Perfect Productivity Products: How to Do More with Less

We all have our own ways of doing things, and that includes choosing tools to help us stay productive. Obviously, organization has a lot to do with productivity. That means knowing where things are, staying on top of due dates, and generally retaining control over your commitments. Without getting fancy, below are some fundamental practices to help you stay ahead of the game.

Start with the Basics

• Calendaring Tools

So many choices, so little time! With so many different calendaring tools available, it's virtually impossible to miss a deadline or appointment.

Let's start with the traditional resources: Hard-copy tools, such as a desk calendar or day planner, are certainly options. And, if that is where your comfort level lies, then use them. However, if you would prefer to take a step into the 21st century, you may want to embrace technology to manage your calendar.

One option is to use Google calendar. Google calendar allows you to schedule and review events, share your calendar, and create invitations and notifications. In addition to Google, many organizations have their own internal software program for calendaring, so check with your employer first. One benefit of utilizing such a program: You can manage your calendar from your desk.

Finally, do you have a personal digital assistant, such as a Palm Pilot or BlackBerry? If so, you may be able to manage your calendar on the move through Outlook® Calendar or another scheduling tool.

• Tickler File

Talk about old-fashioned! A tickler file is a document-and-data tracking system, which uses individual file folders or an accordion file folder with each day of the month on a different section. By slipping reminders, unpaid bills, travel itineraries, and other items into the appropriate slot, you can stay on top of your commitments.

• "To-Do" Lists

If you're someone who tries to commit all of your daily tasks to memory, you could wind up with a brain overload. Instead, consider utilizing a to-do list to help you remain productive. Whether you choose to take the traditional pen-and-paper route or employ an automated system is entirely your decision. However, consider checking out the free online tool, Vitalist, or Remember the Milk, which is designed for Apple iPhones. Another option? Simply use the to-do list organizer that comes with your PDA.

Other Services and Systems

Depending on your specific productivity needs, you might require a product that's designed for multiple uses. Fortunately, tools like Backpack can offer you a variety of services (at a price), which range from calendaring and information-sharing to meeting planning.

For personal and business uses, an Apple iPhone3G might be hard to top. With its productivity applications, including Pennies for budgeting and expense-tracking and Air Sharing for document-sharing, this device has it all. Also, be sure to check out T-Mobile's newest device, the G1. At just under $200, it supports graphics applications such as Google Maps, web browsing and video, encyclopedias and teaching tools. As further proof of its utility, Time Magazine rated it one of the "best inventions of 2008."

Another big productivity killer is tracking how much time you spend on each work project, especially if you have to bill for hours. Fortunately, there are time-tracking applications available that can do this for you! One great option is Activity Tracker, which allows you to punch in and out as you switch from activity to activity.

Talk About It

So, do you have any additional productivity tips for the OfficeArrow community? If so, please share them!