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By Elaine, February 8, 2010 10:10 am

If it isn’t a chicken perhaps it is a shiny object. Or maybe its the telephone or the sound of the e-mails as they are arriving or the Crackberry that rings non stop or the mess on the desk that is calling you….oh there are so many distractions.

How do you ever expect to accomplish anything today?

Today I speak from experience and I want to help you.

I am highly distractable and I have a very long list of things I want to accomplish in my lifetime.

Knowing that these two things cannot co-exist I had to do something… and I did.

I put the distractions in their place by eliminating some of them and minimizing others, here are some ideas you can implement today to banish the chicken or at least minimize the damage;

• get call display on all your phones and only answer the urgent ones.
• turn the e-mail notification noise off.
• move all the work clutter you are not currently working on out of sight.
• take the crackberry off your hip and turn it off while working on important stuff
• for some more examples of potential distractions visit my previous post on Time Hijackers

I know this is not rocket science it is common sense, sometimes you just need someone to point you in the right direction….or call you on your stuff!

A shout out to  James at Men with Pens who inspired today’s post, thanks James for sharing and being real.

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By Elaine, February 5, 2010 10:34 am

Sometimes we get too serious..work too hard…and forget to have some HaHa…today go and have some…not some….lots of  hahaha…ok got to go…there is some paper that I have to crumple up and laugh about….and I might roll around on my belly and giggle some more….oh and don’t bang your head when you are laughing so hard!

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By Elaine, February 4, 2010 8:01 am

In this classic Sesame Street video Bob introduces some of the people in the neighborhood. I loved growing up with the Sesame Street gang and looked forward to the many people Bob would introduce in the community as he was “Walking down the  street”.

Community has certainly changed since then, considering the people in my virtual community live in many different countries and have some really cool jobs. I know some of them only through tweets, some through their Youtube videos and others through many skype calls. Even though I have not met all of them personally I have a great fondness and respect for these “People in my Neighborhood” .

Now that you have met Bob’s people I would like to introduce you to some of my people…near and far.

Doug Foulkes of PT Productions not only is he cheeky but he is an awesome producer and friend. He produced the video on my Speaking and Workshop page while I was visiting him and his lovely wife Tracey in beautiful Cape Town South Africa in 2008. Oh…and he also makes the best coffee…ever!

Alex Fayle of Someday Syndrome is not only a Muse he is a brilliant writer. He was the lead writer on all the videos in our series of Home Organizing Videos and I have 2 very important personal projects that Alex has helped me bring to life. Both projects are in the final stages and to be able to write with a partner like Alex has made some dreams I thought would never happen come true.  Alex and I are also big Madonna fans and had a blast at the Toronto concert last year while he was home in Canada, he now lives in beautiful Spain…can’t wait to visit him, perhaps next year.

Anita Fiander is nothing short of an angel….a Social Media Marketing angel. You can find her on twitter @anitafiander and she practices what she preaches. She has taught me more about maneuvering Social Media in one month than I learned in the past 2 years.  She is new in my community and I love her straight from the hip style…us 40 something women don’t have time for anything but!

So who are the cool, funny, out of the box, brilliant, expert People in your Neighborhood?

Take some time and get to know them personally…it is easy, just take some time and listen you will be glad you did.

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By Elaine, February 3, 2010 11:49 am

Becoming a WAHM(Work at Home Mom) certainly was not what Linda thought it would be…laundry…cooking… entertaining kids all day and worst of all….looking at the disorganization 24/7. What happened to the dream of making money while the kids were at school and meeting other women over morning coffee? Was it the fact that she could not see the kitchen counter tops or perhaps that she could not get at the computer to update her blog. It seemed that confusion swirled about her all the time.

Mary was lonely, in a way that her stuff could not satisfy anymore. The shopping was not filling the void. Actually the stuff was getting in her way, her cluttered existence was making her feel a bit embarrassed….embarrassed enough that she stopped having friends over. It was as if all her stuff had turned on her instead of making her happy it was holding her back. The comfort of the stuff had become the enemy…an enemy that was now holding her hostage in her own home.

Over the past six years I have had the privilege of helping women just like Linda and Mary women who are fed up and want a change, but aren’t quite sure how to get it or even where to start.  When people hit the wall I get the call, sometimes! I am proud to be in an industry that is in its infancy, with just  under 6000 members  globally, it is a community of experts that empower people like Linda and Mary every day. We are skilled, we  are compassionate, we care about people in a way that makes our hearts ache some day….

Here is the part that bothers me that I have to share… how many of you have hit the wall and can’t afford in-home services but need someone to show you what to do, and not just tell you what to do. Oh, you probably have a few magazines or books and have watched some TV shows where someone will tell you how to get organized by making it pretty …is that real? This is old school… it is a world where people tell other people how to live and what their house should look like. It is old school when you live your life with advice from people who tell you that they know what is best for you.

Want to join a Revolution? An Organizing Revolution?

Over the past two years I have seen the word revolution and not just in the news. In the June 2008 issue of O magazine, Oprah declared we’re starting a beauty revolution. Dove had the shocking youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYhCn0jf46U evolution which is one R short of a Revolution. I was glad to be able to share that with my teen daughter.

