ARTICLE 62
When You Want to Hire Staff – Part 2
By Nikki Viljoen of Viljoen Consulting CC August 2010
Last week we had a look at ascertaining whether we really did need to hire staff or not, as well as ‘how to’ ensure that we were hiring them for a specific purpose (being the right purpose) and not just because there was a body available and we felt sorry for them. This week we look at the next steps to take.
Ok, so now you have set up the job spec and posted the information where -ever you can think of on the web, at your local supermarkets - just generally all over. Suddenly, it’s as if the flood gates have opened and you are flooded with e-mails and CV’s. Everyone is looking for a job (whether they are actually qualified to do it or not is something else altogether). You will be able to tell at first glance (and I mean glance – don’t do more than that at this stage) who may be (and I stress MAY be) suitable and who definitely isn’t. Here’s a true story:
I was looking for a Financial Administrator for one of my clients. The job spec was really very clear, to the point that we stipulated that the applicant should be a qualified CA (chartered accountant) with a minimum of 5 years working experience in a Financial environment. One of the applicants we got a CV from (and there were over 700 applicants for the position) was working as a Financial Planner in one of the banks – she didn’t even have basic bookkeeping as a subject at school. Curious I contacted her and asked her why she even responded since she was clearly not at all qualified for the position. Her response “well I work in a financial planning department in the bank, so how difficult can it be”? Not too difficult I guess, if you have done the study for 3 or 4 years and qualified and done the year long stint as an ‘Article Clerk’ and then actually worked in a Financial department (and no Financial Planning is not a Financial Environment – it is an Insurance environment) for no less than the required period!
Once you have gotten rid of all the nonsense, it is time to take a more serious look at what is left (I was left with around 20 at this point). I usually draw up a check list of sorts, of the requirements that are needed for the job and then as I work through the CV’s, I tick off what they have. For me, the applicant needs to have at least 80% of the requirements before I even start interviewing and of those some are not even negotiable. As in the above example – certainly the applicant having the required qualification, is not negotiable, but the applicant having say four years experience instead of the required five, would have been a point that I would have been happy to negotiate. After performing this particular task, I was left with 3 people to interview.
Next week we will have a look at the next step.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Friday, August 20, 2010
EARLY WARNING - Hand Luggage Restrictions
EARLY WARNING
Hand Luggage Restrictions
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting - August 2010.
Not all of us travel frequently for business or pleasure, but for many out there, a day trip to Durban and/or Cape Town on a weekly basis (or even more frequently) is the norm. This information is not only for the ‘frequent flyer’ amongst us, but also for those of us who fly infrequently, and who are therefore unaware of the new rules and regulations.
Here’s the message that I was sent:
“ACSA (Airports Company South Africa), in conjunction with domestic airlines, has agreed to implement hand luggage restrictions. The purpose is to ensure a reduction in unnecessary flight delays. Read further and be aware of the Hand Luggage Restrictions!
ACSA has recently implemented strict hand luggage restrictions.
The recommend dimensions of the hand luggage piece should be no more than 55cms x 40cms x 20cms and should not weigh more than 5kgs (please note the weight restriction is a per 1time airline).
With passengers now being able to check-in at home or through the self-service kiosks, we have seen a huge increase in hand luggage. In many instances the hand luggage cannot fit into the cabin, meaning it has to be manually loaded into the hold of the aircraft, resulting in flight delays.
‘We can no longer afford to have flights departing late. ACSA and the airlines are of the view that introducing the hand luggage restrictions will significantly improve flight operations. ACSA will make additional resources available to assist the airlines. We fully understand that this will require an adjustment in passenger behaviour, however, we are confident that passengers will co-operate and give us the necessary support’, said Solomon Makgale, ACSA’s Group Manager.”
So there you have it – sounds like good advice to me.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Hand Luggage Restrictions
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting - August 2010.
Not all of us travel frequently for business or pleasure, but for many out there, a day trip to Durban and/or Cape Town on a weekly basis (or even more frequently) is the norm. This information is not only for the ‘frequent flyer’ amongst us, but also for those of us who fly infrequently, and who are therefore unaware of the new rules and regulations.
Here’s the message that I was sent:
“ACSA (Airports Company South Africa), in conjunction with domestic airlines, has agreed to implement hand luggage restrictions. The purpose is to ensure a reduction in unnecessary flight delays. Read further and be aware of the Hand Luggage Restrictions!
ACSA has recently implemented strict hand luggage restrictions.
The recommend dimensions of the hand luggage piece should be no more than 55cms x 40cms x 20cms and should not weigh more than 5kgs (please note the weight restriction is a per 1time airline).
With passengers now being able to check-in at home or through the self-service kiosks, we have seen a huge increase in hand luggage. In many instances the hand luggage cannot fit into the cabin, meaning it has to be manually loaded into the hold of the aircraft, resulting in flight delays.
‘We can no longer afford to have flights departing late. ACSA and the airlines are of the view that introducing the hand luggage restrictions will significantly improve flight operations. ACSA will make additional resources available to assist the airlines. We fully understand that this will require an adjustment in passenger behaviour, however, we are confident that passengers will co-operate and give us the necessary support’, said Solomon Makgale, ACSA’s Group Manager.”
So there you have it – sounds like good advice to me.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
The Power of Networking - Part 170
THE POWER OF NETWORKING
PART 170
By Nikki Viljoen of N Viljoen Consulting CC. August 2010
After one hundred and seventy articles on how to Network, I am getting to the point where it is becoming difficult for me to think about how to say things differently and I am beginning to dread the weekly post. That’s just not too good at all, I am sure you will agree. So I have decided that this will be the last Networking article for a while. Don’t fret though, it does not mean that I will never give any more advice about Networking, but rather that I am taking a bit of a vacation from writing about Networking.
So now, onto the last tip on Networking in this series.
I think that it’s appropriate to push the buttons a little and talk about the ‘art of conversation’.
At so many Networking meetings that I have attended, there is always the person who hogs the conversation and who drones on and on about how fabulous they are and how wonderful they are. You know the type I am sure. Its the person who, no matter what you’ve done or you’ve accomplished or where you’ve gone and what you’ve seen, they have done it all and what’s more – they have done it better and faster and. . . . ja – we are all well versed with this type of individual.
It’s one of the quickest ways to empty a room though and to be quite honest, I no longer even entertain these individuals, I have been known to just walk away mid-sentence!
Sure it’s great to keep the conversation flowing, sure its great to help the newbies who are too scared to open their mouths and sure it’s great to assist the introverts who would prefer not to say anything at all.
Fact is though that if everybody is not taking part in the discussion, all you are doing is standing on your soap box as you deliver your soliloquy. How sad is that?
Fact is, everybody is there for the same reason, everybody wants to engage with like minded people, everybody there wants to start building relationships and everybody wants to tell people about what they do and who they are.
Breaking the ice to get the conversation going is really great, but talking for the sake of talking will be the death of any kind of relationship that you hoped to get going.
So find the common ground - interesting, light hearted things to get going and everyone included in the conversation – you’ll be so glad you did.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
PART 170
By Nikki Viljoen of N Viljoen Consulting CC. August 2010
After one hundred and seventy articles on how to Network, I am getting to the point where it is becoming difficult for me to think about how to say things differently and I am beginning to dread the weekly post. That’s just not too good at all, I am sure you will agree. So I have decided that this will be the last Networking article for a while. Don’t fret though, it does not mean that I will never give any more advice about Networking, but rather that I am taking a bit of a vacation from writing about Networking.
So now, onto the last tip on Networking in this series.
I think that it’s appropriate to push the buttons a little and talk about the ‘art of conversation’.
At so many Networking meetings that I have attended, there is always the person who hogs the conversation and who drones on and on about how fabulous they are and how wonderful they are. You know the type I am sure. Its the person who, no matter what you’ve done or you’ve accomplished or where you’ve gone and what you’ve seen, they have done it all and what’s more – they have done it better and faster and. . . . ja – we are all well versed with this type of individual.
It’s one of the quickest ways to empty a room though and to be quite honest, I no longer even entertain these individuals, I have been known to just walk away mid-sentence!
Sure it’s great to keep the conversation flowing, sure its great to help the newbies who are too scared to open their mouths and sure it’s great to assist the introverts who would prefer not to say anything at all.
Fact is though that if everybody is not taking part in the discussion, all you are doing is standing on your soap box as you deliver your soliloquy. How sad is that?
