In school, each quarter or semester, you received grades, indicating how well you did in meeting the teacher’s objectives and the standards set by the teacher for learning the material. These may have been happy times, with grades that truly reflected your performance, or they may have been fraught with tension as to whether you were going to pass a class.
In either case, these early experiences of being graded are not that different from the performance review, a regular occurrence in the workplace, where a manager or supervisor formally or informally judges your work performance over a specified period of time. In some cases, favorable performance reviews may be met with raises or promotions while unfavorable ones can help employees correct problems or errors with their work.
It is generally standard for a performance review to be conducted on a yearly basis. Some companies may have less formal ones more frequently. These monthly or quarterly check-ins can be beneficial to employees who are having trouble in the work environment because it gives them consistent feedback on the areas in which they need to improve. For the employee who is not performing at peak capacity, the yearly performancereview may be too long to wait to comment on areas the employee needs to change. Thus an employee who is doing something requiring correction will get feedback sooner so that they tailor their skills to better enhance performance.
As employers prepare for a performance review, employees should prepare too. If the review is a yearly one, it’s a good idea to think and make a list of concrete examples that show where your performance has met or exceeded the company’s standards in the last year. It’s also probably beneficial to acknowledge any mistakes you’ve made so you’re prepared for these if they are mentioned in a review. You might think of ways, if you’ve made mistakes that you’ve improved since that time, as these may help you to defend yourself against an extremely negative performance review. It can be difficult to receive a negative performance review, and though it is tempting to react immediately to it, you should give yourself a cool down time before reacting or offering any defense of your actions.
It’s too easy to be angry and sound unreasonable if you immediately start to defend yourself. Instead, take a day or two to read over thereview and do some self-searching to decide whether any criticisms are justified. If in a day or two, the critiques still do not seem to reflect your job performance, write a reasoned defense citing specific examples of your performance. Keep the tone professional and non-confrontational, and make your argument primarily through concrete examples of how certain criticisms were not true.
In a large company, sometimes a person does receive an undeserved negative review. It matters very much how professionally you state your objections to unfair critiques if you hope to change an employer’s opinion of you. When criticisms are justified, do take these in the manner they are offered: as a learning opportunity to help you enhance work performance.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Knowledge Sharing
Knowledge sharing is an activity through which knowledge (i.e. information, skills, or expertise) is exchanged among people, friends, or members of a family, a community (e.g. Wikipedia) or an organization. Organizations have recognized that knowledge constitutes a valuable intangible asset for creating and sustaining competitive advantages. Knowledge sharing activities are generally supported by knowledge management systems. However, technology constitutes only one of the many factors that affect the sharing of knowledge in organizations, such as organizational culture, trust, and incentives.
The sharing of knowledge constitutes a major challenge in the field of knowledge management because some employees tend to resist sharing their knowledge with the rest of the organization.One prominent obstacle is the notion that knowledge is property and ownership thus very important. In order to counteract this, individuals must be reassured that they will receive some type of incentive for what they create. However, Dalkir identified the risk in knowledge sharing is that individuals are most commonly rewarded for what they know, not what they share. If knowledge is not shared, negative consequences such as isolation and resistance to ideas occur.
To promote knowledge sharing and remove knowledge sharing obstacles, the organizational culture should encourage discovery and innovation. This will result in the creation of organizational culture trust.Knowledge may be accessed at three stages: before, during, or after KM-related activities. Different organisations have tried various knowledge capture incentives, including making content submission mandatory and incorporating rewards into performance measurementplans. Considerable controversy exists over whether incentives work or not in this field and no consensus has emerged.
One strategy to Knowledge Management involves actively managing knowledge (push strategy). In such an instance, individuals strive to explicitly encode their knowledge into a shared knowledge repository, such as a database, as well as retrieving knowledge they need that other individuals have provided to the repository.Early Knowledge Management technologies included online corporate yellow pages as expertise locators and document management systems. Combined with the early development of collaborative technologies (in particular Lotus Notes), KM technologies expanded in the mid-1990s. Subsequent KM efforts leveraged semantic technologies for search and retrieval and the development of e-learning tools for communities of practice.
More recently, development of social computing tools (such as blogs and wikis) have allowed more unstructured, self-governing or ecosystem approaches to the transfer, capture and creation of knowledge, including the development of new forms of communities, networks, or matrixed organisations. However such tools for the most part are still based on text and code, and thus represent explicit knowledge transfer. These tools face challenges in distilling meaningful re-usable knowledge and ensuring that their content is transmissible through diverse channels.
The sharing of knowledge constitutes a major challenge in the field of knowledge management because some employees tend to resist sharing their knowledge with the rest of the organization.One prominent obstacle is the notion that knowledge is property and ownership thus very important. In order to counteract this, individuals must be reassured that they will receive some type of incentive for what they create. However, Dalkir identified the risk in knowledge sharing is that individuals are most commonly rewarded for what they know, not what they share. If knowledge is not shared, negative consequences such as isolation and resistance to ideas occur.
To promote knowledge sharing and remove knowledge sharing obstacles, the organizational culture should encourage discovery and innovation. This will result in the creation of organizational culture trust.Knowledge may be accessed at three stages: before, during, or after KM-related activities. Different organisations have tried various knowledge capture incentives, including making content submission mandatory and incorporating rewards into performance measurementplans. Considerable controversy exists over whether incentives work or not in this field and no consensus has emerged.
One strategy to Knowledge Management involves actively managing knowledge (push strategy). In such an instance, individuals strive to explicitly encode their knowledge into a shared knowledge repository, such as a database, as well as retrieving knowledge they need that other individuals have provided to the repository.Early Knowledge Management technologies included online corporate yellow pages as expertise locators and document management systems. Combined with the early development of collaborative technologies (in particular Lotus Notes), KM technologies expanded in the mid-1990s. Subsequent KM efforts leveraged semantic technologies for search and retrieval and the development of e-learning tools for communities of practice.
