September 2008 - Posts

Editor's Note
Monday, September 01, 2008 2:39 PM

Dear Reader,

Women friendships can sometimes be complicated. Sometimes there’s jealousy and competition, but there’s also compassion, trust and understanding. Girlfriends are those people you can tell your secrets to, laugh over embarrassing stories with, and share life experiences. And September 21 marks the 10th annual National Women’s Friendship Day—a day to honor those sometimes complicated, but more often, wonderful women friendships in your life.

Even when your girlfriends are sometimes stressing you out, they are actually benefiting you! According to a nurses’ health study from Harvard Medical School, women with friends were less likely to develop physical impairments as they aged. Further, a study by the University of California-Los Angeles found that friendships among women may actually counteract the impact of stress.

 

Some of my best memories involve my girlfriends. There’s nothing like throwing your arms around your best friend and bolting out your favorite song at the top of your lungs together or getting a severe case of the giggle fits when one of you does something silly. It’s these special times that makes having girlfriends so valuable.

 

Take some time this month to honor your girlfriends. They may not know quite how much you really appreciate them! Why not grab lunch together or organize a spa day? You could plan a weekend trip together. Short on time? Grab coffee or dessert. Need to run errands? Do it together! Grocery shopping is so much more fun done in pairs. Even just a phone call or a funny card can make someone’s day.

 

Have you done something nice for one of your girlfriends recently? What ways do you show them you appreciate them?

Christy Wolf, Editor 

by Mike | with no comments
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Ask the Expert
Monday, September 01, 2008 2:30 PM

 

Quick tips on Customer Service 
from Quill Customer Service Manager Sherry Posch

An apology costs nothing, but can cost the business when not shared or sincere. 

 

It takes months to earn a customer, seconds to lose one.

 

Follow the “Golden Rule.” Treat your customer as you’d expect to be treated; extend yourself to make a positive and lasting impression on the customer.

 

Actively listen to what your customer is saying. Never assume you know what they’re requesting; ask questions to ensure the situation is fully understood.

 

Always tell your customer what you CAN do for them rather than what you CANNOT do. Why say ‘no’ when you have the ability to say ‘yes?’

 

Do you have some customer service tips to share? If so, let us know!

by Mike | 1 comment(s)
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The Giving Tree
Monday, September 01, 2008 2:20 PM

 

Protect-A-Dog and the Penny Princess

One 13-year-old girl in California proves that collecting change makes a lot of sense. Six years ago, Alyssa Mayorga began collecting pennies that she found on the street and around her house. She knew that by saving the pennies, the money would add up. Alyssa used the money to buy Christmas presents for kids at Orangewood Children’s Center in California.

She decided one day, after learning about a police dog killed in action, to raise money to buy bulletproof vests for the police dogs. Alyssa’s Uncle Rudy helped her get started with her project. Rudy Mayorga, a Santa Ana policeman, helped her get in touch with police-dog training facilities. Alyssa also put cans in stores and offices around her neighborhood so people could donate to her cause, from pennies to large dollar amounts. Some people have donated enough to cover the entire cost of a vest!

 

Word quickly spread that Alyssa was raising money for police dog vests. Officers would approach Alyssa at dog shows and ask about receiving vests for their police dogs. Alyssa would add their names to a list of police dogs needing vests.

 

Since starting her project, now called Protect-a-Dog, Alyssa is now known as the Penny Princess, and she has helped donate more than 55 bulletproof vests to dozens of agencies across the United States. Alyssa works with companies like U.S. Armor Corp. in Santa Fe Springs to purchase bulletproof vests at a discount, reducing the cost of the expensive vests to approximately $400.

 

With your help, Alyssa can continue to protect police dogs. If you would like to support Alyssa’s cause or if you’re a law enforcement officer wanting a vest for a police dog, you may visit her Web site at www.Protect-a-Dog.com for more information.

by Mike | with no comments
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Renew You!
Monday, September 01, 2008 2:14 PM

 

Come On, Get Happy!
Five Things You Can Do to Be Happy

The Bradys seemed pretty happy, what with all the bright clothes and fun times. But not everyone can have a perfect family and a funny maid. So what do real-life people do to be – and stay – happy? According to O Magazine, they do these things (with some of our own thrown in):

 

1. Let yourself be happy.

For whatever reason, and whether we realize it or not, some of us believe it’s wrong to be happy and even feel guilty when we are. Break free of that! It’s okay—and encouraged, actually—to be happy. What’s life without happiness?

 

2. Take control of your happiness.

Think seriously about your day-to-day happiness. Does anything make you unhappy? Consider the small things, too—they add up, especially if it’s something that’s part of your daily routine. A long commute or boring lunch, for example. You can get a job closer to home, look into public transportation, try a new sandwich. Your happiness is up to you.

 

3. Be the best you.

Discover and develop your talents. It’s easier said than done, and it’ll probably take time and patience, but finding your true self is like a happiness goldmine. What are you good at? What do you love to do? Following your passion is so important for a fulfilling life.

 

4. Surround yourself with good people.

Make time for the people who make you feel good and make you laugh. Distance yourself from those Debbie Downers—those complainers and negative thinkers. They’ll bring you down with them.

