In the Top 10 Organization Strategies, step 2 is to Create Your Filing System.
There is a right way and a wrong way to create a filing system.
Filing can be done electronically or with paper files.
Either way, you have to have a system that is EASY to use, and where it is EASY to find things.
If you were out of town, and someone else needed to find a file for you, your filing system has to be set up so that anyone could find what you are directing them to find. Think intuitively when setting up your filing system.
Personally, I have had my filing system set up for over 10 years and it still works just as well today as it did the first day I set it up. Setting up your filing system initially takes time, and it is an investment that you need to make. Ultimately, it will save you TONS of time looking for files and papers.
A good way to file your papers is by assigning broad categories (insurance, banking, etc. for personal files, and presentations, recruit materials, specials, etc. for business files). Then assign subcategories where necessary. For example, under insurance, you might have home insurance, auto insurance, health insurance and personal property insurance. And under specials, you might have host specials, guest specials, rep incentives, etc.
Now, take all that paper that is lying around and give it a home in one of your new file folders. I personally use hanging file folders for the broad categories and manila folders for the subcategories. One word of advice – get a labelmaker!
Want to get more information about the right way to set up your filing system? Get a copy of Organization for Home-Based Business Professionals to learn step-by-step instructions on how to set up your filing system to increase productivity in your business!
Laura,
I loved these tips – thank you!
Angela : )
Thanks Angela! If you can set up your filing system the right way the first time, you won’t have to ever do it again! I’m still using the one I had from 10 years ago! I detail the “how to’s” in my book, Organization for Home-Based Business Professionals.
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