Showing posts with label Career. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Career. Show all posts

Enhance Your Career Through Internet Exposure


Are you a marketing guru? If so, you should use the power of the internet to help you gain more exposure for your business. Internet exposure is likely to increase your career options by enabling you to reach hundreds, thousands even, of potential customers for your business or service.

Career-minded individuals are finding their careers are helped tremendously through the power of the internet. Individuals who normally would be limited on exposure are now finding they hav...







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career enhancement, career enhancement tools







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Are you a marketing guru? If so, you should use the power of the internet to help you gain more exposure for your business. Internet exposure is likely to increase your career options by enabling you to reach hundreds, thousands even, of potential customers for your business or service.

Career-minded individuals are finding their careers are helped tremendously through the power of the internet. Individuals who normally would be limited on exposure are now finding they have more business than they can handle thanks to the power of the internet. It’s all in learning how to gain exposure.

If you have a business or service to market, then learning how to market using the internet will not only put money in your pocket, but it will also enable you to find the best marketing for your advertising dollars. The power of the internet will help you to gain the customers you need with push-button ease to enhance your career.

Google keyword tools can help you learn to gain better placement for your website. E-books on ad words as well as other Google features will teach you to enhance careers and business. There are many tools you can use on the internet to help you shape up your image and these career building tools will give you a career enhancement fellowship to boot!

Career enhancements are realized through the internet because no other form of marketing and advertising will give you the coverage you need and want like the internet. You will find the internet is user friendly for marketing as well as advertising and the enhancement tools through the search engines such as Google will educate you on a better way to job enhance!

Internet exposure promotes you and your career enhancing process will begin with the virtual world so it is important to read up on the concept of text links and hunt for the best way to market your career through the internet. You’ll find your career can be enhanced quickly through the power of the internet and it’s the best value you can find to not only enhance your career but to also gain public exposure while building up job security!

Floristry As A Career


Being a florist can be a very exciting and challenging career.

Many people of all ages, from other working backgrounds are being retrained and entering the floristry industry.

If you are considering a career in floristry, you should enjoy working with flowers and be willing to learn all aspects of the floristry profession.

You will need to be able to arrange flowers in an attractive manner and be a reasonably quick worker.

As a florist is dealing closely with the ...







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flower arranging, floral design, flowers. floristry ,florist







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Being a florist can be a very exciting and challenging career.

Many people of all ages, from other working backgrounds are being retrained and entering the floristry industry.

If you are considering a career in floristry, you should enjoy working with flowers and be willing to learn all aspects of the floristry profession.

You will need to be able to arrange flowers in an attractive manner and be a reasonably quick worker.

As a florist is dealing closely with the public, you should have a genuine liking for people, and have a pleasant and helpful manner.

Flowers touch the emotions of other peoples' lives. Customers ordering funeral tributes are often relatives or close friends of the deceased and may be emotionally upset. As a florist, you will need to be sympathetic and understanding.

A florist has the pleasure of helping a bride-to-be select just the right flowers and type of bridal bouquet for the most important day of her life - her wedding day.

The florist shares the joy and excitment when a proud new father comes in to order flowers for his wife in hospital.

Floristry is not all glamour. There is a lot of hard work and long hours involved. The duties in a florist shop will include:-

Unpacking stock as it comes into the florist shop

Conditioning flowers and watering plants

Pricing merchandise and displaying it attractively

Attending to customers

Answering the telephone

Completing orders and making up designs for the shop

Making sure the florist shop is clean and tidy

Keeping book work up to date

Changing the shop window display

Working in a Florist Shop

You will need to be able to work efficiently. A typical day in a florist shop could include ten wreaths for an early morning funeral, several arrangements and posies. Often a posy or a sheaf of flowers will need to be made up while the customer waits.

A good employee has common sense, a positive attitude, is honest and a willing worker who sees what needs doing and does it in a cheerful and efficient manner.

An employer will appreciate a capable trustworthy employee who has the employer's interest at heart and will co-operate and help with any duties involved in the running of the floristry business.

Applying for a Position in a Florist Shop.

You should present yourself favourably, be well groomed, polite and have an enthusiastic manner.

If you have any references from previous positions, report cards or personal references, take these with you.

You may like to take samples or photographs of your floral designs with you.

Naturally, any photographs or samples should be of a high standard with the flowers arranged attractively and colours blended tastefully.

Any wiring and taping should be neatly done.

The florist may ask you to make up an arrangement, posy or a sheaf.

You will be expected to choose suitable flowers and foliage in colours which blend well together and make up a professional looking design in a reasonable amount of time (approximately 15-20 minutes for a standard arrangement).

Do not worry if you are a bit nervous. Florists are usually understanding people and will make allowances for this. It is far better to be a little nervous rather than have an over confident and "know it all" manner.

A few years ago a position was advertised for a junior in a very busy florist shop in a leading shopping centre in Melbourne.

There were over forty applicants, but one of our students was successful because she could show the florist she was capable of creating attractive floral designs.

After the interview is over thank the employer for seeing you, and if the position offered appeals to you, you could say "I am very impressed with your shop" or "I would really like the opportunity of working for you".

An employer would much rather employ a person who really wants the position in preference to someone who is indifferent.

OWNING YOUR OWN FLORIST SHOP.

Many people find the idea of going into business for themselves very tempting. You may want to open your own florist shop, but you should be fully aware of all the facts before you make a decision to start up or buy into a business.

HOW TO DECIDE IF YOU ARE THE RIGHT TYPE OF PERSON TO GO INTO A FLORIST BUSINESS FOR YOURSELF.

Advantages

You will have a feeling of fulfilment of being involved in such a creative industry such as floristry.

If you run a successful florist business it can be far more rewarding financially than working for wages.

There is a feeling of security in owning your own successful florist business.

You will find running your own florist shop is never dull. You will never know what each day will bring. Working for yourself is far more exciting than going to work in an often dull routine job.

You will meet some very interesting people through dealing directly with the public. This can often develop into lasting friendships. You will be providing a real service to your customers. The skilled florist is always appreciated and will have a secure life-long career.

Disadvantages (You will find it helpful if you do this questionnaire)

As floristry is a lot of hard work and often long hours are involved, do you have the necessary health and energy to run a business? Yes / No

Do you have enough money to start a florist business? Do you have another source of borrowing money if necessary? Sometimes you will need to inject extra funds into the business Yes / No

Are you self motivated and have enough discipline to be able to organise yourself to see what the most important tasks are and to see each one is carried out? Yes / No

Are you a reasonably quick worker? Yes / No

When a problem arises, are you the type of person who can come up with a solution? Yes / No

If you have a family, do you have someone you can rely on to help with the children? Yes / No

To stand a good chance in a floristry business you should honestly be able to answer "Yes" to all the above questions.

How successful you are in Floristry, as in anything in life, will depend on how much time and effort YOU are prepared to put into it.

Floristry Diploma Course

Our floristry diploma course covers opening your own florist shop, how to find a job in a florist shop and work from home.

