- Part 2

It’s January…Time to G.O.!

January 10, 2011 by Lisa Suchesk

Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season, and that you’re rested (yeah right) and ready for all that 2011 has to offer.

This is one of the busiest times of the year for me and my fellow organizers. The phone has been buzzing with lots of people looking to make good on a resolution or two. January is the perfect time to get organized–a fresh start et al. It makes perfect sense, then, that January is officially Get Organized Month. Have you be been bitten by the organizing bug yet? Have you felt the urge to weed through your filing cabinet, or at the very least, your sock drawer? (On New Year’s Day, my husband organized his closet with absolutely no prodding or input from me. Fabulous!)

What area would you like to improve? Offices, closets, dresser drawers, toy chests, and garages are the usual suspects. If you’re a business owner, you may be looking to tighten up your financial record keeping, or finally write that operations manual. No matter what you’re looking to organize, you’re more likely to succeed if you make a plan. Rather than vaguely declaring, “I’m going to get organized this year…” put your goal on paper. Be specific. Then, write down all the steps you’ll need to accomplish the task.

In the spirit of G.O. Month, here are ten tips to get you started:

Write down your organizing goals.
If you have a lot to tackle, for example “My Entire House,” break it down room by room.
Identify any technical or fix-it issues: broken closet light, sticky file drawer etc. If you can’t fix it, find someone who can.
Schedule organizing sessions in your calendar.
Find an accountability buddy: “I’m going to clean out my office on Sunday; please call me to make sure that I’ve started!”
Gather the supplies you”ll need for your session, and get going.
Remember that things will look chaotic for awhile. Keep at it.
Schedule time for clean up.
Finish the job, no matter how many sessions it takes.
To accomplish multiple organizing goals on a busy schedule, aim to finish one project per month.

Get ready…get set…G.O!

Filed Under: Blog, Goals, Organizing Tips

Get Your Act Together with Quickbooks in 2011

December 7, 2010 by Lisa Suchesk

It’s the end of the year, bring on the holiday bustle and cheer! December will blow by, so now is the time to reflect on how your business has done in 2010, and how you can make it better in 2011.

How about bookkeeping, the vexation of many small business owners…will 2011 be the year that you finally get your act together? How is your current system working for you? Does it consist of dumping every receipt into a box for “later,” causing untold misery and woe come tax time? There is, as you know, a better way–and you owe it to yourself and your business to organize your financial record keeping.

As a solopreneur, you have two choices: hire a bookkeeper, or do it yourself. If you elect to DIY, use QuickBooks. QuickBooks provides accounting software for small businesses. It’s been the industry standard for over fifteen years, and it’s what I recommend to my clients. (And if you outsource, chances are your bookkeeper will use QuickBooks.) Familiar with Quicken? You shouldn’t use it for business purposes; it’s designed for tracking personal finances, though it’s made by Intuit, the same folks behind QuickBooks.

Here’s a snapshot of what QuickBooks will do for you:

Manage customer, vendor, and employee data
Track expenses–pay bills, credit cards, print checks
Create invoices, statements, and purchase orders
Download banking transactions via online banking
Create all sorts of nifty reports
A whole lot more…

There are many features you can add-on, including payroll and merchant services. In fact, few users need (or even understand) everything that QuickBooks has to offer. This is what makes it great for home-based solopreneurs: you can keep things simple (tracking money in–money out,) and increase your knowledge as your business grows.

So, how do you decide which version of QuickBooks is right for you? Take a look here . Most newbies begin with QuickBooks Pro. There are also specialized Premier versions for Contractors, Retail, Nonprofits, Manufacturing & Wholesale, and Professional Services.

Finally, you’ll need to decide if you want to use the traditional desktop software, or QuickBooks Online–a newer service that Intuit is plugging pretty hard. It’s ideal if you need to access your entire data from anywhere–office, home, or on the road. Imagine creating and printing an invoice from your hotel room! You can do that with QuickBooks Online. It costs more (billed monthly,) but you get superior customer support, and you never have to upgrade to the next year’s version–you stay current. (No QuickBooks Online for the specialized Premier versions, alas.) If you don’t need all that accessibility (translation: you don’t get out much,) you can add-on Remote Access, starting at $3.95 per month, where you can access and work on your desktop files online.