Fact is, everybody is there for the same reason, everybody wants to engage with like minded people, everybody there wants to start building relationships and everybody wants to tell people about what they do and who they are.
Breaking the ice to get the conversation going is really great, but talking for the sake of talking will be the death of any kind of relationship that you hoped to get going.
So find the common ground - interesting, light hearted things to get going and everyone included in the conversation – you’ll be so glad you did.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
The Power of Networking - Part 170
THE POWER OF NETWORKING
PART 170
By Nikki Viljoen of N Viljoen Consulting CC. August 2010
After one hundred and seventy articles on how to Network, I am getting to the point where it is becoming difficult for me to think about how to say things differently and I am beginning to dread the weekly post. That’s just not too good at all, I am sure you will agree. So I have decided that this will be the last Networking article for a while. Don’t fret though, it does not mean that I will never give any more advice about Networking, but rather that I am taking a bit of a vacation from writing about Networking.
So now, onto the last tip on Networking in this series.
I think that it’s appropriate to push the buttons a little and talk about the ‘art of conversation’.
At so many Networking meetings that I have attended, there is always the person who hogs the conversation and who drones on and on about how fabulous they are and how wonderful they are. You know the type I am sure. Its the person who, no matter what you’ve done or you’ve accomplished or where you’ve gone and what you’ve seen, they have done it all and what’s more – they have done it better and faster and. . . . ja – we are all well versed with this type of individual.
It’s one of the quickest ways to empty a room though and to be quite honest, I no longer even entertain these individuals, I have been known to just walk away mid-sentence!
Sure it’s great to keep the conversation flowing, sure its great to help the newbies who are too scared to open their mouths and sure it’s great to assist the introverts who would prefer not to say anything at all.
Fact is though that if everybody is not taking part in the discussion, all you are doing is standing on your soap box as you deliver your soliloquy. How sad is that?
Fact is, everybody is there for the same reason, everybody wants to engage with like minded people, everybody there wants to start building relationships and everybody wants to tell people about what they do and who they are.
Breaking the ice to get the conversation going is really great, but talking for the sake of talking will be the death of any kind of relationship that you hoped to get going.
So find the common ground - interesting, light hearted things to get going and everyone included in the conversation – you’ll be so glad you did.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
PART 170
By Nikki Viljoen of N Viljoen Consulting CC. August 2010
After one hundred and seventy articles on how to Network, I am getting to the point where it is becoming difficult for me to think about how to say things differently and I am beginning to dread the weekly post. That’s just not too good at all, I am sure you will agree. So I have decided that this will be the last Networking article for a while. Don’t fret though, it does not mean that I will never give any more advice about Networking, but rather that I am taking a bit of a vacation from writing about Networking.
So now, onto the last tip on Networking in this series.
I think that it’s appropriate to push the buttons a little and talk about the ‘art of conversation’.
At so many Networking meetings that I have attended, there is always the person who hogs the conversation and who drones on and on about how fabulous they are and how wonderful they are. You know the type I am sure. Its the person who, no matter what you’ve done or you’ve accomplished or where you’ve gone and what you’ve seen, they have done it all and what’s more – they have done it better and faster and. . . . ja – we are all well versed with this type of individual.
It’s one of the quickest ways to empty a room though and to be quite honest, I no longer even entertain these individuals, I have been known to just walk away mid-sentence!
Sure it’s great to keep the conversation flowing, sure its great to help the newbies who are too scared to open their mouths and sure it’s great to assist the introverts who would prefer not to say anything at all.
Fact is though that if everybody is not taking part in the discussion, all you are doing is standing on your soap box as you deliver your soliloquy. How sad is that?
Fact is, everybody is there for the same reason, everybody wants to engage with like minded people, everybody there wants to start building relationships and everybody wants to tell people about what they do and who they are.
Breaking the ice to get the conversation going is really great, but talking for the sake of talking will be the death of any kind of relationship that you hoped to get going.
So find the common ground - interesting, light hearted things to get going and everyone included in the conversation – you’ll be so glad you did.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
BUSINESS TIPS - Computer Shortcuts - Part 4
BUSINESS TIPS – Computer Shortcuts – Part 4
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting CC August 2010
Another fabulously positive responsive week I got last week. Seems I am not the only one who doesn’t know all the shortcuts and tips. Here are last lot, which makes this one the end of the series.
Last Up – Outlook Shortcut Keys
Alt + S Send the mail
Ctrl + C Copy selected text
Ctrl + X Cut selected text
Ctrl + P Open print dialogue box
Ctrl + K Complete name/e-mail typed in address bar
Ctrl + B Bold highlighted selection
Ctrl + I Italicize highlighted selection
Ctrl + U Underline highlighted selection
Ctrl + R Reply to an e-mail
Ctrl + F Forward and e-mail
Ctrl + N Create a new e-mail
Ctrl + Shift + A Create a new appointment for your calendar
Ctrl + Shift + O Open the outbox
Ctrl + Shift + I Open the inbox
Ctrl + Shift + K Add a new task
Ctrl + Shift + C Create a new contact
Ctrl + Shift + J Create a new journal entry
Again I knew one or two of these, but certainly not the majority and now of course I will also have to irritate the heck out of my IT guy by asking all the ‘what does . . . . . mean?”.
Okay everybody, that’s the end of that, next week we will be looking at something completely different.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting CC August 2010
Another fabulously positive responsive week I got last week. Seems I am not the only one who doesn’t know all the shortcuts and tips. Here are last lot, which makes this one the end of the series.
Last Up – Outlook Shortcut Keys
Alt + S Send the mail
Ctrl + C Copy selected text
Ctrl + X Cut selected text
Ctrl + P Open print dialogue box
Ctrl + K Complete name/e-mail typed in address bar
Ctrl + B Bold highlighted selection
Ctrl + I Italicize highlighted selection
Ctrl + U Underline highlighted selection
Ctrl + R Reply to an e-mail
Ctrl + F Forward and e-mail
Ctrl + N Create a new e-mail
Ctrl + Shift + A Create a new appointment for your calendar
Ctrl + Shift + O Open the outbox
Ctrl + Shift + I Open the inbox
Ctrl + Shift + K Add a new task
Ctrl + Shift + C Create a new contact
Ctrl + Shift + J Create a new journal entry
Again I knew one or two of these, but certainly not the majority and now of course I will also have to irritate the heck out of my IT guy by asking all the ‘what does . . . . . mean?”.
Okay everybody, that’s the end of that, next week we will be looking at something completely different.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Monday, August 16, 2010
MOTIVATION - Lead SA
MOTIVATION – Lead SA
By Nikki Viljoen of N Viljoen Consulting CC – August 2010
By now, most Gautengers, if not the rest of South Africa have heard of the Prime Media “Lead SA” initiative. I say “Well Done” on a brilliant concept!
While telling us all about it the other day though, Alex Jay mentioned that he had heard that Edith Venter had said something along the lines “ordinary South Africans need to step up and do their bit” (and no those are not the exact words before anyone gets all bent out of shape). Some individuals took umbrage to this because well . . . oh who knows – I actually cannot remember, I just remember wondering what the hell they were on about!
For the record, I know Edith Venter in my personal capacity and she has got to be the least judgmental person on the face of the planet. I guess that is because of how often she is judged and/or misquoted and/or quoted out of context.
A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to and attended a luncheon held and hosted by Professor Helena Van Zyl of the University of the Freestate. There were about ten of us and the conversation was lively, to say the least. One of the topics under discussion was how people have this unrealistic attitude to entitlement – you know the one I am talking about. The one where the staff member, who is part of the marketing team, refuses to carry a box of promotional items to the event that is about to start, well because they ‘have a degree in marketing and they were not employed to carry things’, so it’s not part of their job! As you can imagine, all of us had similar and sometimes hilarious tales to tell.
One of the ladies said that she will never forget the time that she attended an event and went off to the bathrooms, only to find Edith Venter in her beautiful ball gown and made up to the nines, on her knees in one of the stalls, cleaning the toilet.
You see, the bathrooms had not been cleaned to Edith’s exacting standard and rather than trying to find who was ‘in charge’ and then finding the person who was supposed to clean the bathrooms and getting them to re-clean (there was very little time as guests were already beginning to arrive), Edith got on with just doing it herself. Was it her job – of course not. The bottom line however, is that Edith was in charge of the event and although the staff responsible for cleaning the venue were not accountable to her – Edith was responsible for everyone’s ‘experience’, and to Edith (being the person that she is) this meant that their ‘loo time’ was a pleasant experience too.
