Are You Putting Off Productivity?
I recently took a good look at what was keeping me from accomplishing what I needed to do. After all, I had my goals. I had them written down. I read my affirmations daily. And still, I was not achieving what I wanted to do.
Leaving town was a major undertaking. And that's not good when you're a professional speaker! I need to be able to leave at a moment's notice and arrive ready to give my full attention to my audience. So it was time for a look at what was holding me back. Here's what I found.
1. I used my desktop computer in the office. However, my accounting program and contact databases were on that machine, so my assistant also needed to use it. We sometimes found ourselves waiting for the other person to get off the machine before we could do what we needed to do.
2. I used a 3-lb laptop on the road. Though I rarely used them, I had to pack the CD player and floppy drive, plus the docking bar with the parallel port on it - just in case I needed any of those items.
3. I often found myself without a file I needed or a contact's information. It took me up to an hour or two before I left town each time to decide on and transfer what I needed to my laptop, then another 30 minutes or more when I returned to update my desktop with all I had worked on while I was gone.
4. I had an early 2MB Palm V that could not hold any e-books and did not sync with my Outlook calendar and contacts. So again, I spent a lot of time copying and pasting information between my desktop or my laptop and my Palm.
In general, things were not working well and the problems were pretty obvious.
Here's how I resolved most of my issues.
1. I bought a new laptop. This is 3 years newer than the other, but it's four times faster and has a larger screen. And while I traded a 3-pounder for a 7-pounder, my new laptop has a built-in floppy and a built-in CD burner. That means all the pieces are with me all the time. And with the CD burner, I can back up data quickly or move it to another computer easily - very nice when you need to use someone else's computer!
2. I moved my desktop to another office for my assistant. That means she and I can be working at the same time on the rare occasions I'm in the office - what a concept!
3. I only put the programs I need for my tasks on my laptop. So if I don't think I should be doing it, I didn't load the software. I did not put my accounting program or my databases on my laptop; instead, I'm delegating those tasks to my assistant (another new concept!) If I need to look at anything on those programs, I'll walk into her office and check.
4. I purchased a new color Palm. It's color with lots of memory. Best of all, it syncs with Outlook contacts, tasks, calendar and notes. Plus it uses Word and Excel, as well as Adobe Acrobat Reader. This is truly revolutionary! To ensure I have the information I need with me, I put the Palm into its cradle and it automatically syncs everything. No more deciding what to take, then copying and pasting it! I find I'm editing Word documents on the plane, plus I'm getting a lot of the e-books read in airports and sitting alone in restaurants. When I want to create an article from scratch (as I'm doing with this one), I use the keyboard.
In short, my travel life has changed dramatically in the past 2 weeks! And as I walk back into my office this afternoon, I'll pull my laptop out and put it on my desk, then sync it with my Palm. I will have everything with me that I've had on the road for the past 10 days. My assistant's work life won't be interrupted and we'll never lose a beat in getting the job done!
Just the sense of calm and control are worth it. No more frantic transferring of files as I leave. No more waiting to use my computer while she prints invoices for the month. No more... well, you get the idea! I'm thrilled with the make-over!
Do you need to review your productivity? Take this short quiz and see:
1. Do you always have the information you need with you - either on your cell phone, your laptop, and your PDA (personal digital assistant, such as a Palm Pilot or IPAQ)?
2. Are you trying to share a computer with anyone else?
3. Can you get on the Internet as often and as long as you need to?
4. If you need a client file while you're traveling do you have it? Can you get it within 15 minutes - even after hours?
5. If you need to move a file or print a file, so you have a way to do that while you're traveling?
6. Are there tasks that are not getting done? Why? Could it be cured by shifting or adding technology?
Remember: Technology is a tool that works FOR us. If you're working harder and longer because of the technology, it's not working the way it should. Don't put off productivity!
