What's the greatest gain....

[andream]

The one thing that you think has most improved the profession in the last ten years,, and we rule out by it's obvious presence....The computer.

So what else has changed the way you work?

Enquiring mind

[Jackie G]

If we're allowed to add something that's part of using a computer, I would say email.  Having been self employed for 11 years, if you'd said to me then that I would manage to have a client in Dubai (UAE) and work at such a long distance electronically, I wouldn't have thought it possible - but it was, and is!

I certainly find I print a lot less work for clients now - they just want it emailed to them for them to manipulate/add to other documents etc

Jackie
www.iqps.org
DeskDemon Forum Board Staff

[radaro]

Cell phone (okay and laptop but we can't say the "c" word).  It allows me to get away from my desk and still be accessible.  My boss can find me anywhere in the building (except the bathroom) when he needs me so he never has to panic.  And  I can work from home when my kids are sick and the client in none the wiser.

Oh, yeah and the off button on the cell phone so that I can turn it off when I no longer need or want to be accessible.

[bethalize]

The changes in the education system at school level.

Bethalize
Deskdemon Forum Board Staff

[countrigal]

Voicemail... freeing a lot of us from having to be the eternal phone answerer.  "No, Bob is not in.  Can I take a message?--for the 14th time?"

CountriGal
Deskdemon Editorial Board Member

[chris68]

Fax Machine gets my vote.  Where oh where would we be without em.

Chris68
Deskdemon Forum Board Staff

[mlm668]

I'm not sure how much this as improved things overall, but I would have to chime in with the Scanner.  

Our Accounting software now offers a module for document imaging that my co-worker and I would love to have.  This would allow her to scan in invoices and back up as she inputs the data and do away with the digging through files for old invoices and sending paper copies back and forth to the jobsites for coding and approval.  Paper can get misplaced so easily that way and it would eliminate having to call for duplicate copies.



Michelle

Edited by mlm668 on 30/05/02 03:43 PM.

[beaintheuk]

Access to the Internet: a wealth of information. I can order stationery, flight tickets, rail tickets, computer goods, do research on companies for my boss, get location maps, find hotels and venues, etc  I go on and on.... (and of course relax on Deskdemon! )
Bea

[holly]

I'd have to say voicemail and e-mail ... both are an absolute godsend!!

[superninjaadmin]

Hmmm... I would have to say the improvement regarding the general / overall culture and attitude (meaning boss's and company's respect) for secretaries and admins and the roles and responsibilities we now hold in the workplace.  I remember when we used to be the "coffee girl" or the "girl friday" or just the "girl" who just took phone messages.  Granted, there are those companies that are still stuck in the dark ages, but culture-wise, a lot has changed for the role of secretary and admin.  

I hope I answered your question correctly, Andrea!  

SNA

[andream]

Well let's hope you're doing more than relaxing here Bea, and after next month, I think you'll be doing ALL your business travel stuff at DD as we Launch TRAVELPORT, business travel booking set up by PA's for PA's Ain't technology great?!

No more stringing together ten websites, book tickets, get maps, weather, expense forms, country information all from a single webpage We hope you like it when it premieres!

[ozbound]

I agree--definitely the improvement in attitudes and the level of respect we receive.  I think bosses are generally realizing their offices would fall apart without us admins!  The bosses here appreciate the work we do. I still wish I made more money but well, I suppose that will always be the case!