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StayFocusd! On Task While Online

No, That’s not a typo.  StayFocusd is an app available through the Chrome Web Store.  I.Love.It.

An important part of my job is staying on the cutting edge of productivity products and research.  You wouldn’t believe how much there is to learn about attention, perception, learning and communication styles.  I dedicate several hours a week to reading up on these topics.   My job is also to try out productivity apps and software, so I can make appropriate recommendations to my clients.

Tell me you know someone who … Continue Reading

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Goodbye Microsoft, Hello Google

Over the past 4 years, I’ve been waging a passive war against all things Microsoft.  Maybe I’m just bitter to still be working mainly off a 5-lb laptop “equipped” with Windows Vista (much like a donkey is equipped with a full load that will eventually break its back).  Each update brings at least one noticeable new glitch.  With an average of one update per month, over several years.. you get the picture.  This did nothing for my productivity.  In fact, the psychological stress of it all was bringing me down.

First, … Continue Reading

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Cool Tool Review: The TimeTimer

The TimeTimer for Productivity

I first learned about the TimeTimer while researching time-awareness and attention aids for children with developmental disabilities.  Difficulty sustaining attention (with or without a diagnosis) is a hallmark of modern life.  With so many competing priorities, and (way!) too much information coming our way at all times, many people find it difficult to simply hanker down and get done what matters most.

The TimeTimer is simple and effective.  Unlike a standard alarm, the TimeTimer allows you to visually track your time without having to read it. … Continue Reading

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Thank you, Toodledo

toodledo listThanks to Toodledo, I have been able to accomplish an unprecedented amount of boring but vital admin work this week.

Yes, even a productivity evangalist has her challenges. I dislike burocracy and paperwork as much as anyone else.  A small but growing pile taunted me at my desk. So I moved to another room.

Unfortunately, my conscience follows me everywhere. I know I have to fill out those forms.  And not just one page.  We’re talking projects.

This week, I decided to take … Continue Reading

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Goodbye Voicemail? Meet Google Voice

090508_tech_vmexWill Google Voice be the end of voice mail as we know it?  No more waiting to be in a quiet place, or to have a pen that works to write down messages?  No more struggling to catch just the key information?

Google Voice is the planned upgrade from www.grandcentral.com – Google’s one-stop-shop for Google technology on your mobile phone.  According to the Google Voice website, the app will be available shortly.  If you want to be notified of it’s arrival, just enter your e-mail address on the … Continue Reading

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TimeBridge: Scheduling software so easy to use, it’s disgusting

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Whomever has had the burden of scheduling a meeting with several participants knows it’s like herding cats.  And then there came TimeBridge, the ultimate online scheduling assistant.  “So easy”, says Demogirl.com “it’s disgusting”.

Watch the TimeBridge screencast demo!  It’s only a few minutes long.

“TimeBridge has introduced the first Personal Scheduling Assistant designed to help busy people find a time to meet — fast. This innovative, new web application works across calendaring systems, companies and time zones.”

Yes, I am a big fan … Continue Reading

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Evernote: Remember Everything

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“Evernote allows you to easily capture information in any environment using whatever device or platform you find most convenient, and makes this information accessible and searchable at any time, from anywhere.” – The Evernote People.

Lauren Davidson says: Evernote is the open-source equivalent to Microsoft’s OneNote… minus the Microsoft monopoly bugs and glitches, and plus oodles of options and add-ons to expand it’s uses with your Mac, PC, iPhone or other mobile device. Evernote takes the place of note pads, scratch paper, sticky notes and “favorites files”.  En somme, … Continue Reading

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Use Evernote to find your CAR?

evernote-logo

If you’re already an iPhone user, you’re probably tech friendly enough to use this amazingly cool Evernote function.  Granted, this doesn’t have much to do with staying organized.  However, finding you car every time can sure go a long way towards staying SANE – and keeping avoidable stress at bay.

Stay tuned for more everyday applications for Evernote, your free, open-source virtual memory.

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Eliminate paper clutter easy as 1-2-PIXILY

Watch this great demo with Prasad Thimmeneini, CEO and Founder of Pixily. If you think it’s a great idea, but don’t know where to start in your piles and piles of paper (yes, I know), just drop me a line to talk about it.

Easy as 1-2-Pixily!

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Clear paper clutter with PIXILY

Pixily

I just got off a 30-minute live chat with a PIXILY rep to learn more why it’s worth telling you about. Remember, I don’t recommend anything here without fully researching, and many times trying it myself, first.

Here’s what impresses me about Pixily:

1. It’s as easy as you want.At the minimal level, all you have to do is accumulate papers for a month, stick them in the pre-paid USPS envelope or FedEx box, and ship them off to be scanned. If you choose not to name them or download the PDF’s, they will … Continue Reading

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