So, the big question: is QuickBooks easy to use? Well, yes and no. Once your account is set up, it’s a matter of data entry, which is simple(ish) enough. It’s the setting up that can be tricky, especially if you don’t have a background in accounting. (Chart of Accounts? Items? Lists? Statements? Oy.) QuickBooks comes with tutorials, customer service (2011 Pro version comes with a free one-hour phone session with a QuickBooks expert–a very welcome, new feature,) so you’re not completely on your own. However, I suggest that you save yourself the inevitable headaches and get some help.

Remember, 2011 is a fresh start. Make the commitment now to get your books in order. I can help. And soon, I’ll be able to help from almost anywhere: in 2011, I’ll be offering virtual QuickBooks training. If you’re interested in setting up a free practice session, let me know. Also, if you have any QuickBooks questions, experience, yays-and-nays, post a comment. On to 2011!

Filed Under: Blog, Home Office, QuickBooks Tagged With: QuickBooks

Sarah Thacker Adoption Coaching & Consulting Services

October 27, 2010 by Lisa Suchesk

Sarah Thacker and Family

I’m very pleased to introduce the first Featured Business “mompreneur,” Sarah Thacker, founder of Sarah Thacker Adoption Coaching and Consulting Services, www.sarahthacker.com.

I recently had the privilege of participating with Sarah in a coaching program. Though we’ve yet to meet each other in person, I can confidently say that the world could use more people like Sarah. She’s smart, generous, dedicated to family, and passionate about her business.

Sarah is uniquely situated to help prospective adoptive parents because she has been through the process twice: she adopted from the US foster system, and later, from abroad. Both avenues are filled with challenges that don’t necessarily mirror one another. Sarah knows the ropes, and is ready to assist other parents on their journey.

Q. What brought you and your family to adoption—twice?

A. A lot of things, really! One of the biggest factors was when our oldest son was in first grade, there was a boy, Kaden, in his class whose dad was already in jail and his mom was headed for jail. Through a series of events, we agreed to have him live with us for several months. Kaden helped us realize that we could love a child that was not born to us. After a trip to El Salvador and Honduras doing relief work, we realized that there were so many children needing homes; we just needed to go for it. The first time we adopted from the US foster system and the second time from Haiti.

Q. What was the inspiration behind starting Sarah Thacker Adoption Coaching and Consulting Services?

A. There is a misconception in the world that once a child is placed in a loving family that there is a fairytale ending, that love is enough. That isn’t true. Adopting is hard work, especially when the children aren’t babies. I read on various blogs and saw first hand in my circle of adoptive friends that many parents were struggling with attaching with their new child, and were confused about how to help their child heal. I’m not a therapist, but a coach: someone to cheer parents on, help them examine their feelings, find the resources they need, and push for a better future.

Q. According to your clients—and your experience, of course—what is the greatest challenge in the adoption journey?

A. There are two main things: People who haven’t adopted yet say their biggest challenge is finances. I agree that there needs to be some reform in adoption regarding finances. I also believe that when there is a will, there is a way. It also costs near nothing to adopt from foster care! Also, people who have already brought their children home, state that helping their child heal from their past is a very real challenge.

Q. Tell us about your upcoming Adoption Discovery Class. Who did you have in mind when you designed the course?

A. I have a fantastic mentor, Jen Powter (www.jenpowter.com) who helped me get my business going with a blast! She taught me so much about launching my business, all in six weeks time. I’ve put the information to use and I feel really good about where things are headed. She mentioned in her class that she was teaching us in six weeks what it took her one and a half years to learn. We were on the fast track.

I took that to heart and realized that I wanted to teach people in a few weeks, everything I had learned about adoption. There are over 144 million orphans in this world, and the numbers aren’t going down. I wanted to be able to offer a fast-track to adoption class. I want to get people the information they need to make an informed decision and to inspire them about the possibilities.

