July 2010
Everywhere we turn lately, we hear that “green” is good. Well, I’ll have to agree…at least when it relates to Green Tea. We have appreciated Green Tea’s ability to boost our metabolism for a long time. Most of the “diet supplements” will have some degree of Green Tea in them. A higher metabolism burns fat more efficiently. So, if you ever want to ignite your fat-burning ability, get a straight Green Tea supplement. You’ll notice more energy, too!
But, we are now learning the positive impacts that Green Tea has on dementia , Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Green Tea contains a valuable antioxidant polyphenols known to be protective against a host of chronic and age- related conditions. Israeli researchers have found that it can prevent the activation of inflammation in brain cells. When disease is already presence, Green Tea is reducing the severity of symptoms.
But wait…Green Tea does more! Japan scientists are studying antimicrobial molecules in Green Tea that help preserve healthy teeth by killing mouth bacteria associated with tooth decay and gum disease. Be sure to skip the sugar with your tea, and you just might be taking a bite out of tooth decay
Go Green Tea!
YOUR LIFE
Email has become one of the largest time traps in our history. What was supposed to have increased our productivity is now wasting hours of valuable time. We must control it or it will continue to control our lives.
One of the easiest and quickest ways to get a grip on Email is to first determine how and when to use it effectively.
Email is best suited for:
Low-priority questions that don’t require an immediate response
Yes and No questions that can be answered in a simple and direct manner
without the need for clarification
Fact statements, announcements, updates, reminders and reports that do not require immediate feedback (if any)
Email is not effective for discussions that petition feedback or opinions. Email is not appropriate for emotionally charged issues or situations that involve conflict, reprimands, reviews/evaluations or personal matters. Remember that thing called the telephone? Pick it up and use it!
The telephone is best suited for:
High-priority questions that require immediate feedback
Detail questions that may result in additional clarifying questions or require additional conversations
Relationship-oriented issues
A great rule of thumb: If you would not say it to the person’s face, then don’t type it in an Email! If you would not scream at the person, then don’t shout in your Email (ALL CAPS).
What you say and how you say it still applies to Email. In order to maximize this technology and use it properly, we must watch our Email etiquette:
Speak, don’t SCREAM – Most people are offended by ALL CAPS. I know it is quicker, but it still inappropriate. Would you send a formal letter out on business letterhead like that? I think not! All caps are considered harsh and rude.
Yuz spel chk (use spell check) – Again, we would not tolerate mis-spellings and poor grammar in professional correspondence, so do not lower your standards when using Email. Be professional please.
Jargon – Keep Email formal. Do not become so informal that slang terms and inappropriate language is used. Remember, your Email can and will be printed by your recipient. In fact, all of your Emails are most likely being screened and reviewed by your IT department. Write carefully.
Sign it – Don’t forget to include your name and signature. Again, standard communication rules apply. Your signature should include your name, title, company, telephone number, extension and web address if applicable.
Keeping your Emails professional will only work to your advantage.
If you are like most people, you just have too many Emails to deal with. Here are some tips that will help put Email in its place:
Block time – I know Email has a way of feeling urgent each and every time, but it isn’t. Block out time throughout the day to check, review and respond to Email. I recommend first thing in the morning, right before lunch and late afternoon. Trust me, you can do it. You may have the shakes at first, but you’ll survive…and you’ll have a lot more productive time on your hands. Remember, if something is truly urgent, then they can pick up the phone and call you!
Separate work from home – As I mentioned earlier, your IT department is most likely screening your Email. Some companies have very harsh regulations regarding personal Email. Be sure you aren’t violating them and putting your job in jeopardy. I highly encourage you to have a separate Email account for home use. Check it only during legitimate breaks or on your own time. Your boss isn’t paying you to chat with friends. How many
Emails do you send a day to friends/family? Would you make that many personal calls from work?
Be concise – Do not write a book. Period. If your correspondence requires
more than a couple of paragraphs, pick up the phone. Forward…NOT! – Quit forwarding Emails. Most people don’t have the time to be bothered, and shouldn’t be bothered. If youmust send a forward, then at least have the common courtesy to delete the hundred addresses and comments prior to your message.
CAUTION: Without an updated virus protection program, you are at risk, and you are putting everyone you contact at risk. Keep your virus protection program up to date.
NOTE: If you receive an Email informing you of the latest virus and what to do to extract it, DELETE it! Chances are it IS the virus. If you are ever in doubt, check one of the reliable web sites like NOD virus protection. They are the authorities, and they know what is out there before anyone else.
Check file size – Not everyone has the same modem capabilities. There is nothing more frustrating than having your computer tied up for 45 minutes downloading a file only to learn that it is a picture of a monkey in a skirt, which isn’t funny! Time is money. If you need to send a large file, ask permission first and established an agreed upon time to send the file that is convenient for the recipient.
Delete junk mail – Don’t even open it for a quick peek at the new wonder diet formula. They are taking your valuable time…take it back!
Another way to protect your valuable time is to utilize the subject line. You know, that space provided after the names and date of your Email? How many Emails do you receive that either A) Don’t have a subject line or B) Have a subject line that is about 100 Emails old? The subject line serves a purpose…to alert your reader/recipient what the Email is about and the level of its importance. By typing the following in the subject line, you will maximize it and be more efficient:
AR = Action Required (Recipients know that must do something as a result of your Email)
Example: AR Media Kit to ABC Company
RR = Response Required (Recipients know that you are waiting for a reply/response/answer)
Example: RR – Can you meet for lunch on DATE?
RA = Requested Answer (Recipients know that this is their reply/answer to previous request)
Example: RA – Lunch would be great!
FYI = For your information (Exactly that…not urgent or immediate. Lower priority)
Example: FYI Employment stats from EDD
MTG = Meeting (Great way to book a meeting and attach the agenda)
Example: MTG – All Staff this Friday, Agenda Attached
FWD (P) or (B) = (Recipients know this is a personal or business forward)
Example: FWD (B) – Update from East Coast Office
PER = Personal (Recipients know that this is personal, not work related)
Example: PER – Joke
EOM = End of Message (Lets your reader know that this is the end of your message).
By using this type of code, any other codes you can create or a combination of any codes, you can vastly increase your productivity as well as for others. Tame the Email Monster; make it easier for people to communicate with you, and everyone wins!
JUST FOR FUN
In such busy times, here’s a suggested recording for your answering machine, sung to the song Don’t Worry, Be Happy:
We’re so busy got so much to do
But we would really like to talk to you.
So don’t worry.
Leave a message.
Running here and running there
We’re about ready to pull out our hair.
But don’t worry
Leave a message.
When we have a chance and we’re finally at home
We’ll make sure to pick up that phone.
So don’t worry
Leave a message.
Oooh oooh ooh oooh oooh oooh
Don’t worry
Leave a message…
MONTHLY FEATURE
Speaking of stress…get your life back with this life management book for busy women. Gain 30 minutes to 1 hour of your day! Be encouraged and inspired, because there IS a better way!