More recently, development of social computing tools (such as blogs and wikis) have allowed more unstructured, self-governing or ecosystem approaches to the transfer, capture and creation of knowledge, including the development of new forms of communities, networks, or matrixed organisations. However such tools for the most part are still based on text and code, and thus represent explicit knowledge transfer. These tools face challenges in distilling meaningful re-usable knowledge and ensuring that their content is transmissible through diverse channels.
How to improve our memory skills?
Too many people get stuck here and convince themselves that their memory is bad, that they are just not good with names, that numbers just slip out of their minds for some reason. Erase those thoughts and vow to improve your memory. Commit yourself to the task and bask in your achievements -- it's hard to keep motivated if you beat yourself down every time you make a little bit of progress.
Regularly “exercising" the brain keeps it growing and spurs the development of new nerve connections that can help improve memory. By developing new mental skills—especially complex ones such as learning a new language or learning to play a new musical instrument—and challenging your brain with puzzles and games you can keep your brain active and improve its physiological functioning. Try some puzzle exercises everyday such as word cross, sudoku and some other games as easy to put into your mobile phone and practise it maybe once for 30 minutes per day.
Regular aerobic exercise improves circulation and efficiency throughout the body, including in the brain, and can help ward off the memory loss that comes with aging. Exercise also makes you more alert and relaxed, and can thereby improve your memory uptake, allowing you to take better mental “pictures." Memories are very fragile in the short-term, and distractions can make you quickly forget something as simple as a phone number. The key to avoid losing memories before you can even form them is to be able to focus on the thing to be remembered for a while without thinking about other things, so when you’re trying to remember something, avoid distractions and complicated tasks for a few minutes.
Chronic stress, although it does not physically damage the brain, can make remembering much more difficult. After prolonged stress the brain will be damaged. Stressful situations are recognized by the hypothalamus, which in turn signals the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland secreted adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) which influences the adrenal glands to secrete adrenaline and later cortisol(corticosteroids). The corticosteroids can weaken the blood-brain barrier and damage the hippocampus (the memory center).
Ironically, the hippocampus controls the secretion of the hormone released by the hypothalamus through a process of negative feedback. After chronic stress it will be damaged and it will not be as efficient in regulating the degenerative corticosteroids and memory will be harmed. Neurogenesis (formation of new neurons) indeed exists in the hippocampus but stress inhibits it. To recapitulate and synthesis, chronic stress will affect your health and your memory, it will damage the brain so the best option is to learn to control stress. Stress will never be eliminated, but it definitely can be controlled.
Regularly “exercising" the brain keeps it growing and spurs the development of new nerve connections that can help improve memory. By developing new mental skills—especially complex ones such as learning a new language or learning to play a new musical instrument—and challenging your brain with puzzles and games you can keep your brain active and improve its physiological functioning. Try some puzzle exercises everyday such as word cross, sudoku and some other games as easy to put into your mobile phone and practise it maybe once for 30 minutes per day.
Regular aerobic exercise improves circulation and efficiency throughout the body, including in the brain, and can help ward off the memory loss that comes with aging. Exercise also makes you more alert and relaxed, and can thereby improve your memory uptake, allowing you to take better mental “pictures." Memories are very fragile in the short-term, and distractions can make you quickly forget something as simple as a phone number. The key to avoid losing memories before you can even form them is to be able to focus on the thing to be remembered for a while without thinking about other things, so when you’re trying to remember something, avoid distractions and complicated tasks for a few minutes.
Chronic stress, although it does not physically damage the brain, can make remembering much more difficult. After prolonged stress the brain will be damaged. Stressful situations are recognized by the hypothalamus, which in turn signals the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland secreted adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) which influences the adrenal glands to secrete adrenaline and later cortisol(corticosteroids). The corticosteroids can weaken the blood-brain barrier and damage the hippocampus (the memory center).
Ironically, the hippocampus controls the secretion of the hormone released by the hypothalamus through a process of negative feedback. After chronic stress it will be damaged and it will not be as efficient in regulating the degenerative corticosteroids and memory will be harmed. Neurogenesis (formation of new neurons) indeed exists in the hippocampus but stress inhibits it. To recapitulate and synthesis, chronic stress will affect your health and your memory, it will damage the brain so the best option is to learn to control stress. Stress will never be eliminated, but it definitely can be controlled.
Call Center Operators Work From Home
Companies that supply customer service agents to businesses around the world say they are saving money and attracting better employees by letting them work from their own houses. Using Internet telephone technology, the operators are able to answer questions and hear out complaints as if they were working in a sprawling call center in an office park. "It gives us access to some high-quality labor that wouldn't work in a call center," said Andrea Ayers, president for customer management for Convergys Corp., an outsourcing company that is increasing the number of agents who work from home. "This gives us more staffing flexibility, and we can make it work with their lifestyle."
Convergys and rival companies say they're being swamped with applications. The first wave came a few months ago, when gas prices topped $4 per gallon. Now, more applications are coming in as unemployment soars. Home agents often start at $8 to $10 an hour, earning more depending on the skill and knowledge required for specific clients. Besides gas, home-based operators save on car maintenance and the cost of keeping up an office wardrobe. Sharon Castor had never given much thought to working at a call center, and even less to going back to an early rising, traffic-fighting work life she had for nearly three decades before retiring. But after the ailing parents she helped care for passed away, she was getting antsy after five years off and needed some extra income.
