tips for the day

I am a firm believer in cooking good healthy meals at home. This has led me to a business. I now cook meals for friends. I am also aware of labels and what things are in the products I buy so not only are my friends getting a home cooked meal that is healthy, but I am getting paid for what I would do at home anyway.

Develop an organized file directory, such as ‘Personal’ and ‘Work’. In ‘Work’ use subdirectories like Financial, Marketing, Reference, In-Progress, and Concepts. Organize so you can think of only one place to store new documents or find old ones. Store related project materials under the directory for the project rather than in directories created by document type to minimize searching, and create a basic file-naming protocol that describes and organizes.

Find work and task info fast by creating a simple filing system in an immediate drawer. Label or color code files in a way you can remember. Create one fileset for research materials that don’t fit on bookshelves, like article clippings, handwritten notes, and blurbs. Use another for queries, contacts, and business information, and another for hardcopies of produced work. Make sure to file at the end of every day (3 minutes tops) and your system will maintain itself.

Even if you love piles, use a basic sort station for all incoming information to find everything fast. Use sort titles you’re comfortable with, so your mind will dart to the right file. For instance, set up priority folders in your e-mail program like hot, meetings, project name, reference, etc. For your desk, create action files with manila folders or accordion files you can prop up (don’t stack) or put in a handy drawer. Include empty folders for incoming assignments.

Keep a brief record of what you do/accomplish on an easy-to read tasksheet – weekly/regularly. At evaluation time, you can present management with an accurate picture of your accomplishments and boost your raise. You’ll also be better able to negotiate timelines on new projects and keep your professional profile updated. Finally, if your line of work requires you to have samples of any kind, you’ll be reminded to take these at the closing and recording of each valuable assignment.

When I was working I kept letters or emails praising my work in a separate file. I referred to it when I got discouraged with my workload or when I thought I couldn’t do anything right. Seemed to make it all worth it. And I also used it as a source for when evaluation time came around.