What’s your Perceived Professional Quotient?
By · CommentsWhat sets you apart as an administrative professional?
Is it the way you conduct yourself in social settings? In business settings? Is it the type of speech you use or the positive attitude you display? Is it the way you treat your co-workers and the executives you support?
I think we’ve all worked with someone during our careers who simply stands out. They are the consummate professional in almost every setting with almost all personality types. They always know the right thing to say and the right way to say it. It is impossible to imagine someone not wanting to work with them because they display so many impressive and polished traits. And then we’ve all worked with the opposites.
What three things influence whether or not a person is perceived as professional? According to Erin O’Hara Meyer, PHR, founder of Administrative Excellence, Inc., and author of Administrative Excellence, those three things are IMAGE, CONDUCT, and EXPERTISE.
We have 1/20th of one second to make a first impression. With that first impression, the other individual makes an instant assessment about our knowledge, skills, and abilities. Image encompasses not only how we dress, but how we speak and present our work product each day. Do I capitalize words and punctuate my e-mail messages – even when I’m in a hurry? How do I answer the phone when it may be someone contacting my company for the first time – or the 20th time? Is my desk or office kept in a manner that indicates I’m a professional?
It’s easy to see how conduct is intertwined with overall image, too. Do I maintain the confidentiality that is required for the information I handle each day? Do I gossip or talk negatively about my co-workers, my boss or external partners with which my company does business? All of these things contribute to our Perceived Professional Quotient whether we intend them to or not.
No matter how polished our professional image, though, eventually our actual work product must live up to the image we are projecting. This is where our expertise is critical. What am I doing on a daily basis to further my education? Belonging to a professional association such as the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) is a great place to start, but it’s only the beginning. Taking time each day to build our professional expertise requires planning and effort. But it must be done to continue our professional development. Am I reading books on soft skills or technical areas where I want to improve? Do I utilize some of the terrific online resources for professional development like www.StarDynamics.com and www.productivitypro.com or even the www.iaap-hq.org websites? Have I asked my employer what training classes are available to me?
Let’s continue to enhance our professional image and conduct, and work each day to increase our professional expertise. Then our Perceived Professional Quotient will go beyond mere form into the substance of true administrative excellence. And excellence always sets an administrative professional apart!
To your administrative success!
Julie Perrine CPS/CAP, MBTI Certified
If you have a Word Table or an Excel Spreadsheet with a column of e-mail addresses, this is how to convert it quickly into an e-mail distribution list that you can use without manually typing e-mails into Outlook.
For OUTLOOK users starting from Excel or Word:
- Copy the entire column of e-mail addresses desired.
- Paste the column into the TO / CC / BCC of a blank Outlook E-mail message.
- Click out of the field you pasted the information in, and click into another field. The list of e-mail addresses will automatically convert into the e-mail format that Outlook requires to send the message.
Note: Depending on how often the list is updated, you may want to save this list in Word for future use. Or you may want to copy and paste it into the notes portion of an Outlook Contact named with the distribution list title for easy use and retrieval again later.
Here is another way to create an e-mail distro list if the steps listed above don’t work for your e-mail editor program.
From Excel:
- Copy the entire column of e-mail addresses desired.
- Paste the column into a BLANK Word document.
Continuing From Word:
In Word 2003:
- Make sure each cell has only one e-mail per cell in the column of information. If it has two per cell, add a row and give each e-mail address it’s own cell in the column. Remove any commas or other punctuation that was separating the two e-mail addresses in the cell.
- Select or highlight the column of e-mail addresses.
- Click on Table
- Click on Convert
- Click on Table to Text
- Click on Separate Text With Paragraph Marks and Click OK
- Click on Edit Menu
- Click on Replace
- In the Find What field enter “^p” or click on the special button and select the Paragraph Mark from the list.
- In the Replace With Field enter whatever symbol your e-mail program uses to separate multiple e-mails in a series (i.e. the semi-colon or the comma).
- Click on Replace All
- You should have a list of e-mail addresses separated by the desired punctuation ready to copy and paste into the To, CC, or BCC lines of your e-mail program.
- If you want to save this list in Word for future use, you may. Or you may want to copy and paste it into the notes portion of an Outlook Contact named with the distribution list title for easy use and retrieval again later.
In Word 2007
- Make sure each cell has only one e-mail per cell in the column of information. If it has two per cell, add a row and give each e-mail address it’s only cell in the column.
- Select or highlight the column of e-mail addresses.
