I Have Been Trying to Implement the Plans for Conference but so Far It

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around participants' experiences and challenges related to organizing their business materials and leads in preparation for an upcoming conference. Many express feelings of being overwhelmed by the organizational tasks required to effectively manage their business activities.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions struggling to implement conference plans due to time-consuming organization efforts, noting a lack of focus on business growth.
  • Another participant shares a similar sentiment, expressing frustration over a pile of unorganized papers and questioning how to begin the organization process.
  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, describes a detailed seven-binder system they created to manage various aspects of their business, including leads and customer care.
  • Several users mention the idea of sorting papers into categories such as "Read," "File," or "Action" to prioritize tasks.
  • Another participant shares their experience with using creative storage solutions, such as magnetic boards and decorative file folders, to keep important documents organized and accessible.
  • One participant expresses excitement about trying out ideas shared by others in the thread.
  • Another participant appreciates the tips and encourages others to continue sharing their organizational strategies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the challenges of staying organized and the need for effective systems, though specific methods and experiences vary widely. No clear consensus on a single best approach emerges.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a shared experience among consultants regarding the difficulties of managing business organization while balancing other responsibilities.

Who May Find This Useful

This thread may be useful for consultants looking for personal experiences and ideas on organizing their business materials and leads effectively.

K
Kathytnt
Messages
2,616
I have been trying to implement the plans for conference but so far it has been very time consuming. I have been spending a lot of time on organizing and not much actually growing my business - I have lots of shows but have not been able to to the 3-2-1 because I am still TRYING to get organized.

I have done several bridal fairs and craft fairs so I have lots of lead slips etc.

How do you stay organized - With leads do you do a binder system, tickler file or do you have everything online

How do you organize your packet supplies and other printed materials

I am looking for all and any ideas
 
im with you there kathy!!!!!!
still looking at a pile of papers that need to be sorted and so on :(
not sure what to do myself
but did read somewhere not to long ago to stop everything else and get oganized!
how am i supposed to do that?!?
 
Sorry for the long reply.........Let me first apologize for the lengthy reply!! :blushing:

I'm the same way.....LOVE to organize and I'm still not there!! Just make sure that your 3 contacts a day is priority, then spend the rest of the time you have organizing. Do you work outside the home?? Lunch break is great for making your contacts or even doing some organizing.

I've created a seven binder system. Here's what it's made up of:
“On the Road” binder:
3-2-1- Formula for Success tracking sheet
“Critique Your Week” sheets
Current calendar from Consultant News
My Goals
Tracking charts for my goals
Consultant News and other publications I want to read
Leads tab – monthly tabs with info on each contact I need to make
Customer care tab – I pick one show per week for which I need to make customer care calls. I keep this show in a protective sleeve; scripts; quick reference of upcoming specials
Training tab - I am currently working on
My Welcome Booklet – for reference
My copy of the current catalogue (I mark what I have and make notes about different products and what I may want to say about them at a show)

Reference binder: (keep this at home)
Business guide
Recipe for success guide
Product information sheets

“At my shows”: (take this to shows)
Round up from the Heart info
Current and upcoming host & guest specials
Show benefits flyers
Pampered Bride flyers
Fundraising flyers
Replacement parts list
Gift certificates

Recruiting binder: (take this binder to recruiting interviews…if I ever get any!!)
Mailing we received about the new consultant kit
A Closer Look inserts – I want to go through these and personalize each section
“An Outstanding Opportunity” page
“Your Life, Your Way” brochures
“New Consultant Rewards” brochures
New “Turn Your Dreams Into Reality!” flyers
New “Come Join Us” brochures
“Imagine More” brochures
Incentive program brochure
Independent Consultant agreements
Welcome booklets
“Charter Host Gift” flyers
Additional information on the new consultant kit (printed from Consultants Corner)

Host coaching binder: (use this binder when host coaching by phone)
Host coaching scripts
Info on current hosts that I am coaching
Samples of everything I put in the host packet for easy reference when speaking with host
Blank “Host information” sheets

Cooking shows binder: (use this binder when host coaching in person; use for choosing games and quick tips for shows)
Themes – invitations & recipes (this section is set up for hosts to pick a theme for their party)
Theme training booklets (PC theme shows) or my own developed theme party details
Quick tips
Party games

Publications:
Consultant News
Cluster newsletters

All the receipts from shows I've had are in a portable file holder. At the back of that I have folder that holds all my receipts for tax purposes. This folder needs to get organized!! :rolleyes:

Catalogues, order forms, door prizes, training CDs are in a plastic 4-drawer stand.

I also have a hanging folder frame to keep all my personal paperwork in. It sits on top of my plastic stand.

I have a small filecard box for keeping product info (the ones that come with the products) in alphabetical order.

I would suggest that in trying to get organized, decide what kind of a setup you'd like to have. (But if you're like me, you'll change your mind every other day!! :p ) Put all your papers in a "pile" (or many, if you're like me! :rolleyes: ) and take it one piece of paper at a time. If you think you'll get carried away and you're on a strick time schedule, take a timer and set it for however long you have. When it goes off, you're done! Even 5 minutes can make a world of difference! If you wait until you have an hour, you may never get to it.

Never look at it as one big task, or you will get overwhelmed!!

