Business Etiquette Basics

Why Should I Hire You?

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:37:27 +0000

When you are going in for a job interview your goal is to be asked back for a second interview – that’s it. Simple huh?? The only thing is that you don’t know who came before you, or who will come after you in the interviewing process. So, in order to “be asked back”, you need to set yourself apart – convey what ‘your brand’ has to offer. That takes thought, you can’t just ‘wing-it’ and hope your charm does the rest. Here is a great article from Billie Sucher with some homework at the end to help you achieve your interview goal and “be asked back for a second interview”! – Theresa

Imagine you’re at the interview and that the interview is comprised of one question and one question alone. Here’s the question:

“Why should I hire you?” to which you happily communicate the following:

“Well, I am very honest, loyal, and hardworking — and also, very dependable and responsible.”

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Interview Tips: Why should we hire you? – the GOOD answer

10 Rules to Start Your New Job on the Right Foot

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:02:05 +0000

Starting a new job is exciting and a little overwhelming because there is so much to learn. Not only do you need to learn the specific duties of your job, but you also need to understand the company environment and how to excel in it. Here are 10 great tips to get yourself going in the right direction in your new job. These tips can also be very beneficial for you if you’ve been at your company for awhile and looking to build “your brand” for future promotions. – Theresa

By CAREEREALISM-Approved Expert, Rob Taub

Securing a new job is akin to a successful product launching! All the time spent running a well-organized marketing campaign and now the product is in the market. Well…you’ve landed your new job! As in the product launch, you want to continually work on product positioning and posturing for long term success, right? Likewise, you want to do so for your long term career success.

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Resume Tips for a Career Change

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:37:25 +0000

Your resume is always developing – always a ‘work in progress’. That being said it should be reviewed regularly – I’d say every 6 months or so. If you are interested in different positions, you’ll need to have more than one (and update regularly) – so you will properly target what a perspective employer is looking for in a candidate.Sprucing up your resume regularly is not really a big deal, all you’re doing is adding any notable successes and maybe tweaking your “action verbs”. Here is a great article on the basics of a good resume – it’s good every now and then to review the fundamentals of a good resume. – Theresa

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Your Resume & What It Says About You

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:19:14 +0000

Here are 6 great tips on the elements of a great resume. And as a bonus you can also get 6 easy tips to spruce up your résumé in minutes. Good stuff… – Theresa

By CAREEREALISM-Approved Expert, Heather Huhman

You want your résumé to impress the future employer reading it. It’s the first impression you’ll get to make, but it’s amazing how many people continue to gloss over errors. In the job market today, you need to ensure your résumé is going to be read rather than quickly scanned and thrown away.

So, do you know what your résumé really says about you? Here are some typical mistakes job seekers make—and what they can make future employers think of you:

via What Your Resume Says About You

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Personal Branding: 7 Tips to Develop Your Persona

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 17:19:13 +0000

Here’s another great follow up to refining “Your Brand”. Your are not just defined by how good you are at you job, how well you dress, or how much you volunteer and neither is “Your Brand”. When you present yourself in a professional or social setting you are presenting the ‘whole’ you. To be looked at as the energetic, positive, ‘get-things-done’ person requires more than just how well you exceed your business goals. Here are 7 areas to also consider when thinking about how you want to be perceived, AKA “Your Brand”.

A great follow up to an earlier article published here How to Build Your Brand. – Theresa

By CAREEREALISM-Approved Expert, Deborah Shane

The hot buzz now is creating your personal brand and how to stand out mostly in the social world. Because our challenge is through the web, computer, and the written word it requires a different approach than meeting in person.

So, you are invited to a business party or event. You walk in and pretty much everyone is dressed in some form of black, blue, gray, brown, or beige. Then your eyes catch someone wearing a royal blue, cherry red, banana yellow, lavender something. Your eyes naturally go to that vivid color. Same with how people are communicating. Most people are standing a few feet from each other speaking to each other with the mouth moving but little else energy or emotion. One person you notice has a crowd around them and is using their hands, smiling, animated, having fun and engaging others to have fun and participate too. Their energy is stimulating others energy.

We all have the potential to be this and do this.

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Your Personal Branding Story

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:49:59 +0000

Developing you personal brand is the “new” way to sell you! It’s kind of like your “elevator pitch” – we all need one. You never know when an circumstance is going to present itself. And if you are ready with a a quick sentence or two carefully crafted about your unique skills and abilities, you could find yourself presented with a great opportunity.

This article is a good follow up to an earlier article published here How to Build Your Brand. – Theresa

Whether you are a job seeker, entrepreneur / small business owner, employed professional, student, consultant, author, or retired, you have a brand story. That story goes to the heart of who you really are and what makes you unique. It can clarify your values and passions, or speak to your goals and dreams. If written well, it can also attract the attention of your target audience (employers, hiring managers, clients, or book buyers, for example) and persuade them to do hire/promote/buy YOU!

Discovering your personal brand and communicating it in a compelling and clear manner to those who matter is not easy. Until now that is…

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You Can Work From The Beach!

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:12:48 +0000

Are you retired or getting close to it and need some ideas to bring in some extra money? Or are you looking for a second career? Below are 5 ideas that maybe of have thought of yet. They’re flexible jobs that you could manage from your home or anywhere. – Theresa

As soon as you reach retirement age, you plan to bid adieu to your boss and co-workers and hit the beach for some care-free, lazy days in the sun. Not so fast. Upon closer inspection of your retirement funds, you notice that your home value is falling, your 401(k) is dwindling and your IRAs are gasping for air.

Thanks to the worst recession in a generation, nest eggs across the nation are shrinking and would-be retirees are finding themselves in a sticky situation. In 2007 and 2008, the tumultuous stock market caused Americans to lose a whopping $2 trillion in retirement savings in just a 15-month period. In the darkest part of the recession, household net worth plummeted from $65.9 trillion to $48.3 trillion.

So, it looks like you’ll have to pack up your Speedo, put away the sunscreen and get back to work. But wait. There is another option. Recent research estimates that 2.8 million American employees work from home, and this number is growing. And that doesn’t even include self-employed workers. So maybe you can have your beach and lay on it, too.

Click here for 5 job ideas >> Retirement Jobs You Can Do From The Beach

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Action Verbs to Kick Up Your Resume!

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:26:46 +0000

To get that great job you’re after, you need your resume to stand out.To get your resume to stand out, you need to intrigue the hiring manager.

To intrigue the hiring manager you need to use captivating words.

You need a list of good action verbs that you can incorporate into your resume. You don’t want to use the same 5 words throughout. Here are 20 words to help you build a resume that stands out. – Theresa

By CAREEREALISM-Approved Expert, Jessica Holbrook Hernandez

Every resume should have strong action verbs strategically placed throughout—most importantly, at the beginning of the majority of your bullet points and accomplishment-based statements. Please do yourself —and every hiring manager out there—a favor; do not start your sentences with: Responsible for…Worked with…or any other opening that lacks power and punch.

Click here to get all the “Action Verbs” >> 20 Powerful Action Verbs to Kick Your Resume Up a Notch!

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3 Positive Habits for Ending Your Week

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:08:24 +0000

Well, here’s a simple way to personal growth and accountability. As I reviewed this article at first I thought, these are 3 easy ‘to-dos’ to help you appreciate your week’s activities and accomplishments. But then I thought, why just just limit it to work??

To grow in your profession you need to grow personally too. So, why not expand these 3 habits to your personal “real” life. Yes, your 3 greatest accomplishments could all be work related sometimes. Or maybe you tackle a home project that you’ve never done before – that would qualify as one of your week’s accomplishments. And say you wanted to try cooking something you’ve never made before – that would make a goo goal for next week. You get the picture.

Following these easy end of the week ‘to-dos’ is a great way to show your appreciation, reflect on your accomplishments, and set manageable short-term goals for yourself. Have a super weekend! – Theresa

By CAREEREALISM-Approved Expert, Andy Robinson

It’s Friday(!), and as the week comes to a close (for most of us), I wanted to share a set of habits that have become an end-of-the-week routine for me. This routine has been key to ending my week on a positive note and “teeing up” a great start to the following week for me.

Consider these three weekly habits each Friday before leaving the office or your place of work for the weekend:

Habit 1
Reach out with a quick email or (better yet) a short thank you note expressing gratitude for those that went out of their way to help you this week

Habit 2
Make note of what you believe were your three greatest accomplishments over the past week

Habit 3
What are your three most important goals for next week?

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How To Survive Dying Careers

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:18:08 +0000

Managing you career in the second decade of the 21st century is a whole new frontier. To succeed you need to be flexible and seek out opportunities where you can utilize your talents and skills. You CAN make the leap into a new career, it may require some additional learning, but if it brings you greater job satisfaction isn’t worth it? – Theresa

Move from laid-off to in-demand by choosing the right career. Here are some occupations hit hard by the Great Recession, but take heart: workers can still prosper by transferring skills to fast-growing occupations. Below we’ll look at some jobs that are on their way out, and how they can lead to in-demand occupations in growing fields.

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50+ Job Hunter – 15 Great Tips to Move Forward

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:12:34 +0000

WOW! What perfect timing to yesterday’s article, “50 and Broke – Now What?“. No matter what your age, after reading this article and doing the ‘homework assignment’ at the end you should feel motivated and ready to take on the world. These 15 tips would make a great Personal Mission Statement. – Theresa

If you were born between 1946 and 1964, you are known as a Baby Boomer and age wise in 2010, you are somewhere between 46 and 64. In my practice, I work with a multi-generational client base, including many Boomers. A question I am often asked:

“I am ___ (fill in age) and wondering if I am too old to find a job?”

Routinely, I kindly offer something like:

“Help me understand — do you think you are too old to find a job?”

Client responses vary:

* I don’t think so, but I’m not sure

* I don’t know

* Maybe so

If you are 25, 35, 45, 56, 64, 74, or 84, in my opinion, you are not too old to find w – o – r – k or a j – o – b as long as you have:

* the drive to do so;

* the will to want to;

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Resume Tips for a Career Change

50 and Broke – Now What?

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:56:42 +0000

You don’t have to be in this position to benefit from this article. This article has 4 excellent points that anyone can implement. – Theresa

For many people, it is an idea too scary to contemplate. For others, it’s reality. Being in your 50s and having no meaningful savings is certainly a frightening and serious situation, but by no means is it hopeless. People are living longer and in better health than ever before and it is never really too late to start making positive moves.

