Newsletter No. 158
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FreePint
"Helping 67,000 people use the Web for their work"
http://www.freepint.com/
ISSN 1460-7239 15th April 2004 No.158
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IN THIS ISSUE
-------------
EDITORIAL
MY FAVOURITE TIPPLES
By Steve Edwards
FREEPINT BAR
In Association with Factiva
a Dow Jones & Reuters Company
JOBS
Electronic Records and Information Management Manager
Junior Legal Information Officer
Researcher
TIPS ARTICLE
"Searching for success: an update on
search engine developments"
By Duncan Parry
BOOKSHELF
"Online Business Sourcebook 2003"
Reviewed by Arthur Weiss
FEATURE ARTICLE
"Time Management"
By Jonathan Crowhurst
EVENTS, GOLD AND FORTHCOMING ARTICLES
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EDITORIAL
I discovered mailing lists and online communities for research around
eight years ago. My job was as a news and current affairs information
researcher in television. One day I discovered NewsLib
<http://parklibrary.jomc.unc.edu/newsliblyris.html>, a mailing list for
international news researchers, and as a novice I remember being
astonished. How could such busy journalists and news researchers
possibly find the time to waste "playing" online? How could they
justify not getting on with the "proper business" of gathering facts,
calling contacts or writing briefs? A week later I was a convert. I
quickly came to realise that busy individuals like me were not
continually spending hours within the community. Instead they were
tapping into the collective weight of numbers and expertise as and
when they needed to. The sheer weight of numbers in communities like
NewsLib, or indeed our own FreePint Bar, makes them an increase to
productivity rather than a detraction from it. It takes two minutes to
post an obscure query, a call for a hard-to-find article, or a request
for a frequently requested statistic after a major news event. Answers
come back quickly and efficiently and whilst they do you are getting
on with many other pressing tasks.
In our article on time management by Jonathan Crowhurst we explore
practical tips for managing time and also how best to use technology
to manage time effectively. Most people who spend over an hour each
morning wading through a full email inbox would agree that email can
be both a blessing and a curse. Some companies have even been
exploring implementing an "email free" day once a week to try and
increase productivity. So often, as with any software, email programs
can be used more effectively if all the features are properly used. As
Crowhurst comments, "Microsoft Outlook is such a great tool, I kicked
myself when I figured out its full potential for managing my calendar,
tasks and so on".
Keeping up with developments in search engines is the subject of our
other article today. Duncan Parry looks at the impact on searching and
web sites owners, of recent acquisitions and developments.
Consolidation is the name of the game, with Yahoo, Google and MSN
currently leading the field. I noticed with interest that some search
engines are diversifying into "Social Networking" - an interesting
development covered in Pam Foster's feature in a recent edition of VIP
<http://www.vivavip.com/vip>, FreePint's sister publication. So what
are the hottest search engine developments to watch out for? Well,
according to Duncan Parry, it's the serious development of local
search, and the continuing emphasis on personalisation to deliver more
relevant results.
That's all for this issue.
Annabel Colley
Editor, FreePint
<annabel.colley@freepint.com>
FreePint is a Registered Trademark of Free Pint Limited (R) 1997-2004
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MY FAVOURITE TIPPLES
By Steve Edwards
* <http://www.touchgraph.com> - This tool uses Java to show links to
and from the page you have submitted. Not as thorough as 'link:' but
graphically useful.
* <https://snoop.anonymizer.com> - A way of seeing how much
information you are transmitting about your presence on the web,
including the contents of your clipboard (check your explorer
security settings!).
* <http://www.itsecurity.com/dictionary/dictionary.htm> - A-Z of
everything technological if you want to impress your boss.
* <http://www.samspade.org/> - Useful if you are interested in
obtaining website background or have any other reasons for digging
into site ownership. Use the 'Do Stuff' search box.
* <http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/> - Thumbnails of newspaper
front pages from around the world. A mouse-click will take you to a
larger image and a link to that newspaper website or a PDF version.
Steve Edwards is a private consultant with a background of over 25
years in law enforcement. He specialises in the use of open sources
for intelligence gathering purposes.
Submit your top five favourite Web sites. See the guidelines at
<http://www.freepint.com/author.htm>.
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FREEPINT BAR
In Association with Factiva
a Dow Jones & Reuters Company
There's a nice partnership developing between the FreePint Bar and the
VIP Lounge. VIP is FreePint's sister publication which publishes
in-depth reviews of business information products. Therefore it feels
right that discussions and comments, like those about Dialog's
NewsRoom <http://www.freepint.com/go/b28330>, should be made at the
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you find it a handy free current awareness tool.
