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Being organized usually means having all my sticky notes in one place at the same time and most days I don't even succeed in doing that. So I have been searching and reading a lot about online apps like Todoist, Remember The Milk and Toodledo for making to do lists and Evernote for on line note taking.
There is a whole world of these programs out there and I am wondering if others are using any of them to get better organized. Evernote was mentioned here a month ago or so as a way of taking pic and filing them but that is all I know.
I have downloaded and played around with some of these programs but would appreciate any comments.
Thanks, Pat
-------------------- Patrick Sweeney Terre Haute, Indiana Highline Signs Posts: 40 | From: Terre Haute, IN | Registered: Aug 2003
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If you have a PC, which I know some don't, but I use Microsoft Works Task Launcher. Came with Windows, when you install Microsoft Works it is in the programs. I have been using for 4 1/2 years. I have it open on my desk at all times. When the phone rings I add it to the list and assign it its own number. As the job gets finished I add billed beside it. When it is paid I cross it off. BUT I do not take it off the list. That way I have a running record of my jobs and where I am at. When the New Year starts I start a 2012 list, adding unfinished jobs to that year (with their existing numbers). And if my accountant says where is job #4321 I can look on my list and at least figure out what job it is and for who and whether the job was finished, billed and I didn't get paid or what happened to that job. Or whether it is still in the progress stage. Handy little program and free, with my computer anyway.
-------------------- Deri Russell Wildwood Signs Hanover, Ontario
You're just jealous 'cause the little voices only talk to me. Posts: 1904 | From: Hanover, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Dec 1998
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Deri, yer making me look bad. I've got all that microsoft stuff and don't even use it.
Patrick, my wife finally started using one of the free aps on her Droid phone to keep track of stuff, and the camera to photograph anything on the jobsite that we need to refer back to once we're back at the shop. That has helped a lot. She can even set up reminders to alert her if she wants. Pretty basic note-taking stuff, nothing complex, but it works for us. Deri has the right idea.
-------------------- Michael Gene Adkins The Fontry 1576 S Hwy 59 Watts OK 74964 Posts: 845 | From: Watts, OK USA | Registered: Jun 1999
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I was always considered to be THE most unorganized person amongst my family and friends. Until a close friend recommended a Franklin Planner. I tried the Palm pilot, sticky notes, outlook, just about everything electronic. The problem was once I wrote it down, it was either done or forgotten.
The paper planner, allows me to write it down, then check them off as I do them, ( which actually gives a great feeling of accomplishment) then whatever doesn't get done on the given day, I have to rewrite onto the next day. The act of having to rewrite actually embeds in my brain the urgency to get that task done the next day as not to have to rewrite it over and over again. It's a form of holding yourself accountable.
Also the planner holds brochures, business and cards and other important papers that I might need in any given situation. Like pens
I highly recommend a Franklin Planner to anyone. I have a New Droid phone and carry my planner faithfully. It has made me a much more organized person and my business much better.
[ July 28, 2011, 01:47 PM: Message edited by: Bob Rochon ]
-------------------- Bob Rochon Creative Signworks Millbury, MA 508-865-7330
"Life is Like an Echo, what you put out, comes back to you." Posts: 5149 | From: Millbury, Mass. U.S. | Registered: Nov 1998
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Rob, I have to agree that paper and pencil has a certain appeal. Something about the act of writing engages the mind in a way that a computer doesn't. Years ago I tried Covey's 7 Habits but didnt get far with it. Í'll make a point of looking into Franklin also, thanks.
-------------------- Patrick Sweeney Terre Haute, Indiana Highline Signs Posts: 40 | From: Terre Haute, IN | Registered: Aug 2003
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I use iCal on mac and calendar on iPhone and iPad. They all sync to keep all appointments organised. I use evernot where photos of jobs need to be stored. Also syncs seamlessly across all devices
-------------------- Kevin Gaffney Artistik Signs Kinnegad County Westmeath Ireland 044-75187 kevingaffney@eircom.net Posts: 628 | From: Ireland | Registered: Oct 2003
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