Business Building Corner

Get organized

If haven’t already gotten yourself organized to increase business in the new year, it’s not too late. January is the beginning of the first quarter and a good time to start fresh for the upcoming year. It’s time to decide what to keep and what to be rid of, both figuratively and physically.

Here are a few tips to help Independent Business Owners get organized:

  1. Clean and organize your desk. Update your files. With the Pro Virtual Office, your contact lists and earnings are electronic, but you may want to print them out. If you use paperwork, use different colors for different categories, for example, green for commissions earned, purple for new customers, red for downline, and so on. Be sure to label all the files, and then organize them alphabetically within each color scheme.
  2. Make a list and check it twice. Checking things off your to-do list gives a sense of accomplishment! Make a list every night of all the things you need to accomplish the next day. Do this every night, so you develop the habit of relying on your to-do list to help get things done.
  3. Use only one calendar. Choose the one that works best for you: one on your computer, a handheld one on your phone or a paper one on your desk. Use just the one to record and keep track of everything.
  4. Make a note on your calendar, one week ahead of any event/goal date, about what you need to do for that event/goal date. Do you need to put together an exhibit of LifePharm products for a house meeting? Do you need to contact your newest customer and show how to get on Auto-Delivery? Is it time to follow up with your downline who are finally interested in building a business group of their own? Whatever it is, make a note of it in advance so you can stay of top of your tasks.

  1. Choose one or two goals you want to accomplish this year with your business. How many new enrollees do you want—by month and for the whole year? How will you accomplish that goal? What amount of money will you make this year? How will you do it? Type that information out in a clear sentence, put by your bedside, and read it every morning and every night to help inspire you to reach your goals.
  2. Start planning now for the next tax year. Being an Independent Business Owner entitles you to numerous write-offs. If you are not familiar with what these are, make it a point to talk to your tax advisor. Keep a box to hold all your tax-related documents throughout the year: bank statements, receipts for business expenses, online statements indicating what bills you paid and charity receipts. At the end of the year, remove the contents from the box and make two piles, business and personal, for your accountant (or for yourself, if you do your own taxes). The box will be the one place you put everything that has anything to do with your taxes. This way you will not be rushing around when it’s time to file your taxes.
  3. Update your contact lists. Review the people you never called last year. If you have no intention of contacting them this year, clear them from the list. If you feel you need to keep the information, put them on your calendar and make sure you contact them. No more procrastination.
  4. Make your surroundings easy to work in. Whether you work on a table in the kitchen or have your own home office, make it as pleasant to work in as possible. Make sure your family knows their boundaries and do not “spill over” into your business space.

Because life is precious, don't waste a single minute!