I just started as a freelance contributor for examiner.com. This is my first article, it is very similar to my last post, "a few thoughts on organization". I have decided that writing articles for examiner.com will ultimately help me with promoting my professional organizing business, and help me be on top of blogging. Two other perks are that there is actually a little money in it, maybe even a little bit more than a little bit - if I get a following, also it should help me be a better writer since there is an actual rating associated with every article and feedback (supposedly), and it is a little more "official" than blogging, I should be able to use these articles as writing samples for any other writing jobs I might want to delve into. And, I have always wanted to write a book, so maybe this will be helpful to that goal as well.
So, please follow my articles and please leave comments as well. I appreciate the feedback, and suggestions on topics to write on.
If your on the twitter, follow me @BalanceandOrder. I will be tweeting daily tips!
toodles
Monday, April 23, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
A few thoughts on organization
First: Organization is an ongoing process, not a one time destination. You're never going to be totally organized, if you can accept this, it might relieve some of your stress. Nothing is every going to be perfectly organized either (I know, now I am sounding pessimistic about it all - but its true). Every system will need some tweaking eventually, life changes and we evolve -hopefully. We buy new things, we throw things away (we should), and so we must organize, reorganize and reorganize again ... forever! Yes, it should become a part of your life - and this is how we stay organized. But, it can be fun, it doesn't have to be a drag. And, if you think everything in your home is as organized as it can be, think again.
Second: Containers, baskets, boxes (pretty ones), bins, and so forth ... are your friends. But, they must have a purpose. Don't just get a box, bin, basket, or container, and throw stuff in it. It needs a name, a label, and a home. Everything must have a home. We somehow always have a lot of little stuff lying around: papers, pens, tools, toys, business cards, keys, clothes, shoes, more papers ... you get my drift. And, before you know it, the entry way, the kitchen counter, the dinning room table, the floor, its all covered in clutter. The first step in organizing it all, is to find everything a home, in an appropriate container.
Third: You will never stay organized without a system. And, everyone's system is different; you will need to find what works best for you and your family. What do you do when you walk in the door? Where do you put the mail, the keys, your bags? How do you deal with your mail and the bills? Where does the laundry go when its dirty, clean? Where do the toys go when they are done being played with? These are the types of questions you ask yourself and the other people that live in your home. Make sure everyone understands the system, young and old. Make labels or pictures to help make it easier to remember, even a home manual or chart can be helpful for reference. And then - here is the important part - tweak it, change it, or remove it if the system doesn't work. Remember, organization is a process, not a one time destination.
And, remember sometimes we all need a little help. If you need help organizing your space, or figuring out a system that works for you - don't hesitate to ask a professional.
www.balanceandorder.com
Second: Containers, baskets, boxes (pretty ones), bins, and so forth ... are your friends. But, they must have a purpose. Don't just get a box, bin, basket, or container, and throw stuff in it. It needs a name, a label, and a home. Everything must have a home. We somehow always have a lot of little stuff lying around: papers, pens, tools, toys, business cards, keys, clothes, shoes, more papers ... you get my drift. And, before you know it, the entry way, the kitchen counter, the dinning room table, the floor, its all covered in clutter. The first step in organizing it all, is to find everything a home, in an appropriate container.
Third: You will never stay organized without a system. And, everyone's system is different; you will need to find what works best for you and your family. What do you do when you walk in the door? Where do you put the mail, the keys, your bags? How do you deal with your mail and the bills? Where does the laundry go when its dirty, clean? Where do the toys go when they are done being played with? These are the types of questions you ask yourself and the other people that live in your home. Make sure everyone understands the system, young and old. Make labels or pictures to help make it easier to remember, even a home manual or chart can be helpful for reference. And then - here is the important part - tweak it, change it, or remove it if the system doesn't work. Remember, organization is a process, not a one time destination.
And, remember sometimes we all need a little help. If you need help organizing your space, or figuring out a system that works for you - don't hesitate to ask a professional.
www.balanceandorder.com
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Craft Detour
I know that I said the next post would be about the book I was reading; but, things changed drastically for me when I was laid off, and my focus became redirected on other things ... and well, stopped reading the book. But, mark my word - I will finish it soon! Anyway, since the lay off I have been doing many things. The most wonderful thing has been to be able to spend time with my daughter. She is growing so fast, crawling around now, and so much fun!
