I’ve become rather notorious for my notebooks. I have one with me constantly, and I take notes in every meeting in which I am a part. There’s something satisfying about putting pen to paper rather than just plucking away a keyboard. For me, there is something in the motion that helps me to remember. Regardless, I figured I’d share my current notebook methodology here.
Moleskine
Black, medium-sized and squared. This is my primary note taking notebook. It goes with me to every meeting, conference, or any other opportunity where I need to take general notes. I go through about one or two of these a year. I like and the portability of it. I prefer squares to lines because of my doodling habit. It also helps if I ever need to map something out. The pocket in the rear is perfect for storing receipts from travel. I never throw them out and will often go back and review my notes, especially from conferences.
Evernote Moleskine
This is my CRM. I use this when I have conversations with placement officers or consultants about potential students. I take notes, snap a photo with my Evernote app, and tag them with student’s name and the consultant/placement officer’s name. I then log my notes into our database. It’s an extra step, but as I can’t access my database on the road, this works. It’s not perfect, but it’s a work in process. The free month of pro level Evernote is a nice perk—although don’t ask me what it gets you. I’m not totally in love with Evernote, but I know people who are. Something about the visual display just doesn’t quite click with me. One pro-feature I do love is the business card scan feature. Scan a business card and it reads it and gives you the option to connect via LinkedIn.
My Phone-side Pad
I keep an 8×10 notepad by my office phone. This is my scramble pad. It’s the pad I use to write down quick to-do’s or phone numbers when I go through my voice mail. I blow through a couple of these a month.
My Portfolio Pad
This is a padded leather zipper portfolio that has an 8×10 in it. It was never designed for this, but it’s the perfect carrying case for my Macbook Air. I rarely use this pad, as I typically have my Macbook with me when I have the pad with me. Still, it’s helpful for jotting quick to-do’s. I’m not great about checking it though as I typically just unzip the top third of the zipper and pull out my Macbook without fully opening the portfolio.
Do-It-Tomorrow
This isn’t a notebook per se, but it is rather a Google Chrome, iPhone and iPad app that I cannot live without. This is a simple app that connects across multiple platforms. It’s great for simple, one-line, action items like, “Call Mike to discuss next month’s presentation.” I have it open all of the time and if it isn’t on my Do-It-Tomorrow, then chances are it is totally off of my radar. The visual presentation is simple, and rather Moleskine-esq. The coffee mug ring is a nice touch and is basically my life.
Like I said, these are systems that work for me relatively well. There is definitely room for improvement, but I think I’ve got a solid foundation here. In truth, I probably have too many active notebooks. At times, it can lead to some confusion, and I can’t say that I have ever felt like I have my organizational issues under control, but my method has worked relatively well for me.
@drewmillikin 