Franklin Covey

[Badger]

Franklin Covey personal organizers are not very well known over here in Blighty. It would appear that some of the binders have a choice of ring size that are larger that that of Filofax. I was once given a Filofax but the rings were quite small and I like to carry a lot of STUFF. Any opinions would be gratefully received. Franklin Covey seem expensive, but are they worth it?

[Judybug]

Hi, Badger -

 

I've always been too cheap to spring for a Franklin Covey planner, but my daughter - a high school English teacher - loves hers. It's not so much the cost of the binders that gets to me. They are expensive, but should last a lifetime. It's the cost of refills that seems to be just too much. But I guess if the paper is FP friendly, maybe it's worth it. Hopefully someone else on FPN can give you some first-hand knowledge.

 

Judybug

[RLTodd]

Take a look at DayTimers, the binders used to be higher quality and less expensive than the Franklins. This may have changed since Acco aquired them, so you will have to look into it on your own.

 

The Franklins were botique sold merchandise so they had a the commission structure built into the price. The DayTimers used to be primarily mail order and lacked the burden of the commission structure.

[cctraderx]

The Franklin binders are good binders. I have one that is over 15 years old and it holds up - the leather ones. You have to be aware of the sizes and that they are different with paper sizes and holes that what you may have available over in England. My suggestion for binder would be to go to Ebay, once you know which size rings and binder you want.

 

The paper is definitely FP friendly.

[RetroTech]

I am a FranklinCovey facilitator for my company, so I might be able to help with some of questions. Basically, part of my job is helping people organize themselves and that includes choosing tools toward that end.

 

I've known about both Filofax and Franklin's products since the mid-80's (as well as Daytimers, Dayrunners and several other products available on the market today). Both Filofax and FranklinCovey are at the top of the market in terms of quality, selection, service and price. I can say without hesitation that if I couldn't use one of these two products, I would use the other.

 

One most important note considering that this is FPN. The paper quality of both FranklinCovey and Filofax is very high and I know from personal experience that they both handle fountain pen inks well. Rarely have I seen an ink that will feather and I can't recall seeing an ink bleed through the paper.

 

FranklinCovey does offer binders in larger ring sizes than Filofax but Filofax has fancier binder cover materials. As examples you can get Filofax ostrich skin binders for over $500 and alligator for close to $2000. The most expensive FranklinCovey binder won't go over $200. For some people, using a planner can be as much a status symbol as it is practical. That may account for such price points. On the other end of the price scale, you can get vinyl binders from either company for around $20 or so. On a product-by-product comparison, I've found Filofax and FranklinCovey to be pretty much even, price-wise. They are more expensive than other planning tools on the market, but one isn't more expensive than the other.

 

FranklinCovey is much more than just an agenda and binder company. There is a whole system that can be incorporated into your planning schedule, the binder is a mere tool in that system. They offer books, CDs, DVDs, workshops, classes on various subjects from time management, leadership and communications. The products also have a great warranty as well, one can go to any FranklinCovey store here in the U.S. and have your rings replaced if broken or damaged.

 

Just like someone else has mentioned, I also have several binders made in the late '80s and early '90s that are in great shape and are still in use. I'm sure Filofax has binders that are as good in quality.

 

One point that might help you decide: when choosing an item that needs periodic refills, you need to consider how easy it is to get the refills where you live. I've had a difficult time finding a refill for someone that has an off-brand binder that no-one has heard of, let alone where to find a refill that fits. The good thing about companies like Filofax, Daytimers, FranklinCovey, etc. is that they're likely to still be around years from now to offer the refills.

 

Regards.

[sleek_lover]

As has been mentioned, the Covey (and the Daytimer) is, in fact, a system.

 

The Franklin system (which existed before the Covey folks bought them) was started by some folks who left Daytimer over ??? and went a whole different direction...

 

Steven Covey, he of the 7 Habits fame, bought the Franklin system because, in large part, the philosopical underpinnings of Franklin match the whole 7 Habits thing pretty well.

 

The point of this little background speech is that if you just want to keep track of appointments, a cheap little thing from Staples (or the British equivilent) will work. But if you want to get all tied up in the various binders, accessory packs, form styles then any of the systems work great.

 

As to FP friendliness...Franklin Covey is better than Daytimer and Filofax is the worst of the bunch.

 

With this is a caveat. To really get the maximum value from Franklin Covey, it is necessary, again, in my opinion, to embrace, as some greater or lesser level, the Covey 7 Habits paradigm. This includes the 'Four Quadrant Time Management Schema", Compass Points, Personal Mission Statement, Long, Medium, Short Term Goal Setting, Family Buy-in...the entire range of the Covey Lifestyle.

 

It ain't a bad thing...but...

 

In another part of this site, someone asked about recently reading. I just finished A PERFECT MESS, which points out that humans function a damn sight better in a slightly chaotic environment. Once I read that book, I realized why, regardless of how much I spent on planners and how much I tried to be organized, it didn't work...

