Safety Consulting Corner

Get It Done!

If you are constantly floating in a sea of post-it notes reminding you of all of the things you have to get done, you might want to consider an online program for keeping those lists organized. Many of these let you email a new task directly to your online list so you don't have to worry about scribbling on that little post-it note again and taking it back to your coputer to enter to the online list. There are a variety of options out there - some free and some not - but most of them do the same basic thing with a few bells and whistles here and there. Check out the following options: (add it to your to-do list:)

Ta-da List
Todoist
Nozbe
voo2do
Vitalist
Remember the Milk
Toodledo
Listigator

If you prefer a non-technical aid to help you get your projects done, I would recommend a book that came out a few years ago called "Eat That Frog" by Brian Tracy. The main message that I got from that book is that you should do the worse part of a project or the thing on your to-do list that you are dreading - first. One of the best books I ever read on productivity was written for creative types (artists, writers, etc.) but it truly is a great "kick-in the-butt" type of book. It is called "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield. Even though this book is written for artists, I highly recommend it for all consultants. It is quick read and should definitely be on your to-do list, whatever list you decide to use.

Back to School

Here in NJ, it is "Back to School" day. I am hoping that this also gets me more in a "back to work" mood as well. If you regularly read this blog, you will have noticed that I have not posted in several weeks. Although I had great intentions to post during a two week vacation late in August, limited internet connections (and great weather!) made it difficult for me to follow through. Since returning, I have found it very hard to get "back to work." Fortunately, one of the books I read during my vacation can help. Although it is an unlikely book to find on a safety consultant's shelf, "The War of Art," by Steven Pressfield is a great little book with unexpected gems of wisdom. Basically - it's a "kick in the butt" kind of book. When you don't feel like working, this book provides the motivation you need. Okay - gotta get to work!

Computer Help

If you are a solo consultant or even a consultant in a small firm that doesn't have the benefit of an IT department or Support Desk, your productivity can be seriously affected by a variety of computer problems. You can spend hours trying to fix the problems yourself or get outside help. There are probably many individual computer experts available in your area but I would recommend you get some good recommendations for one before you hire him or her and check their references carefully. The other alternative is to contact one of the larger support companies that are sprouting up across the country.  Three that you might want to check out are Geek Squad (www.geeksquad.com) , DeBugIt (www.debugit.net) and Rescuecom (www.rescuecom.com). Most of these types of services can even access your computer remotely so you don't have to unplug everything and lug it to a repair center.

Another option for less serious problems is the Smart Computing hotline. Smart Computing magazine and the support it provides was described in a February  24th post (read it here).  You can also reach them at 800-368-8304.

Whatever way you go, it is good to know you have options so even when you are attempted to throw your computer out the window, try one of support companies.