A Project Shared Is A Project Bettered

If something is worth doing, it's worth doing well, and it's always easier to do something well if you have the best tools available for the task in hand. If you're managing a major project, then the success of the end result can certainly be boosted by software which assists the process. The leading application in this field is Microsoft Project, offering a wide range of tools to help ensure that your organisation gets the most benefit out of the work you and other staff are completing.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-720-a-project-shared-is-project-bettered.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Use MS Project To Keep Colleagues Informed

Businesses are free to use Microsoft (MS) Project as a standalone product if they wish, although benefits can be reaped when it is teamed up with other software.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-724-use-ms-project-keep-colleagues-informed.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

How To Keep A Meeting Focused

A common problem with meetings is that there are lots of people who all want to talk. Some people love the sound of their own voices and have opinions on everything. Some people refuse to stick to a point and want to but in with related or unrelated topics. It is even the case that meetings become battle grounds for personal conflicts that are detrimental to the problem solving required. This can lead to an unproductive meeting where the original aim falls by the wayside. So what can you do to keep a meeting on track and deal with these issues?

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1260-how-keep-meeting-focused.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Keeping Your Project On Track - With MS Project

The computer you're reading this with is a complicated piece of equipment. For what you see on your monitor to be comprehensible or simply to ensure that moving your mouse elicits a similar response from the pointer on the screen, numerous tiny parts inside the device have to run all manner of processes. If any one of those parts or processes fails, then so can the whole kit and caboodle - you'll be hitting keys, but nothing will appear. Alternatively, the consequences might not be immediate; a minor error might at first slow the system down imperceptibly, but each time the computer runs the process, the errors will accumulate, and the computer will eventually seize up altogether.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-791-keeping-your-project-on-track-with-ms-project.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Building Positive Relationships With Staff, Building A Brighter Future For The Organisation

I'm going to go out on a limb here, and assume that you're a decent, reasonable, considerate and capable kind of person. I'm sure you are. You're the kind of person who'd be drawn to read this article, clearly a marker of wisdom and refinement. However, are you sure that colleagues see you in quite the same light? Are you certain that everything you say and do is interpreted by fellow members of staff in quite the way that you intend it to be?

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1016-building-positive-relationships-with-staff-building-brighter-future-organisation.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

How To Be A Success On Your First Day

Many of us are so nervous about starting a new job, we forget that we're the ones the company needs and wants to welcome. Why not turn the tables, prepare properly and make the best first impression ever? Here's how!

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1247-how-be-success-on-your-first-day.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

5 File-naming Tips To Stop Your Folders Being Disorganised

Let's face it, most documents these days - perhaps with an exception of our email - are collaborative, done with a team and not on our own. Whether it's a report in Excel, a letter in Word or a PowerPoint presentation to the boss, chances are you've had to run it past more than one person. Problems will arise with every "save" unless you follow some basic organisational rules for file saving and sharing. Here are some to make your life easier.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1248-5-filenaming-tips-stop-your-folders-being-disorganised.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Preparing Your Project Properly

There's an old adage: "prepare to fail, if you've failed to prepare". Never is this more true than when related to Project Management. Many managers think less preparation is needed now that we have tools such as MS Project to guide and warn us when things are going pear shaped. Bad preparation is worse than bad execution, as one leads to the other and makes a mess of your plans. Instead of playing catch-up for things you failed to do at the start - here's how to plan your project properly.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-900-preparing-your-project-properly.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Time, Money Or People? Which Is Your Weakness?

You may think you're a great budget manager and people person, but the two combined can be a formidable force in project management. People want to do their job. People want to do their job WELL. This usually means that they spend more money. In these difficult economic times, more money will usually send you over budget.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-932-time-money-or-people-which-is-your-weakness.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Counting The Costs Of Your Project Budget

Controlling your budget is the most essential part of any project. Going 'over budget' puts more strain on resources than anything else, and causes more pressure for the project manager and the team. Knowing how you're spending your money at every step of the way also becomes your best indicator for future problems your project might run into. So how do you do it?

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-907-counting-costs-your-project-budget.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

When Project Management Doesn't Go As Planned

There are a lot of advantages to a company having good project management within its organisation. Even companies which are at the peak of its field are always looking for new and innovative ways to improve work performance. A project manager can make extensive changes to a companies infrastructure in order to yield positive results. This is reflected in the £40 -£50k salaries they earn, with some industry sectors rocketing salaries to even dizzier heights.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-943-when-project-management-doesnt-go-as-planned.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

How Projects Fail Before They Begin

Successful project management comes down to two things: the right planning, and the right staff. If you think either are lacking, you're going to run into problems. Get it right at the start, and it will be plain sailing. Here are the pitfalls to avoid at the start of any project.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1246-how-projects-fail-before-they-begin.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Getting To Grips With The Core Of Project Management

There are lots of different areas within campaigns that require attention and supervision and project management courses are an ideal way of examining the core of tasks within them.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-916-getting-grips-with-core-project-management.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Project Manage Resources For Stronger Task Foundations

Keeping control of a workplace assignment can be extremely challenging when problems crop up connected to the resources needed to make it a success.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-915-project-manage-resources-stronger-task-foundations.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Preventing The Perilous Pitfalls Of Procrastination

