Displaying All Posts by Carl Natale

Essential Email Tip: Clean Your Inbox Weekly

When was the last time your e-mail inbox was empty?

I can’t remember either. I know the Getting Things Done gurus say it’s an essential step to reaching productive nirvana. But I just can’t reach it.

But look at it. I have less than 20 e-mails stashed in my inbox. The bulk are part of an e-course on content marketing that I subscribed to. And as soon as I’m done with this blog post, I’m reading all of them. Promise.

I confess that this doesn’t happen every day. Who has time for that?
Read More

Popular search terms for this article:

email cleaner, essential email, email inbox tips, weekly off one day mail forwarding, tips for cleaning up inbox, tips to clear inbox, inbox clean, how will i clean my email inbox, how to clean your email, how to clean my inbox its fulling up

Creating an Awesome Home Office Plan

Carl Natale 30th March Office Life 13 Comments

Good home office plans can influence how successful you are while working from home. This means having the resources to get the job done, minimizing distractions and being comfortable.

Home office plans go beyond a floor plan for your office furniture and equipment(although some are mentioned below). You need to take into consideration the following elements:

A Door

You need a door so you can shut it. It will help you keep the distractions on one side and a productive environment on the other.

This isn’t automatic. Your family needs to know what that shut door means. And they need to come to an understanding of when it’s OK to knock on it. Which is something you’re going to have to figure out for yourself. Don’t let me tell you know what’s important enough to merit your attention.

The door also sets a boundary that separates your office from the rest of the house. It reinforces the concept that the office and what’s inside is for your business — and not for school projects or building forts. (Filing cabinets look like the building blocks of a good foundation…)
Read More

Popular search terms for this article:

Home office plans, home office desk plans, Office Plan, awesome home office, awesome home offices, home office plan, awesome home office ideas, creating a home office, building an office at home, office desk plans

Pen & Paper: Better Than All Things Digital

Carl Natale 13th March Productivity 13 Comments

Why am I using this paper notebook for notetaking? It may surprise those of you who have been following my work here, especially since I’m one of the biggest cheerleaders for digital publishing and blogging. Sure enough, my messenger bag carries three digital devices for reading, writing and entertainment. But mixed in with my iPod, Droid cellphone and MacBook Pro is a Moleskine notebook: black cover, ruled sheets, pocket in the back.

Why You Need a Notebook

It’s like collecting puzzle pieces. Use your notebook to store the pieces. Then put them together when you have time. And you’re going to need less time than you think if you keep a good notebook.

Also, the fact you’re taking notes will help you retain the information. You may not need to refer to your notebook as much as you think because your memory for the noted information is better.
Read More

Popular search terms for this article:

pen and paper notes, things to do with pen and paper, better than moleskine, is it better to take notes on paper or computer, things to do with paper and pen, paper is better than digital, the pen better than you, pencil and paper notes, pen and paper note, why is paper better than digital

How to Become an Expert

Carl Natale 28th January Career 10 Comments

Do you know the definition of an expert? An expert is defined as:

“…a person who has special skill or knowledge in some particular field.”

That means that if you gain more skill and knowledge in your workplace in a particular area, it’s possible that people at work could consider you an expert. And that includes your boss. It is this expert status could be what it takes to get you better work assignments, raises and promotions.

It really isn’t that hard to become an expert. Remember — it’s all relative. Here are three steps you can take to become an expert at work.
Read More

Popular search terms for this article:

how to become an expert, become an expert, how to become expert, how to become a expert, become expert, becoming an expert, how to become an expert at something, how do you become an expert, how to become expert in programming, what does it take to be an expert

How to Keep Your Data Safe While Traveling

Carl Natale 11th January Software 3 Comments

Thanks to the Internet, work doesn’t mean being confined to the office. Laptops and phones have become powerful enough to allow us to complete tasks while traveling. This means freelancers and entrepreneurs can turn just about any location into a work station. Even if you work for someone else, you have a lot of flexibility in where you work. It also means a major productivity boon if you’re traveling on business. At just about any point in your travels, you can get work done — just as long as you’re not driving.
Read More

Popular search terms for this article:

how to keep data safe, how to keep data safe on your pc, how to keep your work safe, ways to keep your data safe, how to use the internet safely while traveling, how to keep your data safe, how to keep phone and comupter safe when traveling, things to do to make equipment more secure], what are the methods to keep data secure in cloud computing, keep your laptop safe while travelling

Management Tips for New Supervisors

Carl Natale 5th January Management 3 Comments

Congratulations on the promotion. You’re going to be a great boss. We’re going to love working for you. And the company will thrive…

You don’t look like you’re believing me.

All right…you’ve got me. I’m just trying to make you feel better. That doesn’t mean you’re going to be a bad boss. Look, I’ve been in your shoes — and your office. It’s not easy. That’s why I’m back in the trenches. You can do better, though, with a few management tips. I’m about to share the most important management advice I learned in my time as a manager.
Read More

Popular search terms for this article:

new supervisor tips, tips for new supervisors, supervisor tips, tips for supervisors, new to management tips, management tips for supervisors, supervisor tips management, new to management, new supervisors, new supervisor

3 Tactics for Battling Procrastination

Carl Natale 31st December Productivity 5 Comments

I’m honored that you’re reading this. Even if you’re here because you’re avoiding doing that other thing. You know — the thing that has been on your to-do list for a couple days.

Why don’t I mind being used for procrastination? Well, basically, procrastination is a reward for not doing something unpleasant. Like work. So you’re saying my post is a reward…something pleasant.

Like I said, I’m honored.
Read More

Popular search terms for this article:

battling procrastination, procrastination tactics, 3 things about procrastination, battling with procrastination, reward for not procrastinate, rewards for not proscranita, short term gain procrastination, tactical procrastinator

Manage Your Drinks at the Holiday Party

Carl Natale 9th December Office Life Leave a Comment

I can’t wait for the holiday party, either. The food is good. Everyone seems to have a good time. It’s a great way to actually relax with the people at work.

I have a new holiday tie picked out for the occasion. Rudolph’s nose actually glows. Hey, it’s the holiday party. There’s room for some frivolity in the dress code. But I’m drawing the line at antlers.

I even did some homework on holiday party small talk. Mingle all the way.
Read More

Popular search terms for this article:

articles about drinks for holidays, bob from accounting, drinks at work party, go easy on hard stuff, good dirinks for holiday work party, holiday beverages for work

A Happy Thanksgiving: Connect By Disconnecting

Carl Natale 25th November Communication 4 Comments

I hope you’re not reading this blog at the Thanksgiving table. Come on. Don’t you have anything better to do? Like being thankful and being with family?

Okay, maybe you’re not. But I bet you’re tempted to check your email while everyone slips into a tryptophan coma. While you’re at it, why not tweet that funny joke your nephew told at dinner? What’s the harm of seeing how your Facebook friends are enjoying their holiday? Maybe no one will notice or mind, but there’s a real good chance someone’s going to notice and take offense.

Popular search terms for this article:

tryptophan coma a farce