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.
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– 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.
© Stephanie Ward
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Share your thoughts on getting organized in the comments section below.
Stephanie, this was one of the best uses of 40 minutes I’ve done in a long time. Extremely simple yet effective. Thanks so much for sharing. When she was talking about papers on & around your desk, that was ME!
Wonderful to know Linda! It’s amazing the difference being organized can make for your peace of mind and your business. Have fun creating an organized environment.
My desktop needs organization too 🙂
I work online and sometimes I’d just save files on the desktop but now it’s getting very messy. I need to spend some time organizing my files by client.
Thanks for the reminder Stephanie!
Thank you for sharing Jessica! There are so many places that can get cluttered (including our desktops) that need our attention. Enjoy the satisfaction of getting organized. All the best!
I do “Spring Cleaning” on my hard drive just like I do physically in my office. I hide folders for past clients so they don’t distract me from finding what I want. I just need to do it more often!
Fabulous idea Susan, thank you for sharing. It’s easier to ignore a messy hard drive than a messy desk. Consider it added to my list.