Disorganization costs your business money.  Not only that, it’s just plain stressful.

You know the feeling, you want to find a certain document or an article you need for a project but you can’t find it.  Or, things may be in such a state that you’re discouraged from even trying to look for something because you know you won’t find it.

Now think about how you will feel when you want to find something and you can access it within seconds.  That feels great and even better it keeps you in action which creates momentum.  When you have momentum, you get better results.

As a business owner your work environment is intertwined with your effectiveness.  It is critical to be able to find things quickly and easily and make use of what you have (but may have forgotten about). 

When you’re organized, your business goals are clearer and easier to implement – including your marketing plan.  The clarity you feel from being organized gives you peace of mind and the confidence to take action.

So when it’s time to do a particular marketing activity you’ll know exactly where you can find the information you need to make it happen.

I can imagine you’re thinking you don’t have time to get organized.  But can you really afford not to?  Think of it this way, what if you took all of the time that is wasted every week looking for e-mails, files, and notes and used it to actually get organized. 

You can’t do it all at once so just pick one area and get started.  Once you get organized, staying organized requires minimal effort.  And, you’ll have more time to spend on other things, including yourself.

Areas that can be organized:

- Client database

- Computer files

- E-mail folders

- Paper files

- Bookshelves and drawers

As you tackle the structural organization, there’s another aspect of your work environment to consider.  Think about creating a work space that is visually appealing and inspiring.

Add colors you love and include living things like plants and flowers.  Lighting can also transform the vibe of a space.  It’s often the little things that can make a big difference.  And it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Yes, it will take some time and effort to get organized and it’s worth it.  To avoid overwhelm, start small and tackle one area at a time.  You can even give yourself rewards as you go to keep yourself motivated.

In addition to making marketing easier, being organized eliminates mountains of frustration in all aspects of running your business.  Make the decision to create order and harmony in your business and experience the joy of doing your marketing more efficiently.

If you’re ready to take action and would like some practical tips on how to get organized, I have several f’ree resources for you:

- A 42 minute audio recording of an interview I did with professional organizer Elizabeth Hagen.

- A one page .pdf file that outlines Elizabeth’s FAT System which is fabulous (and it’s not about being overweight).

- 31 Tips to Simplify Your Life written by Elizabeth.

Enjoy!

© 2008 Stephanie Ward

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this information with it: Stephanie Ward is the Marketing Coach for Entrepreneurs who want to set their profits on fire!  Grab your FREE copy of the special report ’7 Steps to Attract More Clients in Less Time’ plus business building tips, at: http://www.fireflycoaching.com.

Do you know how much time you spend on your business being ‘in motion’ instead of ‘in action’?  Are you aware of the difference?  Motion keeps you busy.  Action creates momentum and the results you want.   

Think of it this way, action is something that moves you closer to your goals.  Action has direction.  Motion is simply movement in no particular direction, and can mean going in circles. 

I don’t want to introduce a new tactic or strategy, I want you to take action on strategies you already have in place (or have been planning to put into place).  You know enough, you are ready, now is the time.  No more waiting!

You probably have a list of things you are planning to do.  What is one thing on your list which appeals to you, that you are willing to take action on right now? 

Here are some possibilities:

* Pick up the phone and make that call you have been avoiding

* Follow through with a prospect by sending an interesting article

* Send out that press release

* Get your articles published

* Start your own ezine

* Sign up for that networking event and go

If you’re not quite ready to start a new action why not take a look at what is working in your business and do more of it.  If speaking attracts new clients to your business speak more.  If networking brings you business, attend more events.  If direct marketing works, expand your list.  Get the idea?

I can hear you saying, that’s a good idea but…  Imagine what would happen if you chose to skip the “yeah butts” and just went ahead and took action.

Delaying action is a waste of time and energy.  Every time you think about doing something and then don’t, is time you could have used to actually get it done.

Fear is often the cause of inaction.  See if you can identify the specific fear you have about taking a particular action.  Then ask yourself, is it real?

