By Amanda Kuhnert
Ever feel like there are never enough hours in the day? Most of us think the solution is better time management. But Porter Knight, a certified professional organizer based in Bristol, Vermont, says there’s more to it than that. Along with providing tips and tricks to improve efficiency, Knight teaches her clients how to put their brains to work for them.
“I start by explaining how the brain works, how we can prepare the brain to maximize its performance, and how to manage the brain when there’s too much to do and not enough time to do it,” she said. “Then we build on that solid foundation.” The techniques she teaches are rooted in neuroscience and designed to maximize brain performance.
Knight has always had a knack for identifying systems to streamline processes. After years of creating order out of chaos for employes, friends and family, she realized she had a saleable service. In 1996, she started her business, Productivity Vermont.
Knight is the only Certified Professional Organizer® in Vermont and the only Vermont professional organizer who specializes in workplace productivity and office organizing. She is also the author of the book “Organized to Last: 5 Simple Steps to Staying Organized.”
“I describe my work with clients as being similar to work with a personal fitness trainer,” she said. “Though I am a consultant, I don’t show up, do an evaluation, produce a report, and leave you to it. I am working side-by-side as you learn and practice the new skills. My clients’ systems look and function differently after a session than before.”
Ready to grow
In 2022, Knight reached out to the Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) for help. She had just celebrated her 26th year in business and was looking to expand. “I have known about VtSBDC for years, but had not taken advantage of services offered,” she said. Knight reached out to Sarah Kearns, area advisor, and was quickly connected to marketing advisor Phyllis Ershowsky.
“VtSBDC has been an invaluable sounding board for refreshing and reinvigorating my marketing plan, and has provided me with both insights and accountability,” she said. “Through VtSBDC I was also able to meet with a social media specialist who has coached me in better use of LinkedIn and Constant Contact, much to my advantage.”
Productivity Vermont offers workshops, seminars, and one-on-one consulting to help professionals become more organized and productive in the workplace. Other services include: office organizing and time management, electronic organizing, and efficient communications. Knight was recently chosen to be a presenter at the America’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Annual Conference taking place in Nashville in September. She will speak on “Mental Focus in the Workplace. For more info: productivityvermont.com.
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