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June 2019
7462 Old Hickory Drive, Mechanicsville, VA 23111 • www.sklartechnology.com • 804-730-2628
Hey, this is Jake Sklar, Randy’s son. Our Dad
A Message From Jake, Madelyn, and Alyssa
a super cool trip with just the two of us, and we had a lot of fun. Between touring different schools, we ate a lot of great food, went shopping, took a ghost tour of the city, visited the 9/11 memorial, and saw “Kinky Boots” on Broadway. It was a great trip, and in the end, I’m pretty sure I picked out the college I’m going to attend. I loved being able to spend quality time with my dad. I’m only at his house every other week, and we’re both so busy that I don’t get to see him much. But he’s a good dad, and he’s always pushed me to work hard and get good grades. Touring campuses and falling in love with my future school made me realize what all that hard work was for. He’s a great dad, and I think he’s done a good job. I’ve been able to spend a lot of one-on-one time with my dad recently. Since my siblings are older and busy with their own things, it’s often just my dad and me during dinner. We usually go out to eat somewhere and spend time talking about almost anything. It’s really nice to be able to talk my problems out with my dad. He has taught me a lot of valuable life lessons, and he’s always ready to “real talk” and give it to me straight. When we discuss the future, he doesn’t sugarcoat it. –Madelyn
I’ve been working at Sklar Technology Partners with my dad for a while, learning the ropes and helping with marketing. With Father’s Day coming up, my sisters and I have decided to take over the front page of the newsletter to share stories about the Randy many of you have never met — our awesome dad. My No. 1 passion in life is hockey. I’ve been playing since I was 10 years old. When I was younger, my dad would take my cousin and me to hockey tournaments out of town. It was on those trips that my dad and I became pretty close. Dad has always been really into nutrition. He taught us how to eat good, healthy food that would help us play better on the ice. He’s always tried to show us what it’s like to be a leader and compete on a higher level. Now that I’ve started working with him, I see a lot of that in his business. He is always looking for ways to improve himself and the company. My dad is the sort of person who always pushes himself further. That’s definitely a motivator for me. He’s a good, positive influence to be around, and I’m glad to have him in my life.
“You have to get a job,” he has said. “And life is going to be stressful at times. But whatever you decide to do with your life, I’ll be here to support you.” It feels really good to have that kind of support, especially since I’m 16 and have no idea what I want to do with my life! But whatever I choose, I know my dad will be there for me, offering great advice along the way. I’m lucky to have such a great dad.
–Jake
–Alyssa
This past April, my dad took me to New York City to tour a bunch of college campuses. It was
Happy Father’s Day, Dad! We all agree that you’re pretty great.
A REFERRAL IS THE HIGHEST FORM OF FLATTERY. WHEN A CLIENT REFERS FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES TO US, IT REPRESENTS AN APPRECIATION OF A JOB WELL-DONE. IF YOUR FRIENDS OR ASSOCIATES COULD BENEFIT FROM OUR SERVICES, I’D BE HONORED TO HAVE YOUR REFERRAL!
The 3 Cardinal Rules of Effective Email Communication
On Jan. 14, 2020, Microsoft will end support for Windows 7. Windows 7 was first launched on July 22, 2009, and despite being a decade old, this operating system is still a fond favorite. Netmarketshare found that Windows 7 is still used on 39 percent of all PCs, both at home and in business. Considering the many difficulties users faced with first installing Windows 10 — including an update from last year that resulted in missing files — it’s not surprising that many users chose to stick with the old and familiar. However, with the end-of-life date looming, it’s time to start planning that upgrade. Mainstream support for Windows 7 ended on Jan. 13, 2015, when new features stopped being added and warranty claims were no longer valid. The last four years have been the extended support phase. During this phase, Microsoft still patched and updated the operating system, addressing security issues and bugs. When the end-of-life hits on Jan. 14, 2020, this security support ends as well, and PCs still running on Windows 7 will be at risk. While you will still be able to use Windows 7 after the end-of-life date, we advise against it. Microsoft will no longer be releasing new patches for viruses or security problems for Windows 7, which means PCs using the operating system will be vulnerable to new threats. The massive WannaCry ransomware attack that swept the globe in 2017 was a cryptoworm that took advantage of security flaws in Windows systems that were past their end-of-life date. Now is the time to start planning to upgrade to a new operating system. Some people might switch to a new kind of operating system altogether, but the simplest option for most people and businesses will be to upgrade to Windows 10. This will require purchasing a Windows 10 license and making sure your hardware can run the new operating system, so take some time to fit this into your budget. Note: Don’t try to save a few bucks by upgrading to Windows 8 instead. Windows 8 enters end-of-life on Jan. 10, 2023, which means you’ll find yourself in the same position sooner than you might like. The End (of Windows 7) Is Nigh! Microsoft Ends Support for Windows 7 in 2020
Don’t Be ‘That Guy’
The average businessperson reads and composes more than 120 emails every day, but there is an overwhelming amount of business emails that seem to be written with no apparent regard for the reader. A massive chunk of people’s workdays is wasted wading through irrelevant, unclear, or incomprehensible messages. To remedy this issue, it’s vital to understand the keys to effective online communication, both to stem the tide of annoying and unnecessary emails and to protect your reputation as a professional. Here are three rules for effective email communication. When your message is sitting in an inbox packed with dozens of others, it’s essential to respect your reader’s time. Make the contents of the message clear from a glance at the subject line. Your subject line is what will draw the attention of the recipient — or lead them to skip over it altogether — so be specific and relevant. In the body of the email, your reason for emailing, as well as all the important points, should be immediately clear. Keep it as concise and as transparent as possible. Many professionals assume that the need for brevity means they can get away with short, robotic missives. Managers are especially guilty of this, sending out single-sentence messages in all lowercase letters with nary an emotion. We get it; you’re busy. But it’s worth taking an extra moment of your time to craft an email that carries the human element as well. It’s important to take a professional tone and to keep communication brief, but you can still write, to some degree, like you talk. This will show recipients that you take communicating with them seriously. 1. Tighten it up. 2. Write like a human being.
