The Dry Erase Board in Action
Since I often need to juggle multiple projects at once, I use my dry erase board (whiteboard) to keep track of items that need attention. When I get to "crunch time" on a project - typically a week or two before a deliverable is due – I list the remaining tasks that need to be completed for the project. When necessary, I'll number the tasks in order of their importance. As each one is completed it gets checked off or erased. I can see at a glance what's left on my plate at any time. The best feeling of all comes near the end of the project when all of the items have been erased. Then I know I can ease up and take some time for myself.
I also use the dry erase board to post URLs I don't want to forget so I can visit them on the web when time allows. If a URL is broadcast on the TV or radio or is published in a news story, I'll just jot it down on my whiteboard. Once I can actually get to the site and bookmark it, I can just erase the URL from the board.
Being able to keep notes on the board prevents me from having to plaster Post-It note reminders all over my work area. That feature alone has helped me to feel more organized, keep my office neater, and helps me feel less stressed.
Brainstorming is also a great use for a dry erase board. Whether you brainstorm alone or with others, or you just want to jot down ideas while they strike you, you can just leave your ideas in place until you either implement them, change them to better suit your needs, or erase those which were not such good ideas after all.
Dry Erase Board Variety and Versatility
Whiteboards are relatively inexpensive and are very lightweight, so they're easy to hang and don't cost much to ship if you shop for one online.
Some models are magnetic and some have been combined with fabric bulletin boards to create a workhorse message station. They also come in a wide variety of sizes and can usually be hung either horizontally or vertically.
I'd suggest getting the largest size that will reasonably fit in your work area that you can afford. Just be sure that you'll be able to reach the top of the board once it's installed – there's no point in paying for a larger whiteboard if you can't use 100% of its writing surface.
I've always thought it would be great to be able to save the notes on my whiteboard onto a disk or download them directly into my computer. If you have the budget, electronic whiteboards are now available that will do just that. You can save your notes to your PC or PDA or send them to your printer.
Portable receivers are also available that can be retrofitted to any whiteboard. Additionally, you can buy software that helps you use your digital camera to capture information on a whiteboard.
When it comes right down to it, I'd be lost without my dry erase board. If you don't already have one, you're missing out on a great tool that can solve a lot of the organization problems you might be having. Take a look at your work space, your organizational needs, and your budget. In no time at all, you're likely to find your whiteboard to be an indispensable tool for your home office and your business.
