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Thursday, October 31, 2013

Dangote: Now Forbes African Most Powerful man

Alhaji Aliko Dangote have emerge 64th position and 1st in Africa in the recently released 2013 Forbes World Most powerful list. The same list did not feature the Nigeria President-Dr Goodluck Jonathan.
President Vladimir Putin of Russia displaced President Obama of USA from number one position.Forbes list is published annually by publisher of Forbes magazine.
Aliko Dangote
By World Economic Forum [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

The top ten on the list are:

1)Vladimir Putin, Russian President

2) Barack Obama, US President

3) Xi Jinping, Chinese President

4) Pope Francis, Roman Catholic Church

5) Angela Merkel, German Chancellor

6) Bill Gates, co-chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

7) Ben Bernanke, Federal Reserve chairman

8) Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud

9) Mario Draghi, European Central Bank president

10) Michael Duke, Wal-Mart CEO

Related articles:

12 things about Dangote’s Wealth

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Why Go for Project Management Courses

By Websystems Inc. (http://www.aceproject.com/gantt-charts/) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons


Author: jonellelantier
Withstanding the prevailing competition in today\'s market is not an easy task. You must be prepared to introduce alterations in your work model, to ensure the stipulated work gets done within the given timeframe. You must also ensure that you do not compromise with your quality of work, while trying to deliver on time.

The different phases of project management vary from planning, execution to monitoring effectively. To make the task of project management easier and reduce the risk factors involved, there have emerged plenty of online courses and training classes. The project management courses benefit employees as well as the employers. Here we shall explore the benefits of going for a project management course:

Benefits to the Employees:

When it comes to the individuals, there are many viding for your position. It thus becomes highly essential to imbibe yourself with an impressive demeanor. It is in these cases that such courses play important role:

Enhancement of Skills:

Skill augmentation is one of the most important skills that you can learn from project management courses. You receive training on different departments, such as project budgeting, business analysis, project scheduling, and communication skills that have a direct impact on your profile as well as on your organization.

Leadership Skills:

Project management courses make you self dependant and introduces plenty of behavioral changes such as decisiveness and leadership qualities. You gain self confidence and delegate responsibilities to others.

Better Growth Prospects:

A trained professional has better understanding of the present market trends that ensure a smooth workflow. This enhances chances of an individual to get better job prospects and may be a salary hike as well.

Changes in Behavioral Patterns:

You can experience significant changes in your behavior as well, when you undergo the project management courses. You start meeting people from different backgrounds that offers you a chance to experience new views and opinions.

Benefit for the Business:

Many organizations are hiring professionals who can function even when the market is in a volatile condition. Project management courses ensure you deliver the best result, when particularly compared with the untrained professionals. Below are stated some of the ways project management courses benefit an organization:

Professional Environment:

An organizations\' premise gets positive energy that lay foundation for competitive, healthy as well as a cooperative work environment. Projects management course ensure dedicated workforce with commitment to better delivery of results.

 Professional Image:

Well-versed employees in an organization offer a professional image to the organization. This improves good will of the company in this competitive market scenario.

The skilled professionals become assets of the organization, which in turn benefits the company in different ways.

As you can see project management courses benefit the employee as well as the employers in different ways. So, when you are planning to enroll yourself in an online course, make sure to make an informed decision so that you don\'t repent later.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/management-articles/why-go-for-project-management-courses-6803630.html
About the Author
WatermarkLearning.com cover the most relevant topics in project management courses to help keep pace with the changing market trends. To know about the responsibilities of a project manager, you may also visit Wiki.answers.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Major challenges for a Business Start-up


Author: Entrepreneur India
Starting a business idea and running it effectively can be complex task. There are many challenges for a business start-up to face.Before we go ahead and give you some exact business startup ideas you require knowing what you desire to realize in life because you want your business to provide this reason each and every day you work on it.
Start
Most start-ups failed because they don\'t have any idea about the major challenges that come over on their way during initial days. Some of them learned from their mistakes and tried again and again. There are hundreds of pain points to face for business start-ups in initial stage. Here we outlined the few of them that may help you to avoid failure.
Lack of market knowledge
Being a business start-up, understanding the biz idea and identifying the market opportunities are difficult tasks to do. Identify your target market otherwise you will lose hold on your customers easily.
Fund generation and allocation
Generate enough funds for your business functioning without going over budget is a stressful and challenging job for any business start-up. However, the requirement of funds differs at different stages of business.
Getting right talent and retaining them
This one is the next big challenge to face for a business start-up. Take decision on the recruitment of right talent to work with you is very critical. If you succeed in finding good quality people with positive attitude, retaining them is also difficult.
A strong business concept
Finding the right business idea is not an easy task. A strong business needs new idea and creativity to flourish in the industry so that one should be open for accepting and using the new ideas correctly and have the ability to see opportunities in difficulties.
How to make sale?
This is something that every business needs and only the founder can find the right strategy of making the sale in flow. Once you decide on the strategy, you need to work upon the target customers, pricing, market trends and positioning of your products.
Finding the right location for business
This may or may not be a challenge for many entrepreneurs. But to get the right location at right prices is another difficult task for start-ups.
Apply wrong technology
Most of the time, business start-ups don\'t want to spend high amount on technical assistance and as a result it give negative impression on customers and other market leaders mind.
Lack of long-term business vision, how to scale it, and how to decide on the product features f are other major challenges to face a business start-up.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/business-opportunities-articles/major-challenges-for-a-business-start-up-6802331.html
About the Author
This Article is written on behalf of entrepreneur india; provides top business opportunity, low business opportunity investment ideas, best business ideas, entrepreneurship ideas. Please feel free to visit; if you need small business opportunity in india

Tip-bit about origin of Money

Word "money" is believed to originate from a temple of Hera, located on Capitoline, one of Rome's seven hills.   Hera was often associated with money in the ancient world.
Many other items have been used as money; paper money is a latter invention- 600 AD in China during Song dynasty           
  •                  3000 BC shell cowry came into use

Cowry
Source: By Bin im Garten (Own work (own picture)) [CC-BY-SA-3.0
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Common

  •     Gold and silver coins came into use in about 300BC.
  •      In Colonial West Africa metallic bars(Iron), Brass &copper    rods and manillas were used as medium of exchange.
  •      2000AD digital money gain momemtum and more and more people are moving money electronically.
Manilla

Friday, October 25, 2013

How to Handle Risk in Market Place?


Author: Francisco Mandelbaum

Devise a future-oriented emini trading strategy for yourself, focusing on eliminating risks. Although no trading can be completely risk-free, you can certainly work on minimizing them. Spend more time on practice account doing paper trading until you get proficient in strategy-making.