Copyright 2002© Fay Chamoun

Business Managers: Communicate Your Career To The Next Level


All presenters believe their words are important, and they are. But if you don't give an audience a good reason to listen, they will quickly tune you out. In an age where sound bite is king, cutting through the clutter is more important now than ever.







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Speaking, Presentations, Speaking Careers, Public Speaking, Speakers







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Not too long ago, I walked into a room where some of the country's top oncologists were preparing to launch a new cancer-fighting drug. The occasion was the group's rehearsal before a big presentation to the Federal Drug Administration. Given that these men and women are some of the best and brightest in their field, I thought the rehearsal would be a breeze. So, I sat down, pen poised to make a few notes so I could help them fine-tune their presentations and be ready for the onslaught of media that was sure to follow.

What a letdown. Five articulate, highly educated, well-dressed presenters, armed with shiny animated slideshows, droned on and on and on and on. It didn't matter what they were saying because the audience wouldn't really hear any of it anyway. Around me, eyes closed, and others pretended to take notes while playing solitaire on their laptops. I wondered how in the world I could help these presenters. I also thought about tripling my consultation fee on the spot.

All presenters believe their words are important, and they are. But if you don't give an audience a good reason to listen, they will quickly tune you out. In an age where sound bite is king, cutting through the clutter is more important now than ever.

Consider the following 7 points before stepping into the limelight:



The Take-Home

No matter how many years and dollars you've spent on research and development, no matter the technical complexity of your subject matter, when speaking to a group your entire presentation must boil down to one key point. If you had to sum up your talk in 10 seconds, what would you want your audience to know?

Ask Yourself the Right Questions
What you think a listener needs to know is not always what that listener wants to know. Put yourself in your listener’s seat and ask the following questions: So what? Who cares? What does this mean to the listener, reader or viewer and me? Until you frame your messages from your audience’s perspective, they won’t care. If they don’t care, you’ll never receive their full attention.

Talk in nuggets

Powerful communicators who can hold attention have something in common with each other. They've learned that speaking is for the ear, not for the eye. Instead of preparing a presentation as a research paper jammed with minutiae, condense complicated information into bite-sized nuggets and present only the information needed to move an audience toward the desired outcome.

Present, Don't Read

Is your presentation written like a term paper? Is it written in sentences? Do you allow room for pauses so the listener can participate? People don't converse in long-winded sentences. We speak in short phrases. So write in phrases or bullet points. You will then find yourself talking more and reading less. Also, take time to pause between key thoughts so your listeners can digest what you're saying.

Paint the Picture

Explaining the features of your product may be important, but explanation without example has no meaning. People can't remember all of the facts, but they do remember impressions. By comparing and contrasting, providing analogies and visual images, your presentation will come to life.

Slideshow or Presentation?

No one comes to a presentation to see a slideshow. They come to hear a knowledgeable person share ideas and talk. Visuals should reinforce what you're saying, not serve as your script. Instead of preparing the slides first, prepare your remarks then create appropriate supporting visuals. Let your words drive the visuals instead of the other way around.

Nix the Jargon

Just because your audience is packed with colleagues or you’re providing information for an industry trade publication doesn't mean you should talk jargon. Get rid of the buzzwords and throw away phrases. Rather, look for opportunities to put your words in context by humanizing your material and telling stories or anecdotes.

As I worked with the oncologist presenters and brought many of these points to their attention, they worried that simplifying the information would harm their credibility. Quite the opposite. By making an effort to connect with their audience rather than throw too much information at them, they created a focused, central theme with real-life examples that excited and inspired listeners. And in the end, the cancer drug they believed in made it to market and received a lot of good press!

Computer Based Training for Your Future Career


You can easily hop online and check out the various types of computer based training available at every school. Whether you're computer savvy or not, it is prudent to learn and understand this modern form of work and play. The chances are you will need some computer based training for some aspect of your work or studies







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computer based training, online degrees







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The world today is quite different than it was 20 years ago. While so many things worn to run on physical labor, computers have indeed changed the way we do things. In fact, computer based training is almost essential in every field there is. Think about it. How many jobs do you know of that never use computers? I can only come up with a few. Then there are our daily lives. We take advantage of computers on a recurring basis in order to simplify things. Overall, computers have made our world a greatly more convenient place to live and work in, and whether you like it or not, doesn't genuinely matter. These electronic wonders aren't unbound anywhere.

When I was in school a few years back, computers were essential. We all strolled around campus with our memo books and laptops in our bags. Wireless access is everywhere now days. It's clean to hop online and do some research for a paper or bill your email. I retract back in high school when they genuinely tried to adapt us to the computer age, therefore preparing us for college. You'll briefly notice how many of your University peers are getting in-depth computer based training for their future career. Computers are a massive business. It's cool to say that they're worn in everything. You want to be an engineer; get some computer based training. Are you an English major? You'll hardship computers for your writing no problem what mode of notch you are. You can achieve computer based training at society colleges that will practice you for a good career. My brother has been a computer technician for 12 years and he is liability very well with a two-year degree.

From this point forward, we will let you in on little secrets that will help you implement this subject into your life.

You can certainly hop online and bill out the numerous types of computer based training available at every school. Whether you're computer savvy or not, it is sensible to learn and understand this modern form of work and play. The odds are you will hardship some computer based training for some aspect of your work or studies. The Internet is a very clean thought to adapt to. Cyberspace is where you will find loads of unbound information concerning computers, software, and any other things you wish. If you have no previous computer based training, but want to better understand these modern innovations, hop online where ever you have access and get a richer understanding of computers today. With computer based training you can indeed expand your options when it comes to careers. Most employers these days demand some skill of software and PCs.

We hope that you have found this article interesting and eye catching to say the least. Its objective is to entertain and inform.

Create A Virtual Tour Photography Business Plan, And Move Into A New Career In 90 Days


If you love the real estate industry, and have a passion for photography, creating a virtual tour photography business plan may set you on the road to a new, successful career.







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Virtual tour photography business plan







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Copyright 2006 Vision Business Concepts Inc

If you love the real estate industry, and have a passion for photography, creating a virtual tour photography business plan may set you on the road to a new, successful career.

Virtual tours are becoming a popular item for many companies to place on their websites. It can provide their customers with the chance of seeing the location or product before actually visiting. It’s a way of qualifying your customer before you spend hours, or even days with them.

And because of its popularity, it’s the perfect opportunity for a business venture.

Start by setting up your business exclusively to market virtual tour photography. Establish your business identity and create a name and branding that communicates with your target market. If you have dreams of expanding outside of this industry, you might be better off with a generic name. But if this is your niche, something along the lines of Virtual Tour Photography is a great way to get your message instantly across.

Next, decide what resources you need for your business. Do you need a commercial location to meet clients, or will you work out of your home? What type of camera equipment and software will you need? While a start-up business shouldn’t invest in extravagant equipment, you should purchase enough equipment to sufficiently do your job, and to have backup equipment available at all sessions.

Then join professional organizations that will put you in touch with your target market. Join real estate associations, chamber of commerce’s, and local leads groups to get in front of realtors and other business owners that can help bring in business.

