Project Simplify » 2008

Archive for 2008/04

Nevada County updates on paper shredding and clothing recycling

A few updates for the Nevada County area:

1. Today I saw the coordinator of the paper shred-a-thon fund raiser that happened on Saturday–”Success!” was the report. He said they raised a great chunk of change and filled up two large trucks with shredded paper. Last year they had one truck and they had to turn people away when it filled up. People even stopped by to say they supported the cause and wrote a check, even though they didn’t have any papers to shred.

2. I added Sisters Consignment (women’s clothing, shoes and bags) Store and Animal Save to the “Getting rid of stuff in Nevada County” list.

3. I also added Animal Save thrift store to the same list.

2008/04/21

Getting rid of stuff in Nevada County, online version

The other day I posted a PDF list of resources for getting rid of stuff in Nevada County, CA. I’ve been asked to post this in a web-friendly html version. Great idea! Here it is.

2008/04/21

Getting rid of stuff in Nevada County

I’ve recently added a local, Nevada County resource to the Freebies and Downloads page. It’s a list of resources for getting rid of your stuff. You’ll see that the dump aka Transfer Station is mentioned on the page because really, that’s the only place that will take the junk sometimes. However, whenever possible keep stuff in use!

If someone can use that lamp that you no longer want, that’s one less thing to be produced (in some other country, most likely) and shipped over here for purchase. If you no longer want or need it, by all means, it’s time for it to go. With a little effort on your part, you can help it find a new home where it will be appreciated and enjoyed.

The list is by no means an exhaustive list of businesses and resources that will help your stuff get to its new owner. It is however, a start. It should also give you some ideas as you look through your stuff. All the contact info for these resources are from the phone book–I’ll bet you have one of those!

2008/04/17

Where the Wild Things Aren’t: Taming the Invoicing Beast

This article was originally published in The Simplifier #61.

Article: Where the Wild Things Aren’t: Taming the Invoicing Beast

By Shawn Tuttle

The idea of “invoicing clients” is deceptively simple; it is the means to get paid for work you’ve done for a person or business. In reality, without effective systems in place to run your business, invoicing will throw you into an arena filled with snarling beasts. Savages loom, ready to pounce, in the form of self-worth insecurities and confidence issues, holes in your client agreements, and inefficiencies in your tracking systems—all of which you thought were tamed and good-to-go in your new business venture.

Michael Gerber, entrepreneur and author of The E-Myth, sums up the maxim that any business wanting to thrive must follow:

“Systems run the business and people run the systems.”

In addition to laying a solid foundation for growth and avoiding the arena of nasty varmints, good invoicing systems are crucial for maintaining good client relations. They make life much easier for you, too!

You might think I’m exaggerating the beastliness of the situation, and I may be… but not much. While I’m sure you’ve done great work for your client, presenting them with an unprofessional or delayed invoice can

2008/04/17

Clear it on out!

My neighbor, Tania, had a yard sale on Saturday. I stopped by to say “hi”, see how it was going, and–naturally–pick up a few super cool items (a tapestry from Africa, a pendant from Zimbabwe, and a nice looking heater register grill.) While I was there, I saw stuff just flying out of her driveway with their new owners. It was in part due to the high quality of stuff she was letting go, but also due to her yard sale philosophy.

Here’s what I heard from her:

low ball the price to move, move, move! the merchandise
you’ll make about the same amount of cash by selling more things at a low price than fewer things at a higher price. Plus, that’s less stuff to pack back into the basement or haul to the thrift store.
know your non-negotiables and don’t budge on those prices.
put the high priced non-negotiables out in the driveway for appeal factor (some people want to see big stuff to know it’s a serious sale)

She also had her stuff well grouped and laid out attractively. There was very little stuff on the ground. She was attentive to her visitors and didn’t make them come find her to get a price on anything.

With all the labor intensive energy that goes into a yard sale, you definitely want a successful event. All the above factors contributed to making Tania’s a space clearing success!

2008/04/15

The Simplifier #61 is Online

The sixty-first issue of the Project Simplify newsletter The Simplifier is now archived on our newsletter archives page.

Here is a brief summary of the contents:

1. A Note From Shawn
Three things that go well with chocolate
2. Our Featured Quote
by James Baldwin
3. Article: Where the Wild Things Aren’t: Taming the Invoicing Beast
by PS Head Simplifier Shawn Tuttle
4. Your Simplification Tip
List Criteria When Comparison Shopping
5. In the News
A Delicate Balance, Eight Days a Week, and Getting Deeper into the 4-hour Workweek
6. Featured at ProjectSimplify.com
New Testimonials
7. Keep Smiling
Best Office Prank Videos

Read the full issue here.
Subscribe to The Simplifier here.
[posted by Lance]

2008/04/09

Docking station

In case you are still one of those people who are wondering how to make rechargeable gadget stations a little more organized in your space, I’ve gathered a few options for you below. Cords and gizmos (phones, PDAs, iPods etc.) don’t have to be strewn all over the place (unless you want them to).

If you have three or less rechargables and you want a ready-to-go container that includes a power strip, you can get a “Recharging HQ” that retails for $20-$25. See:

Herrington’s, with circuit protection. They also offer a mobile version.
Stacks and Stacks version. Product listing and user reviews on this one don’t say anything about circuit protection (like a surge protector) and they say that some power pacs don’t fit in the housing. (I don’t know if this is the case with Herrington’s.

If you are feeling like it might be project time and/or want lesser impact on your budget, here are two DIY versions. The desktop recharge station converts a mesh letter sorter. You provide the power strip and cable management organizer.

The free-standing many-device version converts a small bedside cabinet into your gadget recharge station. Here you just need to run a power strip or two to the cabinet and all devices can plug into that.

I’ve had my eye open for some kind of magnetic version that will attach to the side of the filing cabinet. I’m a huge fan of using vertical space. I’ll let you know when I find or make one. =)

2008/04/08