S is for Setting Goals

It is important to set a goal! Before doing ANY project, you need to have an idea of where you would like to end up. How you get there is one thing. Yes along the process, the ending MAY change. But in the beginning, you need to know where you are going. Even something as simple like, I want a bedroom I can move around in and find things easily. Bam! There you go. Now you have somewhere to start and work towards. Below is a sample of a goal setting worksheet that I like.

R is for One Year RULE.

The One Year Rule is when you look at something,a piece of paper, shoes, clothes, toys, and ask yourself if you've used it in the last year! If the answer is NO, then it's probably time to let it go. 

 If the One Year Rule is not comfortable for you, then try the Two Year Rule or Five Year rule. You get the picture. I'll even expand, just a bit, in reference to clothes and I use another rule that i find works with the One Year Rule: The Does It Still Fit/ Is It In Decent Condition Still Rule! Even I had to recently pull out the 15 Year Rule and FINALLY look at that shirt (that was now too small, ahem) with the holes in it and stains of questionable origin and through it out! At first it was painful, but now I'm okay and have moved on. Family's with small and school age children can find themselves with LOTS of toys laying around or the toy box overflowing with things they don't even acknowledge exist. In the past when the kids were little we would take the toys that the kids moved on from and passed them on to the younger kids. 

Try it and see how much more room you'll have in your space. And if the item is in still relatively good condition, you can donate it or pass it on to a friend who WILL use it!

Q is for Quick Drawer Organization

Pick a drawer.

Take the drawer out and empty it on a table.

Then sort the drawer into three piles:

1. stuff that really should go in the drawer.
2. stuff that belongs elsewhere.
3.  stuff to get rid of. (or trash)

Clean the drawer out nice, then put the stuff in the first pile back neat and orderly.

Deal with the other piles immediately!

P is for Professional Organizer

Many times when people ask me what I do and I say that i'm a Professional Organizer, they don't know exactly what that means. Some people think I organize protests and marches ( I'm not that kind of organizer.). Others think that I organize weddings and other events (sometimes. that is a service i can provide.). I usually bring up the hit TV show "Hoarders" and then everyone gets it! The reality is that only 20% of MY business will qualify as a hoarders situation, the rest is all over the board. In any case, I feel anyone deserves to have a Professional Organizer in their lives, so read below and you will gain some insight and a full picture of what I do as a Professional Organizer.

What is a Professional Organizer?
A Professional Organizer is someone that helps you to overcome clutter and disorganization.

Why hire a Professional Organizer?
A Professional Organizer not only helps you organize your situation, but they also create organized systems to help keep it that way. They are there to assist and help you through the entire process or do it for you. They are there to sit, sort, clean, file, de-clutter, de-stress and repurpose to help make your home or office a better place.

What are the benefits of getting organized?
You will find yourself having more time and less stress. You will know where everything is located. And it will make your life easier and, more importantly, happier.  Disorganization effects many areas of your life.

Will I have to Throw my stuff away?
My philosophy is that you always have the final say in what you would like to keep and what you would like to get rid of. I respect your stuff and it is up to you! My job is to make it fit in your space the best way possible.

Do I need to be there during the session?
It is best to have you there to sort through your belongings together and create organizing systems that are unique  for you. I can show you my decision making and give you insight.  However once I know what you would like to keep and what works for you, I can do the rest without your needing to be there.

How do I get started?
Simply contact me and tell me what needs to be addressed, what rooms/areas you’d like organized, and any other details you’d like to include. I will then get back with you and we can set up a time for our initial meeting.

Will I need to buy supplies?
I try and work with what you already have. I believe that many people aren’t maximizing their space or utilizing it to the best it can be.  Sometimes using different storage solutions  is the best way to go to get the best use of your space. I know where to shop for inexpensive items if that is a concern. WE will discuss that during the planning process.

Will my sessions be confidential?
YES. All meetings, conversations, and questions are confidential and between the client and I. If we need to go to an outside source for help, then we will agree what information is okay to share.

