The Organized Entrepreneur

Why is organization so hard? And how much does it really matter? I mean, if you are good at what you do, does organization really mean that much? I say, a great big emphatic yes! As an entrepreneur who has been in business for myself for over 15 years, I know how meaningful organization can be.

I began my wellness company because I knew that fulfillment and success were attainable and that organization is one of the conduits that can get us there. When I discovered the importance of organization, it was not to have a sparkling office or home; it was to make the room to live my life. I had found that disorganization gets in the way of living and succeeding!

The problem

Entrepreneurs are risk takers. We don’t like the same old boring routine. We want adventure and challenge and the excitement of taking on new endeavors, right? Think about organization. It is everything we are not. Routine. Repetition. Boring, right? Routine is necessary for organization. But quite frankly, for entrepreneurs, that is often a very square peg in a round hole. But I say understanding that organization does not come easy, that it is not at the top of our favorite things is okay. Without understanding, how can we change anyway, right?

Why organize?

Organization can feel like the enemy. Routine and static, I mean, who wants it. Well, there are plenty of benefits.

Slippage. When we aren’t in control of our business, there is slippage. We might not bill properly, we might miss opportunities due to scheduling problems, or even miss the chance to share a business card. Entrepreneurs need to act fast when opportunity strikes. Disorganization limits that opportunity.

Confidence. Organization boosts our confidence. When you can say to a client, "I can meet you on the 30th", without that slight look of fear behind your eyes, as in, "is my schedule really open?", you begin to exude confidence and people are drawn to that like bees to honey.

Image. No one wants to buy from a train wreck. That’s just the truth. Disorganization scares customers. "If you can’t find that paperwork now, will you lose something important later?" Having an image of organization tells your customers you are in control and they can trust you.

How to do it

Here are some down and dirty, quick and easy tips for great entrepreneurial organization.

Wallet and Such
Clean out your wallet, purse or handbag at least once a week. Doesn’t take long or even a lot of effort. Its just boring, so who wants to do it? Put it on your calendar and do it. When you want to avoid it, imagine your customers looking at you in horror as you weed through receipts to find a business card with a creepy looking stain on it.

Card Magic
Your card is like money in the bank. Make it your mantra to always have some in arms reach. In your car, in a pocket, whatever. Take a few minutes every week to make sure they are at your fingertips. And also, make another boring habit. Keep them on your person in one spot. No more fishing through every pocket while someone stands there waiting, losing interest by the second. "Right back pocket?" "Small zip pocket in your handbag?" Doesn’t matter, just find one spot and stick with it.

Double Time It
Are you perpetually late? Not good. No matter how fabulous you think you are, it is disrespectful to keep others waiting and a sure way to have customers and colleagues develop hidden resentments. Try double timing yourself. Think that it will take you 20 minutes to get to that meeting across town? Give yourself 40. It’s 3:55 and the staff meeting starts at 4:00, you can make that one extra call and grab coffee in the lounge first, right? Wrong! Practice double timing yourself and learn to get comfortable with being on time, or, rue the thought, early! You will gain the respect of your peers and colleagues and will find yourself more centered and balanced.

These tips are so simple; you could quite possibly be rolling your eyes right now. But one thing we know, it is often the simplest of things that we forget and need to focus on to make the changes that bring us the success we all seek.

To connect with Maria Murphy with questions, feedback or to set up an appointment, go to simply put together. Or check out any of the FREE downloads Maria offers on her website for organization and personal fulfillment.

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