Staying on task not so easy

By Suzy Kridner
CBE Administrative Assistant
We all have problems with procrastination. Whether at home or work or on the job hunt, it’s easy to get distracted. Keep on task, as my granddaughter says.
According to one blogger, “He has half the deed done who has made a beginning.” -- Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus)
If the job seems too big, like working on a big report or cleaning the closet, set deadlines and break the task into smaller segments.
The next time you face a “job” that appears overwhelming or unpleasant, beat the temptation to postpone action by committing to work on the job for just 10 minutes, according to blogger Nagesh Belludi.
He suggests following four simple steps. To find the steps, and other tips, read his article.

The 7th Annual Business Express countdown has started and we have two late breaking announcements!

1. The Early Bird Registration Special of $50 has been extended until May 25th! (We received comments from businesses that received the notification of the event at a later time and wanted the same grace period – we are simply being easygoing.) After the 25th, registration will be $60. Click here to take advantage of this early bird rate.

2. The workshops are approved for FIVE general HRCI recertification credits! Take advantage of this awesome opportunity to stay current with your certification.
Two easy ways to register: www.centerforbusinessexcellence.net or call 386-323-7088.
We look forward to having you join us on June 1st!

The CBE team.

Remembering names a plus

By Suzy Kridner
CBE Administrative Assistant
Remembering names is a problem for many of us.
I’ve just been introduced to someone and the name goes right out of my memory, or it was never firmly implanted on my brain’s hard drive.
Despite all the articles I’ve read, and seminars I’ve attended, it’s still difficult to remember a name. And it doesn’t get easier as we age.
My husband and I have a pact. We don’t get upset when we meet someone we know but don’t introduce him or her to our spouse.
We know it’s because we can’t remember the person’s name.
I’m really appreciative of a co-worker I wanted to introduce to someone at a business function recently. When I asked her, do you know “John Smith?” she immediately said “No,” and gave her name, “Hello, I’m Mary Jones.” We all have mental blocks at times.
But for job seekers or business owners, remembering someone’s name is crucial.
The following article tells why we forget people’s names and suggestions on how to remember them. Read more here.

I Want To Be The Boss!

Posted by: Darlene Duncan, CWDP, JSS
Training Coordinator

The Great American Dream is to be your own boss. The dream is that you’ll have lots more free time, there won’t be anyone to tell you what to do, and you’ll make more money and work less.

Believe me, that description bears little, to no resemblance to reality. The truth is that if you want to have a successful business, it will consume you. You’ll spend less time with your family and work harder than if you were working for someone else. In the beginning, you’ll make less money than if you were working for someone else.

However, if you succeed you will make much more money and be happier doing it.

For a reality check on starting your own business read this article, The Seven Pitfalls of Business Failure And How to Avoid Them. It’s got some good information.

Reunion invitations received while unemployed –should you stay (at home) or should you go?

By: Lori Stone, APR, Director of Business Operations & Communications

Center for Business Excellence

For the past month, I’ve been assisting the Seabreeze High School Class of ’86 Reunion planning committee. No doubt, it’s been a blast seeing familiar faces from the past on a regular basis.

Aside from the overall conclusion that it would be a heck of a lot easier to get the word out to our classmates if Facebook existed in the 1980s, we have also been pondering what our turnout will be in this current economic climate.

We are keeping it casual and cost-conscious, but still, will people want to come if life isn’t seemingly as good as it was five years ago? We certainly hope they will come.

I found a feature article on this very subject by Marine DelCarmen, a contributor to a publication entitled, “The Bellevue Reporter.” Thought it might be an interesting read. Go Sandcrabs!

http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/bel/opinion/99876969.html

Free vouchers aid in computer training

By Suzy Kridner
CBE Administrative Assistant
Margaret Brennan of Ormond-by-the-Sea recently graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in information system technology.
But to get a job in her field, she also needs Information Technology certifications such as an MCITP (Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional).
Using Digital Access Vouchers from the Center For Business Excellence (CBE) One-Stop Employment System, Brennan is able to take online IT courses at no cost. And she has a no-cost Digital Access voucher to take the MCITP certification exam in person at an area testing site when she finishes her courses.
Improving computer skills is one area that helps the unemployed in their job searches.
In addition to the Digital Access Voucher program, the CBE provides beginning and intermediate computer classes at its One-Stop Employment Centers in Daytona Beach, DeLand and Flagler/Palm Coast. Information and class schedules can be found at www.one-stops.com.
CBE, a non-profit agency, is the premier organization for employment and training solutions to businesses and workforce of Volusia and Flagler Counties.
The Digital Access Microsoft® online courses are designed to be taken at your own pace wherever you use a computer and have access to the Internet.
Microsoft Office and IT exams will need to be scheduled at one of the certified testing centers in the area. There will be an exam proctoring fee, determined by each testing center.

Digital Access vouchers are available for:
• Microsoft® Office 2007 Certification Exams for Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook and Access.
• Microsoft® IT Technical online courses for server products, operating systems etc.
• Microsoft ® IT Professional Certification exams for technical courses.
No vouchers remain for Microsoft® Office 2007 online courses.

To find out if you meet eligibility requirements for Digital Access Vouchers, please send an e-mail to digitalaccess@cbe-fvc.org indicating the type of voucher you would like and your telephone number. You will be contacted with further information. For questions, call (386) 323-0004. The application deadline is June 15.

'Real' Time vs. Clock Time: What Works?

Posted by Suzy Kridner
CBE Administrative Assistant
I love to read articles about time management.
I figure eventually I'll find the perfect solution for getting everything done, both at work and at home, and not feel crunched for time.
As one article said, if I'm going to learn the traits of a conscious leader, I'll have to agressively manage my time.
But I'm not ready to get rid of my TV, which was one suggestion. How will I find out if "The Good Wife" reconciles with her husband? And will "Castle" find true love with police detective Kate Beckett?
But an hour or two of TV entertainment each night does cut into my time, whether clock time or "real" time.
Most of us live in "real" time, that's when time flies when you are having fun or drags when you're doing a boring task.
As another article says, remember that it's impossible to get everything done, regardless of what time you use.

Read more about effectively managing your time.