In case you were wondering, today’s guest blog post is from Jasmine Stephenson.

“This is an analogy that we can all grasp, as everyone has a closet full of clothes, shoes, mementos, and a few hidden objects lurking in the corners.  So what do your business and closet have in common?

You have a few reliable, frequent-use pieces.

Your closet has a few golden nuggets, or pieces that you wear on a regular basis.  This may include a favorite pair of jeans, a trusty jacket, or comfortable shoes.  Some of these have been around for years, making them great-value items.  Other favorites may be fairly new, but you just can’t get enough.

In business, you will also have a few solid “pieces.”  It could be the client that continues to fulfill orders or utilize your services without question.  Maybe it’s that trusty employee who is always on time, goes beyond their duties, and is constantly looking for ways to improve.

You’ll always find something you can get rid of.

In your closet lurks an old dress that is a bit ragged, an old prom tuxedo, or sneakers with holes in them.  Some items in your closet remain there due to sentimental value.  Likewise, there may be a new shirt or suit that you saw in the store a few months ago, weren’t crazy about, but bought it anyway.  This item also lacks usefulness, because you will probably never actually wear it.

If a hard look is taken at your business, you are likely to find unnecessary items lurking around.  Maybe it’s an old printer, computer screen, or keyboard that doesn’t work.  It could also come in the form of boxes of files that are cluttering up your office that could be shredded and recycled.  On the more extreme end, you might have an employee whose work product is poor, is lazy, or doesn’t contribute anything to the company.

Both require organizational skills.

Your closest is most effectively used when it is well organized.  The type of system used to arrange everything is unimportant, so long as you understand it.  Some prefer to hang their clothes by color.  Others may separate their shirts and pants by work days and weekends, or by climate.  However, with an organizational system in place, you are sure to find what it is you’re looking for quickly with no time wasted.

Every business owner knows that a running a company efficiently is difficult without organization.  This entails following a schedule, set goals, and specific, outlined tasks for all employees.  It may involve a system of contacting clients, sending out mailers, and budget meetings.  Without in-depth organization, an important to-do is likely to slip through the cracks.

Focus on one item at a time.

This analogy goes hand in hand with the organization.  For example, you may have to reply to emails, hold a phone conference with a client, and meet with your accountant.  It is obviously inadvisable to do everything at the same time.  Each task will be handled in the most valuable way if each receives your full concentration and a balance is found.

The same applies when cleaning out your closet.  When making room for new goods, you may need to clear out some old clothes to donate to charity or reuse in another way.  You don’t want to do this in a haphazard manner, however, as you may end up getting rid of a prized possession unintentionally.  Each item you are thinking of discarding should be reconsidered before it changes homes.

Not everything fits.

We are all guilty of hoarding clothes or shoes that don’t quite fit.  For women, it might be that size 7 pair of heels when we really needed a 7½.  Sweaters that have shrunk in the dryer, jeans that are too baggy, or an over sized bra can all be found taking up space.

Similarly, you may have ambitiously purchased an electronic device for your company that you don’t need yet.  You might also find one department short staffed, while another has too many employees.  If not everything fits, you may benefit from a “size analysis.”

Jasmine Stephenson is a freelance writer currently backpacking South America.  She is also a guest blogger for Pounding the Pavement and a writer on the subject of becoming a nail technician for the Guide to Career Education.