Friday 29 June 2012
Sunday 24 June 2012
Monday 18 June 2012
Tuesday 12 June 2012
Wednesday 23 May 2012
What You Should Expect From Quality Dispatch Furniture
In places such as police departments, fire stations and security offices, dispatch furniture and devices determine the efficacy of operations. With so little response time, nothing can be left to chance. Hence an intelligently designed console solution is the way to ensure that all the wires, equipment and communication devices are configured perfectly. Utility, durability and comfort are a few important aspects to be kept in mind when investing in a dispatch console.
In this article, we shall walk you through the most vital characteristics that you should look for in dispatch furniture.
So, whether it is military operations, aerospace, telecom or the transportation sector, selecting the most ergonomic and durable dispatch furniture is critical to overall success of the operation.
In this article, we shall walk you through the most vital characteristics that you should look for in dispatch furniture.
- Such furniture should not only be functional, but also be aesthetically pleasing. This makes the rigorous and long hours of the operator easier.
- Pre-fabricated metal consoles tend to limit your options as well as functionality. A smarter alternative is to opt for a custom designed unit that helps you integrate the exact features that you want. For instance, you can include an ergonomic lift for sit-stand and decide on the depth and shape to meet your specific equipment and storage requirements.
- The surface material used in consoles determines their durability. Quality material is not vulnerable to scratches, chipping or de-gluing. These drawbacks could potentially hinder operations besides being unsightly.
- Don't hesitate to discuss issues such as integration of accessories and surface lifts for sit-stand. There are dispatch furniture designs that feature manually adjusting crank, or lever versions. Alternatively, you could opt for powerful actuator lifts or hydraulics.
- You could also talk to the manufacturer about whether you should choose independently operating keyboard and monitor surfaces, or just a single surface lift.
- In addition, dispatch furniture can also be made to accept ergonomic monitor arms. These allow you a great degree of adjustability for stationary as well as lifting surfaces.
- A critical aspect of such furniture is well organized and accessible cable management. There are hundreds of cables that are likely to be attached with communication and monitoring devices. Talk to your manufacturer to determine how they can be best managed.
So, whether it is military operations, aerospace, telecom or the transportation sector, selecting the most ergonomic and durable dispatch furniture is critical to overall success of the operation.
I have over 20 years experience helping people design and outfit their control rooms. In todays market LCD video wall is most commonly used in control rooms and command centers for controlling and managing informations. Check out online for right dispatch furniture or console and free needs analysis, space planning and cost estimate.
How To Create Responsive Advertising
Have you ever been in this scenario; the results are in on your campaign to test various different creative treatments against the existing control. A few of the tests have not performed as well as you had hoped, yet one has outperformed the control. A lot is resting on the results so you have to report the findings to the board. At the presentation everything is going well however the company accountant who knows little about marketing wants answers to the following questions.
1. Why did we test so many creative treatments? Surely we should be able to better predict what works and what doesn't.
2. How is it that apparently identical creative treatments for the same campaign produce wildly different results?
3. What exactly made one test beat the control and the others fail?
Supposing that this scenario is something you have experienced, you are not alone. Just about every marketing professional been there, in a position where they have to explain why certain creative treatments have worked and others failed even though they are not really sure exactly why. Yet every one involved in the development of creative work at one time or another has asked those same three questions, which lead to three more.
4. Why is it that in every other aspect of marketing data, benchmarks and metrics aid decision-making, however when it comes to 'creativity' we still rely on instinct and experience.
5. How is it that so much time, money and expertise can be spent on researching and planning a new creative to end up with something no better (or worse) than the one I had already?
6. There must be a better way to create and predict the effectiveness of new creative work.
Assuming that you have had occasion to answer these questions then you're not alone. In an environment that demands consistency and predictability just how are you supposed to have any certainty in the 'creative' decisions you have to make? Why is it so difficult to appraise aspects of a new campaign and show you an intelligible chart of whether it will work or not - and why? And why when everything else in marketing has benchmarks and metrics does creativity lack robust objective evaluation?
Benchmark Marketing
There are answers to these marketing question, answers that are just not based on 'gut-feel', instinct or trust. There are robust systems available that provide marketing professionals with benchmarking, analysis, research and metrics to support the most important decisions we make, how we communicate with our audience.
These largely software based systems take audience data via 'conversation analysis' (technology that captures audience language and deconstructs it to find the underlying patterns and structures) and enables the benchmarking of communications against audience profiles for attraction, retention, cancellation or rejection. Increasingly benchmark marketing systems provide detailed robust metrics for targeting a specific audience or market sector ensuring that communications reflect their motivations, needs, style and tone. This technique has been proven to be especially effective when used to avoid cancellation from 'new' or 'high risk' customers.
These conversation analysis driven benchmark marketing systems can even target a difficult audience segment to ensure that the communications address their objections in a way that matches their beliefs, style and tone.
The days of relying on 'soft-data' and instinct when creating new communications is coming to an end. Because benchmark marketing is the term that is increasingly being used to describe the new way to provide, an objective, inclusive and insightful way to benchmark marketing messages.
1. Why did we test so many creative treatments? Surely we should be able to better predict what works and what doesn't.
2. How is it that apparently identical creative treatments for the same campaign produce wildly different results?
3. What exactly made one test beat the control and the others fail?
Supposing that this scenario is something you have experienced, you are not alone. Just about every marketing professional been there, in a position where they have to explain why certain creative treatments have worked and others failed even though they are not really sure exactly why. Yet every one involved in the development of creative work at one time or another has asked those same three questions, which lead to three more.
4. Why is it that in every other aspect of marketing data, benchmarks and metrics aid decision-making, however when it comes to 'creativity' we still rely on instinct and experience.
5. How is it that so much time, money and expertise can be spent on researching and planning a new creative to end up with something no better (or worse) than the one I had already?
6. There must be a better way to create and predict the effectiveness of new creative work.
Assuming that you have had occasion to answer these questions then you're not alone. In an environment that demands consistency and predictability just how are you supposed to have any certainty in the 'creative' decisions you have to make? Why is it so difficult to appraise aspects of a new campaign and show you an intelligible chart of whether it will work or not - and why? And why when everything else in marketing has benchmarks and metrics does creativity lack robust objective evaluation?
Benchmark Marketing
There are answers to these marketing question, answers that are just not based on 'gut-feel', instinct or trust. There are robust systems available that provide marketing professionals with benchmarking, analysis, research and metrics to support the most important decisions we make, how we communicate with our audience.
These largely software based systems take audience data via 'conversation analysis' (technology that captures audience language and deconstructs it to find the underlying patterns and structures) and enables the benchmarking of communications against audience profiles for attraction, retention, cancellation or rejection. Increasingly benchmark marketing systems provide detailed robust metrics for targeting a specific audience or market sector ensuring that communications reflect their motivations, needs, style and tone. This technique has been proven to be especially effective when used to avoid cancellation from 'new' or 'high risk' customers.
These conversation analysis driven benchmark marketing systems can even target a difficult audience segment to ensure that the communications address their objections in a way that matches their beliefs, style and tone.
The days of relying on 'soft-data' and instinct when creating new communications is coming to an end. Because benchmark marketing is the term that is increasingly being used to describe the new way to provide, an objective, inclusive and insightful way to benchmark marketing messages.
Benchmarketing is the leading advertising and marketing communications benchmarking system.
Specifically, it benchmarks copy and visual content of marketing communications for key themes, motivations, buying strategies, structures, personality and communication preferences.
Specifically, it benchmarks copy and visual content of marketing communications for key themes, motivations, buying strategies, structures, personality and communication preferences.
Offline and Online Marketing
As a company that is very much focused on web and internet marketing, people might be surprised to hear that we often recommend and help our clients with offline marketing activities as well.
It's fair to say that the internet has provided a vast number of opportunities to market your business, and often far more affordable than some of the more traditional marketing mediums such as TV and Radio.
The internet has to some extent leveled the playing field allowing small businesses to compete with larger corporates as everyone is able to get their marketing message across at relatively low cost.
However it's important to remember that internet marketing is just one part of an overall marketing strategy, albeit a large part, but there are lots of offline activities that can be really effective and generating business and increasing the profile of your brand.
For example direct mail can be a very effective and relatively low cost offline activity, ironically some people feel this is more effective than email marketing now, because less people do it, therefore those that do stand out more.
Networking is another key area, this gives you the opportunity to meet with other like minded businesses on a regular basis, and to talk about what you do. Most networking events are held outside of core business hours and therefore offer a perfect opportunity to market yourself and your business without having a drain on your or your sales teams productivity.