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Not Getting That Job with a Leadership Role?

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:14:00 +0000

This article is a good one. Many people are trying to move up the ‘corporate ladder’ and can’t quite seem to get there. Why?? You might think you have the ‘right stuff’ to for an upper position, but are your experiences the experiences the hiring manager is looking for? Sometimes we have to do even more or something completely different in order to get noticed and move up. – Theresa

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Can’t Get A Raise? Negotiate Your Benefits

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:57:05 +0000

With company’s trying to tighten their ‘financial belt’ raises have been averaging 1-2%, some 0%. It’s very discouraging, but here are 7 great strategies on how to make up (or at least get a ‘little something’ more) for the merit increase you didn’t get. – Theresa

If you didn’t get a raise this year – and don’t see a chance of getting one anytime soon – you are not alone. These days, you may consider yourself lucky to still have a job. But just because your boss can’t boost your paycheck doesn’t mean you’re completely out of luck. For employees who can’t get a raise in their salary, a “benefits raise” - getting the employer to increase/enhance current benefits or add new ones – may be the next best thing. Here are a few tips on persuading your employer to consider a benefits raise.

Come Up with a Win-Win Scenario

Look for Any Upside

Realize Some Things Are Off-Limits

Be Creative

Focus on Work/Life Benefits

Think Small

The Bottom Line

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Is Your Resume Just as Boring as Everyone Else’s?

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 18:25:35 +0000

“Brushing up” your resume is a good habit to get into. Maybe even making it a New Year’s resolution, so you can remember. If you get into the habit of adding in recent accomplishments, it doesn’t seem like such a large task if you unexpectedly need it. Below are some great tips to freshen up your resume and make it ‘pop’. – Theresa

7 Ways Your Resume is Just as Boring as Everyone Else’s

June 15, 2010 by sparktalk

By CAREEREALISM-Approved Expert, Jessica Holbrook Hernandez

The economy seems to be picking up a little, and more and more job seekers are coming to us and letting us know about internal opportunities within their organization they would like to apply to. But even as more opportunities open up, the competition is as strong—or stronger than ever before. Here are seven ways your resume isn’t quite cutting it. So take it out, brush it off, and let’s kick it up a notch.

It’s still sporting that outdated objective.

If your resume is utilizing an objective, you really should trash it and start all over with a fresh, powerful introduction that incorporates a personal branding statement. A tailored career summary and polished personal branding statement will catch the employer’s attention and give him or her the best information up front—the information he or she needs to make a decision to call you to schedule an interview.

The design/format is generic or elementary for your professional level and experience.

There is a strategy behind resume formatting and design. If you are an executive, yet you are using an entry level resume format, you will look unprofessional and under-qualified.

It’s missing important keywords.

Omit keywords and the software system scanning your resume can’t find you. The recruiter giving your resume a quick once-over is looking for specific keywords as well. Leave them out and you’ll be left out of the interview process.

Generic and/or vague statements.

Avoid using the same old terminology that everyone else uses in their resumes. Yes, we know you can problem solve. But instead of telling me you’re a problem solver, show me the result of a problem you solved.

Soft skills vs. hard skills.

And the championship goes to…hard skills. I used to be a full-time recruiter, and I used Monster and CareerBuilder to search for candidates. Not once did I ever enter the search terms: great communicator, excellent verbal skills, detail-oriented. These are universal statements millions use to describe themselves. Give me something tangible and relevant to the position I am trying to fill.

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Successful Career Transition – 5 Skills

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 18:15:10 +0000

5 super tips on changing careers. Excellent personal evaluation to help you focus on what you can offer. – Theresa

5 Skills for a Successful Career Transition

June 17, 2010 by sparktalk

By CAREEREALISM-Approved Expert, Deborah Shane

Five years ago in the summer of 2005, I realized my 23 year career in broadcast media, radio, was about to change dramatically. I could feel the winds of change blowing in my “corporate culture.” Internal changes started to happen yearly and sometimes twice a year with regard to sales commissions and how we packaged and sold our products and services. New management was brought in, people shifted in a very stable management structure.

It just felt weird. I started my personal transition process, in my head, simply by thinking about why I was feeling like it wasn’t working for me on many levels anymore and I wanted and needed it to be working.

First, I had to honestly assess if there was any more mobility opportunities where I was, and then I had to look at myself, with regard to what I really wanted to do and if I was qualified and prepared to do it. I spent almost a year, going on interviews, both locally and nationally, exploring other industries and employment jobs to try to see what resonated with me. As I look back it was really a smart process and revealed a lot about me. Back then jobs were much more plentiful and there were a lot of them in my business. Today, I would not have those same choices and options.

Here are some of the lessons I learned about the career transition process, that you can apply to today’s employment situation.

1. Identify what you want to do and what you are qualified to do. Look at all your “transferable skills,” all those jobs you have done that define all your skill sets.

2. Don’t rush change, trust your process. Opportunities will present themselves, but they may not be all the right or best decisions to make. Qualify the opportunities, based on your situation.

3. Be prepared and honest when presenting yourself. You really can’t fudge the truth when creating a resume. Know what your strong assets are and lead with them. Don’t hide your liabilities, but don’t lead with them, we all have “stuff,” or we wouldn’t be human.

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Should I Work Long Hours for Low Pay in Order to Get Experience?

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:44:02 +0000

This might be the ‘wrong’ question to ask. Maybe the question here is can you. “turn the offer into a better one”? – Theresa

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What To Do When You Hate Your Job

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:36:21 +0000

Here’s a helpful article on career change – it actually doesn’t always have to be so drastic. – Theresa
“Aligning what you do with who you are can be as simple as finding a niche at your current workplace that allows you to flourish and build on your strengths.”

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The Five Things Job Recruiters Want From You Now

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:32:25 +0000

Excellent tips, you could even use these ideas as a ground work for your ‘elevator pitch”. – www.BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com

With too many people looking for too few jobs, employers are being very selective and demanding more than ever from job candidates. Marketing yourself with a résumé that simply explains the things you’ve done in previous positions is not enough. Employers want to understand your ability to add value through results and your potential contribution to the bottom line. Recruiters are looking for people with strong records of accomplishment who stand out from others, because that’s whom they can easily sell to hiring managers.

At www.AttractJobsNOW.com, as we recruit for corporate clients, we look for candidates who provide the five following qualifications, which we’ve found hiring managers deem essential:

1. Expertise. In a field where many people have very similar job titles, what makes you stand out? If you have trouble defining your expertise, start by listing your responsibilities at your latest and previous positions and then prioritize them in order of their value to the business. Mark the tasks where you provided substantial results. Then you’ll see your expertise.

2. Success stories. Have you increased revenue or profit? Have you decreased costs or minimized risk? Tell concise success stories of how you met these goals and you’ll make yourself an exceptional candidate. To identify those success stories you must understand how your position and your accomplishments clearly helped the bottom line of the business. That allows you to explain the value you’ve provided in the past and can offer in the future.

3. Recommendations. A recommendation from a manager or colleague is far more valuable than any self-endorsement. LinkedIn lets you show recommendations right on your profile, which creates instant credibility. Be sure to ask recommenders for write-ups that explain your concrete contributions and value to specific projects or areas of business. Ideally you should ask for a recommendation right after you’ve provided those results, as that’s when your value is most appreciated. I offer examples of effective professional recommendations on my own LinkedIn profile at www.linkedin.com/in/jeromeyoung.

4. Work samples. Examples of what you’ve done are far more effective that just talking about what you’ve done. Websites, pictures of products and actual products themselves grab an employer’s attention and generate interest. I have offered employers a slide show with pictures of me working, just so they can visualize me effectively laboring in their behalf.

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5. A consistent message. Your résumé, cover letter, website, LinkedIn profile and interview remarks should all promote a consistent message. If you change the message in one of those places, update the others. At www.AttractJobsNOW.com we recommend that whenever a client receives our résumé and cover letter service, they update their LinkedIn profile as well. An inconsistent message clouds the credibility of your accomplishments.

As you conduct your job search, remember that recruiters are evaluated by their ability to find a few of the most highly qualified candidates for any position. The more confident a recruiter feels about your accomplishments and ability to meet the needs of hiring managers, the more interested he or she will be in you as a candidate. Help yourself along by making sure you’ve covered the five points above.

Jerome Young is the founder and president of www.AttractJobsNOW.com, a diversity recruiting and job search consulting firm.

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Common Job Search Mistakes

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:15:45 +0000

7 great job search tips – each one can have an impact on how quick you get a new job. – www.BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com

Common Job Search Mistakes

June 10, 2010 by sparktalk

By CAREEREALISM-Approved Expert, Debra Wheatman

Many job search candidates spend innumerable hours pursuing employment opportunities; yet many do not achieve the desired results. Having worked with thousands of people trying to obtain positions of increased responsibility in their chosen industry or field, I have encountered the following common mistakes, resulting in failure to achieve optimal outcomes:

No organized search strategy: You need a plan. Keep yourself organized with a list of things you need to do on a daily basis. This list will allow you to focus your efforts in the areas that require your full attention. Would you go to the supermarket without a list of things you need? If you do, I will guarantee you forget to buy something or purchase things you don’t need. Your job search works in a similar fashion. The list will allow you to plan for a successful campaign.

No record keeping: It is important to keep a list or spreadsheet of some kind so you can review to whom you have sent your resume or the contacts made. There is no possibility of you being able to recall all of the companies or people that you have contacted – let alone those that may have contacted you. Without a record, you might miss an opportunity, or worse be unprepared when someone does reach out to you. Make sure you keep names, dates, and details of discussions you had. Your records will allow you to follow-up when appropriate and supports your organized approach (see above.)

No use of diverse search methods: You cannot simply apply online and think the calls are going to roll in. A job search requires far more effort than the use of the Internet. The following must be done to ensure a successful campaign:

Identifying specific companies where you might be interested in working. Once you have a list, you should do some research to get the name of someone internally to direct your correspondence.

Conducting research regarding the names of people in senior level positions. Use trade publications and the Internet to uncover names of people. Trade publications can be a great source of information, including providing you with movement within your targeted industry.

Leveraging your network of friends and family members. Your network should also include people you meet at local networking events. You will not be able to join every group so choose wisely. Engage with people that you meet to establish relationships that can be reciprocal.

Identifying a few niche job boards where you can post your resume. You should not broadcast it on every board out there. You will look desperate.

