4 online organizers keep it together
Wrangle all your to-do lists into order with these four online tools: Springpad, Zoho.com, Cozi.com and the Things application:
Category: Productivity
When the boss is away, the mice play
What should you do about a co-worker who takes advantage of a boss-less office? How do you bring this to your boss’s attention without appearing like a troublemaker? Here are some ideas for addressing a co-worker’s slacker behavior:
Re-tool with 4 new Internet Explorer tricks
Usually Google gets all the attention for its latest, online tools. But recently, Microsoft grabbed the headlines for adding zippy new features to Internet Explorer. Here are four IE (version 8) features to save you time:
Event planning checklist: tracking and timelines
Size matters when it comes to planning events. For smaller events, you can go solo. But for larger ones, it takes a committee, a nod from management and a zinger of a spreadsheet for keeping tasks and timelines on track. To help you track the details, try this sample checklist below adapted from Midwest Meetings:
Business Networking: How Twitter can help you do your job
You may be using Twitter.com already. If not, it’s worth taking a second look. Why? Because savvy businesses are using the tool to do some of what you do already—smooth out the information flow between leadership and everyone else. Here’s how Twitter can help you on the job:
Tips to help avoid scheduling snafus
Need help when personal and work commitments overlap? Try these tips to better balance your schedule: Keep a uni-calendar … Pen in time for important others … Ask for help.
Fess up to a mistake the right way
You’ve just had a brochure printed for your company and you notice a very big, embarrassing typo. What should you do? Tell your boss about your role in the mistake? Blame the colleagues who checked the final proof?
Tame the meeting madness
Almost half of executives say that employees would be more productive if their companies banned meetings one day a week, according to a recent survey by OfficeTeam. That may be the case, but administrative assistants say meetings are still very much a part of every day—to a fault. How are admins taming the meeting madness?
Talking it out with the boss: 6 tips
Communication is a cornerstone of any relationship—at least any good relationship. So why do so many executives rely on casual, on-the-fly exchanges with their assistants? Joan Burge, an administrative trainer CEO of Office Dynamics, holds a daily huddle with her executive assistant. Here’s how they make the communication work:
1-Minute Strategies: Aug. ’09
Make Adobe Reader remember where you left off, as well as your selected zoom and pan settings … Improve daily planning by being specific on your to-do list … Expect a VIP visitor at the office? Use this tactic from Darienne Page, receptionist for President Obama’s Oval Office …