Is there anything else you ought to be doing instead of reading this article? I hope not (and I'm glad to have your attention, settle yourself down with a nice hot drink and enjoy yourself), but if you do, well, it's understandable, isn't it? Don't we all have moments when we've something pressing to do, and we know we ought to do it, but we get distracted, we find something else to do, and the clock turns about unnoticed. Before we realise it, the job's still undone, and there's no longer time to finish it. Hopefully, there'll still be the opportunity to do it tomorrow, or next week, and of course we'll definitely make sure it's completed then. Sure, we've wasted time today, but we'll do better in future.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1022-preventing-perilous-pitfalls-procrastination.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Time Management: Make Your E-mails Count

Many of us are aware that our email folder is accumulating in size, yet we still allow our inboxes to clock up with emails that we will forget about and probably never view again.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1037-time-management-make-your-emails-count.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

How Your Office Can Kill Your Time Management

The modern office is usually a good place to work, however some of us aren't fortunate enough to have moved into a new build, we're stuck with old architecture, bad space management and overcrowding. If your office is full of people instead of resources, you might have your time eaten trying to solve problems to do with your surroundings rather than your work. Here are some ways to alleviate the negative effects that environment has on your time.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1250-how-your-office-can-kill-your-time-management.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

The 30-minute Trick To Better Time Management

If you were asked to write a 20,000 word dissertation, a 50-page report, or even a practical book of instructions as part of the job you do, unless you're superhuman and supremely confident, you're going to think that it's an awful lot of work, and an awful lot of time. Sometimes we're handed mammoth tasks that we can't plan for properly because of the sheer dedication of time. Here's how you can do it, and it only requires 30 minutes of effort per day.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1249-the-30minute-trick-better-time-management.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

3 Better Ways To Keep Track Of Time

To manage our time effectively, we have to manage our work effectively. If you have bad workload organisation, chances are your time management is suffering. Quality, rather than quantity, is what's needed when you've got the time. Here are three ways to improve the way you work and use the time you have effectively:

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1245-3-better-ways-keep-track-time.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Better Budgeting For The Perfect Project

It appears that money doesn't grow on trees after all, nor accumulate in pots at the ends of rainbows. This unfortunately being so, it's imperative for even the largest and smallest of businesses to keep a firm hand on the budgets of all projects that they undertake. However, it's not always as easily done as said; as project manager, you won't have the funding sat on a desk before you, ready to dole out or not, and with clearly visible limitations. Budgets often have to be managed for many competing demands, and can spread out some way into the future; they have to be planned in advance, not just dealt with as and when.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-962-better-budgeting-perfect-project.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Making Projects Easier To Manage With A Gantt Chart

It may read like the most banal of platitudes from an understandably-out-of-work psychotherapist - but life is a journey. Business is a journey. We're all moving from point A to point B, with no way of stopping. For some, it's an undesirable route down from a desirable and sadly-lost height, but for many it comes as a movement towards somewhere better, as an ambition or a welcome development. Businesses ought always to fall into this latter category, and need to be searching for improvement and progress, whatever form that may take.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-960-making-projects-easier-manage-with-gantt-chart.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Deciding On The Best Software For Your Project

As project manager you need to manage the people and assets that will be used for the duration of your project. Unless you've "done it all before", then one of the very first things you'll have to consider is which Project Management software to use - or if you need it at all! There are literally thousands of software solutions for project management, and here are some ways of breaking down the options to see what it is you - and your project - really needs.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-990-deciding-on-best-software-your-project.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

How To Make Your Written Documents More Professional

According to a recent survey, the most common office cliches are: at the end of the day; it's not rocket science; and what goes around, comes around. The same survey also found that six in 10 employees hate it when their boss uses cliches; while it also states that one in three bosses have asked employees not use cliches during client meetings. So why do we revert to using the same phrases over and over again? Cliches can be a great way of getting a point across and help people really understand what you mean.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1090-how-make-your-written-documents-more-professional.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Discover The Top Ten Changes In Word 2010

Want to find out the key changes in Word 2010? This article brings you details of the top ten changes to help you to get to grips with what's new in Word 2010.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1118-discover-top-ten-changes-in-word-2010.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Using The Drawing Toolbar In Word

When I worked at a local video store I would often make posters to advertise various promotions using the Drawing toolbar in Microsoft Word. These were fairly basic graphics but they served a purpose. One such poster attracted the attention of my youngest son who asked me to show him how I created these drawing objects. I showed him how to transform a blank page into an amusing full-size drawing object in no time at all.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1216-using-drawing-toolbar-in-word.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Office Keyboard Shortcuts: Universal & Specific

The modern workplace is awash with different gizmos, gadgets and applications to the extent that learning how to use all of them can be a head-spinning experience. And with NVQs seemingly attainable in every subject from structural design to cig rolling, there's a lot of learning to be done out there. It can be a frustrating experience to put all of your efforts into learning how to use one application properly, only to discover that similar applications operate under a completely different set of rules.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-807-office-keyboard-shortcuts-universal-and-specific.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Using Office For Simple Research Tasks

Once you've mastered the basics of Word and Excel, you can practise your skills and put them to good use by conducting some research. No matter what your job, most professions require some form of survey to be done from time to time. If you run your own business, try measuring customer satisfaction with your products or services. If you are an employee, ask your manager if you can practise your Office skills by surveying something that the department requires - an assessment of employee opinion on a new project or building, for example, or a quick telephone survey of customers (or potential ones) will usually be appreciated.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-836-using-office-simple-research-tasks.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Taking Note Of Microsoft Office

As any creative professional knows those blinding moments of insight and business genius rarely arrive at a designated time. You can devote countless hours of your working day to planning and researching a project yet inspiration still singularly fails to strike. Chances are you will be on the tube or unwinding at home when that really great idea hits you and this can leave you in a quandary; do you start drafting a painstaking official document when its not especially convenient to do so or do you leave the idea for the time being in the hope you can remember it later on?