For more on productivity, get Jeanette's special repor "Ten Most Overlooked Productivity Tools" at TechTamers.com
Dr. Jeanette Cates is an Internet strategist who works with experts who are ready to turn their knowledge and their websites into Gold. Her reputation as a speaker and trainer has earned her the title of The Technology Tamer. Jeanette shares her news and views in OnlineSuccessNews.com
 Google News Updated : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:51:44 GMT Karadzic lived the good life with wine, song - Reuters
Reuters - By Ivana Sekularac BELGRADE (Reuters) - Radovan Karadzic lived the good life while hiding from justice for 11 years: he watched his diet, fell in love and hung out in a small bar where hardliners gathered to sing about his wartime exploits. Video: Karadzic's arrest sparks clashes - 23 Jul 08 Karadzic's secret life enthralls his fellow Serbs Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 04:05:33 GMT Christian Bale's lady sidekick: Sibi Bale - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times - Like the Dark Knight/Bruce Wayne, Christian Bale is a real-life man of mystery. Averse to personal publicity, he is well-known for not wanting to discuss his private life. Christian Bale, Wife "Solid" at Knight's Spain Premiere Bale's family feud led to scuffle Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:10:31 GMT Rapper 50 Cent sues Taco Bell over ad - New York Daily News
New York Daily News - BY THOMAS ZAMBITO The rapper - real name Curtis Jackson - is suing the fast-food chain for using his hip-hop persona to tout its tacos. 50 Cent sues Taco Bell over ad campaign Rapper 50 Cent says Taco Bell stole his endorsement Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:15:09 GMT Favre's heir? With backing from mates, Rodgers waits patiently - USA Today
USA Today - By Matt Ludtke, AP By Larry Weisman, USA TODAY He no longer sounds like a retired player after seemingly passing on the opportunity to lead a talent-laden Packers squad. Video: The Rift Between Favre and the Packers Finding new home for Brett Favre won't be easy Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:06:18 GMT Billionaires Back Antismoking Effort - New York Times
New York Times - Bill Gates and New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced their antismoking initiative on Wednesday in New York. By DONALD G. MCNEIL JR Bill Gates and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced on Wednesday that they would spend $500 million to stop ... Video: Gates, Bloomberg Pool Riches to Fight Smoking The $500 million war on smoking Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:23:48 GMT Zimbabwe Parties May Sign Unity Deal Soon, Business Day Reports - Bloomberg
Bloomberg - By Carli Lourens July 24 (Bloomberg) -- Zimbabwe's ruling and opposition parties may sign a power-sharing agreement soon as they have already agreed on a wide range of issues, Business Day reported, citing people it didn't identify. Fearsome Zimbabwe militias are afraid Delayed Zimbabwe Power-Sharing Talks Seen Beginning Thursday Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:23:06 GMT Discovery may boost statin safety - BBC News
BBC News - Scientists have pinpointed a gene mutation as a major cause of a rare side effect of the cholesterol-lowering drugs statins. They hope the discovery could lead to a simple test to identify patients at increased risk of myopathy - severe muscle pain and ... Gene May Predict Cholesterol-Lowering Drug Risk, Study Says Genetic Cause of Statin-Related Muscle Pain Found Publ.Date : Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:14:24 GMT afdf |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... Want to save money while promoting your web-based business? Of... Read More Using SQL Server 2000 and above versions you can retrieve... Read More JVC developed and used a high-performance reflective film to produce... Read More We've all seen them, you've been browsing a website and... Read More Saving Lives With A Pocket PCFree medical downloads can be... Read More Perhaps not yet, but the handwriting might be on the... Read More Wouldn't you be shocked to find that your personal sensitive... Read More Tip #1. Do a Google search. Don't be to general... Read More Google, in their march to stay ahead of the pack... Read More We have just entered the time of year that most... Read More Sometimes your PC will start acting strange for no apparent... Read More Heading off on vacation soon?Then perhaps you're tempted to take... Read More Computer related terminology could sometimes be daunting to newcomers. These... Read More Your Bible At Your FingertipsIt is fairly easy to find... Read More File permissions are one of the strengths that the Unix... Read More A friend told me: "My computer startup seems to be... Read More With the bewildering number of digital cameras on the market,... Read More Getting a new computer should be an exciting and gratifying... Read More Save money. Save 10-15% on utility bills per month. Work... Read More IntroOne of the big advantages of PCs over earlier types... Read More The year is 1981. IBM has just released the Personal... Read More Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the... Read More IF WE say that it was mainly because of the... Read More Lost & Found for the 21st CenturyIn today's hectic world... Read More Do you remember the old saw about how computers would... Read More
Adsense
websites
HTML Explained: Part 1
How to Use SQLXML to Retrieve Data from SQL Server Database?