"I said, 'I need to do something, but I really don't want to go back downtown every day again,' " said Castor, who used to spend 90 minutes each morning getting ready for work and then driving from her northern Kentucky home to her job at Procter & Gamble Co. in downtown Cincinnati. After researching at-home work opportunities - "There are a lot out there who make all kinds of promises" - she came to Convergys. Soon, she had converted an extra bedroom in her home into an office, where she helps customers with insurance matters and other questions on behalf of a health care company. It's among the many companies that don't want their use of outsourced customer service made public; Convergys says it does work for more than half of the Fortune 50 biggest businesses.
The Cincinnati outsourcing company has been rapidly expanding its at-home work force. It has 1,200 home agents and expects to triple that next year. "We're ramping up very quickly," said Ayers, whose company has 75,000 employees worldwide. Convergys' home agents use Internet phone services through broadband connections, and computer firewalls keep information secure. Agents communicate with managers and colleagues by instant messages and online chats, and managers can monitor their work online.
Christopher Carrington, chief executive of Alpine Access, said the 10-year-old business that specializes in using at-home agents is booming. And applications are up 10 to 15 percent over a year ago. "Our cost is minimal," Carrington said. "We don't have to build a building. We do all the training virtually."
Convergys and rival companies say they're being swamped with applications. The first wave came a few months ago, when gas prices topped $4 per gallon. Now, more applications are coming in as unemployment soars. Home agents often start at $8 to $10 an hour, earning more depending on the skill and knowledge required for specific clients. Besides gas, home-based operators save on car maintenance and the cost of keeping up an office wardrobe. Sharon Castor had never given much thought to working at a call center, and even less to going back to an early rising, traffic-fighting work life she had for nearly three decades before retiring. But after the ailing parents she helped care for passed away, she was getting antsy after five years off and needed some extra income.
"I said, 'I need to do something, but I really don't want to go back downtown every day again,' " said Castor, who used to spend 90 minutes each morning getting ready for work and then driving from her northern Kentucky home to her job at Procter & Gamble Co. in downtown Cincinnati. After researching at-home work opportunities - "There are a lot out there who make all kinds of promises" - she came to Convergys. Soon, she had converted an extra bedroom in her home into an office, where she helps customers with insurance matters and other questions on behalf of a health care company. It's among the many companies that don't want their use of outsourced customer service made public; Convergys says it does work for more than half of the Fortune 50 biggest businesses.
The Cincinnati outsourcing company has been rapidly expanding its at-home work force. It has 1,200 home agents and expects to triple that next year. "We're ramping up very quickly," said Ayers, whose company has 75,000 employees worldwide. Convergys' home agents use Internet phone services through broadband connections, and computer firewalls keep information secure. Agents communicate with managers and colleagues by instant messages and online chats, and managers can monitor their work online.
Christopher Carrington, chief executive of Alpine Access, said the 10-year-old business that specializes in using at-home agents is booming. And applications are up 10 to 15 percent over a year ago. "Our cost is minimal," Carrington said. "We don't have to build a building. We do all the training virtually."
Quality of a Good Teacher
An American definition of 'Teaching' envisages that 'Teaching is the consistent and effective transfer of appropriate behaviours which lead to the achievement of predetermined and specified results'. Hence in order to substantiate the purpose of teaching that is the transfer of knowledge to the students properly so that after receiving teachings they can acquire expected knowledge and pre-determined results. Hence a good teacher is he who teaches the students how to lead their lives cleanly and controlled towards acquiring knowledge.
The quality of a good teacher is vitality important for ideal teachings to the students. He should know the correct way of teaching where the students are inspired to learn and devote themselves to study.
According to Comonenius, a famous educationist, in order to make teaching successful, the three things are vitally important. These are : Good teacher, Good method and Good books. Indeed, a good teacher plays a vital role in making teachings to the students successful. Being a teacher, he should behave in such a way by dint of his own image, voice and body use so that interaction and transfer of behaviour between the teacher and the student are accelerated in a systematic manner.
Being a teacher, we need to be very careful in using our voice for effective teaching class. A good teacher need not be excited and agitated towards the students. We should give chance to ask question to the students so that transfer of behaviour is made possible in a significant manner. Sometimes, we forget that we are a teacher and we have a particular job for the students on the concept of learning.
According to Franchise Bacon, there are two types of learning: One is Pedagogy- children's learning and the other is Andragoggy- Adult learning. In case of adult learning, we cannot teach anybody, we only help them to learn. So in the case of using our voice we need to be responsible and tactful. Hence Somerset Maugham says " It is difficult to pass over the razor's edge, but the wise say the path to salvation is hard ".
According to Franchise Bacon, 'when you tell something in the class to a group of students, it is only a saying but when you recapitulate it, repeat it and ask the question on the progress, it will be interacted and if you further emphasize the concept, they will be conversant with the relevant knowledge'. Indeed, incase of delivering an important message, if it is stated once-only 10% will be memorized but if it is stated 6 times then 90% are memorized after one year. So, reiteration/repetition is the most important tools for the teaching to make the topics rememberable. If the message is not remembered and understandable then the whole thing will be treated as useless.
The quality of a good teacher is vitality important for ideal teachings to the students. He should know the correct way of teaching where the students are inspired to learn and devote themselves to study.
According to Comonenius, a famous educationist, in order to make teaching successful, the three things are vitally important. These are : Good teacher, Good method and Good books. Indeed, a good teacher plays a vital role in making teachings to the students successful. Being a teacher, he should behave in such a way by dint of his own image, voice and body use so that interaction and transfer of behaviour between the teacher and the student are accelerated in a systematic manner.
Being a teacher, we need to be very careful in using our voice for effective teaching class. A good teacher need not be excited and agitated towards the students. We should give chance to ask question to the students so that transfer of behaviour is made possible in a significant manner. Sometimes, we forget that we are a teacher and we have a particular job for the students on the concept of learning.
