If you’re like a lot of us, you get so much email every day that you might spend as little as 15 seconds scanning a message to determine how it applies to you. Now, imagine that other people are reading your email the same way. If they can"t quickly identify the purpose of your message, they’ll probably delete it or leave it in the Inbox for "later"— if later ever comes.
In this article, I give 6 tips to ensure that your email messages are read and get the attention they deserve.
When recipients receive your email message, they should be able to see at a quick glance how the message relates to them and why it’s important. They may be looking at a preview of your message in Microsoft Outlook or on a Windows phone or Windows Mobile device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). Or they may see only Subject lines in their Inbox. If your Subject line is confusing and irrelevant, your email will surely get deleted in a hurry. Here are some examples of what can be included in Subject lines to make sure the reader opens your mail:
A standard subject heading such as "Action Requested," "Response Requested," "FYI," or "Read Only," depending on the action indicated in the body of the message.
The meaningful objective or supporting project that the message relates to, for example, "FY "05 budget forecasting."
The required action if applicable, for example, "Consolidate departmental budget spreadsheets."
The due date if applicable, for example, "Due by July 7."
An example of an effective Subject line is "Action Requested—Consolidate all department spreadsheets for FY "06 budget and return to me by June 15th."
Be completely clear about the actions you want the recipients to take. Be specific and put all the material that is related to an action in one place. To get even faster responses, talk about how the action relates to the recipient"s objectives, and always give due dates. It"s also important to clarify what type of action you want the recipient to take. There are basically four types of actions you could request. If you make this level of detail clear, the recipient will be most likely to read the email and take the action right away. The four actions include:
Action: The recipient needs to perform an action. For example, "Provide a proposal for a 5% reduction in Travel & Entertainment expense."
Respond: The recipient needs to respond to your message with specific information. For example, "Let me know if you can attend the staff meeting at 9:00 A.M. on Friday."
Read only: The recipient needs to read your message to make sure they understand something. No response is necessary. For example, "Please read the attached sales plan before our next staff meeting on August 12th."
FYI only: The recipient should file your message for future reference. No response is necessary. In fact, even reading the message is optional. For example, "Enclosed for your records are your completed expense reports."
Make sure you give recipients all of the information they need to complete an action or respond successfully to your request. Your co-workers shouldn"t have to come back to you asking for information, whether it is a supporting document or a link to a file on a shared website. You can include supporting information in the body of the message, in an attached file, or in an attached email. In Windows Live Hotmail, you can use the Quick Add feature, which lets you search for and insert content such as images, video, restaurant details, maps, and movie times into your email messages, without ever leaving Hotmail. In addition, if you want recipients to fill out a form, it"s a good idea to attach a sample copy of the form that shows how it should be filled out.
Target your message to the appropriate audience. Only people who have to complete an action on the Subject line should receive your message. Be thoughtful and respectful when you enter names on the To line. People observe your thoughtfulness and the results are more effective. Here are two simple questions to help you filter the To line recipients:
Does this email relate to the recipient"s objectives?
Is the recipient responsible for the action in the Subject line?
It"s tempting to put loads of people on the CC line to cover your bases, but doing so is one of the fastest ways to create an unproductive environment. Here are some things to consider when using the CC line:
No action or response should be expected of individuals on the CC line. The recipient needs to only read or file the message.
Only those individuals whose meaningful objectives are affected by the email should be included on the message. If you are not sure that the information is related to a co-worker"s objectives, check with that person to see if they want to receive your email on that topic.
The final thing you want to do is check your work to be sure you are supporting meaningful actions. Sending clear, well-defined messages can reduce the volume of email you send and receive, encouraging correct action, saving time, and limiting email trails. Make sure you ask the following questions before you send the message:
Have I clarified purpose and actions?
Have I included supporting documents and written a clear Subject line?
Did I write the message clearly enough that it does not come back to me with questions?
Am I sending the message to the correct recipients?
Have I run the spelling checker and edited the message for grammar and jargon?
One of the quickest ways to get onto your recipients" "delete radar" is to overwhelm them with meaningless email. Responding to email with "I got your email, thanks," or sending out lots of irrelevant data that you think they might want to know about is a quick way to create a track record of sending unproductive mail.
To summarize, it is incredibly easy to create an unproductive culture using email. Follow these guidelines and you can be sure you and your team are able to keep focused on meaningful objectives and don"t create email overload.
A recognized thought leader and innovator in the field of productivity management, Sally McGhee has trained thousands of people in the corporate environment. She has more than 25 years’ experience as a consultant and an executive coach and is the founder and chief executive officer of McGhee Productivity Solutions. Her book Take Back Your Life!: Using Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 to Get Organized and Stay Organized is available online.
