WOW! I can‘t believe it -- Fall already? Where did the Summer go?

Oh, by the way, if you were thinking you misplaced your Summer issue of The PHOENIX Organizing Times, or worse yet you were removed from the mail list, you can set your mind at ease. You see, I had to make an executive decision to postpone the summer issue and make it up at a different time or in another way.

As a Professional Organizer I too, am very human and can experience detainments, given the extenuating circumstances of the unexpected and a cumbersome over-extended schedule. I know many of you look forward to this communication and I apologize for the delay.

Being organized does not totally eliminate hectic schedules. It does keep them at bay, if you follow the guidelines. Obviously, I too, am human and can experience a slip. Therefore, I have chosen to share a personal experience and valuable lesson with each of you later in this issue. The article is titled: "A Lesson in Balance."

As we move forward into the Fall season it is typically a time in many parts of the world to construct the groundwork for the long, cold winter months ahead. A time to gather, prepare and make ready. While we are fortunate to reside in the beauty and gentle climate of Hawai‘i, we too, need to prepare, gather and make ready for the months ahead, regardless of climate.

With this in mind, there is no coincidence that National Get Organized Week (GO Week) is designated by the National Association of Professional Organizers(NAPO), in the Chase Annual Events, as the first week of October each year.

The Fall is a perfect time of year to:

As a Professional Organizer, I am well aware of the increase in stress levels that occur in the vast majority of people with the onset of the holiday season. As you have heard me state in my seminars, workshops or one-on-one sessions, we need to take control of what we can that is a catalyst to producing increased stress in our lives. Getting more organized is the first step in eliminating unwanted and unnecessary stress.

We have a choice: we can either end this year in stress or grab hold of our personal power and commit to getting more organized thus ending the year with a satisfying "Aaaaaaah!" We can lay an incredible foundation now for the upcoming months and gather, prepare and make ready in stride. Who amongst you needs the stress that procrastination in this area ensures? You each deserve far more! You deserve the peace of mind that being more

organized can render!

Celebrate GO Week in your own little way. As Shakespeare said: "Action is eloquence." Commit to eliminating the stress that you can control. In the words of Napoleon Hill: "The moment you commit and quit holding back, all sorts of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance will rise up to help you. The simple act of commitment is a powerful magnet for help.

Happy Organizing!

May you realize all that you deserve ...with less stress!

Much Aloha,

Julie

Oxford Slash Pocket Project Folders:

Having trouble locating papers for each project you are immersed in? Are your papers in piles or scattered throughout your desk (and floor)? Are your projects devouring any remaining work space on your desk because you need them in front of you daily?

Oxford Slash Pocket Folders to the rescue! The folder features a "pocket" to contain important papers so they won’t fall out, unlike standard manila file folders used for storing projects. The diagonal cut-away design provides instant access and ease of visibility for all your papers and projects.

Color coding can be very advantageous and this product will surely be an aid to organizing all those projects. Color coding is an easy way to quickly spot the project you are looking for. Not only that, slash pockets come pre-punched for a 3 ring binder!

You can now "contain and control" the various projects on your desk in an organized fashion without having to file "projects in motion" on a daily basis. Slash Pockets come in an assorted 10 pack of colors. Approximate cost: $3.59

In the last issue I mentioned the GEODEX Life Management System. Since that time I have received the full contents of the system. After much scrutiny I decided not to pursue being an Associate for the company. Although I believe it to be an excellent system that enhances the balance of one’s professional, personal and family life, my main objective was that balance was achieved in that exact order

I still remain an advocate of utilizing a system that provides a structure to assist

people in segregating time and balance in all three aspects of one’s life. Especially if you may

not be self-disciplined to create this structure for yourself. I must continue to honor my beliefs and philosophy though. In creating a time management system for yourself it

has to be done in the reverse order: personal, family and professional.

All too often I assist people who have dilemmas in balancing their lives and understanding that they need to take time for themselves first or there is nothing left in the end. With experience, they

eventually learn: when they take their time first, family second and business third -- by some mysterious and magical way -- their business needs are still met!

I believe the Covey system to be the closest in this regard and highly suggest that you investigate it prior to investing your money. The system requires that you spend approximately 30 minutes prior to the start of your week in creating a plan to follow. "Designing your life" is

something that is planned-- it does not happen by accident. Investing the time and diligence in this regard is critical to achieving your balance and crucial to the ultimate success in anything you can dream.

As many of you know I was a catalyst in starting the HO (Home Office) Organizing section in the Working From Home (WFH) Forum of CompuServe for NAPO. What you are not aware of is: I was blessed with meeting another Professional Organizer (online that is), who was also a driving force in co-creating the dream of making the HO section become a successful reality. This person volunteered their valuable time and became a co-section leader on this venture.

It wasn’t until a year later that I actually met Alan as we flew to Dallas to attend the annual NAPO conference. We found that we shared similar dreams and visions for the Forum section and we had much more in common professionally, as we came to know each other in the days and months to follow.

