AltaStaff Monthly Newsletter - April 2009

April 2009
AltaStaff Advocate

Each AltaStaff newsletter offers helpful tips, local business highlights, and fab finds.
In this issue: Volunteering, a Zen office, delicious digs, and more.
April Feature:
Volunteering Inside and Out…

These days, it’s all about creative ways to connect with professionals. And while you never thought stuffing envelopes on a Thursday evening was a networking event, your paper-folding skills could lead to more than paper cuts. Volunteering could be the key to your next career step. Here are 4 tips on effectively donating your time and skills to a worthy cause:
  1. Create your own volunteer positions: The most invaluable opportunities can be the ones that you proactively offer your time and talents. Identify an organization or corporate group or mentor and make yourself available.  Your extra help could be critical in the age of tight budgets and timelines.
  2. Uncover hidden talents: Brush off your Illustrator skills to create a fund-raising invitation or lend your keen eye to proof-read a marketing proposal. Your work is a huge bonus to an organization and/or project.  It also gives you the chance to contribute at a higher level to the overall cause.
  3. Learn new skills: Take on the challenge of new systems, experiences and capabilities.  Become an expert on the CRM system or coordinate a fund-raising event. Your volunteer time can be your own learning experience and add to your resume.
  4. Engage and Interact with others: Keep your head up and bond with your fellow volunteers and colleagues. These contacts can help improve the project, your knowledge, and network. The dedication of time and effort already connects you so take the next step into learning more about them.
 

Preferred Partner:
EWI - Executive Women's Intl

There are few membership groups that I have benefited more from than the EWI organization. This group of Executive support professionals has introduced me to some of the most intelligent and capable women in Chicago and given me a chance to give back to the broader community. 

Comprised of representatives from the top companies in Chicago, EWI creates a network of Chicago professionals. Our monthly dinners and volunteer programs build these connections while giving back to community. From a WTTW sponsorship drive to organizing the scholarship program, this group has given me the chance to learn more about myself and helping the people around me.


Desk Bling: Zen Office

Averaging 3 caffeinated units a day, there are few items that relax our racing minds and heart rates. The Zen Blocks at Esty.com, a mature version of building blocks, provide us with a moment of quiet reflection. It must have something to do with the delicate art of balancing these shapely wooden blocks to create towers and arches. With a continued dependence on our daily coffee/tea dosage, it is nice to escape with a little zen-like construction project. $23.50
www.zenblocks.com

 

Lunch for a Lincoln ($5): Harry's Sandwich Shop

After traveling around the proverbial globe in search of lunchtime variety, there’s something about the simple pleasure of a sub sandwich. For our fix, we head down to Harry’s Sandwich Shop in the Monadnock building. Their straight-forward menu and size options give you just the right amount of choice and variety. Plus with most options under five dollars, we can splurge on a delicious Black Cat brownie, around the corner, at Intelligentsia for dessert!
Harry's Sandwich Shop, 336 S Dearborn, Chicago, IL



AltaStaff is a WBE/BEP certified, woman-owned staffing agency specializing in Executive and Administrative Support, Customer Service, Financial Administration and Technology Support.

AltaStaff – a boutique staffing agency | 53 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 1028, Chicago, IL 60604 | 312-408-9990
www.altastaff.com


In our next issue: Summer in Chicago | Preferred Chicago Partner | Desk Accessory | Lunch for a Lincoln

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