At McGhee Productivity Solutions, we have consultants and employees located around the country. Because we work together on a lot of documents, we need a central location where we can store and edit these documents as well as keep track of our schedules. To work together as efficiently as possible, we use a team website created with Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services. Team sites work great if you have team members working in different locations, or even if your team is all in one office.
In this article, I"m going to give you 7 tips we"ve learned in setting up and using our team website. These tips can help you get up and running productively as quickly as possible with your site.
Note: Windows SharePoint Services is a great, and underused, tool for managing teams and team projects. You can use it to create a team website to track objectives and projects, as well as have a central location for storing and collaborating on documents.
Example of a team website created with Windows SharePoint Services.
Organize site folders by whatever makes the most sense for your team. The key is to be clear and, above all, consistent. For example you could choose to organize:
By department
By objective
Alphabetically
By clients
By project
We also create a new Document Library folder in SharePoint for each project. We can store all of our files related to a project in a Document Library. This not only helps keep our files organized, but makes it easier if a project is reassigned for the new owner to take ownership of all the associated materials. Learn how to add a new Document Library folder.
Decide as a team how you want to name your files. For example, you can insist that a date be attached to each file, or that the person who created the file put their initials in the file name. Also, you can take advantage of the fact that you can use long file names for files and SharePoint folders. Be sure to publish your naming structure so that everyone on the team knows what it is. Above all, be consistent in reinforcing and using this naming convention. This is critical. We’ve found that if you don’t, your team won’t know how find files and therefore won’t use the site effectively.
Develop an archive folder system for keeping previous versions of files for historical or version control needs. We keep only one current version in our “active” folders. This clears up any possible confusion over which version of a document should be used, particularly when your team members download files to their computer to work on while they"re traveling or working out of their office.
If your team members do copy files onto their computers, you need to take extra precautions to ensure you only have the most current versions of their files on the team website. If team members keep versions of files on their computer, they should change the file name. That way, if they upload the file at a later date, they will not overwrite something on the team website that might have been edited in the meantime.
Give each folder a single owner who can add files to it. We find that this ensures the integrity of naming and file structures within each section of the team website. Multiple people may edit documents in various folders, but we make sure no one else uploads new documents or creates new folders inside a folder owned by someone else.
You will probably have a number of files (like sales data) that are accessed and edited by several team members. While SharePoint won’t allow multiple people to save an open file, it is possible for a person to open a file while someone else is editing it. Unless the file is checked out, you run the risk of more than one person working on the same file. One or more people may end up doing work that can"t be properly saved. And if a user doesn’t check the file back in, then others can’t access it. Learn how to:
Ever notice how each PC has a personality of its own? Or maybe even multiple personalities? In the course of a week, your computer may act friendly, moody, and sometimes downright mean.
However, don"t take a hammer to your PC just yet. The following is a list of common symptoms and treatments to help even the most troublesome PCs. You don"t even have to be a psychologist (at least not yet) to deal with your PC"s neuroses.
Windows 7 and Windows Vista usually manage this automatically, but overall you"ll find that these tips work for all versions of Windows, from Windows 95 to Windows 7.
Perhaps you"re more than familiar with this scenario: You"re working on your PC and notice performance getting gradually slower and slower. Programs become harder to open and close. You wait forever for Web pages to be displayed. And then, you get some serious-sounding "virtual memory is too low" message, like the one in the following graphic.
Don"t worry: This message isn"t as scary as it sounds.
Virtual memory low message
Virtual memory is the space your computer uses when it"s short of RAM (Random Access Memory), which is the memory used when running programs like Microsoft Office Word or Microsoft Office PowerPoint.
So what can you do to correct this problem and prevent this message from coming up in the future? The following are some solutions to keep your computer from displaying the "virtual memory minimum is too low" message.
Solution 1: Bump up the virtual memory size on your computer
The first solution is to increase your computer"s virtual memory settings. To do so, you first need to determine how much RAM you currently have.
Solution 2: Add more RAM to your computer
If you keep getting that dreaded "Your system is running low on virtual memory" message—even after you increase your computer"s virtual memory—then you may need to buy more memory for your computer. To really work well:
Windows 7 needs at least 1 GB of RAM to run. See more system requirements for Windows 7.
Windows Vista needs at least 512 MB of RAM to run, but for some applications (like gaming) 1 GB or more of RAM is recommended.
Windows XP needs a minimum of 256 MB of RAM.
The more RAM you have, the better.
If you"re at work, contact your company"s IT administrator before updating the memory on your computer. They may have some memory available and can help you install it.
