The agenda is the key to a successful meeting – it is the roadmap, the guide, the plan. Studies have shown that up to 70% of meetings either have no agenda or have a poor agenda which is not helpful. In this article, you will see that there are some steps which you can take to make sure your agenda will contribute to making your meeting more productive. There are also hidden advantages. If the agenda is well constructed, you will also spend less time in the meeting and more time actually doing the things the meeting determines need to be done!
1. Remember the key – the more detailed the agenda, the more focussed and generally, the shorter the meeting will- be.
2. You cannot expect intelligent decisions if people do not have time to think through the issues before the meeting. Therefore, agendas need to be sent out in advance, not given out at the meeting. People who have genuine desire to reach the best decision, and people who are organised, always have their agendas distributed in time for people to give thought to the issues.
3. Adopt the strict policy that if an item is not on the agenda, it will not be discussed at the meeting. Do not allow items to be raised without notice. Allow only true emergency items to be exempt and allow no other exceptions. Organised people have no difficulty with this. It is only disorganised or "slack" people who object to this because they cannot get their act together. Research shows, that if an item is raised without notice, the meeting will spend time talking about it, but then defer the decision until the next meeting anyway when there is notice given. It just wastes time.
4. Have a "cut-off" time for agenda items and make sure everyone knows the cut-off time and then also "publish" the distribution time for the agenda. So, for example, it would work like this: The minute taker would let everyone know that items for the agenda must be with the minute taker by, say, noon on Wednesday, the agendas will be sent out (by the minute taker) at say, 4.00pm Wednesday (allowing time for the pre-meeting meeting with the chair) and the meeting will be held at 3.00pm Thursday. Everyone would know the timetable for every meeting and then no-one has any excuse not to follow the timetable.
A second example for clarity: Let everyone know the cut-off time for agenda items is, say, noon on the third Thursday. The agenda will be emailed or faxed by close of business that same day, for the meeting on the following Monday.
5. Once you have all of the above in place, then you can eliminate business without notice. This is often called "general business" or "other business". Modern meetings and the most competent chairs of meetings, adopt the practice – "if it isn't on the agenda then it isn't discussed". Everyone has the same opportunity to put anything they want to on the agenda so no-one is disadvantaged.
6. Insert an agenda item immediately after Confirmation of the minutes – "Action Status Report". In this report (which is written, not verbal) you list the current status of every item of action which is outstanding, as well as the completed items assigned at the last meeting. The minute taker would prepare this document immediately before
the meeting.
Example status statements are: Completed, Not yet started, 70% completed, Completion expected in 3 days, Stalled – require resources, Stalled - Awaiting information or responses, Waiting for CEO's signature, etc.
7. Once you have the Action Status Report in place, then you can eliminate Business Arising from the Minutes. Many people think that Business Arising from the minutes is going through every item on the last minutes and asking if there is anything to be said. This is a complete waste of time. Everything which would normally appear in business arising would either be in the Action Status report or will be worthy of an agenda item in its own right.
8. Sort all correspondence into 3 categories – 1 – junk, 2 – For information only, 3 – Decision required and then eliminate correspondence as an item on the agenda.
Correspondence in category 1, (junk) should be disposed of. Correspondence in category 2 (For Information) should be placed in a manila folder or ring binder file and passed around the meeting for people to look at as the meeting progresses. There is no need to list it in the minutes. Correspondence in category 3 (Decision required) should each be listed on the agenda as a separate item – every decision as a separate item - so they can be dealt with at an appropriate time and in an appropriate way.
Outward correspondence has been sent – there is little to be gained by discussing letters which have been sent. Outward correspondence can be listed in the Action Status Report as its own item. It is pointless to confirm or ratify outgoing correspondence – it has been sent!
9. Place a (D) or an (I) next to every agenda item indicating whether it is a decision required item (D) or an information item (I).
10. Do not allow verbal reports without a written summary. Insist that every report is written and preferably no more than one page. That report is then included in the minutes. (It is not the minute takers job to write notes about someone's report – it is up the person giving the report to provide their report for the minute taker to include.) The most effective chairs of meetings do not allow verbal reports unless they are accompanied by a written summary.
The next point is by far the most important. Make sure you adopt this and your meetings will run effectively and efficiently.
11. Finally, and most important, ensure that every agenda item shows clearly what is required from that item being on the agenda – not just a vague topic. Every agenda item needs to be expanded so that every person at the meeting knows clearly exactly what is required at the end of discussion on that item. Fort example, an item may require that a "decision to be made on which software the organisation will buy;" or a second example, "decision required on whether or not to employ an extra admin person;" or a third, "decision required on whether to extend the funding for the Acme Project and if so, by how much". Once you have this in place, then your meetings will run smoothly and be much more focused.
