While chatting with her about the folders she intended to use for her file system, she mentioned that she needed to find them, but she didn’t like them very much.  The statement that she didn’t like the folders immediately sent up a red flag.

Often when people are purchasing tools to support their systems or new organizing projects, they tend to buy whatever is readily available without really putting much thought into whether they actually like the tool or not.  For example, basic green hanging folders are widely available at office product stores, but you may not like the color.

When systems are set up with items like this, that aren’t very appealing to you, more than likely, you will not be very excited about using them.  As simple and maybe a little silly as this may seem, choosing tools that are aesthetically pleasing increases your chances of using them!

If you love beautiful office tools, try SeeJaneWork.com for aesthetically pleasing items.  I have developed quite a fan base for this site among my clients and audiences!  The larger chains have also introduced some items that are both functional and beautiful.  Remember that your tools need to be functional as well.  You don’t want to sacrifice function for beauty, but there are resources for finding tools that have the complete package!

So, as you are setting up new systems and looking at the tools you have chosen, ask yourself if you really love these items.  Do you enjoy looking at your files or stacking trays?  Do you really love that stapler you’re using?  Examining all these details and making adjustments where necessary will help to ensure that you are on your way to having a functional system that you love!

Happy Organizing!

Ellen

They key to getting organized is first and foremost not to give up after the first little mishap.  We all get overwhelmed, have a big project, or life circumstance that causes us to get off track.  Rather than give up just start again!  It’s really that easy.

Sometimes the systems that we try don’t really work for us and it’s important to be able to identify what went wrong.  Starting over with a system gives you the opportunity to really observe what the problem is and to make adjustments as necessary.  You may find that you really don’t like the folders you used to set up your action system.  Or maybe your desk isn’t set up in a functional way.  Look at your system with a critical eye rather than just throwing your hands up and declaring it a disaster!

Here are some things to look for when evaluating your system:

1)      Do I have all the tools I need?

2)      Do I like the tools I am using?

3)      Can I find the documents and files I need when I need them?

4)      Are things I use often readily available and accessible?

5)      Can I easily reset the system when needed?

Remember, systems only work when you use them!  Very few organizing systems work without some effort on the user’s part. Set up maintenance routines to be sure that you are keeping up with filing and other similar tasks.

If you would like to get 2010 and the new decade started off right and need a little help, I am offering a very special discount on my Conquer Chaos VIP Coaching Program.  The first 10 readers to sign up for two months of coaching will get a complimentary third month!  Visit www.anewleafpo.com/conquerchaosVIP to learn more about the program.  To take advantage of the complimentary month, enter the coupon code HOLIDAY at check out.

I would like to thank all of you for reaading and for supporting my business over the years.  I wish all of you a very Happy New Year!

Happy Organizing!

Unfortunately, there isn’t a merge feature yet!

So, you will need to decide which profile to keep and which to delete.  Decide based on number of connections and/or how developed your profile is.

Tip: I would keep the one with the most connections and move the profile data.

Here are some steps to help you successfully move to a single profile:

1. Login to the Account you want to delete.
2. Export the Connections to an csv or excel file. (See link at bottom of Connections)
3. Save all profile info into a Word Document.
4. Delete the account.(Go to Account & Settings and Close the account.)
5. Login to the account you want to keep.
6. Import the Connections stored in file from deleted account and re-invite them to connect on the correct profile. Offer an explanation since they were already connections on the other profile.
7. Update your profile as needed.
8. Associate multiple email addresses with your LinkedIn account so that people can find you by any of your email addresses. (Go to Account & Settings and Add Email under Personal Info.)

I hope this helps!  For more social media tips or to ask your questions, become a Fan on Facebook.com/SocialMediaExplained

As a meeting planner, you have many speakers options available. When looking for a social media specialist, finding someone with technical expertise and excellent presentation skills is essential.  Michelle provides both!  Her programs are fast-paced, content rich and technically strong while her style is warm, relaxed and approachable – a rare combination for technical speakers.

Check out this product feature announcement from LinkedIn onYoutube.

2. In your status updates on all networks, answer this question: What information does my business audience need from me today?

3.  Relate to people on the networks as if you are seeing them in person. Ask questions. Reply to comments or messages. Engage in conversation. Then, and only then will you see the value of social media.

4. Develop systems for growing your networks.  Example: Invite all the decision makers you are working with into your LinkedIn network. Invite contacts from informal networking events into your Facebook network. Or, determine to invite 10 people from your business association memberships into your personal network each month.  Having a system will ensure incremental growth of the right audience over time.

5. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new functionality. Social media tools are still evolving. Everyone is learning.  You’ll get the most from these tools when you get comfortable with them.  You don’t have to think about how to use the phone and email for business. Eventually, you’ll feel that way about social media.  Dive in the deep end and have fun with it.

Think of electronic files just the same as ordinary paper files in a file cabinet.  A computer file system can be set up in the same way as paper files are set up.  Create folders and subfolders for the files and be consistent in your naming scheme.

