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| | The Minding Your Own Business Network is not currently active and cannot accept new posts | | Getting Organized for 2005 | Views: 795 | | Jan 25, 2005 3:19 pm | | Getting Organized for 2005 | # | 
Andrea Michalek | | I run my own business - and one of my big challenges is getting (and staying) organized. Since I run my business from my home - this can be especially challenging.
I was wondering if anyone on this list had some tips on what's worked for them.
I've also been collecting some articles from across the web on this subject for posting on my Unit of 1 website - so if you have read anything helpful - please let me know the link.
Thanks!
Andrea
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Andrea Michalek
www.topular.com - custom news engine
www.unitof1.com - resources for (very) small business ownersPrivate Reply to Andrea Michalek | | Jan 25, 2005 4:40 pm | | re: Getting Organized for 2005 | # | 
Robyn Kiely-Rivero | | Hi Andrea,
"Getting Things Done" by David Allen has helped me get and stay organized. I've read a lot of articles and tips about organization, but this was the only strategy that really resonated with me.
Good luck!
Robyn Kiely-Rivero
Kiely-Rivero inc. Business Communications
http://www.kiely-rivero.com
> Andrea Michalek wrote:
> I run my own business - and one of my big challenges is getting (and staying) organized. Since I run my business from my home - this can be especially challenging. >I was wondering if anyone on this list had some tips on what's worked for them.Private Reply to Robyn Kiely-Rivero | | Jan 25, 2005 5:48 pm | | re: Getting Organized for 2005 | # | 
Inez Ng | | Andrea:
I consider myself a fairly organized person, and I am happy to share what works for me. I plan my schedule one week at a time, so I know what appointments I have, and I also block out time for projects and things I want to get done, including exercising.
I make a list everyday of the most important things I want to accomplish for that day, and it has kept on focused on what I need to do, instead of being distracted by emails etc. I don't get overly ambitious and put a lot of items on the list. If I have time to tackle other things I do, but those items on the list are what I concentrate on.
I break out projects into chunks and put that on my list. So, instead of saying I will work on a ebook, I may say, spend one hour on ebookd so there is defintely a completion metric.
I hope this helps.
I publish a monthly ezine and my Jan featured article is "How to plan your day and stick to your plan". If you are interested, I'll send you a copy.
Inez Ng
www.Realizationsunltd.comPrivate Reply to Inez Ng | | Jan 25, 2005 7:37 pm | | re: re: Getting Organized for 2005 | # |
Andrea Michalek | | Thanks for the advice.
I've tried many organizational systems over the years - and actually consider myself an organized person - but things broke down for me last year.
So far, in 2005, things have been going much better, but there's always room for improvement.
My biggest problem is that I have several "tracking" systems - and they haven't integrated all that well. So, I have a system for tracking prospects and the communication with them, a project management system for ongoing clients, etc.
I've been trying to have one master to-do list where I record each to-do with urgency, importance, area, item description, status, and next steps. I use excel for this and have separate tabs for today, later, dead, and completed.
I've been spending the first 10 minutes in the morning setting up the today tab and then updating the spreadsheet, and resorting it as the day progresses.
That seems to be helping a lot.
The other thing I've been forcing myself to do on days when I'm at my desk is not to check and respond to email as quickly. I try to let it queue up a little first, and then do it in batches.
I'm looking forward to seeing if anyone else has tips that work for them.
All best,
Andrea
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Andrea Michalek
www.topular.com - custom news engine
www.unitof1.com - resources for (very) small business owners
Private Reply to Andrea Michalek | | Jan 25, 2005 9:53 pm | | re: Getting Organized for 2005 | # | 
Mitch Mitchell | | Greetings,
When I get my mind together, I use the program from Get Clients Now by C.J. Hayden. It allows you to set a 28 day plan, giving you weekends off thankfully, and helps you gauge your progress. I highly recommend it.
Mitch Mitchell
Changing Attitudes and Perceptions for Unlimited Growth
http://www.ttmitchellconsulting.com
> Andrea Michalek wrote:
> I run my own business - and one of my big challenges is getting (and staying) organized. Since I run my business from my home - this can be especially challenging.
>
>I was wondering if anyone on this list had some tips on what's worked for them.
>
>I've also been collecting some articles from across the web on this subject for posting on my Unit of 1 website - so if you have read anything helpful - please let me know the link.
>
>Thanks!
>Andrea
>
>----------------------------------
>Andrea Michalek
>www.topular.com - custom news engine
>www.unitof1.com - resources for (very) small business ownersPrivate Reply to Mitch Mitchell | | Jan 26, 2005 3:26 pm | | re: Getting Organized for 2005 | # | 
Terry Green | | Andrea,
Linda DePaz is a great source for answers regarding getting and staying organized.
Her link is http://www.BeClutter-Free.com
She's on Ryze too.
TerryPrivate Reply to Terry Green | | Jan 27, 2005 4:25 am | | re: Getting Organized for 2005 | # | 
Deborah D. McAllister | | I agree with Mitch's reference to the incredible book, Get Clients Now by C.J. Hayden. I keep the book on my home desk and refer to it offer. The program really helps you get and stay focus for a manageable period of time.
I also work in my home work and it is my office. I do not share the room with anything but business related items (except my dog's bed). This helps me move from the 'home' mind set into the 'work' timeset. I schedule my breaking times as I did when I did not work from a home office. This allows me to multi-task with laundry, home errands, etc. and still remain focused.
Prior to beginning my own business ventures I was able to telecommute several times a month for several years and had to learn the hardway. I do not chat with friends until it is a scheduled break time so that I do not lose track of my time.
Good Luck,
Deborah D. McAllister
> Mitch Mitchell wrote:
> Greetings,
>
>When I get my mind together, I use the program from Get Clients Now by C.J. Hayden. It allows you to set a 28 day plan, giving you weekends off thankfully, and helps you gauge your progress. I highly recommend it.
>
>Mitch Mitchell
>Changing Attitudes and Perceptions for Unlimited Growth
>http://www.ttmitchellconsulting.com
>
>> Andrea Michalek wrote:
>> I run my own business - and one of my big challenges is getting (and staying) organized. Since I run my business from my home - this can be especially challenging.
>>
>>I was wondering if anyone on this list had some tips on what's worked for them.
>>
>>I've also been collecting some articles from across the web on this subject for posting on my Unit of 1 website - so if you have read anything helpful - please let me know the link.
>>
>>Thanks!
>>Andrea
>>
>>----------------------------------
>>Andrea Michalek
>>www.topular.com - custom news engine
>>www.unitof1.com - resources for (very) small business ownersPrivate Reply to Deborah D. McAllister | | |
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