Get Rid of all that paper!!!!

The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. executives waste an average of six weeks per year looking for items in cluttered desks and files – that works out to be about an hour a day.

I offer workshops or personal consultations to organize your paperwork.  You can contact me at karenecook@cox.net for information.

Among the many great options out there to tame your paper I offer my own scanning service or you can use Shoeboxed.com.

Shoeboxed is an integral service for administering a business or for road warriors. It's an incredibly easy sell for the millions of business owners, freelancers, sales reps, travelers, creative professionals, bookkeepers, accountants, and consultants who are looking for ways to save time and money on back-end and administrative tasks so they can focus on growing their business.

Shoeboxed scans receipts into usable data for maximizing tax deductions, expense reports, and for savings on bookkeeping. We scan other paper too, including business cards into digital data importable into Outlook, Salesforce, and more!

Shoeboxed Scans & Organizes Your Receipts and Business Cards!

Business Tips

Just a few post with great tips.

The Four D’s for Organization or Time Management

Are You A Great Listener?

Paper Clutter and Having a Clear Desk Top

Need Help Starting a Business

Please leave any comments or questions on blog.  I can also be reach by email karen@livelifesimply.co.  Let me know if you would like any information on a workshop or personal consultation.

Do You Listen to Your Clients?

Are You A Great Listener?

By Karen on April 25, 2011 | www.livelifesimply.co

Do you even listen at all?

A few years ago my husband and I were doing a bathroom remodel.  I knew I wanted an oval beveled mirror over my sink.  I even knew what size I wanted it to be.  So, off to the store we go thinking this would be an easy purchase.  I knew exactly what I wanted and all the salesperson had to do was show me the mirrors to meet my specifications.  Well, after several frustrating hours I realized that no one was listening.  The sales person knew I wanted to buy and they wanted to sell to me.  But, they were not listening to my needs.  Finally, at one furniture store a sales person listened to me.  But guess what?  There was no sale because he did not have what I wanted.  He told me that up front and advised me where I could go for the mirror I was looking for.  After that any furniture or accessory needs I needed he was the first person I went to.  WHY????  BECAUSE HE LISTENED TO MY NEEDS.

Just a few things to consider when you are working with a client.

*Truly listen to your client and look for any verbal clues they may be giving you.

*Ask open ended questions to find out more information.  Then stop and listen.

*Use eye contact and acknowledge that you are listening to them (either verbally or physically but not stopping them).

*Let them finish what they are saying.  Interrupting is not only rude but it tells the client you know more than them.

*Earnestly listen and not let your mind wonder on other things or another deal.  You could miss something important.

QUESTION: Do you consider this person a one time transaction or a client for life?

Would love to hear back from you with any questions or comments.

Use the SBA for resources on starting a business

Need Help Starting a Business

By Karen on April 22, 2011 | http://www.livelifesimply.co/

         Starting a Business  (go to link for full article)
Are you thinking about starting a business of your own? Congratulations! It’s a huge step, and you’ll need to be prepared. That’s where SBA comes in: In this section, we have brought together the resources you need to get started. Whether you’re sitting down to write your business plan, wondering about your legal obligations, or researching your financing options, you’ll find the information you need right here.
•Thinking About Starting
If you’re thinking about starting a small business, you should start by weighing the pros and cons, so that you can make a wise decision. The resources in this section are essentially a toolkit to guide your decision-making …
•Finding a Mentor or Counselor
When you’re in the initial phases of getting your small business off the ground, you could probably use some guidance and advice from a mentor or counselor. Experts are available to assist you through local offices and for specific …
•Writing a Business Plan
Now that you’ve decided that you’d like to open a small business, you should put your thoughts down on paper. This way, your business idea is expressed in a plan – a living document that outlines every critical aspect of its …
•Establishing a Business
Once you decide that your small business idea is viable, you have several more key decisions to make. SBA is your partner, equipping you with the information you need. Be sure to review the information in this section carefully, because …
•Preparing Your Finances
Before you head to your bank or credit union to apply for a loan, be sure that you understand your situation and your options. What are your startup costs? At what level of revenue will your business break even? And how does SBA assist new …
•Loans, Grants & Funding
You have a variety of options when it comes to financing your small business. In addition to traditional loans, you may wish to explore other opportunities that range from grants and bonds to investor-based venture capital. …
•Business Law & Regulations
As a small business owner, you are subject to the same regulations as large corporations. Even if you’re starting out on a small level and planning to grow, you must comply with business laws and regulations from the day you open for …
•Marketing a New Business
Let’s say you have a great product, and you’re ready to fill orders. You might be missing a crucial business aspect: marketing – or telling people why they need your great product in the first place. This sect…
•Local Resources
Looking for small business counseling and training close to home? SBA can help! SBA provides small business counseling and training through a variety of programs and resource partners across the country. Check out the resources below to …
•Forms
The process of starting and managing a business requires a lot of analysis and paperwork. SBA has just about every resource you’ll need, from business plan examples and financial forms, to tools that can help you determine the best …

Posted in Business | Tagged buiness, SBA

Need a corporate gift?

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IF I GET ONE MORE PAPER CUT...

Paper cuts are never fun but even worse is the cost of having paper.  Not to mention trying to find that piece of paper.  I knew there had to be a better way than having an office and storage unit full of paper that I had to keep.

I added up the cost of paper, toner, file folders, file cabinets, storage rental, paper clips, binder clips and my time (I’m sure there are a few other items I’m missing).  It was mind boggling that so much money was spent on a piece of paper.  Even more frustrating was it always seemed the most important piece or paper was in the last box in the storage unit.

I all ready was saving paper received electronically but was still frustrated with the paper I had and my storage space on my computer being eaten up.  So I purchased an external hard drive and scanner and went to work.  I scanned all my paper and now store them on my external hard drive.  I have folders set up and add any new documents to the folders.

Love it and so did my accountant (and everyone else).  If she called or email me for a document needed I was able to email her the document in a matter of minutes.  She was impressed even more than I was.

If you are interested in how to do this then please contact me at (757) 362-6187 or email:  karenecook@cox.net.