Do to my financial situation, I decided to be creative, and give only hand made gifts for Christmas. I found so many great ideas on Pinterest (my new obsession). One of which, turned out to be so easy, and so great. I got the idea from Thrifty & Thriving on Pinterest, and I have to say thank you so much! I made several for my mom, my aunts, and cousins.
I made some other crafts as well, and am working on more... but, I will save them for another post. I am loving being a stay at home mom, and being crafty. But, I also need to find a way to make a living. I have taken some time to work on my business BALANCE AND ORDER. I am still working on my website, if anyone visits it - I would love some feedback. I also created a flyer that I will be handing out:
Do to my financial situation, I decided to be creative, and give only hand made gifts for Christmas. I found so many great ideas on Pinterest (my new obsession). One of which, turned out to be so easy, and so great. I got the idea from Thrifty & Thriving on Pinterest, and I have to say thank you so much! I made several for my mom, my aunts, and cousins.
I made some other crafts as well, and am working on more... but, I will save them for another post. I am loving being a stay at home mom, and being crafty. But, I also need to find a way to make a living. I have taken some time to work on my business BALANCE AND ORDER. I am still working on my website, if anyone visits it - I would love some feedback. I also created a flyer that I will be handing out:
Sunday, November 27, 2011
All over the net!
So, I am making some progress on getting a presence on the net ... I started designing my own website www.balanceandorder.com - it is very simple and minimal at this point, and very much a work in progress - but its something!
I also have discovered pinterest.com which has been taking up much of my surfing the net time ... it is a very cool idea!
I also started a tumble account, I am not sure that I like it better than blogger, but I had to give it a try. It seems to be a hybrid between traditional blogger - like here, and the pinning type idea- like on pinterest.
Then there is the facebook page and twitter account, which have seemed to become necessary - it looks like every business has one!
Oh, speaking of the internet ... I am reading my assigned book - it is called "permission marketing". So my next post should be a book report on the read. I should be finished soon.
I also have discovered pinterest.com which has been taking up much of my surfing the net time ... it is a very cool idea!
I also started a tumble account, I am not sure that I like it better than blogger, but I had to give it a try. It seems to be a hybrid between traditional blogger - like here, and the pinning type idea- like on pinterest.
Then there is the facebook page and twitter account, which have seemed to become necessary - it looks like every business has one!
Oh, speaking of the internet ... I am reading my assigned book - it is called "permission marketing". So my next post should be a book report on the read. I should be finished soon.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Hello again Blog
Well, hello there blog ... its been a while. Turns out being a working single mom is quite busy, and my blog has suffered. But, a recent visit from a fellow blogger who reminded me how therapeutic it is, and encouraged me to get back to it, has brought me back to blog again.
It has been nearly four months or so since my last blog, and my baby girl has grown so fast! She is almost five months, and already we have celebrated milestones such as her first laugh, her first roll over, her first two bottom teeth, and her first meal of solid food- just today! Mashed banana was her first taste of solid food, just like her mama!
Unfortunately, I haven't had much time to devote to working on developing my business. I have been working 40 hours a week, and then taking care of the baby, and I just moved - so there was packing and unpacking to do. But, enough of the excuses. If I want to do this, I am going to have to do it! I need to develop a plan ...
Step 1: Get experience. That means organizing friends and families' spaces pro bono. This is going to be necessary for several reasons: To develop my process, get comfortable doing the job, feel confident calling myself a professional organizer, and get some testimonials and 'before and after' pictures for my website. The challenge here is time, I will need to do this on the weekends because I am working full time during the week. It will be a sacrifice because I enjoy my weekends, I enjoy spending time with my daughter, and just relaxing, not to mention the other things I need to do: grocery shopping, cleaning the house, laundry and keeping my own house organized.
Step 2: Market myself. I have been assigned a book to read by my boss which is supposed to be about marketing yourself, I can't remember the name, but I need to get that book. I also need to work on designing the website, business cards, and postcards.
Step 3: Gain clientele. Once I have practiced a little, and I feel somewhat confident in how I will execute a job - I will need to get a paying one. Then its real, I will officially be a professional organizer after I have been payed to organize. Then, I just need to keep doing it. Again, the challenge here is time, I will need to still work full time in order to pay the bills, and don't forget about that baby!
I will need to balance my dream of starting my own business, the reality of working a full time job to pay the bills, and being a mother. BALANCE.
In order to accomplish it all, and balance it all ... i will need to stay organized, keep to a schedule, and a plan. ORDER.
BALANCE AND ORDER.
Ok. Ready, set, go!
