Backpack:
Mask
Hand sanitizer
Notebooks
Folders
Binders
Laptop or tablet
Lunchbox:
Water bottle
Containers
Cutlery
Gym Bag:
Running shoes
Extra pair of clothes
Towel
Headband or hair elastics
Is there something else that our list is lacking? Let us know in the comments below!
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]]>While online meetings were around well before 2020, they became a critical tool for remote work worldwide. Even as employees return to the office, many companies are offering the option for continued remote work. Since it looks like online meetings are here to stay, it's important to run them in the most effective way possible. Here are some tips on how to have a successful online meeting.
Prepare technology training in advance
Not everyone is familiar with video software and a good chunk of time is often wasted during meetings on "technical difficulties." If possible, plan for training ahead of time so that everyone is aware of the basic camera, audio, mic and chat functions.
Have an agenda
Just like you should fr an in-person meeting, prepare an agenda and distribute it ahead of time. Assign someone to take minutes and provide appropriate times for participants to speak.
Keep it short or split in two
Video meetings can be incredibly draining and harder to stay focused in, especially if the participants are already looking at a screen all day. Keep the meeting brief or split the session into two parts. Also, if the topic can be easily sent in an email, is a meeting worth it?
Cater to all learners
There are four times of learning styles: visual, auditory and kinesthetic. A good teacher will prepare lessons that cater to all three, and if you'd like to keep your participants engaged, you should too. Involve your audience by including written portions, videos, whiteboard activities, breakaway groups, etc. If you'd like to give your participants time away from the screen, incorporate tools such as SmartSheets, which are reusable whiteboard sheets that cling to surfaces using static electricity.
Schedule breaks
If your meeting is more than an hour in length, you should schedule breaks. As previously mentioned, video meetings can be more draining than in-person and your participants will likely burn out quicker. Give them time to take a quick walk, stretch, use the bathroom and get something to eat.
Are you currently running or participating in webinars or online learning? We want to hear from you! Take this short survey and we will send you a discount code for 10% off your next SmartSheets order!
Thanks in advance!
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]]>Ask for feedback and suggestions on how to improve workplace positivity.
Develop a workplace mental health strategy
Make sure your company sets guidelines and parameters to create and sustain a mentally healthy organization.
Ensure all staff are aware of mental health supports
Have resources and memos posted on the company's bulletin board.
Prioritize wellness
Offer healthy options in your vending machines and cafeterias and free or discounted gym memberships.
Encourage work-life balance
Don't expect employees to work extra hours outside of their scheduled time. Offer to let employees leave early on long weekends or Fridays and make sure they take regular holidays.
What are some ways that your organization promotes positive mental health?
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]]>It's just about time we wave goodbye to the old year and hello to the new one! 2020 has been challenging for many, so it comes as no surprise that people are once again thinking about their New Year's resolutions. Whether your goal is to become more productive at work, advance your career or focus on your mental health, it's smart to have a plan in place to help you succeed. Here's how you can create an action plan to help you reach your goals.
Put your resolutions in writing
Choose your main goals and either write them down or create a vision board. Jotting them down will help the goals seem more concrete. Place your resolutions in a highly visible space so that you are reminded of them regularly.
Set a timeframe to complete each goal
Will it take a full year? A few months? A week? Be realistic with how long it will take. You may have to adjust your time frame along the way
Determine your "why?"
Why do you have this goal? Is it healthy for you? Identify why it's important to you- if it isn't, then maybe it's a goal not meant to be.
Figure out your actions
List every step that needs to be taken to get you from point A to point Z. You might find that these steps also need to be broken down into even smaller ones. Make sure you set a timeframe for these action items as well.
Give yourself reminders
Whether it's an alarm on your phone, a memo on your SmartSheets or a Post-it note, keep the path to attaining your goals on track.
What are your goals for this year? Do you have a plan for staying on track?
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Make a list
Once you have a solid budget, plan your gift list, menus and holiday cleaning. Get your family involved by hanging a To-Do list in a visible area in your home and assign tasks to each person.
