All the mental health articles tell us to, but do you ever manage to leave your email behind? I’ll admit that it’s the first thing I check when I get up in the morning, and I usually check it again right before I get ready for bed. Not because there is usually anything urgent, but it’s more of a habit than anything else. There are some days, though, where we do want to leave email behind. Vacation time, baby leave, even sick days are times when you might not be in your inbox regularly. I know that as entrepreneurs, ignoring email isn’t really an option. However, there are things you can do to manage expectations for those who are trying to get in touch with you when you’d rather be out of touch.
Unitasker or Multitasker?
Should you have one software for each task, and rely on Zapier to link them, or find a software that can multitask?
I talk a lot about having the right tech for the right task. But what does that mean? A favorite blog of mine, Unclutterer, frequently highlights what she calls unitaskers. These are organizing or productivity tools that only have one use – like a banana slicer. A unitasker can also be a tool/gadget that can be replaced by something you already own – why buy a grilled cheese sandwich toaster when you already have a frying pan?
When we apply the concept of unitaskers to the digital world, we start looking at the concept of software that only focuses on one thing. Is it better to have one software for financials, one for CRM, and one for email marketing, or is it better to have one software (like 17Hats) which provides all of those programs?
The question of unitasker software also comes up when we talk about automation. Do you have multiple software options and rely on Zapier to connect them, or do you go with software that automatically integrates with each other? For example, Acuity software automatically connects to your Google calendar, PayPal, and Stripe. But Acuity does not automatically connect with Evernote, so I have to use Zapier to get that information where I want it.
I don’t have one software that does it all. Right now my Quicken Online account links to PayPal, my Acuity scheduling account links to PayPal and to Google Calendar, and Insightly CRM links to MailChimp and my Gmail account. The great thing about Google is that so many programs link to it natively. But would I be more productive if I had one software – like 17Hats – which does my financials, scheduling, email marketing, and email?
Unitasker or not, the more important question is are you using the right tech for the right task. It is rare to find one software that does multiple things well. In addition, there is automation software like Zapier which will connect your individual software programs to each other in order to reduce your admin work and make it seem like everything works together. So find what works best for you, and seek expert answers to your questions when you have them!
Browser Extensions:
More fun, more function!
You might have heard someone raving about a Chrome or Firefox extension and wondered, what’s that all about?
Browser Extensions are small software programs that can modify and improve the functionality of your browser (Firefox, Internet Explorer, Chrome). They can improve productivity, save you money, block advertisements, and even provide a little fun when you log into the web.