Why I still use a Filofax

As a self confessed technology geek it often surprises people when I whip out my twenty year old Filofax, so is there still a place for pen  and paper in the modern world? 

I would argue, yes, definitely.  How many times has someone offered to give you a phone number or check their diary, only for you to stand there twiddling your thumbs while they search their phone for the information? Often this is simply down to their phone not being organised properly but the hard fact is that it is often quicker to find a telephone number in an alphabetized printed list then it is on a phone, particularly if you are outside. One of the things that frustrates me most about smartphones is that it doesn't seem to have occured to any manufacturers to develop a screen you can see in bright sunlight or while it is raining.

Additionally I often find it quicker to note things down on paper then transfer it to my phone or computer later, with the added advantage that I can ask people to write the information themselves so avoiding those annoying times when you find you misheard a number or email, and of course there are those time when you cannot access your phone.

This was brought home to me recently  when I had to dash into York one morning, in my rush I only took enough cash to pay for my bus fair, I had no phone, purse or cards and I lost my return ticket.

There I was with no money, no means of getting home, I couldn't even ring Colin from a pay phone as I couldn't remember his number, I mean who does nowadays? Colin is a photo in my phone, I don't even see his number when I call him.  As it happens I found my ticket in one of the many pockets of my coat, but it made me think.

Of course you don't need to use a Filofax, any sort of notebook will do, I like mine because it fits in with my love of vintage and retro goods and its pages can be taken in and out as I please, I can even print pages such as my contact list which is printed direct from Outlook. The main disadvantage of a Filofax is the cost of inserts, even blank lined paper is expensive compared to a notepad, especially if you buy branded products, fortunately many stationnaires such as WH Smith now sell their own, cheaper versions

Having said all this having your information available on your phone and computer is important. Most contact software and phones can now be configured so that your information can be backed up to the cloud, as well as being synchronized across multiple devices and made available on any device with an internet connection, who remembers Lost Filofax Syndrome where 1990s Yuppies lost not only their Filofax but all their contacts and diaries?  I also find electronic diaries invaluable, a Filofax doesn't remind you of events or make annoying noises until you complete something on your to-do list. Even contacts can be easier to find on your phone at times, if like me you have hundreds of contacts whose names you can't remember, being able to search by partial name or company is  invaluable.

So to sum up.  

Technology is fantastic, used properly it revolutionises our lives and for a business person is essential, however it is fallible and I assure you there will be times when you thank your gods if you have a paper backup when you find yourself with a flat battery or no phone or computer to hand.