knowing your stuff

I had a VP once that always had her people in leadership positions reading and giving what were essentially casual book reports. It was to her super important for us to be informed of the latest industry business theories. The other work practice that she stressed to us was to be well aware of what our competitors were doing. It gave me a whole respect for what “research” could do for my career.

Many years, leaders and even companies later, I still consider this idea of research to be a very important responsibility. I like to be the person who has a very important article regarding my industry to pass around the office. 

Reading up on industry news displays an interest in your industry, shows engagement in your company and will help to gain knowledge which you can apply each day for better-informed decisions.

It’s just part of my “homework” and yes, it’s an investment, but it really pays off at work. I read print magazines, books and industry publications as well as subscribe to certain websites. Also, I REALLY keep an eye on my competitors to study strategies and brand positioning (which is key to knowing what you need to do to differentiate your own brand).

What do you do to stay ahead of the knowledge curve for your career?

where have i been?

I seriously didn’t know that silver binder clips existed until I was handed a presentation with one the other day. Af first, I just found it slightly unusual, but now I’m LOVING the silver binder clip (and am very curious about the gold). The one that I received added just a little more polish than the usual black. I did a little digging and in case you’re also curious here’s the info: 

- they come in packs of 30, assorted sizes (mini, small and medium)

- made of durable steel metal with a smooth, polished finish

- $4.99 each at OfficeMax

- $2.19 each at Office Depot

Staples also has silver binder clips - pack of 40 with small & medium sizes, but they don’t look as shiny silver (could just be the photography). Their price for a pack of 40 is $3.99. 

After researching further online - who knew that you can express yourself in a plethora of design and color options for binder clips? They are actually available in just about any style you could want. It’s really amazing. I found a JUMBO size (for all of you matchy-match folk - like me) on Amazon, but it currently says “unavailable.” I HOPE that this means that they’re just temporarily out of stock (otherwise I would seriously need to reconsider).

Anyway - go find the perfect binder clip that speaks to you. You might make someone else realize what amazing office style you have! 

where the mess is

Okay - so that picture is embarrassing. It’s my kitchen and this is the exact way I found it when I got home tonight from work (and picking up the daughter from cheer practice).  There are school projects that have already been graded and sent home, toys, books, a box FULL of crafty materials (for any creative notion that my kiddos have), and yes - that’s a cooler with a foam fan finger (can’t really explain that!). 

I really do strive for crisp, clean, organized, being “on top of things” in the office - EVERY DAY. Leaving work with papers on my desk makes me cringe. Finding neat-looking , but unusual containers is my idea of a Saturday morning well spent. Projects need to have schedules and to meet their deadlines (with creative objectives met). I like to be prepared for meetings and to be a contributor. Looking my best for work is also important: office appropriate outfit (including cute shoes!), good makeup (lip gloss always with me), and good hair. I like to basically “have it together” and to be considered a strong asset where I work.

Once I get home in the evenings (which is frequently late) - I do not immediately tell the kids to clean up their stuff from the kitchen table. The moment I enter the house, I’m trying to determine best late meals for us, what the new “note from the teachers” are all about, and I tend to trade my high heels for comfy slippers. Tickle fights, riding bikes or just spending time with the kids. 

I realize that this area of my house is messy. While I’m a little specific about neatness at the office - clearly, I like comfort of imperfection at home.

when life gives you lemons

You know it’s a Monday when you actually arrive at the office nice and EARLY (to get a jump on the upcoming super busy day) and apparently all technology is failing you. It turns out the breaker switch for my office was “tricked” over the weekend and none of my outlets were working. 

The good news was that the cause of the failed technology was figured out really fast, FIXED super quick and I was able to get on with my awesome (okay, I’m just trying to convince myself on that note) Monday.

Lessons learned?

• Don’t sweat the small stuff
• It pays to have a good relationship with the office tech gurus
• It’s also really nice to work with people who want to be helpful
• Once something starts your day on a “bad” note, look for the good side of it to quickly turn it around for yourself

seeing red

Maybe I’m just TOO excited about the upcoming holiday weekend, but this week - the nails are red. Really red. It started as an idea for observing Pentecostal Sunday, but now I’m really feeling the short, powerful color being just perfect for this week.

For a little boost of confidence, try Essie’s Russian Roulette.

treasure bound and treasure found

On a recent antique shopping trip with my mom, I found a set of water color paintings. There were four of them - three framed alike and this one (lower left side) with the black frame. I knew the moment I saw them that they would be perfect for both home and work. They’re signed and dated, apparently had a spell in Edinburgh (according to the old label on the back), and I think are lovely. 

I can’t believe how much a difference this new addition to my office wall has made. Such a nice change of scenery.

don't call it a diary

I take notes and I’m particular about how I take them. 

I have a certain type of notebook that I use to keep pretty much all of my work notes together in. This notebook goes with me to each meeting, presentation and brainstorm that I attend. I sketch in this notebook to help me develop concepts for projects or to help me explain what I’m thinking to others in a meeting. If I’m in a meeting about one topic, but someone brings up a former meeting or different discussion), I would expect to be able to find my notes from that meeting.

I use tabs marked with subjects to help me find just the specific topic that I’m looking for. These tabs might be for important meetings, projects or planning notes for an upcoming fiscal quarter. These help me find what I’m looking for quickly.

It’s spiral bound. No loose sheets to easily lose, leave behind in a different subject folder or get crinkled (neatness is key).

I give each new section of notes a date and topic label - so I can quickly remember what and when certain ideas were discussed or thought of.

I write in pencil (and carry an eraser). I can keep my thoughts as neat and organized as possible with this pencil AND my newest trick is to highlight SUPER important stuff. I LOVE going back over notes with a highlighter (I use pink and green colors!) to help things stand out amongst all of the gray pencil. But I only use the highlighter sparingly. 

Yes, I have been known to pass time in a meeting doodling (no doubt). But, don’t call it a diary. I don’t write personal feelings down in it. It’s completely boring and senseless to a stranger. But to me, this system is priceless!

How do you keep your thoughts organized?