All in a weeks' work...

I found myself in So. Illinois this past week for work. Three days, two nights and many hours. I was training some other gals on filing and service agreement entry. I like training others. I find it to be a challenge to break down a job that I have a great understanding of in a way that makes sense to someone who has no clue where it will all fit into the realm of what they do and how important it is to do it consistently.

Consistency and organization, it makes sense to me. How can the world work without? I just don't know how people can stand wasting time hunting for things that had they been put in a 'home' and kept there after every use, would be there when needed. Hurts productivity. Looks unprofessional. And often can bite you in the butt. I find by having these two little things, my world operates better as does the world of others, who, by the way, may not even know that they were affected by them.

A major backbone of our company lies in file cabinets. Even though the average person in the office doesn't realize it, these files can affect them. Obviously, in the area that I manage (sales files), it affects the bottom line as well as the employee incomes. My files consists of ALL the commercial accounts, municipalities, schools, and permanent industrial accounts. What happens when someone needs some information not found in the database, or if a customer wants to cancel service, yet has a signed agreement on file for 3 years? It is good to know the information needed is on the premises, but what if it were not filed or worse, not filed properly? I know what happens. The foundations begin to crumble and the whole place can soon be brought down--maybe not all the way down, but it can surely be affected deeply. It can be like creating a massive block wall. Laying block after block, stacking them high, but deciding that mortar is just not important. Just doesn't make sense, does it? (is that just too extreme an example?)

Something else? I am possessive over my files. I don't want just 'anybody' in my files. I also don't want anyone working in my files that doesn't have a clear understanding of the purpose or importance of the files. I have found that some people just don't know the alphabet, or how things that seem logical may not be logical in filing. I also find that people can be lazy....OOO that L word! I have to admit, I am not perfect and I am just as prone to being lazy or lax nor am I laying claim to anything of the contrary. I am realistic. I just don't want anyone in my files who doesn't understand the importance of them and how they are filed.

Do I like filing? NO. But at the same time, I know it is important. I want it done right. Not necessarily right by the standard of a professional filer, but right in the way I do it and why it is done the way it is done. If anything is worth doing, afterall, it is worth doing right the first time. Like any good thing, I find it necessary to adapt as and when needed so my methods may change but the object is still the same: Keep it where anyone can find it.

Oh and something else, this whole blog entry has just been a rambling on of something silly, eh?

DISCOVERY....

I found a great little bed and breakfast to stay in while in So. Illinois, Barton House...it was my first experience with a bed and breakfast! I LOVED IT and will go back in the future! I found it to be cleaner and more personal than a hotel. I also found it to be a better price than a hotel and that is a major plus in my book! I have also been invited back for November to help with holiday decorations! I am seriously considering taking them up on the offer!

I also found out they have an affinity for a good wine and their favorite winery is not in So. Illinois but in Clarksville, TN---Beachhaven! So. Illinois has several vineyards that I hope to visit in the future, by my home is TN and it was great hearing that the Clarksville winery has stolen their hearts! We shared a blush and I am not sure of the name, but it was divine! They really recommended the Blackberry wine from Beachhaven, too! I think I will have to plan a little escapade for the spring!

Here are a few photos of my visit with the Goforth's. There are also a few pix on their website (above link).

Enjoy your evening!