Productive & Organized

Top 9 Mistaken Organizing Statements

There are a number of statements that I have heard people say over the years with regard to their organizing projects.  They are the top mistakes that you can make when thinking about getting your space and time under control. 

Mon. Motivation: What Drives You to Your Success? Spine Tingling Inspiration Video

From the goofy days of "Fresh Prince of Belle Aire" to the award winning performances of "The Pursuit of Happyness," actor Will Smith has molded his career to amazing levels.  Monday Motivation! Today I share a video montage of interviews of Will where share his thoughts and drive.  I hope it brings as much thought, energy and passion to you, as it has to me!

This is the Year & NOW is the Time - Take the Self-Assessment to See If You Qualify for a F'ree Strategy Session

"I'm not making excuses anymore.  I'm tired of looking for important papers.  I'm tired of wasted time.  I'm tired of not focusing on my business like I should. This is the year and now is the time!"  That is what I heard from a new client as I was talking to him this week, and I could not agree more!  2009 was rough on a lot of us.  2010 is the start of something new, something better.  Success IS in your grasp!  Do you feel it?  I hope you do.

I want to support that success, so I've decided to open my calendar and offer a limited number of f'ree strategy sessions via telephone or skype.

Interested?  Then start by taking this self-assessment:  http://www.calahansolutions.info/self-assessment.html

You will get your results online and via email immediately and if you qualify for a strategy session, we'll contact you to set up a time to talk. 

What are you waiting for?  Make a change to make 2010 your best year yet.

To your success!

Clean up the Clutter on Your Facebook Newsfeed

From a Reader:  Steph, I love all of the connections that I can make on Facebook, but I am so sick of the goofy games.  I don't care about virtual pillow fights or mafia wars or what color underwear you are wearing!  Is there a way to cut the clutter and still stay in touch with my friends?  Thanks - Tamera 

Tamera, I'm with you!  I love the ease that I can connect with people from all over the world, but I am not a game player.  I use Facebook to build new relationships and reconnect with people.  Playing games keeps me from my priorities. 

There is good news!  If you are among the growing crowd of people that avoid Facebook because you just don't have timeor don't care to scroll through the myriad of games your friends are participating in, today I'll share how to get rid of the clutter.  Read on to learn how to clean up your Facebook stream -- getting rid of the games, while still seeing the funny/engaging things your friends talk about.

Mon. Motivation: Create a Work Environment that Enhances Your Goals (@GinaParris Video)

I'm out on Twitter meeting new and interesting people all of the time.  A while back @GinaParris and I connected.  She is a great business coach and all-around entertaining person.  Anyway, I was out on her blog the other day and saw this video showing her very unique desk setup and I wanted to share it with you.  Check out the video and tell me what you think.

Sometimes we just have to laugh @ our procrastination (video from @AgentXPQ)

Sometimes you just have to laugh at yourself to really have an "a-ha" moment.  @AgentXPQ decided to do just that!  Check out this short 1:20 minute video and see if you relate and then let me know what you think! 

Celebrate Life Now! It Could Be Gone Faster Thank You Think - Ours Almost Was

Three years ago our life was turned upside down when my husband had a heart attack.  Today is our 3-year anniversary with healthy lifestyles!  Back at that time, I wrote a newsletter artile that I think holds value today.  Keep reading to learn the story.

The Great Organizing Giveaway is Here!

The new year is a great time to think of ways that you can improve your life -- Getting Organized always lands in the top 10 lists of New Year Resolutions.  There are many outstanding resources available help you, but I often hear that it is hard to find them.  Our solution was to get the resources available in one spot!

The Great Organizing Giveaway is Here!

Learn 5 Secrets to Put Procrastination Off Until Tomorrow!

"I can’t help it!  I was born to procrastinate." That was the statement I heard when talking with a new client about a week ago.

So I asked her, "Are you happy with your procrastination?  Does it serve you well?"

“No!” she exclaimed.  “That is why I called you.  I’m missing important deadlines and my co-workers and family are fed up with me."