Trading is just like playing a game that involves strategies, overcoming risks and moving across the board with a clever plan. We have all played this type of game at one point or the other. Well, online futures trading is similar to these types of games where you invest money, manage your risks and acquire profits as you move through the session. You may have heard the saying, 'there\'s profit in risk.' When translated into trading language this means that the less uncertain you feel and the better you manage your risks, the better your returns will be.

You always have to have a strategy when trading because without it your chances of success are slim to none. Your strategy has to have a future oriented goal which aims to reduce the amount of risk you take as well as the uncertainty of a loss. Theoretically, you have to eliminate all risk from your trade to be 100profitable at all times. How do you do this? Well, by buying into winning positions on all trades. However, in the real world it is not possible to eliminate all risk and it will always be a variable to consider in trading. Managing your risk tolerance will make a difference in the success of your trading results. Let us take a look at just how you can go about reducing your risk variable.

Look at your motivation level. If your past performance only makes you focus on the losing trades you made rather than the winning trades then your fear factor increases. You should change your perception by spending more time on your practice account until you see a profitable consistency. Only then do you return to your live account with an invigorated confidence. Your trading errors may affect you psychologically thus affect your risk tolerance and this is why you should take note of all the mistakes you make and develop corrective measures. Find out if your computer is the problem. You may be trading online efficiently but your computer may be doing the damage. This leads to uncertainties in placing exits and entries and your ability to assess risk correctly. Tune up your computer and clean your registries and ensure that you know how to use it effectively.

Do a self-check-up every now and then too. Is greed affecting your online futures trading decisions? Are you able to cut your losses when your stop gets hit? Are you doing the trading as a business or as a get rich quick scheme? Are you still willing to learn, weed out your weaknesses and remove self-doubt? Answering these questions will help in reducing risk. If you invest in yourself and in overcoming your uncertainties and fears, your risk tolerance will greatly improve and you will thus be able to calculate the risk of your future trades with confidence. You will no longer view trading as a huge risk but something that has the potential to make you a good income once you overcome a few challenges.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/day-trading-articles/how-to-handle-risk-in-market-place-6802397.html
About the Author
Author of this article enjoys listening to the CFRN Emini Futures Live Market Commentary each day and also watching the CFRN Professional Emini Traders place live trades in their Live Emini Trading Room.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Two great treasures in life are health and wealth, so save it


Author: Dynamo Home
To run a house or a business in a successful way lies in the hands of the person who holds the finances.  Right vision and right action is important every step of the way. A single wrong step can mean swimming in troubled waters. Many people do not know how to handle cash and get into difficult situations because of that. Instead of worrying about this, it is better to consult wealth creation and wealth protection services offered by companies in Perth. Like creating wealth, protecting it and maintaining it is essential.
Some people are very smart and calculative in life, while some   go with the flow. Planning, spending and saving are three important aspects of finance.  There are people who are legal heirs of a large treasure but have little knowledge about handling it in a proper way.  There are people who have very little idea about stock market but start investing huge money in it and get their hands burned. Seeking the help of Wealth Creation Services Perth can help in avoiding such situations.
Ask yourself a few questions and if you do not get a proper answer for it then it is time to approach a Wealth Protection Perth company. Why am I not able to save properly? Where is my hard earned money going? How do I make more money? Am I a good saver? How do I protect my assets? What will be the future of my family? You need the assistance of Financial Planning Services Perth to answer these questions for you and put you in    the right course.
How will Wealth Creation Services Perth help in planning and maintaining your wealth? By having immense experience in the wealth creation industry the professional wealth creation, these service providers are able to work out the monthly savings and expenditures. Next they will check your lifestyle and work out a plan that will help in managing monthly expenses effectively. Careful spending can help to save a lot. They will also advise on how to save more money.
Planning of a good budget is essential to build a strong base. The professional Wealth Protection Perth companies review and analyse spending patterns apart from   reviewing your debts and future expenses. This allows in analysing money saving opportunities. Health and wealth are the two important treasures of a human being. Both are needed in equal quantity to maintain a balanced life. Health should be protected, while wealth should be accumulated and maintained by reducing all kinds of risks associated with it. Building a financially safe life is essential to face the expected and unexpected events occurring in life. Do it as early as possible.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wealth-building-articles/two-great-treasures-in-life-are-health-and-wealth-so-save-it-6771934.html
About the Author
Financial Planning Services Perth will assist you get a much better handle on your financial strength. By adhering to the plan defined by your Wealth Creation Services Perth, you will be capable to achieve your goals for you and your wealth.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Advantages and Disadvantages of 3G Cellular Phones

Author: Vanessa Arellano Doctor

Cellular phone companies are now beginning to develop new technologies that will help make telecommunications much easier and more appealing to a lot of its consumers. One particular advancement that these cellular phone companies have made on their cellular phones is the 3G technology.

3G technology, which is short for third generation mobile telephone communication systems technology, improves the efficiency of data can be transferred through your cellular phone. The data transfer rates for third generation mobile telecommunications is up to 2 Megabits per second. Aside from this feature, 3G cellular phones also have conventional voice, fax and data services, as well as high-resolution video and multimedia services which can be used while on the move. It also includes mobile office services such as virtual banking and online-billing, video conferencing, online entertainment and access to the Internet.

Such mobile telephone technology would improve the way people will be able to communicate with each other, as well as develop new uses for their cellular phones. One particular advantage of using such a technology on your cellular phone would be your phone\'s ability to watch television shows on your phone, and it also allows you to have video conversations with other people who also use the same 3G technology.

This makes one of the 3G phone\'s most essential feature better, which is the ability for people to conduct video conferencing. However, this only makes up a very small fraction of use from the 3G phones. Other applications of the 3G technology include map and positioning services, as well as multiplayer gaming, which is more popular with the mobile phone\'s younger subscribers.

The 3G technology in cellular phones can also benefit you while you are at your home with its different other applications. 3G can help you simplify everyday tasks such as shopping, wherein you can order items that you need to restock your supply at home at your local market so it would be ready for pickup once you are there, giving you the opportunity to make better use of your time.

You can also pay your bills and balance your checks by logging on to your bank account using the 3G devices that you have. You also book in advance dinner and hotel reservations in any city that you are in. Such technology also benefits you by giving you enough flexibility to function at your best in your workplace. Teleconferencing is one of the best applications for the 3G technology in your work.

Although 3G technologies offer a lot of new advancements and changes in the world of telecommunication, there are still a few things that render the use of 3G telephone communication systems technology as disadvantageous. One thing that makes 3G cellular phones disadvantageous to its users is the fact that these types of cellular phones are more expensive as compared to those which do not share the same technology. Aside from this, people who have 3G can only enjoy the video conferencing feature of the technology with other 3G subscribers.

If you are thinking about which type of phone to buy, whether 3G or not 3G phones, the important thing is that you buy the phone that has all the necessary features that you are looking for in a cellular phone.

