Everyone is a Expert????

One thing that is becoming obvious after the events of the past 3 weeks both here and in Japan, is that everyone suddenly becomes an expert.
I have been overwhelmed by blog posts and emails advising me how to be prepared for a disaster. It kind of reminds me of when I was pregnant, everyone had advice and knew what was best for me, I listened politely and then discarded the crap and paid attention to what seemed like good advice.
I am considering working on a new book, I think I will call it:

"THE BOOK YOU NEVER HOPE TO NEED BUT SHOULD READ JUST IN CASE" (TM)

this would be my own personal compilation of all the useful advice, information and support that has helped me since I found myself living in a disaster zone:
A few tidbits would include:

* Follow your own instincts.
* Look after yourself and family first
* A special chapter on how to make your own long drop toilet
* Just how much water is enough to have stock piled before a disaster.
* What is the best performing perfume and deodorant when you cannot shower or wash clothes?  My personal choice (JO MALONE)
* How to cook in an oven that seems to have only one temperature - super high hot.
* Where to place torches throughout your home for those dark long, nights.
* A plumber can take 2 weeks to check your leaking Hot Water Cylinder, however tell them you have raw sewer seeping from your pipes and they get there in 2 hours.
* People from out of town will try and poach your staff, take away business and tell you how sorry they are that we are having a hard time. All the while making it worse.
* As my husband says everyday "HUGS ARE FREE SO HUG FREELY"
* If you were not there when the disaster happened you DO NOT get it, DO NOT understand, and DO NOT know how we feel. So do not try and tell people you do.
* Never ever compare natural disasters, no one is worse than another! BECAUSE For the people who are in the middle of a situation regardless of where they are or what the disaster is, it is the WORST thing that will ever happen to THEM in THEIR lives.
* Know that if you have been effected by a NATURAL disaster then it is tragic, scary and energy sapping. However the reality is there is nothing you can do to stop them happening, so live each and everyday with gusto and one at a time.

Sure there is a huge amount of practical advice out there:
* Have an emergency kit
* Keep you mobile charged and with you
* Sleep with shoes beside the bed

But the reality is the challenges may come from the most unexpected place and situations. So be prepared to make decisions and actions based on not having the things and resources we regularly take for granted and assume will be available to us.
So regardless of how prepared we are some Disasters come with no warning or advise, and  not have a lead time and preparation time so you may not be near your emergency kit and you will need to improvise.

So back to the fist tidbit - "Follow your own instincts" trust your gut and do what needs to be done when it needs to be done. Do not ask permission or wait for others to take the lead, do what you need to do when you need to do it, survival is key.

Once the dust has settled and the reality of the situation starts to sink in then you will be heartened to find a community that will come together and do what needs to be done. Be part of that community and build a new strength together.

So yep I guess I too have "become and expert" by writing this post, so you can read it and throw out the crap and take to heart the information that you find useful, and I hope that one day you never need to use it.

Getting organised in the "NEW" Normal.

Wow a lot has happened since my last post, and things have changed considerably in my little part of the world.
Here in Christchurch, we are beginning to realise we are living with a new normal. A place where things that once mattered no longer do, places we used to visit no longer exist and people we know are no longer with us.
This new normal is cruel and surreal.
Impossible to describe, but difficult to ignore.
Things have changed, they changed a bit on 4th September 2010, when we had the 7.1 Magnitude Quake. Little did we know that that was a dress rehearsal for what was to be a destructive and devastating 6.3 magnitude quake.
You hear comparisons between ours and other quakes. I have even heard it said "It was only 6.3....", what is not said is that it was centered less than 5 km's from the city at a depth of only 5km. It was short, sharp and immensely violent.

