Laughing all the Way to Work

DECEMBER 31, 2009

ALL WORK NO PLAY, ALL PLAY NO WORK When I told my boss I had started a blog and was naming it Laughing All The Way to Work, he didn’t get it and said, "That doesn’t sound very professional Patricia." I hope you enjoy them as much as I did in the telling. My current boss says we get along like a house on fire.

IAAP 100

IAAP 2010 Time Zones International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

DECEMBER 12, 2009

He can ignore e-mails, but it is hard to ignore me :) When you are copied on an e-mail, read the whole message, don’t just skim it. If you have been asked to do something and don’t fully understand what is expected of you, don’t be afraid to ask questions. There could be a message for you.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2009 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

AUGUST 1, 2010

I mean if it was really me I should know what my password is, but wait a minute, I am me and I still dont know. Of course the simple solution would be to have the same password for every aspect of your life, but nope that doesn’t work. I kinda liked that one, but nope I can’t reuse the old password. 23, 1 p.m.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones 2010 IAAP Filing 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JUNE 14, 2009

Some things I have on this list is a memory stick with the minute templates, tentcards, meals ordered, meeting packages, pen, notebook, highlighter, calculator (I hate math so just in case they ask something that requires mathematical skills) and attendance records to establish quorum for each meeting. Thanks in advance!

Agenda 100

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Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 10, 2010

Many young executives have never had an assistant before and are so used to not having one, that they don't know how to utilize one. Many young executives have never had an assistant before and are so used to not having one, that they don't know how to utilize one. The incentive was you saved.002 002 cents a litre.

Time Zones 100

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Laughing all the Way to Work

OCTOBER 11, 2009

And sometimes it isn’t, but from my experience if you read an administrative or executive assistant job description there is usually a phrase something like this, “providing administrative support.&# Whatever you are doing as an administrative assistant, don’t be afraid to try new things and expand your knowledge.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2009 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 15, 2010

How many times I have booked a meeting thinking the day was free, only to notice later that an all-day event was put in unnoticed at the top. They really should have asked assistants for their input on what would be the best features to have to accommodate our hectic and fast-paced world of meeting scheduling. Another one I never use.

Calendars 100

Calendars IAAP Time Zones 2010 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JULY 16, 2010

If you don’t have e-mail folders, create some and sort messages as they are received. Manage: At the end of the day, take five minutes to create a preliminary list of priorities for the next day. Be sure to include call-back windows if you leave a message so you won’t be interrupted while working on an important task.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2010 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

DECEMBER 5, 2009

Take notes during the interview so you don’t forget what you wanted to ask. If you don’t get it, it wasn’t the right job for you or the right time. EST Taking Effective Meeting Minutes Join me for a Webinar Oct. Taking Effective Meeting Minutes ► August (3) Pass it on.

Time Zones 100

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Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 19, 2009

© Copyright Patricia Robb 2010 19 January, 2009 10 Things = Frustration When one team member doesn’t want to play. Managing your workload from home when you don’t have everything you need. EST Taking Effective Meeting Minutes Join me for a Webinar Oct. Lets enjoy our day together.© 5, 2010 at 12 p.m.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2009 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

AUGUST 22, 2009

Sometimes I need to do a job, but I can’t move forward until I get an answer from someone else. While waiting for the answer, you can go on to other tasks and bring this item forward another day to get it off your desk, but don’t let it go off your radar. EST Taking Effective Meeting Minutes Join me for a Webinar Oct.

Time Zones 100

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Laughing all the Way to Work

FEBRUARY 13, 2010

By the same token, I appreciate it when someone lets me know by when they will have something for me and if they can’t have it done by that date, then I like it when they get back to me to say when I can expect it. So that is what I like, but it isn’t always what I get. I can only guess when I might get it.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes 2010 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

DECEMBER 17, 2008

A good assistant knows just where to find the document or file needed, or they won’t stop looking till they do. If the computer doesn’t do what we want -- trick it, it is amazing what we can do if we put our minds to it. EST Taking Effective Meeting Minutes Join me for a Webinar Oct. Be creative.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Filing 2008 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

NOVEMBER 21, 2009

When I look at them however, I see someone who really knows their job and I know they could do it if only they would forget about what they can’t do and concentrate on what they can do. Don’t let self doubt take over. EST Taking Effective Meeting Minutes Join me for a Webinar Oct. 5, 2010 at 12 p.m.

