MONEY

2007-09-25T20:04:00.000-07:00

Auto, Life, Home, Health Insurance Quotes

2007-07-16T23:39:00.000-07:00

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The 12 Keys to Successful Recruiting

2007-07-02T20:29:00.000-07:00

by Jim Citrin

After polling a cross-section of accomplished recruiting professionals, the following 12 strategies emerged. When implemented, they'll help organizations present their best face to candidates and establish practices that enable interviewers to develop a thorough, accurate portrait of a candidate and his or her ability to thrive in the organization's unique culture.

Here are the strategies:

1. Make the company real

The corporate interviewing process is as much about selling the company as it is assessing the individual candidates. The earliest interactions, including how candidates are treated when an interview is scheduled and the materials they're given in advance of the meeting, help set a positive tone with candidates. Some companies, for example, send product samples to a candidate's home before the interview.

Use all contact with the candidate, from the receptionist's greeting to the choreography between interview appointments, to communicate the organization's professionalism and interest.

2. Select interviewers carefully

The appropriate mix of interviewers depends on the position and to whom it reports. In general, it's valuable to have individuals who will interact regularly with the successful candidate.

Some situations suggest an opportunity to include peers or future direct reports in the interview process. However, think carefully about potentially delicate situations in which an individual may bring a different agenda.

The best interviews embody the culture of the organization, have a good eye for talent, and display the energy and enthusiasm that will resonate with candidates. Ideally, a core group of interviewers meet with all of the candidates for a particular position or level within the organization.

3. Coordinate interviews

Each interviewer should have an assigned area of focus for their meetings with a candidate. A coordinated approach allows interviewers to collectively cover broader territory and learn the most they can about the candidate.

Minimize the duplication of questions by assigning to each interviewer specific areas or topics to probe. Ideally, bring interviewers together for a brief meeting prior to the interviews to discuss their respective roles.

Finally, interviewers should be diligent about posing the same set of questions to each candidate. A coordinated approach is not only effective for garnering valuable information, it also communicates to the candidate that the company is organized, efficient, and dedicated to high quality.

4. Be focused, timely, and polite

If you believe that people are your organization's most important asset, then recruiting should be a top priority.

Make sure to set aside an appropriate amount of time for the meeting and don't allow interruptions. Be on time; schedule interviews with the flexibility to run longer if the conversation warrants it.

Understand that candidates are busy professionals who are interested in pursuing the opportunity, but are nonetheless sacrificing their time to interview.

5. Plan your questions

Come prepared to the interview. Review the candidate's résumé carefully. Develop some questions that are tailored to the requirements of the position and that link with the candidate's background.

Be sure to get quickly to the heart of the discussion. When candidates have to repeat basic information included in their résumé or spend a lot of time discussing mutual acquaintances, valuable time is taken away from the core discussions about the requirements of the position and the mutual fit.

6. Listen thoughtfully

Senior-level candidates tend to be skilled interviewers and engaging personalities, so it's important to concentrate on getting the answers needed to understand their capabilities and weaknesses as they pertain to the role.

Listen thoughtfully to their responses, including the way they answer questions and the quality of their thought process. Resist the temptation to do too much of the talking, and don't be afraid of silent pauses. As a general rule, the candidate should do three-quarters of the talking.

7. Assess the cultural fit

Use your time with candidates to understand how they might fit in with the organization's personalities, internal dynamics, and culture. Ask specific questions that get at the individual's communication and interpersonal styles and temperament.

Questions that require candidates to illustrate how they've accomplished specific tasks in past roles can help reveal their leadership style, including their approach to working in teams, sensitivity to internal politics, and openness to others' opinions.

8. Ask and answer tough questions

Don't shy away from asking candidates direct questions about issues in their background, or about their management or communication style. Avoiding sensitive topics during the interview could set both the company and the candidate up for problems later.

Similarly, be honest about the realities of the position and the company's challenges. Savvy candidates have done their homework and most are likely to be aware of many of the issues confronting the organization.

Discussing the challenges and the company's approach to dealing with them in a straightforward way will increase the organization's credibility with the candidate. More important, it'll avoid setting up false expectations should he or she accept the position.

9. Sell the company

Talented candidates often have many options to choose from, and want to work for the best companies that have the brightest futures in roles that give them a stake in achieving important goals. The best interviewers seize the opportunity to show their personal passion for the company and deliver a compelling message about the future plans for the business.

10. Follow up after the interview

One of the key decision-makers should contact the candidate after the interview. Great interviewers often personally call or email a candidate to thank them and share any afterthoughts. This approach is generally very positively received by candidates.

11. Collect feedback

Gather all the interviewers to get feedback while their thoughts and impressions are still fresh. This ensures that assessments are more accurate and keeps the process moving by enabling prompt feedback to the candidate.

Some companies convene a short roundtable meeting at the end of an interview day to share observations. In a debriefing session, allow each person to briefly share their views about the candidate's fit with the role and the organization.

One point of caution: The order in which observations are shared can influence the views or comments of others. To promote the most open and honest assessments, have the most senior executive share his or her opinions last.

12. Maintain candidates' confidentiality

Even when motivated by the best of intentions, interviewers should resist the temptation to reach out to contacts at a candidate's current or former organization for information. Word that an individual is interviewing tends to spread quickly, potentially creating big problems for the candidate.

Conduct background checks and thorough referencing at the appropriate time in the process, and in a discreet manner.

The Bottom Line

The organizations that are most successful at recruiting view the interviewing process from the candidate's perspective. They treat candidates respectfully in all phases of the process and are responsive, decisive, open, and attentive.

They balance their responsibility to accurately assess the candidate's fit for the role with the ability to understand, package, and sell the strengths and opportunities of the company.

Five Tips for Switching Career Paths

2007-06-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Merritt, Carolyn Bigda and Donna Rosato, MONEY Magazine

Switching fields may seem taboo, but it's quite doable, especially now when labor markets are tight. Almost half of the 164 employers who responded to our MONEY Magazine/Salary.com survey say they regularly target mid-career changers when recruiting. One reason: Switchers are dedicated to their move, with 32 percent saying they'll spend "as long as it takes" to get the necessary certification and schooling.

What are they looking for? Pay and advancement, sure, but also fulfillment and a sense that they can control their career paths.

Steve Mullins, 44, already has a good job: He's a telecommunications engineer for a pharmaceutical company. But he's studying to become a nurse -- it's a top job for career changers because demand is so high. "They can offshore my job any day of the week," says Mullins of Noblesville, Indiana. "And of course, when you fix a router, it doesn't say thanks."

To make your case to a hiring manager, follow these tips.

1. Show your commitment.

"Employers are seeing high turnover," says Kimberly Bishop, a senior client partner at recruiter Korn/Ferry International. "They want to make sure you will be the right fit."

You'll be more convincing if you take classes, join industry organizations or moonlight (even on a volunteer basis) within the field you're exploring before you try to go full time -- and you'll also have a much better idea if this really is the right move for you.

2. Quantify your skills.

It may not be obvious how what you know translates into what they do. So focus on your transferable skills -- not your experience -- in interviews and on your resume.

Quantify your accomplishments: Show that you increased sales X percent or managed Y number of people. "It helps provide the scope and breadth of your accomplishments," says Bishop, "and it shows you very clearly understand what you've done."

Also highlight areas in your background that give you an advantage. When interviewing for an IT position, Randy Jensen, 36, of Riverton, Utah, pointed out that after 15 years in radio, he has good communication skills. "I can string two sentences together," he says. "I'm not going to be a hermit in a cubicle."

3. Talk the talk.

Learning industry lingo is critical. "If you want to be a brand manager, you need to talk like one," says Ricki Frankel, a career coach who specializes in transitions. Read trade publications and job postings. And start networking.

To make the switch from sales engineer to marketing, Todd Cox, 39, of Atlanta, has been reading books and seeking out mentors. "It may be someone I read about or hear speak," he says. "I tell them what I'm trying to do and ask if they'll coach me along. It doesn't always work, but everyone gives me little tidbits."

4. Take a two-step approach.

"Every career is composed of two main factors, a job title and a particular industry," says Dick Bolles, author of "What Color Is Your Parachute?" "An easier way to transition is to change just one of those factors at a time."

So if you're a lawyer itching to become a travel writer, work as a writer for a legal publication first (new title) and then eventually move into travel writing (new industry).

Or do legal work for a travel publication and contribute pieces until you're able to pick up a writing position.

5. Give yourself enough time.

Quitting on a whim often results in a frantic scramble for a paycheck. Plus, you need to think through logistics. If you have to take a salary cut, how will you cover it? Are you willing to relocate?

It took Susan Rubin, 48, of Armonk, New York, four years to give up her legal practice and become a yoga instructor.

"I was hesitant to make the jump," she says, "but in the meantime, I was training and saving money. It was very hard for me to close the doors of my practice. But once I did, I never looked back."

Four Professions Where Employers Come To You

2007-06-19T19:54:00.001-07:00

Get ready, job-hunters: More employment opportunities are available this spring, as employers begin aggressively hiring, a recent recruiting trends survey of 864 companies by Michigan State University (MSU) shows.

Get a jump on your career hunting homework with a sneak peek into four hot fields with tips on how to break in.

Business

Why it's hot: Business graduates can narrow down prospective jobs with the knowledge that the financial sector has one of the highest intentions of hiring new employees -- 66 percent, according to the MSU report.

Insider tip: "Accounting firms are desperate for new employees since the advent of Sarbanes-Oxley," says Martha C. Stark, senior vice president of Signature Bank in Garden City, NY, referring to the 2001 government ruling for stricter accounting practices following financial scandals like Enron and WorldCom.

Next move: Do your homework. "Do your research by connecting with as many people in the profession as possible," says Stark. "Not only will the connections prove invaluable down the road, but they will provide you with information you won't find elsewhere."

Engineering

Why it's hot: Engineering will be another high-demand major in 2007 according to MSU's report, and boasts high starting salaries. First-year chemical engineers, for example, earn an average of $51,664 annually.

Insider tip: Specialize. As more and more companies go "green" and invest in ways to reduce emissions and pollution, the need for environmental scientists is strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts the profession to grow much faster than average -- 27 percent or more -- through 2014.

Next move: Expand your job search. Despite environmental science's seemingly targeted specialty, numerous career options abound, including consulting, government, engineering, and architectural services.

Physical Therapy

Why it's Hot: Health care is another in-demand industry with high earning potential within specialized fields. For example, physical therapists in 2004 earned an annual salary of $60,180, according to the most recent BLS data. Earnings vary based on the area of physical therapy.

Insider tip: Get a feel for the field before you commit. "Spend time interacting with physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and others," suggests Diane Jette, a physical therapist and tenured professor and chair of the department of rehabilitation and movement science at the University of Vermont.

Next move: Those interested in pursuing physical therapy only need a strong desire to help others, backed by at least a bachelor's degree.

Computer Science

Why it's hot: Following the dot-com crash of 2001, the need for information technology professionals is once again on the rise, according to MSU's recruiting report, particularly within smaller companies. Earnings within computer science careers are soaring, with annual average salaries above $100K.

Insider tip: For Paul Claxton, a management specialist and project engineer for American Forces Radio and Television Network, the key to finding his specialty was to never stop learning. "I was given an excellent piece of advice by some Microsoft administrators I met at a conference: 'Try to be the best there is at one specific thing rather than a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none,'" he recounts.

Next move: Never stop learning. "You can't pause and relax in this career field for very long at all," Claxton says. "You have to enjoy the challenge; you have to enjoy learning."

