Tools, Tips, and Treats for Living the VA Life [September 2019]

Ahhhhh, September—one of my favorite months, when the pumpkins are almost ready (I’m basic, no shame), and the weather is good enough to keep ::cough cough:: over a hundred ::cough:: houseplants outside but cool enough to visit them beyond 6 a.m.

And where I can get away with singing this all the time:

Now that we’re in a groovy mood, check out what’s new and interesting this month for living your best VA life!

Productivity Pick-Me-Ups

Google To Fix Malicious Invites Issue For 1 Billion Calendar Users (Forbes)

Color me a mix of elated it’s getting fixed and disgusted it took so long. This is well overdue.

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No Email Should Take More than Five Minutes to Write (Zapier)

Yes, yes, YES. The opening paragraph says it all:

“We’re all drowning in email. And if you’re spending 15 minutes on every reply, no productivity system is ever going to save you. Not inbox zero, not batching, not turning off notifications—nothing. Your only hope is retirement.”

When technology actually inhibits workplace productivity (Desktime)

Great tips and ideas for getting out of your own way and GSD.

Remote Work Revolution

The Benefits of Bringing Your Whole Identity to Work (Harvard Business Review)

Written from a minority-focused perspective, this piece offers something for people of all perspectives and experiences. Speaking and listening. Acting and reasoning.

Also, take note of my complete lack of shame for talking about my own crazy plant lady ways in blog posts.

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10 small tricks that will make you feel happier, according to therapists (Business Insider)

The first trick dips into cliché territory (for a good reason!), but the rest is spot-on. Happiness relates to productivity, so give a few of these a go the next time you feel stuck.

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4 ways to overcome remote working challenges (In The Black)

Excellent things to watch for not only from a remote-working company but also for any freelancer dipping one’s toes into remove work.

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Marketing Mischief

From Instant Pot to Instagram: Critical Lessons in Startup Comunity Building (First Round Review)

Communities do not appear out of anywhere, and they take a good dose of magic to come together beautifully. This piece contains top-notch tips for creating a community with that “je ne sais quoi.”

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Trending Social Media Approaches for Businesses to Witness in 2019 (The Next Scoop)

Perhaps not all are perfect for every-sized business, but there is something here for every business.

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Diversification Tips for the Best Holiday Marketing Campaigns—And Why They Matter (Influencive)

‘Tis the season to start thinking about that season and how to craft your message and delivery.

Just for Fun

Thomas Curran: How Can We Teach Kids To Accept Imperfection? (NPR)

Could we start with teaching me to accept imperfection? #wishiwaslying

Alien enthusiasts descend on Nevada desert near secretive U.S. base (Reuters)

I am looking forward to all the alien-themed puppy memes.

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Most massive neutron star ever detected, almost too massive to exist (Science Daily)

Dude. At what point are people—scientists, specifically—going to stop putting restrictions on how big or small something is capable of being? #youareonlylimitedbyyourimagination

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What cool/fun/interesting tidbit did we miss this month? Let me know in the comments!