Declutter before the holidays
Go through the kid's toy room, bedrooms and closets and donate or sell items that they no longer use. It also helps you get a sense of what items your family might be in need of! You should also go through your holiday decorations and once again, donate or sell any of the ones that don't get used.
Shop early on
With lockdowns looming in many places, it's a good idea to purchase your presents well in advance. Even better, stay home and order your gifts online or use a delivery service/curbside pickup.
Mail your parcels sooner
With restrictions on family gatherings, it's a good idea to mail your presents to relatives you won't be visiting early on. Expect shipping delays with the increase of online shopping and mailing of gifts.
How do you get ready for the holidays? Let us know in the comment below!
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Connect with other homeschoolers
Join homeschool Facebook groups to share resources, plan meetups and schedule activities. You can even create a homeschooling pod with other families.
Have a designated homeschool space
Even if it's just the kitchen table! Having a spot to keep all of your supplies helps you stay organized and on track. Hint: Use SmartSheets for a portable whiteboard that won't leave marks on your walls.
Customize their education
The plus side of homeschooling is that you can tailor learning to each child's interests. For example, does your kid enjoy cooking? Have them practise reading, writing and math skills by planning a recipe, purchasing the ingredients and cooking their dish.
Ease into it
If your kids have been in school up until this point, it's probably helpful for everyone to have an adjustment period rather than jumping right in after a school break. Start slow with one or two subjects to help you and your family adjust to the new dynamics.
Learn together
Turn homeschooling into a family affair! Have you always wanted to learn a new language or sport? Tackle it together!
Find free resources
There are tons of bloggers who have shared their experiences with homeschooling online. Search Pinterest for ideas and don't be afraid to ask questions!
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]]>SmartSheets are often used in the workplace for meetings, note-taking and training. But what are some other ways you can use SmartSheets? Check out this list below!
1. Study tools for students
2. Planning board for workshop projects
3. Shade screen (on windows)
4. Workout Routines in the home gym
5. Display school pictures, projects, report cards and artwork
6. Posting notices at community events
7. Coaching in the team locker room
8. Message board for family
9. Viewing screen (for projectors/PowerPoint)
10. Privacy (on windows)
11. Drawing and doodling
12. Recording club meetings
For more ways to use SmartSheets, check out our blog post, "6 other uses for SmartSheets."
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Keep work and living spaces separate
While it may seem appealing to spend all day in bed clad in your pyjamas, laptop in tow, this could seriously hinder your productivity. Our brains like to associate specific tasks with certain spaces, so trying to work in the space where you also sleep might make you feel a little too relaxed to focus. While this may be harder to accomplish in a studio apartment, for example, keep your living and working spaces as separate as you can.
Invest in a comfortable chair
Seeing as you will be spending at least half of your day in it, it's important to make sure you have a chair that provides the right support.
Add some plants to your setup
Not only does foliage brighten up your space, but plants also help filter the air. Just remember to add water!
Make sure you have the right office equipment
While it's unlikely that you'll need a full-blown copy machine, your employer should be willing to provide you with the tools needed to properly do your job.
Get high-speed internet
Or at least the fastest available in your area! When it comes to online meetings, file downloads and emails, you don't want your internet connection glitching out.
Set up a brainstorming station
Keep a space away from your desk where you can let your creative juices flow! Have a bulletin board, whiteboard or SmartSheets, if you'd like a writing space that can be moved around.
Images courtesy of:
Scott Rook
]]>Using SmartSheets® is as simple as pull, tear, place, smooth and write. The sheets detach as easily as they apply and can be repositioned over and over again.
Each roll of SmartSheets® comes packaged in a dispenser and is perforated to create up to 40 individual 60cm x 80cm (23.5” x 31.5”) sheets of the writing surface. The dispenser keeps the sheets clean and stores easily either sitting on a shelf, desk or window ledge or hanging from a wall mount.
The SmartSheets® dispenser is slim and lightweight for easy transport and has been crafted to work either independently or in conjunction with most easels, visual boards and wall mounts.
