A couple of years ago, I downloaded an app on my tablet called Evernote.
I wrote a few notes in it and then basically forgot I had it until a couple of months ago.
I read an article about a couple of things small business owners could do with Evernote to make their life easier. I thought they were pretty cool, so I started using the app and then discovered more things you could do with Evernote … and now it is my favorite small business tool!
It’s like having a portable filing cabinet in the palm of your hand. Evernote syncs to many devices, so whether you using your laptop, tablet, smart phone, or desktop computer all your information and files you store in it are always available.
Tips on using Evernote
Using Evernote Tip #1- Research
My favorite function in Evernote is the Web Clipper. With my website business I do a ton of research on the web. With this super cool feature, I can highlight on a page what I want clipped (will need to download web clipper), click on the Evernote button in my toolbar, and Evernote creates a new note for me with the content I highlighted. Beats printing off the page and months later wondering what in the world I did with that marketing tip page 🙂
I can also take a snapshot of my handwritten notes and my whiteboard and Evernote has a wonderful search feature that will recognize words in pictures and pull it up.
Using Evernote Tip #2- Office Supply Shopping
I have the worst memory in the world! I will make a list of office supplies I need and then leave the list sitting at home when I went for supplies … or if I remembered my list I would forget what type of ink my printer uses. Those boys at Staples would just look at me funny when I told them I needed ink that came in a yellow box 🙂
Some office supply tips:
- Create a to-do-list that you can pull up on your phone or tablet when you get to the office supply store. I also like the fact that I can add to my list whenever I remember something because I have Evernote on my phone. To create a to-do list simply click on format and then down to To-do or Windows users can add To-Do lists by right clicking, then selecting- To-Do → Insert Checkbox or using the shortcut key Ctrl+Shift+C.
- Take a picture of your printer’s ink cartridge package. (I label it something I can easy find when I get to the store, but I can also use Evernote’s recognition of words in pictures and so an easy search for it.)
- Research for a big purchase. I needed a good digital camera and I created a notebook titled “Camera” and clipped reviews, prices, and features of half a dozen cameras before deciding on the one I wanted. Then I also had a picture and price of the one I wanted when I went to the store to buy it 🙂
- Save all your online order confirmations. Simply email them to your Evernote account using your Evernote incoming email address. Read how to do it here.
Using Evernote Tip #3- Business Cards
Take a picture of a client or vendor’s business card. Make sure the title and/or tags include information that will make it easy to search such as ABC Store contact person.
Using Evernote Tip #4- Conferences
- Store your travel information. You can email your flight information, hotel reservations and confirmation numbers, and rental car agencies in the area directly to Evernote.
- Create a packing list in Evernote, then check it off your phone as you pack.
- If you drive – take a picture of your license plate and pull it up if you need it when you check in.
- Take snapshots of those handouts you want to remember but always misplace.
- Take a snapshot of someone that you want to remember or maybe network with later. Take the picture with them holding up their name tag or business card.
Using Evernote Tip #5- Track your Expenses
- Take a snapshot of your receipts as soon as you get them and then email them to your Evernote account.
- Scan copies of all checks before you deposit them or send them off.
- Send email conformations of online payments and commissions to your Evernote account.
Then every month you can pull up this file and make sure all expenses and income are recorded. Shoeboxed scans and organizes your receipts and business cards and then you can send the organized data to your Evernote account.
That is just a few of the things you can do with Evernote. On a personal level, you can create a digital scrapbook, organize your kid’s school information, remember the best dishes at your favorite restaurant, store your favorite recipes, etc.
