Mastering Your Virtual Presence

 
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Mastering Your Virtual Presence

 Written By: Sandi MacCalla, Founder - LifeSkills Academy ~ 3/25/2024

BLOGPOST_MasteringVitualPresence0325204A.jpgVideo conferencing is integral to our professional and social interactions, but whether to turn on your video or not remains a question. Let's delve into some actionable steps to navigate this decision effectively.

When to Turn on Video

  1. Active Participation:
    • If you want to make an impact and ensure your brilliance shines through, turning your video on is key.

    • It's like virtually being present in a face-to-face meeting.

    • If you will actively present in the meeting, ensure your video captures your full face. We hear better when we can see your facial expressions.

  2. Dress and Prepare:
    • Treat virtual meetings like in-person ones by dressing appropriately and minimizing distractions in your environment.

    • Recall the principles of photography: our eyes are drawn to:
      • Movement
      • Faces
      • Size
      • Brightness
      • Sharpness
      • Color

  3. Be the Main Attraction:
    • Position yourself front and center on the screen with a plain, clutter-free background.

    • Make sure whatever you need during the meeting is within reach to avoid unneeded disruptions.

When to Turn Off Your Video

  1. Avoid Distractions:
    • Refrain from taking your audience along for shopping, errands, or activities outside the meeting. This includes driving, which is unsafe and distracting for others.

  2. Multitasking:
    • While multitasking during virtual meetings is tempting, it's best to stay focused and engaged.

    • If you need to step away momentarily, you can temporarily turn off your video by clicking the video icon for a diagonal red line across it.

  3. Respect Motion Sensitivity:
    • Some attendees may be sensitive to motion, so be considerate when moving around or changing locations.

    • You can turn off your video until you're settled in a new space.

  4. Mind Your Intake:
    • Unless it's a casual gathering, limit your consumption to water, tea, or coffee to avoid distractions and to maintain professionalism.

Attending remote meetings offers numerous benefits, such as saving travel time while being actively engaged in the meeting. Continue to adapt and refine your virtual presence, while you create meaningful connections in the digital realm.

Thank you to all who accommodate remote meetings, shaping this paradigm for better communications, productivity, and camaraderie.

“…Yours truly has never worked out of an office, and never will.”
Richard Branson

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At LifeSkills Academy, we're dedicated to equipping individuals with crucial life skills. Our e-learning classes, led by seasoned business professionals, delve into Etiquette/Social Intelligence, Financial Skills, and Personal Organization. We invite you to explore our classes and join our community of continuous learners. Sign up for newsletters and class notices to stay informed about valuable life skills content. Together, let's build a foundation for success in our lives and our world.


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How to Apply Ancient Wisdom to Modern Life Skills

Written By: Chip Rudolph ~ 3/19/2024

Life skills are essential for navigating the challenges and opportunities of our everyday lives. They help us solve problems, cope with stress, communicate effectively, and achieve our goals.

But where can we learn these valuable skills? One possible source is the wisdom of the past, which has been passed down through generations in the form of proverbs, sayings, and maxims. These timeless expressions offer guidance and insight on how to live well in the present. In this blog post, we explore two examples of ancient wisdom and how they help us improve our life skills.

Don’t Bite the Hand that Feeds You

This proverb speaks to being grateful and respectful to those who help us, support us, or provide for us. It guides us not to harm or offend others, or we might lose favor and assistance. This is valuable for such life skills as:

  • BLOGPOST_ModernLifeSkills03182024.jpgRelationships - Whether family, friends, partners, or colleagues, we should value the people who care for us and contribute to our well-being. How? We can express our gratitude, show respect, and encourage their endeavors. This fosters and strengthens trust and loyalty.

  • Work: Whether an employer, client, or customer, we need to value those who give us opportunities and income. We can perform tasks diligently, follow processes and expectations, and contribute to the best of our abilities. This enhances our reputation and career prospects.

  • Action Tip:
    • Who has helped, supported, or provided for you recently?

    • How can you show gratitude and respect to them?

Consider sending them a handwritten thank-you note, genuinely complimenting them, offering support, or simply saying “I appreciate you.”

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Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch

Don’t assume or celebrate something before it happens. Being overconfident or over-optimistic can result in disappointment and even embarrassment. This is useful for such life skills as:

  • Planning: Whether for a personal or professional goal, plan carefully and realistically. Consider the possible risks/obstacles and prepare for contingencies. Don’t rely on assumptions or expectations but rather on facts and evidence.

