Take Back Your Time: Contest Winner Revealed!

Time management is no easy task, but it's something we all have to learn eventually. Thankfully, our members are more than willing to share their personal tips and tools for managing time. We may all gain a thing or two by reviewing the various entries here. A huge thank you goes out to everyone who participated.

We're excited to announce that our winner is Ms. Michael McGuire (OA username: mrsmichael) of Atlanta, GA. Michael will be receiving a $50 gift certificate to Ici Paris Day Spa and Salon so she can spend a little time on herself.

Here's what Michael had to say:

"I use clear, color plastic ‘report folders' that are open on two sides (top and right) for every ‘project' I work on. (Basically, everything I do is a project.) I keep everything related to that ‘project' in the folder until it is completed. I clear my desk every night before I leave the office and lock up my files (CEO assistant, people are curious). These folders fit perfectly in my drawer. I take out the ones I need to work on (easy to see at a glance because folders are clear) each day and place them on the left side of my desk. When my boss asks for information related to the project, I can get it very quickly. I memorize the color each project is in. (When I'm not crazy busy, I color code them - green for finance-related - expense report; red for do it today.)

If a project requires info or work from someone else, the entire folder goes to that person. The bright color keeps it top of mind in their stack of things to do. This process works great for letters, articles or marketing info because I can keep each draft in the folder for reference.

When the project is complete, the folder of info goes into a regular folder in my files or gets tossed.

This process saves everyone time!"

Be sure that you review all of the great tips our readers have for managing time by clicking here. And remember, our next contest announcement will be posted tomorrow so stay tuned!