 

So, before going out and spend a ton on $200 binders and $50 refills and $25 accessory packs...be sure that it is what you REALLY need.

 

Bill...who has all the great binders...from pocket size to compact to Monarch in both Daytimer and Franklin/Franklin Covey AND the Electronic version of both AND the Palm AND all the accessory packs and who finds a free PIM called Abbassis Work Desktop to be just fine...just print out the day or week or whatever...

Edited February 11, 2007 by paircon01

[jsonewald]

I would also suggest having a look at Daytimers. The models I've seen and used are every bit as good as if not better than Franklin Covey. For refills, some of the sizes are interchangeable between brands.

[Badger]

Thank you all for your considerate replies. It's food for thought.

[Titivillus]

Thank you all for your considerate replies.  It's food for thought. 

 

Sorry to come late to the thread but here is a thought:

 

As well software like MS Outlook can print pages that fit the Covey/ Daytimer... style binders. And can do it all the way up to an 81/2 x 11 sheet.

 

So it might be easier to get some nice FP friendly paper a 3 ring binder and print out a month's worth of pages.

 

I started out with Daytimer went to Covery after a week's training. {For sensitive ears I won't post what I think of the whole system } then went to a PDA but have even stopped using that in favor of Outlook on my desktop and a binder of information and notes.

 

K

Edited February 11, 2007 by Tytyvyllus

[johnr55]

I'll echo what Bill said above. I've got an ex brother-in-law who won't go to the bathroom without working it out in his Franklin. I found I spent more time adjusting myself to the system than just going ahead with what I was doing--and yes, I've read Covey's books over the years. I simply didn't/don't need that level of complexity. I've used the same 8.5x11 DayTimer for well over 10 years. Main categories for me is the annual calendar insert, and phone/address backup for my phone. Using standard 3-hole, if I get a hard copy of something at a meeting it will go in there--and that's important for me. It just seems to me that Franklin is making their money on their refills, no matter how nice the paper.

 

I also have an inexpensive address/schedule software program that will print out pages for my planner. Have you considered that?

 

Sorry if this is excessive in length--

[lefty928]

Yes, you can get the binders (that is, the rings inside) in various thicknesses. And Franklin Covey used to have hole punchers, which means you can indeed use online templates to print out pages on FP-friendly stock if you wish.

 

The Franklin Covey system worked well for me for a couple years and I used to periodically revisit it -- this is high praise, as I tend to tire of systems quickly, and you do have to perform upkeep. But that was before the convenience of computerized schedules in a busy (hectic) office environment (I'm dating myself!).

 

I'm sorry the retail outlets closed in my area, as I do occasionally miss the combination of a monthly view and separate appointment page and daily notes page (in the classic version, vs. the month-only or weekly ones). Office Depot and Staples are not well-stocked, at least in the city branches here.

 

P.S. Regarding "a lot of STUFF" -- another reason I stopped using FC was that binder got too heavy for me to be lugging to and from work (I have a low tolerance for extraneous schlepping and tend to pare down), but these systems (FC, Filofax, Daytimer) are really great for holding optional stuff: tabs, special forms and sections, notepaper pads, zipper pockets, etc.

Edited February 11, 2007 by lefty928

[Badger]

{For sensitive ears I won't post what I think of the whole system

 

I've never read the Covey books so I don't know anything about the system, I just like flexiblity and writing room. I enjoy writing and make little notes to myself for my own amusement, odd I know. My ears are furry and not overly sensitive. I'd love the cleaned up version of what you thought of the system.

[Badger]

I also have an inexpensive address/schedule software program that will print out pages for my planner. Have you considered that?

 

Johnr55, do you have to cut the paper to size using this method?

[RLTodd]

As to FP friendliness...Franklin Covey is better than Daytimer and Filofax is the worst of the bunch.

...

I am probably drifting off topic while clinging to forum relevance BUT, there is that DIY organizer website ( http://www.diyplanner.com ) where you can choose your own fountain pen friendly paper and print out what you need for the ring binder or whatnot that fits your purpose.

[Titivillus]

{For sensitive ears I won't post what I think of the whole system

 

I've never read the Covey books so I don't know anything about the system, I just like flexiblity and writing room. I enjoy writing and make little notes to myself for my own amusement, odd I know. My ears are furry and not overly sensitive. I'd love the cleaned up version of what you thought of the system.

Let me paraphrase what I asked the facilitator at the end of the week's training.

 

 

What happens when the Mr. Roger's sweaters come off and everyone doesn't play by the rules.

:ltcapd:

 

If everyone in a company follows the Covey system then it should work great but if one person shortcuts the rules then it might not work quite so well.

 

 

And I got an odd look but no answer from the facilitator...

Edited February 11, 2007 by Tytyvyllus

[French]

I have a Franklin-Covey planner, and the paper is very fountain pen friendly. Only the wettest nib/ink combination in my collection will have any bleedthrough.

