Becky Scott, a former blogger at My Organized Biz, wrote a post, Basic Tools You Should Have in Your Arsenal.  Here she describes five items that good to have to get started or make your business operate more efficiently.  She describes why they’re important.

• Computer
• Printer
• E-mail
• Phone
• Filing System

What do you have to add to these basics?  What tools have you found handy for your particular business.

(Image: sxc.hu)

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His 2 philosophies of storing files on your computer are simple and logical:

Arrange your files according to how you think, not how someone else thinks for you.
Arrange them with a usage mindset, not a storage mindset.

Read the whole article on Adam’s blog and get the info you need to handle your files – you’ll be glad you did!

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Here are 3 tips to solve the snarl.

• A great product called the Ativa Burrito is a pouch with a velcro closure.
• Plastic twist-ties can hold cords together and also secure a series of loops so all the cords are the right length.
• The other great way to wrangle cords? Just put them where you can’t see them. Because humans are such visually-oriented critters, the cords won’t bug you near as much if you can’t see them.

What are your cord dilemmas? Have you found solutions that work for you? Care to share them?

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]]> http://www.myorganizedbiz.com/top-3-tangled-cord-solutions/feed/ 1 http://www.myorganizedbiz.com/how-to-use-two-monitors-and-why-it-helps/ http://www.myorganizedbiz.com/how-to-use-two-monitors-and-why-it-helps/#comments Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:57:25 +0000 Jennifer Hofmann http://www.myorganizedbiz.com/how-to-use-two-monitors-and-why-it-helps/ Post from: My Organized Biz
]]> (www.myorganizedbiz.com) - This topic is the first in a series of interviews with Brian Kelly, owner of Willamette Technical (that’s wil-AM-it, dammit), a computer services company in NW Oregon that specializes in data integrity for home, small, and medium business.

Jen: Hi, Brian! What’s a hot topic this month that helps the small or home business owner use technology for more productivity?

Brian: I want to talk about how to use two monitors instead of one – and how it can help your productivity and focus.

Jen: Cool! I’ve seen people do this – tell us about it.

Brian: Well, the way I see it, it’s the job of a business owner to effectively handle information and data as it goes in and out; things like email, work projects, billing, etc. Managing all of this effectively is part of your role.

Jen: You’re singing my song. That makes perfect sense.

Brian: You’ve probably noticed that every time you open a window, it takes time off from whatever you’re working on. If you have to focus on managing the display, you get distracted from the project and flow of your work.

For example, when you have to search through your email to find a piece of information, you can get distracted by a new email waiting for you. Having the open project in front of you on one screen while you search on the other can help you stay on track and help prevent wasted time.

Jen: This sounds great for people who are really visually-oriented.

Brian: Exactly. And you can configure it a variety of ways. One of the best systems is to use one monitor as your dashboard, displaying your calendar and email. While you do the actual work on the other monitor. It’s like having a paper calendar for structure and a notepad for writing and working.

Another system is to have your web browser open on one screen to do research, and the other one for the actual work in progress.

In either case, this structure allows you to seamlessly switch between a passive viewing window and the active working window without having to open or close anything. You can switch back and forth easily – and it’s great for staying focused.

Jen: So, if someone wants to set this up in their office, how do they do it?

Brian: Well, first you need two monitors – and they don’t even have to be the same dimensions. And for around $50, you can purchase a video card that supports dual monitors

The you just install the video card, connect the two monitors to it, and then configure your computer to recognize both of them. It sounds complicated, but it’s pretty straightforward.

If you’re not technically inclined, it’s inexpensive to do and worth every penny. Depending on your area, you can expect about $100-150 for a computer services company do it for you.

Jen: This is great – thanks for the tips, Brian!

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]]> http://www.myorganizedbiz.com/how-to-use-two-monitors-and-why-it-helps/feed/ 1 http://www.myorganizedbiz.com/ergonomics-1-preventing-computer-strain/ http://www.myorganizedbiz.com/ergonomics-1-preventing-computer-strain/#comments Sat, 09 Feb 2008 01:02:31 +0000 Jennifer Hofmann http://www.myorganizedbiz.com/ergonomics-1-preventing-computer-strain/ Post from: My Organized Biz
]]> This article is the first in a series about ergonomics.

Oh, but ergonomics is just for big companies, you say?

Well, yes, if you’re a disembodied head. But if you still have limbs and a spine, give some thought to ergonomics (the science of good working posture). Your body will thank you.

How to work with your computer to prevent strain and fatigue

Monitor

• monitor position is directly in front so do not have to twist head or neck
• top line of screen is at or below eye level
• monitor correct distance to read without leaning head, neck, or trunk
• no glare (e.g., from windows, lights) is present on the screen
• document holder is placed at same height and distance as monitor screen

Keyboard and mouse

• keyboard positioned so wrists flat and level
• keyboard tray stable and large enough to hold keyboard and mouse
• mouse is right next to keyboard so it can be operated without reaching
• wrists and hands do not rest on sharp or hard edge

The Occupational Safety And Health Administration is dedicated to assuring the safety and health of America’s workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. You may visit their website at www.osha.gov.

Content provided by OSHA and OnlineOrganizing.com – offering “a world of organizing solutions!” Visit www.onlineorganizing.com for organizing products, free tips, a speakers bureau, get a referral for a Professional Organizer near you, or get some help starting and running your own organizing business.

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