Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Simple and Quick Marketing Tips that You Can Start Today

When it comes to organizing their businesses, many never get started because they do not know where to begin. Or they say that they just don't have the time. So in this series of articles, I will be eliminating both excuses from your current mindset. In each article, I will be providing you with two (2) tips for organizing and marketing your business – two weeks out of the month that are already planned for you. All you have to do is take action and do them. So lets get started.

WEEK 1
Marketing Campaign

Marketing, including word of mouth campaigns, will be the lifeline of your business. You should always have at least one campaign in progress even if you feel you have enough work to do. So I suggest you try one of the following ideas. They are easy, quick to do, and wont take much of your time.

1. Choose a local newspaper to post an ad for your business or event. Many small journals offer free advertising in both their printed and online versions. Examples in the Cincinnati Tri-County area:

2. Go to one networking event. Walk up to 5 people and ask them how they heard about the event and what they do. Ask for their business card, pause, and then say “how about I give you mine too”. At this point walk away unless they want to hire you right then and there. :) Check the above sites for networking events in Cincinnati.

WEEK 2

Join a social network.

Join a social network and actually FILL out your profile completely and add a professional-style picture as well. I'd suggest: www.facebook.com and www.linkedin.com. But if you are a musician, artist, or a creative business, www.myspace.com might be just right for you. Make sure to update your status and profile regularly. Users of social networks are always checking the status of their friends and will be immediately notified of any changes you make. A great marketing strategy! The day I changed my Facebook profile to show my new website address, I received a surge in hits without handing out one new business card. (And yes you can join all three networks!)

If you have a quick and easy marketing strategy that can be implemented in one week, please share them. I will give you all due credit and it will be a great service to others. Email your suggestions to yvonne@CoSolutionsLLC.com.


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Finding Your Passion with a Target Market

I was going to name this article “The Fear of Success” but I felt that was giving the word fear way to much power. Instead, I came up with a quick anagram for the word that is much more appropriate for my life.

Fear is a:

F = Fundamental
E = Exercise that makes me both
A = Aware and
R = Realistic

Based upon this phrase, each article I will be discussing one element of small business ownership that causes people to lose their initiative. I am going to try and demystify these weaknesses so that success can take hold of you from within.

This article is about doing what you love. I've found that when people describe their business to me they always end their sentence with “but I wish I was doing something else too”. Surprisingly, 75% of the time that “wish” is actually a business idea that is quite close to what they are already doing. If this is true, why haven't they just done it? The problem in my opinion is the fear of opening their true self to the world. Sometimes its safer to say “I'm a party planner” than to say “I'm an event planner who specializes in organizing charity events for women who have been abused”.

Why is this? It's because there is this assumption that if you get specific with people it will infer something about your personal life. The planner in this example probably feels people will quickly assume that she was abused. This may or may not be true, but the assumption that people may view her as a victim is enough to keep her from fulfilling her passion.

This is where I feel its important to remind you that not everyone is going to understand or relate to your passion from a business stand point. Which means these individuals are not part of your target market to begin with. However, for people who have the same passion or have gone through the same experiences as you, your message will resonate loud and clear. And honestly, aren't these the type of people you want as clients. In other words, don't be afraid to match your passion with your business. If you embrace who you are, you will actually see your business pick up because you are now using your time to only focus on good leads.

To learn more about how to follow your passion while maintaining a profitable business, check out my new eBook now available on my sister website: www.FindingYourWayPlan.com

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Small Business is Not a Popularity Contest


Running a business has to be one of most invigorating things you can do in life. You are constantly learning, moving, networking and as a friend of mine likes to say "influencing people". However, it is hard work. And trust that when I say hard, I mean it will be the most difficult job you will ever hold.

However, many business owners get caught up in this initial rush. They fall in love with handing out business cards with the title CEO in bold black letters. They spend so much time "networking" that they never actually do business. Or the business turns into just an excuse for socializing. Anyone can throw a party or go to a networking meeting. But do these events contribute to your bottomline which is long-term profitability.

Popularity Contests:

The most well-known popularity contest of all time occurs in, yes, High School. So below I have profiled four business types in accordance to the popularity index of 12th grade.
  1. Cheerleader - You are involved in every social group known to man. Your calendar has you attending luncheons, charities, political rallies, art openings, dance clubs, and mentoring programs. You are probably even the President of at least three of the groups you join. Your picture or name is in every entertainment newspaper in your city.

