Our office has been hit by the KonMari Method, the tiding-up craze inspired by Marie Kondo.

Kondo is the successful author of the New York Times’ bestselling book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and star of her own Netflix series, “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.” She applies the act of mindfulness to possessions in your home, and teaches how to keep your space tidy with only things that ‘spark joy’.

Suzi attended a workshop on the KonMari method and was inspired not only to practice this in her home, but at the office as well. And the method doesn’t just apply to stuff, Marie says you can cleanse your life of bad relationships, as well.

What would Marie Kondo say if she looked under the hood of your business? What sparks joy for you? What is the clutter? What isn’t working that you keep doing over again? And what are the important things you’re just not getting to?

Today we are exploring how to KonMari your job, team, office, clients and media.

Read more to learn how to get rid of the things that aren’t serving you, and free up more time for the important things.

PR Campaigns

KonMari follows a structure just like PR campaigns. Ask yourself – Did this campaign “spark joy?” In other words, did your PR strategy meet or exceed results? Whether a press release, a media campaign, or a community event, commit to this process first, and realize that it is ok to let go if these tactics are no longer serving you.

Once you’ve identified these factors, it’s time to nail down a new strategy. The KonMari Method has an order for tackling the tidying up. Start with clothes, followed by books, papers, miscellaneous items, and mementos – always in that order.

In keeping the spirit of Kondo’s philosophy, there are five core elements every PR strategy should include in the following order:

• Define Goals + Objectives: What are you trying to achieve? What are your objectives?
• Identify Target Audiences: Who are you trying to reach and engage?
• Establish Strategy + Tactics: Which tactics are most suitable; press releases, events etc.?
• Create Key Messages: Are your messages direct and to the point? Clear and concise?
• Measure Results: How are your KPI’s measuring up against your goals and objectives?

Media Lists

While updating a media list may not be a task that sparks joy, being armed with a comprehensive contact list will ultimately make your job more seamless and efficient – especially when pitching time-sensitive client news.

• Reference your contact’s recent coverage page. Are they still at the outlet and covering the same beat? How often do they write? Knowing this info will be valuable in the cadence in which you pitch them.
• Utilize social media. Some reporters we work with strictly like to DM us through Twitter. In addition, Twitter serves as a personal portfolio where your contacts share recent editorial.
• Say thank you or send praise. The most important part of being a successful PR person is making long-lasting relationships. Check in, even when you don’t have relevant news to pitch. Throw them a kudo on a recent article. Keep notes short and informal!

Office Spaces

"When your office space is organized, it will result in increased efficiency because your use of time becomes much more productive,” says Kondo. “You’ll be much more comfortable in your office space and that contributes to your overall performance and your creativity.”

• Tackle Your Email, Desktop, and Files into what you need now, what’s pending and what you need to keep forever. Everything that doesn’t fall into those three “to keep” categories, toss them.
• Clear off your desk. Keep only things that spark joy.
• Add plants! Plants increase productivity and clean the air.
• Take a hard look at your meetings. Don't have meetings just for meetings sake. Are they actually contributing to your success?
• Be Intentional Going Forward

Your Career

And suddenly, you start seeing your career in a new light and begin to wonder,What parts of my job spark joy? How can I incorporate them more, and get rid of the things that don’t?

We start to reflect on where we are and where we want to go—whether that’s toward a specific project, a new role, or a completely different industry. As Kondo says, “the whole process is about better understanding ourselves.”

Tell us, what sparks joy for you? And send us photos of your messy or KonMari desks!