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August 2009
Greetings!
 
I hope you're well!
 
A Little Elf is very excited!  Next week we are headed off to our annual Professional Organising conference in Brisbane.  It'll be 2 1/2 information packed days with many of Australia's and NZ's Professional Organisers, along with two fellow Americans who are making the trip downunder.  I am on one of the panels answering questions about Professional Organisers, called Ask the Organiser, along with two other seasoned professionals. 

I have been on the planning committee for this year's conference since last October and am looking forward to it arriving finally.  :-)

Please enjoy the newsletter and send any ideas and questions you have.  Happy Organising!
Organising your Business
 
Well in Australia we are one month into the new Financial Year and school is starting very soon in the States, so there will be some quiet time coming for North Americans.  Now is the time to get your business  organised!  A Little Elf recommends you take some time to get your working environment in top shape.  Here are some great Financial New Year's resolutions you can make:
- Set up an efficient, streamlined filing system that is easy to use.
- Fix any broken or damaged office equipment, or if it's irreparable, throw it away or recycle it.
- Clear up the software icons and files on your desktop...delete or file into document folders.  Find some clear space on your desktop!
-Back up your computer hard drive- it's a good idea to set a reminder in your Calender to do this regularly.  If you need help in Sydney, contact Mosaic IT (www.mosaicit.com.au) and tell them A Little Elf sent you.  They can set up a backup system that you won't  need to do anything to backup regularly.
- Go through all the messy bits of paper or post-it notes you have lying on your desk/ stuck to your computer- copy down any of the important information, phone numbers or appointments into a notebook or on your computer and throw the rest away (shred any sensitive information)
- Sort through your email inbox and file your emails into appropriate categories. If possible, archive old emails and start new folders for this year.
- Set up your new financial year accounting files, whether it is suspension files in a filing cabinet or a binders.  Indicate the year on all labels, this allows for easy archiving, and easy destruction once the record keeping time frame expires.
- Implement a policy that everyone's desk/office space needs to be clear and organised at the end of the day.
Contact A Little Elf with any of your business organising accomplishments...we love to hear good news!

Ergonomics in Your Office 
Guest Author: Seth Hirschowitz
 
When we think about injuring our backs we immediately conjure up the image of a person lifting something heavy or perhaps a sportsman e.g. a fast bowler straining his back with a 150 km ball. Yet in private physiotherapy practice the majority of back injuries we encounter gradually happen over time because of gradual overload of the soft tissues of the spine( muscle, ligaments, joints and discs) This overload manifests in static postures most commonly that of prolonged sitting, particularly in suboptimal positions with inadequate support. The other main factor responsible for injury at work is doing repetitive tasks such as using the mouse or keyboard.
 
Most of us today in the corporate world use computers and sit at desks for considerable periods of time. It therefore makes good sense to look at setting up the work station in the best possible way to prevent these sorts of injuries happening thus preventing strain, pain, injury, time off work and loss of income for both employers and employees. The bottom line is everyone will be happy with increased productivity so organising and designing our work places with the human body's capabilities and limitations in mind makes good sense and is termed ergonomics; today this is a science. So to get started simply remember these three things.
 
1.Adjust your chair, screen, keyboard and mouse
 
2.Organise your desktop
 
3.Take time for pause exercises and eye comfort
 
For details on how to do this contact info@sethphysiotherapy.com.au
 
Seth Hirschowitz is a physiotherapist based @Westfield Bondi Junction with 20 years experience in private practice. He has postgraduate degree in Sports Physiotherapy. He provides a long term solution to neck and back pain. He enjoys photography, golf and swimming when he is not treating injuries or spending time with his 4 young children.
 

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 continued success and a clear focus on your goals!
 
Warm regards,

Karen Koedding
A Little Elf

In This Issue
Organising your Business
Ergonomics in Your Office
About A Little Elf
Quick Links
 
FAQs
Mailing List button 
About A Little Elf
Karen
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.
See Australia's messiest office!
A LIttle Elf teamed up with Marbig to organise Australia's messiest office.  We were happy to help a non-profit out with a very disorganised cubicle:
 
Marbig Contest
Do you want to become a
Professional Organiser?
Would you like to learn from me?
I have created a Mentoring Program for aspiring Professional Organisers...so that I can share my experiences and education with you.  Click for more information here.
Now offering Business Card Scanning
A Little Elf is now offering business card scanning services.  Let us scan that drawer full of business cards for you!  We'll scan them into a file that you can download from the net, and into your Outlook or ACT! contacts database...think of all the new clients/customers you can be in touch of!

Contact us, we're happy to provide a no obligation quote for you!

A Little Elf can help!