Telemarketing can also be very effective, although it's important to understand that this can often have a lower conversion rate than other marketing methods, and therefore the service or product should be of a high enough value to justify the cost and ensure a return on investment. Lower conversion rate does not mean it should be discounted as part of your marketing mix as long as it is profitable.
It's also important to realise that marketing your brand goes beyond the obvious planned activities, virtually everything you do helps to either improve your brand or damage it, from how you and your staff answer the phone, your personal appearance, punctuality for meetings and speed of response to clients. The list is endless, but I think this makes the point sufficiently.
So whilst we are firm believers in the power of internet marketing, we would always encourage people to remember that a marketing strategy should contain a number of methods online and offline.
It's fair to say that the internet has provided a vast number of opportunities to market your business, and often far more affordable than some of the more traditional marketing mediums such as TV and Radio.
The internet has to some extent leveled the playing field allowing small businesses to compete with larger corporates as everyone is able to get their marketing message across at relatively low cost.
However it's important to remember that internet marketing is just one part of an overall marketing strategy, albeit a large part, but there are lots of offline activities that can be really effective and generating business and increasing the profile of your brand.
For example direct mail can be a very effective and relatively low cost offline activity, ironically some people feel this is more effective than email marketing now, because less people do it, therefore those that do stand out more.
Networking is another key area, this gives you the opportunity to meet with other like minded businesses on a regular basis, and to talk about what you do. Most networking events are held outside of core business hours and therefore offer a perfect opportunity to market yourself and your business without having a drain on your or your sales teams productivity.
Telemarketing can also be very effective, although it's important to understand that this can often have a lower conversion rate than other marketing methods, and therefore the service or product should be of a high enough value to justify the cost and ensure a return on investment. Lower conversion rate does not mean it should be discounted as part of your marketing mix as long as it is profitable.
It's also important to realise that marketing your brand goes beyond the obvious planned activities, virtually everything you do helps to either improve your brand or damage it, from how you and your staff answer the phone, your personal appearance, punctuality for meetings and speed of response to clients. The list is endless, but I think this makes the point sufficiently.
So whilst we are firm believers in the power of internet marketing, we would always encourage people to remember that a marketing strategy should contain a number of methods online and offline.
How to Get Hired in the Construction Agency
One of the most obvious things you need to do before you can get hired in construction agencies is to have the right type of certification or qualification needed to work in that particular construction role. For example an electrician needs to have taken the 17th Edition course if you want to work as a domestic installer you will need to be part p registered. If you already have all the right paperwork and its just a matter of finding work, here are some tips on how you can get hired with a construction agency.
Searching Online
With the internet being so widely used many employers post their job vacancies on dedicated construction sites and construction agency websites. Most recruitment agencies will want a CV and this will be part of setting up a profile on their sites. Once you have a CV ready you can very quickly go through a number of agencies and quickly upload your CV and be ready and waiting for the jobs to be offered.
Experience
Your experience needs to be listed on your CV. If you are applying for a particular job, read the job description carefully and tweak your CV to fit it. State all the experience you have and area of expertise and back it with any relevant certificates you have.
Cover Letter
Cover letters are important as potential employers do read them. They are often overlooked but this is one way to stand out from the crowd. It doesn't need to be a long letter, just a short straightforward to the point type of letter which summarizes your application. Mention where you found the job and something about the company so it looks like you have researched them. If you have other expertise which is related to the construction industry it will be worth mentioning this.
The beauty of a construction agency and in fact any recruitment agency is that their skills are finding the right applicants for the jobs they have on their books. Unless you're on their lists you won't even get a look in. So it's important to make sure you are signed up with all the recruitment agencies you can find. There are a growing number of agencies and all have websites which list their latest jobs. If you do a good CV and cover letter you will soon be on your way to finding work in the construction agency. One other good thing about these agencies is that many will help with CV's and cover letters. So if you struggle with selling yourself it might be worth contacting them and asking if they could help you do this. It is their job to find applicants for the jobs they have so if you're the ideal candidate, they are not going to dismiss you because your CV isn't up to scratch. Be honest, contact the agency and tell them you need help. Failing that there are many online companies which will write a CV for you and also advice on the covering letter.
Searching Online
With the internet being so widely used many employers post their job vacancies on dedicated construction sites and construction agency websites. Most recruitment agencies will want a CV and this will be part of setting up a profile on their sites. Once you have a CV ready you can very quickly go through a number of agencies and quickly upload your CV and be ready and waiting for the jobs to be offered.
Experience
Your experience needs to be listed on your CV. If you are applying for a particular job, read the job description carefully and tweak your CV to fit it. State all the experience you have and area of expertise and back it with any relevant certificates you have.
Cover Letter
Cover letters are important as potential employers do read them. They are often overlooked but this is one way to stand out from the crowd. It doesn't need to be a long letter, just a short straightforward to the point type of letter which summarizes your application. Mention where you found the job and something about the company so it looks like you have researched them. If you have other expertise which is related to the construction industry it will be worth mentioning this.
The beauty of a construction agency and in fact any recruitment agency is that their skills are finding the right applicants for the jobs they have on their books. Unless you're on their lists you won't even get a look in. So it's important to make sure you are signed up with all the recruitment agencies you can find. There are a growing number of agencies and all have websites which list their latest jobs. If you do a good CV and cover letter you will soon be on your way to finding work in the construction agency. One other good thing about these agencies is that many will help with CV's and cover letters. So if you struggle with selling yourself it might be worth contacting them and asking if they could help you do this. It is their job to find applicants for the jobs they have so if you're the ideal candidate, they are not going to dismiss you because your CV isn't up to scratch. Be honest, contact the agency and tell them you need help. Failing that there are many online companies which will write a CV for you and also advice on the covering letter.
Standard Diversity and Inclusion Policies
To maintain an affirmative action policy and remain complaint within the eyes of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), companies must create standard diversity and inclusion policies. These policies should be embedded within job descriptions, displayed on the walls at work, and placed in the company handbook.
It is especially important for federal contractors and subcontractors to have diversity and inclusion policies, since they must abide by Executive Order 11246, as amended; Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended, 38 U.S.C. 4212.
If you don't know if you are a federal contractor, you can take a look at the definition of a federal contract. A federal contract is defined by the government as any agreement between a department or agency of the Federal Government and any person for the purchase, sale, or use of goods or services, while a federal subcontract is an agreement or arrangement with a Federal contractor either (1) for the furnishing of supplies or services or for the use of real or personal property, which is necessary to the performance of any one or more Federal contracts; or (2) under which any portion of the Federal contractor's obligation under any contracts is performed, undertaken, or assumed. So some but not all contracts with a Federal contractor will trigger coverage under the laws administered by OFCCP.
An example of an inclusion policy might read: [Company] is fully committed to the fair and equal treatment of everyone we deal with. We see diversity as an asset that helps deliver our vision of a service meeting the needs of all our customers and stakeholders, regardless of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion, belief or socio-economic background.
[Company] believes in treating all people with respect and dignity. We strive to create and foster a supportive and understanding environment in which all individuals realize their maximum potential within the company, regardless of their differences. We are committed to employing the best people to do the best job possible. We recognize the importance of reflecting the diversity of our customers and markets in our workforce. The diverse capabilities that reside within our talented workforce, positions [ ] to anticipate and fulfill the needs of our diverse customers, both domestically and internationally, providing high quality products/services.
[Company] recognizes that there are distinct demographic groups that have long been disadvantaged. We recognize that racism, ageism, sexism and other forms of discrimination are problems both for our organization and society as a whole. [Company] is committed to tackling cultural stereotypes both within and outside our organization. We have clear reporting procedures for any type of discrimination or harassment combined with follow-up procedures to prevent future incidents.
[Company] is diverse along many dimensions. Our diversity encompasses differences in ethnicity, gender, language, age, sexual orientation, religion, socio-economic status, physical and mental ability, thinking styles, experience, and education. We believe that the wide array of perspectives that results from such diversity promotes innovation and business success. Managing diversity makes us more creative, flexible, productive and competitive."
It is especially important for federal contractors and subcontractors to have diversity and inclusion policies, since they must abide by Executive Order 11246, as amended; Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended, 38 U.S.C. 4212.
If you don't know if you are a federal contractor, you can take a look at the definition of a federal contract. A federal contract is defined by the government as any agreement between a department or agency of the Federal Government and any person for the purchase, sale, or use of goods or services, while a federal subcontract is an agreement or arrangement with a Federal contractor either (1) for the furnishing of supplies or services or for the use of real or personal property, which is necessary to the performance of any one or more Federal contracts; or (2) under which any portion of the Federal contractor's obligation under any contracts is performed, undertaken, or assumed. So some but not all contracts with a Federal contractor will trigger coverage under the laws administered by OFCCP.
