"Science has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day. "
— W. Earl Hall

"When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us"
— Alexander Graham Bell

"Parties who want milk should not seat themselves on a stool in the middle of the field in hope that the cow will back up to them"
— Elbert Hubbard

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate "
— Oprah Winfrey

On how many days do rain, snow or other precipitation typically fall in Toronto during the month of April?

[ ] 5 days
[ ] 11 days
[ ] 18 days
[ ] 22 days

Brainteaser answer at the end of this newsletter.

Phone: 1-800-913-1961 info@apccanada.com

We’ve come a long way: Administrative Professionals Week

Browse the greeting card section of any prominent card store this month or look to see what your local florist is featuring; you are bound to see something that didn’t exist less than two decades ago—advertisements featuring Administrative Professionals Week (April 23-27, 2007) and Administrative Professionals Day (Wednesday, April 25, 2007).

While it’s been observed since 1952, when Administrative Professionals Week was originated by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), only recently has our profession evolved and come into its own! There are nearly a half million administrative professionals in Canada.

IAAP recommends that employers observe Administrative Professionals Week by providing education and training. ASAP— the American Society of Administrative Professionals—was formed in 2005 to respond to the increasing demand for learning and professional development on the part of today’s Administrative Professionals.

What better way to recognize your contributions and re-charge than the Administrative Professionals Conference? It’s not too late to register to attend the APC! Go to www.APCcanada.com now for more information.

Flowers and candy are nice, but there’s so much more….

With Administrative Professionals Week right around the corner, if your boss asks for ideas, here are alternatives to flowers or candy!

• Take your AP out to lunch at a good restaurant.

• Give your assistant the gift of professional development—a seminar, a course—maybe even a Conference!

• Give a gift card for a day at the spa, dinner for two, or a weekend at a hotel or resort.

• Give a telephone calling card or a gas/metro card.

• Provide tickets to a play, the movies or another activity for the whole family—or for the assistant and his/her friends.

• Find out who her/his favorite author is and buy the latest book.

• Offer a three-hour lunch or even the day off.

• If he or she is a parent, give the gift of childcare for an evening or a week.

Make Something Happen: A Personal Action Plan

Have you ever left a conference, speech or training program feeling energized and motivated to make some changes—only to find, once you’re back in the thick of things at work, your good resolutions fade? Most of us have had just that experience; we get so caught up in the daily demands of our jobs, we put our goals on hold.

That’s one reason we’ve created an APC 2007 Action Learning Plan. Complete it during the Conference, or on your way home. The Plan will help you remember those motivating moments, set goals for yourself and achieve more! And, if you are like many of the APC attendees who plan to go back to work and share their learning with colleagues, this Action Learning Plan is your first step in creating an effective summary of the sessions you attend.
>> Click here to download the Action Learning Plan.

Save with the Value Pass

Get full admission to the Conference plus Workshops and save $350. You'll even get two valuable books. See the APC web site at www.APCCanada for details!

DO Talk to Strangers! Connecting with Confidence

A study of MBA’s found that 10 years after they graduated, grade point averages had no bearing on their success. But their ability to converse with others did.

Being able to connect with others through small talk can lead to good things, and yet 80% of us feel awkward when we are in new settings and new groups. Here’s good news! The ability to connect with people through small talk is an acquired skill. Here are tips for making conversations and connections that can boost your comfort and effectiveness at the APC and beyond!

1. Arrive prepared. Mentally gear up and go into the experience with a positive attitude. Negative thoughts will make you hesitant to approach people.

2. Before an event or activity, come up with three ways to open a conversation AND develop four generic questions that will get others talking. Be ready to open with a statement about the setting, activity or current events and to follow-up with a question.

3. Don’t be afraid to be the first to say "Hello." Smile and offer your name to ease the pressure.

4. Make an extra effort to remember names and use them frequently. People are flattered when you are interested in them and their work.

5. Most social conversations last only a few minutes. Stay focused on the person with whom you are talking. Never glance around the room while they are talking to you.

6. Fake it until you make it! Keep your body language confident and relaxed. Act confident—even if you are feeling anxious, and you will feel more confident. Don’t apologize for yourself or sell yourself short.

7. Create the mindset of a host—when you do host others, you take the initiative and even introduce them to each other. Invite others along, bring them into conversations, introduce them to colleagues—you aren’t the only person who doesn’t know people! Join or create groups of people who will eat together or meet at events.

8. Set a goal for how many people you will meet at any event. Have a few exit lines ready so that you can gracefully move on. If it is someone whom you would like to see again, set up a time and place to meet again.

Remember, meeting people and making connections with them is one of the most important benefits of a conference or events. It will be a rewarding experience.

What Skills Do You Need to Take Action On?

Last month’s newsletter summarized the future workplace trends that OfficeTeam research uncovered. Industry experts went on to outline six skills professionals will need to prepare for success in this new environment. The skills form the acronym ACTION. They are:

• Analysis: Analyzing information and exercising good judgment

• Collaboration: Establishing rapport and facilitating team building

• Technical aptitude: Selecting the best technical tools and using them effectively

• Intuition: Identifying and adapting to the needs and work styles of others

• Ongoing education: Engaging in continual learning

• Negotiation: Participating in business discussions that produce positive results

“In the future office, there will be added pressure to adapt quickly to change, work smarter, increase productivity and perform duties outside of one’s job description,” the report concluded.

Brainteaser answer:

Toronto generally averages 11 days of measurable precipitation in April. But then, there come May flowers!