DEALING WITH THE MUNDANE
Our daily lives as small business owners are filled with doing whatever it takes to keep things rolling. You put on your sales hat and hit the road to keep and create new clients. Back in the warehouse you put on your project hat and get to work building your product. In the front office you quickly put on your manager hat to deal with an HR issue. Whatever your day brings, you’ve got the perfect hat and you get it done. Do you have a hat for the mundane?
How’s your desk? Is it organized so that you can keep working and find things at the same time? How about those files, are they up to date or is there a big pile of filing to do? Yes, all of these things may not feel like they will make you any money, or get your product out the door faster, but have a clean, organized workspace makes you more efficient. Organized people accomplish much more and focus on what they want to achieve.
Set aside some time to organize and get your space, files, and office up to date. It can be very refreshing and motivating to see the top of your desk! Did you know that reducing clutter reduces stress? Make a plan and decide on a system. A big fancy system isn’t always the best. Think about how you work and your style and do what works for you. If you need help, look for someone that specializes in organizing. If you have a lot to organize this might be the best route so that you can keep your business moving at the same time.
Here are a few areas to start with.
- Clean and organize your desk, drawers, and files.
- Don’t let the papers stack up! File what you need to and shred or discard the extras.
- Back up your computer! This is a big one and an important one. Don’t lose all of your hard work in the event of your computer crashing, a theft, or a natural disaster. There are companies online that you can set up an auto back-up system and it will do it for you.
- Go through your contact lists and update information.
- Create a binder of important information. For example, you can include things like your insurance info, business license, important contacts, etc, in a binder you can store off site, or grab quickly in case of an emergency.
These few items may take a while but are worth it in the long run.
After it’s all put back together, schedule an appointment every week to get organized. If it’s on the calendar then the time will be blocked out. It will help you begin a great habit and you won’t be looking at the mess wishing it was gone!
Make it a great day!
“For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned.” Benjamin Franklin
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