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Limited Time-$169 Admin Conference Registration Price

Laura Finney — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:46:00 GMT

Conference Registration - $169

Greetings Administrative Professionals!

Executive Assistants and Virtual Assistants,

I want to help you in creating your best year ever. In doing so, the Administratively Speaking Conference has reduced the conference price down to $169 (for a limited time).

Gain more innovative skills with strategies and techniques that will increase productivity, reduce stress and help organize and manage your workload.

Register today! For more information visit, www.LauraFinneyEnterprises.com or call 1-888-686-9590.

The Administratively Speaking™ Conference

April 28, 2010

Hyatt Regency Suites Atlanta NW

The Administratively Speaking™ Conference 2010 is a one day conference designed for the career focused Executive and Administrative Assistants and Virtual Assistants.

Speaker Update - Executive and Virtual Assistants Conference

Laura Finney — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:29:00 GMT

Speaker Update - Executive and Virtual Assistants Conference

We've just updated our Speakers for the Executive Assistants and Virtual Assistants Conference 2010. Visit www.LauraFinneyEnterprises.com/Speakers for more information.

VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS-Do not miss this opportunity to learn the business from Essie Escobedo, Office Angels.

We have a dynamic and amazing group of speakers that are well respected within and outside of their industries. This group of professionals understands the value of Administrative Professionals. And, they, like me have a passion to increase the value and professional development of and for Administrative Professionals.

Why this conference is different and makes the difference? This conferences will change the way you look at your role. It has been designed by Administrative Professionals (Executive and Virtual Assistants). The information and techniques you will learn will put you on the path to using innovative techniques that will keep you employed and a valuable asset to your manager(s).

Let's be honest, administrative professionals have been greatly affected by downsized companies. What employable advantages do you have over your competition? Are you using 21st century techniques that will keep you employed?

The Administratively Speaking Conference teaches you HOW to manage the many hats of the 21st century Administrative Professional.

This is a smart investment with a huge return for you, your company, and your clients. Register today, you'll be glad you did! For more information visit, www.LauraFinneyEnterprises.com or call 1-888-686-9590.

Mention coupon code APConference and receive $50 off registration fee.

The Executive and Virtual Assistants Conference

Laura Finney — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:09:00 GMT

I want to personally thank the Administrative Professionals that have expressed their gratitude for me "bringing a conference of this magnitude to the Administrative industry".

It is my goal and passion to increase the value and professional development of Executive and Virtual Assistants.

This conference has be developed by Executive and Virtual assistants for Executive and Virtual Assistants to maximize the value and increase the professional development for those in the Administrative industry.

This Conference is for Administrative Professionals Executive Assistants,Virtual Assistants, Administrative Assistants, Administrative Managers,Office Managers, Sr. Administrative Clerks, Law Clerks, Legal Assistants, Secretary, Human Resources Assistants, Medical Secretaries,etc.!

You need to attend this conference if you:

Expect your employer to pay for your career and professional development
Are not prepared to be laid off tomorrow
Think “career growth” means leaving your current employer
Want a Virtual Assistant career now or in the future
Are just going through the “motions” without an “action” plan

9 more REASONS TO ATTEND THIS CONFERENCE

Receive the 21st century tools and strategies you can implement immediately

Learn how to build productive workplace relationships

Increase your productivity and morale

Learn “natural” techniques to help you focus and increase your energy level when you need it

Meet and network with like-mined Executive Assistants and Virtual Assistants

Tools to help you work smarter, not harder

Current trends and best practices that are aligned specifically to your roles, responsibilities, and career objectives

And there’s more:

Receive the first print addition, “The Administrative Best Practices book, by Laura Finney

Receive The Administrative Business/Vendor Resource Directory

This conference has tremendous benefits you can put into action immediately.And, without a doubt, you will leave with the knowledge and motivation needed to take the next steps necessary to move your career forward.

Reserve your seat now!

For additional conference details, call at 1-888-686-9590.

View Conference Agenda

Why Virtual Assistants and Executive Assistants Need to Watch the State Of The Union Address

Laura Finney — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:43:00 GMT

Tonight's State Of The Union Address can help you find your next opportunity!

Watch and listen closely to use this information to determine your strategies for landing your next client or your next job. The monies issued to these agencies will be in the hundreds of thousands and/or millions. Check out www.recovery.org and there is where you will find the states and specific agencies or companies that have or will receive the stimulus funding. Take your time and review the details carefully. You will learn how and where the money is being applied.

