Top Time Tip #61 Stop Unwanted Material At Source

30th  July 2005

A key question for the problems of space and information storage and management is 'do I really need it?' And following that, 'what can I prevent coming into my space?'

Faxes: Get off fax lists of unwanted information. First port of call is to contact the offending company and politely request removal. If they choose to ignore you, then it's time to become rather more assertive. It probably depends on how you're feeling on the day, and whether you've got a dedicated fax or one of the fancy multiple function machines.

If you don't feel too aggressive, call your telephone provider to lodge a complaint. Some countries have official watchdogs. For instance, in New Zealand you can phone Telecom's Call Investigation Team - 0800 809 806 and register a complaint. In Australia phone 1800 646 664.

If the guilty party won't listen, the very satisfying and somewhat more aggressive technique, which will only work if you've got a fax with a roller, is to resend their item back to them. First you'll write clearly on their fax - TAKE ME OFF YOUR FAX LIST. Then you'll insert it into the machine and let it feed through until the two ends are on either side of the roller. You'll then tape the ends together. For the recipient on the other end, it becomes a very very long continuous fax, which of course uses up their paper instead of yours. This little trick usually delivers the message!

Mail: Ever wanted to get rid of someone, and as an evasion technique agreed to receive something in the mail? Bad strategy! You'll be on their mailing list until the cows come home. Be strong. If you really don't want their information, save your time, their time, and countless trees - be clear and say 'no thanks'. Only accept printed matter if it really is useful.

Catalogues: Instead of storing countless catalogues for the time you might need them and then wasting time wondering which is the most recent, have an alphabetic notebook with the name and phone number of your suppliers. Try to keep off their mailing lists, but if they won't listen, just throw the catalogues away when they arrive. When you want something, call for the most up-to- date information. Saves space, time, and confusion over the latest product and pricing when you finally need one of their products.

Emails: Use Rules to move unwanted information out of your Inbox without you even having to see it. In Outlook options are available with a quick right click whilst your cursor is on an email. If you're using other programmes, check out your Help menu.

[This is one of many tips I've collated for the next 'About Time' book. The first one, 'About Time - 120 Tips for Those with No Time' is one of my most popular titles - great for those who don't have time to read a book, but want the help. This one will be finished by next week and available early next year.]

From our readers - How to get the kids to talk!

Dear Robyn

Interesting about getting kids to talk, as Stewart Fleming www.stride.net.nz shared in your last ezine.

My tip expands on Step Four. It's emphatic listening. Instead of just listening, you demonstrate that you're listening by rephrasing what they have said and repeating it back to them. You don't have to agree with what they've said, just show that you are listening.

I have been amazed at how quickly this defuses a tense situation and the kids come up with their own solutions to their problems. I believe this empowers them, instead of the parent jumping in to solve the problem. Of course, there are situations that require a parents' intervention but small issues can be dealt this way.

Regards. Dawn

All the best 'til next time

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