Lexington, KY - Benjamin Franklin said, "Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time."
Sure, it takes time and effort to get organized and stay that way, but not nearly as much as the alternative. Some of us, ahem, have spent entirely too much time hoping for magical organizational skills and complaining about our lack thereof, when we could have just used that energy to sort the paper heap next to the computer.
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to organization. It's all about picking a system and sticking with it. What's yours?
Amanda Holifield, business development manager, Manpower of Central Kentucky:
On Mondays, I plan my whole week. I pre-set appointments and lay out each day by what areas I'm going to visit and prospects I will reach out to. I go into it with the expectations that some will happen and some won't.
I make to-do lists for everything, at work and home. Being organized works. I am not one of those fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants people. I have to have structure and organization or I get freaked out. Maybe it's because I have moved so many times in my married life, but I thrive on schedule and structure.
Linda Henry-Sadlo, professional organizer, Organize Your Home:
If you can find something in less than 10 seconds, you are organized. If you can find something in less than 10 seconds, but you had to step over piles of trash and clutter to get to it, you are an organized mess.
People don't realize that time wasted is actually money lost for the company. I have found business cards for people, and they are ecstatic because they had been looking for that important contact for months. Set up a system that works for you. For example, people with ADD tend to think differently than others and may need to de-clutter their work area of knick-knacks, pictures and distracting Post-its. People with time management issues will need to schedule the time on their calendars to get organized. Organizing is a learned skill. Don't be ashamed or afraid to ask for help.
Randy Phillips,customer support/events management/broadcaster, iHigh.com:
I have had a penchant for organization as long as I can remember. Even as a kid, my toys had a place. At work, big projects stay on the left side of my desk in color-coordinated folders for quick access. When it comes to putting things together for broadcast events, I organize equipment and gear by making a list of everything I need; then I pull out every piece, set it up on a table and put each piece into the case and check it off.
I've always got backups. I have extra cables, connectors, backup software - everything I would need in any given situation. This is a very detail-oriented business. If you're missing cables or equipment, you don't go on the air. If you don't get on the air, you don't make money.
I've worked long enough to know that if you wait until the last minute, that's when everything falls apart. I work ahead and get everything done and give myself leeway for last-minute changes. If I'm twiddling my thumbs two hours before a broadcast, I'm a happy man.
Katie Hardwick,assistant VP/programs and events, Commerce Lexington Inc.:
Being organized gives me better peace of mind and assures I'm prepared for those things that may pop up, such as the electricity going out 30 minutes before an awards dinner!
When I arrive in the office, I clean out my email and voicemail and review my to-do list. Then I'm ready for my day. I live by my Outlook calendar and an ongoing to-do list. I've found having a checklist before each of my events is a must. The list includes contacts, logistical information and everything I need to take - down to a clipboard.
One habit I picked up a few years ago was prioritizing my files. Things that need to be reached often are an arm's length away. Things that I need monthly are a little farther away, and files I refer to just occasionally are across my office. This helps de-clutter my work space and keep me focused.
I have a folder for each project. This continues at home, with a folder for each member of the family. The dogs share a folder.