JANUARY 2012 -- the "GET ORGANIZED" MONTH...

K-Kan Help -- with a few TIPS:
1) update your Christmas card list (remove those that could not be delivered)
2) take inventory of your office supplies and note the items needed transition to the New Year.  (i.e Manila folders, hanging file folders, labels, banker's boxes, note pads)
3) Create your organizational system for 2012.  The supplies you need BEFORE you start taking things off your desk:  
    File Cabinet with 2012 colored files or a Layered 'InBox' or a File Rack or even a Basket for current projects, assignments, "to dos".   
4) Clean your office / start with your desk -- Establish a work flow.  A work --- FLOW--- versus work Piles.  Flow Example:  In Box, In Progress, In Review (or rework), In Filing cabinet.  Create a filing cabinet that works for YOU, alphabetical, numerical, color-coded.  Label every file and place it in proper order.
5) Should you be reviewing last year's files while you are setting up THIS YEARS files ---PURGE -- purge files, purge things (old pens that no longer write, outdated documents, old magazines, misc items in your desk drawer)
6) Finalize open items from last year.  Enter business cards, receipts, other documents that still need to be processed.  
7)  Tools -- keep your most important tools, files, references within easy reach.
8)  Review your electronic needs, move office equipment off your desk, cables that trip you up.
9)  Organize your PC: create a filing system, delete old files, back up files, and organize your emails.
10)  Find the Time and Enthusiasum -- If you can't --- K-Kan -- 
                                                       Call 512-431-8069 or email kay@kay-kan.com







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Last years' Resources:
1)       Office supplies needed to create your 2011 files, while gathering 2010 documents.

• Your filing cabinet can be anything from four drawer legal sized cabinet that is a nice piece of furniture to a shoe box.  (if you go the shoe box route, label with a black marker, each box of receipts and/or documents).
• NEW files will require: folder, labels or label maker (have a pen or pencil handy)

2)      2010 Documents need to be sorted:

• 1099s and W2s
• Adoption Papers or Birth Records for any Children
• Charity Contributions
• Child Care
• Dining out (business related)
• Dividend Statements
• Educational Expenses
• Home office expenses
• Interest Statements
• Medical Expenses
• Moving Expenses
• Outstanding Invoices
• Paid Invoices
• Pay Stubs
• Professional Services
• Real Estate - Buying or Selling a home, Interest from mortgage, tax assessments
• Student Loans
• Tax Returns and Related information by year
• Transportation (To meet clients, travel for business, etc)

3)       Remember your deductions:  

• Items you purchased to set up your office, including 
• Computer Equipment
• Specific tools, software, equipment that you use for in your business
• Vehicle purchase or larger type of equipment can be deducted or capitalized (you need to check with your CPA on these items)

 If you are wondering how you are going to get all that done and concentrate, be productive, in your business, I’ll suggest three things:

1)       Dedicate 45 undisrupted minutes a day to compiling tax records and creating new 2011 files.

2)      Pretend you are going on vacation tomorrow!  Zig Ziglar stated “As a general rule, we get about twice as much work done on the day before we go on vacation as we normally get done”.               Think about it -- don’t we!!  

3)      Your Special Project Assistants at Kay-Kan are here to help. 

NEW ARTICLE:  Home Workspace Information: 
    Every business that is operated or managed from home will require some sort of workspace/office. Workspace requirements will vary depending on the business you choose to operate.  Here are a few items to consider before establishing that home office. 

1)  Determine your needs so that you can create the right home workspace for you, your business and your style.  
2)  Select your workspace (ideally choose a separate room or dedicated workspace).  A space where you can minimize distractions and with an independent entry should you have clients. 
3) Plan your workspace. Make a scale drawing of your area and determine the size and locations of your desk, filing cabinets, equipment and other items needed according to doors, windows, electrical/cable/phone outlets and lighting. 
4) Renovation -- do it yourself or call someone and make certain you receive three quotes, have a design plan and stick to it, get a contract in writing that specifies the scope of work. 
5)  Equipment = consider your furniture, technology and equipment needs.  Although not "equipment" purchase a safe to protect valuable items/documents.
6)  Secure and Safe Ideas:  neighborhood watch, security alarms, entrance doors locked , outdoor motion detectors, Indoor lighting timers, go high tech.  
7)  Build a Positive Imagine through your branding.  Be consistent with your logo and your message. 

I hope this was helpful.  I will be adding to the 'Resource' page as times goes by.  Should you have any suggestions / questions, please let me know!! 

Thanks = kay@kay-kan.com