I keep my eyes open for learning opportunities. One of the best I have found is the Business for Breakfast series hosted by the WV S.C.O.R.E., the State Journal and the Charleston Marriott. I've attended several and have found each to be very enlightening. On Friday, April 25, I attended the breakfast event titled Blogs, Pods, and Twitters. Jason Keeling of Keeling Strategic and Skip Lineberg of Maple Creative presented the program.
Not being a complete neophyte of the virtual world, I still find that things are moving so quickly it is difficult to stay current. While I do maintain this blog, and I have posted podcasts and videos online, I had no idea what "twitter" meant. It turns out Twitter is actually a melding of both blogs and instant messaging. It's being called 'microblogging' on Wikipedia. You are limited to 140 characters, so you need to practice condensing your statements.
This interesting technolgy allows you to send short, targeted messages to others who follow you. You can have messages forwarded to your cell phone, or you may drop an html fragment into your web page and have your messages post there, keeping your readers up-to-date on your activites.
You will see in the upper right corner of this blog my Twitter billboard. It will display my most recent Twitter posts.
One of the program participants stated that he uses Twitter to keep key staff members, business associates and friends informed about his activities because it opens new opportunities. After posting that he would be traveling to Chicago a friend from that areas contacted him to schedule lunch while he was there.
A Twitter account is very simple to create. Finding others to connect with, or follow, is a bit challenging at this time. I've run a couple quick searches and have added a few people I recognize. One thing I will do is add a line to my email signature block that I use Twitter and give it some time to see if it takes hold.
If you decide to create a Twitter account, or already have one, add me. Let's see what happens.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Happy Administrative Professionals' Day
In the course of my years in the labor force, I have stood alongside many I have considered professionals. Their talents and responsibilities have been as diverse as their names.
Recently, I was asked what separates a professional from a novice. Is it the money? Is it the education? Is it experience?
Personally, I believe it is attitude. An administrative professional can be recognized by the attitude displayed. It is evident in posture, speech, clothing, and product.
This does not mean that I believe administrative professionals should be required to attend finishing school, balance books on their heads, or take classes to erase a dialect. I believe an administrative professional has a confident posture, clear speech with a firm vocabulary, neat attire, and presents a quality product.
The administrative professional isn't defined by the office furniture, phone system, or number of staff supported. Corporate executive or the small business owner, this professional is dedicated to providing the best service possible, regardless of the size of the business.
This professional is a life-long learner. Skills and training may not come from the classroom but are oftentimes through self-education. The administrative professional learns of a new product, software or service and gladly shares that information.
Membership in the International Association of Administrative Professional(R) shows dedication to your profession, your Division, your Chapter and yourself. I am proud to be associated with professionals like these.
Robin A. Holstein CPS/CAP
President
WV Division
Recently, I was asked what separates a professional from a novice. Is it the money? Is it the education? Is it experience?
Personally, I believe it is attitude. An administrative professional can be recognized by the attitude displayed. It is evident in posture, speech, clothing, and product.
This does not mean that I believe administrative professionals should be required to attend finishing school, balance books on their heads, or take classes to erase a dialect. I believe an administrative professional has a confident posture, clear speech with a firm vocabulary, neat attire, and presents a quality product.
The administrative professional isn't defined by the office furniture, phone system, or number of staff supported. Corporate executive or the small business owner, this professional is dedicated to providing the best service possible, regardless of the size of the business.
This professional is a life-long learner. Skills and training may not come from the classroom but are oftentimes through self-education. The administrative professional learns of a new product, software or service and gladly shares that information.
Membership in the International Association of Administrative Professional(R) shows dedication to your profession, your Division, your Chapter and yourself. I am proud to be associated with professionals like these.
Robin A. Holstein CPS/CAP
President
WV Division
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Three Key Competencies for Today’s Administrative Professional
In today’s world of instant electronic contact, telecommuting and global communication, it’s easy to think that everyone can do anything. Unfortunately, too many people believe because an employee has completed a software tutorial program and printed a certificate they have the skills needed to do a job. It takes more than an on-line training program to make the administrative professional. In this brief article we are going to look at three key competencies (measureable or observable knowledge, skills, and abilities) needed by today’s administrative professional: meeting preparation and coordination; managing office technology; and, problem solving.
