Change Your "To Do" List to Done!

This afternoon I had the lovely pleasure of sitting in Boston traffic, windows rolled up, the radio playing the same 7 songs over and over, and bored beyond belief!  So I did what I usually do when I have free time like that... I started thinking about my own "to do" and my "will do" lists. 
My "to do" list is things like; fold the laundry in the dryer, get to the gas station, clean out fridge, bring Sammy to the groomers... it's endless, and tedious.
My "wish to do" list is a little bit more fun, and more what I would do if I could clone myself to do the important things; read the magazines that are piling up on my desk, finish my knitting project, try a few new recipes, stop by my Grandmother's... this list is also endless, but much more fun. 
This got me really thinking about how to show possible clients, and the general public how I can be of service to helping them.

If I had someone to get all of my "to do" list done, then I would have the time to focus on my "wish to do" list, and that's the list that is most enjoyable. 

What can your time be better spent doing?  I frequently use the example that if you have a leaky roof, what do you do?  Call a roofer.  If you look at your planner, schedule or calendar and it is jam packed what do you do?  Stress about getting it done, cramp things in during your lunch break, sacrifice your weekend to get it done, prioritize and ditch what's not imperative?  All too often, things go by the wayside... I am here to help.  Try me out, let me do your errands, chores, and make your life easier!

www.ErrandsEtcetera.biz

StacyM@ErrandsEtcetera.biz

Franklin Covey is My Hero

I don't know what I would do without my Franklin Covey Planner. If you've seen me anywhere in public, at a networking event, coffee shop, working with a client, or out running errands (no pun intended), you've probably seen my purple planner, if not commented on how massive it is. True story, at a BNI meeting this morning, a woman rubbed it, saying "Ha, this looks pregnant, rub it's belly for good luck!"... sad part is, she's exactly right.




I'm a very hands on, tangible, see everything in front of me kind of person. I write down everything from doing a load of laundry, to getting gas, to when my bills are due. My planner holds extra business cards of mine, rewards cards for places like Office Max, and Best Buy, my monthly calendar- then broken down into days, address book, client booking info, emails I'm currently following up on, paperwork I'm reviewing, and anything else that I feel I need to carry around with me at the time.



How do you keep track of appointments and your "To Do" List? Do you have a planner, do you use your iPhone, or blackberry to record your schedule, do you just have scraps of paper around your life, or do you just commit to memory and hope not to forget? Well my faithful reader, I'd like to challenge you... for one week, write down all major tasks (work, dinner with the In-Laws, mortgage due, etc), as well as the smaller errands (bank, gym, change insurance, etc)- and see if there's a change in your life. Perhaps you will find that you are more motivated to check off things that you've done... or maybe you will realize how much you need Errands Etcetera in your life to get to all those things you didn't get to- though, I can promise, I will NOT be going to dinner w the In-Laws for you, or going to the gym in your place!



I'd love to hear what you do to keep track of your life- send me an email or leave a comment here!

Internet Info Overload!

This morning, I have given myself the delightful task of booking a serious last minute weekend getaway- last minute meaning, I'd like to escape Quincy tomorrow evening around 5, and return Sunday afternoon.

I know that I'd like to stay somewhere in New England, I'm looking for somewhere pet friendly, and with scenic benefits to add to my pleasure. So, I turned to my good friend Google to search for those things.. In no particular order.

WOAH! Information over load in full effect! This B&B has special deals for specific dates & AAA members; another one offered free tickets to a local amusement park; yet another one had a mini bar and fridge in the room (something my traveling partner would be a fan of). So, how do you find the best bargain without getting info overload, and not just settling?

Here's what I did...

1. Put on a double pot of coffee- this is clearly something that is going to take a bit of time, and need my attention.

2. Pull up mapquest and print out a map of desirable locations- this is easy... as long as you know where you'd like to end up... Me, I have 3 maps printed!

3. Get a fresh notebook, or some blank sheets of paper, and get ready to take some notes. Helpful things to record: Name of Inn, or Hotel, Price Rate, Check In/Check Out Time, Special Discounts, Phone Number & Address, nearby attractions, any other misc notes- do you need to request a fridge for medical purposes? Are pets allowed? Do they have continental breakfast, or will you need to budget that into your vacation funds?

4. Now, once you've recorded your information, and narrowed it down, a great tip is to check out what other's are saying about a place before you go there and hope for the best! Sometimes the website will post people's testimony, or you can check out http://www.yelp.com/. It's a public forum, where anyone can post their experience with a business- I love to use it to check out restaurants, and my competition!

5. Also, instead of making your reservations on line, it can be helpful to call the establishment and ask any questions, and see if there are any special activities going on that you should know about- I once went to dinner at a very large waterfront restaurant that was booked by the local American Sign Language School- being one of the only "speaking" tables at the establishment was something I've never done before... and may have thought twice about going had I known about that!

These tips can be used for any type of internet research, just adjust the words a bit to make sense and enjoy surfing the internet waves!