Food for Thought

Food for Thought I come across some really great material from other peoples blogs and want to point you in their direction so that you can perhaps find something helpful to you. But lets set the tone right. This morning I woke up to an e-mail from a blog post (I subscribe to a few blogs via e-mail, as its what is easiest for me right now you can subscribe to this blog via e-mail see the upper right corner of your screen ;)) by Scot Herrick check this out (I added the bolding): So, I work for a (large) company. I have some pride in what the company does and the innovation they keep. But the pride is tempered with the fact that the management team could — and would — lay me off in a heartbeat if they thought that it would help with achieving goals and objectives for the corporation. (read the rest here) Thank you Scott, for my wake-up call this morning. Too true and anyone that thinks that all that pride, team spirit and we care about you and family environment talk will preclude you from getting a pink slip, well, your time will come. Mine did, right from the king of were a family company. With that goals and objectives for the corporation line in mind, here are three other blog series that you should be following this month: Dave Perry author of Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters Ive found Dave to be a very intelligent communicator. Ive read through a free download that he has on his website, and since I signed up he sends me little snippets from his book regularly these are meat-packed e-mails, part clever, part common-sense, always intriguing and applicable. The series you need to follow (were on day 3) is the 12 days of Xmas Job Hunting, and will cover the following (trust me it is well worth the time to read each day, as lots of thought has gone into each of these): 12 Bloggers Blogging 11 ways to find a job 10 Super Motivators 9 Nine Tools for Leads 8 Un-written Rules 7 Social Networks 6 tools to download 5 Golden Rules 4 Guerrilla style resumes The 3 R’s of job-hunting 2 strategies for the hidden job market, and A plan with a very clear goal Carl Chapman many of you know that Carl is a buddy of mine, and a fellow-blogger. But if you havent been reading Carls stuff you are missing out. He is a recruiter by trade, and a very intelligent guy. He has learned a lot about many things and through his blog shares information to help job seekers and recruiters alike. Carl has a series called 10 Ways to Make Recruiters Love You trust me this is a must-read for everyone (hes only up to the 4th post as of right now). Confidentiality Credibility Accuracy Consideration Consistency Follow-Up Preparation Respect Communication Information David Maister blogs on varied subjects for professionals I find it to be fascinating reading. Yesterday I listened to a podcast, part of a series on Career Planning, and found it to be quite interesting. Its about 12+ minutes but he talks about stuff that I dont what to do if you dont know what you want to do! Not sure why I dont cover that stuff, I have always known what I want to do, but I continually hear others that dont know where to start! Anyway, this is a great listen. Here are the others he has posted to his site: Its Not How Good You Are, But How Much You Want It Real Professionalism Are You Having Fun Yet? David Maister interviews John Byrne, Executive Editor of BusinessWeek No Regrets There you go I hope it adds to your experience and helps you formulate your own career management strategy! Food for Thought I come across some really great material from other peoples blogs and want to point you in their direction so that you can perhaps find something helpful to you. But lets set the tone right. This morning I woke up to an e-mail from a blog post (I subscribe to a few blogs via e-mail, as its what is easiest for me right now you can subscribe to this blog via e-mail see the upper right corner of your screen ;)) by Scot Herrick check this out (I added the bolding): So, I work for a (large) company. I have some pride in what the company does and the innovation they keep. But the pride is tempered with the fact that the management team could — and would — lay me off in a heartbeat if they thought that it would help with achieving goals and objectives for the corporation. (read the rest here) Thank you Scott, for my wake-up call this morning. Too true and anyone that thinks that all that pride, team spirit and we care about you and family environment talk will preclude you from getting a pink slip, well, your time will come. Mine did, right from the king of were a family company. With that goals and objectives for the corporation line in mind, here are three other blog series that you should be following this month: Dave Perry author of Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters Ive found Dave to be a very intelligent communicator. Ive read through a free download that he has on his website, and since I signed up he sends me little snippets from his book regularly these are meat-packed e-mails, part clever, part common-sense, always intriguing and applicable. The series you need to follow (were on day 3) is the 12 days of Xmas Job Hunting, and will cover the following (trust me it is well worth the time to read each day, as lots of thought has gone into each of these): 12 Bloggers Blogging 11 ways to find a job 10 Super Motivators 9 Nine Tools for Leads 8 Un-written Rules 7 Social Networks 6 tools to download 5 Golden Rules 4 Guerrilla style resumes The 3 R’s of job-hunting 2 strategies for the hidden job market, and A plan with a very clear goal Carl Chapman many of you know that Carl is a buddy of mine, and a fellow-blogger. But if you havent been reading Carls stuff you are missing out. He is a recruiter by trade, and a very intelligent guy. He has learned a lot about many things and through his blog shares information to help job seekers and recruiters alike. Carl has a series called 10 Ways to Make Recruiters Love You trust me this is a must-read for everyone (hes only up to the 4th post as of right now). Confidentiality Credibility Accuracy Consideration Consistency Follow-Up Preparation Respect Communication Information David Maister blogs on varied subjects for professionals I find it to be fascinating reading. Yesterday I listened to a podcast, part of a series on Career Planning, and found it to be quite interesting. Its about 12+ minutes but he talks about stuff that I dont what to do if you dont know what you want to do! Not sure why I dont cover that stuff, I have always known what I want to do, but I continually hear others that dont know where to start! Anyway, this is a great listen. Here are the others he has posted to his site: Its Not How Good You Are, But How Much You Want It Real Professionalism Are You Having Fun Yet? David Maister interviews John Byrne, Executive Editor of BusinessWeek No Regrets There you go I hope it adds to your experience and helps you formulate your own career management strategy!