Completely portable and easy to use, SmartSheets® is a versatile presentation and recording tool for the business professional and individual alike.
SmartSheets® Presentation Sheets work with dry-erase and permanent markers. The choice of marker determines whether your notes are temporary and changeable or long-lasting and permanent.
For notes that can be wiped off and corrected, use dry-erase markers. For long-lasting notes that won't rub off, use permanent markers.
After use, SmartSheets can be rolled and saved for future reference or left clinging to a clean, dry surface – for months!
When it is time to discard your SmartSheets®, do so in good conscience knowing that the sheet, the roll and the dispenser are all recyclable!
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The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many aspects of our lives, especially the way we work. Much of the population are now working from home and having to adjust to a new way of life. As such, it's understandable to feel anxious and stressed with so many changes and unpredictability. Here are some tips on how to manage your mental health while working from home.
Stay connected- Keep in touch with your workmates through email and video chats, even if it's just to check in with each other.
That being said, unplug when needed- If the news is adding to your stress level or causing distractions, take a break. Logout of your social accounts and turn off the television/radio. Listen to music or a podcast instead and read a book or magazine on your breaks.
Exercise and eat well- Get outside if possible and go for a walk! Fuel your body with nourishing food to help you stay focused.
Unwind- Remember to take a break! Meditate, stretch or take a quick nap. Feeling creative? Work on a craft or create a vision board.
Set a dedicated workspace and schedule- If possible, set up a quiet space where you won't be disturbed. Try to keep regular work hours so you're not tempted to answer emails or phone calls during non-work time.
Plus, did you know that remote work can help boost your wellbeing? Check out this infographic from livecareer.com
For more resources on mental health and COVID-19, please visit this website from the Government of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/mental-health.html
]]>While your regular 9-5 schedule may no longer work (especially if you have kids!), it's important to have a weekday routine to keep you on track. Try to wake up and go to bed at a consistent time. Get up every morning like you are going to work and make sure you start and end at the same time every day.
Set up an area in your home where you will be less distracted and be able to work comfortably. If you normally travel or are used to being in multiple locations in a day, move your home workspace around!
If you don't normally make one, now is the time to start. Look, if you are trying to juggle working from home, homeschooling, daycare on top of everything else, it's probably that you won't get as much accomplished workwise. Write out a list of tasks that need to be done and tackle them in order of importance.
Finding yourself wasting time on social media? Log out of all accounts and remove them from the tabs on your browser. Turn off the television if you find yourself glued to the news. If possible, put on headphones and listen to music or a podcast that keeps you motivated.
There's a plethora of apps and software available to help with your workload. Connect with coworkers through video calls and screen shares, distribute files and calendars with cloud platforms and get quick answers with instant messaging.
Don't forget to schedule your regular breaks, including lunch, into your workday. If you struggle to get back at it, set an alarm.
Just as you should at the office, get up and move! Give your eyes a break from the screen and put the kettle one, refill your water bottle or grab a snack. Rock your best yoga poses or do some on the stop jumping jacks. If your kids are home with you, get the whole family involved!
After all, these are completely unprecedented times. Take it day by day and focus on the small accomplishments. You've got this!
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]]>1. No need to buy a clunky whiteboard
2. SmartSheets are portable and lessons can take place in any room of the house
3. SmartSheets are electrostatically charged so there's no need for tacks, tape or glue
4. Using markers and SmartSheets is less messy than a blackboard and chalk
5. SmartSheets can be adjusted to the height of your child
6. SmartSheets can be placed on tables for children to write on
7. Daily schedules can be placed in each child's room
8. SmartSheets can be cut into smaller pieces or shapes
9. SmartSheets can be placed side by side to create a bigger writing space
10. Papers and photos will also cling to SmartSheets without tacks, tape or glue
Are your children learning at home? Get 10% off your SmartSheets order! The discount is automatically applied at checkout.
