Article Surfing Archive

Follow the lead of a well-organized home office. Using the checklist below, incorporate many of the organizing tips found on the list. You will have both a professional and efficient home office.

ORGANIZE YOUR BOOKKEEPING

* Prepare and send invoices to clients

* Enter monthly transactions into bookkeeping software

* Reconcile bank, credit card, and other account statements

* Send reminders for paying bills on their due dates

* Write and prepare checks to be signed to pay bills

ORGANIZE YOUR DESKTOP PUBLISHING

* Design and print brochures and business cards

* Create flyers, price lists, and other marketing documents

* Lay out, printing, and mailing regular client newsletters

* Prepare professional-looking certificates for seminar participants

* Print labels using company logos or clip art

ORGANIZE YOUR DATABASE MANAGEMENT

* Enter business card data into a database

* Send an introductory letter to new prospect leads

* Send scheduled marketing pieces to clients and prospects

* Track marketing efforts and summarize the results in a report

* Send regular follow-ups, reminders, and communications to clients

* Call people for missing contact information

* Send fax and email broadcasts

ORGANIZE YOUR TELEPHONE AND FAX SERVICES

* Receive telephone calls while a client is out of town

* Forward important messages that require immediate attention

* Retrieve voice messages and responding to routine requests

* Receive and handle faxes while a client is out of town

ORGANIZE YOUR TRANSCRIPTION SERVICES

* Type letters and memos from tape or handwritten notes

* Type legal transcripts from cassette tape

* Type medical reports from tape or handwritten notes

ORGANIZE YOUR WORD PROCESSING

* Type handwritten notes from a meeting or seminar

* Type letters, printing on stationery, addressing, and mailing

* Proofread, edit, and check spelling / grammar

* Lay out larger documents

ORGANIZE YOUR MARKETING SERVICES

* Send out the appropriate sales brochures for inquiries

* Create and mail a customer feedback questionnaire

* Track the responses to this questionnaire

* Summarize the responses and suggestions in a report

ORGANIZE YOUR INTERNET SERVICES

* Maintain a newsletter subscription database

* Post announcements and newsletter issues to the list

* Perform an internet search for an item or piece of information

* Edit or upload new information to a website

ORGANIZE YOUR MAIL AND EMAIL SERVICES

* Retrieve email and mail, sort, and get rid of junk

* Respond to routine email requests

* Forward items of importance to the client for attention

* Track and forward urgent issues while client is out of town

* Prepare packages and mail out products as orders arrive

ORGANIZE YOUR RESEARCH

* Research potential locations for an upcoming seminar

* Find which locations have the appropriate dates available

* Find which can accommodate the size and type of event

* Research the services available (decorating, food, entertainment)

* Obtain written quotes and specifications from each location

* Monitor periodicals and clip articles of interest

* Visit the library to copy specific articles

ORGANIZE YOUR PERSONNEL SERVICES

* Send reminders for annual performance reviews

* Prepare or update resumes and introduction letters

* Review resumes and summarize each in a short biography

* Sort resumes for a job according to pre-arranged criteria

ORGANIZE YOUR PRESENTATIONS

* Prepare PowerPoint slides from sketches of diagrams and charts

* Send questionnaires to seminar participants before the talk

* Track completed questionnaires and call non-responders

* Summarize the questionnaire results in a report

ORGANIZE YOUR SECRETARIAL SERVICES

* Confirm upcoming appointments

* Schedule or reschedule appointments

* Get directions for a meeting or appointment

* Store back-up computer tapes for safekeeping

* Track birthdays, anniversaries, and other important dates

* Send out the appropriate cards or gifts for special events

* Manage lists of necessary office supplies and ordering refills

* Coordinate air travel, car rental, and hotel reservations

Summary:

Taking control and being organized requires commitment - your commitment - to try something new and to break old bad habits. By being in control of your work day, you'll be more confident about yourself and your career.