One of the things that a network marketer learns pretty quickly is the number tasks that are involved in running a business.  These tasks range from just keeping track of people to keeping track of business expenses.  Most networkers, at least in the beginning, do not have the funds for a personal assistant to keep them organized.  And maybe you don't have a spouse to do it for you (or you have a spouse, but they won't do it for you or are too busy themselves).  So, how do you keep it together?  There are lot of books out there about time management and I am not going to go into that much depth, but I think there are some things you can do right from the start that will keep you organized and keep you out of trouble with the IRS.

First, take a little time and set up a space for your home office.  I don't mean you have to have rotating file cabinets and color-coded files, but you do need a space.  The kitchen table might be great to spread out, but sooner or later you are going to have to eat there and all your stuff will end up in a jumbled mess.  Find a corner in your bedroom, the garage, the basement, whatever works and make that your space.  At a minimum you probably need a phone and access to a computer.

Second, office hours.  This may seem silly.  You are working at home you can work whenever, right?  WRONG!  You will drive everyone and yourself crazy if you don't establish regular business hours.  Be serious about those hours.  If you were at work and someone needed a ride somewhere would you stop what you are doing and take them?  Probably not.  The same should hold true for your office hours at home.  Make sure everyone in your family knows your schedule.  On the other side, work during those hours.  Don't take that time to rearrange your desk, play on the computer, etc.  Remember, you are taking time away from other thing to work this business.

Third, tracking expenses.  I don't think anything can more out of hand more quickly than keeping track of expenses.   Probably the most important thing here is to get a separate checking account and/or credit card for your business and use that card and that card only for all your business expenses.  Receipts are another thing.  As soon as you can afford it, use a bookkeeper.  It will save you a lot of time and trouble.  They can not only keep track of your receipts, but they can also help you with filing the correct tax forms.  I also saw a really neat thing at Office Depot the other day which was a very small device that can scan in your receipts.  It weighed less than a pound was about the size of a three hole paper punch. As an added bonus, it also scanned in business cards!  Somes technology is worth investing in if it is not too expense and can save you loads of time.  I'm thinking of getting one for Robin (since his receipts come back after he has had them wadded up in the bottom of his pants).

These are just a few simple tips.  Maybe you have already thought of them.  Even if you have been in business for a long time, it never hurts to start getting organized (although it is definitely much harder after you already have a big mess to deal with!).  Doing small things will also help you focus on the important stuff--working your business!

Thanks for reading!