The big news on DeskDemon.com this month is the launch of our new technology centre - WorkSmart. We're really excited by this brand new section, and we're looking forward to helping you to work smarter without working harder!

This month, HP kick off with the first article in a series on time management, as well as giving tips on using imagery to add punch to your documents. Microsoft look at using software to change the way you work, plus they introduce you to Crabby Lady, their resident IT know it all. She'll be dispensing straight talking technology advice over the coming months.

On top of that there are tons of templates and downloads to help make your day easier, plus great articles on everything from learning to back up your PC to finding out exactly what cookies are and how to manage them.

For all this and much, much, more, check out WorkSmart by clicking here.

Back by popular demand, is our look at the daily lives of admin professionals from around the UK. Each month we'll speak to a different person to hear about the ups and downs of a typical day. This time round Tracy Grafton tells all about life as a medical secretary to a consultant surgeon. She also gives tips on the qualifications and skills you'll need to follow her into the world of medicine. Here's a taster...

I've worked in healthcare for twenty one years, although not all of those have been as a medical secretary. After gaining my AMSPAR Diploma in Medical Secretarial Studies (as it was called then) my first job was as a medical secretary in the Microbiology Department at St Thomas' Hospital in London. After that, I worked in a variety of London hospitals before moving into NHS management. When my husband was appointed as director of human resources in Leicester, I decided to return to the job I loved best - medical secretary.

My job involves maintaining my consultant's diary, typing clinic letters, discharge summaries, operation notes, operating lists and medical reports. I also take queries from GPs, patients and relatives or carers regarding expected admission or operation dates. I sort out clinic appointments; chase results; bring to the attention of the doctors any abnormal results; give patients their results; arrange emergency admissions (when patients or relatives ring to say they are unwell); liaise with the clinical nurse specialists, medical students and other doctors in my consultant's firm regarding patient care issues; obtain notes and x-rays from other hospitals when patients have been referred...as you can see, the list is endless!

To read the rest of this article, click here

If you would like to be the star of a future Day in the Life article, email editoruk@deskdemon.com

Do you find yourself taking on more and more just because you don't want to say no? Well this latest article from our woman in the field, Lee Morrisey, will help you to say no without appearing awkward, or even worse, lazy! Here's a sneak peak...

Saying 'no' can sometimes be a tricky business as Nancy Reagan found out about 20 years ago. No-one wants to be seen as an awkward cuss, never willing to give a hand, but neither do you want to be put upon. As someone once memorably wrote "Your lack of planning is not my crisis". There are ways of delivering your 'no' that are clear and helpful.

Stand your ground
The broken record approach of repeating a key phrase is effective, and it's always a good idea to be ready with a conversation stopper too. Something along the lines of: "As I have already explained, I can't help with your project work at the moment but I can help you find another colleague who can. If you'd like me to help you now, I will, but otherwise I must get back to my work". This can help circumvent 20 minutes of being asked the same thing over and over as your requester attempts to wear you down by a process of attrition. Needless to say, a calm tone of voice and unhurried delivery will help with getting over the message in a pleasant but professional way.

Keep it positive
If you choose to refuse something, you can always offer other ways to resolve the problem. Can you assist in finding another colleague who can help out? Can you help at a later date? Saying "I need to finish this work first and then I can help you on Thursday", draws your boundary but gives your requester the clear signal that you are willing to help, you just aren't able to do so at the moment.

We all know how important security has become at airports, but it's no less frustrating to arrive at the carousel to find your luggage damaged, or even worse, missing completely. Our travel expert, Graeme Payne, offers hints to help the travellers in your company to recover baggage safely and in one piece. Here's a taster...

In the past, a suitcase damaged during a journey received rapid attention from the airline or handling agent and was soon replaced or repaired. Increased security however, especially in the USA, means that more cases are opened behind the scenes, and the security staff concerned take no responsibility for damage caused in the process. For many years, American carriers have taken the view that luggage is designed to protect its contents and no compensation can be expected for a damaged suitcase.

It's not unusual for an innocently locked case to arrive on the carousel at the end of a journey with broken locks and a note inside indicating that the airline bears no responsibility for the damage. With this in mind, remember that all valuable articles - except sharp objects - should be carried in a passenger's hand baggage and the suitcase should not be locked. Clear labels should be placed on the outside and inside of the case indicating the owner's name and address.

Baggage has become a fashionable accessory with designers competing for market share. The most popular suitcases are sometimes picked up by the wrong traveller and it is often a good idea to choose a coloured case or tie a bright strap around a popular model to make sure that you pick up the right bag from the carousel.

To read the rest of this article, click here.

Stay tuned to DeskDemon throughout April for all of this and more:

It's your week!
As we've said before, our Administrative Professionals Week celebrations are on the way, so look out for tons of prizes and giveaways, plus plenty of articles celebrating you and your job and giving hints and tips for advancing your career.

Spotlight on Bristol
Our tour around the UK with Conference Solutions by Expotel continues to the historic city of Bristol. The events experts will give you the low-down on heaps of venues in the city, whether you're looking for something sporting, modern, unusual or historical.

Managing meetings
They're a necessary part of everyday life for almost everyone out there, so how do you keep on top of all those meetings and get togethers without tearing your hair out? PA and writer Suzanne Brown will offer her top tips for managing meetings.

Going green
There will be plenty of new reads in the lifestyle section this month. In the start of a new series of 'green' articles, we look at how you can become more environmentally friendly in your daily life. Plus there will be updates on health, beauty and home life.