Knowing Edith as I do, this is probably exactly what she meant when she said (my mis-quoted words) that ordinary South Africans should step up and do their bit. Furthermore I suspect, this is exactly the essence of what “Lead SA” is all about.
Yes, it’s about not bribing the metro cops when you exceed the speed limit – but rather you making a concerted effort to slow down.
It’s about not getting upset in the traffic and allowing road rage to get the better of you – rather turn up the music and enjoy the tune or enjoy the weather or sneak a peek at the beautiful lady/hunky man in the car next to you.
It’s about not complaining about everything that is wrong around you and waiting for someone else, the government, the politician, the cleaner to fix it/sort it out/ clean it up – but getting up off your own rear end and doing something about it.
So for me, it’s well done Edith Venter, for being who you are and leading by example.
It’s well done to Alex Jay, for dealing sensitively, with the disgruntled when they jumped to conclusions about what Edith had said.
It’s well done to Terri Volkwyn and her Prime Media team for starting and backing this incredible initiative.
But mostly – it’s well done to us ordinary South Africans, who have embraced the concept and the spirit of “Lead SA” and in so doing, will make a difference in South Africa. We are indeed all extraordinary individuals.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
By Nikki Viljoen of N Viljoen Consulting CC – August 2010
By now, most Gautengers, if not the rest of South Africa have heard of the Prime Media “Lead SA” initiative. I say “Well Done” on a brilliant concept!
While telling us all about it the other day though, Alex Jay mentioned that he had heard that Edith Venter had said something along the lines “ordinary South Africans need to step up and do their bit” (and no those are not the exact words before anyone gets all bent out of shape). Some individuals took umbrage to this because well . . . oh who knows – I actually cannot remember, I just remember wondering what the hell they were on about!
For the record, I know Edith Venter in my personal capacity and she has got to be the least judgmental person on the face of the planet. I guess that is because of how often she is judged and/or misquoted and/or quoted out of context.
A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to and attended a luncheon held and hosted by Professor Helena Van Zyl of the University of the Freestate. There were about ten of us and the conversation was lively, to say the least. One of the topics under discussion was how people have this unrealistic attitude to entitlement – you know the one I am talking about. The one where the staff member, who is part of the marketing team, refuses to carry a box of promotional items to the event that is about to start, well because they ‘have a degree in marketing and they were not employed to carry things’, so it’s not part of their job! As you can imagine, all of us had similar and sometimes hilarious tales to tell.
One of the ladies said that she will never forget the time that she attended an event and went off to the bathrooms, only to find Edith Venter in her beautiful ball gown and made up to the nines, on her knees in one of the stalls, cleaning the toilet.
You see, the bathrooms had not been cleaned to Edith’s exacting standard and rather than trying to find who was ‘in charge’ and then finding the person who was supposed to clean the bathrooms and getting them to re-clean (there was very little time as guests were already beginning to arrive), Edith got on with just doing it herself. Was it her job – of course not. The bottom line however, is that Edith was in charge of the event and although the staff responsible for cleaning the venue were not accountable to her – Edith was responsible for everyone’s ‘experience’, and to Edith (being the person that she is) this meant that their ‘loo time’ was a pleasant experience too.
Knowing Edith as I do, this is probably exactly what she meant when she said (my mis-quoted words) that ordinary South Africans should step up and do their bit. Furthermore I suspect, this is exactly the essence of what “Lead SA” is all about.
Yes, it’s about not bribing the metro cops when you exceed the speed limit – but rather you making a concerted effort to slow down.
It’s about not getting upset in the traffic and allowing road rage to get the better of you – rather turn up the music and enjoy the tune or enjoy the weather or sneak a peek at the beautiful lady/hunky man in the car next to you.
It’s about not complaining about everything that is wrong around you and waiting for someone else, the government, the politician, the cleaner to fix it/sort it out/ clean it up – but getting up off your own rear end and doing something about it.
So for me, it’s well done Edith Venter, for being who you are and leading by example.
It’s well done to Alex Jay, for dealing sensitively, with the disgruntled when they jumped to conclusions about what Edith had said.
It’s well done to Terri Volkwyn and her Prime Media team for starting and backing this incredible initiative.
But mostly – it’s well done to us ordinary South Africans, who have embraced the concept and the spirit of “Lead SA” and in so doing, will make a difference in South Africa. We are indeed all extraordinary individuals.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Saturday, August 14, 2010
HR - When You Want to Hire Staff - Part 1
ARTICLE 62
When You Want to Hire Staff – Part 1
By Nikki Viljoen of Viljoen Consulting CC August 2010
Let me just say from the get go, that in my opinion, we, more often than not, hire staff that we either do not need or alternatively that are completely unsuitable.
Let me explain my statement.
Firstly we have the situation where we hire staff that we don’t need – this is what happens when you walk into your office and are confronted by this huge mound of paper, files, stuff all over the desk – well you assume that it is a desk, because you cannot see it. Your first ‘knee jerk’ reaction is “I need help” and your second ‘knee jerk’ reaction is – “I have to hire a staff member”. This is where you need to step away from the problem, take a deep breath, go and have a cup of coffee a large whiskey (or whatever your choice of poison) and do nothing else. Chances are, you see, that you actually don’t need anything more than a student type person for a couple of hours to help you clear through the backlog.
Secondly we have the situation, where you are correct, you do need someone to help you and your friend’s, aunties sister who lives down the road was recently retrenched and ‘ag shame’ she could do with the money – so you hire her and then while she sits and watches you work, you do all the work because she has no clue how to do anything! Bad move that! In this situation you are stuck with the new employee that you actually don’t want because they are not helping you but rather costing you money and giving you additional work.
Here’s the thing, before you actually hire anyone, you need to sit yourself down and ask yourself some really hard questions like (but not limited too):
1. Do you really need help or are you just a little behind?
2. What exactly will the person do – or rather (in the spirit of being absolutely honest with yourself), what work, that you are currently doing are you prepared to relinquish to another person – because that is exactly what it is that you will have to do.
3. This work that you are prepared to give up to your new employee – how long does it take you to do it (this will determine whether you need a full day person, or a half day person or a now and then person).
4. Are you giving the person the things that you hate to do (in which case it would be crazy to hire someone exactly like you – you should be looking at someone completely different to you) or are you going to part with the things that you absolutely love to do (I don’t think that that is even up for discussion – do you?).
So now you have asked and answered the questions – now how do you go about finding that particular person and then interviewing them and then hiring them, and yes, it is a process.
Firstly, I would suggest that you write down exactly what they will need to do and what (if any) qualifications/experience you think that they will need to have in order to fulfil their obligations.
Hiring somebody’s aunties, granny who lives down the road and who has never used a computer to do all your online marketing, is not a good idea, I am sure you will agree. So it’s fair to say that if you take each task that you want that particular person to perform and list the minimum skills that they would require in order to perform those skills, would be a good idea.
What usually happens now, is that you are left with a list of (but not limited to)
a. Qualifications (e.g. bookkeeping certificate)
b. Skills (e.g. computer literate and versed in excel and office)
c. Experience (e.g. 3 years as an administrative assistant)
and of course a list of what you want them to do such as (but not limited to):
d. maintaining of filing, both paper and electronic, in compliance with laid down procedures
e. data capture new members and maintain existing database
f. check and confirm prices and calculation on shipping documents
g. check and confirm duties charged on imports etc
Now you have the basics of a Job description – and here’s the bonus, the new staff member’s performance (or lack thereof) can be measured.
Once all your requirements and duties are listed, you can use the list to draft your job spec and once your job spec is drafted and you have handed it to the recruitment agency and/or posted it on the various websites you subscribe to, hopefully you will now start getting some CV’s in.
Next week we will have a look at the next step.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
When You Want to Hire Staff – Part 1
By Nikki Viljoen of Viljoen Consulting CC August 2010
Let me just say from the get go, that in my opinion, we, more often than not, hire staff that we either do not need or alternatively that are completely unsuitable.
Let me explain my statement.
