# Stacey Harmon: The Power of Evernote As Your Second Brain  ## Evernote's History and Value - The speaker first learned about [[Evernote]] around 2008 but didn't become a regular user until 2009, taking about 18 months to see its value. [(00:00:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=52s) - Evernote's longevity, data privacy policies, frictionless capture, device agnosticism, industry-leading search capabilities, approachable interface, and flexibility contribute to its sustained value. [(00:07:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=457s) ## Evernote's Features and Functionality - Evernote's data protection policies, device agnosticism, and powerful search functionality make it a valuable tool for implementing productivity methodologies like "[[Getting Things Done]]". [(00:08:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=490s) - Evernote users can export their data and many other note-taking apps have import tools that make switching easy. [(00:12:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=732s) - Evernote users often overlook the functionality of the Evernote Web Clipper. [(00:19:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=1189s) - New [[Evernote]] users should use the free desktop app for either Mac or Windows instead of only accessing it through their phone or the web. The desktop app has extra features such as offline working, keyboard commands, and import folders. [(00:22:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=1320s) - Evernote can be used for more than just a digital filing cabinet. It can also be used to manage processes and projects by creating notebooks for each one. [(00:23:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=1407s) - Users should create a meaningful naming convention for their notes to improve search functionality and table creation. [(00:27:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=1630s) - Evernote can be used as a hub or dashboard, even if other apps are used for specific tasks. [(00:28:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=1732s) - Evernote's calendar integration, currently available for Google accounts, allows users to automatically create notes linked to calendar events, making it easier to find information later. [(00:30:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=1831s) - Evernote's calendar integration allows users to associate notes with calendar events, making travel information easily accessible. [(00:32:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=1963s) - Evernote's search functionality is powerful and reduces the need for extensive organization, enabling users to find information within a large number of notes. [(00:34:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=2086s) - [[Evernote]] utilizes note links, similar to backlinks, which enable users to connect notes, create table of contents, and navigate between related information. [(00:37:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=2221s) - Note links are a key organizational feature, enabling connections within notes and tasks for creating relationships between information. [(00:38:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=2283s) - Evernote Home, a new feature, allows customization with widgets like a calendar, tasks, scratch pad, and search filtered notes, enhancing visual appeal and personalization. [(00:39:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=2370s) - The tasks feature, while still in development, integrates with notes and is suitable for simple task management, with recurring tasks expected in beta soon. [(00:42:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=2543s) - Evernote releases a bug update or feature release every two weeks. [(00:43:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=2599s) - Evernote considers tasks to be as important as notes, which are the core function of the application. [(00:43:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=2628s) - [[Evernote]] has a built-in template library with over 50 common templates. [(00:49:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=2957s) - Evernote allows sharing with both Evernote users and non-Evernote users. [(00:51:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=3099s) - At the professional and team levels, Evernote allows task assignment to Evernote and non-Evernote users. [(00:53:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=3190s) ## Evernote and the "Getting Things Done" Methodology - The speaker's interest in the "second brain" concept solidified after reading David Allen's book, "[[Getting Things Done]]," which promotes using a trusted system outside the brain to manage information. [(00:03:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=216s) - David Allen's "Getting Things Done" methodology involves a five-step process: capture, clarify, organize, review, and engage. [(00:06:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=364s) - [[Evernote]] can be used as a tool to implement the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology. [(00:17:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=1028s) - Most people skip the "clarify and organize" phase of note-taking, even though it is an important skill that can be improved with practice. [(00:27:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=1659s) ## Evernote's Use Cases - Before using Evernote, the speaker worked in real estate, providing tech training and teaching about social media and tech tools. [(00:00:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=40s) - Evernote is used by a variety of people including students, retirees, and mobile professionals. [(00:17:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=1077s) - Evernote is used to manage both personal and professional life, with all projects having an origin notebook in Evernote, even if other tools are used and linked back to Evernote. [(00:53:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=3216s) ## Evernote's Challenges and Recommendations - A common challenge with [[Evernote]] is organizing it, with a recommendation to start with a single use case and develop a successful workflow for it before expanding to other use cases. [(00:54:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=3271s) ## Evernote as a "Second Brain" - Evernote acts as a second brain, providing access to information quickly, such as a Wi-Fi password, which can improve efficiency and minimize interruptions. [(00:56:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=3396s) - Michelle, an Evernote user, is seeking advice on maximizing the platform's potential for the "building a second brain" philosophy. [(00:45:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=2744s) ## Evernote's Best Practices - The best productivity hack is to pick and stick with a note-taking app. [(00:12:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=768s) - People who need local notebooks are no longer the target customer for [[Evernote | Evernote.]] [(00:16:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBgQ_sPvMpg&t=987s)