Q. You have five kids ages 11-3…I don’t even need to ask how busy you are! What’s your strategy for balancing work and home? Specifically, how do you create the time to grow your business amid all the other demands on your time?

A. Balancing work and home is something that I am constantly working on! I think one of the keys for me is to be fully present in whatever I’m doing at the time. If my kids are home and I’m spending time with them, I really try to listen to them, to be attentive, to meet their needs. If I’m working on my business, I really try to shut out the outside world and give my business my full attention. That is easier said than done! Since I have a limited time to work on my business, I try to be very intentional about what I work on, trying to focus on things that will really grow my business. I’d love to have an entire full day to work on my business, but the reality is that I sneak pieces here and there, usually in the early morning hours, during naptime, and late at night. And while I’d like to work on my business more, because I love what I do, my kids will only be 11, 10, 9, 7, and 3 this year, and I don’t want to miss a thing. I wouldn’t have had so many kids if I didn’t absolutely love being a mom!

Didn’t I mention that Sarah is awesome? This is an entrepreneur with heart. Her Adoption Discovery Class starts Nov. 3, and I want to help spread the word. How about it? Please retweet and share this post, and if you know anyone who has even hinted about adopting, let them know about Sarah Thacker Adoption Coaching and Consulting Services. www.sarahthacker.com

Filed Under: Entrepreneur, Featured Business, Working from Home Tagged With: Adoption, Sarah Thacker

Work from Home? What Pains You?

October 16, 2010 by Lisa Suchesk

Do you work from home? Are you a solopreneur or small business owner? Are you thinking of becoming one? Or are you working on a project that has a lot of meaning for you, but you’re not making much progress? If so, I’m reaching out to you. I want to know what pains you—your frustrations, fears, challenges, all of the stuff that makes you want to pull your hair out, or even think, on a down day, that you’re not cut out for getting ahead.

I’m specifically thinking of issues over which you have some control, like managing time a little better, identifying what’s stalling your business, or doing something about your disorganized work space. But let’s not talk about solutions yet. If you could wave the proverbial magic wand, what problem or issue would you want to disappear?

I’ll start. Besides running Timeline Organizing Consultants, I do the accounting for my husband’s business. I’ve also recently started an entrepreneurial venture with two friends; we’re inventing a product (strictly ssshh at this point.) I’m active in the local chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) and Toastmasters. Then, of course, there’s all the work that comes with running a home and caring for kids—the cooking, cleaning, chauffeuring, volunteering at school, homework, sports, all of it. Plus, my daughter has multiple food allergies, including gluten, which requires vigilance and a stocked freezer of safe baked goods.

So, I’ve got a lot on my plate. So do you. So does most everyone these days. I currently struggle with a lack of time (original, I know.) There’s so much I want to do, yet not enough hours in the day. A week passes so quickly, it’s frightening. Lately, I’ve found myself doing the dishes at 11 pm, because perfectionist-me can’t leave them until morning, and I’ve been busy with any number of projects. It’s hard to close up shop when you live there. But that’s not a sustainable routine for long. I’m aware of burnout, and desperately want to avoid it. So, I suppose my magic wand would give me two hours of uninterrupted work time each day.

What about you? What pains you? Lack of time? Lack of support? Reluctance to delegate? Inability to say no? Chaotic schedule? Chaotic space? Let’s look at the problems, so we can focus on possible solutions. Your responses will help. So tell me, what pains you?

Filed Under: Home Office, Solopreneur

Littleweird

October 6, 2010 by Lisa Suchesk

John Pedigo, Founder of Littleweird

I’m super excited to introduce Timeline Organizing Consultants’ first Featured Business profile….John Pedigo and his homegrown business, Littleweird.

John is a San Francisco artist with a Haight Street address (how’s that for urban art cred?) He produces and sells screen printed t shirts featuring his original art. He has a shop on etsy.com, http://www.etsy.com/shop/Littleweird, where you’ll find tees for men, women, and onesies for the kiddos. Fond of classic cars? You may as well stop reading now and click on his site—you’re going to love what you find.