According to Franchise Bacon, there are two types of learning: One is Pedagogy- children's learning and the other is Andragoggy- Adult learning. In case of adult learning, we cannot teach anybody, we only help them to learn. So in the case of using our voice we need to be responsible and tactful. Hence Somerset Maugham says " It is difficult to pass over the razor's edge, but the wise say the path to salvation is hard ".
According to Franchise Bacon, 'when you tell something in the class to a group of students, it is only a saying but when you recapitulate it, repeat it and ask the question on the progress, it will be interacted and if you further emphasize the concept, they will be conversant with the relevant knowledge'. Indeed, incase of delivering an important message, if it is stated once-only 10% will be memorized but if it is stated 6 times then 90% are memorized after one year. So, reiteration/repetition is the most important tools for the teaching to make the topics rememberable. If the message is not remembered and understandable then the whole thing will be treated as useless.
Online Education
Evident advantages of the online learning especially for adults are clearly described in the article. Working adults with families are much more likely to choose an online course and work online rather than leaving their homes for a few hours or weeks to traveling to the classroom. This is a vital aspect of the online education-the ability of people to study without interrupting the course of their lives, plus receive a high quality interactive learning.
Unique programs that are available over big distances in real time are very attractive for people seeking for specific skills and expertise. Being able to study in such places without traveling far is an obvious practical benefit that saves money, time and effort. Besides those studying online have all recourses available instantly before them, without having to haul that to the classroom. Assignments, spreadsheets and books are made accessible right there, the fact that assures better performance and understanding of the material.
In business world where money and time are interrelated such approach of accessibility of the recourses, integrated materials and interactive communication provides the best result for the limited amount of time. The proof to that can be found in the interviews of the professionals, who were studying via online and received a better deal than they would in a physical setting of a regular college. The stress is put on the attentive selection of the university/college for your need, mentioning that the tuition will not be much cheaper than in classical education. For the technologies applied in the learning processes are very expensive and have to be regularly renewed.
Studying through internet would be a great experience for people wanting to save time and effort. Provided, it is a good program with needed up to date resources it would be to a definite advantage of those wanting to continue studying. It is clear that currently serious schools are appropriately equipped and set up for the convenience and best results of the learner.
The idea of communicating with a professor and other classmates is very comforting to me as I would be able to exchange ideas and thoughts with them in case of need. Taking into consideration the fact that most employers are willing to pay for their employees to continue educating I would suggest for the educators to create specific programs for groups of people from the same companies. Developing special educating courses in particular fields of study for such teams would result in better interaction between the classmates. For instance, an educational program can be designed for a group of financial analytics in a big company. This would lead to increased productivity, better team work, quality performance and school’s reputation as a provider of quality service.
The ability to present high quality online education for the educators is based on the knowledge of modern technology and study materials. There is only one definite forecast clearly seen in the online education sector: it will grow and develop until young professionals want to learn and improve their skills.
Unique programs that are available over big distances in real time are very attractive for people seeking for specific skills and expertise. Being able to study in such places without traveling far is an obvious practical benefit that saves money, time and effort. Besides those studying online have all recourses available instantly before them, without having to haul that to the classroom. Assignments, spreadsheets and books are made accessible right there, the fact that assures better performance and understanding of the material.
In business world where money and time are interrelated such approach of accessibility of the recourses, integrated materials and interactive communication provides the best result for the limited amount of time. The proof to that can be found in the interviews of the professionals, who were studying via online and received a better deal than they would in a physical setting of a regular college. The stress is put on the attentive selection of the university/college for your need, mentioning that the tuition will not be much cheaper than in classical education. For the technologies applied in the learning processes are very expensive and have to be regularly renewed.
Studying through internet would be a great experience for people wanting to save time and effort. Provided, it is a good program with needed up to date resources it would be to a definite advantage of those wanting to continue studying. It is clear that currently serious schools are appropriately equipped and set up for the convenience and best results of the learner.
The idea of communicating with a professor and other classmates is very comforting to me as I would be able to exchange ideas and thoughts with them in case of need. Taking into consideration the fact that most employers are willing to pay for their employees to continue educating I would suggest for the educators to create specific programs for groups of people from the same companies. Developing special educating courses in particular fields of study for such teams would result in better interaction between the classmates. For instance, an educational program can be designed for a group of financial analytics in a big company. This would lead to increased productivity, better team work, quality performance and school’s reputation as a provider of quality service.
The ability to present high quality online education for the educators is based on the knowledge of modern technology and study materials. There is only one definite forecast clearly seen in the online education sector: it will grow and develop until young professionals want to learn and improve their skills.
Strategic Planning
Strategic planning is an organization's process of defining its strategy, or direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this strategy, including its capital and people. Various business analysis techniques can be used in strategic planning, including SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) and PEST analysis (Political, Economic, Social, and Technological analysis) or STEER analysis involving Socio-cultural, Technological, Economic, Ecological, and Regulatory factors and EPISTEL (Environment, Political, Informatic, Social, Technological, Economic and Legal). Strategic planning is the formal consideration of an organization's future course.
In many organizations, this is viewed as a process for determining where an organization is going over the next year or more -typically 3 to 5 years, although some extend their vision to 20 years. In order to determine where it is going, the organization needs to know exactly where it stands, then determine where it wants to go and how it will get there. The resulting document is called the "strategic plan". It is also true that strategic planning may be a tool for effectively plotting the direction of a company; however, strategic planning itself cannot foretell exactly how the market will evolve and what issues will surface in the coming days in order to plan your organizational strategy. Therefore, strategic innovation and tinkering with the 'strategic plan' have to be a cornerstone strategy for an organization to survive the turbulent business climate.
