“The best ideas most often come when you are away from the office. Without the pressure of responding to “every crisis,” the small business owner has time to reflect, which often leads to innovative approaches and solutions. Intuit reports vacationers experienced an 82-percent increase in productivity.”
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‘Independence’ away from business leads to innovation | InsideTusconBusiness.com | 7.8.11
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Our Thursday article is usually reserved for a guest blogger, and today we’re sharing a post from OTR friend, Cori Padgett, from a year ago. Enjoy!
Let’s just say that organized and productive are pretty relative terms when it comes to what I do and how I do it! While I have all the theory and know how to stay on top of things and keep my business running smoothly… implementing that theory and know how is another story altogether. Sometimes things simply do NOT go according to plan!
However, there are a few things that I find help me to keep things efficient, which is what I’ll share with you now.
Create a Schedule for Yourself
I know, sounds a bit dumb… after all, you go into work for yourself to work how you want, when you want.
Right?
Except when you operate from that mindset, what happens is that the things that should be done end up falling by the wayside, because you wind up not managing your time appropriately. So… set a schedule for yourself, even if it’s a somewhat loose one.
Figure out what are your most productive times of the day, and make it a point to reserve those hours specifically for high priority projects whenever possible. For me, that is usually from 8am to 2 or 3pm, which are the hours that my kids are in school. After 3pm, any additional work I get done is just gravy!
Create Timed Priorities
I’m a ghostwriter, so the bulk of my high value activities involve writing consistently. I’ve found the best way for me to do this is to do it in blocks, or chunks of time. So invest in…
About the Author
Cori is a wildly hire-able freelance ‘ghost’ as well as the creative brains and dubious brawn behind her blog Big Girl Branding. If you’d like to harness her creative brains and dubious brawn and put it to work for you, just stalk her on Twitter and ask her. I’m “almost” sure she doesn’t bite. Well… like 95% sure.
Connect With Cori: Web | Blog | Twitter
Last week, I mentioned that getting better at estimating how long it takes you to manage your tasks, will help you plan your day with greater success. This includes picking the right person to delegate certain activities to.
When you pass off a to do to someone else, be:
1. Matchy Matchy. This is definitely the time to be matchy matchy. Does the task fit with the person’s skillset? Will it be difficult for them to successfully handle it? Or, is it right up their alley? Sometimes picking the wrong person for the job is worse that doing it yourself.
2. Particular. Does the person know his or her own limitations? Do they know how long it will take them to complete your task? Do you get the sense that even though they have the right skillset, they might be overextended? Sometimes picking the right person who’s overwhelmed is worse than doing it yourself.
3. Ready. What if you find the right person with the right talent who (seemingly) is completely free to do your bidding…and they say no? Do you have a back up person in mind? A back up to your back up? Sometimes not thinking ahead will kill your best laid plans.
4. Flexible. What if you find the right – but uncertain – person. Would you consider offering up a job sharing partnership him/her and your back up person? Two people with the right skills who are not over committed working on your project together? Could they work well together? Sometimes you get great results when you find creative solutions, like a two-fer.
How many times have you taken a gift you don’t like because you don’t want to offend the person giving it to you? Besides, you can always re-gift, right?
How many times do you really give that gift away? Do you have a stockpile of these unwantables? Or, do you simply decide to keep that ferociously ugly figurine because the person who gave it to you (say, your mum-in-law) comes over all the time, and would notice that it’s not out on display?
You can continue to hide your head in the sand or lift your head, smile, and find a polite way to say no. Btw, it may take a bit of practice before you can refuse a gift without your hands in your pockets and your head bowed low. Here are a few tips to help you through it.
1. Be Nice. You don’t want to confuse the gift with the intention of the gift. So, remember to always be grateful and kind when you say, “Thanks, but no thanks.” Body language and facial expressions can tell someone right away that you’re appreciative…and you can actually say that you appreciate their thoughtfulness.
2. Explain. You don’t need to rattle off a long discourse, but it’s helpful to offer a reason why you must decline. I’m often offered cast-offs and even some awesome things from clients. I let them know that it’s not my normal practice to take them, but I’d be happy to find someone who can use them. You don’t have to craft a wild tale. Just be honest (e.g., “I’m really trying to get more organized and have decided not to accept any gifts for a while.”). And, kind. Did I mention be kind?
