Files, Files Everywhere!

What do you do when you have files on one computer but you need to access them on another? Or you have to share information with someone else and you're tired of email tag?

Consider using a cloud file storage option. I like a few of them, including Dropbox, Sugarsync and Box.net.

Check out the quick video below for more details!

I have a confession- I love technology and new gadgets. My husband often teases me that office organization and technology stores are my shoe stores. I'll admit I have what a client calls the "Shiny New Object Syndrome” (SNOS)-most of us do.

Whenever a cool new item comes out (smartphone, computer, tablet, scanner-and yes handbag or shoe!) that little thing in the back of our heads says "ooh I want that" and we add it to our "like to have/must have" list.

Now I've been told a few times in life that "I'm old enough for my wants to hurt" so I am familiar with the concept of delayed gratification (thanks to my mom for that important life lesson).Understanding delayed gratification has saved me considerable expense, time and aggravation.

As much as I love technology what good is the latest and greatest gadget or tool if I never use it?

As Professional Organizers, we often see the impact that impulse shopping has on our clients’ lives. For some clients it’s all about clothing or accessories, while for others it’s a love affair with technology. They purchase items and before they begin to use them, they’ve moved on to the next thing.

The SNOS Technology Trap

I have a client that struggles with “shiny new object” syndrome when it comes to technology. He is always looking for the next best thing. He has spent a lot of money on expensive technology resources instead of investing wisely in a few strategic solutions.

Many times when we give in to consumer or peer pressure we purchase a new item to replace a perfectly functioning item without considering how we will use it or if it will really fill that perceived need or void in our lives.

It’s easy to fall into the technology SNOS trap with the constant updates, upgrades and advances in technology happening with months (if not weeks) of our purchases.

Treating SNOS

Sadly, there is no real cure for SNOS, but there are treatments and strategies that can help.  Here are a few questions I ask when helping a client with technology SNOS.

• What significant problem will this new item solve for them vs. the people portrayed using it? Marketers are very skilled at convincing us we have a problem that doesn’t really exist in our lives. Help your client identify the exact pain point they are feeling and whether or not the new tool is the answer.
• Is it really different from a resource that they already own? If they can’t show you significant differences and applications for the new tool, re-examine their existing solution to see what can be tweaked to make it work better.
• Are they using all the features and functions of their current resource? Frustration usually comes from not knowing how to accomplish their goals with what they have. Revisit tutorials or arrange additional training to help them get the most from existing resources.
• What’s the worst thing that will happen if they wait a while before they buy it? As a former marketer, I know that the longer someone delays a purchase action, the more likely it is that they won’t follow through. Encourage your clients to set a waiting period before they buy something. Chances are something else will catch their eye before the time is up. If they are still eager, explore trial options to see if they will actually use the tool before spending valuable dollars.

Although you can certainly ask more questions, if these few are answered honestly, clients often realize that no matter how cool the new gadget, something they already have still functions perfectly well.

There will be times that the new solution is a better fit for a technology need. If that is the case, you will have helped your client identify a role that it will play in their process and they can buy with confidence—not regret.

To help someone fight SNOS, encourage them to explore existing resources that may be under-utilized. They can dust of what's old, make it shiny and fall in love again.

Do you know that partnering with others can help you achieve productivity success?

I've said it before, but its worth repeating: the key to making your goals stick is to declare them to others.

I'm a huge believer in having a partner that you work with to reach your goals. Accountability or Success partners can make a difference when you are feeling discouraged or have become distracted. They make it easy to chunk or break down your end goal I to manageable activities that bring you closer to results.

It's true. The perfect partner for me is someone who gets me; who understands my business and dreams enough to be a sounding board and keep me honest. They know when I'm being serious about a challenge that has me stumped. And, they know when I'm just making excuses.

As an Accountability Partner to my clients, I have been told many a time, that the only reason they do something, when they would normally procrastinate, is because they knew they had to check in with me. Checking in kept them honest and gave them the little motivation they need to get started.

Here are a few benefits of working with a productivity partner:

• You brainstorm better ideas. Two brains are better than one. You'll come up with better ideas and ways to execute them if you team up with someone else.
• You're not alone. As entrepreneurs we spend a lot of time by ourselves. Having a partner, means you have company for business success and challenges.
• You get a different perspective. This one is a huge benefit. Collaborating with others gives you different view points that help make sure you cover all angles.
• You get things done. Most of us will work harder to do something that we've promised to someone else. If no one is checking in with you, it's easy to let things slide. When you tell someone else that you'll do something, you make sure you get it done.

Finding the Right Accountability Partner

Having an Accountability Partner is a business must have for entrepreneurs who want to make this year different.

Still need a partner? Check out my Spring Into Action Accountability Group, forming right now!

Lifetick is a great online resource that helps you achieve your goals using the SMART Goals process

It walks you through the proces of setting SMART goals that are based on your core values, then allows you to schedule tasks that will help you reach them step by step.

Success Tips

Calendar Integration

One trick for making Lifetick work harder for you is to subscribe to the Lifetick calendar so that it comes into your electronic calendar as a task AND to schedule the time on your calendar daily when you are going to address these tasks.

Schedule Task Time

I suggest setting a standard time that you will try to do tasks everyday. For example I put a recurring task on my calendar daily for my Task time, and then I look at what I set up in Lifetick and that's the list I work from.

I use Lifetick to task all of my pending items and client work, because when I go into set them up I have visibility to all the things that I have planned so I can make adjustments based on priority.

There is a free account available, or you can subscribe to an unlimited Goals account.

My Accountability Clients are all offered a Lifetick account. So contact me to learn more about how together with Lifetick we can get you on the road to productivity success today!