Professional Assistant Blog

OCTOBER 7, 2008

I am sure that you have fallen into the trap of where it’s either really quiet and you are twiddling your thumbs, trying to figure out what to do with your time. But of course, you don’t want to disturb others around you with the bell going off or some even have chickens clucking as the alarm.

2008 100

2008 Cubicle Google Docs 2007 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MARCH 13, 2010

I take the bus to work and I often see people getting on a busy bus and then going through their backpack or purse looking for their bus tickets and holding up the line. They had enough time as they saw the bus approaching, they know they will need it, but time and time again, they are searching for it. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2010 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 10, 2010

Another time I was trying to find a full-serve gas station to fill up, but there was nothing to be found. It was expensive,but when I brought it home I had to do all the work to get it up and running. I of course ignored him and went about providing the best service I could. 411 Look Up 411.ca " Warning!

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2010 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 13, 2009

Normally, I put something about needing to get my filing system up to date, but I think I may have missed the point when I have done that. We really dont have an excuse because it is becoming increasingly easy to take courses online. I have had great experiences learning online in interactive courses. " Warning!

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2009 International 100

Professional Assistant Blog

FEBRUARY 19, 2008

I worked as an Investment Advisor’s Assistant, completed my CSC (Canadian Securities Course), but soon after, I realized that this wasn’t really for me. I would be able to do work without too many interruptions , have quiet time, since the walls and the closed door (at times) would stop the noise from reaching in.

Policies 100

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Laughing all the Way to Work

FEBRUARY 21, 2009

If a conference comes up and they are looking for someone to do the registration, we can step in and do that or we can organize it from start to finish. Who better than the admins to come up with something that works. Of course if you are not licensed to do a particular job, or qualified, then you should not do it.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2009 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JUNE 27, 2009

My friend said it didnt seem to faze her and she quickly pulled up her skirt and kept talking like nothing happened. HA HA This assignment of course is a result of "Just say yes". ► August (4) Managing your Boss's Inbox Nice ways to say, "Hurry up!" 411 Look Up 411.ca 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

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Professional Assistant Blog

JANUARY 18, 2008

If you are on a training course via your computer (WebEx) and listening in to the presenter, you want your full attention on the seminar or workshop that you are attending at your cubicle. Its inevitable, but its part of your job description.

Training 100

Training Cubicle Microsoft Word 2008 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

NOVEMBER 21, 2009

The next time a new challenge or opportunity comes up at work, pay attention to what you tell yourself -- are you being positive or negative? Once you start doubting yourself, it is hard to bring yourself back up. I think everyone feels insecure at one time or another, but I find you cant let insecurity get the best of you.

Self Esteem 100

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Laughing all the Way to Work

MAY 1, 2009

Of course there will come a time when questions about certain things will not have to be asked as it is hoped the new hire will catch on to the office procedures and their initiative will kick in and they will take on these tasks on their own, but in the beginning please ask. 411 Look Up 411.ca 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

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Laughing all the Way to Work

OCTOBER 6, 2009

One day she just up and quit. They seemed surprised that I didnt know she had an alcohol problem because they told me you could smell the booze off her every day, but of course I hadnt noticed. One of the biggest issues surrounding substance abuse in the workplace are the lies required to keep up the front that everything is ok.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

AUGUST 1, 2010

Along with our multiple work passwords, we have a password for our home computer, and if we sign up for Facebook, Twitter or any other website, we have another password to remember. Of course the simple solution would be to have the same password for every aspect of your life, but nope that doesn’t work. Works so far!

Time Zones 100

Time Zones 2010 IAAP Filing 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JULY 20, 2009

Of course, the reason could have been that I was up all night with a sick child or wasnt feeling well myself or I just had an argument with my spouse and was still stewing about it. Other than the extra work I need to do at the gym to tone up and trim down, I saw some good qualities as well and it was helpful to see myself present.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones 2009 IAAP Administrative Professionals 100

Professional Assistant Blog

SEPTEMBER 9, 2008

Money, of course, is important, but what about the customer? They most likely will stop using your product/service, but also, they would end up telling their friends. Do you feel that you could be helping the client even if you dont know the answer to their issue right away? Providing excellent customer service is crucial.

2008 100

2008 Customer Service Cubicle Google Docs 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

AUGUST 8, 2009

Of course you have to be prepared and know your stuff, but knowing you look good when you walk in the door will do wonders on how you present yourself. Why not take the time to tidy up a bit. Make it a comfortable work area to free you up to do your job well. 411 Look Up 411.ca 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

SEPTEMBER 7, 2009

Take for instance on my first day in my new job, these were the acronyms that were being tossed about in conversations at a meeting where I was taking minutes: DOCAS, DRE, LHINS, NAGWD, OCRI and DAC to name a few and these of course are all pronounced as words. 411 Look Up 411.ca 411 Look Up 411.ca " Warning!

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Time Zones ASAP IAAP International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

DECEMBER 31, 2009

Years ago, when I worked for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), I took a training course on a Telex machine. Again, when I worked at the RCMP, I went on a training course for a machine to do criminal record checks. For fun, one of the officers asked me to put my name and birthdate in to see what came up.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones 2010 IAAP International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

APRIL 10, 2009

Of course what works for me will probably not apply to you so you need to set up folders that apply to your working situation, but the fewer the better. What I especially like about it is now when I need to find an e-mail that my boss sent me, it is not tangled up with all the other e-mails, but in a folder all its own.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones Administrative Professionals IAAP International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MAY 10, 2009

Of course before I recommend anything I try it out so I picked up the phone and it asked me what I was looking for and what city and province. I am hooked already and this will definitely go into my Favourites under 411 Look up as well as on speed dial on my cell, home and work phone. 411 Look Up 411.ca 411 Look Up 411.ca

Google 100

Google Time Zones IAAP International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

OCTOBER 4, 2008

Of course we know that people like this are not the Queen and their self-importance is only from themselves, but they can sure make your life miserable while you are in their kingdom. ► August (4) Managing your Boss's Inbox Nice ways to say, "Hurry up!" 411 Look Up 411.ca 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

SEPTEMBER 29, 2008

I am planning a local fundraiser to help the family with the costs on November 15th, but of course it will be in Ottawa, Canada and I know most of you are elsewhere. ► August (4) Managing your Boss's Inbox Nice ways to say, "Hurry up!" 411 Look Up 411.ca 411 Look Up 411.ca " Warning!

