The Time's Up

Trainer teaches businesses system for becoming organized

By LARA MOSSA
Of The Oakland Press

Helping people cut through the clutter of their lives is Karen Cynowa's special skill.

Cynowa has been in the cleaning business for 18 years with her company, Neat Street Services. But, in the last few years, she began to notice a demand for organizing, as well as cleaning.

"With a lot of companies downsizing, everybody has this information overload," said Cynowa, of Rochester Hills.

After implementing an organizing service for homes, she turned her attention to the business environment.

Cynowa launched Productivity Pros this summer to teach professionals how to get organized.

A member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, Cynowa is a certified trainer in the GO System, which stands for Get Organized. The system was developed by DME Training and Consulting in Memphis, Tenn.

Cynowa conducts workshops for individuals and also offers seminars for interested companies.

The GO System addresses six major issues of disorganization: handling incoming items, prioritizing quickly and effectively, project management issues, personality issues, psychological issues and time management.

"Office clutter, as a whole, gives a poor image to your clients," Cynowa said. "If people think you're cluttered and you can't handle your work, you don't have time for them."

The GO System can be used by companies of all sizes. While it is geared toward businesses, it also can be used in a home office setting.

There is no special software involved, but companies use a control center to get started. The implementation kit is included in the $160 workshop fee.

Cynowa conducted her first workshops in October and November and has a third planned for Jan. 20 at her office in Auburn Hills. Attendees must pre-register.

After each workshop, she provides one-on-one consultations with clients to help them implement the program.

Even highly organized people can pick up tips from the program, she said. Once clients activate the program, they are amazed by the results, she added.

"It doesn't happen overnight," she said. "People don't get into this situation overnight. It takes time and training to reverse it."