Establishing a relationship with a few key recruiters. Like any relationship, you will need to work at maintaining contact. Recruiters definitely know the market and have contacts within the companies where them make placements. You cannot work with everyone. Make sure you choose wisely; be prepared to conduct a fair amount of follow up to keep communication lines open.

Failure to maintain a positive outlook: One of the best, and most important things you can do for yourself and your search is to develop and maintain a positive approach. Every person you meet or interact with represents an opportunity. Given people are drawn to those that are positive, a strong finish necessitates that you give positive vibes. Under no circumstances should you complain or be the picture of doom. It will take time; you will work hard – BUT in the end, the person who can remain engaged and willing to embrace a proactive and positive focus will generate results.

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5 Ways to Be Smarter With Your Job Search

5 Sectors Hiring Now

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:03:23 +0000

It’s always nice to see some positive news in the employment arena. – www.BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com

If you’re a job seeker who is frustrated with your search for employment, take heart: you’re not the only one. The national unemployment rate last month for May was 9.7%, with 15 million jobless people in the country. But if you’re more of a go-getter, it might be time to drastically edit your resume and prepare yourself for a career change. While jobs may be scarce, these are the sectors that are hiring, according to the latest numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor.

IN PICTURES: 6 Hot Careers With Lots Of Jobs

Mining
Just last month, 10,000 new jobs were added to the mining industry, the majority of them support jobs like exploration, sampling and drilling. The U.S. Bureau of Labor says there has been an increase of 50,000 jobs in this field since October 2009.

Although mining is often considered a fairly dangerous industry, wages are often much higher than similar type of work in other industries. The National Mining Association estimates that in order to replace retiring workers and to meet increasing demand, 50,000 new coal mining employees will be needed over the next 10 years. (For most office works, the only on-the-job health hazards are spilled coffee or the occasional paper cut, but there are many workers who battle fatal injuries on the job every day. Find out more in America’s 10 Most Dangerous Jobs.)

Manufacturing
Since December, factory employment has risen by 126,000, with the increase due to more orders and shipments of durable goods like computers, aircraft and machinery, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. In May, the fabricated metals products and machinery sectors added the largest number of jobs at 10,400 and 5,700 respectively. (The unemployment rate may be high, but that doesn’t mean you need to sit on the sidelines. Find out which fields have the most potential in 10 Careers With Great Job Prospects.)

Read the rest at financialedge.investopedia.com

Posted via web from Business Etiquette Basics

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How To Survive Dying Careers

Build an Internet Business … with help

Theresa Delgado — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 19:54:37 +0000

Update: Sorry if you missed out on Crowd Mountain – Michelle has closed the “doors”. If you are interested, feel free to send me an email and I’ll let you know when it’s open again. Thanks – Theresa

Hi! If you’ve been thinking about starting your own business to bring in extra income, you’ll want to continue reading. If you’re not considering starting your own internet business, then you might want to check out the next article (I don’t want to waste your valuable time).

So, I’ve been following a girl named Michelle and she has been a successful internet marketer for 5 years. She has just put together a 6-week course on how to building a SUCCESSFUL internet business. More on this in a second. Anyway, Michelle is not “sales-y” about promoting her training course, that’s what I appreciated about her from the beginning. After watching her videos and you’ll see, you don’t get the feeling like she’s trying to sell “magic-juice”.

As a matter of fact, she does just the opposite. She gives away 2 incredible tools – FREE, just for watching her videos. The first one the “Rank Decoder Software” is a great tool for finding the major players in your niche. The second is so cool, I mean very very cool, she calls it the “Double Your Money Software“. This tool will help you build your Opt-In List by being able to provide your visitors with huge value and it won’t cost you anything!

OK, so now I’ve listened to the videos and outlined below what the 6-week course is all about and what it will help you do to earn more. And just so you know, I wouldn’t ask you to do anything I’m not willing to do – I’ve signed up for the course. I’m dying to see all that Michelle has to offer, she’s already offered a ton of value! Check out what you’ll learn …

Learn how to bring in EXTRA INCOME and create your own internet business!

Taking your internet marketing to the next level!

What you’ll learn over the course of 6 weeks (on your own time):

Module 1:
Niche the Niche – Learn to do Keyword Research to maximize your results

Module 2:
Optimization Station – Build a site the Search Engines Flock to

Module 3:
Content Architecture – Learn how to produce SEO Friendly Content without spending a lot of time

Module 4:
Monetization Station – Find the best ways to monetize your site to Maximize Your Income

Module 5:
Search Engine Assault – Learn how to build the most Profitable links to your sites

Module 6:
Power Networking – Learn how to Leverage Social Networks to bring your site More Traffic

Each Module comes with:

• Video Transcript with Screen Shots
• Workbook
• Weekly “Live” Bootcamp Workshops for help as you go

You’ll also receive:

• FREE “Rank Decoder Software” (You can get this now, just click on the link)
• FREE “Double Your Money Software” (You can get this now, just click on the link – this will blow your mind!)
• FREE Custom Plugins designed ONLY for “Bootcampers”
• FREE WordPress Themes design with SEO maximization
• Live Q&Q Session each month
• Personalized site review
• “Task Manager” to help you stay on track of your progress

And…there’s more! (this phrase sounds like it’s straight from late night TV – sorry)

• Every month you will receive NEW “goodies” to build on your foundation
• Newest Internet Market Techniques to get MORE traffic to your sites
• Split Testing Tools to help you see what strategy gets more traffic•
• How to build eCommerce Style Websites
• Track your and your site’s reputation with Reputation Management software
• How to Funnel Traffic from social media
• Learn how to set up Membership Sites
• Find out how to get Traditional Media Attention for your sites
• Maximize Local SEO for more income
• Tapping into Seasonal Marketing to increase your income

This course is great for the beginner or the advanced, everyone will grow their skill set. Click on the link below to see the video on the entire course. Thanks for reading – Theresa

Cost for all this personalized attention – $127.00
100% “No Questions Asked” Money Back Guarantee

Build an Internet Business … with help is an article from: Business Etiquette Basics. We invite you to stop by, we have more articles on career change and advancement.

Dining Etiquette – The Invitation

Theresa Delgado — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 22:24:14 +0000

Dinning etiquette -- it all begins with the invitation.

The second part of our series covers a very basic part to a dining engagement -- the invitation. If you didn’t catch part 1 you can read it here: Dining Etiquette -- The Basics.

Not every dining event comes with a formal written invitation, many times the invitation is verbal and sometimes in the form a email (or text). However, especially when you are invited to someone’s home, you should still extend certain courtesies to your host -- she will be very appreciative.

You don’t need to make it a big deal, but your hostess will appreciate your politeness and it will also convey your gratitude for being invited and the work she is putting into organizing the event. Basically there are 5 key points to remember when you are invited to a dining event.

5 key points regarding the invitation:

1. Make note of who the invitation is addressed to. If it’s only addressed to ‘you’, don’t ask if you could bring a guest.

2. Notice when you need to RSVP by, and RSVP by that date.

3. When you’re RSVP-ing communicate any special needs you have -- ie. allergies, etc.

4. Record the time and date of the event in your calendar, set an alarm with the entry if you need to.

5. Wear the proper attire. If you’re in doubt, ask the hostess to be sure.

That’s it, pretty easy huh? Five steps and you’ve mastered the etiquette of proper response to an invitation! The video below goes over the five point a little more, so check it out.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw24_aeTAK0

Thanks for reading — Theresa

Dining Etiquette -- The Invitation is an article from: Business Etiquette Basics. We invite you to stop by, we have more articles on career change and advancement.

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Professional Phone Etiquette

Theresa Delgado — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:05:02 +0000

Phone Etiquette -- does it really matter?

Alright so you’ve just been contacted for the phone interview and you’ve practiced your answers, you’ve researched the company, you’ve reviewed your resume you’re ready right?! There’s one other item that could help you shine, when you can’t be seen -- good, no great, phone etiquette skills.

With so much communication taking place over the phone, proper phone etiquette is very important in the professional environment. Below are 4 videos addressing some basics of professional phone etiquette.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gkuDAV41bc

Phone communication must rely attitude and tone of the voice to convey professionalism

www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RR7dlzkyL0

Not being able to see the person on the other end of the phone (assuming you’re not using Skype) your communication can be enhanced with pitch, tone, and inflection.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkSzFKy5q1k

Probably the most important keys to phone etiquette are speed, volume and articulation. This will assure that your communication is being conveyed properly -- the goal of the conversation!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcX3jFXgPac

Expert: Tracy Goodwin
Bio: Tracy has a masters in corporate communication and ten years experience in professional speaking.

Professional Phone Etiquette is an article from: Business Etiquette Basics. We invite you to stop by, we have more articles on career change and advancement.

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Dining Etiquette – The Basics

Theresa Delgado — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 17:10:28 +0000

Dining etiquette and table manners are crucial for success.

As we have become a society of ‘Casual Fridays’ many people become casual in many other aspects also, like table manners. Many times in being casual, people end up being rude to coworkers or even customers and this could have long term impact to your success.

On the other hand some people have never had someone go over the skills of proper dining etiquette, so that’s where this series comes in. Over the next 16 (yes 16!) weeks a different part of dining etiquette will be covered. We’ll go over every component of the meal. And breaking it down to small chunks of information might seem a little much. However, if some parts are new information for you, little chunks will make it easier to become part of your normal routine.

I guarantee you that if you start using more of these skills in a business (and social) setting, people will notice your table manners. And that’s a great way to stand out from the crowd!

Check out the video below, so you can get an idea of the various parts of dining etiquette we’ll be covering over the coming weeks.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jphKS5N3AR8

Thanks for reading -- Theresa

Dining Etiquette -- The Basics is an article from: Business Etiquette Basics. We invite you to stop by, we have more articles on career change and advancement.

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Phone Interview: 10 Tips for Impressing

Theresa Delgado — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 17:00:22 +0000

Preparing for a phone interview is a mental exercise, and something that takes a little common sense. It is the second impression that you will make on a hiring decision maker -- the first impression was obviously already made by your resume and cover letter, and must have been positive, or you would not have this interview appointment. That being the case, it is worth while to prepare for it and be ready to put your best foot forward.

Follow these 10 steps for success:

1. Do your homework on the company before your phone interview. Do a search on the Internet using Yahoo, Google, Bing (MSN) or any of the major search engines. Look them up in an online database like Dun and Bradstreet or InfoUSA. If you don’t have easy access to these online tools, go to your local library and tell the reference librarian what you are doing. She will be glad to provide you with information sources that will help you seem knowledgeable when having your phone interview.