Vanessa Arellano Doctor
http://flatrateonline.com


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/negotiation-articles/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-3g-cellular-phones-156732.html
About the Author
Vanessa Arellano Doctor from http://www.Jump2top.com, a SEO Company

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Raise your hand: 3 questions every investor should ask


A successful financial future can start with asking the right questions today


(BPT) - We live in a busy world full of demands on our time and attention - everything from keeping up with our families and careers to making sure we are taking care of ourselves and answering our cellphones by the third ring.

To meet all of life's challenges, sometimes you need to take a step back, sometimes you need to take charge, and other times it makes sense to delegate tasks to someone else - often times a professional such as a contractor, attorney or financial advisor. But for most people, turning things over to someone else shouldn't mean tuning out completely - especially when it comes to something as important as your financial future. When it comes to money and investing, most people feel more confident keeping one hand on the wheel to help ensure their best interests are being served.

But how do you know if you're doing that now or not? Here are three questions every person who invests should ask to determine how involved they are with their investments and if they're getting the level of engagement they want from their current investment professional:

1. Does my broker encourage me to be actively involved in my investment strategy?

Ninety-seven percent of Americans who are highly engaged in various activities in their lives say they want to be involved in the decisions that their broker is making, according to a Schwab study of engaged Americans conducted in May 2013. Does your broker make this easy for you to do? Sitting down and having a conversation with your broker to discuss the level of involvement you want is the first step. You should determine how and when you'd like to be contacted so your broker can keep you up-to-date on major developments in your financial situation. Make sure you feel empowered to ask questions and your broker's answers make sense, you are comfortable giving feedback, and your broker encourages you to check in as frequently as you want - on your terms.

2. What are my broker's recommendations based on?

Do you ask for the rationale behind the recommendations your broker is making for your money? Not only do you deserve an explanation, but you need to understand how your broker's recommendations are suitable for your unique goals, risk tolerance, time horizon and ongoing changes in your personal and financial situation - as opposed to being the same cookie cutter ideas everyone else receives. It's also a good idea to make sure you understand how your broker is compensated for the advice you receive and the products being recommended.

3. Do I understand the progress I am making toward my goals?

Schwab's study of engaged Americans from May 2013 found that 56 percent of those surveyed have a customized financial plan, which is an important first step to taking ownership over your financial future. But do you understand the progress you are making in that plan? It's important to have simple and transparent benchmarks and measures, so make sure your broker offers the tools you both need to track progress against your goals.

If you weren't able to answer these questions on your own, it may be time to ask your broker. Communication is key to any good working relationship and your broker is no exception. It's worth the time and effort to make sure you are on a path toward a successful financial future.

For more questions to ask and additional information on how you can take more ownership over your finances, visit Schwab.com/ownyourtomorrow.

Investing involves risk, including possible loss or principal.

Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., Member SIPC (1013-7270)

Monday, October 21, 2013

12 things about Dangote’s Wealth

Aliko Dangote
Source:  By World Economic Forum [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
  •           He was the first documented billionaire in dollar terms from Nigeria.
  • ·         He currently worth about one fifth of the current World richest Man-Carlos Slim Helu
  • ·         He is current the African Richest Man
  • ·         He is 43rd position in current Forbes World Richest list after Lakshmi Mittal and    ahead of Len  Blavatnik
  • ·         He moved 34 positions up to present position between 2012 and now.
  • ·         He is currently worth $16.1 billion according to Forbes
  • ·         He started real business at age of 21
  • ·         He started business with about $300,000
  • ·         He has grown 53,666% from the initial business loan
  • ·      His current asset in cash equivalent can finance the current Nigeria Government  budget for the next 10 months and Niger Delta oil would rest.
  • ·         If he is to distribute his wealth today he will give every Nigeria about $100 each
  • ·      He is worth about 6% of Nigeria GDP( value of all final goods and services produced in 2012), mind you Nigeria is the 37th largest economy in  the World in term of GDP(IMF).




Trusting the weakest link: What data breaches mean to you


(BPT) - You've seen it in the headlines. Hundreds of data breaches, often at large corporations, happen every year - and consumers suffer the consequences.

Data breaches have become a constant reality of a connected world. Although many people choose to ignore the problem, you can take steps to defend yourself.

What is a data breach?

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a data breach "includes the loss of control, compromise, unauthorized disclosure, unauthorized acquisition, access for an unauthorized purpose or other unauthorized access, to data, whether physical or electronic."

In other words, a breach occurs when a corporation, organization or institution is intentionally hacked or robbed, or inadvertently exposes information through a clerical or technical error. Data breaches aren't always due to malicious attacks. Sometimes they're the result of a mistake, but the consequences are still grave.

When a data breach occurs, confidential information, such as your Social Security number, bank account details, credit card numbers, personal health information or even wireless phone and utilities accounts are released.

In 2011, there were 855 data breach incidents, according to "2012 Data Breach Investigations Report" from Verizon Enterprise. In the past, corporations like Sony and Citibank have had the misfortune of experiencing such a crime. The real misfortune, however, is the victimization of the consumer.

Why should you care?

The odds are you'll be part of a breach sooner or later. The Verizon 2012 Data Breach Investigations Report cites 174 million compromised records in 2011.

Unfortunately, it's completely out of your hands. Let's say you do everything right on your end: shred documents, use secure websites, etc. You're still only as safe as your weakest link.

That weak link could be anywhere your personal information resides - at your doctor's office, employer, bank, favorite restaurant or even the place you got your hair cut last week. You may be doing a lot right, but what about everyone else?

The worst part is that victims of data breaches often become victims of identity fraud. According to a study done by Javelin Strategy and Research, "Data shows that consumers who received breach notifications in 2012 had a substantially higher risk of identity fraud - over 4 times higher - than those who didn't receive these notifications."

In addition, the Verizon 2012 Data Breach Investigations Report also shows that only eight percent of victims discover their own breaches. So 92 percent learn about it from a third party, but that can take weeks or months. The longer your information is out there undetected, the higher your risk for fraud.

If you do receive a letter, your information is out there for good. Even if you don't experience fraud immediately, you could later - several months or even years later. That's why it's important to take privacy seriously.

What can you do?

While companies continue to boost security in order to respond to this threat, here are a couple of ways you can strengthen your defense against data breaches.

* Do not provide your Social Security number unless it is absolutely necessary - simply ask if it's required.

* Never use your name, a child's or pet's name in your passwords.

* Create passwords with upper and lower case letters, non-sequential numbers and symbols. Change them at least quarterly.

* Do not use the same password for multiple accounts; this will minimize the damage in case your information is compromised.

* Review your bank statements monthly and your credit reports annually. Even if you haven't received a notification letter, you could already be a breach victim.

Above all, it's important to stay cautious. Data breaches might be an inevitable consequence of a connected, wireless culture, but that doesn't mean you should become complacent.