When the decision is made to hold a meeting, whether it is face-to-face or via teleconference, the administrative professional goes to work reserving the room, verifying attendance, and preparing the agenda. Handouts and other materials often must be coordinated and prepared. Lodging reservations may be necessary for some attendees and, on occasion, refreshments or meal arrangements must be made. The experienced administrative professional will be familiar with creating a productive atmosphere and the many ‘special touches’ necessary to create the successful and productive meeting.
Managing office technology is more than being able to send email and run a Google search. With the increasing use of Blackberries, Bluetooth devices and video conferencing, today’s administrative professional must be proficient and up-to-date on technology training. Doing a presentation isn’t just about plugging in the overhead projector and having a supply of pens and transparencies. Administrative professionals are being asked to use presentation design software to create the electronic file, setup the laptop and digital video display equipment.
Today’s administrative professionals no longer simply support management. They are true office problem solvers, anticipating and preparing for challenges in the modern workplace. Administrative professionals identify problems and offer solutions. They are in contact with employees of all levels and are willing to lend a hand in getting past the difficulties. Whether the printer goes down in the middle of a major report, a dignitary’s flight is delayed or the lamp in the Proxima needs replacing, problem solving skills are essential.
These three competencies, meeting preparation and coordination, office technology and problem solving, don’t come in the form of an Adobe PDF file. The administrative professional can’t download them or get them from a CD Rom. They come from hands-on experience. By definition, experience is a result of direct observation and participation.
Where can an administrative professional get experience in competencies such as these and others? Participating in a professional organization, such as the International Association of Administrative Professionals® (IAAP) is one of the most cost effective ways. Local IAAP chapters provide leadership, continuing education, skills certification information and social networking opportunities that can transform you into the confident, competent professional you want to be.
Robin A. Holstein CPS/CAP is the president of the West Virginia Division IAAP and owner of Robin’s Desktop Virtual Administrative Services. For more information on IAAP in West Virginia contact Robin at (304) 546-4668 or robin@robinsdesktop.com.
When the decision is made to hold a meeting, whether it is face-to-face or via teleconference, the administrative professional goes to work reserving the room, verifying attendance, and preparing the agenda. Handouts and other materials often must be coordinated and prepared. Lodging reservations may be necessary for some attendees and, on occasion, refreshments or meal arrangements must be made. The experienced administrative professional will be familiar with creating a productive atmosphere and the many ‘special touches’ necessary to create the successful and productive meeting.
Managing office technology is more than being able to send email and run a Google search. With the increasing use of Blackberries, Bluetooth devices and video conferencing, today’s administrative professional must be proficient and up-to-date on technology training. Doing a presentation isn’t just about plugging in the overhead projector and having a supply of pens and transparencies. Administrative professionals are being asked to use presentation design software to create the electronic file, setup the laptop and digital video display equipment.
Today’s administrative professionals no longer simply support management. They are true office problem solvers, anticipating and preparing for challenges in the modern workplace. Administrative professionals identify problems and offer solutions. They are in contact with employees of all levels and are willing to lend a hand in getting past the difficulties. Whether the printer goes down in the middle of a major report, a dignitary’s flight is delayed or the lamp in the Proxima needs replacing, problem solving skills are essential.
These three competencies, meeting preparation and coordination, office technology and problem solving, don’t come in the form of an Adobe PDF file. The administrative professional can’t download them or get them from a CD Rom. They come from hands-on experience. By definition, experience is a result of direct observation and participation.
Where can an administrative professional get experience in competencies such as these and others? Participating in a professional organization, such as the International Association of Administrative Professionals® (IAAP) is one of the most cost effective ways. Local IAAP chapters provide leadership, continuing education, skills certification information and social networking opportunities that can transform you into the confident, competent professional you want to be.
Robin A. Holstein CPS/CAP is the president of the West Virginia Division IAAP and owner of Robin’s Desktop Virtual Administrative Services. For more information on IAAP in West Virginia contact Robin at (304) 546-4668 or robin@robinsdesktop.com.
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