Strategic planning is a very important business activity. It is also important in the public sector areas such as education. It is practiced widely informally and formally. Strategic planning and decision processes should end with objectives and a roadmap of ways to achieve those objectives. The following terms have been used in strategic planning: desired end states, plans, policies, goals, objectives, strategies, tactics and actions. Definitions vary, overlap and fail to achieve clarity. The most common of these concepts are specific, time bound statements of intended future results and general and continuing statements of intended future results, which most models refer to as either goals or objectives (sometimes interchangeably).
One model of organizing objectives uses hierarchies. The items listed above may be organized in a hierarchy of means and ends and numbered as follows: Top Rank Objective (TRO), Second Rank Objective, Third Rank Objective, etc. From any rank, the objective in a lower rank answers to the question "How?" and the objective in a higher rank answers to the question "Why?" The exception is the Top Rank Objective (TRO): there is no answer to the "Why?" question. That is how the TRO is defined. People typically have several goals at the same time.
"Goal congruency" refers to how well the goals combine with each other. Does goal A appear compatible with goal B? Do they fit together to form a unified strategy? "Goal hierarchy" consists of the nesting of one or more goals within other goal(s).
In many organizations, this is viewed as a process for determining where an organization is going over the next year or more -typically 3 to 5 years, although some extend their vision to 20 years. In order to determine where it is going, the organization needs to know exactly where it stands, then determine where it wants to go and how it will get there. The resulting document is called the "strategic plan". It is also true that strategic planning may be a tool for effectively plotting the direction of a company; however, strategic planning itself cannot foretell exactly how the market will evolve and what issues will surface in the coming days in order to plan your organizational strategy. Therefore, strategic innovation and tinkering with the 'strategic plan' have to be a cornerstone strategy for an organization to survive the turbulent business climate.
Strategic planning is a very important business activity. It is also important in the public sector areas such as education. It is practiced widely informally and formally. Strategic planning and decision processes should end with objectives and a roadmap of ways to achieve those objectives. The following terms have been used in strategic planning: desired end states, plans, policies, goals, objectives, strategies, tactics and actions. Definitions vary, overlap and fail to achieve clarity. The most common of these concepts are specific, time bound statements of intended future results and general and continuing statements of intended future results, which most models refer to as either goals or objectives (sometimes interchangeably).
One model of organizing objectives uses hierarchies. The items listed above may be organized in a hierarchy of means and ends and numbered as follows: Top Rank Objective (TRO), Second Rank Objective, Third Rank Objective, etc. From any rank, the objective in a lower rank answers to the question "How?" and the objective in a higher rank answers to the question "Why?" The exception is the Top Rank Objective (TRO): there is no answer to the "Why?" question. That is how the TRO is defined. People typically have several goals at the same time.
"Goal congruency" refers to how well the goals combine with each other. Does goal A appear compatible with goal B? Do they fit together to form a unified strategy? "Goal hierarchy" consists of the nesting of one or more goals within other goal(s).
Commodity Trading Firms
The qualified commodity trading firms online is the smart road to safe investments. Especially if someone is new to the market, engaging the assistance of an experienced, competent broker is essential for success. Also, it is a much surer way to avoid financial losses. "These men are peaceable with us; therefore let them dwell in the land, and trade therein; for the land, behold, it is large enough for them; let us take their daughters to us for wives, and let us give them our daughters.”
Happily, there are many online firms whose services include commodity trading. Also, a person is able to choose between dealing with either an individual or an organization while buying and selling. Naturally, an advantage of engaging a brokerage firm with an online presence is the easy accessibility. Another advantage is that these companies are usually lower in cost than any other commodities system. Generally speaking, all it takes to obtain the services offered by commodity trading firms online, besides Internet access, is a valid credit card.
Certainly, these qualified commodity trading firms are in possession of extensive knowledge about the market. Moreover, the online commodity tool is considered to be easily understood. And certified brokers assist trade investors with understanding the market. That is to say, with an eye on the constantly changing prices, a person needs to figure out a good price to assign an order. Needless to say, in order to be able to interpret these changes, they must keep track of them every day. Because the result can be quite lucrative: it is usually the order's size that determines this. These brokers must register with the Commodity Futures Training Commission.
Actually, this registration takes place through the self-regulating National Futures Association. This association not only accepts the broker registrations, they subject them to review as well. For the most part, the fees paid to the brokers are in connection with incentive as well as management. And, generally speaking, when an individual registers with the website a fee payment is requested. After this, some form of regular payment is usually required. It follows that a broker must be paid for their decision-making assistance. But here, there is an option known as a discount trading account.
If a person chooses to have this account, then adequate information as well as a basic platform is provided. Then a person is free to take charge of the decision-making process on their own.Furthermore, the kind of services provided by commodity trading firms can vary from one to the other. In general, these online future brokers are supposed to maintain separate accounts for each individual trader. But otherwise, for example, one company may only handle a single type of future, such as cocoa, in conjunction with specializing only in options. Sometimes a brokerage firm refers a prospective trader to a reputable commodity adviser.
In contrast, a company may specialize in advising not only about options but several kinds of futures as well; in addition, online commodity advisers may also conduct actual trades for futures accounts they manage. Moreover, depending on the individual trader's preferences and experience level, in addition to or instead of - exercising the option of broker assistance they may choose to utilize a fully automated program. And finally, besides counseling the client directly, the form in which commodity trading firms provide the advice can vary from published materials to different types of electronic media.
Happily, there are many online firms whose services include commodity trading. Also, a person is able to choose between dealing with either an individual or an organization while buying and selling. Naturally, an advantage of engaging a brokerage firm with an online presence is the easy accessibility. Another advantage is that these companies are usually lower in cost than any other commodities system. Generally speaking, all it takes to obtain the services offered by commodity trading firms online, besides Internet access, is a valid credit card.