Are you tired of letting people drive the bus in your life? Want back in the driver seat?

Remember organizing is not necessarily how it looks…unless you are PMS-ing and yes the look will bother you in a way that could hurt people….but usually  it is how it feels and functions for you and the people you life with!

The time has come, the evolution of the internet, technology and a couple of  maverick Professional Organizers saw a need and felt compelled to fill it… there is a solution!

For the past five years we have researched and are sharing the solution! How would you like to have someone show you what to do, and not just tell you what to do?..in the privacy of your home, instantly, anytime of the day, when you are ready to take over the driver seat…in a way that is clear and concise…in a way that allows you to create the solution that is best for YOU!

Organizing Connection a company I co-own with Kim Eagles that offers just that solution…a series of instructional home organizing videos that will REVOLUTIONize how you get Home Organizing Help. These online videos will show you how to organize, not just tell you…so…I have to ask…are you ready to join a Revolution????

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By Elaine, February 2, 2010 9:15 am

If you ask anyone that knows me really well… TODAY they will say that I am a Ready, Fire, Aim kinda gal….Well it has not always been that way. They will probably say that I have no fear and really do Take Charge! in my life….

It was not always so…and how does someone go from having a difficult time with decisions, becoming stuck at every turn and letting great things pass you by because you were waiting for the PERFECT time to do something….to someone who jumps at opportunities and loves challenges.

Life happens….and I am sure it happens to everyone at some point or another…mine happened one day when I could not live the life I had and wanted something different…but I did not know that yet.

I had to put the need for perfection into perspective, I had to stop being afraid and lastly I had to stop procrastinating. Procrastination is essentially postponed decisions…the last step in my evolution was to start making decisions, decisions that are right for me…and not being afraid of mistakes….

For more information on Procrastination please read this awesome article by Monica Ricci.

Finally be honest with yourself today….what decisions are you postponing and if you took a stand and made the decision where would that road lead to?

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By Elaine, February 1, 2010 10:27 am

Over 5 years ago I learned one of the most valuable KICKASS Business Tips ever… No really I am not kidding.

I learned it from Cameron Herold who read it somewhere….and used the concept for himself with some…OK lots of success…check out his bio…and, at that very small conference that he happened to be at 5 years ago…actually he was not supposed to be there at all, he was the stand in speaker…he shared a very simple yet profound concept that not only changed my life but all the people I share it with.  Just in case I never said it personally…Thanks Cameron for that nugget.

That nugget is The Top 6 things I must do Tomorrow . It is a story about Ivy Lee and Charles Schwab.

Around 100 years ago, Charles Schwab, president of Bethlehem Steel, wanted to increase his own efficiency, and of the management team at the steel company. Ivy Lee, a well-known efficiency expert of the time, approached Mr. Schwab, and made a proposition Charles Schwab could not refuse:

Ivy Lee: “I can increase your people’s efficiency – and your sales – if you will allow me to spend 15 minutes with each of your executives.” ….read the rest of the story

Over the years I have modified Ivy’s method and have come up with my own version, it goes like this.

• At the end of the work week take 15 minutes and think about your annual goals.
• Take a simple recipe card and write down 5 things you want to accomplish that feed into your annual goals.
• Any paper or files that are related to the 5 goals needs to be gathered together.
• Take those 5 things and put the most important on the top and organize the rest in descending importance.
• E-mail a copy of this list to yourself and mark it important.

What you have now is your game plan for the next week. Wow…you can actually relax this weekend knowing that you have a game plan. It is out of your head and on paper…what a stress reliever.

Oh and did I mention that they are the goals for the WHOLE week…not for a single day. So by the end of the week if you accomplish only the first 2 items you have tackled 2 very important tasks that add to your bottom line.

Now I have to ask…”Is that the most awesome KICKASS Business Tip Ever?”

As a side note here is my Top 5 for this week.

-Mail Organizing Connection Home Organizing Videos to Costco Head Office Buyer.
-Add Clutter to Clarity Lunch and Learn page to website and promote to 10 local companies, get testimonial from past clients for the page.
-Send E-Mail out to Professional Organizer Biz 101 participants regarding the schedule, payments and what we are doing each week.
-Add 6 Blog posts this week
-Finish reading “Made to Stick” and do a book review live on Ustream .

Please note that all these goals feed into my annual goals. This is not everything I will do this week as urgent things come up and to be honest you need to address some urgent stuff when it happens. If I accomplish one of these items every week for the next year I will have completed 52 strategic steps towards my goals. I would say that is better than nothing!

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By Elaine, January 30, 2010 11:15 am

Not the Nirvana that “Smells like Teen Spirit” but the kind of Nirvana that Buddha described as ” the perfect peace of the state of mind that is free from craving, anger and other afflictive states”.  This may be a bit deep when the topic of organizing is on the table but really….perhaps it does go that deep?

Ok…warning….I am going to get all wordy here…I love words so humor me please.

Lets talk about the afflictive state, afflictive being something that is disruptive or troublesome.

Well hello…not being able to find your stuff, being late for everything and living in chaos…is that not an afflictive state.

