My Low Tech Method for Organizing While Writing

The life of a solo entrepreneur is hectic. Add in working from home, and it’s often messy. You’re the head of marketing, content writing, editing, graphics, and accounting. You oversee your website, respond to clients, and manage multiple social media platforms. If something breaks, then you fix it. Organizing your to-do list and keeping track of ideas and tasks feels overwhelming.

Now, I’ve tried all sorts of productivity apps, but today I’m going to share the non-technological side of my business. Specifically, how I began with the basics (business notebooks and folders), how that process is evolving, and the steps you can take to personalize this system and apply it to your business.

The basic supplies I’m using:

Affiliate links are included. Please read my disclaimer to learn more.

• Notebooks
• Pens
• Folders

Pretty simple right? You can add sticky notes, a magnetic whiteboard, and a bunch of other items. Whether you have an office, a corner in the kitchen, or a spot set up in the basement, you can start organizing without breaking your budget.

Why low tech works for me

Confession: I go through notebooks as quick as my household does toilet paper. There’s something about pen to paper that my brain adores.

I’m part of that in-between generation, as in I don’t quite fit with Gen X’ers, yet I’m not a Millenial. I had a solid 6-months of the 70s, followed by 10 years in the 80s, 10 years in the 90s, and I’m still kicking it in the 2000s. My analog and digital prefernces aren’t quite equal as roughly 80% of my work is done using technology. However, the non-tech side plays a strong role.

As I type this on my laptop, my iPad streams music and a notebook sits under my hand. I jump from writing notes on paper to searching on my device to typing. I use accounting software for my business, yet track my household budget in a notebook.

Over the years I’ve found that I respond better to written to-do lists, as opposed to reminders on my devices. I’m more likely to read a tutorial with screenshots than watch a video. And when it comes to brainstorming ideas, capturing essential thoughts, and managing my business, putting it on paper feels natural.

Keep one business journal

When I started out, I outfitted every room of my home with pens and notebooks. I labeled journals for each business category. And I used them. Every single one.

Here’s the thing — I change topics frequently while note taking. I barely take the time to turn the page, let alone switch notebooks, pen colors, or locate a highlighter. I don’t keep planning items in a planner. Or use separate sections for each area of my business. My labeled notebooks turn into scattered business bullet journals with arrows and mind mapping images mixed in with passwords and to-do lists.

And giving myself access to notepads in every room of the house?

Well, that turned into an administrative nightmare. Searching through five notepads was a little ridiculous and completely inefficient. So, I hid all my spare notebooks.

Okay, I don’t actually hide them, because then they’d be lost for months. Hell, I’m still finding last year’s Easter eggs. But I do put them away. Out of sight. Out of mind.

Over time I found that using one notebook to record my brainstorming session and take notes on client work keeps me on track.

I categorize as I write

Nearly everything I jot down fits into specific business categories. I save time by adding a category-specific heading to each note. A key on the inside cover of my bullet journal spells out my main topics and lists the different bullets I use in notation. I circle a P for personal notes. A star means high priority and the bigger the star, the greater the urgency.

Adding category headlines was a game changer for me. By categorizing as I write, I’m able to filter information, file details, and update calendars by skimming.

I review my notes

Every couple of days I breeze through my notebook and highlight any time-sensitive information. A deadline goes on my board. To-do list items go in a topic file or on my whiteboard. I cross off any resolved or transferred notes, so I know not to bother skimming that section.

Pull and file

About once a week I do a deep clean of my bullet journal, which involves pulling out the pages and filing them. Each category corresponds to a folder. It takes a few minutes to tear out notes or rewrite important information and place it into one of my folders:

• Website
• Blog
• Client work (one per client)
• Business
• Social media
• Articles

My folders represent a focus point

Each folder represents an area of my business that I dedicate time to each month. If I sit down to update my website, review my editorial calendar, or work on an assignment for a client, then I grab the corresponding folder, notebook, electronics, and a pen. Each file contains my basic information, from passwords to contacts.

• If I grab my Social Media folder, then I’ll see a list of the best times to post, my social to-do list, favorite hashtags, and brainstorming ideas. I may have notes on a new algorithm or profile updates.

• My Blog file is stuffed full of brainstorming ideas, topic outlines, and keyword research. I’ve taped my process list to the inside flap, so I pick an idea and take off with it.

Growth means change

Over the last few months of growth, I noticed that my folders are pretty full. Almost unwieldy. I reviewed my notebook and realized that I’m adding subcategories like these as I write:

• Website: Updates
• Blog: Research
• Articles: Guidelines
• Business: Affiliate

But I have nowhere to file these subcategories in my folders, so this method is becoming less efficient. However, limited space means I clear out my folders and stay on top of ideas. Right now, the convenience of a slim file outweighs small decreases in productivity. Plus, I transfer most information into Google Docs, so my notes end up in my online database.

At some point in the future, I may add binders to the mix. But not yet. My current process works. Here’s why —

It’s a habit. I go through each step without overthinking it or making too many decisions.

My method of brainstorming, pulling out pages, and filing allows me to brain dump into one place. Sorting my pages takes a few minutes each week. Then I consume content from my folders with focus.

My non-tech sidekicks

Along with my bullet journal and filing process, I increase productivity with a few other low tech items. A small notepad sits on my desk, and I use it for time tracking. It helps me stay accountable and bill my hours correctly. A 5-subject notebook holds my monthly goals and month-end reflections.

I include what I’ve published, any special recognition, and estimated earnings. It’s meant to be a place where I pump myself up by looking at a broad overview of what I’ve done and what needs to get done.

I hide it in a drawer, under my folders, so that I’m not tempted to scribble random thoughts into it.

Just like each of us finds our voice in writing, we also find our own methods of organization. What works for one writer doesn’t work for every writer.

Personalize your journal and process

If you’re having a hard time wrapping your brain around all the information you’re collecting, then start by looking at the tools you use and where you spend your time.

If you repeatedly write down or look up the same information, then tape it to your folder. Try using highlighters or colored pens to categorize your notes. Stick post-it notes on the front of your folders with to-do lists or use binders. If you’re like me and scribble a million ideas down in the same notebook, then call it bullet journaling.

Increase your productivity by embracing the style of organization that fits you.

I’m always trying out new systems and love reading about how others organize their writing life. Drop me a line with a link to your article or tell me what works for you in the comments below.

Thanks for reading,

Share this...

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Linkedin