Productivity Hacks Archives

Productivity Hacks

How to Organize Google Drive’s “Shared With Me”

Wouldn’t it be nice if Drive’s “Shared with me” wasn’t just a dumping ground of every document link you’ve ever clicked, and every random file that’s ever been shared with you? Sadly, you can’t actually rename, sort or organize Drive’s “Shared with me,” so the solution is to create shortcuts, and organize/rename THOSE. To create […]

Use Gmail Filters to Automate Your Inbox (auto-replies, auto-filing, inbox peace and more)

Getting to the bottom of your inbox is no small feat, but it only stays that way for so long if you don’t make some changes to the way that you handle all the incoming emails! Gmail webmail has some built-in email management and automation functionality that you may not have noticed… or maybe you […]

Use Gmail Advanced Search for Faster Finds and Less Inbox Overwhelm

Rather than just typing a name or word(s) into the Gmail search bar and hitting enter, use the power of the Advanced Search dropdown filter. Click the advanced filter icon on the search bar to reveal all the ways you can search through your email archives. Use advanced tactics in search, like choosing a date […]

How to Create Custom-Branded Google Doc Templates for Each Client

Did you know that you can make your blank Google Docs have a specific font type, size and colour set? Start with a blank Style Template Doc, like this one, and customize it. Click here to make a copy of the Doc above, ready for your customizations. But, Dara, how did you do that automatic […]

What’s Faster Than Searching Google Drive? Bookmarks to Docs and Folders!

If you are using the web-based version of Google Drive, you can bookmark frequently-accessed Docs or Drive folders onto your Bookmarks bar (or a Bookmark folder)! Just drag the lock from the address bar (the one to the left of your document or folder URL) onto the bookmarks bar to bookmark that particular document. Don’t […]

Save Time Searching for Synonyms: Add a Thesaurus to Google Docs

Rather than using Google itself to search the web for synonyms while you write, why not install an Add-on that integrates a thesaurus right into your Google Docs? Click Add-ons in the menu bar > Get add-ons Use the search bar and type in Thesaurus, press Enter Click on the thesaurus you want to install, […]

Best File Naming Tip Ever: Use Consistent Date Format YYYY-MM-DD

Most Useful File Naming Tip Ever: Using YYYY-MM-DD for a Date Format

Wading searching through your own files is often an exercise in frustration with oneself for not having named files smarter / better / more thoroughly / in English. I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again for those at the back of the room – Search is King. Your fingers will type in a […]

Force Your Most-Used Files or Folders to the Top of the List

Force Your Most-Used Folders to the Top of the List

Digital folders almost always sit at the top of the pile, and they (usually) sort themselves alphabetically, whether on your computer, in Dropbox, or your Google Drive. But I have always found myself using a few select folders more than others… and a few folders decidedly LESS than others. “This one’s an oldie but a […]

Hi, I'm Dara!

Have I mentioned I loved maximizing efficiencies? My (healthy) obsession helped me simplify and scale my business, and I know they’ll do the same for you too. Remember; I’m also a Google Tools ninja and certified Funnel Gorgeous Master Marketer. So if you’ve been looking for a queen of ALL things tech and marketing, you’ve found your gal.