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Technology
Our new economy has also created new needs
by Cynthia Kyriazis
Our new economy has also created new needs.
This techno-economic revolution has organization, efficiency and productivity requirements well above what was needed in the past. And although all 3 of these have always been important they are now considered critical in the maintenance and growth of businesses worldwide.
Technology's power gives us the tools to reduce routine tasking in order to increase productivity, spend more time with customers, and have more time for ourselves and our personal priorities. Processes become quicker, better and more effective (and efficient) as we learn to do more things differently. It seems we are now at a stage where we are facing the need to integrate technology within our job or business. Here are some ideas for using technology to help you get organized and thus save time:
1. Consolidate information. Several Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are on the market such as the Palm or the Handspring Visor to name a couple. They store four critical types of information...1) names and addresses 2) appointments 3) calendar and 4) 'to do' list. These are actually small, lightweight handheld computers that can also act as a clock, a calculator, an expense log, etc. with a variety of peripheral programs available to support them. PDAs consolidate information by putting it all in one place which is both compact and portable. With the push of a button, you can synchronize information in the PDA with your computer. I started using a PDA at the beginning of the year and consider it one of the best investments I've ever made.
2. Take advantage of programming. If you have features on your electronic equipment that enable you to set up speed dial or automatic timers, take the time to read how to use them. The time spent doing this once will eliminate repetition of doing things we know are both routine and inevitable.
3. Multitasking from one software program: Hire a computer consultant or put time aside to explore all the time saving mechanisms in your software programs. I use ACT! as my database program and I set time aside to program the software to enable me to make phone calls and send emails directly from the database. No more writing down the number, picking up the phone and making the call. It saves a lot of time during a busy day.
4. Using the Internet. The internet can be a tremendous time-saving device. You can set it up to deliver information to you on things such as stocks, sports, entertainment, special events, reminders, etc. But if you tend to be a procrastinator or poor time manager, you can spend many hours on the Internet looking for information which may not be important or a priority. In fact, it can easily lure you away from your priorities. So use this piece of technology deliberately and wisely.
So, just remember to... Clear your desk... Clear your mind... Organize it.
Cynthia Kyriazis 2000
[PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION]
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