  2. The Jock - If the networking event has anything to do with sports, you are there. You boast that the most important transactions take place on the golfing course, but have yet to prove the theory. You are always looking for a way to get front row tickets to the best football and basketball games. You have been known to pass these tickets to potential clients in the belief that it will make them loyal customers.

  3. The Geek - Computers and the Internet are your life. You are a regular in chatrooms, on message boards, and within the comment section of most blogs and news articles. Your "Username" is recognized everywhere (and sometimes even respected) but nobody knows your real name or real job. You have an opinion about everything and will voice it all over cyberspace if you think its important enough.

  4. The Unknown - A.K.A. a wallflower or online, a "lurker". You show up at events but you really dont participate. You distrust smiling networkers who are always working the room; they cant really be that happy about being here. You read the newspaper and even read blogs religiously, but don't ever write the editor or leave a comment. Whats the point?
So which high school student represents you?

I have to admit I'm a combination. I have been known to be a cheerleader but recently I just dont have the time. I also could fit quite snuggly in the geek category. I know when I first caught the entrepreneur spirit, I thought I could do business and network completely online. Looking back, I didnt get much done.

Now, realize I wrote the four profiles with tongue in cheek. I am not ragging on any personality type. What I'm trying to do is open your mind to how you can easily become unfocused while doing business.

Take the cheerleader for example. Heck, I admit I'm jealous of these folks; if only I had their connections. They are masters of networking. However, for these business types there is a point where too much socializing can unfocus your vision. If the events you are attending have nothing to do with your business and better yet, dont attract your target market, you may not be prioritizing your time.

For you jocks, not every deal is made at hole 18. In fact, unless you are at a sporting event with THE decision maker, nothing probably will. Yes, games are a great way to mingle and get customers to relax. But unless you FOLLOW-UP on the relationship fostered socializing, you've wasted your valuable time. So the next time you invite John to a Bengals game, make sure to call him afterwards to schedule a meeting to talk business.

I "heart" geeks (being an undercover one myself). But for those who jumped on the digital train head first, remember that there is only so much business you can do online. At some point, people want to deal with a human being. Don't allow online networks to deplete you of all your social skills. Set time to attend local networking events or call your clients to see how they are doing. You will be surprised by how much more attention you will get when people realize that you are both smart AND socialable.

For the unknowns, there is not much to say. It's like this. You will only get customers once they know you exist. If you don't speak to people at events (if you attend), professionally network, or become an expert in your field, the odds of people hearing about your business is nill. You don't have to become a "cheerleader", but you still need to GET INVOLVED!

The point is that networking needs to be focused and planned. This balance between networking and business can be met if you apply the following principles to your social agenda.
  1. GET OUT from behind your computer screen. You may be ignoring a huge market segment that may not be found on the Internet.
  2. CHOOSE the events or groups you want to join strategically. Make sure they are related to your industry or at least gets you near your target market.
  3. FOLLOW-UP. If the event is more social than business make sure to follow-up with the people you meet afterwards. Do not expect them to become loyal customers just because you rubbed shoulders on the green.
Hopefully these tips will help grow your business while still making room for fun. In fact if you have any suggestions for creative networking, please share them in the comment section.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

The Personality of Your Business


I'm currently reading "Book Yourself Solid" by Michael Port. Its tagline is and I quote:
"The Fastest , Easiest, and Most Reliable System for Getting More Clients Than You Can Handle Even if You Hate Marketing & Selling"
WOW.

Obviously, I was a bit reluctant to believe his claims. But as I near page 65, I'm beginning to think he may know something about small business after all. My biggest pet peeve with business books are that they are usually full of concepts and ideas only, but include no system for figuring how to implement the ideas in your life. This author, however, took the time to actually develop a system and even a workbook to help you brainstorm based upon YOUR own business and personality.

For instance for those unsure about their niche and personal brand, he suggested surveying your current friends, family, and clients to answer questions about you. Scary, right? But at 7:30 in the morning I took the leap and sent the following email to people who know me pretty well (sometimes too well).
Everyone knows I'm on a journey to find my niche in the world.

