How To Clean Out The Clutter
Written by:
Lorraine Pirihi
Article Overview: This time of year, it's important to clear out the clutter and start the year with a fresh approach.
I completely detoxed my own office over the break and couldn't believe how much stuff I had accumulated that I didn't need. I do my regular mini-clean-ups weekly and the major ones around 4 times a year.
 |
Free Download - 3 Secrets to Finishing Work Earlier By Lorraine Pirihi
|
How To Clean Out The Clutter
Hi,
This time of year, it's important to clear out the clutter and start the year with a fresh approach.
I completely detoxed my own office over the break and couldn't believe how much stuff I had accumulated that I didn't need. I do my regular mini-clean-ups weekly and the major ones around 4 times a year.
If you walk into my office it's orderly and I can easily find what I need, it was more the folders, books and stationery that had mounted up and was stored in my cupboards. What annoyed me was finding 2 sets of refill cartridges for my colour printer sitting in a box...and I had just ordered another complete set! So I now have enough to last me for most of the year.
You see I got lazy. The area I store my stationary was a bit untidy and I couldn't easily see the refills so I automatically thought I didn't have any.
How often is that the case for you? You cannot easily find or see what you have amongst the clutter so you buy extra, only to find out later you already had the items in stock?
The Downsides of Clutter...
1. Takes up space
You may have to move or buy more stuff to store your clutter
2. Wastes time
You're constantly looking for things
3. Clouds your mind
You're unable to focus
4. Poor image
You look out of control and unprofessional. You can lose business.
5. Costs money
You buy things you already have but can't find.
Your time is worth money and it is wasted when you're searching through the clutter.
6. Affects your health
Clutter is depressing and overwhelming which impacts on your well-being. Your stress increases and your motivation to work decreases.
7. Distracts you
With so much to look at, it's easy to wander off track and find other things to do. This is a real trap for entrepreneurs.
The challenge for most people who are surrounded by clutter is that they are overwhelmed and don't know where to start first.
In the first week of my upcoming "Productivity and Profit Accelerator Program" we will cover this subject in great depth so that you are clear on what action steps you need to take to destroy the clutter in your life. Yes it is in all areas of your life. Mental clutter bogs you down just like physical clutter. You cannot see clearly and can often run off course and not achieve what you want. You are more decisive and make better decisions when you are less cluttered.
The Final Word
Ensure you start your year off on a positive footing. Don't let another day go by where you are drowning in clutter. Take action today to rid yourself of the mess so you can make way for more success.
Lorraine Pirihi
Australia's No. 1 Productivity Coach
"Committed to helping business owners']);"> small business owners and
entrepreneurs work less, earn more and have a life!"
Related Articles
Staying Clutter-Free - Organize For Productivity, Profit and Peace-of-Mind (Part 5)
How to Clean out the Clutter and Pump Up Your Profits
How To Experience More Abundance Naturally.
Getting Started with Productivity
DE-CLUTTER YOUR LIFE
Article Tags:
accelerator,
clouds,
clutter,
colour printer,
costs money,
cupboards,
folders,
health,
motivation,
poor image,
productivity,
stationery,
stock,
stress increases,
time of year,
ups,
worth money
Related Forum Posts
Re: Basic HTML splash pages...
- I agree David,
Clean and crisp. Nothing hypy which instills confidence IMO.
A complete contrast to flash and splash.
Cheers,
Zac
Re: Basic HTML splash pages...
- They both look nice. Clean and simple without all the flashy nonsense we see so much. The only downside for me was the audio on the 2nd one. I personally try to steer clear of using audio. I also keep my computer muted while surfing exchanges for that very reason.
Commercial cleaning
- [quote:2zma5fer]Recently she started a commercial cleaning business. [/quote:2zma5fer]
Well... why not take advantage of the fact that it's your Mom's business? Take advantage of the cliche of mother's cleaning (although is the cliche the mothers-in-law who clean, thanks to Everyone Loves Raymond).
Why not Psycho Mom's Cleaners or Clean Enough For Mom.
Although admittedly that doesnt sound quite as professional as the two names you've advanced.
Cute and memorable, vs professional and lost amongst others....
Different Types of Funding
- Finance for business can be obtained through a number of different sources.