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Table cloth
Need to cover or protect a table in a pinch!? Use some SmartSheets! There won't be any overhang and they will cover any unsightly spots! Bonus- the sheets will cling and won't blow away outside!
Drawing board
...for the little ones, that is! Do you have children who like doodling on the walls? Place some SmartSheets at eye level in their play area for them to scribble away to their heart's content... without damaging your walls!
Window Signs
Need everchanging signage for your window? Or perhaps you'd like to create window art according to the season or holiday? Create your message or drawing and then stick the sheets with the written side facing the window.
Vision Boards
Need a vision board that can be moved around as your goals change? SmartSheets use static electricity so other papers can stick to them without the use of adhesives. You can learn more about creating a vision board here.
Dorm rooms
Stick a sheet to your door as a message board- go retro and send notes back and forth to your friends instead of texting!
Do you have any other creative uses for SmartSheets? Share in the comments below!
An entrepreneur should be good at time management
Again, when there's no upper management to provide deadlines, an entrepreneur should be able to handle their time efficiently. If you struggle with this, map out how long it should take to do each task and then set an alarm. Once the buzzer sounds, that project should be wrapped up and it's time to move on to the next.
An entrepreneur should be resilient
Working for yourself is not exactly a walk in the park- they'll be plenty of hiccups along the way! Entrepreneurs need to be able to pick themselves up when times get tough instead of throwing in the towel. They also need to be able to learn from their mistakes. That being said...
An entrepreneur needs to be able to handle feedback
Sometimes it takes an outsider to see if something isn't quite working. A good entrepreneur needs to be able to listen to constructive criticism and switch things up if needed.
An entrepreneur needs to be passionate about their business
Entrepreneurs must be able to work hard and put in long hours. If they aren't passionate about their business, it's hard to find the motivation to follow through.
An entrepreneur needs to have a strong work ethic
Being passionate about your business is one thing, putting in the hours to make it succeed is another.
An entrepreneur needs to be creative
Entrepreneurs are generally people who can think outside the box. They can problem solve and come up with new ideas and strategies in their field.
What other skillsets should an entrepreneur have?
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What are the benefits of a vision board?
The process of creating a vision board can help you narrow down and focus on what the goal or goals are that you'd like to achieve. Once the board is finished, the idea is that you place it in a spot where you will see it daily. This will help remind you of your goals and set the tone for what needs to be accomplished to get there.
How do you plan out a vision board?
Not sure where to start? Get some ideas from Pinterest. Scroll through other people's boards to get a sense of what you like. Pin your favourites. Decide what you'd like to include on your board and where you will source your material. Think about board placement- where will you likely see it every day?
How do you create a vision board?
Carve out a time and place where you won't be disturbed. Collect your supplies- don't forget magazines, paper, scissors, adhesives and the board itself. Hint: if you want a board that you can move things around on, try using SmartSheets! Set the mood with music or sounds that you find to be calming and nondistracting, and light a candle or incense in your favourite scent
If you haven't decided on exact words or photos yet, flip through a magazine to see what pops out. Find what resonates with you- keep in mind you don't have to use everything in the final product.
Once you have all of the images and words that speak to you, start arranging them on your board. Refer back to the ones you liked on Pinterest- do you prefer a clean and organized look or do you like your photos scattered? Play around until you find what feels best to you!
Where should you place your vision board?
Hang your vision board in an area where you'll see it every day. Some people like to place it by their nightstand so they can see it first thing upon waking and right as they go to sleep. Make sure wherever you put the dream board, to take the time to focus on the board regularly. Otherwise, it just becomes a meaningless decoration.
Have you made a vision board? What items did you use?
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This goes for all areas of your professional life, not just your filing cabinet. Be on time for work and meetings. Keep your desk free of clutter and distractions. Practice good time management. All of these things will help you work more efficiently, producing better results.
We get it. For some people, the sheer thought of having to mingle with people you don't know can send chills right up the spine. Be smart about it. Go to industry-related events where you know you'll have something in common to talk about. Make a mental list before you go of people you'd like to meet along with questions you can ask.