This is an opportunity for you to analyze which agency and program can use your skills and expertise to help reach the goals that are expected. This is also an opportunity for long term growth within your career as you learn about the new opportunities within large and small businesses, as well as public, private and government sectors.

2010 is a perfect time to shift your thinking regarding the next steps in your career. Our country will not go back to business as usual. It’s time we make the necessary changes to improve our ability to get the next job or the next client.

Laura Finney

Charlotte Best Buy WoLF Omegas seeking 50 women to join this chapter

Laura Finney — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:10:00 GMT

The Women's Leadership Forum (WoLF) at Best Buy is launching the Charlotte chapter . Best Buy is dedicated to making Best Buy THE place for women to work and to shop, and are looking for your help to make that a reality. If you're interested in taking the next step in the journey, please click on the link below and register. It's free to attend.

http://events.SignUp4.com/charlotteomegateam

Note: I participated in the Atlanta Omega launch and is forever committed to Best Buy for the opportunity to help with the mission and goal. This was truly an awesome experience. Never have I heard of a company that shows so much compassion for their women shoppers and employees.

They are seeking 50 women to join this chapter and spaces will fill up quickly ~ registration is on a first come first serve basis and closes after the maximum limit has been met. Even if you were not able to attend the networking event, you are still able to register.

Registered individuals will be invited to attend the upcoming Charlotte Omega Launch Meeting on Wednesday, January 13th from 6pm to 9pm in Charlotte at the Hilton University - 8629 J M Keynes Drive - Charlotte, NC 28262.

Once you complete the registration process you will receive an invitation with all the necessary details you need for the meeting. Expect that invitation within 48 hours after you register. Also, feel free to pass this onto other women who may be interested.

The agenda for the Launch Meeting will include a presentation that will include the following agenda items: WOLF story, Omega story, Team Purpose, Team Members and Details for following 90 days. You will have the opportunity to have any questions answered before you leave.

Additionally, "heavy" appetizers and beverages will be provided. As a reminder, the five innovation projects we will be introducing include:

1. Recruiting:
How should Best Buy invite females into our services workforce. Once we
have recruited them into the services organization how should Best Buy
educate them on their roles and work to create an environment that will
drive retention and support personal growth.

2. Education:
How does Best Buy build female consumer confidence in their purchases.
As well as to ensure they are not feeling taken advantage of in both
services and product purchases.

3. Security:
How do we attract and inform females of service offerings that ensure
their product purchases have proper security enabled solutions (i.e.
internet restrictions on your computer, or settings within a new gaming
system.)

4. Safety:
First what is important to you, from a safety perspective, as Best Buy
employees enter your home to complete services. Second, how can we make female employees feel safe entering customer homes to conduct services as well as with the physical aspects of the positions (working with tools, lifting heavy items, etc).

5. Customer Expectations:
What expectations do you have before Best Buy pulls into your driveway
and after we pull out of your driveway for any services you have purchased.

You and your fellow omegas will have the opportunity to rank order the projects you feel the most passionate about. Though Best Buy will do its best to accommodate your top choices, your flexibility would be appreciated as they create the innovation casts.

Ifyou would like to learn moreabout WoLF at Best Buy please visit www.wolfatbestbuy.com

2010 Workforce/Workplace Forecast

Laura Finney — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:04:00 GMT

Executive Assistants and Virtual Assistants, have you considered how the workforce trends in 2010 may affect your current employment status? Read The Herman Trend Alert and others to prepare yourselves for what may or may not affect your current employment situation. Read the forecast below:

The Herman Trend Alert
December 16, 2009
2010 Workforce/Workplace Forecast

Each year at this time, The Herman Group issues its annual forecast. Once more, this year, we offer you our full forecast (longer than our usual alert) for the coming year:

1.   Cutbacks and Re-Engineering will continue into 2010
Expect ongoing reductions in force as some employers continue to optimize their workforces and eliminate "redundancy". We caution these employers to be very careful, because we know that 54 percent of today's employees are ready to jump, as soon as the economy improves. They are currently "Corporate Cocooning".

2.   Shortages of Certain Skill Sets will become More Acute
As the economy begins to recover, certain skill sets will be more critical and difficult to find. These high-demand workers will be more demanding about their work schedules, environment, etc. The wisest employers will embrace not only flex-time, but flex-place as well.

