Calendar decisions – paper or electronic?
At this time of year, the shops are full of calendars and diaries, with pop up shops all over the high street, And they’re busy! In this age of smartphones and computers, it is interesting to see how the paper diary and wall calender still have such a following.
So, what is it that people like about a paper diary – is it nostalgia? Is it that we spend so much of our days with our heads in our computers that it’s nice to have a break from it?
It is not that long ago that I converted from hand writing in my appointments, to using Google Calendar and I’ve never looked back. I’ve asked people the top reasons behind their calendar of choice.
“I’d like to break out and use an online calendar but I find the paper version a hard habit to break”
Paper Calendar
- I enjoy copying all the important dates across every year!
- I find a paper diary more visual and enjoy using it;
- It’s easier to look forwards and backwards and compare week to week than it is with a screen;
- It’s hard to consult an on-line calendar when you’re on the phone;
- There’s something pleasing about paper that you just don’t get with a screen (let’s not start the paper novel vs. e-reader discussion!)
Online Calendar
- It can remind you of meetings so you don’t miss anything (and you’re never late!);
- I can share my calender with my assistant and he/she sees any changes right away;
- You can attach items to it or add notes/background information which you have received by email;
- You can add events/reminders to repeat monthly, yearly etc. such as birthdays;
- I can work with an assistant based anywhere in the world.
Perhaps you have both – on-line for work and paper at home? Do you have a preference? I’d love you to tell me about the reasons behind your choices and what you’ll be using in 2016.
If you need help with managing your diary or calendar, call us on 07814 218142 or email joanne@joannemanville.co.uk
My plan for 2016…use paper for blog topics and email marketing dates. Electronic for all business and personal appointments since its shareable and easy to access from anywhere.
Thanks Sarah. I’ve just started blogging/social media calendar so I’m just working out what the best solution is. I think I’m with you on the paper for ideas, although I’ve just been introduced to Evernote and I’m wondering if that might be a good place for that so I can record ideas on the move.
I have a stationery addiction, so i will always find a way to use paper. I think I will also use a paper calendar to write down my ideas for my blog. I use electronic for reminders and business/social engagements. I still have a work diary, which i use to make notes during meetings which then type out. wow, just reading this I realise I am all over the place. Perhaps I need to stick to one in the new year.
Brilliant Meg. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it 🙂
I use Co-Schedule as my online blog post creation and social media scheduling (calendar) tool. In the new year, I’m also going to use it for my marketing campaigns because it allows me to have everything in one place and making changes in one area is reflected everywhere without more work. Of course, I can’t live without my eCalendar! I’ll use paper for overall business planning, business and personal appointments as well as to capture thoughts and meeting notes since I find I retain more when I actually put pen to paper.
Thanks Barbara, it does seem like a combination of paper and an electronic solution is the most popular method of managing everything. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.