10.27.2011

Outsource Options

Numerous companies are recognizing the value of outsourcing.  Busy business and individuals are overwhelmed with the multitude of tasks required of them.  Many find frustration with the fact that often the most tedious (and undesirable) tasks can be quite crucial.  These savvy individuals outsource the mundane, monotonous, and humdrum assignments--thus improving their job satisfaction, reducing their stress, and enhancing their productivity.
Here is a list of the most outsourced duties:
-Mail (electronic or paper correspondence), packing/shipping
-Advertising
-Logistics--shuttling people and packages
-Payroll
-Data mining for marketing research


Additionally, many successful and innovative individuals employ a virtual office assistant, and delegating to their assistant the host of important yet banal tasks.

For more information, please review this article



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10.24.2011

Motivation Augmentation

In our lives at home and work we require motivation.  Motivation to complete a project in a timely manner.  Motivation to keep a tidy home.  Motivation to exercise.  In order to be a productive person, self motivating is essential.  While motivation is an indispensable ingredient in a productive and healthy life, sometimes it seems as if our motivation levels wane.


Happily, we determine our own level of motivation.  Quantities of motivation are not distributed by the whim of a boss, or lavished upon us by parents.  "Motivation is a set of thinking strategies or processes that we run for ourselves".  We are the captains and masters of our motivation. 

One way to boost your level of motivation is deciding a head of time what you will do when action is required.  For example, make the decision to work out in the morning the day before.  Then, set yourself up for success by: getting to bed at a reasonable hour, preparing your gym bag, and setting your alarm.  Then, when the time arrives for action--GO.  Do not create excuses, do not create reasons to postpone, do not doubt your ability to make yourself work.  Simply follow through on the decision you already made. 

You can require excellence from yourself.  You can set lofty goals--and meet them. 

For more self motivating techniques, review this article



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10.20.2011

Rush Repose

Do you find that you are consistently running late?  Generally the last to arrive for an event?  Or, frequently in a rush to get out the door?  Being late is a habit--a bad habit that can be broken.  While it may seem like your friends and family accept your excuses and apologies, in reality it is bothersome when a person is routinely late.  Those waiting may smile and say, "it's ok", however chronic lateness can make the late comer appear unorganized and thoughtless.  

Timely arrivals are vital in well organized and efficient schedule.  Today's tips from Girl Friday Agency can aid you in your quest for time management:
-Factor in time for travel-commuting the same route can often result in vastly different travel times due to traffic, road works, etc.  Therefore, give yourself ample time to travel to your destination.  If you arrive early read a book, listen to a book on CD, or take take a few minutes to meditate.   
-Resist the urge to do "just one more thing"-often that one last little task will take longer than you anticipate.  Set a departure time, and stick to it.  If the designated time to leave arrives and you are not quite finished with a project, stop and make a note of where you left off--and GO.  

For more information read this article



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10.17.2011

Body Language Translation




Every moment we are telegraphing our thoughts non-verbally.  Thoughts and feelings are broadcast upon our face and announced by our behavior.  Mastering our own non-verbal cues and interpreting anotherer's body language is a vital communication skill.  Those who understand body language are at a decided advantage in the workplace and at home. 

Read this article for essential instruction in the art reading facial expressions and understanding body language.  










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10.14.2011

Outlet Upgrade





It can get difficult to find sufficient electrical outlets for our various electrical devices.  This ingenious outlet combines the standard electrical outlet and a USB port that can charge any device charged via a 5V power adapter.  No longer will you, your laptop, and smartphone be banished to the hallway to find a vacant electrical outlet!  

Purchase for $25.00.  For more information, visit FastMac.

10.10.2011

Fiscal Crystal Ball


As a majority of people do not have extensive finical planning training, seeking advice before making big purchases or plotting your financial forecast is wise.  I discovered a brilliant tool from a company named, Planwise, which helps the average individual visualize the future fiscal impact of decisions made today. 

Planwise website
Planwise blog
Here is a short video of the CEO and founder, Vincent Turner, talking about Planwise: video link

10.06.2011

Immunity Improvement



With rain falling and temperatures dropping, thoughts naturally turn to illness prevention.  Getting sick is typically a major disruption at work and home.  To keep you operating in top form, Girl Friday Agency offers a list of foods that boost immunity.

-Yogurt- Probiotics keep your digestive track healthy by keeping harmful bacteria at bay.
-Citrus- A great source of Vitamin C, an immunity booster.
-Oats and Barley- These grain contain beta-glucan, which as antimicrobial and antioxidant properties; plus, help the immune system to detect bacteria and fight of infection more efficiently.   
-Mushrooms- Increase the production and activity of white blood cells, making them aggressive.
-Sweet Potatoes- Offers loads of Vitamin A that keeps your skin healthy, our first line of defense against pathogens.   
-Broccoli- Helps mucus membranes from effective barriers against invading germs.
-Salmon- Provides amino acids and Omega-3 fatty acid compounds the immune system requires.  
-Blueberries- Boosts immunity by offering positive effects on cardiovascular health, cell tissue, and digestive system. 
-Almonds- Enhances the immune system with beneficial monounsaturated fat, iron, fiber, magnesium and protein.  Additionally, almonds contain healthful calcium, riboflavin and vitamin E.

For more information, please these two articles, article 1 and article 2.








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10.03.2011

Food-a-pedia




This website is a nifty little health and wellness tool!  Simply plug in a food and this website gives you the caloric count and recipe options.  Clever!

MyFood-a-pedia.com













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