What would be the worst thing that could happen if you moved forward?  Usually you’ll find that the reality of the situation is much less scary than you had imagined.

Keep moving forward by taking one step at a time.  What could you do right now, no matter how small it seems, to move your business ahead.  You are creative, find a way to make progress even if it isn’t how you originally planned. 

Action does require courage.  If it’s not just a little bit scary then my guess is that you are not stretching yourself.  The good news is that you can take action even if you feel scared; it doesn’t have to stop you. 

Scary can be exciting, think about taking a ride on a roller coaster.  You might be scared but you do it anyway because you know it will be thrilling. 

But that’s just part of the story.  When you take action, in addition to building your business, you also build your confidence which will inspire you to take even more action.

At the end of each day you want to ask yourself this question: ‘What action did I take today that will help me reach the goals I have for my business’?  And you want to have a clear and resounding answer!

The bottom line is you have the power to take action right now, today, and every day after that.  So tap into your courage and be willing to do what you know will create a more profitable business.

© Stephanie Ward 2007

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this information with it: Stephanie Ward is the Marketing Coach for Entrepreneurs who want to set their profits on fire!  Grab your FREE copy of the special report ’7 Steps to Attract More Clients in Less Time’ plus business building tips, at: http://www.fireflycoaching.com.

No matter what time of year it is, if you don’t have a clear and concise written plan for where your business is heading you’re in for a surprise. 

Twelve months from now it will end up somewhere, you just won’t know where.  In most cases where you find yourself will not be where you hoped you would be.  The key word to notice in the previous sentence is ‘hope’ – successful businesses aren’t run on hope.

Why not try on a new perspective and see planning as a way to reduce future frustration and disappointment instead of seeing it as a boring task you are supposed to do.

Stay connected to the positive feelings you want to have about your business.  Focus on having a business that is thriving, profitable, fun, and provides value to your clients. 

You may have heard this metaphor before but stick with me because it is so powerful in illustrating why written goals, plans, and strategies are critical to the success of your business.

Imagine a trip you have always wanted to take.  Think about all the detailed preparation and planning involved in making it happen.

How will you get there (train, bus, boat, fly, walk)?  How long will it take you to get there (two hours, three days, one week)?  How much money do you need to get there (hundreds, thousands)?  How much money will you need when you get there?  What tools and equipment do you need to take with you (clothes, maps, books)?  What kind of preparations do you need to make (reservations, visa/passport, shots)?

So how does this apply to your business?  Think about taking your business on an adventure trip.  Where do you want to take it and how will you get it there?  It doesn’t have to be complicated and can even fit on one piece of paper.  Yes, you must write it down.  Here are five simple questions to get you started:

1. How much money will your business make over the next twelve months?

2. What will you sell and for what price?

3. How many clients will you need to reach this goal?

4. How will you reach these clients?

5. How much will it cost to make this happen?

You can add more details as you go, begin with this as a framework and then see what other specific information you need to add.  Once you have written this down, don’t put it in a drawer or file it away.

Keep it in front of you at all times and track your progress.  Review it weekly or bi-weekly, at least monthly. If you see that things have strayed off course, make the necessary adjustments to get back on track. 

If you need any more proof that planning is important take a look at the trip you took your business on the prior twelve months.  Did you set out for a beach holiday in Mykonos, Greece and end up in Helsinki, Finland during the Winter?

When planning the next journey for your business it is helpful to see where your planning led you in the past in order to become clear about how to get where you want your business to go in the future.

Feeling anxious because you realize your current plan isn’t going to bring you the results you want?  Then stop working ‘in’ your business right now and take some time to work ‘on’ your business.   Create an adventure for your business that will allow you to celebrate upon arrival!  Happy travels.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this information with it: Stephanie Ward is the Marketing Coach for Entrepreneurs who want to set their profits on fire!  Grab your FREE copy of the special report ’7 Steps to Attract More Clients in Less Time’ plus business building tips, at: http://www.fireflycoaching.com.