About the Author:
David Julian Price is known by his clients as "Mr Meetings". He trains, coaches and consults with organisations in Australia and throughout the world on every aspect of meetings, particularly taking minutes, chairing meetings, managing and organising meetings to get results, and governance. David is an internationally qualified Corporate Governance Professional. He can be contacted at http://www.davidprice.com or email at david@davidprice.com.
Showing posts with label Articles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Articles. Show all posts
Instant Relaxation Anytime Anywhere
If there was a way of relaxing quickly and easily in any situation would you want to know what it is?
Ancient cultures knew this secret, and followers of Hawaiian Huna used it to access altered states. In more recent times martial artists used it as a way to develop relaxed alertness, and today photo readers use it to relax before reading books at speeds of 25,000 words per minute.
What is the secret? It has to do with how you use your eyes!
Pick a spot on the wall straight ahead and a little above eye level. Now continue to look at that spot with soft focus and after a few moments you will notice that the room seems to become fuzzy as you develop tunnel vision. This tunnel vision goes hand in hand with the worry, stress and anxiety you feel when you get fixated on getting what you want when you are under pressure.
If only you could snap out of that tunnel vision when it clouds your judgment then you could be more relaxed when you choose to be. You can in a moment if you know how to access your peripheral vision.
How to access your peripheral vision:
1. Pick a spot on the wall in front of you, slightly above eye level.
2. Extend your field of vision, little by little, to take in more of what you can see to the left and right. Continue like this until you are aware of what you can see out of the corner of your eyes on either side.
3. Let your awareness go even further. Use your sense of space to guide you all the way around behind you through 360 degrees.
When you stay in peripheral vision for a few minutes, you will notice that your breathing tends to slow down and even become deeper; the muscles of your face may have relaxed; and even the rest of your body may feel heavier and more relaxed.
When you use your peripheral vision your nervous system seems to automatically calm your body, mind and emotions.
4. Return to normal everyday awareness by letting your vision return to normal.
When you are speaking to a group or even to a large audience, accessing your peripheral vision is a valuable skill. It will let you relax immediately while also allowing you to see your entire audience and any small movements, consequently you can be more aware of reactions to your message.
Which do you prefer, tunnel vision with stress or peripheral vision with relaxation? The choice is yours. To have a choice when it matters you need to practice accessing your peripheral vision at will. Then the next time you feel anxious, scared or tense in front of other people you will be able to quickly and easily access your natural state of relaxation.
Peter Murphy is a peak performance expert.
He recently produced a very popular free report that reveals how to
crush procrastination and sustain lasting motivation. Apply now
because it is available for a limited time only at:
http://www.getmotivatedstaymotivated.com/special.htm
Ancient cultures knew this secret, and followers of Hawaiian Huna used it to access altered states. In more recent times martial artists used it as a way to develop relaxed alertness, and today photo readers use it to relax before reading books at speeds of 25,000 words per minute.
What is the secret? It has to do with how you use your eyes!
Pick a spot on the wall straight ahead and a little above eye level. Now continue to look at that spot with soft focus and after a few moments you will notice that the room seems to become fuzzy as you develop tunnel vision. This tunnel vision goes hand in hand with the worry, stress and anxiety you feel when you get fixated on getting what you want when you are under pressure.
If only you could snap out of that tunnel vision when it clouds your judgment then you could be more relaxed when you choose to be. You can in a moment if you know how to access your peripheral vision.
How to access your peripheral vision:
1. Pick a spot on the wall in front of you, slightly above eye level.
2. Extend your field of vision, little by little, to take in more of what you can see to the left and right. Continue like this until you are aware of what you can see out of the corner of your eyes on either side.
3. Let your awareness go even further. Use your sense of space to guide you all the way around behind you through 360 degrees.
When you stay in peripheral vision for a few minutes, you will notice that your breathing tends to slow down and even become deeper; the muscles of your face may have relaxed; and even the rest of your body may feel heavier and more relaxed.
When you use your peripheral vision your nervous system seems to automatically calm your body, mind and emotions.
4. Return to normal everyday awareness by letting your vision return to normal.
When you are speaking to a group or even to a large audience, accessing your peripheral vision is a valuable skill. It will let you relax immediately while also allowing you to see your entire audience and any small movements, consequently you can be more aware of reactions to your message.
Which do you prefer, tunnel vision with stress or peripheral vision with relaxation? The choice is yours. To have a choice when it matters you need to practice accessing your peripheral vision at will. Then the next time you feel anxious, scared or tense in front of other people you will be able to quickly and easily access your natural state of relaxation.
Peter Murphy is a peak performance expert.
He recently produced a very popular free report that reveals how to
crush procrastination and sustain lasting motivation. Apply now
because it is available for a limited time only at:
http://www.getmotivatedstaymotivated.com/special.htm
Keeping your Laptop Safe and Secure
When people think of computer security they think of things like Trojan Horses, viruses, spyware, worms and other nasty things that hackers can send to you over the internet. No matter how many blocks you have in place, or how many firewalls you erect, though, there is a type of security that you are probably forgetting when it comes to your laptop.