Self Esteem 100

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Laughing all the Way to Work

MARCH 29, 2009

EST Taking Effective Meeting Minutes Join me for a Webinar Oct. .© Copyright Patricia Robb 2010 30 March, 2009 When working isnt fun: Ho hum, ho hum, its off to work I go. Do you ever get that ho hum feeling about your job and know it is time to consider moving on? After four years at my previous job I knew it was time to go.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones Resume IAAP Interviewing 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MARCH 21, 2009

EST Taking Effective Meeting Minutes Join me for a Webinar Oct. Taking Effective Meeting Minutes ► August (3) Pass it on. Taking stock We don't know what we don't know ► June (1) Playing nice in the sandbox ► May (2) Whose meeting is it anyway? 5, 2010 at 12 p.m.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes Administrative Professionals 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MARCH 8, 2009

EST Taking Effective Meeting Minutes Join me for a Webinar Oct. Taking Effective Meeting Minutes ► August (3) Pass it on. Taking stock We don't know what we don't know ► June (1) Playing nice in the sandbox ► May (2) Whose meeting is it anyway? Lets enjoy our day together.©

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

FEBRUARY 7, 2010

I actually didn't know this and this is something I need because I tend to blather on a little bit and get carried away! :) February 12, 2010 Patricia Robb said. But, as I learned the hard way it doesn't work on all systems. EST Taking Effective Meeting Minutes Join me for a Webinar Oct. Thanks Patricia!

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2010 Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MARCH 15, 2009

EST Taking Effective Meeting Minutes Join me for a Webinar Oct. Taking Effective Meeting Minutes ► August (3) Pass it on. Taking stock We don't know what we don't know ► June (1) Playing nice in the sandbox ► May (2) Whose meeting is it anyway? 5, 2010 at 12 p.m.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

NOVEMBER 16, 2008

© Copyright Patricia Robb 2010 16 November, 2008 Writing when you don’t know what you’re talking about. I wrote the article The Art of Minute Taking and I had only taken minutes a few times about 25 years ago. I interviewed my friend who is a minute taker. Lets enjoy our day together.©

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MARCH 1, 2009

Under My Favourites, I have added a Meeting section with some useful sites and combined many of my travel related links under one title simply called Travel. EST Taking Effective Meeting Minutes Join me for a Webinar Oct. Taking Effective Meeting Minutes ► August (3) Pass it on. Minute taking made easier.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes Administrative Professionals 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 24, 2009

Is the clock on the wall deciding how much effort you will put into finding an answer? Or do you just not want to try? I have found that in most situations there is usually a way around it. Why not start looking at your roadblock as a hurdle instead? You should view it as a momentary setback to be overcome.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2009 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JULY 26, 2009

That's what I thought for Excel as well, but couldn't get it to work so I gave instructions for the long way to do it. Sometimes I find a simple procedure can be made more complicated than it really is so responded that a cut and paste from Excel to Word should do the trick. She was amazed. Put in a higher number and press OK.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2009 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JULY 29, 2009

I hope you don't mind, but I added a link to your blog on my page. Humour is a powerful stress reliever if done in good taste, but timing is everything. I think because I am over 50 I am not afraid what people think as much as I did when I was younger. I actually have fun at work, but I work hard and consider myself a professional.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2009 Holidays 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

NOVEMBER 22, 2008

At a recent meeting some assistants were complaining about all the e-mail in their Inbox and how frustrated they were getting trying to manage it all. EST Taking Effective Meeting Minutes Join me for a Webinar Oct. I stop the flow and pick up the phone. It is amazing how quickly a matter can be handled on the phone or in person.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International 2008 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MAY 23, 2009

EST Taking Effective Meeting Minutes Join me for a Webinar Oct. Taking Effective Meeting Minutes ► August (3) Pass it on. Taking stock We don't know what we don't know ► June (1) Playing nice in the sandbox ► May (2) Whose meeting is it anyway? My boss calls them Grrr!