An example of an inclusion policy might read: [Company] is fully committed to the fair and equal treatment of everyone we deal with. We see diversity as an asset that helps deliver our vision of a service meeting the needs of all our customers and stakeholders, regardless of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion, belief or socio-economic background.
[Company] believes in treating all people with respect and dignity. We strive to create and foster a supportive and understanding environment in which all individuals realize their maximum potential within the company, regardless of their differences. We are committed to employing the best people to do the best job possible. We recognize the importance of reflecting the diversity of our customers and markets in our workforce. The diverse capabilities that reside within our talented workforce, positions [ ] to anticipate and fulfill the needs of our diverse customers, both domestically and internationally, providing high quality products/services.
[Company] recognizes that there are distinct demographic groups that have long been disadvantaged. We recognize that racism, ageism, sexism and other forms of discrimination are problems both for our organization and society as a whole. [Company] is committed to tackling cultural stereotypes both within and outside our organization. We have clear reporting procedures for any type of discrimination or harassment combined with follow-up procedures to prevent future incidents.
[Company] is diverse along many dimensions. Our diversity encompasses differences in ethnicity, gender, language, age, sexual orientation, religion, socio-economic status, physical and mental ability, thinking styles, experience, and education. We believe that the wide array of perspectives that results from such diversity promotes innovation and business success. Managing diversity makes us more creative, flexible, productive and competitive."
Too Old For The Job
Warren's frustration was barely perceptible the day that he walked into my office. He rarely visited without an appointment, and my curiosity was immediately peaked.
I knew that the day previous he'd finally had his much anticipated meeting with a key decision-maker. Warren [not his real name] was in an active job search and over the previous three weeks had spoken by phone with this contact about a position he'd applied for. He'd obtained his name from a colleague who also worked at the company and who managed to get Warren's resume into the contact's hands. HR subsequently called to arrange a phone conversation. The decision-maker worked closely with the position Warren applied for and didn't hide his growing interest as he came to recognize how closely Warren aligned with what the company was looking for in filling this job.
"I was really psyched about yesterday's meeting," Warren said to me, punctuating his words with agitated gestures. "Both of my earlier conversations on the phone went really well. I figured it was a done deal when he said he wanted me to meet the two directors, one of whom is the guy I'd be working directly for."
As Warren continued chatting he became more bothered in a way that, as a career specialist, I recognized all too frequently. "When I walked into his office and introduced myself," he continued, "he looked kind of disappointed and his smile faded. As we talked his tone seemed different than on the phone-the enthusiasm was gone. I tried not to read anything into it but there was no denying it. It was pretty obvious.
"The clincher was when he said that the other individuals weren't available to meet with me after all - scheduling conflict, he said - and he couldn't say when they'd be available again. He'd call me, he said. I was there less than 30 minutes."
I sat in patient anticipation and waited for the inevitable conclusion. "The conversations went so well up until he met me," he surmised matter-of-factly. "I believe it was my age."
- THE REALITY -
Whereas the unemployment rate for workers aged 55 and over remains lower than rates for the total labor force, the Bureau of Labor Statistics cites that since the start of the recession both the number of unemployed and the unemployment rate have increased by a greater percentage among the older segment of the workforce than for younger segments. And, once unemployed, older workers are on average out of work longer than younger counterparts.
The person on the other side of the table might very well be young enough to be your son or daughter. Because it's only natural for the hiring manager to want to like the person hired - or at the very least identify with that person - let's focus in on two of the more common themes of stereotyped thinking regarding older workers:
1. Older people are less healthy/lack energy. Of course, the aging process sometimes brings health issues, but that can be overcome by appearing fit and healthy. In her book, Finding A Job After 50, author Jeannette Woodward relates the account of a high school reunion at which an outsider would never guess that everyone there was the relatively same age. There are things we do or don't do that make us look and carry ourselves older.
2. Older people are know-it-alls/resistant to change. The environment is certainly different than 15 or 20 years ago. One thing older workers must avoid is when-I-was-your-age syndrome! If you maintain an attitude of how things used to be, or how things should be, you're sabotaging your job search efforts.
There are other ill-gotten notions about older workers, but these tend to predominate. Let's say you are the person sitting in that hiring manager's chair. Would you hire you? Assuming you would...why? The challenge as an older worker is to emphasize the value that you bring to the table and anticipate and deflect the (mis)perceptions. Conveying the what's-in-it-for-the-Employer is paramount during that conversation.
- EMPHASIZE YOUR VALUE -
I'm finding it increasingly ironic, having dealt personally with hundreds of job seekers during my career, that older workers themselves are swayed by the stereotypes associated with the job search. One particular client confessed to me that she had no particular concerns about finding a new job until a friend said to her, "Because you're old, you're going to have trouble finding a job. Nobody's going to want to hire you." She said she never thought of herself as "old" until her friend's remark and now she was worried! (Fortunately her confidence was restored after attending my Overcoming Age Bias In the Job Search seminar.)
In the informative and motivational book, The Age Advantage: Making the Most of Your Midlife Career Transition, author Jean Erickson Walker notes that inasmuch as age is indeed an issue, it's up to you to make it an advantage instead. I often remind my clients that two things are mandatory in this regard:
Know your Wow! factor... and know how to effectively articulate it.
As a mature worker you bring a level of skills and experience that can't be provided by even the sharpest new college graduate. Don't be intimidated by your own experience. It has served you well throughout your career:
-- You no doubt have a strong work ethic. There's no sense of "entitlement" in how you approach what you do.
-- You have both depth and breadth of experience. You bring a sense of history to your profession. You (and workers like you) are the 'memory' of your profession.
-- Your professional network is strong. You know a lot of people. Tap into that vast pool of compatriots!
-- Contrary to the stereotype, you probably are both computer savvy and up-to-date technically. (If not, take a computer class.)
-- You've probably had a great deal of experience working collaboratively with people of various ages. One particular client of mine reported that she included names of Gen X-er colleagues on her reference list. Great idea! The employer will now get a valuable "younger" perspective on how you do what you do.
-- Conduct your search with heavy emphasis on Networking. This is an essential part of anyone's job search, but even more so if age is a concern. As an older worker you need advocates - cheerleaders - who can pave your way and champion your message within targeted companies.
-- Become a member of a professional organization within your occupation - then join a team. On a team you are now behind-the-scenes in a role of influence, and the quality of your network is fortified.
-- Should you color your hair? This is becoming a hot-button issue in the job search. It's not too much of an issue for women, as we've been doing that without apology for eons. Ironically, it's men who are much more likely to (discreetly) ask me if they should color their hair. I have a stock answer: it's not about looking younger - it's about looking relevant. We all know those folks who seem to have been locked, for whatever psycho-nostalgic reason, into some long-ago decade. Do you look out of touch, out of style? Again, the person on the other side of the table might be young enough to be your son or daughter. Do you look like (and come across as) that person's old Aunt Clara or Uncle Rufus?
I gazed at Warren standing there. "I believe it was my age," he repeated matter-of-factly. I nodded in considered agreement. No sense trying to put a saccharin spin on this.
"You're probably right," I said. "Sit down, let's talk."
I knew that the day previous he'd finally had his much anticipated meeting with a key decision-maker. Warren [not his real name] was in an active job search and over the previous three weeks had spoken by phone with this contact about a position he'd applied for. He'd obtained his name from a colleague who also worked at the company and who managed to get Warren's resume into the contact's hands. HR subsequently called to arrange a phone conversation. The decision-maker worked closely with the position Warren applied for and didn't hide his growing interest as he came to recognize how closely Warren aligned with what the company was looking for in filling this job.
"I was really psyched about yesterday's meeting," Warren said to me, punctuating his words with agitated gestures. "Both of my earlier conversations on the phone went really well. I figured it was a done deal when he said he wanted me to meet the two directors, one of whom is the guy I'd be working directly for."
As Warren continued chatting he became more bothered in a way that, as a career specialist, I recognized all too frequently. "When I walked into his office and introduced myself," he continued, "he looked kind of disappointed and his smile faded. As we talked his tone seemed different than on the phone-the enthusiasm was gone. I tried not to read anything into it but there was no denying it. It was pretty obvious.
"The clincher was when he said that the other individuals weren't available to meet with me after all - scheduling conflict, he said - and he couldn't say when they'd be available again. He'd call me, he said. I was there less than 30 minutes."
