My Organized Biz

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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Numerous businesses conduct Open House promotions before the holidays to introduce gift products, update customers on products and services, enjoy refreshments and have fun. 
These might consist of simply a gathering at one’s home (if you operate an online or home business) or a time for greeting customers at your walk-in shop.
How do you organize?

Set a date and time.
Determine whether you’ll have scheduled hours or simply be open for customers and prospective customers stopping by.
Will you demonstrate products?
Will you serve refreshments?  If so, determine what they’ll be.  If you sell food items in your business, serve samples of these.
Prepare invitations to …read more

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Which type of calendar or planner do you find most effective?  There are many types and many ways to organize.  Some people use just one type; others combine print and electronic.  Nowadays, there are even systems you can download to your cell phone or iphone.

Franklin Planner or similar
Simple notebook
Address book with yearly calendar
Schedule book with calendar
Wall calendar combined with one in your pocket or purse
Calendars for different businesses or types of activities
Calendars for business and family
Calendars on the computer

What do you prefer?

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Whether your business involves writing or not, if you’ve become online and social media saavy, you may be spending too much time involved in these activities, thus be less productive in your business.

Writers use the Internet to research, contact writers and editors, and to touch bases with customers/clients.  However, they often become involved in answering e-mails and spending time unrelated to their business on social media such as Facebook and Twitter.  (Just a quick look can evolve into an hour or more!)
Quilters and other artists may browse around related sites and groups looking for particular information and find themselves two hours later still …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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As I work at other desks during my substitute teaching, or have occasion to view them, I’ve become more aware of the various types of items used for keeping one’s papers, pencils, books, notebooks, paper clips, rubber bands, etc. together. 
I’ve gradually discovered, that those who use some type of organizer for their desk top and other work areas generally have a more orderly area.
I’m able to find the items they want me to use easier and more quickly.  Organizers seem to save time and have needed items at one’s fingertips.  Now the person who works there most of the time may find …read more

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When you have to travel for a business conference and take time away from routine work and office, how do you organize?

Determine what has to be done before you leave and what can be put aside until you return.
Make a list of what you absolutely must get done (along with your packing).
With online writing, you usually can post or publish ahead.  For instance, I can post ahead on my blogs.  With my newspaper column, I must write it earlier than usual and e-mail it to my editor before I leave.  (That reminds me…I must write my column today.)
If you have …read more

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In answer to the question, “What are you struggling with (in organizing)?” in a previous post, one reader responded:
I’m struggling with piles and piles of letters and other documents going back 8 months that need weeded, shredded, filed,….. ! I spend more energy agonising about getting it done – because I know it will demand a fairly full day of my life – that I likely would just doing it.
The reader mentioned she liked the suggestions mentioned here at My Organized Biz.  Hopefully by following some of them…what about 20 Minutes a Day of Organization…will help her make a dent …read more

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Are you organizing yourself to align with the “green” movement sweeping our country…and the world?  This doesn’t mean you have to go to the extreme and incorporate some foolish ideas that seem popular but actually aren’t affecting the environment at all.
However, by researching how you can incorporate “green” (reusing, upusing, recycling, etc.) into your business, you may attract more customers and clients.  On the other hand, if you emphasize “green to the extreme,” you may turn some people away.  You need a balance.
Look into office supplies and see how you can save, reuse, and recycle.  Are you being most effective …read more

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Since the invention of sticky notes, I’ve discovered many uses for them and love to find all types and colors.  I consider that they help me keep organized.  Some people may think I make too frequent use of a good thing!
I like to use them in the little notebooks for organizing my blog writing.  I list the posts I’ve published, then use a sticky note on the page to jot down ideas for future posts.  As I use the ideas, I cross them off.
I have an outside-the-home job, and work different hours and days each week.  So I jot my schedule …read more

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