JVCs First Three-Layer Combo-Disc Blu-Ray / DVD
404 Error Pages: What Are They And How Do You Create One?
Nephrology and Dialysis For a PDA
Is Digital Camera Technology Making Film Obsolete?
How to Protect your PC from Spyware in the Cyber Age
Tips For Finding Great Deals On Computer Accessories & Supplies
Is Desktop Search Deserving?
Lightning Season: How to Avoid Data Loss
Tips For Getting Technical Support Help Online
7 Reasons NOT to Take Your Laptop on Holiday!
Cache In Your Chips And Get A Bus!
PDA Bible Free Download
Setting File Permissions On A Unix Server
Make Windows XP Run Faster!
Digital Cameras: How Many Pixels Do I Need?
New Computer? Steps to Protect Your Computer Before Connecting to the Internet
Favorite Things To Do With Home Technology
Upgrading Your PC for Non-experts
PC Owners - The Largest Criminal Gang Ever?
Help, I Need a New HDTV! (Part 1 of 5)
Faster Browsing Tips
An All Too Familar Pain
Ergonomics and Healthy Computing - Positioning Your Body For Maximum Comfort At Your Computer
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
Be Your Own IT Department
If you use a computer, you need to know more... Read More
How To Buy An MP3 Player
Are you looking for an MP3 player but am not... Read More
The Many Benefits of Owning a DVR
Has This Ever Happened To You? OK.. it's Friday night,... Read More
Bios Term
BIOS - Basic Input Output SystemThe central processing unit of... Read More
10 Tips to Stay Safe and Secure Online
The Internet can be a dangerous place.While you're enjoying the... Read More
4 Easy Ways to Speed Up A Sluggish PC
Computers are supposed to speed up our productivity?to help us... Read More
Cache In Your Chips And Get A Bus!
Computer related terminology could sometimes be daunting to newcomers. These... Read More
Emulation Manual - A Complete Guide on How to Change Your Windows XP to Mac OS X
IntroductionMac OS X is the most technologically advanced operating system... Read More
Are You Well Protected?
Winter?the official start of the cold and flu season. Though,... Read More
Home Video? Bring it On
So you got yourself a digital camcorder. If you want... Read More
Digital Cameras: Hot Gear with the Coolest Features!
Cameras: still known for taking pictures but assumed as digital... Read More
Get Ahead When You Build Your Own Computer
If you've been kicking around the idea of building your... Read More
How To Speed Up Your Aging PC And Make It Healthier Too
With a little tweaking and with proper tools, you can... Read More
Things You Can Do To Speed Up Your Computer
Upgrading your processor will always speed up your computer, but... Read More
More Cool Web Tricks
If you ask most people what frustrates them most about... Read More
How to Protect your PC from Spyware in the Cyber Age
Wouldn't you be shocked to find that your personal sensitive... Read More
How To Increase Computer Speed And Performance - Great Tips & Tricks
Many computer users are worried about their computer's performance. After... Read More
10 Easy Steps to Speed Up Your Computer - Without Upgrading
1. Empty the Temp directory regularly. To do this, make... Read More
Enhanced Web Browsing With Toolbars
As the Web grows more crowded and just plain "noisy"... Read More
USB Drives - What to Look For in a USB Device
Those small USB drives have so many names, pocket drives,... Read More
How Does a Palm Pilot Work?
Just The Facts, Ma'mPalm pilots are all the rage now.... Read More
Some Thoughts on Choosing a Flash MP3 Player
Flash mp3 players come with an exciting array of features,... Read More
JVCs First Three-Layer Combo-Disc Blu-Ray / DVD
JVC developed and used a high-performance reflective film to produce... Read More
Keeping the Windows Registry Operational
The registry is where the computer stores information about the... Read More
Nephrology and Dialysis For a PDA
Saving Lives With A Pocket PCFree medical downloads can be... Read More
Personal Technology |