transform your life! I’m happy to work with you to achieve your organizing goals…
So, here's the next step.
Schedule a “Get Acquainted” call. This will allow you to personally ask any questions you have.
Do we already have a date set? Great. Then just let me know at the end of the call which package you want and we will get you enrolled. It’s that simple!
If I’m not sure I’m ready to get started, how can I sample your work at low cost to see if it’s the right solution for me?
There are actually several ways you can sample my work.
The first place to start is with my free e-zine. It will provide doses of inspiration, resources, and how-to articles to get you into the groove.
I also provide a variety of tele-classes ranging from free to low registration fees. These are highlighted in the e-zine, so keep your eyes open for them!
Joining the Organize Together Inner Circle is a great way to connect with others on a similar organizing path. You will also have more access to me to help you find focus and be consistent each month. This is a great alternative to the private coaching option.
After our "Get Acquainted" Call, you can also take advantage of a trial month of coaching at a special rate so you get the true feel of how we will work together and see how fast results can happen in your life.
Another amazing way to sample my work is to simply read through my How-To articles on this website. They are there for you to find direction and support, even if you are not enrolled in a private coaching program.
Want something more tangible? Purchase Organize Out of the Box, which is a deck of 52 tips I have created to keep things simple, fun and refreshing!
So, just as a recap, make sure you are taking advantage of:
- Subscribe to the free “Let’s OrganizeTogether” e-zine.
- Register for tele-classes
- Become a member of the Organize Together Inner Circle
- Take advantage of the special rate for a trial month of coaching
- Read my website articles
- Purchase Organize Out of the Box.
Okay, I’m ready to do this for myself, but I have a couple of additional questions. When can I call you?
Let’s set up a “Get Acquainted” date so we both reserve time out of our day. Just contact me and we will schedule a 10-20 minute call. I look forward to connecting with you soon!
Return from Interview with Marlo to The Organizing Coach home
