Dread those writing projects no more!
Even professional writers sometimes struggle with organizing their thoughts, and find themselves stuck for an opening line. When you’re in the same boat, use one of the techniques the pros use:
Grammar Repair Shop: Summer, spring or Fall?
Problem: Lisa DiBuono, a legal administrative assistant in Greenwich, Conn., wants to know whether to capitalize seasons. Lesson: When you’re referring to a season, keep it lower case. If the word is part of a formal title, capitalize. Correct: “We’ll begin office renovations in the spring.” “The office dress code for summer is more relaxed.” […]
10-second tips for being memorable
Create a positive impression by making each interaction with people memorable. You can do that in 10 seconds or less, with these approaches:
Keep loafers on task, projects on course
The team project turned out well, but you’re miffed because you and a co-worker did all the work; the rest of the team slacked off. Now, even the slackers are receiving credit for your work.
Books that are worth your time
You could write a book, right? Well that’s what these authors did—about their admin work. What are you reading these days? Have you read any of these buzz-worthy business books—or others? Give us something to talk about…
Which of your talents need updating?
You’re admired for having the memory of an elephant and the innate ability to put people at ease. But are your skills the ones that employers consider top priority? Do they mesh with changing economic and work environments? If not, hone new talents that will set you apart from the crowd. Start by asking yourself […]
Grammar Repair Shop: Tips for avoiding 4 common word goofs
Should it be affect or effect? They’re or their? If you haven’t confused these words when writing, you’ve probably seen others mix them up. Here’s how to make the right choice, when it comes to the following commonly confused words: 1. There/their/they’re. Example: There/Their/They’re meeting always runs long. Answer: Their. How to remember: “Their” contains […]
Resolved: 2 ticklish office etiquette situations
Knowing whether or not to tell your CEO that he has spinach stuck in his teeth is one sure test of your etiquette skills. (Answer: Tell him, but discreetly.) How would you handle the following two difficult or embarrassing situations?
I didn’t know Excel could do that!
Have you discovered all the tools and shortcuts buried within Excel? Hedge your bet by checking out Annette Marquis’s list of Excel features, tools and techniques, which we’ve detailed here…
Grammar Repair Shop: Saying it again and again
Avoid repeating yourself by watching out for the following tautologies: phrases that—put simply—say the same thing twice. 1. advanced ahead 2. at this point in time 3. basic fundamentals 4. brief in duration 5. both together 6. cooperate together 7. enclosed herein 8. free gift 9. important essentials 10. just exactly 11. merge together 12. […]