Tags that actually help

Many people start tagging with energy and end up with fifty tags that no one uses. The issue is not tagging, it is too much tagging.

What tags are for

A tag is not a full description of a person. It is a practical handle that helps you sort.

Good tags answer one of these questions:

  1. In what context do I know this person
  2. What do we usually talk about
  3. What do I not want to forget

Keep the tag list small

Start with five to ten tags. You rarely need more. When you add a new one, consider removing an old one.

A simple starter set:

  1. Family
  2. Friends
  3. Work
  4. Network
  5. Important
  6. Call soon
  7. Ideas

It looks almost too simple, which is exactly why it survives real life.

Tags for topics

Some tags are not categories, they are themes. That can be even more useful.

Examples:

  1. Travel
  2. Health
  3. Career
  4. Kids
  5. Sports

Later, when you want to reconnect, you have an easy entry point.

Tags for next steps

A tag can also mark an action.

Examples:

  1. Ask
  2. Congratulate
  3. Invite

That tag is a small promise to your future self.

Common mistakes

Tagging gets hard when:

  1. Tags appear only once
  2. Tags overlap too much
  3. Tags become full sentences

If you have to think too long about which tag to use, the system is too complex.

Summary

Tags work when they stay simple. Use a small set you actually touch, and let the rest go.