Personal Assistant Tips and Advice

WEB CRAWLERS EXPLAINED

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:33:39 GMT

Web crawlers are an important factor in search engine ranking.

SAMPLE COVER LETTERS AS JOB SEARCH TOOL

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:39:43 GMT

Good sample covering letters are essential tools in your job search kit. Attaching a covering letters is a task often overlooked by job seekers in favour of maximising their resume.

How to Boost Your Online Direct Marketing

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:50:10 GMT

Here are 25 excellent tips to help you maximize your online direct marketing efforts. You will find these tips very useful.

How to Develop a Business Plan

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:32:20 GMT

Knowing how to develop a business plan is important as a business plan is an essential roadmap for your business, which needs to be tweaked as the business develops.

Office Technology and Equipment

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:39:08 GMT

Office technology is constantly evolving, so it's important for Executive Personal Assistants and Office Managers to keep abreast of the latest office technology.

Speed Reading Technique

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:28:19 GMT

Good speed reading Technique is a necessary skill in this age of information overload. Knowing how to speed read will also help you to comprehend information quickly. Here are some useful tips.

Job Interview Mistakes

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:21:28 GMT

Job interview mistakes usually occur because of inadequate company research, a limited understanding of the job role and not listening to the interviewer, in addition to the following mistakes.

Personal Assistant Mentor / Coach

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 13:15:52 GMT

Personal Assistant mentoring and coaching is an invaluable resource for PAs who are new to the profession, or secretaries that would like to move up the career ladder into a senior PA role.

The 40 Most Common Job Interview Questions

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:09:29 GMT

Researching the 40 most Common Interview Questions is a good strategy if you would like to stay ahead of the pack and maximise your interview performance. I have listed these questions below.

Behavioural Style Interviews

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:33:55 GMT

Behavioural style interviews are becoming increasingly popular as a tool to determine a candidate's past behaviour; therefore, candidates should always prepare for such an interview just in case.

JOB LOSS NEED NOT MEAN LOSS OF CONTROL

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:00:50 GMT

Job loss can bring about a sense of hopelessness that leads to depression and anxiety. But it's important to take control of the situation.

MATURE JOBSEEKERS CV TIPS

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:37:33 GMT

Mature jobseekers need all the help they can get to make their CV stand out. Here are some tips and tricks to help you optimise your job search.

Interview Clothes For Successful Interview

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:13:23 GMT

The right interview clothes can nail that first impression in a job interview. Here are some tips to help you understand the dos and donts of dressing for an interview.

Restaurant Bookings at Exclusive Restaurants

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:33:32 GMT

Making restaurant bookings at top restaurants is an art in itself, but a necessary skill if you want a fine dining experience at the best restaurant in town - follow these tips to bag that table.

Tips on How to Ask For a Raise

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:14:24 GMT

Asking for a raise can be a nerve racking experience. People worry what the boss will think of them after the fact, if the answer is no. This need'nt be an issue if approached in the issue right way.

PERSONAL ASSISTANT - TIPS & ADVICE, ATTRIBUTES AND DUTIES TO HELP YOU SUCCEED

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:36:59 GMT

Personal Assistant tips & advice to assist Executive Assistants, secretaries, Office Managers, Admin Assistant with taking minutes, compiling agendas, planning events. International travel checklist.

LIFE COACH TECHNIQUES AND ATTRIBUTES

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:04:20 GMT

A Life Coach improves the clients work-life balance and helps the client set achievable goals.

VA CERTIFICATION

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:52:55 GMT

Professional VA Certification is essential to stay ahead of the game in the Virtual Assistant industry.

5 Ideas To Deal With Difficult People

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:55:22 GMT

Do you find it stressful dealing with difficult people? For Personal Assistants, good customer service skills is essential. Here are 5 ideas to help you deal with difficult people.

Five Interview Questions You Should Always Ask

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:40:56 GMT

Interview questions you should always ask should include the following questions. This will show that you have spent time in preparation.

Is Your Website Struggling to Get Adequate Search Engine Rankings?

