Organizing Strategies for the Self-employed
By Vicki
Norris
Contributing Writer
Self-employed professionals usually run their businesses and
their homes out of the same office space. This convergence of
the personal and professional life in one space can cause
disorder for even the most conscientious.
Here are some strategies for the self-employed that will help
create and maintain order:
1. Invest in adequate furniture
Often, those running home-based businesses or tele-commuting
just patch together a home office, rather than investing in the
appropriate furniture. Every office needs a clear work area,
space for peripheral equipment and computer hardware, a spot for
reference materials, file space, and a location for frequently
referenced supplies and paper.
2. Properly place hardware and peripherals
Once the right furniture is purchased and put in place, place
peripherals and hardware by frequency of use. If the printer is
used daily, it should be within reach. If the CPU is only
accessed for troubleshooting, it can be placed under, or next
to, the desk. If a scanner is rarely used, it can be placed
outside the work area. Sometimes peripherals can only be located
as far away as cords allow. When setting up hardware, be
conscious of access to drives, trays, and cords. Do not block
access to drawers or leg room with tangled cords.
3. Establish centers
The efficient office is zoned into activity areas: the work
center (usually the desktop), the reference center, and the
supply center. The work center should include clear work space,
the computer, and accessible office supplies. The items in the
reference center will vary from person to person, but usually
includes binders, manuals, dictionary, and professional books
and materials. Reference materials are commonly stored on
bookshelves or in cabinets. A supply center could contain office
and paper supplies inside a cabinet, or within a bank of
drawers.
4. Make paper work for you
Multi-tasking is the name of the game for self-employed
professionals. This often results in a desktop piled high with
paper. In order to clear the desktop for ample work space, some
key paper management systems must be established to tame the
paper pile-up and allow the professional to work on one thing at
a time. The successful professional needs to process actionable
paper, store projects (like client or administrative matters),
and access a permanent filing system built around their specific
job and needs. Without proper paper management systems, the
self-employed will struggle in a sea of confusion, ill-equipped
to capture information and documents.
5. Consolidate calendars
The family calendar, the PC calendar, the PDA, and the paper
planner all hold various appointments and events. The savvy
professional will choose one calendar system, and consolidate
personal and business items. This way, no events "fall through
the cracks," and all commitments can be viewed simultaneously.
6. Carry in the car only what is necessary
Some professionals find that their office is morphing into their
car. They haul around files and materials, but find that they
rarely use what they transport. Once effective office systems
are established, paper, reference material, and supplies will
find "homes." These items can be removed from the car, and
stored in their appropriate home. Using a simple, consolidated
calendar system, the professional can now plan ahead for
appointments, and bring with them only the necessary files and
materials. This approach also eliminates searching for things
between office and vehicle.
Vicki Norris a national television personality on HGTV's Mission: Organization, a featured professional organizing expert on regional television, a motivational speaker, a regular radio guest, the designer of her own line of organizing products, and a published author.
Copyright © 2005 Vicki Norris. All Rights Reserved.
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