Staying Organized
I'm currently involved with tons of different projects, and staying organized is a task all unto its own. After years of trial and error, here are my favorite ways for staying organized in different areas:
DAILY TO-DO's:
Favorite method: Sticky Note Chain.
I've experimented extensively in this area, and nothing comes close to a sticky note. I've tried Palm Pilots and computer calendars to no end....but nothing beats the sticky note.
Alternate Methods: Outlook Calendar, AT Notes.
TAXES:
Favorite Method: Binder with transparent folders in conjunction with the spending cork board and Excel. When I have a tax write off I need to remember, I put it in the binder at the end of each month. Receipts are extremely important in this area.
EXPENSES:
Favorite Method: Cork board coupled with month end closeout on Excel.
When I get a receipt or incur an expense, it goes up here. I tabulate at the end of every month the total amount. This also gives you a real time visualization of your spending habits.
EMAIL:
Favorite Method: Outlook. I used to hate Outlook for a while, then was told by a mentor to start using it. I begrudgingly did so, and now I would never leave Outlook. As much as I hated it tying all my accounts into one, I now view it as a godsend.
Outlook also allows me to sort all mail into different folders for future reference. I honestly don't know how I was running my businesses without this earlier.
Business Cards/Contacts:
If I am handed a business card, I almost always snap a picture of it with my camera. I then upload the picture to the Buinsess Cards folders on my computer. I also enter the persons information into Outlook.
DAILY TO-DO's:
Favorite method: Sticky Note Chain.
I've experimented extensively in this area, and nothing comes close to a sticky note. I've tried Palm Pilots and computer calendars to no end....but nothing beats the sticky note.
Alternate Methods: Outlook Calendar, AT Notes.
TAXES:
Favorite Method: Binder with transparent folders in conjunction with the spending cork board and Excel. When I have a tax write off I need to remember, I put it in the binder at the end of each month. Receipts are extremely important in this area.
EXPENSES:
Favorite Method: Cork board coupled with month end closeout on Excel.
When I get a receipt or incur an expense, it goes up here. I tabulate at the end of every month the total amount. This also gives you a real time visualization of your spending habits.
EMAIL:
Favorite Method: Outlook. I used to hate Outlook for a while, then was told by a mentor to start using it. I begrudgingly did so, and now I would never leave Outlook. As much as I hated it tying all my accounts into one, I now view it as a godsend.
Outlook also allows me to sort all mail into different folders for future reference. I honestly don't know how I was running my businesses without this earlier.
Business Cards/Contacts:
If I am handed a business card, I almost always snap a picture of it with my camera. I then upload the picture to the Buinsess Cards folders on my computer. I also enter the persons information into Outlook.
Labels: Productivity
posted by Neville @ 11:04 PM
16 comments
16 Comments:
Fortunate for Mac users, Apple provides a great "Stickies" application that one can use. I've also been real fond of the Mail application which is easily customizable.
For Business contacts I always upload peoples information using Address Book.
"Part of running a business successfully is called administration, half of what business majors don't get."
-Edgar Urbina
so you can access pop3 email accounts, etc.
I prefer outlook express because it loads a wee bit faster on my computer. heh.
thats a neat idea there with the business cards. snapping up pictures and storing them.
For organization, I use Ta-da List and Backpack which both work great. Though I have to admit that I'm not using them as much as I should right now so my planning is a mess. Give them a try though, I'm sure you'll like them.
Neville, the "If I don't finish the list, I don't sleep" clause should be added to your "Win Everyday" post. I think forcing yourself to finish the list is essential for the system to work.
Nice post once again,
-theo
http://www.StokBlogs.com
Keep up the great work!
What is your new business?
I think everyone really needs to just keep playing with all sorts of organization ideas until they find what works for them individually...a sticky note chain is not exactly the same as Stickies on a mac etc...despite the name ;)
I too try using backpack and ta-da lists but there is something so immediate about having a post-it note cluttering up your desk until you cross everything off. shrug. works for me.
Easy to dispose of them when I am done, and to stick them together in different orders when priority changes.
Maybe I should combine that with the 43 things approach. Maybe 43 post-its.
Money And Investing
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I would like to have your feedback about this account. Is that worth. Is that secure and RELIABLE. Is that a good bet.
I would like to have your comments and then I will be going for opening the account.
So suggest me what do you say.
Thanks
Sandeep
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