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-853-taking-note-microsoft-office.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

How To Use Office At Home

Microsoft (MS) Office suites are used throughout the business world, but they can be as equally useful in the home.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-859-how-use-office-at-home.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Microsoft Office Web Apps Isn't A World Of Hidden Codes

Whether you are already familiar with Aztec and Matrix, or even if you think they are the latest designs in a new range of carpet tiles - you will soon hear more about these two terms as data codes begin to appear more and more at an information hot spot near you.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-802-microsoft-office-web-apps-isnt-world-hidden-codes.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

How To Keep On The Move With Office

Did you know that there are nearly two cell phones in existence for every three people in the world? About 60 percent of the population now use mobile phones, with approximately 4.1 billion mobile phone subscriptions in operation. The simple cell phone has quickly become one of the most important gadgets in our everyday lives. And as the technology driving these devises continues to advance - from developing solar powered phones to using mobile navigation to reduce traffic jams - our reliance on our mobiles is also increasing.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-801-how-keep-on-move-with-office.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

The Extended Family Of Microsoft Office

Here in the UK, TV viewers love their soaps. Whether on the street, in the square or down on the farm, the latest gossip and scandals keep the nation glued to their sets. Yet while some soaps are applauded for running storylines that deal with real life situations, there are sometimes lapses in credibility, as demonstrated in the imaginary scenario below.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-743-the-extended-family-microsoft-office.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

How To Use The New Excel Web App

Introduction

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1195-how-use-new-excel-web-app.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Become A Budding Picasso Using Excel

Excel has been the most widely used spreadsheet software for both Windows and Apple Macintosh computers for over fourteen years. Ask anyone which spreadsheet application they are using and Excel will outweigh any other. The figures speak for themselves with over 500 million users.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-813-become-budding-picasso-using-excel.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

How Are Dates Stored In Excel?

Have you ever wondered how a date is actually stored in Excel? This article describes how Excel stores dates and covers an example of how this can be used in calculations.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-832-how-are-dates-stored-in-excel.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Finding Your Way Around Excel 2007

Users of Excel 2003 will find several changes (almost all of them improvements) to Excel 2007. The layout is the most significant change, and sometimes users have trouble finding their way around and learning where the most commonly-used tools for their spreadsheet are. Here are a few elements to look out for when you're making the transition between Excel 2007 and an earlier version.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-845-finding-your-way-around-excel-2007.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Understanding XML Within Excel

XML is a mark-up (or "markup") language, so its uses with data are abundant. The key to understanding XML within Excel is first thinking about what a markup actually is. Imagine you have reams and reams of data relating to your customers. You might have their name, address, how much they owe you on invoices, and so on. How would you sort it out, file it, or in other words, mark it up? You'll probably start with surname in alphabetical order, invoices due in chronological order, and other logical patterns. This is all part of "marking up", and it's something XML does for you within Excel. Learn to manipulate XML, and you open up brand new ways of using your data not only in spreadsheets, but in other Office programs that are also compatible with XML.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-793-understanding-xml-within-excel.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Jazzing Up Excel With Graphics

The average Office user is familiar with graphics in the included programs - Word in particular. We're quite used to using arrows (or arrowheads), line drawings, shapes, fills, colour and WordArt in a word processing document or PowerPoint presentation, yet we do not immediately link these with an Excel Spreadsheet. Spreadsheets can be boring - if you're sharing them with others, or want to get your point across on how important the data it contains actually is, then using graphics can be a great way to do it.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-794-jazzing-up-excel-with-graphics.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Do You Need To Run Excel 2007 In Compatibility Mode?

Once you've upgraded to Excel 2007 or started to use it from scratch and got the hang of the new tabbed navigation system you'll have started using Excel 2007's many new features including the greatly improved charting building, SmartArt, themes and styles and table formatting for enhanced presentation effects. Other new features include conditional sorting of data based on colours, greatly increased data sorting levels, and of course a massive increase in the number of rows and columns (Number of rows increased from 65,000 to 1 million).

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-761-do-you-need-run-excel-2007-in-compatibility-mode.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Share And Share Alike - Use Excel To Collaborate As A Winning Team!

There is no doubt that the internet is one of the most amazing achievements of mankind. It stands as a miniscule version of the Library of Congress and is much easier to access than a trip to the States. Gone are the days of dial up connection, now you can even log on to the web using an appliance as ubiquitous as a mobile phone. In seconds, you can have the sum total of almost every piece of information at the end of a keyboard.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-771-share-and-share-alike-use-excel-collaborate-as-winning-team.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

A Hidden Gem In Excel - Formula Auditing

What do you do if your Excel spreadsheet suddenly shows an error message in a cell with a formula? You might look at the formula in the edit bar and try and work out what might be causing the problem, or you might try to work out where the data in the formula comes from - this can be particularly difficult if you've long forgotten what the formula was used for or if the spreadsheet was created by someone else.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-786-a-hidden-gem-in-excel-formula-auditing.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Turn Project Management Theory Into Reality

Team leaders can take their pick when it comes to choosing a style of project management for their tasks. Some may like to rely on past systems, while others are open to trying new techniques that have proven successful around the globe. Many of today's methods of tackling projects address the element of risk involved in campaigns and attempt to ensure that problems are resolved quickly. Training in this area is an ideal way to learn more about the varied systems that are available to team leaders who are looking to expand their knowledge banks in regard to the project management processes.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-914-turn-project-management-theory-into-reality.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Team Up With PowerPoint For Great Presentations