How To Be More Creative

2007-05-29T00:51:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard the saying, "The harder I work, the luckier I get?" Guess what? That's the way it is with creative inspiration too.

Don't Wait For Creative Inspiration

Graham Green, the famous English writer, attributes much of his success to a simple habit: He forced himself to write at least 500 words daily, whether he felt like it or not. Creative inspiration can strike at any time, but it strikes more often when there is work instead of waiting.

Don't Expect Creativity To Come Uninvited

If you want to have creative ideas for inventions, start redesigning everything you see. Imagine a better light bulb, a faster way to serve food, or a better lamp. Do this for three weeks, and it will become a habit. It's also a good way to pass time while driving or waiting for an appointment.

If you want creative ideas for poems, take random words, use one per line, and start writing anything. We created a game (Deal-A-Poem) from this technique, and my wife has had poems published that were created in this way. Your mind will begin to find a poetic use for any word if you use this method often.

Would you like to have something unique to say about any topic? Train your mind to take other perspectives. What would Ghandi say? How would a martian view this? The point isn't to ask silly questions, but to see what creative ideas are suggested by other perspectives. Do this until it's a habit, and you'll usually have something interesting to add to a conversation.

Work, and you'll have more opportunity for creative ideas. Train your mind, and you'll have more creative ability. There's your two-step guide to greater creativity.

How to buy a plasma television set

2007-03-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

Most people think that all you have to do to purchase a new plasma television set is to walk into a shop, look around, and purchase the first set that catches your attention. This is how you're supposed to do it, right? Wrong! Buying a television, whether it has a plasma monitor or a LCD monitor, takes careful planning.

The first step in finding your dream plasma television set is to measure the space where you plan to put it. This will help you to decide which size set to buy and will also help to guide your budget. Remember to measure your car, too- there's nothing more frustrating than picking out and purchasing that perfect plasma television set, if you can't fit it into the car to get it home!

If you're going to splash out and completely redecorate your home entertainment room, you should think about contacting a home installer, to get some tips and ideas before contracting the work. Remember to take into consideration things which might affect your view of the TV, such as lighting, windows, and other parts of the room which could possibly cause a reflection or obstruction of the display.

Once you've thought about where you're going to put your new plasma television set- and how you're going to get it home- you now need to think about what sort accessories you'll need. Will you be using it in conjunction with your camcorder? Will you need to purchase a set of external speakers, or will you be hooking the television set up to your stereo? If so, remember to check that the monitor or set has an AV-hook up. Having the hook up in the front of the TV will make it more convenient to attach your camcorder or gaming system.

Finally, you should consider the television set's overall picture quality and ease of use. Take the time to sit and watch the set in the store, to get an idea of how you'll feel watching it at home.

With a little preparation, you'll find the plasma TV set that is just right for you and your home

Get Angry And Then Get Results

2007-03-12T00:32:00.000-07:00

PERMISSION TO REPUBLISH: This article may be republished in newsletters and on web sites provided attribution is provided to the author, and it appears with the included copyright, resource box and live web site link. Email notice of intent to publish is appreciated but not required: mail to: brent@actionleadership.com

Word count: 510

Summary: Many leadership situations are emotionally-charged, with leaders often being the targets of people's anger. As a leader, you must deal with that anger in ways that helps your organization flourish. But in such situations, you often get angry too. The most effective way to deal with your own anger is to use it to achieve great results.

Get Angry And Then Get Results
By Brent Filson

Leadership is not about winning a popularity contest, it's about getting great results. To do so, leaders must challenge people not to do what they want to do but what they don't want to do.

This means getting people out of being comfortable achieving average results to being uncomfortable doing what's needed to get great results. Of course, people so challenged will often get angry with you.

Provoking people's anger comes with the territory of being a challenging leader. In fact, if you are not getting a portion of the people you lead angry with you, you may not be challenging them enough.

This does not mean you let their anger fester. You absolutely must deal with it. After all, you can't motivate angry, resentful people to be your cause leaders.

But there is another angry person you have to deal with. If you don't deal with that person, you won't be able to get the results you're capable of. That person is you.

For just as people get angry in a challenging leadership situation, so do you. It's only natural. You may get angry at their not understanding the challenge, or their not taking the action you want, or their not listening to you, or their not being totally committed to doing what you think is important, or their disobeying you, or their trying to undermine your leader, or any number of things.

Just as you must recognize that in the give-and-take of leadership encounters, you'll occasionally get angry, you should also recognize that such anger is your great opportunity. An opportunity for you to achieve great results.

To understand this, I want you to remember David Coffin and Aristotle.

When writing my book, Executive Speeches: 51 CEOs Tell You How To Do Yours, I interviewed C.E.O. David Coffin who said, "I'm patient, reasonable, even tempered. But once my patience runs out, I give my best talks. .... Something has to be done. You want to get it done!"

I counsel leaders that great results happen in the realm of the free choice of the people you lead and that to give people choices, leaders should be "patient, reasonable, even tempered." They should also be great listeners and adapt at asking good questions
... most of the time.

Occasionally, however, leaders must let their patience run out. They must get angry and show people they're angry ... because something has to be done and they want it done!

However, just getting angry and communicating that anger is not enough to seize the opportunity that anger can provide. That's where Aristotle comes in.

Aristotle wrote in Nicomachean Ethics: "Anyone can be angry. That is easy. But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, in the right way -- that is not easy."

If you get angry, think of David Coffin and Aristotle. Be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, in the right way -- and you'll find you're getting increases in results.

Top 5 Small Business Mistakes that Create Stress and Overwhelm

2007-03-06T23:18:00.000-08:00

If you’re like most small business owners that want to make a difference in the world, I bet you have a beautiful vision and brilliant ideas. You are committed to doing business differently and making real change. Unfortunately, the day-to-day operations can create stress and overwhelm, and worse, can weigh you down and prevent you from making the impact you so desire.

It’s often difficult to “know what you don’t know” in the midst of running a small business. You are inundated with a huge number of activities and roles to keep your business functioning. This probably creates stress and constant worry—about getting it all done, being profitable and creating a sustainable business.

Let’s discuss some mistakes that small business owners make so that you can avoid the pain, frustration, stress and overwhelm in your business. I’ve gathered the top five (although I may have made at least 200) for you:

1. Being Unclear With What You Truly Want in Your Business

Lack of clarity in your business can create immediate overwhelm. Many business owners are clear about the lifestyle they want (i.e. greater flexibility, more work-life balance, traveling), but often fail to have a specific intention and a plan to get there. If you feel uncertain and unclear, your business can feel like a daily struggle. It’s essential to have a picture of your business that includes all your requirements. Create the vision first, then build the business to fit into the vision. (Most people build a business then realize it’s not what they intended for their life.)

2. Not Having a Business Plan, or Having an Underutilized One

Similar to having clarity, you’ll want to also have a crystal-clear business plan. Without a plan, you’re very busy but may lack direction and an end goal. In my experience, over 75% of the small businesses I worked with didn’t have a business plan. Only when you have crafted a weekly, monthly, quarterly or yearly plan (with a set of clear endpoints and metrics) can you take the daily actions to fulfilling your business goals. Allow the clarity of your plan to create more ease (when you understand what needs to be done, you will naturally feel more at ease).

3. Limited Planning Time

When you operate your business with little or no planning time, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed rather than in control. You become reactive as you “put out fires,” problem solve, and complete your work each day. Rather than planning for the future, you end up working in the business, not on it (principle drawn from Michael Gerber’s book The E-Myth). Give yourself the gift of time and space to plan. You’ll feel great, reduce your stress and be able to identify those things needed to create the best result.

4. Lack of Self-Care and Personal Time

Most business owners feel they have to sacrifice their personal lives while they are growing their businesses. Unfortunately, the lack of self-care and personal time can actually signal the demise of one’s business. As you shift away from sacrifice and move toward self-care, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. There’s a direct correlation between your personal health and the health of your business. Simply put, if you are overwhelmed, stressed and not vital at work, you are not bringing your best self forward and your performance will inevitably slip. Build in daily self-care time to renew and revitalize yourself (i.e. music, walking, napping) and put them in your calendar as non-negotiable. You’ll feel better and get more done with less effort!

5. Losing the Passion for Your Business

When your business becomes passion-less, every task becomes stressful. You feel pushed to work rather than energized and pulled by your passion. This takes a great toll on you personally as well as on your business. Take a moment to remember your initial reasons for starting the business and what lit you up in the first place (i.e. to make a difference, to offer a new product, to bring your creativity to the world), then figure out how you can add the spice back in. Commit to outsourcing the “un-fun” activities and allow yourself to feel good about your business again. This will allow you to decrease your stress and will naturally create better results.

I recently recognized the power of addressing these common mistakes with my client Anita, an international PR firm director. She realized that while she had completed an initial business plan three years ago, she rarely ever looked at it or conducted her business around it. When we revisited the plan, she reconnected with her passion and commitment to being a socially responsible company. She understood how many critical pieces from her original plan were missing from her current business actions. After she realized that, she was able to chart a new path with less stress and overwhelm, and much more joy and purpose.

I wish you great clarity and ease in your business so that you can make the difference you truly desire. May you know joy, may you know peace and may you work with ease.

Why Questions are so Important for Self Improvement and Success

2007-02-23T19:18:00.000-08:00

Asking questions is one of the most basic ways that we all learn and grow. The questions we ask other people, and even more importantly, the questions we ask ourselves, can have a dramatic impact on our self improvement, success and happiness.
There are times when we find ourselves in difficult or uncomfortable situations, or even in a position where we feel completely overwhelmed. It can be very easy to say ‘what have I done to deserve this?’ or ‘why does this always happen to me?’
However, these questions are destructive and only serve to prepare us for future disappointments. In fact, they can actually guarantee it! The questions we ask ourselves reflect our state of mind, reinforce our beliefs and have a huge impact on our results.
We all experience events that seem too overwhelming to deal with, and there is a great deal of valuable information available to help in these situations. But in almost any situation, no matter how bad it may seem, there is usually something positive that can be found.
Actually asking the question ‘what can I learn from this situation?’ is a great starting point, even if you only learn what not to do in the future. But you can go much further. It has often been said that when one door closes another opens; and that in every setback lies opportunity. Don’t just stare at the closed door - why not try asking yourself what opportunities are now available, or what doors have just opened for you? It will improve your state of mind and may just change you life.
Self Improvement Quote of the Day:

“A major stimulant to creative thinking is focused questions. There is something about a well-worded question that often penetrates to the heart of the matter and triggers new ideas and insights.”

Top 10 Ways to Think Outside the Retirement Box

2007-02-22T00:22:00.000-08:00

Are you willing to look beneath the surface of the external aspects of your retirement (how much money will you have, where will you live, etc.) and fully explore your dreams and desires? If so, you'll discover the many wonderful opportunities and options that are open to you, and embark on the most extraordinary journey of your life.

Here are ten tips to get you started thinking outside the old retirement box:

1. Don't let someone else's definition of retirement define retirement for you. You can start by casting off the outdated belief that retirement is a permanent rest stop.

2. Put yourself squarely in the driver's seat. You decide when and how you retire, and who you will be.

3. Turn the old retirement model on its head. Plan the life you want to be living. Then, figure out how much money you'll need to live it.

4. Answer the question: "What's enough"? You may find you need a lot less than you think and can retire sooner.

5. Don't put off retirement because others (aging/ailing parents, adult children) are dependent on you. Keeping your life on hold supports no one.

6. Write a personal mission statement that expresses who you are, what you'd like to do, and where you'd like to go.

7. Ignite your personal mission statement into action, and pursue your goals with gusto.

8. Think of retirement as your next career stage. Write that book, start a business, or...you fill in the blank.

9. Come up with creative ways to combine living your passion with generating income. Think in terms of both active and passive revenue streams.

