Leveraging Technology

We are all increasingly time poor. Thankfully technology can make us more efficient in how we use our time but is that the answer? I use a combination of devices including a mobile phone, an iPad and a Windows 7 netbook, as a platform for working. My favourite "programs" include Skype, WebEx, Outlook, and Google. I know there are probably more and better programs to help me with my efficiency, but efficiency also has an element of competency, and the longer I stick with these programs, the more competent I become in using them.
I use Skype for most of my calls, Skype to Skype using video is my preferred mode. I use WebEx if I want to share a presentation, and I use Outlook for email, tasks, contacts, and my diary. Google I use to research people and topics. The niceties of life include wireless coverage for all my devices and the ability to send files wirelessly to the printer on the odd occasion I need a hard copy of something.
My emerging program is the use of e-books, I use the iPad and its inbuilt reader, but I have also loaded a Kindle application so I can buy e-books from Amazon. Allegedly my university is moving to e-books shortly which will be great. I like e-books for features like the inbuilt dictionary, searching, and remembering where I am up to.
So my efficiency has been significantly enhanced by technology, but my current focus is more on effectiveness. To be effective you must know with absolute clarity what you want to do (and by default what you don't want to do). Your day to day choices lead to enhanced efficiency and effectiveness. My number one priority is my family, number two is my clients, and number three is my study. Like a Venn diagram these circles of influence overlap so I can be even more efficient and effective. To be in the zone I need to choose activities where I impact on all three areas concurrently. Being in a family business helps, as does studying something directly related to my clients needs.
As my efficiency and effectiveness improves further I need to be clear where I invest my energy in the future. I have chosen to remain focused on family, clients and study rather than taking on something new. When the formal study finishes in a couple of years time that will free up around 30 hours a week. I intend to take half of that time and invest it in family and clients, the other 15 hours will go into research and publishing (that helps my clients succeed). That way I keep my Venn diagram balanced and my efficiency and effectiveness get a significant step change upwards. What are your plans for efficiency and effectiveness? I'd love to hear them.