Ian's Messy Desk

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Use Lists to Manage Your Life

Ian's Messy Desk

For example, she uses SplashShopper to track all our shopping lists. Here is a quick outline of some of the lists you can keep: Reference. The post Use Lists to Manage Your Life appeared first on Ian's Messy Desk. My wife is the queen of lists. Address Book. Anniversary. Personal information. Account information. Bills to pay.

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How to Set Up Your Personal File System

Ian's Messy Desk

Reference Information - a resource for different things you are involved with. Keep separate folders by topic and refer to them when you need statistics, examples, quotations, etc. Self-Development- folders related to training: books, articles, etc. Ideas - items you wish to investigate further to improve your operation.

Filing 100
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How to Write a Speech to Inform

Ian's Messy Desk

For example, “I am going to explain how to take apart a carburetor,” or “In this speech I’ll explain how to claim your pet as a tax deduction” could be good theses. Your ending should refer back to the introduction to make the presentation cohesive. Make sure the audience understands – This refers back to point five above.

Learning 100
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How to keep your business plan fresh

Ian's Messy Desk

Elements of a business plan change in as little as a year—for example, sales targets, competitors and cash flow. But it can only do this if you keep it up to date and refer to it regularly. When was the last time you referred to your business plan? Here are some common business-planning pitfalls. Filing It Away.

Filing 100
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Memory Makeover: Tips to Spruce Up an Absent Mind

Ian's Messy Desk

The encoding stage refers to the process of putting information into memory. The storage stage refers to retention or maintaining information in memory. The retrieval stage refers to recovering information from memory. Get hooked on mnemonics. Mnemonic devices boost memory through associations.

UPS 100
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How to Think Inside the Box

Ian's Messy Desk

Genuinely creative people do not refer to “outside the box thinking&#. Capture ideas on the go for future reference. For example, instead of writing your notes, draw them. I cringe whenever I hear people say they “think outside the box&#. Take notes as you work through projects; see what works and doesn’t.

Clothes 100
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How to Improve Your Problem Solving Skills

Ian's Messy Desk

The term “problem&# simply refers to a difference between the current situation and a desired future outcome. Ask “Why?&# - Get to the root of your problem by mimicking a four-year-old child: repeatedly ask “why?&# For example: Filing expense reports is a problem. The flip side to that question is, “ Why not?

Skills 100