I sat in patient anticipation and waited for the inevitable conclusion. "The conversations went so well up until he met me," he surmised matter-of-factly. "I believe it was my age."
- THE REALITY -
Whereas the unemployment rate for workers aged 55 and over remains lower than rates for the total labor force, the Bureau of Labor Statistics cites that since the start of the recession both the number of unemployed and the unemployment rate have increased by a greater percentage among the older segment of the workforce than for younger segments. And, once unemployed, older workers are on average out of work longer than younger counterparts.
The person on the other side of the table might very well be young enough to be your son or daughter. Because it's only natural for the hiring manager to want to like the person hired - or at the very least identify with that person - let's focus in on two of the more common themes of stereotyped thinking regarding older workers:
1. Older people are less healthy/lack energy. Of course, the aging process sometimes brings health issues, but that can be overcome by appearing fit and healthy. In her book, Finding A Job After 50, author Jeannette Woodward relates the account of a high school reunion at which an outsider would never guess that everyone there was the relatively same age. There are things we do or don't do that make us look and carry ourselves older.
2. Older people are know-it-alls/resistant to change. The environment is certainly different than 15 or 20 years ago. One thing older workers must avoid is when-I-was-your-age syndrome! If you maintain an attitude of how things used to be, or how things should be, you're sabotaging your job search efforts.
There are other ill-gotten notions about older workers, but these tend to predominate. Let's say you are the person sitting in that hiring manager's chair. Would you hire you? Assuming you would...why? The challenge as an older worker is to emphasize the value that you bring to the table and anticipate and deflect the (mis)perceptions. Conveying the what's-in-it-for-the-Employer is paramount during that conversation.
- EMPHASIZE YOUR VALUE -
I'm finding it increasingly ironic, having dealt personally with hundreds of job seekers during my career, that older workers themselves are swayed by the stereotypes associated with the job search. One particular client confessed to me that she had no particular concerns about finding a new job until a friend said to her, "Because you're old, you're going to have trouble finding a job. Nobody's going to want to hire you." She said she never thought of herself as "old" until her friend's remark and now she was worried! (Fortunately her confidence was restored after attending my Overcoming Age Bias In the Job Search seminar.)
In the informative and motivational book, The Age Advantage: Making the Most of Your Midlife Career Transition, author Jean Erickson Walker notes that inasmuch as age is indeed an issue, it's up to you to make it an advantage instead. I often remind my clients that two things are mandatory in this regard:
Know your Wow! factor... and know how to effectively articulate it.
As a mature worker you bring a level of skills and experience that can't be provided by even the sharpest new college graduate. Don't be intimidated by your own experience. It has served you well throughout your career:
-- You no doubt have a strong work ethic. There's no sense of "entitlement" in how you approach what you do.
-- You have both depth and breadth of experience. You bring a sense of history to your profession. You (and workers like you) are the 'memory' of your profession.
-- Your professional network is strong. You know a lot of people. Tap into that vast pool of compatriots!
-- Contrary to the stereotype, you probably are both computer savvy and up-to-date technically. (If not, take a computer class.)
-- You've probably had a great deal of experience working collaboratively with people of various ages. One particular client of mine reported that she included names of Gen X-er colleagues on her reference list. Great idea! The employer will now get a valuable "younger" perspective on how you do what you do.
-- Conduct your search with heavy emphasis on Networking. This is an essential part of anyone's job search, but even more so if age is a concern. As an older worker you need advocates - cheerleaders - who can pave your way and champion your message within targeted companies.
-- Become a member of a professional organization within your occupation - then join a team. On a team you are now behind-the-scenes in a role of influence, and the quality of your network is fortified.
-- Should you color your hair? This is becoming a hot-button issue in the job search. It's not too much of an issue for women, as we've been doing that without apology for eons. Ironically, it's men who are much more likely to (discreetly) ask me if they should color their hair. I have a stock answer: it's not about looking younger - it's about looking relevant. We all know those folks who seem to have been locked, for whatever psycho-nostalgic reason, into some long-ago decade. Do you look out of touch, out of style? Again, the person on the other side of the table might be young enough to be your son or daughter. Do you look like (and come across as) that person's old Aunt Clara or Uncle Rufus?
I gazed at Warren standing there. "I believe it was my age," he repeated matter-of-factly. I nodded in considered agreement. No sense trying to put a saccharin spin on this.
"You're probably right," I said. "Sit down, let's talk."
Starting a Job Search
Starting a job search may come after several events: a layoff, a graduation, a voluntary termination, or a new career adventure. It can be difficult to get in the mindset of looking for a job. Possibly you feel dejected about being let go from your old job. Or you feel intimidated by the vast number of job resources out there and aren't sure where to start. Either way, there are a few things you can do to get yourself in the mindset of looking for a job.
First, you can talk to fellow job seekers. Maybe you have a friend or two that are looking for a job, or a family member. Talking to people who have been immersed in a job search for weeks or more can help. They can give you tips on where to search and places to avoid. They can also provide encouragement and keep you motivated.
Another way to get started on your job search is to contact alumni from your high school or college. Finding alumni may be the tricky part. You can either use your school's alumni association and attend regular meetings or you can look for fellow former graduates online on places like LinkedIn. You can ask the alumni how they got their job and if they have some advice for you. Even better, maybe they can open some doors for you at a company and help you score that hard-to-get interview.
Check around to get a feel for what is out there. You can use the Bureau of Labor and Statistic's job site to crunch numbers and see what jobs have the best outlook and what industries are struggling. You can also pinpoint geographical hotspots, or places that have a lot of job opportunities. Also consider checking on a company's career site. Not only do companies post on job boards, but they often have a career portal on their website that is filled with the most up-to-date opportunities. Companies usually employ an applicant tracking system, or a system that allows them to track who applies for positions. That way when someone applies, their resume isn't lost in a black hole. The applicant will remain in the company's database in case something else relevant is matched to their skills.
Creating a resume or updating an old one is another way you can get motivated to begin a job search. First you'll need to select a template. Then you choose your job objective and begin plotting out how you'll write about your job experience. You can choose bullet points, check points, or a brief synopsis, depending on your preference. Don't forget to include internships, education, and skills, such as Microsoft Office, Dreamweaver, data entry, bilingual, etc. There are a lot of skills you can include that will make your more attractive to employers.
Now it's time to start your job search. Begin by signing up for job boards. This is the easiest way you can get access to jobs. Sign up for a handful, but don't limit yourself to just one. Each day you'll need to wake up and perform the same routine. Search, apply, follow up. The apply part will take the longest. You'll need about an hour to complete each application. Be sure and answer all appropriate questions and attach updated documentation, such as a resume and cover letter.
First, you can talk to fellow job seekers. Maybe you have a friend or two that are looking for a job, or a family member. Talking to people who have been immersed in a job search for weeks or more can help. They can give you tips on where to search and places to avoid. They can also provide encouragement and keep you motivated.
Another way to get started on your job search is to contact alumni from your high school or college. Finding alumni may be the tricky part. You can either use your school's alumni association and attend regular meetings or you can look for fellow former graduates online on places like LinkedIn. You can ask the alumni how they got their job and if they have some advice for you. Even better, maybe they can open some doors for you at a company and help you score that hard-to-get interview.
Check around to get a feel for what is out there. You can use the Bureau of Labor and Statistic's job site to crunch numbers and see what jobs have the best outlook and what industries are struggling. You can also pinpoint geographical hotspots, or places that have a lot of job opportunities. Also consider checking on a company's career site. Not only do companies post on job boards, but they often have a career portal on their website that is filled with the most up-to-date opportunities. Companies usually employ an applicant tracking system, or a system that allows them to track who applies for positions. That way when someone applies, their resume isn't lost in a black hole. The applicant will remain in the company's database in case something else relevant is matched to their skills.
Creating a resume or updating an old one is another way you can get motivated to begin a job search. First you'll need to select a template. Then you choose your job objective and begin plotting out how you'll write about your job experience. You can choose bullet points, check points, or a brief synopsis, depending on your preference. Don't forget to include internships, education, and skills, such as Microsoft Office, Dreamweaver, data entry, bilingual, etc. There are a lot of skills you can include that will make your more attractive to employers.
Now it's time to start your job search. Begin by signing up for job boards. This is the easiest way you can get access to jobs. Sign up for a handful, but don't limit yourself to just one. Each day you'll need to wake up and perform the same routine. Search, apply, follow up. The apply part will take the longest. You'll need about an hour to complete each application. Be sure and answer all appropriate questions and attach updated documentation, such as a resume and cover letter.
