January 2009 - Posts

Admin's Assistant
Thursday, January 01, 2009 12:12 AM

Working in a Virtual World

With the availability of advanced technology, the work environment is evolving from a rigid in-house business structure to a more relaxed, virtual office. Companies are tapping into a new idea of what working in an office really means. Virtual assistants, teleconferences and telecommuting are quickly becoming the trend. So, how does this all work for companies?

It's becoming easier to remain connected to your office without leaving home. Many employees are now able to telecommute by remotely accessing their office computer from their home computer or connecting directly with the office network. Working from home has been shown to boost employee morale because it allows employees to work in a comfortable environment while eliminating the stress of rush-hour traffic. Telecommuting is also good for small companies that can't afford an office space.

However, many businesses have been hesitant to embrace telecommuting. Although telecommuting may help employees work harder with fewer office distractions, it can also make it easier to not work. For some, motivation through competition among co-workers is necessary for a productive day.

As it becomes less essential for employees to actually commute to an office every day, a new type of employee has emerged. Administrative assistants are a vital part of a business, but some businesses don't have the money or the space to hire someone full time. To meet this need, employers have started to hire virtual assistants to help them with everyday administrative work. Virtual assistants can do a variety of tasks from basic office administration to specialized work depending on their background and certifications. With a virtual assistant, small businesses can focus on growing their business while projecting a professional image.

Business travel has become more difficult and costly. Even with the price of airline tickets on the rise, airlines are continuing to tack on more fees and reduce the number of flights. These changes have forced many businesses to cut down on travel. For some, teleconferences work just fine, but for those companies that want a more face-to-face type of interaction, videoconference rooms are becoming popular. These rooms, filled with computers, cameras and television screens, allow people from all over the country and the world to communicate in a meeting as if they were actually all in the same room.


Of course, these types of rooms and meetings won't make face-to-face meetings obsolete; they just may occur less frequently. Some business interactions require a more personal touch. Many big business deals have been made during business dinners or on golf courses. Personal touches go a long way to help potential customers or business partners feel at ease with the big decisions they're making. Businesses should embrace the virtual world, but they should also continue to ask themselves if business would be improved by real interaction.

 

Has your office made a jump into the virtual world? How was your job affected?

 

by tinadh | with no comments
Filed under:
Climbing the Ladder
Thursday, January 01, 2009 12:10 AM



How to approach your boss regarding a pay increase

 

You’ve worked hard, stayed late, came in early, gave up your Saturdays, took on extra projects willingly and completed them early. And now, after all this extra effort, you’ve decided it’s time to ask your boss for what you think is a well-deserved raise. Here’s how to go about it the right way:


Pick the right time!

If your company is struggling during these tough economic times, your odds of getting a raise are probably slim—it might be better to wait just a bit. Likewise, if your boss is having a busy day or a bad week, it’s generally a good idea to wait until their mood improves.


Be prepared!
Remember, bosses like to see results. Make a list of your achievements and be specific—you need to show your boss how your special talents and unique skills made good things happen in the office.

Ask for the right amount!
Sure, we’d all like to make six figures, but you do have to be realistic in your request. Hint: don’t ask for the minimum you’d accept in case your boss wants to negotiate. Ask for an amount that’s a little bit higher and give yourself just a bit of “wiggle” room.

Ask in the right way!

You want to be confident in your request, but you certainly don’t want to be obnoxious or overbearing. Don’t make your request a “take it or leave it” proposition because that can have long-range consequences (bosses have a way of remembering things well into the future!). Rather, remain flexible, cooperative and willing to put the needs of your company first.

 

If your boss unfortunately says “no,” a good trick is to ask what else you could or should be doing in your job to merit the increase you want. Maybe you could take on additional responsibilities, head up a new project, or learn how to do the job you’re already doing more efficiently and effectively.


Good luck in your request and enjoy spending your raise! Treat yourself to something special. After all, you deserve it!

           

Tell us how you went about asking your boss for a raise. How did it go?

by tinadh | with no comments
Filed under:
News You Can Use
Thursday, January 01, 2009 12:08 AM



Make This a Happy New Year by Saving $1000

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have an extra $1000 (or more) next year—Money that you could do anything with?  It does not have to be a fantasy. Anybody can do it. So, let’s start planning. 

First, decide what you want to do with the extra money. It could be anything from a family vacation to paying off a loan. Now that you have decided what your goal is, make a progress chart. This can be as elaborate or as simple as you like. It is just a place to keep track of what you are doing and how much money you’ve saved. Next, get a container to hold your savings. Anything large enough to hold change and bills is fine.