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:27:28 GMT

The internet is a world of its own; with its own rules, conventions and practices. Making an impact in this market requires that you provide the best products and advice. But even with quality products, it is near impossible to get decent page rankings without insider knowledge and the best e-commerce advice you can find. I personally took one or two wrong turns before I discovered an exceptional e-commerce product called Site Build It. This all-inclusive e-commerce package is the perfect idiots guide to brainstorming the right niche, building a website, web hosting, domain name registration and internet marketing. Websites built with Site Build It typically rank in the top 3 of the major search engines. This is achieved using a keyword analysis tool, which analyses every page as it's built, and highlights areas where there are too many or insufficient keywords. This is an essential tool for keeping the search engine spiders (algorithms) happy; too many keywords and you will be penalised for keyword stuffing; not enough keywords and your page will perform badly. Site Build It also provides excellent advice and resources to help you make money from your website, such as keyword analysis tools; traffic analysis tools, and search engine analysis tools. In addition to this, you have access to numerous forums that provide insider information on every conceivable topic to do with site building and e-commerce. Click here for more information.

How to Verify Commercial Websites

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Knowing how to verify commercial websites is an essential skill for security conscious online shoppers. There are a number of methods for finding the necessary information to verify commercial sites.

Surviving Promotion Let Down

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:36:52 GMT

Being passed over for a Senior Personal Assistant role can be a painful and disappointing experience, particularly if you consider yourself to be a hard worker. However, even if you are convinced that the interviewer was biased, resist the urge to have a public rant. The important thing is to get back up immediately. If you were formally interviewed for the role, consider the interview more of a learning experience than a failure - even if you think there was an element of favouritism involved. Politely ask the interviewer for feedback. This will give you valuable insight into where you went wrong. Always thank the interviewer, and take his comments seriously. See each criticism as a valuable tip for how to succeed at your next interview.

Adventure Team Building For Success

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 23:18:14 GMT

Adventure team building is a great way to offer a change of pace to your team. It provides an opportunity for the team to learn new skills and helps teams to bond quickly. It can revitalise and motivate a flagging or disparate team through activities like archery, rock climbing, kayaking, rock climbing, sailing, horse riding, camping, barbeques and more. For the best results choose the activity that best reflects your company's core values. Adventure team building activities are essentially corporate events but with outdoor activities and adventures. They are held in parks, convention centres and resorts, to name a few possible venues. Activities can last for a few days or for a few hours, and depending on the activity, can accommodate up to 500 people. Successful adventure team building improves communication and leadership skills, and encourages problem-solving and decision making. Adventure team building companies can adapt their programmes to suit the needs of your company, in order to develop specific skills in the team. Not all adventure team building is geared to improving employee skills. Sometimes this type of team building is offered to employees as a reward for hard work, or for reaching a goal; therefore, it's also a great way to celebrate success. In this way, adventure team building is used to boost future team performance and ensure continued success. The bottom line is, adventure team building is a great solution for improving team morale.

Dell Latitude E6400 XFR - Bullet-proof Laptop?

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:01:06 GMT

You won't find a tougher laptop on the market than the impact-resistant, bullet proof Dell Latitude E6400 XFR. It's the ultimate outdoor computer; well adapted to extreme environments.

NATO PHONETIC ALPHABET - An Essential Communication Skill for Personal Assistants

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:13:50 GMT

Every competent Personal Assistant understands the importance of clear communication. Using the NATO Phonetic Alphabet in telephone communication speaks volumes about your Personal Assistant skills and professionalism. Make a statement, learn the phonetic alphabet - let's face it, it's impressive to listen to.

A = ALFA B = BRAVO C = CHARLIE D = DELTA E = ECHO F = FOXTROT G = GOLF H = HOTEL I = INDIA J = JULIET K = KILO L = LIMA M = MIKE

N = NOVEMBER O = OSCAR P = PAPA Q = QUEBEC R = ROMEO S = SIERRA T = TANGO U = UNIFORM V = VICTOR W = WHISKEY X = XRAY Y = YANKEE Z = ZULU

Want to Break the Glass-ceiling? Play Golf!

