I was invited to speak at the Orem Small Business Developement Center on the topic ‘Marketing Strategies for a Home Based Business’. I shared with the class attendees my top at home business ideas for marketing their businesses. I feel honored to have been given the opportunity to address them. I believe I was chosen to address this issue because my business has done so well. Even in this tough economy. I tripled my client base and doubled my income this past year. I am a business strategist and my marketing campaigns have something to do with this, but the main reason my at home business has done so well is because I am very good at doing something that services a growing need, returning order and simplicity to someone’s life…plain and simple! As a Utah based professional organizer and a national online show organizing expert, I help people set up office systems that work and continue working as time goes on…plain and simple!

Class attendees below are the links and additional information I promised you. Remember, before you go any further, you promised to leave a tip for other blog visitors at the top of this post by clicking on comments THEN sharing a marketing tip that has worked well for you or someone you know. If you just happened upon this post titled ‘At Home Business Ideas’and did not attend my class, please share a tip with us before you read on. I am a believer in sharing our successes with others. Now that you have completed that, here is the information I promised you:

• A list of the best blog directories to which you should join: Technorati, Blog Catalog, and Google Blogs
• A great book on writing your own Press Release by my mentor Janet Meiners Thalaer. Click here to find it on Amazon
• The place where you can submit your own Press Release announcing your blog, business, or important business happenings.
• An easy way to send email newsletters, manage your subscriber lists, and track campaign performance with MailChimp. FREE if you have less than 500 subscribers
• Affiliate Marketing Partnership options found at: Commission Junction or Linkshare.

In my opinion, when dealing with at home business ideas and marketing strategies, there are a few things you should avoid:

• Spending your scarce marketing budget on PR firms or major advertising campaigns
• Spending too much money in the beginning
• Investing in expensive marketing materials that soon become obsolete or outdated

If you have not yet designed your own business plan click here for a business plan template.

If you are interested in hiring me to help you simplify your life and better organize your office spaces, papers or computer data, OR you would like to know more about marketing strategies for your home based business please contact me at www.OrganizingMindOverMatter.com

How do you handle your important conversations? Do you plan and organize your difficult conversations BEFORE they take place?

I am a reader. I have always enjoyed reading books that help me better understand myself, those I care about, and the world around me. The last two books I read, ‘Crucial Conversations’ by leadership consultants Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler AND ‘Without Offense – The Art of Giving and Receiving Criticism’ by Dr. John Lund both taught me how to better handle important discussions in a way that is not offensive and can strengthen relationships.

Patterson and group defined difficult conversations as a discussion between two or more people where: (1) the stakes are high, (2) opinions vary, and (3) emotions run strong.

I learned from Patterson’s group that “when participants hold back (because they are afraid of the consequences, want to spare someone’s feelings or don’t want to escalate a conflict) a true dialogue CAN NOT take place.” When you organize your difficult conversations, both participants should be open and remain emotion free.

One of THE most important things I learned in reading Crucial Conversations was to STAY FOCUSED. When I organize my difficult conversations I should be sure I clearly understand WHAT I WANT, WHAT I WANT FOR THE OTHER PERSON and WHAT I WANT FOR THE RELATIONSHIP. I need to also understand before beginning what I DON’T WANT the outcome of the conversation to be. “The only person I can directly control is myself.”

When YOU organize your difficult conversations, the authors of CC suggest you might begin with a dialogue much like this: “I’d like to talk with you about something that is getting in the way of my working with you.  It is a little touchy, but I feel it will help if we can talk about it.  When would you be willing to meet with me and discuss _______?” Dr. John Lund suggests you should ALWAYS ask permission to discuss the issue before you begin the discussion.

Start your conversation with Patterson’s groups ABC’s.

• What you Agree with or on
• Build & add on elements you do not agree on THEN
• Compare the differences

WHEN your organized difficult conversation begins to go bad do these things:

• Apologize when appropriate “The last thing I wanted to do was ___________ (hurt your feelings, make you angry).  I do value you(r) ___________  (friendship, opinion, etc.
• Stay committed to the dialogue. Remember, you organized your difficult conversation so focus on how to move toward what you really hoped to accomplish. Then
• Explore THEIR perspective. Ask questions and mirror responses to guarantee you understand what they are meaning to say.

I do understand that many of these conversations surface when we least expect them. Just this evening I was sucked into one of these difficult conversations which I handled poorly. Medical studies now show that just a modest improvement in the ability to talk and connect with others corresponded to a two-thirds decrease in the death rate of those in later years.

Dr. Lund taught me in his book that when I hope for something that I have very little control over…that is a wish. When I hope, plan and organize something that I do have control over…that becomes a goal.  Let’s take control of our emotions. It is of GREAT value to all of us to learn how to organize our Difficult Conversations. You can do this.

Today is your turn to better someone’s life. Leave a comment telling us what your most difficult conversations have dealt with and what the outcome of that difficult conversation was. Thanks for sharing!

Listen to my online show numbered 032 Organize your Difficult Conversations to hear Laura and I discuss this important issue.

