Archive for the ‘Productivity’ Category

Weekly strategy for managing multiple projects

Do you know where you stand on all your current projects? Are you clear on your next action and what you need to do to accomplish your next step?  If you don’t yet feel this way, but would like to, this simple weekly exercise can help. We’ve all experienced times when we’re drowning in unfinished projects. In this state, it’s difficult to make the best decisions moment by moment. To kick this confusion to the curb:

1. Get a handle on categories first. Group, group, group all those details. How? Write down the major categories of all the projects you’ve got going on in your life, including your personal life.
2. List individual projects. Under each category, list the major projects.

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Combine alphabetical and categorical files.

If you thought creating a great file system takes a lot of work, it might be you just needed some guidance on what system would work for you. This post will help you decide how you want to sort your files into categories and how to use those categories once you’re done.

Most filing systems sort alphabetically or by category.

Who says you have to choose one or the other? I like to organize files into large categories first and then place files alphabetically within those categories.  Why? You will save time and energy by narrowing your search and going straight to that section of your file system.  All your financial files will be together in one category.

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Are you having trouble finding a solution for your hundreds of business cards? Or have you found a solution but still can’t find the cards when you need to contact someone?

Business cards are so unruly. They’re often spread around your home in multiple drawers, bags and binders. Even if you find them you may not remember who they are associated with.  Many of the traditional organizing systems, found at office supply stores, are designed for alphabetical filing but imagine two years later, when you actually need the service; it will be almost impossible to remember the contact’s name.

Or perhaps you attend networking functions and just aren’t sure how to file the cards for later networking use. Organizing business cards by category, rather than alphabetically, can help you find contacts quickly.

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