Do these statements resonate with you?  If so, then keep reading. You can overcome procrastination if you learn a few simple secrets.   Sometimes procrastination (putting an activity off until a later date) is necessary — like when a higher priority item comes up that you have to work on.  However, if procrastination becomes a habit, trouble often follows.  Start by understanding that there is nothing genetically or inherently wrong with you. So far, scientists have not found a procrastination gene!  That is good news because it means it is a habit you can kick.

For Goodness Sakes! Let GO of Your Story

We all have them --- stories.  Some serve us well, while others hold us back.  What are yours doing for you?

You see, I used to be a product of my own story.  Good right?  Not always.  As a business owner, I have a LOT of passion around what I do, but there were things in my life that were keeping me from my full potential.  Yes, I have won several awards and have a successful practice, but deep down, I KNEW I could do more.  Have you ever felt that way?  So what was it?  Did I need more education?  Did I need better marketing?  Did I need a new brain?  What?!?  Well, early in 2009, I figured it out.  I needed a new story and maybe you do too.

Free Yourself From Car Clutter: Five Easy Ways To Keep Your Car Organized When Traveling

(Guest post: Barbara Hemphill)

It’s a common sight: soda cans, gum wrappers, and snack bags strewn all over the floor; books, magazines, and carrying cases haphazardly placed on a seat; and miscellaneous papers and
trinkets shoved into any nook and cranny available. What is this disorganized place? A college frat house, a mad scientist’s office? No. It’s the typical disorganized car--and it could easily belong to you or someone you know. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, the automobile is still the most common means of getting to your destination. In fact, for many people, their car has become their "home away from home," with extended car trips a part of daily life.

High Performers Versus Low Performers - 7 Ways to Tell the Difference

(Guest Post: Barbara Brown, PhD)

What's the difference between a high-performer and low-performer? That question occurred to me after reading findings from the company Leadership IQ. Out of 16,237 employees, only 3,896 self-identified as high-performers! If you move beyond the shocking realization that everyone did not label themselves as high-performers, you might come to the realization (shocking or not so shocking) that employees know how good they are.

Office Organization - 5 Steps to Setting Up Your Core Systems

(Guest Post: Tracey Lawton)

For many solopreneurs they think that once they've set themselves up in business it's all about marketing, marketing, marketing. But there's one very important piece of the puzzle you need to have in place before you start your marketing ... and that's your managing.

Building a successful long-term profitable business isn't about "marketing" your business, it's about "managing" your business - the marketing comes once you have your management systems in place... this is a really important concept, and once you've got to grips with this, marketing becomes a whole lot easier!

You cannot begin to market your business if you can't find the information you need, don't know who you are marketing to, and don't know where you are in your business.

So what I'd like to share with you today are my top 5 steps to setting up your core office organization systems.

Life Coaching Tips to Organize Yourself For Success

(Guest Post: Natalie Dee)

Nothing succeeds like success. A small 'victory' on your chosen path fills you with joy and gives the strength and confidence to pursue further. To make success a habit is difficult but not impossible. Strength and confidence along with hard work and determination may help you progress in the desired direction. How do you organize your progress so that your life goals are realized? The process is as important as the destination.

Work From Home Mother - How to Organize Your Life and Home to Succeed

(Guest Post: Sarah Short)

Work from home mothers all share pretty much the same issues; children, family, housework, space, organisation. Stay at home mothers have SO much stuff that pushes for space in their schedule that working mothers just don't have to deal with. Please don't misunderstand me, I have been both a working mother and a stay at home working mother and I completely understand the issues that both mothers face, however, the mother who works from home has a fairly unique set of issues.

Organize Your Ideas and Watch Them Unfold

(Guest Post: Sheila Zayas)

How many times have you had a product idea only to see someone else on a 30-minute infomercial promoting YOUR idea?

Whether you want to create an innovative product or provide an unusual service, organizing your ideas is key to seeing your vision come to pass.