Organize your Vital Records

In a nutshell, your most important papers are called vital records. Organizing important papers is essential and your vital records need to be easily assessable for them to be any good to you. Vital Records are papers with information that is crucial about you, your family, your home, your finances, your health, and your history. (Think: marriage certificates, social security cards, military discharge papers, life insurance policies, etc.) Most of us have had occasion to need specific information and documents at a moment’s notice. Maybe you’ve already thought about gathering your vital records together, but have never gotten around to it. Or, maybe you’ve tried to gather and organize your most important papers, but have gotten stuck. Some of the “roadblocks” to accomplishing this task are:

•we don’t know where to start or what to look for

•we’re not sure what needs to be kept

•the prospect of collecting all the data is overwhelming OR

•there is just too much paper to go through

Well, now is the time to begin Organizing your Vital Records with my 3 Step ACT formula:

First, ASSESS by taking a look at where you are and asking yourself:

1. Why haven’t I done this before?

2. Why do I need to get going on this project?

3. Where am I stuck and why?

4. What is the most important 1st thing I can do today to get all my vital documents in place?

You may recognize some emotional and accountability issues as you begin gathering these important papers—but don’t let them discourage you.

Next, CREATE  – Decide on a planning strategy. To begin the planning stage, I typically begin with six general document categories, then we sub-categorize those according to the needs of my client. Once you have decided on a plan, calendar the task. Begin with a beginning and completion date. Be realistic about the time you will need to invest in organizing your vital records. I would suggest you plan anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months to complete this organizing task. Be sure to work on gathering the needed information each week. Consider options for storage of your vital records by making sure your items are secured.

Step 3 in my organizing formula is TACKLE. This is the step most people actually associate with the project: digging in to the paper, sorting, categorizing, etc.

Your vital records can be housed on-site or off-site. Choose a container that will protect them from damage. For me this includes archival plastic sheets and a waterproof, fireproof portable safe. The labeling is critical! You also need to decide on a location for final storage of these important papers. Some considerations include: a home safe, off-site storage, a safety deposit box, etc.

As circumstances change, so will some of your vital documents (examples: durable financial power of attorney, health care power of attorney, or living will). It’s a great idea to review your important documents ‘collection’ yearly. Be sure to let someone you trust know WHERE these important papers are kept, then review them together.

Often, we are left to deal with emergencies without the necessary knowledge and paperwork to make decisions and move forward. In times of tragedy, we find ourselves with mountains of important papers instead of being able to take the necessary time to reflect and mourn. Organizing your vital records is a MOST IMPORTANT organizing project. I am sure that the time and money you invest NOW in completing this project will offer you the security and calm of knowing where ALL your important papers are located. You don’t want to worry about retrieval of these important documents at a time when your emotions run high.

Peace of mind is worth a little time NOW, isn’t it? If you need my experience and help in Organizing YOUR Important Papers, please contact me. This project is one you want to make sure is done correctly.

Available for purchase in September 2010, my VITAL RECORDS ORGANIZER which can be purchased in the WIN store online. For further information listen now to my online show, The Organized Woman Show. Show number 031 deals with this very topic.

I was hired last year by a Doctor who lives in the Provo / Orem area and needed professional organizer help with garage organization. He realized that clutter is a stress creator and the condition of his garage was affecting the quality of his life. At our first meeting I asked him what pushed him to call me and he said, “I feel real frustration when I drive into my garage every day.” He realized that letting go of the excess and organizing what was left would allow him to feel more positive about his daily return home.

Because the garage is one of a few home spaces where we place our “I might need this someday” stuff, garage organization is quite easy to achieve. When I work with clients I bring with me a list of all the possible garage organizing categories and we start sorting their items into categories purging and deleting as we go. You can organize your garage by looking at your gathered items and decide on these main categories.

Realize, that when I refer to your garage, anything that I share with you can be applied to any home storage area including your attic, basement or outdoor shed. To hear my podcast show dealing with garage organizing AND to learn my SPARK formula for organizing ANY home storage area, visit www.TheOrganizedWomanShow.com and look for show number 029 . In that show I promise you some photos of a few of my favorite garage organization products. I am always good on my promises. Here you go:

Schulte’s freedomrail line makes a complete garage storage solution which includes:  rail hardware, cabinetry, shelving, wire grids, hooks, metal and mesh baskets, activity organizers for sporting goods, garden items, tools, etc.

Ceiling Shelves for storage of Yard Furniture or Holiday Decor:   – Tuffrax, Totetrac, or Heavy Lift Garage Elevator (pulley driven baskets to raise and lower ceiling stored items)

Tool Rack – OR LOW BUDGET:  Heavy duty garbage cans to hold rakes, shovels, etc. AND Wall Pegboard and hooks.