Till next time ...
It has been nearly four months or so since my last blog, and my baby girl has grown so fast! She is almost five months, and already we have celebrated milestones such as her first laugh, her first roll over, her first two bottom teeth, and her first meal of solid food- just today! Mashed banana was her first taste of solid food, just like her mama!
Unfortunately, I haven't had much time to devote to working on developing my business. I have been working 40 hours a week, and then taking care of the baby, and I just moved - so there was packing and unpacking to do. But, enough of the excuses. If I want to do this, I am going to have to do it! I need to develop a plan ...
Step 1: Get experience. That means organizing friends and families' spaces pro bono. This is going to be necessary for several reasons: To develop my process, get comfortable doing the job, feel confident calling myself a professional organizer, and get some testimonials and 'before and after' pictures for my website. The challenge here is time, I will need to do this on the weekends because I am working full time during the week. It will be a sacrifice because I enjoy my weekends, I enjoy spending time with my daughter, and just relaxing, not to mention the other things I need to do: grocery shopping, cleaning the house, laundry and keeping my own house organized.
Step 2: Market myself. I have been assigned a book to read by my boss which is supposed to be about marketing yourself, I can't remember the name, but I need to get that book. I also need to work on designing the website, business cards, and postcards.
Step 3: Gain clientele. Once I have practiced a little, and I feel somewhat confident in how I will execute a job - I will need to get a paying one. Then its real, I will officially be a professional organizer after I have been payed to organize. Then, I just need to keep doing it. Again, the challenge here is time, I will need to still work full time in order to pay the bills, and don't forget about that baby!
I will need to balance my dream of starting my own business, the reality of working a full time job to pay the bills, and being a mother. BALANCE.
In order to accomplish it all, and balance it all ... i will need to stay organized, keep to a schedule, and a plan. ORDER.
BALANCE AND ORDER.
Ok. Ready, set, go!
Till next time ...
Friday, June 17, 2011
Step 1: A Business Name. Check.
So, still not exactly sure what this blog is for, or where it is going. I suppose I will just use it as a place to brainstorm, and let it (the blog) decide what it will become.
In the quest to become a professional organizer, I must first come up with a business name. It is not absolutely necessary that I have a business name before I start organizing. But, it is something to fill the time between feeding and changing my newborn, and napping.
I decided on Balance and Order. It is simple, yet describes my goals. I believe balance is something we all struggle with. The average person today is overwhelmed with the amount of tasks, projects, and events she needs to juggle everyday. Finding time for everything can be difficult, so we often let things which seem less urgent or important go. Balancing it all becomes a task in itself. And keeping our things, our homes, and our lives in order just as challenging.
My goal as a professional organizer will be to help bring balance and order to peoples lives. I hope to be able to develop systems and solutions that can be easily implemented so that people can spend less time worrying about the chaos and clutter in their lives, and more time enjoying them.
In the quest to become a professional organizer, I must first come up with a business name. It is not absolutely necessary that I have a business name before I start organizing. But, it is something to fill the time between feeding and changing my newborn, and napping.
I decided on Balance and Order. It is simple, yet describes my goals. I believe balance is something we all struggle with. The average person today is overwhelmed with the amount of tasks, projects, and events she needs to juggle everyday. Finding time for everything can be difficult, so we often let things which seem less urgent or important go. Balancing it all becomes a task in itself. And keeping our things, our homes, and our lives in order just as challenging.
My goal as a professional organizer will be to help bring balance and order to peoples lives. I hope to be able to develop systems and solutions that can be easily implemented so that people can spend less time worrying about the chaos and clutter in their lives, and more time enjoying them.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
My quest to be a professional organizer
Hello. As I embark on my new adventure as a mom, I have also decided to decide on a career. It came to me one day as I sat thinking of what I was going to do with the rest of my life. What do I enjoy doing? What can I do for a living that will truly make me happy? This is the goal of everyone right, to make money doing what you love? And so, It was decided: I will be a professional organizer.
So why blog about it? As I began to search the world wide web for information on how I should begin this quest to become a professional organizer, I started to become curious about the world of blogging as well. I have actually been curious about this blogging thing for a while. So, long story short - I figured I would give it a go. And so here I go ...
So why blog about it? As I began to search the world wide web for information on how I should begin this quest to become a professional organizer, I started to become curious about the world of blogging as well. I have actually been curious about this blogging thing for a while. So, long story short - I figured I would give it a go. And so here I go ...
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