August 2009 - Posts

Climbing the Ladder
Saturday, August 01, 2009 12:10 AM

Finding a job using social networking Web sites 

Social networking Web sites can be powerful tools for job seekers. You can establish many industry connections and create a profile that showcases your accomplishments. Plus, more and more companies and recruiters search these profiles every day looking for candidates.

Most job hunters start with LinkedIn.com. It has a robust job search engine, and with more than 40 million members worldwide – including executives from all Fortune 500 companies – you can cultivate a large and powerful network. LinkedIn is most effective when you join and participate in groups, use the applications, and exchange endorsements.

Facebook.com is one of the most popular social networking sites, with more than 200 million active users worldwide. Though Facebook is more often used for simply keeping in touch with friends than for job searching, such networking can sometimes provide the best job leads. And Facebook’s many applications make it easy and fun to stay connected. One useful feature for job hunters is Facebook Marketplace, which lists job openings – as well as housing opportunities and vehicles for sale – in your network.

 

On Plaxo.com, your profile features your “pulse stream,” which pulls in and highlights your activities on other sites, such as Facebook and Twitter. Plaxo is owned by Comcast®, so it’s integrated with SimplyHired® – a narrowly focused search engine for job sites and companies.

Twitter.com is rapidly increasing in popularity and can be an outstanding networking tool. You can communicate directly with hiring managers without having to submit an electronic resume. A Twitter profile has to be supplemented by a blog or LinkedIn profile – there’s no way to hire someone based solely on a Twitter profile.

Jobster.com is another growing networking platform and job search engine. You can upload your resume and picture, embed your video resume, showcase links to your site, and tag your skills. Once you find a job you’re interested in, add the person who posted the job to your network and connect with them to find out more about the position.

Other social networking Web sites for job seekers include VisualCV.com, JobFox.com, Craigslist.com, Ecademy.com, and MyWorkster.com.

 

What is your favorite social networking Web site?

by tinadh | with no comments
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Admin's Assistant
Saturday, August 01, 2009 12:08 AM

Cluttered desk, cluttered mind? 

When you take a look around your office, do you see disorder and chaos? If you’re like most of us, you do. Don’t feel guilty or ashamed by your lack of organization! Although some of your highly organized co-workers may wonder how you manage to get anything done amidst the mess, chances are, the system works for you.

 

In the book “A Perfect Mess,” by Eric Abrahamson and David H. Freedman, they claim that messy systems can sometimes be more effective than highly organized ones, and in more times than not, a messy desk houses a highly successful worker. The authors attempt to disprove the bias in favor of neatness in our society and help people better understand messiness. 

 

Piles of papers are many times seen as ineffective disorder. Although an outsider may find the mess to be disturbing, if you’re able to locate a project, book, paper or file at any given time, then the “mess” means something to you. The clutter may be an extension of your mind and will make perfect sense to you.

 

Abrahamson and Freedman note that messiness tends to increase with increased education, salary and experience. A large majority of CEOs are less organized, but highly creative. So, don’t think that your success is directly related to your organization.

 

 “Mess isn’t necessarily the absence of order. A messy desk can be a highly effective prioritizing and accessing system. In general, on a messy desk, the more important, urgent work tends to stay close by and near the top of the clutter, while the safely ignorable stuff tends to get buried to the bottom or near the back, which makes perfect sense. The various piles on a messy desk can represent a surprisingly sophisticated informal filing system that offers far more efficiency and flexibility than a cabinet could possibly provide,” Abrahamson and Freedman explain. Everyone has a different style – as long as your piles mean something to you, then they’re useful.

 

People that are not natural organizers may find themselves spending more time getting organized each day than actually working on projects. Then, once it’s “organized” they won’t be able to follow the systems in place and will feel lost.

 

Starting to wonder if being highly organized is a bad quality? Not necessarily! The authors simply point out that there has been no research to directly support the benefits of neatness. So, if your organizational system helps you work more efficiently, then continue using it!

 

What does your desk look like? Do you work best in a tidy, highly organized environment, or a messy one?

by tinadh | 1 comment(s)
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Renew You!
Saturday, August 01, 2009 12:08 AM

 

Ways to cope with financial stress

 

Finances are on everyone’s mind these days. When you watch your friends lose their jobs, houses go into foreclosure, and large companies go under, it’s easy to let financial stress get the best of you. These tips will help you manage your money and your stress.