  • Decision-making: Whether a big or small choice, weigh the pros and cons, and evaluate the alternatives. Try to act rationally and logically rather than impulsively or emotionally. Don’t be swayed by wishful thinking or peer pressure but instead follow your values and judgment.

  • Action Tip: Consider something you are hoping or expecting to happen soon.
    • How certain are you that it will happen?

    • What are the potential challenges or uncertainties?

    • How can you prepare for them?

You can research, seek knowledge/advice, make a backup plan, or simply refine your expectations.

Words of Wisdom have been observed since biblical times and respected leaders of that wisdom have been much sought after. From the Corner Home Office shares Words of Wisdom regularly.

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At LifeSkills Academy, we equip individuals with essential life skills. Our e-learning classes cover Etiquette/Social Intelligence, Financial Skills, and Personal Organization.

By merging the wisdom of experienced professionals with the curiosity of emerging generations, LifeSkills Academy is fostering a community where knowledge is shared and individuals thrive.

If you're interested in our classes, valuable life skills content, and updates, sign up for our newsletters and class notices. Join us on this journey of continuous learning and personal growth. Together, let's build a foundation for success in life and our world.


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Embracing Debt: Your Guide to Triumph

Written by David Dixon – 3/11/2024 

Debt happens – own It, tame It! Welcome to the reality of adulting, where the potential for debt is as natural as breathing. There's no shame in taking out a loan, buying a car, or securing a house on credit. The key is to manage it effectively with good planning. Remember, every dollar borrowed comes with the responsibility to pay it back, plus a bit more for interest.

BLOGPOST_EmbracingDebt03112024A.jpgYour Easy Guide to Mastering Debt Management:

  1. Automate Payments for Peace of Mind
    • Set up recurring payments to streamline your debt management.
    • Automate for a stress-free approach.

  2. Punctuality Pays Off
    • Safeguard your credit score by paying on time.
    • Avoid late fees that snowball into bigger issues.

  3. Accelerate Debt Repayment
    • Trim unnecessary expenses from your budget.
    • Seek opportunities to boost your income and speed up repayment.

  4. Borrow Smart, Not Hard
    • Research and understand your borrowing options before committing.
    • Know the terms, interest rates, and potential impacts.

  5. Tackle Credit Card Debt Head-On
    • Negotiate for lower interest rates.
    • Explore balance transfer options for better terms.

  6. Refinance for Relief
    • Consider refinancing to lower interest rates on existing loans.
    • Explore options to make your debt more manageable.

Building Resilience: Your Financial Safety Net

  1. Create an Emergency Fund
    • Life's curveballs can lead to debt; be prepared.
    • A dedicated savings account cushions the impact of unexpected events.

  2. Strategic Debt Listing
    • Itemize all debts, from mortgages to credit cards.
    • Prioritize paying high-interest debts first for maximum savings.

  3. Prioritize Smaller Debts
    • For debts with smaller amounts, prioritize those approaching credit limits.
    • Strategic management can prevent potential credit issues.

BLOGPOST_EmbracingDebt03112024B.jpgThe Path to Freedom: Post-Debt Bliss

  1. Celebrate Victory – Build Savings
    • Redirect the money used for debt payments into directed savings.
    • Create funds for emergencies, holidays, home repairs, and more.

  2. Invest in Your Future
    • Plan for major life events: replacing your car, further education, or that dream vacation.
    • Use your newfound financial freedom to enrich your life.

Managing debt isn't just about surviving; it's about thriving. Take control, follow these steps, and pave your way to a brighter, debt-free future.

As Ezra Pound wisely said,

"Wars in old times were made to get slaves.
The modern implement of imposing slavery is debt."

Break free and conquer your financial destiny!
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At LifeSkills Academy, we equip individuals with essential life skills. Our e-learning classes cover a range of topics: Etiquette/Social Intelligence, Financial Skills, and Personal Organization. What sets us apart is our dedicated team of educators—seasoned business professionals, all boasting proven success in the world of commerce.

By merging the wisdom of experienced professionals with the curiosity of emerging generations, LifeSkills Academy is fostering a community where knowledge is shared, and individuals thrive.

If you want to stay informed about our classes, valuable life skills content, and updates, we encourage you to sign up for our newsletters and class notices. Join us on the journey of continuous learning and personal growth. Let's build a foundation for success in life and our world together.


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