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by Judith Kallos
Happy New Year! New attitude? New habits? How about 10 Online New Year's Resolutions?
For almost a decade now I have reviewed the issues that need to be addressed and update this article before the first of each year. 2005 brought many changes, unfortunately, when it comes to proper technology use, many still feel online is a free for all. Certainly that is not the case and is simply a misnomer to lend shelter to those who still do not want to make the effort to learn the online rules of the road. So, without further adieu, shall we begin?
As I am sure you can relate, almost every New Year's resolution is based on improving attitudes and changing habits. From loosing weight to getting out of debt to trying to live a happier life, every one of us has or will have some sort of conversation with ourselves in regard to the New Year and changes we would like to make or better yet have the control to make. If we follow through on 5% of these resolutions; we are way ahead of the pack!
Below are the 2006 New Year's Online Resolutions. Everyone can improve on their skills -- if they are willing. Remember, perception is the only reality online! Perceptions are made about you based on how you choose to use technology - positive and negative alike.
For whatever reason, these issues in particular, are those that I notice are neglected by too many on a daily basis. Make a commitment to improve in these areas and you may find your online activities to be more enjoyable as well as more profitable and effective. It won't hurt; rather it will only add to the positive impression you will make with those who communicate with you.
Many who may never have the pleasure of meeting you in person will only have your use of technology to form their opinions about who you are and what you would be like to get to know, do business with or form a relationship with. The perception of the type of person you are, as well as whether you are a fish out of water online, will certainly be apparent by the efforts you choose to make or neglect in these areas.
1. I will not forward an e-mail unless it specifically applies to the person I am sending to. I will include a personal note to that person so they know why I am forwarding that particular e-mail their way. If I must send or forward the same e-mail to a group of contacts, I will do so only when I put their e-mail addresses in the BCC: field to protect their privacy (especially if they don't know each other).
I will also set a good example by removing any visible e-mail addresses within the body of the forward from previous irresponsible forwarders who did not feel the need to protect their contact's privacy.
2. I will take the time to make sure that my sentences are complete, capitalized and include proper punctuation. Using proper sentence structure and taking the extra time to ensure that my intent and tone are clear, will do nothing but reflect positively on me. Making these efforts will go a long way to ensuring communicating with me is easy while having the added benefit of helping to avoid any misunderstandings.
3. I will not send an unannounced large attachment of any kind, even the ones I think are very special photos of [insert here: RFQs, PDF files, sales flyer, Power Point presentation...], until I ask first when would be the best time to send it to the intended party. This way, I do not fill their e-mail box without notice causing all their other e-mail to bounce. The fact is I do not know what the other side's e-mail activity is like to assume my attachment will not cause any unnecessary problems for them. Think of the other side, not just of what you want to do.
If I do not know how to determine an attachment's size, I will learn how before I send it by e-mail! I will also have enough common sense to not send business attachments outside of business hours when someone may not be there to download the attachments and keep their inbox clear.
4. Every e-mail I send will be courteous and include a proper greeting and closing which includes my name. Typed properly too! Names in small case or all caps reflect either a lack of education or tech savvy; neither of which is a good thing.
My extra effort in this area, when many feel these details are not necessary, will ensure I am viewed as someone who "gets it" and is a pleasure to communicate with. Nice greetings and closings avoid my e-mails coming off as demanding or terse and reflect that I understand common courtesies.
5. I will not copy or use any text, graphics or content from another Web site or author without their explicit permission to do so. The online world, contrary to popular belief, is not a public domain environment! I will not use another author's writings in whole or in part without them being aware of exactly what I am doing and where I will use their information. I will not post e-mails that were sent to me privately for any reason in a public forum without the original sender's permission. These are all serious copyright and privacy issues that I need to be aware of, practice and respect.
6. There is no place online for profanities, accusations or rudeness just because I am safely encroached behind my monitor. If I run into problems with another onliner in a chat room, message board or by e-mail who does not communicate with clarity and courtesy, I will simply cease communicating with them. If I need to respond, I will take the high road and not stoop to personal digs and innuendo. I will report ongoing abusive e-mails or threatening behavior to my ISP for proper handling.
7. I will be very respectful about how I use my employer's technology resources understanding they are paying the bills and I am on their time. I also understand that I should not assume any level of privacy while using company equipment, connectivity or e-mail resources. I will make a point of reviewing my employer's policies so that I am familiar with them so I can avoid any future problems.
8. I will refrain from formatting my e-mails with colored text, bolding and/or italics because I know it may not look as I intended when received on the other side. I also understand by making the extra effort to add emphasis with formatting, it may be taken the wrong way or even over-emphasized by the recipient. I will learn to relay my thoughts clearly with the written word rather than having to rely on formatting. I understand if I take the time to choose my words carefully and reflect on how I use them, formatting is not necessary.
