Thought leaders have shared their insights on tech tips and shortcuts used regularly to save time. The benefits experienced from these practices are explored, highlighting their impact on efficiency and productivity. Personal experiences and advantages are discussed, offering a glimpse into how simple tech strategies can streamline daily tasks. The transformative effects of these tips on time management are examined, providing valuable perspectives from industry experts.
Employ Text Expansion Tools for Quick Responses
Use text expansion tools like TextExpander or built-in shortcuts on your phone and computer.
Instead of typing out frequently used phrases, emails, or responses over and over, you can assign a short code that expands into full text automatically.
For example, typing “/addr” could instantly insert your full mailing address, or “/ty” could expand to a complete thank-you email. It’s a small trick, but it adds up fast, especially for tasks like customer support, scheduling, or repetitive work emails.
The biggest benefit is how much mental effort it saves. Instead of constantly retyping the same information or digging through old messages to copy and paste, you can focus on more important tasks. It also reduces typos and inconsistencies since your saved snippets are always formatted correctly. Once you get into the habit of using text shortcuts, you realize just how often you repeat yourself throughout the day—and how much time you were losing before.
Joseph Passalacqua, Owner & CEO, Maid Sailors
Master Copying and Pasting Shortcuts
One of my favorite keyboard shortcuts in Windows is definitely “Ctrl + C” for copying and “Ctrl + V” for pasting. I probably use these shortcuts dozens of times every day without even realizing it. Whether I’m drafting emails, compiling reports, or just browsing the web, these shortcuts have become second nature to me. They save me valuable time and streamline my workflow, allowing me to focus on the task at hand without getting bogged down in unnecessary clicking and dragging. Plus, they’re just so intuitive and easy to remember that they’ve become an indispensable part of my daily routine. So, if I had to pick just one favorite keyboard shortcut, it would definitely be “Ctrl + C” and “Ctrl + V”. They’re simple yet incredibly powerful tools that help me work more efficiently and effectively every single day.
Jon Morgan, CEO, Business and Finance Expert, Venture Smarter
Leverage Shortcuts and Macros for Efficiency
What I use regularly are keyboard shortcuts and custom macros to automate routine tasks across my software applications. Whether it’s quickly navigating between windows, copying and pasting data, or even triggering complex sequences in design and coding tools, these shortcuts streamline my workflow and reduce the time spent on repetitive actions.
The biggest benefit I’ve experienced is a noticeable boost in productivity and efficiency. By minimizing the need to manually navigate menus, I free up valuable mental energy and time to focus on higher-level tasks, ultimately leading to smoother, more effective workdays.
Shehar Yar, CEO, Software House
Manage Emails and Documents with Shortcuts
One tech tip I use is Gmail’s shortcuts to quickly archive, label, or respond to messages, which has saved me so much time. Similarly, in Google Docs, shortcuts like Ctrl + Shift + T (reopen the last closed tab) keep me from losing track of things.
The biggest benefit? Efficiency! It helps me manage my tasks without constantly reaching for the mouse, allowing me to focus more on the bigger picture—like strategy and client relationships.
A small habit like this saves me hours over time, especially when I’m juggling a lot of projects!
Kritika Kanodia, CEO, Write Right
Automate Tasks with Keyboard Shortcuts
I use tools like Zapier or workflow automation features to save time on common actions. By creating templates for emails, reports, and responses, I avoid having to start from scratch every time. The biggest benefit has been a significant reduction in the time spent on administrative tasks, allowing me to focus more on strategic decisions and client needs. This has helped me stay productive and maintain a high level of service for clients.
Mike Khorev, Managing Director, Nine Peaks Media
Read more personal insights from our roundup experts on our staffing and H&R page.