Record retention software programs: Any available?

• June 06, 2008

Question: “Has anyone used software programs to create a record retention program?  Specifically, has anyone used the Skupsky method?” — Anonymous

Administrative Assistant Handbook: What should be included?

• May 14, 2008

Question: “We are trying to put together a handbook for our administrative assistant staff. From your experience, what should we include in it?”...

Is there a secret to handling telemarketing calls?

• April 11, 2008

Question: “What’s your favorite technique for handling telemarketing calls? We get several every day and it’s very frustrating. It’s bad...

Who should provide refreshments for monthly staff meetings?

• April 04, 2008

Question: “I work for a nonprofit organization where only a few staff members occasionally bring in a treat for the monthly staff meeting. We all bring our own...

Employer responsibilities when subpoena demands personnel files

• February 27, 2008

Q. What should the employer do when an employee’s personnel file is subpoenaed? ...

My new job is overwhelming: How do I handle it?

• January 18, 2008

Question: “I was offered a promotion seven months ago to a newly created position with new responsibilities and a salary increase. Originally, five people did...

What’s the best way to propose a flexible work schedule?

• November 30, 2007

Question: “I am a full-time working mother of two children, one is 4 years old and the second is 21 months. Recently, I proposed a flexible schedule at my job so...

How do I create a project board?

• November 30, 2007

Question: “I share an office with several other secretaries.  My director has asked us to create a "project board" to post our assignments on. ...

What does documenting in ‘real time’ mean?

• October 05, 2007

Question: I’d like an explanation of what ‘real time’ documentation means. — Cece King, M.S.

Quiz: How good are you at organizing?

• October 01, 2007

Good organizational skills can help diminish chaos in your life … and not just at the office, says productivity guru Laura Stack.

Cap your conference with a post-con

• October 01, 2007

Your big conference went off without a hitch. In fact, it went so smoothly, your boss might not realize how well you handled everything.

Taming the meeting monsters

• October 01, 2007

If your meetings are like most, your control of things will be challenged by "meeting monsters"--strong personalities that can derail your efforts.

Business travel: Use ‘5-hour rule’ in drive vs. fly decision

• September 01, 2007

More small business travelers now are hitting the highways to avoid the hassles and costs of flying. It can be a smart option, especially if your clients are within 400...

Top of the pay scale: Now what?

• August 03, 2007

Question: Our small law firm has several administrative staff members nearing the top of the pay scale (both in our organization and for similar jobs in our region)....

How do I send an announcement using “Bcc” in Outlook?

• August 03, 2007

Question: I'm setting up a large distribution list that I will use to send an announcement. I’ll be using “Bcc” in Outlook.  What name should I...

When Supervisors Keep ‘Unofficial’ Personnel Files

• July 19, 2007

Some of our managers keep personnel files that they don’t share with HR. Basically, these are “journals” about their employees. Is that OK, or should...

The boss wants you to lie: Should you?

• July 01, 2007

Your boss may ask you to tell a white lie, such as, “He isn’t in.”

Negotiating with your boss

• July 01, 2007

Getting your manager to meet your needs is an important part of your job. Here's how to succeed when it's time to negotiate.

Steer clear of new IRS limit on S corporation loans

• June 25, 2007

The IRS has just issued new proposed regulations limiting the tax benefits for certain S corporation debts.

Altering employee time sheets can mean personal liability

• June 21, 2007

If you are responsible for approving time sheets or signing off on any alterations of the reported hours worked by employees, be warned. It’s not just your...