Firstly we have the situation where we hire staff that we don’t need – this is what happens when you walk into your office and are confronted by this huge mound of paper, files, stuff all over the desk – well you assume that it is a desk, because you cannot see it. Your first ‘knee jerk’ reaction is “I need help” and your second ‘knee jerk’ reaction is – “I have to hire a staff member”. This is where you need to step away from the problem, take a deep breath, go and have a cup of coffee a large whiskey (or whatever your choice of poison) and do nothing else. Chances are, you see, that you actually don’t need anything more than a student type person for a couple of hours to help you clear through the backlog.
Secondly we have the situation, where you are correct, you do need someone to help you and your friend’s, aunties sister who lives down the road was recently retrenched and ‘ag shame’ she could do with the money – so you hire her and then while she sits and watches you work, you do all the work because she has no clue how to do anything! Bad move that! In this situation you are stuck with the new employee that you actually don’t want because they are not helping you but rather costing you money and giving you additional work.
Here’s the thing, before you actually hire anyone, you need to sit yourself down and ask yourself some really hard questions like (but not limited too):
1. Do you really need help or are you just a little behind?
2. What exactly will the person do – or rather (in the spirit of being absolutely honest with yourself), what work, that you are currently doing are you prepared to relinquish to another person – because that is exactly what it is that you will have to do.
3. This work that you are prepared to give up to your new employee – how long does it take you to do it (this will determine whether you need a full day person, or a half day person or a now and then person).
4. Are you giving the person the things that you hate to do (in which case it would be crazy to hire someone exactly like you – you should be looking at someone completely different to you) or are you going to part with the things that you absolutely love to do (I don’t think that that is even up for discussion – do you?).
So now you have asked and answered the questions – now how do you go about finding that particular person and then interviewing them and then hiring them, and yes, it is a process.
Firstly, I would suggest that you write down exactly what they will need to do and what (if any) qualifications/experience you think that they will need to have in order to fulfil their obligations.
Hiring somebody’s aunties, granny who lives down the road and who has never used a computer to do all your online marketing, is not a good idea, I am sure you will agree. So it’s fair to say that if you take each task that you want that particular person to perform and list the minimum skills that they would require in order to perform those skills, would be a good idea.
What usually happens now, is that you are left with a list of (but not limited to)
a. Qualifications (e.g. bookkeeping certificate)
b. Skills (e.g. computer literate and versed in excel and office)
c. Experience (e.g. 3 years as an administrative assistant)
and of course a list of what you want them to do such as (but not limited to):
d. maintaining of filing, both paper and electronic, in compliance with laid down procedures
e. data capture new members and maintain existing database
f. check and confirm prices and calculation on shipping documents
g. check and confirm duties charged on imports etc
Now you have the basics of a Job description – and here’s the bonus, the new staff member’s performance (or lack thereof) can be measured.
Once all your requirements and duties are listed, you can use the list to draft your job spec and once your job spec is drafted and you have handed it to the recruitment agency and/or posted it on the various websites you subscribe to, hopefully you will now start getting some CV’s in.
Next week we will have a look at the next step.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
EARLY WARNING - Do You Drink Enough Fluids?
EARLY WARNING
Do You Drink Enough Fluids?
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting August 2010.
I know that I have repeatedly told my own story of when I sat down to work one morning, long before the sun came up and then suddenly wondered why it had suddenly dark, and then realized that the sun had gone down and it was now night time. Sadly, what is most concerning out of this particular story, is not only the fact that I was so engrossed in what I was doing that I did not notice the passage of time, but that I did not eat or drink anything during this whole period. I do recall thinking, on occasion throughout the day, that I should get something to drink – but that thought was quickly followed by “let me just finish . . .” whatever it was that I was doing at that moment in time. When I did finish whatever it was that I was doing, the memory of the thought that I needed to drink something was long gone and I just went onto the next thing that I needed to do.
Here’s the thing though – apparently by the time you feel thirsty, your body is already in the throes of dehydration.
According to an article by Dr. Robin Rushlo, our bodies are supposed to be made up of about 70% water. Our blood, “muscles, skin and vital organs all contain and need large amounts of water for optimal health. Water also transports oxygen to your cells and delivers nutrients, removes waste and provides energy to the body.”
Clearly, my not having had anything to eat and/or drink the whole day was not a good idea and I was obviously quite dehydrated by the time that I realized that the day was gone.
We also seem to lose quite a large amount of liquid during the course of the day – around 2.5 litres (and remember with that liquid we also lose a lot of salt when we sweat – something that I had to learn the hard way earlier this year), through normal bodily functions such as sweating, breathing and body waste. Also the more physically active we are the more liquid we use.
According to Dr Rushlo, the “symptoms of mild dehydration include chronic pains in joints and muscles, lower back pain, headaches and constipation.”
Drinking loads of coffee (or caffeine type drinks) or soft drinks, also doesn’t help because of the caffeine and the artificial sweeteners, that have their own accumulative side effects and the bottom line is that they usually make us lose more liquid than they give us. So again, not enough liquid in the body. Dr Rushlo says that “many people are unknowingly in a mild state of undiagnosed dehydration.”
Sadly I think, he is talking directly to me!
You see part of my problem is that I don’t particularly like the taste of water and whilst it is funny when I say that I have to put the ‘whiskey into the water to disinfect it’, the truth of the matter is that I can’t be drinking whiskey all day long either!
So, what am I doing about this sad and sorry state of affairs?
Well firstly, now when I sit down at my desk to work, I also set the alarm (one of those oven timer type gadgets). That way, every hour, I get to either have something to drink or even just get up and walk around for a few minutes. Secondly (thanks to my friend Claudie and Woolworths), I have discovered that ice cold (and I mean with lots and lots of ice) water that has some sort of fruit in it, doesn’t taste too bad. Yesterday I had a strawberry day, with about six sliced strawberries in a large beer glass with lots of ice and water. The day before was half a peeled lemon and today it’s going to be a peach day. The slight hint of the flavour of the fruit and the ice makes the taste of the water quite nice and I find myself replenishing my ‘water’ several times during the course of the day.
Whichever way you choose to get the required levels of liquid into your body though, just make sure that you do – your life depends upon it.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Do You Drink Enough Fluids?
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting August 2010.
I know that I have repeatedly told my own story of when I sat down to work one morning, long before the sun came up and then suddenly wondered why it had suddenly dark, and then realized that the sun had gone down and it was now night time. Sadly, what is most concerning out of this particular story, is not only the fact that I was so engrossed in what I was doing that I did not notice the passage of time, but that I did not eat or drink anything during this whole period. I do recall thinking, on occasion throughout the day, that I should get something to drink – but that thought was quickly followed by “let me just finish . . .” whatever it was that I was doing at that moment in time. When I did finish whatever it was that I was doing, the memory of the thought that I needed to drink something was long gone and I just went onto the next thing that I needed to do.
Here’s the thing though – apparently by the time you feel thirsty, your body is already in the throes of dehydration.
According to an article by Dr. Robin Rushlo, our bodies are supposed to be made up of about 70% water. Our blood, “muscles, skin and vital organs all contain and need large amounts of water for optimal health. Water also transports oxygen to your cells and delivers nutrients, removes waste and provides energy to the body.”
Clearly, my not having had anything to eat and/or drink the whole day was not a good idea and I was obviously quite dehydrated by the time that I realized that the day was gone.
We also seem to lose quite a large amount of liquid during the course of the day – around 2.5 litres (and remember with that liquid we also lose a lot of salt when we sweat – something that I had to learn the hard way earlier this year), through normal bodily functions such as sweating, breathing and body waste. Also the more physically active we are the more liquid we use.
According to Dr Rushlo, the “symptoms of mild dehydration include chronic pains in joints and muscles, lower back pain, headaches and constipation.”
Drinking loads of coffee (or caffeine type drinks) or soft drinks, also doesn’t help because of the caffeine and the artificial sweeteners, that have their own accumulative side effects and the bottom line is that they usually make us lose more liquid than they give us. So again, not enough liquid in the body. Dr Rushlo says that “many people are unknowingly in a mild state of undiagnosed dehydration.”
Sadly I think, he is talking directly to me!
You see part of my problem is that I don’t particularly like the taste of water and whilst it is funny when I say that I have to put the ‘whiskey into the water to disinfect it’, the truth of the matter is that I can’t be drinking whiskey all day long either!
So, what am I doing about this sad and sorry state of affairs?