Facebook Advertising for Your Personal Brand - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Facebook Advertising for Your Personal Brand - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Social media is an extremely powerful tool for anyone interested in reaching their targeted audience and building their brand. There are a lot of social media channels that have made word of mouth marketing strategies available not only for businesses big and small, but also for people in building their personal brand, one of which is Facebook. With the massive popularity of Facebook, it is a fantastic avenue to interact with your friends, families, colleagues, and even new acquaintances. But we must be mindful that everything that we post gives the public, especially those youve never personally met, bits of information on how they can define you. While it is a great tool to engage with others, Facebook is not just limited to social conversations. It also helps in promoting your personal brand. This is the reason why it is important “to know and understand how to leverage this tool as it will do more harm than good”, as Andrew Foxwell (Director of Social at PPC Associates and our recent #brandchat discussion special guest) puts it. How to promote your personal brand #1. It is important that you know your audience. There has been a shift in how Facebook is utilized over the years. It has become more than just a communication avenue for your personal connections, it is also a tool to network with other people whom you have professional relationships with. Facebook’s advertising function gives you the opportunity to segment and to target your message by demographic, interests and even by company.   If you’re searching for an opportunity with a company, it’s a great way to create visibility and top of mind awareness with people in that company or even within a certain department. If you write a blog, you can utilize Facebook’s Domain Sponsored Stories, to drive more people to your blog and to know who from our Facebook connections are actually reading your blog.   A Domain Sponsored Story doesn’t show up on your Facebook page.   It shares when friends click on or view your blog post link that you share within Facebook. It’s an excellent way to promote yourself without coming across as promotional. #2. Know your branding strategy. There should be a roadmap on what you want to achieve and how you will achieve it.  [tweet this] A hit-or-miss approach (when one approach fails, you can just erase it altogether and start anew) just doesnt work in personal branding. Your strategy depends on your life goals and what you are passionate about. In line with this, post useful status updates or links that will have a positive impact on your brand. But be very mindful not to treat your Facebook page as a “pulpit to preach,” as Jonathan Barrick (@j_barrick) puts it. Needless to say, avoid talking about yourself all the time. #3. Leave the “boosted posts” alone and get good at using Power Editor. Power Editor provides the segmenting you’re seeking and even the opportunity to test segments of your target audience to see how they perform (who’s clicking through and who’s responding to your call to action). Boosted posts, right now, don’t provide that and are really built for general visibility and not the targeted recognition you need to focus on. #4. Grow your community by networking and engaging with others. The only way you can use Facebook Advertising is if you have a business page or profile for yourself.   You cannot do any of the items I’ve shared from a “personal profile”.   Additionally, you can   use Facebook as a way to organize events that are related to your industry because this will help you in building an image as a leader in your industry. Facebook is an incredible platform in expressing your personal brand. In this world where more and more business leaders emerge, it is high time that you harness the power of this tool. Author: Maria Elena Duron, is managing editor of the Personal Branding Blog, CEO (chief engagement officer) of  buzz2bucksâ€"  a word of mouth marketing firm, and a professional speaker and trainer on developing social networks that work. She provides workshops, webinars, seminars and direct services that help create conversation, connection, credibility, community and commerce around your brand.   Maria Duron is founder  and moderator of  #brandchat   a weekly Twitter chat focused on every aspect of  branding  that is recognized by Mashable as one the 15 Essential Twitter Chats for Social Media Marketers. Are you busy? Here’s some quick and easy tips on  Social Marketing for busy people.

