Save Time — Go Local

January 18, 2009 by Chris · Comments Off
Filed under: Lessons Learned

In my quest to be more productive, I’m always on the hunt for ways to save time. One way I’ve learned to use successfully is to budget time.

With my GTD (get things done) method, I allocate what I think each task will cost time-wise. It’s a way to help me get used to working under deadlines. As I work on my book proposal, my deadline has me finishing my writing next week. Then the fun begins — locating some markets. First, since my book has regional appeal, I’m going to go local.

Local.com, I found is a good site for finding just that–local businesses. A search on publishers gave me a rather extensive list of options. From there I can do my homework and research my shortlist.

I apply that strategy to other tasks. A local search is a time saver. It doesn’t have to end there though. My next work is also a candidate for such research. The setting is place that I’m quite familiar with, but nevertheless doing research on this area will help me brainstorm ideas. The Internet is such a marvelous tool, isn’t it? Anyway to save time.

Tags: GTD, save time

2008 Year In Review

December 29, 2008 by Chris · 1 Comment
Filed under: Lessons Learned

As often is said, you don’t know where you’re going unless you know where you’ve been. That’s what these waning days of 2008 are meant for–reflection prior to planning.

2008 was a good year for me. I’ve embraced my blogs. I’m writing regularly. I have found my voice.

My book is complete and just about ready to market. I have my next revision to do. I’m going to use yReader to have it read the book to me. You can pinpoint so much more that way. My sister also has offered to read it.

I’ve worked with several GTD software packages and websites to help with that daunting task of trying to get organized. I learned something about myself in the process. I’m motivated by checking off those items on a list. It is a good strategy for me.

This year I plunged into Twitter. I have learned so much from some very generous people willing to share their knowledge. While it can be a good marketing tool, it’s also just plain fun. The links people have posted have been useful.

Twitter has also made me keenly aware of community and my part in it. I’ve learned the importance of sharing just for the sake of sharing. Helping people is cool.

The foundation has been laid. Now comes the fun part–planning my goals for next year.

Tags: goals, GTD, yReader