Information professionals make up the core of FreePint's membership;
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interesting topic which often arises is that of the
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Copyright remains a hot topic, with members looking for discussion
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copyright laws <http://www.freepint.com/exchange/cp110304.htm>. A
forthcoming event on library portals is looking for someone with
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An interesting thread is developing around customising search engines
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trials of programs. The enquirer would also like recommendations for a
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William Hann <william.hann@freepint.com>
Managing Editor, FreePint
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TIPS ARTICLE
<http://www.freepint.com/issues/150404.htm#tips>
"Searching for success: an update on
search engine developments"
By Duncan Parry
You've probably seen press coverage of recent news in the search
engine industry. Yahoo! <http://www.yahoo.co.uk> stopped using Google
<http://www.google.co.uk> to power its 'organic' search results (those
labelled "Web Results") and switched to its own technology. Microsoft
<http://www.microsoft.com> is belatedly entering the search industry
too; building search technology for its global network of MSN
<http://www.msn.co.uk> websites. And Ask Jeeves <http://www.ask.com>
purchased Interactive Search Holdings
<http://www.interactivesearchholdings.com> which includes iWon and
Excite in March. So what are the main developments at the search
engines, and how do they affect you as a searcher or website owner?
Yahoo!
------
Yahoo! bought Inktomi <http://www.inktomi.com> in 2002. Inktomi
provides 'organic' or 'natural' search results, which are generated by
a 'crawler' (i.e. 'spider') visiting websites and recording
information about them in the Inktomi index of web pages.
Theoretically website owners had to pay to include their website,
although Inktomi sometimes added them for free when its crawler found
them via other sites. This product has been superseded by Yahoo! Site
Match (see below).
In 2003 Yahoo! bought Overture <http://www.overture.com> for USD1.6
billion. Overture pioneered pay per click (PPC) advertising on
search results (labelled "Sponsored Links" on Yahoo!). Advertisers
choose searches to appear for (e.g. "London hotels") and bid for
position.
Overture had already bought veteran search engine AltaVista and the
Web search department of FAST <http://www.fastsearchandtransfer.com>
(including AllTheWeb <http://www.alltheweb.com>) in 2003, giving it
(and so Yahoo!) search technology on a par with Google.
Yahoo then switched from Espotting to Overture advertising results in
Europe late in 2003. It launched its own Yahoo! Search Technology in
place of Google in February 2004 as a replacement for Google. Yahoo
offers free submission to its index
<http://search.yahoo.com/info/submit.html> as well as a paid service
called SiteMatch, which ensures your site is quickly and regularly
crawled.
Like Google and several Yellow Pages websites in the US, Yahoo! is
also developing local search technology to make it easier for
searchers to find local information and businesses online. This is a
big topic in itself and should offer useful new features for the
searcher and opportunities for website owners, as explained in this
article
<http://www.payperclickanalyst.com/article-duncan-parry-002.htm>.
Google
------
Google acquired blogging pioneer Blogger.com early in 2003, apparently
helping Google to develop technology to more frequently update its
index. They also bought search start-up Kaltix in September 2003.
Kaltix was working on technology for proving context sensitive search
and personalisation solution; Google now has a demo of this in their
lab pages.
In November 2003 Google launched a desktop search bar
<http://toolbar.google.com/deskbar/> which can be used to search or
enter URLs and open your browser. This followed its browser tool bar.
Yahoo! and MSN also have browser bars. These tools all block pop-ups,
thankfully.
In 2004 a Google engineer launched Orkut <http://www.orkut.com>, a
social networking website that connects people through networks of
friends early in 2004. One advantage of this may be it allows Google
to capture data about users with their permission and then tailor
results to them; but right now it is only associated with, not owned
by, Google.
Microsoft
---------
Microsoft's <http://www.microsoft.com> crawler began trawling the web
in April 2003 and MSN posted information on its website in June
<http://www.msnsearch.com/msnbot.htm>. When the company will switch
from current provider Inktomi is unknown; but as MSN is adding to
rival Yahoo!'s bottom line by using Inktomi, it will happen. A change
in design has been announced for July, but the switch probably won't
happen then - the technology isn't ready.
