I just about broke my arm patting myself on the back today.

I was talking to my now "former" friend sharing the fact that I'd finally completed a three month project:

Entering the data from the business cards I've collected over the last three years.

Yep, many evenings I would sit typing into my lap top the contents of my rolodex files filled with business cards exchanged at networking events, educational seminars, chamber meetings and places I have been the speaker.

I did comment on the fact that I should have been entering the information as I received them, but finally the task was complete.

Before I could continue to brag about figuring out how to then transfer the data from Outlook to Excel to upload to a contact management system for an e-mail campaign, this FORMER friend says:

"Oh, I could have suggested a great piece of software and equipment that would have saved you tons of time," he begins.

It is the card scan executive and it:

Accurately uploads all of the printed data
Automatically places the information into the correct fields
Even recognizes your handwritten notes
Allows you to scan the front and back

YADA YADA YADA.

Don't you know that if he'd been standing in the room I would have punched him in the arm?

"WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME SOONER? THREE MONTHS IT TOOK ME!!!"

"You didn't tell me you were working on that project," he replies, using logic as an argument as if that would change the fact that my wasted time was his entire fault.

I cringe when I think of the time spent, my fingers worn to the nub and the sad reality that the Card Scan Executive would probably be more accurate that I was typing while watching Everybody Loves Raymond reruns.

Knowing that your time is even more valuable - I thought I'd share my sad tale of woe and the link to the product so you don't waste valuable time on a project that can be better served by a piece of software.

CardScan Executive

Tell me: what piece of equipment or software package have you used that has saved valuable time?

Deborah Chaddock Brown
Writer feeling mighty silly and grateful for my friend