Take Digital Call Logs

May 2022 — Tip of the Month

"Do you have a pen and paper?"

It's a common question people ask on the phone. Whether it's an appointment reminder, a confirmation code, or something else, the representative might tell you to "write this down."

For many of us, our first instinct is to grab a pen and paper. But if you're already at your computer, it's faster to type the information into a text document. Just open a text editor like Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac) and save a plain text file. It's more efficient than reaching for a pen and paper, and digital files are easier to keep track of than a bunch of notes floating around your desk.

▶ If you're asked to write down a URL, it's especially beneficial to type it since you can copy and paste it into your web browser.

You can also use a text editor to take notes during a phone call. I have a list of call logs on my computer (separated into personal and business), which have proved to be helpful references. I typically save the call log with a filename that includes the date and caller. For example:

2022-05-11 - Company (Name)

Taking notes will help you remember the name (or names) of the people with whom you spoke and the details of the call. If you have a low-profile keyboard, chances are the caller won't even hear you typing. If you have a mechanical keyboard, it's best to type softly to avoid distracting the caller.

- Per Christensson