Ask a Manager!

My intention in 2016 was to write more often.  As you notice, the last time I wrote to you was in January 2016!    Not knowing where to start, why not start small and write what I know based on that last few months?  Maybe you might be interested.  If not, let me know!

It got extremely busy at my career job.  For those who don’t know, I do have a current career in supply chain and a high tech contract manufacturing firm.  I buy the raw materials to build circuit boards.  It can be a very stressful job and that’s what happened the first 8 month of this year.   I did take a break from Cindy Ho Designs for a few weeks to avoid the burn out.

The past few months, alot of my focus is working with people and co-worker relationships.  Anyone who works in an office understand that things that will affect yoour performace.   This year it has been tough and it wasn’t about the work.  It was about the people I worked with:

• chews snacks with mouth open
• prides to be an expert in everything
• oversharing information
• many hours of personal phone calls
• negative attitutes
• pawning off work to others
• bullies

My list is really much more extensive than this but it’s a range for minor annoyances to issues that affect my performance. 

So what can I do about it?

I consider myself a professional level headed office person.  (some of you might snicker if you know me personaly).  I often give advice and coaching myself who reach out to me. However, for some reason, I couldn’t follow my own advice.  I just kept my head down and worked.  This went on for weeks until I was so annoyed that I was unhappy.

There’s lots of ways to deal with these behaviours but I really didn’t want to since all of this isn’t serious enough for me to bring to HR or the boss.   At the same time, it doesn’t make sense to be  frustrated when you spend one third of your life at the office.

So here’s the thing, I really didn’t know what to do (I always knew what to do)  I was so overwhelmed with these people and I didn’t have a mentor or anyone in similar sition to confide in.  So what would anyone probably woudl do:

I googled it

It let me to this great blog of Alison Green whose experience where people ask their work related issues and she will respond.  Boy I’m so happy to find this blog.  Just reading the blog reminded me that of course these issues are common and put my problems into perspective.  The renewed perspective took the feeling of burden off my shoulders literally overnight.  I thought:

You know what, I can handle this.   I can do this.

I thought to start, at least share the blog that reset my thoughts on dealing with issue with the workplace for anyone who might be similar to my position.

www.askamanager.org

If you ever read this, thank you Alison!

Martha Stewart Scoring Board - Additional Measurements

If you own the Martha Stewart scoring board, I’m sure you made some custom sized envelopes. Recently I had orders for several different cards and there’s a few envelopes not listed in the included size chart. With a little trial and error, figured out some options that works best for my needs. I hope these will work for you.

Are You a Small Business Narcissist?

One of the traps I've seen from some of the artists on social media is business narcissism.  On Instagram, one user I follow will only like her own photos or any happenstance photos of her products from any of her followers.  Or on twitter, the tweets are purely self promotion or favours others tweets about them.  It shouldn't since it has nothing to do with my small business but it is a pet peeve.  Why this behaviour is bad? 

It tells your potential customers that you only care about yourself.  All you want is them to buy your product.

Admittingly, the last statement is an extreme generalization.  There are industries and professions that your have one put yourself out there.  All artists like photographers or graphic illustrators needs to self promote.  There needs a balance between self promotion and adding value to your readers or followers. 

Only 1% of sellers out there who has something good enough to stand on the own.  Everyone else imitates.

Just think Apple with the iPhone when they were first introduced in the market.  Now smartphones are everywhere.

I don't read blogs or follow those who only tweets about their next sale or write about this great widget he or she invented.  The fact is, there's a good chance I'll never buy the product.  However, when I see posts about tips and tricks, useful advice or just an inspiring piece of artwork, then I'm engaged.  I want to read more.  I've actually led people to some artists I follow and they purchased from them.

The power of word of mouth advertising is powerful.

I follow television news anchor Tamara Taggart and I love her.  She has beautiful kids and she posts up great finds she happily shares where she purchased them to any follower who asks.  She shares both her happy moments and not so happy ones.  It sounds creepy but I there's connection when I see a glimpse of her as a human being, not the serious local news person.

If you have a social media network for your business.  Take a look at your feeds.  Are they shameless self promotion or are you engaging your potential customers?

Happy 4th of July!

May your country’s birthday filled with celebration, family and happiness!

