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Digg it UP - Taking The Helm: A Dinghy Sailor's View Of Business Startup
Make Your CV Come Alive - Identify Your Achievements and Keep them Updated
Your CV is an important document but it can also be boring! Bring it alive by capturing real examples from all aspects of your life. When we apply for a job, we have to provide examples of our achievements, courses we have completed etc. Too often we only remember what we did after we have made the application.Let today be the day you start filling your own jewel chest. Let the diamonds be your achievements, the rubies courses you have been on, emeralds the personality testing results etc.What you put in your chest is up to you. I recommend a box where you can physically put things rather than a computer folder that you may not be able to find again, but you can keep it all backed up and keep details of the file name.The box should contain all your job related information. People who work in IT keep extensive details of their IT skills and make sure they address any skills training needs so that they do not fall behind.Your achievement folder can contain:* Certificates and diplomas* Letters of thanks from satisfied customers and clients* Details of courses you have attended, including dates, length of course and key outcomes* Articles and letters you have written to professional journals, staff newsletters etc* Personal development: reports from personality questionnaires and assessments you have undertaken. You probably will not want to hand these over to a new employer but you can refer to them as you prepare for interview and to start in your new job.* Achievements at work and in your personal life. From dealing with a challenging customer to completing a half marathon.Once you have this information
nk this is so.Your CV is an important document but it can also be boring! Bring it alive by capturing real examples from all aspects of your life. When we apply for a job, we have to provide examples of our achievements, courses we have completed etc. Too often we only remember what we did after we have made the application.Let today be the day you start filling your own jewel chest. Let the diamonds be your achievements, the rubies courses you have been on, emeralds the personality testing results etc.What you put in your chest is up to you. I recommend a box where you can physically put things rather than a computer folder that you may not be able to find again, but you can keep it all backed up and keep details of the file name.The box should contain all your job related information. People who work in IT keep extensive details of their IT skills and make sure they address any skills training needs so that they do not fall behind.Your achievement folder can contain:* Certificates and diplomas* Letters of thanks from satisfied customers and clients* Details of courses you have attended, including dates, length of course and key outcomes* Articles and letters you have written to professional journals, staff newsletters etc* Personal development: reports from personality questionnaires and assessments you have undertaken. You probably will not want to hand these over to a new employer but you can refer to them as you prepare for interview and to start in your new job.* Achievements at work and in your personal life. From dealing with a challenging customer to completing a half marathon.Once you have this information
Watching the wind
Before you go for a day's sailing in a dinghy, there is a lot to be prepar
Deliver An Elevator Speech That Grabs Attention and Has Them Begging For More
An elevator speech is a short verbal snippet that clearly and memorably introduces you. It highlights your uniqueness and focuses on the benefits you provide.Imagine ... you step onto an elevator and there is a lone occupant waiting to travel with you to another floor.You are together for less than a minute, but long enough to make polite conversation.What you don't know is this person is your ideal client. She has a problem you can solve.She cuts through the awkward silence and says, "I see you're attending the networking event as well. What do you do?"Here it is! Your chance to make an impression and secure a new client.After a short stammer, you answer with, "I'm a coach and a copywriter. I hold a Masters in Business Administration and have been running my own home-based business for ten years."With only a few seconds left, the elevator doors open. She politely responds with a smile, then steps off the elevator, gone ... forever.After you finish banging your head against the button panel, you realize you not only blew it, but you now have an indentation of the twenty-first floor button on your forehead.What if instead you had answered with:"I help women entrepreneurs get more clients than they know what to do with and triple their profits in six months."If she were your target client, do you think the second response would have sparked her interest and kept her on that elevator a little bit longer?We all ask ourselves, "What's in it for me?" when engaged in any type of communication, whether written or spoken.You want to take something of value from a conversation, learn something new, cr
IntroductionAn elevator speech is a short verbal snippet that clearly and memorably introduces you. It highlights your uniqueness and focuses on the benefits you provide.Imagine ... you step onto an elevator and there is a lone occupant waiting to travel with you to another floor.You are together for less than a minute, but long enough to make polite conversation.What you don't know is this person is your ideal client. She has a problem you can solve.She cuts through the awkward silence and says, "I see you're attending the networking event as well. What do you do?"Here it is! Your chance to make an impression and secure a new client.After a short stammer, you answer with, "I'm a coach and a copywriter. I hold a Masters in Business Administration and have been running my own home-based business for ten years."With only a few seconds left, the elevator doors open. She politely responds with a smile, then steps off the elevator, gone ... forever.After you finish banging your head against the button panel, you realize you not only blew it, but you now have an indentation of the twenty-first floor button on your forehead.What if instead you had answered with:"I help women entrepreneurs get more clients than they know what to do with and triple their profits in six months."If she were your target client, do you think the second response would have sparked her interest and kept her on that elevator a little bit longer?We all ask ourselves, "What's in it for me?" when engaged in any type of communication, whether written or spoken.You want to take something of value from a conversation, learn something new, cr
Sailing involves passion! You have to be impelled to do it. It is not even like riding a bicycle, which may be fun but will also enable you to get from A to B. Dinghy sailing is not a practical pursuit. You will only do it if you really love it. Just like starting a business.
