Organizing and creating functional spaces is a personal passion, which I turned into a career.  I was not born a naturally organized (read: uncluttered) person, and had to learn and discover why it is beneficial to have order in one’s life and workspace.  However, to be real, my young son, family and the nagging need to have a life makes a magazine cover ready space impossible.   Come on, we are all real people with busy lives!  It’s important to start somewhere.

That being said, enough was enough… maybe you can relate

Around the time my son was born, I realized I could no longer tolerate the piles of unused items, paper and clutter.  Something had to be done!  I didn’t have a clue what I was doing – I just took action and got started.  Like any permanent change it took work – LOTS of it in my case.

It took time to learn systems and retrain my brain until I felt more confident about my space.  I just started one day, and figured things out along the way.  I began with one room, I worked my way around my home.  Things really changed when I came to my home office.  It was a pivotal time for me, and it might just be for you too.

Organization helps you get it all done, in an orderly fashion.

Working from home has it’s perks, but it’s no picnic.  If you want to have any free time to spend with family and doing things you love, you’ve got to streamline your office and work day.  This is where organization comes in.  It helps you find most anything when and where you need it.   Otherwise you’ll be running circles, without getting much done.  Not.fun.

It doesn’t matter where you start, just that you start.

Your efforts don’t have to be perfect, but you have to start somewhere.  Make a plan to the best of your abilities, and get started.   Don’t feel that everything has to be perfect before you tackle your home office.  That will virtually guarantee you stay where you are.   Just get started at the beginning – whatever that means for you.

Where can you start?  What’s your beginning?

Need some help? Be sure to subscribe to my enewsletter!

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We’ve all got places we look to for information.  I happen to love technology that helps home office professionals, but I bet you already knew that, right?  So, where do I go to find news about all things shiny and useful?  Here’s a list of my recent favorites:

PCWorld
I’m increasingly drawn to this publication.  I’m a PC user (primarily), and there is just so much to learn!

MacWorld
Although I use a PC laptop, I also like learning about Macs.   Windows is my operating system of choice, but I’m not a Apple hater (so please hit delete on that hate mail you were about to send me).   I have had several iPods, and love my iPod Touch.  So, if you’re a Mac person (or want to be), this is also a great resource.

CNet Reviews
Whenever I am on path to purchasing any kind of electronics, I first go to cnet.com.   They have a great variety of reviews on most anything I am looking for, like smartphones, laptops and software.

Consumer Reports
This is the next stop I make when looking for electronics.  I want to make sure what I’m buying is a good choice.  I’ve had really great success when I go with something these guys like.  (I’m also a magazine and online subscriber so I have access to everything.)

Silicon Florist
Since I love technology and small business, I also like seeing what’s going on with the startup community here in my local area.  Silicon Florist keeps me up to date on all that.  Yippee!

Twitter
Ok, you might not think of this, but man have I learned a lot from some of my peeps out there!  (Join me on Twitter!)

Gizmodo
I’m all for a good gadget, and let’s face it, Gizmodo is just pure eye candy for the gadget-prone.  I have this in my “must read” file in my…

Google Reader
There are so many tasty tidbits for all things I want to know, so I keep track of most of them by subscribing to their RSS Feed with Google Reader.   I have several folders based on category, and one that is a “Must Read” folder.   It helps me with one place to keep it all, so I can find it later.

What’s your favorite resource to learn about home & mobile office technology products and news?

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On Thursdays I share a quote that I hope will inspire, make you think or just make you smile. Here is this week’s quote:

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On Thursdays I share a quote that I hope will inspire, make you think or just make you smile. Here is this week’s quote:

The secret of success in life is…to be ready for…opportunity when it comes.
~Benjamin Disraeli

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How do you track projects?  There are a gazillion ways to keep track of tasks, but how do you know you are getting projects done?

I love, love, love technology – especially the “helps me be productive” kind (i.e. PDAs, etc.).  However, sometimes there is a really steep learning curve, not to mention crashes and other annoyances.  So, I think a simple solution can be a great thing when you just want to get things done.  Like, now.

Know where you’re at.

I happen to love pencil and paper for working on projects.  I’m also very visual, and learn things by doing (check out this audio if you want to learn more about that).  Having whatever I’m working on right in front of me is crucial – otherwise it fades into the ether!  I also like simple solutions.  Know what I mean?  Ok then.

It’s easy.  I promise.

