Rhonlynn - I tried different things when I was starting out, and I've been settled on one "away from home" system for a while now.
I have an 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 three ring notebook. There is a sheet on each company I work for with my personal shopper numbers, sign ons, and their contact information. I keep this book on my desk, and carry it with me when I leave the house no matter where I'm going.
My schedule is on a spread sheet, and I have the spread sheet printed out and in the book. This spread sheet includes my personal and business appointments and my shops, along with personal projects and "to do" lists. I leave some lines blank and print the grid lines so I have some extra spaces to write stuff in.
I print the current day plus all future days that have entries. If I get a call when I'm away from home, I can look at my spread sheet and see where I have openings. If I need to call someone, I have that information with me. The book also contains an annual calendar I printed off the net.
I schedule commitments only on the spread sheet in my notebook. I post from the notebook to the computer. Whenever I post to the computer, I print a new spread and put it in the notebook. Works for me.
I have to make do with paper and pencil when I'm away from the house. I think a laptop or good smartphone would be wonderful. There are lots of good ways to do this. You'll discover the best system for you as you go along.
Mary Davis Nowell. Based close to Fort Worth. Shopping Interstate 20 east and west, Interstate 35 north and south.