Dinghy sailing may not immediately seem to have lessons for starting a business. However, my experience with both convinces me that it offers some valuable learning for entrepreneurs. Read why I think this is so.
Watching the wind
Before you go for a day's sailing in a dinghy, there is a lot to be prepare
Are Your Cleaning Company Workers Employees or Subcontractors?
As your cleaning company grows and your client list expands, you'll soon realize that you can't do it all yourself. Hiring, supervising and taking care of payroll are very time-consuming measures. Rather than putting an employee on the payroll, some companies elect to use independent contractors. But if you improperly classify a worker as an independent contractor when the IRS views them as an employee you could be liable for back taxes, penalties and interest!Putting employees on the payroll means that you are responsible for withholding income taxes, social security taxes, Medicare, and unemployment taxes. A business can get around all of this by hiring "independent contractors" instead of putting employees on the payroll. The independent contractor is then responsible to pay his or her own taxes and insurance. But the IRS has strict guidelines that determine if they are truly an independent contractor or if they are actually an employee.Who is an independent contractor? If you, as the employer, only have the right to decide the result of the work being done, and not how that result is achieved, then the individual is most likely an independent contractor. However, if you as the employer control not only the end result, but also how that result is achieved and when the work is to be performed, then the individual is your employee and not an independent contractor.Following are factors you should consider when determining if you should classify an individual as an employee or an independent contractor.1. Does the worker need to follow your methods for getting the job done? An independent contractor can generally decide for himself (or herself) how to compl
ich may be fun but will also enable you to get from A to B. Dinghy sailing is not a practical pursuit. You will only do it if you really love it. Just like starting a business.As your cleaning company grows and your client list expands, you'll soon realize that you can't do it all yourself. Hiring, supervising and taking care of payroll are very time-consuming measures. Rather than putting an employee on the payroll, some companies elect to use independent contractors. But if you improperly classify a worker as an independent contractor when the IRS views them as an employee you could be liable for back taxes, penalties and interest!Putting employees on the payroll means that you are responsible for withholding income taxes, social security taxes, Medicare, and unemployment taxes. A business can get around all of this by hiring "independent contractors" instead of putting employees on the payroll. The independent contractor is then responsible to pay his or her own taxes and insurance. But the IRS has strict guidelines that determine if they are truly an independent contractor or if they are actually an employee.Who is an independent contractor? If you, as the employer, only have the right to decide the result of the work being done, and not how that result is achieved, then the individual is most likely an independent contractor. However, if you as the employer control not only the end result, but also how that result is achieved and when the work is to be performed, then the individual is your employee and not an independent contractor.Following are factors you should consider when determining if you should classify an individual as an employee or an independent contractor.1. Does the worker need to follow your methods for getting the job done? An independent contractor can generally decide for himself (or herself) how to compl
Dinghy sailing may not immediately seem to have lessons for starting a business. However, my experience with both convinces me that it offers some valuable learning for entrepreneurs. Read why I think this is so.