What are your rates?
I rate on a sliding scale. I believe everything no matter of age, income, or size deserves a professional organizer.  It also depends on size of job. For example for small shredding jobs, I charge around $10 an hour.  For a large 3 bedroom home de-cluttering (non hoarding situation), I charge around $20 to $30 an hour. After my initial session with you, we will discuss a price and rate. ( We can do per hour or per project. )
What payments are accepted?
I accept cash check and credit cards, and payment is due at the end of each work session (each day). Unless otherwise discussed.

What takes place at the initial meeting?
I come and evaluate the space(s) as-is and formulate a plan of action. Then, we will discuss what problems you have with the space(s), what you would like to see change, and what is currently working for you.

Is there a time minimum that I am willing to work?
No! Whether its 30 minutes or 3 weeks, I'm here to help!

O is for Organized

Was there ANY doubt that when the letter O came up that it would stand for anything else but Organized. Being organized is such a great thing! Really! There are so many benefits to being organized.

A clutter-free happy home or business environment.
Work smarter, not harder.
Be less stressed and more efficient.
Control in your life.
Accomplish more in less time.
Function.
More Balance in your life.
More personal time in your life.
Sense of pride.

Being organized means that you are making a positive commitment to yourself and your well being. It says that you want the best life possible. I believe that EVERYBODY can do it! (and there are professionals like myself that can help you get there.) There is no "one sizes fits all" to getting or being organized. Its as unique as the individual. Think about what an organized home or office or life would mean for you.

N is for Neat

I had to mention the notion of being neat but with a twist. There IS a difference between being NEAT and being ORGANIZED! Think about it! They are not the same. You can be neat yet unorganized. You can be neatly Organized. You can neatly hide things and declutter shelves and closets and it wont be organized. "Where Did I put those scissors?" They could be neatly tucked away in any number of places. An organized person would have the scissors in a certain place where they always know where they are.

Being neat and tidy is always great! On some days its takes all of our strength to be neat let alone organized.  Being neat can lessen stress and promote happiness. Neat has a place within organization. Its helps the process and aids the big picture. You can start with being neat and move into being organized. You take those scissors you have neatly in a random drawer and now ASSIGN them a place to ALWAYS be stored. A place that YOU will remember and is easily accessible. I have mine in what I call a supply drawer next to my home office desk. The top drawer.

M is for Maintenance

When you get organized, it feels great! When you get organized, you are not done! You have to MAINTAIN the organization. 

The goal is to get organized AND while you are doing that, learning how to stay organized. Because you want to be able to keep the area (s) nice for as long as you can. For example, you organize your kitchen. Everything has a place and is orderly. The counter tops are cleared off and just the essential appliances like the toaster and coffeemaker are left on the counter. To MAINTAIN this look, you must always put everything you use BACK in its assigned spot. When you cook and use the counter, clean up after you are done. Don't let things sit out. Not even for a day!

At first this may be difficult, but like anything else, with enough practice DOING it, it will become second nature. For some people, maintaining is sometimes the HARDEST part of the organizational process. You can get organized. Hire someone to get you organized. It looks great! But then its up to you to keep it that way. It can be done. YOU can do it!

My 200th Post!!

Hi everyone! This marks my 200th post on this blog. I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to read my blog. I have enjoyed bringing you what I think are helpful and useful tips to your attention.

One of the things that has excited me since my 100th post is that some of you have taken on many of the challenges I proposed on here. It's great to see people willing and open to changing their lives. And I like all the feedback I've gotten on many of my tips. Thanks for sharing and retweeting and repinning my stuff. Please share with who you think should see it!

My reach is growing and it's really holding me accountable to giving you the best and most relevant information in relation to health, life coaching, home and garden improvement and organization (with a little pop culture thrown in occasionally). It is my thought that we are all connected, whether we know each other personally or not, and the sharing of ideas and concepts is one way to make the world a better place.

