As you may or may not know, my first business idea had nothing to do with what I’m doing now. After being laid off from the government, I decided to use some of my retraining money to take the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Qualifying Program, because I was working in the field of career and employment services, and thought it would be a great addition to my resume. During the program, I became particularly fascinated with the way that personality type affects the way we deal with time and space, and decided to start a side business so I could use my new knowledge to help others become more effective by using organizing strategies that respect their natural preferences.
I spent a lot of time researching that particular topic, conducting my own studies as well as reading books such as Sharon Fitzsimmons’ Type and Time Management, Larry Demarest’s Out of Time: How the Sixteen Types Manage Their Time and Work, Otto Kroeger’s Type Talk at Work, and Jean Kummerow’s WorkTypes. I combined everything I learned through my studies with what I learned from my clients and developed a workshop called Organizing Your Life, Your Way, which I’ve delivered to a number of groups.
I am very excited to announce that I’ve been asked to present my workshop to the Ontario Association for the Application of Personality Type (OAAPT) in Toronto this spring! Non-members are welcome, so if you’re in the area, I would love to see you there! Because this is an abbreviated version of my full-day workshop, it will be helpful if you have some previous knowledge of personality type. If you’d like to attend but you’ve never taken the MBTI, Personality Dimensions, True Colors, Keirsey Temperament Sorter, or a similar assessment, just let me know ahead of time, and I’ll make sure you’re prepared.
This event is taking place on the evening of May 26, 2009; be sure to check the OAAPT website for the start time and exact location.
This is something I could get into. As an INFJ I’d love to know the best way to organise myself. I make lists and use online task lists and while effective I keep wondering if there’s another way.
John, although Toronto might be a bit far for you to come from Australia, you may be in luck, as I’m planning to release an e-book on this topic in the near future. In the meantime, you might want to check out the titles I’ve mentioned in my post.
How cool, Janet! You’ve nailed it. I think this is definitely your niche – perfect combo of two subjects you’re passionate about. I am using personality types in my business model too (I’m using the blanket term “personal style” to define one’s preferences in how to approach getting fit, getting organized, and getting one’s financial affairs in order). Next time we chat, I’ll have to share some other personality tests I’ve collected that you may not have heard of. BTW, I’m ENTJ, heavy on the J.
Thanks, Denise! Unfortunately, despite my passion for the topic, I wasn’t able to develop it into a business model, but I love that I’m still able to do the odd workshop. And preparing for this one has motivated me to get my e-book finished this month!