Workflow is something that needs to be mastered. Mastering workflow is just processing and organizing. First you need to understand the process in which everything happens; information comes in, then you determine what it is and last you figure out if it’s actionable or not. If it’s actionable then look to see if it’s [...]

  When we are tracking time we face a lot of problems that have surprisingly easy ways to fix them. Whether a guestimation or manual time sheets, they can both be incorrect. Manual time sheets are okay for smaller businesses, but can be inaccurate or someone may accidentally enter something twice. Be sure software or [...]

As an office manager you know effectively implementing new procedures is critical. New procedures are implemented to improve results and efficiency. Say there is a procedure that takes 5 steps but it can be done without doing step 2 and 4, so they are eliminated, now you are left with a 3 step procedure that [...]

A clients’ perception of a staff influences their expectations of a business. These tips should help with improving a client’s perception of your staff. Mark twain once said “Clothes make the man, naked people have little or no influence in society.” Presentation means a lot and it is important to constantly maintain and improve a [...]

Now there’s a concept. What an elusive practice that is hard succeed at. I believe good management is an acquired skill that usually comes with age and wisdom. Learning from experiences, both successful ones and those riddled with failure. But experience alone isn’t enough. Good management skills can be learned and when combined with experience [...]

Most staff members are trust worthy, but defending sensitive data must be considered. With Internet access on every work station as well as the growing amount of devices like iPods, businesses run an increased risk of data theft by employees and others with access to confidential data. Some hand held devices have memory capacity that [...]

Some people think that they only need to make sure the computer is digitally secure, but it needs to be physically secure as well. Physical security is the tedious task of making sure that unauthorized personnel do not have access to the system. Put all the firewalls and passwords the world has on a computer [...]

Simplifying and streamlining processes and procedures isn’t as hard as one might think. When thinking of procedures it is imperative to apply Occam’s Razor Theory. In short, that means if you can get the same outcome with fewer steps, do it. Finding shortcuts is not a bad thing, cutting corners, on the other hand, is [...]

After simplifying a procedure the next step on the list is to streamline the process, also known as therblig. Therblig isn’t about changing the process or making the steps shorter. It’s about completing the steps in the process faster. This is used heavily in manufacturing where people have to interact with the process. We can [...]

LinkedIn, the social network for business people and can be more beneficial than Facebook and Twitter for a business owner. LinkedIn is a social network with profiles, groups, events, and discussion boards designed for professionals to network together. A LinkedIn profile can be broken down into five main sections: a synopsis, a summary of what [...]

Knowing which type of training pairs well with each learning method is great but what if you or your staff member doesn’t know which learning method works best for them. Understanding how your staff members learn and pairing instruction with the method can dramatically change the way your office operates. It can also limit frustrations [...]

Training can be arduous and frustrating, especially after training is completed and you continue to see procedures being performed incorrectly or ignored. You should consider who is performing the training; you, staff member, or hired consultant. There are many advantages and disadvantages to every trainer but you should make your decision on a hierarchy. Make [...]