The WHOA Factor – The new shock therapy

You've heard of the WOW factor, the art of creating the element of surprise? Well now there's the WHOA factor, which is the art of creating an element of shock, which leaves a longer, lasting impression on people.

Comparing the WOW and WHOA Factors

WOW Factor	WHOA Factor
A surprise birthday party	Your boyfriend asks you to marry him at the birthday party
Finishing the project by the deadline	Finishing one project by the deadline and completing the next one that isn't due until two weeks from now
Helping a co-worker format a document in MS Word	Conducting Lunch and Learn sessions showing employees how to create outstanding documents in MS Word
Completing everything on your task list for the week	Compiling your to-do list on Friday for the following week

WHOA factors have more lasting power. Are people going to remember a pleasant surprise or the feeling of shock?

How to create the WHOA Factor
The WHOA Factor can be implemented in various ways. The key is to leave an imprint or impression on people so that they remember you. Here are a few ways to create your WHOA factor:

1. Use your talent to your ability
If you are skilled in PowerPoint and can make images dance across the slide, words flying in and create the presentation so that it flows and has meaning, this is your talent. Use it to your ability. Help a co-worker create a presentation. Good news travels fast. Pretty soon your WHOA will be well-know and people will look for your assistance.

2. Exhibit Confident Behavior
Speak, appear, act, and move with confidence. Use assertiveness and stand tall. People will be 'WHOAed' by your presence. Recently, someone told me, "Every time I talk to you, it's as if another day is added to my life." This was a man who I have seen on occasion and spoken to at in a minimum of 10 minute conversations.

3. Think Positively
Positive thoughts create positive results. People will listen to you when you are perceived as a positive person. Learn to see the good in the bad, live optimistically. You are what you think.

5 Reasons to Get the Dymo LabelWriter 450

Office professionals are expected to be organized and efficient, among other things. Have you ever needed to find a file, but couldn't because it was buried in a file drawer ? Or did you ever need to create a label, but had to insert a full sheet of blank label? In today's fast paced office environment, time is important and working in an organized office saves time and energy that can be used finishing projects and starting new ones. Here are five reasons the Dymo LabelWriter 450 can help you stay organized and efficient.

1. Print from various software programs
Not only is the Dymo LabelWriter 450 compatible with a PC or Mac, it can print labels from Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Quickbooks, just to name a few.

2. No ink needed
There is no need to keep a storage of ink since this product does not need it. Dymo products use thermal printing technology which means there is no ink or toner needed, so the office supply budget isn't depleted.

3. Stay green – uses less power
The LabelWriter 450 goes into sleep mode when it is not in use so it uses less power.

4. Convenient label printing
Whether you need a label for envelopes, packages, files, barcodes, or name badges, this label writer can meet your needs.

5. Print labels fast
Print up to 71 labels per minute! Need I say more?

When I was asked to demo this product in exchange for compensation, I was impressed with its capabilities. I have saved a lot of time and energy by continuing to keep my workspace organized; you can too with the Dymo LabelWriter 450.

Just say NO – subtle, yet effective ways to say NO to your colleagues

Sometimes it's hard to say 'no.' We don't want to hurt the other person's feelings, we may feel guilty, or maybe we want to please everybody. Whatever the reason, it is important to remember that if you always say 'yes', a lot of your time will be spent in completing other tasks that take away from your own. Here are 4 ways you can say 'no' politely, but assertively and still be in good favor:

The Diversion – the diversion is a short, but sweet apologetic response that lets the individual know that you are too busy to help at this time. An example would be, "I am sorry, but my schedule will not permit me to assist you."

The Delay – the delay is letting the person know that you will think about it and get back to them later. Before you send them on their way, gather more information about the time commitment. For example, if the individual is asking for your help on a project or participation on a committee, ask when the project deadline is or how often the committee meets. You can also ask questions like: What are your responsibilities or tasks? How much planning has already been done? This will make the decision making process easier and quicker. You can say, "Let me check my schedule and I will get back to you." Be aware that they will get back to you, so be prepared to give them a response to their request.

The Relay – the relay is passing them on to someone else. Simply, let them know you can't do it and suggest someone else who can.

