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Organize Google Drive

5/31/2023

Start with a folder structure. Think about how you want to organize your files, and create a folder structure that makes sense for you. You can create folders for different projects, clients, or types of files.
Use color coding. Color coding can help you quickly identify different types of files. For example, you could use blue for work files, green for personal files, and red for important files.
Use consistent naming conventions. This will make it easier to find your files later. For example, you could always start the name of a work file with the client's name, followed by the project name, and then the file name.
Use subfolders. Subfolders can help you further organize your files. For example, you could create a subfolder for each project within a folder for work files.
Use labels. Labels are a great way to add additional information to your files. For example, you could label a file with the client's name, the project name, and the date.
Use the search bar. The search bar is a great way to find files quickly. You can search by file name, content, or even by a keyword.
Use keyboard shortcuts. There are a number of keyboard shortcuts that can help you save time when organizing your Google Drive. For example, you can use Ctrl+N to create a new folder, and Ctrl+A to select all files in a folder.

This will help you keep your files organized and avoid clutter. You can delete files that you no longer need, or move them to a backup location.
Here are some additional tips:

Use a naming convention that makes sense for you. For example, you could use the year, month, and day to name your files.
Use descriptive file names. This will make it easier to find your files later.
Use folders to organize your files. This will help you keep your Drive organized and easy to navigate.
Use labels to add additional information to your files. This can be helpful for finding files later.
Use the search bar to find files quickly.
Use keyboard shortcuts to save time.

Regularly clean up your Drive to avoid clutter. By following these tips, you can organize your Google Drive and keep your files easy to find.

Share The Learning Benefits

5/6/2023

Share the learning is the practice of sharing knowledge and insights with others, in order to help them learn and grow. There are many benefits to sharing your knowledge with others, including:

Improved retention: When you teach others what you have learned, you are more likely to retain that knowledge yourself.
Better understanding: Explaining concepts to others helps you gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Networking: Sharing your knowledge with others can help you build relationships and expand your professional network.
Career growth: By sharing your expertise, you may become known as a thought leader in your field, which can lead to new opportunities and career growth.
Increased productivity: Sharing your knowledge with others can help them work more efficiently, which can ultimately increase productivity.
Personal fulfillment: Sharing your knowledge with others can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling, as you are helping others achieve their goals and succeed.

Overall, sharing the learning benefits both the person sharing their knowledge and the person receiving it, and can lead to positive outcomes in both personal and professional contexts.The best time to share something can vary depending on what you're sharing and who you're sharing it with. Here are a few general guidelines that might help:

Social Media: The best time to share on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram is typically when your audience is most active. You can use tools like Hootsuite or Sprout Social to analyze your audience's behavior and identify the optimal times to post.
Work-related content: If you're sharing work-related content, such as a new product launch or an important announcement, it's best to share during business hours when people are more likely to be paying attention to work-related matters.
Personal news: If you're sharing personal news, such as a pregnancy announcement or engagement, consider sharing during a time when you know your loved ones will be available to see and respond to your news.
Event invitations: If you're sending out event invitations, it's best to give people plenty of notice so they can plan accordingly. A few weeks in advance is typically a good rule of thumb.

Ultimately, the best time to share something will depend on the specific situation and your intended audience. It's always a good idea to think about who you're sharing with and what you hope to achieve before deciding when to share.

Haystack digital business cards

1/31/2023

    I was introduced to Haystack Digital Business Cards a few years ago, pre-pandemic. This has been a slick way to quick share my information as needed. While at a “Quilt, Craft and Sewing Festival”, with my wife, I shared with many small business exhibitors that were amazed. So it is time to share this tool here.
    Many exhibitors have their website posted, some traditional business card and also Facebook Marketplace link. So there were many camera shots and a notepad needed to write important information down. In addition, there were MANY traditional cards scattered on the floor, as people lost interest or just dropped.
    Haystack is super easy and slick. There is a free, user-friend apps in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. I have only used the play store version. Download an then it is time to setup.
   One click to “Create your digital business card”. From there enter your information in the following fields:

business/work email
name
role
organization
cell number
phone number
fax number
website address
business address
social media links
add photo

