Well, we got past our first episode and in Episode 2 we discuss how using routines can help simplify your life, and some simple ways to get the most out of search and research.



Routines help make things predictable, let you better plan you time, and make things more efficient. So, we'll be sharing some tips on how to tap into that power so routines can simplify your life, too! When something is new to you or you need more information, most people turn to Google to find answers. But are you using Google as effectively as you could? We'll share some of our tricks to help you become a wizard at search and research! Read more...




Main Topics:  
Vanessa's Topic: How Routines Can Simplify Your Life
Two Common Reasons People are Disorganized:



Lack of Defined Priorities or Life Goals:  Without purpose you'll continue to run around aimlessly allowing others to dictate to you what's important.
Lack of Routines:  Overwhelming reason for disorganization but having set routines is one of the greatest tools to helping you get and stay organized.


Key Components of Creating Routines w/Family, Co-Workers or Employees: 



Establish EXPECTATIONS: Example: You want your kids to clean room, make the bed, get ready for bed, clean up time, play time, etc.
SHOW exactly how to get the task done and WHY.
PRACTICE with them! Repetition and recency (do task often and not too far apart...daily) are keys to learning a routine faster.
Establish a system of REWARDS and CONSEQUENCES


Morning /Nightly Routines:



Morning and Nightly Routines: Your day really starts the night before!
Pack lunches.
Set out clothes and iron if necessary (I use a hanging shoe organizer to set out 2 weeks worth of clothes).
Set yours and your kids' alarms clocks.
Have kids shower at night...it's calming and one less thing to worry about!
Prep your coffee and set out your vitamins and medications.
Set the breakfast table.
Check school backpacks and folders.
Review your calendar and school schedules.
Create a checklist and post it on the door or common area for all to see.
Prep dinner: review your menu, take out freezer items to defrost.


Paper and Mail Routines:



Check mail daily and sort it right away...don't let it pile.
File...don't pile.
Use and Action File to organize your daily papers.
Use a scanner to keep digital files instead of paper files.
Save documents in Evernote or Dropbox.
Sort through your kids folders daily and be scrupulous.  Don't keep what's not important.  Use a keepsakes bin to store your child's favorite papers.


For a more detailed list of routines and links to helpful tips, check out the notes Vanessa created for a special presentation she gave to a group of moms: http://getsimplifized.com/routines-briefing
Dan's Topic:  Simple Ways to Get the most out of Search and Research
We all use the web to Search and do research, but many many of us were never really taught good search skills.



When you’re doing research, know that many search engine results are skewed positive simply because of advertising and affiliate efforts.
First few results on a page, the ones typically bolded or with a highlighted background at the top (and sometimes the bottom) of the page are paid advertisements.
These may provide you lots of information, they're also there to lead you to buy the product.


 Many other top links are what’s called Affiliate Links.



Affiliates get a small percentage of the sale of a product.
So while not all affiliate links are bad, they too are there to lead you to a sale.
Many websites that end in “review” or “reviews” are affiliate sites that compare different models or brands of whatever you’re searching for.
The key is determining if the review is from someone you trust. If this search is the first time you've been to that site then you're trust level may not be as high.
We use affiliate links for products we use and woul...