Watching the wind
Before you go for a day's sailing in a dinghy, there is a lot to be prepar
Alternatives to Regular Jobs
If there is one certainty in life, it's that no two people are exactly alike. Even twins have their differences. Some people enjoy structure and the concept of a corporate environment while others look for alternatives to regular jobs. There are even a few people who prefer a steady paycheck, but want to have flexibility, too.Where do you see yourself in this spectrum?Working for established companies has a variety of pluses, such as health benefits, opportunities for advancement and a solid reference on your resume. If you choose to work for a small business, you can gain a great deal of experience, possibly receive health benefits and use that as a stepping stone to something else, but your ability to advance within the business is often very limiting.An alternative would be to start your own business. Of course, you would need start up capital and a business plan to say the least and the odds of success are not entirely in your favor, but the experience is unparalleled and if you do succeed, you hold the reins in your hands for future expansion.There are many alternatives to regular jobs. Everyone has a comfort level that has to be met in order for any level of success to be attained, however, so consider what you are capable of handling before starting any kind of position that doesn't necessarily provide a steady (or immediate) paycheck.One of the alternatives to regular jobs that is starting to make its presence known is the web concept of "Infopreneurship". Many people have started creating web sites that relate to their base of knowledge or their passions and are earning money that way. On the plus side, you control your destiny. On
ou really love it. Just like starting a business.If there is one certainty in life, it's that no two people are exactly alike. Even twins have their differences. Some people enjoy structure and the concept of a corporate environment while others look for alternatives to regular jobs. There are even a few people who prefer a steady paycheck, but want to have flexibility, too.Where do you see yourself in this spectrum?Working for established companies has a variety of pluses, such as health benefits, opportunities for advancement and a solid reference on your resume. If you choose to work for a small business, you can gain a great deal of experience, possibly receive health benefits and use that as a stepping stone to something else, but your ability to advance within the business is often very limiting.An alternative would be to start your own business. Of course, you would need start up capital and a business plan to say the least and the odds of success are not entirely in your favor, but the experience is unparalleled and if you do succeed, you hold the reins in your hands for future expansion.There are many alternatives to regular jobs. Everyone has a comfort level that has to be met in order for any level of success to be attained, however, so consider what you are capable of handling before starting any kind of position that doesn't necessarily provide a steady (or immediate) paycheck.One of the alternatives to regular jobs that is starting to make its presence known is the web concept of "Infopreneurship". Many people have started creating web sites that relate to their base of knowledge or their passions and are earning money that way. On the plus side, you control your destiny. On
Dinghy sailing may not immediately seem to have lessons for starting a business. However, my experience with both convinces me that it offers some valuable learning for entrepreneurs. Read why I think this is so.
Watching the wind
Before you go for a day's sailing in a dinghy, there is a lot to be prepar
Want Customer Satisfaction? Sound Curious, Not Angry!
I was co-hosting a radio program the other day dedicated to the subject of customer satisfaction.A caller mentioned that she hated having to stand in line to return items to department stores. I commiserated, but I also pointed out that she shouldn’t show her emotions when she’s standing in line.The clerks will detect her furor, and they’ll slow down their transactions, hoping she’ll go to a different register, or give up.I offered another, related tip.When you reach someone who can help you with your problem, instead of sounding angry or displeased, it pays to manifest a different attitude.Try curiosity.For instance, on more than one occasion my charge card payments have arrived late, and huge penalties have been assessed. This bothers me, as it does, you.Why can’t they get it right?Anyway, if I come across as angry or in a condescending or haughty way, they blame me for the tardiness, insisting I was late in sending my payments.If I sound curious, I get better treatment, and any late fees and finance charges are waived. I say:“I’m a little concerned. I sent in my payment on time but for some reason, it doesn’t seem like you got it—which is weird!”“Oh, we got it,” they’ll reply, “but it seems it got here three days after the due date.”“Wow, that’s unusual!” I’ll say.“Well, we’ll go ahead and waive it for you.”Problem over!You have to try this. I’m sure you’ll get better customer service, and avoid hassles, while saving money.
