Owning or working in a small business often means wearing many hats. Being organized is the key to managing it all seamlessly. Following are some tips to help you organize many aspects of office life.

* Resist the urge to continually check e-mail or voicemail. Instead, set specific times - perhaps once in the morning and once after lunch - to do this.  

* Make a schedule. Make a to-do list at the beginning of each day or the evening before. Schedule your time so the most important tasks get done first. That way, if you get interrupted, at least your most urgent needs have been met.

* Zone your space. Divide your office into zones. Think kindergarten-style: Walk into a classroom, and it will be divided into different areas to do crafts, eat, take a nap, listen to music, and read. Your office might have a main work zone (usually your desk area); a reference zone of bookcases or shelves; a creative work zone for drawing or writing; and a calling zone, including the phone, headset, and phone book. If you're having trouble defining your zones, your professional organizer can help!

* Make the most of limited space. Try to think vertically, rather than just horizontally. Use your wall space to mount a bulletin board to hang your to-do list and phone numbers. Install pegboard or a wire grid on the wall to hang supplies up and off your desk. Install shelving over your desk to hold books and reference materials. Mount your computer monitor on a swing arm from the wall. If you have a door, don't forget to use the space behind it - hang a shoe bag, and fill it with office supplies.

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