I'm currently building my personal brand and need your unbiased/biased assessment. Please answer the next few questions and BE HONEST.
Don't worry if it your answer sounds like something I may not want to know about myself. Most likely your first thought is the best one.

Thanks in advance. As you can see I'm emailing all of you at 7:30 in the morning, so I must really need some help. LOL.

1. What are my top 5 personality traits or quirks.

2. Describe fun or unique experience(s) you've had hanging with me.
3. If you've known me since childhood, what have I always been good at since I was a kid?
4. What do I talk the most about when I'm with you?

Again be honest, even if its silly or strange. Hugs to everyone.


Yvonne

It's now 9:20, about two hours later. I've received one response from my friend Jio in Israel (he is the only one awake on a Sunday right now).

These were his responses:
1. Five traits: captivating, caring, funny, elegent, smart
3. How I've always been:
Ever since i've known you, you've been good at taking charge of your life when your down.
5. What do I like to talk about: EVERYTHING.

Awwwww. Man I needed that email. But actually he isn't far from the truth. As I receive more responses I'm going to start thinking more about how my personality should influence my business and will keep you informed of my progress.

As for you...try this exercise yourself. As the author says, "Not only will you start to see some of the same truths about who you are, but you'll get back the most touching and warm emails - I promise."


Saturday, June 28, 2008

Global Economy: Did You Know Shift Happens

If you are a business owner than you understand that we are part of a global economy. And as this video highlights "Shift Happens". I would recommend everyone to watch this video in its entirety. I'm CONFIDENT that it will make you reflect on where you and your business fit in this "new world". Remember, this presentation was done in 2006.



Did You Know: Shift Happens


If you feel even a bit unsettled than GOOD :) Sometimes we have to feel a wee uncomfortable to realize that change may not be so bad. And because I don't want to be known as being pessimistic, I've attached the 2008 version of this presentation. Ironically, it is actually more optimistic in its view of the future. Still, I'd recommend that after viewing both videos you may want to reflect on how you can prepare and organize your business for change. Good change of course!


Did You Know 2.0


Here are my favorite screen shots:



So what did you think? Email me or comment below. I'd love to know your thoughts!!


Monday, June 23, 2008

Getting Down & Dirty: What's a Filing Cabinet?


As an Organizational Nut, let me tell you how upset this picture made me. Yes, you are seeing correctly. Those are paperbags being used as filing cabinets.

LOL.

Now that I've let that giggle out. I have to tell you all: This is just unacceptable if you are running a business. And I'm going to have to fine the next person I see using this organizational strategy.

I know filing has the reputation for being the most boring task ever. I remember at one particular job, we'd wait to file until the stack was so high we could no longer see our desks OR floor. Then we'd spend a whole afternoon in the "cave" filing away folders we had a 1 in 10,000 chance of pulling out again. And yes "we", as in we filed using the buddy system.

However, I've thankfully changed over the years and although filing still is not entertaining, I now don't mind it as much. Yet, the last few weeks have been a flurry of activity and I found myself with a stack of papers scattered about my office. So with the help of my kitten, Tuxedo, some labels, hanging folders, plastic tabs, and a pen I got down to work.

People always think to be organized you need an elaborate filing system and a printer that types really really small. You don't. This is what I did.

1. I sorted my files by topic and wrote down a list of all the different types of files I have. (Example: Business Planing, Invoices, Medical Bills, Receipts, School, and etc.)

2. I then sorted them into two piles. Pile A: Business files & Pile B: Personal Files.
(Business files will now go in the top filing cabinet and personal files at the bottom.)

3. Next, I wrote by HAND the filing topic on each label. I inserted the label into the plastic tabs in put them in alphabetical order.

4. Finally, I attached tabs to hanging folders in the now alphabetized order and hung the folders one by one in the correct drawer.
THE END.

Okay, now for all of you who haven't filed in years. This may appear to be a ten year job. So what I suggest until you can find the time or help to organize backlogs of folders. Start with the documents on your desk right now. Or file only the documents that you have received in the last three months. Starting small will get you used to the idea and get you used to filing every day.