Starting with the real estate industry may seem like the natural choice. But from there, you do have many other options for target markets. Consider these industries that would also benefit from having virtual tours:

* Real estate

* Hotels

* Resorts

* Outdoor locations and events

* Restaurants

* Retail stores

* Tourist attractions

* Convention centers

* Vacation rentals

* Property developers

Virtual tours have become an important part of business. Most businesses now have a website for advertising their business. And as more businesses become more sophisticated with their marketing, they understand the need for information, and the power the Internet holds in reaching out to people, and providing them what they are looking for.

Virtual photography is one of those tools that will grow over time. The technology is now at a level where almost all Internet users have the ability to view such a presentation. Which means there will be an increase in the amount of businesses looking at virtual tours as a way of communicating with their prospects and clients.

Starting with realtors is the obvious first step. But then use the above list to come up with a more creative approach to businesses. Teach them the benefits of this powerful tool, and create a successful business in the process.

Branch out as you feel the desire to grow, and the referrals begin coming in. In just a matter of a few months you can be well on your way to a successful, thriving business.

Career Training With Continuing Education


Career training is something many individuals seek through continuing education. Many local community colleges and some local high schools offer adult education courses and continuing education to guide individuals who want further career opportunities through career training.

Job placement after career training can offer individuals a better incentive for furthering their careers. Career training through education is one way to ensure candidates for jobs are well qualifie...







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career enhancement, career training







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Career training is something many individuals seek through continuing education. Many local community colleges and some local high schools offer adult education courses and continuing education to guide individuals who want further career opportunities through career training.

Job placement after career training can offer individuals a better incentive for furthering their careers. Career training through education is one way to ensure candidates for jobs are well qualified for the positions they wish to secure. Often, career training programs offer degrees through continuing education as well as certificate programs.

The computer programming field as well as the medical field offers ongoing career training for individuals to pursue as they are working in their field of choice. Higher salaries are often realized as well as better job security following a career training program. Community colleges and high schools which offer career training programs will often schedule classes in the evenings and on the weekends so the working adult can benefit by scheduling classes after work and on their days off.

Career training is one of the best things you can do for yourself if you are planning to remain in the career of your choice for your lifetime. It not only gives you a competitive edge in the workplace but it also enables you to gain a more secure job realizing better rates per hour. Also, with more job training, individuals are likely to become recognized as an authority in their career of choice making the idea of career training that much more attractive.

The internet offers the working public a better way to seek further career training too. If you want to further your education or find better advancement within your career, log online and see if you can find internet courses which will enable you to reach your goals of career training. You can conduct keyword searches online to find the best opportunities to teach you more about a particular trade or a particular career.

Many colleges and universities have what they are commonly referring to as distance education and you may be able to find distance education courses offered online from numerous universities throughout the country which may appeal to you more than your local opportunities. Distance education programs range in all facets of job skills and requirements which can help you advance your career. Some colleges and universities will offer more training in your chosen field than others. Your local community college advisors may be able to help you with this if you are already taking classes to further your career locally. However, for the most part, distance education courses offered online will be something you can pursue on your own.

The important thing to remember when you are seeking more career training possibilities is to research your possibilities. With the internet, there are countless possibilities for you and you’ll find the job training you seek for on-the-job can be valuable to you as well. Talk to your employer, search the internet and get ready to advance your career through career training programs.

Get Started Your Career In Nursing


There has never a more exciting time to join the nursing profession. As a nurse it is possible to work in, among others, hospitals, clinics, nursing and residential homes, occupational health services, voluntary organizations that run hospices or residential care and the pharmaceutical industry. Nurses also work in the prison service, university education, on leisure cruise ships or for the armed forces.







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nurse career, nursing career, nurse degree, health care, health career, RN, BSN, NCLEX-RN







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Qualified nurses are in highly demand in the health care market. Throughout the years, the field of nursing has brought millions and millions of people above the average paying jobs. There has never a more exciting time to join the nursing profession. As a nurse it is possible to work in, among others, hospitals, clinics, nursing and residential homes, occupational health services, voluntary organizations that run hospices or residential care and the pharmaceutical industry. Nurses also work in the prison service, university education, on leisure cruise ships or for the armed forces.





Nurse Qualification





It is possible to take either a diploma or degree course to qualify as a nurse. You can choose to go to traditional class-based courses or getting your diploma or degree online through online nursing program. You will learn the basic principal in nursing in first year; you will then specialize in an emphasis field such as adult, children's, mental health or learning disability nursing. Diploma courses will normally take 3 years to complete and a degree nursing courses may need 3 to 4 years.





Receive Licensure As Registered Nurse





Once you graduate from nursing college or university, you are required to undergo an examination before receiving licensure as a registered nurse in the United States. The examination is called NCLEX-RN or the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, this examination has been developed to test your competence in the profession of nursing before practicing.





Nurse Career Fields





Once you are qualified as registered nurse, you can start your career in various nursing fields based on your specialization, among the common nursing fields are:





Adult Nursing





Adult nursing involves caring for adults, both sick and well, not only in the hospital environment but also in the community setting such as attached to a health centre or in nursing homes. An inherent part of the role of an adult nurse is the promotion of health through education, the prevention of disease and the care, sustenance and rehabilitation of adults undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic regimes. You may take extra courses to specialize in areas such as cancer care, women's health, accident and emergency, critical care, practice nursing, health visiting or school nursing.





Children's Nursing





If you specialized in children nursing, you will work to take care of children and young people, from newborn to adolescence. Because children react to illness in a very different way to adults, your trained skill in children nursing will help you to understand their particular needs.





Learning Disability Nursing





As a nurse specialized in learning disability nursing, you will help those with learning disabilities to live independent and fulfilling lives. You will need to work with a group of people with learning disability, living together and provider 24 hours support to this group.





Mental Health Nursing





Trends in modern living have increased pressures for many members of society that may cause may of mental health issues. You as a mental health nurse will need to work with psychiatrists, social workers and others to co-ordinate the care of people suffering from mental illness.





In Summary





As a registered nurse specialized in your field of interest, you have a wide variety of career opportunities to start with. The health market is always in demand for nurses, that mean your have a bright career future once your get your qualification as a nurse.

Do you know where your career is going?


It’s all too common to find that you’ve got into your job through a series of coincidences







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career, education, job







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Do you know where your career is going? As staying with the same company for life becomes rarer, more and more people aren’t sure. If you’re one of them, then maybe it’s time to take time out, sit back, and have a think.

It’s all too common to find that you’ve got into your job through a series of coincidences, each one taking you a little further away from where you were aiming to go when you started. There is simply a huge gap between the jobs that people get and the jobs they wanted. No-one aspires to work at a paper company, but someone’s got to do it. Once you’ve been there a few years, you suddenly realise that your only options are to either move sideways into a similar job somewhere else, or move upwards in the hierarchy and become a manager.

So what do you do. The answer is to finally answer to yourself that most elusive of questions: what do you want to be doing five years from now? Ten? Twenty? If the answer isn’t “what I’m doing now” or “I want to be a high-level manager”, then what you need is drastic action.