The Job Search Challenge
You are now faced with the job search challenge. One of the big challenges in life is to make a successful job change or career move. For some, depending on the industry they are in this can be relatively easy. But for the vast majority of job seekers it is a time of high stress, anxiety and fear of the unknown.
Job Search - The Four Biggest Stresses
It is often said that the four most stressful things in life in no particular order are:
1. Losing your job
2. Moving to a new area
3. Divorce---not just from a spouse but also a business partner.
4. Death of someone close to you.
Job Search - Losing Your Job - The Triple Stressor
You've lost your job. I believe for many this is the most stressful event. Why? When you lose your job you inevitably are going to have to move to a new area in terms of work location. And, you are going through a divorce in a business relationship. In a way you have all three stressors coming together at the same time.
Even worse because you are not being forced out, you are unhappy in your present position, feel stuck, overwhelmed and don't see a way out. If you are looking for a path to low self-esteem and unhappiness punch your ticket every day to doing something or working somewhere you don't enjoy.
Job Search - Reality - I Must Do Something - But What?
And, now that reality has hit you smack across the side of your face and you are staring at the fact that you don't even know where or how or both, to begin designing your future to have the job or career you desire. The skills it took to perform your present job well aren't going to help you find your next job. They will be a starting point in that they will qualify you to apply for a job.
Job Search - The Skills You Must Have
But the skills of resume writing, interviewing and creating a job search process are in a word, non-existent or at the very best haven't been used in a long time. As a personal business coach who has collaborated with clients on job searches I can assure you that the quickest way to increase your odds of success is to improve these skills.
Job Search - This Is A Competition
A job search or a career change is a competition. How are you going to stand out from the crowd? First, you must have a resume that is accomplishments driven. After all, potential employers are interested in what you can accomplish. Most of the time, resumes are a chronology of where people have been and their titles.
Think about it, lots of people have a comparable history to yours with similar titles. It's your accomplishments that let you stand out from the crowd. I start by collaborating with them to rewrite their resume.
In subsequent posts I will talk more about the resume and two other important components to a successful job search, interviewing skills and creating an ongoing process to generate leads for job interview.
Job Search - The Four Biggest Stresses
It is often said that the four most stressful things in life in no particular order are:
1. Losing your job
2. Moving to a new area
3. Divorce---not just from a spouse but also a business partner.
4. Death of someone close to you.
Job Search - Losing Your Job - The Triple Stressor
You've lost your job. I believe for many this is the most stressful event. Why? When you lose your job you inevitably are going to have to move to a new area in terms of work location. And, you are going through a divorce in a business relationship. In a way you have all three stressors coming together at the same time.
Even worse because you are not being forced out, you are unhappy in your present position, feel stuck, overwhelmed and don't see a way out. If you are looking for a path to low self-esteem and unhappiness punch your ticket every day to doing something or working somewhere you don't enjoy.
Job Search - Reality - I Must Do Something - But What?
And, now that reality has hit you smack across the side of your face and you are staring at the fact that you don't even know where or how or both, to begin designing your future to have the job or career you desire. The skills it took to perform your present job well aren't going to help you find your next job. They will be a starting point in that they will qualify you to apply for a job.
Job Search - The Skills You Must Have
But the skills of resume writing, interviewing and creating a job search process are in a word, non-existent or at the very best haven't been used in a long time. As a personal business coach who has collaborated with clients on job searches I can assure you that the quickest way to increase your odds of success is to improve these skills.
Job Search - This Is A Competition
A job search or a career change is a competition. How are you going to stand out from the crowd? First, you must have a resume that is accomplishments driven. After all, potential employers are interested in what you can accomplish. Most of the time, resumes are a chronology of where people have been and their titles.
Think about it, lots of people have a comparable history to yours with similar titles. It's your accomplishments that let you stand out from the crowd. I start by collaborating with them to rewrite their resume.
In subsequent posts I will talk more about the resume and two other important components to a successful job search, interviewing skills and creating an ongoing process to generate leads for job interview.
Does Saving Now Make for a Better Financial Future?
When bills come due and you don't have the money to pay them, your marriage can suffer. A lack of necessary funds leaves both parties stressed and primed to fight over little and big things alike. When you learn to be frugal, you can avoid this stress, pay your bills and set yourself up financially, both now and in the future.
The sooner you learn to make smart buying choices and cut expenses, the sooner you will be on the road to a better financial future. By creating a budget and sticking to it, you will find that you have choices you never dreamed of. Do you want to travel around the world or retire by the age of 50? When you learn to be frugal and budget your money, these goals will be much easier to reach. New options will be available.
Many people look at retirement as the end of a job. There are actually many other changes that accompany this major milestone. Those who have been using frugal living tips for years will find that, even without a steady paycheck, you can continue in your lifestyle with very few changes. You can enjoy life without having to work every day to get the things you want. The hamster wheel you have been running on will be a thing of the past.
A frugal lifestyle has many other benefits also. Being frugal allows you to put more money into a savings account. When you build up several months of income in this account, you can opt to open a business or follow another path that you have chosen. Worrying about how you are going to pay the bills won't be an issue. You can focus on being successful in whatever it is you want to do without stressing over where the money will come from.
Frugal living tips will have you saving a great deal in a short period of time. Have you always dreamed of traveling around the world? Your frugal lifestyle will allow you to do this. Not only will you have the necessary money to take the time off from work, you can see more of the world as you will know how to travel frugally. It may be that you dream of changing careers, but need to return to school to do so. Having a nest egg in the bank will allow you to do this and the same is true if you dream of writing the next great American novel.
Many dismiss a frugal lifestyle, but you should not. Living inexpensively and saving money gives you freedom that you would otherwise not have. When you choose to not buy that high ticket item and save the money instead, you are creating a better future for yourself. Find ways to cut your budget and save the money that would have been otherwise flying out of your hands. Not only will this savings help you if an emergency arises, it will also provide you with financial security. You'll love the feeling you get when this is the case.
The sooner you learn to make smart buying choices and cut expenses, the sooner you will be on the road to a better financial future. By creating a budget and sticking to it, you will find that you have choices you never dreamed of. Do you want to travel around the world or retire by the age of 50? When you learn to be frugal and budget your money, these goals will be much easier to reach. New options will be available.
Many people look at retirement as the end of a job. There are actually many other changes that accompany this major milestone. Those who have been using frugal living tips for years will find that, even without a steady paycheck, you can continue in your lifestyle with very few changes. You can enjoy life without having to work every day to get the things you want. The hamster wheel you have been running on will be a thing of the past.
A frugal lifestyle has many other benefits also. Being frugal allows you to put more money into a savings account. When you build up several months of income in this account, you can opt to open a business or follow another path that you have chosen. Worrying about how you are going to pay the bills won't be an issue. You can focus on being successful in whatever it is you want to do without stressing over where the money will come from.
Frugal living tips will have you saving a great deal in a short period of time. Have you always dreamed of traveling around the world? Your frugal lifestyle will allow you to do this. Not only will you have the necessary money to take the time off from work, you can see more of the world as you will know how to travel frugally. It may be that you dream of changing careers, but need to return to school to do so. Having a nest egg in the bank will allow you to do this and the same is true if you dream of writing the next great American novel.
Many dismiss a frugal lifestyle, but you should not. Living inexpensively and saving money gives you freedom that you would otherwise not have. When you choose to not buy that high ticket item and save the money instead, you are creating a better future for yourself. Find ways to cut your budget and save the money that would have been otherwise flying out of your hands. Not only will this savings help you if an emergency arises, it will also provide you with financial security. You'll love the feeling you get when this is the case.
Athletes Create a New Response to Pressure
Stepping out of your comfort zone is the norm for competitive athletes. Highly motivated athletes are expected to train harder, perform better for optimal results. High performance is easiest under ideal conditions.
If you've been competing for any length of time, you know conditions are not always in your favor. Maintaining focus during crunch time, facing adverse conditions, requires confidence, focus and a strong skill set.
How you respond to adversity is what separates the winners from all the other athletes. A small margin exists in the physical abilities between elite athletes. Frequently it is just one point, one shot or a fraction of a second to claim the winning title.
How can an athlete transform from a choker, underperforming when pressured, to a clutch player, rising up to the challenge at crunch time?
During crunch time the athlete who maintains a strong focus under pressure will outperform even more talented athletes. The insights about your response to pressure plus training to stay strong will transform you from choking under pressure to clutch performance. Now's the time for you to create a new response.