Trust me it helps. Today as I was running out my house for a meeting I remembered I needed to bring samples of my work. All I had to do was open up the drawer and look in "Client Samples" to pull out what I needed. It was that easy!

***Notice that I did not make tabs for files I don't have yet. If you don't like to file in the first place, why do you need empty folders in your cabinet to remind you? In other words, only make new folders as the need arises. ***

If you have any additional suggestion for filing please share them with us in the comment box!!!

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Inc. Mag: Growing vs. Growing Up

** Reposted, my link to this on facebook went bad. Errrr. **

I love to read and keep up on the latest business trends. So while I was perusing Inc. Magazines website, I came across this fabulous article that perfectly described how I've been thinking for years. It was as if the writer had taken the words right out of my mouth.

Growing vs. Growing Up by Donna Fenn

In the article Ms. Fenn talks about the importance of having internal structure. She brought up the fact that if there is no organization or procedures for operating your business, you are actually limiting your ability to go to the next level.

She was able to convey these thought much more clever than myself. So, let me quote her instead.
"Over the past 20+ years, I’ve visited plenty of
$5-$10 million companies (and some that are much bigger) that seem operationally stuck in the start-up phase. Why? Because growing revenue is really, really fun; creating systems and procedures really, really isn’t. The result: cash flow suffers; customers are poorly served; employees have no idea what’s expected of them; vendors lose faith."
The writer also mentions the experiences of Josh Kowitt and Scott Neuberger, the co-founders of Boston-based College Boxes. Josh had this to say about a period of time when things weren't going very well.
"I was digging through boxes all day. I lost 15 pounds. We had grown very quickly and we didn’t keep up on the operational side. I think we kind of lost our way and we didn’t deliver on our promise. We had moved into a fancy office in downtown Boston and I think that was the beginning of the end. Instead of spending money on rent, we should have spent it on bar code tracking.”
I think this is why I'm such an organizational nut. I've worked for some successful businesses that, despite huge revenues, had their projects turn south or become harder to complete due to their lack of administrative procedures and document control.

Donna is right, it is fun to go out there and get business. But what happens when you get the business but you can't give your client what you promised?

Organization may not appear to be as exciting as that kick-off meeting, but its importance should not be ignored. In fact, at times it may need to be elevated.

Tell me, have you ever had any moments where you've looked back and gone "if only I had..."? Feel free to share it in the comment section. Trust me when I say, we all have.

And just for laughs:

Friday, June 13, 2008

Entrepreneurs: Help! Where do I go??

If you are like myself and most entrepreneurs you have probably realized that starting your own business is HARD WORK even when you are doing what you love. It takes passion, dedication and most off all reliable resources to really make it work. But where are these resources, organizations, and people that are suppose to help us?

Well, I've found more than a few places to go for help and networking opportunities. You see last week, I made it one of my top priorities to research all the different small business organizations, chambers of commerce, and business development centers in Cincinnati, Ohio. I made sure to call each one and see what low-cost (if not free) services they provided.

Tuesday, I met with Brenda Collins at Hamilton County Business Center (HCBC). Our meeting was wonderful. Brenda's kind and open manner instantly put me at ease. After telling her about my business, Officient, she immediately was able to give me a wide range of ideas and suggestions for networking my business. Although she normally only works with entrepreneurs in the technology, science, and manufacturing industries, she still took the time to provide me with a list of resources and contacts here in Cincinnati.

I was impressed with how helpful Brenda was. As new business owners, we can easily get lost in our own bubble and forget that there are people out there to help us. We do not have to do everything alone. Sometimes all you have to do is search and ask and doors you never knew existed will be open to you. I would definitely recommend any entrepreneur working in the technology sector to check out HCBC and see how they can help prepare your company for growth.

In my networking research, I've also come across other resources and organizations as listed below. As I check them out, I will continue to post comments about how they worked with me. Most of the links are for the Cincinnati Tri-State, however, check your local area for similar agencies and centers.
Now its your turn. What organizations and networking groups have worked for you?

Sunday, June 8, 2008

The Organizer Had to Organize Herself...

As I've mentioned before, this blog is also about my own process as I organize and launch my consultancy business. So, the organizational queen had to do a bit of re-branding herself because I want to bring my readers and my clients the best possible advice.