For more comprehensive protection from fraud, hire an identity theft protection service like LifeLock to monitor your personal information for misuse or exposure. For more information, visit LifeLock.com or call 1-800-LifeLock.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

For richer or poorer: Don't let newlywed bliss turn into financial nightmare

(BPT) - For better or worse, richer or poorer - that's the promise most couples make when they face one-another at the altar. When it comes to finances and young love, it can be easy to fall into some common pitfalls that can haunt couples long after the wedding day.

"Communication is a key part of a strong marriage, and it's also the basis for a strong financial partnership," says Barrett Burns, president and CEO of VantageScore Solutions. "Being proactive before and planning ahead of the wedding while sticking to a financial plan will help guard against common financial mistakes that can occur early in a couple's life together."

To start your new life together with a strong financial foundation, check off a few important money to-dos before you say "I do!"

1. Have the debt talk

All couples must have the debt talk. It may not be romantic, but it is necessary in order to plan a bright future together. Be open and honest about debt, savings and spending habits, even if they are less than perfect.

Financial turmoil is one of the top reasons cited for divorce, so understanding each other's finances today and what goals you have for the future will help reduce stress on your partnership. With the average college student graduating with $26,600 in student loan debt, according to The Project on Student Debt, young couples need to create a plan for managing debt and saving for the future.

2. Control wedding spending

The "big day" is a defining moment in life, but it's important for couples to remember it's just one day of many that they will spend together. Weddings and related events cost a whopping $28,427 on average, according to theknot.com, and that doesn't even include the honeymoon.

"When it comes to young couples planning a dream wedding, the plastic tends to be relied upon," says Burns. "It's important to be realistic about how much you can spend. Becoming over extended on credit cards is a common mistake, and this type of high-interest debt is not the wisest way to begin your lives together."

The best course of action when it comes to wedding planning is to create a budget and stick to it. It's not necessarily bad to use credit, especially if you can take advantage of a credit card rewards program, but Burns advises only charging or borrowing what you know you can pay back in a reasonable amount of time as keeping high balances and missing payments can have significantly negative impacts on your credit score, which in turn leads to stress.

3. Work together to build a positive credit profile

Married couples do not have joint credit files or credit scores. Each individual has their credit files with the credit reporting companies and their own credit scores, but in some cases like when joint accounts and co-signed loans are created, the actions of one can impact the other.

"It's common for younger people who are just beginning their financial independence to not have much, if any, credit history. It's important to be proactive and take steps to build a positive credit profile and score so you can demonstrate to lenders that you are a good manager of credit," says Burns.

Get a copy of your credit report and resolve any issue you may have with the information presented in it. If you have a limited credit history, carefully consider the benefits of joint accounts, but keep in mind that the positive financial actions like paying bills on-time and keeping balances low, as well as actions that can have negative impacts like missing payments will influence the couples' individual credit scores.

"The importance of paying bills on time cannot be understated," says Burns. "A single missed payment can drop each person's credit score 80 to 100 points. This can affect a couple's ability to get the best interest rates and terms for a loan."

Another important step in building credit after a marriage is to make sure that all financial lenders are aware of name changes. "If you choose to change your name after you are married, make sure all your accounts have your current information, otherwise positive actions may not get reported correctly or in a timely manner," Burns says.

4. Shop around for rates

"Whether you're taking out a personal loan or selecting a credit card, you absolutely must shop around for rates," advises Burns. "Don't just take the easiest or first option. You want to get the best deal available with low interest rates and reasonable terms."

When shopping for rates, Burns notes to do so within a two week period of time. Credit inquiries from auto and mortgage lenders and credit cards issued from banks and credit unions are only counted once if done in a two week period causing just a slight decrease to credit scores.

Finally, couples soon to be married or those that recently were married can also test their knowledge about credit scores at www.CreditScoreQuiz.org, a website created by VantageScore Solutions and its partner, Consumer Federation of America, one of the largest consumer advocates in the country.
Source: Brand Content

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Concierge Auctions to Sell Michael Jordan's 56,000-square-foot Highland Park Estate to the Highest Bidder During a Live Auction on November 22nd

 (via PR Newswire)
The 7.39-acre contemporary estate just north of Chicago and longtime personal residence of Jordan will sell in cooperation with Baird & Warner Real Estate Download image Michael Jordan's Home Auction, Chicago // November 22nd By Concierge Auctions ConciergeAuctions…

Boeing Adjusts 747-8 Production Rate

Boeing Adjusts 747-8 Production Rate

Six ways studying abroad can change your life

(BPT) - Many students study abroad each year for only a few months, or even weeks. But the experiences and lessons learned go on to impact them well past that brief time, and the benefits of their travels don't stop once they return home. Studying abroad isn't just a chance to explore foreign cities, but a time to grow, learn and expand your connections globally.

Here are a few ways a study abroad experience can change your life:

* It can increase your employability.

Employers are in tune with the benefits of studying abroad, research by Global HR News found. About 75 percent cited study abroad as important when evaluating the resume of a job candidate for an entry-level position.

When Victoria Koutris returned from her semester studying abroad in Sydney, where she interned with the Sydney-Rabbitohs Rugby Club, she scored an internship with the Boston Bruins followed by another with IMG. Now graduated from University of Massachusetts Amherst, she is an assistant account executive at the sports marketing and media agency, Optimum Sports, in New York City.

*It can open up opportunities to work abroad.

Thinking about working abroad after college? The same survey found that 80 percent of human resources executives think study abroad is important when considering a candidate for an overseas job placement. -

"I enjoyed my time abroad so much that I decided to travel some more and I am now a certified English-as-a-foreign-language teacher in Chiang Mai, Thailand," says Eli Molin, who spent a semester in Florence, Italy. Auburn University graduate, Carlos Olivieri, completed an internship with the Great Wall Club while he studied abroad in Beijing. The same company has since hired him as a full-time-international marketing manager.

* It just might change your worldview.

One of the most valuable lessons one can learn from studying abroad is that there's a whole world to explore beyond the United States. Once you've seen it and lived in it, the rest of the world becomes a lot more tangible. The vast contrasts between home and your study abroad city will strike you as you take in the streets filled with diversity, the air with hundreds of different languages and the walls with art and posters advertising events like Diwali and celebrations of Australia Day.

"The study abroad experience opened up an entirely new world to me, literally, and showed me that there is so much more to life beyond my small town," says Gareth Leonard, a study abroad alum from SUNY Fredonia in Fredonia, Calif., who spent a semester in London. "Since then, I have lived in Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Guatemala, building relationships, learning Spanish, and adapting to my surroundings."

* It allows you to explore your individuality and personal development.

Away from the constraints and expectations of home, you're free not only to explore the world around you but also yourself.

Missouri School of Journalism student Allison Goldberg studied in London. She now knows she can travel even with a serious disease. "Other than having less space in my carry-on bag, my diabetes has not in any way, shape, or form hindered my experience abroad," Goldberg says.