10. Change your approach, shift your thinking, and get a fresh perspective. The future you dream of will never be yours as long as you're stuck in old ways of being.

Making Money On Blogs

2007-02-02T23:02:00.000-08:00

Let's first look at the sources of revenue which are available for blog authors.

Ads
By placing ads on a blog it is possible to generate revenue from visitors who click on the ads. The most common source for ads is Google's AdSense. By signing up to Google AdSense and placing a small piece of code on your blog, Google will display their ads on your blog. Advertisers who signed up for Googles AdWords program pay Google for each click on ads and Google shares this revenue with blog owners displaying the ads. Google does not disclose how the revenue is shared – they encourage you to sign up and try it out so you can see how much you generate and then decide if it is for you or not. Google places ads on webpages so they match the content on the page. A blog about traveling would therefore attract ads for airplane tickets, hotels etc. Since Google shares their revenue with you and since you want to generate a lot of revenue, you need to produce content for which ads pay well. There are tools available for determining for which keywords there is the most competition among advertisers – content for such keywords will be content that generates the highest revenue. The revenue generated per click can be anywhere from a few cents to several dollars, depending on the advertiser competition. Normally, relatively few visitors to a website or blog will click on ads. There are ways to optimize a blog or website for achieving higher click through rates. You will be able to find varied (and sometimes contradictory) advice on what is the best strategy. Follow the links below, to sign up for Google's AdSense and for tools for finding the keywords for which there is a lot of advertiser competition.

Affiliate programs
Affiliate programs are a type of partnership, where are seller of a product shares the revenue generated from a sale with the "affiliate" who sent the customer to the seller's website. The percentage of revenue given to the affiliate can be from a few percent to as much as 75 percent. Affiliate programs are often supported by the company handling the online payment, who then takes care of paying the commission to the affiliate the minute the customer makes payment. An owner of a blog can become an affiliate of one or more sellers and send visitors to the sellers' websites, thereby generating revenue for the owner of the blog. Affiliate links (i.e., links from the affiliate to the sellers' websites) are easier to disguise as normal links, than ads provided by Google. The affiliate can create the links, so the customer may not even notice that the affiliate is affiliated with the sellers' websites. For this reason, a higher click through rate can be achieved this way than through ads. You can expect that only a few percent of visitors following your links end up making a purchase. So also for this option, a large amount of traffic is needed to generate good revenue. Follow the links below to learn more about affiliate programs and how to find products to promote.

Getting traffic
No matter which option for revenue you choose, the key to generating serious money is to get serious amounts of visitors for the blog. This means that your blog needs to be interesting for the reader and not just look like something made for you to make money. For this reason, you need to keep the amount of ads and affiliate links to a minimum. You need to produce content which appeals to readers and to add new posts regularly to keep visitors coming back. Topics like politics, religion, gaming, gossip, arts, sports - to name just a few – seem to be popular topics. You need to select a topic which you yourself find interesting as this will make it easier for you to write articles that others will find engaging too. Blogs with a good amount of graphics seem to attract more visitors than blogs with a small amount of graphics. Besides having a blog which is interesting and make visitors return, you can get visitors using advertising, link building and other techniques used also for "normal" websites.

In this article we have explored some of the ways you can make money from blogs.

Tracking Fundraising Success

2007-02-02T00:51:00.000-08:00

One of the most important tips for your fundraising events is to track and keep record of your fundraisers details. If this is your first fundraising event it will most likely be a trial and error process until you find out what works for you and your event. But if you have a fundraiser or two completed, below are some tips to help you track your success and use your completed fundraisers to help with your future fundraising events!
For your own records be sure to write down all the information pertaining to the fundraising event so you will have all the information at your disposal to compare and prepare for the next one. Also take notes and recognize your strengths and what can be improved upon for your next event. This information is very valuable to your future fundraisers.
Get the opinions of your sponsors, merchants, volunteers and supporters during and after your fundraising events. Take notes of the information they provide to you. Ask them what they thought of your event – what did they like and what did they think could be done better? Then brainstorm and figure out how you can fit all these new ideas and tips into your next fundraising event.
If you have a website for your business, post your fundraising details on the website! Allow companies and merchants to contact you at anytime, don’t just wait until right before the event and start promoting it. Put up information about the successful fundraisers you have hosted in the past and that a new one is coming up! Create excitement; make them want to be a part of it.
Most importantly take the money raised and put it to good use! Than take a few moments to write your sponsors and thank them for their contributions and tell them where the money was spent. It will go along way to use that personal touch with those involved and will also assure them that they will want to be involved in future fundraising events you and your company host.

16 Mantras for Building Financial Wealth

2007-01-31T00:27:00.000-08:00

Everyone wants to be wealthy, but most of us do not have anyone to guide us down this road. Even if we stumble upon a mentor, most of us may think it's a scam. Most of us have beliefs that keep us struggling financially; "the more I can save the richer I will become"; "building good credit is more important than how I use it"; "if I stay with my job for 10 years I will be rich"; "the rich are greedy and take advantage of others"; "I am not smart enough to be rich"; "if I work hard for my boss I will be greatly rewarded"; "I would have to work non-stop to become rich"; "I have to give up what I love to become rich". All of these beliefs are true from a certain perspective, namely yours! Most of these negative beliefs have been forced on us as children and are constantly reinforced by friends, family, news and even sitcoms. Personal, deep-seeded beliefs are what separate the top 10% from the bottom 90% in this country. Below are some mantras to think about every day in order to replace those negative beliefs:
1. I only use credit for my business and investments.
2. I buy toys (even new cars) when I have the CASH to pay for them.
3. Every penny in the bank is stagnant.
4. Every penny put in my business will multiply exponentially.
5. I learn more from failure than success.
6. The more failures I have, the closer I am to success.
7. Money "left over" is more important than "how much I make".
8. I minimize expenses to increase cash flow.
9. My job/career will make others wealthy, not me.
10. I always put customers success before my own; generosity= wealth
11. My passions fuel my business and money will follow.
12. My mind is my greatest obstacle.
13. I expand my mind to reach lofty goals (write them down).
14. I will research books and the internet to improve my business and investments.
15. I can be who ever I want to be.
16. Money is easy to find.
Most people will strongly resist and even feel offended by these new beliefs. Many quickly start thinking of reasons for defending their current situation even before they finish reading each mantra. Of course, this defensive response is why very few of us become rich. Excuses are easier to find then solutions. Immense changes in how we define ourselves is required. Many of the wealthy got to where they are because they faced such desperate situations, i.e. homelessness, that they were forced to completely change their perceptions of themselves and life in general. A false sense of security in your job is your greatest obstacle, but if you consciously take hold of these mantra's everyday until you finally can accept them, you will start changing your belief system about wealth. Most importantly, every day think of realistic ways that you can apply each mantra to your life and life goals.

Take Financial Stock Before a Job Change

2007-01-29T02:05:00.000-08:00

Any decision to change jobs has financial ramifications. Whether you're making a switch to get more responsibility, more enjoyment, or more freedom, you have to consider money, among other factors.

Basic financial planning will benefit you whether you're switching employers or careers, going back to school to learn new professional skills, or branching out to be your own boss. After reading the tips below, you may also want to contact a certified financial planner to help you tailor your transition strategy.

The Financial Cushion

Financial reserves are a must for anyone who's making a career transition. You should have enough money available to cover all your living expenses during the transition period.

"We advise most clients to maintain a cash cushion of six months," says Micah Porter, president of the Minerva Planning Group in Atlanta. "If you're making a career transition, you'll need to increase the amount of cushion you have if the transition will involve going without a salary while searching for a job."

If you're starting your own business or consulting firm, many financial planners recommend you set aside two years' worth of living expenses, according to the Financial Planning Association (FPA).

Edward Jones, a St. Louis-based company that recruits self-motivated professionals to run their own businesses as investment representatives, offers similar advice for its candidates.

"At Edward Jones, our investment representatives have the opportunity to earn significant income once they build up a strong client base, which typically occurs after the first year or two," says Price Woodward, the principal responsible for recruiting and hiring investment representatives at Edward Jones. "The training compensation and guaranteed payments for the first year in business may require candidates to reduce their standard of living or use money out of savings or rely on a spouse or partner's income in order to maintain their lifestyle during the first few years of being an investment representative."

Necessary Coverage

Before you transition, make sure that you have adequate insurance coverage. If you have health insurance with your current employer, consider continuing that coverage through COBRA. You can also investigate private regular coverage, which can be more affordable if you're single, or you could switch to be part of a spouse's health plan.

Pay attention to any possible retirement benefits or accounts you may have, such as a 401(k). To avoid being taxed, make sure you roll over your 401(k) into an IRA account or a similar retirement savings plan with a new employer.

Loans and Taxes

If you're training for a new career, a student loan can prevent education costs from depleting your cash reserves.

"You don't want concerns about finances detracting from your studies," says Porter. "I would tend to take out a bit more than I thought I might need, with two caveats:

Average starting salaries in your new career should allow you to repay the loan over time with relative ease.
The loan should be via an official student loan program, and offer the low interest rates normally associated with those programs."
Paying income tax is another financial matter that you should consider before making a job transition, according to Shannon Wentworth, a marketing consultant and writer based in Oakland, California. This is especially true for people who work for themselves after having worked full-time for an employer who routinely deducted taxes from paychecks.

"Save all your receipts and plan for paying your own taxes," she said.

The Payoff

Wentworth started her consulting business in early 2006 after leaving a corporate marketing job, and she says she's had "a lot of fun" being her own boss.

"I travel more, exercise more, read more, sleep more, and make more money," she says. "I've also at times worked more. It's harder to say 'no' to work when you don't have a steady 9-to-5 job."

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HERE is an one-stop auto insurance shop that makes getting quotes easy for consumers by helping them obtain quotes from several insurance suppliers with only one online questionnaire.

They are not an insurance company; kanetix is a service that provides users with access to insurance quote comparisons.

Their ownership is split between its employees and its majority shareholder, the Great-West Life Assurance Company.You may visited them at online any time Car insurance quotes in minutes.

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They believe that your web site should do more than just exist online without any interruptions. Your web site should be your calling card, your portal to success and make a stellar first impression for those who come across it with its performance and abilities.

They are experienced web professionals just like you and understand just how critical the web is to your business.

Owned and operated by Affinity Internet, they've been hosting mission critical web sites since the dawn of the World Wide Web itself, and have been improving upon the concept ever since. They were the first major hosting company to implement clustering technology across all of our hosting accounts, and they remain the only major hosting company to continue to provide this technology at affordable prices

If you are interested you can visit them on here:Web Hosting

Telecommuting may hurt career advancement: survey

2007-01-27T01:03:00.001-08:00

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Employees who frequently work from home may be hurting their chances to advance their careers, a survey by Korn/Ferry International reported on Tuesday.

So-called 'telecommuters' are less likely to advance than peers who work in traditional office settings, according to 61 percent of the 1,300 global executives surveyed. That's even though some three-quarters of executives consider telecommuters to be as productive as their desk-bound colleagues, the survey found.

Workers climbing the corporate ladder need 'face time,' said Robert McNabb, chief executive of Korn/Ferry's Futurestep division, which provides recruitment outsourcing services and conducted the survey.

"Corporate America (wants) people to make a commitment to live in corporate headquarters, to have face time with the board, to be in every planning and strategy session -- not virtually, but in person," McNabb said.

Many employers have not yet embraced flexible work schedules, which are popular with workers seeking a better work-life balance, McNabb added. Companies are willing to be flexible with their mid-level workers, but more senior managers have fewer options.

