Paym Bergson's Blog
Posted by Paym Bergson
I've finished shopping for everyone else, and have realized I have not yet done anything for myself. All raw materials for a festive dinner are in the fridge or on the counter; with small post it notes for the revolving door visitors to understand what they can and CANNOT raid. I have no intention of going back out into the retail world (yes, I said retail world, not real world, but I do sometimes wonder if there is a difference!), having been part of that for years while putting myself through school. At least now I can just smile and leave rather than have to keep smiling while being abused by the general public. But that's another column.
By doing for myself, I don't just mean the small items I know I need, but was too rushed to investigate further or purchase. However, I did indulge in a replacement printer today (sigh, daughter moving to be closer to her University did mean the gracious "giving" of many high-quality tech items and appliances), one that I had been eyeing due to its low price but quality name. It's not the same as my trusted old "four in one", but it does the trick for quick copies, scans and quality print. And I needed to copy two cheques my son received for "catching fraud cards" for this festive season (he was soooooooo pleased to receive a substantial amount, but I think it was the letter that came with the cheques that meant even more) - as he would not cash these cheques until copied for future reference. As these cheques represent a substantial amount towards the purchase of his first car, you can understand my involvement. All my other printers only print, and the old scanner is a pain to reconnect and use.
Anyway, I digress. So I bought the sale printer, not so much for myself, but to get the job done. And I realized how much I have been doing for others. Not just my family, but all my contracts. And I have been so busy trying to meet deadlines I have "forgotten" to meet my own.
So, by next week I will have an up to date photo of myself scanned and posted to this column. And I will write about setting and meeting your own goals for self realization.
Enjoy the holidays, however you choose to celebrate!
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Copyright December 21, 2006. Paym Bergson and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use of this material will constitute an infringement of copyright.
Posted by Paym Bergson
Want to get a new book reviewed? Thinking of buying a book on Careers but not sure if it is worth it? Want a professional opinion on a career site? Have a new site or revamped site you'd like reviewed?
Drop me a line at careeradvice@suite101.com with the particulars and I'll see what I can do. Let's go forward in the new year to a new career, or more satisfaction in your existing career. Nope, I do not give good reviews for the sake of good reviews - so be forewarned! And if you disagree with a review - let me know! Always open to new ideas and challenges - that's what keeps us all fresh in any business or endeavour!
I'll try to devote once a month (more if I get some really great leads that just can't wait!) to these reviews.
Posted by Paym Bergson
Alright, alright, so I'm a little, um, prejudiced, when it comes to training - hey, my main contract involves training others! It's the main line in my Resume - but hey, it IS an important part to a continued climb up the ladder of success, not just within your career, but within yourself.
And yep, I still take training myself. I LOVE going to the College Forums and signing up for different training sessions - often I wait until the last minute to sign up and ask for whatever is still not filled. This gets me into a session I normally would not have signed up for - and each one, despite my initial "ohmygawd-why did I do this-I promise NEVER to do this to myself again even though last time it worked out" attitude, I have loved the session - and more importantly - have LEARNED something that I would never have had the opportunity nor desire to explore before.
So, training gets you to look and think outside of your comfort box - it allows you to grow. Don't just think of training as official courses - often your business forums or conventions will offer many training or information sessions. Check them out - you may be pleasantly surprised - especially if you attend without expectations on yourself or the session!
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Copyright November 29, 2006. Paym Bergson and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use of this material will constitute an infringement of copyright.
Posted by Paym Bergson
Sometimes we need to see the other side to appreciate what we have. Both parties involved in this exchange are professional in their dealings at all times, despite a perceived barrier. With patience and persistence we find both the customer and the service person to conclude their transaction to a happy conclusion.
Tenjewberrymuds
This is hysterical, analogous to a conversation one might have with most computer technicians or Help lines today.
NOTE: To get the full effect, this message should be read out loud. You will understand what 'tenjewberrymuds' means by the end of the conversation. This has been nominated for the best email of 2005.
The following is a telephone exchange between a hotel guest and room-service at a hotel in Asia, which was recorded and published in the Far East Economic Review:
Room Service (RS): "Morrin. Roon sirbees."
Guest (G): "Sorry, I thought I dialed room-service."
RS: "Rye..Roon sirbees..morrin! Jewish to oddor sunteen??"
G: "Uh..yes..I'd like some bacon and eggs."
RS: "Ow July den?"
G: "What??"
RS: "Ow July den?...pryed, boyud, poochd?"
G: "Oh, the eggs! How do I like them? Sorry, scrambled please."
RS: "Ow July dee baykem? Crease?"
G: "Crisp will be fine."
RS: "Hokay. An Sahn toes?"
G: "What?" RS: "An toes. July Sahn toes?"
G: "I don't think so."
RS: "No? Judo wan sahn toes??"
G: "I feel really bad about this, but I don't know what 'judo wan sahn toes' means."
RS: "Toes! toes!...Why jew don juan toes? Ow bow Anglish moppin we bodder?"
G: "English muffin!! I've got it! You were saying 'Toast.' Fine. Yes, an English muffin will be fine."
RS: "We bodder?"
G: "No...just put the bodder on the side."
RS: "Wad?"
G: "I mean butter...just put it on the side."
RS: "Copy?"
G: "Excuse me?"
RS: "Copy...tea...meel?"
G: "Yes. Coffee, please, and that's all."
RS: "One Minnie. Scramah egg, crease baykem, Anglish moppin we bodder on sigh and copy....rye??"
G: "Whatever you say."
RS: "Tenjewberrymuds."
G: "You're very welcome."
Posted by Paym Bergson
Don't diss volunteering as a waste of your precious time. Most employers consider you more valuable to their company if they see you volunteer. This shows you are able to manage your time to allow for volunteering, and more importantly, that you are not just out to "take" from the community, but are willing to give back.
Volunteering also gives you a much needed lift - you feel good about yourself for giving back to the community. The idea is to volunteer at something you think you'd enjoy. For many Thanksgiving's and often on Christmas, our family has volunteered at a local "soup kitchen" - helping to serve the long lines and doing dishes. Nope, this does not go on any Resume, and my two kids did not use this time for their High School volunteer criteria. They just liked doing it, so we continue to do it. It shows them another side of life, and how everyone still deserves a smile and a hot meal. It made them (my kids) and myself feel good for giving back.
By volunteering at the local summer camp, my daughter was able to become a camp counsellor the next year - a job she maintained each summer until she became a Director for the summer just passed.
When I was first starting out after university, I worked at a Theatre (backstage) - one of many jobs as Theatre does not pay much. By volunteering for certain "jobs" at the Theatre (along with my regular hours), I made contacts - which lead to a lucrative freelance writing position with a local publisher. This contact lead me to devote a magazine on personal computers - and the rest is my history.
So, what interests you? Go out and volunteer at it!
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Copyright November 7, 2006. Paym Bergson and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use of this material will constitute an infringement of copyright.
