Lexington, KY - Remember when you could keep a daily errand list in your head?
There's probably not much room in there now, so we rely on sticky notes, daily planners, online calendars and handheld devices. What's your method of choice?
Adeel Azeem, account manager, QX.net:
Google offers a set of products that can do the same tasks as a daily planner, but with significant advantages. Utilizing the free Google calendar service, I can have multiple calendars on the same screen, keeping work and play in clear focus. It integrates into my Outlook calendar at work, with my mobile phone and with my friends and co-workers. Just like the daily planner, you can always run the risk of losing access to your appointments, so I cannot stress this enough: back up your stuff. With flash drives becoming cheaper and offsite storage options becoming more abundant, that's the first step. The ability to search through the calendar, request a meeting with a dozen people with a single click, or getting a text message reminding you that you have a meeting in 20 minutes won't amount to much if you don't have a second copy within easy reach.
Gary Cremeans, general manager, Joseph-Beth Booksellers:
I use my laptop to make my own list in Excel. The list has three columns for urgent items, things that need short-term attention and those that are long-term or need research. I also downloaded a Word-based calendar for appointments, meetings and phone calls. Some of my work is on the sales floor at the store, so I carry a small notebook and take notes. Later, I drop the information into the Excel list. If I don't write it down that moment I'll forget, but I filter everything through my laptop for a central source.
Denise McClelland, member, Frost Brown Todd:
Daily, weekly, monthly, I am all of the above. In the legal profession, especially litigation, there are certain deadlines over which an attorney has little control. The Rules of Civil Procedure set deadlines for briefs, appeals and other legal-related actions, although extensions can be obtained in certain circumstances. In addition, clients have deadlines that must be met. Deadlines are important and not always self-imposed. The calendar controls. In the morning, I review the calendar as a reminder of scheduled events and efforts. At the end of the day, I "reorganize" my desk and leave any future to-do items at the top for the next day. On Friday evenings and Monday mornings I examine the entire coming week's schedule to gauge upcoming events and actions. And during the month, I look further ahead to anticipate deadlines for briefs, hearings, appeals and other events. Of course, there is the need to include family and personal events, as well as fun time with clients and friends (including clients that are friends). Like everyone else, more time would be useful, but setting priorities does make a difference. I have used the same style of daily planner for over 20 years. I keep the old ones in a box - my life history in a box.
Sharon Navis, president, Creative Promotions & Printing:
I try to give all projects a priority level as to what needs to be done, what should be done and what I want to do on a weekly time schedule. I always leave one day a week open for prospecting, which includes organization meetings or just plain old cold calls. I also set aside time to entertain a customer or potential customer in something fun: golf. It is a very comfortable venue to have an informal meeting. I use a daily planner for keeping track of my time and scheduling appointments. I like to write down the things I want to accomplish and calls I make during the week. I use the items that I sell, such as planners and calendars, as a checklist in managing my time. I like the old way of tracking time, as it has worked for me in the past and I see no reason to change something that works.
Lynette White, owner/CEO, Designs By Lynette LLC:
I guess I am a weekly person. I am in a career that has a lot of interruptions throughout the day. I really have to multitask. I start my weekly planning late on Friday afternoon for the coming week. I use a calendar that blocks out chunks of time daily for activities, leads generation, phone calls, paperwork, etc. I try to keep as close to this formula as possible. I also realize as I get wiser (older), if it doesn't work today, not to stress. I will get it done.