"They want to be able to call on you at any given time," he said

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"info"

They believe that your web site should do more than just exist online without any interruptions. Your web site should be your calling card, your portal to success and make a stellar first impression for those who come across it with its performance and abilities.

They are experienced web professionals just like you and understand just how critical the web is to your business.

Owned and operated by Affinity Internet, they've been hosting mission critical web sites since the dawn of the World Wide Web itself, and have been improving upon the concept ever since. They were the first major hosting company to implement clustering technology across all of our hosting accounts, and they remain the only major hosting company to continue to provide this technology at affordable prices

If you are interested you can visit them on here:Web Hosting

sense

2007-01-25T23:30:00.000-08:00

A man was sick and tired of going to work every day while his wife stayed home.

He wanted her to see what he went through so he prayed:

"Dear Lord: I go to work every day and put in 8 hours while my wife merely stays at home. I want her to know what I go through, so please
allow her body to switch with mine for a day. Amen.

God, in his infinite wisdom, granted the man's wish.

The next morning, sure enough, the man awoke as a woman
He arose, cooked breakfast for his mate, awakened the kids, set out their
school clothes, fed them breakfast, packed their lunches, drove them to school, came home and picked up the dry cleaning, took it to the cleaners and stopped at the bank to make a deposit, went grocery shopping, then drove home to put away the groceries, paid the bills and balanced the checkbook. He cleaned the cat's litter box and bathed the dog. Then it was already 1 P.M. and he hurried to make the beds, do the laundry, vacuum, dust, and sweep and mop the kitchen floor.
Ran to the school to pick up the kids and got into an argument with them on the way home. Set out milk and cookies and got the kids organized to do their homework, then set up the ironing board and watched TV while he did the ironing.
At 4:30 he began peeling potatoes and washing vegetables for salad, breaded the pork chops and snapped fresh beans for supper.

After supper, he cleaned the kitchen, ran the dishwasher, folded laundry,
bathed the kids, and put them to bed.

At 9 P.M. he was exhausted and, though his daily chores weren't finished, he went to bed where he was expected to make love, which he managed to get through without complaint.
The next morning, he awoke and immediately knelt by the bed and said: Lord, I don't know what I was thinking. I was so wrong to envy my wife's being able to stay home all day. Please, oh please, let us trade back."

The Lord, in his infinite wisdom, replied: "My son, I feel you have learned your lesson and I will be happy to change things back to the way they were. You'll just have to wait nine months, though. You got pregnant last night."

Be a Stealthy Job-Hunter

2007-01-11T22:41:00.000-08:00

Eight Tips for Finding a New Job While Keeping the One You Have
The best time to look for a new job is while you still have a job: You have more leverage in negotiations with potential employers, not to mention a paycheck.

But that doesn't mean it's easy. You need to spread the word -- and your resume -- in a way that doesn't tip off your current employer. And you need to make sure you don't lose focus on your current job while you're searching.

Career and job-hunting experts offer eight tips for mounting a successful job search while still employed.

First, assess your risk. In some cases -- if you're working on a contract that is ending, for example -- it may not matter if your boss knows you're looking. But other times, letting it be known that you're looking for another job could cost you your current job.

"Based on that assessment, decide how you want to approach going about looking for another job," says Richard Martinez, a management consultant who is acting vice president of human resources at NanoAmp Solutions in Milpitas, California.

Be careful where you send or post you resume. "You'd be amazed at how many times companies find resumes of their employees on the Internet," Martinez says.

When you send out your resume, make sure you know who will receive it and what they plan to do with it. And if you have a blog, consider carefully whether you want the world to know about your unhappiness with your current job and how your search for a new one is going.

Choose your confidants carefully. Networking is one of the best ways to find a new job, but it involves talking to lots of people. If you're going to be frank about your desire for a new position, make sure the person you're telling can be discreet. You might even ask the person up front not to tell others without your permission.

Tone down your networking. It's a good idea to talk to as many people as possible about your search, but since you may not know all of them well enough to trust them with your secret, try to be subtle.

Ron Visconti, managing partner of the Peninsula Employment Group LLC in the San Francisco Bay Area, suggests using neutral phrasing that doesn't stress that you're looking for a job right now: "I'm always open to learning about new career opportunities."

Search from home. Give recruiters and potential employers your cell phone or home phone number and a personal email address. Never use your work computer or company-owned cell phone for your search.

"I had a client who lost a job because he made a call to a prospective employer on a company-issued cell phone," says James Elkins, owner of Career Planning Services in Scarborough, Maine.

Ask potential employers to keep your secret. Employers generally know to be careful when calling to check references at your current employer. But it doesn't hurt to emphasize this point. Elkins suggests including a line in your cover letter that says, "My employer is not aware of my interest in this position, so please keep my inquiry confidential."

Stay focused on your current job. Starting a job search means deciding you want to leave your current job. Once you've crossed that emotional line, it can be tough to keep putting in your best effort. But you should.

"You always want to be held in the highest respect by your superiors, subordinates, and peers," Martinez says. "The worst thing that can happen to you is you go up to your boss and say 'I quit,' and he smiles."

Next time, start networking before you want to leave. A strong network is "your insurance against unemployment," Visconti says. If you stay in touch with former colleagues and others who are active in your field, they'll be more likely to approach you next time a job is open.

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Intro

Kanetix Ltd. was incorporated in October 1999. Co-founders Gregory Ellis and George Small began with a single-company online insurance quotation service aimed at younger, net-savvy drivers paying high auto insurance rates.

In December 1999, with strong support from the insurance industry, kanetix launched an online, multiple quote-calculating service into the Ontario market, with the power to generate several car insurance quotes in the time it used to take to produce only one.

In March, 2000, kanetix added life insurance to the mix, offering quotes for 10-year term life insurance policies from 12 different providers, all in the same convenient, one-stop shopping environment.

Since then, kanetix has expanded its auto quoter to Alberta and the Atlantic Provinces. Property insurance was also introduced in May, 2000, bringing home, tenant and condominium quote comparisons to consumers across Canada.

The quotation service was launched in Quebec in the first quarter of 2001, making kanetix Canada's first online insurance marketplace to operate Nationally. To visit them " Visit kanetix for all your insurance needs."

Study: 2 of 5 bosses don't keep word

2007-01-10T21:55:00.000-08:00

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - For most people, it's back to work Tuesday after a holiday weekend with family and friends. And for many, a new study shows, it will be under a bad boss. Nearly two of five bosses don't keep their word and more than a fourth bad mouth those they supervise to co-workers, the Florida State University study shows.

And those all-too-common poor managers create plenty of problems for companies as well, leading to poor morale, less production and higher turnover.

"They say that employees don't leave their job or company, they leave their boss," said Wayne Hochwarter, an associate professor of management in the College of Business at Florida State University, who joined with two doctoral students at the school to survey more than 700 people working in a variety of jobs about how their bosses treat them.

"No abuse should be taken lightly, especially in situations where it becomes a criminal act," said Hochwarter.

Employees stuck in an abusive relationship experienced more exhaustion, job tension, nervousness, depressed moods and mistrust, the researchers found. They found that a good working environment is often more important than pay, and that it's no coincidence that poor morale leads to lower production.

"They (employees) were less likely to take on additional tasks, such as working longer or on weekends, and were generally less satisfied with their job," the study found. "Also, employees were more likely to leave if involved in an abusive relationship than if dissatisfied with pay."

The results of the study are scheduled for publication in the Fall 2007 issue of The Leadership Quarterly, a journal read by consultants, managers and executives.

The findings include:

• 39 percent of workers said their supervisor failed to keep promises.

• 37 percent said their supervisor failed to give credit when due.

• 31 percent said their supervisor gave them the "silent treatment" in the past year.

• 27 percent said their supervisor made negative comments about them to other employees or managers.

• 24 percent said their supervisor invaded their privacy.

• 23 percent said their supervisor blamed others to cover up mistakes or to minimize embarrassment.

Workers in bad situations should remain optimistic, Hochwarter said.

"It is important to stay positive, even when you get irritated or discouraged, because few subordinate-supervisor relationships last forever," he said. "You want the next boss to know what you can do for the company."

And workers should know where to turn if they feel threatened, harassed or discriminated against, whether it is the company's grievance committee or finding formal representation outside the employer.

"Others know who the bullies are at work," Hochwarter said. "They likely have a history of mistreating others."

Hochwarter also recommended some methods to minimize the harm caused by an abusive supervisor.

"The first is to stay visible at work," he said. "Hiding can be detrimental to your career, especially when it keeps others in the company from noticing your talent and contributions."

The survey was conducted by mail. Workers surveyed included men and women of various ages and races in the service industry and manufacturing, from companies large and small, Hochwarter said.

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AD

Courting Creativity at Disney

2007-01-10T00:34:00.000-08:00

Anne Ceruti is the vice-president for talent acquisition at Walt Disney(DIS). This fall, Disney (NYSE: DIS - news) ranked No. 1 in BusinessWeek's (Advertisement)

inaugural "Best Places to Launch a Career." Disney clinched the top spot based on a survey of 37,000 U.S. undergrads. Cynics need not apply: the culture stresses creativity, optimism, and decency.

During the 2005-06 school year, Disney recruited on 450 undergraduate campuses. Ceruti spoke to BusinessWeek's Lindsey Gerdes earlier this year. Here are edited excerpts of their conversation.

How can you tell if a candidate is right for a certain role?

We don't interview people specifically for a role as many would think. We look at them by their ability to grow with the company, to lead and collaborate. Someone who's looking for a very structured environment, everything nailed down all the time, like at a manufacturing company, might not be someone we're looking for, because we're a creative company.

What would you say are the three most important characteristics Disney looks for in entry-level applicants?

We look for communication skills, leadership skills, and analytical skills [see BusinessWeek.com, 06/09, "Best Places to Launch A Career"].

How much is networking stressed in the entry-level chain?

It's a very important part of our process. We have a diverse and established internship program across the companies. Theme parks have an international component. We have summer and year-round internships.

We have a long list of activities to gain exposure to different business units. We bring them together to showcase our leaders through Q&As, dinners. Interns don't just get the viewpoint of one business unit, they get a view of what the company's about.

You have an internship program where participants live together. What's that like?

You're referring to Orlando. They have a lot of opportunities for exposure. We showcase leaders in different groups. They come in every six weeks, and we have housing for domestic as well as international. On site we provide transportation. It's like a small city.

Any particular ways you engage this generation of new hires?

We currently have four different generations working together. We really try to motivate this generation. We've expanded our internship program, educated managers on what it takes to engage this particular workforce. We also leverage technology, engage them through their own informal communities, like MySpace, LinkedIn.

Do you recruit off these social networking sites?

We don't necessarily recruit off of MySpace, but we're very aware where this generation goes to think about opportunities. There's a lot of information out there on the Web. We tap into blogs and find out what things people are interested in, in terms of why they would join a company.

We want to encourage people to collaborate. I think prior generations focused more on traditional career ladders, move up and be on a particular pace with peers. That's still important to some extent, but this element of collaboration is so much more important than for previous generations.

How else are you adjusting your recruiting to attract and retain this group?

From what I understand by looking at external data, we are fully aware of what is driving this newest generation, what engages them, motivates them. There are many ways a candidate might come to know about Disney, like obviously on-campus recruiting.

We strive to expose people to our leadership through many venues, by speaking at conferences, leading panel discussions, or leveraging our alumni connections. We will be looking at our programs and our practices to make sure we attract young people and retain them. Those things are in development.

What in particular do you think draws undergrads to Disney?