Happy Canada Day 2014

Canada Gold Foil Print

Remember September 11, 2001

I meant to write this post on the 10 Year Anniversary last year.  However, I had my laser eye surgery done and I could barely see a computer screen during at the time.  This picture was taken at ground zero in October of 2003 during our visit to New York that year.  The poster was draped over what seemed to be a condemned building that must have been damaged on that fateful day.

“The human spirit is not measured by the size of the act, but the size of the heart”

The world was still recovering from that terrible event that happened just over 2 years ago that year.  Security was tight.  We were not allowed to scale to the Statue of Liberty or get within 50 feet from the New York Stock Exchange at that time.

No matter what, we had to visit ground zero, even though it was fenced off.  I saw the towers fall down live on TV that day, but I had no comprehension the severity of the situation and repercussions will follow.  It didn’t seem real.  I didn’t come to the realization until I finally arrived at work.  My desk faced a window with clear sight of the air patch to our airport.  Planes were circling awaiting clearance to land due to the international order to ground all aircraft.

The one thing I got from the people who were affected was the pride and strength of everyone who worked hard to rebuilt but ensure no one ever forgets.  One day I will return to New York, and visit ground zero again.  I want to see the tributes and memorials built for the people lost that day.

How Much Did You Pay For the Awesome Dress that Made You Look Better Then Me?

I went to a great wedding  and  wore this elegant evening gown that made me feel like a million dollars.  I purchased it at a discount store but it was as if it was tailor made to me.  I receive so many complements.  For weeks, I’ve been feeling a little down with the reality of moving, closing up shop and stress of my day job so this a wonderful change.  The best part, the only person who looked better than me was the bride.   Since it was a wedding, I knew my dress wouldn’t outshine hers.  Actually, I didn’t think my dress was that great, until I arrived.

Then one person asked

How much was it?

My confidence literally reduced like a tire that ran over a nail.  I didn’t know how to answer without causing some sort of scene or sounding rude myself so I just told her.   She KNEW it purchased it at a discount store.  Fortunately only person in ear shot was a guy friend who really doesn’t care.  This is a rant of course, but I supposed that really is bothering me is the person asking the question had no malicious intent.  She’s actually clueless on this level of etiquette.  At least that’s what I tell myself so I can move on from the incident. 

Anyways, I’m not the queen of etiquette by far, however it made me think about myself.  When it comes to my professional life, I’m consider pretty good at defusing or saying the right thing.  In social situations, I’m pretty inexperienced.  I tend to say what I think or just not say anything at all, nothing in-between when you have to say something and must say it nice! 

How would you have handled this awkward situation? 

I Can See Clearly Now!

I took the plunge and had laser eye surgery.  That’s right,  I paid for the privilege of having a high tech machine, point a laser directly at my head tor burn a layer of skin of both my eyes.

Coal Habour Eye Centre offered a reduced price special for their 10^th anniversary.  Some research and positive feedback from relatives and friends.  I had the surgery 7 days ago. 

Okay, it’s still blurry but they are still healing. One temporary side effect is light sensitively. So I’ve been wearing my celebrity wannabe sunglasses on your right indoors.  That’s right, I look that arrogant!

Here’s the evolution of my eyewear. Believe it or not, I had even bigger pairs.  I looked like such a nerd

So am I glad I got my vision corrected?  Even only a week, Yes, I do.  It was worth it.  That and I can now be ‘cool’

Thank You Koson

I’ve been meaning to write about this for awhile.  The original graphics were designed by a talented illustrator who put his portfolio on iStockphoto.  His user name is KOSON.

One of my quirks is I like to representing everyone I know in their Chinese Zodiac sign.  So when I found KOSON’s art, the idea came to me and kept in the back of my mind until I found the right opportunity to make it!

I made this for my husband for his birthday a while ago.  After the birth of our second child, we knew we were complete as a family. That’s what he’s all about, family.  Everyone who seen this picture raved about it.  My brother in law who has a digital artist background really liked it.  This is the guy whose generally is indifferent and impressing him even on a small level is a great complement.  It actually motivated me to dabble more into graphic design and take my interest of digital arts to the next level.

Thank you KOSON!