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MAY 10, 2009

EST Taking Effective Meeting Minutes Join me for a Webinar Oct. Taking Effective Meeting Minutes ► August (3) Pass it on. Taking stock We don't know what we don't know ► June (1) Playing nice in the sandbox ► May (2) Whose meeting is it anyway? 5, 2010 at 12 p.m.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

NOVEMBER 1, 2008

EST Taking Effective Meeting Minutes Join me for a Webinar Oct. Taking Effective Meeting Minutes ► August (3) Pass it on. Taking stock We don't know what we don't know ► June (1) Playing nice in the sandbox ► May (2) Whose meeting is it anyway? 5, 2010 at 12 p.m.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

NOVEMBER 27, 2008

EST Taking Effective Meeting Minutes Join me for a Webinar Oct. Taking Effective Meeting Minutes ► August (3) Pass it on. Taking stock We don't know what we don't know ► June (1) Playing nice in the sandbox ► May (2) Whose meeting is it anyway? 5, 2010 at 12 p.m.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Holidays Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MAY 24, 2009

To set a recurring 9-5 meeting (as opposed to clicking all-day meeting) I dont like the all-day meeting settings as they are out of sight at the top of the calendar and easily missed. To do this Open a New Meeting. EST Taking Effective Meeting Minutes Join me for a Webinar Oct. Lets enjoy our day together.©

2007 100

2007 Time Zones IAAP 2003 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 18, 2009

routine, but finally dragged myself out of the apartment and went to work because I had an all-day meeting to attend that I really needed to be at. EST Taking Effective Meeting Minutes Join me for a Webinar Oct. Taking Effective Meeting Minutes ► August (3) Pass it on. Or so I thought. 5, 2010 at 12 p.m.

Time Zones 100

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Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 3, 2009

I dont know how many times I have put a P.S. to let someone know something and then when I meet that person they ask me why I never answered them. "I EST Taking Effective Meeting Minutes Join me for a Webinar Oct. Taking Effective Meeting Minutes ► August (3) Pass it on. Is it true? 5, 2010 at 12 p.m.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 31, 2009

EST Taking Effective Meeting Minutes Join me for a Webinar Oct. Taking Effective Meeting Minutes ► August (3) Pass it on. Taking stock We don't know what we don't know ► June (1) Playing nice in the sandbox ► May (2) Whose meeting is it anyway? 5, 2010 at 12 p.m.

2007 100

2007 Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 13, 2009

EST Taking Effective Meeting Minutes Join me for a Webinar Oct. Taking Effective Meeting Minutes ► August (3) Pass it on. Taking stock We don't know what we don't know ► June (1) Playing nice in the sandbox ► May (2) Whose meeting is it anyway? So, do I get my raise yet?

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2009 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 1, 2009

EST Taking Effective Meeting Minutes Join me for a Webinar Oct. Taking Effective Meeting Minutes ► August (3) Pass it on. Taking stock We don't know what we don't know ► June (1) Playing nice in the sandbox ► May (2) Whose meeting is it anyway? Minute taking made easier.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones 2009 IAAP 2008 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MAY 1, 2009

EST Taking Effective Meeting Minutes Join me for a Webinar Oct. Taking Effective Meeting Minutes ► August (3) Pass it on. Taking stock We don't know what we don't know ► June (1) Playing nice in the sandbox ► May (2) Whose meeting is it anyway? Minute taking made easier.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MAY 10, 2009

EST Taking Effective Meeting Minutes Join me for a Webinar Oct. Taking Effective Meeting Minutes ► August (3) Pass it on. Taking stock We don't know what we don't know ► June (1) Playing nice in the sandbox ► May (2) Whose meeting is it anyway? 5, 2010 at 12 p.m.

Google 100

Google Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes 100