So much to do so little time? Prioritization is key

Sometimes we have so many things on the go, that we think we might just fall apart! You know the analogy, I'm stretched like an elastic band?  Well, you get the idea.

Don't panic! I know, that saying never helps.  What does help is to be more organized.  I am a big fan of the running to do list, no it doesn't actually run, but it does help you stay on track.  You can use Microsoft Outlook's task tool to do this as well.  Or you could just use a pen and paper!  Any word processor works fine too.

Make a list of all the things you need to accomplish and then, here is the important part, attach due dates to those items.  This will help you to prioritize what is due first versus what can wait.  A lot of people reading this will probably be saying "this is common sense."  Well, let me tell you, it may be common sense to most but a whole other realm to others.

So get organized, start with a to do list with due dates.  When you start crossing off the items, you will feel better knowing that you are more organized and efficient.

Happy Listing!

Holiday Parties...Perfect for Networking

Yes, most of us are now faced with the holiday party, open house, soiree etc.  Why not take the time to mingle with everyone and make potential contacts?  Its a great way to get to know people who you would otherwise not see on a daily basis.  Who knows, maybe a great project or job opportunity might arise?

Introductions are always the key.  Be firm but not too forward.  A great handshake and smile start off the conversation.  What do you do? is a great question to start off with.  Make sure to talk about yourself using professionalism and keep personal detailed stories to a minimum.   You don't want to bring in the "my cat died recently" etc.  Talk about personal interests, for example some of the  volunteer events that you are involved with and some accomplishments are always great discussion points.

Happy Networking.

Its midnight why cant I sleep

Did I mention I love to write? Have you ever found yourself writing into the wee hours of the night? Then you are a midnight brainstormer...just like me. I dont know why but I find that the later it gets, the more clearer my brain gets.

As the fog clears, the ideas flow.  Its great to set up goals for writing, for example if a project is due in two weeks, then today you write the intro, the body tomorrow and the conclusion the day after etc.  Make goals and assign specific times to write your stuff.  Make sure you can live up to your set goals or else you will just be setting yourself up for failure.

I am not a brilliant writer but I find that goal setting works too.

Wait, its past midnight and all signs point to "time to sleep..."  These are figurative signs, not literal ones :)

Good night everyone.

Ideas!

Ideas can strike at any time...like a flash of ligthning...so be ready for them.
Always keep a pencil and paper handy.

I sometimes wake up and remember a great sentence that I can use in a document, presentation etc.

Sticky notes are not the greatest method but they do help. Write it down so you dont forget. I know it sounds like common sense..but do you know that most people don't...and then they regret they didn't because now they can't remember...yes, it happens...we forget things when we get older...!!!!

I am a big fan of the oversized calendar.  Go out and get one if you are not into the Blackberry or iphone generation of organization.  Sometimes people need visual reminders and a calendar works miracles!  Blackberry is awesome for this as well.  I have never used an iphone...as of yet...I am sure I will be tempted.

Essay writing tips.....

Hey everybody,

I thought that tonight I would share with you tips for writing an essay.  I am not a genius or anything, I just like to share helpful tips with others.

I am sure the term "hamburger" has probably been imprinted into your mind if you have ever set foot in elementary school!  No, not the food, the essay style of writing information.  For grade school, essays are usually four to six pages long.  University and College essays can run quite longer (8 -12+ pages)

Check the outline provided by your professor and make sure you include all the information he/she wants to see.  Make sure to ask him/her questions if you do not understand a specific item on their outline.  Remember the more information you have about how you are to write this essay, the better the essay content and format you will be able to provide in the finished product.

Introduction Paragraph - section 1
Start with an enticing introductory sentence...you have to capture the reader right in the beginning....regardless of the most awesome content, the intro sentence is crucial.  Use action words that make your topic leap from the page.  The reader has to understand what you are trying to convey (What point are you trying to make?)  

Next provide three - five supporting points for what you have stated above. Add a closing sentence to finish off this paragraph.  The number of supporting points depends on how long the essay has to be.  For example, for an eight page essay three supporting points are sufficient. 


Body Section or Paragraphs 2,3,4
The body of the essay or paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 must describe in detail points 1, 2 and 3 that you mention in the intro paragraph.  Place a subtitle for each section so that your essay looks more organized.  Provide any applicable statistical data from studies and research that you have done to prove your main topic in these sub paragraphs as they relate to the supporting points.  For example: you state that obesity rates are increasing in young adults, well prove it!  Cite it!. 

Paragraph or Section 5
The final paragraph or section is the concluding section which basically restates your topic and the supporting arguments or points as well as one or more concluding sentences.  Do not write more than three final summary sentences.  Do not introduce new information here.

Again, the length of each paragraph or section will depend on how many words or pages you are assigned in the overall outline.  This is one of the things that I notice a lot of people fail to utilize fully.  Your teacher provides you with an outline for a reason, its a guide! Use it!!!!!


Remember to cite everything properly.  Check the MLA or APA formatting for proper format. You don't want to be penalized because you cited works incorrectly.  Cite as you go, both in text and in your references page.  This way, you will not forget to cite later on.

SPELL CHECK!  Check...check...check your spelling and grammar. Very important!

Lastly, after reading your paper, give it to a fresh pair of eyes to read for you!  It's a common occurrence to miss minor errs because you have read the essay many times, your brain will miss certain things.

Thats all for tonight...on this topic anyway...feel free to comment away!