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Jan Norman on Small Business ~ News and practical tips for and by Orange County small business owners

Archive for the 'get organized' Tag

Daily tip: Get organized, save money

December 4th, 2008, 1:00 am by Jan Norman, small-business columnist

Today’s tip is from Scott Olpin of The Olpin Group in Yorba Linda, which sells office organization products.

Simple steps toward improving the efficiency of your office can save your business significant amounts of money, a vital help during this shaky economic time.

Using good organization and communication techniques can be a quick and easy way get more done in less time. Try out some of these great efficiency-improving techniques:

1. The Daily Huddle. Miscommunication causes significant delays and frustration for everyone in a work environment. Have a staff meeting once a day to improve communication among employees and help anticipate challenges in your workday.

2. Eliminate the “where is it at” problem. If you are constantly having to search for documents, tools or supplies, that seriously cuts into your work time. Make a standard place for all important items to be kept and instill in your staff good habits of returning items to their rightful place.

3. Map Out Your Flow. Make sure you and your staff know the process for where items should go once a task is completed. Projects will move faster when everyone knows their place in the broader scheme of things. You can also use this map to identify where your current process is slow or breaking down.

If you have a strategy, resource or tip to help small businesses, click here to send it to me. If I use it, I’ll give you credit and link to your web site.

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Tip of the Day: Clear the decks

June 23rd, 2008, 1:00 am by Jan Norman, small-business columnist

Today’s tip is from Debbie Gilster of the Center for Growth & Productivity in Laguna Niguel.

work.jpgDo you want to really delve into a product but you have this list of things that you must get done first?You keep saying to yourself that when you get these items off your to-do list, you can relaly concentrate on the project but time keeps dragging on.

Here is a process to help move you forward:

  • Commit to making it happen no matter what.
  • Write: Make a written list of your things to do. You may find that the list isn’t as long or daunting as you imagined.
  • Decide: Sort through the items and determine what is really important to get done. Let go or delegate what you can. Priortize the list and put the nagging problems at the top.
  • Act: Do the work. Don’t be a perfectionist. Face the fear and stay focused on what you will be able to do with your time when these tasks are no longer haunting you.

If you have a strategy, resource or tip to help small businesses, click here to send it to me. If I use it, I’ll give you credit and link to your Web site.

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