Well firstly, now when I sit down at my desk to work, I also set the alarm (one of those oven timer type gadgets). That way, every hour, I get to either have something to drink or even just get up and walk around for a few minutes. Secondly (thanks to my friend Claudie and Woolworths), I have discovered that ice cold (and I mean with lots and lots of ice) water that has some sort of fruit in it, doesn’t taste too bad. Yesterday I had a strawberry day, with about six sliced strawberries in a large beer glass with lots of ice and water. The day before was half a peeled lemon and today it’s going to be a peach day. The slight hint of the flavour of the fruit and the ice makes the taste of the water quite nice and I find myself replenishing my ‘water’ several times during the course of the day.
Whichever way you choose to get the required levels of liquid into your body though, just make sure that you do – your life depends upon it.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
The Power of Networking - Part 169
THE POWER OF NETWORKING
PART 169
By Nikki Viljoen of N Viljoen Consulting CC. August 2010
I am at a total loss! No really – at a complete and total loss! Yip, sometimes words fail me and this, is one of those time!
People who go to (or even set up) Networking meetings/events, who do not have business cards with them!
I mean I can sort of kind of understand being somewhere and running out of cards because the crowd that you expected to be there, is somewhat smaller than the crowd that actually arrived (but that’s why I always have a full box of cards in the car), but people going to a Networking event or even hosting a Networking event and not having any cards – well that, for me just defies logic. I mean, why are you going to a Networking event (not to mention actually hosting one) if your intent is not to Network?
The bottom line of course, is always be prepared (for me it’s always about being proactive) and that means always having cards with me – it’s my branding, it’s my marketing, it’s my PRO, it’s the way that I Network and it does work for me. So I always have cards in my wallet, cards in my work bag, cards in my notebook (the one that I usually take when I go to Networking functions) and cards in my car. That way, I may run out of cards on me, but I always have a back up supply.
My business cards are crucial to my getting new business. They represent me, they represent my skills and services and having them with me always, tells people that I am serious about what I do – that I am serious about my business and that I am a professional, regardless of whether I am at a Networking meeting, or at my nephew’s school watching a soccer match. My business cards tell people that my business is open . . . well for business.
I never know when the next opportunity is going to come knocking at my door – it could be as I stand in the queue at the post office or waiting for my car to be vacuumed at the car wash (and yes I did meet a colleague there, who was invited to attend some Networking meetings and the rest, as they say, is history), so I make it a point to never be without a card or two.
So the next time you head out the door, check for car keys, house keys, watch, wallet and of course . . . those business cards! There will come a time when you will be pleased that you did.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
PART 169
By Nikki Viljoen of N Viljoen Consulting CC. August 2010
I am at a total loss! No really – at a complete and total loss! Yip, sometimes words fail me and this, is one of those time!
People who go to (or even set up) Networking meetings/events, who do not have business cards with them!
I mean I can sort of kind of understand being somewhere and running out of cards because the crowd that you expected to be there, is somewhat smaller than the crowd that actually arrived (but that’s why I always have a full box of cards in the car), but people going to a Networking event or even hosting a Networking event and not having any cards – well that, for me just defies logic. I mean, why are you going to a Networking event (not to mention actually hosting one) if your intent is not to Network?
The bottom line of course, is always be prepared (for me it’s always about being proactive) and that means always having cards with me – it’s my branding, it’s my marketing, it’s my PRO, it’s the way that I Network and it does work for me. So I always have cards in my wallet, cards in my work bag, cards in my notebook (the one that I usually take when I go to Networking functions) and cards in my car. That way, I may run out of cards on me, but I always have a back up supply.
My business cards are crucial to my getting new business. They represent me, they represent my skills and services and having them with me always, tells people that I am serious about what I do – that I am serious about my business and that I am a professional, regardless of whether I am at a Networking meeting, or at my nephew’s school watching a soccer match. My business cards tell people that my business is open . . . well for business.
I never know when the next opportunity is going to come knocking at my door – it could be as I stand in the queue at the post office or waiting for my car to be vacuumed at the car wash (and yes I did meet a colleague there, who was invited to attend some Networking meetings and the rest, as they say, is history), so I make it a point to never be without a card or two.
So the next time you head out the door, check for car keys, house keys, watch, wallet and of course . . . those business cards! There will come a time when you will be pleased that you did.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
BUSINESS TIPS - Computer Shortcuts - Part 3
BUSINESS TIPS – Computer Shortcuts – Part 3
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting CC August 2010
Another fabulously positive responsive week I got last week. Seems I am not the only one who doesn’t know all the shortcuts and tips. Here are the next lot.
Next Up – Excel Shortcut Keys
F2 Edit the selected cell
F5 Go to a specific cell
F7 Spell check specific text and/or document
F11 Create Chart
Ctrl + Shift + ; Enter the current time
Ctrl + ; Enter the current date
Alt + Shit + F1 Insert new worksheet
Shift + F3 Open the Excel formula window
Shift + F5 Bring up search box
Ctrl + A Select all contents of worksheet
Ctrl + B Bold highlighted section
Ctrl + I Italicize highlighted section
Ctrl + C Copy selected text
Ctrl + V Paste
Ctrl + D Fill
Ctrl + K Insert link
Ctrl + F Open, find and replace options
Ctrl + G Open go-to links
Ctrl + U Underline highlighted section
Ctrl + Y Underline selected text
Ctrl + 5 Strike through highlighted selection
Ctrl + O Open options
Ctrl + N Open new document
Ctrl + P Open print dialogue box
Ctrl + S Save
Ctrl + Z Undo last action
Ctrl + F9 Minimize current window
Ctrl + F10 Maximize current window
Ctrl + F6 Switch between open workbooks/windows
Ctrl + Page up & down Move between Excel worksheets in the same document
Ctrl + Tab Move between two or more open Excel files
Alt + = Create formula to sum all of above cells
Control * Insert value of above cell into current cell
Ctrl + Shift + ! Format number in comma format
Ctrl + Shift + $ Format number in currency format
Ctrl + Shift + # Format number in date format
Ctrl + Shift + % Format number in percentage format
Ctrl + Shift + ^ Format number in scientific format
Ctrl + Shift + @ Format number in time format
Ctrl + -> Move to next section of text
Ctrl + Space Select entire column
Shift + Space Select entire row
Ctrl + W Close document
Again I knew one or two of these, but certainly not the majority and now of course I will also have to irritate the heck out of my IT guy by asking all the ‘what does . . . . . mean?”.
More next week.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting CC August 2010
Another fabulously positive responsive week I got last week. Seems I am not the only one who doesn’t know all the shortcuts and tips. Here are the next lot.
Next Up – Excel Shortcut Keys
F2 Edit the selected cell
F5 Go to a specific cell
F7 Spell check specific text and/or document
F11 Create Chart
Ctrl + Shift + ; Enter the current time
Ctrl + ; Enter the current date
Alt + Shit + F1 Insert new worksheet
Shift + F3 Open the Excel formula window
Shift + F5 Bring up search box
Ctrl + A Select all contents of worksheet
Ctrl + B Bold highlighted section
Ctrl + I Italicize highlighted section
Ctrl + C Copy selected text
Ctrl + V Paste
Ctrl + D Fill
Ctrl + K Insert link
Ctrl + F Open, find and replace options
Ctrl + G Open go-to links
Ctrl + U Underline highlighted section
Ctrl + Y Underline selected text
Ctrl + 5 Strike through highlighted selection
Ctrl + O Open options
Ctrl + N Open new document
Ctrl + P Open print dialogue box
Ctrl + S Save
Ctrl + Z Undo last action
Ctrl + F9 Minimize current window
Ctrl + F10 Maximize current window
Ctrl + F6 Switch between open workbooks/windows
Ctrl + Page up & down Move between Excel worksheets in the same document
Ctrl + Tab Move between two or more open Excel files
Alt + = Create formula to sum all of above cells
Control * Insert value of above cell into current cell
Ctrl + Shift + ! Format number in comma format
Ctrl + Shift + $ Format number in currency format
Ctrl + Shift + # Format number in date format
Ctrl + Shift + % Format number in percentage format
Ctrl + Shift + ^ Format number in scientific format
Ctrl + Shift + @ Format number in time format
Ctrl + -> Move to next section of text
Ctrl + Space Select entire column
Shift + Space Select entire row
Ctrl + W Close document
Again I knew one or two of these, but certainly not the majority and now of course I will also have to irritate the heck out of my IT guy by asking all the ‘what does . . . . . mean?”.
