Hello everyone!
At the end of each year we spend a couple of weeks reviewing the vision and mission of FacileThings, reflecting on it and making the necessary adjustments in our strategic planning to get closer to that vision in the best possible way: Offer a personal management platform that help people to progress in their lives, achieving a productive, calm and meaningful lifestyle.
In this first newsletter of 2021 I want to share with you what our objetives for this year are and what projects we are going to try to undertake during the first quarter of the year.
Our Big Objectives
- Offer the best GTD platform. For this, we must complete the redesign of the web application (the People, Analytics, Support and Account sections remain), complete the functionality of the mobile app and improve its usability, develop new GTD features (mind sweep, projects natural planning), fix some bugs, and improve system performance and reliability.
- Provide excellent training on GTD and FacileThings. A good part of the difficulties when using the application on a day-to-day basis are due to preconceived ideas of organization, not in accordance with the GTD methodology. It is normal, it is not (nor should it be) necessary to be a GTD expert to use FacileThings, but it is important to master the basics. We will develop different content to smooth the learning curve: introductory ebook to GTD, FacileThings getting started guides, educational email cycles, GTD terminology section, FAQ section, best tutorials, articles, tips, etc.
- Make it easier for our users to integrate FacileThings into their lives. It involves solving the current problem of synchronizing repetitive events with Google and Outlook calendars, allowing the integration of multiple Google and Outlook calendar accounts (even mixed), developing utilities that simplify work (project templates, PDF reports), expanding the payment and billing options, publishing a data access API for developers, and adding integrations with other apps.
- Get more users. Like any company, we must grow in a sustainable way to have the resources that allow us to successfully undertake the rest of the objectives.
- Make sure we are doing the right things right. It’s about improving our internal processes to measure the right metrics and offer the best possible experience. We will need your help here and we will request it through a survey ;)
Projects for the first quarter
They are ambitious goals and we probably cannot cover 100% this year, but we will do our best to achieve them. For the first three objectives — which are the ones that interest you — we will specifically work on the following projects during the first quarter:
- Resolve all known issues and errors (GTD)
- Redesign and improve the People section of the web application (GTD)
- Launch a new version of the mobile app (GTD)
- Create a getting started walkthrugh for the new users (EDU)
- Update all tutorials (EDU)
- Publish a GTD introduction ebook (EDU)
- Integrate the Google and Outlook repetitive events (INT)
- Integrate with multiple Google and Outlook calendar accounts (INT)
This is all for now. Thank you all very much for helping us get here!
17 comments
Excellent stuff! You're doing a great job.
Excellent stuff! You're doing a great job.
Excellent goals that will empower the user and strengthen the application. FacileThings continues to have my support and patronage for years to come. One area that might improve the user base is investing in assistance from an ad campaign or company that help get the news out. I have also suggested in the past - and continue to think it is the right idea - that FacileThings create a user forum that allows its "power users" to share their tips, welcome new users, and grow a community around FacileThings and GTD.
Excellent goals that will empower the user and strengthen the application. FacileThings continues to have my support and patronage for years to come. One area that might improve the user base is investing in assistance from an ad campaign or company that help get the news out. I have also suggested in the past - and continue to think it is the right idea - that FacileThings create a user forum that allows its "power users" to share their tips, welcome new users, and grow a community around FacileThings and GTD.
Really great goals for the year! If you are very serious about growing the user base I am a real believer in FacileThings and while I certainly already have my day job lol I would be happy to work with you and discuss ways I really believe you could do that. I really firmly believe it is the best productive suite out there but I believe there are some real reasons it doesnt take off..... I would love to see it do so!
Really great goals for the year! If you are very serious about growing the user base I am a real believer in FacileThings and while I certainly already have my day job lol I would be happy to work with you and discuss ways I really believe you could do that. I really firmly believe it is the best productive suite out there but I believe there are some real reasons it doesnt take off..... I would love to see it do so!
Great work guys, support you all the way!
Great work guys, support you all the way!
I've been a GTD guy for several years and like what you're trying to do. If you need to grow in order to accomplish these goals, those of us who appreciate what you're doing need to be involved. I hadn't reviewed FacileThings in the App Store, so I just did it, and made sure to put GTD in the review a few times to help with search algorithms.
It sounds like you have some existential issues. I hope you resolve them so you can keep doing what you're doing and grow.
I've been a GTD guy for several years and like what you're trying to do. If you need to grow in order to accomplish these goals, those of us who appreciate what you're doing need to be involved. I hadn't reviewed FacileThings in the App Store, so I just did it, and made sure to put GTD in the review a few times to help with search algorithms.
It sounds like you have some existential issues. I hope you resolve them so you can keep doing what you're doing and grow.
Michael, Shaun, Bob: Thank you all for your encouragement and support!
Cyrus, your suggestions are fantastic, and we will develop them as we have the resources for it -- time and talent ;)
Ivan, I don't think we'll get very serious about growth until the second semester, but I'll take your word for it. As the time draws near, feel free to send me any comments on that. Thank you!
Michael, Shaun, Bob: Thank you all for your encouragement and support!
Cyrus, your suggestions are fantastic, and we will develop them as we have the resources for it -- time and talent ;)
Ivan, I don't think we'll get very serious about growth until the second semester, but I'll take your word for it. As the time draws near, feel free to send me any comments on that. Thank you!
Francisco, I know you have my email so let me know whenever it is on your radar and you want to talk. I am a COO, lead a highly successful business development team and although it is not software services we provide I do believe I could help you for sure. Let me know when you are up to that point..... No rush!
