Nov 11
21
Blog Prompt Monday: What technology tools do you use to stay organized (list apps, calendars, etc.)?
by Meghann Martinez
As the holidays sneak up on me I find myself turning to technology to keep me focused and on task. From potlucks to website updates, I’m covered. The easiest way to introduce these tools is by walking through my day.
12AM: Appointment and deadline reminders are sent to Outlook, iCal on the iPad and the Android phone for the next day. My personal Google calendar is synced to my iPad and phone as well so those reminders come through.
7AM: Nightstand application awakes the living and dead (so loud!)
8AM: Check iTeamwork for work to-do list. iTeamwork is a free web-based project management tool that can be used with a team of people to assign tasks. I use it just for me to keep everything in line. I love that it is really simple to use, I can track the progress and make a daily to-do list. I wish there were an app for this!
8AM-5PM: Meeting reminders come through an hour before and 15 minutes before the start time. This is really helpful because oftentimes meetings are stacked on each other and run late so this lets me know that I need to move-on into the next meeting.
Often times when attending meetings there are action items assigned to myself for completion. I take notes on my iPad using a stylus and the Penultimate app and place the specific action items in my iPad Reminders app, which syncs to my Outlook to-do list on my PC.
Hootsuite is my daily lifesaver. My job is social media so being able to pull reports, schedule tweets and Facebook updates, and interact with the students away from my desk on the iPad or phone is flexible and time sensitive.
Dropbox helps me keep my work up-to date and everywhere I need it. I can work on assignments at home, work or at another computer using this cloud technology. No more USB drives to lose.
Post- 5PM & weekends: At home and school life becomes more simplified using mostly Google applications to keep moving forward. Additionally, I keep my bills and expenses in line by using Mint.com and it’s corresponding app, my bank’s app, Fidelity app (401K) and the Debt Free app. Debt Free has been a great tool to use as a new professional to combine all of my credit cards, car payment and students loans into one app, set a debt “budget” for monthly payments and see my progress (most rewarding!) towards being free from “the man”.
Whew, that is a lot! If you haven’t noticed almost all roads lead to the iPad. It never sleeps and has an outstanding battery life! The best bonus is that it fits in my purse.
While I live life by the bell there are days I block out my calendar for “me” time and that’s the best reminder.