Planner Or Tickler (1-31) File? - How to Use Both For Optimal Professional & Personal Productivity

(guest post by Meggin McIntosh)

A question that often comes up in workshops as well as on my blog is this one: How do you suggest people use their calendar (planner) in conjunction with the tickler (1-31) files? Sometimes I wonder if I am duplicating my efforts by using a calendar and the tickler files. It seems like the tickler file is a good place to keep the papers that go along with the tasks, but there still feels like there's some redundancy when I prioritize my to-dos that are in the form of paper and the daily to-dos on my calendar. What are your thoughts in this area?

Cause and Effect - Productivity is an Action, Not a Result @QuietSpacing

(Guest Post: Paul Burton)

Discussions on "productivity" often focus on leverage or other financial management measurements. However, at its core, productivity results from better workload processing behaviors. People are the ones doing the behaving. So, to increase productivity, we must look at how they are managing the flow of work (and other things) during day. Small changes in these behaviors can drive dramatic results.

AboutOne is About YOU! Win a chance at an iPod Touch!

I am quite honored to share that the founders of AboutOne contacted me earlier this year and asked me to sit on their advisory board.  After hearing Joanne Lang's extremely professional presentation and vision for an on-line tool that would help busy moms get and stay organized, I was hooked.  Of course I was honored to be on their board!

Up until this point, the AboutOne team has been diligently in the background planning and programming the awesome new tool.  They are now needing your input to ensure that they are spending their development dollars in the right place.  (One of the things I like about this company is that they really care about what YOU think!)

If you have a few minutes, I'd love it if you would go to www.AboutOne.com and take their market survey.  It won't take long and it will help the team tremendously. 

A little about AboutOne:

Coming early in 2010, AboutOne is designed to help busy moms get organized, ->> it is a highly secure, on-line service that helps you quickly enter, track and organize your information and your household information, share pieces with family members and give you the ability from any location, 24/7 to find what you need in seconds.  

 

In addition to helping moms (and yes, dads you will love it too!) the AboutOne team is all about "giving back" too.  Here are three ways that they contribute on a bigger scale:

• free access for our Heroes (army, navy, fire etc) program
• sponsoring children in need
• giving time at events to raise money for cancer.  

Please help the team ensure that the product meets YOUR needs by taking the survey at www.AboutOne.com- it takes less than 10 minutes and you can win an iPod Touch every month too.

Oh!  They will be participating in the Great Organizing Giveaway too!

To your success!

PS -- This is the last post for this week.  Next week be on the look out for my guest posters.  Please show them some love and comment on the blog. :-D

 

With a Little Help From My Friends

Hello!  I hope that you are doing fantastic. 

I wanted to give you a little heads up about some short-term changes for my blog.  Tomorrow, I will go into our local hospital for abdominal surgery.  They tell me that I'll be "out of it" for about two weeks or so.  As much as it might be humous to see what I would write while on pain medication, I'm not sure I would want any of it published.  :-)  With that in mind, I figured it would be a fantastic time to ask my colleagues to help me keep you informed!  So, over the next few weeks, you will continue to receive blog postings from me, but they will all be guest posts.  As soon as I'm recovered, I'll be back sharing more tips and client experiences.  I hope that you have a wonderful remainder of 2009 and a fabulous entry into 2010!

To your success!

PS -- If you did not read my post about the Great Organizing Giveaway, you must mark your calendars for January 25th!

I am so excited and I just had to tell you about it!

January is Get Organized Month and I decided to celebrate it big this year!  As you know, I have some fabulous colleagues in the productivity and organizing industry.  This past year, many of them have contributed their knowledge to blog postings and special reports I've coordinated.  We've had so much fun pulling those together that we decided to do it again, but bigger and better!

Want a Paper Planner for 2010? Check out these Great Reviews by @JanetBarclay

Janet Barclay of Your Organizing Business wrote a great post a few days ago that recapped how she is choosing her planner for 2010.  In her post Paper Planners: The Showdown, Janet talks about how she solicited recommendations from her readers (most all Professional Organizers) and boy did she get some great suggestions.

"The recommendations I received fit into three main categories: traditional, downloadable/printable, and innovative, so I’m grouping my comments accordingly."  Janet Barclay

This is a must read post if you are looking for that perfect paper planner.  You may come to the same conclusion as Janet, or you may find that your needs are totally different, but you will get a fabulous overview of some of the most popular planning systems today.

