Joel Heffner

My First Day as a Teacher

Joel Heffner — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 00:18:36 +0000

I regularly observed one of the finest social studies teachers in New York City, who was then the Chairman of the Social Studies Department at Hunter College High School, and I later was a student teacher at Stuyvesant High School, one of the most prestigious in the country. My first day as a teacher, back in 1969, was pretty scary and exciting at the same time. And then I encountered Evelyn, who was a bit talkative. When I told her that if she didn’t stop disrupting the class, I would have to tell the Dean, she smiled (showing her eight missing front teeth) and told me not to worry because she only came in to see who I was. She never came to school again. Although I was trained by the best, they never prepared me for Evelyn.

Waiting for emergencies…

Joel Heffner — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 02:46:03 +0000

Too often we wait for an emergency before we consider big changes. Why? Wouldn’t it be better if we think about major changes before we need them? Things to consider…

Would you design your office differently?

Would you hire the same people?

Would we use the same tools?

Change now, before you have to.

What I learned from P.J.

Joel Heffner — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 12:24:55 +0000

P.J. was a Pug.

One can learn a lot from Pugs. Here are some of the things he taught me.

1. Wag your tail when you’re happy.

2. Play with toys.

3. Cookies are good for you.

4. Treat others nicely.

5. Don’t bark when you’re angry.

6. Beware of those who don’t like you.

7. Take a nap.

Yes, P.J. taught me a lot.

How NOT to pass the Jackass Test…

Joel Heffner — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 04:11:35 +0000

Bloggers often try to promote their blogs by creating some controversy. There are two kinds of controversy: positive and negative. Positive controversy is when you say something that will provoke thought and comments, especially by those who disagree. Negative controversy is when you say something deliberately meant to hurt an individual’s feelings in order to provoke comments. If you are an expert at negative controversy…you pass the Jackass Test!

Will you be using Apple’s Pages software…soon?

Joel Heffner — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:33:52 +0000

Microsoft has just about cornered the market when it comes to word processing software. Word is used by more people than any other software by a wide margin. However, Apple has been offering its own word processor for the Mac for a long time. Apple’s Pages is only available for Macs, Windows users don’t have a version for them. However, if you are planning on using an iPad get ready to use Pages there as well. So far, there is no Word for iPad. There is a Pages for iPad. If you, like so many others, are itching to get an iPad…you’ll probably be using Pages soon.

Lessons learned following bypass surgery…

Joel Heffner — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:37:16 +0000

In February, I had quadruple bypass surgery. Before the surgery, I couldn’t walk from one room to another without having to sit down. Three things have since happened that should make everyone take notice.

1. While in the hospital, I was told I would have to monitor sugar levels and take insulin for a while. One nurse gave me the wrong information on how to take the insulin.

2. When I renewed heart medication, CVS gave me the WRONG medication.

3. Today, while at cardio rehab, a lady was given the wrong instructions on her walking rate. She had been going at 1.5 miles per hour and was told to go at 2.0 miles per hour…a huge jump for a 92 year old!

Mistakes happen. It’s unfortunate that so many happen to folks who can ill take it. Fortunately, (knocking on wood) all these errors were noticed before they did any damage.

Beware of what your doctor and medical people tell you. Ask questions. Double check.

Be careful!

The 0-7-0 Rule for Speakers

Joel Heffner — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:45:05 +0000

If you use PowerPoint or Keynote, try your best to reduce the number of words that you use on your slides. Remember, in the olden days of 35mm slides, we usually didn’t use words at all because it was so hard to add them to a slide! To me, slides are much more effective without words. If you must use words, try the 0-7-0 Rule for Speakers. Simply stated, no two consecutive slides should have words. The most words on any given slide should be seven. Try it. You can live with fewer words and so can your audience.

Classroom to Boardroom Tips

Joel Heffner — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 15:41:23 +0000

Classroom to Boardroom…tips my students taught me that you can use in the boardroom.

Brush your teeth.

Don’t be boring.

Tell stories.

Don’t yell at people.

Be strict, but fair.

People don’t like unpleasant surprises.

If someone yells at you respond softly.

If you’re finished, stop talking.

You never know when you’ve done something memorable.

Apologize when you are wrong.

Wear different outfits as often as possible.

Wear outrageous ties occasionally.

Make fun of yourself often.

Compliment in public, criticize in private.

If you want something done by a particular day, make it a Monday.

Penalize things done late.

Photography Tips for Writers

Joel Heffner — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 14:48:52 +0000

Sometimes it helps to be able to take a good picture of what you are writing about. However, editors expect digital images of high quality. Here are some tips for writers who would like to know what editors are looking for.

1. If it is not sharp do not even think about submitting it.
2. The photograph should be at least 300 dpi. If you don’t know what that means…find out.
3. Do not alter the image except for cropping.
4. Take as many angles as possible.
5. Move in or zoom in to show details.
6. Use a digital camera that is at least 6 megapixels.
7. Do not change the file from a .jpg to a .gif to make it smaller.
8. If you take pictures of people, get written permission to use their images.
9. Finally, check with the publication before you submit pictures. Know exactly what their requirements may be.

Get out those cameras…

Biz Tips from Your Camera

Joel Heffner — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 14:44:36 +0000

Cameras are very wise. Your business could benefit from listening to the tips that come from cameras. Here are some tips from your camera…

1. In order to successfully take pictures, you must be prepared. In the olden days, that meant having enough film. Today, you need charged batteries and memory cards.

2. To get a really good picture, you have to move in closer.

3. Concentrate! If you don’t hold your camera still, you get a fuzzy view of what’s in front of you.

4. Keep shooting. If you take only one shot, you may miss a chance to take a great picture.

5. Shoot now, you can fix it later. With all kinds of available software, you can alter what you’ve got to make it better.

Applying camera tips to your business…

1. Like your camera, you need to prepare for business success. Consider what you need and get it.

2. Finding your niche, like moving in closer with a camera, is essential in today’s changing marketplace.

3. It’s easy to get carried away and think too much in business. You really need to concentrate on what you are doing, like you do with a camera.

4. Some products fail, just like some shots are clunkers. Move on. Your best product may be your next product.

5. Fine tuning your business is pretty easy. There are programs for everything.

Yes, your camera can teach you plenty about business. Listen to it and use it. It’s also fun.