3.   Employers will embrace Innovative Ideas to Reward their Valued Workers
This innovation will include non-financial ways and even non-reward (recognition only) ways to add value for their top talent; these innovative ideas will come from the employees themselves. Employers that do not mine the collective intelligence of their workers will find themselves unable to optimize profits.

4.   Fear and Apprehension continue to reduce Productivity
A significant percentage of employees continue to worry about the future. These negative feelings will persist, unless addressed. Transparency, besides being one of those elements employees seek, will be imperative.

5.   More Employers will invest in a Variety of Healthcare Cost-Cutting Strategies
Besides wellness programs to address expensive unproductive behaviors (like smoking and over-eating), more large employers will embrace ideas like onsite clinics and health coaches. For some candidates, the cost of not complying with the prospective companies' wellness programs will change their employee value propositions so drastically that they will choose to work elsewhere.

6.   Focus on Engagement will replace the Focus on Retention
Recognizing that with engagement comes not only retention, but greater productivity and profitability, too, employers will change their focus. We will see Directors of Retention morph into Directors of Employee Engagement. The next step (coming much later than 2010) will be to recognize the importance of the total "Internal and External Customer Experience".

7.   Increasing Attention to Succession Planning
Around the globe, we see an increasing attention to succession planning and management. However, the issue of succession preparation continues to take a backseat to succession planning. This big mistake will begin to be felt in 2010, when Baby Boomer retirements combine with the lack of trained people becomes a critical problem. Succession management continues to be critical to long-term success.

8.   Employers that did not build Bench Strength will pay More to hire Experience
Organizations that did not take the opportunity presented by this business slowdown to send their people for more training, will have to pay more to hire trained, experienced people.

9.   Some Employers will eliminate Reward Programs
Misunderstanding Dan Pink's new book, "Drive: The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us", some employers will abolish their reward programs altogether. This ill-advised shift will cause significant, negative, unintended consequences.

10.   Burned out Employees will begin Leaving Employers
Over 80 percent of today's employees feel overworked and under-appreciated. Too many organizations have survived and maintained some level of profitability by over-loading their long-term employees. Once we begin to see positive job growth in the second half of 2010, some employees will feel confident enough to leave their companies.

11.   Employers will accommodate Older Workers like Never Before
The exodus of their long-term employees will challenge some employers to get the work done, without resorting to hiring expensive contract help or paying high fees to recruiters. Enlightened employers will mine the rolls of their retired workers and hire them back on a part-time, temporary, or seasonal basis. These seasoned professionals will be welcomed back, in spite of the fact that they will dictate their own terms.

"The Herman Trend Alert," by Roger Herman and Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurists. (800) 227-3566 or www.hermangroup.com. The Herman Trend Alert is a trademark of The Herman Group, Inc."

www.LauraFinneyEnterprises.com

Early Registration Extended! 2010 Administrative Conference

Laura Finney — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:51:00 GMT

www.LauraFinneyEnterprises.com
www.WeCanDoThat2.com

Executive Assistants and Virtual Assistants Conference 2010

Why this conference is different and makes the difference?

This conferences will change the way you look at your role. It has been designed by Administrative Professionals, Executive and Virtual Assistants. The information and techniques you will learn will put you on the path to using innovative techniques that will keep you employed.

Let's be honest, administrative professionals have been greatly affected by downsized companies. What employable advantages do you have over your competition? Are you using 21st century techniques that will keep you employed?

The Administratively Speaking Conference teaches you HOW to manage the many hats of the 21st century Administrative Professional.

This is a smart investment with a huge return for you, your company, and your clients. Register today, you'll be glad you did!

$200.00 Early Registration (now through) December 31, 2009

$250.00 Open Registration (begins) January 1, 2010

$325.00 Late Registration (begins) March 1, 2010

WIN A FREE OVERNIGHT STAY! Register on or before December 31, 2009 and your name will automatically be entered in a drawing for one of two rooms reserved at the conference hotel. Check-in on Tuesday, April 27th.

Hyatt Regency Suites Atlanta Northwest 2999 Windy Hill Road, Marietta, Georgia 30067 Tel: +1 770 956 1234

www.LauraFinneyEnterprises.com

Executive Assistants and Virtual Assistants Conference

Laura Finney — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:13:00 GMT

Only 1 Weeks Left for Early Registration

Why this conference is different and makes the difference?