When saving documents be sure to click “Save As” and then navigate your way to the appropriate folder for that document.  This will keep the document from going to that mysterious place that computers sometimes send our documents when we don’t specify exactly where we want them saved.

Put thought into naming your files and be descriptive.  Take advantage of the 255 character limit on file names.  Use descriptive words that will ensure you know what the file contains. Think about the different ways that you might think of the file the same as you would for physical files.  If you are saving a budget form, when you are looking for it again, what will you look for?

Think of all of the possibilities and name your file accordingly.  Taking this much time to think about it on the front end will also help to trigger your memory when looking for the file later.

If you don’t have time to create folders and move files around, your computer’s search tool can help.  Search features in newer versions of Windows are much more efficient than they have been in the past.  Tools like Google Desktop can also make finding documents on your computer faster and easier.

Read what Dorothy W. says about  her online boot camp experience:

“Last week I didn’t know what LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter were. Today I have a presence on all three, not to mention my blog on Wordpress. This is all thanks to Michelle Cullison’s five day Social Media Boot Camp. I can’t wait to recommend it to others. Michelle is an expert in a field that is changing every single day. My idea in enrolling was that I would learn the basics of using the new Social Media. Definitions would have been big news for me. And I learned those, but in addition with each section from Facebook to Twitter – and certainly LinkedIn, Michelle provided non-stop tips and ideas for using each category. My Social Media Manual, which she provides with the course, is crammed with notes to myself, and I am at work on a strategy that, I am confident, will provide growth and sparkle to my business in the year ahead. In these times, when the Social Media are growing explosively, Boot Camp is a necessity. Best of all, I am looking forward to the final webinar next week when Michelle will help me and other attendees fine tune Social Media strategy. Free copies of the webinars are provided for future reference. Michelle is personable and delightful, and being from Louisiana, she talks slowly and clearly enough that even computer illiterates like me can follow her easily. Don’t miss this opportunity.”

August 21, 2009  Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity

I promise you won’t have to do push-ups or run an obstacle course, but you will get a social media workout to transform you from a cadet to a colonel who knows how to do business on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and more!

Are you ready for a rigorous (and fun) social media training session?

Don’t miss your chance to develop a social media strategy!

You start your experience as soon as you register by viewing three 30-minute pre-recorded Webinars!
You will learn how to build a professional personal presence on the top 3 social sites BEFORE you come to bootcamp!

The sessions are:

1. How to Create a LinkedIn Profile
2. How to Create a Twitter Profile
3. How to Create a Facebook Profile  

In addition, you will receive the Social Media Manual,  a 100+ page binder, filled with info such as Step by Step instructions, Quick Tips, worksheets for developing strategies and more! The binder will let you reference and review what you learned at bootcamp and give you the next steps to keep expanding your web presence after the full-day training is complete.

Who should attend:

Accelerate your learning. Expand your web presence. Grow Your Business. Stop wasting time trying to figure it out.

Sample Agenda for Live Events

8:30-9:00 Check-In and Network
9:00-9:50 Social Media: From Cadets To Colonels
9:50-10:50 Facebook Business Pages
10:50-11:00 Break
11:00-12 Twitter Training – Be the best “Tweeple” you can be
12-1:00 LUNCH Break
1:00-2:00 LinkedIn Line Up (Reaching the Officers)
2:00-3:00 Productivity Tools: Gearing up for ACTION and Repurposing Content
3:00-3:45 Social Media: Best Practices to keep from going AWOL
3:45-4:00 Time for Taps (the wrap-up)

Sign Up today if you want to:

• Accelerate lead generation for your business
• Stop wasting time trying to figure out social media
• Learn how to deliver your message to your target market
• Connect and engage prospects to build trust
• Develop relationships with influential decision makers
• Follow thought leaders in your industry
• Establish your brand with a large audience that may never visit your website
• Drive targeted traffic to your website so you can convert them to business
• Learn secrets for increasing ranking and findability on search engines
• Integrate your existing web site WITH your social media presence for maximum effectiveness
• Know WHY you are on social sites and WHAT you WILL accomplish for BUSINESS while there.
• Learn the secret to social media success: STRATEGY!

What participants are saying:

“The strategy-setting goals-section was most helpful to me. Social Media Boot Camp gave me a new perspective on the use of tools and how to approach my market. Very interactive!”
Peter Ranzino, President
Learning Sciences

“I enjoyed exploring the possibilities for using social media. I really liked the way you adapted the material to our specific needs.”
Bill Phillips, PhD., President
Success Labs

“Social Media Boot Camp provided a general but thorough overview of social media networks. I enjoyed gaining knowledge on how to develop and implement social media into a business marketing strategy.”
Renee Verma, President
Verma Communications

REGISTER NOW to attend one of these social media boot camps:

Location: TBD
Date: Friday, December 4th, 9 AM-4 PM

 Participating Chamber or Louisiana Technology Council members SAVE an additional $25 with your special coupon codes!  Space limited to 20.

Private Facebook Group for Q&A with Michelle and other boot camp participants.

 Participating Chamber of Commerce or Louisiana Technology Council members SAVE an additional $25 with your special coupon codes!