9. When I sign up for a Web site service, newsletter or am sending an inquiry, I will take the time to add that site's e-mail address to my address book, white list or approved senders list so that the response can get through any spam blocking software my ISP, online service or that I may have in place to block spam. I understand that if I don't make this effort, the response to my request or subscription may not make it to my inbox and I'll have no one to blame but myself.
10. I will make a point of understanding each online service or Web site I choose to use by reading their Frequently Asked Questions, Terms of Service and Help area. I understand that I need to eliminate my actions or lack thereof as a possible cause of a perceived problem before pointing fingers at others. I also need to be aware of how each site operates so that I may use their services and resources properly. If in fact something does appear amiss, I will e-mail with courtesy asking for assistance in resolving my difficulties rather than making blunt demands or accusations based on my assumptions alone.
There you have it! Your Ten 2006 New Years Online Resolutions to work on for the year ahead so that folks don't cringe when they see your name in their inbox. Just imagine if every onliner made these efforts? Joy, joy! See you back here next year!
Judith Kallos is an authoritative and good-humored Technology Muse who has played @ www.TheIStudio.com for over a decade. Check out her popular Business Start-up, Software, Programming and Web Design Cheat Sheets @ www.LearnAndThrive.comJudith Kallos may be contacted at http://www.TheIStudio.com
by Tony Mase
Copyright (c) 2006 Tony Mase
As 2006 draws to a close and 2007 is about to begin, I'd like to share with you three simple, yet powerful things you can do over the next couple of weeks that'll help make the coming new year your best year ever...
Here they are:
Tip #1 - Spend some time in gratitude.
Whatever you focus on expands in your life.
If you focus on lack...
That's *exactly* what will expand in your life...
Lack.
If you focus on abundance...
That's *exactly* what will expand in your life...
Abundance.
The practice of gratitude keeps you focused on the abundance you *already* have in your life and thus opens the door for *more* abundance to flow into your life.
Here's what I suggest you do...
Take out a pad of paper and a pen or pencil and make a list of everything you're grateful for...
And I do mean everything - absolutely *everything*!
As you make your list, keep this in mind...
If your life isn't all you'd like it to be right now...
There are a whole lot of people out there who'd gladly trade places with you!
So...
Be grateful for what you *already* have and have *faith* that that which you need and/or want will come to you when the time is right.
And...
While you're at it...
Don't forget to acknowledge the *source* of your *many* blessings.
Tip #2 - Spend some time on your "vision".
It never ceases to amaze me how many people are out there practically killing themselves trying to be "successful", who, when asked, can't even define what "success" is - to *them*.
In other words...
They don't know what they want.
These very same people can usually tell you everything they don't want, but they haven't a clue as to what they do want - what they *really* want.
Don't let that be you!
If you haven't already done so...
Take the time to form a "clear and definite mental picture" of what you want to be, do, and/or have in your life *next*.
If you've already done this...
Now's a real good time to review your vision and revise it if necessary.
Tip #3 - Spend some serious, quality time with your loved ones.
In his book "The Personal Power Course", Wallace D. Wattles, best known for his classic masterpiece "The Science of Getting Rich", wrote:
"Just as it is true that it does not profit a man to gain the whole world if he lose his own soul, so it is true that good health, wealth, talent and success become valueless to the person who fails to attain happiness and satisfaction in the love-relations of the home. To live in happy love-relationships with those near to us is the one thing needful; failing to accomplish this, we fail in all. Health, wealth, talent and success are, to a very great extent at least, without value to a person whom nobody loves."
How true!
People tell me all the time they're working hard now so that "someday" they'll be able to spend more time with their loved ones.
My question to them is always the same...
Why not spend more time with your loved ones *now*?
Here's a question for you to ponder...
What if you got what you thought was so important for you to get, only to discover after you got it that because you neglected them in the process of getting it, there weren't any loved ones there to share it with?
Wouldn't that be sad.
Here's the deal...
Money and things are easy to create and/or replace.
People are not!
So...
This holiday season...
I *highly* encourage you to take stock of what's *truly* important to *you* and spend your time accordingly.
With that...
I wish you and your loved ones the very best of holiday seasons and a wealthy, healthy, successful, and happy New Year!
