My Organized Biz

With so much concern centering around saving the environment and “going green,” we almost feel guilty if we aren’t doing more. 
Some of the strategies almost seem counterproductive though, taking more time, energy and expense than merited to cut down on energy, trash, and to utilize resources that don’t pollute.  This doesn’t mean that we neglect doing what we can, in our way, to make our world a safer place. 
We simply have to balance the the information and find out what is extreme and really not useful, while sifting out what will really prove helpful.
Perhaps to remind ourselves to keep “going green” …read more

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I discovered the handy aspect of a manuscript or letter clipboard near one’s computer. 
When I was subbing for a secretary at a nearby school, I noticed the upright clipboard affair next to her computer screen.
When I needed to type on her word processor, I discovered how handy it was to have my paper on the clipboard and glace at it there rather than down on the desk.
If you’re not using it for  manuscript or letter drafts, you can clip memos, reminders or photos there.  Inspirational sayings also would be ideal on the clipboard when not in use for other tasks.
I’ll …read more

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Instead of cold, black containers for pencils, pens, folders, sticky notes and such, why not personalize them? 
Yes, it depends on the look you want to achieve.  Some offices may give a more professional message if you use the efficient office supply items.
However, home offices and those with less formal appearance may benefit from personalized containers.  Also, your attitude may be affected positively with these items around you.
Take cans or jars and personalize with artistic designs.  Use mixed media techniques or simply cover with paper, photos or art work.  Some of this might reflect work that you do in your business.  …read more

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While substitute teaching today, I saw another interesting organizer on the teacher’s desk.  This one had an adjustable desk lamp attached, actually coming from the back. 
Then surrounding it on the organizer was a round container for pen, pencils and markers.  Various slots enabled you to place note pads and sticky notes within reach.  Other depressions were for paper clips and similar items.
This got me thinking about other types of desk lamps, not necessarily attached to an organizer.  They might be simply serviceable.  Or they could be colorful, antique, or modernistic. 
My granddaughter purchased a small desk lamp for her desk at college because she …read more

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When I asked for readers to share their organizational ideas, Christina Hale wrote this comment, which I decided to use as a guest post:
I am often made fun of for my obsession with office supplies because I am always cleaning and reorganzing things. I have issues with my work space currently because we have such a small area to work in, and I have way too many projects going on at once.

Have you ever tried something like a writing binder? You can organize it in many different ways depending on the type of writing that you do. I have one that is for …read more

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Having trouble finding the office supplies and tools to organize your work  space?  You hear people talking about all the neat items they’re using, but you draw a blank.

Browse through office supply catalogs
Look around office supply stores
Ask questions of clerks in office supply stores
Search the web for new supplies in use
Read blogs about organizing
Ask others who have well organized offices where they found the items
Keep your eyes open as you visit offices
By trial and error you will find what works for you.  But don’t make huge investments until you’ve investigated the possibilities.

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Why not get organized by entering a giveaway for Avery office or school supplies at Karen’s Little Fun Little Learning blog?  Even though the items offered are listed as school supplies, too, they may come in handy for your organization because they include: highlighters, glue sticks, binders, sheet protectors, dividers and other items.
I haven’t run any giveaways on my blogs lately, but do search for nice ones on other blogs and occasionally point my readers there.  Why not check out Karen’s
at Little Fun Little Learning with her Avery School & Office Supply Giveaway.
This giveaway of Avery school and office supplies runs through …read more

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Previously I wrote, Are You a Sticky Note Freak? and explained how I used sticky notes for organizing.  I also have this tendency to collect sticky notes.
So if you have a friend who likes to organize with sticky notes, perhaps you’ve discovered just the thing to give when you need a gift.  I’m forever on the lookout for unusual sticky notes, as well as note paper.  Then I have them on hand for my organizing, for attaching as an eye-catcher with my correspondence, and just for fun to brighten my day.
Some that have caught my eye:

Those in the shape of fruit …read more

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Do you have favorite colors you use in your orginazional techniques?  Are these colors that you like?  Are they traditional colors for specific topics?  Do you designate categories with colors, groups of people with colors, different topics with colors, specific years with colors, etc.?  Or do you use the same color for everything?  Do certain people in your office/business have their own color?
Here are items that often come into play with color coding in organizing:

Paper clips
File folders
Hanging folders
Sticky notes
Notepaper
Memo sheets
3 x 5 and other file cards
Photocopy paper
In/out files
Filing cabinets

I like to organize with different colors.  Now just to get everything …read more

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What do you need in your office to keep you organized and more productive?  Are there tools that will help you perform your tasks in less time, but accurately?
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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