Good luck and let us know how you're getting along and what you've come up with! :)
 
Thanks Kimberly! :)
 
OOO I'm going to have to try some of these ideas!! I already have a binder System started...I think I'll take some of these ideas and roll with it!! Thanks for sharing!!
 
Love the tips. Keep them coming!!
 
One good tip I've heard....

As you're getting your initial sort done, separate into three piles or folders: Read, File, or Action. That way you'll know what has priority. You can work down from there.
 
First off I LOVE Big Lots and Dollar Tree & find lots of great things there.

I have a magnetic board that is attached to the inside door of my desk $1 at $ Tree. It keeps important things I need to do out of sight but each day I update it.
I bought these little miniature (probably 4x6 ) file folder pockets at Target in the stationary aisle they have a large magnet on the back and have pretty designs on the front. I think the box had 4 for $6. 3 of them stay on my desk in page up (found at Office Max or Staples)
#1 stays on the inside of my desk door and I keep checks in there until I make a deposit.
#2 holds PDS for my maybe shows or guests who want something when its on sale
#3 holds current and past hosts for the month PDS
#4 is possible recruit leads

I suggest tackling those stacks of paper by flipping them face side down and going thru the from the bottom of the stack, chances are the info has already expired or no longer important.
I keep file folders (adorable ones from $$ TREE similiar to the ones at Container Store again with bright stripes and paisley designs) It has to be bright and fun so I don't get bored
My file folders are labeled as:
receipts I only keep them 1 month past show date. (in case I misread and ordered wrong I have my cons, copy)
To Do Later (this holds things I can put off for 1-2 days)
Read Later (papers that don't need my attention immediately)
Taxes (receipts fo supplies )
Phone Lists (any church directories, school directories, dance directories etc)
To Copy (things I need to make copies off at a later date OOF or host flyers )
Originals (flyers from this site or OOF that I have my info on)
Seasonal (flyers I use for recruiting or special promotions I offer)
Maybe some of these tips will help
 
We also have a hanging file box with each family members name as the mail comes in I sort it by their name and drop their mail in each folder
 
Thanks for all these great tips!
 
I just read Kimberly's document.....and it's so good! Makes me want to reorganize....:eek: :eek: :eek:

HELP!!! I'm an organizing nut!!!! :p
 
  • Thread starter
  • #13
My family has always laughed at me because I am always trying to be organized - Must be the Virgo in my

PARIS????

Marie-France is Prince Edward Island in far Western Canada? My uncle and cousin used to live on Hornsby Island
 
Paris, France is the incentive trip for us this year!!! Very exciting!! :D

Prince Edward Island is in Eastern Canada. Not far from Maine, actually.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #15
I knew there were a group of islands on both coastal areas. I livedin New Hampshire as kid before we moved to Texas

Paris - I like the sound of that
 
If you ever get a chance to visit PEI, you really should. It's really beautiful, but I would suggest summer or fall....:cool:

I hope I can earn Paris. I wasn't really on track, but I'm working on it!!!
 
I hope I can earn Paris
Click to expand...

you HAVE to earn paris, or misty does!!!! someone has to be my roommate!!!!!! lol
 
PChefPEI said:
3-2-1- Formula for Success tracking sheet
Click to expand...

This one too please!:)
 
you HAVE to earn paris, or misty does!!!! someone has to be my roommate!!!!!! lol
Click to expand...
I'm working on it!! We would have sooooo much fun!! Let's just hope the waitresses are friendlier there!! LOL

I've attached the "Critique your Week" and "3-2-1 for success" documents for those of you who are interested.

"A Closer Look" inserts......I'm trying to remember what that is....LOL :rolleyes: (Don't have my binder right with me...) I think it's the new recruiting brochures that we got. They're square with a woman on the front. Will double check and let you know.
 

Attachments

thank you.....................:)
 
Thanks Marie!!!
 
My pleasure! :)
 
I'm going to start something...don't know if it will work, but I thought it was worth a shot. I printed the Consultant Planner for a couple months from the Printable Materials CD. It's basically a week by week version of the free planner we get form HO. Each day is broken down into Morning, Afternoon, and Evening. I'm going to use the 3 sections for my 3 contacts. There's room for taking notes. I can put my 2 shows on the calendar and take notes about recruiting leads on there too. We'll see how it works...
 
Cool idea, Jenny! Let us know how it goes!
 
PChefPEI said:
I'm working on it!! We would have sooooo much fun!! Let's just hope the waitresses are friendlier there!! LOL

I've attached the "Critique your Week" and "3-2-1 for success" documents for those of you who are interested.

"A Closer Look" inserts......I'm trying to remember what that is....LOL :rolleyes: (Don't have my binder right with me...) I think it's the new recruiting brochures that we got. They're square with a woman on the front. Will double check and let you know.
Click to expand...

Thanks Marie!

Is anyone else having trouble printing out the Critique your Week? When I try it has a green background. Wierd!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #27
I mentally critique my week and I am usually not kind - I have got to be more kind to myself!
 
Thanks what great information!
 
sfdavis918 said:
Thanks Marie!

Is anyone else having trouble printing out the Critique your Week? When I try it has a green background. Wierd!!
Click to expand...

Just in case anyone was having the same problem as me, I made up the form in Word and am posting it.
 

Attachments

Thank you, Sarah.....sorry you were having so much trouble!! :confused:
 
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