3. For the love of all that is holy, reply to the emails you receive.
Again, you’re busy, and you’ve got to prioritize your work, but consistently ignoring emails is a clear sign of negligence and will make you unpopular among your coworkers. If you don’t have time to think of a clear answer, a simple confirmation that you received the message goes a long way. While you can safely ignore all those companywide filler emails you receive each week, you need to show your coworkers and contacts that you’re willing to put in a little effort and that you’re on top of your responsibilities.
Time to Reorganize
A Messy Desk Will Kill Your Productivity
Scientists at the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute have found that our brains prefer order. Disorganization makes it harder for the brain to focus on tasks. A Cornell University study also found that clutter can trigger cortisol, the stress hormone. Too much cortisol can lead to anxiety and depression. While research from the University of Minnesota did find that a little mess can encourage creativity, your environment won’t create something that isn’t there. Creative people may have messier desks, but a messy desk won’t automatically turn you into a creative genius. If you find yourself unhappy or distracted by the mess at your desk, block off time on the calendar and spend a day cleaning up and tossing out old papers. While you’re at it, here are a few tips to reinvent your workspace: • Add a scent like a candle or oil diffuser • Get rid of books you have read or will never read • Buy a more comfortable chair • Mount your monitor on the wall or with an arm that clamps to the desk • Treat yourself to a brand-new desk Refreshing your space can do more to spark creativity and productivity than that old, distracting mess ever will.
When faced with criticism for their messy workspace, many people have been comforted by the common claim, “A messy desk is a sign of genius. Just look at Einstein.”While it’s true Albert Einstein wasn’t exactly a neat freak, modeling your desk after his cleaning habits isn’t the best way to spark productivity. Before you let that stack of papers on your desk grow any bigger, there’s some recent research you may want to consider. A study from the University of Michigan found that having a messy desk may negatively impact your coworkers’ perception of you. Psychologists had 160 people sit in a researcher’s office that was either clean and orderly or messy. After sitting in the office, participants were asked to guess the personality of the researcher. Those with a messy office were not rated favorably. “When there are cues related to less cleanliness, order, organization and more clutter in an owner’s primary territory, perceivers ascribe lower conscientiousness to the owner,” said lead study author Terrence Horgan, professor of psychology at UM-Flint. Messy desks and offices were assumed to belong to people who were emotionally unstable and difficult to get along with. Beyond giving a bad impression to those around you, that messy desk could also be negatively impacting your own behavior and mental health.
Inspired by Food & Wine magazine
Zucchini Salad With Toasted Hazelnuts
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped • Mint leaves, for garnish • Parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano- Reggiano, for garnish
• 3 small zucchini (3/4 lb.) • 1/2 tsp lemon zest, grated • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions 1. Using a mandolin or very sharp knife, slice zucchini lengthwise into extremely thin, wide ribbons. 2. Arrange zucchini ribbons on a plate, sprinkle with lemon zest, and drizzle with juice. 3. Drizzle oil over zucchini, season with salt and pepper, and toss. 4. Scatter hazelnuts over the top, garnish with mint and cheese, and serve.
7462 Old Hickory Drive Mechanicsville, VA 23111 www.sklartechnology.com 804-730-2628
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Inside This Issue
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Happy Father’s Day The 3 Cardinal Rules of Effective Email Communication Still Using Windows 7? Your Time is Running Out Is a Messy Desk Really a Sign of Genius? Zucchini Salad With Toasted Hazelnuts Are All Green Foods the Same?
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It’s All Green to Me The Best Green Foods to Add to the Menu
diet tend to have a lower risk for Alzheimer’s disease. It’s all the more reason to enjoy that avocado toast!
You need to eat more green foods.
Edamame Looking for a filling mid-afternoon snack? Skip the potato chips and help yourself to some edamame. These Japanese soybeans are a familiar sight on sushi menus, but they’re also readily available in the freezer section of your local grocery store. Edamame is delicious and a great source of protein, making it the perfect snack. Watercress Step aside, kale; here’s the real queen of green. With more calcium than milk, more iron than spinach, and more vitamin C than an orange, watercress is one of the best greens you’re not eating. With all of these extra vitamins, watercress has been shown to improve heart health, bone health, and even act as an antidepressant. Next time you need a pick- me-up, consider a watercress salad. Your whole body will thank you! Bad childhood encounters with canned spinach or steamed Brussels sprouts are why many people avoid green veggies. But the produce section is full of tasty, healthy options waiting to appear on your dinner plate and improve your well-being.
No, this doesn’t mean green Skittles. Green vegetables comprise one of the most important food groups,
and most people aren’t eating enough of them. But if you do decide to
get more nutrients from green veggies, remember that not all greens are created equal. Dark leafy spinach is basically a superfood, offering protein, iron, vitamin A, and tons of minerals. Meanwhile, iceberg lettuce or celery may fill your stomach up, but they offer little to no nutritional value.
Next time you’re at the grocery store, keep an eye out for these top-rated green vegetables that are both delicious and nutritious.
Avocado They’re tasty, they’re trendy, and they’re great for your eyes. Avocados are a great source of an antioxidant called lutein, which improves eye health. They’re also rich in vitamin E. Researchers have recently noted that people who get most of their vitamin E from their
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