Coffee Powered Systems

Episode 014. With all of the different productivity methods out there, it's no wonder you're confused and frustrated. I want to point out again that the actual tool you use doesn't matter. Let me simplify the productivity process for you - capture the information, organize it and take action. We spend a lot of time reading, researching, and learning what methods and workflows will work for us, but the only one that will work is the one you will actually use. 

In this episode:

• The process for organizing your information that is so simple that you might already be using it
• The 5 steps of the GTD Method
• To make it even simpler, use just 2 steps
• Why I suggest using a digital database instead of a paper system
• Your action step I want you to take this week

For the transcript and full show notes: https://www.mirandamerten.com/14

Mentioned in this episode:

GTD Method by David Allen

Other helpful links:

Website

Instagram (@mirandamerten)

Send a voice message: https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeePoweredSystems

Episode 013. IFTTT is a free platform that helps all your products and services work better together but what are some ways you can use it in your life?

For the full show notes: https://www.mirandamerten.com/13

Mentioned in this episode:

IFTTT

Applets We Love (from IFTTT)

Other helpful links:

IFTTT essential guide: The best IFTTT Applets for your automated smart home

35 Super Useful IFTTT Recipes You Might Not Know About

Website

Instagram (@mirandamerten)

Send a voice message:

https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeePoweredSystems

Episode 012. Have you ever downloaded a new project management app and been so excited to get started and get organized, only to end up looking at the blank canvas or scrambling for templates to help you get started because you are unfamiliar with the folder hierarchy?

Let's talk about why this can be confusing to many and how to understand the organizational structure of your task system.

Discussed In This Episode:

• Why the names of your folder categories don't actually matter [01:55]
• My tip for understanding the goal hierarchy [02:43]
• My 5 levels of goal hierarchy [03:23]
• Why the specific task management app is irrelevant and how to structure your system within it [08:12]
• How to use tags with your hierarchy levels [13:40]
• Q + A: How do I repost someone’s post on Instagram? [15:27]

For the full show notes: https://www.mirandamerten.com/12

Mentioned in this episode:

• FREE worksheet: How to Craft Your Goal Hierarchy
• 005: Amazing Marvin Might Help If You Are Prone To Procrastination [Tip Tuesday]
• Asana
• Clickup

Related blog posts:

• 001: Workflows, Systems, Apps. What’s The Difference?
• Are You Setting The Right Goals For Yourself?
• Goal Prioritization: How to Give Your Goals the Right Precedence

Other Helpful links:

• 12 Week Planner (Free download)
• Instagram (@mirandamerten)

Send a voice message:

https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeePoweredSystems

Episode 011. There are a lot of booking tools out there, I think the most recognized at the moment is Calendly. If you just need something simple, you can use the appointment slots in Google Calendar, but if you need a few more bells and whistles, you might need to venture out with a specialized appointment scheduler. Today, I’m discussing Bookafy.

For the transcript and full show notes:

https://www.mirandamerten.com/011

Mentioned in this episode:

008: How You Should Really Be Using Google Calendar

Bookafy

Calendly

Acuity Scheduling

Other helpful links:

Website

Instagram (@mirandamerten)

Send a voice message:

https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeePoweredSystems

Episode 010. Ever wonder why some people always have their cleaning schedule down and others can barely get a consistent handle on it? Because like everything in the personal productivity world, not every method works for everyone. There are a few different ways you can tackle cleaning your home, and I’m going to give you some ideas.

Then, in this week's Q+A, I answer a question about how to post long form video in your Facebook and Instagram stories.

For the full show notes:

https://www.mirandamerten.com/010

Mentioned in this episode:

008: How You Should Really Be Using Google Calendar

009: Crush Your Household Cleaning Schedule With Tody [Tip Tuesday]

Cleaning checklist from Molly Maid

Speed Cleaning Schedule

Story Cutter Apps: iOS, Google Play

Other helpful links:

Website

Instagram (@mirandamerten)

Send a voice message:

https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeePoweredSystems

Episode 009. Welcome to Tip Tuesday where I give you the skinny on an app or tool that could be useful for your personal productivity. Today, we’re talking about Tody, the house cleaning app that helps you tackle all of your chores! Set it and forget it, just let Tody help you determine what chores need to be done. Completely customizable, and easy to use solo or with family members.

For the full show notes: https://www.mirandamerten.com/009

Mentioned in this episode:

Tody App

Other helpful links:

Website

Instagram (@mirandamerten)

Send a voice message:

https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeePoweredSystems

Episode 008. Talking about calendars seems so basic right? I know, but I’m going to give you a few extra tips for ways to use your Google Calendar that you might not be using. Don’t sleep on these, they could be game changers!

In this episode:

• Learn why you should be using multiple calendars [00:53]
• How to set up your birthdays and anniversaries [04:29]
• Don't forget those sneaky seasonal reminders [05:55]
• Adding your trials and subscriptions [06:47]
• Setting up a bills + accounts calendar [08:41]
• Setting up goals can be helpful [11:08]
• Learn how to easily set up meetings with others [13:12]
• How to subscribe to Facebook event calendars [14:24]
• Using appointment slots and out of office hours [15:46]
• Q+A: What tools can I use to convert video (mp4) or m4a to mp3? [18:51]

For full show notes: https://www.mirandamerten.com/008

Other helpful links:

Website

Instagram (@mirandamerten)

Send a voice message:

https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeePoweredSystems

Episode 007. Asana is one of the most popular task and project management apps. If you haven’t had a chance to try it, they have a free version and a premium version. Unless you want the option to add more in-depth automations and other features like the timeline (i.e. gantt chart) view, most small businesses can get by using the free plan forever.

You can create multiple projects and then drill them down into tasks and subtasks. The learning curve is not super hard, once you understand the app, it’s really user friendly.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Asana

Other Helpful links:

• Instagram (@mirandamerten)
• For full show notes and to record a question: mirandamerten.com/007

Episode 006. I’m not sure why all these methods are named after foods - productivity must make you hungry - but today I’m going to talk about the different time management techniques and the differences between them.

Discussed In This Episode:

• The Pomodoro Method [03:13]
• The Salami Method [07:44]
• The Swiss Cheese Method [11:17]
• Listener Q + A [16:23]

Mentioned in this episode:

• Fast Company: Worker, Interrupted: The Cost of Task Switching
• Francesco Cirillo: The Pomodoro Method

Other Helpful links:

• Instagram (@mirandamerten)
• For full show notes and to record a question: mirandamerten.com/006

Episode 005. You know I don’t like monthly fees, but some apps are worth it. If you are the type that needs motivation and gamification in your task management system, this one might work for you. Amazing Marvin is an amazing task manager/to-do list app, but Marvin is also a day planner, time tracker, project management tool, timer, calendar and soon a habit tracker, goal tracker, collaboration tool and more. The idea is to combine multiple productivity tools into one app so that everything is easier to manage.

Links from this episode:

• Amazing Marvin
• Episode 002: AppSumo, The Treasure Trove of Software Deals [Tip Tuesday]

Other Helpful links:

• Instagram (@mirandamerten)
• Leave a voice message: mirandamerten.com/005