A Virtual Rolodex of Tools and Resources for Coaches

Time Management can problematic when you have a combination of things on your to-do-list.  Those things you love to do, need to do but don’t love doing and those things that you would rather put off or even procrastinate at.

The Action Machine is a piece of down loadable software that you can program in your tasks – and then lovely large visual timers to each task or project you assign.   The beauty of this program for those things you tend to procrastinate around – you can set a short timer – and make a commitment to do at least that amount of time.   10 Minutes is usually enough to get me started on something I have been putting off.

The second cool thing about this piece of software – is if you have any illusion about how much time things take you to accomplish…. you can set up the timers – and really find out – just how much time you have been spending on things.    How much time does it really take to get thru all of those emails?     What would happen if you allowed yourself 30minutes?  Would you move on to other things.

I like this program idea.  It’s a great way to create some structure around time.

You can do the same thing with paper, and yet…there is something alluring about using the visual aids of timers.  There is also the small piece about “giving yourself permission”  to call a day  – a day.   When there is always more to do – this is one way to use a tool to help you limit the size of your plate for the day.

www.MeetingWizard.com

Simple to use, no download required.

MeetingWizard automatically does the following:

• sends invitations to participants proposing alternate times
• summarizes their responses
• updates you on the results
• sends confirmations
• sends optional reminders prior to meetings

MeetingWizard requires only that you and your participants have access to e-mail and a browser.  It uses the simplest technologies possible, ensuring that all of your guests will be able to use the system.

MeetingWizard has been designed to be effective in more than 90% of meeting planning situations, and does not try to fulfill every possible need.  However, it allows for enough flexibility to make changes, add personalized notes, make cancellations and handles most other situations that might arise.

MeetingWizard is designed for the modern workplace.  It is friendly but professional.

The system typically works in a 3-step process.

1. You invite participants providing a number of optional dates/times.

2. Participants respond to invitations by indicating when they are available.

3. You confirm the meeting or event after reviewing responses.

In addition, there are many other features that ensure you don’t forget important details, and that all participants receive complete information about meetings.

Take a Tour of Meeting Wizard

I have been using Jott.com now since February of 2009  – and every day I am finding ways to make the system work well for me.   One of the things I have discovered is that when I am working at my desk – it is faster for me to use a JOTT EXPRESS  a Outlook add-in to quickly add tasks to my Outlook tasks and Calendars as well as a number of other places such as Smart Sheets.    When I am away from my desk – I use Jott.com and call in my tasks and appointments.   My new process when I am working at my desk I use Jott Express to capture the task or appointment.   By usiing Jott Express I don’t need to interrupt my work flow in order to capture my idea, thought, action step, meeting or what ever.  It’s fast.

www.smartsheet.com

This is a pay-for-use software – that can be used as an application for project management, sales, task management, marketing, human resources, goal and objective tracking, product management….and the list goes on.

I have been using Smart Sheet as a goal and objective tracking and document resource pool for about a year – and so far it is the best program I have used to be able to share information with my team, my colleagues and my clients.

One of the functions I love, is that I can export the online sheet into excel.  Another is that I can generate emails to follow up on specific line items.

It’s a great tool. I recommend it highly.