I think there are a lot of reasons. The caliber of our leadership is definitely a reason people are drawn to us. We have a diverse base of opportunities and a broad range of experiences, from startups to established businesses.

It's not any one thing, but a host of opportunities. It's the quality of our brand, the content, the fact that it's a fabulous place to learn, our foray into family entertainment. We focus so much on storytelling. Our company was founded by an individual, and that personality is still very much here today.

What structures do you have for moving up in the workplace?

We have a number of people who started with us who are here many years later in executive roles. Many execs can certainly work side by side with new recruits, really help to bring people along through the organization.

You can look at people who have joined us and risen to senior roles within the company. We're a different organization from what we were when these leaders joined us. We're going to be very different 10 years from now, vs. the company that people join today.

With so many divisions at Disney, where do most people start?

Theme parks probably have the most opportunities for attracting interns and entry-levels. Every unit has the ability to attract entry-level hires and hire off of campus in four major areas. The volume depends on the size of the business unit and workforce.

But that doesn't mean there aren't opportunities elsewhere. In some cases we recruit for groups focused on those programs. It speaks to the nature of the culture.

With social consciousness so important to this generation, what kinds of environmental initiatives do you have?

Disney's very vested in community service and has a highly regarded volunteers program. We do a lot through our giving and worldwide outreach. We offer global roles with international assignments. All that makes us very attractive to this generation, but that's not new to this generation. It's something that's more prevalent in this generation, but it was very important two or three generations back -- new is a relative term [see BusinessWeek.com, 9/18/06, "The Corporate Springboard for Community Service"].

What are some of the organizations that you recruit from?

Writing programs, National Black MBA, and various professional conferences. Some of our leaders speak at major forums.

***************************************
"into"
HERE is an one-stop auto insurance shop that makes getting quotes easy for consumers by helping them obtain quotes from several insurance suppliers with only one online questionnaire.

They are not an insurance company; kanetix is a service that provides users with access to insurance quote comparisons.

Their ownership is split between its employees and its majority shareholder, the Great-West Life Assurance Company.You may visited them at online any time Car insurance quotes in minutes.

2 of 5 bosses don't keep word

2007-01-07T22:48:00.000-08:00

For most people, it's back to work Tuesday after a holiday weekend with family and friends. And for many, a new study shows, it will be under a bad boss. Nearly two of five bosses don't keep their word and more than a fourth bad mouth those they supervise to co-workers.

And those all-too-common poor managers create plenty of problems for companies as well, leading to poor morale, less production and higher turnover.

"They say that employees don't leave their job or company, they leave their boss," said Wayne Hochwarter, an associate professor of management in the College of Business at Florida State University, who joined with two doctoral students at the school to survey more than 700 people working in a variety of jobs about how their bosses treat them.

"No abuse should be taken lightly, especially in situations where it becomes a criminal act," said Hochwarter.

Employees stuck in an abusive relationship experienced more exhaustion, job tension, nervousness, depressed moods and mistrust, the researchers found. They found that a good working environment is often more important than pay, and that it's no coincidence that poor morale leads to lower production.

"They (employees) were less likely to take on additional tasks, such as working longer or on weekends, and were generally less satisfied with their job," the study found. "Also, employees were more likely to leave if involved in an abusive relationship than if dissatisfied with pay."

The results of the study are scheduled for publication in the Fall 2007 issue of The Leadership Quarterly, a journal read by consultants, managers and executives.

The findings include:

• 39 percent of workers said their supervisor failed to keep promises.

• 37 percent said their supervisor failed to give credit when due.

• 31 percent said their supervisor gave them the "silent treatment" in the past year.

• 27 percent said their supervisor made negative comments about them to other employees or managers.

• 24 percent said their supervisor invaded their privacy.

• 23 percent said their supervisor blamed others to cover up mistakes or to minimize embarrassment.

Workers in bad situations should remain optimistic, Hochwarter said.

"It is important to stay positive, even when you get irritated or discouraged, because few subordinate-supervisor relationships last forever," he said. "You want the next boss to know what you can do for the company."

And workers should know where to turn if they feel threatened, harassed or discriminated against, whether it is the company's grievance committee or finding formal representation outside the employer.

"Others know who the bullies are at work," Hochwarter said. "They likely have a history of mistreating others."

Hochwarter also recommended some methods to minimize the harm caused by an abusive supervisor.

"The first is to stay visible at work," he said. "Hiding can be detrimental to your career, especially when it keeps others in the company from noticing your talent and contributions."

The survey was conducted by mail. Workers surveyed included men and women of various ages and races in the service industry and manufacturing, from companies large and small, Hochwarter said.

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"info"

Gate.com is founded on one simple principle - hosting can be smarter.

They believe that your web site should do more than just exist online without any interruptions. Your web site should be your calling card, your portal to success and make a stellar first impression for those who come across it with its performance and abilities.

They are experienced web professionals just like you and understand just how critical the web is to your business.

Owned and operated by Affinity Internet, they've been hosting mission critical web sites since the dawn of the World Wide Web itself, and have been improving upon the concept ever since. They were the first major hosting company to implement clustering technology across all of our hosting accounts, and they remain the only major hosting company to continue to provide this technology at affordable prices

If you are interested you can visit them on here:Web Hosting

Four Ways to Bond With a New Boss

2007-01-05T22:23:00.000-08:00

Having a good working relationship with your boss can often determine your happiness at work. Use these tips to make working with a new boss work for you.
1. Get Over Your Ex While you adjust to working with a new boss, you may find that you miss your former boss. It's natural to feel a sense of loss when a valued colleague moves on from a position. However, don't allow your feelings for your former boss to prevent you from being receptive to your new boss
2. New Boss, New Procedures Fresh talent brings a fresh perspective, which can beget new procedures. Be prepared to start doing business in a different manner. Avoid saying things like, "When Jane was in charge, we always handled things this way." If your new boss wants your advice as to what worked well in the past, she'll ask for it.
3. It Pays to Be Patient Everyone needs time to get up to speed in a new job and your new boss is no exception. She may make a mistake or two along the way. Don't allow a few flubs to cause you to lose faith in her ability to manage you and your team. Offer your support and loyalty immediately; such actions will be remembered and repaid.
4. Proceed With Caution You and your last boss may have been thick as thieves; however, do not expect the same level of camaraderie with your new boss -- immediately or ever. Because she is your superior, it's best to let her dictate the tone of your working relationship. Behave in a friendly manner, but maintain your professionalism at all times.

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"info"

The MEGA Life and Health Insurance Company specializes in providing quality, affordable health insurance to the individual, family, and or self employed/small business owner. Their offer CONVERTS. Compare their form with others in their space and you’ll understand why their offer outperforms the competition. They only ask for basic contact information. Their competitors require extended personal medical data. Not their offer. Basic contact info is all they need. VERY IMPORTANT. NO EMAIL PROGRAMS please. ALL EMAIL PROGRAMS SHOULD GET PRIOR APPROVAL FROM Them. If you have any questions pls don’t hesitate to Visit their web site. Finally, affordable and reliable health insurance. Get a FREE QUOTE

2007-01-04T23:49:00.000-08:00

Emerging Issues for Next Generation Accountants

The recent changes impacting accounting and finance have created new challenges for today's professionals but also have created new opportunities. This is just one of the key findings of Robert Half International's Next Generation Accountant: A New Outlook on a Timeless Profession, a comprehensive research initiative that examines the trends shaping the future of accounting.

In the course of the research, Robert Half International identified several emerging issues impacting the field, including:

Continuing demand for skilled professionals - Because regulatory compliance requirements are ongoing and workloads continue growing, demand for top accounting professionals is likely to remain steady. And the need for experienced personnel is expected to accelerate as companies begin preparing for the departure of baby-boom-age workers. In fact, a Robert Half International survey found that 78 percent of firms are currently taking steps to compensate for the loss of these employees, including enhancing their recruitment and retention programs.
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) - The United States may face growing pressure to conform to international standards as more companies around the world adopt IFRS. Already, foreign companies listed on U.S. exchanges and U.S.-based businesses with multinational operations are seeking accountants who understand international laws and regulations and can help their organizations adapt to new legislation.
Pervasive technology - Many of those now entering the workforce have enjoyed nonstop connectivity most of their lives, from campuses with wireless networks to personal digital assistants and web-based cellular phones. The challenge for them now will be learning to balance the productivity advantages information technology (IT) offers with potential pitfalls, such as relying on IT instead of face-to-face communication to build relationships.
Enterprise risk management - As the business landscape continues to evolve, financial professionals will devote increased attention to helping firms identify and manage risks. The Enterprise Risk Management - Integrated Framework from the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) - which details the components, principles and concepts of enterprise risk management - will be a valuable tool in accountants' efforts.
Fair value accounting - Accounting professionals will need to understand how to apply new rules aimed at improving the accuracy of fair value measurements. Proponents say this approach provides more transparency than historical cost-based measurements because it recognizes the current worth of assets as opposed to the cost of acquiring them.
Globalization - With a growing number of companies conducting business internationally and building workforces comprised of individuals from multiple countries, accountants will need to understand different cultures and business perspectives. Fluency in multiple languages will be a highly valued attribute as well.
Fraud control - Past accounting scandals have accelerated the demand for professionals with fraud-detection and investigative skills, especially those who possess the certified fraud examiner (CFE) designation. Forensic accountants previously were brought in after a misdeed had been committed, but organizations are now hiring these individuals to tighten procedures to prevent fraud before it occurs.

Get in Shape if Want to Get Rich

2007-01-03T23:13:00.000-08:00

Year after year, two of the most popular New Year's resolutions are to get healthier and to improve one's finances. This is hardly surprising considering that more than half of Americans are overweight and their finances are stretched too thin. Improving these areas would be worthy goals for anyone, especially for young adults. The earlier you can correct any problems, the better your chances of a healthier and wealthier life.

But instead of tackling your goals separately, you might consider approaching them together. Health and finances, it turns out, are more intertwined than you may think.

Studies show that healthy people miss fewer days of work and are more productive on the job, so they are more likely to get promoted or earn higher salaries. "Healthy people also tend to look better, and, like it or not, a good physical appearance pays in many ways, including higher incomes". Healthy people may choose to stay in the workforce longer, building up even greater savings and earning more interest on their money over the long term. Plus, research shows that the healthier you are, the happier you are, which has been tied to higher income.

The association works the other way, too: Your financial problems can affect your health. Two in five people who have financial stresses report that their health has been negatively impacted by their problems, according to a 2005 study published in the Consumer Interests Annual. Those problems ranged from physical ailments such as anxiety, depression, ulcers, headaches and sleep problems to an inability to afford medical care.

"Wealth and health are mutually reinforcing, with wealth increasing the opportunities for better medical care and a healthy lifestyle, and good health increasing your opportunities for added wealth."

The cost of unhealthful habits
Unhealthful habits can cost you in a more concrete way, too. For example, let's say a pack of cigarettes costs about $4. If a 25-year-old kicks a pack-a-day habit and invests the money saved each month for 40 years earning an 8% average annual return, he could have more than $428,000 saved by the time he turned 65 -- not to mention he'll increase his chances of living to age 65 and will likely spend less money on health care.

Maintaining a healthful weight is another move that can save you money over the long term. You'll buy less food and spend less on clothes to fit your fluctuating body size. The money saved is better used to pad your bottom line than, er, your bottom. Learning to cook at home can also save you a bundle because you likely will spend less buying groceries than eating out -- and it even can make dating cheaper. After all, who isn't impressed by a mate who knows how to cook?