The Alternative – the alternative let's you take complete control of the situation. Using this method will allow you to set your schedule and if it doesn't fit into their plan, they will speedily leave your presence. You could say something like, "I can help, but I can't do it right now. I will be able to assist you next week." Note: if the person comes back next week and asks again, you can choose to help or let them know that your schedule is full – go back to the diversion method.

In each response, always thank the person for thinking of you and let them know that they should keep you in mind if they need help in the future. Saying 'no' has never been so easy.

Become a Super Proofer

Proofreading is an important part of job responsibilities for office professionals. Office professionals are in charge of making sure that quality, professional, error free documents are distributed that represent the office, department, and company. One error or misspelling can dispel the company's credibility and look unprofessional; thereby, reflecting negatively on the office professional, because the question will always be: How could you let this slip by you? Here are a few ways in which you can become a super proofer:

1. Check the documentation for contextual errors
To avoid contextual errors, proofread the document very carefully by reading it aloud slowly, and looking for words that are misused. Here is an example of a contextual error:

"We regret any incontinence this service interruption may have caused. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me."

The word 'incontinence' should be replaced with 'inconvenience.' This may be amusing, however, the readers nor the company's executives, will think this is funny.

2. Check for common errors such as dates, dollars amounts, and times.
This is another common error. If the meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 2 and the date is Monday, June 3, recipients will be confused and then you will have to resend the notice. This is a time waster and productivity killer.

3. Is the attachment attached?
This is a common mistake in email notices. If there is an attachment, attach it first then compile the message. This is helpful when drafting a message that needs to be sent out immediately; if you don't attach the document right away, distractions and interruptions can cause this mistake to occur.

4. Make sure that the attachments open and the links work.
Prior to sending the message, try opening the attachments this will make sure that it is the correct document and you will verify that the attachment can be opened. While checking the attachments, test the hyperlinks to ensure that they link to the right reference.

These are some simple yet valuable ways to catch errors in correspondence before distributing them to the public. Taking the extra steps to make sure that these common errors do not occur will eliminate a lot of embarrassment and repeat notifications.

Organize your office: Prepare for the Day after Tax Day

Tax Day is almost here, this year – April 18 – there are piles of tax documents scattered around the desk, perhaps the floor and on other pieces of furniture. When everything gets back to "semi-normal" you will need an effective filing system to file those documents away for easy access for the next tax year. Plan ahead and use DYMO labels to make your life a lot easier.

Here three ways to use DYMO labels for "after tax day" organizing:

1. Label file folders appropriately.
   

   Labeling the files will make the search for documents quicker.
   

2. Make mailing address labels.
   

   Need to mail documents? Make them now so that you don't have to waste time preparing them later.
   

3. Label storage areas.
   

   Where will the documents be filed? Identify a secure place and label the storage area. This will make finding where you put the files easier and faster.
   

This is one of the most stressful times, next to Christmas, when we will spend countless hours collectively looking for documents, using labels to identify, organize, and arrange documents will reduce stress, mistakes, and wasted hours.

As an administrative professional and former tax preparer, I understand the importance for an effective filing system, in exchange for trying out the DYMO Label products and receiving compensation, I discovered a great way to organize my home and work offices.

Effective Decision Making: The Art of Realization and the Elements of Knowing

Effective decision making is a learned skill that comes from past and present experiences. Decision making stems from what we have realized and what we know as a result of realizing. When making a decision, it is very important to understand the difference in the factors of realization and knowing. These factors play an important role in the process because the decision will be based on previous moments of realization which have now become bits and pieces of knowledge.

Realizing is the ‘aha’ moment. It is the moment, when we acknowledge that we have discovered something new. Failure helps us have ‘aha’ moments. When we fail we have realized that we made an error, and we should know not to repeat that same mistake or we will fail again. Realizing is also when you acknowledge something that may have already been visible, but you never noticed its presence. How many times have you watched the same movie over and over again, and you always notice something different? The movie hasn’t changed, but your thought patterns have; the same movie that you have watched countless times has caused your brain to see things in a different parameter. Then comes the ‘aha’ moment.