When doing a presentation it may seem easier to rely on software applications, such as Microsoft PowerPoint, to pull you through. However, one of the important secrets to getting your information across clearly and concisely is to work with the application rather than expect it to fulfil your function as a leader of the talk. PowerPoint is ideally created to be a great accompaniment to you when you are in charge of presentations. Its features and functions can enliven events and bring energy to theories that might otherwise fall on deaf ears.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-912-team-up-with-powerpoint-great-presentations.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Persuading People Can Be Easier With Powerpoint

Trevinbury is thriving; once dominated by mining and metalwork, but today expanding outwards with vigour on the back of new technologies. Many of the town's shops are centred on the nineteenth-century high street, but a combination of limited space and tight planning restrictions have prevented many high-profile chains from establishing a retail presence. This is a regrettable and backward-looking situation - at least in the opinion of Designer Developments, who are hoping to add Trevinbury to the lengthy list of towns across Europe in which they've already built modern shopping centres.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-894-persuading-people-can-be-easier-with-powerpoint.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Co-author With The Best Via PowerPoint

When creating a PowerPoint presentation in a perfect world the text and files you upload would be quickly approved and saved so you are free to bring it to your audience, but this is rarely the case in today's collaborative workplace.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1130-coauthor-with-best-via-powerpoint.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

PowerPoint Bridges The Design Template Gap

The London Underground tube map is an example of something that not only looks good - but it is also extremely functional. Created in the early 1900s by Harry Beck, the original design is still the template for modern maps today. Okay, there have been minor modifications throughout the years, such as the addition of many more tube lines, but Beck's basic design still reigns.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1161-powerpoint-bridges-design-template-gap.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

How To Beat Those PowerPoint Nerves

I was talking to a friend recently and he told me about how nervous he was as he set about giving his first ever PowerPoint presentation to an audience. Luckily he had an ally, a former workmate and close friend who agreed to act as a friendly fifth column right in the heart of his audience. The arrangement was that if the friend in the audience thought that the presentation was going on a bit, he would 'accidentally' drop his pen onto the floor. This would be a clear signal for the presenter to wind things up. With this arrangement in place it came to the actual presentation. My friend stood nervously in front of the audience. "Good afternoon, and thank you all for coming," he said. As soon as these words had left his mouth he heard the pen drop. He laughs about it now but at the time he could have flattened his so-called mate.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1214-beating-those-powerpoint-nerves.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Considering Font In PowerPoint Presentations

From most favourite to most hated, Comic Sans MS is facing a tirade of abuse in design journals and social networking sites. And it's even the victim of a global online hate campaign. The crime? Being too homely, looking a bit like it's handwritten and, well, just not being serious enough in the world of type design. From school fetes to wedding invites, to the majority of PowerPoint presentations, it's a face that people regard as warm and familiar. But through no fault of its own, its comfortable domain has been upset by a host of hate campaigns.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1227-considering-font-in-powerpoint-presentations.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Make Your Conference A Virtual Reality With PowerPoint

As businesses get more comfortable with the virtual world, it makes sense to know how best to present to your target audience online. Customers, employees and partners are already living in that environment thanks to social networks and even e-mail, so the natural next step is to walk in their remote marketplace.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1228-make-your-conference-virtual-reality-with-powerpoint.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Your PowerPoint Audience And Why Their View Counts

Delegates attending a recent educational conference were asked to forget the PowerPoint and come up with a unique and appropriate way to deliver a presentation based on their years research to an audience of lecturers. While some chose to deliver in prose and recited their entire findings in rhyming couplets, others went for a more visual delivery and walked through the assembled audience wearing a bikini while talking about body image. On reflection, most of the audience said that they probably felt less conscious about their own body shape, but did struggle to remember what the speaker had talked about as they tried desperately not to engage them in any direct conversation. It was a case of, literally, not knowing where to look.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1229-the-audience.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Word: The Keyboard Vs The Mouse

A lot of tasks in Word can be performed by using shortcut keys. These are particularly useful because although switching between keyboard and mouse only takes a second it can be distracting and interrupt the flow. As shortcut keys enable the user to perform various tasks without taking his or her hands from the keyboard, does all of this spell extinction for that loyal servant of recent decades, the mouse?

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1217-word-keyboard-vs-mouse.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

New Managers: Which Style Is Yours?

The word "manager" brings with it lots of scary connotations of the boss towering over the workers. Someone to be respected and revered, depending on their management style. Everyone has had a bad manager at least once in their lifetime and it's just as likely we all know a good one. If this responsibility has been bestowed on you for the first time, here are some tips to get you hitting the floor running and becoming a better manager.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-980-new-managers-which-style-is-yours.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Managing Your Staff's Work / Play Balance

Whenever we think about "time management", we refer it to ourselves and our own time. It's rare that we consider how the tables might turn where you have to manage other people's time. After all, they should do it themselves, right? Not always so. If you're a manager or have staff to look after, you must be able to manage the work that they're given, to prioritise and make time for, and then also consider other time-consuming but important tasks, like team building for morale, or setting time aside for one to ones and team meetings.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-971-managing-your-staffs-work-and-play-balance.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Making Figures Talk For Themselves Thanks To Access

Spreadsheets and other banks of information could need some tweaking to make them understandable.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-970-making-figures-talk-themselves-thanks-access.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Discover The Top Ten Changes In Project 2010

