I once went to a seminar on effective desk research. The crux was to keep a careful record of everything and its source, even if it didn’t seem useful at the time. I was unconvinced at the time that all this effort was needed – after all, you just have to keep in mind what you’re looking for, right?
Those presenters would be pleased to know I’ve found a use for their method. Shopping.
I now carry a notebook with me everywhere. Brochures and magazines are bookmarked and filed (at least when I’m feeling disciplined). Thank goodness for tabbed browsing – I keep all my house sites bookmarked in folders. And when I go to shops, I take pictures of products I like and their info tags.
Pulling the camera out does get me some odd looks, I admit. But there are advantages.
- I don’t have to bring Roscoe on every shopping trip – I can get his yea or nea from the comfort of his computer seat.
- I can make a note now of items that aren’t needed for a while so I don’t forget them.
- If I want to do some comparison shopping, the photos are a better record than my memory, and quicker to get all the details than writing them in the notebook.
How else am I supposed to remember the myriad tiles, window fittings, skirting boards, etc.?
1 comment:
Excellent idea about the use of the camera - I'm definately going to do that too. its always annoying when you come back home with everything... except that special screw !
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