The schedule has been confirmed for the CFML Language Development Bird of a Feather (BOF) session. It will be at 9.30 pm on Monday night.

It is right after the Meet the CF Team BOF which will be at 8.30 pm on Monday and in the same room.  So its double the fun -without having to leave your seat!

Among the participants at the CFML Language Development BOF will be:

• Jason Delmore - Senior Product Manager, Adobe
• Hemant Khandelwal - Engineering Manager on the CF Team
• Gert  Franz from Switzerland via phone - Railo Main Man
• Matt Woodward (tentative via phone) -speaking for OpenBD Steering Committee

And many other illustrious names from the CF Community.   

I’m still taking suggestions on topics. If you have any, send them in or post them below.   Hope to see you there.

I’ve been asked to host a birds of a feather (BOF) meeting at MAX on CFML Language Development.

The session will cover topics related to the future evolution of the CFML language itself (ColdFusion Markup Language).  UPDATE: The session will be on Monday night, at 9.30 pm in room 2008.

I’d like the the session to address the needs of

• the CFML Community -including CF developers, Blue Dragon users and Railo users;
• developers who are thinking about using ColdFusion and;
• CIO’s, CTO’s and entrepreneurs who are researching development platforms.

To that end, I’m looking for input on:

1. Specific topics you’d like discussed
2. Concerns on the future of CFML
3. Wish list for CFML’s direction and
4. Specific speakers you’d like to hear from at the meeting.

Post your feedback here or email me at mark@vertabase.com. 

Even if you can’t make to MAX, send me your ideas. I’ll be posting the session online afterwards.

The tickler file is a classic time management tool. But it has its limits.  Understanding how a tickler file works, and its drawbacks, is a great way to appreciate the benefits of an online project management system.
 
The classic tickler file is a filing system used to keep things in order by due date.  A conventional tickler file consists of 43 files: 12 folders for each month of the year plus 31 files for each day of the month.  The files are organized by month and then by dates of the month.  Your tickler file can be created using anything from a box to a crate, or you can buy a plastic file box from your local office supply store. This classic format generally allows you to plan for tasks up to one month ahead.  The difference between a tickler file and a planner is that the tickler file allows you to place documents in the file.

When you have a task or assignment due on a particular day, place a description of the task and the relevant related documents in the file folder of that particular date of the month. Then, every day get in the habit of checking the tickler file for that day.  Everything you need for that day’s tasks is right in front of you. You’ll need to rotate the folders each day and month. So when you are done with January move it to the back of the file and February will be in front. This applies also to the days of the month. This rotation keeps the most current month and date always in front of you. This type of filing system is used to help keep you on top of time sensitive documents and projects that need to be completed on a particular date.

Of course, if you are dealing with more than one project or multiple tasks a standard paper tickler filing system can get a little burdensome.  The classic answer is to create a tickler file for each separate project or area of responsibility. For example, you can create a tickler file for your bills, for each specific project, for each client and for general reminders.  You can also create tickler files for each member of your team and color coordinate file folders by projects to keep everyone on the same page. When you have a meeting and want to discuss a particular project you could tell everyone to bring their blue file folder, for example,

A paper-based tickler file, however, can get overly cumbersome very quickly. Here are seven drawbacks of a paper-based approach.

1.  It requires everyone to be as organized as you or, at least,
2.  Requires one person to run around and update everyone else’s tickler files.
3.  It only allows planning a month ahead of time.
4.  It takes up a lot of physical space.
5.  It is limited in the number of documents it can hold.
6.  Updating the related documents across a team requires making numerous physical copies of the same document.
7.  Task updates require calling everyone or having meetings every time you want to tell people something changed and; getting information on how everyone is doing on a project requires another meeting and a lot of time going around asking each person about each task.

An online project management system, like Vertabase (the people behind this blog), does exactly what a paper-based filing system can’t.  Here are nine benefits to an online project management system that speak directly to the drawbacks above.

1.  An online tool doesn’t require everyone to be super-organized.
2.  People can continue to be themselves, but still stay on-track with their tasks. 
3.  The online system can remind them of due dates directly via email so people don’t have to change their habits and check a system every day. 
4.  One person can plan and manage the tasks for a particular project and through that alone, the whole team can stay on track. 
5.  You can plan for months or years in advance –and easily change tasks when you need to.
6.  You can store and work on a nearly unlimited number of documents for each task or project since everything is kept digitally.
7.  When something changes, you don’t need to call a meeting. Once it’s changed in the system, everyone get’s automatically notified about it.
8.  People can update their task information from anywhere via the internet so it’s easy for people to keep you in the loop on how things are going.
9.  Checking project or task status is a breeze since everyone’s task information is centralized in one convenient location –available from anywhere on the internet.

The paper-based tickler filing system is a classic tool for managing tasks and time.  For many people, it is a great stepping stone towards getting more organized. It also provides a good framework for understanding the benefits of an online project management tool.  If it works for you, it is valuable. If you have run into the limitations and drawbacks of a paper-based filing system, though, you probably already know that an online project management tool could really pay off for you.

