I have to take a minute to tell you about one of my favorite organizing tools that crosses both my business and my home life. It is called SendOutCards. Before I found this system, sending out cards used to take me DAYS -- hey, I have a large list of people I send to! Now, It takes less than a half hour to send all of them.
I can honestly say that this system has made me a better person. Sound weird? It sounds weird to me too. Keep reading to see my company card (I'm proud of it) and learn about a special deal I have for the readers of my blog!
You may not know this, but Calahan Solutions, Inc. is a virtual company. Besides my immediate family, everyone else works from different locations. Let's see, there is Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and Florida in 2007. Going into 2008 it is going to expand too! So, as you can imagine, getting a group photo is not really all that possible, but it is something that I really wanted. My clients like to be able to see who they are working with even if it is in the virtual world!
Have a virtual company, then make a virtual group picture! This is the second year that I have done this and I really enjoy it. (Call me silly, but I do) I took the individual pictures of everyone and pulled them all together into one big happy "family" shot.
I then pulled the picture into the SendOutCards system, typed my message, chose who I wanted to get the card and hit send. My job of card sending is now over! To make it even better, I checked into what it would cost to have these cards custom printed (wihtout all of the great service) and each card would have cost $4 each! Then I really was excited, because each of my cards was under $1.00!
Here is where the really awesome part comes in. They print it (in my handwriting), stuff it, seal it, address it, stamp it and send it on the date I indicated. All of those mundane things that used to take me SO much time are now a thing of the past!
Oh, earlier I mentioned that the system has made me a better person. Because the service is SO easy to use, I use it often. You see, I came across this system because I was embarrassed. I had loads of cards and note cards in my home and office and never sent them! I always procrastinated. Or, I would fill out the card and it would not make it to the mail box for some weird reason or another. Those are not good features for a Productivity Coach and Professional Organizer to have! I had to find a solution.
My buddie Debi Jones of www.WhyWeWalk.com told me about this service. I tried it once and was hooked. Now I send thank you cards at every prompting (I have even sent thank you notes to people that have given me great service while dining out - and their manager!) I send notes for special occasions and for networking. You name it. If I take a funny picture of my son and one of his friends, I upload it and send a card to the friend's family (they are great framed in a 5 x 7 frame too - recycling!)
So, here is what I'm doing for all of my blog readers -- regardless of when you read this -- go to www.OrganizeMyCards.com and click the button at the top to sign up for a free gift account. Your information will not go anywhere (I PROMISE) Then, send a few cards on me! Think of someone that has had a positive impact on your life (like the card I sent to my high-school communications teacher) and let them know how they have helped in your life. Or, send a card to someone you want to get to know. :-)
Then, let me know what you think. Are you a SOC lover? Share how you use the system!
As the company says,
We're Changing the World, One Card At a Time!
To your success
PS I'm sure that I'll write more in the future, because there are a lot of great organizing features in this one tool.