Have a planning system you love?  Tell me about it. 

To your success!

PS -- If you've enjoyed this post and want to see more, why not subscribe to our daily emails (Feedblitz) or through the RSS Feed (click here)?  Or, follow us on Twitter!  Or connect on Facebook!

Be Smart About Using the Telephone

How much time do you lose playing "phone tag?"  I can't stand that game!  There are things you can do to eliminate that time waster, however. 

Start Today!

It is very rare anymore to actually talk to the person you want to reach the first time you call them.  Before you pick up the phone to make another call, consider what you are going to say when you get voice mail. 

The Great Calendar Debate - Paper or Electronic - 21 Experts Weigh In

We are in the home stretch of 2009 -- bring on 2010!!  One item frequently purchased at this time of year is a calendar or planner for the upcoming year. 

But, what is the right kind of planner to use?  Some say the traditional paper planner is the best, while others swear by their smart-phone or on line tool.  How do you decide what is best for you? 

Keep reading to learn what my colleagues and friends had to say about the "Great Calendar Debate."   They provide tips to help you decide as well as some recommended tools.

Do You Hate Your To-Do List? Try This Instead

"Stephanie, I make list after list after list, but never get anything done.  Half of the piles on my desk are lists that I've made at different points!" 

Dawn was exasperated and frustrated.  To do lists are great, but only if they work. 

Do You Have a Yeah/Yuckie List? Maybe You Should

I'm sure you are thinking, "Stephanie has lost her mind!"  A Yeah/Yuckie list?  That sounds like something kids would do and maybe it is, but today, we're going to talk about why you might want to make one of your own.

A Yeah/Yuckie list is a thought process you can go through to help you determine if you are spending your time wisely.

I've Had Enough and I'm Doing Something About It!

I've had a lot of clients over the yearsthat have waged war on their paper, but a while ago I received a letter in the mail that made me smile and say, "You GO Girl!" 

Mary and I had completed a strategy session that included ideas for how she could manage the ever mounting piles of paper in her home office.  She had good ideas about what she needed to keep and what to let go of, but over time, the piles had just accumulated and had grown to an overwhelming amount.  We came up with an idea that was fun and managed the situation really well.  I'll tell you about it today.  See if any of her statements resonate with you too.

Taking Time Off Improves Productivity

Would you like to see these things happen in your business?

• Better communication between team members
• Closer relationships and more shared personal information between team members
• Better planning
• More streamlined planning  
• Improved client service

Then you should consider encouraging (even better forcing) your staff to take time off in predictable patterns.  You will gain productivity benefits.  This according to the October issue of the Harvard Business Review who published a 4 year study on this very topic. 

Accelerate Your Earning Through Beefing Up Your Learning

Ever since I started thinking about starting my own business, I have been studying very successful business owners.  There are many things they have in common, but one major factor is that they are all constantly learning and growing. The majority do not achieve their high levels of success on their own.  

Don't Get Your Time Stolen -- 6 Mistakes to Avoid

You can't call the police and file a report on today's topic, but it is one of the worst thefts that can happen in life.  Time theft is stealth--it sneaks up on you.  Don't let this happen to you!  Today we need to be vigilant with our businesses.  Every expense must be reviewed, even investments of your time and energy.  Here are 6 areas for you to get under control this week and know you won't get your time stolen again.  First, the mistake --> then what you really should do.

How Do You De-Stress? My Tweeps & FB Friends Give Us Answers - Twitter Tuesday

Here we are at another Tuesday and my Tweeps have not let me down!  Today's post started with a statistic I shared on my social networking sites:

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention state unequivocally that 80% of our medical expenditures are stress related. http://bit.ly/3Mn9iC

Scary huh?!  In fact, my life used to reflect that statistic!  I have spent the last few years learning about stress and finding techniques that help me to live a happy healthy life.  I've learned that there are a number of different types of stress and depending on the type you are struggling with, you may have different ways to alleviate the irritant.

Anyway, the statistic led to other conversation and one of my readers said that she had no idea how she should de-stress.  So, I posed the question to my friends and here is what they do.  Don't see yours on the listing?  Scroll to the bottom of the page and add it!  There are a lot of people out there wanting to know!

