In this Issue:

Success Quote:
perfect the right blend of integrity

Special Promotions

B2B Article:
Get the Cow off Your Desk And the Monkey off Your Back- Part seven of eight-Keep the Cow from returning

B2B Article 2:
Disorganization, clutter and inefficiency

Improve Productivity In Less Than An Hour

What's New:
Cost Reduction Strategies and Additional Event Listings
Three New organizing team members

Testimonials:
absolutely the best!

Featured Business
Phoenix Business Writer: Claire Bush

Holidays and Important Dates

Sponsors

Joke of the month:
Investment counselor

Workshops, seminars etc..

Organizing  Products
Priority Folders
Basic Residential Filing System
Ultimate Business Filing System
Ultimate Residential Filing System 
Vital Business Information
Vital Family Information

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Click on the graphic to vote for this page as a GreatSite.

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Tell us YOUR story!
Tell us about your organizing challenges, how being disorganized affects you, or any organizing issues that stops you from living the lifestyle you deserve. P. O. Box 16283 Phoenix, AZ  85011

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FREE on-line META Tag Analyzer

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Ask A Question
**Send the best organizing challenge/question of the month and we’ll issue you or a friend an organizing gift  (Prizes are issued monthly.)

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$50 paid to you for qualified referrals
Do you know of companies that are in need of a powerful, motivating, and humorous speaker for an upcoming program? A to Z Organizing Pros® is  currently paying $50 for any referrals that turn into paid speaking engagements. Simply contact us with your information. All we need is a  contact name, name of the organization or company, phone number, and any details about them you can provide and we'll do the rest.

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Holidays and Important Dates February 2007
February Monthly Observances
AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month
American Heart Month
Bake for Family Fun Month
International Boost Self Esteem Month
International Expect Success Month
Festival of The Camellias Month
February is Fabulous Florida Strawberry Month
Learn Italian Month
Library Lovers Month
Marfan Syndrome Awareness Month
National African American History Month
National Bird Feeding Month
National Black History Month
National Cherry Pie Month
National Children's Dental Health Month
National Get To Know and Independent Real Estate Broker Month
National Parent leadership Month
National Pet Dental Health Month
National Senior Independence Month
National Time Management Month
National Weddings Month
North Carolina Sweet Potato Month
Plant the Seeds of Greatness Month
Relationship Wellness Month
Return Shopping Carts to the Supermarket Month
Wise Health Care Consumer Month
Youth leadership Month


February Weekly Observances
National Patient Recognition Week: 1-7
Publicity for Profit Week: 1-7
Solo Diners Eat Out Weekend: 1-7
Boy Scout Anniversary Week: 4-10
Dump Your Significant Jerk Week: 4-10
International Coaching Week: 4-10
National Consumer Protection Week: 4-10
National leadership Week: 4-10
Publicity for Profit Week: 4-10
Intimate Apparel Market Week: 5-9
Just Say No to Powerpoints Week: 5-9
National School Counseling Week: 5-8
Funeral Service Education Week: 6-10
Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week: 7-14
Rejection Risk Awareness Week: 7-14
Love Makes the World Go Round; But, Laughter Keeps Us From Getting Dizzy Week: 8-14
Freelance Writers Appreciation Week: 11-17
National Family, Career & Community leaders 
of America Week: 11-17
Jell-O Week: 11-17
Heart Failure Awareness Week: 11-17
International Flirting Week: 12-18
Love a Mench Week: 12-18
Random Acts of Kindness Week: 12-18
National Condom Week: 14-21
Great Backyard Bird Count Week: 16-19
NBA All-Star Week: 16-18
Build A Better Trade Show Image Week: 18-24
National Engineers Week: 18-24
National Pancake Week: 18-24
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week: 2/25-3/3
Telecommuter Appreciation Week: 2/25-3/3

 February Daily Observances
Bubble Gum Day: 1
Hula in The Coola Day: 1
Robinson Crusoe Day: 1
Women's Heart Health Day: 1
Candelmas: 2
Groundhog Day: 2
Groundhog Job Shadow Day: 2
Hedgehog Day: 2
Imbolic: 2 Link
Self Renewal Day: 2
Wear Red Day: 2
Four Chaplains Memorial Day: 3
February 3 Patient Recognition Day
Dump Your Significant Jerk Day: 4
Super Bowl XLI: 4
USO Day: 4
Move Hollywood & Broadway to Lebanon, PA Day: 5
Weatherman's [Weatherperson's] Day: 5
Pay A Compliment Day: 6
African American Coaches Day: 6
February 7 National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
National Girls & Women in Sports Day: 7
Wave All Your Fingers At Your Neighbor's Day: 7
Boy Scout Anniversary Day: 8 Link
Laugh and Get Rich Day: 8
leadership Success Day: 8
Plimsoll Day: 10
Pro Sports Wives Day: 10
National Shut-in Visitation Day: 11
Satisfied Staying Single Day: 11
White Shirt Day: 11
Darwin Day: 12
Lincoln's Birthday: 12
Lost Penny Day: 12
Oglethorpe Day: 12
Safety Pup Day: 12
Man Day: 11
World Marriage Day: 11
Black Love Day: 13
Employee Legal Awareness Day: 13
Get a Different Name Day: 13
Ferris Wheel Day: 14
League of Women Voters Day: 14
National Call In Single Day: 14
National Have a Heart Day: 14
Race Relations Day: 14
Quirky Alone Day: 14 Link
Valentines Day: 14
Susan B. Anthony Day: 15
National Gum Drop Day: 15 Link
Remember the Maine Day: 15
My Way Day: 17
National PTA Founders Day: 17
February 17 National Public Science Day
February 17 Random Acts of Kindness Day
World Human Spirit Day: 17
Who Shall I Be Day?: 17
Chinese New Year's Day: 18
Chocolate Mint Day: 19
Presidents Day: 19
Spunky Old Broads Day: 19
International Pancake Day: 20 Link
Mardi Gras: 20
Northern Hemisphere Hoodie Hoo Day: 20
Paczki Day: 20
Ash Wednesday: 21
International Mother Language Day: 21
George Washington's Birthday: 22
Single Tasking Day: 21
For The Love of Mike Day: 22
Introduce A Girl to Engineering Day: 22
National Chili Day: 22
Curling is Cool Day: 23
Iwo Jima Day: 23
Open That Bottle Night: 24
For Pete's Sake Day: 26
International Pancake Day (aka Shrove Tuesday) : 27 Link
Spay Day USA: 27
Floral Design Day: 28
Inconvenience Yourself Day: 28
National Tooth Fairy Day: 28

Holidays are listed at:
http://www.earthcalendar.net/  and  http://www.brownielocks.com

Success Quote
"Effective leaders earn the respect and trust of their team on a daily basis. They realize it takes time to perfect the right blend of integrity, partnership, and affirmation." Ken Blanchard

Special Promotion National Time Management Month (1/3 OFF your organizing or time management session scheduled for any day this month) It's time to get uncluttered and organize your spaces and to get control of your wasted time. Start by donating anything that you don't REALLY love, need or find of high value. You must mention this promotion when scheduling. Call NOW . (*Valid in the Phoenix Metro Area Only)

Special Promotion February 11-17 National Family, Career & Community leaders of America Week  (We'll do a complimentary organizing and efficiency presentation for group of 25 or more booked this week)  Learning to prioritize and how to use the right tools for you will allow you more freedom to do what you love and gain peace of mind.  By working effectively you can have confidence in your future profits and still have time to do what you desire and deserve.  Learn ways to effectively deal with and significantly reduce stress and minutiae. A $300.00 savings, call now .  (*Valid in the Phoenix Metro Area Only)

Special Promotion February 21 Single Tasking Day  (FREE file system for session booked this day!)It's time to clean out all that paper that you really don't need. Remember, if it's not auditable you can throw it out. You must mention this promotion when scheduling.  (*Valid in the Phoenix Metro Area Only)

F R E E  Gift Certificate for Everyone
YES, that's right, A to Z Organizing Pros® will provide you with a gift certificate in your choice of any denomination. A to Z Organizing Pros® retains the right to change the services offered and the gift certificate format at anytime. Your credit card will not be billed until the gift certificate is presented and used for products and/or services. (Only valid within the continental United States.) Please visit our web site to request yours TODAY!
www.AtoZOrganizingPros.com/form_contact_ou.htm  

Testimonial
"Valerie, I appreciate your time and patience and look forward to our work together. What you do is an invaluable service and I can't tell you how I was able to take a deep breath after talking to you. Thank you again. Linda T. Home Economist  in Northbrook, Illinois.