This conferences will change the way you look at your role. It has been designed by Administrative Professionals, Executive and Virtual Assistants. The information and techniques you will learn will put you on the path to using innovative techniques that will keep you employed.

The Administratively Speaking Conference teaches you HOW to manage the many hats of the 21st century Administrative Professional.

This is a smart investment with a huge return for you, your company, and your clients. Register today, you'll be glad you did!

$200.00 Early Registration (now through) Dec. 15, 2009

$250.00 Open Registration (begins) December 16, 2009

$325.00 Late Registration (begins) March 1, 2010

WIN A FREE OVERNIGHT STAY! Register on or before December 15, 2009 and your name will automatically be entered in a drawing for one of two rooms reserved at the conference hotel. Check-in on Tuesday, April 27th.

Two winners will be chosen randomly by a non-employee or contractor for Laura Finney Enterprises, on December 16, 2009. The winner will be notified by phone and email communications on December 17, 2009.

All Suites, Hyatt Regency Suites Atlanta Northwest. Valid only for King Suite or Double Suite. Check-in is Tuesday, April 27, 2009 and check-out is Wednesday, April 28, 2009. Hotel rules and guest policies apply. Value $140, including taxes and regular room rate only.

White House Dinner Menu...With Typos

Laura Finney — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:59:00 GMT

(gasp)! I can remember a time or two when I did not catch a typo on a memo or letter I created for my manager. I was not only embarrassed that he caught it, but thankful the erroneous letter had been corrected before being sent to the recipient. Catching the typos before the recipient views the documents brings on a good sigh of relief for many of us. You may find a typo or two within this blog...my editor is off today .

However, I cannot imagine how the person must have felt that was responsible for the State House menu. There must have been at least two or three people viewing the 'final' menu before sending it to print.

On several discussion boards, the biggest question was "who is the person responsible?" for the error. The planner? The printer? The chef? The 'final' proofreader? The menu that is making headlines was drizzled with typos in the cuisines and wines.

As support staff, the internet is our biggest resource to verifying the correct spelling of words that are not a part of our everyday vocabulary. Especially when a second or third party gives us the information.

If our manager gave us the name of a wine to purchase as a gift to our biggest client, would we check the internet to (first) make sure the spelling is correct? Probably not. In most cases, especially if we are not familiar with the wine, we would go with what was given to us.

How far does a worker go to verify the name of food items and wine on an 'official' dinner menu? Especially, if you have guest from the country origin of cuisines being served.

If I were in any way partially responsible for the menu, I would be hiding under my bed. At the end of the day, we are all human and may be able to relate to this story.

Click the link to read the entire story.

State Dinner Menu with Typos

CAP or CPS Executive Assistant Position Available-Atlanta

Laura Finney — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:17:00 GMT

Non-profit organization is looking for a CAP or CPS Executive Assistant in Atlanta. Above competitive salary.

Start date is not until March 2010. May start sooner if candidate has a structured home office (DSL/Cable, fax, work or cellphone, printer, etc.). The new office move in is scheduled for March2010. No health insurance is available at this time.

Requirements:

• Preferred candidate should have CAP or CPS designation.

• Recently served in an Executive Assistant role supporting executive level management for at least 4 years.

• Must have excellent communication and business writing skills.

• Must be able to work productively individually and as the assistant to the Executive Director.

• Must be focused with excellent time management skills.

• Travel required twice per year for annual meeting and conference.

Duties include:

• Management of the National Office on behalf of the Executive Director.

• Working with specific vendors for logistics at conference.

• Answer phone and serve as liaison for Executive Director when needed.

• Make organizational decisions in the absence of the Executive Director.

Send cover letter and resume to Laura at LFinney@salesnetwork.org.

If you use online banking you need to read this!

Laura Finney — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:31:00 GMT

Each week I receive at least three emails from various "banks" notifying me that my "account" has unauthorized transactions and a host of other reasons why I need to "verify" my online account information IMMEDIATELY.Let me first start by saying I do not use the online banking systems for any bank I am a member with. It is easy for me to delete those without a second thought. Even though, the email may sometimes list the actual name of the bank I am associated with.

It is no secret that this has been on going for some years. So, thenwhy is it that spammers and scammers are able to take millions fromsmall and medium businesses across the nation?

