Are you going mad because you spend lots of time searching for files on your computer? Here are some steps to getting your business files under control.

1. Create separate folders for your business and personal computer files.
2. Create a folder for each type of service you offer. For example, if you are a Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, and Childbirth Educator, create folders for each of those roles.
3. Within each of these folders, one way to organize documents is within folders named for the action you take with a client. A birth doula might have folders labeled – Interview Documents, First Prenatal Visit, Second Prenatal Visit, Birth, and Postpartum Visit. A Childbirth Educator may choose to create a folder for each of her classes.
4. If you want the folders to flow in a certain order, add letters such as AAA thru ZZZ before the name of your folder, and they will sort the way you want them to. Another option is to use numbers – 01, 02, 03, and so on.
5. Give your files simple but descriptive names so you can identify them easily in their folders and when you search for them.

A handy program to utilize is Google Desktop. With this program, you can search within the documents themselves for certain words, which can be helpful if you can’t remember the title.

Please share any tips you have for organizing your computer files! Tomorrow, we’ll talk about backing up your data. Have a great day!

These posts may also inspire you:

1. 5 Steps For Filing Business Paperwork
2. How to Organize Birth Doula Client Files
3. Backing Up Your Computer Files
4. Books, Handouts and Birth Tools
5. Set Your Doula Business Apart From The Rest With Effective Service Descriptions