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:55:13 GMT

According to Barrons, an estimated 90 of Fortune 500 CEO's regularly play golf (March 30, 1998 cover story:"Investing in Golf"); therefore, it's no co-incidence that golf is the preferred sport of many senior managers. They understand the correlation between professional advancement and golf. In the world of big business, they can't afford not to play. Golf is considered to be an important tool in the modern business world. As a relationship-building resource, it facilitates deal making and networking at the level of big business - you can achieve a lot in 4 uninterrupted hours. Golf is a skill-set that aspiring female executives can't afford to overlook; it's an effective strategy to help them break the glass-ceiling, as women who play golf well will earn more respect and prove themselves in a non-threatening and friendly environment. Many aspiring female executives miss the point when it comes to setting aside their work to play a game of golf. They are not comfortable with the idea of putting leisure before work, even if it allows them to spend time having fun with clients and colleagues. The truth is, golf provides access and proximity, so spending time with the right people in the right setting amounts to working smarter. Golf can be a difficult game to play, because of the need for good eye-hand co-ordination, but this need not be an insurmountable problem. Find a good training programme, and enjoy!

Goal Setting For Continuous Development

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 11:35:56 GMT

For me "goal setting" is an act of will that requires discipline. I admire people who are methodical; for them goal setting is like breathing...it's the natural thing to do; they plan their work and personal lives with military precision. For those of us who tend to ignore instruction manuals; who like to jump in and push all the buttons, goal setting is a challenge. The truth is, goal setting is one of the requirements for high achieving. It's particularly essential for career development, as it forces you to: - visualise your progress up the career ladder,
- come up with short term and long term goals,
- plot the path you intend to take to reach your goals, and
- adopt an attitude of continuous development. Goal setting also allows you to measure your progress. Without it, everything may seem pointless. Assessing progress is essential; it's a reward in itself. When you have reached a milestone you can tick a box, pat yourself on the back, and feel quietly satisfied that you are well on the way to reaching your goals. Your confidence and sense of self worth will also improve, as you work towards being the very best you can be in your career and personal life. For career development education is the key. Secretaries and Personal Assistants who are progressing towards becoming an Executive Personal Assistant will need the right type of training and development. Why not consider becoming a member of The Association of Personal Assistants (APA). This will help you to plan your professional development and keep up to date with best practices in the PA profession. APA offers professional PA courses and champions a professional code of conduct and ethics.

9 MORE TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE MEETINGS

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:52:16 GMT

9 more tips for effective meetings that will enhance your image as a leader and meeting facilator, and save time and money.

Avoiding Instant Messaging Viruses

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:56:40 GMT

Instant messaging (IM) viruses are similar to email viruses in that they can be equally malicious and are proliferated through IM. Like email viruses, IM viruses are usually spread by clicking on a link within an IM message. These types of viruses are particularly successful because they often appear to come from friends and acquaintances. The virus becomes active when you click on the necessary link. In some cases there is no apparent effect. In others, the computer becomes noticeably slower, and in more extreme cases the virus will cause the computer to crash. An IM Virus will secretly install a programme that can result in some of the following effects:

- downloaded spyware to sometimes logs keystrokes

- damage to software and/or important files

- damage to hardware
Like any virus, one of the aims of the cyber virus is proliferation, so the virus may seek to send itself to every person on your instant messaging contacts list. Therefore, be suspicious of links in IM messages. If you are unsure of the sender - don't download, accept or open the message. Better to check with the sender to verify it's origins. Other ways to combat the problem include using the latest version of instant messaging, such as Windows Live Messenger - this is designed to scan attachments for viruses. In addition to this, you should sign up for Microsoft's regular updates. Once installed they should combat the latest virus threats to your computer. Make sure your anti-virus software is up-to-date, and install antispyware software, such as Windows Defender (free downloadable software). Click here for other free anti-virus downloads.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:34:21 GMT

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that is becoming increasingly common amongst Personal Assistants, secretaries and typists. It's important to identify the symptoms and seek medical advice asap.

VIRTUAL NETMEETINGS

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:13:38 GMT

A virtual NetMeeting is a versatile alternative to videoconferencing, because it allows you to save money on flights and travel, while facilitating audio, video, etc.