Other than the initial email, all the fields above are optional. Enter as much or little as you need/want. All of this action done from your phone or ipad.
    I recently updated my business logo. From my phone, I was able to download or screen shot my logo. Open the Haystack app and add my logo in a couple minutes. All aspects of creating this digital card were fast and efficient.
    Then it is time to share. Haystack give you a few option; Email, Text (SMS), QR code and more sharing options. I used all three at the most recent trade show. Most preferred QR code, but Email and Text (SMS) were appreciated.
    There are 3 Haystack pricing plans, though I have only used the free version. It looks like it can scale from small to large business as needed. Again, the free version has met all of my needs and I highly recommend.

Gmail Labels - Life Changing

5/3/2022

I have struggled with my Gmail management for years. “Inbox Zero” is a goal, like chasing a sunset each day. I want it and it is gone. I have found a strategy that is a game changer for me.
It has always been simple to read, move or delete incoming emails. However, there are important emails I need to hold onto for a variety of reasons. Many of those emails have an expiration shelf life. I need to keep it until Friday, but then delete. I used to label them, but then forget and they just sit there for years.
Customizing my Gmail Labels has been a game changer. By creating a label with a special character it will be at the top of my label list. Then giving color to draw my attention as the email sits in my inbox. Finally, delete and/or move when the hold time expires. This simple process helps me so much.
Here are the step to follow as they align with the gallery photos:

Create a new label with a special character preceding the name.
Labels can be named; HOLD, APPOINTMENTS, NEEDS ATTENTION, etc.
Give the label a unique color that makes sense to you.
Open new email from inbox.
Go to “Labels” icon and select the appropriate label.
Apply the label and review inbox.
Monitor and manage inbox each day.

Both me and my wife use the same strategy of Gmail labels. We have both felt that email feels much more manageable and efficient. The daily and weekly inbox flow never reaches inbox zero, but does NOT turn into an inbox title wave.

Reboot & Be There

2/23/2022

It is truly an understatement to say the past 2 years have changed us all. This site and channel was originally created to share tips and tricks for efficiency tech teaching tools. I thought these tools I shared with passion would make my classroom a well oil machine. Well that wasn’t the case, for there are people behind the screens and they need human interactions in some fashion.
  My classroom was using all of the same technology and more during distance learning, but my tricks bag was empty at times. Like many teachers everywhere, I felt like a 1st year teacher with 29 years of experience. The community of learners, students and teachers, had changed during the pandemic. I could be grumpy or I could change for the better.
  That brings me to the Reboot & Be There mindset. I still love to “Share the Learning” to anyone wanting to learn or needing a tech tool to solve a problem. Helping middle schoolers, teachers and even the retirement community brings me joy. The tool tip can be as small as connecting a wireless printer to an iPad, but success gives the end user some needed relief for a basic print job for important documents.
  The Reboot & Be There theme has to be purposeful and with empathy. The levels of tech knowledge and confidence is broad to say the least. I like to push myself with Internet of Things tech around my home. In saying that, I have shared what I think are old tools that I was first exposed to years ago. That old toll is received with smiles and relief of solving a problem.
  It is time for me to share this journey, of whatever knowledge level solution is gained. My plan and hope is Be There and Make Someone's Day in a larger community on this channel. So my weekly entries will target at least one solution I have gained and maybe help another somewhere else. This is exciting to say the least.
  As I attempt to Reboot & Be There, I ask for your feedback and respect of where we are all at in that moment. Our community is important to me and I want to be there for you. Be honest and try to share through the eyes of the user. Let the journey begin.

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Organize Google Drive

Share The Learning Benefits

Haystack digital business cards

Gmail Labels - Life Changing

Reboot & Be There

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