If you are new to getting things done by using better time management skills or better project management skills and are looking to learn a specific management system, you could significantly improve your productivity by learning an online project management like Vertabase.  Besides being able to get more done, these skills are in high demand in today’s marketplace and can help your chances of success in the job market. 
 

Since the start of the talk of bailouts, I thought that $700 billion was low. The price tag will likely be around $3 trillion dollars. 

Several recent factors appear to lend credence towards that estimate.
1. The US Government appears to be moving towards taking direct stakes in banks;
2. Despite falling gas prices, the pain on US consumer may increase - if so, the government may decide to directly help the consumer and pick up a portion of the consumers mortgages/debt -much like Mexico did after the collapse of the peso in 1994.

Once the full cost of the bailout is known, their might be another short term buying opportunity in the market as retail investors re-evaluate the stability of the market and the US’s ability to pay. But I believe that most institutional investors have already factored in this size of a price tag and would be buyers at lower prices.

Altria (Philip Morris), Diageo, McDonalds and Microsoft.

A long time ago I used to work on Wall Street. For many years, I’ve thought stocks were way too expensive to be an interesting asset class.  For better or worse, they are starting to look attractive again and I can’t help but write about some of the stocks I think are worth keeping an eye on.    With the market down as far as it is,  stock prices are starting to reflect the reality of underlying fundamentals. But keep in mind that the downturn in the market may have a ways to go -driven by people being spooked or needing cash and therefore pulling money out of the market.  

I am not a registered or licensed stock broker. These are strictly the opinions of someone who enjoys the market as a hobby. I do not actively invest and have not, for years. My efforts are focused on growing our company, Vertabase (because I believe in the rewards of enterpreneurship and creating and selling products that add value).  That being said, I do own some individual stocks (outside of those in mutual funds). If I write about them I will tell you.

So, here is a short list of quality shares which could be bought on the cheap. They may yet get cheaper but they stand a good chance of making it out of the current bear market as being great investments. They are consumer staples that can generate cash.

Altria (Philip Morris) -MO
McDonalds -MCD
Microsoft -MSFT (I own Microsoft stock.)
Diageo -  DEO

Here are two strategies for approaching those stocks. 

1. For those who need to be in the market, I would recommend buying on the way down.
2. For those who can sit on the sidelines, keep an eye on these stocks. Put them on a watch list. Buy them when you feel you could sleep well even if, in the short term, they fell below where you bought them.

The affect of retail investors pulling money out of the market in general, cannot be overstated. It can continue to put downward pressure on stocks in general for a while.  If there’s interest, I could do an analysis on how much money is left that could be pulled out and how long the effect of declining retail investment in the market could last.  Just let me know in the comments.

If there is one skill that needs to be mastered in order to utilize your time more productively it is delegating. It is easy to get overwhelmed with our personal and professional tasks. We often forget that there is only one of us and a million things we need to get done. We can’t possibly do it all or be everywhere we need to be.  In order to get things done, we have to learn to let go and let others assist us. It is the only way we can focus on those tasks to which we uniquely add value - versus tasks that one does well but that others are able to do.

Letting go can be hard at first. We sometimes feel like the tasks or projects in front of us our are babies or our special challenge to overcome. Initially, we may feel like we are the only ones who can do the job properly. But, other people can get the job done. It is hard at first but as time goes on it gets easier.

1. First, you need to pinpoint those who can assist you. Be sure that these are people that you can trust and count on to get whatever it is you need done.  Finding solid people, who do what they say they are going to do, is the first requirement for delegating.
2. Second, make sure you have a system in place for tracking tasks on other people’s plates.  The more you put out there, the more you have to keep track of. If you delegate out but lose track of the tasks –they will not get done.   Keep in mind that delegating should make your life easier; not make more work for you. So whatever system you use for task tracking should fit in with your workflow and not create whole other set of new tasks for you to do.
3. Third, you have to remember to follow up. Check in to make sure that the tasks are being completed and that they are being done how you want. In the end, it is still your name on the line.

Here are a few other pointers to make delegating easier and more successful:

• Understand and explain the skills needed to complete the task. This makes it easier to find the right person.
• Write a clear description of what you want done. Leave no room for interpretation. This takes time and your skills in writing descriptions/specifications will improve the more you do it.
• Listen to the person assisting you. Just because they may complete things in a different way than you doesn’t mean it won’t get done right.
• Give them the tools they need. If you don’t give people the tools they need to get the job done then what’s the point of delegating?
• Praise those to whom you are delegating tasks when they complete a task successfully -and reward them.  Knowing you believe in them and appreciate their work helps make them more productive.

Delegating is not easy. However, it will allow you to get more done and focus on those tasks to which you can uniquely add value. And once you get a system in place, you’ll feel so much better.

Europe has been unable to put together a comprehensive, continent wide solution to their credit crisis.  Each country is acting in their national interests and standing behind their own banks.  This makes sense. That’s what those governments were elected to do. However, this could have several important, long ranging consequences -all of which should benefit the US Dollar and the US Economy.

