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How to Search Smarter

Time is money --Anonymous

Never in history has the phrase, "time is money," been more true.

One place that *really* makes a great deal of sense is when you're searching online databases. Many databases charge for each minute you're connected to their system, so it pays to be productive and cost-efficient.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

-=- Understand the service/database you're using.

It will pay off ten-fold if you spend a bit of time learning the rules of the road - the way each system operates -- for each database you search.

Some searches are "boolean" in nature, meaning they allow you to search more narrowly by using words like AND, OR, NOT. So, if you want to do a search for "Bermuda" and "tourism" you can search for articles about both by entering "Bermuda and tourism."

Generally speaking, it's possible for searches to differently define what a "word" is. For some, a word is any character string surrounded by punctuation or blanks. Therefore, the word "monkey's" in a search is two words, where in a different database, it might be treated as one.

-=- Think ahead

How do you work best when you need to be tightly focused? Do you need to be in a quiet place? Does having music playing soothe you? Do you genuinely think better when surrounded by people? Whatever the answer, that's the environment in which you'll do your best research.

What are you looking for? Be sure you know!

Which database is most likely going to have it? Consult a database directory or look online (Compuserve and AOL have some great databases ) for the one(s) which will be best.

Spend time planning your search. Be creative in your thinking, because the more focused your plan, the quicker your search.

-=- Do as much off-line as possible.

Do a search, get your list of possibilities, print it, then leave the database to study it. Choose which articles you want, then go back online and get them.

-=- All databases are not priced alike!

Because there are databases available on online systems, it's entirely possible that one you use, and pay for by the minute, is available much less expensively elsewhere. Shop around.

-=- Take frequent breaks

While research can be fun, it's also stressful and energy draining.

Stop whenever you feel your body beginning to tense. Do some stretches, or walk down the hall. Get away from your desk and computer. Consider learning something about biofeedback and breathing, and use those learned techniques to replenish your energy and lower stress.

When you return to your search, you'll feel much better, and be better able to be on target with your research.

Stacy Brice is a professional business coach and founder of AssistU--the premier organization
>committed to training and coaching Virtual Assistants, and providing referrals to those
>business owners who want to work with them. For more information about Virtual Assistance,
>visit her website at http://www.assistu.com or email SBrice@AssistU.com.