Want to find out the key changes in Project 2010? This article brings you details of the top ten changes to help you to get to grips with what's new in Project 2010.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1123-discover-top-ten-changes-in-project-2010.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Discover The Top Ten Changes In Outlook 2010

Want to find out the key changes in Outlook 2010? This article brings you details of the top ten changes to help you to get to grips with what's new in Outlook 2010.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1122-discover-top-ten-changes-in-outlook-2010.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Discover The Top Ten Changes In Access 2010

Want to find out the key changes in Access 2010? This article brings you details of the top ten changes to help you to get to grips with what's new in Access 2010.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1121-discover-top-ten-changes-in-access-2010.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Express Yourself With Microsoft Access

To get the most out of data you will need to manipulate it and compare figures to reveal the impact they have, which is all possible via software programmes.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1135-express-yourself-with-microsoft-access.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Get A Head Start With Access 2010 Templates

Introduction

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1193-get-head-start-with-access-2010-templates.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Sub-reports And Sub-forms In Access 2007

Reports can be tricky, complicated things, balancing separate strands of information and sets of data and always trying to make sense of every relevant relationship and interconnection. Especially when working with relational data it can feel as though you are constantly losing sight of crucial parts of the bigger picture simply because of screen space.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-756-subreports-and-subforms-in-access-2007.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Want To Get Started With Macros In Microsoft Access?

Once you've created Access databases containing tables, forms, queries and reports, you may be interested in creating and using Access macros. A macro is a set of one or more instructions which can carry out a great variety of customisable tasks. When you create a macro in Access you're not actually writing the software coding - Access does that for you behind the scenes. What you are doing is building a series of instructions from a pop down selector (instructions are in plain English) within the Create New Macro panel and then saving the macro with its own name. So macro creation in Access is not difficult.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-762-want-get-started-with-macros-in-microsoft-access.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

What's In A Name? Creating A Company Personnel List Using Microsoft Access

You can guarantee that in any company, there will always be at least fifteen Steve's, ten Dave's and a trio of Claire's thrown in for good measure. Not to mention a couple of Lesley's in accounts and a Julie on reception. Having said this, even the most familiar of names have been known to come complete with an unusual spelling such as Chrystine, Chris, Kriss or Kristina.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-777-whats-in-name-creating-company-personnel-list-using-microsoft-access.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

How To Become The Ultimate Project Manager

Truly great project managers are some of the most highly desirable assets to any company or client, talented individuals able to manage disparate teams effectively and harmoniously whilst retaining a clear sense of the project's aims and objectives. They will have a cool head and the ability to detect and deal with issues and risks that arise throughout the course of the project. And they can make a lot of money both for their clients and for themselves.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1243-how-become-ultimate-project-manager.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Splice And Slice Figures Easily By Using Crystal Reports

Workplace campaigns depend on many factors and success is often attached to figures generated from tasks, as calculations help interpret data, such as sales figures or income.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-969-splice-and-slice-figures-easily-by-using-crystal-reports.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

The Style File For Professional & Management Success

Working within the professional and management field means that you are constantly being observed by your colleagues. It is therefore imperative that your behaviour and image exude the characteristics which are positively emanated throughout the workplace and create good vibrations.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1039-the-style-file-professional-&-management-success.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Create A Good Impression By Delegating Authority

You have been promoted. You move into your new office, the one that says Manager on the door. Your hard work and application have been recognised and you now have the chance to show your managerial skills to the world You are keen to impress in your new role and you ponder over how to get off to the best possible start. You have experience in so many areas that you don't know where to begin in showing those who have put their faith in you that they have made the correct decision. Surprisingly, it may be more beneficial not to do any of your former tasks to make an impression, and passing work on to colleagues could be a more favourable option

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1076-create-good-impression-by-delegating-authority.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

How To Write The Perfect Newsletter To Turbo Charge Sales

When it comes to PR and marketing, many companies opt for costly radio, television or advertising space. However this has its drawbacks as there are those who do not listen to the radio or choose to make a cuppa during ad breaks, but how many people check their e-mails? Just about every single head in the country. It is surprising how many companies fail to channel into the most cost effective and simple marketing method tool of all which is e-mail marketing.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1098-how-write-perfect-newsletter-turbo-charge-sales.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Plan Your Day And Manage Time Efficiently

It is often said after some calamity or other that hindsight is a wonderful thing. Well foresight is a pretty good trait to possess too, and in time management it can be a godsend. The ability to plan ahead can ensure that your time is managed with maximum efficiency. Dealing with matters as they come along leaves too much to chance so, while there is always the possibility of interruptions caused by unforeseen circumstances, a carefully planned day should generally be a more productive one.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1078-plan-your-day-and-manage-time-efficiently.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

How Crystal Reports Enlivens Your Data

Professional-looking documents are one of the commonest reasons businesses gravitate towards Crystal Reports.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-963-how-crystal-reports-enlivens-your-data.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Crystal Reports From A Beginners Perspective

Crystal Reports is a software package designed purely to create detailed and advanced reports pulling data directly into the reports from pretty much any kind of database. It has a fairly simple user interface and once a user knows a few basics then simple reports can be created easily. For the more advanced user, detailed and elaborate reports can be designed using advanced functionality.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-965-crystal-reports-from-beginners-perspective.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

The Future For Your Business Can Be Crystal Clear

Astacom are one of the oldest names in their industry (the manufacture of components for communication devices) but not one of the more pre-eminent. Time whittled down their market share, and the company had come increasingly to stagnate and to drift aimlessly towards an uncertain future. However, the future seems now to have arrived, in the form of a takeover by Korean electronics conglomerate Junsang Tech - and the new owners want to streamline their acquisition in order to make it as efficient and profitable as possible.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1068-the-future-your-business-can-be-crystal-clear.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

'What-if' You Chose To Install Crystal Reports?