2. Get yourself mentally prepared -- rehearse. Practice in front of the mirror, or with a friend or your spouse listening to you, asking questions and playing the part of the interviewer. Make a list of questions you expect the interviewer to ask and have good answers prepared, but have them on the top of your head in general and not memorized. Memorized answers can sound canned and not real, and will not help you. You need to appear genuine and real. Be yourself, and be comfortable. Mock trials help lawyers, and rehearsals help musicians. It only makes sense that a practice interview will help an interviewee.

3. Have a good quality telephone. It may seem silly to even mention it, but the better quality phone you use, the better your voice will sound. Years ago everyone rented his or her telephones from the local utility phone company. These days people own their own phones, and while many people use good quality phones, many use the ten and fifteen-dollar phones they’ve found in the local dollar store or discount mart. Those phones are fine for talking to your friends, but for business use make a good business impression, and use a good phone. Add this tip to the mix as well: use a landline with a cord, and not a cell phone or cordless phone. Dead batteries, crackling sounds, bad cell sites, and weather interference can make you sound bad at the other end, and you may not even know it. When doing your phone interview you want to be clear and make a good impression. Take this tip to heart and use a good quality landline.

4. Prepare and practice two or three ideas that you want to get across to the interviewer as to why you are the right person for this job. If you are having trouble thinking of ideas, read your resume again. Look for the key points, qualifications or accomplishments you have written, and be ready to discuss them. It is also a good idea to have your planner/calendar with you in anticipation of setting up future appointments.

5. Think of what you can do for the company. The hiring manager really doesn’t care why you would like the job; she cares about how you can help her company, if you are hired.

6. On the morning of the interview get dressed. Wear the same clothes when you are on the phone that you would wear if you were in front of the interviewer in person. Dress for success and your attitude will reflect it. Dress in your pajamas or an old sweat shirt and your attitude may reflect that as well.

7. Smile. Smiles are contagious, even if they can’t be seen. Good salesmen know this and practice smiling on the phone. There is something in your voice and attitude that is conveyed when you smile, and the person on the other end of the phone can sense it. There is truth in the old saying, ‘Smile and the world smiles with you.’ It is basic human nature.

8. Speak clearly and enunciate. Use a good quality phone, a land line not a cordless. If at all possible do not use a cellular phone for the interview. Crackling noises are distractions and bad cell sites, leading to dropped calls, are a negative. You only want positives during your phone interview.

9. Relax, be yourself and do your best. Offer to provide any other information they might need to make a decision.

10. Convey that you are excited about the position (if you truly are) and ‘close’. The ‘close’ (what it’s called in sales) is crucial -- you need to ask to be furthered to the next step in the process. This takes practice, however the smoothest transitions come naturally when you have have addressed the interviewer’s question thoroughly. The interviewer will show some excitement for your qualifications if you have done steps 4 and 5. Sometimes she will just come out and tell you that will be receiving a face-to-face interview -- then you know steps 1-9 were a success. And remember to thank the interviewer for her time.

Here are some bonus tips to help you connect with the interviewer:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKgQnvgAaXQ

Do you have any other tips for those that will be preparing for phone interviews? Please make your suggestions on the comments section below.

Thank you for reading -- Theresa.

Phone Interview: 10 Tips for Impressing is an article from: Business Etiquette Basics. We invite you to stop by, we have more articles on career change and advancement.

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How to Get a Job

Theresa Delgado — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:00:17 +0000

Now that you’ve Pinpointed Your Perfect Career what do you do now, where do you start to find that perfect job?

Doesn’t it seem like a challenge to get a job? At least at first. How do people find jobs? How do people find ‘good’ jobs?

The trick…use your resources.

Below is a short video to help you organize your resources and get started on the hunt for a new job!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCk-c20hwmk

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Career Change: 6 Ways to Pinpoint Your Perfect Career

Theresa Delgado — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:00:41 +0000

Have you ever felt stuck in your career? Do you want a career change? Employee stress and burn out can account for a lot of dissatisfaction in your life. After all, you are at work some 8 hours a day or more. That’s 1/3 of your day if you don’t count sleep. That’s a long time to be dissatisfied. Let’s change that because life is too short.

If you feel stuck, here are 6 great ways to find your ideal career:

1. Brainstorm on a sheet of paper – This is a tried-and-true strategy. Take a pad of paper and write down at the top your objective in question form. Then, simply list out 20 answers to your question. For example, you could write ‘What should I be doing with my time and life?’. Then stay seated for a half hour to an hour coming up with answers to that question. The key to this exercise is coming up with 20 answers – don’t quit until you have 20 answers. You can repeat every day until you get the answer you seek.

2. Ask 3 close friends – Sometimes our friends know us better than ourselves. While meeting with one of your friends, mention you are at a crossroads in your life and career. Ask what they think you’d enjoy doing. You might be surprised at how easily they can zero in to your strengths and abilities and report a perfect job area.

3. Ask your boss and coworkers – much like your friends in the example above, your boss and coworkers most likely see you in a way you do not see yourself. In fact, they are likely most familiar with your strengths and weaknesses in the work environment. Compile all the answers you get from them and see if there are any common threads you can explore.

4. Call a headhunter – If you are searching in your career, it’s likely you have a resume. Sometimes you can catch a headhunter or recruiter during their slow times and meet with them to pick through what you might be good at. I’ve done this and the people seem open to talking with people. The ideas I get are usually good.

5. Take a career assessment test – There are several sites on the Internet you might be able to take one of these tests for a fee. But using my ‘headhunter’ tip above, many headhunters have this software and don’t mind you taking the test in their office. I’ve taken these tests two times in my life and they usually take an hour or two, but they are thorough not too mention fun. They ask you to answer a series of questions about what you are good at, what you like to do, what you prefer doing over what you don’t. If you take one, you will likely see some new exciting areas to explore in your life.

6. Keep a journal – Do you keep a journal? If so, read through, looking for common threads in your writing. Keep your eyes peeled for trends and activities you like as well as don’t like. In fact, finding examples of what you don’t like and what frustrates you is almost as important as finding what you do like. For example, if you hate an overwhelming boss, you’d probably like a self-directed position. If you hate nosy coworkers you’d probably prefer your own office.

Discovering what you really want to do with your life is the most important decision you can make. We spend 1/3 or more of our lives at work. So figuring out the right career is important to keeping that 1/3 of our lives happy and productive.

Do you have any other suggestions to finding the perfect career? Enter them in the comments section below.

Thank you for reading – Theresa

Career Change: 6 Ways to Pinpoint Your Perfect Career is an article from: Business Etiquette Basics. We invite you to stop by, we have more articles on career change and advancement.

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Career Success: 6 Key Factors

Theresa Delgado — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 17:35:57 +0000

Career success requires skills that companies look for in all employees, no matter what position. Master these key factors and boost your career success!

What do employers look for in job applicants?

This was the question that was posted recently on an online career discussion forum. Naturally, for each position, the answer to that question would be different. However, there are some common skills that companies look for in all employees, no matter what position they are filling.

In-Demand Skills for Career Success

1. BASIC SKILLS: Reading, writing and arithmetic! Believe it or not, a good portion of high school graduates (and some college grads) do not read at an 8th grade level and cannot do multiplication in their head. Employers are seeking employees who can read well, can write coherently, and who can calculate mathematics in a business environment (fractions, percentages, etc.) Add to that the modern basic skills of keyboarding skill, basic computer knowledge, and ability to use most computerized tools (e.g. fax machine, basic word processing program, etc.) to round out the basic skill sets needed for employment success.

2. PERSONAL SKILLS: Can a potential employee speak well? Can she answer questions of customers in a positive, informative manner? Can the prospect provide good customer service? While not everyone has an outgoing sales’ personality, successful employees can communicate in a non-confrontational, positive manner with their coworkers, team members, subordinates, management, and customers. Being able to work well with others is a vital skill for success in all jobs.

3. JOB ATTAINMENT: Job search is a process that requires a great deal of dedication and attention to be conducted successfully. It follows the old principal that many veteran programmers refer to as ‘Garbage In, Garbage Out’. If you put lousy effort in, you will receive lousy results. Employers are seeking employees who know how to present themselves in a positive manner and who display enthusiasm and knowledge about the companies they approach. Not only do candidates get evaluated on their skills and experience, but also on how they are approaching the job search. Enthusiastic candidates with fewer skills have an even chance of getting the job as dull candidates with better skills.

4. JOB SURVIVAL: Now there’s a hot topic in this period of layoffs. Who gets the ax and who doesn’t is often a matter of numbers, but it is also often a matter of performance. Employees who have consistently demonstrated their worth, taken initiative, and made themselves a valuable asset to the company have lower incidences of being downsized than employees who put forth mediocre or average effort in their jobs. Surviving within a company through layoffs or moving up the ladder is a career success skill that is learned and is consciously cultivated among successful professionals.

5. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: As all high tech and engineering pros know it’s learn or burn in today’s work environment. Attaining new skills, applying new concepts, updating established skills is an absolute necessity to succeed in today’s work force. The successful individual is constantly attending seminars, taking classes, attaining training on new products or releases, and otherwise learning new skills that will keep them marketable in their careers. Successful people are lifelong learners. Employers are looking for people who have the training necessary to fulfill their needs.

6. CAREER DEVELOPMENT: Career Development differs from Professional Development. Professional Development is learning while Career Development is a planning and goal setting process. Successful individuals design a career plan with written goals for short term and long term. They lay out the steps needed to move their careers from Point A to Point B within Time Frame C and plan how they are going to achieve those steps. Successful people have someone to whom they are accountable for their progress and who will monitor their success in achieving their goals. Employers are seeking individuals who (believe it or not) wish to commit to the company for a long period of time. Good career progression is a high selling point of candidates to prospective employers.

How do you measure up? Do you have any other tips for career success?

Thank you for reading – Theresa

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New Job Blues … Now What?

Theresa Delgado — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:40:04 +0000

New job, second thoughts…now what!

You’ve landed what you thought was your dream job. Each stage of the interview went smoothly – you sold them on your skills and expertise, and your prospective manager sold you on the position and benefits of joining the company. She seemed excited about extending an offer. And then, after accepting the offer, it was thrilling to give your notice (or tell your friends you’re finally employed after a long stint of unemployment!). All seemed right with the world and you took took a big sigh of accomplishment.

