Using Outlook, but not with the add-in template

[jrovner]

I'm planning to use Outlook as my tool to implement the GTD system. Unfortunately, I can't install the add-in template, because my company has locked down Outlook to prevent customization. That means I'll have to implement GTD via categories, user-defined fields, etc.

Has anyone had any experience doing this? I could really use some advice. For example, I'd like to track each task by (a) the person or persons to whom I delegated it, (b) the project it pertains to and (c) if it's a task I will perform, the place where I will perform it (e.g., at the computer). If I try to do all of that with categories, then I'm going to wind up with a ton of categories, which will make category selection difficult. But if I don't use categories, then I'm not sure my task information will sync to my Blackberry.

Anyway, I'd really value your advice. Thanks very much.

Jeff

 

[JulianUK]

re: Outlook, but not with the add-in template

Jeff

The secret is to define a new Outlook Contacts folder for defining projects (sounds daft but works quite well, as it will have the right data links)

You can then use Outlook categories for all your @lists

regards

Julian

 

[ggrozier]

Here's the page where it's explained:

http://home.comcast.net/~whkratz/id3.htm

 

[jrovner]

Thank you!

This is exactly what I've been looking for. Thanks so much!

Jeff

 

[whitevandriver]

There is another way.

I often have a couple of hundred tasks delegated at any one time.

My project title includes the type of project and the person it has been handed off to and their company. Means I can sort by any part of this field using Alt i.

When I need an update I open the task and then forward it, which generates the correct title on the email, deleting the attachment task which included my note on the lastest position I have recorded.

Using cut and paste and standard forms I can then keep pressure on an army of people who are working for me with little difficulty.