Hogan Organized Living

Tips

Marge’s Top Ten Tips for Getting and Staying Organized in 2007

1. KISS… Keep it simple, sport!

TIP: It’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the “stuff,” but take a step back and relax. The object here is to simplify, so concentrate on one project at a time and don’t try to do too much, too fast.

2. Visualize the location.

TIP: Find your central location (e.g., desk at work, living room at home) and clearly take in the visual. What is the size and set-up of the area? How can I maximize the use of this space?

3. Visualize the outcome.

TIP: Again, in your central location, picture what the end result will look like. Browse through organizational books or magazines for some ideas. What do I want to accomplish here?

4. Make a commitment to yourself.

TIP: It’s easy to give up halfway through a project. Don’t. Just keep at the project with a task-by-task approach. Try 10 minutes each day. You’ll be amazed at your progress after one week.

5. Make your plan in writing.

TIP: Give yourself a game plan that is tailored to your specific situation. After visualizing the outcome, you can list the steps needed to achieve that goal. Put it in writing and check off each task as it is completed.

6. Enlist and delegate.

TIP: Don’t try to do everything yourself. When appropriate (e.g., when organizing a common office or living space), get assistance from co-workers or family members.

7. Incorporate aesthetics.

TIP: People sometimes forget that the outcome should be both functional and visually appealing. Is there a better way to arrange your desk or office? Can you make it a more creative environment?

8. Do some research and adjust plan accordingly.

TIP: There is plenty of information available on organizing and time management. Get some fresh ideas and incorporate them into your original plan.

9. Create a realistic schedule.

TIP: Take your calendar, look for pockets of free time, and mark down which tasks you’ll take care of and when. Limit yourself to scheduling for this week and next. If something comes up, that’s OK. Don’t stress — just adjust the plan.

10. Follow through, complete, and evaluate.

TIP: Do the work and enjoy the result! Be sure to pat yourself on the back — getting organized is a major accomplishment. From this experience, think about the type of future items you can keep or trash!

Marge’s Top Ten Tips on Organizing Great Meetings

1. “Discipline” is the magic word.

TIP: Before anything else, put a simple outline in writing. This will help you get a handle on the process needed to make a great meeting happen. While writing the outline, keep in mind these six

principles from Stephanie Winston’s excellent book Organized for Success: Be sure you have a written agenda • Begin and end on time • Take strong leadership • Leave nothing hanging • Take meeting notes or minutes • Follow-up on all outstanding matters

2. WHY host the meeting?

TIP: Answer questions such as: Why do we need a small, weekly staff meeting? Why do we need a grand, global meeting? Is this meeting for business or a personal event? You must have a good answer to these questions before moving forward. Demonstrate the need for a meeting.

3. WHO will attend and who will organize the meeting?

TIP: Answer questions such as: Is this meeting for decision makers or consumers? Will it be organized by one person or a committee? How many are invited? The answers to these questions will determine

meeting logistics.

4. WHAT is the purpose of the meeting?

TIP: Answer questions such as: What is the function, event or occasion? Jot down all the details you can think of and visualize how you want the space to appear and how you want the meeting to come off.

5. WHEN is the meeting?

TIP: Look at the calendar and work/social schedules well in advance and choose a date that doesn’t have obvious conflicts. And choose the appropriate time of day for your meeting.

6. WHERE will the meeting be held?

TIP: Location, location, location! This is a prime consideration. Answer questions such as: Is the location easy to find? Will we hold the meeting on or off the business site? What facilities are available (e.g., food service, audio/video, cleanup, etc.)? What spaces are available on our meeting date?

7. Consider all possibilities.

TIP: Once you identify your needs, consider all appropriate locations, themes, agendas, etc.

8. Consider the aesthetics.

TIP: Meeting space aesthetics is an important, but often overlooked factor due to lack of planning. Your function is a story, how it is received is up to you. What is the overall impression you’d like to make? Does the look and set-up of the space foster productivity?

9. Research and communicate.

TIP: Call around, visit potential spaces, and get answers to your questions from appropriate sources.

10. Confirm and make announcement.

TIP: Always confirm your meeting space reservation, making sure everyone knows the correct date. Then, announce your event, giving attendees ample time to RSVP.

Info

• Check out these other great websites for information on home and office organization…

National Association of Professional Organizers

GO TO SITE >>

Professional Organizers Web Ring

GO TO SITE >>

Closet & Storage Concepts

GO TO SITE >>

• And some great books on organization…

Organizing from the Inside Out: The Foolproof System for Organizing Your Home, Your Office and Your Life
by Julie Morgenstern

Organized Executive: The Classic Program for Productivity: New Ways to Manage Time, Paper, People, and the Digital Office
by Stephanie†Winston

The Well-Ordered Home: Organizing Techniques for Inviting Serenity into Your Life
by Kathleen†Kendall-Tackett, Carole†Honeychurch†(Editor), Michele†Waters