One of the places I found myself helping on 22/2/11

I was in my car when it struck, and awnings of shops were at eye level for me as my car bucked up and the pavements went down, pedestrians were knocked off their feet and buildings collapsed indiscriminately ending lives and destroying futures.
That day my 15 years of previously working as an Emergency Room RN came back to me like I had never left the profession. I like many in Christchurch wore the blood of others and witnessed the passing of many. Somethings can be washed off others can never be erased.
I am not an RN anymore, I am a Professional Organiser, and I am wondering whether that is important anymore. I have had days where I think my business is the whimsy of a bored mother and housewife, and maybe I should throw it all in and become a coffee Mum.
Yet this past weekend I went up into the mountains with my family, we had some much needed time away from the new normal. I had time to lay in the grass and think. What struck me was that this new normal is an amazing and rarely experience opportunity to really make a difference.
We have a city that needs to be rebuilt, we have lives that need to be healed and we have businesses that need to be helped and nurtured back into success. Who better to be part of this than a Professional Organiser.
So many are beginning with a clean slate, so why not begin with a successfully productive and organised future in mind. This is what I now know, this is my business, my profession, my expertise and I am damn good at it. This is the perfect time for businesses to invest in a lean, productive and profitable future move forward in a constructive and engaged way that can only bring a positive impact the the new normal.
I now know that my business is not a whim, but a valuable, motivating, inspired and aspirational service that can help many cope and grow in this new normal that is Christchurch. The lessons we are learning every day will be invaluable to share on a global scale as time moves forward and I for one am going to be there and stand proud in this new normal.
I AM PROUD TO OWN A CHRISTCHURCH BUSINESS AND BE THERE TO HELP IN THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THIS MAGNIFICENT CITY.

A new dawn in the NEW normal

TOTALLY ORGANISED MAGAZINE

 READ IT BY CLICKING HERE

I am excited and honored to present to you the 1st Edition of "Totally Organised" the Magazine.



Some of the amazing contributors include:
RAMONA CREEL
TRACEY FOULKES
CATE GRACE
LINDA CLEVENGER
CLARE FOUNTAIN

This is the 1st Edtion of a Bi-Monthly Magazine. the next edition is due on the 1st February 2011. So read and enjoy, also this is your magazine so get in touch if you want to "Ask the Organiser" or advertise in this exciting new magazine.

Enjoy totally organised - The Magazine

Cheers
Wendy

EARTHQUAKE - Rethinking how we look at our STUFF!

The range of the 7.1 Magnitude Quake

As many of you know, we had a massive 7.1 Earthquake here in my hometown, Christchurch, on the 4th September 2010. It was an incredibly frightening and leveling (no pun intended) experience. Since the main JOLT we have also endured over 2500 aftershocks ranging in magnitude from 1.5 - over 5 on the Richter scale.

Suffice it to say, things in Christchurch have changed, it is no longer the same city it was before September 4th, and it's citizens also have been changed forever. As a Professional Organiser I have taken particular interest in the change of attitude to "STUFF", I am talking about material possessions we all have in our environment. I have observed and asked people about how they feel about their possessions, and if anything has changed. The responses have varied but their has been one common thread, that is that Stuff really does not matter as much anymore.
I know my own personal feelings in the days immediately following the quake included the desire to get a huge rubbish skip and strip my home of everything but the basic necessities. They were no longer important and in fact many seemed to be an intrusion on my space and home, I have spoken to many others who feel the same. One even said, "What is the point keeping all this stuff, when you can wake up in the morning and it is all destroyed?".
When I have spoken to people who have lost previously precious and sentimental items, many almost seem nonplussed about them now, where as there would be no way they would have discarded them prior to September 4th. They are grateful to have a bed to sleep in and a roof over their heads, as we have many displaced families now in Christchurch as a result of their homes being deemed uninhabitable.
Another this I have been seeking information on is how many people are rushing out to replace items destroyed and damaged in the Earthquake. Interestedly there are few who are shopping up big, they are using insurance payouts to replace items they feel are important in their home like re-framing pictures, replacing TV's, new bed and crockery etc. Most are opting not to replace "luxury" or "entertainment" items like Wii, Playstations, ornaments and the like.
As for shopping, people tend to be heading to the Malls less than pre-quake and retailers have been reporting a decrease in sales, as people spend their money on necessities rather than luxuries. Maybe the malls are underpopulated as the raw experience of the 7.1 magnitude quake make being in an indoor mall undesirable at the moment, this will change. Every aftershock over 4.5 rekindles a sense of fear in most residents, and it is something you think you are OK with then you have a big shake and you are emotionally back to square one (but that is a whole other blog post)
This has not been a scientific survey, just my observations of how people have managed STUFF in the past 2 months. As we lead up to the busy Christmas season it will be interesting to learn what the big selling items in Canterbury (Quake region) are and if the amount we spend at this traditionally boom time.
What is obvious though is we are all now looking at our STUFF in a new light, embrace it and simplify, this is a lesson everyone can learn from this experience.

