We all have to-do lists. Some of us (like Tech Guy) carry them in our heads and some of us (like me) scribble them down on any handy surface. But what about when you need to share a to-do list with a co-worker or family member who doesn’t have the same style?
Tech Guy and I recently discovered an online solution called Podio. You can create a “network” and invite the people you need to communicate with for a particular project. We use it for family business because running our small family often seems like a full-time job.
Currently, we’re also using Podio to capture information about our potential house purchase and renovation. One of the handy features is the ability to upload files and URLs that become live links. For example, I linked to several real estate listings, so we could both access them again quickly without scouring the web.
Podio works best for people with the same email domain. For example, we have a family domain where Tech Guy, Smarty Boy and I all have email addresses. (We’d give one to Bad Dog, but he finds typing a challenge since he’s missing an opposable thumb.)
For those folks who need their to-do lists while away from their desks, Podio has mobile apps for both Apple and Android-based devices.
The biggest benefit for me is the ability to delegate tasks to my husband :-). Podio sends out a daily digest so it’s hard for either of us to avoid or completely forget about something we need to do. That doesn’t mean we don’t still procrastinate, but at least we’re checking Podio a couple times a week. And it keeps me from nagging Tech Guy. They’re on the task list, which means he’ll deal with them eventually.
Podio also includes a calendar app, but since I use MS Outlook for Mac, I haven’t really explored that functionality.
The downside to this service is you could become addicted to browsing through the little apps or, God forbid, developing your own. Use it only for your minimum needs and you might just find yourself organized!
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This week is Teen Read Week. If you have a teenager, check in to see what he or she is reading. Or better yet, pick up a copy of the same book. If your teen needs encouragement to read a classic, offer to read the book at the same time and discuss it casually. Smarty Boy and I are both reading The Once and Future King this month!
