A new year is a great time to focus on reorganizing. Organization is one of the key ways to stay focused on all the hats you must wear between your business and personal life. It allows you to keep track of the many things you need to do and not drop the ball.
Not sure where to start in getting organized? Here are some great tips and tools for business owners to get organized.
Set Up an Online Calendar
Don’t get me wrong. I’ve always loved having a physical calendar, but being a busy mom and business owner made it hard to keep up with it. I finally switched to using Google Calendar, and it has been a game changer. It makes adding appointments and reminders to my phone so easy. Plus, I can also easily bring it up on my computer.
If you aren’t ready to give up that physical one, then try keeping both. Just set up a system of either putting items on the paper calendar and transferring to your online calendar or vice versa.
Utilize Google Apps
No matter what organization you need, Google apps can make it happen. Google Docs are great for putting together documents that multiple people need to be able to access. If you need spreadsheets, Google Sheets offer just about everything Excel does, but it can be accessed anywhere. One of my favorite features of Google Apps is their accessibility since I can use them on my computer and phone.
Create Subfolders for Your Emails
Make sure to have subfolders for any and all relevant clients, projects, children, etc. in your email. Once you get an email, if it’s something you can answer quickly and easily, go ahead and do that and then move it to the subfolder. Then, your inbox is left open for emails that require later follow up or responses. This makes it so much easier to keep your tasks organized.
Get Fun Office Supplies
A great way to get and stay organized is to actually enjoy it. So, get some office supplies that keep the fun in it. This could be part of revamping your home office or be as simple as getting colorful pens.
Create a Schedule
If you work from home, part or full time, it’s important to put together a schedule and stick to it. Nothing messes up organization more than getting off a routine or schedule. Even if you are in an office full time, putting together a schedule is a way to stay organized and on track.
Purchase Organizational Pads
Amazon has so many notepad options for organization. I love the daily ones that have spaces for anything you need to do that day from meetings to high priority to do items, and even water intake. The weekly pads are also great for organizing out your weeks’ worth of work.