Let Go!

--- "To reduce stress in your life, reduce your attachment to things." --- Judith Forsyth

Warm Water

--- "Sit in my hot tub with a glass of wine- total de-stressing!" --- Tom Larsen

--- I like this one too!  I had a doctor tell me to to soak my feet in warm water and then give myself a foot rub before bed and I would sleep soundly.  He was right!  Sometimes I enjoy a full jacuzzi bath or I will even go and get a pedicure.

Vision a Beautiful Place

--- "Picture being in Martinique and body surfing waves." --- @americannanny 

--- Research shows that if you can create a vision of a place that is clear in your mind, it is almost as good as being there!  Use vision boards to help you with this too.

Quiet/Reflective Activities

--- "I relieve stress with the NY Times crossword puzzle.  Sometimes it takes me all week to finish.  I savor the time working on it." --- @blannie1 

--- "10 min of mind-numbing Solitaire." --- @mdconcierge 

--- "CRAFTS! Either crochet or Scrap-booking. Some times just time with friends - we call going out for ice cream "cheese" so the kids won't want to come, too." --- Gretchen M. Fatouros 

--- "Knit" --- Shawna Knapp Collins 

--- "Massages!! They are wonderful! Especially if you incorporate aromatherapy into it and do a FULL body massage. I am amazed at the number of women that go for a massage and tell the therapist they don't want their hair and makeup messed up. There is a lot of relaxation to be had by having the face and head massaged!" --- Rhonda Shouse

--- I like massages too.  Get someone that really knows what they are doing and you can relieve physical stress for weeks.  Reflexology is worth a try too. 

--- I have a client that spends hours in her garden enjoying nature and watching things grow.

--- Another quiet activity is journaling.  When you take the time to write your thoughts out, you start to gain a deeper understanding of your own thoughts.  Also, the process of writing is actually healing!

--- I read - I have a few different categories for my reading.  One category is "enjoyment" and I do a little reading most nights.

 

Audio/Visual

---  "Watching TV is my escape.  The stress relief occurs when everyone goes 2 bed & the only noise is the TV.  I can relax & be calm." --- @rstevenw 

--- "A good Turner Classic Movie from the late 30's or 40's." --- Cheryl Vargas 

--- Music of many kinds can drip the stress away from my mind quickly!  If I'm tense from sitting at my desk all day, I might put on some dance music and dance in my office!  It loosens up the muscles and I always laugh when I dance which is a proven de-stresser.  If I am mentally drained, I have more low-key music that I listen to - Mozart, new age jazz or Jason Groban, etc.

--- While some people can de-stress by watching T.V., others can really de-stress by eliminating certain shows from their viewing practices.  Evaluate the types of shows you are watching.  How many of them are negative and how many of them are positive?  If you find that your ratio is more negative than positive, change it for 2 weeks and see how you feel.

 

Spiritual

--- "I meditate." --- Amye Price Gumbinner 

--- Meditation and prayer are great techniques for getting rid of stress.  Having a connection to something greater than you and connecting.

--- Practicing gratitude - start your day by listing--in your mind or in writing--ten things that you are grateful for.  It is really easy to focus on the things that are not going well in your life.  Force yourself to think of the things that are going well and you'll be amazed at how much better you feel.

 

Eat!

--- "Have a cookie!!" --- @ilovekookies 

--- "Eleviv.....Natural supplement that gives me a peace of mind like I have never felt before." --- Carla Anderson

--- "A good cry or chocolate seems to do the trick." --- Kathy McFeeters

--- I drink tea - Organic Peppermint tea to be exact.  Love the warm, comfort feeling and taste.

 

Family Time

--- "I go for a walk each afternoon with my children.  Works every time." --- @rbarberi 

--- I laugh - a LOT!  One of my favorite things to do is spend time with my son and that often leads to laughter.  We de-stress each other.