What you might not realise, though, is that forging out a career path isn’t as difficult as you might think. If you can free yourself from the day-to-day struggle to survive by living below your means for a year or so and accumulating some savings, you suddenly have some time to get where you want to be in the job market. Whatever your ambition is, the chances are that there’s an entry-level job going somewhere, or a community of enthusiastic amateurs.

If it’s really what you’ve wanted to do all your life, then it should be as simple as getting started and getting noticed. And if it doesn’t work out, then you’ve always got the other job to fall back on. Whether you succeed or fail, it’s always better to try, and it’s not as hard to do as you think. Take the plunge.

Executive Career Coaching: Providing Solutions To Succession Planning Challenges


Organizations today are facing several challenges and talent management is one of the greatest. According to a poll conducted by OI Partners, Inc., the number one challenge facing the HR profession is leadership development and succession planning. Attracting, developing, and retaining quality talent is more costly and has a greater impact on the bottom-line than ever before. Retiring baby-boomers, the expectations of Gen X and Gen Y employees, and the new definition of “long...







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succession planning,talent management,executive coaching,war on talent, career







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Organizations today are facing several challenges and talent management is one of the greatest. According to a poll conducted by OI Partners, Inc., the number one challenge facing the HR profession is leadership development and succession planning. Attracting, developing, and retaining quality talent is more costly and has a greater impact on the bottom-line than ever before. Retiring baby-boomers, the expectations of Gen X and Gen Y employees, and the new definition of “long-term” employment add up to a drastic shift in the way organizations are managing their talent.

One effective way to overcome these challenges is to implement a succession planning initiative. This proactive approach to ensuring future leadership talent offers many benefits. Studies have shown that organizations with succession planning programs have a higher retention rate of human capital and a reduction in recruitment and compensation costs.

Succession planning has to be more than matching employees with forecasted vacancies. Consideration must be made for the future direction of the organization as well as the direction of the employees intended career path. This ensures that the employee is engaged in the process, committed to the organization, and has a vested interest in the company’s success.

Obstacles to Implementing a Succession Plan

While there are numerous benefits to succession planning, there are also challenges such as limited resources and expertise within the company. Without the assistance of external consultants and coaches, implementing a succession planning initiative can drain an organization’s resources. The most effective programs capitalize on the talent available throughout the company during the implementation phase, however, companies often lack the resources needed for ongoing management. In addition, utilizing external resources provides expertise in succession planning and offers an objective perspective.

Coaching as a Resource

Executive Career Coaching can provide assistance with career management and employee development at the individual level. Using individual coaching and assessments, the coach will guide the employees through the selection of the career path within the organization that best matches their interests and abilities. Once a career path has been chosen, the coach will help the employee prepare for their next promotion.

The career coach can administer assessments such as the DISC, PVQ, and the Enneagram to help the employee gain clarity in the areas of motivators, interests, values and strengths. The feedback obtained from the assessments is essential in creating a career management plan. During the coaching engagement, employees will compare this information along with their experience and education to key leadership positions and determine the strongest fit. This process ensures that employees are matched with the correct positions, reducing the possibility of employee disengagement and turnover at the executive level.

In addition to career pathing, an executive career coach will assist in the creation of development plans. The steps outlined in the development plan will be based on the information gathered during a gap analysis. Comparing the employee’s current level to the experience, skills, and education needed for the next promotion will give the coach and executive a clear picture of where to focus their coaching sessions. Execution of the development plan during the coaching engagement results in promotion readiness.

Benefits of Succession Planning

Identifying and developing strong leaders for future roles is critical to the ongoing success of an organization. Without an effective succession planning program in place, companies will face greater challenges than those incurred during the implementation of a program, including:

• Waging the “War on Talent”
• Fewer leaders prepared to take on new roles
• Obstacles to achieving strategic goals

Attracting and retaining high-potential employees is costly. However, it is not as costly as the turnover of high-potential employees. Studies have shown that superior performers are 50% to 100% more effective than the average performer.

Using these statistics, if an average performer generates $250,000 in new business each year; a superior performer will generate between $375,000 and $500,000 in new business. By developing and promoting the superior performer to a leadership role, they have the potential to increase the productivity of the team. As an example, this leader can increase the revenues of a team generating $2.5M to $5M.

Given the possibility of increased profits, meeting the employee’s desire for career growth is both a financial and strategic advantage.

Because growth and development are benefits highly sought after in a potential employer, organizations with highly publicized succession planning initiatives and career management programs become “employers of choice”, thereby making it easier to attract top talent and reduce turnover.

Most employers are unaware of how much turnover costs them each year or how to reduce this number. Assuming a fifteen percent turnover rate and turnover costs of twenty-five percent of an employee’s annual compensation, an organization with one thousand employees and an average compensation of $50,000 will incur $1,875,000 in costs each year. Given that half of all turnover is avoidable, this organization could save $937,500 each year by investing in employee retention strategies.

The Added Benefits of Using Career Coaching as a Resource for Succession Planning Programs

Utilizing a Career Coach in your succession plan initiative allows leaders and Human Resources to focus on effectively managing and evaluating the program. An external career coach provides a confidential environment where the employees are free to discuss the challenges and opportunities they face in their careers and establish plans to overcome them.

One of the greatest benefits the coach offers is preparing the organization’s existing talent for future leadership roles. They take the organization’s human capital to the next level through the use of assessments, powerful questions, and individual development plans. Promoting from within provides benefits, such as:

• Reduced recruitment costs. The need for external recruiting is lessened for executive level position, which reduces headhunter fees (between 25% and 33% of the candidate’s total compensation) Ex. An executive placed by a headhunter with an annual compensation package of $200,000 would incur fees between $50,000 and $66,666.

• Reduction of executive compensation. According to Towers Perrin, external candidates are generally paid 20% to 30% more than internals that are promoted because externals needs a financial reason to make a career change.

• Promoting internal candidates offers the employer the benefit of knowing their track record, strengths, and their development needs. External candidates, unless personally known, only reveal as much or as little information as they deem appropriate, leaving the organization to rely on the interview process, assessments, and references to complete the picture.

Thriving succession planning initiatives balance the strategic direction of the organization with the career aspirations of its high potential employees. They also rely on external consultants and coaches to provide expertise, an objective perspective and additional resources.

Executives who engage in coaching during the succession program have a clear direction of where they are going and how they are going to get there. In contrast, executives that are not offered coaching are not as well prepared to map out their career path or develop the skills they need for future promotions. Executive career coaching facilitates the process of creating successful careers and developing future leaders.

Career - Test Your Negotiation Skills


Negotiation is part of every professional's life. To negotiate, means to arrive at an understanding with another person, so that both of you are satisfied with the results.







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career,life,time,relationship,personality,success,business







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Negotiation is part of every professional’s life. To negotiate, means to arrive at an understanding with another person, so that both of you are satisfied with the results. Do you know what is your skill in negotiation? If not, why not test and find out because most of our interactions demand negotiation. You are negotiating with your love partner about which place to go for dinner. You negotiate with your co-workers about how to divide the work. You negotiate with your clients about prices and you negotiate with your boss about your paycheck. Let us discuss important test factors of a negotiation.