With huge numbers of people using laptops both at home and at work, and the rising number of people taking their laptops with them on trips to anywhere from the coffee shop down the street to the next continent over, there is an important security issue also on the rise. The theft of laptops is at a record high, and once a thief has your computer safely in his hands, he has all the time in the world to crack the rest of your security or take your computer apart to sell the pieces.
Keeping your laptop safe is not just an issue of internal security and regular checkups (though these things are important), but also of physical security and making sure that your computer does not leave your possession.
Security at Work and School
With the theft of laptops on the rise, the job of protecting them has become big business. If you bring your laptop to work, then it is important to keep it secure at all times. Especially in a busy office with many people coming and going, a two-minute bathroom break can mean the loss of a couple of thousand dollars worth of technology, and a lot of data.
For a laptop on your desk in the busy office place, there are several options for keeping your laptop tied down and in place no matter what. One of these methods is attaching your laptop to a security cable to stop casual theft. These cables can only be released with a key or code, and keep others from lifting your laptop when your back is turned.
If you bring your laptop to work, but do not use it the entire time you are there, if you are a student or parent concerned about others accessing your computer, or if you foresee being away from your desk for a period of time, locking your laptop in a file cabinet or desk drawer can be ideal. If these options are not available, a laptop locker will keep others away from your valuable tool. Mount the laptop locker under your desk, in the trunk of your car, on the wall, or in the closet to prevent theft and unwanted access.
For a laptop that many people may need to use or have access to, and one that is not supposed to go anywhere, ever, then a tie-down bracket is the option to keep your computer safe. Popular with libraries and hotels, these brackets protect your laptop usually whether open or closed, but will not allow the laptop to be removed. These are also good for computers that can be in danger of falling from things such as store displays, car mounts, and laptops on hospital carts.
For schools or companies that provide laptops for special use to many people at once, a lockable laptop cart is idea. The cart provides room for fifteen to thirty laptops at once. These carts are constructed to be both mobile and extremely difficult to break into. When not in use they should be kept in a locked room for additional security, however even if someone gets one of these carts, it will be virtually impossible to conceal.
If despite your best precautions your laptop is lost or stolen, having installed a stealth signal program or other tracking program means that your laptop can call out for help. Report your laptop as lost or stolen, and your computer will begin transmitting its location to a control center. These control centers can then help you retrieve your lost computer, hopefully before any damage is done.
The best security you can offer your computer is keeping your eye on it at all times. If you choose to bring it with you anywhere, do not leave it alone unless it is under lock and key. People are tempted to set their bags on the floor and doze in waiting rooms or airports, but it only takes a second to lose your valuable investment and all of your data.
Security Online and in Networks
Don't think that just because your computer is locked up from theft makes it perfectly safe, either. Information you keep stored on your computer such as bank data, passwords, credit cards, and other sensitive information make a tempting target for hackers and identity thieves. The best security for your personal information is to not save it on your computer anywhere, ever.
It may not just be your data that thieves are after, either. Once they have established a connection, they can come back again and again to make use of your fancy processor and your internet connection to attack other computers and hide their own activities. These intruders get in through email viruses and weaknesses in existing programs, and often install programs to keep their access to your computer open. It is hard to tell that your computer has been invaded, but keeping your connection secure is vital.
There are things that everyone should know, and most people don't think about. Do not, for example, open an attachment from someone you don't know. If possible, avoid opening the emails, too. If you do open attachments, make sure they are scanned for a virus first. Infected friends can inadvertently send viruses on to you.
Visiting innocent web sites can also provide entry points into your computer. If you think of the internet as one big room, any program listening can hear your conversation (the data you exchange) and interpret it. Do not think that your computer is talking directly to the computer on the other end of the line. Your conversations/information are relayed through computer after computer until it reaches its destination. Programs can be installed to encrypt the information you send out over the internet to protect you from this mode of invasion.
Password protection is key, as is backing up your work every so often. That way even if you are infected with a dangerous virus, you can possibly format or use another method to wipe it away. Passwords should also be strong, containing letters and numbers, and not your own personal information like birth dates. You should also rotate passwords, not using the same one twice.
Anti-virus programs should be installed and updated frequently. They should also be used to actively scan for viruses on a regular basis to keep your computer or laptop as safe as possible. You should also make sure to keep your system updates with all the latest patches available, since they may help close a back door that an intruder could take advantage of.
A firewall program is not the same as an anti-virus program, but it is just as important. A firewall means that no one gets into your computer without your knowledge or permission. A person or program attempting to access your computer from a remote location will not be allowed through unless you specifically enable them.