1. Global flight to quality -people will move their money to the banks with the highest amount of credible quarantees on their deposits.  These guarantees come from the government. People will be voting with their feet as to which country they believe is most capable of standing behind the quarantees and actually paying out if it becomes necessary. 

2. Currency values will reflect people’s perceptions of a country’s ability to pay.  Since this is ultimately a measure of the productivity of an economy this should benefit the US Economy.  There is still no other country in the world that can match the US’s ability to innovate, create and produce. Nor one with the same track record of doing so over long periods of time and through the troughs and values of brutal economic cycles.

3. European unity and the viability of the Euro could suffer. A single currency makes commerce and travel convenient. But there are two facets to a currency. One is as method of exchange. The other is as a store of value. Not every country in the Union has the same resources to support its banks.  This will create tangible differences in the value of a Euro in a German bank versus in a Dutch bank.  This should further benefit the US dollar in the long term.

Interruptions are the monster of time management.

How many times have you been sitting at your desk trying to get your work done and in pops someone to talk? They’re not talking about anything major or important. It’s just idle chit chat. So, you chat, you get them on their way and then the phone rings. You stop and take time to handle the call, which is also not that important. This happens so often that your work just gets further and further behind. If it weren’t for these constant interruptions you might actually get something done.

It is true communication is important. But these kind of communications can hinder your work and can easily get you off track -unless you know how to handle them. 

Handling Interrupters

So what do you do when someone interrupts you and you simply don’t have the time, but don’t want to say no? How about saying no with out saying no? Use a three part response instead.

• First, acknowledge and empathize with the person who interrupted you.
• Next, interject a situation statement.
• Last but not least, end with an action statement.

For example:

“Rick, I’m sure this is really important. However, I have to finish this project by 11 a.m. Can we get together at lunch and talk?”

By using this kind of response you are telling the person that you want to hear what they have to say but just at a later time. You’re validating how they feel and letting them know that what they have to say is important.  But you’ve moved it to a time that is better for you. You’ve said no with saying no and have regained control of your time.

The Chronic Interrupter

Then, there is the person who is not that easy to handle: The chronic interrupter. You know the one who “always” drops by or calls. They have no reason to interrupt other than to kill some time so they pick you to interrupt. With these type of people you have to take a more aggressive approach to gaining control of your time, while still being professional. For example, when this person asks if you have some time respond with something like:

“Actually I am right in the middle of something, can I call you back later?” Or you can try:

“Can this wait? I have to get this project done right away?”

In both cases you are very direct in telling them that you don’t have the time.  You need to be direct to gain control of your time. 

Some tactics for these situations:

• Talk to them outside of your office. By inviting them into your office you’re allowing them to come into your space and sit down for a gab fest. Standing outside your office says “I want to hear what you have to say but I also have to get back to work. So make it quick.”
• Be Direct. If you have that chronic interrupter, don’t feel that you have to entertain them. Be civil but also be direct in stating you have things to do. Again, set up a time to talk with them at a later time but nip the constant interruptions right away.

Constant interruptions can be a major headache and impede your productivity. Be proactive in handling interruptions. Remember it is your time and it is up to you to control it.

Nowadays, more than ever, people need to have effective time management skills. This is especially important when it comes to students. Whether you’re working on your associates degree, bachelors,  graduate degree or going through job retraining, time management plays an important role in a successful educational experience.

Often students are juggling numerous things. They of course have their academics. Then there’s family and friends, and oftentimes a job. Depending on the amount of classes you are taking this can be an enormous task.

For time management to be effective you will need to schedule your normal activities, plus your class time, time for your assignments, work, etc. School will be a large part of your time management.

Dartmouth College has created some excellent resources for students wanting to manage their time:

• A great little 17 minute video on time management 
• A quiz to allow you to see how you are currently spending your time
• Creating a master schedule. Check out Dartmouth’s sample of a master schedule 
• Calendar templates you can download and use:
  • Weekly calendar template
  • 10 Week Calendar template 
  • 4 Year Planner  

There is so much to consider when setting your time management strategy. Did you know that how you study can affect your time? It can. Study in a place that is quiet and will allow you to focus. Noisy areas will cause many distractions and will eat into your time. Also if you are looking for a job, try looking on campus first. Campus jobs typically are flexible and able to accommodate most schedules (as well as cutting down on the commute, and gas). This helps with your time management because your employer is more willing to work with your college schedule.

Seattle Pacific University in Washington also offers a great page of resources for effective time management. Another great resource is from Penn State. Many colleges have some sort of time management program or educational materials. These are typically found in the Academic Success Centers or tutoring labs. Ask your college is they have such a program in place. If they do, utilize it. You’ll want to do this especially if you’re a graduate student who is also a working adult professional. Running a business or holding a job and going to college can be challenging. But it can be done.

If you’re just starting out in your college career or professional career, start using effective time management techniques now. As you get older and progress in your career, these techniques will come in handy and even improve your chances of getting a good job.