Entries Tagged 'Business' ↓

OK, so not “everything” but I’m doing some serious reorganizing so old files, beware!

In my quest to work more efficiently, I have discovered these last couple of weeks that I have hundreds of useless or outdated files on my computer. Not only that, but I realized my bad habit of not putting things away where they belong in the house has crossed the line to my computer.

Ebooks that I downloaded two years ago and never read; audio files recorded last September; and resumes and business letters from who knows when. The list goes on and on…

I wouldn’t say that I live life frantically, always stressed out or moving at the speed of light, but I’m always eager to move onto a new project. I like to keep my work exciting but now I have to play catch up by cleaning out my hard drive and reorganizing all my client files.

Needless to say, had I done this right from the beginning, I would be better off.

So as I was telling my fellow VA friend, Tricia, about my fear of downloading any more software for fear of my computer blowing up, we wagered a friendly bet to see who could eliminate the most computer clutter and increase their free space. I started off with only 25% free space left. I’ll update you next Friday when our wager comes to a close

I couldn’t bear the thought of actually counting all the files I’m tossing but I spent the whole morning organizing my client files and uploading my audio files to Audio Acrobat. Hopefully now when I need a certain file, it will be easier to find rather than clicking through a bunch of folders and subdirectories.

photo credit: rick

Recently Kelly McCausey wrote about her need to convert her paper planner to a digital calendar and I’m so glad she wrote an update because this week I have decided I need to make that same step.

My paper planner was perfectly fine when I started my internship last summer, to keep track of projects and deadlines. It became a regular fixture on my desk and served it’s purpose well for my regular weekly client projects. However, with new clients come new and bigger projects and soon my paper planner became a mish mash of scribbled notes and job quotes.

Not that I’m complaining! Taking on new clients is always exciting but short of getting one of those huge desk-sized calendars, it’s time to find a quicker way to login projects and check them off when they’re done.

I’ve dabbled with Google Calendar but need to check it out more (and actually remember to login everyday). A couple of clients use a basecamp program, which is really cool because you can check off jobs and it automatically crosses it off your digital to-do list. However, that seems to be more for those who have a team, which is not me.

I’m looking forward to getting more organized so I can fill my time with efficient client work rather than trying to decipher my scribbled notes.

Truthfully, I don’t know the answer to this question but it’s been on my mind for the last week.

I had a terrific brainstorm for an ebook complete with audio and even had time to write about 12 pages. I was on a roll! I know and understand the target market and there seems to be a need for this product but it has NOTHING to do with business, working from home, or virtual assistance.

There are many in my WAHM circle who have established their expertise, or brand, and have multiple items for their affiliates to promote. Cara Mirabella is The Household Helper, Aurelia Williams is the coach providing Real Life Guidance, Alice Seba is the Internet Marketing Sweetie, and Nell Taliercio is the Telecommuting Answer Lady.

So the question remains: Which comes first - the products or the brand? Or can anybody prepare a good product without first establishing a brand name?

For the last 10 days or so, my mind has felt very muddled. Yes, my life was busy with lots of client work, after-school activities and school volunteering, but I just felt “off.” I couldn’t seem to concentrate for longer than 10 minutes at a time and didn’t feel very productive.

Since my work slowed down the last few days, I took a look around my office and realized that it was just too cluttered and I almost couldn’t catch my breath when I walked in. There was too much going on, I didn’t know what was in all those piles of papers, and I had too many projects going on with the pieces spread out all over my floor. It was a mess!

This weekend, since I’m spending less time on the computer, I’m focusing on cleaning this office and getting a sense of calm in here. So far, many piles have either been shredded or filed, books that I’m selling have moved to a different room, volunteer notes and info have been placed in 3-ring binders. Tomorrow I’m dusting, vacuuming, and rearranging the bookshelf.

Just starting this process has made a difference in my mindset. I wrote down some business goals for this week in my planner (among the client projects already scheduled) and I’m starting to think about repainting the walls and making it look more professional, or at least more cozy. We’ve still got the builder’s white paint from when we bought the house 8 years ago!

My friend Kelly McCausey over at WAHM Talk Radio has written several posts on her blog about focusing on your business and “trimming away the fat” in order to focus more on what works. While I agree wholeheartedly with that thinking, decluttering your business surroundings (rather than just what’s on your computer) can also help immensely.

The progress may be slow but well worth the effort! Now I just need to figure out a system to keep all this paperwork organized…

Very often in the corporate world the unwritten rule is that the boss cannot socialize or become friendly with the people who work “for” him. If a boss and his workers get too friendly, there is a perception of favoritism within the office which can often lead to jealousy and a lack of morale.

In the work-at-home world, there is quite a different perception. Moms especially tend to see other work-at-home moms (WAHMs) as equals or as potential mentors or partners. Sure, there is still competition, but we are all working for the same purpose: to make a living from home so we can care for our children.

Yesterday I received a package in the mail from one of my clients/friends. She had told me in a chat that she had the “perfect” thing for me and would ship it out soon.

I couldn’t stop laughing when I opened up the package and found a voodoo doll!

I wonder what a corporate boss would think if he saw a voodoo doll on my desk?