Let's review some of those channels to help you decide what's right for your business needs:
Grants
There are over 930 different EU and UK grants and loans available from over 100 issuing bodies. This is the cheapest form of finance and an important part of the funding package that companies and individuals need. We can help you find your way through this maze.
Technology
Micro Projects: 50% of eligible costs up to £20,000
Research project: For a technical and feasibility study of an innovative idea for new technology 60% of costs up to a grant of £75,000.
Development project: For development up to pre production 35% of costs up to a grant of £200,000
Developing an innovative idea: valuable for small companies and individuals at the start of a technical project: 75% of costs of hiring a mentor and consultants.
Export
To start exporting or moving into new markets grants of 50% of costs up to £20,000 each.
Training and Education
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, Achieving Best Practice in Your Business, Investors in People
Modern Apprenticeships
New Deal for various grants.
Environment
BOC Foundation for the Environment: 25% to 50% of Project cost, typically £20,000 to £100,000
Clean up Fund: Emission reducing equipment up to 75% of cost
Community Chest Fund: Up to £25,000 for projects near active SITA sites
High Impact Fund: £150,000+ for larger projects near SITA sites
Assisted Areas
Regional assistance grants of between 10 and 35% for capital expenditure in less favoured areas of the UK.
Loans
Loans are an excellent source of finance if you have suitable security to borrow against or a reliable earnings stream. This needs to be planned and presented well to obtain funds.
Credit cards
Provides up to 56 days free credit if you play the game!
Overdraft
Banks are surprisingly supportive when presented with a well thought through plan and competent management.
Bank Loans
Lenders tend to look for a good business plan and security. Typically the loan is approved by a centralised back office function rather than the person you meet. Terms and rates depend upon the risk. Repayments can be very flexible to meet your specific needs.
Mortgages
These can include flexible repayment terms to meet your business needs. This can even be incorporated into your overdraft finance so that you have one flexible account for both personal/ business mortgages and overdraft
Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme
Up to two years trading: Up to £100,000
Over two years trading: Up to £250,000
However these are difficult to obtain and are a loan of last resort.
Export Guarantee Scheme
This is government backed insurance against appropriate export documentation.
Mezzanine
This is a halfway house between loan and equity. It can be an innovative way of raising funds for the more established business. Mostly for expansion capital.
Equity
This is not as easy as the papers would have you know. Only 1% of business plans received by Venture Capital Funds are successful. However, a good business proposition consisting of a strong demand for the product or service, management track record and a sound financial plan will enhance the chance of success.
Business Angels
These are high net worth individuals who are successful businessmen looking for investment opportunities. They can provide both time expertise and money. Typical investment size is £25,000 to £250,000 but can go as high as £2m for the right opportunity. Exit within 3-5 years.
Venture Capital
These are investment funds seeking high rates of return. However typically investments are over a million pounds. Some funds are targeted at lower amounts depending upon the sector and region. These funds are looking for exponential capital growth over 3-5 years.
Asset backed finance
This can cover machinery, sales invoices even sales orders. It can be a very flexible source of finance to the growing business
Leasing
This will cover your capital expenditure and spread the cost over a three to five year period. It is particularly useful if you do not have taxable profits to maximise your capital allowances.
Sale and leaseback of a property you own is another good source of funds.
Factoring
Factoring offers a sales ledger administration and debt collection service. Up to 95% of an approved sales invoice is paid within 48 hours, quicker if required. Credit protection is also available to protect against a bad debt. The Factor will own and place a first charge over the book debts and they might also take other charges, depending upon the strength of the financial information.
Invoice discounting
Invoice Discounting can be Confidential or Disclosed; it depends upon the strength of the financial information. The service is the same as Factoring, except that the sales ledger administration and the debt collection is the responsibility of the client and not the Factor. Pre payment of the approved sales invoice is still up to 95% and the factor will still have a first charge on the book debt and therefore own the debt. This service can also have credit protection cover. All sales invoices need to be for a business to business debt, and some proof of delivery is generally required.
Trade Finance
This is funding provided against stock purchases, signed contracts and orders whereby the funder will prepay a certain percentage of the value
Pension fund
It may be possible to use your pension funds for a loan back to the business
What do u think about it?
Recommended Article for You
close
Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.
Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva.
Over
$50,000 raised and counting -
Please keep sharing! Learn more.