Understanding Need - If you are a good negotiator, you would begin with understanding the need of the opposite party. Only after you get that understanding will you proceed further. The first requirement is to find out what the other person wants. If you are arguing with your spouse about which restaurant to go for dinner, find out his/her need. Do they want to have dinner outside or they are looking to get away somewhere for sometime? if later is the case, your choices increase many times.

Specifying Your Needs - Please spell out your needs clearly to the opposite party. Let them know very clearly about what you are looking for. If your boss knows that your real need is not rise in pay, but higher status, he/she can work out a solution quickly. Therefore please convey your needs clearly.

Reaching Understanding - This is the result both of you are seeking. If both the parties can modulate their needs so that they meet each other’s expectations, this can be done easily. Flexibility at this stage depends upon how much both of you are interested in negotiation. If both of you want a result without hurting the relationship, flexible approach is a primary requirement. Otherwise, one of you will walk away. Your skill as a negotiator depends upon satisfying you, the other party and getting a good result. You need to develop good thinking skills, communication ability and an understanding of the personalities and what drives them to act. Test yourself about these factors and find out how good a negotiator are you?

Career Freedom With Franchises


Franchises – a French word meaning “freedom from servitude” – implies that the dream of being financially independent can come true. Just pay a fee and sign the papers and you become the proud owner of your very own business. Yes, you are the boss, you make the decisions, and you get the earnings. Someone else has done all the ground work, solved the anticipated problems, and is sharing their knowledge and experience with you.

However, thousands of franchisees have lost th...







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Franchises – a French word meaning “freedom from servitude” – implies that the dream of being financially independent can come true. Just pay a fee and sign the papers and you become the proud owner of your very own business. Yes, you are the boss, you make the decisions, and you get the earnings. Someone else has done all the ground work, solved the anticipated problems, and is sharing their knowledge and experience with you.

However, thousands of franchisees have lost their life savings and their companies. The innocent purchaser realizes after-the-fact that he has no real choices about how the business will be run.

The rules and procedures that go with the “Name Brand” dictates every tiny aspect of how the business is to be run – color schemes, what is sold and who you buy it from, hours to be open, type of employees to hire and exactly how to train the employees. The innocent purchaser now has a new boss who is a hard task-master. This new boss comes in the form of detailed manuals that must be followed.

Do franchises ever provide true success? Of course they do! There are thousands of happy, successful franchise owners. However, if they are happy it is because they ‘did their homework’ before signing on the dotted line or putting money out. During the 1980s there were hundreds of fraudulent get- rich-quick franchise dreams available, which, because they weren’t all legitimate, gave franchises a bad name. By 1979 the Federal Trade Commission began requiring complete disclosure of all pertinent information pertaining to a franchise business.

Then the public began to have confidence once again in acquiring a dream business which could not fail. Observing McDonald stores opening up around the globe is proof that, even though the product isn’t the healthiest in the world, it still sells and people still head for the golden arches. And someone is making money!

How can one best analyze a potential franchise business? How can people know it’s right for them, even if the paperwork and finances appear intellectually perfect? After asking every conceivable question, and getting the answers that sound right, here’s the best way to really, really know if that business is for you. Go sit in an identical franchise business that is already in operation.

Sit there and watch and listen -- from early morning till they close at night. Learn all you can by watching every aspect. Do this for at least ten days straight. If, at the end of ten days you still ‘feel’ excited and ‘really like being there’ then that particular franchise just might be perfect for you.

If by the tenth day you are making excuses for not going that day,or begin showing up later and later, or just downright begrudge being there, then that is a good indication of how you might feel if you own it. If that’s the case, find a different franchise product to invest in.

Create Video Games As Your Fun Career


Do you like video games? Do you beat video games after playing once? Do you feel like the games are too easy? Well, it sounds like you have a passion for these things then you should go where your heart leads you.

If you at the point where you are thinking about your career, I suggest that you do what you love to do. You should consider a different course of action: majoring in something you TRULY enjoy... something you could do hours on end without feeling like you are w...







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Do you like video games? Do you beat video games after playing once? Do you feel like the games are too easy? Well, it sounds like you have a passion for these things then you should go where your heart leads you.

If you at the point where you are thinking about your career, I suggest that you do what you love to do. You should consider a different course of action: majoring in something you TRULY enjoy... something you could do hours on end without feeling like you are working at all. And if you are like many people, this 'something' would be playing video games.

That's right! You can actually get a job creating and/or playing video games. Below is a list of some of the careers available for those with a video game degree.

1) Video Game Programmer

Gameinformer Magazine mentions that, video game programmers are the "heart and soul" of the industry. They are the ones responsible for creating the code necessary for getting video games to function. And contrary to popular belief, their jobs aren't always easy. Video game programming often involves creating complex functions and algorithms often times more challenging than programs created in Corporate America.

Indeed, game programming may not be the appropriate course for everyone seeking a video game career, but if you were deciding to go into the computer field anyway, which job would be more enjoyable... coding the next Halo, or working on a boring, hum-drum piece of no-name software?

2) Video Game Tester

As a video game tester it is a position in which you truly would get paid for playing video games. According to current game tester Doug D. from Electronic Arts, he say's as a game tester you would "go over different components of a game and look for things that just don't make sense." You would also "break the game," meaning you would "do things a normal user would do and accidentally see something go wrong."

Doug Powell further adds that video game testing is a good place to start for young people who want to "break into the industry." To get such a position in it is best to have a "passion for gaming" and some educational background. Doug recommends a degree, or some form of higher-level education.

3) Video Game Animator

Animators are in charge for coordinating the movement of video game characters. Accomplishing requires more than drawing something on a piece of paper, which according to Alex Jones, an established game animator, occurs after a lot of "brainstorming, chilling, playing, planning and testing" with the programmer. But when the busy work is done, the video game animator will finally get a chance to do what he or she does best... animate. Alex Drouin says the thing he liked best about his job was "being able to come there late in the morning, sit behind his computer, put on a great CD, and then create crazy animation that will end up in a game that will be seen all around the world by gamers." With a video game degree it is certainly possible!

4) Sound Designer

Sound designers are responsible for creating the music and sound effects of video games. Video game music is created either from digital sources or real-life stimulation. As video game consoles become more advanced, many sound designers favor the latter when deciding on what type of music they want in the games they are working on. Creating appropriate sound effects, on the other hand, sometimes requires more creative experimentation.

To be successful at designing video game sounds it is best to: 1) have an interest in both music and sound, 2) possess knowledge of recording equipment and 3) be familiar with the types of music and sound used in today's most popular video games. A video game degree will help develop these talents and skills.

5) Game Designer

Video game designers are responsible for creating the 'experience' of a particular game. Charles Perry, a video game designer, sums it up by saying "the main tasks of the designer is to make sure the game is fun."

