I started 74 ways to be inspired as a catalogue of different places and ways to find inspiration. But I find it morphing into all things inspiring, creative and, well, organised.
I don’t know about you, but this creative soul is always looking for better ways to organise. And if you’re reading this, there is a good chance you either a blogger, a indie business owner and at the very least, internet savvy. So you’ll be like me and wanting to find ways to organise your online clippings, file away ideas for future blog posts, or maybe you just like the idea of being able to access your to do list from anywhere in the world.
This is a topic that came up the Blogging Your Way class when it touched on planning blog posts. And it got me thinking about what else might be out there.
Now if you like paper and pen, then you can always rely on your trusty notebook and don’t forget I shared a weekly blog post planner back here you can download and use.
But today I am focusing on online tools. I find myself jumping on different computers and I can use my phone when I’m out and about. So I’m on the lookout for solutions that are quick, easy and suit my organising needs.
Let’s explore.
The generation of smart phones means a lot of your online tools will also have an “app” for your phone. These are three I either like and use or caught my eye.
- Evernote: Clip all your online inspiration, jot down ideas and compose posts in this handy tool, which also has phone equivalents. It also has handy little toolbars for your browser so you can use it on the run.
- Teux Deux: This application has been designed by one of mine, and probably yours, favourite bloggers swiss miss and one of her studio mates. This is a very simple, clean but oh-so effective to do list application. Web version available now with iPhone and other applications in the works.
- Remember the Milk: A new to me but very cool task manager. Access your task lists from anywhere, get reminders and it merges with Google’s features.
I find it hard to be creative, or inspired, if I’m surrounded by clutter and all I can think about is the bills I have to pay, which is why I think organisation and inspiration go hand-in-hand. There are some who can succeed in organised chaos, I end up going around in circles. And I get nowhere.
Some other quick tools:
- Google Docs offer online word processing for taking down notes and ideas.
- Scribefire is an extension for the Mozilla Firefox Web Browser that integrates with your browser to let you easily post to your blog.
- Twitterfeed can feed your blog, your etsy updates or many other options to Twitter or facebook.
Other resources:
- Smashing Magazine tackles the admin side of working for yourself
- Blogging tools round-up by ProBlogger
- Find time for everything thanks to Smashing Magazine
- And Get Things Done with this round-up over at Mashable
What tools do you find keep your organised?
Hello! I'm Kellie and here I collect inspiration ~ beautiful photos, words on creativity, lovely printables and handmade items. I love autumn, cameras, and of course, the colour lime.
OMG, you are so speaking to me with this one! I find that the more disorganized I am, the less creative I feel and I have a harder time keeping a clear mind! And right now…let’s just say that my mind is full
I’m in such a need of organizing myself and my gazillions of papers. I’m just starting to look for a new phone so these apps you’re referring to are perfect…just what i’m looking for. Thanks, this is GREAT help!!
right now, i rely on my cath kidston agenda book to keep my organized, though i have to admit that only works well for organizing my time and not the bits of inspiration i find on the Internet.
I heard Evernote is really good — thanks for reminding me. you’ve inspired me to open an account RIGHT NOW.
Kellie, great resources will keep this on my to do list
sharon
I use ical and synchronise my phone and mac each night….but I like the sound of some of these other apps…will definitely have a look.
Great post Kellie. Thanks.