Take Notes

Often, interns and new hires bring nothing to meetings.
They file in, take a seat, cross their arms, and stare.

I've seen it happen over and over again.
It's critical that you contribute, as well as consume.

Start small. Start by taking notes.

Don't trust your memory.
Take notes and take them often.

• What did she say yesterday? Check the notes.
• Is the price up 5% or 7.5%? Use the notes.
• When is the next offsite? View the notes!

Notes help arrange your thoughts.
Notes convert to tasks or calendar invites.
Notes (should) prompt reflection and action.

This is where a second brain takes shape.

Effective digital note-taking vehicles:

• Notion
• Obsidian
• Evernote
• OneNote
• reMarkable
• Apple Notes
• Roam Research

Each offering has free and paid versions.

Now for the old school.

Effective analog note-taking vehicles:

• Journals (Moleskine, nuuna)
• Spiral-bound notebooks
• Hotel notepads
• Post-It Notes
• 3x5 cards
• Napkins

Each option requires a pencil or pen.

Get the info, intel, and insights on paper.
Write out questions before asking them.
Doodle to connect and reframe ideas.

Take notes and take them often.
But then take action!