 | (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. |
Friday, October 18, 2013
Why You're Not Getting Hired
Think mobile: marketing tips for local businesses
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?
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| George Soro |
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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
(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
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.
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."
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