One of the key aspects of any business plan is the ability to project data within a number of different scenarios. Obviously the meat of any report lies in the analysis of the proposed set of statistics but it is always useful to be able to produce hypothetical results based upon tweaking the variables. In this way you can create a 'what-if?' alternative which can be both illuminating and cautionary and ensure that you have a grasp of all the possibilities.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1144-whatif-you-chose-install-crystal-reports.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Creating A Budget Report With Crystal Reports

There are some software packages that are ideal for complex or multi-layered reports. A program such as Crystal reports should enable you to include several different elements that would normally come from different software for each part. For example, when reporting on a budget, you'd provide a chart from Excel along with a cash flow statement, a list of project goals made and completed from Project (including its own report on the budget), and Word for the full written report on how the money was spent. You can incorporate all these elements into Crystal reports.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1154-creating-budget-report-with-crystal-reports.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Better Individual Communication In Meetings

This may surprise you, but the very dynamic of a group meeting may cause its downfall. "Group thinking" can stop individuals from voicing their true opinions, and peer pressure sometimes means that someone will agree and conform with the group consensus and stay quiet, even if they have something valuable to say. They just daren't disagree. The psychology of groups in a meeting needn't ruin yours. Here are some tips on how to prevent the group dynamic having negative effects in your business meeting communication.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-751-better-individual-communication-in-meetings.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

A Widely-Scattered Staff, But A Close-Knit Workforce

We live in a world where conventional business models aren't necessarily the norm. There are still many companies who maintain a small staff, operating out of a single office, and supplying goods and services to individuals or other businesses in their local community. Companies whose business concerns only the work that they do within this limited area and market. Many issues that arise within this business model can be straightforwardly addressed, as all staff can be consulted face-to-face, and all clients and suppliers are easily contacted. Potential and actual problems are frequently visible, tangible, and solutions can be developed on the spot, their impacts measured in plain sight.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-719-a-widelyscattered-staff-but-closeknit-workforce.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Positive Thinking 101

There are a number of professional skills and attitudes that are all affected by how positive you are. Teamwork, stress management and emotional intelligence all depend on attitude - the more positive that attitude is, the better. Your state of mind can either drastically improve or alter your working life for the good or bad. Whether you're a cheery, upbeat go-getter or the office moaner, it's time to take stock and realise how your attitude not only affects you, but the people around you too.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-690-positive-thinking-101.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Stressful Environments We Know So Well

The modern workplace can be a hotbed of stress as orders must be fulfilled and deadlines met. This is a serious problem as, according to figures from the Health & Safety Executive, stress is the biggest cause of working days lost through injury or ill-health (almost 13 million per year). There are many causes of stress in the workplace, such as a heavy workload, tight deadlines and working long hours, but the very environment in which you work can be a contributing factor in raising your stress levels. Such environments are not confined to the office or the production line, they are so prevalent that we often see them on television and there are commonly used terms that we all recognise as referring to stressful environments, so here are a few.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1080-stressful-environments-we-know-so-well.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Emotional Intelligence And The Use Of Empathy

In the imaginary firm of Haddaway & Daddle Ltd, a managerial opportunity has arisen that the directors would like to see filled by a member of the current staff. There are two main contenders for the post, George and Mildred, both of whom are keen on securing the promotion. George has been with the firm for almost ten years, while Mildred is a comparative rookie with only three years' service to her name. It looks like the experienced old head of George will give him the edge and he will be chosen to move upstairs into the new office, and pocket the pay rise that comes with it.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1084-emotional-intelligence-and-use-empathy.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Some Hints On Prioritising Effectively

One of the best skills that has to be learned in mastering time management is that of prioritising. If you are completing non-urgent, routine tasks because they are easy or even fun, and letting the deadline-orientated, deal-breaking tasks slip from your radar or get turned in late, that's bad time management - and a lack of priority in your workload.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1093-some-hints-on-prioritising-effectively.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Which Negotiating Style Are You?

There are as many styles of negotiation as there are people: however most of us fit into one broad category of how we prefer to tackle the challenge of negotiation (or even think of it as a challenge). Some people thrive on getting what they want without compromise; others will give too much too soon. There is no "best" style of negotiation because it always depends on the nature and circumstances of the deal on the table. But you CAN analyse your own style and weigh up whether you should try to be more competitive, flexible or collaborative in your negotiations. Which style are you?

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1094-which-negotiating-style-are-you.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Some Things To Avoid When Managing Upwards

As a football daft adolescent I was a keen reader of the magazine Shoot! which was famed for such features as cardboard league ladders and a cartoon strip called You are the Ref. In the latter of these an imaginary situation from a game of football would be described and the reader had to make what he or she thought to be the correct refereeing decision. It was through this column that I learned such facts as a player cannot be offside from a throw in, and a goal scored inadvertently by a stray dog on the pitch would not stand. So to pay homage to this entertaining and informative strip, here is my own effort, minus the pictures, You are the Middle Manager.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1096-some-things-avoid-when-managing-upwards.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Start Shaping Up For A Healthy Day At The Office

If your idea of exercise is taking a few sips of coffee and reaching for the hob-nobs between clacking away at the keyboard for nearly eight hours a day, you need to find a way to get more than just your fingers moving.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1097-start-shaping-up-healthy-day-at-office.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