- Click on Table Tools Layout Tab
- Click on Convert to Text Icon
- Click on Separate Text With Paragraph Marks and Click OK
- Click on Home Menu
- Click on Replace
- In the Find What field enter “^p” or click on the special button and select the Paragraph Mark from the list.
- In the Replace With Field enter whatever symbol your e-mail program uses to separate multiple e-mails in a series (i.e. the semi-colon or the comma).
- Click on Replace All
- You should have a list of e-mail addresses separated by the desired punctuation ready to copy and paste into the To, CC, or BCC lines of your e-mail program.
This tech tip will save you hours of work when you don’t have to enter each e-mail manually, especially if you are working with large group distribution lists.
For questions about this tech tip, to share a tech tip, or to request a tech tip you’d like to learn more about, please send an e-mail to Julie Perrine CPS/CAP at Julie@julieperrine.com.
TECH TIPS: Naming Conventions for Electronic Filing
By · CommentsHave you ever searched your electronic files over and over again looking for a document?
Do you use a standard file naming system to keep your electronic files organized?
Many use electronic folders to begin tackling electronic file organization, but that doesn’t always solve the issues depending upon how many files you have stored on your system. Here are some ideas to create organization and structure for your electronic files beyond using folders to help you name, file, and retrieve your documents more efficiently.
Consider beginning each file name with a 3 or 4 letter abbreviation to help categorize the file and help you find it more quickly later. Think about the primary types or categories of documents that you create and begin writing them down. Then create a 3 or 4 letter abbreviation to represent that file type. Here are some examples:
- FORM – Forms
- LTR – Letters
- MEMO – Memos
- LBL – Labels
- MAP – Maps
- ENV – Envelopes
- RPT – Reports
- SIGN – Signs
Keep this list and the abbreviations posted next to your computer so you can refer to it quickly when creating files or searching for files until you get used to using this system.
The nice element of this is all of your file types show up together on the menu list and then in alphabetical order by the name of the file.
This is also handy if you do travel itineraries for multiple executives. Here’s an example of a file naming convention for travel itineraries:
- XXXXXX – Location – Name or Initials of Traveler (i.e. 073007 – Tampa FL – JLP)
- XXXXXX – Location, Event, Name of Traveler (i.e. 073007 – Tampa FL IAAP Conv JLP)
When using dates in your file names, consider using full six-digit dates so they always align accurately. You may also consider starting with a 2-digit or 4-digtit year, so you can find things by the year, then the month and day. Using the same sample data from above, that would look like this:
- 2007 0730 Tampa FL JLP
It’s easy to rename files that you already have created by going in to Microsoft Explorer and adding the prefix or format to your file names. Click on the file name once to select it. Click on the file name again (don’t double click) to open the editing box. The file name will appear in a box with your cursor highlighted at the beginning. You can rename the file, then click outside the file name box and it’s renamed.
For questions about this tech tip, to share a tech tip, or to request a tech tip you’d like to learn more about, please send an e-mail to Julie Perrine CPS/CAP at Julie@julieperrine.com
Putting My Own Oxygen Mask On First
By · CommentsOne of my professional goals for 2009 is to “put my own oxygen mask on first.” As practical and easy as that may sound, client projects and tasks are usually more pressing (or exciting)…and they pay better than my own do. Or do they?
As an entrepreneur, if I’m losing leads or opportunities because I’m not regularly updating my blog or developing and promoting new products and services for my own business, I’m robbing myself. I’m cutting off the very oxygen I require to stay alive and fresh as a business owner.
As an administrative professional, if I’m not reading good materials, keeping up on the latest technology and office trends, and pursuing my own professional development plan, I’m also cutting off the oxygen supply required to keep me sharp and vital to the team I’m supporting.
When you fly, they always tell you to put on your own oxygen mask first because you can’t help others around you if you start to pass out from a lack of oxygen. And this happens much more quickly than you realize it will! The same applies to our personal and professional lives. Don’t let a lack of oxygen cut off your future growth and development. What are YOU going to do TODAY to put YOUR own oxygen mask on first?
To your administrative success,
Julie Perrine CPS/CAP
Certified Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Administrator
http://www.julieperrine.com/
Make Professional Development YOUR Responsibility
By · CommentsIn tighter economic times, training and development is typically one of the first areas where many companies tighten their belts. I’ve recently heard many administrative professionals lamenting this and offering it up as a reason for not being able to pursue additional training or professional development opportunities they wanted to this year. But whose responsibility is your professional development?
STOP WASTING TIME. START GROWING.
