Latest Articles
- 10 Tips for Creating a Data Goldmine
I have been working with many clients who have their information in a database but are unable to get the information they want or know where to find it. Usually the culprit is a series of issues that come together to create the perfect storm of inefficiency. The tips below will help you to prevent this storm and maximize the information in your database to increase productivity and profits.
- How to Make More Money in 2012 with Data Driven Decisions
I have mentioned in many of my articles about metrics. Things we use to measure success and how far you are from reaching your goals. Data is much more than that – it is a valuable tool to make solid business decisions. It also helps you to save as well as make money. Below are some of the metrics you can use to help grow your bottom line in 2012.
- Why Effective Reporting Makes You Money
Many organizations today rely heavily on their technology to get things done. This is something that will become increasingly important as we move into the future. Those who have learned to leverage the information they have can effectively market, close sales, produce their products or services quicker and save money on maintaining those customers. One way to achieve this is through effective reporting.
- Top 10 Reasons Why You Need a Bookkeeping System
As technology progresses it is becoming increasingly important for companies and non-profits to track their information. In a previous article I discussed how to maximize your customer relationship management software. This month I am going to talk about your bookkeeping system. These two areas tend to be neglected by a new business or existing businesses using an effective system that is too difficult to maintain. Either scenario will cost you money, time and sales. Below are the top 10 reasons why you should use a bookkeeping system.
- 7 Ways to Keep Your Database from Becoming a Digital Clothes Hanger
As part of the new reality, organizations are doing more with less. This translates into reduced staff, resources and in some cases office space. This has created the necessity to examine how organizations can use technology to be more efficient. One way is to purchase Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software. Doing a thorough research process and testing prior to buying your system. Once purchased, I encourage you to take the necessary steps to avoid it becoming a digital clothes hanger – aka an unused treadmill. Here are some tips on how to avoid this dilemma for yourself.
Staying Organized
With the New Year upon us we all make those New Year resolutions. Well as you can imagine, getting organized is one of the top 5. Most of the clients I work with, the challenge isn’t “getting” organized its “staying” organized. Just cleaning an area up does not solve the underlying issues. It is just a band aid on a wound that left untreated will fester.
How do you stay organized? Simple, changing habits. This can take up to 3 months so do not get discouraged if you backslide during those 3 months. Just start the next day with your new habits and move forward.
Two important factors in everyday life are routines and preparation. These used together are powerful habit busters. Your job is to replace an unproductive routine with a productive routine. Everyone should have a morning and evening routine. Why? The morning and evening routines will help you get yourself and your children out the door on time.
Your morning routine should be as simple as possible. Most people are not with it first thing in the morning. Recognize this and work with it not against it. Start with getting up 15 minutes earlier than you do right now. Get into the habit of doing the tasks you need to get ready in the same order every day. After a while you will not even have to think about what you are doing, you will just do it. Ahh, save that brain power for something important.
How do you make your morning routine simple, by having a good evening routine and a central location for the stuff you need the next day. Your evening routine needs to include preparing for the next day. Things like laying out your clothes, having your purse, keys, a charging cell phone and items you need to take with you in a central location near the doorway. A hutch or small table in your entrance way would be a good home for these types of items. Another good piece of furniture to have by your door is a coat tree. This allows you to have your coat right by the door on your way out. If you have kids, they should have their shoes, book bags, coat, etc. in the central location by the door. If you have multiple kids, you can use a basket tree for housing book bags, lunch bags, etc. The baskets can be labeled so there are no fights as to whose basket is who’s. This evening routine is a good habit to teach your children. They can take it into adulthood.
Bottom line, at night get everything together for the next day so when you get up in the morning all you have to do is get yourself and your family out the door. Just doing this will save a multitude of headaches and stress. Give it a try for 3 months and keep me updated on your progress.
Cynthia Marsh-Croll
Croll Organizing
Thanks for the great tips for home preparation. It's funny that I know what good routines are for my business, I backslide during busy periods, get back in the swing both during slow and during the REALLY busy periods when I need the organizational discipline the most, but my household routines are not terribly organized. Routines are the bane of my existence, though I've been working on them. Great tips for starting on the right foot. Thanks!