New Blog

Well, this is all a learning experience. I changed blog names. Here is my new blog: http://clearintentionsnw.blogspot.com/

I'm hoping to get it put onto my website to make it easier for everyone to find me.

Thank you!
Maulitta Brown

Manila or Hanging File Folders?

I see all sorts of filing systems and even though I have my personal preference, it is all about what works for the client! With that said, how do you decide which is better? Manila file folders or Hanging file folders? Here are some points to consider about both:

Advantages of hanging file folders are:
§ They only need to be made once.
§ They may need to be updated periodically but stay in good condition.
§ They hold up longer.
§ The labels are easy to read.
§ They look neat and organized.
§ They can physically hold more than manila file folders.
§ The labels are easier to change.
§ It is easier to find what you need inside the file.

Disadvantages of hanging file folders are:
§ They take longer to create.
§ They can be clumsier to use if you are retrieving the whole file on a regular basis.

Advantages of manila file folders are:
§ They can be made by hand quickly.
§ They are affordable.
§ They are already 1/3- or 1/5-cut.
§ They are easy to handle, retrieve, put back or move around.

Disadvantages of manila file folders are:
§ 1/3- or 1/5-cut can be a problem if you only want one alignment.

NAPO Conference

Recently I was fortunate enough to be able to attend NAPO Conference and wanted to share just a few 'take-ways' that stood out for me! These concepts definitely apply to other small businesses.



1. NICHE! I can't tell you how many times I heard this throughout the conference. It was expressed how important it is to define your ideal client and specialize in your area of expertise and passion. I've figured out my niche... or at least have narrowed it down considerably. More on that later...



2. Create an Experience! We had an amazing guest speaker who talked all about creating an amazing unforgettable EXPERIENCE for your clients. Not just doing a great job but giving that client such an experience that they can't help but think about it, talk about it, refer you and use you every time your services are in need. I'm still trying to figure how how I can do this in my business. I'm open to suggestions!



3. Board of Directors? This was the first time I'd ever heard about this particular concept in relation to small businesses. It was suggested that even if you are sole proprietor, you should have a volunteer board of directors with whom you meet periodically. Interesting. I'm going to have to do more research on this one but I still wanted to share the concept because it came up more than once!



I'll definitely share more on these topics later! Check back for more....

File in 5 Seconds or Less!

I tell everyone who will listen about my favorite filing system, the fantastic FREEDOM FILER!

You can check it out and order it from the website, you can come to one of my workshops (stay tuned but the next one will likely be on July 8th) or you can have me come to your home or office to work with you one-on-one to set it up.

Freedom Filer is a Self Purging Home Filing System - here are a few fantastic things I'd like you to know about why it works so well:
• Free yourself from ever having to review and clean out files
• Eliminate the need to set up new folders or re-label files each year
• Finish routine filing in 5 seconds or less
• Easily locate receipts for returns, vendor disputes, resale, and IRS audits
• Keep current policies and up-to-date personal files at your finger tips

Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail me about this system.
Maulitta
425-478-8976
maulitta@comcast.net

Send Out Cards

I'm a huge fan of Send Out Cards so I want to take a moment to tell you about it and tell you why I love the service so much.

I realized the value of Send Out Cards because I myself love to buy cards but don't actually like the act of writing in the card, addressing the envelope, putting a stamp on it and mailing it. Mostly this is because I don't like my handwriting and the rest just seems to follow suit.

I also could see a HUGE need for Send Out Cards with my clients because I would find two things in my clients homes:
1. huge stacks of purchases but never sent cards
2. cards that WERE filled out and addressed, sometimes even with postage, but never mailed.

I signed up for an account so I could use the service for myself and also so I could share this amazing tool with my clients. If you a small business owner... there are even more reasons to sign up for a Send Out Cards account. More on that another time!

If you think you might like to know more about this service, check out this link and send a few cards for free on me. Or, give me a call and we can talk more!

Warmly,
Maulitta Brown
425.478.8976

A Super Cool Notebook

I fell in love with this notebook, planner system a year ago and have been enjoying it so much ever since that I want to share it with you.

It is called the Circa System by Levenger. In this notebook you can easily move pages around in one notebook, and transfer pages from notebook into notebooks of other sizes. As a result, you may find yourself taking notes more quickly, knowing you can always rearrange or remove them later.

I'll keep this brief and let you check out the system for yourself... trust me, you will fall in love as well!

Very important note, at this time, you can buy refill pages at Staples or essentially the same product on their website under the Rollabind Brand, which was actually the original brand.