WHAT IS BLUETOOTH?

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:22:23 GMT

What is Bluetooth? Bluetooth is the answer to the jumble of cords and cables that plague the modern workplace.

Google Web Analytics Tools

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:19:14 GMT

Google Web Analytics is every Webmaster's must-have tool. For accurate and detailed information on website traffic, and insight into activity on individual landing pages, this free tool is invaluable

GOOD KEYWORD SELECTION MAXIMISES SEARCH ENGINE RANKINGS

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:19:54 GMT

Good keyword selection is guaranteed to boost traffic to your website - this will invariably boost your ranking with the various search engines.

ACE YOUR PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:28:13 GMT

Your performance appraisal meeting gives you an opportunity to shine and influence your promotability.

HOUSING EXCHANGE SCHEMES

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:26:54 GMT

Consider a housing exchange service if you would like to visit exotic locations, while saving up to 50 of the cost of the trip.

SITE BUILD IT REVIEW

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:22:53 GMT

Site Build It rocks! I wandered down a few blind alleys looking for a website building package, but this one is it!

BECOMING A CELEBRITY PERSONAL ASSISTANT

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:39:27 GMT

Becoming a Celebrity Personal Assistant is a job in itself - see tips and advice on the duties and attributes of a Celebrity PA and how to find a job.

WANT TO MAKE MONEY ONLINE?

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:11:03 GMT

Wouldn't it be great if you could take control of your life, gain financial independence, and the freedom to give up your day job? Click Here to find out how!

PA TOOLS, USEFUL LINKS & RESOURCES

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:10:23 GMT

PA tools, links and useful resources for busy Personal Assistants. Everything you need for planning international travel, such as links to embassies, inoculations, visas, world holidays, WiFi locator

Jawbone PRIME Headset Review

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:42:59 GMT

The Jawbone PRIME Headset - You won't find a better headset for noise reduction.

PC Projectors Explained

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:33:57 GMT

PC Projectors are a mystery to most people, but if you need to purchase one, it pays to select one with the right resolution, brightness, etc.

Voice-Over-Internet-FAQs

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:14:45 GMT

Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) is a relatively new technology. These FAQs should answer many of your questions.

DOMAIN NAME CHOICE

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 19:09:38 GMT

Choosing a good domain name is crucial to your online business.

No Personal Assistant? Professional Voice Mail Services May Be The Next Best Thing

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 18:58:25 GMT

A voice mail service may be the last thing on your mind when setting up a small business, but a good voice mail service is crucial; it lets your customers get in touch with you whenever it's convenient for them. It's particularly important if you are a one man show. The fact is that the standard voice mail services offered by most telephone providers cannot compare to a professional voice mail service system that is specifically designed for small businesses. Unfortunately, most small business voice mail services offered by telephone providers are designed for use with complex phone systems, which consist of multiple lines. Another reason to opt for professional voice mail services is that you will receive lots of follow-up attention if need be. You can call a technician to help with the setup and installation, provide a training session, and troubleshoot any problems that might arise in the future. Of course, contracting with a voice mail service for your small business represents a hefty investment, so be sure to shop around before settling on a provider. Check their rates and prices, their customer satisfaction record, and the quality of their product.

EVENT PLANNERS DUTIES AND ATTRIBUTES

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 18:14:46 GMT

Event Planners organise corporate events; booking caterers, events, and speakers. Organising office parties, corporate events, etc. are part of an Event Planner's basic duties.

CORPORATE TRAVEL ADVICE

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 22:05:01 GMT

Travel planning advice and travel planning checklist for Personal Assistants who plan international travel with an eye on the travel budget.

TripChill ToGo - Your automated Personal Assistant

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:28:42 GMT

TripChill ToGo provides real-time updates on your travel itinerary - it's your automated Personal.

THRIFTY TRAVELLERS NEED MONEY SAVING IDEAS

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:57:30 GMT

Thrifty travellers are on the increase, as economic hardships bite it is becoming necessary to be a thrifty traveller. Here are some ideas for keeping more money in your pocket.