New Year, New Attitude

The year is racing to a close with the speed of a bullet train. I am convinced that there is some insane person speeding up that recorded clock so we all really do have less time each day! A good friend told me a while back to just tell myself over and over again that I had all the time in the world and since then I haven't looked back. Somehow, as I take away the stress of worrying about how much I have to do my mind races with creative energy and efficiency and I actually do achieve more in less time!

Use this period to complete projects that are outstanding and complete all pending contacts then CONGRATULATE yourself for all the hard work over the past year and your successes along the way. Thank your clients, colleagues and family and even though you have a million things to do, try to enjoy the season with a smile on your face and be thankful for the good things around you. To put it another way - declutter your brain.

Use any down time you may have over the Christmas period to clean out your office, your business and your life. If Christmas is the busiest time for you then pick another time in the year that is not so busy - just make sure you put it in your diary and stick to it. I am always amazed at how quickly new business and new opportunities come along when I am organised, de-cluttered and in control. You may have a great system that works for you, but if you haven't cleaned out your office since you registered your business name then hopefully this simple 6 step system will inspire you to whip out the Mr Sheen!

Paper Files

First of all destroy anything that you no longer need to keep. The ATO requires small businesses to keep records for 5 years after the transaction is completed - just FIVE years - so if you have records dating back to the age of the typewriter enjoy the liberating feeling of shredding like mad! The Tax Department in your country may allow you to keep electronic records these days so check out their website and see if you comply. It is much easier, and certainly more environmentally friendly, to store a few CD's as opposed to boxes and boxes of paper!

Electronic Files

When was the last time you went through your sent mail folder? If you are anything like me the answer is next to never. It is a time consuming job to clear out sent files, sub-folders and other folders but a necessary one to keep your computer operating at peak efficiency. Book some time in your diary to concentrate on the task without interruption and clear the backlog. Your computer will thank you for it!

Procedures

Are you procedure files up to date? Do you have any? I had reason to think about this some time ago and started putting in place procedures for each aspect of my business. I am amazed at the impact the whole process has had on my business. By thinking about how I do things, I have managed to streamline processes and outsourced certain tasks that were simple but repetitive and taking me away from more important things. This provides a great perspective on how your business operates and what is taking your time away. A further bonus to this whole process is that if the decision or opportunity to sell the business arises then you are prepared, clear and focused.

Clients

How is your cash flow? Now is the time to check out your debtors ledger and follow up anything that is outstanding. Sometimes a simple phone call is all it takes and if there is a problem, well there is only one way to find out! Also use this time to check out your customer database. Is there anyone who needs a phone call, some nurturing or a reminder that you exist? Maybe your top customers could do with a thank you for your business gesture?

Surroundings

If you have been planning to re-vamp, re-paint or re-invent your work space then this is the time to do it. Pull out that desk and give everything the once over - including the drawers, the bookshelves and the noticeboard. Maybe a new paint colour or furniture re-arrangement would revitalise your spirits?

Business plan

Have a look at your business plan and, if you don't have one, write one. Know where you're going and live your brand and its evolution. Business Plans don't need to be the size of the yellow pages - just a page or two will do - as long as it is meaningful to you.

Cleaning out your entire business may be something that is just too daunting to deal with - if that is the case, book regular, shorter appointments with yourself and move through the list stage by stage. I am positive that you will feel better, more in control and definitely more organised. Once you have cleared the clutter - who knows what the future will bring?

Good luck!

Kim McGuinness is managing director of Network Central. She is co-author of Network or Perish - learn the secrets of master networkers and is featured in Secrets of Inspiring Women Exposed!. Kim speaks and trains on all aspects of networking and is a regularly featured commentator on networking style and practice in the media. Network Central runs many events such as the Businesswomen's Breakfast Series and conducts webinars and mentoring programs. Go to http://www.networkcentral.com.au for more information.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/6372846

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