You’ll love it for:

• Storing related business cards in the pocket.
• Keeping CDs paired up with the matching paper documents.
• Being green - it’s 100% recycled content, 30% post-consumer; this is a great way to store files you have to keep and have less of an impact on the environment.
• It’s variety of colors - available in a standard file folder beige, but also comes in two fun colors, teal and blue.

Just keep in mind:

• Using a product like this will take you one step closer to being green, but ultimately reducing your paper use and going “paperless” will have a bigger impact.

Available at: Find nearby dealers on Smead.com

Challenge:
Each member of the team works outside of the office, whether it is from their home office or at a coffee shop.  The challenge was making sure that each team member could have access to the necessary data, files, and information they need no matter where they work or are located. 

Solution:
The Innovatively Organized team of Productivity Consultants set up programs to ensure the client’s team members each had access to their information, regardless of where they are working, by utilizing cloud-based services.  We set up a web-based file sharing program, virtual phone management system, CRM tools, and web meeting capabilities.

Result:
Now each employee has access to the data, files, and programs they need in order to complete their job and stay even more productive.  Each team member can utilize their computers, laptops, tablets and phones wherever they are to continue to work and stay connected with clients.   

Think your team could benefit from having some cloud services to enable virtual working?  Learn more about our business organizing services.

1.  Finances
Staying connected to your finances wherever you go can be challenging for many families.  Try a tool like Mint to help your family manage accounts and investments, as well as track spending and set up budgets.

2.  Photos
Online photo storage sites, such as SnapFish, can be a great way to let everyone view and access memories by using the sharing function.  You can also use these services to order prints or create cool photo products.  One of our favorite things to do is create photo books to preserve and show off memories at the same time!

3.  Calendars
Family calendars help to keep track of each family member’s schedule organized.  It is easy to create individual calendars and then share them as needed with other family members, or even a teacher, nanny, or carpool buddy.  One of our favorite options is Google Calendars since it works with just about any mobile device and is accessible online.

4.  Lists
Writing and sharing lists that the entire family can access is a must.  Using a tool like Cozi can help you keep track of shared grocery lists, to-do lists, and any other family priorities.

What are your thoughts?  How does your family use the cloud to stay organized?

-  Sort through your inbox and tackle actionable items
-  Create an Action File
-  Purge your file drawers and clear out past projects
-  Make sure your file labels are all up-to-date
-  Set a schedule for filing maintenance in the future and add it to your calendar

Take advantage of this week and finally gain some control over those files!  For more information on how to create an action file, download our Paper Management webinar recording for a step-by-step guide.

You’ll love it for:

• Storing important business cards in the pocket.
• Presenting information to clients.  As soon as the client receives it, they can then file it away in their file cabinet and label the tab, keeping it in line with the rest of their left tab file folders.
• Transferring from a presentation folder to a file folder.
• Keeping brochures standing straight up, using the slit on the inside right pocket.
• Preventing papers from falling out the side when placed in a file cabinet with open sides, thanks to the top flap.
• Accommodating many pages, instead of just a few, since the top flap can extend (approx. ¼” thick each side).
• Writing longer descriptions on the file tab, since it is larger than normal.

Just keep in mind:

• If you’re not using it for putting in a file cabinet, the flap at the top can be confusing and cumbersome. 
  
• Currently, they’re only available in primary red, blue, green and black.
• Unless you slide the paper right into the inside seam, you can see the papers showing through the file tab cut out, from the front.  This can diminish the presentation quality from the front.

Available at: Find nearby dealers on Smead.com

Get organized now with our Green Organizing Checklist!

Result:
The busy entrepreneur dad now knows when each of the children’s activities are happening, the on-the-go working mom knows when her husband is running errands or picking up the kids as she returns home each night from work, and everyone knows the Seattle family’s weekend plans. The busy family now has a cloud-based tool to keep them connected and aware of their various commitments, time constraints, and upcoming events!

Think your family could benefit from professional organizers or productivity consultants?  Learn more about our services and ask how our team could help!