Visio is the ultimate diagramming application that employs intuitive vector graphics. Also known as geometric modeling and object-oriented graphics, uses geometric “primitives" – points, lined, curves and polygons – which are based on mathematical equations. It is the approach taken in some art schools, where students are taught to create complex shapes from simple geometric ones. In the same manner, users will be able to create complex diagrams using nothing more than simple Vision shapes.
If you have ever attempted to create charts and diagrams from raster graphic editing applications, you will appreciate the advantages of Visio’s vector-based approach. With the vector graphics used in Visio templates, file size remains small, regardless of the actual size of the image – meaning it won’t take up large amounts of space on a hard drive. What’s even better, moving, scaling, or even rotating your image won’t degrade image quality.
Anyone who is familiar with the drawing tools integrated into Microsoft office will master MS Visio in no time. Whether you are in business or technology – or both – Visio drawing tools will give you the power to visualize and communicate complex ideas as well as illustrate the inner workings of information paths and system design.
A large selection of Visio templates are available to get you started. If you are having trouble deciding where to start, Visio 2007 has numerous samples as well as data-connected diagram templates that will jump-start your creativity.
A great feature of Visio is the ability to integrate charts and diagrams with data from other sources. Visio’s Data Link functionality allows you to link your diagrams to data from other MS programs such as Excel and PowerPoint – and the Automatic Link Wizard simplifies the process tremendously.
This integration feature spares you from the need to constantly re-enter data in order to update information when necessary. Visio 2007 includes the new Data Refresh feature, which allows you to update date with a couple of mouse clicks. If you prefer, you can create a macro which does this automatically at scheduled intervals. And if you’re concerned about data conflicts when such data changes, you’ll be glad to know about Visio’s new Refresh Conflicts task pane, where you can deal with small problems quickly and easily before they can cause large problems.
It is a scientific fact that using a variety of learning modalities will add to the effectiveness of any presentation. Visio is an excellent addition to your set of business tools, addressing the needs of visual as well as text-oriented learners when you need to disseminate important information to your organization or development team.
What are the seemingly harmless white lies they tell?
How about this one left on Voice Mail: "I'm in a meeting or helping another client."
Or how about the one that comes to mind when a gatekeeper asks, "Is he expecting your call?"
Then, of course there are those who have heard "No" and decide call back with a disguised voice including the female sales person who calls with a low, sultry, voice, asking for the prospect by his first name.
Stories about colleagues who practice these white lies bring raucous laughter, tears of amusement and a shaking of heads at sales meetings. Even a few Company presidents chuckle and say "Sales are sales ?if it works, what's the harm!"
And I look ?em straight in the eye, tell ?em what harm is done, and what they need to look out for from the few sales professionals who use these tactics.
"White lies" give the appearance of being a harmless means to a profitable end, but ?
Let's look a bit closer as we count the costs.
This email message, "I'm away from my desk or on the line with another client right now" is a bad habit and an especially ineffective bad habit if your goal is to do business with high-level decision-makers.
Take it out of context for a minute so you can see and feel the impact of that kind of message.
If you called the office of President George W. Bush after hours what would you think if you received a voice mail message saying, "I'm either in a meeting or on the line with another citizen right now, please leave a message and I'll call you back"
Sounds goofy, fake, and wimpy-doesn't it? So does yours.
This kind of message reflects your need to explain yourself, which in turn is the habit of a person who belongs at the lower levels of an organization. Lower level employees by virtue of their job description must always explain themselves to their superiors.
You don't need to explain yourself. They called you and can leave a message. PERIOD.
When the executive assistant asks, "Is he expecting your call," some sales persons experience momentary brain freeze.
In a split second they are faced with a dilemma of character that demands a decision be made. The sales pro wonders, "Should I say, ?Yes' because that's what it might take to get me through? or tell the truth and risk losing contact with the decision maker?"
And then there is the disguised, sultry voice thing. What's up with that? Do they really think the executive assistant won't catch on to that? Yeah, right!
Here's the common thread that runs throughout these lame lies.
The conduct we choose is a clear reflection of our character.
During my study of the impact of character, a company president, Bill, shared this story:
I decided to do random drug testing throughout my company. I wanted to be fair and knew to do so I needed to randomly test all levels of employees, myself and the other executives included.
I decided ahead of time that if the tests results came back positive for drug use, I'd discuss this with the employee and give the person one of two options. He/she could chose to resign or to stay employed with us at no reduction in pay if he/she chooses to go through a drug detoxification-rehabilitation program at the company's expense.
I was surprised and sadden that several of my executive-level colleagues tested positive for narcotics. And every person who tested "positive" insisted "The tests are wrong" and opted to resign from the company-rather than admit to the truth and take advantage of free help.
This business leader learned how a person presents himself is an issue of character. Character determines behavior. A person who has the character of a liar is devoted to telling-even to the point of refusing free help and losing a good job.
What traits do your behaviors reveal about your character? Regular use of words that reflect integrity are a good choice with which to start your prospect-client relationships, or for that matter, any relationships!
Both Jonathan Blocker & Leslie Buterin are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jonathan Blocker has sinced written about articles on various topics from Cars, Jewelry and Golf Guide. Jonathon Blocker has been a visio developer since the softwares' inception. In this informative article he offers everyone from sales professionals to the expert visio programmer unique insights into learning the wide array of tools included within the. Jonathan Blocker's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.