I've recently partnered with a SCORE consultant to help in this process. If you don't already know, SCORE is a non-profit group that matches retired executives with small business owners. In other words, I now have my own personal business coach at no cost to myself.

I'm a firm believer in using all the resources available to me. Even I need help and can use the assistance of a non-biased mentor to help me through the rough times and mental burps. So, I had my first meeting with a knowledgeable and sweet woman named Sally last week.

She was able to give me quite a bit of advice in just that first meeting on how to better market my business and showcase my talents. She put much emphasis on creating ultra-professional business brochures and business cards and recommended that I use photographs of myself through out my company literature and website. I took her advice and made an appointment to have professional pictures taken last Friday. Salim at NyteVisions Photography is not only a friend but a wonderful photographer.

My New Business Photos: What do u think?

My next meeting with Sally is Thursday. My goal is to have my business cards, brochures, and website all finished by then so I can relaunch my business and begin marketing myself more aggressively.

I will keep you all informed of my experiences working with SCORE and how much success I gain with my new brand. If you have any advice or stories about your own experiences with mentors and/or branding your business, please leave a comment!

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Part 2: To-do-Lists...The Only TWO Lists You Need!

In Part One of this article I talked about the mentality of business people when it comes to making to do lists. They either have no list, a started but never finished list, or too many lists all together.

**If you have not read the post yet, please read about the pitfalls of each personality here: Part One

THE ONLY TWO LISTS YOU'LL EVER NEED

1. WEEKLY TO-DO-LIST - This list includes all the things you know you need to do THIS WEEK. However do not list 100 tasks. Be realistic, there are just so many things you can do in seven days. I prefer 12 tasks listed in ANY order.

Note:
This is not the time to get detailed or you will get overwhelmed. Just list overall descriptions of each, because honestly you already know what each task requires. This list is just to keep you focused and jog your memory if you forgot. Remember, organization is about being efficient. And writing detailed instructions on everything you to do BEFORE the week even starts is just counterproductive, if not self-sabotaging.

Sample Weekly To-Do-List (Highlighted tasks are complete)
2. TODAY'S PRIORITY LIST - Once your Weekly to-do-list is established sit down before you begin work for the day and choose THREE tasks. Trust me unless you are only do very small things, three tasks is more than enough to keep you going in a day.

Tip 1
If you do have some small tasks without time constraints, spread and complete them throughout the week. I personally like to do this, because there are times when you finish a big task only to have another hour or two of productivity left that day. Why start another large-scale project just to stop soon after getting warmed up? Taking care of one or two "small" tasks will fill up that time. This will allow you to keep your momentum and make you feel good too.
Tip 2
This is the point where you can now get detailed. Each of your THREE tasks can be broken up in smaller tasks if wish to do so.

An example of such would be:

If after making a more detailed list you see that your task will take longer than you imagined, feel free to delete one of the three major tasks. Remember, these lists are to help you get work done. Use them to make good use of your time and make realistic goals. If you don't have time to do 3 major tasks, realize you cant buy any more hours in the day. So why be frustrated trying to do more than you know is physically possible? You will waste more time worrying than actually completing work.

Now if you start to see that you HAVE to get multiple tasks done each day or tragedy will strike. This may be a sign that you need assistance. Look into getting an intern, assistant, or partnering with another service provider. This could be a good thing!
Woooh...Two whole postings about To-Do-Lists! Hopefully, this was useful information. Remember organization is not suppose to "hurt". It should be a tool to help you succeed in business and feel CONFIDENT about your business choices.

As always, I want to hear from you. I want to know how you use to-do-lists in your personal life. And of course, if you have more useful tips for my readers and I, please share them in the comment section.

Back to: Part One: To-Do-Lists...Oh the Horror!!!

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Part 1: To Do Lists...Oh the Horror!!!

If you are like most people I meet, you fit into one of three categories:

1. I keep lists...IN MY HEAD.

2. I START lists...but never actually follow them.

3. I love lists...I have lists for EVERYTHING!

Now be honest. Which one are you?

To-Do-Lists
are one of those things that either scare people or are embraced with utter abandon. Some people are totally against lists and believe that it keeps them from being productive. Others feel if you don't list everything under the sun you will forget something and YES the world would end. And of course, there are those who start to do lists but don't actually plan to follow them.