 

Get going

Create a financial plan, including short-term and long-term goals. Start with necessities like housing, car or transportation expenses and food, but also allow for occasional unplanned purchases. Include debts you need to pay and allocate money for savings. Set a realistic budget and stick to it. When you manage to stay under your set budget or you reach one of your goals, treat yourself, but do it wisely. You don’t want to undo all of your hard work.

 

Stay healthy and focused

In times of stress, it’s important to take good care of yourself. Eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water and get enough sleep. Healthy breathing and exercise also help you feel better. Best of all, walking, running, or riding your bike is free!

 

Avoid bad coping behaviors like poor eating, smoking, or drinking, which make you feel worse.  Even when money is tight, don’t cancel health appointments to cut back – first see if your doctor’s office offers a payment plan. You should also check for free help at local clinics and universities. 

 

Go ahead and cancel that manicure or pedicure appointment, though. Instead, call a friend and paint each other’s nails one afternoon. Some habits are hard to break, so start a new, inexpensive one! Knitting, gardening, and volunteering are inexpensive activities and can relieve stress.

 

Avoid using your credit card for every purchase you make. Falling into credit card debt can make reaching your financial goals much harder. Instead, wait five days before making an impulse purchase. Chances are you’ll forget about it! If it’s something you need, shop around for the best deal.

 

Keep a journal to track your expenses, reach your goals, and document your feelings. This will be a good reference and reminder if your budget falls off track in the future.

 

Get back on track

Financial stress may be too much to handle on your own, and that’s okay to admit. Talk about your problems with close friends, join a local support group or see a counselor. It’s best to understand that no situation is hopeless and that you'll come out of it stronger.

 

What have you done to set yourself up for financial success? 

by tinadh | with no comments
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News You Can Use
Saturday, August 01, 2009 12:05 AM

Business packing tips

Traveling is an everyday reality in the business world. Over time, veteran business travelers have been able to come up with ways to simplify being on the road. Here are some basic ideas to make your packing simple and free of headaches.

Make a detailed list of all the products you’ll need on your trip (shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, shave cream, hair spray, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, etc.), then pick up travel- or trial-size versions of them at the store.

Put some cotton balls, swabs and hand sanitizer (or wipes) into separate re-closeable bags. Pack these new travel toiletries and bags into your travel case—keep them stored in your luggage at all times.

Call your hotel ahead of time to ask if your room will contain items such as a hair dryer, iron and clothing steamer. Having these things waiting for you at your lodging can save you space to pack other things. If they won’t be available to you there, pack some small, inexpensive versions.

Make sure that your bags are marked with your contact information at the office and also at your hotel.

When packing, always roll clothing into a cylinder shape. It takes up less space and will help keep wrinkles to a minimum. Also, roll socks and underwear up and stuff them inside your shoes. Not only will it generate more space in your luggage, but it helps keep shoes from getting crushed.

Pack clothing that’s wrinkle resistant—polyester or wool blends, microfibers, silk and rayon. When possible, avoid packing 100% cotton or linen.

For a 2-3 day trip, pack one suit and several pieces to change its look. Men can wear the same suit with different-colored shirts and ties. Women can create several different outfits from just a single skirt, jacket and a pair of coordinating pants and a few blouses.

To avoid having to bring two pairs of dress shoes, choose one neutral color and build your wardrobe around it. Don't bring outfits based on both black and brown, because then you'll also need both black and brown shoes and belts.

When boarding a flight, always carry on your important documents, toiletries, medications and one change of clothes in case your luggage gets lost. This can be a lifesaver! Packing can be simple and go smoothly if you create an effective system and follow it consistently.

Do you have any travel tips to add? Please let us know!

by tinadh | with no comments
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An Excerpt from The Survival Guide for Working Moms (and Other Stressed-Out Adults)
Saturday, August 01, 2009 12:04 AM

Choosing the right child care

Three out of every five children under six-years-old  are regularly cared for by people other than their parents—at a child care center, preschool, in their own homes, relatives’ homes, or in family run day care homes.* The quality of child care varies tremendously.  How can you make the best choice for your child and your family?

