Are you a map junkie? Here are some cool map features on the Web, built around Google Maps: • Zip codes: type in a Zip code and see an outline of that Zip code area on the map; or click on the map and find the Zip code. maps.huge.info/zip.htm • What time is it? Click on the map anywhere in the world (or type in a city/country name), and see the local time in the nearest big city, also international country/city phone codes. www.gchart.com • How far did you walk? Double-click on points on the map; you'll see the route traced and the cumulative length of the route in miles (with mileage markers displayed). www.gmap-pedometer.com submitted by Ken Braly ([email protected]) … [Read more...]
What’s a WIKI?
Posted on 04/28/2006 by ·
Do you wiki? What is a wiki? A wiki is web software designed for collaboration. Unlike a traditional website where pages can only be read, in a wiki everyone can edit, update and append pages with new information, all without knowing HTML. Multiple people in same or different locations can all edit the same documents and create a shared archive. I like Jot.com. You don’t have to install a thing, and if you can use Microsoft Word, you can use JotSpot. JotSpot's wiki can be used in numerous ways: Create a corporate intranet Manage projects Collaborate on documents Keep a backup copy of your email by cc’ing your wiki Maintain the department birthday calendar … [Read more...]
Microsoft Interviews Laura Stack
Posted on 04/27/2006 by ·
MSFT: How many books have you written? [Laura Stack] Two published by Broadway Books, a division of Random House. The first was Leave the Office Earlier (2004), and the newest is Find More Time. MSFT: Why did you write “Find More Time” and how will it help people? [Laura Stack] My readers asked me for it. After reading my first book on workplace productivity, they said, "Okay, now that I'm more productive in the office and getting out of work on time, now what? How can I be more productive on my 'second shift' at home?" MSFT: Is it complementary to “Leave the Office Earlier?” [Laura Stack] Yes, it's the next step. This book picks up where Leave the Office Earlier leaves off. Now that you’re more productive during your workday, this complementary book teaches you how to get … [Read more...]
England Against Long Hours: a holiday of their own
Posted on 04/26/2006 by ·
Think Americans are the only ones concerned with long hours? Check out http://www.worksmart.org.uk/workyourproperhoursday/ “Over five million people at work in the United Kingdom regularly do unpaid overtime.” Sheesh, if we in the United States could only be so lucky to have such a low number. They believe there are five main reasons why people do unpaid overtime, so take the quiz and find out if you’re a “Stay Late Sheep,” a “Beast of Burden,” a “Cat Herder,” a “Chaos Theorist,” or a “Desk Junkie.” We have National Leave the Office Earlier day, and the United Kingdom has Work Your Proper Hours Day! According to the site, February 21 marks the day when the average person who does unpaid overtime finishes the unpaid days they do every year and starts earning for themselves. … [Read more...]
Using Technology to Stay Connected While Traveling or at Home
Posted on 04/24/2006 by ·
As a general tip, use your down time productively while traveling, especially on planes. Most travelers waste hours of productive time on the airplane sleeping, watching movies, or listening to music. You, however, are going to work. Unless you’re exhausted and need to take a nap, take advantage of the uninterrupted time and get some work done. The more you get done while you’re traveling, the more time you’ll have available to be with your family you return. Before you leave, do some planning and determine what you can complete while you’re away from home. Read business journals and trade magazines, answer emails, write thank-you letters, complete routine paperwork, review large reports and board materials, or do project and advance planning. If you feel good about what you’ve … [Read more...]
Ten Ways to Find More Time for Your Life
Posted on 04/21/2006 by ·
“Where does the time go?” you lament. “I just need to find more time!” Here are some ideas to get you started on your quest: 1. Reduce waiting time. If your doctor or meetings always run late, plan ahead. Make good use of this time and carry note cards, bills, and magazines in your tote. 2. Limit your television watching. Reduce the amount of time you spend each day. Sensible limits may relieve any guilt you may feel after overindulging in television time, while freeing up time for more worthwhile pursuits. Or perhaps tape your shows and skip the commercials. 3. Say no to yourself. If you’re not excited about attending a social function, then don’t go! That way, you’ll have time to relax. … [Read more...]
Employee Obesity and Productivity
Posted on 04/18/2006 by ·
I just read a white paper by Leade Health called "Employee Obesity is Number One Factor in Productivity Loss." The organization is of course trying to get businesses to sign up for its "health coaching" program for weight management, which I'm sure has merit, BUT...is obesity REALLY the number one factor in productivity loss? I mean, come on! More than useless meetings? Hundreds of emails every day? Co-workers "dropping in" to chat? Surfing the Net and doing personal business? Those things affect all of us, regardless of our shape and size. The paper cites research that a Body Mass Index (BMI) at risk (>27) yields an average productivity loss of 5.79 hours per week in absenteeism, disability costs, and worker productivity, which is even higher than productivity loss related to … [Read more...]
Leave Early Fast Company blog
Posted on 04/17/2006 by ·
Keith Hammonds posted a comment on the Fast Company magazine blog: "Are you still in the office? In New York, it's nearly 6 pm on the eve of a holiday weekend. What are you doing there? (What am I?) What's keeping you from going home? Right now? Do you really have so much work that has to get done, or did you spend too much time in useless meetings, or responding to needless emails? Or, you know, checking the stats for your Roto league? I got a note from the PR rep for someone named Laura Stack, who calls herself "The Productivity Pro." Stack apparently "has declared June 2nd as National Leave the Office Earlier Day. This national holiday encourages workers to eliminate time wasting behaviors and improve productivity habits. With better behaviors, workers can leave the office … [Read more...]
Laura Stack’s newest book available June 13, 2006
Posted on 04/12/2006 by ·
Mark your calendar now for June 13, 2006! My newest book Find More Time: How to Get Things Done at Home, Organize Your Life, and Feel Great About it (Broadway Books) hits bookstores that day. If you order it on www.Amazon.com that day (where it’s cheaper than the bookstore price) and forward your receipt to me at [email protected], I will send you a bundle of other goodies! You must purchase the book on that day to get the freebies, so ask a co-worker to purchase it for you if you’ll be out of the office. Offer does not apply for purchases made at any other bookstore. Laura’s new book has already been picked up by four book clubs and will be printed in an exclusive hardcover edition, which will be available to members of those book clubs only. … [Read more...]
Productivity Tips Offered by Readers
Posted on 04/10/2006 by ·
I'm looking for information on cool, hip, useful, inventive, fresh, efficient products, processes, and services to help average Americans save time and money. Please comment with tips, Web sites, examples, press information, photos, how you’re using it, etc., for possible inclusion in an upcoming story. Here's one submission from a reader to get your creative juices flowing: << Laura, I've started making my own list of time savers (some of which inspired by your first book): 1. Ordering groceries via www.Freshdirect.com the last Saturday of each month. 2. Ordering sundries/household items and pharmacy item via www.drugstore.com the last Sunday of each month. 3. Get laundry picked … [Read more...]