Your career A practical guide.

Your career A practical guide. Were now over  half way through the academic year and it wont be long before exam purdah takes hold and you decide that your career planning will have to wait. Before then why not take the time to think about your future? If you havent yet fixed yourself up with a career or internship, see what you might be able to do to move yourself forward.   Here are my top tips. Actively use Student Careers and Skills. Were here to help with career planning, CVs, applications, interviews and assessment centres. Added to this, we have excellent employer contacts and can give you up to date links and information on your sector. We  host events and fairs, (watch out for what will be going on next term).  If you are a Warwick student, remember that you can access help from your Careers Centre for up to 3 years after you graduate. You don’t have to know what you want to do to use us. In fact we can help you to find you career. Action: Attend all relevant events and book a 1 to 1 with a Careers Consultant. Work Experience isn’t optional. Get it as early and as often as possible It’s not about the money. It’s about developing your employability and finding what you like and what you don’t like. A good degree is important but employers will also want to see that you have work experience. This helps to demonstrate that you have an understanding of the world of work. It  develops your self-confidence and  your commercial awareness. How can you get work experience? Consider all options and read our recent  blog. You might be able to find a part time job, (possibly  building up to an internship),  a year in industry, or what about work shadowing? Being mentored by an employee in your profession is another great experience. Network where you can and see what opportunities there are for you. Use resources,  including the directories available free from careers services.  Remember, work experience covers not just the paid opportunities, but also volunteering  and  involvement with  student societies. Employers like you to have a range of experience and to demo nstrate how proactive you are. Action: Work shadowing, insight weeks, internships and summer jobs. All work experience is good but some work experience is more valued than others â€" a year in industry is seen  by some as  the ‘gold standard’ (this particularly applies to engineering). Get volunteering experience or part time work and build up from there. Consider asking for  a mentor from your University too. Apply early. It’s the early bird that gets the great job. Recruitment cycles start for most employers  in the July /August at the end of your penultimate year, (earlier for law). So if you want a job start doing your research early. Look around well before the summer. Go to careers fairs and events. Find out who is recruiting and when their closing dates are. Action: Have a plan! Research will increase your options and opportunities. Not sure what to do? Come and speak to a Career Consultant and get help! Quality will always beat quantity. Select the companies/jobs you want to apply to.   Know when the closing dates are then plan  how many applications you can fit in with your studies. Here are a few tips on those applications. CVs: one to two pages in length. Remember to give relevant targeted information that explains why you are suitable. Don’t make assumptions; explain clearly. Tell them about your degree and work experience. Applications forms: evidence is vital. It takes time and energy and a lot of reflection to answer the questions on an application form. You need to be able to match the skill set that the employer is looking for, so approach it  as you would an academic assignment with plenty of research. Action: Analyse previous experiences to  reflect on  what skills you have and how you can develop further. Such reflection will help you to answer questions with clear evidence. Prepare thoroughly for interviews. Organise a mock interview â€" contact  Student Careers and Skills  for help. Research your company and sector and think what your motivation is for the role. Why did you apply? What do you know about them, their industry  and their competitors? What makes you suitable? Be practical,  plan out your journey for the day and what to do if problems arise. You dont want to be late! Action: Get your  additional questions ready. You might want to look at our blog on  this. Avoid asking about  the remuneration package but do check out training. Be enthusiastic. Get ready for Assessment Centres. Prepare for these by speaking to a Career Consultant, reading previous blog posts  here  and by researching on websites such as studentroom  or wikijob. Again it’s always about seeing how you evidence skills. The most important  here are team working and problem solving.   There are different kinds of exercises. Case studies are testing how you analyse information. You might also be assessed on your presentation skills?  Group tasks are often negotiation based.  Avoid being too quiet but dont dominate.   Strike a balance. If there are members of the group who are too quiet, draw them in by asking them questions. Action: Show you are a team player and remember you are not in direct competition. They may hire all or none of you! Think about your behaviour at social events. How do you interact? Do you talk but don’t listen?  Bad idea! You need a balance. Final tip, don’t overdo any free alcohol! Good luck!

