Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Be Loud and Proud

The following is from Caterina Rando's blog: http://attractclientswithease.com/blog/

"Shout your advocacy position from the mountaintop. Let everyone know what you stand for. Erin Stafford is an image consultant, like so many others. However, Erin takes the position that every woman can look great without spending a fortune. Like Erin, pursue every opportunity to spread your opinion through articles, podcasts, blogs, vlogs, speeches and of course, your own website. Make your advocacy position clear and prominent in everything you do.

"Action to take: Decide what you want to be an advocate for. Or who you want to be an advocate for."

(C) 2009 Caterina Rando· Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 · No Comments »

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Neatness Counts

The Work Area: Now, take inventory of your entire work area. Note where the files are that you use daily. Can you reach them easily from your chair? What about the files that you need on occasion, are they well organized? Do you have the supplies you need such as paper and folders readily available? Consider the position of your desk and chair. You might try to turn them facing another direction rather than toward passing people. This is one way to minimize interruptions.

Keeping a well -organized work area reflects positively on your professional image. If you find yourself procrastinating or getting distracted easily, it’s time to improve your workspace and filing system.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Setting Boundaries

“No” is a small word with great power. Saying no more often can be hard, but it is one of the best tools you have for putting more time in your life.

Start by keeping your goals in mind. Say no to anything that takes you away from your goals or does not increase your productivity. This doesn’t mean that you avoid unpleasant or difficult tasks. The key is to keep your goals and priorities in focus.

Saying “yes” when you mean “no” can lead to feelings of resentment and anger. This can be more damaging to your relationships in the long run than saying “no” when you mean “no.”

Sometimes, saying “no” isn’t easy. Many people were raised to please others, not themselves and feel that if they say “no,” they will lose friends and associates. So, how do you say “no” without alienating others?

• Speak courteously and politely.

• Make “no” the first word you say and keep your statements simple and direct. “No, I can’t do that.” “No, I won’t be able to do that.”

• Give a reason if appropriate, but keep it short and straightforward.

• Show that you understand the situation. Remind people of your roles and responsibilities.

• State the consequences of saying “yes.”

If you’re not sure whether you want to say “no” or “yes,” ask for time to think it over. Be specific about when you will have an answer.

Practice saying “no” at least once a day.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Project Planning -- Set a Goal

Set a SMART goal for your project. What do you want to accomplish with the project? A SMART goal is a definition of the project with an end-results objective. It is specific, measurable, attainable, result-oriented and time bound.

Is this a SMART goal? “Plan and deliver a luncheon for eight new GSB faculty members on September 30, 2009 within a budget of $500.”

If not, what’s missing? How would we change it so it is a SMART goal?

It's missing the results objective.

“Plan and deliver a luncheon for eight new GSB faculty members on September 30, 2009 within a budget of $500 so our new faculty feel welcome and understand the college culture.”