If you do need to purchase some more memory, stop by your local computer shop. You can probably buy memory from them, and they"ll probably install it for you. Or, you can buy memory online.
We"re all familiar with moving program windows around the desktop. You can click-and-hold the window"s title bar to move it around. But what do you do when you accidentally move a window"s title bar off the desktop so you can"t grab it anymore? The window is stuck in that inconvenient position.
Solution: Use your keyboard to help move your window
The trick to moving these stubborn program windows is to use your keyboard.
The taskbar is that horizontal bar at the bottom or your computer screen that displays open programs on your desktop. The taskbar also contains the Start menu, which allows you to navigate to various programs installed on your computer. In many ways, it"s your command central.
Thus, there"s nothing more frustrating than going to start a program, only to find the taskbar gone. A computer without a taskbar will bring you to a grinding halt.
The good news is that the taskbar never disappears—it just hides. It may be hiding behind other open windows, or at the top or side of your screen. You can also (unintentionally) make the taskbar so thin that it seems invisible.
The following are possible reasons why your taskbar has vanished, as well as solutions to keep your taskbar from ever running away again.
This article covers three common PC problems. But if you"re still unable to find the solution to your particular PC problems, check out Microsoft support resources. There, you"ll find various self-support and assisted support solutions. You"ll find answers to cure even the most disturbed computer.
These days, it seems that just about everybody uses a laptop or notebook computer to get work done away from the office or on the road. Unfortunately, the pervasiveness of laptop computing has made portable systems an easy target for theft. If your laptop computer is stolen, or if someone gains access to your files while your back is turned, your company information—not to mention your personal and financial data—can be exposed.
Looking for information about security features you can use on your laptop to keep your data safe while you travel? This article covers some of the most pertinent. If you’d like more general security suggestions (whether on the road or at the office), check out 10 ways to work more securely.
Use these 10 tips to learn how you can help protect your laptop from theft when you"re on the road.
Computer bags can make it obvious that you"re carrying a laptop. Instead, try toting your laptop in something more common, like a padded briefcase or suitcase.
Strong passwords that are difficult to break or guess can thwart unauthorized access to individual files and even to the entire operating system. Learn how to create strong passwords:
You can also check the strength of your password by typing it into a password checker like this free one offered by Microsoft Security.
Learn how to password-protect your files:
Of course, the strongest password in the world won’t help if you give it away to a thief. Keeping your password with your laptop is like leaving your keys in the car. Without your password or important access numbers, it will be more difficult for a thief to access your personal and corporate information.
If someone should get your laptop and gain access to your files, encryption can give you another layer of protection. With the Windows operating system, you can choose to encrypt files and folders. Then, even if someone gains access to an important file, they can"t decrypt it and see your information. Learn more about how to encrypt your data:
These guards help prevent someone from seeing your screen—even if he or she peeks over your shoulder. They can be very useful if you need to work on sensitive information in a public place, and they are especially helpful when you"re traveling or need to work in a crowded area. The screen guard from Secure-It is just one example of a screen guard you could use.
Always take your laptop on the plane or train rather than checking it with your luggage. It"s easy to lose luggage and it"s just as easy to lose your laptop. If you"re traveling by car, keep your laptop out of sight. For example, lock it in the trunk when you"re not using it.
When you go through airport security, don"t lose sight of your bag. Hold your bag until the person in front of you has gone through the screening process. Many bags look alike, and yours can easily be lost in the shuffle.
Putting your laptop on the floor is an easy way to forget or lose track of it as you talk at a ticket counter or order your latte. If you have to set it down, try to place it between your feet or leaning against your leg, so you"re always aware of it.
If you need to leave your laptop in a room or at your desk, use a laptop security cable to securely attach it to a heavy chair, table, or desk. The cable makes it more difficult for someone to take your laptop. There are also programs and devices that will report the location of a stolen laptop. These work when the laptop connects to the Internet and can report the laptop"s exact physical location. Absolute Software’s LoJack and its line of Computrace products, for example, offer physical location tracing in addition to capabilities for remotely disabling a missing computer, retrieving or deleting data, and more. Search for more computer tracking and recovery solutions.
Too many things have been lost in hotel rooms. These rooms may not be completely secure. If you must leave your laptop in your room, put the "Do not disturb" sign on the door to keep hotel staff out. Don’t leave your laptop at the front desk, either.
Security experts advise that you affix your name and contact information, along with a promise of a "Reward if lost or stolen—no questions asked,” on the computer. These can help improve your odds of getting the computer back in the event of theft or a simple mix-up.
Change your network password to help secure access to corporate servers.