Healing Frequencies What Is It - Algrim.co

Healing Frequencies What Is It - Algrim.co I accidentally became quite interested in healing frequencies when I stumbled upon it through Spotify. I was searching for ambient music and landed upon something I enjoyed. I realized the song/track was much longer than I was expecting and then ultimately had to investigate what I was listening to. There it was, the term ‘Healing Frequencies’. Healing Frequencies is technically classified under energy healing. But has not entirely been studied or proven to be effective. Yet those who are interested in it seem to believe there’s a frequency of which energy travels which our minds, body, and spirit understand. Most notable to have been started under the “Solfeggio Frequencies” by Leonard Horowitz, the 528hz sound is told to heal DNA. The frequencies of which these sounds and music can be heard at are varying. From 396, 417, 528, 639, 741, and 852. Each one containing a healing property uniquely designed. These also bump into what’s called vibroacoustic therapy which is a newer form of holistic medicine but also classified with the energy healing umbrella. Sound waves vibrate the patient and supposedly give organs, tissues and cells an “inner body massage.” Such vibrations are claimed to assist in “cellular cleansing mechanisms” and have positive effects on health and illness. They are often combined with recorded music alleged to have some critical effect depending on what kind of music is played. Take a listen for yourself and enjoy the music.

9 Things New Employees Forget to Negotiate - CareerMetis.com

9 Things New Employees Forget to Negotiate Source : flickr.comThe hunt for a new job can be exhausting. Whether you’ve been filling out applications for a few weeks, a month, or maybe even a year, the moment that you receive an offer letter feels like a chance to breathe again.It’s validating to hear that a company wants to hire you, and a relief to know you can stop scouring job boards.In that moment of relief, you might be tempted to accept the first salary offer that comes your way, no questions asked. But most employers anticipateâ€"and even expectâ€"some measure of negotiation from potential new hires.evalYou should never feel uncomfortable countering a company’s initial offer, backing yourself up with careful research about industry standards, cost of living, and other relevant details.However, even a generous salary may not amount to much if your other benefits leave something to be desired. How much paid time off will you be allowed? What will happen to your insurance premiums?Asking these types of questions wil l help you nail down just how much of your salary you will be able to take home after covering other significant costs.The good news is, in most cases, you can negotiate all kinds of benefits beyond just your take-home salary. You might be surprised what types of counter-offers your new company will accommodate to win you over.Here’s a list of things that you should consider negotiating in your next job:1. InsuranceevalYour employer might offer basic health insurance plans, but what about dental, disability, and vision insurance?Life insurance, in particular, is one type of coverage that most people don’t like to think they will needâ€"but permanent life insurance policies can accumulate cash value over the course of your life and career. By negotiating for more insurance coverage, you will be protecting yourself from future costs as well as building your wealth.2. Signing BonusevalA signing bonus usually takes the form of a one-time lump sum paid to you when you start a new job . Be aware, this sometimes comes with the expectation that you will repay that amount if you leave the company before a predetermined time frame.As long as you expect to work for your new employer for more than a few months or a year, a signing bonus can help you cover costs in that tricky time between the last paycheck at your old job and the first paycheck at your new job.3. RelocationIf starting at your new job will require you to move any distance, don’t be afraid to ask the company to pay for your relocation costs. Moving services can cost up to four thousand dollars depending on the range of your move; for you, that may feel like an unmanageable expense, but for a large company it may be just a drop in the bucket.Many employers will cover the entire cost of your moveâ€"whatever it takes to get their new hire in the right place to start working.4. Paid Time OffevalAt the minimum, you should aim for your new company to match the amount of paid time off you received in your old position. This is not always possible, but it’s a reasonable request, especially if you’re unhappy with your initial job offer.Even if the new job has more paid time off built into it, it’s a good time to consider whether you might benefit from more days off. Is it hard to squeeze in doctor’s appointments or much-needed vacations because you are always saving up vacation days? Think about asking for more from the get-go.eval5. Parental LeaveMany countries now require employers to offer paid parental leave, but in places like the United States, working parents only get a brief period of unpaid leave. While it’s intimidating to ask about parental leave, if you have an offer letter in hand it should be okay to bring up the issue during negotiations.Furthermore, it’s illegal for an employer to discriminate against you for your plans to have children. More and more employers are implementing family-friendly policies these days, and they might be happy to commit to extended p arental leave when the time comes.6. TelecommutingTelecommuting has jumped by 140% since 2005, which indicates that jobs increasingly rely on technology and digital collaboration to supplement actual face time. Not every position will be conducive to remote work, but if you have a relatively autonomous role you might have success negotiating for one day of telecommuting each week, or a similar schedule.7. Transportation CostsDay after day, year after year, the cost of commuting to and from work can add up quickly. If you anticipate an expensive commute, whether because of gas prices, bus fare, or other factors, you would be justified to request some compensation or assistance.You can ask your new employer to buy you a transit pass if you live in an urban area, or you might even be able to negotiate a company-leased car if you will be making frequent drives beyond the daily commute.The extent to which the company is ready and willing to help may vary based on the demands of your job, as well as their resources, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.8. Office Equipment and TechnologyIn this digital age, it almost seems like a given that an office job will come with the use of a computer.evalHowever, you should be sure to check in before your first day to find out if this is indeed the case, as well as what kind of computer you’ll get and whether you can take it home for personal use. Some companies default to a more basic model but will provide you with more high-tech equipment if you ask.9. Tuition ReimbursementHave you thought about pursuing a graduate degree in your current field? Are there specific certificates or qualifications you’d like to obtain to improve your earning potential?You might be able to negotiate tuition reimbursement or some other kind of educational stipend. After all, a company that invests in its employees’ professional development will see benefits to the business as well as the people.It’s understandable to feel nervous about negotiatin g a job offer, especially when you are so excited that you want to say yes. But if you go into the process prepared, clearly envisioning what you want to come away with, you will have a better shot at getting exactly what you want.