You have skills- just make sure you keep them up to date! Keep certifications current and take extra training if needed. Are you a social media whiz? Subscribe to marketing emails where you can stay in the loop with platform updates. Bilingual? Practise by reading, listening and conversing regularly in your languages.
Okay, okay. Easier said than done, right? While it's not entirely possible to completely eliminate stress, it's helpful to recognize what triggers it so you can better cope. For instance, if giving presentations stresses you out, practice delivering them in front of a mirror or a trusted friend to help you feel more confident.
Needless to say, this goes hand in hand with tackling stress! Although it's not always entirely in your control, having your personal life in check can help your work performance. Getting enough sleep, eating right, exercising are all great ways to keep you well physically. Remember to also take care of your mental health- try meditation, journalling or a good old fashioned bubble bath to give yourself some much needed alone time.
Is there an expert in your industry whom you admire? Reach out to them on LinkedIn or email to see if they would be interested in sharing their wisdom with you. Remember to stay professional and avoid inundating them with countless questions- don't contact them more than once or twice a month.
...and be prepared to accept it. Asking for feedback from your boss or co-worker not only shows that you are eager to improve the quality of your work but also can handle critiques.
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]]>Be like Santa and make a list
Write down everything that needs to be done and organize it into sections according to importance and time sensitivity. Make sure to include both work and personal tasks.
Remember to delegate
This goes for your work and social life! Collaborate with colleagues to get projects completed before the holidays. Hosting a turkey dinner? Ask guests to help you out by bringing rolls, side dishes, drinks and desserts. This will cut down on prep time, leaving you more time to socialize. Don't forget to ask for volunteers to pitch in on cleanup!
Keep your schedule in a visible location
Compile your work schedule with your social schedule, along with everyone else's in the family. Make sure it's posted in a visible location in your home, as well as your workspace, so everyone can see who needs to be where on any given day!
That being said...
Don't be afraid to say no!
It's impossible to be everywhere at once. Decide which commitments are important and make sure to schedule yourself some downtime.
While you're at it...
Don't just give presents, be present
Schedule time to be unplugged from your work. Use autoresponders, if needed, and make a point not to access emails and social media while spending time with your loved ones. It can wait.
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While you may think you have tons of things that need to get done, a mile-long to-do list can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Cull any items that aren't urgent and focus only on the tasks that need to be completed.
While emailing is a handy tool, sometimes time is wasted going back and forth. You can often get a much more direct answer by picking up the phone and calling.
While it's tempting, multitasking can often inhibit productivity. Choose one item from your to-do list and, if possible, try not to tackle something else until it's completed.
If you find yourself easily distracted (hello social media, anyone?), set an alarm and don't allow yourself to deviate from the task at hand until the buzzer sounds. This is also a great way to remind yourself to take a break! Speaking of...
Your brain and body will thank you! Grab a snack, go for a walk, do some stretching. This is especially important if you have a desk job.
How do you stay productive during the day? Be sure to share your tips!
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2. Break down your goal into steps
It's great to have a goal, but do you have a plan on how you are going to attain it? For example, if your goal is to lose weight, your steps to achieving it might be to go to the gym three times a week and limit your calorie intake. A goal is much more manageable (and less scary!) when it's broken down into steps.
3. Have a support system in place
While you're the only person responsible for your actions, it doesn't hurt to have someone cheering you on. Tell a trustworthy friend your goal and let them know how they can support you in achieving it.
4. Remove temptations or obstacles as much as you can
If you are trying to cut down on screen time before bed, for example, keep your phone in another room and use an old-fashioned alarm clock to wake you up in the morning instead.
5. Keep a visual reminder closeby
Whether it be a vision board, an inspiring post or even a coffee mug with encouraging words, it helps to see a reminder of your goal in a prominent spot.
6. Celebrate successes
Too often we focus on the end goal without recognizing our accomplishments along the way. Trying to quit smoking? Give yourself a treat (non-smoking related, of course!) once you hit a month smoke-free!
