A Few Tools I Use for Productivity

JulianTrueFlynn said:
Why would anyone use these tools compared to properly setting up a project management system? No offense but it's like a college person's stack.
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Speaking for myself, the reason is twofold:

1. I like simplicity.

2. I don't like spending time learning new systems unless I'm convinced there's a massive payoff.

Regarding #1, Human mentioned using Todoist, Evernote and Google Drive on a Macbook Air. That's basically my process (I use LibreOffice too). The point is, it's simple. I like that.

Regarding #2, I'm a habitual late adopter. Here's an example...

I recently replaced my "dumb phone" with a smartphone. People used to ask me why I still carried such a dinosaur of a phone. The reason is that there just wasn't a huge payoff to upgrade. The only reason I did so was because I moved to Republic Wireless, which requires the use of a Moto.

My process is simple enough to work without a project management system. Todoist, Evernote and spreadsheets do the trick for me.

That may change down the road, of course.
 


Evernote for most things, it is just a shame you cannot export a note as a Word document, then it could replace Word/Open Office/Pages too.

Wunderlist for to-do list. Like the person above I have tried others and always come back to Wunderlist. Would be nice if it was in Evernote or if Evernote had a better to-do list option.

Trello for when working with other people on a project. Very versatile, for example I just re-order notes in order of priority for a worker.

In future when I can escape Apple I would like to have everything on Google (so it is all in the cloud in one place): Google Drive for documents and designs, Keep seems to be a more colorful version of Evernote, plus Gmail, Analytics etc...

Canva is awesome for graphics and making cards; I made a Fathers Day one today which looks great. Generally use it to add text over a photo/s for social networks.
 
Threads/posts I dug up:


My basic beef with this is your spreading all these things across multiple tools. Why get a program just for to-do lists? Why not get a project management system that is meant for businesses? An agency needs a couple areas:

  • Time management
  • Scheduling
  • Task management
  • CRM
  • Cloud/space for projects

None of these tools cover all of that or really meant for that purpose. Instead you can just get a simple stack: TeamworkPM, Gcal (optional), Dropbox.

If you don't have easy routines in place that are meant for a professional environment you're going to face issues with scaling. You also miss data/opportunities.

If you have an actual routine in place a lot of the tools mentioned in this thread are useless or inferior to what's on market with the features you'll need.
 
LOL, and you can't even decide yourself it seems.

BaseCamp
Trelllo
TeamWork

You've "suggested" them all at one point or another in the last 1 year for PM.

You've illustrated yourself that there's no "college" stack or "perfect" stack because we're all unique, and these services drastically change at rapid paces in this day and age.


Either way, I think this topic is ripe for picking again... we need something NEW and better :) (That's not custom per-business... we all know those are usually THE BEST!! LOL)
 
ToddW said:
LOL, and you can't even decide yourself it seems.

BaseCamp
Trelllo
TeamWork

You've "suggested" them all at one point or another in the last 1 year for PM.

You've illustrated yourself that there's no "college" stack or "perfect" stack because we're all unique, and these services drastically change at rapid paces in this day and age.


Either way, I think this topic is ripe for picking again... we need something NEW and better :) (That's not custom per-business... we all know those are usually THE BEST!! LOL)
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I highlighted at least once in those readings I linked that there's a different system because you're right they're not all the best and different ones fit different needs -- that would be clear to anyone. I think I made it clear I would switch when my business needs were different, I was using Basecamp for about 2-3 years before changing to TeamworkPM because I had no more clients in Basecamp.

What is being shown right now in the thread is completely different than Trello, TeamworkPM, and Basecamp. Yes, I have experience with all the top project management tools because I'm not a noob.

So yea, I will continue to be blunt and direct and say that the stack (it's not even a full stack) is more amateur and doesn't fit the needs of an actual business. Would you like to defend it? Doesn't seem like it.
 
JulianTrueFlynn said:
I highlighted at least once in those readings I linked that there's a different system because you're right they're not all the best and different ones fit different needs -- that would be clear to anyone. I think I made it clear I would switch when my business needs were different, I was using Basecamp for about 2-3 years before changing to TeamworkPM because I had no more clients in Basecamp.

What is being shown right now in the thread is completely different than Trello, TeamworkPM, and Basecamp. Yes, I have experience with all the top project management tools because I'm not a noob.

