Are you leaving the key under the doormat?

As we can have trouble remembering all our passwords and usernames, we often write and hide them - but are they really hidden. Alan Henry gives some vital information on protecting these.http://lifehacker.com/5852667/the-most-common-hiding-places-for-workplace-passwords

I Get It Done, But I Don't Do It All

Working as an Administrative Specialist, aka Virtual Assistant, I support my clients completely. Does that mean I am an expert at everything? No, but what I am an expert at is getting the task/function accomplished either using my own expert skills or finding the best resource to do the task at hand.

The Oct 18 post in Anastacia Brice's Virtual Moxie explains the concept very nicely. If you are wondering how Virtual Assistance works, read this article. You will be glad you did.

Networking ponderings

These past few months I have been trying new networking opportunities. Following is a quote by June E. Gabler that describes true networking for each person:

Until recently, the "old girls" did not know how the "old boys" network operated. Women didn't know they needed to have a network to capture a top-level position in an institution or organization. They thought that all it took was hard work; eventually the organization would recognize worth and promote able people. Women now know that, besides hard work and lots of skill, the move to the top requires a supportive network.

BTW, I'm really liking Successful Thinkers, a new kid on the block but seems to have the right mix of ingredients for great business relationships.

Make New Friends but Keep the Old

A girl scout song I learned eons ago had the lines "Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold." It's a truism that stands throughout life.

About 20 years ago I joined Professional Secretaries International, now known as International Association of Administrative Professionals. It's a strong organization that educates its members and publicizes our profession to the world. For various business and personal reasons I had not attended a chapter meeting for over a year. Last week, however, I attended the Fresno, CA chapter's monthly meeting. How refreshing to  edify one another in our professional network. My peers and I have traveled many of the same roads in our careers.

Other networking groups such as Successful Thinkers, BNI, and Chambers of  Commerce are invaluable to your business; but keeping close with your professional peers is a treasure not equaled by any other experience. Remember - make new friends but keep the old.

The Power of Silence

One can often "say" more by saying less. I found this article today recommended by IAAP's OfficePro. I've found this is often a good strategy in meetings or networking gatherings.

I don't know it all -- But I can find the answer and/or solution

Working alongside clients to handle their administrative needs -- the roles, tasks, and functions that keep a business rolling along -- I often must find hi-tech products or services to fulfill a need. Often the solution is found in contacting experts I personally know and trust.

I admit to being extremely proficient in most administrative skills, however, there are instances when it is more efficient skillwise and economically to call on experts from my network. Sure I could learn "everything" but that would not be the best use of my time. I'm in business to get things done in the best way for the client not to prove I'm a master of all.

For instance, I can set up and maintain extremely good databases in Filemaker or Access. However, I have a client who had a need for very specialized reports generated from a very detailed and ever-changing Filemaker database. While I could have come up with the "macro" eventually, we hired a Filemaker expert, Gordon Johnson, who provided it in about one-half hour. His hours are more expensive than mine, but his 1/2 hour against my 6 or more hours of learning time -- well do the math.

Aloha!

One of the perks of working is getting away. My getaway this year was for almost three weeks with family who just happen to live in Honolulu. The weather was perfect every day. The flowering trees were beautiful, and the variety of colorful birds unending.

Pictures: (1) Approaching the Arizona monument, (2) Damage from Japanese bombing of barracks still visible. Repainting is allowed but repairing holes is not, (3) At the Dole Pineapple plantation, (4) Rainbows every day in Oahu and you can see both ends!