National Small Business Week

Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has proclaimed National Small Business Week to recognize the contributions of small businesses to the economic well-being of America. As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration recognizes this special impact made by outstanding entrepreneurs and small business owners. In 2011, National Small Business Week will honor the estimated 27.2 MILLION small businesses in America. Small businesses are major contributors to the strength of the American economy. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business. According to the Small Business Administration, they also create 60-80 percent of new jobs in the country. Yes, you read that correctly: 60 - 80 PERCENT. I didn't make it up. That number came direct from the Small Business Administration's website. Politicians, are you listening? Those are numbers we can sink our teeth into.  Additionally, small businesses drive innovation and increase U.S. competitiveness. Small businesses ARE are the BACKBONE of this country.As a Professional Organizer, I am passionate about my small business clients and moving them to the next level of success. If you are ready to move your business forward, contact me to help you!

What do fitness and organizing have in common?

Getting fit, dieting, and getting organized make the top New Year's resolutions EVERY year! If any of those were on your list and you've sidetracked a bit; take heart, it's only February and you can easily get back on track!I was presenting to a delightful group of ladies just recently. It was on the coldest day of the year thus far, and yet all these women had turned out to learn about more about organizing. Moreover, this group had just finished their regular exercise together at a local church's facility. When I asked them how often they exercise together, they replied: 3 times a week, and they have been doing it as a group for years! Just for the record, the youngest in the group is about age 50. Let me tell you folks, this was a group of "hot" looking women. They had figures and shapes that would defy those of many 20-year olds! Fitness is not defined by age.Interestingly, organizing and getting fit have a lot in common, I explained to them:Both are a lifestyle change.You make a decision to exercise and get fit. You must also make a decision to get organized. Change is not easy, but it is good! You can make a choice to change and start living a more simple and organized life.Both can be learned.Despite the routine school of thought, people are not "born with the organizing gene." I was not always organized. I learned as a young mom that when I was more organized, everything else went more smoothly in our home and we all had more peace. I'm still a work in progress and make a commitment to it each day! Organization is a skill which can be learned. Just like learning a new exercise routine, you can learn organizing skills which you can apply in every aspect of your life.Both have to be maintained.You don't exercise one time and your muscles are fit. The same goes with organizing a space, however, most folks seem to think of organizing as a one-time fix. You don't clean your house or office one time and never have to do it again. Lots of living and activity go on in a house and office. For those of you who wanted to hear there was a "magic wand fix," I apologize for bursting your bubble here.Both can be better when done with a friend.These ladies gather together for their exercise because they support and encourage one another in a variety of ways. Encouragement: It is one of the most powerful words I know. Having someone to help and support you in your organizing efforts will ensure success.You can have setbacks in both. "Practice makes...better," is the mantra of our friend and beloved Pastor, Bobby Vitek. You will have days where you have interruptions in your fitness schedule and things that deter you from your organizing goals. Organization is NOT about perfection; it is about simple, sensible solutions for real people in everyday life.The results are rewarding. The results of getting fit: feeling better, looking better, better health numbers where it counts (i.e. cholesterol), reducing stress, getting those endorphins pumping, and then later, sleeping better. The results of getting organized: peace of mind, reducing stress, reducing mental clutter, being able to enjoy your space, finding things when you need them, productivity, and saving money. What would getting (more) organized do for you? You fill in the blank: ________."Practice makes...better." Start somewhere. Start today!I'm here to help you find peaceful order where you live and work,~ Kat Jacoby

What do you outsource to stay sane?

I was watching Good Morning America early this Valentine’s Morning and was surprised to see that some folks are SO busy they are even hiring services such as EFlirt to outsource crafting their flirtatious emails to potential on-line dating suitors. I was laughing to myself, thinking, "...if you don’t have time to craft an email to a potential suitor, do you think you are going to have the actual time it takes to do the work of making a relationship work?" Seriously! But I suppose it is a symptom of the frenetically busy lives we all lead.That said, dear readers, in our crazy busy world, besides child care (which is a given that all parents need a break now and then), what all do YOU outsource or seek outside help with? I would love your feedback!Housekeeper / Interior Decorator / Lawn Services / Personal Trainer / Personal Coach / Image Consultant / Pet Walker or SitterIn your business:  Business Coach / Public Relations Services / Website Consultant / Social Media Expert / Virtual Assistant

Elfa is on sale at Container Store

Being passionate about organizing & helping others, it's only natural for me to be in tune with lots of organizing tools & solutions. Not all Elfa requires laborious installation! Here are some of my favs which can be installed in minutes. The result: added storage for your pantry, bathroom, utility room or media room.

Give the Gift of Organization!

So often I hear feedback from my clients, "My best friend could really use your services." "My husband needs your services at his office!" "I have a family member who has expressed an interest in your services, but cost may be an issue; can I buy them a gift certificate for your services?"

The other thing I hear is, "I know you helped to organize my friend. I'd rather have a gift certificate for your services more than anything!" SANTA BABY, HERE'S YOUR CUE! The Holiday Season is upon us! In these economic times, consumers are looking for interesting, helpful, and wise purchases for their gift recipients.Rather than buying a gift that may become yet more clutter in someone's space, consider giving one that will relieve stress and take away the feeling of overwhelm.

• Instead of making a trip to the mall and dealing with crowds and long lines, why not give something that is functional and useful?

• Inspire family, friends, and loved ones to organize their living areas, working areas, spaces, and lives! Give the Gift of Organization!

• Contact me and we will personalize a Gift Certificate!