So yea, I will continue to be blunt and direct and say that the stack (it's not even a full stack) is more amateur and doesn't fit the needs of an actual business. Would you like to defend it? Doesn't seem like it.
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You're right, I wouldn't defend it at all. But, doesn't mean it's not right stepping-stone learning block for them... I just meant you went through a lot of testing, so don't expect others to know "right away" what works for them, or they need ;)

I keep it simple, or use custom software we make :) for that business / group of clients/businesses, etc...
 
ToddW said:
You're right, I wouldn't defend it at all. But, doesn't mean it's not right stepping-stone learning block for them... I just meant you went through a lot of testing, so don't expect others to know "right away" what works for them, or they need ;)

I keep it simple, or use custom software we make :) for that business / group of clients/businesses, etc...
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It's really not recommended to use custom software for project management. The reason to go with these big-names is all the documentation is in place for any new hires. Also, a lot of new hires have experience with any of those tools too (Basecamp for example is probably most common).

There's no learning blocks in business? You either go with the right fit for your business or you don't.

I don't expect people to know right away, but I would expect research before using any tools. Which my argument for this project management software is not me making shit up, but really how project management is practiced (i.e. everything in one place, systems that branch off from it).
 
JulianTrueFlynn said:
It's really not recommended to use custom software for project management. The reason to go with these big-names is all the documentation is in place for any new hires. Also, a lot of new hires have experience with any of those tools too (Basecamp for example is probably most common).

There's no learning blocks in business? You either go with the right fit for your business or you don't.

I don't expect people to know right away, but I would expect research before using any tools. Which my argument for this project management software is not me making shit up, but really how project management is practiced (i.e. everything in one place, systems that branch off from it).
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If I used what the "public" only used I'd be on the same playing field as you and everyone else. Dumb.
 
ToddW said:
If I used what the "public" only used I'd be on the same playing field as you and everyone else. Dumb.
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We're talking project management software, lol

idris-gif.gif
 
JulianTrueFlynn said:
We're talking project management software, lol

idris-gif.gif
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LOL, we are... and you aren't getting it while attempting to pass yourself as an authority on the subject. OOOooof

Just to be clear here you're the one who called the other PM tools, and services "college stack" and basically started calling names and saying people weren't doing it right from the get-go. You attempted to establish yourself as an authority, and I asked you about your stack. I didn't look at it as "calling you out" since you took it that way you must be rather insecure.

I'm trying not to make this personal, but if you keep replying so ignorantly you're really leaving yourself open ;)

Step outside your bubble.

Have you come to realize not everyone is doing the SAME projects as you? Not all their needs or my needs align with yours. Do you have clients where you dedicate 1-3 contractors/employees full time that need to integrate with their company and existing management tools? Probably not or you'd know that public tools rarely work in any of these situations.

At no point was I "calling you out" I genuinely wanted to see your "ultimate stack" but it's turned out your ultimate stack changes based on the needs which I agree with... then you went off and say custom software for management isn't needed, and that we should all use public software because it's easier to learn. Doh...

Maybe your definition of "project" and mine aren't the same...
Did you think of that?

You're too glued to your beliefs based on your limited experiences, step out, and open your eyes that there is a ton more than just what "you do" being done out there.

I'm not using pre-built public management software to manage XYZ company projects that rely on YYYY software, we will integrate with YYYY with our own PM software, pull in the data and make things simple as fuck for my employees and contractors. When I used to offer PRs for my clients instead of throwing them all in baseCamp we made custom PR management software that handled the edits/revisions, orders, client requests, etc... it managed ALL the projects for that business.

If you fail to see how any of those examples benefit from a custom project management platform then I can't get through to you :)




Anyway, you've gone in circles attempting to prove you're an authority on project management tools while suggesting various tools over the last 1 year period of time for the same management solution. Maybe you're the confused one who needs help?


I don't have a dog in this fight because my management software isn't public, isn't for sale, and will never be. That doesn't mean it will work for you, or anyone but it sure as hell works for me and I'm not going to let someone new to the business try to tell others how shit is done when there's no RIGHT way to manage clients but about a million "wrong" ways, most having to deal with the "person" to "person" stuff not project management tools!!!