It's not clear what Microsoft will do for advertising results -
continue using Yahoo!'s Overture, switch to another PPC company, buy a
PPC company or develop its own search advertising product maybe. The
company has stated it is happy with Overture for the time being.
Microsoft announced in Autumn 2003 that it would stop using results
from LookSmart <http://www.looksmart.com>; LookSmart subsequently
pulled out of the UK, transferring its directory to UKNetGuide
<http://www.uknetguide.co.uk/looksmart/Default.asp> and sold its
Australian assets. It was then announced in March that MSN will
continue to use some LookSmart results after all, in the US.
Ask Jeeves
----------
Ask <http://www.ask.com> already owns Teoma <http://www.teoma.com>,
which has some good search technology already used on Ask's websites.
It announced plans to purchase Interactive Search Holdings, which
includes the My Way, My Search, My Web Search, Excite and iWon
websites, as well MaxOnline advertising network in March (Note: Excite
Europe is a separate company owned by ISP Tiscali).
Ask continues to use Google advertising results and Excite uses
Google and Overture. Now it has a website network and advertising
company of its own, it's not unimaginable that this may change.
LookSmart
---------
LookSmart pulled out of the UK in 2003. LookSmart's Australian assets
were sold to Sensis, who own yellow and white pages sites as well as
the Australian GoEureka <http://www.GoEureka.com.au> search engine.
LookSmart still owns WiseNut <http://www.wisenut.com>, which has some
once-promising search technology, and Grub <http://www.grub.org>, an
attempt to create a search engine index by using distributed
technology similar to that used for file sharing. The company also
owns half of FindArticles <http://www.findarticles.com>, a search
engine for free articles.
Lycos
-----
Terra Lycos <http://www.lycos.com> recently announced it will stop
competing as a search engine (it has no search technology of its own
these days anyway) and will focus instead on 'social networking' by
offering services to help people connect online. 'Social networking'
may turn out to be little more than existing services (instant
messaging, dating, home page building tools etc.) repackaged and
hyped. Terra Lycos continues to show ads using its in-house
advertising programme, and now uses Inktomi and the LookSmart
directory (previously it used FAST's results, now part of Yahoo
Search).
Lycos Europe <http://www.lycos-europe.com> continues to pursue a
search portal and services strategy. Early this year the company
bought German domain company United-Domains AG and BuyCentral, which
operates shopping platforms in France and Italy. The company uses
results from FAST as well as advertising from Overture, Google and
Espotting.
Meanwhile Singapore Telecom sold back its stake in Lycos Asia for only
USD1 in March to Lycos Asia. Their website was offline when I last
tried it, and Lycos Japan merged with Infoseek Japan in June 2003. So
maybe the sun has set on Lycos Asia.
Mirago
------
This little-known search engine could be one to watch in 2004 (I
wrote a review of it in March
<http://www.payperclickanalyst.com/article-duncan-parry-008.htm>). It
has established PPC technology and its crawler could compete with the
bigger search engines. Currently it is present in the UK, France,
Germany and Spain.
FindWhat (pay per click advertising search engine)
---------------------------------------------------
FindWhat <http://www.findwhat.com> entered a joint venture to start
offer PPC advertising in Asia late in 2003. It also acquired Miva
<http://www.miva.com>, which makes software for building online stores.
This will allow it to sell ecommerce and search advertising solutions
to SMEs. Early in 2004 it acquired Comet Systems
<http://www.cometsystems.com>. Comet makes a browser search toolbar
(the focus of FindWhat's acquisition). If the name is familiar, it's
because they used to make the annoying Comet Cursor that added comet
trails to your mouse cursor. FindWhat's merger with European PPC
engine Espotting <http://www.espotting.com> (first announced in 2003)
was renegotiated early in the year and will complete in Q3.
The impact on searchers
-----------------------
As you can see from the developments listed above, consolidation has
been the name of the game for the search engines. Yahoo! and Google
are the two current powerhouses; they have their own technology and
1000's of advertisers. Other search engines now rely on them for their
own results - which they charge for, of course. Microsoft/MSN is
playing catch-up, but with its resources it can catch-up and then give
the other two a run for their money. So right now there are really
three sets of search results you can use: Google, Yahoo! or Ask's
Teoma.
Whilst there are other engines with their own indexes, their
technology isn't comparable. The competition between these engines and
Microsoft should benefit searchers as the engines seek to improve
their own results - improving local search results and the
personalisation of results to individual users are two areas they are
already focusing on.
