I know many of you use computer programs that act as tickler files do. This is fine, as long as you use them. I know you can set up a system like this one in Outlook and many of Personal Management Programs. That's fine. However, I find that most people don't follow through with computer programs, and have found when consulting with businesses that old fashioned way makes them more comfortable, since they are handling paper and files and don't have to bring up a specific program to look for something. However, if you are more comfortable with a computer program, please feel free to employ one. Just remember, to be organized, you do have to use it.

Another issue that comes up quite often is finding a particular letter or memo in a file. One of best ways to keep track of correspondence is by using a Chron File. A chron file is a chronological file of all correspondence you send out on a monthly basis. You would have chron files for all twelve months with letters sent out that month in date order. If you use client files, you can still use chron file, just make a second copy of letter for your chron file. It might seem extra work for you, however, I have found over time, not everyone can remember a particular clients' name, and it is much easier to remember they did a letter in a particular month, and find it that way. Chron files are very handy for those businesses that don't send out a lot of correspondence and don't want to have to make a file for one piece of correspondence. Your correspondence is organized by month and year and much easier to retrieve if you need to. I keep current monthly chron file and past two months in my desk drawer before my tickler file.

For those running a lease purchase business, your chron file is perfect for those follow-up letters from telephone calls to sellers, marketing letters to mortgage brokers, real estate agents, etc. You don't need to make a separate file for those type of letters, just place them in your chron file.

Copyright 2001, DeFiore Enterprises.

There are some good rules however, to help you balance family and business.

Rule #1 - This is one of most important rules. Yes, this is your home, but it is also my office. What that means is things you use in your business (like computers, files, fax machine, business phone, supplies, etc.) are off limits to them.

Rule #2 - Set office hours. This lets your family members and friends know when it's okay to disturb you; when your day is done. This will avoid them taking you away from your work.

Rule #3 - No one but you answers your business line, and if your office is in part of house, there is to be quiet when you are on phone. I know sometime pandemonium breaks lose. Well on those occasions it does, don't answer phone, let it go into voice mail and call back as soon as you can get away or get situation under control. Almost all phones today have a mute button, use it, especially with young children that cry and scream.

Rule #4 - Establish rituals. Just like when you worked an outside job, you if dropped them off at daycare, or their bus stop or school, even if you don't leave house, when you are ready to go into your office, tell them good-bye. When you are done for day, say "I'm home", or if you take a break say "I'm back for a bit", but be sure to tell them when you leave again, so they know you can't be interrupted.

Rule #5 - Follow other rules. Be sure that above rules are followed. This is most important rule. Rules not only help you, they help your kids, family and friends draw line between your work and your home day.

Some other tips are:

1. Keep a stash of kid stuff in your office. Get a variety of things like paper, stickers, crayons and games, in case your children are in your office and you need to take a call.

2. Get a cordless phone as an extension to your business line. When you enter "home" part of your house, take phone with you. If it rings, answer it and walk back to your "work space". Let your children, family and friends know that when this happens, they should try to be quiet until you are out of earshot or ask person to hold, and press your hold or mute button until you are back in your "work area" or quiet space.

3. Understand it may not be easy, but if you train your children, family and friends to respect your time, space and need for concentration, both your work and family life will be easier.

Copyright 2001, DeFiore Enterprises.