Again, thank you so much for supporting The Super Organizer Universe: Just the Tips.I really appreciate it!

Better Your Sales By Smiling!

Smile.  

Doesn’t cost a penny and leaves a lasting impact because you are making your customers feel good. Who doesn’t like dealing with people who make them feel good?

There is Caring in Organizing!

Show you care. Yes, it really is the little things. Unsurprisingly in a world fill of face-less technology and bland shopping experiences – the little things do count. When you are with another person, especially if you are working for them, or with them, at the very least act like you care. Show some empathy. Some some compassion. 

In the world of organization, especially home organization, you have to be respectful of peoples time and stuff. It doesn't matter that YOU think about their situation! It does matter that you help them and do that through showing that you care about their situation and getting them to the other side.

Get The Hook Up!

One day I was with a client and we were trying to come up with a system that would work for HER surrounding her shopping tote bags. During the process of decluttering here bathroom, we found a box of shower hooks. She didn't need any them because she has glass shower doors. I had heard through my colleagues that they have used shower hooks for all kinds of things. We decided to use them to hang the tote bags in the front of her hall closet. 

Shower hooks take lesser space than hangers. Use this to hang your bags and your other belongings that need organizing.

image courtesy of RealSimple

Another Interview Question: How Do You Handle Stress?

What they’re really saying: “Do you have good problem-solving, time-management, and decision-making skills?”

What they’re not saying: “How do you unwind?”

Cite at least one–if not all three–skills in your answer, and use a specific example. Sometimes a personal answer can work (i.e., I exercise three times a week to stay balanced), but it’s safer to answer how you handle stress or pressure on the job.

A: “In stressful situations, I take a step back and analyze the best ways to solve the problem. For example, in my previous position, there were moments of high volume that were stressful. In order to provide quality customer service to each individual, I prioritized their needs, quickly assessed which cases could be handled by colleagues, and addressed the most urgent situations first.”

Big Brother 16: Who WILL Be Fan Favorite This Season??

Many of the seasons of Big Brother, I can usually tell WHO will be voted by America (TV watchers) as Fan Favorite at the end of the season. So naturally I thought i knew this season who will be voted fan favorite. But now I don't know!! 

If I go by the feeds, twitter chatter, FB and my friends..it could be anybody!!! I thought for certain that it will be Donny. His southern, down home charm (and that beard) seemed like a lock on the title. Maybe it will be Frankie Grande. His sister Ariana is mentioned in the same breath by younger viewers. Caleb?! "Beast Mode Cowboy" with the sensitive heart and muscular tattooed frame has his supporters (as well as his detractors). Hayden? Nicole? Christine? Zach??!! I wouldn't be surprised if any of them won the title that does come with a smaller sized check.

As much as I am interested in who wins the Big game, I am REALLY curious who the voters pick as Season 16's Fan Favorite.

Happy Left Handers Day Everyone!

Today is Left Handers Day! It happens every year during the second week of August. I am left handed and proud. It has caused some challenges over the years so I  ask every parent or guardian who is raising a left handed child to celebrate them today! And to always be mindful that they (we) have to adjust to a world that is predominantly right-handed.

There are products out there for lefties. And I have noticed more and more left handed people.I celebrate each and every one of them today!

How To Answer The Question: Why should I hire you from the outside when I could promote from within?

Why should I hire you from the outside when I could promote from within? 

This question isn't as aggressive as it sounds. It represents the interviewer's own dilemma over this common problem. He's probably leaning toward you already and for reassurance, wants to hear what you have to say on the matter.

BEST ANSWER: Help him see the qualifications that only you can offer.

Example: "In general, I think it's a good policy to hire from within - to look outside probably means you're not completely comfortable choosing someone from inside.
"Naturally, you want this department to be as strong as it possibly can be, so you want the strongest candidate. I feel that I can fill that bill because…(then recap your strongest qualifications that match up with his greatest needs)."

