Karen Keller
Think I'm talking about the Oprah factor? No, not this time. This particular O factor, which can be a challenge for practically every woman in business, is critically important to your success. What is it? It's Organization - with a capital O!
Now I know it stands to reason that organization of your business files, both paper and digital, and your calendar, etc., pretty much go with the territory. Most of us think we're organized (we are women, after all). But the question is, are you maximizing your time by filing things properly when you need to, or do you fall into the throw-it-on-the-to-be-filed-later stack that seems to just get bigger and bigger?
How many times have you put a contract, proposal or presentation aside one afternoon while you handle a client emergency, only to be frustrated the next morning when you can't find the information when preparing for a call?
The following 3 tips are probably not news to you but reminders are great at any time!
Cut the clutter. Are there one or more mad and messy piles of paperwork on your desk? Are the files in your filing cabinet bulging with papers from more than a year ago? Take a Saturday or Sunday off and do a major clean out. The more organized your papers are, the more on top of things and clear-minded you'll feel.
Delegate. If you're like most solo business owners, you've come to realize you can't do everything yourself. When you try to, you're much more likely to drop balls, and then customer satisfaction will take a nose dive, too. If you think you can't afford a little help, think again. Weigh the costs of being harried and overwhelmed versus the peace of mind of everything running like clockwork. Have a small budget? Start off small. Hire a temp or a virtual assistant for just a few hours a week or month and delegate all those pesky little things that get you tied up in knots or things you hate to do.
Simplify. This means simplify ALL your procedures. Be strict when it comes to filing papers. Like the paper tigers say, handle a piece of paper only once (file, toss, etc.). Pare down your calendar if you're overloaded with appointments, client meetings and personal To Dos. Make realistic daily goals for your work that don't get you into overwhelm. Leave plenty of time between calls, and focus on one task at a time. Yes, this means turn off that phone, don't check email, and don't browse your social networks. Multi-tasking is no longer a premium way of handling your day.
Optimize how you organize, and become really conscious about how you handle things throughout the day. Learn to recognize your emotional connection to what's happening, and lessen whatever stressors you can. The more you get a handle on time and paper management, the more you'll be in the driver's seat of your business. Your business is your baby. Bring the O factor to work every day, and watch how it helps you grow!
[This is only one of the many powerful articles in this week's Influence It! Real Power for Women free ezine. To enjoy the full issue, jam packed with insightful information on strategies to enhance your personal and professional life to achieve ultimate success, you must be a subscriber. Sign up for your own free subscription NOW by clicking here!]
