Jessica, who provided some organizational tips about posting from the library or Internet cafe when one’s own Internet connection is down, has some more ideas to offer.  Thanks, Jessica.
Even if you don’t have a “real” word processor, your computer probably comes with a basic text editor that can save text files on your computer ahead of time (eg: look for Notepad on windows, TextEdit on Mac). You may have to go back and do the formatting online later when you get to the library, but if you already have the body text written that can save even more time sometimes! …read more

It’s still early enough in the year to be thinking of ways you can be organized for the next 11-12 months. And one great way to do that is getting your computer files in order. As we get busy, it’s easy to just save a file, a receipt, an invoice in whatever folder pops up when you hit save. But is it really convenient when you have to dig for that file later?
Take some time to think about how you use your computer. What items do you save on it? How often do you need to refer back to it? …read more

During my trip to the library, I picked up another Julie Morgenstern book. This time it’s Never Check E-Mail in the Morning.
I haven’t started the book yet. I’m hoping to find some interesting information in there. But I have to wonder about her title.
Is it feasible to skip checking email in the morning? I check mine to get my daily schedule and see what I need to work on that day.
However, I could see putting off email until you’ve had a chance to sit down and review your to-do list and see where you stand. Get some good, solid planning …read more

(myorganizedbiz.com) – I like to save a variety of bookmarks and sites for future reference. It could be something that helps my business. Maybe a site that helps me improve my writing or network. Or I might save a page that I want to read later.
And when I want to access it from a variety of computers, I turn to Delicious (formerly del.icio.us). I can easily save a site to my bookmarks, tag it, and return to it later. Also, it’s linked to my Friend Feed so others can see what I’m bookmarking as well.
You can use a bookmarklet to …read more

(www.myorganizedbiz.com) – If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the volume of email you receive, it’s possible you need to make more frequent use of your delete key. Even with impossible amounts of storage available, you still need to hit delete every so often. In fact, the more frequently you use it, the better.
Here’s what happens when you keep every email that comes at you: you can’t find anything. Remember that email you sent to that client about the thing they wanted you to do next month? Well, would it be easier to pinpoint in 20 emails or 20,000? I thought …read more

Since we so recently talked about sharpening the saw, I thought it would be a nice follow up to read Leo Babauta’s interview with Stephen Covey.
I was especially interested in Leo’s question about filtering out noise:
ZH: Do you have any thoughts you can share about filtering out the noise in life (especially noise from technology) to focus on the things that are truly important. How can we be sure to see time-sensitive emails but not live in our inboxes?
Covey: I am fortunate to have a very helpful team that enables me to spend time doing things that are important but …read more

I don’t brainstorm nearly often enough. It can be so helpful for generating ideas. And it has a wide variety of applications.
You can brainstorm the beginnings of a project, to help you figure out what resources you’ll need or what general steps to take. It gives you a solid starting point, something to help you flesh out a larger plan.
Try planning your day this way. Think about everything you need – or think you need – to accomplish that day. And then you can choose the most important items and go from there.
Sometimes, mind mapping is a great way to …read more

(www.myorganizedbiz.com) – One thing I hate about office equipment is the power cords. More specifically, the monstrous adapter plugs that they come with. Even if you have a 5-plug power strip, you can usually manage to use only 2 or 3 because of those massive adapters.
I’ve been frustrated with this for a long time, needing 2 or 3 power strips when I should only need one. But not too long ago, I discovered a pretty darn-near perfect solution to this mess: the PowerSquid.
The PowerSquid Outlet Multiplier takes away the normal power strip and instead gives you five flexible outlets connected …read more

(www.myorganizedbiz.com) – We recently discussed using Google calendar reminders to make sure you know what you’ve planned for your day. Marina brought up a good point: What if you have something to do at 6 a.m., but you get email reminders from Google at 5 a.m.?
I don’t always remember to check the next day’s schedule, but I always check my calendar in the morning. So how do I make it to those early morning commitments that occur before I log on to my computer?
I use my cell phone. Most of today’s cells have a built-in calendar and reminder system. So …read more

(www.myorganizedbiz.com) – I have such a crazy schedule at times. It’s hard to remember everything. Is it from being over scheduled? Distracted? Mommy brain? Maybe all of the above.
One technology item that has helped me countless times is Google calendar. But not just the calendar. It’s the event reminders.
Every day at 5 am, Google calendar emails me my daily schedule. And since I check email as soon as I get up – yes even before coffee – I know if I have any important meetings or deadlines that day. And for whatever reason, that works better for me than trying …read more