| Greetings!
Happy New Year!
You are receiving this email because you are my family, a friend of mine, a member of my networking group, a client, or you've requested to be included. You always have the option (at the bottom of the email) to say no to the newsletters. Having said that I'd be very grateful if you decide that after seeing a couple of the newsletters, and even more grateful if you would forward them onto someone that you think would be interested in reading them.
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Thanks so much!
Happy Organising! |
| Organise Your Office |
Getting organised can remove unnecessary stress and enable efficiency. It can all be so much quicker and easier if you are organised. Here are some tips to help you set your office up in an organised manner. Each month we will tackle a different part of your office.
Computer accessories Computer accessories can be so awkward, you've got cords, power strips, extra batteries, old speakers, discs, memory sticks, cd's, etc. Everything is different sizes and shapes! Drawers or boxes work the best for accessories. First, weed through them and get rid of anything that you won't ever use, haven't ever used, or that belongs to that broken computer in the corner. Sort the computer software in one pile and we will deal with it in the section below. With the remaining accessories, identify what each item is and what computer it belongs to. Anytime you get a new computer do this at the start, it'll save on the drama later. Then using a label maker make a label that identifies the computer and the item. Attach the label to the part. For cords fold the label in half with the cord in between. Place the accessories in drawers or labeled boxes/containers. If you don't know what the cable or cord is for, there is a good chance you won't ever use it and can toss it. If you're reluctant to throw it away, put it in a big resealable plastic bag with today's date on it, if you haven't needed the parts in the bag in 3-6 months, throw the whole thing out. A good way to remember to do this step is to put it in your calendar.
Anything on floppies should be transferred to a newer format, and then the floppy disc destroyed. cd's can be stored in a cd book without plastic covers. Two other options is to store the information on the cd's on a portable hard drive or some high capacity memory sticks.
If something is broken, chances are it won't ever be convenient to fix it, so please toss it. Remember to destroy or delete any personal information. Deleting information doesn't mean that it isn't recoverable so an expert can completely erase it for you, or you can bash it with a hammer.
I say, "toss it" and "bash it", but remember that computer items may need to be recycled in a specific manner, please check with your town or council.
Next month: Computer Software | |
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Someday Syndrome
Guest writer: Alex Fayle |
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You work hard each day, but are you really doing what you want to do?
Karen knows what I'm talking about. She had a successful business in the United States-the dream of many people. Like the rest of us she was out on her own, working for no one but herself and doing well with it too. But it wasn't what she really wanted.
Now Karen's in Australia, still with her own business, and is incredibly happy.
Because she refused to stay infected with Someday Syndrome.
You know what that is: Someday I'll get around to it. Someday my ship will come in. I might need it someday.
We've all experienced it. In my own case, I was infected with it for 25 years before I realized and found the cure. You see, when I was twelve years old, I decided I was going to be a writer. At several points during the next 25 years I had the opportunity to pursue that, but each time I put it off (mainly due to fear).
Then in 2003 I started a Professional Organizing business. I thought I'd found my calling. I love organizing and I love helping people, so great, right?
Wrong. After two and half years, I was just as miserable as when I had a nine-to-five job.
I took the next six months to figure out what was wrong but nothing came to me until a client who was giving everything up to travel the world asked me what I'd really rather be doing.
After hemming and hawing a little bit, I said: "I really want to live in France and write." She asked me why I wasn't and since I couldn't come up with an answer, I sold my house, got rid of my stuff and three months later I was on a plane to France where I wrote a novel.
I've since relocated to Spain and have gotten back into (virtual) organizing, but my writing dream is still a priority. And like Karen, I'm insanely happy with my choice.
How about you? You don't need to change continents like Karen and I did, but are you truly doing what you want to do? And if not, what's stopping you?
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Alex Fayle, of Someday Syndrome (www.somedaysyndrome.com), is a former procrastinator who uses his visionary ability to uncover hidden patterns and help people break the procrastination obstacle so they can finally find freedom and start living the life they desire. |
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I look forward to continued contact with you and the opportunity to assist you with your organising projects!
We would love to hear your organising questions and what has worked for you!
Best wishes for a wonderful 2009 filled with happiness and success!
Warm regards,
Karen Koedding
A Little Elf |
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| Quick Links |
DIY Training
Next DIY Training for Office Organising is
Thursday 22 January 09
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| About A Little Elf |
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A Little Elf is a Professional Organising Firm based in Sydney and New York City. The firm was founded by Karen Koedding in May 2004. A Little Elf offers hands-on organising, organising consulting, training seminars, relocation unpacking services, and one-day re-design services for residences and small businesses/shops.
Karen is Australia's first and only Certified Professional Organiser after receiving the prestigious CPO certification from the Board of Certification for Professional Organisers (BCPO).
Karen's background includes degrees in Accounting and Interior Design, along with extensive experience as an Accountant and Financial Controller. She was recently selected to work with Peter Walsh in organising a home for a feature on Australian television. She is currently serving on the AAPO National Committee.
What is CPO Certification?
CPO Certification is a voluntary, industry-led effort which benefits the public and members of the organising profession. CPO Certification recognizes those professionals who have met specific minimum qualifications and proven through examination and client interaction to possess the body of knowledge and experience required for certification. |
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