Are you  absolutely begging for the “6 steps” that will bring Nirvana and banish the “afflictive state”?

Here they are in order; Dream, Plan, Sort, Purge, Re-organization and Maintenance…Simple words.

So how do you put these simple words into action…

On this last weekend of January I would like to share something with you that will help you to reach Organizing  Nirvana. Over the past 2 years I have been working on a collaberative project with Kim Eagles. We have created a series of Home Organizing Videos that incorporate the “6 Steps” that we use every day to help our clients.

Knowing  that geography, finances and privacy issues prevent many of you from being able to access the help that you want compelled us to create something just for YOU.

This series of videos is available today as a download at www.organizingconnection.com

Some of the rave reviews of this series…

had the opportunity watch the Kitchen DVD in the Organizing Connection series and was so excited to finally have such a thorough and straight forward resource to recommend to my blog readers and clients.  The DVD is professionally done and is refreshing and smart.  I so appreciate that it directs you to organizing success by walking you through the organizing process step by step using clear and concise directions.  It’s like having a Professional Organizer at your disposal 24 hours a day, you can’t go wrong! Laura www.orgjunkie.com

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By Elaine, January 29, 2010 7:47 am

I got this question the other day on my Youtube channel.…Yes I have my own channel…yes with videos…and yes I am in them…Enough with the sarcasm please!

Anyhow this is how it went.

…”you have a lot of great ideas…can you do a video on maybe getting your kids (and husband lol) to help around the house more? I am always looking for ideas on that”

I had to bring my soap box out for this one…enjoy my response…remember my clients all say that I am Firm but Loving!

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By Elaine, January 27, 2010 10:58 am

As we near the end of January it is time to dust off those Resolutions…now don’t tell me they aren’t dusty…resolutions typically lose their steam long before now…yes I am a realist…that is why I don’t make them…well not in January but that is for another post.

Was getting organized one of your Resolutions?

If so hold on to your hat because you are going to be blown away by ” The Great Organizing Giveaway” , yes I am talking free organizing resources. This is such an exciting opportunity for me and you.  This year, organizing professionals from the USA and Canada, 127 to be exact, are working together to deliver the GREAT ORGANIZING GIVEAWAY.  I’m honored that Organizing Connection was asked to be a part of this first ever event.

Sign up now to get your FREE giveaways

Here is a small sample of the 127 FREE Organizing Giveaways…

Need help with e-mail?

Provided by Paul Burton of Quiet Spacing or on Twitter  @quietspacing — Power Processing Your E-mail is one of the five one-hour programs in the QuietSpacing(tm) Seminar Series created by Paul Burton. Thousands have benefitted from this program by learning how to better manage the dozens of e-mails we receive every day….Get it Now it is FREE

Need help with your Time?

Provided by Susan Lannis of ORGANIZATION Plus! Inc.( Same Company name as my home organizing company…how cool!) or on Twitter @timeliberator — Though we use the words, time cannot be saved or made because we don’t control it – like a river, it just keeps moving along – but it can be liberated. In this report, learn 10 easy ways to rethink time that will help you liberate it to use in a new way – whether that is kicking back or tackling something you’ve always wanted to try…get it now its free

Need help going GREEN while organizing?

Provided by Julie Seibert of Healing through Organization, LLC – Would you like to know where to start organizing and still stay “green”?  This audio program offers eco organizing tips for the home and office…download it now

Need help Organizing Medical Records?

Provided by Janet Barclay(Good Friend and Fellow Canuck) of Organized Assistant or on Twitter @janetbarclay — The Personal Medical Organizer comes with printable forms for you to fill out and place in your own binder. Taking the binder with you to medical appointments can help you make the most of your time with the doctor, since all the information and any paperwork you may need is right at your finger tips…Get your Organizer now

And Last but not Least…Elaine and Kim of Organizing Connection…yeah

Provided by Elaine Shannon of Organizing Connection or on Twitter @orgconnection – The Clutter Code 6 Step Organizing System takes all the mystery out of getting organized.  This set of easy to follow worksheets and the detailed e-book will help you to demystify your next organizing project… get yours now!

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By Elaine, January 26, 2010 8:29 am

Organizing Philosophy…

“Organizing is not about how it looks but about how it functions and feels”

Yesterday I had the pleasure of presenting my “Clutter to Clarity” workshop at a Lunch & Learn to 7  amazing women. They love what they do, they love the company they work for and they admire their leader….to be honest so do I , she is quite amazing. That being said we got on the topic of look vs feel in regards to organizing.

As someone who is always talking, thinking, researching organizing I sometimes forget that there are 2 sides to this argument.

As the gals pointed out yesterday there are days that the “Boss” goes through the place like a tornado(not reallya tornado, but this is a great visual) because it looks awful and there are other days when it really doesn’t matter. Someone else also said that it feels so good when they can find what they need when they need it…..hmmmmm.

So it is looks or function and feel…or is it both?

I know that at certain times of the month(if you get my drift) I am crazy when I have clutter on my kitchen countertops and other times I could not care less.

What are your thoughts…looks or feel…or both? Please share…what do you think?