3. Blame Your Organizer. This is a strategy I offer to my clients all the time. Here’s an example: Oh, wow, thanks so much! …but my organizer, Deb, would kill me if I brought something new in the house. This works really well, especially because it’s true! =) It could be that you promised your spouse that you wouldn’t accept/buy new things until your home was more organized. As always, be kind as you roll your fave pro organizer or spouse under the bus. ;)
It’s Monday. But, I wish it were still Sunday. Or Even Saturday. Actually, Friday because that when I started my long weekend away. It was really fabulous. Fabulously relaxing.
I didn’t even get on the computer. Not once (DH did, though, to check for restaurants in the area). Those of you who know me well know that this is a true miracle. You know I’m in favor of unplugging. You know I struggle with this…but not this weekend. I didn’t even check my blog stats. That’s huge. Ginormous.
Know what’s even better than a long, rejuvenating weekend away? Waking up on Monday morning (a.k.a. Admin Day) and not having to worry about unpacking. That’s because when I got home on Sunday, I gathered up my priorities and got started on a not-so-long to do list.
1. Enjoyed walking into a clean house. (Yes, I clean before taking trips.)
2. Hugged my dog. (He’s such a sweetie).
3. Went to the loo. (This is definitely a priority after a road trip.)
4. Unpacked everything. (One bag, so unpacking was a cinch.)
5. Threw clothing in the washer.
6. Put away our suitcase. (Last time we didn’t unpack right away, our dog took up residence in our bag. The negotiations to reclaim it were difficult.)
7. Threw clothes in the dryer.
8. Watched a bit of TV. (Modern Marvels – love that show. Learned a lot about how eggs are processed.)
9. Had dinner. (I did a few more things after dinner, but you get the picture.)
The stress free weekend flowed nicely into a stress free Monday morning. I highly recommend unpacking and at least putting dirty clothing in the laundry basket. You’ll be happier on a Monday (yes, that’s possible) and can get on with other important things. Don’t take my word for it. Give it go. It will make a big difference.
When you get home from traveling, do you unpack and do laundry straight away? …or wait until…?
“Becoming a hoarder is not unlike becoming a workaholic or an exercise fanatic as a way to escape a difficult life or event. People can turn to these activities just like hoarders rely on acquiring and holding on to their stuff.” ~Matt Paxton
Read More:
Book World: ‘The Secret Lives of Hoarders’ | WashingtonPost.com | 6.29.11
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Ok, ladies and makeup loving people everywhere, this post is for you! Check out these tips from Sarah Beckman, on how to keep your favorite beauty products in order.
Makeup has a way of amassing — and then spreading into various drawers, bags, and anywhere else you happen to drop a lipstick. But for the sake of organization, cleanliness, and getting the most out of the investment, it’s important to keep your makeup collection clean and organized.
Follow these four steps to achieve makeup organization:
1. Eliminate the Excess. If you have boxes or drawers of makeup you hardly touch, throw away what you don’t use. Also keep in mind expiration dates:
• Keep liquid and cream foundations 6 months tops.
• Concealers last 8 months.
• Powder products (loose and pressed) are good for a year.
• Never keep mascara for more than 3 months.
• Lip products, eye pencils, and creamy products are good for a year.
If you come across a product that you can’t put a date on, throw it away. Also throw away makeup that is discolored or has an odor. Nasty infections can result from using old makeup.
2. Clean it up. Once you trim down your collection, it’s time to clean. With a clean rag or paper towels, wipe off the outside and inside of every container that has makeup on it. Also, take time to clean your brushes. In an ideal world, you should clean your makeup brushes every day, even if that means using a quick brush-cleaning spray.
Brushes need thorough cleanings with soap and water as well. Here’s how:
• Eyeliner brushes should be washed daily, while eye shadow brushes can go 3 days at the most.
• Blush, foundation, powder, and other brushes used for the face should be cleaned with soap and water weekly.
To clean, run the brush under warm water until all the hairs are wet — be sure to hold the brush downwards so water doesn’t get under the metal part that connects the hairs to the handle (it’ll come apart). Lather up the hairs with a small amount of shampoo. Squeeze the hairs under warm water until the water runs clear and soap-free. Reshape the brushes and place them on the edge of a counter so the hairs are over the edge. This will ensure they dry evenly.
3. Organize. Now that your makeup and brushes are clean, it’s time to organize it all. Store your makeup near the mirror you use to apply your face. If you stand in the bathroom, designate a bathroom drawer and use a cosmetic drawer organizer to keep everything in place. If drawer space is limited, consider an over-the-door beauty organizer that has small pockets.