More next week.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Friday, August 06, 2010
HR - UIF (Unemployment Fund) - Part 5
ARTICLE 61
UIF (Unemployment Fund) – Part 5
By Nikki Viljoen of Viljoen Consulting CC August 2010
Last week we had a look at how to collect maternity as well as adoption benefits and in this, our final week on the subject of UIF, we will focus on the ‘how to’ of claiming death benefits.
Obviously if you are dead, you cannot collect the benefit – however the spouse and/or the ‘minor’ children of the deceased may be illegible to receive the benefits.
Here are some of the rules though:
The benefits have to be collected within six months of the death of the worker.
Here are the documents that need to be presented when you (as the husband or wife of the deceased) have to take to the Labour Centre.
- A Form UF126 needs to be completed. This can be collected from the Labour Centre or off the Labour Department site (but remember to check that it is the correct/current form).
- Your green, bar encoded identity document.
- Copies of the deceased’s last six pay slips
- A signed and completed form UI19 from the employer of the deceased.
- A certified copy of the deceased’s death certificate
- A certified copy of your marriage certificate
- A certificate of Service from the employee
- Proof of your (the claimant’s) banking details.
- If you are a minor child of the deceased, the claim must then be done by completing a form UF127. This must be done by the child’s legal guardian. Again this can be collected from the Labour Centre or off the Labour Department site (but remember to check that it is the correct/current form).
Here are the documents that need to be presented when the legal guardian of the child (as the minor child of the deceased), have to take to the Labour Centre.
- Your green, bar encoded identity document.
- Copies of the deceased’s last six pay slips
- A signed and completed form UI19 from the employer of the deceased.
- A certified copy of the deceased’s death certificate
- A certified copy of your marriage certificate
- A certificate of service from the employee
- Proof of your (the claimant’s) banking details.
- Proof of guardianship of the child’s representative
- Proof that the minor child is a learner who was dependant upon the deceased.
Once the above has been received by the Labour Centre, you will be issued with a Form UF 128, which needs to be completed and signed by the last employer of the deceased and then submitted to the Labour Centre.
This is a once off payment and it is the amount that the deceased would have been able to claim had they been unemployed.
Again this will be paid by means of a cheque or an electronic transfer where possible.
Next week we will tackle a new topic.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
UIF (Unemployment Fund) – Part 5
By Nikki Viljoen of Viljoen Consulting CC August 2010
Last week we had a look at how to collect maternity as well as adoption benefits and in this, our final week on the subject of UIF, we will focus on the ‘how to’ of claiming death benefits.
Obviously if you are dead, you cannot collect the benefit – however the spouse and/or the ‘minor’ children of the deceased may be illegible to receive the benefits.
Here are some of the rules though:
The benefits have to be collected within six months of the death of the worker.
Here are the documents that need to be presented when you (as the husband or wife of the deceased) have to take to the Labour Centre.
- A Form UF126 needs to be completed. This can be collected from the Labour Centre or off the Labour Department site (but remember to check that it is the correct/current form).
- Your green, bar encoded identity document.
- Copies of the deceased’s last six pay slips
- A signed and completed form UI19 from the employer of the deceased.
- A certified copy of the deceased’s death certificate
- A certified copy of your marriage certificate
- A certificate of Service from the employee
- Proof of your (the claimant’s) banking details.
- If you are a minor child of the deceased, the claim must then be done by completing a form UF127. This must be done by the child’s legal guardian. Again this can be collected from the Labour Centre or off the Labour Department site (but remember to check that it is the correct/current form).
Here are the documents that need to be presented when the legal guardian of the child (as the minor child of the deceased), have to take to the Labour Centre.
- Your green, bar encoded identity document.
- Copies of the deceased’s last six pay slips
- A signed and completed form UI19 from the employer of the deceased.
- A certified copy of the deceased’s death certificate
- A certified copy of your marriage certificate
- A certificate of service from the employee
- Proof of your (the claimant’s) banking details.
- Proof of guardianship of the child’s representative
- Proof that the minor child is a learner who was dependant upon the deceased.
Once the above has been received by the Labour Centre, you will be issued with a Form UF 128, which needs to be completed and signed by the last employer of the deceased and then submitted to the Labour Centre.
This is a once off payment and it is the amount that the deceased would have been able to claim had they been unemployed.
Again this will be paid by means of a cheque or an electronic transfer where possible.
Next week we will tackle a new topic.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
EARLY WARNING - Warning From ADT Security
EARLY WARNING
Warning from ADT Security
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting August 2010.
I received this communication from one of my colleague:
“Please spread this email, to all your staff, friends and family, we all need to be aware and we all need to put a stop to this, winter is coming and that’s when most house break ins happen.
The following points were made in a discussion with members of SA Police Services on Radio IFM.
We are not aware that any of these signs are being used by criminals in our area but I feel it is good that you be warned.
• When there is a Z painted at the Stop sign – there is a few houses being robbed in that street
• If there is a heap of small stones in front of a house. – There are dogs
• If there is two large stones placed next to each other. – two old people
• Sometimes they pack a few stones in a row next to each other. – how many people in the house.
• Colors :
• Red coke can, red rag etc’ means the occupants can defend themselves
Coke can on its side. – somebody at home
Coke can standing straight up. – nobody at home.
* White: sorghum box pointing to house. - marked to break in
White plastic bag on fence. – easy target
* Green: directions, the direction the green bottle is showing. – the direction they should move
* Blue: any blue bag, paper etc. – Somebody in the house prepared to help you.
* Black: Stock Theft.
* If your dog suddenly dies or is vomiting and there is black dots in the vomit or any white powder next to the dog. Contact the police, they must remove the dog and vomit immediately, do not touch anything, it is dangerous.
• If your dog barks at night, - listen to the type of barking
• A Kiewiet makes one noise when seeing an owl but a different noise when seeing a human being.
• Simba Chips packet: it is folded neatly, If face on packet is pointing towards your house. – Boss at home
• If face is pointing away from home. – Boss not at home
• If they see foot prints by your gate, they know somebody stays here.
• They phone your house number to find out if you are at home.
• They switch off your power at your (unlocked) mains box, if you go out to check your box, your home is open
For them to slip in or you are a soft target outside alone in the dark.
• Strange object: Arriving at home in your car, a strange object, dustbin, carton box, brick, tree branch, go past it,
if you get out to remove the object, you are a soft target.
• What Must You Do:
• Remove all the loose signs in front of your house, throw it away
• There has been cases where the “signs” were removed three times and the chap who had to plant the signs got into trouble
• Try and remove the painted signs, paint over them.
Report any signs that you think were planted there after you had removed them.
Regards,
Yogen Govender
Area Operations Manager – North”
Let’s be safe out there people!
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Warning from ADT Security
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting August 2010.
I received this communication from one of my colleague:
“Please spread this email, to all your staff, friends and family, we all need to be aware and we all need to put a stop to this, winter is coming and that’s when most house break ins happen.
The following points were made in a discussion with members of SA Police Services on Radio IFM.
We are not aware that any of these signs are being used by criminals in our area but I feel it is good that you be warned.
• When there is a Z painted at the Stop sign – there is a few houses being robbed in that street
• If there is a heap of small stones in front of a house. – There are dogs
• If there is two large stones placed next to each other. – two old people
• Sometimes they pack a few stones in a row next to each other. – how many people in the house.
• Colors :
• Red coke can, red rag etc’ means the occupants can defend themselves
Coke can on its side. – somebody at home
Coke can standing straight up. – nobody at home.
* White: sorghum box pointing to house. - marked to break in
White plastic bag on fence. – easy target
* Green: directions, the direction the green bottle is showing. – the direction they should move
* Blue: any blue bag, paper etc. – Somebody in the house prepared to help you.
* Black: Stock Theft.
* If your dog suddenly dies or is vomiting and there is black dots in the vomit or any white powder next to the dog. Contact the police, they must remove the dog and vomit immediately, do not touch anything, it is dangerous.
• If your dog barks at night, - listen to the type of barking
• A Kiewiet makes one noise when seeing an owl but a different noise when seeing a human being.
• Simba Chips packet: it is folded neatly, If face on packet is pointing towards your house. – Boss at home
• If face is pointing away from home. – Boss not at home
• If they see foot prints by your gate, they know somebody stays here.