Report the theft to local authorities (such as the police) and to your company"s IT department.
If customer data was on the laptop, contact your account representative, legal representative, or appropriate person at your company so they can take the necessary actions.
آخ یه لیوان شربت آب لیمو حال میده الان
(ستاد افزایش اجر معنوی روزه داران )
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ای کسانیکه روزه نمیگیرید...حداقل افطار کنید… !
چون از قدیم گویند کار را آن کرد که تمام کرد !
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ما فردا شب واسه افطار میایم خونتون
(ستاد ایجاد رعب و وحشت در ماه رمضان) !
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باز ماه رمضان آمدست و روزه / رایگان گشت بلیط اتوبوس و موزه
باز در بند شدند لات و ابلیس و هبل / باز بلبل به چمن می فروشد غمزه
بعد افطار دلت گرد و قلمبه گردد / بس که خوردی کباب جوجه یکروزه !
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اندکی صبر …
“زولبیا بامیه ” نزدیک است !
فرا رسیدن ماه زولبیا و بامیه بیخوابی شبانه ، گرسنگی روزانه
روز شماری ماهانه پرخوری سحرانه
افطاری شاهانه و توقع آمرزش سالانه ! مبارک !
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از بالاترین فضیلت ها در ماه رمضان ، افطاری دادن است
منتظر تماس شما هستیم . . . !
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این دنیا زندان مومن و دیاری فانی است
و انسان در این دنیا مسافری بیش نیست
و روزه بر مسافر واجب نیست
(ستاد روزه خواران)!
******************************************************
may be subject to copyright.
.آمد آن ماهی که نامش رمضان است
معده از آمدنش شدیدا نگران است !
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به یارو میگن روزه ها رو میگیری ؟
میگه دو روز اول رو نگرفتم ، دیدم میتونم نگیرم بقیه رو هم نگرفتم
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قدیما :هرکی روزه نبود باید می رفت یه گوشه ای یه چیزی میخورد بقیه نبیننش
الان: هر کی روزه است باید بره یه گوشه مزاحم غذا خوردن بقیه نشه!
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شبها وقتی سر سفره افطار نشستی
دستهای خالیت رو با خلوص و بی آلایش بالا ببر
و چند دقیقه ای نگه دار تا بقیه هم بتونن یه چیزی بخورن!
آقای پدر! در کمال احترام خواهشمندم اینقدر لب و لوچهء غیر پاستوریزه ، و سار و سیبیل سیخ سیخی آهار نشدتون را به سر و صورت حساس من نمالید.
خانوم مادر! جیغ زدن شما هنگام شناسایی اجسام داخل خانه توسط حس چشایی من، نه تنها کمکی به رشد فکری من نمی کنه، بلکه برای دبی شیر شما هم مضر است!!! لازم به ذکر است که سوسک هم یکی از اجسام داخل خانه محسوب می شود.
پدر محترم! هنگام دستچین کردن میوه، از دادن من به بغل اصغر آقای سبزی فروش خودداری نمایید. چشمهای تلسکوپی، گوشهای ماهواره ای و سیبیلهای دم الاغی اش مرا به یاد قرضهای شما می اندازد! ، مخصوصاً وقتی که چشمهای خود را گشاد کرده، و با تکان دادن سر و لبهایش ” بول بول بول بول” می کند! زهرمار، درد، مرض، کوفت! الهی کف شامپو بره تو چشت! شب بخوابی خواب بد ببینی! جیش کنی تو شلوارت!
مادر محترم! شصت پا وسیله ای است شخصی، که اختیارش رو دارم! لطفاً هرگاه سعی در خوردن شصت پای شما نمودم، گیر بدهید.
آقای پدر! هنگام دعوا با خانوم مادر، به جای پرت کردن قابلمه و ماهی تابه به روی زمین، از چینی های توی کابینت استفاده نمایید! اکشن بودن دعوا به همین چیزاست.
خانوم مادر! از مصرف هله هوله ی زیاد پرهیز نمایید! این عمل نه تنها برای سلامتی شما خوب نیست، بلکه موجب می شود که شیرتان بوی” بچه سوسک مرده” بدهد.
پدر محترم ! شیر مادر برای رشد و تکامل من لازمه و من هیچ علاقه ای به خوردن شیر خشک ندارم! لطفا شما در مصرف شیر مادر محترم با من شریک نشوید.
آقای پدر! کودکان توانایی کافی برای حفظ جیش خود ندارند و این توانایی هنگامی که شما شکم مرا “پووووووف” می کنید به حداقل می رسد! الان بگم که بعد شرمنده تون نشم…
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