As we head towards the end of another year the Christmas and New Year period is an ideal time to get ready for 2013.  Usually things are a bit quiet so it is this time that may allow you to get those things done that you normally don’t have time for.  While there are so many things you can do here are some quick ideas that can help you for next year.

  • Do a clean up of your office.  If your office area or desk is piled with documents, papers, stationery items or anything else that can get in the way try and put them away in a drawer.
  • Consider rearranging or updating some of your office furniture.  Nothing major needs to be done but simply moving a few things around can freshen up your office area.
  • Look at getting some wall hangings, pictures or even some art work to add a bit of colour and atmosphere to your office area.
  • Check you filing system and storage area and consider archiving or throwing out old files.
  • The same with your computer files.  Consider uninstalling old programs, deleting old files or transferring to a USB or even another external hard disk drive.  This can not only give you additional disk space on your computer but depending on what you delete it can also help to speed up your computer.
  • If you are a board member or treasurer then consider getting any documents up to date and in order.  This may include ensuring all bank statements have been received and filed away, reconciliations have been checked and in order, minutes of meetings are up to date, have been properly signed and placed in a minute book.
  • Do a review of your website and consider updating and making changes.  Ensure any old and out of date information has been removed.
  • Prepare plan for 2013 that highlight key dates.  These may be schedule board meetings, major events for the organisation, dates for submission of funding acquittal or applications for grants.

As noted at the start, these are just some quick ideas but the important issue is to give yourself a bit of time to check that things are in order, make changes and updates as needed as well as doing some planning for next year.