Getting kids to help - Good or Bad??

My fab son Benjamin is always wanting to help. I think it is because he wants to earn money more than his desire to be helpful. So last week he took it upon himself to write some ads for Totally Organised Get-togethers.  We are looking for consultants at the moment to sell the products, so this is his attempt to entice prospective consultants:

TOTALLY ORGANISED

The owner and founder Wendy Davie is a finalist for the "Most Innovative Organiser" at the Los Angeles Organising Awards and has won many awards. This business was the first organising business in New Zealand and she also has workers in Australia.

REASONS TO JOIN

There are many reasons why you should work for Totally Organised, there is lots of work, you can start up your own business doing work for Totally Organised. There is no pressure so if you are in too much stress you can turn down a job.

PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT

Totally Organised was developed in Christchurch but now is nationwide and starting to build in Australia. She is open to have consultants all over New Zealand and Australia.

You can get in touch by calling 0800337137 or on her mobile if you want to email her its wendy@totallyorganised.co.nz.

I only changed some crazy 11 year old spelling the rest are his words. There is a little poetic license but it is nice to see what I do in the eyes of one of the kids. So the decision now is should I hire him as my ad writer or let him finish hist education first. I think I will opt for the latter.

The Goldmine in your Backyard!

Today I discovered a goldmine, full of riches and wealth beyond my wildest dreams and imagination. Would you believe I found this Goldmine in my immediate vicinity, and I have discovered that you too probably have the same goldmine lurking within reach.

Also I had been looking at this goldmine for ages but have never seen it. So I do not want you to have to wait as long as I did to uncover this wealth. I am talking about a wealth of information and support, ideas and challenges, motivation and inspiration, accountability and strength, this is something we all have within our reach if we just open our eyes and find it.

This discovery started with this Facebook comment I posted only 1 week ago -

Question: I need to change how I am doing something to get better results, but perplexed as to best next move, suggestions???

 Wow what an extraordinary turn of events followed, I discover that people out there actually had the answers and cared enough to share them with me. So I wanted to tap into this and see if it could become something I would use in the long term growth and development of my business. I set a date and sent the invitations to a "Brainstorming" session, at my home (which is also my office). I sent the invites to those who had responded to my initial post, as well as others who's business's, attitudes, successes, challenges and ideas have always been something I have admired and watched, 29 in all in Christchurch were on the list.

I ordered in lunch, set up the living/board room and waited.  

In they came Jay, Jody, Stuart, Anne, Cate, Ann-Maree, Phillippa, Margit and Paula. The brains trust, made up of varied skills, experience, professions all with one common theme: to help me answer that question. Not just a brains-trust but a GOLDMINE.

We set up the paper and the easel and got to work, they questioned, poked, challenged, rewarded, shared and gave....gave of themselves and their knowledge. What an experience, one that every person in business should do. It was wonderful to get the feedback and reflections of my business from those I know and trust. Also eye opening to see the perceptions of others as to what I do and do not do, and how much there is I can be doing.

As a result I have a brain full of ideas, challenges, actions and inspirations to take my business to the next level:

This is what I have learnt:

MY PASSION IS SPEAKING - I am happiest when I am presenting to a crowd and sharing knowledge that can transform my audience.

SALES AND RECRUITING ARE NOT MY STRONG POINTS - There are people out there who love doing the things that I don't, they can be sought out and contracted.

I AM AMAZING AND I UNDERSELL MYSELF AND MY SUCCESS - rarely do I talk about being an Author, Entrepreneur, Awards Finalist, regular TV and radio guest. I do not promote my celebrity and success enough, I need a pedestal and to be proud of my achievements. 

This is what I am going to be doing:

* More sharing of knowledge and inspiration through social media, blog, Magazines, TV, Newsletters, Interviews and other forms of Media.