If you wait for someone else to take an interest in your professional growth, you’re wasting valuable time and opportunities. While some of the higher cost training programs may not as doable if you are financing them on your own budget, there are still lots of economical and no
cost training options around if you know where to look. Here are just a few ideas to get you thinking:
- Local chapters of professional organizations typically hold monthly programs on topics that relate to your profession (my personal favorite is the International Association of Administrative Professionals)
- Local conferences and workshops
- Community College Continuing Education Programs
- Online webinars and teleclasses (my personal favorites are Laura Stack The Productivity Pro and Joan Burge with Office Dynamics)
- Networking groups (even if you only visit as a guest to hear a particular speaker – get out there and get networking at the same time)
- Chamber of Commerce
- Local business building organizations or small business incubators
- Local libraries
All you need to do is watch the calendar of events section of any local newspaper or advertiser and you’ll start seeing opportunities you never knew were out there…many for just the cost of dinner and your time!
Don’t underestimate the power of READING A BOOK. The libraries and bookstore shelves are filled awesome books on numerous administrative topics. You’ll see several recommendations on my reading list on the right hand side of this blog.
TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR CAREER
I believe providing consistent and quality training for employees and continuing to provide opportunities for them to improve their skills and abilities is actually one of the vital pieces to thriving in times like this. But it’s not your employer’s responsibility. It’s YOURS! So stop dwelling on what your employer can’t do for you and start finding new innovative ways to determine what YOU can do for YOU!
When your next review rolls around and you can still show your employer all of the positive and proactive steps you took to advance your career in spite of the challenges that existed, you’ll stand out as a true administrative professional. You will have gained new skills, honed existing ones, and achieved more than you thought possible. Ultimately, YOU will be the one in control of your career.
Get started now!
To your administrative success,
Julie Perrine CPS/CAP
Certified Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Administrator
http://www.julieperrine.com/
High Quality, Economical Online Printing Resources
By · CommentsWhether you work for a large corporation or you’re just starting your business, saving time and money on your printing costs is important.
I strongly recommend developing a great working relationship with a local printer whenever possible. However, the two online options I’m about to recommend are able to beat almost every printer’s pricing I’ve ever requested a quote from for business cards and postcards.
I am very slow to “endorse” most companies until I’ve used them consistently for a period of time with OUTSTANDING results and IMPRESSIVE customer service! I have been using the two following companies for client projects over the past year, and I highly recommend them to everyone.
WGI Print – www.wgiprint.com
- Business Cards – 2 sided, full color, recycled paper (and you would never be able to tell!)
- Postcards – 4X6, 2 sided, full color, recycled paper
When you visit their website, ALWAYS click on their “special offers” or “monthly specials” to see the latest specials. Their pricing is amazing! And their print quality is FANTASTIC! They also have a great sample pack that you can request when you click on “FREE SAMPLES” at the top of their site.
You should never have white space on the back of a business card, so update your look, get your message on the back for less than a regular reprint would cost, and give WGI Print a try.
Their postcards make great follow up pieces for direct mail campaigns or use the extras at an upcoming trade show as a marketing piece for a very economical price!
EXPRESS COPY – www.expresscopy.com
- Standard Postcards
- Jumbo Postcards
- Panoramic Postcards
- Giant Postcards
What I love about Express Copy is they are a one-stop printing, addressing, and mailing shop. All you have to do is design the postcard (and they even have templates you can look at), upload the file, upload your mailing list, and they will mail the printed pieces at their bulk mailing rate for you. So you’re not only saving time on the mailing, you save money on postage, too. If you do a lot of direct mail campaigns, Express Copy will be your new best friend.
To your administrative success!
Julie Perrine CPS/CAP
Certified Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Administrator – ESTJ
Successful Communication Begins With Self Awareness
By · CommentsNo matter where you work, who you work for, or how many people are on your team, good communication skills are vital to your success. Many conflicts on teams and issues with teamwork are directly linked to communication issues…or more accurately communication preferences.
As a qualified Myers-Briggs Type Indicator administrator and trainer, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals and teams as they learn about their personal preferences and begin to observe more objectively the preferences of their team mates. One of the most enlightening moments in these workshops or coaching sessions come when participants realize how their own communication preferences – how they gather, send, receive, and make decisions on information – dramatically affects those they work with or live with. I always say – it’s not that the person in the cube next to you is a complete nut, it may be that they just send and receive information differently than you do.
Understanding how to communicate successfully begins with understanding yourself and your personal preferences for:
- How do you gather information?