* Studying abroad can also improve your storytelling abilities.

You'll have more than enough raw material to work with and being able to illustrate your point with a real life story makes for interesting conversation, and also better answers during an interview. Some students go on to write blogs about their experiences abroad, which is a great way to reflect and also to share your writing skills with the world.

* It expands your global network.

Even if you don't return to live or work there, the city where you studied abroad will always feel like a home away from home. Once your experience is over, keeping in touch with friends you make on the other side of the world couldn't be easier thanks to social media. You'll bump into plenty of others looking to expand their own global networks and that includes locals, people who work abroad, intern abroad, or are simply travelling through. These new connections can also increase your opportunities to travel to new areas you otherwise might not have considered venturing to. It's also a lot of fun to invite your international friends to stay with you in your hometown so they can see where you live.

If you're thinking about studying abroad, there's no better time than now. Learn more at www.capa.org/faqs.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Why You're Not Getting Hired

Why You're Not Getting Hired

(NewsUSA) - Here's a secret -- job placement isn't a matter of inclusion, but one of elimination. In today's economy, recruiters are deluged with resumes and have to funnel them through pre-set filters designed to separate the competition. On average, a recruiter spends only 30 seconds reviewing each application, meaning if you aren't marketing your skills correctly, not only are you not getting hired, most times your application won't even be seen.
Joe Weinlick is Vice President of Marketing for Beyond.com, a career network that allows people to search thousands of jobs and manage their careers. His company connects job seekers to available positions, but stresses that the process doesn't stop there.
"Picture the hundreds of people applying for a job seated in the same auditorium," said Weinlick. "Now picture that you're one of the few standing up. Who do you think will get noticed first?"
Here are five recommendations from Beyond.com to improve your job search:
1. Play the Part. A recruiter works with the same job description that is posted online, and if you're not using the same language, a communications gap can develop. Treat the job description like your compass, and use it to guide each answer by tailoring your wording to match theirs.
2. Get Noticed. This is the hardest part, as it's difficult to stand out when others have similar qualifications. Think about your unique qualities, and lead with them. Don't wait until the end; the recruiter might never get there.
3. Get Feedback. Every time you apply for a job, strive for the perfect application. Clean up grammatical errors, cut unnecessary words, and focus on details. Send your materials to colleagues for advice, and take advantage of other resources, like a free resume critique from Beyond.com that can catch any errors.
4. Follow Protocol. Submit only what the job posting requests. This will show that you can follow directions. Don't lie about experience; rather relate the experiences you have, and show how they apply. The candidates who follow the rules and look the best throughout the process have an advantage.
5. Nail the Interview. At this point, the hardest part is over, but you're still the underdog. Be scrappy. Focus on remaining present during the interview. Research the company and your profession. Browse news outlets, like News and Advice on Beyond.com, to stay current on your profession.
To receive a free resume critique from Beyond.com, visit www.beyond.com/resources/resume-writing.

Think mobile: marketing tips for local businesses


(BPT) - No doubt about it, mobile technology is transforming the way consumers live and businesses operate. Today nearly 5 billion people use mobile phones around the world, with 1 billion of those phones being smartphones. According to research conducted by venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield Byers, Americans check their smartphones more than 150 times a day.

Thanks to mobile technology, businesses of all sizes and industries - from your local brick and mortar shop to your favorite online retail site - have the opportunity to easily reach people on the go.

Take Accents Style for example. This clothing boutique in Arlington, Texas, creatively reaches mobile customers by hanging incentives in the dressing rooms, including a 10 percent discount on a purchase when customers "check-in," and a free pair of gold or silver hoop earrings when they "like" Accents Style's Facebook page. Lucy Huang, owner of the business, says that her mobile efforts are paying off.

"Our posts get great responses. The check-ins via mobile are big incentives for our customers to come into our boutique," she says.

Mobile is a vital channel for you to reach your customers and will only continue to grow. While mobile is a great vehicle for businesses to market to their customers, many business owners don't know where to start or think it's too complicated to do well. Below are answers to some of the most-asked questions from local businesses on how to more effectively reach the right audiences on the go.

1. As a business owner, how do I market on mobile without using a ton of resources? I'm just one person and don't have the time.

A business' social presence is a free and easy way to connect with potential customers on mobile. That's because what you do on your page instantly translates to mobile - and your customers are already there, waiting to hear from you. Of the 1.15 billion people on Facebook, more than 70 percent access the site from their mobile phone.

Furthermore, people on the go are actively looking for businesses in their area: according to a recent Google study, 95 percent of smartphone users search for local information and 59 percent of smartphone users visited in-person after searching for local information. To effectively reach the right customer at the right time, you can tap in to the mobile ad targeting features available across many social platforms. For example, you can target people broadly or narrow down to specifics such as gender and interests. BarkBox, a company that delivers a monthly box of dog goodies (treats, products, toys, etc.) to dog owners, targeted friends of their fans on Facebook who were females and had an interest in dogs. After seeing success, BarkBox deepened their targeting by adding in geographic areas and age ranges and saw even greater results.

2. What are the best ways to create mobile ads?

Given people on their phones usually have limited time and attention spans, it's important to create compelling and concise content including photos and short videos. For example, North Carolina-based barbecue company Bone Suckin' Sauce promoted its Facebook photo post on mobile with the hook: "Which is better on the grill? Fish, chicken, vegetables, or steaks?" - to encourage conversation among fans. The company saw an 83 percent increase in online store sales as a result of promoting posts like these.

3. How can I manage my mobile marketing when I'm on the go, too?

Tools like Facebook's Pages Manager app or Hoot Suite's Social Media Manager app allow you to manage your pages on the go, whether you post photos, respond to customers via comments, or create ad campaigns.

You need to think mobile to grow your business

Just looking at the growing number of times per day people access the Web on their phones, it's no secret that mobile marketing needs to become an integral part of your consumer marketing strategy. So don't wait any longer: Think mobile and you'll be able to reach new customers and keep current customers returning.

Source: Brand Content

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Billionaire Investors Warren Buffett, John Paulson, And George Soros Quietly Dump U.S. Stocks. Why?

