February 2010
In this issue . . .

GNWritings
Written by Laura Steward

I have spent the better part of the last few weeks dealing with my Dad breaking his neck. Between back and forth visits to the hospitals, conversations with surgeons, doctors, nurses, hospital administrators and other medical personnel as well as my Mom it seems like there are not enough hours in the day. It is still touch and go with my Dad but we are praying that he will get better and get out of the ICU by the time you read this article.

What this experience has reminded me of is how little control we have over our life and how important it is to take care of things while they are top of mind rather than say, "I can take care of that tomorrow or next week or next month". It can be something that seems insignificant at the time like typing a letter for your Dad or something a little bigger like depositing money in the bank or even bigger like getting your will updated. If you are a business owner that list may also include an emergency plan for who covers for you if you are injured or ill or even worse, dead.

No one wants to think about "what happens if" but, what happens if . . . Do you have a plan in place if something happens to you? Will your business operate smoothly? Does your staff know what to do if you are unreachable? Is there a succession plan in place? Are the legal documents in order personally and for the business if you are unable to be present for an indefinite time period?

These are all questions that we don't want to think about but you need to ask yourself the tough questions before the answers are needed. Every business needs a business continuity plan that covers the basics like, we cannot get into the building, the building is gone, the server failed, the power is out or the power is going to be out for an extended time period.
 

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Just for Laughs

We are pleased to present this month's guest columnist, Marlene Chism. Marlene is a renowned consultant on stopping drama in your workplace and personal life. Here she shares some quick tips on stopping workplace negativity. Let us know if you'd like more articles like these!

Negativity is the number one productivity problem in the workplace. Signs of negativity include backstabbing, gossiping, power struggles and lack of teamwork. The end result is absenteeism, low morale and turnover. Here are seven tips for improving workplace relationships and reducing negativity.

1. Facilitate Regular Staff Meetings
When done properly, regular meetings provide a forum for listening, problem-solving and honoring peak performance. Meeting mistakes include lecturing instead of engaging the team, inconsistent meeting times, no agenda, and no fun.
 

by Amanda C. Kooser
reprinted with permission from the Microsoft Small Business Center

Some tech junkies tend to neglect etiquette in the office. E-mail is still one of the leading culprits, but newer arrivals like BlackBerrys and wireless earpieces are causing their share of social snafus. "Technology should not be an opportunity to multitask conversations," says technology etiquette expert Laurie Puhn, president of Laurie Puhn Communications . "Anytime you're [doing that], it is rude and unacceptable."

The ability to instantly send and receive e-mails and messages on your BlackBerry, PDA or smartphone requires etiquette attention. Put that BlackBerry away during meetings to let others know you're giving your full attention to the proceedings. Cell phone related violations are a major source of complaints, whether it's ringers going off at inappropriate times, loud speaking voices or the inadvertent sharing of personal information with anyone in the vicinity. Just because your Bluetooth headset is unobtrusive doesn't mean you can interrupt someone you're speaking with to take a call. It's also polite to pull out your iPod headphones (both of them) when you're talking to a colleague.

Make a good impression by being more aware of your tech habits. The old standards of turning off your cell ringer and using proper sentences and salutations in e-mails still apply. Finally, don't hesitate to respectfully bring attention to others' tech etiquette violations. "Rudeness is on the rise because we're not realizing these behaviors are rude," says Puhn, bestselling author of Entrepreneurs can set an example with their own behavior and by discussing etiquette policies with their employees.

To the surprise of the nonprofit sector, Internet technology is enhancing good works.

Relief agencies such as the American Red Cross have demonstrated how effectively online systems can speed cash donations to tragedy-stricken parts of the world. Smaller nonprofits have found the Web to be a blessing for locating discounted items and organizing people to support causes. Foundations and charities have found success with e-philanthropy -- the securing of pledges and donations over the Web -- and made it a vital part of their fundraising strategies.

"Technology is, in many ways, a necessary evil for nonprofits doing business today," says Joni Podolsky, a technology consultant to nonprofits and the author of "Wired for Good: Strategic Technology Planning for Nonprofits." "You need it now just to stay competitive."
 

Do you need support? Are you a new client or a new employee of a client or do you just need a little refresh on how to request service from SLPowers? Whatever the reason you are reading this article, here are the details for reaching us!

Global Service Desk
Our helpdesk, known as our Global Service Desk, is the center of our support team. Any issues you experience should be reported here first by opening a Service Request using one of the following methods. Our service desk is available from 8:30 AM EST to 10:00 AM EST Monday through Friday and from 9:00 AM EST to 2:00 PM EST on Saturdays.

E-Mail
Simply send an e-mail to service@slpowers.com. The subject line of the e-mail will become the Summary of the Service Ticket. The body of the e-mail will be posted to the Detail Description section of the Service Ticket. Please provide as much information as possible so we can handle the request accurately and quickly.

Web Portal
If you do not have access to the SLPowers Service Portal please contact your Account Manager and request access.