I have decided to change the content in my blog posts to be about tips and techniques for using 3 productivity tools that I recommend to my clients. If you are not familiar with them now, you will be. Some of these tools have been around for a long time, but are under-utilized, and some of these tools are brand new. While I do not work for the companies that make these tools...I highly recommend them to all of my clients. I have evaluated a lot of personal productivity tools, and these are the BEST!

So, if you use these tools already, or if you think you might use them in the future, please subscribe to the updates on this blog. I am not planning to post on a particular schedule, but expect that I will post whenever I have a great tip to share.

Here is a quick overview of each tool. You can learn more about them on my website as well.

iPEP - Interactive Productive Environment Platform is a brand new tool from PBworks (formerly PBwiki) and the Productive Environment Institute. It allow you to manage the physical files in your office along with the electronic information in your life, and the ideas you have floating around in your head. It is an tool combining the best of Web 2.0 technologies with proven office organizing methodology. The best thing about it is that your information is stored online and can be accessed from any device on the Internet, including your smart phone. Wouldn't it be cool to be able to access your entire knowledge-base from your phone? I think that is VERY COOL! There is a project management version of the tool that is perfect for people who need to collaborate on projects. Check out more information on my website at http://www.meyerorganizing.com/index.php/ipep-productivity-tool.

Orla - Orla is an innovative email and time management program that makes life easier for people using Microsoft Outlook. Orla Express is the ideal product for those people who are tired of experiencing their inbox as a kind of never-ending, rolling To Do list offering no sense of order or priority to the work that is contained in their collection of emails. To be successful with Orla, you need to be ready to consider that email is not just about sending, receiving, and filing information. It is also about planning the work you have to complete as a result of all of your emailing activity. You can learn more about Orla at http://www.meyerorganizing.com/index.php/orla.

SwiftFile - The SwiftFile Desktop Filing System is also known as a Daily Tickler. The concept of this simple tool has been around for a long time. It is a simple tool, but one of the most powerful tool that I use for personal productivity. It consists of 31 individual file folders for the days of the month, and 12 file folders for the months of the year. You put items that you need to take action on, in the folder for the day you plan to take action. It is very simple to learn and use, but very powerful for keeping track of the work you need to do. Unfortunately you cannot find these in the office supply stores, but they are available online and I offer them on my website. http://www.meyerorganizing.com/index.php/paper-management.

So my tips and strategies with these tools will vary, and I plan to post when I have something to share. I hope you enjoy it!

Tamara Meyer
Meyer Organizing
www.meyerorganizing.com