Entrepreneur: Organize Thyself!

Entrepreneur: Organize Thyself!

Owning a business requires expert organizing skills in
order to keep on top of everything. Follow these steps
and make more time in your work day.

1. Make a list of all your responsibilities as a business
owner. Prioritize them. Income-producing tasks should
be at the top of your list. Place your prioritized list on
your computer monitor. This will help you focus.

2. Make a list of everything that MUST be done each
week. Note the amount of time needed for each task.

3. Reserve ten minutes each evening to schedule the
next day. Generally, schedule only 70% of your time to
allow for interruptions and emergencies. Be sure to draw
from your list of things that must be done. Try to set
up time blocks where you work on a specific area (for
example, marketing) for a certain amount of time before
you move on to finances.

4. Organize your office by category. For example, place
all your marketing files and information in one place.
Put all your financial paperwork together. This will help
you focus on one project at a time. It is also a time-
saver.

5. Set up a paper processing system. A step file system
holds about 7 files. Make files: Do, Read, Awaiting
Answer, Consider, Refer, Ideas. Sort your paper as it
arrives.

6. Take the time to set up a proper filing system. This
means that you can find the information you want when
you want it.

7. Learn to use your computer. Find out how you can take
full advantage of it. Invest in classes or at least purchase
how-to books for each program in your system.

8. Spend some "creative" time just thinking and reading
about ideas that could improve your business. Even 15
minutes per day spent listening to motivational tapes in
your car can result in some effective strategies.

Organize your office as well as your time. Use lists to
keep yourself focused and on track. Remember that being
organized is a process at which you must continually work.
Spending a few hours organizing yourself today will save
you hundreds of hours in the future.

Barbara Myers is a professional organizer and author.
Free tips booklet and e-zine to help you take control of
your time by organizing your life. Visit
http://www.ineedmoretime.com