Challenge:
The challenge for this client was finding a way to manage the volume of incoming and outgoing paper and electronic information.  He needed help setting up a file management system, advice on how to handle reference material, and some guidance on time/task management to help him prioritize his day.

Solution:
We sorted through the piles on and around his desk, purged anything that was not essential, and created an easy-to-use and maintain file management system.  We provided organizing and productivity tips for him to manage the information being received via email.  We helped set up a task list and provided him with techniques to prioritize to-dos.

Result:
He now has the tools to help him get through his work day without frustration.  He has a clear system for processing incoming and outgoing paper and electronic files, and knows exactly where all categories of information should go.  He can efficiently manage his emails and make sure his inbox is empty at the end of every day. 

For even more Innovatively Organized before and after photos, visit our Facebook album!

Purses of Interest is a purse swap fundraiser to benefit Rise n’ Shine.  The event is next Thursday, October 6th at 6 pm at PNK Ultra Lounge in Pacific Place.  You can register online for $20 before October 1st or for $25 after.  

Upon arrival, you will be checked in and given a ticket in exchange for your gently used purse (cough- clutter).  For the purse swap portion, numbers will be drawn at random to invite guests to pick out their new purse.  And the best part- all purses include goodies, discounts, or gift certificates hidden inside!  Not only will you be getting rid of “extra baggage” in your home, you’ll be returning with an awesome new bag already filled with goodies!  

There will also be a small silent auction for wines, chocolates, a boat tour, a L’Occitane gift box, and gift certificates to local Seattle Restaurants!  All of the evening’s proceeds go in support of Rise n’ Shine, which supports children and teens affected by HIV/AIDS.  

Bring all of your friends- especially the ones with purses you envy!  You can also check out their Facebook event to learn more!

You’ll love it for:

• Integrating all of your accounts (Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Outlook, Mac Adress Book, Google contacts, Google calendar, Google Voice, Evernote)
• Merging contacts to avoid duplicate entries
• Staying informed about contacts before meeting with them

Cost: $9.99/month

Available at: Connected

Abilities:
•  Drag and drop single or multiple contacts into our out of groups
•  Send mass mail to subsets of groups
•  Merge duplicate contacts

Great for:
•  Visually organizing your different groups (work, family, restaurants, shops)
•  Quickly creating groups of contacts
•  Sending mass mail (texts, emails)

Cost: $2.99

If you’re the CEO of your household, contact management is great for planning play dates (ie. make note of whose kids have what food allergies).  You can store information about all of your family’s doctors, favorite restaurants, and preferred stores.  Make a contact for each family member, including not just their phone numbers, but also their clothing sizes, favorite foods, and schedules.  Add the contact information of your children’s best friends and teachers, in case you ever need to get in touch with them.  

If you’re a student, start creating a comprehensive contact management system for everyone you meet, especially your professors, career mentors, and school alumni.  Adding someone on Facebook is not enough- you need to start storing contact information like where people work, new networking contacts, and important job references.  Make note of birthdays and addresses, so when you go to school, you won’t miss special occasions and you’ll know where to mail cards.  Start updating all of your contacts to include your friends’ Skype usernames, blog addresses, and Twitter handles.  Then sync your devises, so you can always contact people wherever you are.

And no matter who you are, what you do, or how old you are, start organizing all of your contacts better.  We all have different tiers of relationships- our family members, our close friends, our colleagues/associates, our acquaintances, and everyone else.  The sooner you start sorting these relationships into categories, and tracking these relationships (like the last time you connected), the more productive you will be.  Capture every type of information you can- their current employer, their LinkedIn profile, their food preference.  In the long run, this will help you network, expand your relationships, and stay connected.

Whether you are using your phone address book, your Gmail address book, or a simple Excel spreadsheet, it’s important that you’re managing your contacts. 

You’ll love it for:
•  Concerts, events
•  Going for a run
•  College students carrying school IDs
•  Traveling
•  Minimizing “stuff”

Cost: $29.99- $49.99

Available at: Case-mate

Challenge:
This client sought us out based on the fact that we specialize in working with people with ADD and know how to organize their spaces in a way that functions for them, making them more productive.  She had the bones for a great office space; however, the systems needed to make her successful were not in place, including a way to process paper.  She had paper covering every horizontal surface, including a majority of the floor.  

Solution:
We sorted through every item in her office, decided if it needed to be kept and where the appropriate home was for each item.  We implemented a paper management system for her to effectively process her paper, and also identified a more effective storage solution for her active projects.  

Result:
Our client now has an office in which she can feel comfortable and be productive.  She can walk into the space without stepping on paper and being distracted by all the clutter in the room.  The space now feels, looks, and functions like an office- designed and organized for her and her needs.

For even more Innovatively Organized before and after photos, visit our Facebook album!

Get organized now with our Balanced Diet Grocery List!

Abilities:
•  Create groups of contacts (work, school, family)
•  Merge new data into existing contacts
•  Export information to Gmail/CSV/Excel file
•  Recognizes seven languages

Great for:
•  International business professionals
•  Networking
•  Streamlining contact management

Cost: $5.99