If you find that you fit any of these labels, this posting is for you.

First lets talk about why neither label is the best strategy:

1. Mental Only Lists: As smart as I know you are, even the most industrious people forget things. And when you are running your own business, you have to have your eye and pulse on everything. You may not have an assistant working behind to scenes to take up the slack. And although one forgotten task may not bring doom, a culmination of multiple unfinished tasks can lead to major problems, even failure.

2. Starting and Stopping: It's great that you make these lists, but its just counterproductive to NOT follow through on them. I know that there are times when other priorities surface and you have to re-shuffle your day and tasks. But there has to be some BASIC priorities set down so you don't feel as if with every step you take forward you are taking one step back.

3. Lists for everything: I'm happy that you understand the importance of to-do-lists, HOWEVER, there is a point when too much is too much. If you are creating lists for everything yet the same tasks keep popping up over and over again, you may just be going through the motions without doing the work. The lists may even be a security blanket that makes you feel industrious, when in fact you are procrastinating.

Did I just burst your organizational ego? Sorry, but it had to be done. However, I'm not going to keep you hanging. Instead, I'm going to get down to business and help you expand or condense your to-do-list so that they are not chores but effective uses of your time and get RESULTS.

Read my next post "Part 2: To Do Lists: The Only 2 Lists You Need" for more.

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Friday, May 23, 2008

Get to Know Me in Technicolor!

Here it is my second day as Organized 2 Death's blogger and I have been hit by the webcam bug. Have I mentioned that not only am I an organizational junkie but I'm also a techie too?

So to see me in full TECHNICOLOR, learn more about what I do, and the purpose of this blog please check out my video. Hey, just wanting to see me smile on this rainy evening, is reason enough to hit PLAY. I just recorded it today and I'm hoping that further installations which will include hints and tips for organization will be a great hit with my readers. It's always easier to believe a goal is possible when you are looking straight at the person telling you. And for those who think perfection is boring, I'll also be sharing my own personal mistakes and bloopers along with my victories.

Please tell me what you think in the comment section or by email. If you have any questions or topics you'd like to be discussed in my videos, just ask! Suggestions are appreciated.

So now go watch my video before that Law & Order rerun comes on!


Organization Starts Here!

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Thursday, May 22, 2008

Organized 2 Death or Maybe Not?

WELCOME to my first blog posting here at Organized2Death! My name is Yvonne and yes I'm one of those people you meet who thrives off disorder and chaos only to organize it into a nice little package. Some call me a perfectionist, I call it being joyfully efficient.

However, don't worry I'm not typing here on my laptop with a club in hand waiting to bang into your head the importance of a filing system. Instead, I'm here to alleviate a little bit of the stress you may be feeling when you think about what needs to be done today, tomorrow, or next month.

You know you are in the right place if:

  • You have ever bragged to your friends that you knew where every misplaced document or book lay in your chaotic office.
  • The thought of filing makes you squeamish, in fact, your main method of filing is hiding unopened documents and bills in your kitchen drawers.
  • You have plenty of clients and customers but feel that you are missing key opportunities to follow up with them due to disorganized administrative practices.
  • Every document, form, presentation, letterhead, and business card has a DIFFERENT company logo.
  • You want to be organized but do not have a clue where to start.

If you fit any of those profiles or know someone who does, make sure to bookmark this page and visit regularly for great new and EASY tips to organize your business, office, and life. Business does not have to be a chore. With practical suggestions to fit even the most stubborn mindsets, you will find yourself becoming more efficient and productive during your day.

Now, for an added bonus (or is that just my ego talking) this blog will also be capturing the early and progressive moments of my development as a business organizational coach. You see I truly believe in the power of transperancy. Although I am a business woman, I am also a person with goals, strengths, weaknesses, and fears. So as I share tips that I've gained over the years, I will also be showing through my daily actions how I'm implementing them in my own life. So be on the lookout for my regular webcasts. Yes, they will be videocasts of myself live and in technicolor.

If you have comments for me or would like a question answered on this blog, please feel free to comment here or email me. Also, check me out on LinkedIn and Facebook and add me as your friend!

Now I'm off to bed. I've done ORGANIZED MYSELF TO SLEEP!

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