How To Build Rapport With Clients And Turn A 'No' Into A 'Yes'

Running a company has its highs but more often than not an average day is filled with too many 'no' moments. But in the world of balance, we have to hear the word 'no' in order to gain appreciation from the word 'yes'. The key to becoming a sales wizard is learning how to cope in a world of negativity where 'no' is like a drill grinding you slowly but surely into the ground.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1099-how-build-rapport-with-clients-and-turn-no-into-yes.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Master Tact And Diplomacy: Making A Point Without Making An Enemy

Leading by example is a difficult task in itself especially when it comes to dealing with those awkward discussions with problematic employees. This is the flip side to management, the part that everyone in authority dreads but sadly has to face. Whilst it is so easy to turn a blind eye to a continuing problem, the situation will not just disappear into thin air. If you are reading this article, chances are you have been in this position with a staff member at some time in your career.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1101-master-tact-and-diplomacy-making-point-without-making-enemy.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Life Coaching - Teaching You Which Bridges To Cross And Which Bridges To Burn

Do you feel as though you have aimlessly wandered through life with no purpose or direction? Have you have lost track of your priorities and goals? Was this how you imagined your life to be? Have you been knocked down by life, are you feeling deflated and worthless, going nowhere fast?

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1102-life-coaching-teaching-you-which-bridges-cross-and-which-bridges-burn.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Project Management On Reality TV

The Trainee

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1213-project-management-on-reality-tv.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Why Embed Crystal Reports In Your Own Software Package?

Crystal Reports has been around for a long time. It is a package dedicated solely to reporting with no other goals. What some people do not realise is that as well as being a stand-alone reporting product, it can also be embedded into other software packages. It can be embedded into Web, desktop, .NET and Java application, thus providing an instant and simple way to cover the reporting requirements of many different kinds of software.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1177-why-embed-crystal-reports-in-your-own-software-package.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Some Examples Of Excel Text Formulas

Excel is designed to work with a range of formats including numbers, dates, times and text. There are therefore many formulas which specifically enable the user to analyse and manipulate text type data. This article looks at some of those formulas and explains how to use them. This is particularly useful when confronted with an output of data from another system that needs to be formatted in order to make it useable for your purposes.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1237-some-examples-excel-text-formulas.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

How To Add A Screenshot In Word 2010

I have often written training or instructional manuals in Microsoft Word that required screenshots to illustrate the points as I made them. Taking a screenshot of the full screen was never good enough and meant I had to open another programme such as Paint or Snapshot in order to crop the image first, before pasting it into Word. In Word 2010 there is advanced screenshot functionality making this elaborate and irritating process obsolete.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1242-how-add-screenshot-in-word-2010.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Use Project Management Tools To Get Great Timing

Project management software acts as a great tool to help you plan your assignments, although you are required to put in the legwork to get everything running, leading some team leaders to consider training in this regard.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1200-use-project-management-tools-get-great-timing.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Project Management: 3 New Modes Of Thinking

Fashions come and go, including those in the world of project management. Whether it's a new team-building exercise or a new mode of thinking, here are three ways to keep ahead of the trends and see what is creating a "buzz" in today's management word. You've probably all heard the terminology, but do you know what it means and how it affects you and your own projects?

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1207-project-management-3-new-modes-thinking.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

How Other People Can Affect YOUR Time Management

When we think of time management, we only think of what we can do about it to improve our skill in this area. What we fail to consider is that if you're a team player (or even if you aren't, nobody is an island in the working world, even a self-employed individual has customers to think about), or even if you're just a regular employee with a boss, a small group of colleagues and a client base, you rely on other people day in, day out, to do things to keep you on track. Other people can waste our time, they can also help us save it. Here are a few examples.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1208-how-other-people-can-affect-your-time-management.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

As Easy As 1, 2, 3: Ways To Divide Up Your Time-managed Day

In a busy professional life, many of us only really consider our time management when we arrive at the office. What you need to consider, however, is that if your personal time management is also in need of shaping up, you're probably already late by the time you get into the office! Any good time manager knows, it's the whole day, not just the working element that can contribute to better management of your time. Therefore, here are some tips on how to divide the day up into three key areas - before you get to work, during work, and after work.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1209-as-easy-as-1-2-3-ways-divide-up-your-timemanaged-day.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Absenteeism In The Workplace And How To Tackle It

We've all done it, not felt particularly well and coughed and spluttered our way down the phone saying we can't come in today. Although usually genuine, absenteeism is an increasing problem in the workplace, causing many days lost of work where staff aren't actually physically ill or really unable to come into work, but they're judging themselves as being not fit enough to come in. Where do you draw the line?