Sporting Goods - Winter Ski’s & Tennis Rackets – Two 1” dowel pieces cut 12 to 24” long and then anchored to a 2 X 4 wood piece and attached to the garage wall.   You slide your skis in with the curved tips out and the tennis racket with the webbed net up.  For Bicycles:  2 bike gravity stand $70    Bike Hoist Pulley System    $25    LOW BUDET:  2 Large ceiling Cup Hooks per bike

Through garage organization you can turn that space into the garage of your dreams. Realize that even your home storage areas require monthly and yearly upkeep. I recommend to my clients that they get the whole family involved and plan to spend 3 hours yearly doing a purge and clean. Who knows, after YOUR garage organizing session, you may even be able to easily get your car inside. Now, wouldn’t that be delightful?

If you are tired of your garage disorder and would like some professional organizing help, contact us today. We offer a FREE 20 minute phone analysis.

As part of January 2010 National Get Organized Month I am pleased to offer you this FREE downloadable form focusing on balancing work and family life. By investing 10 minutes each week YOU will become a life balance for women pro. Click here to download your quick and easy Life Balance Worksheet.

Please share with other visitors your favorite life balance tip(s) by leaving a comment. You can do this by clicking on the green numeral next to the word “comments” above.

If you are expecting marital success, then planning for success in your blended family, can be easier achieved with some environmental home tips:

Remember to:

• Be realistic
• Be patient AND
• Limit your expectations

Click here to listen to Blended Family Tips part 1 & 2 by my dear friends, Janet and Lisa, on my online show The Organized Woman Show.

Click here to find some great information and to answer the question, What is a blended family? by family help

One more good information article I found while researching, Creating a Happy Blended Family by suite 101.

Home Organizing Workshops

Join Vicki for any or all of the 3 classes she will be teaching during the month of January 2010 in conjunction with National Get Organized Month. The class information is listed below. If you have any questions about the Utah professional orgainzer, Vicki Winterton, and her organizing classes please contact us.

“I just wanted to say thank you for your time in teaching me about time management. As you promised, the “Action File” has changed my life. I’m able to stay on top of the paper mess that comes into my home. I knew the importance of daily maintenance prior to your class (I only learned this in the last year!), but you’ve taught me how to perform daily maintenance on the paper mess, not just tidying the house. Wow! What a great thing!” –Diane, 2009 UVUcommunity education class

Are you tired of making New Year’s Resolutions that, by the end of January, have become another failed attempt at improved self image or moral? Each resolution you set represents a longing of the heart, a personal stretch toward better health, more happiness, or increased wisdom. THIS YEAR  try a new approach. By working on one resolution or goal at a time and following my few simple steps below you will find success in making and keeping your New Years Resolutions.

To begin, make a list or a photo board of your successes this past year. Don’t be modest; make sure you note the learning and the progression that happened.

Next, begin the process of defining your new goals by setting up major goals broken into smaller goal steps:

1. Personalize your goals. Make them specific to you. Use the words “I” and “me” often. Realize you need to focus in on YOU in this step.
2. Write as if you had already accomplished the goal.  Use such terms as “I have”, “I see”, “I feel”, etc.
3. Adjectivize (my own word) the benefits of the Resolution. Use lots of descriptive words to explain the benefits of achieving your goals and resolutions. Words such as: calming, peaceful, energized, terrific, etc.
4. Calendar and schedule with (a) beginning, (b) progression, and (c) completion dates.

Reward yourself with prizes or recognitions of achievement not only when you complete your set goal, but also each day you actively work toward your desired resolution.

Complete THEN Repeat. When you have completed your first New Years Resolution, begin on goal #2. However grand the change we hope for, the vehicle for change is small, simple, daily steps that move us forward. It is the step by step changes each day and week that transport a new goal or resolution to completion. Change is ALWAYS hard for us to make. Be sure you  don’t overwhelm yourself by working on too many goals at once.

If you would like to receive my New Years Resolutions/New Goals Template, please leave a comment on this post and share with us what YOUR top three New Years Resolutions are this year. We love to hear from you!

For many years, I stored my own Christmas decorations in any one of  the 14 holiday boxes lining my garage shelves.  I often felt overwhelmed at the prospect of getting all those Christmas Storage boxes emptied before Christmas and restocked after the holidays. Then I developed a better system that now makes holiday decorating and take-down much simpler. My Christmas storage has become manageable.

I was an invited guest writer for my local newspaper, The Daily Herald, last year and wrote a full article containing my formula for boxing up ANY holiday.  Click here to read the full details of the article dated 12/2008 and titled, Packing up the Holidays OR listen to my online talk show number 024 titled Christmas Storage by clicking this link.

You can do this…It takes just a little longer as you pack up your holiday decor, but saves you lots of stress and time each year from here on in. Organizing your Christmas storage is worth your time and effort this year…YOU CAN DO THIS!

Please leave a comment sharing a tip on how you have simplified your holiday storage. We love to hear from you!

Blending a family of any variety is an obstacle course with many hardships already built-in to jump over & climb above. The holiday season is especially hard because of all the memories (bad AND good) that come attached to each blended family member.  This week I invited my friend and neighbor, Janet Peterson, mother of 11 children combined, to share some Blended Family Holiday Tips. Listen here to show #023. My friend Janet has maneuvered the course for many years and has been successful! She shares specifics on holiday activities and traditions that have worked for her blended family over the years. A few suggestions include these: