Unfortunately, the amount of paper and information generated will not vanish, but continue to increase. According to Forbes ASAP, "paper, which flows like white water from office printer, copier and fax machines, will surge 6% annually through the rest of this decade." One printer manufacturer in the South Bay currently ships one million laser and ink-jet printers per month.

"Paper is a security blanket" according to one Fortune 500 executive. Surveys indicate that information is not personal until it is put on paper.

Some 1990s futurists are convinced that the shift from paper will eventually happen. Until then, what can rescue offices knee-deep in paper? How can you clear away the clutter to make your business more efficient, more effective and more profitable?

Invest in getting organized. Put your priorities in order so that you can accomplish the most important tasks.

Get organized by setting up systems and procedures. Take a bit time to get your desk and priorities in order. With an orderly desk and an uncluttered mind, you will enter 1996 with refreshed energy and purpose. Try the following tips during this month.

Desk Clean Up Tips:

1. Get Ready

• Hold all interruptions
• Put a large Trash Can beside your desk
• Time yourself. Spend only 1 hour per day decluttering your desk

2. The Rules

• Identify and sort each item into a category or project, whichever is applicable
• Don't handle each task now; simply identify and prioritize.

3. Take Decisive Action

• Toss It
• Call/Follow Up on It
• Delegate It
• Store It elsewhere
• Archive It
• File It - Your goal is to retrieve this information easily

4. Set The Priority

• Is it a #1, #2, or #3?
• Tackle a #1 first!

5. Know Your Limits

• Hire a Professional Organizer to help you streamline paper and information, and set up systems and procedures to create and maintain order.
• Your tasks identified and prioritized allows you to be productive the minute you hit the office door. Don't Agonize... Organize, today!