As a business owner and manager, I’m sure that not a day goes by where you don’t have to write an email, a blog post, a proposal, or some other type of business document. Since everything you write is a reflection of you and your business, you need to make sure that your vocabulary and writing style are suited to your reader and that your spelling and grammar are flawless.

Tags: blogging, books, business, email marketing, ezines, grammar, information products, management skills, newsletters, spelling, virtual assistant, writing
During Improve Management Skills Month, I’ve committed to sharing some ideas and resources about some of the essential skills required to successfully manage a business, and today I will address public speaking. As a small business owner, there are many occasions when you may be called upon to speak in public.

Since becoming involved with the industry, I’ve seen many people become successful organizing consultants, but sadly, I’ve seen many others who started an organizing business only to shut it down after a few years, or even a few months. Sometimes there’s an unforeseen change in health or family situation, but often it’s because they lacked the skills required to effectively manage a business.

Many of my clients come to me for help because they lack either the technical skills or the time required to create or maintain a website or a blog. Whether you handle these tasks yourself, or you choose to outsource them, there are a few basic terms and facts you should be familiar with.

As I’ve mentioned previously, there are many benefits to having multiple sources of income. Creating information products and joining one or more affiliate programs are two ways that many successful organizers supplement what they earn in their billable hours. But have you considered tapping into your knowledge from outside the realm of organizing? Stacey and Jane have!

Webinars, teleclasses, chapter meetings, conferences, and live workshops are all excellent ways to connect with and learn from your colleagues in the organizing industry, but I’ve recently learned about yet another option, and I’ve invited Jane Veldhoven of Get Organized! Professional Services to tell you all about it today.

I am super excited to be kicking off this new decade with a new logo and a major overhaul of my website. Although it’s come a long way since its initial launch in 2003 (see below – not my first website, but the first one for Organized Assistant), the business has gone through so many changes over the past year that it no longer really reflected what we’re all about.

I don’t think I’m the only person this week who is looking back at the year 2009 and wondering how it has passed so quickly. On the other hand, so much has happened that I didn’t foresee a year ago, including the creation of this blog and its rapid popularity. It seems only fitting that I close off the year by thanking the many people who have contributed to its success.

Here it is – the 7th Professional Organizers Blog Carnival, and the last one for 2009. We have a record number of professional organizers participating this month, and I’d like to thank those who are joining us for the first time, as well as our regulars and everyone in between! Grab your favorite beverage and get ready to read and enjoy!

Tags: balance, blog carnival, Christmas, clutter-free gifts, conference, family, goal setting, hoarders, holidays, NAPO, organizing products, paper, social media, success, Twitter
Now that it’s December, many of us are looking ahead to the new year, and starting to set goals to grow our businesses, buy a new home, improve our relationships with others, or make other positive life changes. At the same time, we’re trying to come up with clutter-free gifts for our clients and loved ones. I have a suggestion that may help you achieve both at the same time!
