Sales Hijinks

Dear Readers,
One more tidbit before Year's End.  Admin Gal received a call from her IT rep.

Much to her surprise, a request had been called in to start a 'free, no-obligation' trial of a gadget for a warehouse inventory system.  Admin Gal had submitted no such request nor would she

Admin Gal was NOT AMUSED!!!!!

In a calm voice, she asked the vendor name and the date of the request.  She flipped through her trusty calendar,  Admin Gal located the offending sales call.

You see, Admin Gal has a habit of jotting down numbers, names, companies and notes on sales calls. Particularly on calls that are annoying.

The details of the call came flooding back.  The offer of a free trial had been offered and roundly refused.  The scheming sales person had gone behind Admin Gal's back and submitted a request in her name to implement the trial of his equipment.

Admin Gal's first reaction was unprintable.  Needless to say, an investigation is underway.

Admin Gal as a lot of influence.  But to order the trial of expensive equipment is not one of them.  This vendor is on the DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH list.  Thanks to this person's ingenuity.

When the answer is 'no', it does not mean maybe.

Happy Holidays!

This has been a grand year.  Admin Gal would like to thank everyone who has inspired her and who has supported her in her mission to question the ridiculous fabulouscity of our working lives.

As 2010 closes, her only wish would be that everyone can go safely among the holiday revelry, remembering that gaffs and missteps never are forgotten at the holiday gathering.  So remember to check your lists, stick to your limits, and, for pete's sake, watch out for those reindeer!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Joie Noel, and any other celebration I may have missed.  And ring in the New Year Safely!

A Sticky Wicket

An Admin's job is never done, but this takes it to a whole new level.

Pass the syrup please!

Dressing for the Winter Weather

Well, certainly, my dear, I do not expect you to wear your best shoes, including high heels in this weather, especially when you have to walk the sidewalks of Richmond.  However, there is a certain decorum when you reach the office.

Please, wear hiking boots, big gloves, floppy hat – whatever it takes to keep the wind/rain/sleet/crap falling from the sky.  But when you get here – please be prepared to dress according to your work standards.  Change out of those big honking boots, brush your hair and get to work.  Yes, we all know it is snowing outside …

(Courtesy of Katherine N.)

The End is Near!

Year end reports, deadlines for the year's expenses, accruals and more!

December isn't just about that giant, jolly red elf and using vacation time.  Absolutely not!  No, its about getting ready for the next year by making sure the previous year's 'i''s and 't''s are dotted and crossed.

An Admin is aware of all the deadlines.  We put reminders on calendars, we send emails, we use sticky notes and smoke signals.  Sometimes we even stand on our heads in order to get people to do their part in the year end preparation.

As our colleagues act surprised by the pile of year-end to do's that end up on their desk, the Admin will calmly smile through the tempest in a teapot.

Passing the Buck

Admin Gal as a bone to pick.  Just because she can solve most of the problems that inundate the work place, does not mean that she will do the job that nobody else wants to do.

For example, if you don't know how to add someone to a database DO NOT punt the job to Admin Gal.  Seriously.  It will only annoy her.  She will have to stop what she is doing find out who owns the database, direct the unfortunate individual to that person and instruct them in the proper procedure.

The power of an administrative assistant is nothing short of miraculous, but it stops at doing someone else's job.

Holiday Cheer

As the Holiday Season descends upon us, Admin Gal has a few words of advice:

1. Remember that work Holiday function is just that - WORK RELATED!  You might not remember anything you said or did, but your colleagues will - guaranteed!
2. Holiday music is to be used judiciously. Just because you LOVE holiday music, be kind to those around you who aren't so inclined. Use your headphones.
3. Scents of the season should be kept at home.  Pine, cinnamon, apple pie are popular scents for candles, potpourri, etc.  Those smells can cause serious sinus and allergy issues in enclosed places such as office environments.
4. Holiday Gift Exchanges or Secret Santa's are not the time to find your inner prankster.  Having a co-worker open something that is NSFW or immature will be remembered far longer than the season it was given.  Not the memory you want to give.

If these simple guidelines can be followed, Admin Gal feels you will survive this Holiday Season with goodwill and cheer.