You’ve now been on board a few days a week perhaps even a month. Suddenly you’re not so sure you’ve made the right decision. The job that seemed like a dream is starting to feel like a nightmare. Perhaps the position isn’t what you thought it would be; it’s either too narrow, too broad, not challenging enough, or more of a stretch than you imagined. Maybe the company isn’t measuring up. Or, perhaps your boss isn’t the caring, supportive mentor you thought she would be.

In a state of confusion, you wonder what you should do. Stick it out? For how long? Leave? Then what? The decision to stay or leave a job is a personal one, with no right or wrong answer, as everyone’s situation is unique. And most people, at one time or another, have been faced with this dilemma. To help you think through your next move and determine what’s right for you, here are some questions you may want to ask yourself:

Is it just the newness of the job? Change can be an unsettling experience. In your previous position, you knew your way around – you knew what was expected of you; you knew your job; you knew the players; you felt like you belonged. In a new job, however, it takes time to learn the ropes and feel like you’re truly adding value. Sometimes it’s best to give yourself time to get over the ‘newness’ and then decide if the job is right for you.

Can you live with your manager? Hiring managers sometimes put their best foot forward in an interview, then do an about-face when a new employee arrives. Even though your boss isn’t the supportive manager you thought she would be, can you live with the change? If so, it may be worth staying. If, however, you experience a nauseous stomach on Monday mornings or a rise in blood pressure every time she walks into your office, it may be wise to consider leaving.

Can you navigate the politics? Office politics can be the bane of many employees’ existence. If you’ve been hired into a political crossfire, it will be important to assess your political skills to determine if you can make it work. If politics aren’t your strength, you may want to leave before you find yourself failing without even knowing why. If you’re good at developing relationships and working with differing styles, as well as ‘managing up’, you may want to consider staying and seeing if you can make a tough situation work.

What will you learn if you stay in this job? Sometimes a seemingly wrong job can turn out to be a terrific opportunity to learn new skills, become exposed to new technologies, and gain valuable experience. Is it possible this job could be a stepping-stone to a better, more satisfying job down the road? Could it ultimately propel your career forward? If so, and you can tolerate everything else, it may be worth staying.

If the scope of the job has changed, can it be renegotiated? If the actual work turns out to be far different from what you thought it would be, you may want to speak with your manager to see if aspects of the job can be changed. If the scope is too narrow, can more responsibilities be added? If the workload is too great, can you get some assistance? If the job ultimately represents a step backwards and/or you’re doing work you didn’t feel like you signed up for, it may be worth looking elsewhere.

Can you afford to leave without another job to go to? If your boss, or the job, or the politics are so bad it’s beginning to affect your health and personal life, then leaving sooner rather than later may be the best move. But can you afford it? Carefully evaluating your financial situation prior to jumping ship will help alleviate regrets later on. Consider also the momentum you had in your job search prior to starting your job. Can it be easily resurrected so your time of unemployment is minimized?

The decision to stay or leave an intolerable new position is a tough one. How long to stay is also a dilemma. Many have left after two weeks, never to look back. Others have stayed, only to regret staying too long. And still others have stayed and managed to make everything work out. Only you can decide what’s best for you and your situation.

If you answer the above questions honestly, you will surely make the right decision for you. Pay attention to how you’re feeling and what the job is doing to your health and self-esteem. Recognize that the longer you stay, the greater the requirement to add the new position to your resume. Know that it’s always an option to stay and look for employment on the side. If you do that, it may be valuable to evaluate your job, boss, team, and culture requirements so you can develop some insightful interview questions to ask the next time around.

Talking with a trusted friend or colleague can be helpful during this challenging time. Whether you choose to stick it out and hope for the best, or leave right away and cut your losses, trust that you’ve made the right decision. And know that regardless of the outcome, the experience has presented an excellent opportunity for learning and personal growth that will be invaluable in helping you manage the rest of your career.

Have you been in this situation? What did you do and how did it turn out?

Thank you for reading – Theresa

New Job Blues … Now What? is an article from: Business Etiquette Basics. We invite you to stop by, we have more articles on career change and advancement.

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Hatch A New Financial Plan

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 17:00:26 +0000

As the weather (finally) begins to get warmer and the winter doldrums become a distant memory, this might be a good time to do some “spring cleaning” with regards to your finances. Here are some tips to help you perform a money makeover.

Organize Your Paperwork
This is the perfect time to get your financial files in order, since you’ll need to dig through all your receipts, statements and other paperwork anyway to file your taxes. Rather than shoving all those papers back into a drawer (or, worse, the proverbial shoebox), spend some time setting up an organized filing system.

You may also want to look into an online-based record keeping system such as Shoeboxed.com so you’ll have backup copies of financial files offsite, which will come in handy in case of fire or other disaster. There are also online financial tools that track your expenses, which can be especially helpful for those who tend to spend more than they earn. (These smartphone apps won’t break the bank – in fact, they may help you save money. Don’t miss 6 Financial Apps You’ll Love.)

“Get an online cash flow program like Mint.com and become aware of what you are spending and create a spending plan for the next year,” suggest Richard S. Kahler, CFP and owner of Kahler Financial Group.

Reassess Your Portfolio
Robert Korajczyk, professor of finance at Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, says the current economic situation has left many investors holding portfolios with asset allocations that are very different than they were a few years ago.

“A good spring cleaning of one’s portfolio should include a thorough reassessment of the portfolio’s allocation across broad categories like domestic and international stocks, fixed income assets and real estate,” says Korajczyk. “If you find yourself holding too much equity, given stock volatilities, reallocate to fixed income assets. Conversely, if you’ve completely gotten out of the market, it is probably time to consider increasing your exposure to equities.”

Capitalize on Capital Losses
“If you are sitting on assets that have lost value, sell them in order to realize capital losses that you can use to reduce your tax burden,” Korajczyk says. (Get a hold of yourself! Take losses in stride and learn to invest dispassionately in Taking The Sting Out Of Investment Loss.)

Review Your Withholdings
Speaking of taxes, if you were lucky enough to get a tax refund this year, don’t make the mistake of viewing it as money that falls from the sky. It’s actually an interest-free loan you’ve been giving to Uncle Sam. If you consistently overpay income taxes, you are having too much money withheld from your paycheck. Talk to your employer’s personnel office and have them adjust your tax info. You’ll end up with more money in your pocket every payday. (When you get a refund, you’ve essentially lent your money to the government, interest-free. Find out how to keep your money working in your favor, year-round in Don’t Bank On A Tax Refund.)

Do A Coverage Check-Up
Most people don’t give their insurance much thought – until it’s too late. Kahler says this is a good time to study your insurance policies. Make sure all policy info, especially important details like your home’s replacement value, is correct and up-to-date.

“Also, make sure you have as much liability insurance as possible – preferably $500,000 per incident. At the same time, see if you have unneeded coverage – like towing on your auto policy when you also are a member of AAA, which covers towing, too.”

Prepare For the Inevitable
The sunny and bright outdoor atmosphere may make it a little easier for you to tackle some somber subjects. A true financial makeover wouldn’t be complete without an examination of your will and other estate-related issues. The first step, Kahler says, is to review your will. Next, evaluate your insurance.

“Make sure your life insurance is adequate if you have children,” he says. “That means no less than $500,000 and preferably $1 million for the breadwinner and at least $250,000 for the stay-at-home parent.”

Designate Your Heirs
Along the same lines, Kahler offers an important reminder. “Check the beneficiaries and contingent beneficiaries of your IRAs, 401(k)s and other retirement plans. You may be surprised at who they are or who they aren’t,” he says. “Remember, if you have no contingent beneficiary, the proceeds go to your estate and the ultimate recipient of the IRA will have to take all the funds out and pay the income tax within five years.”

Review Your Retirement Fund
Ideally, you’ll live a long, healthy life – which means you’ll need enough of a nest egg to get you through your golden years. “Are you maximizing your retirement plans or saving at least 20% of your income for retirement and to fund your emergency savings reserve?” Kahler asks. If not, put that at the top of the priority list. (If you hope to enjoy a comfortable retirement, it’s time to get real. Read four cold, hard truths every soon-to-be retiree must face in 4 Retirement Reality Checks.)

Put Some Spring In Your Step
When it comes to financial issues, hibernation isn’t an option. Spending a little time and effort creating a new financial plan can really pay off in the end.

Still feeling uninformed? Check out last week’s business news highlights in Water Cooler Finance: Zombies File Taxes, Dead Bills Rise Again.

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Career Changers: Are You Taking The Easy Option?

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 17:43:21 +0000

Career Changers: Are You Taking The Easy Option?

Career Changer: “Sital, I need your advice.

I’m a qualified accountant but have taken a career break for a number of years for family reasons. I’m about to start a 12 month teacher training course and become a teacher. But I’m not too sure if I’m doing the right thing. What do you think?

Sital: “Firstly, tell me attracts you to teaching. What made you sign up for the course?”

Career Changer: “Well it’s the easy option”

Sital: “The easy option?”

Career Changer: “Yes. There’s a shortage of teachers and so it should be easy to find work. Plus we’ll always need teachers.”

Sital: “ok……so what else attracts you to teaching?”

Career Changer: “The holidays. Teachers get lots of holidays”

Sital: “Apart from it being easy and all the holidays, what else draws you to the profession and the course?”

Career Changer: “Nothing else really – that’s it”

Sital: “Can I ask what kind of research you’ve done into teaching?

Career Changer: “Oh I’ve done lots of reading on the internet”

Sital: “Have you spent time in schools as a teacher’s assistant or time with other teachers to understand what the role involves and what parts you’d enjoy or be good at?”

Career Changer: “Well no…”

Sital: “Let me ask you a question:

Let’s imagine I came to you for advice because I was about to start training to become an accountant. I had no experience and had never spent time with an account, but thought it would a nice and easy option – after all, we’ll always need accountants.

Does that sound like a good idea?

Career Changer: “No, you can’t do that!”

Sital: “Why not?”

Career Changer: “Because it’s not that easy. The course and the job are demanding.”

Sital: “Oh, I’ll be fine – I’m good with numbers. And it’s a nice easy option. I can work freelance, work from home and take holidays when I like.”

Career Changer: “That’s just not right”

Sital: “Oh why not?”

Career Changer: “Because you’re not passionate about accountancy.”