There is a lot here to remember, and a lot of information to process. Following the advice outlined here, however, and searching regularly for new security measures and updates will help to protect your computer and all of the information stored on it. Safety, after all, is the key.
--
(c) Copyright www.cheap-laptops-guide.net All rights reserved.
You may use this article in its entirety if the links and resource box stay intact.
For more interesting articles on laptops, batteries, accessories, and laptop reviews, go to http://www.cheap-laptops-guide.net
With huge numbers of people using laptops both at home and at work, and the rising number of people taking their laptops with them on trips to anywhere from the coffee shop down the street to the next continent over, there is an important security issue also on the rise. The theft of laptops is at a record high, and once a thief has your computer safely in his hands, he has all the time in the world to crack the rest of your security or take your computer apart to sell the pieces.
Keeping your laptop safe is not just an issue of internal security and regular checkups (though these things are important), but also of physical security and making sure that your computer does not leave your possession.
Security at Work and School
With the theft of laptops on the rise, the job of protecting them has become big business. If you bring your laptop to work, then it is important to keep it secure at all times. Especially in a busy office with many people coming and going, a two-minute bathroom break can mean the loss of a couple of thousand dollars worth of technology, and a lot of data.
For a laptop on your desk in the busy office place, there are several options for keeping your laptop tied down and in place no matter what. One of these methods is attaching your laptop to a security cable to stop casual theft. These cables can only be released with a key or code, and keep others from lifting your laptop when your back is turned.
If you bring your laptop to work, but do not use it the entire time you are there, if you are a student or parent concerned about others accessing your computer, or if you foresee being away from your desk for a period of time, locking your laptop in a file cabinet or desk drawer can be ideal. If these options are not available, a laptop locker will keep others away from your valuable tool. Mount the laptop locker under your desk, in the trunk of your car, on the wall, or in the closet to prevent theft and unwanted access.
For a laptop that many people may need to use or have access to, and one that is not supposed to go anywhere, ever, then a tie-down bracket is the option to keep your computer safe. Popular with libraries and hotels, these brackets protect your laptop usually whether open or closed, but will not allow the laptop to be removed. These are also good for computers that can be in danger of falling from things such as store displays, car mounts, and laptops on hospital carts.
For schools or companies that provide laptops for special use to many people at once, a lockable laptop cart is idea. The cart provides room for fifteen to thirty laptops at once. These carts are constructed to be both mobile and extremely difficult to break into. When not in use they should be kept in a locked room for additional security, however even if someone gets one of these carts, it will be virtually impossible to conceal.
If despite your best precautions your laptop is lost or stolen, having installed a stealth signal program or other tracking program means that your laptop can call out for help. Report your laptop as lost or stolen, and your computer will begin transmitting its location to a control center. These control centers can then help you retrieve your lost computer, hopefully before any damage is done.
The best security you can offer your computer is keeping your eye on it at all times. If you choose to bring it with you anywhere, do not leave it alone unless it is under lock and key. People are tempted to set their bags on the floor and doze in waiting rooms or airports, but it only takes a second to lose your valuable investment and all of your data.
Security Online and in Networks
Don't think that just because your computer is locked up from theft makes it perfectly safe, either. Information you keep stored on your computer such as bank data, passwords, credit cards, and other sensitive information make a tempting target for hackers and identity thieves. The best security for your personal information is to not save it on your computer anywhere, ever.
It may not just be your data that thieves are after, either. Once they have established a connection, they can come back again and again to make use of your fancy processor and your internet connection to attack other computers and hide their own activities. These intruders get in through email viruses and weaknesses in existing programs, and often install programs to keep their access to your computer open. It is hard to tell that your computer has been invaded, but keeping your connection secure is vital.
There are things that everyone should know, and most people don't think about. Do not, for example, open an attachment from someone you don't know. If possible, avoid opening the emails, too. If you do open attachments, make sure they are scanned for a virus first. Infected friends can inadvertently send viruses on to you.
Visiting innocent web sites can also provide entry points into your computer. If you think of the internet as one big room, any program listening can hear your conversation (the data you exchange) and interpret it. Do not think that your computer is talking directly to the computer on the other end of the line. Your conversations/information are relayed through computer after computer until it reaches its destination. Programs can be installed to encrypt the information you send out over the internet to protect you from this mode of invasion.
Password protection is key, as is backing up your work every so often. That way even if you are infected with a dangerous virus, you can possibly format or use another method to wipe it away. Passwords should also be strong, containing letters and numbers, and not your own personal information like birth dates. You should also rotate passwords, not using the same one twice.
Anti-virus programs should be installed and updated frequently. They should also be used to actively scan for viruses on a regular basis to keep your computer or laptop as safe as possible. You should also make sure to keep your system updates with all the latest patches available, since they may help close a back door that an intruder could take advantage of.