I started using the Todoodlist system for tracking projects a couple months ago, and I’m loving it!  It’s similar to a simple mindmap to track your projects and their associated tasks.  Also, since I can’t leave well enough alone, I adapted it by using a task list to the side of little things like making phone calls, errands and emails I need to send on a separate piece of paper.  That way, when I think of little things I need to do which aren’t associated with projects, they don’t get forgotten either.  Since I use a small notebook, everything’s in front of me and completely portable – love that!

Go check it out.

The Todoodlist ebook (yes, it’s ironic, since he advocates using paper) is a really quick read.  I read it in one night.  It helps me know where I’m at on the things which are important to me in business and life.

Let me know what you think!

Click here to view more details on Todoodlist

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Interview with Rich Sloan of StartupNation!
Think that 50% of small businesses fail in the first 5 years?  You might be surprised.  Is organization important for small businesses?   Want to know your odds of success as a small business?   Want to hear Rich get on his “high horse” about entrepreneurship?

Listen as we have a little fun and learn some great stuff at the same time!

Listen by clicking HERE

Resources:

EquityNet

Startup Nation Success Calculator

Books:

Seth Godin’s book, “The Dip”

The E-Myth Revisited

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On Thursdays I share a quote that I hope will inspire, make you think or just make you smile. Here is this week’s quote:

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try 1 more time.”
- Thomas Edison

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Are you a subscriber?

Do you like free organizing tips, news, resources and tools?  Did you know that I have an enewsletter?  Did you also know that when you become a subscriber you get my free Top Ten Organizing Tips?

31 Days of Home Office Organizing Tips eBook Coming Soon!

Also, if you liked the 31 Days of Home Office Tips series, stayed tuned, because an ebook is in the works for The Home Office Organizer Shop.  So, be sure to subscribe to the enewsletter so you’re the first to know!

If you are already a subscriber, thank you!  If not, enter your name and email in the upper right corner over there.  I’ll see you there!

Blog RSS Subscribers: Go to www.thehomeofficeorganizer.com/enewsletter and sign up!

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I had an incredible opportunity today!  I was interviewed by Rich Sloan of StartupNation, for their podcast.  It’s called “7 Tips to Get Organized & Be More Effective in Business”.  You can give it a listen by clicking HERE.

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Product:  Naturally Knotty totes

My Experience:  Just arrived in the mail today!  The two sizes are great for many different uses, mine will be to haul my laptop and other mobile office type supplies around in.

My Favorite Thing:  The lamination on the bags will help them last long term.  I also love all the pockets and the great long handles!

My Least Favorite Thing:  That I didn’t find them earlier!

Overall Rating:   Recommended!  I love the pockets and the overall styling of the products.  Best of all, they are sustainable, recycled and renewable!  Eye-catching styling and great overall design.  Love it!

Where To Find It:  www.naturallyknotty.com

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On Thursdays I share a quote that I hope will inspire, make you think or just make you smile.  Here is this week’s quote:

“The question is not what you look at but what you see.”

- Henry David Thoreau

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I’ll admit, I hate trying to be on time.  It’s hard to do, and most times it’s downright impossible.  Now, before you get all up in arms, let me explain with I mean.

Getting there on time is overrated.

Let’s say you have a 3pm appointment.  So, you know it takes 30 minutes to get there.  You are prudent and build in a little time cushion, and you get in your car 45 minutes before the meeting, AKA 2:15.  Then, you hit a traffic backup, you get a flat tire or you get a hang nail… whatever.  Something gets in your way, and alas, you are late and definitely not on time.

Don’t be on time, be super-early.

Let’s take that 3:00 meeting again.  Instead of trying to stroll into that meeting at the stroke of 3:00, trying being there really, really early.  I do this whenever possible.  Here’s that I do:

• Be prepared. Take a bag, throw in a notebook, something to write with, a project or two, a book and the laptop.  You have work to do anyway, and if you work from home, I’ll bet it doesn’t matter much where you are when you do it.
• Are you going to work online or offline? That will determine where to go: the actual meeting location OR a nearby wifi hotspot.
• Set out 2 or 3 times earlier than when the meeting starts. For a 3:00 meeting, I’d shoot for being there about 1-2 hours early.
• Oh, look at that, I’m already here. Then, when the meeting starts, you’re already there.  No stress, and you even get some things done.

How about you?  Are you on time or early?

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I’d like to get to know you a little better.  So, tell me a little about yourself and what you’re interested in.

