“You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.”
-- Henry Ford

TAKE AMA’S 2004 “Corporate Wellness Benefits” Survey

  PROTECT YOURSELF FROM WORKPLACE “ENERGY VAMPIRES”
These vampires aren’t after your blood; their goal is to drain you of your enthusiasm and productivity. Judith Orloff, M.D., describes the various workplace energy vampires, along with tips on how to escape their bites. Here are two examples:

"The Sob Sister.” She’s the whiny co-worker with the “poor me” attitude who’s more interested in complaining than in finding solutions to her problems.

How to protect yourself: Limit the time you spend listening to her complaints. Say, “I’m sorry, I can only talk for a few minutes today.” Then go on with your work.

“The Drama Queen.” This vampire constantly turns small incidents into off-the chart dramas.

How to protect yourself: Take a few deep breaths. Say, “I’m sorry for all your mishaps, but work comes first. You must be here on time to keep your job.”

Click here to learn about other workplace energy vampires...and what to do about them.

  OLYMPIC TEAMWORK LESSONS
Whether on the playing field or in the board room, any team success is based on certain universal elements. In the wake of the dazzling gold medal-winning performances of the U.S. women’s teams at the 2004 Athens Olympics, we asked sports professionals to share their opinions on what it takes to have a winning team:

- Common goals are clearly defined
- All team members focus their efforts on achieving team goals
- Leaders and team members communicate and collaborate effectively
- Veteran players share their knowledge and experience by mentoring younger members
- The team becomes stronger through bonds built over time

Click here for more.

  “LESSONS LEARNED FROM ‘THE APPRENTICE’”--AMA FORUMS
COMING TO CHICAGO AND SAN FRANCISCO
October 22, 2004, Chicago. Join “Apprentice” winner Bill Rancic, recent firees and AMA seminar leaders and executives for a frank discussion, an audience Q&A session and an “Apprentice”-style competition with prizes.

*December 3, 2004, San Francisco. Join “Apprentice” participants, recently fired contestants and AMA seminar leaders and executives.

To read AMA’s weekly analysis of “The Lessons Learned” from each episode of “The Apprentice” click here.

  HOW TO BE YOUR OWN COACH
If you don’t have access to a personal career coach, be your own coach--ask yourself the same questions a professional would ask you. Here’s how to begin, say executive coaches Scott Blanchard and Madeline Homan:
1. How do you see yourself?
2. How do others see you?
3. How do you want to be seen?

After you answer those three questions, you’ll be prepared to answer this one:

4. What strategies can I employ to make me more effective and influential?

Think about the types of support you’ll need to achieve your “prime objective.” And most importantly, be flexible enough to try new approaches.
Click here for more coaching advice.

 WANT TO WIN A FREE SEMINAR? TAKE THE OCTOBER AMA MEMBER CHALLENGE
Do you know what “OPEC” stands for? Do you pride yourself on keeping up to date on the latest happenings in business and the world in general? Put your knowledge to work by taking the AMA Member Challenge. Each month we award a FREE AMA seminar to one winner chosen at random from all entrants who answer all five questions correctly. Congratulations to our September FREE seminar winner, Stephanie McGrath, of Lakeview Technology in Oakbrook Terrace, IL. Why not take the October Challenge? Simply answer the questions online and complete the entry form. It’s easy and fun. You could be a winner! Click.

   LATEST RESEARCH RESULTS—POLITICAL DISCUSSIONS IN THE WORKPLACE
What’s the current political climate in your organization? Do you feel comfortable sharing your political views? Is your company postponing any key decisions until after the November Presidential election? Find out what professionals in your industry and others are saying about the state of political discussions in today’s workplace.

Click here for complete survey results.

  YOU CAN’T BUILD A BRAND WITHOUT YOUR EMPLOYEES
Starbucks, Dell, Disney and many other top companies understand that complex metrics strategies can only take a brand so far--the heart and soul of a brand are directly tied to employees. Here are some ways to help get your employees on the brand bandwagon:

- Articulate a clear brand strategy, including short-and long-term goals, and communicate it from the top down, throughout the entire organization.
- Keep an open door and open mind. Employees should share in the development of the brand’s vision and strategies. An employee survey is an effective place to start.
- Help employees build their own futures. This will help them understand the present and future value of their work.

Click here for more.

—-Top marketing executives from IBM, Cigna, UPS, H&R Block and other leading firms share branding strategies and tactics. November 16-17-—Chicago.

  HOLD YOUR NEXT MEETING AT AMA FOR 20% OFF
Take 20% off our already low rates when you hold your first meeting at any AMA Executive Conference Center. Our state-of-the-art facilities are located in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
For complete details, click here.

  EVENTS CALENDAR
12th Annual Administrative Professionals Conference . Keynoters, concurrents, networking opportunities and more.
October 17-20, 2004—-Las Vegas

Top marketing executives from IBM, Cigna, UPS, H&R Block and other leading firms share branding strategies and tactics.
November 16-17-—Chicago.

AMA’s Course for Presidents and CEOs.
One-on-one coaching is just one of the valuable aspects of this week-long session. Attendance limited to 20 current presidents or CEOs. Members save $500.
November 15-19, Naples, Florida
December 13-17, New York City

  BOOK OF THE MONTH: FRONT DESK SECURITY AND SAFETY (AMACOM 2004)
This is a must-read at a time when security has become one of the most crucial workplace concerns. Subtitled “An On-the-Job Guide to Handling Emergencies, Threats and Unexpected Situations,” Betty A. Kildow’s new book is a comprehensive manual designed to ensure that—-whether in a high-rise or at street-level—-effective, best practice procedures are in place to ensure the safety of employees and clients.

Click here to read “How Prepared Is Your Company If a Disaster Strikes? 10 Questions to Identify Potential Hazards and Risks.”

SAVE ON AMA SEMINARS
*SAVE $150 ON ANY AMA SEMINAR between now and October 31, 2004. Call 1-800-262-9699 to sign up today. Mention discount code XBAF for your savings. This offer cannot be combined with any other promotion.

*SAVE UP TO 30% ON SELECTED SEMINARS, WITH “LAST-MINUTE SEATING”
Now you can attend some of AMA’s most popular seminars at big savings of $500 or more! Review the attached list, then call 1-800-262-9699 to register. But hurry. Space is limited and seats are filling up fast.

*“THREE FOR FOUR” GIVES YOU MORE
When you or your organization pre-pay for three AMA seminars for only $4,000, we’ll send you three registration coupons. Each coupon is good for attendance at any AMA 1-3 day seminar in the U.S. Choose from over 150 seminars and more than 1,000 sessions offered coast-to-coast and save up to $2,000!

Use all three coupons yourself, or share them with your colleagues. Coupons may be redeemed for sessions scheduled through December 31, 2004. Call 1-800-262-9699 for more information.