Certainly, these qualified commodity trading firms are in possession of extensive knowledge about the market. Moreover, the online commodity tool is considered to be easily understood. And certified brokers assist trade investors with understanding the market. That is to say, with an eye on the constantly changing prices, a person needs to figure out a good price to assign an order. Needless to say, in order to be able to interpret these changes, they must keep track of them every day. Because the result can be quite lucrative: it is usually the order's size that determines this. These brokers must register with the Commodity Futures Training Commission.
Actually, this registration takes place through the self-regulating National Futures Association. This association not only accepts the broker registrations, they subject them to review as well. For the most part, the fees paid to the brokers are in connection with incentive as well as management. And, generally speaking, when an individual registers with the website a fee payment is requested. After this, some form of regular payment is usually required. It follows that a broker must be paid for their decision-making assistance. But here, there is an option known as a discount trading account.
If a person chooses to have this account, then adequate information as well as a basic platform is provided. Then a person is free to take charge of the decision-making process on their own.Furthermore, the kind of services provided by commodity trading firms can vary from one to the other. In general, these online future brokers are supposed to maintain separate accounts for each individual trader. But otherwise, for example, one company may only handle a single type of future, such as cocoa, in conjunction with specializing only in options. Sometimes a brokerage firm refers a prospective trader to a reputable commodity adviser.
In contrast, a company may specialize in advising not only about options but several kinds of futures as well; in addition, online commodity advisers may also conduct actual trades for futures accounts they manage. Moreover, depending on the individual trader's preferences and experience level, in addition to or instead of - exercising the option of broker assistance they may choose to utilize a fully automated program. And finally, besides counseling the client directly, the form in which commodity trading firms provide the advice can vary from published materials to different types of electronic media.
Business Partnership
A partnership is a business with more than one owner that has not filed papers with the state to become a corporation or LLC (limited liability company). There are two basic types of partnerships: general partnerships and limited partnerships. This article discusses general partnerships, the more common structure in which every partner has a hand in managing the business.
The partnership is the simplest and least expensive co-owned business structure to create and maintain. However, there are a few important facts you should know before you begin. First, partners are personally liable for all business debts and obligations, including court judgments. This means that if the business itself can't pay a creditor, such as a supplier, lender, or landlord, the creditor can legally come after any partner's house, car, or other possessions.
There are a few exceptions to this personal liability. Some of the partners can have limited personal liability if the partnership is set up as a limited partnership. This is a partnership in which only the general partner, who runs the business, has personal liability, while the limited partners, who are basically passive investors, can lose no more than their stake in the partnership. Also, some states allow special limited liability partnerships (LLPs). More commonly, though, businesspeople who are particularly concerned about personal liability choose to incorporate their business or operate as a limited liability company (LLC). For more information, see Nolo's articles on corporations and limited liability companies.
In addition, any individual partner can usually bind the whole business to a contract or other business deal. For instance, if your partner signs a year-long contract with a supplier to buy inventory at a price your business can't afford, you can be held personally responsible for the money owed under the contract. There are just a few limits on a partner's ability to commit the partnership to a deal -- for instance, one partner can't bind the partnership to a sale of all of the partnership's assets. But generally, unless an outsider has reason to know of any limits the partners have placed on each other's authority in their partnership agreement, any partner can bind the others to a deal.
Each individual partner can be sued for -- and required to pay -- the full amount of any business debt. If this happens, an individual partner's only recourse may be to sue the other partners for their shares of the debt. Because of this combination of personal liability for all partnership debt and the authority of each partner to bind the partnership, it's critical that you trust the people with whom you start your business.
The partnership is the simplest and least expensive co-owned business structure to create and maintain. However, there are a few important facts you should know before you begin. First, partners are personally liable for all business debts and obligations, including court judgments. This means that if the business itself can't pay a creditor, such as a supplier, lender, or landlord, the creditor can legally come after any partner's house, car, or other possessions.
There are a few exceptions to this personal liability. Some of the partners can have limited personal liability if the partnership is set up as a limited partnership. This is a partnership in which only the general partner, who runs the business, has personal liability, while the limited partners, who are basically passive investors, can lose no more than their stake in the partnership. Also, some states allow special limited liability partnerships (LLPs). More commonly, though, businesspeople who are particularly concerned about personal liability choose to incorporate their business or operate as a limited liability company (LLC). For more information, see Nolo's articles on corporations and limited liability companies.
In addition, any individual partner can usually bind the whole business to a contract or other business deal. For instance, if your partner signs a year-long contract with a supplier to buy inventory at a price your business can't afford, you can be held personally responsible for the money owed under the contract. There are just a few limits on a partner's ability to commit the partnership to a deal -- for instance, one partner can't bind the partnership to a sale of all of the partnership's assets. But generally, unless an outsider has reason to know of any limits the partners have placed on each other's authority in their partnership agreement, any partner can bind the others to a deal.
Each individual partner can be sued for -- and required to pay -- the full amount of any business debt. If this happens, an individual partner's only recourse may be to sue the other partners for their shares of the debt. Because of this combination of personal liability for all partnership debt and the authority of each partner to bind the partnership, it's critical that you trust the people with whom you start your business.
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is the practice of starting new organizations or revitalizing mature organizations, particularly new businesses generally in response to identified opportunities. Entrepreneurship is often a difficult undertaking, as a vast majority of new businesses fail. Entrepreneurial activities are substantially different depending on the type of organization that is being started.
