<p>I recently returned home during the holidays and stayed at my mother’s “paper mill”. With the stacks of overflowing boxes, yard sale “finds”, and years of unorganized photographs, her place rivals a military obstacle course. Every time I think I save a closet or room from choking on its contents, here comes a stack of cancelled checks from the 80s that she is just now shredding. She is a pack rat. She copies greeting cards and photos before distribution so she will know what she sent. I’m not adverse to keeping stuff that usually ends up in the irrelevant data pile but my thing is: ORGANIZE. <br /><br /> <strong>Why does a business owner have to make organizing a top priority? </strong><br /><br /> The ability to determine one’s income, the power to impact others, and the respect earned from a quality product are common motivators for many business owners. <br /><br /> <strong>Money</strong>. Information is translating into dollars these days with companies selling their access to consumers. Unfortunately, it is also becoming a hostage with hackers kidnapping and abusing data. If you have information organized and protected, you can accelerate your efficiency as a business owner. Turnaround time plays an important role in retaining clients.<br /><br /> <strong>Power</strong>. If someone goes to an IRS audit with a shoebox crammed with receipts versus someone with receipts chronologically filed in envelopes, who is the auditor more likely to favor? It’s the perceived notion that you are detailed-oriented. You have more negotiating power. If you go to the mechanic with a history of your service charges, you can wag that “uh, uh, uh” finger when he tries to charge you double for the repeat brake job.<br /><br /> <strong> Respect</strong>. An organized person is more respected. If you have a mechanic that starts asking “I dunno” questions like “<em>When was the last time it was serviced? When does it make that sound? Is it a V6 or V4?” </em>then it’s better to walk in with a spreadsheet with your history. It gives the pretense that at least you can find the answers.<br /><br /> Here’s how you can start your organization action plan for your home or office. The initial recovery period may require a time investment, but a weekly or monthly maintenance schedule is attainable. <br /><br /> <strong>S</strong>urvey the scene and mentally envision a place for large items. Think about the types of containers that you can afford to buy and work within those constraints. You may not be able to purchase a new bureau for the blankets, but a few Rubbermaid containers may work just as well.<br /><br /> <strong>E</strong>valuate whose treasure it is. If you know that you will never read that book or the kids are too grown for their Ready Bake Oven, donate it to a charity. Just don’t insult the needy with dirty, unusable items. Also, don’t forget to leave some things for the “freegans” to sift through.<br /><br /> <strong>L</strong>everage the space you have. After you have sorted the items into the Keep, Charity and Trash piles, organize like items and choose the most practical area for them. <em>Out of Sight</em> is the main principle to adhere to. File papers in movable file carts and conceal them in closets. A table cloth works as a decorative shield for a small, cluttered bookcase. Something as simple as using plastic hangers of the same color will reduce the congested feeling. <br /><br /> <strong>F</strong>ile electronically. Create a naming convention for online files such as starting all letters with LTR. Utilize the various software applications to track information in databases. You may not need all those yellow stickies on your desk if you typed notes into a PDA. <br /><br /> A clean environment alleviates unnecessary stress. It impresses the boss, colleagues and clients. It gives you more bargaining power when dealing with vendors. It provides timely access to information for those unexpected requests. Follow the SELF philosophy. My mother has already taken her first steps to recovery by throwing out her handmade Do Not Enter signs.</p>
2009-10-11T00:54:12Z
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organizing-for-respect
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2009-10-19T11:06:20Z
2009-10-19T18:08:02Z
Why does a business owner have to make organizing a top priority? Aside from better time management, it also helps you gain respect. I'm sharing my thoughts on the subject.
Organizing for Respect
1
2009-10-19T18:08:02Z