Wells further adds that game designers are responsible for macro and micro level design. Macro level design involves "figuring out the core mechanics of the game; the variety of level looks, power-ups, etc." Micro-design involves creating the "actual levels and the moment-to-moment gameplay within those levels... the enemies, the objects, and the particular way you encounter those enemies and objects."

Good game designers should obviously have an interest in video games along with some drawing and programming skills.

Career Change Over 40


Getting back into the workforce or changing careers after the age of 40 can be tricky, but there is a great deal you can do to improve your chances. Tips on how to make the most of your experience and skills and some ideas you may not have previously considered.







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career change over 40,career change,self-employment,portfolio workers







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As populations in the developed world are growing older and many countries are experiencing a crisis in the pension system, we are facing the prospect of having to work past the usual retirement age. Yet, at the same time, older people are not always welcomed back into the work force. Many also have difficulty finding a new job if they have an unbroken track record and are simply looking for a change in career after the age of 40.

There are a number of steps you can take to maximize your chances of getting a job, despite negative views regarding age on the part of some employers.

When writing your CV or résumé, be sure to target it for the job in question. You can do this by highlighting all the skills and experience which are needed for the job and then proving that you have got them.

It is not necessary to put personal information on your CV – in many countries it is illegal to ask about age and this will also become law in the UK in October of this year. You should either leave out your date of birth completely or put it at the end. Do not mention your marital status or the number of children you have or their ages. This is not relevant to the job!

The fact that you are older means that you have valuable experience in many areas and you need to make good use of this in your application. Don’t worry if you are returning to work after bringing up children – soft skills, such as communication, time management and the ability to meet deadlines are crucial in the workplace today and all of those will be skills you have developed as a parent. So take a good look at all the skills you have acquired both at work and in other areas of life and make a list. You’ll be surprised to see how many you have and how many of them are transferable.

If you find your particular career favours youth, consider the possibility of self-employment. Could you use your existing skills as a freelance? If you aren’t up to date with computer packages, get your kids to teach you or find out about local classes, which are sometimes free. If there have been changes in your particular industry, look into refresher courses.

Many people make the mistake of assuming that they will get job satisfaction in one place, but this is the exception rather than the rule. So make a list of all the skills you’d like to use (or learn) at work and a list of the tasks which give you job satisfaction. Then consider the possibility of becoming a portfolio worker, that is, someone who has more than one occupation. You might, for example, work as a freelance in your existing career for two or three days a week and set up a small business doing something completely different during the rest of the week. Or you might write about, teach or run workshops in one of the skills you have developed. This doesn’t have to be work-related – it could be a hobby you’ve been interested in for years, it could be an aspect of parenting or coping with a health issue. Look at everything you’ve done in your life so far and you’ll find that there are several areas in which you are an expert.

If you are prepared to look beyond the conventional 9-5 job, you will find that there are many opportunities open to you, regardless of your age.

© Waller Jamison 2006

Finding Your Ideal Career


Are you in your ideal job? Or do you feel there is something more you can do with your life. This article will help you to understand what you want from and and find your ideal career.







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goals, goal setting, jason johns, motivation, living motivation, success, achievement, sanjo, hypnosis,







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In the current climate, many people are looking away from the traditional job market towards working for themselves. The massive redundancies and job-insecurity has caused many people to radically rethink their career plans. With the ever rising cost of living, many would be happy just earning extra money to support their family and to pay the bills.

In this article, you will discover what you really enjoy in life and how to turn it into a money making opportunity, and perhaps even a full-time career. Your only limitations are those you impose upon yourself! At the very least, what you learn will help you to be happier with your current job.

First of all, a little exercise to get you started. Make a list of everything and anything you really enjoy and are passionate about. This can be anything at all, from playing with Lego through to planning projects or programming in Cobol. Write down everything you think of, no matter how silly or pointless you think it may be. They are all important and must be included on your list.

Go through the list and ask yourself whether you truly are passionate about each one. Ask the question, “If someone offered to pay me to do this, would I be happy?” If you would not, then cross it off your list.

Look at each item on your list and ask yourself what you enjoy about it. You may enjoy the peace and tranquillity of gardening, or the fast paced life style of project management. Write this down too by each item.

The why you enjoy it is very important because it gives you an insight into your inner workings. When you understand what it is that you enjoy about something, you can look at applying that quality specifically to your life and current job to improve your happiness. If you like peace and tranquillity but your job is hectic, you could take time out for a walk in a park or to meditate to bring into your job peace and tranquillity. You could make sure you take a lunch break and switch off your phone.

Once you have identified the things you are passionate about, write down next to each one how much time a month you currently spend doing them. You may love surfboarding but only manage to go once a month or you may be passionate about cooking yet have to live on fast food because of your lifestyle.

From now on, make a commitment to yourself to spend time doing the things you are passionate about every single month. You will find that not only does your level of happiness improves, but your energy increases and life feels so much better because you are doing things that you love.

Carry your list around with you for at least a fortnight, adding to it each time you think of something you are passionate about. Then repeat the process above for each new item, analysing it and understanding what it is you like about it.

Do you have what it takes?

Whatever your current job situation, working for yourself can be a very appealing option. But the question is, ‘do you have what it takes to work for yourself?’ Not everyone does, but the good news is that the necessary skills can be learnt by anyone.

To successfully work for yourself you need to have all of the following skills to some degree. The better you are at each skill, the more chance you have of being successful on your own.

Motivation: You must be able to motivate yourself and to not rely on others to push you along. When you work for yourself, there is no boss telling you what you need to do, when you need to do it by, and providing you support and guidance when you need it. You are the boss! Working for yourself, it is all your responsibility. If you cannot take the responsibility, then you are best off staying in employment.

Belief: You must believe in yourself and in your business and / or product. It is very difficult to do well at something you do not fully believe in. Your belief and passion about what you do comes across to your customers. This has a positive effect in building their confidence and in turn, your business. Before starting any business or selling any product ask yourself if you believe in the product and business.

Development Time: It is important to spend time developing yourself and increasing your skills. Many technical people forget to develop soft skills, and vice versa. Aim to attend at least two courses or workshops a year. Also regularly read relevant books to develop these skills. You have to stay one step ahead of the competition in order to be a phenomenal success.

Determination: You must be determined to succeed and not to give up. There are times when it will be tough, but you are the boss and the one solely responsible for making it good again. You may get knocked back on occasion, but a true success just keeps on going in the face of set-backs.

Inter-personal skills: Working for yourself does not mean you will be locked in a room alone. You will often have to interact with other people; your customers. Good inter-personal skills will make this experience more rewarding and help you get the best from people. They will help ensure you have a successful business.

Communication skills: Both written and spoken communication skills are important. Often in the market place today, words are the key to the success of your business. Therefore, spend time developing your skills in this area - it will pay you back many fold to do so.

How many of the above skills do you currently have? Do you feel you are weak in any of these areas? If so, then strengthen them by attending courses or reading some relevant books. Being strong in all the above areas is not necessary for personal success, but will help to make it much easier.

Look at the list of things you are passionate about, and think about how the above skills can be applied to and compliment these.