To give you a realistic view on how this is really taking place, read the article by PC World.

A Few Reminder tips:

• Keep your anti virus, spyware, and malware current and updated
• Check often for browser updates
• Check private accounts from the website, not from your email.

$100M Cyber-threat to Small Business

Executive and Virtual Assistants Conference

Laura Finney — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:19:00 GMT

The Administratively Speaking Conference
April 28, 2010
Hyatt Regency Suites Atlanta Northwest
Register Now and Save $125

The Administratively Speaking Conference is designed for the career focused Executive and Administrative Assistants, and the small business owner-Virtual Assistants.

Growing within the administrative industry is key to remaining employable and to providing above adequate skills to the growing needs of businesses now and in the near future.

9 REASONS TO ATTEND THIS CONFERENCE

* Receive the 21st century tools and strategies you can implement immediately
* Learn how to build productive workplace relationships
* Increase your productivity and morale
* Learn "natural" techniques to help you focus and increase your energy level when you need it
* Meet and network with like-mined Executive Assistants and Virtual Assistants
* Tools to help you work smarter, not harder
* Current trends and best practices that are aligned specifically to your roles, responsibilities, and career objectives

And there's more:

* Receive the first print addition & The Administrative Best Practices book, by Laura Finney
* Receive The Administrative Business/Vendor Resource Directory

This conference has tremendous benefits you can put into action immediately. And, without a doubt, you will leave with the knowledge and motivation needed to take the next steps necessary to move your career forward.

|More

Space is limited and we expect to sell out quickly!

Reserve your seat now!
The Administratively Speaking Conference 2010

Executive Assistants Employment Options

Laura Finney — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:55:00 GMT

If Executive Assistants (EA's) want to remain competitive in the current job market, they must looking for employment options that are beyond the "part-time" and "full-time" offerings in the classified or even via word of mouth.

The EA has a multitude of skills that could fit just about any industry. But, how those skills are marketed will determine the out come of landing a job. Many companies are now using "contract" workers for long-term assignments (some are two years or more). Some are being offered permanent position as a result of the assignment opportunity.According to Randy Haines of Bell Oaks Executive Search, "Hiring is more mission-critical than ever. The list of expectations we're given for candidates has expanded. Before companies might ask for someone with industry experience, good management skills and an MBA; now they want to see a very specific skill set."

If EA's use the above approach and by focusing on a particular set of skills, they could narrow their job search to specific companies within a specific industry. Administrative Professionals can effectively market themselves as consultants with a focus on the tasks they want to perform. Management opportunities are also an option fo rEA's that have a history in managing business offices or a particular department.

Executive Assistants do not have to limit their job search to the"clerical" category, EA's can take their career to the next level by applying the time and some thought into the next position they want to obtain, then take the necessary steps to reach that goal.

Conference for Executive and Virtual Assistants

Contract Opportunities for Virtual Assistants

Laura Finney — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:33:00 GMT

Now is the time to step out of your comfort zone and move into your learning zone. Professional Virtual Assistants everywhere can take full advantage of landing new and long-term clients. The opportunity is present with the many needs (outside of letters and presentations) of business owners.

Virtual Assistants can easily tune in to trends and media news about what business or internet services are driving the "new" way of doing business.

Also, the government has promised $787 million in stimulus money that is mandated to be spent in the next two years. (The New York Times has a breakdown of how all of the stimulus money is going to be spent.)

Find out where your premiere skills will fit within the organizations that are receiving the money.

Healthcare is big in the news. Can your skills or services assist in this industry?

Now is the time to rethink how you will approach your next Virtual Assistant opportunity. Think like a C.E.O. and watch your business contracts grow!

What Product and Service Providers Are Preferred by Administrative Professionals

Laura Finney — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:29:00 GMT

I am working on a Toastmasters presentation and need your help. The mock theme is a "Train the Sales Trainer" presentation. I will be training "vendors" that have services or products most often used in corporate or non-profit offices. The purchases are made by administrative professionals. Or, the administrative professional can influence the decision maker on which product or services best suits the office or executive's need.

My current list of vendors are: printing companies, office furniture, mobile services, venue and conference centers, hotels, resorts, caterers, office supplies (local/national), bakeries, spas (?), promotional items, transportation and travel related companies.

What have I missed?

Thanks, I appreciate your help.