Challenge: What can you learn from previous experience where you choked under pressure? In your notebook, list the problem and your response. Now list the new response you'd like to develop. Write down which thoughts interfere with your performance. Now write what you are willing to do differently to change your response. If you can't think of anything then think of someone else you know who doesn't let pressure get under their skin. Consider what they are doing that is different from you. Now list what you noticed about them that you could model.
If you've been competing for any length of time, you know conditions are not always in your favor. Maintaining focus during crunch time, facing adverse conditions, requires confidence, focus and a strong skill set.
How you respond to adversity is what separates the winners from all the other athletes. A small margin exists in the physical abilities between elite athletes. Frequently it is just one point, one shot or a fraction of a second to claim the winning title.
How can an athlete transform from a choker, underperforming when pressured, to a clutch player, rising up to the challenge at crunch time?
- Challenge - When do you choke under pressure? Awareness of the events causing you to lose focus is your starting point.
- Story - What do you tell yourself when you're feeling pressured? Confidence is replaced by anxiety during high pressure moments. Without you realizing what is happening under the surface your thoughts start shifting to the problem. The most confident athletes crumble under pressure. It's all due to a shift in their perception.
- Detachment - Many athletes are tied to their story. If something unexpected occurs, then you react a certain way. Fight, flight or freeze are the most common responses. Even though you probably aren't in a dangerous situation your brain is responding as if you are going to be attacked. What causes you to choke is your emotional response. Clutch athletes size up the situation, without a lot of emotion. Remaining neutral, and slightly detached, dramatically shifts your perception. You want to act, not react, under pressure.
- Insights - lead to a solution. Take an honest assessment of your typical response to crunch time moments. Often a pattern exists. Sometimes it's obvious to everyone but you. Discover how you cope during tough high pressure moments. Decide if your response is really working for you now.
- Preparation: Now that you've done some digging around it's time to plan. Who do you need to become to maintain focus through adversity? It's an interesting question athletes rarely ask themselves. Don't wait for the next crunch time challenge causing you to choke again. Take initiative. Create a new response to those high pressure moments.
- Coaching - Similar to any other part of your training program, performance accelerates with coaching. Training your mental game is just as important for clutch performance as your speed, agility and endurance training. Frequently poor performance is due to your mindset.
During crunch time the athlete who maintains a strong focus under pressure will outperform even more talented athletes. The insights about your response to pressure plus training to stay strong will transform you from choking under pressure to clutch performance. Now's the time for you to create a new response.
Challenge: What can you learn from previous experience where you choked under pressure? In your notebook, list the problem and your response. Now list the new response you'd like to develop. Write down which thoughts interfere with your performance. Now write what you are willing to do differently to change your response. If you can't think of anything then think of someone else you know who doesn't let pressure get under their skin. Consider what they are doing that is different from you. Now list what you noticed about them that you could model.
Gift Ideas for Your Husband
Looking for the perfect gift for your husband may not be as easy. Since you have been through the wooing stage, you rarely buy him gifts; which should be a great reason why you should come up with the good ones this time. But then again, if you lack some creative ideas as to what to buy for your husband in an upcoming event, you might want to check out the most common gift ideas for men.
Belt.
As you might have observed, men wear belts as their personal choice of accessory. The good thing about the belt is that they are very versatile, and you can be sure that your husband is to use this. This can be specifically true to those who are in the corporate world, as this accessory forms part of their daily get-up. All you have to do is make sure that you have your husband's waistline right and you are to have the perfect one for him. It will be best too, to go for the leather belts as they last longer. Ask for the assistance of some department store salesperson or you can order for one online if you lack the time.
Leather wallet
Aside from the belts, the wallet is also a good pick. Did you know that men change their wallet only twice in their lifetime? Maybe, your husband needs mine changed as well. The thing about men is that they don't pay much attention to stuff like this; as they consider these wallets as those that do not require much of their attention. Then so, chances are, your husband's wallet is worn out and needs replacement. Leather made ones are the best choice too.
Sneakers
Men are naturally physically active; then so, coming up with a sneaker as a gift for him may be another motivator for him to hit the gym. Finding the perfect sneakers may not be much of a difficulty due to the vast availability of this product whether in the brick and mortar stores or in the online shops. If you are hesitant as to buying though, checking out some blogs and websites that may recommend some great finds may be a good idea. Make sure to have your husband's feet size correct, or you'll defeat the purpose after all.
PJs
PJs are as essential as the underwear. How can your husband rest better after a long and tiring day without a comfortable pair? Then so, buying some pairs of PJs for him may be a great gift idea. You can even add some spice to gift by having some funny patterned pyjamas, or those which are colourfully designed. Make sure to buy the ones with the lightest fabric too, as it adds to the comfort of the PJs.
Ties
Ties are best and ideal gift if this is a part of your husband's daily outfit, but otherwise if not. Then so come up with the ones with the cool pattern, and you're sure to make your husband happy on that special day.
Belt.
As you might have observed, men wear belts as their personal choice of accessory. The good thing about the belt is that they are very versatile, and you can be sure that your husband is to use this. This can be specifically true to those who are in the corporate world, as this accessory forms part of their daily get-up. All you have to do is make sure that you have your husband's waistline right and you are to have the perfect one for him. It will be best too, to go for the leather belts as they last longer. Ask for the assistance of some department store salesperson or you can order for one online if you lack the time.
Leather wallet
Aside from the belts, the wallet is also a good pick. Did you know that men change their wallet only twice in their lifetime? Maybe, your husband needs mine changed as well. The thing about men is that they don't pay much attention to stuff like this; as they consider these wallets as those that do not require much of their attention. Then so, chances are, your husband's wallet is worn out and needs replacement. Leather made ones are the best choice too.
Sneakers
Men are naturally physically active; then so, coming up with a sneaker as a gift for him may be another motivator for him to hit the gym. Finding the perfect sneakers may not be much of a difficulty due to the vast availability of this product whether in the brick and mortar stores or in the online shops. If you are hesitant as to buying though, checking out some blogs and websites that may recommend some great finds may be a good idea. Make sure to have your husband's feet size correct, or you'll defeat the purpose after all.
PJs
PJs are as essential as the underwear. How can your husband rest better after a long and tiring day without a comfortable pair? Then so, buying some pairs of PJs for him may be a great gift idea. You can even add some spice to gift by having some funny patterned pyjamas, or those which are colourfully designed. Make sure to buy the ones with the lightest fabric too, as it adds to the comfort of the PJs.
Ties
Ties are best and ideal gift if this is a part of your husband's daily outfit, but otherwise if not. Then so come up with the ones with the cool pattern, and you're sure to make your husband happy on that special day.
Advantages of Using Banking Services
Aside from keeping our money safe at banks, many of us are ignorant to the many services that banks can offer. The basic function of these financial establishments is to safe guard the money of their customers; provide services such as borrowing and loaning money on various different schemes and providing easy payment of bills through the internet or banking cards. Entrusting money with banks can give people a sense of security as they would have better control over the financials as well as the money would be safe from theft. With banks, money can be dealt with more securely as for example when receiving your pay, you do not have to deal with hard cash but instead most companies just transfer their employees pay into their bank accounts. This reduces the risk of mishandling the money or theft.
Many banks in today's date also offer their customers with online banking. This form of banking has gained much popularity in the past few years as they make everyday transactions much more convenient. As technology progress, more and more advanced gadgets are being produced. Banks have merged their online banking service with these technological gadgets. Paying bills, transferring funds or making payments for your purchases was never this easy. You can carry out all these tasks by simply using your mobile phone. Online banking can save precious time for people as one would not have to go all the way down to an ATM to make payments for bills or transfer funds. However, several security threats come with online banking as your bank account can be manipulated if a hacker is able to break into your account. To prevent this sort of events from happenings, banks have several measures in places. Aside from the regular pin that you would be required to log in, some banks make use of another gadget that would generate a code for you to key in when you are logging in to your account. As long as the device is in your hands, you can be assured that only you can log in. However, you need to be careful as to where you place this device.
If you are the sort of person who likes to go cashless, you can apply for various ATM, Debit or Credit cards that banks offer. You can use these cards to make payments for your purchases at the grocery store, a retail outlet or even the internet. To prevent any unauthorized access to your card, banks require the owner of a card to either key in a pin or provide legit signature when making purchases. Banks are continuously on their toes to ensure that the financial safety of their customers is not at risk. Banks also offer their customers loans for various purposes. One can get a loan for almost anything in a bank. They also have lower interest rates on their loans as compared to other financial institutions.