Go to business meetups, conferences, and start talking to other business owners you'll quickly learn your way is rarely the way anyone else does it, and that's "OK". You don't need to argue about it ;)

I'm not an authority on PM software, I'm not an authority on teaching people systems, I am an authority on what works for me and you don't see me projecting my strict opinions on something so open as PM. Instead, I voiced my opinion and thoughts regarding the subject and will let people make their own choices. I urge you to do the same.
 
ToddW said:
Just to be clear here you're the one who called the other PM tools, and services "college stack" and basically started calling names and saying people weren't doing it right from the get-go. You attempted to establish yourself as an authority, and I asked you about your stack. I didn't look at it as "calling you out" since you took it that way you must be rather insecure.

I'm trying not to make this personal, but if you keep replying so ignorantly you're really leaving yourself open ;)

Step outside your bubble.

Have you come to realize not everyone is doing the SAME projects as you? Not all their needs or my needs align with yours. Do you have clients where you dedicate 1-3 contractors/employees full time that need to integrate with their company and existing management tools? Probably not or you'd know that public tools rarely work in any of these situations.

At no point was I "calling you out" I genuinely wanted to see your "ultimate stack" but it's turned out your ultimate stack changes based on the needs which I agree with... then you went off and say custom software for management isn't needed, and that we should all use public software because it's easier to learn. Doh...

Maybe your definition of "project" and mine aren't the same...
Did you think of that?

You're too glued to your beliefs based on your limited experiences, step out, and open your eyes that there is a ton more than just what "you do" being done out there.

I'm not using pre-built public management software to manage XYZ company projects that rely on YYYY software, we will integrate with YYYY with our own PM software, pull in the data and make things simple as fuck for my employees and contractors. When I used to offer PRs for my clients instead of throwing them all in baseCamp we made custom PR management software that handled the edits/revisions, orders, client requests, etc... it managed ALL the projects for that business.

If you fail to see how any of those examples benefit from a custom project management platform then I can't get through to you :)




Anyway, you've gone in circles attempting to prove you're an authority on project management tools while suggesting various tools over the last 1 year period of time for the same management solution. Maybe you're the confused one who needs help?


I don't have a dog in this fight because my management software isn't public, isn't for sale, and will never be. That doesn't mean it will work for you, or anyone but it sure as hell works for me and I'm not going to let someone new to the business try to tell others how shit is done when there's no RIGHT way to manage clients.

Go to business meetups, conferences, and start talking to other business owners you'll quickly learn your way is rarely the way anyone else does it, and that's "OK".
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Nah, I was recommending a project management system over some flashy small tools. Yea I thought it was a call out which I don't think is a reach from the context.

Maybe realize there's a right and wrong. You aren't even willing to defend your point besides custom project management software.

For custom project management software:
Project management has a couple key points across all software which I outlined above. What you are talking about with PR with revisions that's totally possible to use with Basecamp API (which is the purpose of it). That way you still get a familiar system and add anything you want. There's also premade tools for Basecamp for those revisions that you're referring too. From a dev standpoint it would be easier to build too.

And to defend the point, again: I changed the system when it was more fitting. I never denied that and made that point clear in my posts in this thread and others (that I linked you too). That doesn't defeat my argument at all and I am still using project management systems and not using smaller trendy tools.

As a side note: I never made any personal remarks towards you I don't think, not exactly a way to defend your points.
 
JulianTrueFlynn said:
Nah, I was recommending a project management system over some flashy small tools. Yea I thought it was a call out which I don't think is a reach from the context.

Maybe realize there's a right and wrong. You aren't even willing to defend your point besides custom project management software.

For custom project management software:
Project management has a couple key points across all software which I outlined above. What you are talking about with PR with revisions that's totally possible to use with Basecamp API (which is the purpose of it). That way you still get a familiar system and add anything you want. There's also premade tools for Basecamp for those revisions that you're referring too. From a dev standpoint it would be easier to build too.

And to defend the point, again: I changed the system when it was more fitting. I never denied that and made that point clear in my posts in this thread and others (that I linked you too). That doesn't defeat my argument at all and I am still using project management systems and not using smaller trendy tools.

As a side note: I never made any personal remarks towards you I don't think, not exactly a way to defend your points.
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Making vague statements about how your strict guidelines are not the "right answer" for everyone is not defending any points against you. I also agreed with you on more than 1 occasion here, and probably in your threads if I recall correctly...