Sital: “Really?

Well isn’t that what you’re doing? Choosing teaching because you think it’s an easy option, yet you’ve no passion for it.”

Career Changer: “Aaaah….yes”

(The penny dropped)

Career Changer: “I think I need to do some more research into teaching. And maybe look at finding a career which I’m passionate about.”

Choosing a career option because you assume it’s the easy or safe option is a huge disservice to both the profession and the people the profession serves: pupils, patients or clients.

But it’s an even bigger disservice to yourself.

If you’re going to put yourself through the stress, hassle and set backs of shifting careers then at least ensure it’s something you care about, something you’re excited about doing, something you’re intrinsicly motivated to do. You’ll be far more satisfied and successful.

Are you taking the easy option…?

By Sital Ruparelia

Posted by Sital Ruparelia on March 21, 2010 | Permalink

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Comments

Thank you for this post. I wish I had been given this advice several years ago after attempting a career change in a very similar manner.

Posted by: chrisdillon | March 22, 2010 at 06:40 AM

Chris, we live and learn. I’m sure you’ll be able to apply the learning to future moves. thanks for commenting

S

Posted by: Sital | March 23, 2010 at 09:04 AM

I love this post, Sital! “Easy” options may not be so smart in the long run, especially if you end up in a career that’s not what you thought it would be.

Among other things, the career changer you talked with should consider why there is a shortage of teachers and what teachers do during their holidays (elementary education is part of my background, so I can assure you that “holidays” for teachers don’t always equal time off from work!)

Posted by: Melissa | March 23, 2010 at 02:40 PM

I agree Sital, it is really a fact that as long as we live, there is always and a lot of ways to improve our learnings. There is always a room for improvement as we learn.

Hhhmmm…my statement was kinda going round but same point…kidding aside…lol!

Posted by: Renaissance Costume | March 25, 2010 at 12:44 AM

Warren Buffett once compared choosing a career to choosing a spouse. The truth is that most of us will spend more time working than we will spend with our spouses. It makes sense that at least as much care and consideration should go into that process as well.

Posted by: Kingsley Tagbo, IT Career Coach | April 05, 2010 at 10:23 AM

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6 Steps To A Successful (and Cheap) Staycation

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 17:05:44 +0000

You don’t need to turn on the television to know that today’s tough economy is affecting everyone. And luxuries, like that nice vacation to a warm, faraway resort, are no longer an option for many. In this economy, “staycation” is the buzzword. It means having a vacation while staying at home. It’s a compromise, especially if you don’t live near a beach or desirable vacation spot, but there are many benefits. Think about it - no airline tickets to buy, no hotel to book, no need to find someone to take care of the pets or plants. You can even forgo expensive restaurant meals if you’re on a very tight budget. A staycation does need a little planning though, just like any other vacation. Here are six steps to make your staycation a success:

In Pictures: Vacation Savings Tips

1. Be a Tourist
For your trip to feel like a vacation, you have to approach it as if you were planning a getaway to a place you haven’t been before. Start by pretending you’re a tourist in your own town or city. Visit the tourist information center and pick up any information you can. Look online for your town’s better business bureau – there’s often a ton of information for tourists, and even information packages you can order at little or no charge. Your town’s newspaper lists local events, like exhibits or festivals, so pick up a copy. Try an online search with your town’s name and “events,” just to see what comes up.

2. Make a Budget
How much can you afford to spend? Be realistic about this, because there’s nothing worse than post-vacation financial stress. Remember, a staycation eliminates the bulk of your travel expenses. Do count on spending money on gas (to drive where you need to go) and admissions to any attractions if applicable. You can always bring food with you to avoid straining your budget. (For more savings tips on a traditional vacation, see Shoulder Season: Your Ticket To The Perfect Vacation and Cruise Ships: Reining In Vacation Spending.)

3. Plan Your Day Trips
After you gather all your information and create a budget, make a shortlist of places to visit. Included the hours, costs and driving distance. Be sure to check the websites of the places you are visiting; some museums and other attractions have discounts or even free admission on certain days of the month. If you have family members who are coming along, make sure they all get to pick a place to visit. This will make your staycation more memorable and more of a family event.

4. Plan Your Meals
For a really tight budget, simply plan to bring a picnic along. If you’re bringing little ones, kids love a stop at a park for a meal outside. Or if you do have room in your budget for a meal out, pick your restaurant ahead of time rather than eating on the fly. This gives you a chance to use a coupon or plan around discounted meal days for children or seniors. Try your local free newspapers and magazines, or the Sunday paper to track down deals and coupons. A little planning can pay off with big savings.

5. Do Your Homework
Now that you have your game plan ready to go, it’s time for final preparation. The drawback of a vacation-at-home is that you are at home. This means there are chores to be done, groceries to buy and phone calls to return. To make your staycation feel like a true getaway, make sure you finish any of your normal tasks beforehand. Tell your friends you’re on vacation and you’ll be out of town for however many days you’ve planned your trip for. Clear your schedule and take time off work like you would if you were getting on a plane. Clean the house, pay the bills and buy groceries for the week. This will help you to truly feel like you’re getting a break, even if you’re not packing a suitcase.

6. Have a Back-Up Plan
Have a Plan B ready, for inclement weather or other contingencies. Alternate different activities, like a museum visit and a zoo visit, especially if you’re planning on bringing little ones with limited attention spans. If you’re driving longer one day, pick an activity closer to home the next day so you don’t spend two days in a row in the car. When your plans fall through completely on a given day (because of the weather, for instance), have a back-up plan like a movie day with popcorn or a game day indoors. The key to a fun and relaxing time, as with any vacation, is to be flexible.

The Bottom Line
If your budget is tight, a staycation can be a relaxing break without the high price tag. Have a great staycation! (For money-saving vacation tips, check out Travel Tips For Keeping You And Your Money Safe and Travel Smart By Planning Ahead.)

Still feeling uninformed? Check out last week’s business news highlights in Water Cooler Finance: Zombies File Taxes, Dead Bills Rise Again.

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Recruiter Reinforces Our Resume Advice

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 16:54:26 +0000

Here are some very basic, but important tips to keep in mind when applying for a job. Hope it helps!

Click the link to read the article.

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5 Ways to Be Smarter With Your Job Search

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 16:43:46 +0000

Check out this article I found at careerealism.com

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What To Do When You REALLY Can’t Get a Job…

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 16:40:13 +0000

These are some great thoughts on finding a job, getting a new job … Hope this is useful!

« Job Seeker What If’s… | Main | Green Jobs: The Future Begins Now »

What To Do When You REALLY Can’t Get a Job…

If, despite conducting an advanced job search with a great branded resume, you still can’t get a job in your chosen field/function, the options below are worth considering. Short on time? Skim the bolded areas below to get the gist of these 3 strategies.

1. KNOW WHERE THE JOBS ARE IN YOUR FIELD AND REDIRECT YOUR CAREER TOWARDS THEM. Do research to uncover the areas of high-demand and the areas that will languish going forward. Consider getting a relevant certification or doing an internship in the growth area.

In IT, there are areas where hiring is expected to be strong and areas where the jobs may be gone forever. The Hackett Group is recommending that companies not hire back laid-off system admins and support staff, but rather outsource those jobs to other countries where the pay scales are lower. Someone called me last week and told me that his job in IT – inside sales – was being offshored to India. So a job that he assumed was secure turned out not to be.

Areas of projected high growth in IT are Security, Healthcare IT, Global Wireless, Virtualization Software, Business Analytics, SaaS. Can you get qualified to work in one of these specialty areas?

2. CHANGE YOUR CAREER & GET CERTIFIED IN A NEW FIELD. You may or may not be ready for a radical change, but sometimes, to transition to a growth sector and start paying the bills, there is a solution that would enable you to get a good job with good-enough pay (depending on your requirements) after only a few months or, in some cases, a year or more of study and internship. (A year of studying beats a year of knocking your head against the wall going to job fairs and sending out resumes.)

Review your local community college’s certification programs. Inquire into its career placement program and its ties to local businesses that may be hungry for graduates of the certification programs. These certifications often came about because of the dearth of skilled employees in those areas and business demand for employees in the region.

There are certifications in many areas, including public safety and homeland security, human resources, and auditing. To stay in IT, you can increase your eligibility for IT jobs in healthcare by getting a healthcare IT certification. Hiring in this area can be expected to be strong as healthcare delivery becomes increasingly IT-dependent.

This is a sample of my local community college’s offerings: there is a new Energy Utility Technology Certificate Program meant to help meet the “urgent, long-term need” of utilities for these specialists. Utility SmartGrid initiatives will be requiring IT employees and others. Biotechnology Technician is another certification that is offered that, like the energy certification, requires an internship, giving you real-world, valuable experience with an employer that would give you an edge in hiring. Computer Forensics Certification. Dental Assisting. Many others.

Earning a valued healthcare certification may help you change your career. As the population of aging Americans grows, more services will be needed. There are many clinical-professional as well as administrative certifications in healthcare. Some in-demand jobs with certifications are: MRI technologist, radiation therapist, and nuclear medicine technologist. There are other certifications that promise to be growth areas as boomers age such as Certified Life Care Planner and Certified Life Care Manager, as well as Medicare Set-Aside Certified Consultant.

3. GET CREATIVE, FOLLOW YOUR PASSION, AND CHANNEL YOUR INNER ENTREPRENEUR. On NPR’s “On Point” radio program on “Life After Layoffs,” the discussion centered around a film, “Lemonade,” about what the laid-off executives of a Manhattan ad agency went on to do when it was clear there were no jobs for them. One exec profiled turned his avocation into his vocation. He left Manhattan for a studio upstate and now sells enough of his paintings to live well in a less-expensive region. (The strategy of reducing your expenses and/or changing your lifestyle is one that can help you make the transition away from a big paycheck and towards a more meaningful career.) One exec became a yoga and holistic health counselor. Another became a career reinvention coach. One caller took his passion for European car parts and turned it into an Internet business.

Many people’s successful alternative careers are heavily dependent on technology for making products and on the Internet for selling products and services.

Wired Magazine (Feb. 2010) predicts that a new industrial revolution is in the making “in an age of open source, custom-fabricated, DIY product design.” Now that individuals are able, without a high capital outlay, to use computers and 3-D printers to design and prototype new products and then outsource custom, “small-batch” manufacturing to China, many small entrepreneurs are successfully bringing their products to market. Some examples? A kit car manufacturer. A company that makes accessories that interface with Lego blocks. Bike components. Customer furniture. Noise-canceling wireless headsets. If you have a great idea for a new product, you may be able to grow a business from your garage.

