A Computer Filing System That Works: “MONETIZE THIS!”

Ever wonder how to set up a simple computer filing system that actually works?

If so, you aren’t alone. I’ve struggled with figuring out a simple computer filing system myself.

However, I knew it was time to clean up my hard drive when I found myself signing up for the same newsletter twice because I really wanted the free ebooks they were offering – and I couldn’t remember where I had saved them the first time I joined that mailing list.

Everyone has a different way of organizing things on their computer. Here is the super simple computer filing system I use:

The “MONETIZE THIS!” Computer Filing System

I keep everything under one main file titled “Trish’s Documents” (stealthy, right?)   Then, within that file, I have a number of other files pertaining to both personal and business matters – and each of them is broken down into various sub-files and so on.

Like many online entrepreneurs, I have several live web sites (and ideas for several more), plus client projects, off-line business ideas, etc… Before I developed the “MONETIZE THIS!” computer filing system – I would stash PLR articles, images, ebooks and a plethora of other information products wherever seemed logical at the time.

Of course, my intention was to DO SOMETHING with each of these items… eventually. But, somehow “eventually” never seemed to happen…

Clearly, I needed to find a better way. However, rather than completely re-inventing the wheel, I decided to stick with the same basic organization system with a few tweaks. Under “Trish’s Documents,” I created a new folder aptly named “MONETIZE THIS!” (Yes, in all caps as I thought yelling at myself would be a great call-to-action should my motivation fade).

Sub-folders within that file include one for each of my main sites and each of my client projects, ebooks and products I want to review, one for potential niche sites, and one for ebooks/ecourses/viral reports/PLR content I plan to write.

Once I got this in place, I went through each existing folder and moved all PLR articles and information products to the appropriate newly created folder under “MONETIZE THIS!”

3 Benefits of the “MONETIZE THIS!” Computer Filing System

1. All my original files now contain ONLY projects that have been completed – while “MONETIZE THIS!” has all the stuff I still need to do. Going forward, moving files from one to the other will be the electronic equivalent of crossing an item off my “to-do” list. Motivating and gratifying!
2. I can now clearly see what I have to work with AND have it organized in a way that makes it easy to get started – rather than losing time searching for what I need. (Or forgetting about it completely!)
3. This process was actually a great brainstorming activity – revisiting what I already have kicked up a lot of ideas that should keep me busy – well, forever.

Tomorrow, I’ll talk more about how this refined organization system also helped me get my arms around the various affiliate products and programs I represent.

Til Next Time,

PS Update 09/18/10: It has been close to a year since I created this simple computer filing system. The best part? My passive income has increased substantially as a result. We’ll cover this in more detail during the 2010 90-Day Content Marketing Challenge. If you haven’t joined yet – it is not too late! Simply complete the form below to get started!