November 2007

As many of you know, I was involved in a serious automobile accident a few months ago and have spent the better part of this Fall recuperating and recovering. In this process some things have changed for me, and provided me with lessons you may find helpful.
You may be surprised to hear, that some of these new insights are not "techy" at all, that even though I am an admitted techno-buff - I am finding some simple old fashioned solutions to old problems. I hope you enjoy this edition of our ezine and wish you and your family a most peaceful Thanksgiving holiday.

Best regards, Anne


Process - Simplify!

Since my accident I have found that I need to be able to view things more at-a-glance. I have learned that all my technology, including my Blackberry, may not be a good fit for me now. Good news for all of you who have mentioned to me in the past that you are not as gung-ho on all the gadgets as I am.


I experimented with several calendar systems, but the most cost effective system I found (and now love) is Planner Pads. With a wide variety of sizes and styles to suit your needs, I love how I can see the visual of my plans and projects. In the first month after the accident I found that keeping it all simple and going back to basics was more efficient for me.


As I like to tell my clients, find a the right key, the right system, to accomplish what you need in your life right now. It registered with me that the electronic systems were a little much for me to handle and I needed to find the right key to a different route, now I'm back on track being organized so I can check out of my day relaxed and clear with what my next day's priorities are.


PS from Anne's Virtual Assistant:
As a busy mom and work-from-home marketing professional, I have used Planner Pads for 5 years now. I most enjoy the fact that the layout allows me to incorporate my personal and business actions/reminders/appointments - thus everything is in ONE spot and I stay organized with all the different hats I wear!


People - Increase your productivity - by letting go!

Barbara Bartlein, "The People Pro" , recently wrote a wonderful article, and with her permission I am highlighting it here and leading you to the link to read the full article at the bottom. Thank you Barbara.


Did you know that one of the greatest stumbling blocks for productivity is the difficulty successful people have in letting go? They hang on to routines, paper, people and even meetings that suck their time, energy and creativity. Consider:
The average US executive wastes six weeks a year retrieving misplaced information on desks or in files. At a salary of $75,000 per year, this translates into $ 9,225.
Office workers spend 40-60 percent of their time working with paper. Despite visions of a paperless office, 95 percent of all information is still transmitted using paper.
80 percent of filed papers are never referenced again.
Negative employees cost companies millions of dollars in lost productivity and sales.
Of 1,037 full or part-time workers polled by Opinion Research USA, 27 percent ranked disorganized, rambling meetings as their top frustration.


Highly creative and energetic people seem especially prone to hang on to things and routines. After all, this was part of what made them successful. They view "stuff" as opportunity and people as resources. But sometimes it doesn't work and the clutter, negative employee or useless routine gets in the way of attending to what is really important.


There are steps you can take to "let go" of the things in your life that are stifling your success.

Barbara Bartlein, CSP, is The People Pro and president of Great Lakes Consulting Group, LLC, which helps businesses sell more goods and services by developing people. She presents keynotes and seminars on stress management, balance, productivity, customer service and leadership. She can be reached at 888-747-9953, by e-mail at: barb@ThePeoplePro.com or visit her Web site at http://www.thepeoplepro. com.

Anne's keynote speech gets people energized about the benefits of personal productivity and the readiness for corporate change.

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Anne’s presentation of “What’s Going On Here?” as a training was one of the best seminars I have ever attended. She provides practical solutions for organizations. Her personality makes the program delivery exceptional.
Angela Long, COO
Sextant Technologies
Commerce City, Colorado
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You may pass this information on - Please feel free to copy in whole or in part, any of the information provided in this newsletter only when the following statement is included in its entirety:
"Founded by Anne McGurty in 2002, Strategize & Organize (www.StrategizeAndOrganize.com) is a business process consulting and professional organizing company specializing in systems to improve paper management, people's behaviors, and business processes. We offer Assessments, Training/Seminars, Coaching, and Organizing to help individuals and businesses become organized and work more efficiently. Anne McGurty is also available as a Keynote Speaker. Copyright 2007 Strategize & Organize. All rights reserved."