* Find and empower the right person/people to do the work I dislike, but is essential to my business.

* Complete the Professional Organiser Training program I am writing so I can empower and army of Productivity Specialists to work with Corporate and Residential clients.

* Begin speaking regularly again. Letting Businesses (Large and Small) know I am here and what I can offer them to increase their efficiency and productivity in the workplace. 

* Support and strengthen my current Totally Organised Direct Sales Consultants, so they too become raving fans of our brand and products as it rewards them in great ways and they love being part of our Company.

* Not be afraid to reach for the stars and take on the big challenges.

That is quiet a spectacular list and I am incredibly grateful to the fantastic brains trust that all help build this list, and who I know will be holding me accountable for what I do in my business from here moving forwards.

NOW MY CHALLENGE TO YOU:

Find your own goldmine, it is out there all you need to do is look, ask and action. Make it happen, put it out there and you will be amazed at the wealth that you get from your own goldmine.

To my fantastic goldmine: I challenge each of you to do what I did today and open yourself up the the possibilities that come with the incredible wealth of talent you have hidden in your life. I am happy to be a small nugget in the goldmine of anyone that takes on the challenge.

WOW - That is all I can say!

What a day! I started at the gym having my butt royally kicked by Cate Grace from Leap2it. So was feeling very virtuous, checked my mail then hit the office.
I had already decided this would be a pivotal week in the business known as "Totally Organised" as I had planned to shake things up a bit, and really get this business humming.
Little did I know that it would become one of the most personally and professionally satisfying days in my career as a Professional Organiser. On checking emails and other online social networks, as I do, for me and the business. I opened the NAPO LA announcement for the finalists in the 2011 LA Organising Awards. Looking down at the names of some really amazing and revolutionary Organisers, Industry suppliers and others who work in the Organizing and Productivity Industry, my heart skipped a beat.


MOST INNOVATIVE ORGANIZER FINALISTS -
Dorothy Breininger
Wendy Davie Yep that is me :-)
Lorie Marerro
Monica Ricci
Beth Zeigler

What an incredibly illustrious list of industry champions and ME!!! I am amazingly humbled and honored to be on this list. So after my heart resumed normal rhythm, I took a moment to wonder. WHY AND HOW this honor had happened, so I decided to write down what makes me innovative in this industry. Here is what I came up with:

* New Zealands first and only Certified Professional Organiser (CPO (R))
* One of the earliest and longest running providers of Professional Organising services in New Zealand (Est. 2003).
* First Professional Organising Company in New Zealand to offer nationwide services with staff in main centres.
* Author of the book - "The Accidental Organiser" - 1st New Zealand book written and published about "getting organised at home"
* Innovator and designer of the Totally Organised range of Products.
* Introduced Organising by Party Plan - Selling products and solutions in fun group parties in homes and businesses.
* I enable people in New Zealand and Australia to start their own business selling organising products, that I source and design.
* Training and mentoring for those who wish to become Professional Organisers.
* The ONLY active founding member of the Australasian Association of Professional Organisers (AAPO). Was there when it was just a concept and still am actively involved in this association having served 2 terms as President (07-08-09)
* Appear in the media in New Zealand sharing Organising and Productivity strategies, so that people can not only become more organised but also to increase the awareness of the Professional organising Industry.
* Created "Global Organizers and Productivity Professionals" as a Professional Organiser only network where colleagues from all over the world can network, share and promote their business and themselves.

I love this industry and those in it. I love that we can be global without leaving home. Also I am a true believer that if something is not working or times are tough then go out and find a better way. That is how the product line came about during the Global Financial Crisis, I decided to make it easier for people to access organising products and information without needing a on One - on - one Consultation. The service side of the business was slow, but was I going to give up and shut down, HECK NO!!!!! I decided to come at it from a new angle, hence Totally Organised get-togethers was born, and my business now is in New Zealand and Australia with plans for expansion into the UK and North America.

So WOW, is all I can say to being a Finalist with four other innovative, inspiring and fantastic Professionals. It truly is an honor I will treasure forever and it will also be the catalyst for many more great things in the future.