Explore mjl‑tek’s key themes: GTD and PDCA, How to use Obsidian and Notion for productivity, systems analysis, project planning, and databases – with practical guides, tools, and case studies. Mjl‑tek offers practical advice to turn ideas into action and helps independent professionals and teams get organized, build databases, and improve processes using [GTD](https://gettingthingsdone.com/), [Obsidian](https://obsidian.md/), [Notion](https://www.notion.so/), and systems thinking. Start with a theme below or jump to our recommended first reads. ## Start here (quick paths) - Get organized fast → [[Getting Things Done (GTD) framework]] - Build a simple issue/problem‑solving database → [[Issue Management and Problem Solving Database]] - Obsidian Features for Productivity → [[Obsidian Features and Plugins for Action Notes]] ## Key Themes of mjl-tek **[[#Management methods]]:** Pragmatic tools to prioritize, plan, and iterate with calm focus. Start with: [[Getting Things Done (GTD) framework]], [[Plan Do Check Assess for continuous improvement]], [[Eisenhower Decision Matrix]] **[[#Software to Capture Experience]]:** Turn ideas into actionable systems with Obsidian, Notion, Trello, and more. Start with: [[Software to use in Getting Things Done]], [[Obsidian Features and Plugins for Action Notes]], [[Mind Mapping Software - Our Recommendations]] **[[#Management databases]]:** Lightweight data models that support issue tracking, translation, and purchasing decisions. Start with: [[Issue Management and Problem Solving Database]], [[Translation Project database - Microsoft Access]], [[Example Databases, Likes and Dislikes in Notion]] **[[#Systems analysis and design]]:** Think in flows and boundaries to document, improve, and scale processes. Start with: [[The Principles of Systems Analysis and Design]], [[Project Definition and Protecting the Plan]] **[[#Digitization and Media Services]]:** From transfer to editing and subtitles – practical workflows for real projects. Start with: [[Digitization and Media Services]], [[Different Types of Video Editing Project]], [[Video Transcription and Subtitling]] **[[#Experience and past projects]]:** Selected projects and methods used in the field. Start with: [[Technical Experience as Analyst Project Manager]], [[The Document Translation Process]]  ## Management Methods The real world requires [[Business Management Methods - Eisenhower, PDCA|business management methods]] nimble enough to react to the changing environment. First, ask yourself what you’re trying to achieve. - What is your endgame? - What is your motivation, - Are you committed to reaching your goal? - Are you responding to an internal desire or adapting to circumstances? We examine techniques to enhance productivity and decision-making such as SWOT analysis and the Pomodoro method. How to [[Define and Set Smart Objectives]] that are clear, realistic, and time-bound to reduce stress and improve focus. Read about how to [[Project Definition and Protecting the Plan]], initiating, planning, executing, and coordinating a project within budget, duration, and risk boundaries. The [[Getting Things Done (GTD) framework]] offers principles for organizing tasks, providing a comprehensive toolkit for both personal and professional contexts, including [[Getting Things Done (GTD) framework#Next Action|Next Action]], [[Getting Things Done (GTD) framework#The Inbox|The Inbox]], [[Getting Things Done (GTD) framework#The Trusted System|The Trusted System]] and [[Getting Things Done (GTD) framework#Mind Like Water|Mind Like Water]]. ![[getting-things-done-summary.png|Diagram summarizing the Getting Things Done (GTD) productivity framework, showing steps like capture, clarify, organize, reflect, and engage for effective task management.]] The [[Plan Do Check Assess for continuous improvement]] is a method for continuous improvement and task management rather than fault and blame. ![[PDCA.png|Visual representation of the Plan-Do-Check-Assess (PDCA) cycle for continuous improvement and iterative task management.]] In [[Different types of decision making]] we discuss an inventory of techniques to organize your actions effectively. The [[Eisenhower Decision Matrix]] can be very useful to determine priorities, and asks which tasks and projects are urgent and important. ![[eisenhower matrix grid.png|Eisenhower Decision Matrix grid illustrating how to prioritize tasks by urgency and importance.]] We emphasize the importance of maintaining direction in life. Together, these techniques empower individuals to visualize objectives to create a vivid mental image of your aspirations, fostering motivation and focus. The [[Plan Do Check Assess for continuous improvement]] cycle is a method for task management, replacing the notion of fault with learning and continuous improvement. [[Finding your Purpose and Direction]] examines how to set and evaluate your progress towards meaningful goals. ![[measuring-your-trajectory.png|Diagram showing how to measure progress and trajectory towards goals for personal and professional development.]] Every day actions feed a continuous learning cycle to [[Turn Ideas into Actions and Projects]] either by breaking down objectives or grouping issues and priorities into coherent projects. ![[Order and project cycle.png|Flowchart depicting the cycle of turning ideas into actions and projects through continuous learning and iteration.]] We describe the [[Uses of Mind Mapping - Notes, Brainstorming]], including brainstorming, writing a plan, and clarifying complex subjects and situations in the context of [[Issue Management and Problem Solving Database|problem-solving]]. ![[uses-of-mindmapping.png|Examples of mind mapping uses, such as brainstorming, planning, and clarifying complex subjects and situations.]] We evaluate [[Mind Mapping Software - Our Recommendations|Mind Mapping Software – Our recommendations]] their use of colour, images, customizing, lay out options and simplicity. See also our [[Introduction to the Ayoa mind mapping platform]]. We examine the value of note-taking systems such as [[Obsidian Features and Plugins for Action Notes|Obsidian]] to collect data and why [[Issue Management and Problem Solving Database#Problem Solving|problem-solving]] is important in business and technical environments. ![[problem-solving-capture-process.png|Diagram of the problem-solving capture process, showing steps for identifying and resolving issues in business and technical environments.]] Continuous improvement is the ongoing effort to enhance processes, products, or services over time. Rooted in principles like adaptability and learning, it fosters a culture where individuals and organizations constantly evaluate performance and implement incremental changes to achieve greater efficiency and quality through innovation. ## Software to Capture Experience Obsidian and Notion allow us to capture, record, and to manage experience, formulate goals and