If you’re looking for a new way to keep makeup organized, consider purchasing a vanity. You’ll have a perfect place to sit and apply makeup. If you’re looking for a decorative way to store your brushes, fill the bottom of a wide-topped vase with glass gems (from a craft store). Your makeup brushes will stand upright with this storage method!
4. Moving forward. Once your makeup station in order, keep it clean and organized! Be sure to keep track of when you purchase makeup by labeling it. When you’re buying makeup, only purchase what you know you’ll use — and don’t get 20 different eye shadows that are nearly the same shade!
About the Author
Sarah Beckman is a writer and editor at Affordable Scarves where she develops content on celebrity style. As a lover of fashion, she must keep her closet organized at all times!
Connect with Sarah: Web | Twitter | Tumblr
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Organize Your Makeup
We all have trouble estimating time. Yes, that’s an admission of guilt. But, there’s no shame. It’s tough – especially when you get distracted by fun stuff. Like Angry Birds. Enough said.
There’s an easy — though not necessarily quick — way to really tell how long it takes you to get stuff done. When writing your to do list, include how long you think it will take you to complete each task. Then, check the time you start and finish each one (it might help to set a timer). Write down your actual time and repeat the process with the each thing on your list.
How off do you think you’ll be with your estimating? Does it matter? Yes. It matters how good you are at estimating because you’ll be more realistic about the things you:
1. Say yes to
2. Add to your to do list
Try tracking your time for a day or two or seven. Try to be more thoughtful and realistic about what you add to your list and how long each task will take. And, start thinking about who you can tap on the shoulder for help, particularly for those tasks that will take more time than you can spare.
It’s time for a new 5 Minute Organizing Challenge! What can you do in 5 minutes to gain a little order in your life? You can put a few things back in place or gather your important items. Here’s a new set of five things for you to consider adding to your routine this month. Try try them on for size and feel free to suggest a few of your own.
1. Put things that you need to act on in your car (e.g., packages for the post office, store returns, gifts, library books, etc.).
2. Put all old cell phone chargers/cables in your electronics recycling bin.
3. Check the surfaces in the room you use the most and find 5 things that you can easily put away.
4. Walk through your home/office with a garbage bag and fill it with trash, candy wrappers, used napkins, etc.
5. Check the expiration dates on your meds and call your doctor for refills, if necessary (or put “call doctor” on your to do list).
Check out the June 2011 Organizing Challenge
I’ve been loving the NatGeo channel lately and watched The Animal Extractors (Episode: Polar Bears in Peril) a couple of weeks ago. One of the featured animals: Nine-banded Armadillos. It turns out that they’re loving a particular cemetery in sunny Orlando, Florida. Well, they don’t care about the sunshine since they only come out at night.
This is a one way love affair because the staff at the cemetery hate that the armadillos are digging up the cemetery grounds. The proverbial icing on the cake is that these critters are not native to Florida. They just like it there.
It occurred to me that the clutter in our lives can be just like these grave digging creatures. Both hang around places they don’t belong and are not wanted. You definitely want to avoid being like armadillos. Besides, they’re not very cute…rabbits are cute…these guys, not so much.
Ways to Avoid Being Like Ugly Night Creatures
1. Don’t dig for your stuff.
Have I mentioned that Armadillos are great diggers? Have you seen their claws? Fortunately for us humans, claws are not part of our body landscape, so why go through the trouble of digging? Put things where they belong after each use. Avoid the scavenger hunt – or clutter grave digging – and save yourself some time AND lots of frustration.
2. Don’t create dangerous situations.
Armadillos destroy the grave sites by tunneling through the soil. Can you say collapsing headstones and sinking caskets? You might not have caskets in your home (I hope), but leaving things hanging about can be hazardous to you and your family…and anyone who visits you. Are those stacks and piles of stuff complementing your decor? Or, just letting you practice getting up after you trip over them?
3. Don’t let your stuff get out of control.
Know what else armadillos are good at? Steady breeding. That means lots of them because they have no natural predators in the US. Don’t let your stuff grow and explode out of your space. If you have room for 10 things and you have 50 things, you have to become a natural predator and control the spread of clutter. You may have some hard decisions to make, BUT you’ll be happy in the long run and really start enjoying your space.
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