George Soro

Warren Buffet(Left) with Manpreet


Author: Mike Durand

Despite recent reports that the housing crisis is leveling off, unemployment is stabilizing, and the market has rallied a historic 6.5in the past few months, a few savvy billionaires are quietly moving their money out of U.S. stocks . . . and fast!
Billionaire investors know what they\'re doing and can often predict outcomes well before anyone else. And when they do the opposite of everyone else, it\'s wise to take notice. So why are these investors so quick to move their money out of U.S. companies?
Could these professional investors be aware of very specific research indicating a massive market correction… as much as 90
Warren Buffett, an outspoken advocate of American stocks, is dropping his shares at an alarming rate. The reason stated was 'disappointing performance' in U.S. companies like Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, and Kraft Foods.
Buffett\'s company, Berkshire Hathaway has been drastically reducing exposure of certain stocks dependent on consumer purchasing habits. Berkshire sold approximately 19 million shares of Johnson & Johnson, thus reducing its overall stake in 'consumer product stocks' by 21 In addition, Berkshire Hathaway sold its entire stake in Intel, the California-based computer parts supplier company.
70of the U.S. economy is dependent on consumer spending. However, Buffett\'s obvious view of these companies is troubling to say the least.
As it turns out, Warren isn't alone.
Billionaire investor, John Paulson, who made his fortune during the mortgage meltdown, also reduced his U.S. stock market exposure by selling 14 million shares of JPMorgan Chase. His hedge fund company also got rid of its entire holdings in Family Dollar and Sara Lee.
Even George Soros sold almost all of his bank stocks, including Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, and Goldman Sachs. Of these three banks, Soros sold over a million shares.
So why are these billionaires so quick to drop their shares of U.S. companies?
The market is at a historical high. Real estate prices have leveled, and are even rising in many places. What\'s more, the unemployment rate even seems to have stabilized.
Could These Investors Be Aware Of A Massive Stock Market Correction, As Much As 90
New York Times bestselling author, Robert Wiedemer, and world renowned economist, Harry Dent have been publishing this research for years. And if you think a 90drop in the stock market is unrealistic, consider their successful prediction track records:
In 2006, Wiedemer predicted the collapse of U.S. housing markets, equity markets, and consumer spending that nearly bankrupted the United States.
Dent successfully predicted the recession of 1990 to 1992, the BIGGEST bull market boom in U.S. history, even the credit crisis, and stock market crash of 2008.
It starts when the Federal Reserve floods the economy with a massive amount of debt based money it prints out of thin air. Although these funds haven't yet made their way into the U.S. economy, it is mathematically certain that when they do, hyper-inflation will occur.
At just 10inflation, a 10-year treasury bond will lose approximately 50of its value. And at 20inflation, the value shrinks to almost nothing. At this point, interest rates rise, and this causes real estate values to plummet. As a result, according to Harry Dent, these problems will contribute to the stock market to falling all the way to Dow 3300.
Wiedemer explains why Soros, Buffett, and Paulson are quick to dump U.S. stocks:
'Companies start spending more on borrowing than business expansion. This lowers profits, lowers dividends, and reduces hiring. Additionally, it means more corporate layoffs.'
No investors, especially billionaire investors, want to own falling stocks with shrinking profit margins and dividends. If this is the reason why Buffett, Paulson, and Soros are reducing their exposure, they are cashing out early while leaving Main Street investors to take the loss.
Individual Investors Don\'t Have To Lose Their Retirement Savings.
There are many financial institutions and commission based brokers offering real estate, stock options, and other investment opportunities that fluctuate in value depending on market and economic conditions. So investors need to be very diligent when researching their options.
Buffett\'s company, Berkshire Hathaway, utilizes a little known wealth preservation strategy for economic survival that deserves global attention. This lesser known alternative asset class is called Life Settlements.
Major brokers and financial institutions generally don't offer the public information on this alternative asset class, and for a variety of reasons their popularity is catching on as individual investors take notice. Less than 15of financial professionals are familiar with this asset class.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wealth-building-articles/billionaire-investors-warren-buffett-john-paulson-and-george-soros-quietly-dump-us-stocks-why-6795135.html
About the Author
Mike Durand is a professional wealth manager located in Burnsville, Minnesota. You can register for a no cost or obligation portfolio review from Durand Financial and learn more about how to safeguard your portfolio from the looming stock market crash. You\'ll also receive a free report titled, Making the Case for Life Settlements. Life Settlements are an alternative asset class only available to accredited investors.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

The do's and don'ts to selling your products online


(BPT) - Many small business owners are hopeful that offering their products online will increase their bottom line. But the digital marketplace is increasingly crowded and it can be hard to stand out from the pack. The good news is that being a small business can actually give you an edge over bigger brands - if you know how to use your size to your advantage. Here are the do's and don'ts you need to take your business to the next level:

Don't build your own online shopping platform. While you may believe that having your own website will attract new shoppers, website development and maintenance is expensive and time consuming. Unless your brand already has the visibility needed to attract consumers without advertising or marketing, traffic to the site will be hard to generate.

Don't expect your products to sell on a large online marketplace. While big online marketplaces, like Amazon or eBay, attract a high volume of online shoppers, unless customers are searching specifically for your brand or chance across your products via search, they will likely never see your products.

Do partner with a retail platform that can help you engage with your customers. OpenSky.com is a new and free social shopping marketplace dedicated to building the businesses of small merchants. OpenSky.com will provide you with your own customized online store, a new business toolkit including tips and support, and a built-in community of more than 2.5 million engaged social shoppers, enabling you to foster one-on-one connections and market your goods directly to them. Because they're already pre-disposed to shop, a follower of your brand on OpenSky is 27 times more likely to buy than a Facebook fan. These engaged followers lead to more sales with less cost to you. Best of all? It's incredibly easy. To begin, visit www.OpenSky.com/marketplace to learn more and join this fast-growing network of brands and customers.


Do market your products in a one-of-a-kind way. Create eye-catching content, making sure all your photos are high quality and shot in their best light.

Do establish yourself as an authority. Consider creating tips, recipes or behind-the-scene snippets. If your products are naturally-sourced, why not share photos from the beautiful hike that provided your inspiration for it? Sharing relevant and relatable content will keep your customers coming back.

Do use your size to your advantage. While big retailers are busy playing the price-cutting game, you can work smartly to connect with a community of loyal followers who really appreciate what you do. Harness the personal relationships you've made with customers through social platforms where you can strengthen connections by sharing product news, relevant content and personal reminders about new items you think they'll enjoy. Remember that what makes your small business special is your customers' opportunity to feel a personal connection with you, the entrepreneur and your passion - your product.

Do start now. While selling online may seem overwhelming, following these easy steps will help you make others fall in love with your brand.