Hello fabulous loyal readers!  I’d like to know a little more about you, and what you would like to see here on The Home Office Organizer.  So, I’m doing a Reader Survey.  It just takes a minute or two, and I’m sweetening the deal a bit with a giveaway!  Participate in the survey (be sure to include your first name + email address*), and you’ll be entered to win one of five copies of my 101 Home Office Tips eBooklet!

Survey ends Friday, June 12 at 5pm PST.

Thanks to all who participated, and congrats to Sherry, Holley, Lelah, Marcie & Liz for winning 101 Home Office Tips eBooklet!

*Email will only be used to contact you if you are a winner.  One entry per person, must be 18 years or older to win.

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On Thursdays I share a quote that I hope will inspire, make you think or just make you smile. Here is this week’s quote:

“Once a man has made a commitment to a way of life, he puts the greatest strength in the world behind him. It’s something we call heart power. Once a man has made his commitment, nothing will stop him short of success.”
- Vince Lombardi

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Alright ya’ll, did you read my QuickBooks 2009 review?  Well, check this out:  Intuit has given me 5 copies of Quickbooks Pro 2009 to give away to The Home Office Organizer readers!  That’s a $199 value each!

So, now you can get your bookkeeping together and get your digits and customer information organized!

So, I bet you’re wondering how you win?  That’s easy.  Here’s how:

1.  Leave a comment below by the deadline, June 1, 2009 at 12:00pm (noon) PST / 3:00pm EST. (Be sure to include your email address so I can contact you if you win!)

2. Subscribe to this blog (if you haven’t already).  Subscribe in an RSS Reader by clicking HERE or by email by clicking HERE.

That’s it!

Bonus points:

Re-tweet:  Are you following me on Twitter?  Be sure to retweet this contest after you enter!

Winners will be announced Tuesday, June 2, 2009!

Please be sure to visit the giveaway sponsor:

They are running a Small Business Grant Contest – go and vote for your favorite HERE.  There are some great small businesses up for some serious prizes!  Also, check out the Intuit Twitter peeps: @SharnQuickBooks, @kirasw, @rkeuretig and @JaredRicardo

Good luck everyone!

Update, June 2, 2009:

Thanks to all who entered, and congratulations to the winners: Tom Cox, Kara, Danielle, Tracy S and Deborah Beatty!

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Remember the Small Business Startup Kit Giveaway?  Well, I had a chance to meet up with Val, from Project Stand recently.  I am so excited about where they are headed!

Val drove down to claim the giveaway prize, and I am so glad he did!  We sat and chatted over coffee, and I could have talked with him for the rest of the afternoon!  Val and I share a passion for making positive change in the world, both locally and on grander, worldwide scale.   It was inspiring to talk with Val, and see how excited he (and his team) are about Project Stand.  I love that they are telling stories that need and deserve telling.  The world would be a much better place if we all took a moment to stand up for what we believe in!

I am excited to see where Project Stand is going, and I hope you are too!  Stay tuned for an update from them in the coming months.   I’m looking forward to hearing about it!

What do YOU stand for?

Additional reading:  Read the press release by clicking HERE.

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On Thursdays I share a quote that I hope will inspire, make you think or just make you smile. Here is this week’s quote:

“In the mixture of perfection and imperfection lies ordinary human existence.”

- Deepak Chopra

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Do you ever feel like you are drowning in paper? Loathe the thought of getting it all put away? Is your filing system a force to be reckoned with?  Is it time for reboot?

There are many products out there that can help, but you can do it yourself with a little preparation, dedication and patience.   Here’s the basics:

1.  Gather supplies: Get yourself some banker boxes, manila folders (and hanging folders if you must), tab labels and paper clips.

2.  Unload your filing cabinet one drawer at a time, and…

3.  Sort, sort, sort! Sort out old paperwork that isn’t necessary (i.e. old utility bills), and start putting the “to keep” papers into categories. If you abhor filing, consider doing this project in 30 minute increments over a few days.

4.  Load your papers into your banker boxes as you go along. Use categories that make sense to you.

5.  When you are finished, reload your banker box contents into your old (or new)  filing cabinet.

Lastly, be sure to keep up with your filing.  Have a place for “to file” or put your papers away right when you get them.   Set aside one day per week to actually DO it.  Keep your filing system as simple as possible and keep on top of it.  Now, get to it!

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On Thursdays I share a quote that I hope will inspire, make you think or just make you smile. Here is this week’s quote:

“Many great ideas go unexecuted, and many great executioners are without ideas. One without the other is worthless.”

- Tim Blixseth

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