Identify areas of your spending where you can cut back and channel that money toward productive goals. And if you can "find" some of that money by eliminating unhealthful habits, you can achieve two goals for the price of one. With the money you save, you can pay down high-interest debt such as your credit cards, then build an emergency savings fund and invest for retirement.

To better health and wealth
With health and wealth working in tandem, it makes sense to tackle the two issues together. These five strategies will get you on the path to achieving both your financial and physical New Year's resolutions:

1. Start small. Even the best intentioned resolutions can fall by the wayside come January 31. Why? "One reason is that self-improvement goals often seem so insurmountable,For example, lose 50 pounds and save a million dollars for retirement. Who wouldn't be afraid to get started?"

Better to start small than not at all. You may not need to join a gym or employ a personal trainer. Increasing your activity level by choosing the stairs over the elevator, for example, and eating healthier by, say, avoiding second helpings for a week, are steps in the right direction.

The same goes for your finances. Sure, it's ideal to save 10% of your income each month. But when you're starting out, that goal simply may not be practical. Start by saving just $1 a day plus any loose change from your pockets. Then inch your way up to saving 3% of your income. That's better than saving nothing, and you can work your way up to 10% as your earnings increase. Learn how little financial tricks can save you money and see how quickly even small deposits can add up.

2. Put your goals on autopilot. Worried that your resolutions will come undone over forgetfulness or laziness? Put your behavior on autopilot, and you won't have to give it a second thought. For example, automate your health regimen by resolving to work out with a friend -- you can keep each other on track. Or modify your behavior and incorporate it into your daily routine, such as eating off a smaller plate to control portion size or getting off the bus a stop early and walking.

Putting your finances on autopilot is also a great way to stay on track. You can ask your employer to automatically deposit a portion of your paycheck into your savings account instead of checking account. Set up an automatic investment program with a broker or mutual fund company.

3. Pace yourself. "Studies have shown that when people are served more food, they eat more". This results in higher calorie and fat intake. Similarly, with your finances, you may be offered a high credit limit or a larger loan than you need, leading you to charge more than you can afford just because you can. In either case, don't bite off more than you can chew.

4. Avoid quick fixes. Sure, we'd all love to have a bank account like Bill Gates and a body like The Rock or Angelina Jolie. But it's not going to happen overnight. When it comes to losing weight, getting in shape, building wealth or getting out of debt, you need discipline and perseverance. Don't rush to put your health (and money) in the hands of the latest diet, miracle pill or surgery. Instead, work with your doctor to come up with a practical and wholesome solution.

Similarly, keep your finances on solid ground by avoiding red-flag financial claims, such as products that guarantee unbelievable investment returns, those that downplay risk versus reward, and those that pressure you to invest money quickly or pay high fees in advance. Also, think carefully before you bail out of your financial troubles by declaring bankruptcy. It can stay on your record for ten years, making it nearly impossible for you to get credit or to buy a car or a house, among other things.

5. Check your progress regularly. When you're young, the need for routine medial exams may seem like a waste, but it's time and money well spent. Detect or prevent a problem early and you increase your chances of resolving it faster and cheaper than if you allowed it time to worsen. Putting off regular exams to save money could actually backfire and cost you more in the long run. Make sure you see a dentist, eye doctor and medical physician regularly.

You also need regular financial checkups to uncover potential problems. It's a good idea to re-evaluate your budget and spending habits at least every six months, as well as examine your short- and long-term financial goals to make sure you are on track. You should order a free copy of your credit report once a year to make sure it's in tip-top shape. Look at your insurance coverage -- and re-shop your policies -- at least once a year to make sure you are getting the coverage you need at the best price.

Restless for Success

2007-01-02T22:55:00.000-08:00

Do you ever feel as if your life is going well ... until you spend time around friends and family your age who seem to be doing much better?

It's easy to fall into the jealousy trap, especially around the holidays as you spend more time around loved ones -- lookingat their vacation photos, having dinner in their brand-new homes, listening to tales of their glamorous jobs and unwrapping their generous gifts that make your humble offerings look painfully meager, no matter how much thought you put into them.
When you're in your twenties and thirties, gauging success -- whether yours or others' -- is a tricky task. "At this age, you still have people who are across the board in terms of their lifestyle," . Some may still be in school while others have worked for years. Some are single, some are married and some are divorced. Some have kids and others don't. Your situation also can vary depending on where in the country you live. "If you look to others to gauge your personal sense of success, you're not going to get an accurate reading,". There are simply too many variables.

The solution: Tune out others and focus on yourself. Comparison isn't necessarily a bad thing. After all, it forces self evaluation and gives you something to which you can aspire. But throwing yourself a pity party won't get you anywhere. Setting goals and coming up with a plan to reach those goals will.

A five-year plan. As year-end approaches, this is a good time to take stock of your life. Turn a blind eye to those around you, and set goals to get on track to where you want to go.

1. Take stock. Start by asking yourself, "Where do I want to be in five years?" and then write down your answers. Try to be as specific as possible. For example, "financial independence" sounds good, but what does it mean? Instead, write, "Pay off all credit cards within two years." You can zero in on fun goals, too, such as a vacation or new furniture. Check out our list of Eight Things to Do Before Turning 30 for ideas of worthy goals.

2. Prioritize. To help you sort your goals, classify them into four categories, and rank them in order of short-term needs, long-term needs, short-term wants and long-term wants. (Learn more about prioritizing.)

3. Make a plan. "You can't wish yourself to success,". In other words, get off your duff and do something about your situation. That usually means making a budget. Take a good look at your spending and look for areas that you can cut back and divvy up the money according to your prioritized list. Use our Budget Worksheet for help.

4. Stay focused. It can be hard to stay content with your situation when it seems everyone else is passing you. It doesn't hurt to look back at your plan to ensure it's working and make adjustments as you go along. But don't let peer pressure derail your big picture. Blowing your money on a sexy new car before your finances are in order could have a domino effect on the rest of your goals.

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The real definitions

2007-01-02T00:43:00.000-08:00

A BANKER is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining and wants it back the minute it begins to rain.
An economist is an expert who will know tomorrow why the things he predicted yesterday didn’t happened.
A statistician is someone who is good with numbers but lacks the personality to be an accountant.
An actuary is someone who brings a fake bomb on a plane because that decreases the chances that there will be another bomb on the plane.
A programmer is some one who solves a problem you didn’t know you had in a way you didn’t understand.
A mathematician is like a blind man in a dark room looking for a black cat that isn’t there.
A topologist is a someone who doesn’t know the difference between a coffee cup and doughnut.
A lawyer is a person who writes a 10,000 word document and calls it a “brief”.
A psychologist is someone who watches everyone else when a beautiful girl enters the room.
A professor is one who talks in someone else’s sleep.
A consultant is someone who takes the watch off your wrist and tells you the time.
A committee is a body that keeps minutes and wastes hours.

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"intro"

A Sight at a communication production

B&B Electronics Manufacturing Company designs and manufactures data communications products for commercial and industrial applications. They sell throughout the world with primary markets being North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Their US headquarters in Ottawa, Illinois houses engineering, manufacturing, service and warehousing. Their European headquarters, which provides service, support and warehousing, is located in County Galway, Ireland.

In addition to manufacturing products, B&B is a value-added distributor for other quality vendors. This gives B&B the depth to solve most any data communications problem and be a one-stop source for data communications products.

Their culture is one of absolute devotion to the customer, always acting with integrity and honesty, having fun, producing outstanding quality products and service, and providing their customers with the highest value.

Founded in 1981, their first product was a simple RS-232 tester. Since then B&B Electronics has had a history of continuous growth and expansion. Today they inventory thousands of products and are recognized worldwide as an expert in data communications. Their sister company, System Connection provides custom and OEM cable solutions for their products as well as many of their customers. B&B Electronics and System Connection are subsidiaries of Avtek Corporation located in Providence, Rhode Island.
To see more of their product visit here B & B Electronics

Principles that guide you

2007-01-01T04:24:00.000-08:00

The sudden increases in instances of top executives of world famous organizations begin convicted of unethical practices has given rise to an unending debates, on the role of ethics in business.
Of course, we very often shrug it off with an “everything is fair in love, war and business!” However, is it really true? Can we actually use this age old adage to shield ourselves?
The term ethics means a set of rules or principles that define right or wrong conduct. In fact this differentiation between right and wrong is taught right from our childhood. The ethical values instilled in us by our parents, teachers and all those who have influenced our formatives years, act as an invisible guiding force always.
Still the biggest challenge that managers worldwide are the facing today is establishing an ethical work culture. In analysis of the causes is the solution for this malaise.
The never- ending number game is perhaps the biggest precipitator of unethical practices.
The desire of being number one, of retaining that position, of being the first one to be there, very often makes us justify the means we use for the same.
Unrealistic targets, Goals, deadlines and expectations is another major factor for slippage in ethical values. Whether it is increase in revenue or sales, the pressure to deliver leads to compromise in values and ethics and the questions of right and wrong are answered with “I was forced to do this- you see I had no other choice!”
Focusing on compliance of rules and regulations without nurturing a sense of responsibility in people is another roadblock in the way of an ethical culture. The more we say “You have to do this: you are supposed to take care of this; this is right for you” the greater the desire for people to do otherwise. It requires a transition to “I have to do this; I am supposed to take care of this; this is right for me” to build an ethical work culture.
Absence of employee orientation in organizational values and ethics is another factor. We tend to presume that everyone joining the organization would know what is ethical and hence do not familiarize him/ her with our expectations and code of conduct. Ignorance and lack of awareness sometimes lead to people resorting to unethical strategies and tactics.
People have needs and it is these needs that motivate them to do what they do. More and more people are attracted towards the best things in life, which they want to get quickly, effortlessly and at any cost. Desire to grow in terms of money, statue, career are strong motivators for people to slip. A work culture which facilitates achievement of personal goals on the one hand and counsels, guides and mentors on the other can prevent this slippage.
As mentioned above understanding and preventing the causes are the remedy for the problem.
However, building an ethical organization is not an easy task. It requires commitment at all levels – right from top to bottom.
It is an ongoing process and training is also required to help people confront and handle ethical questions and make the right choices. Leadership at every level has a two pronged responsibility of demonstrating ethical behavior on the one hand and helping people make the right choices on the other.
It needs to be appreciated that no business can grow without customer loyalty and trust, investor confidence, public acceptance and recognition and above all employee involvement, satisfaction and pride for being associated with the organization.
This can happen only when each individual starts owning responsibility for his/ her behavior and truly believes that following ethical standards of the organization is his/ her business.

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"Intro"

StartLogic one of the leading providers of web hosting solutions and services for global business. Thousands of businesses, from all over the World, rely on their advanced, easy-to-use, reliable hosting solutions and award winning customer service to power their online presence.

StartLogic offers a full line of solutions for personal, business, government, and educational customers, including:

Hosting services for your Web site and other important data.

E-commerce solutions that enable your business to sell over the Internet.

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Applications that allow the Internet to make your business more productive.

At StartLogic, believe the key to the best business relationships is a thorough understanding of customers' needs, priorities and expectations. They also believe that satisfied customers are the result of providing prompt, dependable, worthwhile service. They always strive to deliver innovative products and state-of-the-art technologies that meet the ever-changing requirements of customers.

