Licorize: Turn Bookmarks into Tasks and More

Turn your bookmarks into to-do tasks, ideas, projects, shared files, and more with Licorize. Simply add bookmarks, and assign a status to them. Status's include: to-do, idea, goal, bookmark, image, note, milestone, reminder, meeting, worklog, effort, cost, budget, contact, and company. Sort the bookmarks into as many status's as are relevant to the bookmark. Licorize is also available on any mobile device that has a browser. Choose between the free and premium version. The premium version costs $5/mo and allows users to create projects and invite people to participate in projects.

Ten Time Management Tips

1. Make a list of tasks needing to be completed, in order of priority. Check it often, and check tasks off when you complete them.

2. Take frequent breaks. This tip may seem contrary to wisely managing your time, but working long hours can lead to burn out. Work for an hour or two straight, then take a short walk or lean your head back and close your eyes. You will find your actual working hours will be more productive.

3. Don't multi-multi-task. Focus on completing one task at a time. At the most, only have two things going at once, if at all possible.

4. Keep track of time spent. Have a timeline in mind for completing tasks, and keep track of how long it actually takes you. Use this information for future scheduling.

5. Schedule time for the mundane. If you have a slot of time set aside for returning phone calls, checking email, filing, etc., those tasks won't cut into your actual working time.

6. Delegate. If someone else can do it, let them.

7. Get rid of distractions. If you find yourself singing along to the radio and making typing errors, turn the radio off. If the view out the window is tempting, shut the blinds.

8. Get enough sleep. Being tired makes you less motivated and inefficient.

9. Eat regularly. Small snacks throughout the day will keep you moving along at a good pace. Don't crash and burn.

10. Find your drive. There must be something to keep your working—passion for what you're doing, financial goals, etc. Keep that reason close, and let it motivate you.

Home Office Clutter Solutions

Organizing a home office can be challenging, especially if your space served dual function, or if your space is small. Here are some storage tips to help you banish the clutter.

Labeled Boxes. If you can't afford a lot of shelving or file cabinets, opt for labeled storage boxes.

Baskets. Baskets are a great way to reduce clutter on your desk. They also work nicely for incoming and outgoing mail, bills, items needing to be filed, and much more.

Cord Wraps. Offices have plenty of electronics—phones, computers, printers, fax machines, etc. If your office is overrun with cords, Cord Wraps such as the Bobino Cord Wrap from UsefulThings.com, are a great way to keep things neat and organized.





Pegboard. For frequently called numbers, schedules, and other important information, a pegboard is invaluable.

Quick Guide to Smartphones

Smartphones are mobile phones with computer-like capabilities. They look only slightly different from a standard cell phone, with features including a more advanced keyboard and larger screen. Their processing features, however, are numerous and can include:

• operating system
• software, such as Microsoft Office
• applications (commonly known as apps)
• Wi-Fi
• web browsers
• email
• IM clients
• text messaging
• social networking
• camera
• GPS support
• e-book reader capabilities
• sync cababilities
• organizers
• entertainment packages
• music and media players
• headphone jacks
• external USB keyboard
• VGA connector
• touchscreen

All major cell phone manufacturers have a smartphone on the market. Check with your provider for availability.

ThinkFree Allows Online Access to Documents, Spreadsheets, and Presentations

ThinkFree is an award-winning program compatible with Microsoft Office applications, Windows, Mac, Unix, and Linux systems. It allows you to access your word processing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, from any computer, anywhere, anytime, as long as you have internet access. With the Document Platform, you can preview, convert, share, send, upload, publish, search, and access files from the main page. No download required. Now available for iPhone and Android.

Interview Tips for Snagging Your Dream Job

You've found your dream job, and have been called in for an interview. Now what? First of all--congratulations! In this economy, it's an accomplishment just making it that far. Of course, you want to land the job, however. For tips on making a good impression at the interview, read on.

Be On Time
A day or two before the interview, drive to the place you will be interviewing at. That way, you know where you are going, you won't get lost, and you'll know how long it takes to get there. Don't forget to leave early, however!

Dress the Part
Dress as if you were actually going to work that day. Often, how you feel on the outside will affect how you feel on the inside. Nice clothes can boost your confidence as well as make a good impression.

Do Your Research
Know as much as you can about the company before heading into the interview. The ability to talk intelligently about the profession and the individual company shows you know the business, and you would likely be an asset to the team.

Practice
Practice answering potential questions. Say the answers out loud so you can hear yourself talk. Work on being direct and to the point.

Smile
No one likes a grouch.

