Archive for August, 2008
Organizing your filing system
Posted by: | CommentsIf you are planning on organizing your filing system, then the one thing I want you to do above all other things- is create a map of your files. A registry listing each and every file. I follow David Allen’s GTD system which advises an A-Z system. I hated it when I heard it. I was accustomed to filing by association and groups, but now I’m a believer in the A-Z system. I’m a convert. Now, I do break down my files into a few different categories and I store them separately by these categories as well. For instance, I keep all my work files in one file drawer A-Z. I then keep all my personal working files in an A-Z system in a separate cabinet or drawer. I keep this years financial files in their own system. This one is not A-Z. It’s separated based on income, expenses and bills. Last but not least I keep all important financial files in a fire/proof water/proof safe.
The File Map is still the cog that holds the whole system together. I refer to it every time I file and whenever I conduct my weekly review. Sometimes I think, I don’t have a file for that yet, but to my amazement I do. One little trick to keeping the File Map accurate is to make a note of each new file you add. Periodically add those new files to the Map and your system has no holes in it.
The Organized Virtual Office Worker
Posted by: | CommentsThe trend is growing and I’ve seen stats that say 1 out of 2 workers will be either home based businesses owners- work at home contractors or small business owners by the year 2010. Wow- the corporate world is certainly shrinking, isn’t it?
You can see the trends before your eyes. Go to any small coffee shop or cafe. Look at all the people conducting meetings and working online. Just start asking the question- where is your office? You’ll be shocked how many times you here the answer- I work out of my home. What about the growing trend of home based business owners? When Warren Buffet starts acquiring network marketing companies and large corporations start using the same business model- take note.! What about the number of people starting small businesses these days. It’s staggering. How many people do you know that are with the same corporation that they were 5 years ago? What about 3?
What does this mean? It means a huge paradigm shift in the employment model. It raises questions about how one maintains efficiency and effectiveness while working from the home. How does one organize the office?
First, the most crucial thing you’ll need to think about is where is the office going to be?
Instead of telling you exactly what you should do, given that I don’t have any idea of your unique situation-all I can do is offer some very good thought provoking questions.
Do you have children.. do you plan to.. if so when.. if so how old are they .. if not do you have pets?
Assuming you have small children- what floor do they spend most time on while you “work”?
Does you work require phone conversations often?
Do you plan on having a high speed cable connection or a phone dsl?
Will you have a wireless network, a wired network or both?
Do you store many files? Should you?
Is your software tied to your PC or is most of it web-based?
Do you have good self discipline and self control?
Do you need separate phone or fax lines? Are you thinking about an alternative like Vonage? Or do you just use a cell phone?
Will there be others in the home using the Internet or sharing a printer?
Will your spouse share you office or will there be a separate office/home management area?
If these questions have your head spinning, give me a call. With our organizational coaching program we can save you time, money and frustration by taking time to plan upfront.
PC versus MAC
Posted by: | CommentsI have never even thought much about the PC verses MAC debate until recently. I can recall people talking about this debate when I first came into the workforce back in the mid 90’s. I remember a coworker at Prudential named Cliff Canevera who was a big MAC user. He would tell me that he would never buy a car that crashed daily, so he chose not to buy a computer that did the same.
Through the years I would encounter other MAC users who felt the same way. Again I have never had a strong feeling until lately. Well I’m sold on the simplicity of MAC’s and the whole Apple portfolio compared to PC’s. As soon as I get the funds set aside I’m going to pull the trigger and move to MAC.
I’ve joined Faithful Organizers
Posted by: | CommentsThis is a web based yahoo networking group for Christian Professional Organizers.
They have a list serve to share problems and questions. They also have a referral link through their website.
I haven’t experimented much yet, but I was excited to see a Christian group focused on organizational professionals.