They are devoted to providing customers World-Class hosting and ebusiness solutions at an affordable price.
StartLogic

Know your job

2006-12-27T23:36:00.000-08:00

A SHEPHERD was herding his flock in a remote pasture when suddenly a brand-new BMW advanced out of the dust cloud towards him. The driver, a young man in a Broni suit, Gucci shoes, Ray Ban sunglasses and YSL tie, leaned out the window and asked the shepherd, “If I tell you exactly how many sheep you have in your flock, will you give me one?”
The shepherd looked at the man, obviously a yuppie, then looked at his peacefully grazing flock and calmly answered, “Sure.”
The yuppie parked his car, whipped out his notebook and connected it to a cell phone, then he surfed to a NASA page on the Internet where he called up a GPS satellite navigation system, scanned the area, and then opened up a database and an Excel spreadsheet with complex formulas. He sent an email on his Blackberry and, after a few minutes, received a response.
Finally, he prints out a 150-page report on his hi-tech, miniaturized printer then turns to the shepherd and says, “You have exactly 1,643 sheep.”
“That is correct. Take one of the sheep,” says the shepherd.
He watches the young man select one of the animals and bundles it into his car. Then the shepherd says, “If I can tell you exactly what your business is, will you give me back my sheep?”
“OK, why not,” answers the young man.
“Clearly, you are a consultant,” says the shepherd.
“That’s correct,” says the yuppie, “but how did you guess that?”
“No guessing required,” answers the shepherd. “You turned up here although nobody called you. You want to get paid for an answer I already knew, to a question I never asked, and you don’t know crap about my business. Now give me back my dog.”

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Intro

Kanetix Ltd. was incorporated in October 1999. Co-founders Gregory Ellis and George Small began with a single-company online insurance quotation service aimed at younger, net-savvy drivers paying high auto insurance rates.

In December 1999, with strong support from the insurance industry, kanetix launched an online, multiple quote-calculating service into the Ontario market, with the power to generate several car insurance quotes in the time it used to take to produce only one.

In March, 2000, kanetix added life insurance to the mix, offering quotes for 10-year term life insurance policies from 12 different providers, all in the same convenient, one-stop shopping environment.

Since then, kanetix has expanded its auto quoter to Alberta and the Atlantic Provinces. Property insurance was also introduced in May, 2000, bringing home, tenant and condominium quote comparisons to consumers across Canada.

The quotation service was launched in Quebec in the first quarter of 2001, making kanetix Canada's first online insurance marketplace to operate Nationally. To visit them " Visit kanetix for all your insurance needs."

The Resume That Stays in Play

2006-12-24T06:10:00.000-08:00

Sometimes your resume can hurt you more than help you. In today's job-search market, you are often competing against large numbers of candidates, and your resume has to be good enough to make it past the first screening.

The first people to view your resume are often lower-level staff looking for a quick way to weed candidates out of consideration. You can minimize the chances of your resume being eliminated during this round by following three simple rules.

1. Less is more.

Don't tell too much. Your resume should read like a billboard, not an encyclopedia. A good resume should leave the prospective employer with a desire to know more. They will be likely to call and phone-screen you. So don't fill in all the details just yet. Save that for the interview. Do, however, paint a big picture of who you are and what you can offer.

For example, you may have worked for several years at your present employer. Certainly you could fill up several paragraphs with all that you've done. Instead, think of the one or two most critical projects, duties, or functions that you provide. List the most important and give them no more than a sentence or two each.

Here is an example:

EXPERIENCE:
May 2003 to Present: XYZ Company, Their City, CA
Senior staff design engineer.
Products designed/Projects involved: A, B, C.
Description of most important project and results.

Description of second most important project and results.

Skip the hobbies and personal information. Avoid mind-numbing detail that will cause a reader's eyes to glaze over. One page is ideal -- two pages only if you are a 15- to 20-year veteran with a significant growth and promotion history.

2. Use more keywords.

You want the search engines to flag your resume for closer examination. Do this by including several keywords that are relevant to your job and your job skills, as well as specific industry words that may be appropriate. Also, include the names of major companies you worked with or for, as this often is important to employers. Include those in the "experience" section, as appropriate.

Here are some examples of keywords: International Standards (ISO), Flash, MBA, copy edit, CPMs, medical device, Dreamweaver, and search engine marketing (SEM).

Some candidates add a separate "keywords" section at the bottom of digital-format resumes, or others list keywords as part of a "skills" section. These are possible catch-all areas specifically for the search engines to recognize.

3. Be specific.

Don't just tell them what you did. Move beyond that and tell the benefit of your accomplishment. A good way to do this is to include several specific ways you helped your employer make money or save money. Identify measurable results; use numbers. Remember, the only benefit you can bring to the table is past performance. When you interview (either phone or in person) this is what will be discussed.

Think of all your jobs in the past and bring forth examples of some of your best work. How can an employer think of you as a problem solver? If at all possible, try to "monetize" your accomplishments (state them in terms of money). At the interview, you will be prepared to enlarge upon these successes.

2006-12-22T05:45:00.000-08:00

Most job seekers think that the entire job search revolves around them. In fact, there are often many reasons why someone doesn't get the job that have nothing to do with experience, skills or ability. Below, I've listed some of the ways that the hiring process can go sideways for a job seeker
Is the organization listing a job that has already been filled? It sounds dumb, but sometimes corporate policies or regulations require a company to advertise a position that is no longer available. It happens. This is a classic reason why you don't get the job, but it's not the only one. Here are a few more:

Is it just a headhunter trolling for resumes? A not-so-well-kept secret in the headhunting business is that there are unscrupulous headhunters out there who run fake ads just to collect resumes. Needless to say, if you respond to one of these ads, there will be no job waiting for you.

Is there just too much going on at the company? Has a project you were working on ever been delayed because of a reorganization, budget cut or layoff? Throw in a hiring freeze and there are many reasons the hiring process can move like molasses. It seems obvious that once a company starts looking for an employee, they should carry it to fruition. Logic, however, sometimes gets lost in the workplace.

Is the company simply inefficient? Some companies are like the movie "The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight." There's nothing that this kind of company doesn't turn into a laborious, time-consuming and energy-draining ordeal.

Are there more qualified applicants than you realized? "Ringer" is sports terminology for a really good player who suddenly shows up out of nowhere. And sometimes that can happen for a job opening — a ridiculously qualified candidate sneaks past everyone to get the job.

Is the company being rude? Unfortunately, it's rare that a company takes the time to notify job applicants when a position has already been filled. I've argued in the past that I don't think it's too much to ask to send applicants an e-mail or postcard. Sadly, I think I'm in the minority here.

Sometimes the planets just don't align for a particular position. That's why it's so important that you don't get too bummed out if you don't get the job.

Upgrade Yourself in 2007

2006-12-19T05:02:00.000-08:00

Want to switch your career into high gear? You may have to get some new gear and a new attitude about learning new things. Here are four ways to upgrade and update how and where you work.

1. Get a Better Mobile Device

It's sad but true: Your old-school cellular phone may not be enough, well, phone for you anymore. Consider a more all-in-one handheld device such as a Treo, which combines mobile calling with a QWERTY keyboard and Web browser, so you can stay connected on all levels whenever you want.

2. Ditch Your Desktop

Okay, perhaps you can't ditch your desktop altogether, but invest in a laptop (which are more affordable than ever) and become a member of the mobile workforce. A laptop enables you to have everything you need when you visit clients, travel, or if you simply just need a change of scenery and want to work at your local coffee house.

3. Reach out and Text Someone

Generation X helped make email popular in the workplace, but Generation Y is making texting and instant messaging even more so. If you're not comfortable with either yet, you'd better learn to be quickly or risk being regarded as the company dinosaur.

4. Get on the Blog Bus

You don't have to have a blog, but you've got to know *how* to have one. If you're not savvy with uploading content to the Web - photos, audio, or video - blog technology is a great way to learn. Also, don't worry so much about becoming a PowerPoint pro as an iMovie maven. Use it to make your next presentation a lot more entertaining - and join the Web video revolution

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HERE is an one-stop auto insurance shop that makes getting quotes easy for consumers by helping them obtain quotes from several insurance suppliers with only one online questionnaire.

They are not an insurance company; kanetix is a service that provides users with access to insurance quote comparisons.

Their ownership is split between its employees and its majority shareholder, the Great-West Life Assurance Company.You may visited them at online any time Car insurance quotes in minutes.

Time & Money

2006-12-18T05:30:00.000-08:00

Buying insurance policy is an important financial decision, and it is as much important to compare insurance quotes from a large selection of insurance companies. Rates offered by various companies can be dramatically different for the same coverage.
Completing forms for insurance quotes and comparing prices with multiple insurance companies separately is ineffective, frustrating and time consuming experience. 2Insure4Less.com is the ideal way to shop for insurance. Fill out one quick and easy to use, intuitive form in less than a minute and compare multiple insurance quotes from hundreds insurance companies.
They are affiliated with a network of participating insurance professionals across the United States. Once you have completed their online form, their system instantly finds partners who will provide you with the best coverage at best rates.
If you are interested you can visit them at any time by clicking hereGet Instant Health Insurance Quotes!

Gate.com is founded on one simple principle - hosting can be smarter.

2006-12-18T04:59:00.000-08:00

They believe that your web site should do more than just exist online without any interruptions. Your web site should be your calling card, your portal to success and make a stellar first impression for those who come across it with its performance and abilities.

They are experienced web professionals just like you and understand just how critical the web is to your business.

Owned and operated by Affinity Internet, they've been hosting mission critical web sites since the dawn of the World Wide Web itself, and have been improving upon the concept ever since. They were the first major hosting company to implement clustering technology across all of our hosting accounts, and they remain the only major hosting company to continue to provide this technology at affordable prices

If you are interested you can visit them on here:Web Hosting

Use the Holidays to Make More Contacts

2006-12-18T04:41:00.000-08:00

Just like you can never receive too many gifts at the holidays, you can never have too many contacts in your network. Being well-connected connotes success and influence -- the kind of cachet every serious professional seeks to achieve.

The holidays are a great time to build your list of influential contacts. Whether you're currently employed or searching for the perfect job, consider every invitation a chance to create new career-building relationships.

Here are several networking strategies that have proven successful:

The best networking takes place at home. Inviting colleagues, prospects, clients, and contacts to your home establishes a more personal relationship. An invitation to your home also creates opportunities for reciprocal invitations and introductions to others' inner circle of contacts. Host a holiday open house, buffet, or afternoon tea. You don't have to impress by spending a lot of money. It's the invitation that counts.

Give and you shall receive. Feeling altruistic this holiday season? Get involved with a charity. Volunteering leads to important connections and the development of relationships that are not just based on building business contacts, but on helping others.

Don't assume. Don't reject invitations to events that seem like duds -- they often turn out to offer valuable networking opportunities. You never know who's going to be there. And, while it's possible you may connect with only one person, that connection could turn into a powerful, long-term relationship.

Create your own networking opportunities. Start a holiday book club, a caroling troupe or a game night. Host a party to honor someone you admire, give an award or even create a scholarship program. There are countless ways of getting people together to enjoy the spirit of the season. All you need is one idea and an invitation.

Use the Internet. Write a holiday blog or newsletter and e-mail it to your contacts. Include a "viral" element, such as a photo, video, news article, or original quote to prompt recipients to spread your message.

Follow up with every person you meet. A handwritten note letting someone know you enjoyed meeting them is priceless today, and worth every minute. Your goal is to solidify your initial impression as a savvy professional -- and to be remembered.

Use your business cards! Your business card is your best networking tool. Always have plenty on hand and don't be shy about handing them out. Include your card in your holiday mailings and attach them to business gifts. In-between jobs? Personal "call me" cards printed with your name, descriptor (e.g., "Sales and Marketing Specialist"), and contact information are the perfect tool for self-promotion. Note: If you're employed but on the job hunt, it's proper protocol to use your personal cards rather than your company business cards.

Most importantly, remember that the holidays are a time of giving. Put the needs of others first while you're working the room. Benevolence is the greatest attribute of any job-seeker, regardless of the season.

