- 1). Choose your source. If you always have access to your computer, the address book function of your email allows you to enter contact information including names, phone numbers and email addresses. If you have a mobile phone, you may want to use the address book feature on your phone.
- 2). Gather your most important phone numbers --- friends, family, schools, the office and co-workers. If you have a written list of contacts or an existing directory, now is the time to move them all to one place.
- 3). Eliminate any duplicate contacts and numbers you do not call. Check numbers you have not called recently for accuracy and update them if needed. Correct any typos or errors in spelling or phone numbers.
- 4). Create groups for your contacts. Most phones and email directories allow you to organize contacts by grouping them. This makes them much easier to find --- consider creating a group for friends, family, work, business and clients. When entering a contact, you'll be able to assign it to the appropriate group.
- 5). Use the multiple-entries-per-name function. Rather than making three entries for your friend's home number, mobile number and email address, for example, only enter her name once. Then add each number or email address, labeling it with the appropriate tag, such as work, home, fax or email address.
- 6). Create an "In Case of Emergency" contact if you're using your mobile. Include the name and phone number of someone who could be reached if you ever get into an emergency situation. Be sure to label it "Emergency" or "ICE."
- 7). Make an effort to keep contact information up to date. Rather than scribbling down a new phone number on a scrap of paper, enter it immediately into your directory and label it appropriately. If the new number is replacing an existing entry, delete the entry that is no longer needed.
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