If you are opening a new bank account, you may want to consider what type of account it is that you want. The three most common and popular accounts in most banks are the checking account, savings account and the money market account. Checking accounts serve the purpose of performing daily transactions that customers may need. Saving accounts are the accounts that are used by most people. These accounts are very beneficial for customers who wish to save. Money in these accounts would earn interest, which in other words means that the bank pays you to save money with them. Money market accounts are similar to saving accounts, the only difference being that they require the customer to deposit a higher amount, in return gaining higher interest rate as compared to the savings account.
With the recent developments in technology and banks, customers can now bank from the comfort of their home without having to be worried about their money. Banks offer several advantages to their customers and one should not use it for basic purposes but take advantage of the services that banks provide their customers with.
Many banks in today's date also offer their customers with online banking. This form of banking has gained much popularity in the past few years as they make everyday transactions much more convenient. As technology progress, more and more advanced gadgets are being produced. Banks have merged their online banking service with these technological gadgets. Paying bills, transferring funds or making payments for your purchases was never this easy. You can carry out all these tasks by simply using your mobile phone. Online banking can save precious time for people as one would not have to go all the way down to an ATM to make payments for bills or transfer funds. However, several security threats come with online banking as your bank account can be manipulated if a hacker is able to break into your account. To prevent this sort of events from happenings, banks have several measures in places. Aside from the regular pin that you would be required to log in, some banks make use of another gadget that would generate a code for you to key in when you are logging in to your account. As long as the device is in your hands, you can be assured that only you can log in. However, you need to be careful as to where you place this device.
If you are the sort of person who likes to go cashless, you can apply for various ATM, Debit or Credit cards that banks offer. You can use these cards to make payments for your purchases at the grocery store, a retail outlet or even the internet. To prevent any unauthorized access to your card, banks require the owner of a card to either key in a pin or provide legit signature when making purchases. Banks are continuously on their toes to ensure that the financial safety of their customers is not at risk. Banks also offer their customers loans for various purposes. One can get a loan for almost anything in a bank. They also have lower interest rates on their loans as compared to other financial institutions.
If you are opening a new bank account, you may want to consider what type of account it is that you want. The three most common and popular accounts in most banks are the checking account, savings account and the money market account. Checking accounts serve the purpose of performing daily transactions that customers may need. Saving accounts are the accounts that are used by most people. These accounts are very beneficial for customers who wish to save. Money in these accounts would earn interest, which in other words means that the bank pays you to save money with them. Money market accounts are similar to saving accounts, the only difference being that they require the customer to deposit a higher amount, in return gaining higher interest rate as compared to the savings account.
With the recent developments in technology and banks, customers can now bank from the comfort of their home without having to be worried about their money. Banks offer several advantages to their customers and one should not use it for basic purposes but take advantage of the services that banks provide their customers with.
Understanding A Sole Trader's Operating Costs
Starting a business is challenging. Even if you have the resources to get your venture off the ground and enough connections in the business to get the ball rolling, you still need to be aware of the expenses that the business will generate and the best way to manage your operating costs.
Sole Proprietorship
Whether your business is within a service industry like accounting, gardening or construction or as a skilled tradesman like an electrician, plumber or mechanic, you will have costs that need to be paid and accounted for. These costs may include transportation if your work involves an element of travel, or a property rent, if you are working from an office or goods yard. More often than not, these costs will be incurred monthly.
Accounting
Even as a sole trader you will need assistance from other professionals in order to function. Unless you are an accountant, you will need one to help your business grow. Keeping your personal accounts and your business accounts separate is the first way of establishing where the company's money comes from and goes to, but that doesn't tell the whole story. A qualified accountant will be able to show the owner where money could be saved.
Tax
Having the services of an accountant is particularly important when tax is considered. An accountant's tax saving strategies could save the business money. Using an accountant also saves you time that can be invested in growing the business by taking on more work.
Bills
Everyone has bills to pay and it's the same for a small business. Whether the bills are for the cost of energy like electricity, or loans against machinery or vehicles, their costs have to be taken against any revenue to establish the profit. Some costs are fixed and are easy to calculate. These costs include any loans or rent agreements in place. Other costs, like the cost of materials and utility bill charges, vary from month to month.
Most utility companies allow for monthly direct debits that create a fixed cost for a set period of time. If you choose to do this you should make sure that the amount you pay covers more than the estimated monthly usage, as it's always better to overestimate the cost. The same goes for any cost that is not fixed.
Final Word
Sole traders don't need to take a wage, as they are entitled to all of the company's profits. Understanding the company's costs and managing them well ultimately leads to greater profits for the owner. Before a business is started, traders should make a list of the associated costs and make sure that the estimated revenue will exceed the costs by enough to provide a living.
Sole Proprietorship
Whether your business is within a service industry like accounting, gardening or construction or as a skilled tradesman like an electrician, plumber or mechanic, you will have costs that need to be paid and accounted for. These costs may include transportation if your work involves an element of travel, or a property rent, if you are working from an office or goods yard. More often than not, these costs will be incurred monthly.
Accounting
Even as a sole trader you will need assistance from other professionals in order to function. Unless you are an accountant, you will need one to help your business grow. Keeping your personal accounts and your business accounts separate is the first way of establishing where the company's money comes from and goes to, but that doesn't tell the whole story. A qualified accountant will be able to show the owner where money could be saved.
Tax
Having the services of an accountant is particularly important when tax is considered. An accountant's tax saving strategies could save the business money. Using an accountant also saves you time that can be invested in growing the business by taking on more work.
Bills
Everyone has bills to pay and it's the same for a small business. Whether the bills are for the cost of energy like electricity, or loans against machinery or vehicles, their costs have to be taken against any revenue to establish the profit. Some costs are fixed and are easy to calculate. These costs include any loans or rent agreements in place. Other costs, like the cost of materials and utility bill charges, vary from month to month.
Most utility companies allow for monthly direct debits that create a fixed cost for a set period of time. If you choose to do this you should make sure that the amount you pay covers more than the estimated monthly usage, as it's always better to overestimate the cost. The same goes for any cost that is not fixed.
Final Word
Sole traders don't need to take a wage, as they are entitled to all of the company's profits. Understanding the company's costs and managing them well ultimately leads to greater profits for the owner. Before a business is started, traders should make a list of the associated costs and make sure that the estimated revenue will exceed the costs by enough to provide a living.
Uses of Barcode Equipment
Barcodes are present everywhere be it on food items, shoes, computers, mobile phones or even water bottles. They have made stock taking, selling and many other tasks much easier. Instead of having to type the code, a person can just scan the barcode on an item and get its details in the computer. Doing so increases efficiency and productivity in an organization. Many business owners prefer to use barcode as they can have easy access to the information regarding their inventory and other details. Not only do items make use of barcodes but some countries even put barcodes on identification cards of their citizens. A single scan of the barcode and all the information about an individual can be retrieved. To understand how barcode equipment work, we first need to understand what barcode is.
Barcodes have been around for a few decades now. The most common variation of barcodes is those of vertical lines that have varying width and spacing between them. Each specific item in an inventory or store would have a unique barcode for itself. How the lines are placed is important as it contains data which can be scanned and extracted using barcode equipment. People normally tend to form misconceptions that the barcode only contains the price of the item. However it also contains information such as date of manufacture of the product, country of origin and the expiry date.
Many different types of scanners have been manufactured to be able to decode the information in barcodes. The most common are the pen readers, laser scanners, CCD scanners and camera based readers. Amongst these types of scanners, the most common is the laser scanner. The laser scanner would let out a laser onto the barcode and by measuring the reflected light, the barcode is decoded. Pen type readers work in a similar way as laser scanners. Their only difference is that the user has to manually move the reader across the barcode at a uniform speed. The laser scanner however can scan a code from as far as thirty feet away. The CCD reader has hundreds of tiny light sensors that are lined up in a row in the head of the reader. When the light is scanned upon a barcode, the sensors would measure the intensity of the light that is in front of it. As barcodes are black and white lines, the two colors would absorb light differently. Due to this, the reader is able to decipher the barcode. These readers work in a similar way to laser and pen readers. The difference between CCD readers and other tow readers is that the former measure the intensity of the light whereas the latter measure the amount of light reflected back.
A new generation of codes was developed in the recent years known as the QR code. This form of code is not found on items for sale but instead commonly used in the advertising industry. People can download an application into their phones that is able to read these codes. All they have to do is use their phone camera to take a picture of the code and once scanned, the application would open up a browser taking the person to the site of that advertisement. The use of barcodes have definitely revolutionized product purchasing, stock taking, advertising and even storing data of individuals more efficient.
