About this Blog

The Curmudgeon's Office blog is a spin off from my personal blog, Too Young To Be A Curmudgeon, which is full of random rants and thoughts I have on a whole host of topics. In an effort to be more organized, and also to attract a specific niche of followers, I decided to start a separate blog for my professional postings. At this blog, I'll post my tips, rants, and random thoughts on a host of professional topics from setting up a home office & office gadgets to 5S practices & time management.



Wednesday, January 22, 2014

How To Hold Paperless Team Meetings or At Least a Productive One


The above link is to the latest blog post from Evernote on using it's products for a paperless meeting. They have some very good advise, even if you do not use their products. In fact, there are some good tip even if you don't want to have a paperless meeting.

One common problem I've seen with meetings is the lack of communication. Sad isn't? After all, that is the whole point of a meeting in the first place. Many of the meetings I attend are so unorganized, must co-workers leave them more in the dark about the subject of the meeting and before the meeting took place.

The big tip in the above link I would recommend is having a company standard template for meeting notes. I have an agenda that lists the key points of the meeting. Take notes of the discussion and assign tasks as required with due dates when ever possible. Most importantly, before you end your meeting, go over your meeting notes with focus on any assigned tasks with every one in the meeting.

Keeping the meeting short, clear and on track is the responsibly of the person who called the meeting. Having a standard template for a meeting can be a very useful tool for accomplishing that.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Want to quit your job? New app does it for you via text message


The above link is to an article on Reuters. When I saw this headline three thoughts popped into my mind.

  • Are we that dependent on others or technology now, that we can't even leave a job on our own? 
  • Are people really such chronic quitters that they could utilize an app to make the process more efficient for them? 
  • Wouldn't quitting via text be just about the most unprofessional way to leave a position?
But after reading the article, I think this app may be a useful tool for setting and refining your career goals.

Reviewing and refining your career goals is something I strongly feel professionals should do on a regular basis, even if they have no intention of leaving their current position or employer. One of the best ways to improve yourself, in any aspect of your life, is to have measurable goals that one needs to review and adjust often.

Saturday, January 18, 2014

The Value of NFL Players, CEOs and Fast Food Workers



I'm a huge fan of Dave Ramsey. Reading his books, listing to his podcast, and more importantly, following his advice has greatly improved my finical situation and has improved me professionally as well. In the above video shares my views on how people are paid far better than I can.

In this day of "everybody wins and gets a trophy" attitude, more people need to listen to this wisdom. Instead of demanding to get paid more, we need to find ways to bring more pay in. We should never settle for good enough, but always strive for better. The best way to do that is to focus on what you have control to improve. Yourself.

 Here are links to Amazon for two of Dave Ramsey's books that I have read and re-read many times. Both have helped me out immensely.

The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness is a must read for anyone who wants to get their finances under control. It is surprisingly easy to live debt free once you see how easy it is to live without the trappings we've accepted as normal.

EntreLeadership: 20 Years of Practical Business Wisdom from the Trenches is a must read for any professional or entrepreneur. Whether you run your own business, want to start your own business or succeed farther in your profession.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

How To Eliminate Piles of Business Cards from Networking Events


The above link is to a recent article on the Evernote company blog. As I have mentioned many times here before and I will many times in the future. Evernote is one of the most useful and powerful apps out there. I have been using their free version daily on all my computers, tablet & smartphone for several years now and I wouldn't want to be without it.

With the constant improvements to their Evernote Business package, I feel I will be signing up for that shortly. This business card organizing feature may be worth the $10 per month fee alone.

Monday, January 6, 2014

Three Tips for Going Paperless at Work

Three Tips for Going Paperless at Work

The above is a link to a nice article on going paperless with Evernote. I use Evernote constantly and I would not want to live on this planet without it. It is one of the most useful free apps I have ever used and it's on my work & personal computers, along with my tablet and phone.