John’s past work life was online—most recently, in the video game industry (yes, more cool cred,) until he joined the ranks of the unemployed due to a mid-recession layoff. Never missing a beat, he stepped into his next role: stay at home dad to his then-infant, now-toddler daughter, Sam—the fourth cutest kid on the planet (after my own three, of course.)

Full-time parenting is a wonderful job. But exhausting. Nevertheless, John worked up some entrepreneurial mojo and decided. He made the commitment to start Littleweird, and it’s been full steam ahead ever since.

Q. What was the inspiration for starting Little Weird? Why now?

A. I’d gone to a local DIY fair, indie-mart.com, and saw some of the shirts being produced and I thought to myself, “I could do this.” I had thought about making my own shirts for a while, in fact, I had made shirts for friends in high school and had some experience screen printing. Being unemployed, I had the time to put together a series of screen printed shirts and stationary, and showed up at the next fair with my own booth. I am doing this now to get some traction with some of my designs that will lead me to something good, I hope…

Q. As a home based business, where do you print your shirts?

A. Due to child safety requirements (the safety of my hardware, not the child) I do all of my screen printing in my laundry room with the help of my wife. We have a big tub for clean up and I store most of my materials in there. I attach my equipment to a table and spread out on top of the washer and dryer. (Note: this organizer approves! Always strive to set up a system where you can store your materials out of site when not in use.)

Q. As both an artist and dad to a busy toddler, how do you manage your creativity? Do you set regular hours, or work when inspiration strikes?

A. I do some of my creative work while my daughter takes a nap in the early afternoon, usually about 2 hours. The rest of my creative time comes late at night when everyone in the house is asleep. The printing happens when my daughter is asleep for the night but my wife hasn’t gone to bed yet…I need her help most of the time. (Note: John’s wife, Laura Vaudreuil Pedigo , is the Executive Director of Refugee Transitions and one awesome woman. I had to give a shout out.)

Q. What’s been your greatest challenge as a start up business?

A. Actually doing it…you can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk? Cheesy, yes…true, yes. I think there are millions of people who would like to be doing their own thing, but think they don’t have what it takes to step out and do it. Once you take action, start buying supplies, thinking about products and buying that first booth rental, you realize it’s not that hard. All you need is a little push. For me, it was a bunch of inspirational (cheesy, but true) messages that I saw on the web…”Take the shot, who cares if you make it or not”, and “You took the shot that a lot of others are afraid to…” (Note: there’s nothing cheesy about that finding that “push.”)

Q. What, so far, has been most rewarding?

A. Getting feedback from customers who love and buy your work. A great day selling shirts comes in a really close second.

If you’re in San Francisco (lucky you,) be sure to stop by the Littleweird booth at either Indie Mart, or SF Market. For the rest of us, the etsy site will have to do (p.s. free shipping in the US!) http://www.etsy.com/shop/Littleweird

Filed Under: Entrepreneur, Featured Business, Solopreneur Tagged With: John Pedigo, Littleweird

Introducing Featured Business Profiles

October 3, 2010 by Lisa Suchesk

I’ve been busy lately, beyond organizing offices and the inevitable paper piles. I’ve been on the hunt, networking like crazy, and turning to the connectors in my life. (Readers of Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point will recognize the term.) My quarry? Small, primarily home-based business owners who have answered the entrepreneurial call.

This week, I’ll be introducing Timeline Organizing Consultants’ first Featured Business. This is my way of giving a brief shout-out to solopreneurs who are out there making things happen, sharing their expertise with the world, and building their future, one day at a time.

Twice a month, you’ll be meeting individuals from all walks of life: designers, artists, educators, coaches, foodies, and many more. I’m starting locally, but thinking globally—my first few profiles will focus on people I personally know, however distantly. Expect a heavy dose of “mompreneurs,” a demographic near and dear to me. These individuals (or partners) will be at different stages in their entrepreneurial journey, from start-up, to gaining-momentum, to out-and-out unstoppable. Each has a story to tell. And though my profiles will be brief, you’ll definitely want to click through to their sites, to learn more about their work and their offerings.

