Sitting in office after another VBS disaster trying figure out where everything went wrong and Tom walks in goes "You know there's actual tools that help with this stuff right?"
I'm like what tools? Got my notebook covered in coffee stains and post-it notes that fall off when I need them.
"Digital stuff. Apps. Software. Things that don't require nervous breakdown every time you plan event."
Turns out I've been planning like it's 1995 while rest of world moved on to things that work and don't drive you insane.
Used to write everything on random papers I'd lose immediately then spend hours trying remember what wrote down. Now everything goes Google Sheets. Volunteer lists supply inventories timeline breakdowns all one place.
SignUpGenius for volunteer coordination instead of group texts asking who could help then trying track responses in my head. Result was chaos people thinking they signed up for things they didn't.
Used to wing timeline thinking could remember what needed happen when. Wrong cause under stress brain turns mush. Now same basic template every event with specific tasks under each timeframe.
Budget tracking cause used to estimate costs in head then act surprised when everything cost twice what thought. Now track every expense simple spreadsheet so can see how much left before making impulse purchases.
Group texts turn into chaos when everyone responds to everything. Started using Marco Polo for volunteer communication and Remind app for announcements to all families at once.
Supply management app prevents last-minute panic standing in Target at nine PM trying remember what we needed. Take pictures of supply closet after events so remember what we have next time.
Online registration forms collect information one place instead of handling through email and phone calls. Can see how many registered what ages any special needs plan for.
Simple tools used regularly beat complex systems you ignore. Point is making planning easier not spending money on software.
*For anyone planning events like caveman while technology exists, leaders drowning in post-it note chaos, people discovering that digital organization prevents disasters better than hoping you'll remember everything.
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