IN SUMMARY. If you are out of work and feel out of options, these new directions might spark an idea for you that could result in a rewarding new career. With the fast pace of technological change, the vicissitudes of the market, and an increasingly global economy, it makes sense for everyone – jobless or not – to be thinking about having an ace up their sleeve and an idea about how to adapt to “what’s next.”

Posted by Jean Cummings on March 29, 2010 | Permalink

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Comments

Useful guidelines but also look at how others have built great careers as I found at http://myamazingpeople.com/

Posted by: Muso | March 30, 2010 at 03:59 AM

Good insightful article. With the current employment rates, many talented qualified people remain mired in job search.

Posted by: Ernie Perez | March 30, 2010 at 07:07 AM

Muso, it looks like that site is about amazing people who lived in the past. There are, however, some cool sites with “alternative” jobs on them such as coolworks.com. Or people can search on “weird jobs” and find some really different ones.

Posted by: Jean Cummings | March 30, 2010 at 10:58 AM

Ernie, you are so right! It is shocking that there is so much talent out there – and that those folks can’t get work. The employment market is picking up though, from where I sit, and the strategies I mention in the blog are viable for some people if they can’t get a job in their field.

Posted by: Jean Cummings | March 30, 2010 at 11:00 AM

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Career Changers: Are You Taking The Easy Option?

Tipping Etiquette Guidelines

Theresa Delgado — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:02:30 +0000

Tipping – how much, when, who?? You want to show your appreciation for a service, but you don’t want to insult the person. How much is good? How little is insulting? You need a tipping guide.

The correct tip or gratuity for a service can be challenging at times. Your party might not realize it, but inside you may be doing a lot of guessing as you walk up to the Skycap or Valet. The challenge usually is not in everyday situations, but when you are taken out of your regular environment. If you travel only occasionally, travel tipping (hotel and airport) etiquette can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be once you have some general guidelines.

The following recommendations should help. If service is outstanding, then use your own discretion.

Restaurant Tip Guides:
Waiter: 15% of the bill; 20% for extraordinary service
Wine steward: 15% of wine bill
Bartender: 10–15% of bar bill
Coat check: $1.00 per coat
Car attendant: $1.00 – $2.00

Hotel Tip Guides:
Maid: $5.00 per night
Room service: 15% of bill
Bell Cap: $3.00 minimum (luggage brought to your room), $1.00 extra per bag
Lobby attendant: $1.00 for help with luggage or finding taxi
Valet: $1.00 to park car or bring car to you

Travel Tip Guides:
Skycaps: $2.00 per bag
Limo driver: 20% of fare
Taxi driver: 15% of fare
Tour Guide: $1.00 – $2.00 per person

Just in case these amounts might seem generous, keep in mind that a lot of service positions depend on tips to supplement their regular pay. People who have these positions work hard to make your restaurant, hotel, and travel experience pleasant. If they have done a good job, then show them your appreciation.

Hopefully these guideline help. If you have any additional guidelines post them in the comments section or send an email. Thank you for reading.

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Men’s Clothing: How to Build a Classic Wardrobe Part 2

Theresa Delgado — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:56:09 +0000

There are a few basics to consider when you are building your wardrobe and in Part 1 we went over the general guideline to consider: material, cost/investment, function, and trends. Now we’ll start working on what are some basic pieces to start building that classic wardrobe.

You could say there are three schools of thought on buying clothes:

Buy inexpensive (ie: cheap)
Buy good quality at a price you can afford
Buy expensive high-end brands

It takes awhile, sometimes years, to build a timeless, good quality wardrobe. You want to have pieces that will look nice, keep their shape, and not “max out” your credit cards. It’s important to understand the basics of clothing so you can spot great values and not waste your hard earned money. (We will be speaking on this topic soon.)

A good quality wardrobe takes time to build and you should enjoy the process – yes, guys, you too can enjoy shopping. If you really like what you buy, you’ll wear it, take proper care of it, and it will last you a long time – and that’s a great investment. (We will also be discussing how to take proper care of clothes in the near future.)

So where does a guy start? Let’s start with some basics pieces.

1. Black Suit

2. White shirt

3. Casual jacket (denim or canvas)

4. Merino wool sweater (v-neck or crew)

5. Navy blue blazer

6. White polo shirt

7. Leather belt

8. Trench coat

9. Khakis (black or beige)

10. Leather dress shoes (black)

Keep in mind there aren’t the only pieces these are just some ‘starter’ items. In future articles we’ll continue to build on to your wardrobe. One last point, you might be thinking that these items aren’t your ‘style’, keep an open mind – they’re basics – your style is how you put together your clothes, how you mix and match, or accessories you add. Remember the goal: To build a classic wardrobe of fashionable, reasonably priced, functional, good quality, clothes that will be stylish, no matter the season or current trend, that will last for years to come.

So, go look in your wardrobe and see how many of the 10 basics you already have!

In Part 3 of Men’s Clothing: How to Build a Classic Wardrobe we’ll go over how to spot ‘good quality’ clothing construction. Another piece of ‘homework’ go to the links below read about the qualities of the different garments and Customer Reviews. This will be a good introduction to Part 3.

Thank you for reading and if you would like a specific topic covered in this series please leave a comment below or send an email.

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Men’s Clothing: How to Build a Classic Wardrobe Part 1

Theresa Delgado — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:00:08 +0000

Building a classic wardrobe – the concept is great, but where do you start? Good clothes are expensive and then there are the trends, and what about the seasons?? Not to mention the items you already own, can you incorporate some of those pieces into a ‘classic wardrobe’?

In this series of articles we’re going to conquer this together.

The goal: To build a classic wardrobe of fashionable, reasonably priced, functional, good quality, clothes that will be stylish, no matter the season or current trend, that will last for years to come.

OK, so where do you start? Let’s start with what makes a garment ‘classic’. A piece of clothing is classic if it can ‘stand the test of time’. This covers both color and clothing. A few examples of classics pieces are black suits, white button-downs, wool sweaters, denim jeans and jackets, leather shoes, polo shirts, and trench coats.

Another factor in a classic wardrobe is material. You want to stick natural fibers as much as possible. Read the labels and find out the percentage of fiber content go with natural fibers as much as possible: cottons and wools are your best bet. Natural fibers breathe better and if the fabrics are good quality they’ll last a long time, if properly taken care of.

So, next let’s talk about how much to pay for clothes. Start looking at your wardrobe as an investment. The money you spend on a garment should give you an ROI (return on investment) of many, many wearings [I don't think that is a real word, but you know what I mean]. If it doesn’t last a long time or goes out of style quickly, then you just wasted your money. Some clothes you will splurge on and others you won’t.

Your wardrobe is an investment in yourself. If you don’t love it, don’t buy it! My rule is: if I’m not absolutely thrilled with how the clothes look on me, I don’t buy it because I know I won’t wear it. Take a little time when trying something on look in a mirror where you can see your self from all angles. Does it lay well? Does it fit properly? Does it make you feel great? Take it home and try it on again – do you still have a ‘yes’ for all the questions above? This might seem silly at first, but remember clothing is an investment that should pay off for a long time.

A classic wardrobe is also functional wardrobe. Functional means that each piece will mix and match together. You want each item to be able to be paired up with at least three others. This way you are not spending more money on other new clothes to have something to wear with a new purchase. When you are considering buying a new garment think about your wardrobe and how that piece will work with what you already own.

The last area we’ll cover is trendy clothing. If you spend a lot on an item that is fashionable ‘right now’, next month when the trends have gone in another direction you’ll probably not want to wear your ‘dated’ garment. Trends are hard and expensive to keep up with that’s why you build a classic wardrobe that will work for you for a long, long time. If you want to buy an item that is trendy, don’t invest a lot of money into it and realize that you’ll probably only wear it a couple of times before it end up in the back of the closet.

In Men’s Clothing: How to Build a Classic Wardrobe Part 2 we’ll start working on what are some basic pieces to start building that classic wardrobe.

Thank you for reading and if you would like a specific topic covered in this series please leave a comment below or send an email.

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How to Build Your Brand

Theresa Delgado — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:25:11 +0000

Being able to talk about your success is an important part of getting noticed in your career, company, and industry.

Telling others about your success can be a challenge, and in today’s job market it’s important to build your brand. Building a good name for yourself for making things happen and being able to talk about it are paramount to your personal brand. When thinking about your successes, begin to think about it in terms of sharing your success in order to make others successful.

Your boss is the best person to help you develop this skill. Your boss is your first line and represents you with senior managers. If you can’t convince your boss of the value you bring in the work you do, then you won’t be able to convince anyone else either. Get away from the interruptions of the office so you can both focus on the conversation. Don’t use disputes, differences in option, or differences in culture as an excuse to leave your manager out of the loop.

You need to create your own ‘brag bag’, ‘atta-boy’ folder, ‘atta-girl’ binder, or an ‘elevator pitch’. It’s important to know the good work you are doing and how to talk about it casually to others. You need to be ready for the big “Tell me about yourself?” question. A good focus of answering this question is to talk about how you utilize your skills and talents in your position. To illustrate your talents and accomplishments start by answering these questions first:

What would you or others say are five of your top skills or talents?
What would you or others say are your top five personality traits?
What new skills have you learned in the past year?

Now think about some examples that illustrate your talents and skills. Here are other questions to consider:

How did you end up in your current career/profession?
What obstacles have you had to overcome to get where you are and what lessons have you learned?
What is the biggest professional mistake you made and what did you learn?
What are you doing to make a difference in people’s lives?
What career successes are you most proud of and why?

The thought is to have several examples that can illustrate who you are and what value you bring. Oftentimes we convince ourselves that we really have nothing of value to add. Or we think that others will notice our efforts and accomplishments and we will be recognized. Not in today’s environment. Don’t take yourself for granted and don’t hope others will notice your hard work. we all need to self-promote, have your ‘brag bag’ ready, and you will be successful!

How to Build Your Brand is an article from: Business Etiquette Basics. We invite you to stop by, we have more articles on career change and advancement.

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Interview Tips: Why should we hire you? – the GOOD answer

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 23:02:06 +0000

A man, interviewing for a Management position, answers the common interview question: Why should we hire you? This is an example of a GOOD way to answer this question.