Source: Brand Content

Monday, October 14, 2013

Sayings about Money

Courtesy: cooldesign/freedigitalphoto.net

"For I don't care too much for money, for money can't buy me love."      
The Beatles

"Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons."
 Woody Allen

 “Money is a great servant but a bad master."                                   
 Francis Bacon 

 "If you would be wealthy, think of saving as well as getting."
 Ben Franklin

 "The safest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it in your pocket."
 Kin Hubbard
Courtesy: Greenleaf Designs/freedigitalphoto.net

 "The more money that goes into my asset column, the more my asset column grows. The more my assets grow, the more my cash flow grows."                                          
  Robert Kiyosaki

"It is pretty hard to tell what does bring happiness; poverty and wealth have both failed." 
 Kin Hubbard

 "The art is not in making money, but in keeping it."
 Proverb

 Money isn't everything...but it ranks right up there with oxygen.
 Rita Davenport

 "Money is the best deodorant."
 Elizabeth Taylor


 "Every day I get up and look through the Forbes list of the richest people in America. If I'm not there, I go to work."
 Robert Orben
Courtesy: Vichaya Katying Angulee/Freedigitalphoto.net

 "Money will buy you a fine dog, but only love can make it wag its tail" 
 Richard Friedman

 If you know how to spend less than you get, you have the philosopher's stone".
Benjamin Franklin

 "Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune." -
Jim Rohn

Just Graduated? HR Pros Think You're Lazy and Disloyal


(NewsUSA) - You think you know, but you have no idea.
That's according to a recent survey conducted by online career network Beyond.com, which uncovered a vast difference in how job seekers view themselves, compared to how they're seen from the perspective of an HR professional. The survey, which included more than 6,000 job seekers and veteran HR professionals from across the country, revealed that while most Millennials (Generation Y) are optimistic about finding employment (84 percent), HR professionals are not convinced they have what it takes.
The harshest criticism? Loyalty. While 83 percent of Millennials viewed themselves as being "loyal" to an employer, only 1 percent of HR professionals associated their generation with that trait. There were similar feelings from HR professionals on issues like work ethic and management potential, with only 11 percent of respondents identifying Millennials as "hard workers" and 9 percent as "having the ability to lead."
"Job seekers aren't just competing against each other, sometimes they're competing against their own stereotype," said Joe Weinlick, VP of Marketing for Beyond.com. "Millennials should use this data to anticipate and counteract a perception that may have already been formed by an interviewer. A resume only conveys so much, and a job seeker needs to fill the gaps for a potential employer to show exactly how they will impact the company."
Some other things Millennials need to work on in the eyes of HR professionals? Communication and team spirit. Some 65 percent of Millennials responded that they have strong interpersonal communication skills, with a mere 14 percent of HR professionals in agreement. And only 22 percent of HR professionals identified Millennials as being "team players," compared to 60 percent of that generation thinking they work well with others.
One bright spot in the survey for Millennials is that HR professionals overwhelmingly identified their generation as being "tech-savvy" (86 percent). When asked the same of themselves though, ironically only 35 percent of Millennials thought they were technologically gifted -- the sole instance where perception actually helped.
"When it comes to an interview," continued Weinlick, "the one thing that will cut through any misperception is confidence."
The full Beyond.com Generational Survey can be viewed here: http://about.beyond.com/press/releases/Millennials.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Being your own boss: getting your freelance or small business off the ground

(BPT) - It's one of the greatest American dreams. You make your own hours and choose your own clients, while doing what you love and getting paid for it. Starting your own small or freelance business can be an empowering and life-altering experience, but before you get to the good part, there's plenty of work to create the foundation of a successful business.

Today, there are many new tools to get you started on the right track, but they are still based on tried and true principles.

* There's no such thing as too much networking. "Start with your immediate network," says Shawn O'Mara, senior partner at design firm ocreations, who earned his associate of applied science degree in Visual Communications from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 1991. "Do you have an uncle who owns a pizza shop? Offer to create a new logo for him. The money doesn't matter as much when you're first starting out; you need to concentrate on building your portfolio."

Another great way to build your portfolio is to contact non profit organizations. "Non-profits usually do not have a large budget, so if you offer to do the work at a reduced rate, you'll get the experience," says Dana Melvin, director of career services at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Once you've started working with get those clients, Melvin reminds business owners to make sure to get permission to use them as references.

Melvin also reminds entrepreneurs, "No matter where you go, your business card should come with you." That includes the gym, grocery store and gas station. "You never know when you'll meet a potential client and you should never pass up an opportunity to get your contact info in their hands."

One of your biggest networking tools doesn't even require you to get out of your pajamas. "Facebook, LinkedIn and so many other social media outlets allow you to reach out to people you could not reach before. A lot of the work I am doing is for people that I went to high school with and I could not have connected with them if it were not for social networks," says O'Mara.

O'Mara also encourages budding entrepreneurs to think outside of the box when advertising their business. He encourages people to find sponsorship and donation opportunities in the community. "My son plays pee wee football, so I donate the T-shirts so that everyone who comes to the games sees what I do for a living," O'Mara emphasizes that everyone you know should know what you do for a living.

And then there's office space. Do you need it? There was a time when a business without an office wasn't much of a business at all. But times have changed. O'Mara's business is graphic design and although now has an office, he says all a freelancer in his field needs is a laptop and the right software. He says most client meetings can either be held at the client's office or at your local coffee shop.

If you do decide you need an office both Melvin and O'Mara advise that you look into co-working spaces. "Those facilities have common conference rooms, shared office equipment like a copier and fax machine, a common kitchen and some have a receptionist for all the businesses that share the space," explains Melvin.

O'Mara says there's an extra benefit to the shared space as well. "The people you're sharing the space with become part of your network and help you to grow your business; they can also become your clients."

Source: Brand Content

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Certifications: the new key to employment


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(BPT) - A professional certification may not always be a job requirement, but it is often a deciding factor between qualified candidates. In fact, technology is one of the most in-demand career fields, but recent graduates and professionals are both struggling to find new jobs or get promoted because they don't have a certification - a third-party validation of their skills. One of the most sought-after career credentials in the tech industry is the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching. Tech professionals with this certification take home salaries that are, on average, 16.7 percent higher than their uncertified peers, according to a Fairfield Research study. This certification acknowledges that someone is skilled to install, configure, operate and troubleshoot routed and switched networks. "Studies show that chief information officers prefer Cisco Certified professionals because they are 42 percent more effective at resolving issues and decrease network downtime by 32 percent," says Stephanie Kelly, corporate affairs business development for Cisco, citing results of a 2013 Employer Value of Cisco Certification and Training study. "Employers prefer to have someone they know is fully capable of handling a very technical, niche job." Despite the growing demand from employers and because certifications aren't an industry or government mandate, some recent graduates and professionals try to play the odds and skip additional credentials due to the financial obstacle. Between study materials, pre-tests and exams, certifications can cost as much as $1,000. Now, select career colleges, like Westwood College, are pitching in by paying for their students' exams to help attain a certification in their chosen field. "We began running CCNA Routing and Switching review courses for students who passed courses offered through the Cisco Networking Academy. Students who took advantage of and successfully completed the review course were issued a voucher worth the cost of the exams," says Dean Gouin, chief executive officer of Westwood College. "We know it takes a lot of work to achieve this credential and we believe it is important so we'll continue to encourage our students to challenge themselves to do so." In addition to paying for the exams, Westwood, a nationally accredited on-campus and online career college, also covers the exam costs for medical assisting graduates to help them attain Certified Medical Assistants status. In addition to the actual exam, the college pays for practice exams and ensures all study materials are pre-purchased. Visit tech.westwood.edu for more information and behind-the-scenes footage about the college, and specific programs such as CCNA Routing and Switching. To learn more about the Cisco Certified Network Associate Routing and Switching, visit learningnetwork.cisco.com. For more information on Certified Medical Assistants, visit the American Association of Medical Assistants at www.aama-ntl.org.