"Michelle is absolutely the best!  Never used a personal organizer before & my first experience was great. I made a new friend out of this process -- for which I will always be grateful! Michelle was most helpful with.... Everything .... She is easy to work with & never judges on how much "stuff" I have!!" Bonnie M. in Sunland, California

"Karina is very professional, easy to work with, confident in abilities, great attitude, self-motivated and able to work independently. She is fantastic with time management. She consolidated questions/comments and asked me all at one time not constantly. I will definitely be using in Jan again!" Kathlena M. in San Juan Capistrano, California

B2B Article
Get the Cow off Your Desk And the Monkey off Your Back- Part Seven of Eight
It’s all about paper flow and time management

Think about how paper moves across your desk
Did you know desks are right-handed or left-handed? So are we. When you play golf, you wouldn’t dream of playing with the wrong kind of clubs. Yet we tolerate the same sort of awkwardness with our desks and flow patterns across them.

One of my clients owned a beautiful large desk from which he ran the business he owned. This desk was long enough to serve as the landing area on an aircraft carrier. It had graceful lines and a sweeping pattern toward an area for his computer and printer.

There was only one problem: the computer area (where he spent the most time) was off to the right and he was right-handed. That meant the entire surface area of his large desk was on his left side. When I explained it, he said, “No wonder I had a Black Hole for paper over on that side!” He now understood why the small area in front of the paper drawer for his printer always had a pile of documents in front of the drawer, making it necessary for him to pick it all up and move it to refill the paper drawer.

Maybe your desk isn’t that spacious. Perhaps it is the standard rectangular shape, and maybe your computer equipment is off to the side (or behind you) on a credenza or shelf. You can still make your desk right-handed or left-handed. I’m going to describe what a right-handed person would do. If you’re left-handed (as I am), you can simply reverse everything I say.

By the way, research shows that you can improve your productivity by as much as 50% by working in the correct left or right handed set-up.

Creating a paper flow
As you sit facing the work area in the middle of your desk, what do you see? Do you have an inbox? If so, it should be in the upper right hand corner of your desk.

From there, your paper can flow to the work area in the middle of your desk (you’ll bring it there with the appropriate hand), where you can “execute” (love that word!) your work.

Once you’ve finished, it can go to your outbox, which you’ll find in the upper right-hand corner just under your inbox. (Place your outbox items facedown. This will keep your eyes from wandering to what’s completed. It will also make filing easier because you will file first things first.) What, you don’t have an outbox? No wonder you have a Cow on your desk! Get one! (An outbox, that is.)
Some paper has no further use once you’ve “executed” it. So it goes into your wastebasket off to your left.

That’s all there is to it. It’s simple and easy to set up. Just think about paper flowing across your desk from right to left. And reverse the entire process if you’re left-handed.

continued next month....look for part eight.  NOTE* Would you like to have the entire chapter in book form including other chapters from other Executive coaches? (Click here for more information on the Power Tools Book and how to order.)

B2B Article 2
Disorganization, clutter and inefficiency
These could cost your company as much as $3,000 a year per employee! Wasted time and expenses can be reduced and we can show you how!

Would you like to have someone help you unclutter, purge or organize your office/business? Do you just need some guidance to improve on the efficiency of your current systems or set-up?

We realize that sometimes the task of organizing seem overwhelming. You may also believe that you need to get somewhat organized before you hire a professional organizer. Well let me tell you just what we have told many clients before you, "that’s what you are hiring us for, let us help you”. 

We can give you the gentle push to help you begin the job that you think is insurmountable. We can spend some time with you going over each process in your office and help you to  fine-tune your current systems. Listening to how you do  every process allows us to improve the efficiency and help you to create systems that are based on how you operate and do business.

We'll help you clear the office of unnecessary clutter and even help you completely redesign other areas that you may not have thought of.

Many times clients become oblivious to how much clutter is on their desk or in their office. It's our job to point out the things that are slowing you down and creating inefficiencies in your environment. You will be amazed when you  realize how much more productive you can be once your environment is uncluttered. You may even go into "organize mode".

You can rely on our knowledge, expertise and gentle persuasion to give you the organizing help you need for your office and your life. You too can realize improved efficiency in every area of your life with the simple tools, tips and systems you learn in your office.

Our professional organizers coach you to draw out the knowledge you already possess and teach you how to create systems that work for you. It’s always a work-together partnership. You’ll be able to find anything in your office within seconds. 