 

Physical Activities

--- "Punching bag!" --- @pamelaharper72 

--- "WORKOUT!! :-)" --- @fatlosstips4u & @llyounger

--- "Trap shooting - yes, I have a shotgun now." --- Shawna Knapp Collins 

--- Tai Chi is my newest favorite workout.  I've found it is relaxing and healing at the same time.  My son and I also enjoy the Wii Fit balance games for a combination of laughter and workout!

 

Cleaning (Really?  Yes, Really!)

--- "Cleaning (dishes, dusting, vacuuming, etc.) + organizing + exercise... in that order =)" --- @dallisonlee 

--- "I scrub-a-dub w/rubber gloves, brush, bucket + fave potion.  Burns calories+sparkling surfaces.  Smells good 2 --- @metrozing 

 

Enjoying Our Animals  

--- "Walking my dogs - it's a great way to meet the neighbors; I believe we should be more like those relaxed people in colorado and bring our dogs to work." --- Shawna Knapp Collins

--- I'm with Shawna on this one for sure.  My puppy, Danny, and I go for walks and play catch.  The workout and laughter do a lot for stress relief. 

Want More Ideas? 

Check out Entrepreneurs You Must Learn To Relax - Here are 74 ideas to get you started on the TPE site.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS!!

What do you do to de-stress?  It is so important to have something that works for you! I know my readers would love your ideas.  Please leave your comment below. (Reading this in email?  click here to share your comment)

Like what you've read?  Then you must share it!  People need de-stressing now!  Choose one of the buttons at the bottom of this post and share away!

To your success!

PS -- If you've enjoyed this post and want to see more, why not subscribe to our daily emails (Feedblitz) or through the RSS Feed (click here)?  Or, follow us on Twitter!  Or connect on Facebook!

 

Want to see their actual comments? Check out the pics below. click on the thumbnail to switch between the comments I got on Facebook and Twitter.

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Specializing in Chronic Disorganization is Not Easy, But Ellen Did It - Ellen Hankes Earns CPO-CD Designation!

Ellen Hankes is the 1st Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization (CPO-CD®) in both Nebraska and Iowa!

Ellen Hankesis one of our AWESOME consultants at Calahan Solutions, Inc. and I'm writing today totally thrilled and excited for her as she takes the next step on her professional journey.  Ellen does not toot her horn very often, so I want to toot it for her! 

When Ellen started working with us she joined the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization and immediately began growing her skills and knowledge.  This month she became a Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization (CPO-CD®). 

The CPO-CD® student spends 17-20 months of intensive time studying and applying this learning in practical application with current clients. The purpose of the NSGCD CPO-CD® program is to develop a Professional Organizers skills and knowledge by utilizing a coaching style relationship.  The CPO-CD® program is specifically geared to improve the quality of service, techniques and knowledge a Professional Organizer provides to their Chronically Disorganized clients.

Ellen's focus for work is helping those that have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD or Hoarding find peace in their daily lives both at home and at work. 

If you have a minute, jump over to Ellen's blog and tell her congratulations. 

To your success!

PS -- If you've enjoyed this post and want to see more, why not subscribe to our daily emails (Feedblitz) or through the RSS Feed (click here)?  Or, follow us on Twitter!  Or connect on Facebook!

We love getting your questions!  Ask one or many!  We review questions on a regular basis and publish in one of our blogs or newsletter.

Sometimes You Just Need a Template - Excel Templates for Business & Home

TGIF!  Today's post is short but sweet (hey I have to give out something sweet around Halloween!) with a great no cost resource I found a few days ago.  If you have a need for tools that help you with your budgets, loans, calendars, financial statements, business forms, contacts, diet and fitness, lists, sports pools, home organization, or childcare then you should check out this site. 

They offer no cost downloadable spreadsheets for a number of business and personal needs.  Each template that they have created work in Excel and some even work in Open Office and Google Docs.All templates on this site work in Excel. Most also work in Open Office and Google Docs.

Added bonus: If you are looking for tips on effective use of Excel, you can find them on the site too. 

Go there now! http://www.practicalspreadsheets.com/index.html  Check it out and let me know what you think.

Please Share!

I'd love your help spreading the word.  Click one of the buttons below and share with your network.

To your success!