A firewall program is not the same as an anti-virus program, but it is just as important. A firewall means that no one gets into your computer without your knowledge or permission. A person or program attempting to access your computer from a remote location will not be allowed through unless you specifically enable them.
There is a lot here to remember, and a lot of information to process. Following the advice outlined here, however, and searching regularly for new security measures and updates will help to protect your computer and all of the information stored on it. Safety, after all, is the key.
--
(c) Copyright www.cheap-laptops-guide.net All rights reserved.
You may use this article in its entirety if the links and resource box stay intact.
For more interesting articles on laptops, batteries, accessories, and laptop reviews, go to http://www.cheap-laptops-guide.net
How to Start Video Blogging?
Video blogging is the next generation of posting ideas and products over the internet. Everybody knows about text blogging. Now they use videos for a better way of expression. This form of communication may entail a lot of resources, but it is all worth it. If pictures say a thousand words, video blogging exceeds that by far.
A video blog requires larger disk spaces on websites, a faster server, and a whole new set of programs to support it. Video blogs can be fed through RSS. This is technology of syndicating your website to other RSS aggregators.
Video blogging works with people on the internet expressing their selves. Now if you put this on a business prospective, you are up to a lot of benefits. Think of it as a powerful tool in making showing your prospective customers your line of products or your services. It’s just like showing a commercial all for free. And if you video blog through RSS, then most probably you are getting your target market.
People like to see what they are going to buy. Some would like to see proof and be sure that they are getting their money’s worth before shelving their dimes on it. All of us know the influence of a thirty second commercial. The effect of video blogging is similar to that. You show your product, people watch it. If they like it, they buy it. If you present it good enough, they’ll buy the product even if they don’t need it.
Now on the web, things are pretty much static, unlike in television in which all are moving. If you post something that is mobile, it would most likely catch attention. Now imaging your product parading in all it’s royalty through video blog. You’ll get phone call orders in no time.
If your business is just starting up, you can create a video blog right at your own home. All you need is your web camera, microphone, video software, and lights. For as long as you know how to use your camera, then you can create a video blog.
Invest in a good web camera. The higher its resolution is the better the output. And you like to present your goods in the optimum way so get the best one possible. Make a short story, or just capture your goods in one go. Just make sure you are getting the best profile for each. Get those creativity juices flowing.
Lights are important in a production. Make sure you illuminate entirely the area you are going to use to create video blog. The brighter the area, the crispier the images will be. You can also use lighting effects for added appeal to the presentation.
Should you require sounds for your video blog, you need a microphone. Record you voice as a voice over for promoting the product and its benefit to consumers. Sounds are as important as videos on a video blog. It is advisable to make your sound effects as enticing as the video.
Your video editing software can be any program. You need this to finalize your work. You can add sounds, delete some bad angles, or insert some still pictures in there too. Some programs are user-friendly and can be used even with zero knowledge on video editing. Even simple video editing programs should do the trick. Select your background carefully too. The light affects the presentation so make sure that the background and the light complements each other.
Video blogging is a great tool but it also has it downside. It may slow down the computer so other may steer clear of it. Download time may also be time consuming especially if customer is still on a dial-up connection.
But don’t let those stop you. Let video blogging be an alternative for you, though it is best to still keep the text and pictures present in your presentation to accommodate all possible viewers of your site.
Nowadays, the more creative you are in presenting your product to the market, they more you are likely to succeed. Video blogging offers an interactive way of selling. You involve the customers. You instill in them the advantage of your goods. And at times, those are enough to make a sale.
--
Kanicen Nichathavan
A video blog requires larger disk spaces on websites, a faster server, and a whole new set of programs to support it. Video blogs can be fed through RSS. This is technology of syndicating your website to other RSS aggregators.
Video blogging works with people on the internet expressing their selves. Now if you put this on a business prospective, you are up to a lot of benefits. Think of it as a powerful tool in making showing your prospective customers your line of products or your services. It’s just like showing a commercial all for free. And if you video blog through RSS, then most probably you are getting your target market.
People like to see what they are going to buy. Some would like to see proof and be sure that they are getting their money’s worth before shelving their dimes on it. All of us know the influence of a thirty second commercial. The effect of video blogging is similar to that. You show your product, people watch it. If they like it, they buy it. If you present it good enough, they’ll buy the product even if they don’t need it.
Now on the web, things are pretty much static, unlike in television in which all are moving. If you post something that is mobile, it would most likely catch attention. Now imaging your product parading in all it’s royalty through video blog. You’ll get phone call orders in no time.
If your business is just starting up, you can create a video blog right at your own home. All you need is your web camera, microphone, video software, and lights. For as long as you know how to use your camera, then you can create a video blog.
