Derek Franklin’s software first came across my radar years ago with the release of Search Automator Pro. At the time, I was doing a lot of research – particularly for images – and Search Automator really sped up my online research time.
Yesterday, Derek released The Action Machine, a "get more done" timer that allows users to create specific tasks, set a time to accomplish them, and then be alerted when the time is up. If you’re thinking "oh great, just another timer", hang on – cause Derek’s software goes above and beyond. (Price is $27) Here’s the deal: I work on multiple projects throughout the day (like most of us).
For some of my projects, I need to keep close track of my hours because my clients have specified how many hours they want to allot for certain tasks. For other projects (like my own marketing or business development), I could spend hundreds of hours without accomplishing much because I bop from task to task. Unfortunately, I am not the world’s most organized person – I’m far better on the creative end of the process. That’s why I was so drawn to The Action Machine.
The Action Machine really forces me to 1) decide what tasks I need to accomplish today; 2) give them a finite beginning and end; and 3) do them! Today was the first day I put the software into use and I’ve already accomplished several tasks that have been hanging for a week or so. If you click on the screenshot to enlarge, you’ll see that not only did I get my laundry done ! – but also worked on client projects and this afternoon will start the timer on some of my own business projects.
You can use Derek’s default task list that includes items like "eat lunch", "read", "check e-mail", or "grocery shop"; or you can add your own items to the list, delete the default and create a new one, or use a combination of Derek’s list plus your added items. Watch the video to learn how to add occasional or one-time tasks to the timer without making them a part of the default list. Like Search Automator Pro, The Action Machine is a simple piece of software that allows users to complete complex tasks. Everything Derek creates is easy-to-use, highly functional, and priced so low that I’m not sure how he feeds the family! And, because I am an advocate of transparency in business, the link to The Action Machine is an affiliate one. And whether you purchase through that link or not, I hope you pop for the $27 bucks and use this piece of software to increase your productivity.
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{ 9 comments }
While the system itself is very powerful, when you use it every day, you begin noticing a few minor, pesky things about the manual approach that slow the process down a bit and make it feel clunky. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing but I want to ask you a why you choose this title: “Why I Love Derek Franklin’s The Action Machine”
Thanks for sharing but I want to ask you why you choose this title: “Why I Love Derek Franklin’s The Action Machine”
The Action Machine looks great from his videos, but I was unable to find a trial version on the website. Even though he offers an 8-day money-back guarantee, I’d like to be able to play with it before I buy. One big reason is that I’m awfully slow to test drive newly downloaded software and for me, 8 days isnt’t nearly enough.
Oh, just noticed that it’s an 8-week, not 8-day money guarantee. My bad. So much for on-screen speed reading.
Hi,
I have been following up on this blog for a while and i find it very impressive. I plan to add it to my rss feeds.
Thanks for sharing and keep it up.
I love anything that can help me organize my schedule. But at $27, I guess I’m still not ready to give it a shot. Maybe when I feel more generous or when my work start piling up. Thanks for sharing this.
That’s a great review. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Nancy,
I only recently came across this blog and like the content. You’re right about the Action Machine, it is a useful way to organise your priorities and track your progress in achieving them. The concept is actually pretty simple but very effective!
I have read a few books on time management, procrastination etc, many of which have been very useful… but for a bit more money (and I think we are talking about $10 or so more than many books out there) I have found much more benefit in a more practical resource.
Keep up the good work, I will definitely visit your blog again soon!
Louis
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