 

That being said, my former company sent me to a one day training on the 7 Habits, and I find the 'system' works for me and my family. However, I would have to say if the paper in the Covey refills was junk, I probably wouldn't have embraced the system as vigorously.

 

hope this helps,

French

[myotis]

Badger,

 

I have a Covey sand stone leather zipper binder classic with 38mm rings bought from Covey Europe with A5 pages, plus the metal hole punch. Note that the UK supplies are a confusing mix of A5 and Classic sizes.

 

The leather part of the binder is excellent, but the ring mechanism looked and felt cheap from day one and have now lost part of their plating and look tarnished.

 

I've had it for several years now and no longer use it, nor have done for some time, as it is very bulky for the amount of information it can carry.

 

The paper parts seem high quality and as others have said seem fine with my FPs.

 

Graham

[johnr55]

 

I use the 'Executive Edition' DayRunner, which means it uses 8.5x11" paper anyway. I carried a smaller size in the early 90's but went to this size specifically to carry standard paper. It still fits fine in my briefcase, and as I said before, uses the standard 3 holes. I don't spend a lot of time flipping around and changing appts.; it's just not in the nature of my work.

 

You know what I use to post changes in the calendar in there? Post-It notes - the small size. Works perfectly for me.

 

Consequently, when I print out Outlook items, they also come out in the size of my organizer. I really don't see what difference an inch or so in length and width means to portability, other than it forces you to buy someone's proprietary paper products.

 

Again, though, no criticism of what works for others; I just know what works for me.

[cowboyjack]

Well... I've used them all except FiloFax.

 

Started with DayTimers, moved to Franklin Planners, stayed with them when they became FranklinCovey, have tried printing out my own Outlook Calendars and Address Books, made my own Moleskine planner, tried the pre-printed Moleskine planner, and now use diyplanner.com forms on 32# HP paper in a Circa binder.

 

I went to a one-day Franklin Planning session before Covey came on board and found it useful, even if I didn't buy into the whole program. "A wise man can learn even from a fool," right?

 

I have a Franklin Covey Leather binder that I used extensively for about 12 years and it held up well. I really liked the paper and the format and mixed and matched various forms over the years. I found all of the Franklin Covey paper products to be fountain pen compatable with minimal feathering and bleed through, but haven't bought any in the past five years or so.

 

I eventually settled on a simpler calendar and address format with day-by-day notetaking and project lists, although I do periodically think about my "Mission Statement" and values per Covey. I really like the Circa format, as I can flip the pages back over themselves, but that wasn't your original question. I like being able to print out my own forms, hole punch 'em and add and/or change them at will. And the 32# HP paper is wonderfully smooth with a fountain pen, far superior to any Franklin paper I ever used. Sometimes I find myself writing or sketching just for the sheer pleasure of it all.

 

I found LOTs of useful and spare time filling helpful time management hints at 43folders. com and David Allen's site, davidco.com.

[Brerarnold]

I started with a DayRunner. Very nice leather portfolio with all kinds of different add-ons. I liked it a lot. I used the Calendar, Address Book, and loved the Index where I could alphabetically store notes I had written on the notepad which fit in it (5x8 IIRC). I used colored highlighters to categorize certain kinds of information at-a-glance. I started trying to follow "the system," but eventually found it cumbersome and just used the sections listed above. DayTimer inserts fit just as well and from time to time I used them, depending on what Staples had at the moment. I prefer the style of the DayRunner.

 

I looked at the Franklins but it seemed like the DayRunner was just as functional for less money. If you want the Franklin system, then go for it. I didn't.

 

And then came the PDA. Not only did it have the calendar, address book, and memo pad, but I could look up any appointment by using the Find function (instead of paging through the DayRunner.) Using the Fitaly Stamp system, instead of the handwriting recognition, I could enter data quickly and accurately. Also, with HanDBase (a relational database for PDAs), I wrote an app which I use to keep track of session notes. It automates much of it for me -- once the patient's information is entered in one database, it is accessible from any other. Same with CPT codes, DSM codes, and certain key words and phrases which I use repeatedly and can enter with just two clicks of the stylus. And it is searchable -- I currently have 8 years of patient records (encrypted of course) on my Palm. Eliminates a lot of paper filing, and makes the information contained therein portable, accessible, and therefore much more frequently used.

 

But PDAs have their limits, no matter how well add-ons like the Fitaly Stamp work. Sometimes it is easier or more preferable to write. So here is where I am at currently:

 

I carry a leather portfolio with an A4 pad. This is mainly for the pockets, where I can put mail, business cards, faxes that I've received, whatever. A Reporter's Moleskine has replaced the spiral-top note pad that has ridden in my shirtpocket for years. And there's the Palm.

 

In some ways I miss the DayRunner. It was a handsome piece of "furniture." It was very functional in its day. If I did not want a way to carry A4 size papers without folding them (which is the current portfolio's main raison d'etre), I might use it just for the notepad.

Edited February 27, 2007 by Brerarnold