How Organized Are You?

A Bit of Discipline Goes a Long Way

Do you ever find you feel rushed or overwhelmed with all your responsibilities? Do you run out of products and rush to order at the last minute? Here are 6 ideas to help you get ahead and stay organized.

• Weekly Inventory – Take an inventory of your store regularly. That way you are always on top of what you have in stock. If an employee uses the last of something, have a sheet ready for them to document what they used so you have a handy list of what you need to order.
• Consistent Orders – Order at the same time every week or month so don’t forget – that way you won’t get caught without an important item. Set reminders in your smart phone to help you stay on top of things.
• Bulk Orders – If you order something, try to order a little more at a time so that you get any available discounts. Remember, FroCup.com offers the Baker’s Dozen Special which is “Buy 12 Cases and Get a 13^th Case Free”. By keeping track of how much you are using, forecasting and reordering becomes more simplified. If you are running out of one item faster than others, order one extra of it next time. This way you can continue to order in bulk without needing one item sent to you in the middle of your ordering cycle. This might help your peace of mind and your pocketbook.
• Organized Workspace – Keep your work area and storeroom clean and organized so that everything is easy to find and count. Set up simple organizing systems that think like you do, and then create a habit of using those systems consistently. Use labels to remind you and your staff where items belong.
• Training – When training a new employee, train each the same way every time. Have a checklist to go over so that the consistency flows throughout the whole company. There is also a training certification available to your staff on nancis.com.
• Procedures – Eliminate confusion by having each procedure in your shop outlined and clearly posted in the correct places, including opening and closing procedures, and ongoing maintenance procedures.

Being organized is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. It takes daily discipline to maintain the order you created. Encourage everyone in your group to continue the cause and you will find everything will go more smoothly. The feelings of unity and teamwork will increase and those feelings of being overwhelmed with all your responsibilities will turn to feelings of confidence and peace. Relax – you got this!