Invest in a good web camera. The higher its resolution is the better the output. And you like to present your goods in the optimum way so get the best one possible. Make a short story, or just capture your goods in one go. Just make sure you are getting the best profile for each. Get those creativity juices flowing.
Lights are important in a production. Make sure you illuminate entirely the area you are going to use to create video blog. The brighter the area, the crispier the images will be. You can also use lighting effects for added appeal to the presentation.
Should you require sounds for your video blog, you need a microphone. Record you voice as a voice over for promoting the product and its benefit to consumers. Sounds are as important as videos on a video blog. It is advisable to make your sound effects as enticing as the video.
Your video editing software can be any program. You need this to finalize your work. You can add sounds, delete some bad angles, or insert some still pictures in there too. Some programs are user-friendly and can be used even with zero knowledge on video editing. Even simple video editing programs should do the trick. Select your background carefully too. The light affects the presentation so make sure that the background and the light complements each other.
Video blogging is a great tool but it also has it downside. It may slow down the computer so other may steer clear of it. Download time may also be time consuming especially if customer is still on a dial-up connection.
But don’t let those stop you. Let video blogging be an alternative for you, though it is best to still keep the text and pictures present in your presentation to accommodate all possible viewers of your site.
Nowadays, the more creative you are in presenting your product to the market, they more you are likely to succeed. Video blogging offers an interactive way of selling. You involve the customers. You instill in them the advantage of your goods. And at times, those are enough to make a sale.
--
Kanicen Nichathavan
How to Find a Good Baby Sitter
Hiring baby sitters for your youngster can be a frightening prospect. There are hundreds of stories of caretakers who have neglected or worse yet abused the children in their care. Selecting a baby sitter does not have to be a challenging task however, and can be very safe, provided you consider a few key steps before hiring someone.
First and foremost, consider asking family members if they will consider baby sitting for short spells to give you and your partner some much needed relief in the early days or weeks after birth. Rest assured your newborn is likely safe with grandma, who has had several years experience raising children.
If you know many people with children, ask them if they have hired baby sitters in the past with any success. Better yet, see if you can begin a co-op with other parents, where you watch their kids one night in exchange for their services another.
No matter where you find someone, it is important that you leave your baby sitters with a checklist of vital information. This should include the following:
Another great source for baby sitters is your local community center or YMCA. Consider joining one or two baby play groups. This will provide you some much needed relief, socialization and a chance to meet other parents/potential baby sitters. Many community centers also offer baby sitting services. For a small fee trained care providers will watch your little one for an hour or two while you work out.
Where to Look for Babysitters
First and foremost, consider asking family members if they will consider baby sitting for short spells to give you and your partner some much needed relief in the early days or weeks after birth. Rest assured your newborn is likely safe with grandma, who has had several years experience raising children.
If you know many people with children, ask them if they have hired baby sitters in the past with any success. Better yet, see if you can begin a co-op with other parents, where you watch their kids one night in exchange for their services another.
No matter where you find someone, it is important that you leave your baby sitters with a checklist of vital information. This should include the following:
- Your cell phone number
- The number of your neighbor, close friend or family member in case your baby sitter can't reach you
- Contact information for your local poison control center
- 911 information
- Your address, so the baby sitter can give that information to anyone in case of an emergency
- A list of any food allergies or drug allergies your baby may have
- Feeding instructions
- The name and telephone of the place where you'll be for the evening/day/hour
Another great source for baby sitters is your local community center or YMCA. Consider joining one or two baby play groups. This will provide you some much needed relief, socialization and a chance to meet other parents/potential baby sitters. Many community centers also offer baby sitting services. For a small fee trained care providers will watch your little one for an hour or two while you work out.
Where to Look for Babysitters
- Your network of friends and relatives with children: Other parents are a wonderful source of information about babysitting. Talk with them about their experiences with the sitter. What are his or her strengths or weaknesses? Often several families share a particular babysitter. Reliable babysitters may have friends or siblings who babysit.
- Neighborhood middle schools, high schools, and colleges: Often schools have newsletters or bulletin boards where jobs can be posted. Colleges usually have student placement services that match students up with potential employers. Colleges that specialize in early childhood education are a particularly good place to find students genuinely interested in children. As a special bonus they may have some background in child development.
- Your local senior center: Sometimes retired citizens are looking for part-time work. You could post a notice.
- Advertising in a community or school newspaper: The advantage of this is that you will reach a wide pool of people. The disadvantage is that you will have no control over the number and range of people applying for the job. Certainly if you advertise in a newspaper, or through a notice on a bulletin board, it is essential to meet a babysitter and carefully check all references before you hire her.
Are You Working Too Hard At Saving Money?
Copyright © 2006-2007 Darlene Arechederra
You work hard for your money. And chances are, you work even harder to "save" some of that money. But what happens when a year later you're not any closer to achieving your savings goal?
That's exactly what happened to Heather. See if you can relate to her experience during rush hour on a sweltering, humid evening not too long ago...
...Heather dragged her tired body from the passenger seat of the tow truck, relieved when her heels hit the surface of her driveway. A few minutes more and she could soak up the air conditioning inside and worry about how to get to work tomorrow.
Heather handed over her credit card information, hoping the driver would be quick about it. She'd dearly love to step away from these diesel fumes. The humidity alone made it difficult to breathe, and she was exhausted. What a day it had been!
But, at least she was finally home - three hours and $65 later. How could she have known the transmission would call it quits right in the middle of rush hour? Her mechanic had been warning her for months now. She'd hoped it would hold out until she had money for the repair work. But it certainly hadn't worked out that way.
As it stood now, Heather had no money for a transmission, whether used or new. She couldn't afford new car payments, either. And, she'd been using her credit card more and more lately.
She'd certainly worked hard to save money over the past 12 months. She'd brought her lunch to work each and every day. She'd cut out all long-distance calling, as well as reduced her overall spending. She'd found more ways to save, absorbing every article and newsletter she could get her hands on. By her estimate, she had saved close to $3,000 just in the past year.
All that Work -- for Nothing?
But, where in the world was the $3000 Heather had worked so hard to save? It wasn't in her checkbook today, when she truly needed it. And she knew without looking that it wasn't in her savings account.
Unfortunately, the "Money Sponge" had been visiting Heather's checkbook while she went about the business of living. This meant that, while she was so busy working hard to save more money, her money was quietly and steadily being absorbed by the Money Sponge.
Heather's $3000 wasn't taken out of circulation, put into a savings account, or otherwise tucked away. It was left high and dry, totally defenseless in her checkbook. Bite by bite, the Money Sponge absorbed it, and there is now no evidence that Heather saved that $3000.
She'd needed that money urgently today, but it simply wasn't there. It slowly got spent on other things. She had no idea what those things were, but tonight she's feeling that she's no better off than a year ago.
All that work for nothing!
The True Secret to Getting Ahead
Though she was discouraged, Heather learned a valuable lesson that day. She must put up "all" money she saves. If she doesn't, she'll continue to work hard at "saving" yet never really get ahead.
If the money will not be there when she needs it, why is Heather working so hard to save it? And, how long will she stay motivated if she never sees the 'fruits' of her labor?
Heather learned another great lesson as well. She discovered that, if she doesn't begin putting up the "smaller" amounts of money she's saved, chances are she'll never put up any "larger" amounts. That day simply won't arrive. Small truly is better than nothing.
Now, the Money Sponge is sitting there quietly, comfortably settled in for the years ahead. But Heather will win this battle, hands down.
How about you? Has the Money Sponge been visiting you lately? Why not cut off its supply by deciding exactly "how" you'll tuck away that little bit of money, even if only $5 at a time.
You work too hard for your money, and you use a lot of energy to avoid spending it. Why not take it out of circulation - and celebrate each time you move a bit closer to your goal!
You work hard for your money. And chances are, you work even harder to "save" some of that money. But what happens when a year later you're not any closer to achieving your savings goal?
That's exactly what happened to Heather. See if you can relate to her experience during rush hour on a sweltering, humid evening not too long ago...
...Heather dragged her tired body from the passenger seat of the tow truck, relieved when her heels hit the surface of her driveway. A few minutes more and she could soak up the air conditioning inside and worry about how to get to work tomorrow.
Heather handed over her credit card information, hoping the driver would be quick about it. She'd dearly love to step away from these diesel fumes. The humidity alone made it difficult to breathe, and she was exhausted. What a day it had been!
But, at least she was finally home - three hours and $65 later. How could she have known the transmission would call it quits right in the middle of rush hour? Her mechanic had been warning her for months now. She'd hoped it would hold out until she had money for the repair work. But it certainly hadn't worked out that way.
As it stood now, Heather had no money for a transmission, whether used or new. She couldn't afford new car payments, either. And, she'd been using her credit card more and more lately.
She'd certainly worked hard to save money over the past 12 months. She'd brought her lunch to work each and every day. She'd cut out all long-distance calling, as well as reduced her overall spending. She'd found more ways to save, absorbing every article and newsletter she could get her hands on. By her estimate, she had saved close to $3,000 just in the past year.
All that Work -- for Nothing?
But, where in the world was the $3000 Heather had worked so hard to save? It wasn't in her checkbook today, when she truly needed it. And she knew without looking that it wasn't in her savings account.
Unfortunately, the "Money Sponge" had been visiting Heather's checkbook while she went about the business of living. This meant that, while she was so busy working hard to save more money, her money was quietly and steadily being absorbed by the Money Sponge.
Heather's $3000 wasn't taken out of circulation, put into a savings account, or otherwise tucked away. It was left high and dry, totally defenseless in her checkbook. Bite by bite, the Money Sponge absorbed it, and there is now no evidence that Heather saved that $3000.
She'd needed that money urgently today, but it simply wasn't there. It slowly got spent on other things. She had no idea what those things were, but tonight she's feeling that she's no better off than a year ago.
All that work for nothing!
The True Secret to Getting Ahead
Though she was discouraged, Heather learned a valuable lesson that day. She must put up "all" money she saves. If she doesn't, she'll continue to work hard at "saving" yet never really get ahead.
If the money will not be there when she needs it, why is Heather working so hard to save it? And, how long will she stay motivated if she never sees the 'fruits' of her labor?
Heather learned another great lesson as well. She discovered that, if she doesn't begin putting up the "smaller" amounts of money she's saved, chances are she'll never put up any "larger" amounts. That day simply won't arrive. Small truly is better than nothing.
Now, the Money Sponge is sitting there quietly, comfortably settled in for the years ahead. But Heather will win this battle, hands down.
How about you? Has the Money Sponge been visiting you lately? Why not cut off its supply by deciding exactly "how" you'll tuck away that little bit of money, even if only $5 at a time.
You work too hard for your money, and you use a lot of energy to avoid spending it. Why not take it out of circulation - and celebrate each time you move a bit closer to your goal!
How Airlines Reach Out to Serve You
In a world where people are more mobile than in any previous generation, travelers have come to expect many little, and not so little, extras from the airlines. From a young mother keeping her attention focused on small children, to a business person experiencing their own particular pressures, the challenge of time spent traveling can be daunting.
Even ten years ago the actual time in the air was small compared to the challenge of traveling to the airport, and once there finding a parking spot and getting from the car to the check-in-counter. Long lines were not uncommon and there was nothing to do but stand there. Layovers in other airports could be frustrating, wasted hours. While an actual flight might be three hours, the time in the air wasn't conducive to productivity.
The airline's desire to provide real service is reflected in their adding many benefits for business flayers - benefits that take place long before the plane takes off. The flayer can often request an airline to provide chauffeur service from his/her home or office to the airport. For those who drive their own car, the airlines will often park your car for you and then retrieve it when you ask. Expedited check-ins have eliminated much frustration, allowing the traveler to check in at curb-site, or at special check-in lines inside.
Accomplishing work and also having fun are now part of the actual flight process. One of the great amenities that some airlines are now providing is the use of a power port. Looking like a cigarette lighter plug-in, it allows travelers to recharge their laptops and cell phones. The problem of long flights and dead batteries is now resolved. Families are also benefiting from the power port, as DVD players, CD players, electronic and video games become part of the flying adventure.
Over the years the airlines offered movies to the travelers to lessen the boredom of a long ride. However, viewers had the option of either watching the movie or not watching it. Variety was not an option. Now the traveler's can bring their own portable CD or DVD player, along with their personal choice of entertainment. The mobile technology of today has opened many options for a traveler who used to be weary.
For those who don't want to lug their own equipment around with them, flights on many airlines have the option of individual screens with a catalog of choices where you can select a movie - or even a video game. And, many provide you with the opportunity to even check your e-mail. Home and office travel right along with you.
Even ten years ago the actual time in the air was small compared to the challenge of traveling to the airport, and once there finding a parking spot and getting from the car to the check-in-counter. Long lines were not uncommon and there was nothing to do but stand there. Layovers in other airports could be frustrating, wasted hours. While an actual flight might be three hours, the time in the air wasn't conducive to productivity.
The airline's desire to provide real service is reflected in their adding many benefits for business flayers - benefits that take place long before the plane takes off. The flayer can often request an airline to provide chauffeur service from his/her home or office to the airport. For those who drive their own car, the airlines will often park your car for you and then retrieve it when you ask. Expedited check-ins have eliminated much frustration, allowing the traveler to check in at curb-site, or at special check-in lines inside.
Accomplishing work and also having fun are now part of the actual flight process. One of the great amenities that some airlines are now providing is the use of a power port. Looking like a cigarette lighter plug-in, it allows travelers to recharge their laptops and cell phones. The problem of long flights and dead batteries is now resolved. Families are also benefiting from the power port, as DVD players, CD players, electronic and video games become part of the flying adventure.
Over the years the airlines offered movies to the travelers to lessen the boredom of a long ride. However, viewers had the option of either watching the movie or not watching it. Variety was not an option. Now the traveler's can bring their own portable CD or DVD player, along with their personal choice of entertainment. The mobile technology of today has opened many options for a traveler who used to be weary.
For those who don't want to lug their own equipment around with them, flights on many airlines have the option of individual screens with a catalog of choices where you can select a movie - or even a video game. And, many provide you with the opportunity to even check your e-mail. Home and office travel right along with you.
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