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1210-absenteeism-in-workplace-and-how-tackle-it.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

How To Manage Depression In The Workplace

Depression is a serious and real disease. Whereas 20 years ago it may have been frowned up on for someone to underperform, citing "feeling depressed" as the reason, these days most doctors and employers recognise depression for what it is - a bona fide, debilitating illness that people cannot help, that has nothing to do with merely feeling a "bit down" or stressed - depression is often out of the individual's control. Therefore, if you're a manager with a depressed employee, or you yourself have been diagnosed with depression, how do you deal with it in the workplace? Here are some ways to deal with it effectively.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1211-how-manage-depression-in-workplace.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Time Management: Dealing With Those Interruptions

You have just returned from lunch and you have a single task to complete between now and five o'clock. The task is well within your capabilities and you have a clear run at it, with no scheduled interruptions like meetings to take you from your work. You are like the pilot of a land-speed record vehicle, with nothing but the flat sands of Daytona Beach in front of you. You want to get from A to B as quickly and smoothly as possible, but there are bumps and potholes along the way that could slow your progress. Here are some of the distractions that could knock your efforts off track.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1215-time-management-dealing-with-those-interruptions.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

3 Ways To Survive A Presentation When Technology Fails

Public speaking is stressful enough for all of us when we're giving a presentation at work. What can make a situation unbearable is when the technology we rely on doesn't work or won't co-operate with what you're trying to do. We've all been there, whether in the audience or on the podium when, embarrassingly, we're scrabbling around with a projector that won't work, a laptop that won't connect to the projector, slides printed the wrong way around, or your 30-slide PowerPoint presentation somehow disappearing off the USB stick you backed it up on. What then, can we do to make sure that technology doesn't outwit us and that we're ready for anything without an ounce of fluster?

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1218-3-ways-survive-presentation-when-technology-fails.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Mentoring Skills: How To Conduct A Successful Handover

One of the most common mentoring experiences is the handover - a short period of time where you're either leaving temporarily or for good, and you need to mentor and look after your replacement and teach them the rudiments of your job. Handing over all your responsibilities and teaching a role to a complete newbie can be a little daunting at first, but here are some tips for a successful and pain-free handover.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1220-mentoring-skills-how-conduct-successful-handover.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Financial Cutbacks: Some Ideas To Save Money

If you're a manager with a fleet of dedicated staff, no doubt the economic situation, and cutbacks in both the public and private sectors may have you worried. It seems that the most obvious and catastrophic saving that companies tend to make is by cutting staff numbers, forcing redundancies, or moving entire departments abroad where the contract for the work is cheaper. If you're facing cuts but don't want to face firing your staff, you could look for alternative ways to save and reduce your budget.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1221-financial-cutbacks-some-ideas-save-money.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

How To Identify Different Kinds Of Change That Need To Be Managed

Change is an all-encompassing term for so many things. The truth is that change can take many different forms from small to large and each kind of change in each kind of situation may need managing in a different way. This article examines some of the different kinds of change that need to be managed in different ways because they have a different effect on the employees involved.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1233-how-identify-different-kinds-change-that-need-be-managed.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Should A Leader Sometimes Unite People In Hatred?

I recently watched an episode of the popular American medical comedy series 'Scrubs.' This episode had a character fresh out of the Iraq war who commented on the leadership skills of his sergeant. All through his scenes he talked about the good points of his sergeant so the audience believed he loved working under him. In the end however, he confessed that he and all the people under him hated him and his leadership style. The man overworked them and belittled them, but the private concerned believed that sometimes that is what a leader does. Part of leadership is about uniting people to work for a common cause and in this case they were united in their hatred for the awful sergeant which meant they bonded together against that common enemy.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1232-should-leader-sometimes-unite-people-in-hatred.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

How Do You Manage A Change In A Person?

When considering how to manage change, we generally think about tangible, measurable events that affect people or practices within our daily lives. Some change is however, far more difficult to discern and far more tricky to manage. I am talking about the changes we encounter in people all around us. Have you ever wondered why one day a person you work with seems friendly and cheerful and the next a dark cloud comes over them? An inexplicable change in a person can be hard to understand and difficult to work with, but this article gives some hints and tricks on how you can manage such changes.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1236-how-do-you-manage-change-in-person.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

What Skills Does A Good Trainer Need?

Training another person on any topic can be daunting and difficult. If an adult is on a training course then chances are they want to learn so you already have the advantage. What skills are needed for you to truly excel at training another person in an IT related subject?

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1238-what-skills-does-good-trainer-need.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Project Management: Some Required Skills

Most of us have been project managers already when at school and we undertook projects set by the teacher. Working on a classroom project is considered by many to be one of the more enjoyable lessons as it comprises a number of different stages, which make it more engaging than lessons dedicated to a single subject. Having been given the brief (complete with deadline), the pupil sets about demonstrating his or her skills in putting the project together. Typically this will start with research skills as details of the project are looked up, followed by writing skills as this research is processed into readable copy, desk top publishing skills as the words and pictures of the project are laid out, and finally presentation skills as the project is printed off and put together ready for inspection.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1222-project-management-some-required-skills.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

How To Use The Research Functionality In Excel 2010

Many of you will be familiar with Excel as the basic number cruncher and chart generator. Were you aware however that it can also automatically bring back company information from searching financial sites, translations which can be inserted into cells and complete web searches using Bing? And all this can be done without even leaving Excel. Allow me to explain!

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1241-how-use-research-functionality-in-excel-2010.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

How To Use Excel To Track Your Weight Loss

Lots of people go to weight loss groups and frankly, although effective, they can be expensive. Is there a simple way to track your weight loss and diet that doesn't cost a lot of money and doesn't require a lot of equipment? Have you ever considered using Excel as a simple, cheap and efficient way to track your diet and exercise regime and weight loss results?

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1240-how-use-excel-track-your-weight-loss.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com

Follow The 3 Steps To A Successful Project

If a certain television programme were to be believed project management is all about shouting over colleagues, making poorly informed choices, making up a nonsensical strategy on the fly and then blaming everybody around you when it all goes wrong.

The full article appears here:
http://www.microsofttraining.net/article-1239-follow-3-steps-successful-project.html

Regards,
The Microsoft Training Blog Team
http://microsoft-training.blogspot.com