Category: Business Tips

  • Want To Get Organized? Eat Chocolate And Chicken

    ChocolateCan eating certain foods really help you get organized?  It is possible?

    Getting (and staying) organized is about decision making.  When you're holding an item in your hands, you take responsibility for the care and feeding of that item, just like a pet.  You also choose to put it down right in front of you, or put it back in its proper place.

    CisforchocolateStudies are showing that running low on the neurotransmitter that controls your mood (serotonin) contributes to "low energy, lack of enthusiasm, and regulating emotions."  That's one of the reasons why someone who is depressed actually feel better when they eat, or at least less cranky.  Now that's a simplistic solution, but you get the point.

    Do you feel more motivated to tackle your desk paperwork after you've had a meal?  Or a piece of chocolate?  Try it and share your "scientific" experience.

    images above courtesy of our friends Celine Soprano and Bruno Marcy at 'C' is for Chocolate

    Source:  Whole Life Times, August 2008 issue

    John_trosko_67 

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  • Basic Systems Can Make Your Business Swim Like An Olympian

    Mercedes ML320 - front

    What makes a business work?

     

    My professional organizing colleague Lorie Marrero and I were emailing back and forth today about businesses that run smoothly and businesses that run amock.

     

    Today, I brought my Mercedes ML320 to the dealer in Beverly Hills to run some diagnostic work.  You can see a picture of my car above right, along with my new nifty *vanity* license plates that were a gift three weeks ago.

     

    Since my problem wasn't requiring an appointment (or so I thought) I talked to a service tech on the phone and he said to just bring the car down.  Computer diagnostics are best handled by the dealer and not your local neighborhood mechanic, so I was worried.  This was my first experience with the dealership (new car for me).  Well oh my gosh, what a sight—I pulled up to the service center at the dealer and that location was like a well-run factory, with gleaming white floors, music, palm trees and kind courteous employees everywhere, including the hurried customers.  All those Beverly Hills housewives getting their oil changed demand all this attention I guess.  Well, heck, I appreciate all this attention!

     

    Mercedes ML320 - back

    Because this was my first time I was so surprised on how fast I got in and got out.  How the service tech got my name on the second time, along with the way I like it pronounced.  I was able to rent a car on the spot without having to leave the building.  The service department is so big, they have their own Enterprise Rent A Car on site, in their own spacious glass office, with SIX people behind the counter renting out cars.  I think I am in the wrong business!

     

    Well, I just wish every business ran like this.  I know modern adult life is about finding value and the cost of that value.  And this got me thinking.  What make a business work?  What makes a business swim like an Olympian?  Here's what Lorie had to say in her e-mail this afternoon:

     

    "Don’t you love seeing a thing of beauty in motion? A well-running business with real systems is getting more rare all the time.  It really frustrates me when I go into many businesses and in about 5 minutes I can see about 10 things they could improve easily with basic systems."


    So, what makes a place of business a place you'd want to do business with?  And do you pay more for convenience, professionalism and knowledge?

     

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  • Los Angeles USPS Heads Sexy Pilot Program For Recycling Electronics

    Santa_monica_beach

    Could recycling ever become a day at the beach?

    The United States Postal Service last month began a pilot program for USPS customers to recycle their small small electronics and inkjet cartridges by mailing them free of charge.

    Los Angeles is on the short list of cities participating in the program called "Mail Back."  Designed to help consumers make more environmentally friendly choices, the mail back program includes free envelopes inside Post Offices to mail back inkjet cartridges, PDAs, Blackberries, digital cameras, iPods and MP3 players, free of charge with no postage due.

    Clover Technologies Group is paying for the postage, and re-manufacturing the products, including refurbishing, reselling or breaking them down further for recycling. It all depends on the type of part, quality and age.

    Usps_2In addition to Los Angeles, the program is set for Washington, D.C., Chicago and San Diego.  More cities to follow in the fall of 2008 if success is met.

    Could this be a big break for the American consumer wanting to recycle but finds it too difficult?  Will the infamous USPS, known for its award-winning customer service, be diligent in stocking the supply cabinets inside each and every store?  Sometimes we can’t even find envelopes for Express Mail.  Well, we’ll all soon find out.

    What do you think of this program?  Would you drop by your local post office to mail ink jet cartridges?

    Source:  Shredstation, USPS

    Santa Monica Beach Image:  Faris on Flickr

    John_trosko

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  • OrganzingLA Interviews Brandie Kajino, The Home Office Organizer

    At the NAPO National Conference earlier this month, we had an opportunity to interview a few movers and shakers in the professional organizing industry.

    Meet Brandie Kajino, The Home Office Organizer of Portland, Oregon, Vancouver and Washington Metro areas.  Brandie specializes in working with home-based businesses, performing on-site consultations, teleclasses and virtual activities.  She helps her clients increase productivity, reduce stress and love where they work.

    Please forgive the camera shaking, it’s tough to balance a camera while you’re on crutches.

    Brandie will be available for a limited time on our blog to address your home office organizing questions.  Feel free to post them using the comment section and Brandie will address your concerns.

    Brandie Kajino, The Home Office Organizer

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  • Win a Beverly Hills Lunch With A Brady – If You’ve Got the Messiest Cable Clutter in the Nation

    Christopherknightadriannecurry

    Win lunch in Beverly Hills with green advocates Christopher Knight and Recycling_2 Adrianne Curry, co-hosts of the VH-1 reality show, My Fair Brady.

    The folks at Green Plug are sponsoring a nationwide photo contest for the messiest cable clutter, and just in time for spring cleaning.

    (more…)

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  • Tuesday is the Most Productive Day of the Week

    What day of the week is your most productive day?

    ProductivityAccording to an Accountemps nationwide survey of 150 senior executives, 57% said Tuesday is the most productive day of the week.  Do you agree?

    Coming in a distant second (12%) was Monday.  Max Messner, a representative for Menlo Park, Calif. Accountemps said Monday is a catch-up day– following the weekend.  Many regularly scheduled meetings also take place on Monday which can decrease the time open to complete tasks the incoming week.

    These results seem to mirror the same number in 2002, 1998 and 1987 surveys.

    Accountemps offers the following advise for getting organized:

    • Make a plan
    • Sharpen your focus
    • Limit distractions
    • Don’t delay
    • Recharge

    What day of the week do you feel you are most productive?

    John_trosko

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