Beautifully Organized: Teaching you how to live life more organized
Although it has been a productive year so far, I am always looking for new ways to get organized and accomplish more in less time. As I thought about my efficiency during the day, it became painfully clear there was one area that was sucking up a lot of time. My system for handling business cards I had collected, the sales leads that came my way and, even my Christmas card mailing list was grossly outdated. I used a combination of Excel spreadsheets, Outlook address book and even an old Rolodex file from the Stone Age. When I added up the time it was taking me to find a contact, gather a list of phone numbers for follow-up calls or finding an address, it was shocking. There had to be a more organized and centralized system. My sister-in-law came to the rescue and recommended an online address book and contact management system called Batchbook.
This website has literally changed my life. All my contacts are now neatly housed on this site and tagged appropriately. I can find contacts I need within a matter of seconds. The best part for me is that Batchbook is integrated with social media. Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter can be attached to each contact record. This comes in handy when you want to know what a friend or work colleague has been up to right before calling or emailing them.
There is a large number of online address books available to use. Each has slightly different features and pricing structures. With an hour or two of research, you will be able to find the product that is right for you and your life. The point is there are systems available to help manage both your personal and business contacts and save you lots of time. One warning, it does take some time and dedication to transfer, import and load your contact information. Once you set your mind to this task and get it done, you will be amazed at your improved productivity. An added bonus, this year, I will have my Christmas card mailing labels printed and ready before October 31st. And I will know exactly how many cards to buy and not run short like I do most years.
Veronica Mayo
Veronica writes the monthly blog feature Beautifully Organized - one girl, 100 pairs of shoes, teaching you how to live life more organized. Veronica is a former airline marketing executive turned entrepreneur. She launched her own line of cosmetic bags in 2009 after moving from Texas to Bellevue. In addition to her role as an entrepreneur, she is busy with various charities, traveling, and enjoying local restaurants and wines (especially a great Merlot). Veronica’s must have items include her labeling machine, flip flops, flat iron and her cosmetic bag! You can follow Veronica on twitter @Vemayca or on Facebook at Facebook.com/vemayca
* This post is from a Girl Power Hour featured blogger. It is not written, edited or endorsed by Girl Power Hour. The authors are solely responsible for content.
Before you leave a comment, be sure to sign up for a Gravatar.
