Dance Studio Owners: This Summer Get Organized and Re-energized!
Summer is the perfect time to deal with organization so that when you start up classes in the fall you are ready to go! When you organize your business and eliminate the clutter, you will feel reenergized. You will find that you are easily motivated to get straight to work when you don’t have a mess to deal with. You will save time otherwise wasted looking through piles or searching for a missing document on your computer. Begin by establishing a plan. Prioritize your list, set a date with yourself and identify your motivation. Then all you have to do is follow these easy steps.
Create A Clutter-free
Desktop
Throw away items you don’t use, like pens that don’t
write, old computer disks and scrap paper. Keep only the supplies you regularly
use on your desk. This usually includes several pens and pencils, a stapler,
scissors, paperclips, a post-it pad, a note pad, a calendar and a phone message
book.
Next, consolidate your
office equipment by purchasing multi-function equipment, such as an all-in-one
printer, scanner, copier and fax machine. Use letter trays and file sorters to
avoid piles. Finally, clear out your drawers and designate a purpose for each
one. If your desk has three drawers, consider creating a supply drawer, a
personal drawer and an identity drawer, containing items with your company logo
on them.
Generate Storage Space Where None Exists
If you have faced the problem of not having enough storage space, you know that
everything can become a cluttered, disorganized mess. Storage space can be
easily added through shelving, cabinet installation, drawers, storage units,
bookcases and file cabinets. Shelves are inexpensive and easy to install
and can store books, files, binders, supplies or whatever you need. Cabinets
are a more expensive, more permanent option and are nice because they conceal
your materials. Storage units and plastic containers are great for storing
products you sell as well as for holding large supplies, like printer paper and
folders.
Manage Your Mail
It’s easy to let the mail pile up, but save yourself
time in the long run and deal with incoming mail immediately. Sort your mail as
soon as it arrives. Throw away junk mail if you are not interested, open and
separate the rest of the mail and file it when appropriate. Categories for
filed mail may include bills, mail that needs to be responded to right away,
mail that is not urgent, publications, etc. If you rely heavily on email
communication, you should check your email as often as every hour and reply
immediately, if possible. Use the folders in your electronic mailbox to
organize your email.
Maintain an Efficient
Filing System
Files that you do not use anymore, but may need in
the future are best stored in file boxes. File boxes can be stored on shelves,
in a closet or at an off-site storage center to save space. Know what you can
throw away and what you need to keep: Throw away outdated information, keep
legal documents such as contracts, warranties and tax documents. Organize your
files by color-coding, alphabetically or by type of file. Consider having
separate drawers for different areas of business, such as clients, finances and
media.
Maintain an Organized
Computer
Keep your computer organized by using helpful
software, clearly naming files, saving files to appropriate folders and
creating shortcuts on your desktop. Shortcuts should be created for all
Microsoft Office programs, the Internet, email and your database. Software you
should own includes an up-to-date version of Microsoft Office, virus protection
software like Norton System Works, a contact management database, such as ACT!
Goldmine and Microsoft Project.
Keep Track of Time
Scheduling is crucial. Have a daily plan and stick to
it. Schedule your time on a planner. This can be a desk or wall calendar, an
appointment book, a handheld device or a computer program. When contacting
people, leave detailed voice and email messages, stating exactly what you need,
so the person will be prepared with the information when they call or email you
back.
With just these few organizational changes,
you’ll find you get more done more easily.
Did You Know? That Dance Teacher Web 3.0 is now the LARGEST online resource for dance teachers and studio owners with 900+ videos, 100’s of articles and lesson plans to help you stay fresh and current all year long. For the busy Dance Studio Owner, we offer fantastic articles on topics like Marketing, How To get more students and Increase revenue, Business building seminars, Downloadable manuals, Sample ads and Forms to help you take your business to the next level.
Think of us as your virtual Dance Teacher Conference.
Not yet a member? Click Here to Start Your 14-Day Full Access FREE Trial Today!
To join Us This Summer in Vegas at the Dance Teacher Web Conference and Expo Click Here!