Simple Organization

• November 2nd, 2007
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I’ll be the first to admit that I am not an organized individual by any stretch. For some reason, however, my director and her director perceive me as an organized person. To what do I owe this status? I think it comes solely from time management training I’ve had from them and from owning my Mary Kay datebook. Since joining Mary Kay Cosmetics, I have become far more skilled at time management. I do think part of it stems from my busy childhood. I always had lessons of some sort–piano lessons, ballet, gymnastics, and horseback riding, to name a few. This caused my thinking to shift to things I have to do each day and how to fit everything else into place.

Here is how I work around my 40 hour work week:

I work 40 hrs/wk. No children, but I have a dog and a husband who both demand a lot of time. Like you, the last thing I want to do when I get home from work is get on the phone–especially since my job is talking on the phone. I make most of my business calls on Sundays. I block out 7-9 p.m. as my “Power Hours.” I find most people are home at this time.

To keep on track, I have my entire datebook highlighted. It’s color-coded. I also use the Weekly Plan Sheet and highlight that. I post the WPS on my fridge so hubby can see it. I write his stuff on there, too so he doesn’t feel left out. I use this color code:

Blue = J-O-B

Pink = MK Office/Meeting Times

Green = IPA Time

Orange = Hubby Time (yea, he feels special that he has his own color)

Yellow = My alone time–very scarce!

Highlight your datebook and mark up your schedule. Don’t be afraid to have your personal agenda in there with your MK agenda. It’s OK to mix it–it lets your customers know you have a life, too.

Once you determine your schedule, stick to it! Sometimes things will happen and the schedule won’t go as planned. It’s OK!!! Don’t panic. You will recover and get back on track. Sometimes, life happens and goals won’t be met. Focus on the positives and that will keep you moving forward–even through the rough spots.

If I can’t reach someone during my Sunday calling hours, I try reaching them during the week on my lunch break. I put everyone I meet who gives me an address onto my PCP Mailing List. This way, if I can’t talk to them live, I have that mailer contact. You’d be amazed how effective that Look Book can be!

I talk to a lot of my co-workers and many of them are my customers so I just talk to them in person. I hold appointments on Saturdays. If someone wants a weekday appointment, I urge them to come to my meetings. If a co-worker wants an appointment, I do classes on Saturdays. If they want a one on one, they can come to meeting OR we can do a fast facial at the office after hours. This has been working for me so far.

Tags: Focus, Goal Setting, NaBloPoMo, Organization, Personal Responsibility, Self-Discipline, Time Management