 

5. Make yourself laugh.  

Life is so much more fun with laughter. Don’t be afraid to look silly for a laugh, even if it’s just your own. Make fun for yourself in your alone time or during downtime at work. Little happy moments—brought to you by you—can bring happiness to your day.

 

What do you do to stay happy?

by Mike | 2 comment(s)
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News You Can Use
Monday, September 01, 2008 2:04 PM

 

The Time to Start Saving for College is Now! 

September is National College Savings Month, the ideal time to begin a program for your children or maybe re-think your existing savings plan. A U.S. Congressional Resolution officially recognized September as College Savings Month in 2003.

The College Savings Plans Network has been joined by more than 40 states in declaring September College Savings Month. A tax-free Section 529 plan makes it easy and affordable for the average family to plan ahead for the cost of college attendance and is available in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Many activities are held across the nation during September to recognize the importance of saving for college.

It is very important to start saving for education as soon as possible, even as early as the day the child is born. Time is a valuable asset—the sooner you start saving, the more time your money has to grow.

When you consider the rapidly rising costs of a college education, you’ll quickly consider the prospects and start saving. Here are some stunning, but true statistics:

·         Children born today will face college costs that are 3 to 4 times the current prices by the time they enroll in college

·         Parents should expect to pay at least 1/2 to 2/3 of their children's college costs through a combination of savings, current income and loans

·         If a savings plan is started early enough, even a modest weekly or monthly investment can grow to a significant college fund by the time the child enrolls

·         It is less expensive to save for college than to borrow, either way, you're setting aside a portion of your income to pay for college

·         When you save, the money earns interest, while when you borrow, you're paying the interest

Even if college is just a year or two away, it is never too late to start saving—there are tax benefits to saving in a Section 529 college savings plan or prepaid tuition plan, and every dollar you save is a dollar less you'll need to borrow.

What are you doing to save for your child’s college education?

by Mike | with no comments
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Admin’s Assistant
Monday, September 01, 2008 1:57 PM

 

How to Keep Your Brain Sharp

Forgetting to pick up a loaf of bread at the store and misplacing car keys happens to everyone. Unfortunately, as our schedules get busier, stress levels increase, and we get older, it becomes more difficult to remember things. Luckily, there are quite a few things you can do that will help keep your brain sharp and active.

We already know that getting plenty of sleep and exercise, along with a healthy diet, are the foundation for keeping your brain healthy. For years studies have shown that these activities help repair the brain from the stress of working as well as generate new brain cells.

For a real boost in brain power, focus on exercising the brain itself. Take up a new hobby like creative writing, woodworking or sewing. You could also learn a foreign language or a musical instrument.

If you're looking for a quick way to sharpen your mind on the train or while waiting in the doctor's office, crossword puzzles and games like Sudoku are portable, easy to find, and are mentally stimulating. If you're willing to spend a little money, Nintendo has published a video game called “Brain Age.” This game claims to "give your brain the workout it needs" and tracks your progress.

Keep your brain sharp at work by taking Internet breaks. Although many companies ban certain Web sites or disallow the Internet entirely, research is now showing that taking a short break to surf the net will reduce stress. Lower stress levels mean clearer and sharper minds which lead to increased productivity.

Do you have a great way to sharpen your brain during the work day? We'd like to hear about it!

by Mike | 1 comment(s)
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Climbing the Ladder
Monday, September 01, 2008 1:42 PM

What Certificate Programs Increase Your Value to Potential Employers?

Certificate programs are a series of courses designed to give students a relatively quick (they generally require about 30 credits compared to around 120 for undergrad degrees), yet extensive professional training in a specific field. Programs focus on a variety of areas—from financial planning to legal executive assistant training--and are used to bolster existing careers or help jump-start a career change. The following are some certificate programs that could help you get an edge up on the competition.

Information technology security

Prior to the Internet revolution, important files were only accessible through physically entering a workplace to retrieve a paper file or download information from a computer.  But with the advent of network access and telecommuting, important information is out there in cyberspace for hackers to gain access to.

 

Knowing how to not only protect information, but retrieve lost data is a very valuable skill and there are many certificate programs that specialize in this area.

 

Graphic and Web design

The Internet is a brave new world for almost every industry. There are not many companies that don’t have some form of a Web page and even fewer not looking to increase their presence on the Web. Knowledge of HTML and programs like Dreamweaver, even just at a rudimentary level, can be a big advantage in the marketplace.

 

Computer programs

Many institutions offer certificate programs for computer programs like Oracle and Cisco. Knowledge of complex programs that businesses rely on can increase one’s value to a potential employer immensely. 

 

Executive coaching

Executive coaches can garner more than $1,000 a day to coach top dogs on how to get the most out of a company. This may be the ideal certificate for executive assistants, as they already have extensive experience with top executives, as well as everyday access. Could a new position – administrative assistant/executive coach – be waiting to be created? 

If none of these certificate programs appeal to you, there are plenty more out there. Click here for a glossary of certificate programs.

Have you gotten a certificate to help your resume? What has it done for your career?

by Mike | with no comments
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