Courtesy:BrandContent

Brain Tracy

Friday, October 11, 2013

Job searching skills to help boost confidence


(BPT) - Finding employment can be a full-time job these days, and while there is good news that the jobless rate has dropped 8 percent in the last year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in August stayed relatively flat. This can make it a challenge for those looking for long-term jobs and careers.
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Before your confidence begins to wane, it can help to remember that the skills applied to a search for employment can strengthen performance on the job. "With a thoughtful and determined approach to finding employment, you can not only help yourself stand out from the crowd but you'll also hone skills that will help you succeed on the job," says Gizelle Ortiz-Velazquez, director of Career Services at Brown Mackie College - Miami.

Persistence is key
Rarely does anyone secure a position on the first attempt. "Looking for a job takes determination, patience and persistence. Candidates must look at job opportunities every day and use multiple resources, such as networking, online job boards, professional organizations and social media sites," Ortiz-Velazquez says. Your persistence will apply to success on the job as well.
"In life, we don't always get the results we want the first time we try to solve a problem. We have to try again, look at the problem in a different way and look for the answer in different places," Ortiz-Velazquez continues. "Just like using multiple resources for a job search, employees must learn to use multiple resources to solve problems on the job."

Clear, focused communication is a must
When interviewing, effective oral and written communication skills are a must. "Different companies recruit and interview in different ways. The process often varies from company to company, and can include phone screening, Internet screening, email communications and face-to-face interaction," says Ortiz-Velazquez. The successful candidate must be prepared for all of them.
She advises candidates to speak or write clearly and stay focused on the topic. At every step in the process, prospective employers evaluate each candidate's ability to communicate. Once employed, effective communication skills can prove invaluable.
"On the job, different employees prefer different forms of communication," Ortiz-Velazquez says. "It is important to communicate effectively and convey necessary information well whether communicating face to face, over the phone or in writing."

There is no substitute for professionalism
Whether an employee or a prospect, it is important to remember that the way people conduct themselves outside of the workplace is a personal reflection on them.
"During a job search, most candidates take great care to ensure that they are dressing, communicating and representing themselves professionally," Ortiz-Velazquez says. "On the job, however, employees sometimes get comfortable in the work environment and become less professional over time. This can lead to a less than professional reputation and hinder future opportunities."
Social media websites present a forum to be considered with an eye toward professionalism. Ortiz-Velazquez advises job candidates and employees alike to remove personal information and never post questionable images or negative information about a coworker, boss or the company.
"We've all heard the story about the employee that called in sick and then later the same day posted a smiling photo of himself while sitting at a sporting event," Ortiz-Velazquez says.
Those out there looking for employment can take heart in the skills they apply to the search. Those same strengths can help them succeed when they accept a position. And once employed, Ortiz-Velazquez reminds everyone to "remember that every day on the job is an interview and screening process for an employee's future."


How to mentally prepare for a crisis in the workplace

(BPT) - Recent events in the news have reminded us that unexpected, dangerous and stressful situations can happen anywhere: on the street corner, at the grocery store, and in the workplace. While these situations are often chaotic, there are steps you can take to mentally prepare yourself to handle them better, whether you are an employee, a business owner or manager, or a bystander.

David Levine, senior vice president of Optum's Employee Assistance Program and an expert in workplace crisis response, says that anyone can take steps ahead of time to prepare themselves and their workplace to better handle a tragic or emotionally disturbing event. He offers a few suggestions anyone can try, starting today:
* Evaluate your purpose - Those who feel they are a part of something bigger than themselves tend to exhibit higher levels of resiliency after a tragedy. Workplaces that encourage volunteerism and community involvement, promote work-life balance and encourage an individual's sense of family are positioned to nurture resiliency.

* Find ways to manage your stress - Stress can contribute to a host of health issues and can impact the way your brain works. During extreme situations, your brain moves away from abstract thinking, making even simple tasks - eating, sleeping, and solving basic math problems - difficult. If you're already in the habit of doing things to help you cope with everyday stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, or a hobby, that will put you at an advantage for dealing with a sudden crisis. It's also important that you don't turn to unhealthy habits as a way to cope, such as the use of nicotine, alcohol or drugs.

* Examine your relationships - Close relationships with family and friends can be invaluable at times of distress. Those with strong support networks tend to manage these challenges better and recover more quickly. By working to strengthen these relationships now, you'll have a strong support system in place to lean on in times of crisis.
For a business owner or manager, Levine says it's important to develop a crisis response plan and make sure you are familiar with its details so that in times of need, you can respond quickly and calmly.
"When developing your response plan, consult with crisis experts or your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider to help design a plan that fits your workplace, including a strategy for providing counseling services to employees after a crisis in order to reduce the long-term effects of mental or emotional trauma," he says. "When tragedy strikes in the workplace, the response of leadership is critical to ensuring that employees remain healthy and productive."
Levine says leaders should focus on remembering the "ACT" crisis communication process: "Acknowledge, Communicate and Transition." He says this process has been found to be helpful for individuals and organizations as they recover from a stressful situation.

* Acknowledge and name the incident - Be visible and available, and use real language that specifically describes what occurred. Acknowledge that the incident has impacted the team and you. This action can align leaders with their employees and reduce the likelihood of creating an atmosphere of blame and stagnation.

* Communicate with compassion and competence - Employees want to know that leadership cares about their safety and well-being, and is capable of leading effectively in the wake of a crisis. During these difficult times, employers and managers must "know their stuff" when it comes to the logistics of responding to a crisis, but also be able to communicate in a compassionate way. Other colleagues or a crisis expert could be helpful in providing guidance as leaders prepare to talk to their staff about what happened.

* Begin to transition - Convey an expectation of recovery to help those who are impacted make the transition to viewing themselves as a "survivor" rather than a "victim." Communicate flexible and reasonable accommodations as people progress back to "normal" life at work. Some employees will be able to immediately function at full productivity; for those who take longer to get back to normal, you can help hasten their recovery by assigning tasks that are familiar and short-term.
In business, the power of planning is a well-documented key to success - and Levine says it's no different when it comes to responding to a workplace crisis.

"While operating through a crisis will never be an easy task, taking these steps now will help make the situation - should it arise - more manageable in the future." He adds, "Whether you're an employee, manager, or bystander to a crisis, following these steps, along with knowing about your employer's critical incident policies, EAP and other support resources, will help you manage the unexpected."
For information on emotional health and dealing with crisis, visit   www.liveandworkwell.com


Article from Brand Content