• We perform an efficiency evaluation of your processes, with written recommendations for improvements

• Learn how to manage your e-mail better

• Improve your workstation efficiency by up to 50%

• Learn how to significantly reduce your minutiae

• Create adequate and efficient paper and electronic filing systems

• Create organized space for office supplies and storage

By: Valerie J. Simpson 01/07

Improve Your Level Of Efficiency & Productivity In Less Than An Hour
Schedule your company's Lunch 'n' Learn today! You provide the Lunch; she'll provide the Learn. A 45-minute presentation geared toward helping individuals to discover ways to be more efficient in their work environments.

A questionnaire is sent out 2-6 weeks in advance of the Lunch 'n' Learn for participants to complete. The seminar is then geared directly toward the needs of the group.  

We may present for groups of any size with pricing at $15-$30 per person with a minimum of 10 people (Travel and lodging may apply). Contact us at 602-ORGANIZE or 602-organize .

What's New at A to Z Organizing Pros®
??????? New Nationwide Organizing Team Member Joined Us In October
* * Julie T.   01/07 -  Godfrey, IL (Metro Area - St. Louis, MO)
Residential organizing: Home office, Kitchen/Pantry, Bedroom, Living Room Dining Room, Closets, Attic, Basement, Garage; Moving/Relocation. Business organizing: Home-office
Professional Organizer since 2006
Affiliations: NAPO (National); NAPO St. Louis
"Well organized and helpful with making decisions as to what is worth keeping and what should be discarded. Julie took everything out of room and then totally reorganized it. She is friendly, competent, organized and likeable. Excellent job!" Roseann S. in East Alton, IL
Organizing in: Alton, IL - Edwardsville, IL - Godfrey, IL - Jerseyville, IL - St. Louis City, MO - West St. Louis County, MO - University City, MO

* * Karina B.  01/07  Laguna Beach, CA (Metro Area - Orange, CA)
Residential organizing: HANDS ON: Garages, Storage, Bedrooms, Bathrooms, Closets, Kid's Rooms, Living/Family/Great Rooms, Paper Filing Systems, Closet Organizing, Kitchen/Pantry, Home Office, Moving/Relocations, Time Mgmt.
Business organizing: HANDS ON: , Business Office, Paper Filing Systems, Home Office, Space Organizing, Storage, Ergonomics
Professional Organizer since 2001
Affiliations: NAPO Golden Circle Member
"Karina is very professional, easy to work with, confident in abilities, great attitude, self-motivated and able to work independently. She is fantastic with time management. She consolidated questions/comments and asked me all at one time not constantly. I will definitely be using in Jan again!" Kathlena M. in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Organizing in: Aliso Viejo, CA - Coto de Caza, CA - Dana Point, CA -Irvine, CA - Laguna Beach, CA - Laguna Niguel, CA - Laguna Woods, CA - Mission Viejo, CA - Newport Beach, CA - San Clemente, CA - San Juan Capistrano, CA

Our New Affiliates
01/07 Fresno, CA (Metro Area - Fresno, CA)
Residential Organizing, including but not limited to: kitchens, pantries, bedrooms, playrooms, closets, home offices, laundry rooms, and bathrooms ; Photograph and Memory
Professional Organizer since December  2005
Affiliations: NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers)
"Ann made my life a lot easier! She was efficient and so easy to work with. Not only did she organize my entire home, she gave me helpful tips to keep it up. She was kind and personable and passion for organization rubbed off on our whole family!" Jenny J. in Clovis, CA
Organizing in: Clovis, CA - Fresno, CA - Madera, CA - Sanger, CA - Selma, CA

Cost Reduction Strategies and Additional Event Listings
We recently added a new page to our web site to include some of the most sought after information for building your network of contacts. These resources can help you build your contacts for your family, business or just to get more involved in your community. Your feedback about these resources and the usefulness of this page is appreciated.
Links-SmallBusinessResources

Sponsors
A sponsor is a person or company that actively promotes or has assisted in building A to Z Organizing Pros® by giving a portion of their services to promote company growth.
      *Ellen Antill, life coach for women, Coaching for Authentic Life (602) 565-5151
      *Faith Pagdon, AZ Home Specialist, Rely On Faith!  More than just another real estate agent. Your agent in the east valley 602-790-1642
      *Caroline King, Personal & Professional Effectiveness with Strategic  (602) 242-5636
      *Phyllis Chunn, Independent Associate with Pre-paid Legal Services, Inc. Legal Empowerment for your life. (623) 695-1733
For information about contacting one of our sponsors, to become an A to Z Organizing Pros® sponsor or to advertise in our monthly “Organizing You eNews” please contact us at .. 

