Top 5 sources
Methods I currently use to gather and organize information
Diary/daily planner
Without my pocket daily planner/diary I would be totally lost. In it is written every appointment, engagement as well as my to do lists for that day (Click on: My Useful Daily planner, for more in depth information on it). It is a space to dump things to remember, notes and to capture ideas. Without it my brain would probably explode. I don’t know why, with all the technology there is now-a-days I still use a paper planner (it doesn’t sync up with my laptop, more difficult to make alterations, another thing to carry round). It has just one purpose, you don’t have to go looking for the information, you have the physical act of writing it which has, I think a link to your creative brain, much more than typing it. It’s easier to look back at previous days. I guess I’m still just not ready to make the full technological leap. Old habits, what we fee comfortable with, die-hard.
Face to face conversations friends/family/network meetings etc.
Still one of my favourite methods of gathering information. For me, it is the most useful way to organize information. Without friends, family and trusted colleagues to discuss ideas, concerns and problems with my mind would be even more of a mess. I use my personal network as a sounding board, devils advocate, consolation, judges panel, support, advice and as a way to battle my way through the situation to find my own answers.
I love discussing topics with people and hearing their point of view, taking it in, discussing differences of opinion and learning, teaching as we go. Exchanging of ideas and values is such great fun for me and is one of the best ways I learn. Especially when you are in a group of giving, trustworthy people who all respect each others differences and love to give as much as receive. Charlie Bidston makes an excellent point in her Blog on Task 3c that I had not considered. Although she feels as I do, that face to face is of huge value, she states that “you cant rely on what people say all the time”. Such a true statement that I had overlooked but that it is vital you bear in mind. My Dad always used to say, there are always three sides to every story: The two peoples stories and the truth. I should always try to keep in mind that every person has an angle/opinion that they cannot help, but allow to colour what they are saying. I will try to minimize the negative impact this can have by being careful with whom I consult, ensuring that they are a trusted person whose opinion I value and bear in mind their possible biases.
Google/laptop
Something that I use, unfailingly every day. As Liam states, it is actually the internet, but what use is the internet without a search engine, Google. It is one of my first thoughts as a source of information, research, answering a question, and teaching tool. I do miss the library but it just takes longer.
My laptop comes with me everywhere, with only a very few exceptions. It has everything stored on it: files, photos, videos, documents, addresses, lists, functions that make projects possible, internet capability, music and additional storage space. I have no home computer so my laptop does it all.
Mobile phone - Contacts list/database
There are days when I spend 5 – 6 hours on my mobile, chatting to businesses, friends, contacts finding out information as well as organizing things. Since I now have an iPhone that automatically syncs with my computers address/contacts book when it’s charging I now have this added benefit. Since starting in the business I have kept quite comprehensive notes on companies/people I have spoken to/worked for/had job offers from to ensure that I can use peoples names when contacting them again, when I spoke to them last and so I can refer to anything we previously discussed. Also helpful to be able to give all the information to others wanting to get into the industry to help them get their foot in. I love being able to use my mobile to call people at times that could otherwise be ‘dead’ time such as driving. I am better able to use the time I have to get done the things I want. It also reminds me of peoples Birthdays/special occasions to do something nice for them.
Personal development material - Books, iPod, seminars
This has been possibly one of the most influential sources of information and tools I have used to assist in sorting my thoughts. Meeting focused, accomplished people with similar interests but very different journeys is one of the best bits, along with the contacts/friendships made and on top of this the personal development and inspiration from the material itself.
I love reading books, although they are a little more time consuming than you could find out the information in them. This I think is part of their charm, to take your time and let you imagination get involved which allows you to engage more in the books message. I read books purely for enjoyment, some for learning about a chosen field/subject and some that others have recommended which broadens my horizons.
My iPod has audio books and seminars on it as well as my favourite inspirational music so that on long journeys I can, if not speaking to people on my mobile, learning, expanding my mind or just keeping my motivation topped up. I had not thought of using my iPod to listen to and find new inspirational songs, even though this may sound a little obvious, in the way that Liam and Charlie mention that they do.
A couple of other methods I use over and above the top 5
Documentaries
Business coach
Inspiration from world around me
Have other people’s ideas influenced me, how could they be useful to me?
I found the suggestions from Sarah, Alicia and Fiona on my Daily planner have given me food for thought. My Useful Daily planner I am trying for the next month simply having blocks of time in which to chill, relax and have fun instead of a formal written down activity in that time slot so I can better roll with the punches and do as I am feeling at that time.
Alicia points of view in her 3c post really sparked my thinking and was written, as always, in a very consider and well measured way which inspires me to emulate her logical, clearly thought out style of writing.
Jo’s brain-storm was very comprehensive and gave me lots of ideas. Also helpful as was Liam’s. His was more of an inspiration to me not to ponder too much and just get on with it.
Have a Merry Christmas all of you and I look forward to seeing/speaking with you in the New Year.
Stay safe - Phil
Hey Phil
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that you still have a diary that you carry around with you, they are extremely useful. I used to keep it on my Phone, until it died and they I realised that a hard copy would be best.
It is nice to see that you are incorporating other sources bar the internet as that has become one of the most powerful ways of sourcing information. I have found sticking with the original face to face method will come in very handy because it is a vital skill to keep and learn from. You never know who you might meet and where.
You have mentioned the internet within your Google section and I feel that Google is vitally important for information, but I feel that Twitter and other social Networking sites are fast become a way to find out what is going on the the local theatres and around the country. I see that you have a Twitter account but are you following @thestage and @castingcallpro and even theatres and theatre groups? It can be very useful to find out what is going on.
Have a good Christmas