 

Now, let’s get started. For the next year, modify your spending habits. Yes, that’s the catch. The trick is doing it right so you won’t be giving up anything. Look at everything you buy. See if there is a less expensive way to do it. Save the difference. For those of you who are using something that you had already to hold your money instead of going out and buying a piggy bank, you have a jump-start. Put it in the bank!

 

Here are some other suggestions.

  • Every night when you get home put all your change, plus a dollar, in your bank.  If you don’t have a dollar then your smallest bill goes in. You will be surprised to discover you really don’t miss it.
     
  • Consider shopping at upscale resale and consignment shops. You just might find yourself in designer clothes at big box discount store prices. Also, try selling your unwanted items at a consignment shop or online. They could be worth more than you think.

  • See what’s on sale. Plan purchases around those sales.  For major purchases, take it one step further. See if one store would be willing to beat another store’s offer.  
     
  • Take advantage of end-of-season sales. This can work especially well on items that can be used throughout the year for gift giving.

  • Take advantage of off-peak time specials. Catch that movie you want to see Saturday afternoon instead of Saturday night.  
     
  • Clip coupons for everything. They aren’t just for groceries anymore! Car maintenance shops offer coupons for services. Restaurants offer coupons for menu items or a percentage off the bill. Home repair and handyman services have offers for first-time customers. This is another business where it doesn’t hurt to ask if they would do the same for a repeat or returning customer.
  • Sign up at survey and shopping Web sites that offer points. Then, use those points for gift cards. Either use them yourself or give them as gifts. Also, many stores and restaurants have internet-only specials. It pays to check.

 

That container should be starting to fill up. There is just one more thing to do. Open a savings account. After all, you are not going to be lying around all year doing nothing. Why should your money?

 

What other ideas do you have to save money this year?

by tinadh | with no comments
Filed under:
Renew You!
Thursday, January 01, 2009 12:06 AM

Energy Boosters 

The alarm clock sounds. You’re up and out the door, with another busy day ahead.

 

Midmorning, you feel as though you’ve worked an entire day already. You’re wishing you had gone to bed earlier. You’ve already had too much caffeine. You know you should’ve eaten breakfast. You need a boost, and fast.

 

For a quick lift, try raisins, almonds, carrots or olives. Drink some cold water or green tea. Treat yourself to some dark chocolate. The antioxidants will help ward off many health problems.

 

Open the blinds and let the sunshine in. For your morning break, take a quick walk outside and sing at the top of your lungs. Plan to tidy up your work area and get some green plants to brighten your space.

 

To maintain your energy level throughout the afternoon, have plenty of vegetables and fruits for lunch. Low fat yogurt or cheese will also keep you going. Refresh with a peppermint candy.

 

Perform one task at a time, at a steady pace throughout your day. Doing too many things at once causes exhaustion. If your afternoon meeting came to a less than desirable conclusion, keep smiling and breathe deep. Remember—anger can sap your energy; deal with it in a constructive manner. Put it behind you and move on.

 

To get through the evening, avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine. Exercise by playing with your pets or children. Don’t forget to give hugs to encourage and strengthen yourself and your loved ones.

 

Before another busy day tomorrow, pray or meditate. Reflect on your day. Is it time to renew a spiritual commitment? What are you most thankful for?

 

When did you last try something new? Is there a hobby you’d like to pursue? Is there a volunteer program you can join? Is there a friend you haven’t heard from in a long time?

 

To ensure high energy, eat healthy and get enough sleep. Get outdoors and exercise. Keep a positive, thankful attitude. Do things you enjoy with people you care about.


Look forward to new experiences.

 

Be ready. Tomorrow will be here before you know it.

 

What do you do to boost your energy?

by tinadh | with no comments
Filed under:
The Giving Tree
Thursday, January 01, 2009 12:04 AM

Kids for a Clean Environment

In 1989, at the age of 9, Melissa Poe knew the importance of taking care of the environment. She wanted to make sure that people knew she cared about keeping the planet clean and healthy, so she started the group Kids F.A.C.E. (Kids for a Clean Environment). 

Her group started with just six children. They recycled, picked up litter, planted trees and helped teach other kids how to do the same. Melissa wrote a letter to then President Bush to encourage him to help stop pollution in the United States. Her letter was displayed on 250 billboards across the country.

 

Soon many kids wanted to be a part of the group, and in 1990 the group was incorporated as a nonprofit organization. Kids and teachers could join the organization for free. An 800 number was created for children to call with questions about how they could help.

