Office Container Guide: The Top 5 Flexible Organizing Containers I ...
Office Container Guide: The Top 5 Flexible Organizing Containers I Count On When I’m Super-‐Busy (& Ready to Get Things Done!) by Melody Granger, Founder of The Well-‐Organized Entrepreneur
1. Magazine Holders -‐ I own five.
The flexibility appeal of magazine holders: they can be turned several different directions, used in several areas, and store multiple types of items – like magazines, obviously, but also, printer paper, labels, file folders, clipboards, or notebooks. Two of mine store labeled file folders of current repetitive responsibilities I keep up with -‐ bills, financial reports, “save the date” (events, invites, school, itineraries, doctor appointments), passwords, in case of emergency, ordered, coupons for business or home décor shopping, and dreamy wish lists. A magazine holder can be flipped down on its spine to give access to contents, and then flipped back up, which is perfect for reducing visual distractions and enjoy the calm view.
2. Accordion Files – I use one of these.
The flexibility appeal of an accordion file: it’s easy to carry anywhere – whether working from the comfy bed, at a coffee shop, while on a getaway adventure or even in an emergency situation (like evacuating for a hurricane!). The accordion filer can be used for a myriad of storage options -‐ client notes, employee info, training info, project information, monthly business financial records and more. I use my accordion file to store sorted financial records by month -‐ receipts, statements, etc. – so they’ll be all together in ONE place, prepped and ready…before I am!
Copyright 2013-‐Current Year, Melody Granger, LLC, Melody Granger -‐ All Rights Reserved.
3. Binders -‐ I have seven “reference” binders.
The flexibility appeal of a binder: it’s easy to assimilate information and flip thru it like a book. Dividers (with or without pockets), pop-‐in folders, and other inserts allow personal customization to fit specific needs. I have several binders that I store instruction information that I want at my fingertips for quick referencing – like Website Design codes, Service Program Info, Dreamy House Plans & Interior Design, and Marketing Cheat Sheets. My VIP Client binder is customized with pop-‐in pocket folders, so I’m not fussing with the rings. Oh, and I can drop in notes, without needing to carry a 3-‐hole-‐punch. I can easily take ALL my clients wherever I’m traveling or just pull one client’s folder on their VIP Day. SWEET.
4. Slim-‐Sized Clipboards – five is my limit.
The flexibility appeal of clipboards: they can be used to store checklists/to-‐do lists, clip-‐on information needed for a specific project, and are absolutely perfect during times you need a hard surface to be where you are. (I love being outside where there’s no smooth desk!) They are fabulous for people who still like to print out docs or write by hand. I use them for projects I have in progress, like when I’m hosting an organization or productivity program, being interviewed, or taking notes about something important for my business that I want to implement. If it’s on a clipboard, then it’s in front of me to take action on. I also keep my daily income tracking form handy on a clipboard. I have a limit of 5 clipboards, so I don’t over-‐commit or overwhelm myself. Once they are full, I have to dump the contents or get it done, before I can take on another project. Often, I realize that some of my “important projects” aren’t really THAT important in the big scheme of my life and biz, and I decide not to focus on completing them. Hello trash can!!!
Copyright 2013-‐Current Year, Melody Granger, LLC, Melody Granger -‐ All Rights Reserved.
5. Google Calendar -‐ Biz & life commitments.
The flexibility appeal of Google calendar: It can be Accessed from virtually anywhere, as long as there’s Internet access – from any computer or smart cell phones, like…an I-‐phone. • When synced, it automatically transfers many online scheduler appointments directly to Google calendar. • It can be set to send a daily appointment list each morning. • Client appointments (and other repetitive dates) can be set to automatically reserve an appointment at regular, specific intervals. For example: Schedule a client for 6 months on every other Tuesday, but only manually enter it once. • Ability to view several different calendars at once – such as personal calendar, business calendar, promotions calendar, birthdays, and more – or view them all together. • Color-‐coding is available, which is great for identifying the different calendars created. • Print or view one day, one week or an entire month. I prefer looking at the whole month. • Google calendar can also do more! • It’s really easy to use. And, yes, there’s an app for that. Plus, it’s free!
Leverage every way you can to make things easier on yourself, especially in YOUR profit center – also known as, your business workspace.
Select attractive containers that are easy for you to arrange and super easy for you to use – especially when you are moving fast. Before you know it, you’ll begin noticing that it’s much, much easier to accomplish more in less time and stay motivated to do your thing!
Melody Granger guides entrepreneurial-‐spirited women to streamline their environments to improve their productivity, and create an easier to manage business & life they adore. To learn more about potentially working privately with Melody via Skype, please write to [email protected]. Or visit “Work With Me.” “I love hearing about your humblest and wildest dreams. And, I respond to all emails personally.” Melody
Copyright 2013-‐Current Year, Melody Granger, LLC, Melody Granger -‐ All Rights Reserved.