• They phone your house number to find out if you are at home.
• They switch off your power at your (unlocked) mains box, if you go out to check your box, your home is open
For them to slip in or you are a soft target outside alone in the dark.
• Strange object: Arriving at home in your car, a strange object, dustbin, carton box, brick, tree branch, go past it,
if you get out to remove the object, you are a soft target.
• What Must You Do:
• Remove all the loose signs in front of your house, throw it away
• There has been cases where the “signs” were removed three times and the chap who had to plant the signs got into trouble
• Try and remove the painted signs, paint over them.
Report any signs that you think were planted there after you had removed them.
Regards,
Yogen Govender
Area Operations Manager – North”
Let’s be safe out there people!
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
The Power of Networking - Part 168
THE POWER OF NETWORKING
PART 168
By Nikki Viljoen of N Viljoen Consulting CC. August 2010
For me, one of the key factors that works in my favour is that I am distinctive. It’s my personal branding - I mean put me in the middle of a WIF Hot Tables dinner and all the ladies are dressed to the nines . . . and I can usually be found in jeans and a t-shit or normal chinos and a golf shirt. It’s not that the other ladies look terrible, they all look absolutely gorgeous – I just look different and that is what stands out.
As a result of this, I am often stopped in the malls and greeted by name and quite honestly, I usually stand there with absolutely no clue about who I am speaking to. This is another one of my personal challenges – I have a terrible memory for names and faces. There was a time that I used to get really embarrassed about this, but it’s honestly not a personal thing and sometimes things just are what they are. Numbers – now there’s my passion and I can tell you, without looking it up anywhere, that in 1977 the US$/Rand rate was 1.17 (which means that there were $1.17 to every Rand – yes the Rand was much stronger than the dollar). So now, I am honest and up front and explain to the person greeting me that I have a terrible memory for names and faces and that I have no clue who they are. Here’s the thing though, often when this happens, I actually remember (not the person themselves) but where I met them. It’s like I get a ‘snap shot’ of their business card in my mind – how weird is that? Still, as I said – sometimes things just are what they are! Anyway, I digress and getting back to being distinctive . . .
Donna McCallum of “The Fairy Godmother Inc” fame (http://www.fairygodmotherinc.com), always wears her ‘fairy wings’ to Networking events and usually brings her wand along to wave around and bestow lashings of fairy dust upon those around her. Now that’s being distinctive. I know that the first time I saw her regalia, I looked in open astonishment at this picture and wondered if I was in the right place. I mean, this was a Business Networking event and for a minute there I thought I was at some kiddies party, and actually looked around for the wizards and goblins. But you know what . . . no-one ever forgets Donna, her wings and her wand are now a familiar sight.
Then there’s Gwen Watkins of Freelancers (http://www.freelancers.co.za ). Gwen is always a pretty picture in purple and I promise you, there is not a person who she has met along the way, that does not understand that purple is Gwen’s most favourite colour on the planet. It’s a comforting site for me (Gwen is usually our MC at the WIF Hot tables dinners) to see Gwen rushing by in all the shades of purple – I know the evening is in good hands and will be well co-ordinated.
So whatever your ‘thing’ is – use it and be distinctive. It doesn’t matter if it is a colourful necktie, or a particular piece of jewellery, or that hat that you love to wear so much – use it. Stand out above the crowd and make sure that you never just ‘blend’ into the crowd.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
PART 168
By Nikki Viljoen of N Viljoen Consulting CC. August 2010
For me, one of the key factors that works in my favour is that I am distinctive. It’s my personal branding - I mean put me in the middle of a WIF Hot Tables dinner and all the ladies are dressed to the nines . . . and I can usually be found in jeans and a t-shit or normal chinos and a golf shirt. It’s not that the other ladies look terrible, they all look absolutely gorgeous – I just look different and that is what stands out.
As a result of this, I am often stopped in the malls and greeted by name and quite honestly, I usually stand there with absolutely no clue about who I am speaking to. This is another one of my personal challenges – I have a terrible memory for names and faces. There was a time that I used to get really embarrassed about this, but it’s honestly not a personal thing and sometimes things just are what they are. Numbers – now there’s my passion and I can tell you, without looking it up anywhere, that in 1977 the US$/Rand rate was 1.17 (which means that there were $1.17 to every Rand – yes the Rand was much stronger than the dollar). So now, I am honest and up front and explain to the person greeting me that I have a terrible memory for names and faces and that I have no clue who they are. Here’s the thing though, often when this happens, I actually remember (not the person themselves) but where I met them. It’s like I get a ‘snap shot’ of their business card in my mind – how weird is that? Still, as I said – sometimes things just are what they are! Anyway, I digress and getting back to being distinctive . . .
Donna McCallum of “The Fairy Godmother Inc” fame (http://www.fairygodmotherinc.com), always wears her ‘fairy wings’ to Networking events and usually brings her wand along to wave around and bestow lashings of fairy dust upon those around her. Now that’s being distinctive. I know that the first time I saw her regalia, I looked in open astonishment at this picture and wondered if I was in the right place. I mean, this was a Business Networking event and for a minute there I thought I was at some kiddies party, and actually looked around for the wizards and goblins. But you know what . . . no-one ever forgets Donna, her wings and her wand are now a familiar sight.
Then there’s Gwen Watkins of Freelancers (http://www.freelancers.co.za ). Gwen is always a pretty picture in purple and I promise you, there is not a person who she has met along the way, that does not understand that purple is Gwen’s most favourite colour on the planet. It’s a comforting site for me (Gwen is usually our MC at the WIF Hot tables dinners) to see Gwen rushing by in all the shades of purple – I know the evening is in good hands and will be well co-ordinated.
So whatever your ‘thing’ is – use it and be distinctive. It doesn’t matter if it is a colourful necktie, or a particular piece of jewellery, or that hat that you love to wear so much – use it. Stand out above the crowd and make sure that you never just ‘blend’ into the crowd.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
BUSINESS TIPS - Computer Shortcuts - Part 2
BUSINESS TIPS – Computer Shortcuts – Part 2
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting CC August 2010
What a fabulously positive response I got last week. Seems I am not the only one who doesn’t know all the shortcuts and tips. Here are the next lot.
Next Up – Word Shortcut Keys
Ctrl + A Select all contents of the page
Ctrl + B Bold highlighted selection
Ctrl + C Copy selected text
Ctrl + X Cut selected text
Ctrl + N Open new blank document
Ctrl + O Open options
Ctrl + P Open to print window
Ctrl + F Open find box
Ctrl + I Italicize highlighted section
Ctrl + K Insert Link
Ctrl + U Underline highlighted selection
Ctrl + V Paste
Ctrl + Y Redo the last action performed
Ctrl + Z Undo last action
Ctrl + G Find and replace options
Ctrl + H Find and replace options
Ctrl + J Justify paragraph options
Ctrl + L Align selected text or line to the left
Ctrl + Q Align selected paragraph to the left
Ctrl + E Align selected text or line to the centre
Ctrl + R Align selected text or line to the right
Ctrl + M Indent the paragraph
Ctrl + T Hanging Indent
Ctrl + D Font options
Ctrl + Shift + F Change the font
Ctrl + Shift + > Increase selected font + 1
Ctrl + ] Increase selected font + 1
Ctrl + Shift + < Decrease selected font – 1
Ctrl + [ Decrease selected font – 1
Ctrl + Shift + * View or hide non printing characters
Ctrl + <- Move one word to the left
Ctrl + -> Move one word to the right
Ctrl + (arrow up) Move to beginning of the line or paragraph
Ctrl + (arrow down) Move to the end of the paragraph
Ctrl + Del Delete word to right of cursor
Ctrl + Backspace Delete word to the left of cursor
Ctrl + End Move cursor to the end of document
Ctrl + Home Move cursor to the beginning of the document
Ctrl + Spacebar Reset highlighted text to default font
Ctrl + 1 Single space lines
Ctrl + 2 Double space lines
Ctrl + 5 1.5 space lines
Ctrl + Alt + 1 Change text to heading 1
Ctrl + Alt + 2 Change text to heading 2
Ctrl + Alt + 3 Change text to heading 3
F1 Open help
Shift + F3 Change case of selected text
Shift + Insert Paste
F4 Repeat last action performed (Word 2000+)
F7 Spell check selected text and/or document
Shift + F7 Activate the thesaurus
F12 Save as
Ctrl + S Save
Shift + F12 Save
Alt + Shift + D Insert the current date
Alt + Shift + T Insert the current time
Ctrl + W Close the document
Again I knew one or two of these, but certainly not the majority and now of course I will also have to irritate the heck out of my IT guy by asking all the ‘what does . . . . . mean?”.