7. Measure as you go
Trying to finish a novel? Track how many pages you write per day. It gives you evidence of your progress and will motivate you to push a little harder the next day!
What other goal-setting tips can you think of? Is there one that has worked particularly well for you?
Share in the comments below!
To learn more about the AAP you can visit their website here.
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The AAP, formerly known as the Association of Administrative Assistants, was formed in 1951 with a purpose to assist members in expanding their education by providing growth opportunities. They offer a certificate and designation called the Canadian Certified Administrative Professional and welcome members from all levels of the administration profession, from student up to skilled professional. Members of this association have access to a multitude of benefits including resources, services, discounts and information.
The AAP hosts an Annual General Meeting, where attendees learn from speakers, participate in teambuilding activities and are recognized for their achievements. They've often used SmartSheets® as a highly coveted door prize draw item and have also included them in gift bags for attendees to bring back to their home branch. This year the Barrie and Toronto branches will be co-hosting a professional seminar as well as their Annual General Meeting at Niagara-on-the-Lake. You can find out more information about these events here.
Arlene Stone, from the Barrie Simcoe County Branch, says "I can’t say enough about Smart Sheets. As an administrative professional, I have had countless opportunities to use these versatile and handy sheets. Although we are becoming increasingly technology-based, there are times on retreats and ad hoc meetings where a flip-chart style of recording data is the best resource. These sheets that come in a handy dispenser cling to any flat surface, markers do NOT bleed through them, and they just as easily cling again onto a desk or wall space for transcribing notes and salient points back at the office. Best of all…they are assembled in Canada!"
For more information about the Association of Administrative Assistants, you can visit their website at https://canadianadmin.ca/.
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Watch the video below to see what a Learning Lab with People Minded Business looks like!
]]>Effective December 1st, 2018, the distribution of SmartSheets® will transfer from GH Guenther Huettlin Manufacturing Inc. to Provada Incorporated. You will notice a name change on all receipts, invoices and eventually, packaging. We thank you for your understanding as we transition this business.
Business will continue as usual and customer satisfaction and delivering a high-quality product will remain our number one priority. We may, however, have slight downtimes on the website while we facilitate this change. We apologize in advance for any inconveniences.
Provada Incorporated is a minority (woman) owned business operating in Ontario, Canada. We are in process of registering for certification and will provide you with updates going forward.
If you have any questions about this transition please contact Holly Marshall, Sales & Marketing Coordinator at sales@provadainc.com.
In advance, we thank you for your support and interest in our Smartsheets® product. We value your continued business.
Best regards,
Kim A Egan, CMA, CPA, C. DIR.
President
]]>For more information about SmartSheets® visit our "Products" section.
Image courtesy of:
Loyalist College Public Relations and Event Management
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4. Ask people to come prepared with ideas
Encourage participants to brainstorm on their own ahead of time. If everyone attending has a couple of ideas already, you'll have a better starting point.
5. Appoint a moderator
Assigning a good moderator will help keep the session flow and stay on target. The moderator should be someone who has great leadership skills and who will guide but not influence the participants.
6. Choose your space wisely
Hold your brainstorming session in a room that is private, but inviting. Make sure that it's bright and that the room temperature is neither too hot or cold. Also, provide your participants with water, paper and writing utensils.
7. Don't judge
This should go without saying, but it's important that your participants feel that they can throw out ideas without being ridiculed, even if it's a terrible one. While there is no point wasting time on an idea that isn't suitable, there's no need to be rude either. Simply state that it's not on track and move on to the next suggestion.
8. Keep the brainstorming session short
Knowing that there is a time limit will keep people on task and keep the momentum going. Brainstorming can be draining, so consider ending it somewhere around the 40-minute mark.
9. Write down all ideas submitted
It's important to keep track of everything that's been suggested, whether it's good or bad. The moderator should write down all thoughts and have them visually mapped out for the participants to see. Our SmartSheets® are a great way to easily write down, display and move around brainstorming session ideas.
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