I love Instagram

My co-worker got me hooked onto this iPhone App.  It’s a free download one called Instagram.  It’s like Twitter, but instead of sharing the written thought, you share photos.

It’s real time photo sharing exactly when you want it.  I’ve been behind in my blog writing, photo uploads and Facebook simply because things are busy for me right now.  My Completely Random Photo Blog has been very ignored. 

Instagram is innovative and It’s all based on the notion that a picture truly equals a thousand words.  You can add filters to make them look retro or enhance them and share them with several social media sites.  All in the few minutes you are waiting for your cup of coffee to be served or in between meetings!

If you decide to download the App to your phones, you can follow me.  My user name is cindyhodesigns.

P.S. This is my own review.  I’m raving about the app because I really like it.  I’m spending more and more time away from my blogging and sometimes, I just want to share a quick picture with you!

They Attempted to Scam Me!

I received this spam email.  Upon reading the email more carefully, it’s actually a company stating if you pay them, they will help you get your website in higher rankings in search engines.

This is from email address pipparousseau@whchcar.com

This solicitation is to inform you that it’s time to send in your registration for WESTCOASTORIGAMI.COM.  We are a submission service and search engine ranking firm

Failure to complete this order by June 28, 2011 may result in the cancellation of this offer (making it difficult for your customers to locate you using search engines on the web)

WESTCOASTORIGAMI.COM registration will include search engine submission for 1 year.  You are under no obligation to pay the amount stated above unless you accept this offer by June 28, 2011.  This notice is not an invoice.  It is a courtesy reminder to register WESTCOASTORIGAMI.COM for search engine listing so that your customers can locate you on the web.

What really bothers me is how official looking it is and it had my phone number and address on it.  They had to look it up as you must declare that when you register a domain name.  It even had a pay now button on it.   They wanted $75 for a one year subscription.  

I actually checked the domain name  by manually typing www(dot)whchcar(dot).com and the front looks like a online website advertising car sells.  Not exactly a reputable search engine optimization service company

Please protect yourself! I just wanted to get this out there as knowledge give you power to protect yourself.  Please share this with others!

Facebook Ad: Fail

This was one of those Facebook ads that auto populates on the right.  In my case, checking out my ‘news feed’.  I was mildly offended since I know she’s not overweight!

Why on earth use a pregnant woman on an advertisement to rid yourself of belly fat?

Credit Card Security – EPIC FAIL

Today, my manager sent out an email that someone charged $3000 of camping equipment onto his company credit card. Considering that we use that card to buy raw materials or equipment, we all knew that his card number was compromised.

The card is under our CEO’s account and senior staff is added on to this account, such as my boss.

When he called to cancel it, the customer service person would not.  The card was under our CEO’s account and they would only cancel the card if my boss knew the CEO’s date of birth and mother’s maiden name.  That simply blew us away, it was obvious someone is spending money on a stolen credit card but the customer service representative said he couldn’t cancel it just because my boss didn’t know the answers to the security questions to make sure he’s the authorized card holder. Apparently, it was a breach in their security protocols.

To cancel it, he had to go to our Human Resources and Finance to get the ‘security answers’

So, here’s what we know.  My boss now knows our CEO’s birth date and mother’s maiden name.  We all know the CEO’s name and it’s probably not hard for us to find out where the he lives.  If my boss was a criminal, he now has enough information to to pose as our CEO and make fraudulent purchases himself. 

I couldn’t remember if it was VISA or Master Card.  Which ever company it was shame on you.  Your own policies actually encouraging potential identify theft.

Welcome Baby Aubrey!

One of our best family friends just had their second baby, Aubrey, last month. Last week we were invited over to their house to see her for the first time. 

She was born in the year of the Rabbit.  So designed a card just for Aubrey.  I am happy with the result.  I hope they liked it.  My favourite is the butterfly font.  I’m proud of it, it was a challenge to do the ears. 

Lesson’s Learned

Keep things simple.  I wanted to make a more elaborate design and wasn’t satisfied.  Then I realized that my style has always been simple and clean.  After that realization, the design came to me very easily.

Paper quality is key.  My previous work was printed on 65 pound cardstock.  For this card I used a 110 pound index cardstock by Wausau that I got from CSN Stores.  I’m happier with the results. 