PS -- If you've enjoyed this post and want to see more, why not subscribe to our daily emails (Feedblitz) or through the RSS Feed (click here)?  Or, follow us on Twitter!  Or connect on Facebook!

One Key to Success - Make SMART Goals and Write Them Down

Brian Tracy, motivational speaker, says,

“What does it take to succeed on a big scale? A tremendous God-given talent? Inherited wealth? A decade of postgraduate education? Connections? Fortunately for most of us, what it takes is something very simple and accessible: clear, written goals.”

According to Brian Tracy, a study of Harvard graduates found that after two years, the 3 percent who had written goals achieved more financially than the other 97 percent combined!

I'm Amazed and Honored to be a Finalist for the Most Innovative Organizer Award! Vote Today!

I'm shouting from the rooftops, I’m so excited!  Calahan Solutions, Inc. has been nominated for Most Innovative Organizer by NAPO-LA (the Los Angeles chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers)!  The Most Innovative Organizer is given to the professional organizer who is blazing trails within the industry in terms of his or her business structure, website, products, or services.

I did not even know that I had been nominated, so when I got the call earlier last week, I was in shock.  If you don't know, this is like the Oscars of the organizing world! There are only four other nominees for this category out of the whole world wide web! WOW! I'm honored to be in the company of some really amazing people and businesses.  To make it even better, I'm associated with a number of them too! 

How to Waste Time and Lose Money Networking

We have all heard the phrase, it is not what you know, but who you know (and in today's social networking environment it is even about who they know!)  On Wednesday I had the pleasure of attending a fantastic business women's conference.  (Look to the right and you'll see the awesome Cindy Fleming on the left, Martha Mayhood Mertz on the right and I'm in the center.)  Connections with the right people put you on the path to success. Being able to leverage your people networks saves you time, energy, and money.

As I walked through the exhibit hall on Wednesday, I did a lot of observing.  I saw a lot of talking and interaction, but I wondered if actual networking was occurring.  Networking is an extremely important component for most businesses, yet there are many people that don't do it right.  They miss the most important step that must be done right --- the follow up. 

How to Get Your Rear in Gear for the End of the Year - Kill Common Distractions

Can you believe we are already in October?!  It is the last quarter of 2009 already.  Time to kick your rear into gear!  That is hard sometimes.  We have distractions coming at us from many different directions.  It's time to get focused people!

Today I'm running off to a fabulous business conference, so I'm keeping my post short and referencing you to a great post by Meryl Evans, who offers 17 ways to kill common distractions a few days ago.  Take a look at it and begin applying his tips right away!

What other distractions do you face? How do you handle them? Please leave your comment below. Like what you've read?  I'd love it if you would click the ShareThis link below and share this post with your social networking friends.

To your success!

PS -- If you've enjoyed this post and want to see more, why not subscribe to our daily emails (Feedblitz) or through the RSS Feed (click here)?  Or, follow us on Twitter!  Or connect on Facebook!

Reader Asks: How can we organize paperwork for more room & keep our bills/receipts in order?

This week, Jennifer from Knoxville, Tennessee wrote us with a paper and space question:

Hello. My parents are owners of a restaurant and I believe we have outgrown our little building how can we organize our paperwork to give us more room and to keep our bills and receipts in order? 

Jennifer:  This problem comes up at least once in the life of every small business.  Here are some things you can do to fight the mounding piles of paper:

Organizing & Productivity News Headlines

Don't have time to surf the net for the latest organizing and productivity news?  No problem!  Keep reading to see some of the latest headlines and blog posts on the net.

Twitter Tuesday - My Tweeps Share Their Favorite Online Productivity Tools

Every once-in-a-while, I fire a question out to my Twitter friends.  This time, I asked:

What is your favorite online productivity tool? 

Check out the great replies that I got from my "Tweeps."  If you like what they have to say, make sure to follow them for more great ideas!

How much time does Web 2.0 take and Preview of New LinkedIN Prod. Tool

Today's post is really short, but I wanted to share a great post that talks about how to look at your social networking.  The author gives some fantastic resources and perspective on how long various social networking activities take.  Check it out!  http://virl.com/dbdb3/

Also, LinkedIN just came out with a new way to manage your contacts on LinkedIN.  Check out this short video to learn more.