4 Ways To Motivate Employees, Group Members or Friends Helping You Out

1. Be generous with praise. Everyone wants it and it’s one of the easiest things to give. Plus, praise from the CEO or Project Manager goes a lot farther than you might think. Praise every improvement that you see your team members make. Once you’re comfortable delivering praise one-on-one to an employee, try praising them in front of others.  
2. Make your ideas theirs. People hate being told what to do. Instead of telling people what you want done; ask them in a way that will make them feel like they came up with the idea. “I’d like you to do it this way” turns into “Do you think it’s a good idea if we do it this way?”  
3. Never criticize or correct. No one wants to hear that they did something wrong. If you’re looking for a de-motivator, this is it.  If friends or family members are helping you with a project, the wrong approach could ruin that personal relationship. Try an indirect approach to get people to improve, learn from their mistakes, and fix them. Ask, “Was that the best way to approach the problem? Why not? Have any ideas on what you could have done differently?” Then you’re having a conversation and talking through solutions, not pointing a finger.  
4. Make everyone a leader. Highlight your top performers’ strengths and let them know that because of their excellence, you want them to be the example for others. You’ll set the bar high and they’ll be motivated to live up to their reputation as a leader.  

Here's How To Tell If you're a Pack Rat or a Hoarder!

There is a discussion that Pack Rats and Hoarders are one in the same. Some say there is a difference. I feel that they are one in the same. I’ve personally seen self professed Pack Rats and their spaces look VERY similar to the hoarders that I’ve seen. There are some things that I found both have in common:

1. Emotional attachments to all possessions.
2. Indecisiveness
3. Avoidance of behavorial changes
4. Distorted beliefs on the importance of possessions
5. Difficulty of processing information

Each of these factors can overlap in various ways, and affect their ability on decision-making and organization.

Take Pause

ONE tip while speaking:

 Pause for 8 to 10 seconds. There’s a weird phenomena that occurs when you stop talking. Pause for two or three seconds, the audience assume you lost your place. Pause for five seconds and the audience begins to think the pause is intentional... and starts wondering why. Pause for ten seconds and even the people who were immersed in Candy Crush Saga can’t resist looking up.

Then when you start speaking again, the audience naturally 1) assumes the pause was intentional and 2) decides you’re actually a confident and accomplished speaker. Like nature a poor speaker abhors a vacuum and rushes to fill it, and only confident speaker, like you, feel secure in silence. While it won’t be easy, take one long pause to gather your thoughts and the audience will automatically give you speaker bonus points.

Get Them To Say YES!

Getting a YES from someone can be hard sometimes. Most often it is the approach. Regardless, it begins with YOU. You need to be clear on what you want and then go from there. Here is one way to a YES answer:

1: What do you want? The most important first step is to determine about what your big ask is. If you are a salesman it is probably getting the client to purchase your product, if you are an employee it might be asking for a raise. If you are a roommate, you might want your other roommates to help clean up. Identify what you want.

 2: Then start small. Once you have identified what you want, work backwards, thinking of two to three smaller wants. If you are a salesman this can be getting someone on your email list. If you are an employee wanting a raise perhaps you want to ask for an extra benefit or a title change before a salary bump. If you are the roommate, maybe suggest help with the trash once a week or help with keeping the common room straightened up.

 3: Plan your first approach. Your first yes to a smaller item might be even more important than your yes to the large item. Plan your approach for your first yes as if it was just as important as your ultimate goal. Lay out all of the reasons your target should say yes to your first ask. Often times your target will be so overwhelmed by your preparation and energy for your easy ask, they will be much happier to say yes.

 4: Build Trust. Once your target has given you your first yes — don’t let them down! Make sure they are happy with your first promise. 

When To Be ...Not Sorry!

Stop apologizing for being who you are. Be YOU!! Find your strengths and get to know them so well that they are all you think of when you are in the interview or work social event. You may never be comfortable in certain settings, but you can learn to function well in them.  A small amount of discomfort and pain and "faking it" can go a long way. You are who you are, which means you are talented in a lot of areas and you can learn to extrovert yourself when needed.

