busy man considerably, and in order to make a start in its use he need only draw up a list of his problems which thereupon serves as the index.

An Increased Supply of Facts

A real estate operator, for instance, in trying to interest prospects in his surburban houses, encounters such objections as "can't afford to buy," "neighborhood undesirable," "too far from the city," "climate unhealthful," and the like. Worse still, he finds his regular sales canvass becoming stale. Accordingly, he takes a dozen guide cards, 4 x 6 size, let us say, to correspond with his memo paper, writes these stock objections on the tabs, puts aside another set of cards for "liveners," and places them all in a twenty-five cent card index.

In reading the evening paper soon afterwards, he learns through the social columns that Mrs. De Style has just given a garden party to the smart set, whose names are mentioned. This item quickly finds its way behind the "Neighborhood undesirable" tab; it will prove itself good ammunition later. In a health report which comes to his attention soon afterwards appears a column of unusually favorable statistics; into the "Climate unhealthful" place this goes. One dull afternoon he digs into the tax records and the material there unearthed, a broadside in its strength of conviction, he slips behind the "Can't afford to buy" tab. A clever little story emphasizing the distinction between house and home, he files away as a "Freshener." What the real estate operator really does here is to build up an auxiliary brain. His index furnishes him definite and copious information which results in more houses sold.

A Loose-Leaf Idea File

An idea file can very readily be made of a loose-leaf notebook, properly indexed. Although as a usual thing this will

not prove so convenient as the regular filing case, it possesses certain advantages and is mentioned here chiefly to emphasize the fact that in form the idea file admits of considerable variation.

"It's almost impossible for me to remember the hundred and one plans I have ahead of me—and to file a thing often means to lose sight of it," says D. B. Otzen, a progressive Chicago executive. "An every-day loose-leaf binder solved my problem.

"The plans I want to use are condensed and rewritten on loose-leaf sheets, and filed. I use a separate page for each subject, containing both my own and the other man's new ideas. When a particular method has been worked out and adapted, I tear out the corresponding page-so that only 'live' material stays in the book.

"Thumbing through my 'brain partner' three or four times. a month jogs up the memory. Here are the very plans I

Figure 5. An Index Card for Books and Magazines

This card when filed serves to introduce system into a man's reading. The filling out of the "Remarks" tends to impress the information upon the mind and the index is useful for locating articles when desired later.

want, when I want them. The binder saves my time, suggests new ideas, or shows where I have neglected opportunities that might make hundreds of dollars for us."

An Index for Books and Articles

A reader who wishes to preserve his trade papers in bound form instead of removing certain pages from each issue and filing them, or who consults books from which it is impracticable to remove pages, may utilize a card index in keeping track of particular articles. A classification according to subjects, with whatever subheads may be desired under each, is drawn up in the same way as for the idea file. Here, however, instead of the material itself being filed, a 3 x 5 card is filled out by which the material can be located. (See Figure 5.)

Conclusion

The method of recording items for reference does not much matter the letter file, the card index, the ringed notebook, the loose-leaf scrap-book, the desk drawer, or even the vest pocket. But does he let valuable ideas slip away from him, or does he catch them and have them at hand when needed? That is the real crux of the problem faced by all men in business. The executive, whether the head of a house or a department manager and whatever his line of business, is in a stream of business-getting ideas. Beyond question he can use some form of brain-box with profit.

While we have been setting into operation the various methods discussed thus far, what has happened to the detail which pours in upon our desks? In large measure it has already been cared for.

Methods You Are Using

EXERCISES

It is well, first of all, to know what methods you are actually following. Suppose you take stock, using Test Chart 1 for this purpose.

In view of what this chart shows, do you succeed in keeping the big things in mind, the details on paper? Or do you find yourself trying to remember everything? Do you make embarrassing mistakes, such as forgetting social engagements? Do you have casual lapses of memory, such as letting slip the special order promised? Are you nervous, haunted with vague feelings that something is being forgotten? Most important of all, is your output limited because the handling of details is left unstandardized?

Not Too Much Apparatus

The array of apparatus found on display at the stationery store and described in the catalogues, circulars, and books issued by the manufacturers is apt to prove somewhat confusing. A man can easily overload himself even with pieces of apparatus individually good. Suppose then that we subject this assortment offered us for purchase to these tests:

Simplicity: Can I easily get into the habit of using this particular device? Is it simple to operate afterwards? Can it be readily carried or stored in my office?

Accuracy: Can it be depended upon when used properly? What are the chances for making errors?

Low Cost: What is its initial cost? Its durability? The cost for its required supplies?

Adequacy: Does it meet my present needs? Can its capacity be expanded as I grow?

Appropriateness: Does it dovetail with my other pieces of apparatus so that altogether my methods of handling details represent a coherent program?

When it appears that as a result of these tests certain pieces of apparatus have been decided upon, let us list all these items in the second column of Test Chart 2. You may have selected two or more pieces of apparatus for filing purposes, or for the recording of memoranda, etc., but for the purpose of grading, these will be considered in each case as a unit. Does what you have selected for the making

Test Chart 2. Standardizing the Apparatus for Handling Details