Gong Hay Fat Choi: Year of the Rabbit

Happy Chinese New Year to all in the Year of the Rabbit

How Young is too Young to wear Make-up

I heard about this on the radio a couple of days ago.  Walmart launching a new line of anti-aging make-up.  Not really exciting is it?  How about I add that this product line is aimed to the demographic of 8 to 12 years olds.  When I heard of that, I had this instant vision of a 13 year old crying in a corner because she lost her youthful look she had when she was 10.

Reading up a little bit, the company claims that the formulas are designed for tween skin and contain anti-oxidants to discourage aging.  Geo-Girl also trying to establish themselves as a environmentally responsible.  The makeup are made from natural ingredients and the packaging produced in a way that is environmental sustainable.

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How Young is Too Young to Wear Make-up?

I’m not talking about a little girl who’s having fun copying her mom.  It’s the tween who want to wear it for the purpose of enhancing her beauty.  There’s such a debate of over sexualizing our children and giving the message that they are imperfect.  I read a comment that tween make-up is the same of letting your 8 year old wear a thong.  Seriously? 

The reason why Geo-Girl exists is because there’s obviously a market out there, and parents are buying it for their daughters.  Just like anything else when it comes to raising your children, it’s all about education and it comes down to the parents.   In my case, after some thought, I don’t reject the idea for tween make-up but I also wouldn’t encourage it either.  As long as my daughter doesn’t consider herself only as good as she looks on the outside and I do my best to teach her that. 

It’s not the number of years.  It’s maturity. 

She is too young to wear make-up when she:

• is doing it because all her friends are
• is trying to look sexy
• is trying to reverse the signs of aging before she’s an adult

The appropriate ‘age’ to wear makeup is when she

• wants to enhance her best facial asset. 
• wants to hide a temporary blemish
• give herself confidence boost on the days that hasn’t gone her way

Ted Williams – Homeless Man Turned Celebrity

I know this is already ‘old news’ but I have been behind the times.  I just thought to share this ‘feel good’ videos

Emotional Emails: Sending them are a Bad Idea

I’ve been so busy the past couple of weeks due to the holiday seasons.  I’ve really enjoyed myself the past holiday.  Spending time with my family and been loving every minute of it! 

Well, just had a post holiday buzz kill.  An accusation of a re-gift faux pas was sent from an anonymous email.  The accused massed emailed to quite a few people, as possible suspects of the sender of the original anonymous email. 

I chose not to respond and fuel the negativity, instead letting it die down and move on.  Even so, this actually bothered me for a week.  This whole incident reminded me of a recent post on uploading personal content on the Internet

Once Its on the Internet, it’s there Forever

In this case it’s the same with email.  Once it goes out, you can never retrieve it.  You can never take back what you said, even if you didn’t mean it. 

Emotional Emails are a bad idea.

No one can control one’s emotions, if you are angry, you are angry.  If you must write it out, go ahead, just don’t hit ‘send’.  Save it in a draft and read it again once you had time to think about what you said.  Send it once you have a clear mind, because you would have thought about the consequences.

It’s always best to think about ones audience and how it would be received.  Will there be innocent by-standers who will be caught in the cross fire?  Most of us didn’t feel very good and feelings were hurt.  Things have been forgiven, but to be honest, I won’t forget.

Happy Holidays To All of You!

It’s been an extremely busy holiday season so I have been MIA.  I just needed to take a break and wish you happiness and joy this season. 

I Love My Haw Flakes

Continuing with the theme of trying to make myself happy with food and candy and I don’t have a readily available supply of Sugus, let’s talk about my second favourite candy.  Haw Flakes!

What are Haw Flakes?

Haw flakes is a Asian sweet made from the berry of the hawthorn plant.  They always come in rolls of disks wrapped in paper.  They are plentiful here in Vancouver, BC due to the large Asian population and sometimes taken as a counter balance after taking bitter herbs and medicine.

Okay, I had to Google that.  For some reason I’ve always thought they were made from the lychee fruit.  Anyways, I’m not sure if I like them just due to the taste.  They usually give me a ‘feel good’ tingle when I eat them and at least they are not as fattening as chocolate.

It’s been a very rough couple of weeks, I’ve been eating them like crazy!  Yum!