Four experts X three tips each
= One great start to 2020
We’re almost one week into the new year. How those resolutions holding up so far?
If yours revolve around getting your maker business running smoothly, we can help! At the next Make. Learn. Grow. lunchtime learning program on January 16, four local experts will share their tips for managing data, space, paper and time.
Want a taste of what to expect? (Don’t worry, new year’s dieters. No calories!) Here are a few thoughts from each of the presenters.
Happy New Year!
Marianne Canada on data:
“For creative people in particular, it can feel like a huge burden to manage email and a calendar. I used to consider it an albatross around my neck. I had 20,000 unfiled emails in my inbox. Then I had a computer failure and lost all my emails. I panicked at first, but it allowed me to implement an email management system like I’d always wanted to do. I created very specific folders – labeled TODAY, THIS WEEK and THIS MONTH, then miscellaneous folders for specific projects, team members and FYI (not actionable items). Then I go into my calendar and set reminders to check those folders on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. It made me a lot more productive and allows me to better focus on time-sensitive items.
Creative people struggle with managing time efficiently and devoting time to fostering their creativity. I recommend using a calendar to block off time for yourself to put toward specific creative goals.
It’s also important to focus on whatever task is at hand. Hide your phone or turn off the WiFi. I use a fun app called Forest. You open it, set the time limit you want for the project you’re working on and leave it open. It grows trees as long as you don’t close the app. It gives you a visual reminder that you don’t really need to check Instagram right this minute.”
Taryn McLean on space:
“We all go through different seasons, personally and professionally. When you moved into a home or started a business, your life was one way. Now in this season, there are other things that are important to you. So honoring the present season is very important.
It’s important to know how you want a room to function – what do you want it to do? Be as specific as possible with your answer. Once that vision is cast, we have something tangible to work with.
Realize it’s going to get worse before it gets better. It’s imperative that you have a clear way to finish a space reorganization. Don’t leave it half done!”
From Karen Sprinkle on paper:
“I read lots of books on getting organized, and Julie Morgenstern’s Getting Organized from the Inside Outreally resonated with me. She discusses having zones for everything, like in kindergarten. It made sense to me. I used it to organize my entire house.
People need to understand the definition of organized. It means you can find what you need quickly and accomplish what you need to accomplish. Some people have what looks like clutter but it is still very functional for them. Everyone has their own style and degree of being organized.
Within an office setting, a lot of people find that a small container for hanging files is very helpful. It’s open; it doesn’t have a lid on it. About 85% of my clients say it works for them; some have said it’s life changing!”
Saray Taylor-Roman on time:
“After I started my business and had exhausted myself by saying yes to everything, I attended a conference in LA, and a speaker there convinced me that self-care is not selfish. You must return to your craft and love yourself.
I used to feel guilty saying no, but you cannot pour from an empty cup. To do your best you need to set your boundaries.
Limiting the time I’m available for photo shoots gives me time to strategize on my business. To work on career development. To spend time with my family and to travel. Freedom when it comes to time is one of my highest values.”
Make. Learn. Grow. | Organizing Tech, Time and Things
What: Lunchtime learning session hosted by The Maker City
When: 12-1:30pm, January 16
Where: Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, 17 Market Square
Admission: Free, but be sure to register here!