The impact on website owners
----------------------------
The concentration of a large percentage of the search advertising
market in the hands of three global companies - Google, Yahoo! and (to
a lesser scale) FindWhat - could raise fears of them monopolising
parts of the web and raising advertising prices. Whilst minimum bid
prices have risen in the past, the three companies are still competing
hard for advertisers and for contracts to supply results to search
engines. Contracts may well change as search engines and ISPs are
tempted by better deals or wish to stop using Overture now that it is
owned by competitor, Yahoo!. Microsoft's search technology (and
whatever advertising it offers) will further stimulate competition,
and Internet Yellow Pages websites like SuperPages are competing in
local search advertising, with their own advertising programmes. Now,
two of the three search indexes accept URL submissions for free (links
below); an improvement on last year when Inktomi did not. Ask is now
the odd man out.
Conclusion
----------
Local search is coming to a search engine near you (especially in the
US, where the engines rollout technologies first). Personalisation and
other developments should offer more relevant results, for example
allowing the engines to understand the context of ambiguous keywords
in web pages (Bill Gates cites the ambiguity of the word of "chips" as
an example - computer chips, wood chips, Mr Chips or oven chips?).
Expect more consolidation and innovation in the search industry.
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Duncan Parry is Creative Director of Position Driver
<http://www.positiondriver.co.uk>, which helps UK businesses use search
engines to gain more clients. He regularly writes about search engines
and search marketing - you can find links to articles and his contact
details at <http://www.duncanparry.co.uk>.
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Related FreePint links:
* 'Internet Searching' articles and resources in the FreePint
Portal <http://www.freepint.com/go/p185>
* Post a message to the author, Duncan Parry, or suggest further
resources at the FreePint Bar <http://www.freepint.com/bar>
* Read this article online, with activated hyperlinks
<http://www.freepint.com/issues/150404.htm#feature>
* Access the entire archive of FreePint content
<http://www.freepint.com/portal/content/>
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FREEPINT BOOKSHELF
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"Online Business Sourcebook 2003"
Edited by Pam Foster
Reviewed by Arthur Weiss
The Online Business Sourcebook 2003 is a much needed update on the
previous 1999 edition. This edition was edited and completed in
October 2002, and is aimed at professional business users and
libraries rather than occasional users. As a single resource for
electronic business information sources (i.e. online, CD-Rom, DVD-ROM
and web-based) it is invaluable, describing products covering most
areas of interest to business information users.
The book focuses on sources relevant to researchers based in the UK,
and to a lesser degree Europe. The range of content also makes it
valuable to users based elsewhere. Included are service details for 48
hosts and aggregators, along with 1240 products and databases. These
are categorized by function, for example: company directories, company
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legislation, market data, etc. Within each category, products are
generally arranged by geographic coverage with Pan-European sources
listed first, followed by UK sources, other European sources and then
International, North American and rest-of-World sources. The two
largest source categories are company directories with 248 databases
listed and business and financial news sources with 252 databases.
Combined, these two categories represent 40 percent of the total
coverage.
The book is an update rather than a rewrite, and a lot of the text
from earlier editions is retained. Although this is justified when
there has been no change, there are parts which, I believe, could have
been rewritten to take account of major changes since the last
edition. For example, the chapter on the Internet implies that Telnet
is still as important an access route as the world-wide-web. This may
have been the situation a few years ago; however, even though some
old-hands may prefer the Telnet interfaces for host-databases such as
Dialog, for most users the web is the only access route, and Telnet is
obsolete.
The Online Business Sourcebook says that it is the "only single volume
evaluation of all the databases and products of value to a business
audience". Unfortunately, there are some key sources that have been
omitted - with patent information being one gap I'd like to see filled
in future editions. Sources like Derwent Information and Micropatent
are not mentioned, and neither is "espacenet" providing free patent
information from the European patent offices. Such sources are
important for business information professionals in the STM fields,
and also for those involved in competitive intelligence research
looking at competitor R&D. Other exclusions are less obvious - and may
have resulted from editorial judgment on their general use by business
information professionals. The Credit chapter, for instance, does not
mention credit information suppliers such as Informa from Spain, ORT
in France, Creditreform in Germany or Kreditschutzverband (KSV) in
Austria (although in fairness, some of these companies are mentioned
elsewhere for their company directories, or availability on host
databases).