You REALLY, need to stop assuming you know how businesses run other than your own. You make assumptions too much... like telling me to use the baseCamp API for revisions for my PR business... Why the hell would I want to do that when my software handled that as well as EVERYTHING ELSE in 1 place, cost me $0 additional money, and had 0 learning curve AND was much easier since it was centralized with everything else relating to that client/project/bill/etc...

Once again you're preaching public software, stuck in your own bubble, and can't see beyond your own business.

My stance has not changed.

I'm still saying people need to use what works best for them be it public or custom/private software and they may have to work through various software to find the best. I know I sure don't use 1 and stick with it, I try a bunch of software, saas, etc before I make the purchase or subscription that's smart business.

I'm not trying to personally attack you but your experience running businesses that require management, software, integrations, etc appears to be lacking or only has started when SaaS/Public software/tools became available in the last 10 years but really in the last 3-5. Some of us remember a time before SaaS and public tools that did everything except scratch your ass and rape your wallet, when we had to think for ourselves solve problems, and make solutions for our customers that didn't involve signing up for a service and reporting to the customer what comes out.

I don't make more work for myself but I sure as hell will invest $ for the RIGHT solution than 'cram' someone into a public solution be it any software or saas not specifically PM software.

So, again. I say.

People should test, and choose what they want :) You have to start somewhere and BaseCamp is a simple solution to see what you need, like, and move forward. I'd never suggest anyone start with something like JIRA. Gotta work yourself up ;) figure out what you like/need etc...
 
ToddW said:
Making vague statements about how your strict guidelines are not the "right answer" for everyone is not defending any points against you. I also agreed with you on more than 1 occasion here, and probably in your threads if I recall correctly...

You REALLY, need to stop assuming you know how businesses run other than your own. You make assumptions too much... like telling me to use the baseCamp API for revisions for my PR business... Why the hell would I want to do that when my software handled that as well as EVERYTHING ELSE in 1 place, cost me $0 additional money, and had 0 learning curve AND was much easier since it was centralized with everything else relating to that client/project/bill/etc...

Once again you're preaching public software, stuck in your own bubble, and can't see beyond your own business.

My stance has not changed.

I'm still saying people need to use what works best for them be it public or custom/private software and they may have to work through various software to find the best. I know I sure don't use 1 and stick with it, I try a bunch of software, saas, etc before I make the purchase or subscription that's smart business.

I'm not trying to personally attack you but your experience running businesses that require management, software, integrations, etc appears to be lacking or only has started when SaaS/Public software/tools became available in the last 10 years but really in the last 3-5. Some of us remember a time before SaaS and public tools that did everything except scratch your ass and rape your wallet, when we had to think for ourselves solve problems, and make solutions for our customers that didn't involve signing up for a service and reporting to the customer what comes out.

I don't make more work for myself but I sure as hell will invest $ for the RIGHT solution than 'cram' someone into a public solution be it any software or saas not specifically PM software.

So, again. I say.

People should test, and choose what they want :) You have to start somewhere and BaseCamp is a simple solution to see what you need, like, and move forward. I'd never suggest anyone start with something like JIRA. Gotta work yourself up ;) figure out what you like/need etc...
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You seem to be shifting my argument, my stance hasn't changed since my original post in this thread -- yours developed later. I'm saying use full systems and linked to the most popular tools I used which you requested (and then liked). From my understanding since I tried 3 different tools that somehow ruined my argument for you. I also made the comment about not recommending custom project management tools which you are actually giving a debate for (which is fine, just making clear).

I'm actually basing this all on traditional project management tactics.

Vague is me just me being direct and not mixing words. I think I've fully explained my points where needed. If you would like me to elaborate on any please point them out (which I don't believe you've said I haven't fully explained myself in other posts).

You're not exactly attacking my points but trying to discredit me, which you certainly don't know anything about me so that's not much of an argument.

For your PR software question - was it free for you to build (or did you build it)? You said $0. You said you don't mind paying for the solution - but extending an API for any project management system could be the right solution. 'Right' to me would mean quick/simple to build and works long-term. Not sure of your argument there. Also, like I said there's premade tools for all the revisions already for Basecamp/other PM tools if you needed too.

Not sure where the word 'cram' comes from. I'm saying the opposite, you get more benefits from using a premade tool that I discussed in posts in this thread.
 
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