By Rachel Tubridy, Managing Director at PeopleSource
We all know how crunched for time we are in our busy lives. I often feel overwhelmed with the amount of information I seem to need to process, filter and retain on a daily basis. So, when I find a shortcut or a more efficient way to do something, I’m delighted.
Our Smartphones are close by at all times (!) so it’s the natural ‘go-to’ device to optimise stolen moments and it can actually be used to SAVE, not waste, time (a novel idea). Here’s a rundown of my top tools for productivity:
1) Pocket App: While waiting for a client meeting or grabbing a sandwich, I’ll mooch through several social media sites and come across articles I don’t have time to read at that moment. This app is great for saving articles to read later – it’s productivity on the go. Seamless integration between mobile and desktop means that anything that’s caught my eye while out and about can be easily referenced later when back at my desk, or for bedtime reading or while waiting for a dentist appointment! www.getpocket.com
2) Renatus Business Page Synopsis: Not so much an app, but a great source to get a news fix on a Sunday morning without having to read & buy every Sunday paper. Sign up here to get yours, free of charge. It’s like the best of the Sunday papers in one digestible email. The fact that they’re Irish gives me insight into local AND global business news.
3) Radio – Newstalk Business Breakfast each morning & Down to Business on a Saturday. Business Breakfast with Vincent Wall is a 30min show which provides an overview of the business pages, usually two interviews with business leaders or a business book review etc. Short and to the point. If that’s too early and you are having a lazy Saturday morning, tune into Bobby Kerr – from hearing about start-up businesses to listening to his Executive Chair interview, there is always something to take away from his programme.
4) Twitter has to be on this list. (www.twitter.com). For me, it functions as a news-feed, provides competitor information, and generates views and opinions straight from whatever today’s zeitgeist is! When you get used to it, you can scan and filter opinions on the latest topics ensuring you can make your own informed view if needed in your next meeting which could be in 5 mins time!
5) Irish Times Another of my favourite sites, the Irish Times is my one stop news shop each morning while I grab my morning coffee. (www.irishtimes.com)
What are your favourite apps and tools for productivity? If you’ve tried any of the above or have some recommendations of your own, I’d love to hear from you.
Rachel Tubridy is Managing Director of PeopleSource and specialises in Finance and Accounting.
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Follow Rachel on Twitter: @RachelTubridy