- How do you make decisions?
- How do you get your energy?
- How do you show your preferences to the outside world?
When you understand and recognize your own personal preferences in these four areas, you begin to recognize the preferences of those around you and how they may be similar to or different from your own preferences. This is where truly meaningful conversation begins (or improves).
If you or your team would benefit from improving your communication skills and positively impacting how you work together as a team, contact me at julie@julieperrine.com for more information on scheduling a Myers-Briggs workshop.
Julie Perrine CPS/CAP
Qualified Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Administrator – ESTJ
What do you do for professional recharging?
By · CommentsWhat do you do to ensure your professional batteries stay fully charged?
There are numerous ways to approach this including continuing education courses, reading books and industry publications, researching trends and issues on the Internet, and networking with other professionals. Yes, I said NETWORKING with other professionals.
Don’t let the word networking scare you off. You don’t have to be an overly extraverted person to be a successful networker. To me, networking isn’t something you do; networking is a mindset. It’s making connections between people and resources and being able to connect yourself or others to those people or resources when you need them.
One of the best ways I’ve found to recharge my professional batteries is membership in the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).
If you haven’t heard of IAAP, go visit their website at www.iaap-hq.org. You can search by state or region to find a local chapter near you. I have personally been a member for over seven years, and it has had a profound impact on my professional development, my career path, and the experiences I have added to my resume and professional portfolio.
Let me share a few reasons why you should consider looking into IAAP membership to recharge your professional batteries.
- NETWORKING: My father always used to say, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know that gets you where you want to go.” How true in this profession! I went from looking for jobs to having jobs come find me as a result of networking with members in my local chapter. A key career changing position was presented to me when I wasn’t even looking for a new opportunity, and it was a direct result of getting to know my fellow chapter members and them getting to know me. It’s back to my quote, “Networking is not something you do. Networking is a mindset.” It’s paying attention to what’s going on in the world around you and the people you encounter each day and making connections when appropriate to help yourself and those around you build a successful network of resources to call on anytime an opportunity or a need arises.
- CONTINUING EDUCATION: Each month, most local chapters present educational programs for their members at the local level. There are events hosted annually at the divisional, regional and international levels also. Through IAAP, you can add to your knowledge base or sharpen your skills by taking advantage of the educational resources presented and others that are available online through their international website. Sometimes it’s tough to get away during the day for training opportunities, but IAAP still provides many options for busy administrative professionals to continue their education and training on a monthly basis.
- LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: There are numerous opportunities within IAAP to develop and hone your leadership skills. Whether you choose to get involved on a committee, chair a committee, pursue a board position, or just participate in the various chapter activities, your communication, teamwork, and leadership skills will benefit. These skills are directly applicable to what you encounter and do each day at work as an administrative professional.
- CERTIFICATIONS: The Certified Professional Secretary® (CPS) and the Certified Administrative Professional® (CAP) certifications are administered and promoted through IAAP also. They are NOT required for membership. However, they are another way to set yourself apart in your position and in your profession. Studying for these exams was a very educational and beneficial process for me. You don’t know what you don’t know sometimes until you expose yourself to new ideas and information. I frequently refer to my study materials as resources.
There are many additional reasons, but these are the most important ones for me professionally.
As I work with some of my clients in recruiting or retaining great administrative talent, I am always surprised by how many administrative or executive assistants and their managers do not know about the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). Take some time to learn more about this international association and the local chapter options near you.
I originally joined because I thought it would look good on a resume, but I have stayed because of the incredible benefits to me personally and professionally. I encourage you to consider membership, too!
IAAP Membership: A Career Advancing Move for Administrative Professionals
Julie Perrine CPS/CAP
Qualified Myers-Briggs Administrator
IAAP Member Since January 2000
Recharging My Professional Batteries
By · CommentsI spent the end of July and the first part of August recharging my professional batteries by attending the IAAP International Convention and Education Forum in Tampa, Florida. The information, education, and infusion of new ideas for me, my business, and how I approach my profession was incredible.
I spent the rest of August formulating some new plans and preparing to launch some new training programs which you’ll be reading more about in the upcoming weeks on my blog and on my website.
September is one of my favorite times of the year. I look forward to helping all of you recharge and re-energize your professional batteries in the upcoming weeks. I’ll be back to posting weekly again, so visit regularly!
Let’s head into fall with a renewed vigor for what we do and make 2007 our best year yet!
Professionally,
Julie Perrine CPS/CAP
Qualified Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Administrator