2006-12-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

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Making the best of bad situation

2006-12-15T20:46:00.001-08:00

They say “make the best of a bad situation.” But I believe the bad situation makes the best of you. Even the irritations of life can be useful.
President Abraham Lincoln showed us how this is so.
One of his cabinet appointees, Edwin Stanton, frequently found flaws with the president and criticized him- Sometimes in public. Lincoln seemed to show excessive patience with him. The president was asked why he kept such a man in high level position.
Lincoln characteristically responded with a story. He told about a time he was visiting with an old farmer. He noticed a big horsefly biting the flank of the farmer’s horse. Lincoln said he reached over to brush the fly away. As he did so, the farmer stopped him and cautioned, “Don’t do that, friend. That horsefly is the only thing keeping this horse moving.”
Even life’s many irritations and problems have their place. They may cause us to change directions. Or prod us to greater achievement. Or keep us moving along when it’s easer to go nowhere. Are you simply making the best of a bad situation, or will it make the best of you?

Dealing with Sales Disasters

2006-12-15T03:50:00.000-08:00

Just as in the rest of life, things go wrong in sales. No matter how well prepared you are, mistakes and mishaps are inevitable. But don't give up! The times of seeming disaster can be opportunities to show your customers what you're made of, and believe it or not, can help you close the sale
Start by preparing thoroughly before a sales call. Preparation is like playing sales offense. And since sales disasters are inevitable, you also need to have some strategies for a successful sales defense ready. Depending on the circumstances, you can apologize, joke, or leverage the mistake -- or maybe combine all three strategies.
If you are even 1% responsible for the mistake, I suggest you apologize quickly, sincerely, and profusely. I know a saleswoman whose customer's order got messed up. She called the customer right away and announced, "I just heard what happened. I'm on my way over so you can shoot me." She then brought her customer a box of her favorite doughnuts. Her quick thinking, humility, and the sweets softened the blow and got the relationship rolling again.
Open Mouth, Insert Foot
Joking is another worthwhile defense tool. After messing up, you can acknowledge what happened with a line such as, "They say that comedy is tragedy, plus time. Well, I guess someday we are really going to laugh about this." You could also say "Boy, I must be the poster girl of bad timing," or "Excuse me while I take my entire leg out of my mouth."
If you mistakenly cross two polite words and come up with an embarrassing phrase, you might say, "Now that I have your complete attention " or mention that your company doesn't let you work with electrical wires so you don't cross them, too.
Leveraging an error to help you close the sale requires creativity and chutzpah. In this case, you don't just make a joke about what went wrong, you actually use it as a reason your customer should buy from you.
All Seriousness Aside
For instance, we have all accidentally said the wrong word. You might then use the same wrong word several more times during the rest of your presentation. Or if someone falls off his chair during your presentation, you might humorously stress the safety aspect of your offering for the rest of the talk.

New Year, New Resolutions

2006-12-14T22:25:00.000-08:00

As 2006 draws to a close, folks will inevitably ask you, "So, do you have any new year's resolutions?" Don't panic if you don't have an answer.In fact, I've got five.

1. Resolve to make more money.
Make 2007 the year that you give your bottom line a much-needed boost. Set a goal to increase your income by a certain amount. If it's not possible to get a raise that meets your expectations, earn the extra money elsewhere. Get a part-time position. Start a home-based business.
2. Resolve to get a promotion.
There's no time like the present to move up the corporate ladder. Use the first weeks of the new year to speak with a human resources representative and your manager about your desire to advance. Ask for advice on earning a promotion as well as information about any openings they can anticipate.
3. Resolve to learn a new skill.
What skills do you lack that could be holding you back at work? Could you move up quicker if you knew QuickBooks? Or Flash? Or Spanish? Investigate evening and weekend courses or at-home options and pursue a skill that will help you excel in your profession.
4. Resolve to expand your network.
Your professional opportunities are really only as good as your network. If you neglected your network in 2006, use the early part of the new year to reach out to people you haven't spoken with lately. Not sure what to say? How about simply wishing them a happy new year and asking what they're looking forward to in 2007.
5. Resolve to update your resume.
Having a current resume at the ready is imperative in the age of email and instant messaging. If you hear about a job opening, you don't have a few weeks to get your resume into a recruiter's hands; you have a few hours. Revise your resume at the beginning of the year - and be prepared to respond to any opportunity that comes your way.

How to Ace Your Performance Review

2006-12-13T23:05:00.000-08:00

In many workplaces, the end of the year brings not just the holiday party but also the dreaded annual ritual of performance reviews. Experts say preparation is the key to making yours productive rather than painful.

* Gather your evidence. List your accomplishments for the year -- and have documentation to back them up. "Very often managers getting ready to do reviews can't remember everything that the employee has done," says Ann J. Willson, a human resources consultant and owner of Human Resource Directions in Raleigh, N.C.

At many companies, employees are given a form to fill out before the review, listing their accomplishments and goals. Take the time to prepare this document carefully, says Diane Foster, principal of executive coaching and consulting firm Diane Foster & Associates in Alameda, Calif. When listing career goals, Foster advises focusing on "what you see as your next career step within this next year."

* Know what you want. Performance reviews aren't just a time for you to listen to your boss. "In every performance review, you are directly or indirectly coaching your boss," Foster says.

If you have a particular skill -- public speaking, for example -- that you'd like to improve, ask your boss for help. Perhaps you could take a class, or maybe your boss could coach you. "It's up to the employee to really kind of push on the boss for commitment on that," Foster says. After outlining your request, you can say, "I'd love to have that be one of our goals for next year on the performance review," Foster says.

Face problems in advance. Perhaps you were part of a team whose project wasn't exactly a glowing success. Glenn Shepard, a management consultant and owner of Glenn Shepard Seminars, says it's best to bring up the issue yourself. Some situations are complicated: Perhaps you weren't able to complete your part on time because someone else missed a deadline for getting you crucial information, for example. If you broach the topic, you can explain the part you played, what you could not have changed and what you would do differently next time.

"If the manager brings up that marginal performance first, then the employee looks defensive," he says.

* Expect to hear criticism. It's part of managers' jobs to point out areas where their employees could improve. "Even if they're happy with you, they strive to find something to make better," says Debra Benton, executive coach and author of "Executive Charisma."

If your boss says you lack leadership, for example, ask your boss to describe a time when you didn't demonstrate leadership. Then ask for examples of situations that will come up in the upcoming year when you can practice and demonstrate leadership.

Finally, as long as the criticism is balanced with praise, be glad your boss has taken the time to tell you how to improve. "If they have nothing negative, I think that's a bad sign, because they don't care," Benton says.

About Game

2006-12-12T04:54:00.000-08:00

A game is a structured or semi-structured activity, usually undertaken for enjoyment. They are usually fun activities that can be educational or purely just for fun. The term "game" is also used to describe simulation of various activities e.g., for the purposes of training, analysis or prediction, etc

Games are a universal part of the human experience, for all cultures, genders and ages.

Key components of games are goals, rules, challenge, and interactivity. Games generally involve mental or physical stimulation, and sometimes both. Many games help develop practical skills, serve as a form of exercise, or otherwise perform an educational, simulational or psychological role.

Known to have been played as far back as prehistoric times, games are generally distinct from work, which is usually carried out for remuneration, and from art, which is more concerned with the expression of ideas. However, the distinction is not clear-cut, and many games may also be considered work and/or art.

Find title yourself

2006-12-11T02:02:00.000-08:00

Money makes the net go round
Technology commentator Bill Thompson looks at the growing importance of online payment systems and how they can transform our lives.

The world of payment has changed irrevocably
The latest Google service, Checkout, launched at the end of June and within a week had been banned by eBay on the grounds that Google does not have a "substantial historical track record of providing safe and reliable financial and/or banking related services".

The resulting fuss has guaranteed that anyone interested in online payment services knows that Checkout is out there, though the current obsession with Googleology - the art of interpreting Google's announcements - meant that this was hardly ever going to be a stealth launch.

And it seems reasonable to give eBay the benefit of the doubt over blocking Checkout, at least for a period, since the new service is unproven.

Since Checkout doesn't seem to be competing directly with PayPal in small-value consumer payments there would seem little point for eBay in generating such bad publicity.

Online payment matters, and better and easier payment services are one of the key requirements for the continued growth of the internet

Google Checkout launched

Unlike eBay's PayPal, Checkout seems intended to support Google advertisers, largely small businesses rather than private individuals, so perhaps eBay was just being consistent in its approach to a new service.

The squabble between the two companies isn't really what matters here. In the longer term, whether Google Checkout, eBay's PayPal or other online payment services like WorldPay survive is less important than the fact that they are out there and innovating in the financial world in a way that established players cannot or will not.

Because online payment matters, and better and easier payment services are one of the key requirements for the continued growth of the internet.

It's already clear that having a fast, convenient service can change your online purchasing habits almost without you noticing.

One of the reasons iTunes Music Store is successful is that once you have an account then you don't really notice that you're spending money, and of course Amazon has a US patent on its one-click payment service and sees it as a major source of competitive advantage.

Online purchase

It's the same for other forms of online purchase.

I'm currently working on a daily podcast for the Cambridge Film Festival, and I needed something to let me record Skype conversations efficiently so that we can do interviews with directors in advance of their trips to Cambridge.

Google Checkout is causing financial ripples

I found Call Recorder online, and it seemed to do what I want, so after trying out the demo I decided to pay the $12.95 (£8) they asked for through my Paypal account.

If I'd had to fish out a credit card and take the time to enter all the details on yet another payment page I may not have bothered.

Certainly when it comes to shareware, where the imperative to hand over the money is purely a moral one, having an easy way to pay makes us more likely to be honest.

If Google lets more online retailers take money from customers without the customers having to think about it, then it will help the online economy grow and fuel even more innovation.

I do not think this is a bad thing, and it may even trigger the final stage in what I see as the financial equivalent of the "Negroponte switch".

In the 1990s Nicholas Negroponte, founder and ex-director of Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Lab, predicted that data that was broadcast by radio, like TV, would increasingly be transmitted over wires while wired networks like the internet become wireless.

Token

In the financial world, the switch is from money as a token of value, something that represents access to a real-world commodity like gold, into money as an access key, something which simply enables the owner to manipulate records in financial databases.

Banks and financial institutions have taken the second view of money for some years now. Now, as more and more of us in the West move large chunks of our lives online, payment services like PayPal become more important than the cash in our wallets.

This is happening because we finally have innovative online companies at the centre of people's financial matters, and they can do things that the banks won't.

Online banking is very much an attempt to implement a good old-fashioned bank account on a computer screen, and as a result they are remarkably dull and uninteresting.

And banks have offered only the most basic mobile services, like access to statements and balance reminders. Yet PayPal has a fully-functional mobile payment service, and we can expect Google and others to follow suit.

Strategy

Whether Checkout is a brilliant strategic move by Google to lock its users and advertisers ever more closely into its worldview, or another example of an online behemoth with far more money than strategic sense overextending itself is less important than what it shows about online payment services.

While the small-value payment systems which we are building today may primarily serve the interests of eBay traders or small businesses in the US, they will also prove useful to the next five billion users, those for whom existing financial services and banks have little to offer.

They may well find that they can make good use of them for micro-payments, local business ventures and even transferring money to family overseas. And as they do, they will start to embed the network into their daily lives just as those of us in the privileged parts of the world are doing today.

And then they'll start to think of their own ways to use the technology, and we may find that their interests and desires are very different from ours.

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Bill Thompson is a regular commentator on the BBC World Service programme Digital Planet