More next week.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
By Nikki Viljoen – Viljoen Consulting CC August 2010
What a fabulously positive response I got last week. Seems I am not the only one who doesn’t know all the shortcuts and tips. Here are the next lot.
Next Up – Word Shortcut Keys
Ctrl + A Select all contents of the page
Ctrl + B Bold highlighted selection
Ctrl + C Copy selected text
Ctrl + X Cut selected text
Ctrl + N Open new blank document
Ctrl + O Open options
Ctrl + P Open to print window
Ctrl + F Open find box
Ctrl + I Italicize highlighted section
Ctrl + K Insert Link
Ctrl + U Underline highlighted selection
Ctrl + V Paste
Ctrl + Y Redo the last action performed
Ctrl + Z Undo last action
Ctrl + G Find and replace options
Ctrl + H Find and replace options
Ctrl + J Justify paragraph options
Ctrl + L Align selected text or line to the left
Ctrl + Q Align selected paragraph to the left
Ctrl + E Align selected text or line to the centre
Ctrl + R Align selected text or line to the right
Ctrl + M Indent the paragraph
Ctrl + T Hanging Indent
Ctrl + D Font options
Ctrl + Shift + F Change the font
Ctrl + Shift + > Increase selected font + 1
Ctrl + ] Increase selected font + 1
Ctrl + Shift + < Decrease selected font – 1
Ctrl + [ Decrease selected font – 1
Ctrl + Shift + * View or hide non printing characters
Ctrl + <- Move one word to the left
Ctrl + -> Move one word to the right
Ctrl + (arrow up) Move to beginning of the line or paragraph
Ctrl + (arrow down) Move to the end of the paragraph
Ctrl + Del Delete word to right of cursor
Ctrl + Backspace Delete word to the left of cursor
Ctrl + End Move cursor to the end of document
Ctrl + Home Move cursor to the beginning of the document
Ctrl + Spacebar Reset highlighted text to default font
Ctrl + 1 Single space lines
Ctrl + 2 Double space lines
Ctrl + 5 1.5 space lines
Ctrl + Alt + 1 Change text to heading 1
Ctrl + Alt + 2 Change text to heading 2
Ctrl + Alt + 3 Change text to heading 3
F1 Open help
Shift + F3 Change case of selected text
Shift + Insert Paste
F4 Repeat last action performed (Word 2000+)
F7 Spell check selected text and/or document
Shift + F7 Activate the thesaurus
F12 Save as
Ctrl + S Save
Shift + F12 Save
Alt + Shift + D Insert the current date
Alt + Shift + T Insert the current time
Ctrl + W Close the document
Again I knew one or two of these, but certainly not the majority and now of course I will also have to irritate the heck out of my IT guy by asking all the ‘what does . . . . . mean?”.
More next week.
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
Monday, August 02, 2010
Motivation - Repeated Efforts
MOTIVATION – Repeated Efforts
By Nikki Viljoen of N Viljoen Consulting CC – August 2010
Robert Collier says “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.”
I was recently interviewed by Helen Nicolson (for her new book on Networking) and one of the questions that she asked me was “What do you consider as success.”
I don’t think that I missed a beat before replying something along the lines of that success means different things to different people. Think about it for a moment, flicking a light switch, as you enter a dark room and having the light actually come on – well that’s success!
Having looked at what Robert says and thinking it over very carefully, I am more than a little inclined to agree with him. It’s the daily effort that we put into things that ensure that we become successful as individuals. Never mind the money and the accolades (sure they are wonderful and often make life so much easier), the fact that we have carried on despite all odds, in spite of the negatives and hardships and irritations that we all face on a daily basis is in itself, a proclamation of our success.
I mean where would we be if we didn’t get out of bed each morning, put on our happy faces and bravely faced the world? Probably up Sh*t creek with no paddles. Sure many of us bounce out of bed and bounce around from pillar to post every day, but we all have days when we don’t want to get out of bed, where we don’t want to face the world and yet somehow we do. We drag ourselves out of bed and drag ourselves from meeting to meeting and from task to task, clearly only thinking of putting one foot in front of the other, and minute by minute, getting through the day.
Here’s the thing though, we have in actual fact been successful – yes we have. We haven’t stayed in bed, where the perception is that it’s warm and safe. We have gotten out of bed and through our actions we have accomplished something – and remember, without an action of some sort, nothing will happen.
Day after day we perform actions and successfully negotiate our way around obstacles that as SMME’s and Entrepreneurs, are everywhere in abundance. We deal with power outages and bad cash flows and client’s who don’t pay and bad (or no service) from our service suppliers and no internet connections and staff who don’t want to work or who steal from us and people and institutions who think that they have the power to make us dance like idiot puppets to any old tune that they feel that they can play.
And yet, somehow – with little more than guts and determination, we get to the end of each day. Sometimes a little more weary than the day before, but more often fired up and excited about what we have achieved. The deals that we have signed. The incredible people that we have met and engaged with. The doors that we have opened (or even managed to shut and bolt) and then we deal with the other one hundred and one little things that constitute our day – and you know what? We have succeeded, minute by minute – foot step, by foot step, we have succeeded.
I think, it’s time to stop beating ourselves up for the perceived failures and instead celebrate all the successes that we have. Lets toast ourselves for each and every little success and by doing that before we know it, we will be celebrating a tiny little success that will leave a huge big imprint on our hearts, our souls and indeed, our lives!
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
By Nikki Viljoen of N Viljoen Consulting CC – August 2010
Robert Collier says “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.”
I was recently interviewed by Helen Nicolson (for her new book on Networking) and one of the questions that she asked me was “What do you consider as success.”
I don’t think that I missed a beat before replying something along the lines of that success means different things to different people. Think about it for a moment, flicking a light switch, as you enter a dark room and having the light actually come on – well that’s success!
Having looked at what Robert says and thinking it over very carefully, I am more than a little inclined to agree with him. It’s the daily effort that we put into things that ensure that we become successful as individuals. Never mind the money and the accolades (sure they are wonderful and often make life so much easier), the fact that we have carried on despite all odds, in spite of the negatives and hardships and irritations that we all face on a daily basis is in itself, a proclamation of our success.
I mean where would we be if we didn’t get out of bed each morning, put on our happy faces and bravely faced the world? Probably up Sh*t creek with no paddles. Sure many of us bounce out of bed and bounce around from pillar to post every day, but we all have days when we don’t want to get out of bed, where we don’t want to face the world and yet somehow we do. We drag ourselves out of bed and drag ourselves from meeting to meeting and from task to task, clearly only thinking of putting one foot in front of the other, and minute by minute, getting through the day.
Here’s the thing though, we have in actual fact been successful – yes we have. We haven’t stayed in bed, where the perception is that it’s warm and safe. We have gotten out of bed and through our actions we have accomplished something – and remember, without an action of some sort, nothing will happen.
Day after day we perform actions and successfully negotiate our way around obstacles that as SMME’s and Entrepreneurs, are everywhere in abundance. We deal with power outages and bad cash flows and client’s who don’t pay and bad (or no service) from our service suppliers and no internet connections and staff who don’t want to work or who steal from us and people and institutions who think that they have the power to make us dance like idiot puppets to any old tune that they feel that they can play.
And yet, somehow – with little more than guts and determination, we get to the end of each day. Sometimes a little more weary than the day before, but more often fired up and excited about what we have achieved. The deals that we have signed. The incredible people that we have met and engaged with. The doors that we have opened (or even managed to shut and bolt) and then we deal with the other one hundred and one little things that constitute our day – and you know what? We have succeeded, minute by minute – foot step, by foot step, we have succeeded.
I think, it’s time to stop beating ourselves up for the perceived failures and instead celebrate all the successes that we have. Lets toast ourselves for each and every little success and by doing that before we know it, we will be celebrating a tiny little success that will leave a huge big imprint on our hearts, our souls and indeed, our lives!
Nikki is an Internal Auditor and Business Administration Specialist who can be contacted on 083 702 8849 or nikki@viljoenconsulting.co.za or http://www.viljoenconsulting.co.za
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