Finding your ideal career

Now, back to the list of things you are passionate about. Take a new sheet of paper and write the first item on your list at the top of this new paper. Underneath it, brainstorm all the jobs you can think of that involve your passion. Let your imagination run riot and be as creative as you can. Each item you have written down offers you many possibilities. Also use the reasons you enjoy the item to help in this exercise.

Using gardening as an example, you could write down: gardener, author, teacher, TV presenter, landscape designer, tree doctor, and farmer, park ranger, and so on, just to mention a few.

Still on the same item from your list, write down all the ways you can think of to make money from it.

With our gardening example this may be growing and selling plants or vegetables, or doing gardening for people in your neighbourhood. There are of course many other opportunities here. Be creative and imaginative and think outside of your normal box.

Look at all these ways of making money and note the ones you can start right now and ones that you would really like to do. Perhaps you could start on one or two of these now, whilst still working in your current job.

Repeat the above exercise for each item that is on your list. Over the next few weeks keep adding to these lists. This exercise stimulates your mind to be creative, which results in creating many more great ideas – often when you least expect it, so make sure you write them all down.

The results of these exercises will be a list of what you enjoy doing, why you enjoy doing and a list of possible careers and money making opportunities that you would gain pleasure from. You do not have to make a massive move and quit your job right now. You can take your time, and slowly begin building your own business, or just earn a bit of extra money to help pay the bills whilst keeping your current job. You can also use this list to determine what career is best for you and begin planning a move to this new career.

Ask yourself the question, “If I could do anything at all, what would it be?” The answer to this question will help you determine which of the items on your list to pursue first. It is important not to spread yourself too thinly otherwise you may find that nothing ever gets done. Once you have decided which way to go you must do a goal setting exercise and work out your route to your target. Goal setting workbooks and articles can be found at http://www.stateofhypnosis.com.

Pursuing your passion means living life to the full. It means waking up each morning and looking forward to working. It means more energy, more fun and feeling more alive. Sadly today many of us are working jobs we would rather not be doing. Perhaps it is time that you took advantage of the shifting economy and lived your passion instead of dreaming it?

Career Development Takes Work


Do you currently have the career of your dreams? If so, congratulations on all your hard work, because I'm quite sure that your success and accomplishment didn't happen over night. If you do not have the career you have always dreamed of, do not worry, you can get there. Career development isn't easy, but it is definitely worth it.

Career development can mean a lot of things. Here, for my purposes, I simply mean doing the things you have to do to get the career you really ...







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career development







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Do you currently have the career of your dreams? If so, congratulations on all your hard work, because I'm quite sure that your success and accomplishment didn't happen over night. If you do not have the career you have always dreamed of, do not worry, you can get there. Career development isn't easy, but it is definitely worth it.

Career development can mean a lot of things. Here, for my purposes, I simply mean doing the things you have to do to get the career you really want. The first step in the process of career development is to figure out - really figure out - the career you want to have. This may be harder than it seems. You really need to know yourself, know what you're good at, and know what excites you. Not many people last long in a career that they hate. Career development begins with taking a close look at yourself. See a career counselor for even more help or to take tests that will help you to determine your personality and jobs that will fit it well.

Once you have determined a career or two that seems like it will fit you and your dreams, continue with your career development by discovering what needs to happen for you to be qualified for the career you want. Career development does not happen in an instant or even in a year, it may take years of hard work to get to where you want to be. It is important to be realistic about your goals and about the process. Does more education need to take place for your career development? Or perhaps you just need some special training courses in your field but you do not need another degree? Find these things out and then begin pursuing it.

Career development is important because I am convinced that it is important that people spend their lives on things they care about and feel like they can do well at. There is nothing worse than spending years of your life in an unsatisfying career. Fortunately, you do not have to let that be the story of your life. Take proactive steps that put you in control of your career development.

I guess what I'm simply trying to say is this: life is hard. Work is hard. Work is much easier and life is much better when it is doing a career that you love. Believe that it is possible for you to have a career that you love and then commit to whatever career development is necessary for you. It will be worth it for years to come.

Embracing Caregiving As A Career


Experts say if you are a person who is caring and compassionate, a good conversationalist and enjoy helping others, you might consider a career as a caregiver.







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Embracing Caregiving As A Career







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Experts say if you are a person who is caring and compassionate, a good conversationalist and enjoy helping others, you might consider a career as a caregiver.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there are more than 700,000 professional companions or caregivers, making this one of the fastest-growing occupations in the nation. The Bureau projects more than a 27 percent growth in this career category over the next 10 years.

According to Home Instead Senior Care CEO and founder Paul Hogan, an aging population and longer life spans are indicators of an increasing demand for not only health care, but also in-home assistance. "The help and companionship afforded by a caregiver can keep seniors in their own homes longer and enhance their quality of life," says Hogan.

Seniors are not the only ones to benefit. For example, after relocating to a new city with her husband, a woman named Muriel Phelps decided she wanted to meet new people and take on new challenges. She had managed an office for 20 years and wasn't necessarily looking for a job when she discovered a hidden talent for caring for seniors. "In this day and age, people can have several careers," says Phelps of her newfound caregiving vocation. "It is one of the most fascinating periods of my life."

She has now been a professional caregiver for Home Instead Senior Care for three years and says the satisfaction of caregiving is being able to reach out and give other seniors the care they need. She and her seniors share many interests-a love of gardening, music, food-and they even shop together.

"I have been so blessed in my life," she says. "If I can share and make someone's life more interesting and fun, right until their last breath, I've accomplished something and made my life worthwhile."

Career Tip #1: Act Like You Own the Place


Want a raise? Act like you own the place and get it!







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Career, The Millionaire Next Door, success







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I’ve owned my own company since 1988, and often hear people say they’d like to own a business. When I ask why, they give answers such as “So I can set my own hours”, “To make what I’m really worth”, or “So I won’t have to answer to anyone”. I tell them not to go into business for themselves, because they don’t understand what owning a business really means.

While it allows the freedom to come and go without permission from anyone, it doesn’t allow the freedom to come and go anytime the owner feels like it. Most business owners work more hours than their employees. The owner of a medical device manufacturing company in San Antonio recently told me that he can leave work any time he darn well pleases – after he puts in his 80 hours a week.

The desire to achieve financial independence is certainly a good reason to go into business. In their book “The Millionaire Next Door”, Tom Stanley and William Danko revealed that self employed individuals are four times more likely to be millionaires than those who work for others. New entrepreneurs hear stats like these and think they’ll be the next Henry Ford or Walt Disney. What they forget is that Mr. Ford and Mr. Disney both went bankrupt before they achieved such stunning success. For every Donald Trump, there are thousands of business owners taking cash advances off credit cards to make payroll. Some estimates have placed the average annual profit of small business owners in the United States as low as $10,000 a year. While owning a business greatly increases the owner’s odds of becoming a millionaire, it also greatly increases the owner’s odds of working for less than minimum wage. I caution people who say that owning a business will help them make what they’re really worth, because they might not realize how little that is.

While business owners don’t have a supervisor to answer to, this doesn’t mean they don’t have people who hold them accountable. There are creditors who expect to be paid, customers who often demand the impossible, and sometimes a spouse who questions why they still can’t pay the mortgage despite putting in 100 hours a week.