Tony Mase is a serious student of the works of Wallace D. Wattles
and the publisher of the The
Personal Power Course: Ten Lessons in Constructive Science, Teaching
You How to Use Your Own Subconscious Energies for Health, Prosperity
and Personal Achievement ebook by Wallace D. Wattles... http://www.thepersonalpowercourse.com
Tony Mase may be contacted at http://www.ebookempower.com
by Gerri Smith
by Gerri D Smith www.distinctivebusinesswomen.com Copyright 2006 Word Count -715
“Live each day so that you will neither be afraid of tomorrow nor ashamed of yesterday.” - Author Unknown
H-ope A-spiration P-rosper P-recious Y-earn N-etwork E-ager W-isdom
Y-esterday E-loquent A-dvertise R-eward
1. To face the coming year’s problems use HOPE, faith, and your trust in God and His wisdom to guide you to the future that’s right for you. You can create your own future by focusing your thoughts on what you wish to accomplish. Know that you are responsible for everything that happens in your life – both good and bad. 2. Make it your ASPIRATION to achieve something worthwhile. Learn a new skill, or seek greater knowledge in areas you don’t now have. Seek and master new ways to do something that’s already been done -and- do it better! Use the power of purpose by giving whatever it is you desire the highest amount of your attention. This determines how successful you will become.
3. Make a concentrated effort to improve, grow, and PROSPER. Increase your financial security. Dare to be happy. Exercise and stay in good health. Keep a positive attitude. Do whatever it takes to improve your personal and business image. And know that your relationship with giving is the spiritual source of your true prosperity.
4. Treat your life, family, friends, and others you meet as a PRECIOUS gift to be enjoyed, and of great value. Regard them with a love that is special and - it will all come back to you. Send forth good and it multiples. Honor every one you come in contact with today, tomorrow, and make it an ongoing behavior. This too, is paid back to you by the Universe.
5. To YEARN is to express compassion. In this coming new year, experience it and show compassion for those less fortunate then you are. Offer ways to help others whenever and wherever you can. Give only good. The more you give of yourself, the more comes back to you. It may help make this a better world. 6. Learn to NETWORK and link to other like-minded individuals; whether it’s in an educational, business, or social setting the benefits can add to your growth and success. Celebrate and share your abilities so that you can attract more of the same. 7. Be EAGER to learn new things. Opportunities are all around you. Having an intense passion or desire to find new opportunities is the sign of an enthusiastic person. This desire comes from God. In order for you to find new opportunities, always move toward your goal with a spiritual awareness. 8. WISDOM - the ability to make well thought out decisions comes from maturity and understanding. In any given situation, it is wise not to judge until all facts are understood. Be open to understanding another’s point of view. Do you look at the world with a positive or a negative vision? 9. YESTERDAY is a day that has just passed. Now you are free to live in the present. Use each new day wisely and full of gratitude for every hour, every minute, and every second. Set goals for each day and take specific actions that will help you accomplish them. 10. ELOQUENT. Are you confident, persuasive and effective in the way you communicate? When speaking with others how would you rate yourself? Are you always voicing negative opinions? Or, are you positive in expressing your thoughts? 11. ADVERTISE. For those in business, always make the positive features and benefits of your product or service known. Appeal to the emotions of your prospective client. Give quality service and products so that your self-esteem is strengthened and your reputation is valued. 12. - In the coming new year, here’s hoping that you will REWARD yourself for any successful personal and business achievements. Improve your skills where and when needed. Change any negative habits, and always follow His guidance in all things you attempt to do.
May this New Year bring you many blessings of good health, dreams to come true, prayers to be answered, and gratitude for all. Remember: “Life is a series of new beginnings and in every ordinary moment there are a thousand miracles to behold.” -Flavia Weedn
About the Author
Gerri D Smith publishes and hosts an inspirational newsletter for women business owners, individuals eager to improve, and entrepreneurs willing to learn more . And it’s Free! Subscribers to her newsletter receive many of her well-written articles, special reports, books, offers, and resources that are filled with motivational support, business and personal image improvement, and supportive ideas to help you reach your goals. To sign up, go now to: www.distinctivebusinesswomen.com
Gerri D Smith, publishes and hosts an online business newsletter to inspire, motivate and support individuals and women business owners. Update your financial goals through articles, business resources and offers, and more. And it is Free. Go to: http://www.distinctivebusinesswomen.comThanks! Gerri Smith may be contacted at http://www.distinctivebusinesswomen.com
by Vickie Milazzo
Here are five tips from my new book, Inside Every Woman, Using the 10 Strengths You Didn't Know You Had to Get the Career and Life You Want Now, to turn resolution road kill into a thing of the past.
Inc. Top 10 Entrepreneur Vickie L. Milazzo, RN, MSN, JD is
the founder and president of Vickie Milazzo Institute alegal
nurse consultant training and certification company. She is
the recipient of the Nursing Excellence Award for Advancing the
Profession and the Stevie Award (business's Oscar®)
as Mentor of the Year. Vickie has revolutionized the careers of
thousands of RNs. She is the author of Inside Every Woman: Using the 10 Strengths You Didn't
Know You Had to Get the Career and Life You Want Now, from
John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Order this bestseller now at www.Amazon.com or 
BarnesandNoble.com. Vickie Milazzo may be contacted
at http://www.legalnurse.com
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