 

Health and safety are first and foremost

Health and safety are the “must have” ingredients of any child care arrangement, whether it is baby-sitting, family day care, or a center-based program.  Next, you want to make sure that the child care you are considering provides the building blocks for learning. The person caring for your child should be able to spend some one-on-one time with each child, and the setting should look inviting, with sufficient toys, books and other resources. Children who get little attention in day care will be demanding and unhappy at home, and may have behavior problems later as well. The better the child care, the better your child will learn vocabulary words and develop other basic skills, including the ability to get along with other children.

 

*U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau. Child Health USA 2006. Rockville, Maryland: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2006. http://mchb.hrsa.gov/chusa_06/popchar/0206wmcc.htm.

 

To read more, get a FREE copy of our book, “The Survival Guide for Working Moms (and Other Stressed-Out Adults),” by Diana Zuckerman, Ph.D. and Brandel France de Bravo, M.P.H. 

* While quantities last. Premiums subject to availability. A substitution of equal or greater value may be made. 

About the authors

Diane Zuckerman, Ph.D. is the President of the National Research Center for Women & Families, a research and education charity that provides free health and safety and works to improve policies and programs that improve the health of women, children and families. Brandel France de Bravo is the Director of Public Affairs and Communications at the National Research Center for Women & Families. For useful information about health issues that affect your family and for more information about the National Research Center for Women & Families, visit http://www.center4research.org/


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Ask the Expert
Saturday, August 01, 2009 12:02 AM

 

How do you provide employee recognition with no budget?
By Quill Director of Channel Marketing Helen Bertolucci

Budget cut and no extra dollars to spend on a little something for your employees? Good news! Employee recognition is FREE!

Sometimes, finding those extra dollars to reward and recognize employees might be hard to come by. And those with any dollars available need to make every penny count. If you’re savvy, employee recognition can cost you nothing!

Know what motivates your employees! Employees value different types of recognition and not just financial incentives.

Support from management
Let employees know you have a vested interest in them. Take time to listen, offer suggestions, support – help them resolve a problem.

“Thank You’s”
Whether it is an e-mail, a personal visit or a hand-written note (people love to hang them up as a reminder!), there isn’t anyone who wouldn’t like to be thanked.

Recognition in a meeting
Public recognition also goes a long way in motivating employees. When a co-worker is recognized in a public setting, it sets an example for others to follow and sets a standard for others to aspire to.  

Time off
Offering a comp day for a job well done or offering an early departure on a Friday afternoon are two additional opportunities to recognize employees. This is a great alternative to monetary compensation and helps build morale amongst the team.
 
Consistency and frequency are keys to keeping recognition alive in an organization!
Keep recognition alive and well in your department or organization by doing it every day – find opportunities and act upon them immediately. Saying thank you a week after an event loses its impact and value to an employee.
 
Think about times you have been recognized – how did you feel? Chances are, it brought your shoulders back, smile on your face and a spring in your step! It didn’t cost a thing for another person to recognize you, but in the end you felt like a million bucks!

Share with us your experiences with employee recognition.

by tinadh | with no comments
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Editor's Note
Saturday, August 01, 2009 12:00 AM

 

This year has been particularly stressful for most of us. The economy has been especially bad, some of us have watched our friends lose their jobs, and we’ve said goodbye to some of our favorite stores which have caved under the stress of the slow retail market. We all may feel like throwing in the towel, but we mustn’t allow this dark cloud to hang over us. This month is Happiness Happens Month and this is an ideal excuse to recognize all the GOOD things that are happening in our lives!

 

My mom has said to me many times, “It’s much easier to be sad than happy. Sadness doesn’t take any effort.” Sometimes it takes a little work to be happy and that’s ok! Think about the things that make you happy or take a moment to remember one good thing that has happened to you today. I’ve always been a firm believer in the power of positive thinking. If you surround yourself with negative energy, only negative energy will be attracted to you.

 

As The Secret Society of Happy People say on their Web site, http://www.sohp.com/,

“Happiness is never found in stuff or money. It’s found in the moments we spend with our family and friends, moments we laugh with strangers, and ‘wow, what a day moments.” The Secret Society of Happy People is a group formed to encourage the spreading of happiness. Their motto is, “If you’re happy and you know it…tell somebody!”

 

So, tell us! What makes you happy or what special moment have you recently experienced?

 

Christy Wolf,

Editor

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