Francisco, I know you have my email so let me know whenever it is on your radar and you want to talk. I am a COO, lead a highly successful business development team and although it is not software services we provide I do believe I could help you for sure. Let me know when you are up to that point..... No rush!
Encouraging and ambitious goals for the new year. Was disappointed to not see a plan to add a dated daily journal function so Facile could be a more one stop solution for not just what needs to be done but notes on what has been done and lessons learned in the process. I now have to use another resource to document this and think this functionality if included would make the program even more useful. I have renewed my subscription for another year so you have my support and can only hope you will have time to add the journal element someday sooner than later. Thanks for listening!
Encouraging and ambitious goals for the new year. Was disappointed to not see a plan to add a dated daily journal function so Facile could be a more one stop solution for not just what needs to be done but notes on what has been done and lessons learned in the process. I now have to use another resource to document this and think this functionality if included would make the program even more useful. I have renewed my subscription for another year so you have my support and can only hope you will have time to add the journal element someday sooner than later. Thanks for listening!
Hi Ivan, captured! Will do :)
Hi Jim, we are going to first focus in GTD & integration features, but your suggestion is in our backlog. It will surely come later. Thank you!
Hi Ivan, captured! Will do :)
Hi Jim, we are going to first focus in GTD & integration features, but your suggestion is in our backlog. It will surely come later. Thank you!
I already like the existing way how FacileThings guides through the GTD method. I am curious how this will be even further improved.
On your roadmap you have the renewal of the FacileThings App. Do you plan to integrate the use of Siri. Frankly, to me this would be one of the most powerful improvements, being able to capture any thoughts on the run just with your voice without having to pick up a device: “Siri, add ask Francisco about the mobile app launch to FacileThings”.
Keep up the good work, your product is great!
I already like the existing way how FacileThings guides through the GTD method. I am curious how this will be even further improved.
On your roadmap you have the renewal of the FacileThings App. Do you plan to integrate the use of Siri. Frankly, to me this would be one of the most powerful improvements, being able to capture any thoughts on the run just with your voice without having to pick up a device: “Siri, add ask Francisco about the mobile app launch to FacileThings”.
Keep up the good work, your product is great!
Hi Daniel,
There is still a lot to do in the way of adapting the tool to the user. Not everyone has the same knowledge of the methodology, and we should gradually adapt the application to each user. Big challenge!
Of course, we want to integrate the iOS app with Siri, but we are going to focus first on improving its GTD features. However, this week we will publish an article on how to integrate FacileThings with the Braintoss capture tool. You may be interested ;)
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Daniel,
There is still a lot to do in the way of adapting the tool to the user. Not everyone has the same knowledge of the methodology, and we should gradually adapt the application to each user. Big challenge!
Of course, we want to integrate the iOS app with Siri, but we are going to focus first on improving its GTD features. However, this week we will publish an article on how to integrate FacileThings with the Braintoss capture tool. You may be interested ;)
Thanks for sharing!
This is fantastic! I would especially love to see an improved mobile app with a bit more of the web functionality - like managing the tasks in a project. Thank you, this is life-changing!
This is fantastic! I would especially love to see an improved mobile app with a bit more of the web functionality - like managing the tasks in a project. Thank you, this is life-changing!
Thanks, Dennis! :)
Thanks, Dennis! :)
I love what you are doing with Facile Things. I continue to appreciate the goals you are setting to improve the application. The one thing on you current quarter list I am really looking forward to using is the "Integrate with multiple Google and Outlook calendar accounts (INT)" one. The reason is that my personal stuff is in my Google Calendar and my work stuff is managed in my Outlook calendar. This often results in duplicate efforts when capturing & clarifying which becomes a time sink. So, I can't wait for this to be added.
I love what you are doing with Facile Things. I continue to appreciate the goals you are setting to improve the application. The one thing on you current quarter list I am really looking forward to using is the "Integrate with multiple Google and Outlook calendar accounts (INT)" one. The reason is that my personal stuff is in my Google Calendar and my work stuff is managed in my Outlook calendar. This often results in duplicate efforts when capturing & clarifying which becomes a time sink. So, I can't wait for this to be added.
Hi John,
Yes, we have realized that many of our users are in the same situation as you (they use Google Calendar personally and Outlook at work), so we have prioritized that integration.
Thank you!
Hi John,
Yes, we have realized that many of our users are in the same situation as you (they use Google Calendar personally and Outlook at work), so we have prioritized that integration.
Thank you!
Fleshing out what you call People, what GTD calls Agendas, is really important to me. I'm glad to see it's on your Q1 list for the web app, but because I'm heavily dependent on my iOS app I hope that comes fast too. On the clunky app I've been using for GTD I have relied heavily on Agendas. Not having that capacity with FacileThings is seriously hampering my GTD effectiveness. Having said that, love what you've done so far and your aspirations for the future!
Fleshing out what you call People, what GTD calls Agendas, is really important to me. I'm glad to see it's on your Q1 list for the web app, but because I'm heavily dependent on my iOS app I hope that comes fast too. On the clunky app I've been using for GTD I have relied heavily on Agendas. Not having that capacity with FacileThings is seriously hampering my GTD effectiveness. Having said that, love what you've done so far and your aspirations for the future!
Hi Bob,
Thanks for sharing your concerns. I'm pretty sure you'll love the new Agendas feature ;)
Hi Bob,
Thanks for sharing your concerns. I'm pretty sure you'll love the new Agendas feature ;)