Entrepreneurship ranges in scale from solo projects (even involving the entrepreneur only part-time) to major undertakings creating many job opportunities. Many "high-profile" entrepreneurial ventures seek venture capital or angel funding in order to raise capital to build the business. Angel investors generally seek returns of 20-30% and more extensive involvement in the business. Many kinds of organizations now exist to support would-be entrepreneurs, including specialized government agencies, business incubators, science parks, and some NGOs.
The acts of entrepreneurship is often associated with true uncertainty, particularly when it involves bringing something really novel to the world, whose market never exists. Before the Internet, nobody knew the market for Internet related businesses such as Amazon, Google, YouTube, Yahoo etc. Only after the Internet emerged did people begin to see opportunities and market in that technology. However, even if a market already exists, such as the market for cola drinks (which has been created by Coca Cola), there is no guarantee that a market exists for a particular new player in the cola category. The question is: whether a market exists and if it exists for you.
Entrepreneurs have many of the same character traits as leaders, similar to the early great man theories of leadership; however trait-based theories of entrepreneurship are increasingly being called into question. Entrepreneurs are often contrasted with managers and administrators who are said to be more methodical and less prone to risk-taking. Such person-centric models of entrepreneurship have shown to be of questionable validity, not least as many real-life entrepreneurs operate in teams rather than as single individuals.
The entrepreneur has an enthusiastic vision, the driving force of an enterprise. The entrepreneur's vision is usually supported by an interlocked collection of specific ideas not available to the marketplace. The overall blueprint to realize the vision is clear, however details may be incomplete, flexible, and evolving.The entrepreneur promotes the vision with enthusiastic passion. With persistence and determination, the entrepreneur develops strategies to change the vision into reality.
The entrepreneur takes the initial responsibility to cause a vision to become a success. Entrepreneurs take prudent risks. They assess costs, market/customer needs and persuade others to join and help. An entrepreneur is usually a positive thinker and a decision maker. An entrepreneur has inspiration, motivation and sensibility.
Entrepreneurship ranges in scale from solo projects (even involving the entrepreneur only part-time) to major undertakings creating many job opportunities. Many "high-profile" entrepreneurial ventures seek venture capital or angel funding in order to raise capital to build the business. Angel investors generally seek returns of 20-30% and more extensive involvement in the business. Many kinds of organizations now exist to support would-be entrepreneurs, including specialized government agencies, business incubators, science parks, and some NGOs.
The acts of entrepreneurship is often associated with true uncertainty, particularly when it involves bringing something really novel to the world, whose market never exists. Before the Internet, nobody knew the market for Internet related businesses such as Amazon, Google, YouTube, Yahoo etc. Only after the Internet emerged did people begin to see opportunities and market in that technology. However, even if a market already exists, such as the market for cola drinks (which has been created by Coca Cola), there is no guarantee that a market exists for a particular new player in the cola category. The question is: whether a market exists and if it exists for you.
Entrepreneurs have many of the same character traits as leaders, similar to the early great man theories of leadership; however trait-based theories of entrepreneurship are increasingly being called into question. Entrepreneurs are often contrasted with managers and administrators who are said to be more methodical and less prone to risk-taking. Such person-centric models of entrepreneurship have shown to be of questionable validity, not least as many real-life entrepreneurs operate in teams rather than as single individuals.
The entrepreneur has an enthusiastic vision, the driving force of an enterprise. The entrepreneur's vision is usually supported by an interlocked collection of specific ideas not available to the marketplace. The overall blueprint to realize the vision is clear, however details may be incomplete, flexible, and evolving.The entrepreneur promotes the vision with enthusiastic passion. With persistence and determination, the entrepreneur develops strategies to change the vision into reality.
The entrepreneur takes the initial responsibility to cause a vision to become a success. Entrepreneurs take prudent risks. They assess costs, market/customer needs and persuade others to join and help. An entrepreneur is usually a positive thinker and a decision maker. An entrepreneur has inspiration, motivation and sensibility.
How to lead a healthy life?
Experiment until you find a diet that works best for you and follow it as much as you can. Research shows that no one diet is best for everyone. Your genes, your native environment and possibly even your blood type will determine whether you are a vegetarian or a carnivore. American cancer pioneer Nicholas Gonzalez estimates there are 10 types of people with 10 different types of diet, ranging from the rabid carnivore to the vegan.
Choose foods native to your cultural heritage and try to buy seasonal produce. Whatever diet you choose, make sure to eat organic fresh whole foods whenever possible. Pesticides have been implicated in many illnesses, including infertility, cancer, birth defects, skin irritations, and impotence. They can even damage the genetic potential of your children. Besides non organic food, you should also avoid anything canned, fried, preserved with nitrates, packaged, processed, refined or in anyway interfered with (The WDDTY Better Diet Guide). That includes avoiding plastic food like margarine, which contains high levels of trans fatty acids, which may increase the risk of cancer.
Vary your diet as much as possible. Most allergy specialists claim that allergies are more likely if you repetitively eat the same foods. Make vegetables and fruits your main foods, even if you are an omnivore. Countless studies show that vegetables protect against all the major degenerative illnesses. Eat at least five servings per day. Few people don't react to one or more of them. Also cut out or limit chocolate, coffee and black teaCut down or avoid eating wheat.
Wheat is a recent addition to the food of humans only about 10,000 years old. Many types of wheat have been so genetically tampered with to enhance the quality of the gluten the sticky substance that makes bread and cakes chewy that it has become indigestible for most of us. Many people who cannot tolerate wheat can tolerate oats. According to the Institute of Optimum Nutrition, wheat is the most common allergen, and the main culprit in behavioural allergy symptoms like hyperactivity. Avoid or cut down the other six of the big eight allergens: corn, soy, sugar, the nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, aubergine, etc), yeast, egg.
