Get Organized

I gave a talk on getting organized to a writers' group today and thought I'd share some tips. Anyone can use them to get organized.

• Locate things you use most often in a convenient place
• Use bins, baskets, folders, etc., to get organized
• Put things back every time you use them
• Consider your work habits and make your environment work for you
• Have a specific place for incoming and outgoing mail. File all correspondence and your manuscript in one folder (or storage box)
• Only file useful papers
• Use temporary storage like portable file boxes for work in progress

Getting organized will save you time and cut down on stress.

Persistence in Career Development

I attended the Pennwriters Conference last weekend and listened to some wonderful speakers. One of the recurring themes these speakers touched upon was persistence. Although they spoke about writing and publishing, their message of persistence applies in everything we do. By being persistent, we can:

• Advance to positions we aspire to hold within the company.
• Reach our personal and career goals.
• See our dreams come true.
• Learn and grow in any situation.
• Accomplish nearly impossible feats.

Persist in all your endeavors. Keep going when things get tough. By not giving up, you might be surprised at what you can accomplish.

Pennwriters Conference

I'll be heading to the Pennwriters Conference in Lancaster tomorrow so figured I'd pass along some thoughts about networking, since I'll be doing lots of it this weekend. Networking is a great way to maintain friendships and work associations.

• Have a clear idea of what you hope to gain from networking.
• Get out there and mingle--introduce yourself.
• Find common ground--it's not all about you, rather it's about both of you.
• Become an active member of your professional organization by volunteering.
• Be prepared to discuss industry news.
• Carry and use business cards.

Networking is a great way to maintain friendships and work associations. It is a way to increase your odds of getting a job, creating new friendships, gathering information, and learning new things about your career field.

Plan for Career Advancement

When considering career options, determine if a company has an advancement plan to meet your goals. Ask yourself these questions:

• Is there a suitable position to which I can advance within the company?
• Do I have the education and skills to advance to this position?
• Am I prepared for a promotion?
• Do I go above and beyond in my current position?
• Have my performance reviews been above average/superior?
• Do I meet my commitments on a consistent basis and in a timely manner?
• Do I keep up with industry trends?

It is sometimes difficult to be objective when it comes to determining our worth to our employer. Solicit feedback from your employer for an objective opinion.

Career Appreciation

Today is Teacher Appreciation Day, and I have a beautiful basket of flowers on my desk from my appreciative boss. This is a time when all of us can show our appreciation to all the former teachers and mentors who have enriched our education and careers. It is also a good time to take personal note of how we can help others by becoming their mentors and sharing our knowledge and expertise with them. Showing a solid appreciation for others is one way we can improve workplace relationships. Other ways include:

• Helping people build on their strengths
• Supporting others
• Speaking kindly and respectfully
• Keeping the lines of communication open

A big thank you to all of my former teachers and mentors.

Career Development and Success--Keep Learning

I attended the St. David's Writers One-Day Conference on Saturday, which made me think about how we all need to keep learning and honing our skills. Employees today cannot merely be as good as their coworkers. They need to be better.

• Take time to evaluate your skills and update as needed.
• Never stop learning new things.
• Read all you can about the latest developments in your field.
• Attend workshops and conferences related to your field.

Staying on top in your field requires effort on your part. Take advantage of any learning situations that you can.

Provide Great Customer Service - Keep Your Job

I spoke at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon yesterday on indispensable customer service. Here are a few tips that just might help you keep enough customers to be able to keep your job. After all, if it were not for customers, there would be no jobs and no paycheck.

• Make the customer feel good. No one complains about being treated too well.
• Learn as much as you can about your customers. Identify their needs and wants and then try to come up with ideas to help them.
• Provide the best possible products and services.
• Obtain customer feedback - listen.
• Act on problems and deal with complaints immediately.
• Do something to make your customers feel extra special.
• Keep your promises - always.

Keep those customers coming back by being indispensable to them and to your company.