business. However, my experience with both convinces me that it offers some valuable learning for entrepreneurs. Read why I think this is so.I was co-hosting a radio program the other day dedicated to the subject of customer satisfaction.A caller mentioned that she hated having to stand in line to return items to department stores. I commiserated, but I also pointed out that she shouldn’t show her emotions when she’s standing in line.The clerks will detect her furor, and they’ll slow down their transactions, hoping she’ll go to a different register, or give up.I offered another, related tip.When you reach someone who can help you with your problem, instead of sounding angry or displeased, it pays to manifest a different attitude.Try curiosity.For instance, on more than one occasion my charge card payments have arrived late, and huge penalties have been assessed. This bothers me, as it does, you.Why can’t they get it right?Anyway, if I come across as angry or in a condescending or haughty way, they blame me for the tardiness, insisting I was late in sending my payments.If I sound curious, I get better treatment, and any late fees and finance charges are waived. I say:“I’m a little concerned. I sent in my payment on time but for some reason, it doesn’t seem like you got it—which is weird!”“Oh, we got it,” they’ll reply, “but it seems it got here three days after the due date.”“Wow, that’s unusual!” I’ll say.“Well, we’ll go ahead and waive it for you.”Problem over!You have to try this. I’m sure you’ll get better customer service, and avoid hassles, while saving money.
Watching the wind
Before you go for a day's sailing in a dinghy, there is a lot to be prepar
How To Write a Great Resume
So you are job hunting and want to know how to write a resume that will get you the job of your dreams well here we show the top 5 things that a good resume must have.Less is more only put past employment experiences that are relevant to thejob that you are applying for example if you are looking for a marketing jobthen write past experience in the marketing field don't put other type of jobsin your resume like cleaning, maintenance etc if you are now a professionalthen try to get experience in your field.Your resume must be neat and clutter free make sure that you spell checkyour entire resume using word or other program that has a integrated spellchecker.Highlight your skills and use keywords, if you are a computer tech boldany certifications that you have for example A+ or Networking etc.Were you employee of the month? if so then put this in your document,anything that was achieved by your self needs to be in your resume.Can the company contact you? make sure that you enter contact informationif you are still working put your current work phone number, include youraddress and email don't forget to specify when is the best time to be reachedday or night etc. There are many options out there there are many free resume template that you can download online if you don't feel comfortable writing your own resume there are resume writing services and resume writing software that can help you build the best resume.Some resume writing ser
nk this is so.So you are job hunting and want to know how to write a resume that will get you the job of your dreams well here we show the top 5 things that a good resume must have.Less is more only put past employment experiences that are relevant to thejob that you are applying for example if you are looking for a marketing jobthen write past experience in the marketing field don't put other type of jobsin your resume like cleaning, maintenance etc if you are now a professionalthen try to get experience in your field.Your resume must be neat and clutter free make sure that you spell checkyour entire resume using word or other program that has a integrated spellchecker.Highlight your skills and use keywords, if you are a computer tech boldany certifications that you have for example A+ or Networking etc.Were you employee of the month? if so then put this in your document,anything that was achieved by your self needs to be in your resume.Can the company contact you? make sure that you enter contact informationif you are still working put your current work phone number, include youraddress and email don't forget to specify when is the best time to be reachedday or night etc. There are many options out there there are many free resume template that you can download online if you don't feel comfortable writing your own resume there are resume writing services and resume writing software that can help you build the best resume.Some resume writing ser
Watching the wind
Before you go for a day's sailing in a dinghy, there is a lot to be prepared. It may look like the sailor is fiddling around, looking at the sky, scanning the horizon and seeming to hesitate before getting launched. He is probably going back and forth to the clubhouse, clutching bits and bobs, as well as looking around at pennants fluttering in the breeze, or burgees swivelling at mast heads. He may change his clothes and life jacket. All this has a purpose. Before leaving the shore, he needs to assure himself about the weather conditions, the wind direction and force. It is
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