Free Must Have Programs for Your PC

Firefox Web Browser. Fast, user-friendly, and packed with add-on features, Firefox has a huge following, and tends to be rated higher than Internet Explorer. Download it for free from Mozilla.

AVG Anti-Virus. As one of the highest rated free anti-virus programs available, AVG uses only a small amount of your systems resources, and updates daily to keep your computer safe. AVG also offers a paid version for more advanced features.

doPDF Printer. If you've ever needed to print something in PDF format, but were unable to, this tool is for you. doPDF installs a virtual printer on your computer that allows you to convert web pages, documents, spreadsheets, photos, and more into PDF.

5 Easy to Care For Office Plants

Spider Plant
Spider plants are hardy, tolerate light to full sun, and can withstand neglect. The leaves of a spider plant grow up to 15 inches long and an inch or two wide. Some leaves are variegated in color while others are solid green. Mature spider plants will produce "babies"—smaller plants that grow off a shoot and produce flowers. They can be cut off and planted in their own containers.

Dragon Tree
The Dragon Tree, also known as a Red Edged Dracaena, resembles a small palm tree. It can grow up to 15 feet tall, and its long, slender trunk can be trained to bend. The leaves of a dragon tree are dark green with red to purplish stripes along the outer edge. The dragon tree is best grown in bright light, but it will tolerate low light. It likes to dry out between waterings, and if allowed to wilt, it will recover.

Heartleaf Philodendron
One of the toughest indoor plants to kill, the heartleaf philodendron can take much abuse. The one thing it cannot tolerate, however, is cold temperatures. Its light requirements are low, and it is a very profuse spreader. The heartleaf is perfect for hanging baskets, as it has long trailing stems. It's also attractive as a climber. Prune if you wish to control its growth.

Impatiens
While many people grow impatiens as annuals outdoors, they also make wonderful indoor plants. They are small, container plants, and will add color to your office. Impatiens like well-drained soil, so add a few pebbles to your pot. Keep the plant moderately watered, and near a sunny window. In the winter, make sure the window doesn't get too cold for your impatiens, or it will die off.

Peace Lily
Peace lilies grow in little to bright light. For best results, place within 8 feet of a window, but keep out of direct sun. They do like water, but will let you know when it's time to give them a drink by drooping. Peace lilies also look and work great in fish bowls and aquariums. Let the roots dangle in the water, but keep the plant stalks dry.

Portable Gadgets for Your Mobile Office

If you telecommute, or your career demands you move from location to location, it's important you be equipped with the appropriate tools. Cell phones and laptops are a start, but many more portable gadgets are available that make working remotely easier and more efficient. Here are a few examples:

Portable Printers
Portable printers connect to your computer wirelessly via Bluetooth or WiFi, so no linking cord is necessary. They are a great option for business people who frequently travel via car, as they are not yet quite small enough to make them convenient for flyers.

Portable Projector
If your job includes giving presentations, you'll find a portable projector handy. Most portable projectors weigh less than 5 pounds and offer numerous easy-to-use options, so you don’t have to fiddle with the projector at your destination.

USB Flash Drive
Offering compact, removable and rewriteable storage space up to 128 GB, USB flash drives come in numerous designs and styles and slip easily into a computer’s USB port. Most USB drives weigh less than an ounce, making them ultra portable and suited to the mobile office worker.

USB Power Inverter
USB Power Inverters plug into your vehicle’s outlet and allow you to charge laptops, cell phones, game consoles, small power towels, and other AC devices. They also come equipped with a USB port for charging USB devices.

Bluetooth
Bluetooth capable hands-free devices are quickly becoming a necessity. With Bluetooth technology, a small computer chip allows a user to connect devices wirelessly using a radio frequency. Cell phones users, for example, wear an earpiece that's not physically connected to their cell phone, but with which they can still make and receive calls from. Bluetooth can also network between computers, wirelessly connect between your computer and external device, such as a mouse or printer, connect to the internet, and more.

Mobile Broadband
When you’re traveling, it can be hard to find secure and reliable internet access. To solve this problem, purchase a mobile broadband device for your laptop and subscribe to a plan through a provider such as Verizon.

Useful Gmail Features

Consolidating outside email account inboxes into one Gmail account is now easier. Use the import options under settings to add other accounts, and you'll be able to check all of your email in one place.

Undo Send. If you send an email to a wrong address, or write something you want to take back, Gmail give you 5 seconds to undo. You've got to be quick, but the option is there!

Never forget an attachment again. Use the Forgotten Attachment Detector to make sure you get the email recipient everything he or she needs the first time.