Hollywood has painted an unrealistic image of business owners. The mention of someone who owns a business conjures up images from greedy bank owner Mr. Potter in the 1946 movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” to nuclear power plant owner Mr. Burns in the television show “The Simpsons”. Owning the company doesn’t mean sitting in a leather wingback chair all day and counting piles of money while all the workers bees make more; it means quite the opposite. You’ll never hear a business owner say “That’s not in my job description”. Business owners refer to themselves as the chief cook and bottle washer because they have to do whatever needs to be done whenever it needs to be done.

Employers have become accustomed to employees who do the least they can to get by, which is usually what’s printed in their job description. Because of this, companies add “...and all other duties as needed” to every job description. But those who excel in their careers don’t need a job description to tell him what to do. They do whatever needs to be done, whenever it needs to be done, without waiting until they’re asked. In other words, they act like they own the place.

Career Enhancement Basics


Career Enhancement

Choosing a career is a hard decision to make. The decision and choice you make will impact you for most of your life because it sets a course for you for decades.

How do you make such a choice?

First, realize that since you make that choice you can always make another one. In other words, you are not locked into a single career for life. You can change your mind and your direction at any time.

Whether you change your mind or stick with your orig...







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career enhancement







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Career Enhancement

Choosing a career is a hard decision to make. The decision and choice you make will impact you for most of your life because it sets a course for you for decades.

How do you make such a choice?

First, realize that since you make that choice you can always make another one. In other words, you are not locked into a single career for life. You can change your mind and your direction at any time.

Whether you change your mind or stick with your original decision, you will want to advance and refresh your job and career often. It’s called Career Enhancement and should be a part of any career plan and path.

Most professions require constant enhancement of skills called continuing education. Professional organizations typically advertise programs and allocate credits for enhancement courses.

If you are not in a professional organization set up your own career advancement program. It can be a simple class taken once a year or a complete program over several weeks. What ever your choice study your options and make judicious choices.

Then, do at least one class a year. If your employer does not pay for career enhancement programs, pay for them yourself and attend.

After completing a class, update your progress and resume regularly. Keep a log of your classes, instructors and where you attended them. The real value in this will unfold as you prepare for your annual review, ask for a raise or promotion or search for a new job.

It comes down to setting goals, planning a path to those goals and accomplishing them. Even if you are alone on your path you can grow in your career.

Finally, take action. Make the first step toward your career enhancement goals even if you feel uncertain. Action opens all kinds of unseen opportunities and clarifies issues once you get going forward. Set your sights high, aim for your goals and take action to move ahead towards successful career enhancement.

Career Builder: Using Job Boards For More Than Jobs


If you are like most job seekers, you have registered your resume on the major online job boards such as Career Builder, Monster, TheLadders.com, Headhunter, etc. But are you aware of the plethora of good information and job search tools that are available on these sites in addition to job listings?

Take CareerBuilder.com for example. The main navigation pages at Career Builder are “Home”, “Find Jobs”, “Post Resumes”, “Job Alerts”, “My Career Builder”, “Advice and Resourc...







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If you are like most job seekers, you have registered your resume on the major online job boards such as Career Builder, Monster, TheLadders.com, Headhunter, etc. But are you aware of the plethora of good information and job search tools that are available on these sites in addition to job listings?

Take CareerBuilder.com for example. The main navigation pages at Career Builder are “Home”, “Find Jobs”, “Post Resumes”, “Job Alerts”, “My Career Builder”, “Advice and Resources”, and “Career Fairs”. Most online job hunters typically will use the Find Jobs and Post Resumes pages. About half might sign up for Job Alerts. Career Builder offers two sections that could be the most valuable sections to job seekers but not all visitors will read them. Those sections on Career Builder are “Advice and Resources” and “Career Fairs”.

Of particular interest on CareerBuilder.com is the “Advice and Resources” section. In this section, Career Builder has ten different sections on various subjects from continuing education to resume services to financial advice. At the top of the page, Career Builder highlights four articles of special interest to job seekers. These articles rotate on a regular basis so the visitor should check back often to see new articles and to read past articles that are listed in their appropriate headings by Career Builder.

At the very bottom of the Career Builder Advice page, there are seven different sections that are collections of articles on job hunting, business opportunities, and education that have been written by experts. In the career advice section at the bottom of the page, there is an option to watch various videos of career experts talking about different aspects of job search. This option also appears on Career Builders’ home page. This is a new feature by Career Builder that actually allows the job seeker to watch a short instructional video on various topics.

All total, Career Builder.com has more than 200 articles covering various job search and employment topics on these pages. Career Builder has built a wonderful resource area of which many job seekers do not take advantage. The next time you visit the site, read more than just the job listings. Take time to read the excellent information that Career Builder has gathered in one place for your benefit!

Finding a Work at Home Career You Love


Does the prospect of a work at home job interest you? If so, there are many options for people who want to work at home. Deciding what type of work you want to do is the first step towards your work at home career.







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work at home,job, jobs







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Copyright 2006 Harrold Swalve

Does the prospect of a work at home job interest you? If so, there are many options for people who want to work at home. Deciding what type of work you want to do is the first step towards your work at home career. Many work at home jobs require you to report to an employer. Your employer might have you work a set schedule or have certain qualifications before you can begin. If that isn't an option for you, a home business might be a better step. Starting your own home businesses also have requirements. They might need an upfront fee or startup costs to begin. However, with this option, you are your own boss. Home businesses might take some time before you see returns, but work at home jobs also have financial pitfalls, as they are usually part-time or on an as needed basis.

You could also choose to become an independent contractor or freelancer. Independent contractors can choose to accept certain jobs. They also have more freedom to set their schedules whereas a company employee has the stability and benefits of being regular employee. However, company employees do not have the freedom to reject jobs they simply aren't interested in. There is a variety of work at home opportunities for both independent contractors and company employees. Choosing the best path is a personal matter.

You can narrow your search for work at home employment by realizing your skills and previous experience. Work at home opportunities includes areas such as customer service, freelance writing, data entry, telemarketing, typing, graphic design, web design, and transcription to name a few. Investigate these opportunities from both a freelance and a full time company employee perspective to get the best job outlook.

Many companies do not post their work at home jobs because they are flooded with applications from people who do not possess the skills for the job. Consider your work at home job search as you might any typical job search. Apply only for jobs that you are actually qualified to do. You might even apply for jobs that allow you to work at home on a part-time basis. Some employers are willing to extend part-time employment to a full-time basis after an initial trial period.

Be sure to begin your work at home endeavor with a goal. Set a plan for what you want to accomplish, and be informed about work at home opportunities by joining message boards or online communities. These are good place to meet with others who work at home and to find ideas and information. When you first begin looking for work at home opportunities, take small steps. Make a few phone calls, contact potential employers and send out resumes. Setting a small daily goal will help you feel like you are accomplishing something.

If you are attracted to the prospect of working at home, follow these guidelines carefully. You may just end up with a job you love.