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Time Management Articles to Help You Work Smarter, Not Harder

These time management articles are available to reprint if you include my copyright notice and the brief bio at the end of the article.

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  • Managing Email & Getting the Most from Microsoft Outlook

  • Conquer Desktop Clutter with Action Files

  • Use Colored Tabs to Manage Project Folders

  • Conquer Your Desk Clutter with a Tickler File

  • Do Your Employees Really Need Customer Service Training?

  • Words of Wisdom You Should Ignore

  • Fax Without Paper to Save Time

  • Controlling Interruptions

  • Keeping Track of Your Customers & Prospects

  • Time Tactics for the Office

  • The Power of Planning Ahead

  • Getting the Most from Your PDA

  • Coping with Information Overload

  • Efficient E-mail Habits

  • Do Digital Organizers Save Time - Or Waste It?

  • What To Do With All Those Business Cards?

  • Thirteen Tips for Working Smarter, Not Harder

  • Keeping Track of Delegated Tasks

  • Working From Two Offices
  • Making the Transition from Paper to Digital Information Storage


  • Conquer Desktop Clutter with Action Files
    © Jan Jasper; 2001-2008

    Action files enable you to unclutter your desk yet still keep reminders and current papers close at hand. Also known as working files, these files are usually separate from -- and in addition to - client, project, or reference files. Action files are for current or pending activities and miscellaneous things you must act on.

    Action files must always be within easy reach-- ideally in a small desktop file holder that holds the file folders upright so the tabs are clearly visible.

    For added peace of mind, make a note in your calendar or scheduling software to remind you of important dates. This combats the "out of sight, out of mind" worry and lets you clear your desk without fearing you'll forget something important.

    Suggested categories for Action Files:
  • phone calls to return
  • agenda for an upcoming staff meeting
  • expenses to submit
  • bills to pay
  • papers to file
  • business development ideas
  • good ideas to try someday
  • papers to photocopy
  • current departmental & administrative matters
  • pending health insurance claims
  • your upcoming business trip
  • tasks to delegate to your assistant
  • conferences to register for
  • matters to discuss with co-workers
  • errands to run, gifts to buy, sale coupons
  • things to discuss with your child's teacher or doctor
  • pending (for example, letters you sent for which you must receive a reply)

    It's not necessary to use every category listed here, and feel free to add any others that suit you.

  • About the Author:
    Jan Jasper has been training busy people to work smarter, not harder since 1988. She helps clients streamline work procedures, manage information overload, and use technology efficiently. Her specialty is helping people who've already worked with professional organizers and coaches and are still not able to get it all done. Jan is the author of Take Back Your Time: How to Regain Control of Work, Information, & Technology (St. Martin's Press). She recently completed a North American media tour as the national efficiency spokesperson for IKON Office Solutions, Inc. She has appeared on radio and TV all over North America and is quoted regularly in print. Jan is an adjunct instructor at New York University.

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