Nevertheless, despite omissions and a few errors, which are
perhaps inevitable in a book such as this, the sourcebook provides
descriptions of a multitude of databases, information sources, online
aggregators and more, allowing the business user to identify quickly
online sources for global business information. This includes numerous
specialist interest databases aimed at various niche areas such as
Janes, for defence related information or SCRIP and IMS data for the
pharmaceutical industries. Accordingly, the sourcebook should be an
essential addition and reference work for all corporate and business-
oriented libraries.
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Arthur Weiss is a UK based management consultant specializing in
competitive intelligence and strategy. He has worked in the
information industry for approaching 20 years and has spent time
searching for information using a wide variety of online and offline
sources. Arthur has written and presented on competitive intelligence,
marketing and Internet related topics in the UK, Europe and elsewhere.
Arthur is the managing partner of AWARE, a CI consultancy offering
clients CI research, analysis and training. He can be contacted
through AWARE's web-site at <http://www.marketing-intelligence.co.uk>.
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FEATURE ARTICLE
<http://www.freepint.com/issues/150404.htm#feature>
"Time Management"
By Jonathan Crowhurst
Time is our most valuable resource. We each have a finite amount of
it, and often complain we do not have enough of it. Survey after
survey says we feel over-worked and over-stressed. The UK works some
of the longest hours in Europe. Today we are all faced with
conflicting demands of ever-increasing working hours and ever-
increasing possibilities for our leisure time.
In this article I hope to provide some tools to consider in helping to
find the holy grail of the "work-life balance", which now seems to
be more important than "managing time". Many companies are adopting
official work-life balance policies, but it is still up to the
individual to make the best use of their time for personal and
business success. Employers for work-life balance
<http://www.employersforwork-lifebalance.org.uk/> are one
organisation aiming to improve and help implement
work-life strategies.
Time Management Devices - Paper or PDA?
---------------------------------------
One of the best ways to manage time is clearly to write down our
appointments and schedule. These can be short-range business or
leisure items, or longer-term goals that you might want to write down.
There seems to be a body of evidence to suggest that by writing down
goals one is more likely to achieve them. Never before have there been
so many options available to us to manage time itself. These can be
divided into two forms, traditional paper and electronic.
The former requires little explanation and ranges from large-format
desk diaries to pocket books to the personal organiser, the most
established provider being filofax <http://www.filofax.co.uk/>. The
main advantages with these are their relative simplicity, ease of use
(if an appointment changes, cross it out) and low cost. Certainly if
you consider one of the ring-binder types of personal organiser there
is a large range of expansions ranging from tube maps to to-do lists
available.
The latter comprises PDAs of various descriptions, which many FreePint
readers may possess. I have tried a few and shall briefly outline
several that are available. Pdas operate by using a stylus to tap out
contacts, appointments and so on, which are then synchronised with an
operating system by the supplied hot synch cradle (it may be called
something different depending on manufacturer). Palm
<http://www.palm.com/us/> or the Psion <http://www.psion.com/> are the
main systems. Depending on PDA model it will be possible to
synchronise information on the PDA with Microsoft Outlook (not Outlook
Express), or on the more advanced models with applications such as
Word and Excel. I have tried the Palm and Psion models. The latter
have the advantage of an integral keyboard, while Palm users must
purchase one separately - those who use them will know the limitations
of a stylus! A recent issue of PC Plus <http://www.pcplus.co.uk/>
contained a review of PDAs. The choice is now substantial and more
upmarket ones include features like cameras.
For the cheaper models one of the issues is limited memory and
expansion options. If you want your PDA for simple diary and contact
management then the cheaper ones are still viable. One great piece of
software I heartily recommend is Avantgo
<http://www.avantgo.com/frontdoor/index_uk.html>. You can use this
when you synchronise to load up (often free) applications, magazines
and e-books. Check out the web site to see the full range on offer.
This was supplied with my palm system on the application CD. Do
consider issues like battery life with these products.
Software - OK Computer
----------------------
There are a number of software options for managing your time,
appointments and ultimately productivity. I will refer to three of the
main applications, which may be familiar. Firstly, Microsoft Outlook is
such a great tool I kicked myself when I figured out its full
potential for managing my calendar, tasks and so on. If your office
network has this product I would suggest you gen up on how to use it
to its best advantage because, for a standard package (on Microsoft
Office 2003, Office XP, Office 2000 and Office 97) it comes with so
many worthwhile features. As referred to above it can also be
synchronised with some pdas, so keeping you up to date on the move.