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

AUGUST 29, 2009

I can hardly keep up with my own e-mails at times let alone someone elses account, but that is part of my job. Many times I need to proof text and comment with my thoughts before he even looks at it. If you pay attention to what is going on in their Inbox, you will not be taken by surprise when things come up.

Management 100

Management Time Zones IAAP 2009 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

SEPTEMBER 17, 2010

I called them and thankfully they had space available on the date I needed and we were able to amend the contract, but imagine if I hadnt noticed and we showed up on the 7th? When I receive a contract I highlight the date the hotel needs the contract back signed and put a reminder to make sure I send it back in time. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Negotiating International 100

Professional Assistant Blog

MARCH 3, 2008

It’s a reminder to all of us that depending on one system alone works fine, right up until the time that it doesn’t. In this case, commercial email services were affected, but the next time it could be your server at work. Of course, the inverse also works. Until next time, T ake care - of your clutter!

2008 100

2008 Cubicle 2007 Google Docs 100

Professional Assistant Blog

JANUARY 15, 2008

Up until recently, I too felt this way. There is life outside of the office, but of course, you need to go to work to get your bread and butter. You feel that your work life is in place and need to find some balance in other parts of your life?

2008 100

2008 Cubicle Google Docs 2007 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 3, 2009

The P.S. seems to have had a small comeback with the movie P.S. I Love You and I will continue to use it, but maybe if I really want to highlight something, I will put it right up front, especially in a work e-mail. ► August (4) Managing your Boss's Inbox Nice ways to say, "Hurry up!" 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MAY 10, 2009

She saw the importance of this training to help her daughter know the workings of an office from the bottom up and the office benefitted from her educational training. She was a smart kid and picked up the tasks assigned to her very quickly. I have seen admin assistants climb up the corporate ladder just that way.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

NOVEMBER 1, 2008

When he is away, it is very quiet and sometimes I just have to get up and walk around and visit someone or it feels like I am there by myself. I can interact where I am now, but I have to get up and go if I want to speak with someone and then when I get there I may find they are busy or on the phone so I have wasted my time.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MAY 23, 2009

Of course there were four Karens and three Bobs. I grew up in a world that used Last Name, First Name (i.e. ► August (4) Managing your Boss's Inbox Nice ways to say, "Hurry up!" 411 Look Up 411.ca 411 Look Up 411.ca See what I mean? the phone book, standard filing practices etc.) " Warning!

Time Zones 100

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Professional Assistant Blog

DECEMBER 11, 2007

Keeping your readers up-to-date and information about current information on your company or topic will make them ask for more. Dont be afraid to spice it up a little. If there are some negative feedback, let them go, it builds conversations (of course take out the spam) 2. The bloggers photo is important. Post regularly.

2007 100

2007 2008 Cubicle Google Docs 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

SEPTEMBER 20, 2009

Telemarketing is my number one annoyance in advertising and as soon as I answer the phone and get that few seconds of dead air, that is my queue to hang up. It is usually a business I am interested in and I want to know when new courses or products are offered. It was easy and I got the benefit of trying the service before signing up.

Fax 100

Fax Time Zones IAAP 2009 100

Professional Assistant Blog

OCTOBER 30, 2008

By The Professional Assistant on Thursday, October 30, 2008 Filed Under: Meetings , Organize , Productivity D o you find yourself being bored out of your mind at times with nothing to do? This, of course, is heaven to some, but like me, cant stand being bored. Having nothing to do is such a time waster. Its quite large.

2008 100

2008 2007 Cubicle Google Docs 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 18, 2009

The members of my team of course didnt want to even be near me because of the germs I was spreading and I not only felt sick, but understandably rejected by my co-workers. I resisted for a minute and then when I just couldnt keep my head up one more minute, took my leave and went home. Should we go to work when we are sick?

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International Meeting Minutes 100

Professional Assistant Blog

JULY 16, 2008

Home About Me Advertise Seminars for Professional Assistants By The Professional Assistant on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 Filed Under: Networking , Productivity A re you looking to improve your skills and catch up with the latest office trends ? Are you trying to get that raise or promotion that you so well deserve?

2008 100

2008 Cubicle 2007 Google Docs 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JUNE 14, 2009

To finalize your minutes, you will just need to tidy up the language and formatting for the Chairs approval. Meeting Materials To make it easier for the Chair and board members on the day of the meeting I set up the meeting materials in a binder in as user friendly a way as possible. I enjoy the preparation leading up to the meeting.

Agenda 100

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Professional Assistant Blog

MARCH 20, 2008

Today’s assistants are computer savvy, smart and up-and-coming, and consider themselves professionals in the workplace. Those who are skilled at regularly thinking on their feet as they come up with solutions and ideas both on the computer and on the job might be able to step into this role.

2008 100

2008 2007 Cubicle Google Docs 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MARCH 15, 2009

The system I use is quite simple and has been around for a long time. Tried and True Method: I set up 12 hanging file folders labelled January through to December. For paper things that I need to remember to follow up on, I put the letter or document in my Wait Bin (which is a tray for things I am waiting on).

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International Meeting Minutes 100