Knowing is the information that we already have stored in our memory bank. It is a collection of data, inferences, facts, etc. that came the moment we realized its existence. The elements of knowing are stored up information that came from realization.

Here are some examples of how to use the art of realization to make effective decisions:

 Realizing that you have figured out a new feature in a computer software program
Knowing how to use that feature to be more productive and produce quality documents

 Realizing that your supervisor is not a morning person
Knowing to schedule meetings in the afternoon

 Realizing that Mondays are the busiest day of the week at work
Knowing to plan your schedule accordingly, especially when working on big projects

So, the key is to have more moments of realization. Here are some ways to have more frequent moments of realization to increase your knowledge base which will result in better decision making:

1. Make a commitment to learn something new each day.
2. Learn from your mistakes and others.
3. Become more observant.
4. Do not be afraid of failure.
5. Use active listening skills.

Understanding how to use the information that you have come to realize is a major step in the process of decision making. Effective decision making requires specific thought patterns that process information that was once realized and is now a known element.

Top 10 April Fools Jokes You Don’t Want to Play on Your Boss

April Fool's Day is a day that can catch many people off guard and the workplace is the worst place to joke around. You may make up many fabrications and stories today, but don't relay those messages to your boss or else consequences and repercussions will occur! Here are the top 10 things jokes you don't want to play on your boss (even if they are true – to a degree!):

1. You don't want to develop or improve your skills.
   
2. You can't get along with your co-workers.
   
3. You can't meet deadlines.
   
4. You are unorganized.
   
5. You would rather be someplace else than at work.
   
6. You have no interest in getting a promotion.
   
7. You are not a team player.
   
8. You spend the majority of your day shopping online and updating your Facebook page.
   
9. Your performance evaluation is not important.
   
10. You are actively looking for a new position.
    

If you want to be successful in the workplace, reread the top 10 and do the opposite of each, not only will you improve your relationship with your boss, but positive outcomes will result, which will make for a more productive, stress free environment. NO FOOLIN'!

 

That was a bad decision! Learn effective decision making skills

Have you ever had trouble making decisions? Don't know what to do in some situations? Have you ever regretted making a decision or wish you hadn't made that specific choice? In today's fast-paced work environment, decisions need to be made all the time and at a moment's notice. This article will give you tips on how to make decisions with no regrets.

Use Critical Thinking and Logic
Think rationally about the problem. Why are you being presented with the issue? Who will be affected by the decision? What will you gain or lose? Are you willing to make sacrifices or accept the consequences? When you think about questions such as this, you are able to come to a rational and logical conclusion and will be prepared for the consequences. Thereby, eliminating surprises.

Speculate outcomes
Before making a decision, think about the possible outcome that could result as a consequence. Then come up with a plan b or even a plan c. Having a plan b or c will prepare you just in case the original plan does not work. When you have alternative solutions, you are prepared for the worse and can quickly take action and implement the next choice. Speculating outcomes will also improve critical thinking skills.

The W.H.O Method
The W.H.O Method is a basic methodology to problem solving and decision making.

W = What is the problem?
Identify the issue. Have a clear understanding of the problem.

H = How can it be resolved?
Can the problem be solved with a quick fix or is there a series of steps or a process that will need to be implemented in order to resolve the issue? When you make this determination, you can go to the next step….

O = Are there other alternatives (plan b and/or c)?
Devise a plan b and/or c. Be prepared; have a backup plan just in case the original plan does not work.

For every problem, there is a solution. Learning how to make good decisions is a skill that will make your life less stressful and more productive.

Accomplish goals and get what you WANT with the W.I.N. List

Task and to-do lists are filled with goals that NEED to be completed. We are so busy trying to achieve these goals, we often forget about our WANTS. You may WANT to obtain a degree and will NEED to enroll in an educational institution, but how are you going to achieve the goal of completion without a clear plan? Creating your W.I.N. (Wants Including Needs) list will give you a clearer picture of your goals and a broader perspective to help you accomplish the objective.