The Featured Business entrepreneurs are not affiliates of mine, meaning, I don’t profit on bringing them to your attention. I endorse their products and services, of course, but more than that, I’m inspired by their creativity, or passion, or chutzpah. These are businesses with heart and ambition—the most winning of combinations, as far as I’m concerned.

I have about three months’ worth of Featured Business profiles lined up; beyond that, I’m open. I’m excited about all the business owners— strangers, at the moment—that I’ll be connecting with in the near future. I’ll be asking for your help, too. So, start thinking of the inspiring people in your circle who have taken the entrepreneurial leap of faith, and let me know about them.

Filed Under: Entrepreneur, Featured Business, Solopreneur Tagged With: Entrepreneur, Solopreneur

Coming Soon…Featured Business!

September 29, 2010 by Lisa Suchesk

Stay tuned for our first Featured Business profile, where we meet a small business owner who is making things happen in a big way!

Filed Under: Featured Business

Thinking on Paper

September 24, 2010 by Lisa Suchesk

It’s 6:15 on a Thursday evening. I’m parked on the soccer field in my battered folding chair. This is my sixth kid-activity of the week, four more to go. (A few overlap, mercifully.) As a busy soccer/flag football/dance mom, I spend several hours per week parked on various fields. Since I’m also running a business, I grasp whatever pockets of productive time I can, otherwise nothing gets done. (Except the laundry—all those uniforms. But laundry won’t grow my business.)

I always bring a notebook and pen to these practices. (I could bring a laptop, but I’m not that parent. And yes, I pay attention during games. Strictly eyes on the field.) I use this down time to strategize, to brainstorm, and to create. Writing keeps me on track towards making good on my goals. It can do the same for you.

Let’s say you have an idea swirling in your head, keeping you up at night. It may be something as grand as inventing the next it-product, or more modest in scale, like designing your logo. So you’ve got this idea, great. That’s a start. Ideas are the life force of our creativity, after all. But, unless you actually act on your ideas, you may as well keep them swirling in that head of yours.

So how do you begin to bring some clarity to your vision? How do you wrangle those whispers of ambition, those fragmented goals, and shape them into an action plan? By thinking on paper.

Brainstorming. Brain dumping. Mind mapping. These are variations of the same process, basically pouring all of your thoughts on paper, no matter how jumbled. Doing so will help you a) clarify what you want to accomplish, and b) create a road map to get you there.

Imagine you want to go into business as a professional dog walker. You’re excited—you love dogs, and you’re thrilled at the prospect of setting your own hours, and answering only to your four-legged clients. This is, however, your first entrepreneurial venture. Where to start?

Grab a piece of paper, and do an interrogative brain dump. That is, write down every question you can think of that relates to starting a dog walking business. Write quickly. It’s ok to be messy. You may come up with questions like these:

Do I need a business license?
Where do I get one?
Will I need insurance? What kind?
How many professional dog walkers are in my geographic area?
What do they charge?
Do I need any training or certification?
How do I market my services?

And so on.

Once you’ve finished brain dumping, the next step is to group the questions into general categories, such as

Business start up requirements
Monthly overhead
Market research
Marketing

And so on. Once you have identified the categories, continue the process by brainstorming all the ways you might go about finding answers to your questions. For example:

Business Start Up Requirements

Do I need a business license?

Call City Hall’s Business Division
Ask local friends who own businesses
Do an online search

Or,

Marketing

How will I market my business?

Business cards
Flyers at dog parks
Website
Referrals
Social Media

Keep going, until you have several possible solutions to all of those questions you came up with. You have just created an action plan. This is how your idea–your dream–gets out of your head, and starts to become a reality.

There’s something incredibly powerful about thinking on paper. It’s how “I’m thinking about” turns into “I’m going to.”

Go ahead. Grab a piece of paper and see where it takes you.

Filed Under: Entrepreneur, Goals, Planning