From the Desk of Janet Barclay

I recently had the pleasure of reading Love Every Leaf, The Life of Landscape Architect Cornelia Hahn Oberlander by Kathy Stinson. Perhaps you are wondering what interest the stepmother of two grown children might have in reading a biography written primarily for young people, and why this particular book - unless of course you already know that the author is my sister, and one of my clients. While she was writing this book, to maximize the use of her time, she had me conduct some of the research into the historical background, and I was very eager to see how she wove these facts into the story. That in itself was quite exciting to me personally.

Now that we’ve cleared that up, maybe you’re wondering why I’ve decided to write about this in my blog. Why would this book interest you, as a small business owner? Well, let me tell you!

While studying landscape architecture at Smith College nearly 70 years ago, Cornelia learned "3 P’s" that would benefit any of us to keep in mind:

1. Be Patient. People often need time to come round to your way of thinking.
2. Be Persistent. Stand up for what you know is right.
3. Be Polite. People are more likely to be convinced by your arguments if you present them in a pleasant manner.

During her impressive career, she added two more "Ps" to her arsenal which also contributed to her success. Can you guess what they were? If not, I highly recommend that you read Love Every Leaf! In addition to finding the answer to this question; you’ll be fascinated to learn about this amazing woman who has contributed so much to the world, and continues to do so in her 80s.

*This post was featured in the Virtual Assistant/Home Business Blog Carnival #4 

April was a pretty busy month, between wrapping up the GHVA website and preparing for my teleseminars, not to mention my regular client work! However, I’ve still managed to post to my other blogs:

OnlineOrganizing.com - Technology as an Organizing Tool:

• Organize Your Email - Part 3
• Google Docs
• RSS Really Is Simple
• Your Very Own Personal Assistant
  

Introvert Retreat:

• Ponderings of an Introvert
• Tips from a Professional Networker
• Virtual Assistance and Introversion
• Let ‘em come to you!

I’ve also written a new article on Going Green in the Office, which you can read over at OrganizedArticles.com.

Enjoy!

Crocusses and snowdrops are lovely, but they really just hint at spring. To me, it’s not spring until the daffodils come up and you can comfortably go outside without a bulky winter coat – and I think we’re there!

It really felt like spring this morning, because I resumed my early morning walks with my friend and colleague Marie Mushing.

In addition, tomorrow is Earth Day, so there are all kinds of outdoor activities planned in the community, such as tree plantings and walks for charity. Speaking of Earth Day, the Earth Day edition of The Organized Assistant Resource will be going out tomorrow, so be sure to watch for it in your Inbox! Not a subscriber? Better click on over to my website and sign up today!

A friend of mine has joined The Compact, which is a group of individuals who have made a commitment to not buy any new products of any kind during 2007, but instead to barter, borrow, or buy used. There are, of course, some exceptions - they don’t expect people to buy used underwear, for example. Their goals are as follows:

• To go beyond recycling in trying to counteract the negative global environmental and socioeconomic impacts of disposable consumer culture and to support local businesses, farms, etc.
• To reduce clutter and waste in their homes (as in trash Compact-er).
• To simplify their lives (as in Calm-pact)

Their main Yahoo group currently has over 8400 members, and they have a number of regional groups as well, including the Compact Canada, which are listed on their blog.

I’m not ready to make that type of commitment, but I fully admire those who are, and I strongly support donating unwanted gifts to other people or organizations rather than throwing them in the garbage where they’ll end up in the landfill.

Registration is now open for Professional Organizers in Canada’s 7th Annual Conference in Vancouver this November - the first time it has been held outside Toronto. Although I don’t think a trip to Vancouver is in the plans for me this year (I’m going to Nova Scotia in September - my first real vacation since before I started my business) I thought I’d take a look at the registration package.

One of the seminars that caught my attention is How To Source Green Office Products, which will be facilitated by Gil Yaron, the Founder and CEO of Frogfile Office Essentials. Gil established Frogfile to provide business consumers with sustainable options to reduce their environmental footprint, and offers office products that are made with recycled and renewable materials and that can be recycled at the end of their life cycle. Although the company is based in Vancouver, they ship to clients in other parts of Canada and the US (shipping charges apply, of course).

I’ve recently stocked up on office supplies, but I will definitely be visiting their website again when it’s time to order more.