Steps to creating a W.I.N. List:

1. Identify your WANTS first
   

   Think of what you want to do. When you identify your WANTS, you add value to what you want to accomplish which serves as a motivator to complete the tasks listed.
    

2. Identify your NEEDS next
   

   The second step in creating the W.I.N. list is to relate the NEEDS to the wants which will provide focus as to what actually needs to be accomplished and gives a 'layout' of your short and long term goals.
    

3. Speculate the outcomes
   

   What do you expect will happen when each goal is accomplished? Speculating outcomes allows you to not only think outside the box, but to think outside the closet that the box is in. You will be able to see a clearer picture of your goals.
    

   Sample W.I.N. List:
    

Wants	Needs	Outcomes
Degree	Enroll in college	Graduate
Save more money	Stop spending so much	Increase savings
Make more money	Pay bills	Financial freedom

 

Now review your W.I.N. list to determine how you will accomplish each goal. For example, in the sample above, you want to obtain a degree so you need to enroll in an educational institution to graduate. Now think about how you will manage your time to attend classroom or online instruction and how you will use the degree to your advantage.

W.I.N. lists are for the purposes of motivating and inspiring you to achieving your goals. They are designed to give a broader perspective of what needs to be accomplished because of what you WANT. The W.I.N. list is about you and your personal and professional development, use it to your advantage.

Product Review – Label Manager 360D

An organized office is an efficient office. I had the opportunity to review the Label Manager 360D and found it to make my office tasks a lot easier! I can find files more quickly and my office is more organized. Here are three reasons why I would recommend this product:

1. Convenience and flexibility.
The Label Manager 360D allows you to go to other parts of the office and make labels rather than being confined to the computer. This handheld, easy to carry, label maker allows you to go to other parts of the office to create, print, and affix labels easily. No more laboring in front of a computer, inserting blank label sheets, especially if you only need to print a few.

2. Print labels quickly in different sizes and fonts.
Labels are printed in seconds! Labels can be printed in 1/4'', 3/8", 1/2" and 3/4" widths and 3 fonts and 7 text styles; highlight your text with 8 box styles or underlining.

3. Save labels for future printing.
Have a particular style you use frequently? The Label Manager 360D lets you save formats and use them later.

Organization never looked or felt better! The label manager is lightweight and compact, so it takes up very little space. After reviewing the Label Manager 360D, in exchange for compensation, I would highly recommend this product to any office professional who wants to reduce stress and increase productivity

5 Tips for Getting Organized with Labels in the New Year

Happy New Year office professionals! A new year brings new challenges, opportunities, and new ways to get organized and become more productive and efficient in your job. I had the opportunity to use the Dymo Label Manager 360D- rechargeable Desktop Label Maker and found it to be very helpful in organizing my office space.

Here are 5 tips that you can use to get organized for the New Year by using labels:

1. Find documents easier and quicker.
How frustrating is it to have file folders that are the same color and not know what’s in them? Use labels to identify the contents in each folder and cut down on search time and loss of productivity.

2. Reports are more professional looking with customization.
Placing labels on report covers and binders adds a professional look and feel to your documents, plus it is easier to identify the contents, source, and purpose for the information.

3. Save on re-printing costs for pre-printed materials that need updating. Add the additional information using a label.
So you have 1,000 business brochures and pamphlets and the fax number has changed, instead of throwing the outdated documents in the garbage and ordering new ones- GO GREEN and put a label on each identifying the updated information. Saves money, time, and paper!

4. Organize your media library.
If you are like me and have a vast collection of DVDs and CDs, whether they are homemade or store bought, you can make your work life a lot easier by labeling the cases in an effort to cut down the time it takes to find what you need.

5. Save time and label sheets by using a label maker and print as needed.
Ever need to print one mailing address label, but you have to insert an entire sheet to print just the one? So you have to use the computer, type the address, insert the sheet in the printer, adjust the alignment of the printer, and print the label. Eliminate this 5-step process and print labels as needed with a label maker. It’s quicker and easier!

In exchange for trying out the Dymo Label Manager 360D, writing a product review and getting compensated, I was able to experience the benefits of using the label maker to make my office life much more productive and organized. How will you organize your worklife in the New Year?