Created by Fresno, California’s most respected Recruiting, Staffing and Human Resources consulting firm — Denham Resources.

Duration : 0:2:11

Interview Tips: Why should we hire you? – the GOOD answer is an article from: Business Etiquette Basics. We invite you to stop by, we have more articles on career change and advancement.

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How to Get a Job : How to Build a Cover Letter

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 20:02:06 +0000

A cover letter is a quick description as to why this resume is better for a particular job position than all the other resumes, so having specific job position details in it is very important. Write a cover letter specific to each job application by using these tips from a career adviser in this free video on job guidance.

Expert: Pat Goodwin
Contact: www.PatGoodwinAssociates.com
Bio: Pat Goodwin is an executive coach, trainer and career development professional. Goodwin is the owner and founder of Pat Goodwin Associates in Austin, Texas.
Filmmaker: Todd Green

Duration : 0:4:2

How to Get a Job : How to Build a Cover Letter is an article from: Business Etiquette Basics. We invite you to stop by, we have more articles on career change and advancement.

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How To Write a Resume

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:02:04 +0000

Want to get yourself out of a bad situation and into a better one? A solid resume is the first step.

Duration : 0:2:17

How To Write a Resume is an article from: Business Etiquette Basics. We invite you to stop by, we have more articles on career change and advancement.

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Dining Etiquette – Table Manners

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:02:04 +0000

Look sharp when dining out. Online Training at www.the-etiquette-and-dress-experts.com or www.styleforsuccess.com. Rated #1 by Wall Street Journal. Dates, business lunches, parties, weddings, special occasions… Don’t take a chance with your success! Popular with corporations, MBA programs, universities, business schools and anyone looking make a good impression and get ahead in their career and life. This online training can improve your dining skills immediately to make you – a success at the table for the rest of your life. Click on my channel style46s for more info

Duration : 0:2:25

Dining Etiquette – Table Manners is an article from: Business Etiquette Basics. We invite you to stop by, we have more articles on career change and advancement.

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Fashion Advice for Men : How to Dress Business Casual – Men

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:23:17 +0000

When dressing business casual, a man should wear a jacket, a dress shirt, comfortable shoes and nice slacks. Dress business casual by keeping cuff buttons undone and not wearing a necktie using the help of this free video from a clothing designer.

Expert: Bruce Marshall
Bio: Bruce Marshall is a clothing designer who has worked in Los Angeles and Miami for years. He has also worked for Nickelodeon as a stylist.
Filmmaker: Paul Volniansky

Duration : 0:1:18

Fashion Advice for Men : How to Dress Business Casual – Men is an article from: Business Etiquette Basics. We invite you to stop by, we have more articles on career change and advancement.

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Basic Dining Etiquette – Using Utensils

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:23:18 +0000

To view the next video in this series click: http://www.monkeysee.com/play/2253 In this video, etiquette expert Nancy R. Mitchell, The Etiquette Advocate, guides viewers through established rules and nuances of dining etiquette. Segments presented cover responding to an invitation; dos and taboos at table; navigating a place setting; use of utensils, including American vs. European styles of dining; eating various courses; toasting; and mastering challenging foods.

Duration : 0:5:20

Basic Dining Etiquette – Using Utensils is an article from: Business Etiquette Basics. We invite you to stop by, we have more articles on career change and advancement.

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Writing Your Resume

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:23:19 +0000

Here is a video that takes the stress out of writing your resume. You’ll learn the 10 Rules for constructing an effective Resume. These rules will give you the confidence to write it quickly and more importantly, to discuss it effectively.

Duration : 0:3:36

Writing Your Resume is an article from: Business Etiquette Basics. We invite you to stop by, we have more articles on career change and advancement.

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Writing Your Resume Cover Letter

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:23:20 +0000

Here is a video to learn the essential elements in preparing a really great Resume Cover Letter. You will also learn the four parts of a Resume Cover Letter, as well as a review of an actual Resume Cover Letter that gets the job done.

Duration : 0:3:24

Writing Your Resume Cover Letter is an article from: Business Etiquette Basics. We invite you to stop by, we have more articles on career change and advancement.

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Office Etiquette and Advice: How to Be the Ultimate Kiss-Ass

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:02:08 +0000

At the office, a kiss-ass is someone who is always there, who will do what it takes to get the job done, but also someone who shows a willingness to be a part of the team. Become the ultimate kiss-ass at work with tips from a management trainer in this free office etiquette and politics video.

Expert: Gloria Dixon Campbell
Bio: Gloria Dixon Campbell has an executive MBA in management from the University of South Florida, and a B.A. in Sociology from the University of West Florida.
Filmmaker: Christopher Rokosz

Duration : 0:1:16

Office Etiquette and Advice: How to Be the Ultimate Kiss-Ass is an article from: Business Etiquette Basics. We invite you to stop by, we have more articles on career change and advancement.

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Women’s Business Clothes : Women’s Business Clothes: Dress Pants

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:02:03 +0000

In women’s business clothes dress pants are very important. Learn how to pick out women’s dress pants for work with tips from a fashion stylist in this free women’s clothing video.

Expert: Harmonie Kreiger
Bio: Harmonie Krieger is co-founder of Uniquely Chic, and image consulting business in Hollywood, California. She is also a trained TV host.
Filmmaker: Nili Nathan

Duration : 0:2:13

Women’s Business Clothes : Women’s Business Clothes: Dress Pants is an article from: Business Etiquette Basics. We invite you to stop by, we have more articles on career change and advancement.

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Interview Tips: Tell me about yourself. A GOOD answer / example.

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:23:22 +0000

A woman, interviewing for a pharmaceutical sales position, answers the common interview question: Tell me about yourself. This is an example of a GOOD way to answer this question.

When describing yourself, you should give specific examples of your professional and personal qualities. Intertwine those examples with your character traits that make you who you are. Stay relevant to the job position and company culture.

Created by Fresno, California’s most respected Recruiting, Staffing and Human Resources consulting firm — Denham Resources.

Duration : 0:3:14

Interview Tips: Tell me about yourself. A GOOD answer / example. is an article from: Business Etiquette Basics. We invite you to stop by, we have more articles on career change and advancement.

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Office Etiquette PowerPoint Presentation

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:23:23 +0000

Slides on why office etiquette is important, 6 rules for using your cell phone at work, 8 rules for e-mail etiquette, 8 slides on how to behave at office parties, 7 tips about eating etiquette, guidelines for using the office bathroom, 15 slides on office attire, important things for working in open and partitioned workplaces/offices, guidelines for bringing your dog into the office, 3 things you should know when you become a new mom, tips and guidelines about gift-giving in the office, 8 slides on telephone etiquette, 9 tips about twitter etiquette, 7 guidelines for sending business greeting cards, 9 slides on how to take teleclasses, 9 tips for business meals, and office etiquette for recent graduates.

Duration : 0:1:33

Office Etiquette PowerPoint Presentation is an article from: Business Etiquette Basics. We invite you to stop by, we have more articles on career change and advancement.

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Proper email etiquette with corporate comedian Greg Schwem

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:19:09 +0000

Corporate comedian Greg Schwem http://www.comedywithbyte.com explains that it truly IS possible to end an email conversation

Duration : 0:2:0

Proper email etiquette with corporate comedian Greg Schwem is an article from: Business Etiquette Basics. We invite you to stop by, we have more articles on career change and advancement.

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Professional Phone Etiquette

Dining Etiquette – European vs. American Dining Style

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:19:08 +0000

Did you know that there is a distinct difference between European and American dining style and etiquette? Image Consultant Kimberly Law explains how to master both.

Duration : 0:3:37

Dining Etiquette – European vs. American Dining Style is an article from: Business Etiquette Basics. We invite you to stop by, we have more articles on career change and advancement.

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Business Dress Gets Creative

BusinessEtiquetteBasics.com — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:19:06 +0000

WSJ’s Christina Binkley talks with Schematic CEO WPP Trevor Kaufman about the new direction he is taking when it comes to Business clothing and how he presents himself. (Sept. 26)

Duration : 0:2:39

Business Dress Gets Creative is an article from: Business Etiquette Basics. We invite you to stop by, we have more articles on career change and advancement.

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Business Etiquette: 4 Key Cultural Basics

Theresa Delgado — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:48:58 +0000

Business Etiquette: Little Know Ways to Impress Those That Matter

Paris, Rome, Mumbai, Tokyo – the term “6 Degrees of Separation” is even more realistic today than ever. Our world has shrunk. Think of your Facebook Friends, your Twitter Followers/Following not to mention the people you work with, hang out with, on a regular basis.

The company you work for is most likely incredibly global. As you work to market yourself for that next promotion, one way you can set yourself apart from others is by showing you are aware of the business etiquette basics and customs of many cultures. People actually notice!

Four areas of huge culture differences are colors, gestures, introductions, and greetings.

1. Color

Color is symbolic of different meanings in different countries. Think of this when giving gifts. Never use black bag or wrapping paper in Asian countries, as it is associated with death. Red however is symbol of good luck.

2. Gestures

North American gestures might be inappropriate or have completely different meanings elsewhere. In the Muslim countries, the left hand is seen as “unclean” using it for eating would be considered improper. In North America nodding your head up and down means “yes” and shaking it back and forth means “no”. In Sri Lanka it is just the opposite.

3. Introductions

In North America a person is introduced first by their first name, then last name. In China the last name is first, then the first name. Other cultures are also more formal than we are in North America it is always better to address some you have just met by Mr., Ms., or their professional title until you have been ask to address them be their first name.

4. Greetings

In the business setting you probably will always greet someone with a handshake. However, it is still a good idea to be sensitive to tradition and religious beliefs. In India people will greet each other with a handshake or Namaste, that’s putting your hands together –as in prayer – below the chin and giving a slight nod of the head. Also, in India, public displays of affection are not proper. Here again, don’t use the left hand for greetings or waving goodbye.

Since English is the International business language, people from other countries are aware of North American terms and customs. It’s not like you have to “walk around on egg shells”, but you will impress those around you if you are aware of Business Etiquette Basics and cultural differences. It’s always better to be safe than incredibly embarrassed. Who knows you might even prevent someone crucial to your own upward mobility from making a big mistake. Now that’s a great way to market yourself!

Thank you for reading – Theresa

Business Etiquette: 4 Key Cultural Basics is an article from: Business Etiquette Basics. We invite you to stop by, we have more articles on career change and advancement.

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