To your success!

Twitter Tuesday - Favorite Time Management Tips from my Tweeps

Every once-in-a-while, I fire a question out to my Twitter friends.  This time, I asked:

What is your favorite time management tip? 

Check out the great replies that I got from my "Tweeps."  If you like what they have to say, make sure to follow them for more great ideas!

Monday Motivation: Evaluate Your Current Position for Business Success

If you are like many business owners, this economic downturn has you looking at your business in different ways.  Are you and your staff as effective as you could be?  Maybe it is time for a business review.

My colleague from Connecticut, Carrie Dubray of www.OrganizedbyDubray.com, shared a great exersize for this very thing.  Check it out and try it!

Tumblr as an Organizing Tool? Sure! Says one of my readers

I've told you before that I'm on Twitter.  I share all kinds of short bits out there, but I also ask questions.  The other day, I asked "What is your favorite on line productivity tool."  I got some really great responses and you can find them all marked in my Twitter favorites. 

Anyway, my buddy Vikki aka @snootyvixentold me that Tumblr was her favorite.  That had me curious because I knew Tumblr as an on-line bookmarking site.  Never thought of it as a productivity tool.  So I asked her and she shared her strategy with me.  Now, I'll share it with you!

Emergency Planning for my ILLINOIS Readers and Friends - New Resource with the DMV

We never really want to think about the terrible things that can happen in our lives, but sometimes it is important to think of them long enough to make a plan so that the emergency is handled as well as it can be. 

The State of Illinois has a new program that can help emergency personnel get in contact with your emergency contacts.  One of my favorite sources of local health information and colleague is Maureen Sollars.  She shared the information below (Thanks Maureen!):

Don't blame your clutter on someone else

When you were growing up, who cleaned your room?  Who decided when things needed to dissapear?  How did the stuff get cleared?

Weird questions?  Maybe, but for many of us our childhood stuff was managed by our parents/care-givers.  They took care of the stuff.  Or, the stuff did not have a home and stayed where it landed.

"In either case, the child never learned how to facilitate stuff deletion," wrote one of my new organizing and Twitter buddies Janice Russell (@MYM_Organizing).

It is More than OK to Hit the DELETE Key - Learn How Now

Hit the DELETE Key Often!  With the ever increasing amounts of electronic mail that we get, it is OK to hit the delete key.

I have found, however, that there are many people that are uncomfortable with that action.  Today I will share how one client and I worked through her barrage of email to put systems in place and manage a backlog of 1,000s of emails.

Entrepreneurs You Must Learn To Relax - Here are 74 ideas to get you started

Hey there!  I hope that you are having a FANTASTIC day so far. 

I wanted to let you know TPE picked another one of my tips.  (Yippie!) I was thrilled they were focusing on this topic because so many of my clients tell me that they struggle with relaxing.  Who can blame you?  As a business owner, there are thousands if not millions of things that run through your head on a regular basis.

However, it is a REALLY important business skill to master.  If you don't take time out to relax you become foggy and less productive. 

Mike--from TPE---pulled together 74 of his contributors to create a post just for you.  The great thing about his posts is that he makes it really easy to skim.  Look at each item's quick title (in bold) and decide if you want to read the detail. 

I'd love to hear what you think the best tip is or if you have one that is not listed.

Be well.

To your success!

 

www.NetworkWithSteph.com

Must see video - Gain Control of Your Paper

Paper is by far the #1 reason people contact us.  The paperless office that was promised back int the late 70s / early 80s never happened.  My friends at the Monticello Corporation created a new video that does a great job of talking about how to gain control of paper.  Take a watch and tell me what you think!

Can you manage your time? Read - learn the secret - then weigh in on the conversation

I have prospects contact me all of the time asking me to help them with their time management.  Of course, we want to help them too!  Today there are so many different things that we have on our lists to do.  How do we get it all done?  Why is it that some people seem to get more done than others?  Are they smarter?  Not really.  They just know the secret.