The second application worth considering is ACT! The latest version -
ACT! 6.0 - looks very versatile indeed. It allows you to, among other
things, schedule appointments, send faxes using Winfax pro, and
integrate with Outlook contacts and functionality, and store huge
amounts of information about contacts. It may be a bit overblown for
the casual user but if you do have a hectic schedule and a bulging
contacts book it may be the perfect solution to making a step towards
the mythical "paperless office". Find out more at the official web
site <http://www.act.com/>. The product though is fairly expensive and
you would have to be fairly busy to be able to take advantage of its
full functionality. You must also be connected to the internet when
installing in order to register the product and start using it
immediately. Lotus organiser, available as part of the venerable Lotus
Smartsuite package <http://www.lotus.com> is a cheap (version 9.5 can
be had for around GBP30.00 on amazon) and fairly user-friendly
time/contact management product. The latest versions will let you
perform synchronisation with palm type devices.
Finally, the growing merry band of Linux users may find some useful
apps at <http://www.linuxlinks.com/software/productivitytools/timers/>.
Other Advice
------------
There are some great books and web sites providing advice on time
management, if you have time available to read them. First of all in
the book category comes 'Time Management for Dummies'
<http://www.dummies.com/wileycda/> by time management guru Jeffrey
Mayer <http://www.succeedinginbusiness.com/consulting.shtml>. His book
explores some novel ways of managing time, beginning with first
principles of a clear desk and the "master list". I purchased this
book and it contains some great advice for busy people. Much
of it is common sense but some time with it will be well rewarded.
Type "time management" into amazon and there are loads of books
available - just over 2100 on <http://www.amazon.co.uk>. This sounds
to me that certain people have realised they can make a fast buck
providing advice on a very serious issue. Books aimed specifically at
managers - the "one minute manager" or "time management in a week" type
guides - might be best if you want sound advice rather than flummery.
Your workplace may offer time management courses as part of general
training or specific management training. These are worthwhile and
merit taking even half a day out for. One of the main benefits is
sharing ideas with colleagues, as well as the possibility of getting a
nice booklet with lots of (possibly) worthwhile advice. This saves you
personally having to wade through some 800 hits for "time management
courses" on Yahoo!.
The DTI web site has some interesting facts, figures and advice on
maintaining the elusive "work-life" balance
<http://164.36.164.20/work-lifebalance/>. The Chartered Institute of
Personnel and Development has some useful guidance also
<http://www.cipd.co.uk/subjects/wrklifebal/>. Management Today magazine
also has a large number of links on its resources page
<http://www.clickmt.com/public/home/index.cfm> that are worth
investigating.
An interesting special report on mobile working appeared in a recent
issue of computing magazine, reviewing a number of PDAs and giving
views on mobile working from a number of perspectives. Read their
special report online <http://www.computing.co.uk/specials/1153663>.
Pointers
--------
Finally I'd like to give some ideas for managing time that I have
found useful. "If you do what you've always done you'll get what
you've always got" is an ideal attitude to approach when trying to
make changes to your life. The following points may get you thinking:
* Write your goals down. Whether they are long term or short term
writing things down focuses the mind. A famous Harvard study showed
that those who wrote down their goals were more likely to achieve
them. If you have a good set of goals it makes planning your time a
lot easier.
* Make goals SMART :- specific, measurable, achievable, realistic
and timed.
* Work-life balance seems largely a balance of priorities. Diaries,
PDAs and software are only tools to an end. It is you who must
decide which things to do when. Obviously some things are important
and urgent, important but not urgent, or not important and not
urgent. Be ruthless.
* Use downtime productively. You may wish to catch up on
correspondence, sort out your diary, or catch up with the latest
bestseller on the train. If you do a lot of driving, audio books
are great for those hours stuck on the road.
* Get registered with the telephone preference service
<http://www.tpsonline.org.uk/tps/> and mailing preference service
(residential only) <http://www.mpsonline.org.uk/mpsr/> to free you
from the tide of unsolicited mail and calls.
<http://www.fpsonline.org.uk/fps/> lets you do the same with fax
numbers. The service is free and it takes about a month for your
number to be added. Always check the opt-out/in boxes for
circulars when filling in forms.
Above all, remember to take time out for friends, family and you!
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Jonathan Crowhurst is reading an MA in Library and Information Studies
at City University. His research interests include information law,
library history and development, legal information, user studies and
the impact of the internet on libraries. Contact him at
<jonathan@crowhurst0277.freeserve.co.uk>.
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