For information about becoming a preferred business or to advertise in our monthly “Organizing You eNews” please contact us at .. 

Joke of the month
Investment counselor

An investment counselor decided to go out on her own. She was shrewd and diligent, so business kept coming in, and pretty
soon she realized that she needed an in-house counsel. The investment banker began to interview young lawyers.

"As I'm sure you can understand," she started off with one of the first applicants, "in a business like this, our personal
integrity must be beyond question." She leaned forward. "Mr. Mayberry, are you an honest lawyer?"

"Honest?" replied the job prospect. "Let me tell you something about honest. Why, I'm so honest that my father lent me
$15,000 for my education, and I paid back every penny the minute I tried my very first case."

"Impressive. And what sort of case was that?" asked the investment counselor.

The lawyer squirmed in his seat and admitted, "He sued me for the money."

Courtesy of friends of Organizing You News, www.jokes.com and www.ahajokes.com

Workshops, seminars & training services
visit: www.AtoZOrganizingPros.com/Workshops_and_Seminars.htm
Learning to prioritize and how to use the right tools for you will allow you more freedom to do what you love and gain peace of mind.  By working effectively you can have confidence in your future profits and still have time to do what you desire and deserve.  Learn ways to effectively deal with and significantly reduce stress and minutiae.

Advertising with us
F R E E  Promotion of your business
A to Z Organizing Pros® is looking for helpful business-to-business success building information.   We would like to publish your business informational article in our monthly “Organizing You eNews”. 

Write and article - The type of article A to Z Organizing Pros® is looking for is information that is directed to and for business owners to use to improve their business operations.  Ideas for article may cover such topics as advertising, finance, health benefits, employee benefits, workplace efficiency, marketing, networking opportunity preparation, business secrets and any information that you have used in your business and believe will help another business to be successful.

Simply write an article of 300 words or less in your area of expertise.  Submit it to A to Z Organizing Pros®.  Place your article in the comments section. All articles will be reviewed for appropriate content.  Your name and company link to your web site or your name and telephone number will be displayed at the end of the article. Simply complete the online form at www.AtoZOrganizingPros.com/form_contact_ou.htm .

Your business informational article may only be accepted in email form by our staff.  Articles must be submitted by the 15th of the month to be considered for the following months publication.

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“TOOT YOUR HORN” - FREE For Clients Of A to Z Organizing Pros® To Promote Business
Current and previous A to Z Organizing Pros® clients may be featured as the “Business of the Month” send in 300 words or less.  Submit information you would care to share with the “Organizing You News” Newsletter readers.  All information submitted will be reviewed for appropriate content.  Your name and your business name and contact information will be displayed at the beginning of your article.  Simply complete the online form at www.AtoZOrganizingPros.com/form_contact_ou.htm

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Advertising in our Monthly eNewsletter and Online Marketing

The "Organizing You News" newsletter is distributed monthly to over 4,500 email subscribers and is printed quarterly and distributed to over 100 new businesses. The newsletters are all archived on the A to Z Organizing Pros® Web site for review at any time by our over 200,000 Web site visitors per year.

PLATINUM -  $400.00 Billed Annually  This package includes GOLD, SILVER and BRONZE. A $500.00 Billed Annually  value.  All advertising displayed is business card size. Your name and company link to your web site or your name and telephone number may be displayed in the ad.

GOLD - $300.00 Billed Annually  Posting in the "Organizing You News" monthly newsletter ONLY.

BRONZE - $100.00 Billed Annually  Posting of your Web site link and brief description (256 characters or less) of your business on the "Link-Exchange" page. PLEASE NOTE* Your link may be placed on this page FREE as an EXCHANGE when our link is on your Web site.

Our "Link Exchange" page has links from business we believe would benefit our clients.

Simply complete our "Contact Us" form.  In the comments section let us know the advertising plan of your choice. Once we receive your request we will contact you by email to confirm your information and have you send your logo as a GIF. We will then invoice you and publish your information once payment has been received. You may contact our advertising department at . today for more information.