# Beyond Outlook: How Best to Organize Multiple Activities & Projects at Work

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beyond-outlook-how-best-to-organize-multiple-activities-projects-at-work/72396>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [July 13, 2001, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beyond-outlook-how-best-to-organize-multiple-activities-projects-at-work/72396 "2001-07-13T17:43:03Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![tsunamisurfer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a698b9/32.png) [@tsunamisurfer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tsunamisurfer)\
**Post date:** [July 13, 2001, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beyond-outlook-how-best-to-organize-multiple-activities-projects-at-work/72396/1 "2001-07-13T17:43:03Z")

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Though I’m retired (at 38), I find myself doing more and more consulting. My interest is finding the best way to get and stay organized of various deadlines, contacts, processes, etc.

I have MS Outlook 2000 and it’s good, but I’m wondering if there’s a better, more systematic approach. I’m also familiar with MS Project, but want something suitable for a small home office. I need to keep track of where I am with tasks, getting (and giving) information from/to fellow consultants, maintaining deadlines, etc. For instance, is Act! better than MS Outlook 2000?

Give me your best system–something that’s simple, efficient and quickly implemented.

thanks!

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**Author:** ![Flymaster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c4cdca/32.png) [@Flymaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flymaster)\
**Post date:** [July 13, 2001, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beyond-outlook-how-best-to-organize-multiple-activities-projects-at-work/72396/2 "2001-07-13T18:43:39Z")

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Well, I was trying to get a job at [http://www.groove.net](http://www.groove.net) this summer, and failed (they never called back, and never really gave me any hope in the first place). They’ve come out with a “revolutionary groupware app”, according to their press releases. It’s been getting a lot of coverage in the local papers because they’re such a small local company.

The founder/owner of the company is the guy who invented Lotus Notes, so I’d guess that it’s worth a try.

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**Author:** ![tsunamisurfer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a698b9/32.png) [@tsunamisurfer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tsunamisurfer)\
**Post date:** [July 13, 2001, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beyond-outlook-how-best-to-organize-multiple-activities-projects-at-work/72396/3 "2001-07-13T21:59:39Z")

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Let me elaborate…

When I say I want to coordinate tasks and projects, I am not talking building a nuclear reactor. I mean your standard duties in a high-pressure office.

IOW, tell me what system works best for you in coordinating tasks and deadlines in the work place.