 

Kids F.A.C.E. created the largest environmental flag, and it was unveiled at the 25th celebration of Earth Day in Washington, D.C. The flag, which measures 100 feet by 200 feet, symbolizes the concerns young people have about nature and the future of the world.

 

Now an international children’s environmental organization, Kids F.A.C.E. has more than 300,000 members in more than 2,000 chapters in 15 countries. It is the world’s largest youth environmental organization. Together members have planted more than 1 million trees through programs like Kids’ Yard and 2001: Earth Odyssey. Kids’ Yard program creates backyard wildlife habitats to give animals safe places to live. 2001: Earth Odyssey focuses on habitats, air quality and land management to improve the survival of animals, the health of children and the retention of land and natural resources. Kids can join the 2001: Earth Odyssey program by choosing to recycle products, build habitats for animals, or plant trees to improve air quality.

 

For more information about Kids F.A.C.E. or to learn how you can help, visit www.kidsface.org.

 

Know someone under the age of 18 who has started their own charity? If so, let us know!

by tinadh | with no comments
Filed under:
Ask the Expert
Thursday, January 01, 2009 12:02 AM

How to Ace an Interview
by  Katie McConnell, Quill Recruiter

  1. Prepare. This is an area many people overlook, but it will increase your confidence and comfort level in an interview. Review your resume. What are the achievements you’re most proud of from current and previous jobs? What skills or experience sets you apart from your peers? Ask the recruiter what you can expect in the hiring manager’s interview. It can also be helpful to talk with previous managers, who can help you recall what you did/do well.  
  2. Stick to the facts. Recruiters hear many candidates say overused things that cannot be verified such as “I’m a hard-worker; quick learner; motivated; team-player.” These are probably true, but it’s better to provide specific examples of how you demonstrated these traits in previous jobs. 
  3. Tie it together. Be prepared to describe how your work experience and other skills fit the specific job you’re applying for. Review the job description and make sure you understand what the responsibilities are.
  4. How do I look? Dress appropriately; sit up straight; make steady eye contact; try to avoid saying “um” and “you know” when you speak. People respond to your visual presentation and communication style more than you realize. Even if you are interviewing for a new position in the same company for which you have worked for many years, it’s still an interview and you are being evaluated against other candidates. 
  5. Again, prepare. Learn as much as you can about the company/organization overall and even the interviewers if possible. Some recruiters start interviews by asking “What do you know about us?”
  6. Ask good questions. This is a follow up to number 5.  Bring these questions written down on paper in case you forget them.
by tinadh | with no comments
Filed under:
Editor's Note
Thursday, January 01, 2009 12:00 AM



Happy New Year Pen Pal readers! A new year means a new start, which for many translates to self improvement. This is a theme we’ve touched on in the past, so instead of chiming in with the same advice you’ve all heard before, I’m going to suggest we do something different. We’ve probably all done enough self-reflection and introspection for a while, so let’s focus our do-gooder efforts on something new. Let’s take a shot at improving someone or something else this year!

 

Adopt a highway: This one gets bonus points because there are two benefits. By organizing efforts with your company to adopt a highway, your company gains highway advertising space (their name is featured on the Adopt A Highway sign) and you help clean up and beautify a highway! Check out www.adoptahighway.com/index.html for more information.

 

Become a “Big Brother” or “Big Sister”: For as little as an hour a week, you can make a difference in a child’s life by volunteering your time as a “Big Brother” or “Big Sister.” Be a kid again and play basketball or a board game, share a pizza, or just hang out with your matched child. Check out www.bbbs.org for more information.

 

Adopt a zoo animal: Have a favorite animal that you always visit when you go to the zoo? Improve the life of this animal by offering to sponsor it. Contact your local zoo for program specifics. According to How to Adopt a Zoo Animal, adoption fees can run from $20 to $5,000.

 

Adopt a classroom: Did you know that (according to the Adopt-A-Classroom Web site) teachers spend an average $1,200 of their own money each year for classroom supplies? Imagine if you had to buy your own office supplies and computer for your job! Improve a teacher’s classroom by donating money to this program. You can pick the classroom or search for classrooms in need. 100% of your donation is directed toward the classroom teacher in the form of online credit. Check out www.adoptaclassroom.com for more information. 

 

These are just a few ideas on how you can improve someone or something else this year. Do you have other ideas to share with us? If so, let us know!

 

Christy Wolf, Editor

by tinadh | with no comments
Filed under: