Tip of the Day Archive

As a bro, we can get so distracted at times that we often forget small yet significant appointments. Whether it was a phone call, a reply to an email, or even an update on a web page, they need to be addressed. One of the simplest and most effective ways of helping you make sure these tasks are completed is to use your computers calendar. Most computers come with them built in. If not, free accounts like Yahoo and Hotmail usually provide them for you.

Did you ever have that guy at school who was always late to class? Or perhaps you have someone at work who is the same way. In cases like these perception is reality. In truth, they may be some of the hardest workers in the business. But if you are always late people will assume the worst. Depending on your destination, always leave a small percentage of time for error. Unforeseen obstacles may get in your way, one of the biggest being traffic. If you have to, set the alarm clock ten to twenty minutes earlier and make punctuality a priority.

Becoming distracted on the internet is one of the biggest time wasters at work. In today's fast paced world we have to use the internet on a regular basis, but the key is to not get distracted by that ad with the hot chick or the latest update on Tom Brady's knee. If you just HAVE to see it, make a mental note or jot it down on a piece of paper and come back to it on your own time. Productivity is perhaps the number one priority you are evaluated on, so be sure you do not become the one known as the internet surfer.

Often times issues may arise at work that you do not necessarily agree with. Should that be the case be sure to assess the situation before you offer up your contradiction. Know exactly who and what you are dealing with and be reasonable with your decision. You are better off if you can substantiate your point with factual evidence rather than opinion. Not only will this add merit to your discussion, but it will also demonstrate a keen awareness on how to deal with sensitive areas, likely raising your employees view of you as well as adding value to your company.

Keeping up on current events is an indispensable tool as a bro. Despite your busy schedule, always take twenty minutes or so out of the day and hit up top stories and news, especially as it relates to your particular field of work. Turn on the television or radio and listen while you shower and shave. It is always good to have this in your repertoire simply because it demonstrates that you have both a willingness to learn and are savvy enough to stay on top of your craft.

Remember as a kid in school you always had that smelly kid in class? In the business world not much has changed. Good hygiene and smelling fresh may not always get you a compliment, but it certainly avoids a bad one. Remember, no odor is good odor. And if you are going to spruce it up a bit with cologne or a spray on, DO NOT overdo it. Pungent permeation is not your goal here. Use just enough to give off that odoriferous emanation that will make them smile, not cringe.

We talked the other day about being irritated on the phone and to keep your cool under these circumstances. But being cool just doesn't mean being polite. Enunciate clearly and speak into the telephone. If you are using a hand's free device make sure it is in a position so the caller can hear you. Make sure you have good posture by sitting comfortably, upright and with both feet on the floor. Breath normally as shallow breathing can interrupt your words.

We all have bad days. Perhaps you went to bed late because of work and the neighbors dog kept barking all night. You did not get enough sleep and despite your best efforts in the morning you feel sluggish. You have a phone conversation with a client and that client talks incessantly, even after you have gone over all the relevant points. The meeting should be over but it's not. The tip here is to remember to keep your cool and your focus. While you are tired and frustrated and want them gone, you have to maintain your ability to stay bro.

While businesses are slowly converting to a paperless world, we still use a great deal a paper. Growing stacks of cluttered paper on your desk can interfere with your productivity. There are only two types of paperwork you need to address; paperwork that needs to be dealt with immediately and paperwork that does not. Do yourself a favor and stay organized. Doing that little bit here and there avoids hours of your time when it becomes a scattered mess on your desk.

While Macs may enjoy strong virus protections, do not think your computer is safe from viruses. We all use a PC at some point, so the key to avoiding viruses is to PAY ATTENTION! Set your computer so it does not auto-launch files, updates, security checks, html pages, cookies, etc… without your authorization. We all have very sensitive business and personal data on our computers that we cannot afford to lose or have sent all over the internet. Worst case scenario, always have your information stored in a place where it can be recovered.

Have you ever told yourself you want to be a millionaire and believed it? So many people say they would like to be a millionaire but brush it off as though it were out of reach. Becoming a millionaire takes time to be sure, but so does climbing the corporate ladder. Set goals for yourself but continue to repeat to yourself that you can do it. Repeat to yourself that you can do it. Anything worth having will always have obstacles but remain confident that you will persevere.

You have heard of the golden rule, 'They who have the gold makes the rules'. But not always. Live by the rules that have made you unique. People like you for a reason. If you are a sycophant then so be it, but most likely people are fond of you because you made it on your own. Remember to be yourself when dealing with people, and not who you assume they would like you to be. By being yourself you are telling the truth, and the truth (like the old adage) will truly set you free.

If your new to the job or have been around the block the likelihood is that you get your share of emails. You may get anywhere from just a couple to perhaps hundreds. Understanding how to digest all of these emails can help you mange your time without interrupting your schedule.

Emails do not need to be answered right away. Schedule a specific hour to read your emails and estimate how much time you can devote to them. Prioritize what emails you are expecting and see what needs to be addressed immediately and what can be put off until later.

Establishing a disciplined routine can greatly assist you in your productivity. For some people five o'clock means five o'clock. Once that hour hits they are out the door, hit up happy hour, get home and slouch in front of the television. By all accounts this is their right, but it will certainly not help them climb up the corporate ladder.

It is such a simple thing but you would be surprised how often it occurs: the annoying cell phone ring. Your cell phone is one of your lifeblood's in the business world, but like anything else you have to astutely manage it.

How many times have you gone to a wedding or a movie theater and you STILL hear someone's cell phone ring. Unbelievable but it still happens. All of us understand that is it a common courtesy to have the phone on silent, if not turned off so there are no distractions. But like that old trite saying, "there is always someone".