Helpful Guidelines on Giving the Gift - Thoughts from The Organizer

Now that I've made the suggestion of giving the Gift of Organization, I do feel the need to share some helpful tips on giving a gift such as this:

• Folks who look like they could use the services of a professional organizer might be perfectly happy with their current state of affairs. Or they might not be quite ready to think about decluttering. They could be insulted by the suggestion, which is an awful reaction to a gift.

• It's not unlike giving someone who needs to lose a few pounds or firm up a bit a gift certificate to a gym. If the gift recipient has been dying to join a gym but just can't afford it, the gift will likely be received with great enthusiasm (particularly if the gift giver has gone out of his or her way to find just the right gym). However, if that gym membership might be received with a "Are you saying I'm fat?" response from your recipient, think well before giving.

• If your friend or family member has expressed out load they are ready for change and would love to have some help, then they are the perfect candidate for a gift certificate for organizing.

The Gift of Organization IS truly a gift, but if you want your gift to be received well, and to truly be helpful, be certain it will be welcomed with open arms.

Clear the Clutter! Fav sites, blogs and a free opportunity!

One of my strengths is realizing I can't do it all. Thankfully, I have over 4,000 other Professional Organizers in NAPO to network and resource with through a variety of means. As veteran organizer, Barbara Hemphill notably says, "Together we are better!"I wanted to share some sites I refer to for information. Of course, I admit to being a Container Store junkie and they have fantastic tips & advice on their site, http://www.containerstore.com but here are a few other favs:Best for pretty desktop items. The "life organization"" section of this site has all sorts of list-makers. SeeJaneWork.com http://www.seejanework.comBest for drawer and craft storage and great for all around the house: OrganizedAtoZ.com http://www.organizedAtoZ.comAnd here are a couple of blogs for organizing & decluttering tips:I'm an Organizing Junkie http://www.orgjunkie.com -- read for inspiration and motivational boosts, like the "28 Day Organizing Challenge..."Unclutterer http://www.unclutterer.com -- read for quick easy-to-accomplish daily tips.If you are decluttering THIS week, get rid of your clutter FOR FREE & DO A GOOD DEED. This Saturday 01/22/11, NAPO San Antonio is sponsoring a community service event from 10 am to 2pm, at the parking lot of Goodwill at 281 & Bitters. See details. http://www.naposanantonio.com/ClubPortal/ClubStatic.cfm?clubID=2829&pubmenuoptID=33475

Confessions of an Organizer

Prior to Memorial Day weekend, I was scrambling about, preparing for company. Two beloved couples, Roy & Patsy Cutsinger and Steve & Liz Wendel were coming to the ranch for an overnight visit. I was making tremendous progress with my decluttering efforts, with a little help from my husband, when I stopped and said, "Gosh, I hadn't realized our home had gotten so cluttered." He replied, "Well, Puddin, . . . " and then muttered something else under his breath about cobbler's children and their shoes.The lump on his forehead is getting better with each passing day (just joking). Truthfully, his words really stung.In the remaining hours of that day, I continued my decluttering efforts. As I did so, I tried to reflect on how it had gotten this out of control in my own space. After all, I'm a Professional Organizer for a living. I help other people all the time. I had just written another press article on HOW to declutter -- targeted to folks who want to do it on a DIY basis. Again,so how did it happen to me that my space got cluttered?I'm human, that's how! Why am I sharing all this with you? I'm doing so because I want you to understand that it happens to all of us, despite best efforts.Life, well it just happens This is how some of it came to be for me in the last few months:

• Last October our daughter took a teaching job abroad, moving from Austin to South Korea. A few boxes came home on a "temporary" basis (in addition to the ones that never left when both kids moved on to college). Oh, did I mention she got married? We all know that love is unpredictable. Once she settled in with her new job, love found her. She is now Casey Kim and likely those boxes will be stored more long-term. That accounts for a little of the clutter.

• Then, in January we moved my precious mother-in-law who is 95 to a retirement center. You always know in the back of your mind you may need to do this, however, this particular move came on with great urgency, with no time to plan. With that move came literally over a century (her lifetime and those before her) of pictures / memorabilia / history / antiques to be dealt with (somehow that fell under my job description).

• Then about 6 weeks ago, a storm (some believe a tornado) hit our area of the county. Fortunately, our home was mostly spared, but sheds, barn and other buildings weren't, and it seems like it has taken every spare moment of our time to clear damage on the ranch. This will likely be our "hobby" for the next year.

All of these things I've listed here are what organizing expert and author, Julie Morgenstern, defines as "external realities."  External realities are obstacles which may be holding us back from getting organized, despite our best efforts. They are essentially transitions or changes of various kinds (either positive or negative or perhaps some of both) which cause changes in life as we know it.What does this mean for you? Knowing what it's like to deal with clutter on a personal level allows us to be sympathetic and empathetic to the effort it takes to make a change in your space and in your life. We are prepared to get in the trenches of disorganization with you, while keeping a strong foothold on the training and sound organizing principles we know and rely on.Our commitment to you:

• we have training and experience

• we have tips, tools, and countless resources

• we seek continuing education and attend conferences in order to be "in the know" about the newest organizing solutions available

• we are able to resource with over 4,200 other Professional Organizers world-wide through an email chat service to share and exchange knowledge and organizing solutions

• we give impeccable service and are committed to helping our clients through the organizing process

You may not need us today or tomorrow, but when you think of getting organized, think Divine Organization.peaceful order where you live and work,Kat JacobyDivine Organizationwww.divineorganization.com