Managing QuickBooks and Paper Flow for Small Businesses

Like many small business owners, you may see paperwork, filing and bookkeeping as the enemy. You may be struggling to keep everything in order, pay everything on time and keep the records your accountant needs.

Clear Intentions and Full Potential have helped hundreds of small businesses to not only survive their record keeping requirements, but to thrive on them! With the advice of a Professional Organizer and Certified Public Accountant, you’ll have a complete perspective on managing all aspects of record keeping.

You’ll learn how to:
· find it
· pay it
· record it
· store it
…and all in a way that simplifies your life and
keeps your accountant happy!

Event Details:
Date: June 24, 2009
Time: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Location: The Inside Scoop in Mill Creek, WA
Cost: None (Free Biznik membership required)
**Drawing for a FREE Freedom Filer – Bring your
business card!

The Organized Student

Recently I had the pleasure of working with a 13 year old junior high student. The goal was to create a more organized backpack and a better system for getting assignments turned in. I turned to The Organized Student by Donna Goldberg for guidance.



I was impressed by this book and actually think that all parents and students should check it out! Your student will learn lessons early that will last a lifetime.



It was interesting and fun for me to read because I believe that organizing principles are universal, such as labeling everything and having a system. However, it was still very fun and interesting to see how to apply those SPECIFICALLY to backpacks and binders and get some helpful tips that I may or may not thought of on my own.

Giving Back to the Community

Fall of 2008 I had the pleasure of working with an amazing group of professional organizers on a project to help a Domestic Violence Women's Shelter improve the organization of their space.

It had come to our attention that there was a domestic violence shelter in our area with a new director managing the facility. The new director was making it her personal mission to improve the facility and create a peaceful, welcoming environment for the survivors to come to. She wanted to organize and update the offices, client spaces and storage facilities by removing the clutter and feeling of chaos from the environment. This would allow the office staff to handle the client’s needs as they arrived at the facility in a private and calm environment.

(Before picture of one portion of the office)

Because the facility is a non-profit organization, the project was too much for her to handle on her own and she was unable to afford to hire help. The office was in need of organizing, clearing out the clutter and spatial re-design. There was no place for supplies to be stored as everything was in complete disarray; they did not even know what supplies they had available to hand out to those in need.

Many rooms not only needed organization, but also needed closet shelving systems purchased and installed so they could use their space to it’s full potential.

As women who have children of our own, this project pulled at our heart strings and we wanted to do anything in our power to help the director in her mission. Not only did 9 local organizers came together donating 68 hours of hands-on organizing, we also procured donations from the public and local stores to successfully complete this project.

Here is an after photo of the picture above!

We are still so thrilled with everything you accomplished here! We have actually inspired the entire agency, and the main office is looking at doing some improvements, clutter clean-up and organization of their own now! (Director's comments)

Lighten the Energy of Your Home!

One reason I feel so strongly about what I do is because I believe that everything is energy and that we are so affected by our surroundings. Even though my husband and I purge our belongings every chance we get, we had a spare room that is rarely used but housed many of my husband's things and a few of my daughters things that we hadn't made decisions on yet.

We have a friend coming to stay for a short time and needed to completely clear out that room. This afforded us the opportunity to litterally look at each item and make a decision. Needless to say, I'll be taking one carload of stuff to donation, I put a few items on Craigslist, and was able to toss a few items into the garbage. In addition to clearing out the 'stuff' I vaccumed and dusted the entire upstairs. The sun was shining and I had opened the windows for most of the day to let the fresh spring air in.

After coming home from a party last night, I could feel the difference in the house. It was lighter! The energy of our home was lighter. I asked my husband if he could tell how much lighter the house was. He couldn't. It was only me... because I'm so sensitive to my surroundings.

If you are sensitive to your surroundings or affected by your 'stuff' you might enjoy a good spring cleaning yourself! More on this soon....

Clearing the Clutter from the Calendar

I take pride in not having clutter in my home, I even take pride in being able to say 'no' to events that will crowd my social calendar or will require too much time from my already busy life.



However, I realized I still tend to fill up my calendar, to do list, and mind with things that might not really benefit me, my family or my business. I've been spending the last few months getting very clear on my intentions for my life, my business and how I want to spend my time. By looking very hard at how I'm spending my time, energy and money I've been able to clear the clutter from my calendar. I think I may still have a little more work to do but once the last bits of old clutter and patters are cleared, and SPACE is created, my intention is to add in more time to take care of myself! When I take better care of myself, my whole life will improve and my friends, family and clients will benefit from a new and improved me!



My intention is to also be able to help my clients with this process. Life doesn't need to be so complicated or difficult. Let's simiplify and live with more intention!