Organize + Energize: 10 Traits of a Disorganized Business
Kristin MacRae, GoLocalProv Organizing Expert
Organize + Energize: 10 Traits of a Disorganized Business
Can you relate to the characteristics below? If you can, you may need to make some changes to the way your business functions.
How quickly do you return phone calls or emails? We all would like a prompt response when dealing with a business. Even if you don’t have time to respond, at least acknowledge the fact that you received the message and give them a time when you will be able to talk.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTMissing scheduled appointments or showing up late for appointments. If you are a disorganized professional, please don’t make excuses why you missed an appointment or arrived late. Get organized and this won’t happen. Your client made the effort to get there and be ready for your appointment on time, you should do the same.
Physical files strewn all over the office. Your clients are going to wonder if their information will get mixed in with another client’s information. I have seen it happen too many times to count. If you have files on your desk and on the floor, I will guarantee that at some point client’s files have been mixed. Your clients will take note if the files are all over the office and will form an opinion about the way you conduct business.
Are you efficient with handling your client’s business? Even if you are really busy and just can’t follow up, but you know you should, make a quick call or email to let them know that they are on your to-do list. Your time management skills will improve once you get organized. It’s time to get your stuff together and be more efficient and productive.
Distracted and unable to focus due to your disorganization. If you are distracted, your clients will pick up on this and will feel that they don’t have your full attention. Each client wants to be treated like they are your favorite and most valuable client. Make them feel that way!
Is your office in disarray? You will see files all over the floor, memos cluttering the bulletin board or taped to the wall. There are sticky notes stuck all over the desk, business cards everywhere and random paper piles all over the desk. This environment doesn’t make a great impression on your clients, especially if your client is organized. Your client will be more focused on everything going on in your office and will not be focused on what you are saying.
Are your front office employees organized? If the first person your client sees is sitting at a disorganized desk, changes need to be made. Clients will immediately form an opinion of how the office functions if the first person they see is disorganized. Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Get them help to get organized immediately.
Misplaced money. Have you ever called a client and told them you lost their check? How embarrassed were you? If you have a desk that is full of paper piles, there will be money in those piles. Get organized and never have to make that embarrassing call that you lost your client’s money.
No systems in place. If you are experiencing all of the above, it’s because you don’t have systems in place. It’s time to systemize your entire office. Put in plan in motion to create a process to handle everything you touch in your office.
You are hanging on a thread with clients. Your clients will only tolerate so much. If you continue to cancel appointments, misplace their information, keep them waiting, or not handle their business in an efficient manner, it’s only a matter of time before they leave you.
Everybody has competition and if you are searching for a new professional to do business with and they are both quality companies but one is organized and the other disorganized, which one would you choose?
It’s never too late to get organized. Your clients will appreciate that you are organized and will refer more clients to you and will spread the word about the great experience they have had with you. Your business will thrive and your revenue will increase. Your clients will have more confidence in you when you are organized. Your clients are expecting a great experience with you. Don’t disappoint them.
5 Organizing Blunders
Not planning ahead
Getting organized is a process and you have to have a plan on how to conquer your project. You can’t tear apart an entire room all at once. You need to break the project down into small pieces. Plan to tackle your project in 3-hour increments. If you work longer than 3 hours at a time, you are setting yourself up for burnout. Plan ahead to try to avoid distractions and stay focused.
Click here for more tips on how to avoid distractions.
Purchasing the incorrect supplies
I know you are excited to get organized, but don’t rush out to the store and purchase products just because you like the way they look. Get organized first. Figure out what you need to contain, and then purchase your container to match the items you need it to hold.
Click here for more on choosing the right container.
Not letting others know about your system
Once you set up the organized system, you have to get everybody in your home on board. Show them the systems and how you are going to function with this system going forward. Label everything if you must, so everybody gets in the habit of putting items away. Remember, the simpler the system, the easier it’s going to be to maintain.
Need help creating those systems? Go here.
Not maximizing your space
Use every inch of space and use it well. Take everything out of the area you are organizing. You can’t get a clear visual of the space if it is filled with clutter. Shifting items around is not going to work.
Here are more tips on maximizing your space.
Repeatedly clearing spaces
You are creating more work for yourself if you continue to clear spaces once a month. Create a system and allow everything in your home to have its own place, and you will never have to clear a space again.
Kristin Carcieri-MacRae
Kristin Carcieri-MacRae, the founder and owner of Organizing in RI, has always enjoyed finding creative ways to streamline the environment around her. She has appeared on air on Patricia Raskin's Positive Business Radio and her articles have been published in the Rhode Island Small Business Journal and New England Home Life. Kristin's CD, Organizing Basics, is a 1-hour guide for the person who wants to get organized but doesn't know where to start. She is also available for organizing workshops. Tune into her weekly radio show, Organize, Energize! on Mondays at 8:30am on www.talkstreamradio.com.