Job Interview Keys to Success - CareerAlley

Job Interview Keys to Success - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. You can have stellar credentials, outstanding performance reviews and be a perfect match for the job, but if you blow the interview, you lost the job. You are sizing up the interviewer and the company and they are viewing you through a selective lens as well. In the current job-seeking candidate pool, it is truly an employers market; there is a plethora of potential employees. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, June 1, 2012, there are 15.9 million unemployed. Follow these 3 keys to creating a total package which draws interviewers and HR personnel to you. If you do not make it past the HR gatekeeper, you are left sitting outside unemployed. 1. First Impressions The[easyazon_link asin=1402203853 locale=US new_window=default nofollow=default tag=caree07-20 add_to_cart=default cloaking=default localization=default popups=default]interview[/easyazon_link] starts with their first impression of you. It may be your cover letter, resume, or the package in which you present your credentials. When it is time for the physical interview, you are the package. The gatekeeper and all of the other potential candidates in the reception area will be observing you in detail. Magic Moment Breathe a sigh of relief at making it into the interview pile. Now the heavy mental work begins. It is a documented fact that you have seven seconds for the interviewer to decide if they like you and thirty seconds for them to decide if they want to hear what you have to say. Appear well groomed, relaxed and confident. Research the culture of the company in advance and dress one notch above the office standard for the position for which you are applying. Dont wear a tuxedo, but dressing down gives the impression that you devalue the position. Unless you are a clone of Steve Jobs, jeans, sneakers and a t-shirt are not acceptable. 2. Mentally Trade Places with the Interviewer What are they looking for in appearance, skills and experience? What is the problem you are to solve for them? Each job has a specific function; each job is to solve some problem. When you know that problem, you know the specific focus for the position. Once you know the focus and the problem to be solved, you know which of your skills and experience solve that problem. 3. Be prepared to tell a brief story of how you solved that exact problem for another company. It is not uncommon for an interviewer to say, Tell me about a time when you _________. Know the potential stories to tell and practice how to deliver them briefly and with impact. When you design your preliminary credentials carefully to highlight exactly what that specific position requires, you have an opportunity for a personal appearance. Interview Appear well groomed, confident and relaxed Know what the interviewer needs from the candidate for this position Be prepared with brief stories to emphasize your capability Elaine Love writes for PrintPlace.com, Small Business Examiner, Motley Fool, and Elaine4Success.com. Her expertise is in small business, marketing, mindset for business and speaking coaching. Her credentials include Masters Degrees in Communication, 35 years of entrepreneurial awards including International Innovator of the Year, World Class Speaking Coach, and author of 3 books. Contact Elaine on Google+ at +Elaine. This is a Guest post. We are always eager to hear from our readers. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions regarding CareerAlley content. Good luck in your search,Joey

Want 12 free coaching sessions Then you want my scholarship!

Want 12 free coaching sessions Then you want my scholarship! Life Coach by Ray Fenwick, found in his Photostream OK, Im being totally serious here, people. This is not a joke. I am offering a free coaching package, consisting of 12 weekly sessions, to one super awesome person. I know, right? Super awesomeness. You have until Wednesday, July 1st to complete your application by clicking here. And, if youre not picked, you can still get a crazyridiculous 30% off my services until August 2nd with the secret password that you will only know if you got my newsletter yesterday. If this makes you all pissed at yourself, dont be just subscribe here Ill send you the last issue. Im sweet like that. You should know that I wont be selecting the winner at random Ill be pouring over the submissions choosing the most needy person myself. Feel free to play up the neediness. The scholarship winner will be announced in this very place on Thursday, July 2nd. Be excited. Be very, very excited. And just to reiterate: click here to enter. You can never be too safe