It was because of Alan Aurich’s analogous integrity, values, dreams and visions for our industry that months later I approached him with an offer to co-create a WEB site ...just the two of us. It sure wasn’t as easy to sell Alan on this idea as I had expected! I understood though, as I had similar doubts prior to shifting my own viewpoint.

We all know "what you resist will persist!" Due to my "computer geek" background 1 had been approached by many people to get involved in the WEB. I was silently hoping that career was complete. Now I wanted to explore so many other avenues. Later I realized I was looking at the glass half empty instead of the usual half full I took pride in. Then the gears started turning. I was suddenly able to see a tremendous vehicle that could provide the means, in imparting valuable information to people. A way to empower them .. .not cripple them with "more stuff."

You see, initially each of us was in total resistance to the WEB for our own reasons. As Professional Organizers we had our own internal conflicts with supporting yet another technological means that would potentially create an avenue to further inundate our clients Sheesh, they were already in overwhelm!

Alan had shared with me that he didn’t fully understand why or what we would accomplish with our WEB presence, yet he was game to give it a shot. He also shared the fact that if anyone else had asked him --he would have blatantly replied: "no."

During this time I was on a mission to knock my excitement down several notches in order to "sell" Alan on the unlimited ideas I was now dreaming about on a nightly basis! Bottom line? The WEB could manifest into an incredible vehicle for us to continue to "be of service" on a deeper global level!

One day, I remember waking up to check my e-mail and lo and behold ... something had clicked with Alan during the evening. <YES!> He too, began seeing the bigger picture and the WEB as an incredible avenue. We could now extend our knowledge and expertise of what we do best: Organizing techniques and Personal Business Coaching, on a whole new level . ..we could share our proficiency more in depth with all people, regardless of where they live.

In the interim? Alan is now a "man on a mission." He continues to e-mail me daily with his

never-ceasing ideas ...and TO DO lists! Typical organizers, what can I say? <smile>

As we both reflect and laugh about the time that has passed and the ground we have covered -- which is over one year by the way, we both understand that we have come together for a higher purpose and are grateful for our partnership. Alan has become my right hand in the Forum, friend, buddy and now business partner on distinctive levels.

We are proud to announce that our Web site will be opened later this Fall. Our official launch date is: January 10, 1997 in celebration of National Clean Off Your Desk Day.

The name of our site is: 1,2,3 SORT lT. Our url address is:httplwww.123sortitcom

One of the goals of this site is to empower you with innovative tips and techniques in a totally FUN manner. We are providing a simplified and exciting way to tackle your organizing dilemmas. All aspects of getting more organized will be covered, including you, your business, office, home and even the kids!

In the words of Thomas Edison: "If we did all we were capable of, we would literally astound ourselves." Therefore, a full section is also devoted to each of our respective Personal Business Coaching Services. Ultimately we will be including many things along the way to assist you in bringing out the best you can be.

Mind you, several areas are in transition or as they say on the WEB "under construction." Please understand that this site won’t be complete in our minds for quite a while -- due to the

magnitude of what we have in store for you.

What I have done is actually written step-by-step "recipes" to ensure you will be able to tackle your organizing challenges solo. Due to the vast amount of writing this necessitated, there are currently two quite extensive "recipes" in place at this time. One representing the office and the other for the home. The completed recipes are: the office desk and kitchen. Every nook and cranny.

Eventually, a segment of this website will contain "fun, easy, do-it-yourself-style recipes" no matter how organizationally challenged you may think you are!

There are tons of products included too! We have created a site that not only teaches you the "how to’s" it also combines the recommended resources you need to create an organized space, no matter where your challenges exist.

We have taken great pride in strategically aligning ourselves as resource authorities for the organizing industry. We are in the midst of co-creating the best alliances possible via vendors and merchants. You might even say we have "done the shopping for you."

You see, investing in organization tools can be a huge dilemma for our clients. First, it costs valuable time and money. Second, many people often purchase tools that may not necessarily do the job they need. We decided to take much of the guess work out, while leaving you with the best possible choices to suit your individual needs.

We are committed to being on top of the organizing industry, to bring you the most innovative tools around. This is one reason why we will be attending a Trade Show in Dallas during November, where the SHOPA Show ‘96 will take place. SHOPA is the School, Home Office Products Association ...of which 1,2,3, SORT IT is a member!

Visit our WEB site this Fall. There will be hundreds of tips, innovative resources, contests, prizes and "organizing recipes" for you to peruse.

Remember: have FUN! That is how the site was designed!

When beginning this issue, I pondered "what could I possibly write that would make a difference in your life today?" Do I mention: being more organized enhances the way we can all live more peacefully? New and unimaginable opportunities abound when there is more control of one’s time, space and life? Being organized creates a more powerful, sustaining, stimulating,

creative environment in which we conduct business? (no matter who we are, our level of mastery or forte?)