Barcodes have been around for a few decades now. The most common variation of barcodes is those of vertical lines that have varying width and spacing between them. Each specific item in an inventory or store would have a unique barcode for itself. How the lines are placed is important as it contains data which can be scanned and extracted using barcode equipment. People normally tend to form misconceptions that the barcode only contains the price of the item. However it also contains information such as date of manufacture of the product, country of origin and the expiry date.
Many different types of scanners have been manufactured to be able to decode the information in barcodes. The most common are the pen readers, laser scanners, CCD scanners and camera based readers. Amongst these types of scanners, the most common is the laser scanner. The laser scanner would let out a laser onto the barcode and by measuring the reflected light, the barcode is decoded. Pen type readers work in a similar way as laser scanners. Their only difference is that the user has to manually move the reader across the barcode at a uniform speed. The laser scanner however can scan a code from as far as thirty feet away. The CCD reader has hundreds of tiny light sensors that are lined up in a row in the head of the reader. When the light is scanned upon a barcode, the sensors would measure the intensity of the light that is in front of it. As barcodes are black and white lines, the two colors would absorb light differently. Due to this, the reader is able to decipher the barcode. These readers work in a similar way to laser and pen readers. The difference between CCD readers and other tow readers is that the former measure the intensity of the light whereas the latter measure the amount of light reflected back.
A new generation of codes was developed in the recent years known as the QR code. This form of code is not found on items for sale but instead commonly used in the advertising industry. People can download an application into their phones that is able to read these codes. All they have to do is use their phone camera to take a picture of the code and once scanned, the application would open up a browser taking the person to the site of that advertisement. The use of barcodes have definitely revolutionized product purchasing, stock taking, advertising and even storing data of individuals more efficient.
The Advantages of Buying Wholesale Paper Bags
If you run a retail business, then you know that it requires lots of bags. Every customer who walks through your checkout line leaves with a bag, and these bags can be a substantial cost to your business. Therefore, it is important for a business to think carefully about the kind of bags that they are using in order to avoid unnecessary costs. Buying wholesale paper bags will help you to do just that.
The primary advantage of buying wholesale paper bags is that they are cost efficient. It is always cheaper to buy supplies wholesale, but buying paper bags this way will also help you to save money as opposed to buying other sorts wholesale. This is because paper bags are sturdier and tend to hold more items than plastic bags. Plastic bags are prone to ripping when heavy items or items with sharp edges are placed in them. This leads cashiers to double bag many items. Plastic bags also hold fewer items than paper sacks, and this means that it requires more of them to bag a customer's order. So, even if plastic bags are less expensive, per bag, they tend to be less cost effective than paper sacks since they require the retailer to give out more bags per customer.
Another advantage of paper sacks is that they have less of a negative effect on the environment. Paper, unlike plastic and some other materials, is biodegradable. This means that the bags that you hand to your customer will not spend hundreds of years sitting in a landfill somewhere. Moreover, paper bags are much more readily recyclable than plastic. In many cases, cities or townships do not offer easily accessible depositories for recycling plastic sacks, as these require different treatment than other sorts of plastics. Paper sacks, on the other hand, can be recycled in any paper depository which makes them much more likely to actually be recycled by the customer. Thus, buying wholesale paper bags as opposed to plastic is a way in which your business can be more environmentally friendly.
Overall, then, buying wholesale paper bags is the best option for your business. Doing this will allow you to save money by both buying at wholesale prices and by purchasing an item that allows you to give out fewer per customer. It also allows you to continue to do business conscientiously by taking steps to protect the environment.
The primary advantage of buying wholesale paper bags is that they are cost efficient. It is always cheaper to buy supplies wholesale, but buying paper bags this way will also help you to save money as opposed to buying other sorts wholesale. This is because paper bags are sturdier and tend to hold more items than plastic bags. Plastic bags are prone to ripping when heavy items or items with sharp edges are placed in them. This leads cashiers to double bag many items. Plastic bags also hold fewer items than paper sacks, and this means that it requires more of them to bag a customer's order. So, even if plastic bags are less expensive, per bag, they tend to be less cost effective than paper sacks since they require the retailer to give out more bags per customer.
Another advantage of paper sacks is that they have less of a negative effect on the environment. Paper, unlike plastic and some other materials, is biodegradable. This means that the bags that you hand to your customer will not spend hundreds of years sitting in a landfill somewhere. Moreover, paper bags are much more readily recyclable than plastic. In many cases, cities or townships do not offer easily accessible depositories for recycling plastic sacks, as these require different treatment than other sorts of plastics. Paper sacks, on the other hand, can be recycled in any paper depository which makes them much more likely to actually be recycled by the customer. Thus, buying wholesale paper bags as opposed to plastic is a way in which your business can be more environmentally friendly.
Overall, then, buying wholesale paper bags is the best option for your business. Doing this will allow you to save money by both buying at wholesale prices and by purchasing an item that allows you to give out fewer per customer. It also allows you to continue to do business conscientiously by taking steps to protect the environment.
How to Find the Right Wholesale Hat Boxes Supplier
Finding the right wholesale hat boxes supplier to accommodate your business' needs can be a trivial experience, to say the least. Not only do you have to weed the bad companies out, you have to find who is willing and able to provide you with the service and prices you need. If you don't have a whole lot of time to figure all of that out, you may just want to try the trial and error method to see which wholesale boxes supplier is right for you.
Let's face it; hats are one of the world's most popular accessories. Men, women and children of all ages love to wear them. They come in a wide range of styles, colors and shapes. And depending on what type of hats you sell, will determine what kind of boxes you need. If you happen to sell a specific type of hats, you are going to be on the prowl for a really great deal for a wholesale supplier. The problem is some suppliers may not offer the boxes you need to get your customers their merchandise. This may lengthen the amount of time you need to find a good provider, but if you put in the time and effort, you will find the perfect solution in the end.
If you happen to sell a variety of different hats and styles, you should not have any problems finding wholesale hat boxes. In fact, you might end up with a huge list of suppliers to choose from. This can also lengthen the amount of time involved in your search. If you find that you are at your wit's end, try to do the following.
Contact the suppliers and ask about their shipping times and shipping prices. This will allow you to weed out any provider that is not going to be able to provide your supplies in the time frame you need. Inquire about where their products ship. If the boxes are coming from another country or another state, you may not be able to use that supplier.
Inquire about their prices and request a catalog or go on their website. You need to compare apples to apples I this case to really narrow down that list of wholesale hat boxes suppliers. You need to compare the quantities with the prices and find out which company can provide you with the best price per unit. You may find that some companies are willing to negotiate their prices as well. You may need to do a test order with 2 or 3 of the suppliers that seem promising. This will allow you to make a more educated decision on how well that business will serve your needs.
This will also give you the opportunity to test the quality of their customer service. Overall, you want to be really picky about choosing a wholesale hat boxes supplier. If you want your customers to continue coming to you because they consider you to be the best, you have to get your supplies from the best as well.
Let's face it; hats are one of the world's most popular accessories. Men, women and children of all ages love to wear them. They come in a wide range of styles, colors and shapes. And depending on what type of hats you sell, will determine what kind of boxes you need. If you happen to sell a specific type of hats, you are going to be on the prowl for a really great deal for a wholesale supplier. The problem is some suppliers may not offer the boxes you need to get your customers their merchandise. This may lengthen the amount of time you need to find a good provider, but if you put in the time and effort, you will find the perfect solution in the end.
If you happen to sell a variety of different hats and styles, you should not have any problems finding wholesale hat boxes. In fact, you might end up with a huge list of suppliers to choose from. This can also lengthen the amount of time involved in your search. If you find that you are at your wit's end, try to do the following.
Contact the suppliers and ask about their shipping times and shipping prices. This will allow you to weed out any provider that is not going to be able to provide your supplies in the time frame you need. Inquire about where their products ship. If the boxes are coming from another country or another state, you may not be able to use that supplier.
Inquire about their prices and request a catalog or go on their website. You need to compare apples to apples I this case to really narrow down that list of wholesale hat boxes suppliers. You need to compare the quantities with the prices and find out which company can provide you with the best price per unit. You may find that some companies are willing to negotiate their prices as well. You may need to do a test order with 2 or 3 of the suppliers that seem promising. This will allow you to make a more educated decision on how well that business will serve your needs.
This will also give you the opportunity to test the quality of their customer service. Overall, you want to be really picky about choosing a wholesale hat boxes supplier. If you want your customers to continue coming to you because they consider you to be the best, you have to get your supplies from the best as well.
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