While going through your files, be sure to pull out any documents which don't seem to belong in their existing file folder so you can find a more suitable home for them.

As I mentioned at beginning of this article, getting rid of clutter is only half battle. Maintenance is equally important, and here are three tips to help keep clutter from coming back.

1. Make a practice of handling each document only once, if possible. When you open your mail or email, deal with it immediately. If it's about an upcoming meeting or other event, copy information into your planner, then get rid of it. If it's a quick question, answer it immediately, then discard it. If you may need information again in future and it's not readily available elsewhere, file it, don't just put it back in your inbox. There will be some items that cannot be dealt with immediately. These should be noted on your "to do" list and document placed in appropriate folder on your desk.

2. Implement a "clean desk" policy where desks must be cleared of all paperwork at end of each work day.

3. Set a filing schedule to prevent a backlog of unfiled documents. You often need to refer to something you've worked on recently, and you don't want to have to sift through piles of paperwork to find it. How often you need to do filing will depend on volume of paper you keep, but important thing is to keep it up to date.

A tidy office is only one of benefits of getting rid of clutter. When your work environment is clutter-free, you'll be more productive, because there will be fewer things to distract you from task at hand. You'll be less likely to forget about things you're supposed to do, or to miss important events, because information won't be buried under a pile of other documents. As a result, you'll be more confident, appear more competent, and free up time for types of activities that will help you to become successful!

Janet Barclay, Organized Assistant, offers office organizing services in and around Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and virtual assistance around the globe.

Remember, it’s your money and your investment. Don’t ever let anyone talk you into an advertising program that is not producing best results for your business. And measure results of your advertising dollars spent vs. income received from your advertising on a consist basis.

When you diversify, don’t’ forget about direct marketing. Many business owners only do a few direct-mail programs a year, targeted to their existing customer base. They need to do more.

Your customer base and mailing list is gold, make sure you have budgeted a large part of your marketing dollars to advertise to your existing customers. They already love you, so keep them coming in by sending promotional (promotional – not just sale) postcards to them at least six times a year.

Mistake 4: Allowing your ego to get in way of common sense.

Ego can tempt a very bright person to do dumb things. Your marketing decisions should be based on factors that will positively impact some area of your business – usually bottom line. Buying full-page ads or covers featuring yourself and not focusing on your business’ unique offerings may result in money going out window.

Mistake 5: Not getting help when you need it.

If you find you’re too busy to handle your marketing efforts or that your materials aren’t looking as professional as they should, it’s time to call in reinforcements. Hire a full-or part-time employee to allow you more free time to work on “business end” or hire an independent business consultant to bring in new concepts and fresh ideas.