I'm Not A Details Person!

Not everyone is a details person, or so many people think. Maybe you are in certain areas of your life and don't realize that you just haven't applied it in other areas. Or you are an ideas person, a creative person and you really aren't good with planning the details to execute something. 

So look at the big picture, and find a “details” person. Or find a person who can help you unlock the details person inside you. A Certified Life Coach (like myself, go to thesuperorganizer.com for details.) Between the two of you, you’ll see the overall journey, and the little steps to take to get there.

Luck of the Draw

I see other peoples lives, especially on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and I'll be in awe of what they do and see. I have a full life my self and sometimes have some amazing experiences but even I can feel a little inadequate in what I'm accomplishing. Do you ever feel that way?

Are other people are more lucky.? I say NO! Pure “luck” is a myth. If someone is “lucky” they are doing stuff behind the scenes you’re not seeing. Taking action and simply doing something instead of making excuses will do wonders for your “luck”. I believe opportunity is in EVERYTHING! 

I remind myself that I SHOULDN'T compare myself to others. That each of us have the power to create the lives we want. Is it easy? Not always. Can it take awhile to get there? Sometimes. Is it worth it? YES!!! I continue to stay on my path and make things happen. 

Fall Down, Get Up

Learning is hard.

Think about it, babies all learn the same way, trial and error. They try, fail, and try again until it becomes second nature. When they get to being toddlers and try walking, they fall and literally get back up. All of this can be applied to life as an adult and taking risks in love career, home or art. 

Babies don’t get the luxury of learning via audiobook, DVD, webinar, or classroom. What they do is watch others and try it themselves. And remember everybody learns differently. There are many techniques out there for ways to learn and retain information. Go at YOUR own pace. 

Stay open to learning and don't be afraid to fall. You can always get back up!

L is for Letting Go

The process of getting organized begins with the belief that you can get organized! Sometimes the hard part is believing you can do it. Fear and negativity can keep us from starting. I BELIEVE that we need to let go of thoughts like:

After I organize, its going to get messed up again.

I've tried to organize before, but I just can't do it.

I don't have time.

I can't find the time.

It's too much work.

I don't know where to start or what to do, so why bother.

Of course there are people out there like The Super Organizer that can help and show you how to get organized. But even before that can happen, its all starts with YOU. You have to get to the mindset that getting organized is worth it. Mind over matter. Once you believe, anything is possible!

10 Steps of a Successful Negotiation.

I'm sure there are more than what I'm listing but here are some steps for effectively negotiating a favorable deal or agreement:

1. Decide on your starting position and your "bottom line," or lowest point you will accept in the deal.
2. Consider the objectives and emotional motivation of the other party.
3. Plan your sequence of proposals and possible counter-proposals. Open at the most you can reasonably ask for as this gives you room to negotiate.
4. Prepare for the meeting by determining your own motives and objectives: Why are you negotiating? What do you expect to gain and why is it important to you? What do you think you will have to offer to achieve this?
5. Be prepared with information, facts, comparable prices or costs, etc. Avoid going into any negotiation and coming across as either uninformed or unreasonably aggressive.
6. If the other party makes the first offer or proposal, this can allow you to gauge your response and set the parameters of the negotiation to your advantage. Though some experts suggest that your proposal be the first one on the table, this tactic can allow the other party to open at a point that is more favorable to you than you may have anticipated.
7. Start by discussing a mutually agreed upon point of the negotiation — something both parties will readily say yes to.
8. When you propose a deal or an offer, phrase as "I will do _______ for you, and you will do ________ for me." This establishes a position of confidence and authority.
9. Make your arguments and proposals incrementally and strategically. Avoid going immediately to your lowest point of acceptance, or bottom-line.
10. Know when it is time to close or break off discussion. If the other party is ready to close the deal, and it is acceptable to you, make it easy for them to do as little as possible by having everything ready to sign, etc.