A great article I want to share with you from Wedding and Event Planner Wendy Robinson
10 Quick Tips On Getting Organized in 2010
1. DETERMINE YOUR GOALS.
Before you start anything, determine its goal. If you don't know where you're going, how will you ever get there? Set mini-goals and reward yourself for successes.
2. DECLUTTER YOUR DESK.
An uncluttered desktop erases unnecessary distractions and helps keep your mind on tasks that need immediate attention. Keep only the items on your desk that relate to your current projects.
3. DON'T RELY ON YOUR MEMORY.
You run the risk of letting tasks fall through the cracks. The best way to never forget an appointment, a deadline or a detail again, is to write everything down.
4. CONSOLIDATE SIMILAR ACTIVITIES.
Instead of starting and stopping at different levels of activity, you'll save time by making all of your outgoing telephone calls together, taking care of all your errands at once, etc.
5. CLEAN OUT YOUR FILES.
Before you go through the expense of purchasing more file cabinets, folders, etc., take the time to purge all unnecessary paperwork and materials.
6. USE ONE CALENDAR.
The biggest mistake people make when using planning calendars is to keep more than one. Keep personal, professional and family items on one calendar. It will help to eliminate scheduling conflicts. Remember, 'the man who wears two watches, never knows the correct time.'
7. REDUCE TELEPHONE TAG.
Plan telephone calls (whether to doctors, plumbers, clients, etc.) whenever possible. Have all necessary materials in front of you. Write key questions down in advance.
8. SET UP FILES FOR PROJECTS.
Don't waste time searching for papers when you need them. Keep all paperwork that pertains to a certain project together in one large folder.
9. SET TIME LIMITS.
Say, 'I've got only 5 minutes to talk.' Outline your calls, Say, 'I'd like to discuss these 2 possible solutions to problem A . . .'
10. MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF.
Make at least one screened appointment with yourself each day. Screened time is quiet, uninterrupted time allowing you to concentrate on a project or catch up on your reading.
And if you need more ideas or want to brainstorm some ideas with me, I'm always here to support you. Just give me a call and we'll see if I can help!
Wendy Robinson, the Aspire to Plan Business Development Specialist, is founder of the Aspire to Plan blog and One 2 One Coaching Program, a 12 week step-by-step program being developed to help wedding planners develop their business skills as well as their wedding planning knowledge...all to promote more professionalism in the industry. To receive her bi-weekly business building articles on developing a successful wedding planning business, visit www.AspiretoPlan.com and
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