establish projects as part of your trusted system, and transform thinking into action. We present [[Software to use in Getting Things Done]] including Trello, Todoist, Google Calendar and [[Odoo ERP System]]. ![[software-for-GTD.png|Overview of software tools used for implementing the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology, including Trello, Todoist, and Google Calendar.]] We discuss [[The Features of Trello - Kanban, Plugins]] which offer an opportunity to implement GTD lists and a wide range of plugins, such as Gantt, calendar synchronization and more. We examine [[Evernote to capture ideas and issues]], use as a library, a record of activity, thoughts, reflections, and doodles. ## Management Databases Structured data systems form the backbone of modern digital infrastructure, enabling organizations to reference vast amounts of information securely, supporting critical applications such as customer relationship management, inventory tracking, and finance. We present our [[Issue Management and Problem Solving Database]] which structures data around observation, probable, or possible cause, cost, and post-project feedback to determine if implementation was effective. Issue management form: ![[essential-issue-fields.png|Screenshot or diagram of essential fields in an issue management form, such as observation, cause, cost, and feedback.]] See our [[Translation Project database - Microsoft Access]] which stores translation terms and measures production performance. ![[translation-database-ERD.png|Entity-Relationship Diagram (ERD) of a translation project database, showing tables and relationships for managing translation terms and performance.]] Our [[Access Purchasing Price and Forecast Database]] is an example of a Microsoft Access database which we developed to centralize purchase prices, consolidate forecasts and consumption, produce key performance indicators and procure components from suppliers. ![[scope-purchasing-post.png|Mind map of the themes we discuss regarding a purchasing price and forecast database, illustrating centralized purchase price and forecast management.]] But in recent years the market has introduced very flexible, online-offline synchronized tools. We explore some [[Example Databases, Likes and Dislikes in Notion]] with easy field management and table relations. ![[notion-for-databases.png|Example of using Notion for databases, highlighting flexible field management and table relations.]] ## Systems Analysis and Design Documenting operations aids training, change management, and defining clear processes. It supports efficiency and enhances strategic planning. The black box approach and [[The Principles of Systems Analysis and Design]] allow us to analyse data flows and processes without necessarily needing to know the inner workings of the system. ![[the-world-system.png|Diagram illustrating the black box approach in systems analysis, showing data flows and process boundaries.]] ## Digitization and Media Services Digital transfer, video editing, and translation are interconnected processes that play vital roles in today’s multimedia landscape. We spent many years providing [[Digitization and Media Services]] and audio tapes, slides, and negatives, glass plates, photos, and documents, and DVD duplication. ![[mjl video logo.jpg|Logo representing mjl-tek’s video and media digitization services.]] We describe [[Different Types of Video Editing Project]] based on the source format and different target audiences. Examples are short compilations, live events, or longer documentary editing transform raw footage into compelling visual narratives by employing techniques like montages and transitions to create polished content for diverse platforms. ![[linear-video-editing.png|Diagram or screenshot illustrating the process of linear video editing for various project types.]] [[Video Transcription and Subtitling]] adapt content for diverse audiences while preserving its intent and emotional resonance. This process requires balancing linguistic accuracy with cultural sensitivity to ensure global accessibility and engagement. For us it is English and French audio transcription and subtitling for business presentations and entertainment videos. ![[video-subtitling-subtitle-edit.webp|Video timeline screenshot from subtitle editing software, showing the process of video transcription and subtitling.]] ## Experience and past projects We describe our [[Technical Experience as Analyst Project Manager]] spanning procurement, SEO, translation, database management, business analysis, and video production. ![[technical-experience.png|Infographic or summary of technical experience as an analyst and project manager, covering procurement, SEO, translation, and more.]] From our experience as technical translator, we describe [[The Document Translation Process]] and examine the steps from order confirmation, project set up, proofing, and text-to-speech checking to generating the target documents. ![[translation-process-end-to-end.png|Diagram showing the document translation process from order confirmation to final delivery.]] We discuss different [[Types of Translation from Technical to Literary]] including business legal, post-editing, technical documents, and media services, literary works and patents. ![[translation-projects-header.png|Header images illustrating different types of translation projects, from technical to literary and media services.]] We look at [[Website Localization and Translation]] for regional audiences, local cultural nuances, payment methods, shipping options, and design preferences. It also includes keyword research for your content creation. ![[website-seo-tools-summary.png|Summary diagram of website localization, translation, and SEO tools for optimizing content for regional audiences.]] We are now involved in supporting learners with special educational needs: autism, ADHD, dyslexia or dyscalculia. For these learners we employ strategies such as chunking, [[Uses of Mind Mapping - Notes, Brainstorming|mind mapping]], scaffolding to break down work and the [[Business Management Methods - Eisenhower, PDCA#The Pomodoro Method|Pomodoro method]] to portion working time. ## Many Thinking Hats Our lives have many facets, each of which requires us to think differently, and an independent knowledge worker assumes many roles and needs to coordinate both current orders and actions to generate future business. A freelancer is: - A producer who executes orders for core services - A salesperson who sells current services - A strategist who develops the services of the future - A time and project manager Our aim is to help people manage their workload and clarify their priorities. We support autonomous responsibilities, taking the time, and self-respect. ## Contact Details for mjl-tek Have a question or a project in mind? Get in touch using our [[Contact details]] on Reddit, Facebook, Instagram or by email.