How can I share the fact that amidst our daily personal and professional lives -- it is important not to book all the hours in the day. It is vital to leave time for self family and friends?

I have been getting many lessons and messages in the professional speaking aspects of my business to Be myself, share my story and always be on the uncomfortable edge of vulnerability. I decided with this in mind that I will share a few of the valuable lessons and personal growing pains I have been exposed to this summer.

How does one get inspired to gain more control of their time? Usually when unnecessary lessons appear in one’s life!

Four months ago, I was given three very "close to home" lessons regarding the value of my time and where/how I was spending it. One lesson was with a dear friend whom I had "meant to call when I got the time." I no longer have the choice to call him any longer -- he is gone forever. Subsequently, someone close to me became very ill and another dear friend was nearing a total breakdown in every aspect of their life.

During this time I had also structured a ludicrously jam-packed schedule for the summer that could potentially add huge patches of grey hair to your head. (Clairol couldn’t even help on this one!) To make a long story short, I was maxed out in every aspect of my life!

Yes, being very organized was definitely a plus to pull off this schedule. I was able to professionally and diligently attend to my commitments within the appropriate timelines and I had a huge opportunity to learn a valuable lesson in the process.

First off let me say that I do practice what I preach. I honor private time for "self" each and every morning. Yet during this time due to vigorous commitments, I found when I needed more time in the day -- I started taking it from "my space." I also came to the realization that I had been taking it from others too. The times I said "no" to activities, eluded contacting friends, slipped behind in personal notes to acquaintances, postponed or waived "The Signore Maui News" to our Mainland family and friends and even precious time with my very special friend and best buddy -- my hubby Paul.

This was a penetrating lesson in the value of time. It was an opportunity to stop and feel how insignificant time really is -- in regards to those who mean so much to us. We all know this intellectually, yet how well do we intrinsically utilize this knowledge? Time is not a commodity. Yet far too often it is too easy to put something or someone off till a later time.

There are no guarantees. Time is always limited with respect to each of our existences. I had been exposed to this lesson 16 years ago when I lost my brother ...yet ...somehow I let the wound heal and forgot the valuable treasure he left me.

I became disturbingly aware of the fact that I realized there were several people in my life I wanted to contact or spend more time with -- when I had time.

Being organized allowed me to take time away from my business to tend to the people I needed to be with. Today, they are a priority and business remains very busy. I have reclaimed "my space" on a daily basis and most importantly, I decided that it was unrealistic and unfair to continue working 8 days a week (yes, I had found a way!) taking time away from the people I

care most about. I even decided to take 2 full days off a week -- to utilize as I want or need. A novel approach!

I share this experience because it is important for each of us to check in every now and then. When was the last time you did something with your kids or spouse? I mean REALLY with them. Are the fleeting moments you spend with family, friends or co-workers being given 100% of your focus? Is there someone in your life you have been "meaning to call?" Might I leave you with one last thought? "If not now -- when?"

As a Professional Organizer and Personal Business Coach, I work with clients that repeatedly tell me "I have no time." I submit to you that this may indicate an opportune time to delegate or seek assistance from outside sources in order to reclaim the time you can never recover -- with those that deserve it most. Not to mention you deserve the time too!

Life was not meant to be lived "doing" in my eyes. Life was meant to be lived "being." Give yourself the time, space, peace of mind and freedom that being organized renders.

"Lost Yesterday, somewhere between sunrise and sunset Two golden hours, each set with 60 diamond minutes. No reward is offered, for they are gone forever. --Horace Mann

Q: "I started a business several months ago that involves much networking. Recently I missed

closing 3 good contracts because I wasn’t able to get back to the people on time. The main cause? I forgot who I was suppose to call when. I know 1 can be very successful in this business. Is there any way I can keep better track of my current clients and potential clients?

--Leslie

A: Glad you asked Leslie! This is a common problem for many new entrepreneurs. Seeing as you mentioned in your letter that you utilize a computer, I would highly recommend investing in FileMaker Pro. FM Pro is by far, one of the most comprehensive Database Contact management systems around.

It is extremely versatile and simple to use -- big plus!

You can create labels, extract client data from the database for letterhead, build templates ANY way you want to suit your needs and viewing style, create prompts indicating callbacks for the day, setup design forms (numerous templates are provided to get you going), create invoices, letters, sort in ANY way you need at anytime and change it back 100’s of times, rate your contacts in regards to pursuing business (now, later, hot, send info, follow up call needed etc....) Several word processing programs now link to this hefty database program. They are able to utilize the database information of your choice and extract the pertinent data. These are just some of the highlights.

I have been using FM Pro for 4 years and absolutely enjoy working with it!

Hope this helps and happy networking!

I want to hear about your successes, trials or tribulations. Drop me a line at "Ask Julie..." If I publish one of your communications you will receive a free copy of "199 Successful Hints..." written by Julie Signore of The PHOENIX Organizational Consulting Service. You have the choice of either using your first name or remaining anonymous upon request.