Choose foods native to your cultural heritage and try to buy seasonal produce. Whatever diet you choose, make sure to eat organic fresh whole foods whenever possible. Pesticides have been implicated in many illnesses, including infertility, cancer, birth defects, skin irritations, and impotence. They can even damage the genetic potential of your children. Besides non organic food, you should also avoid anything canned, fried, preserved with nitrates, packaged, processed, refined or in anyway interfered with (The WDDTY Better Diet Guide). That includes avoiding plastic food like margarine, which contains high levels of trans fatty acids, which may increase the risk of cancer.
Vary your diet as much as possible. Most allergy specialists claim that allergies are more likely if you repetitively eat the same foods. Make vegetables and fruits your main foods, even if you are an omnivore. Countless studies show that vegetables protect against all the major degenerative illnesses. Eat at least five servings per day. Few people don't react to one or more of them. Also cut out or limit chocolate, coffee and black teaCut down or avoid eating wheat.
Wheat is a recent addition to the food of humans only about 10,000 years old. Many types of wheat have been so genetically tampered with to enhance the quality of the gluten the sticky substance that makes bread and cakes chewy that it has become indigestible for most of us. Many people who cannot tolerate wheat can tolerate oats. According to the Institute of Optimum Nutrition, wheat is the most common allergen, and the main culprit in behavioural allergy symptoms like hyperactivity. Avoid or cut down the other six of the big eight allergens: corn, soy, sugar, the nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, aubergine, etc), yeast, egg.
Self Analysis
Understanding yourself allows you to positively direct your life, find peace, and develop better relationships with others. With the regular practice of self-assessment, you will experience peace of mind and when challenges or conflicts do arise, you will be better equipped to resolve them in a healthy manner. In order to analyze yourself, you need to understand how psychoanalysts view the mind.
The basic idea behind the analytic method is that everything you say and do is motivated by your subconscious; your internal self influences your external behavior. Repression refers to ignoring or avoiding internal conflicts rather than immediately dealing with them. Dispersion, on the other hand, refers to the process of bringing repressed ideas and conflicts to the surface in order to resolve them.
This will probably be the most difficult step. You have worked your whole life to create the person that you want to be and in the process, those thoughts and behaviors that you don’t want to accept have been repressed. Honestly evaluating how you have handled past situations and relationships is the first step to finding peace and balance in your life. Most likely, various events and situations during your lifetime have created conflicts. In some instances, you probably handled the conflicts well and they were resolved productively.
Other battles, however, may have been left unresolved and festering in your subconscious. By spending some time meditating on the problem, you can come to the realization that not only did your mother love you, she also loved you enough to understand that one statement did not change the relationship. As well, you can learn through the process that failing to forgive yourself in no way alleviates the problem and only creates further distress. By making a list of unresolved conflicts, you can handle them individually over time and clear your subconscious.
Are you motivated by anger, guilt, or jealously? Do you fly into an angry rage when you don’t get what you want or feel wronged? Are you constantly worrying about making someone unhappy or do you become obsessed about perceived past wrongs? Do you find relationships difficult because you can’t trust others and regularly find reasons to feel jealous? If any of these emotions are motivating your actions, then they need to be dispersed. Typically, such emotions will prevent you from having peace and balance in your life. Looking at the list of unresolved conflicts, note any emotions that are attached to those conflicts. Creating a specific plan will help you take control of the situation and your emotions.
The basic idea behind the analytic method is that everything you say and do is motivated by your subconscious; your internal self influences your external behavior. Repression refers to ignoring or avoiding internal conflicts rather than immediately dealing with them. Dispersion, on the other hand, refers to the process of bringing repressed ideas and conflicts to the surface in order to resolve them.
This will probably be the most difficult step. You have worked your whole life to create the person that you want to be and in the process, those thoughts and behaviors that you don’t want to accept have been repressed. Honestly evaluating how you have handled past situations and relationships is the first step to finding peace and balance in your life. Most likely, various events and situations during your lifetime have created conflicts. In some instances, you probably handled the conflicts well and they were resolved productively.
Other battles, however, may have been left unresolved and festering in your subconscious. By spending some time meditating on the problem, you can come to the realization that not only did your mother love you, she also loved you enough to understand that one statement did not change the relationship. As well, you can learn through the process that failing to forgive yourself in no way alleviates the problem and only creates further distress. By making a list of unresolved conflicts, you can handle them individually over time and clear your subconscious.
Are you motivated by anger, guilt, or jealously? Do you fly into an angry rage when you don’t get what you want or feel wronged? Are you constantly worrying about making someone unhappy or do you become obsessed about perceived past wrongs? Do you find relationships difficult because you can’t trust others and regularly find reasons to feel jealous? If any of these emotions are motivating your actions, then they need to be dispersed. Typically, such emotions will prevent you from having peace and balance in your life. Looking at the list of unresolved conflicts, note any emotions that are attached to those conflicts. Creating a specific plan will help you take control of the situation and your emotions.
How to improve our Communication Skills?
Communication can be effective only when presented in a language the receivers can understand. You need to speak not in your own language or style of thinking but in the language and style of thinking of the receivers. Understand their educational level and their demographics and communicate to them accordingly. Even when communicating in the language of the receivers, you can still lose them if you overload them with too much information or too complex ideas. Use the KISS principle (Keep It Short and Simple).
Examine your possible biases and personal assumptions about the issues you're communicating. Disclose your own interests and agendas. The receivers will quickly tune out if they suspect that you have a hidden agenda. By being authentic, you will gain credibility, which is essential for effective communication. Communication is not just speaking. It's both speaking and listening. One way communication is no communication at all. Make sure to listen and understand the others' needs and points of view.
If your message is not clear, or if it can be interpreted in more than one way, it will leave the receivers wondering about what you mean. Make sure that your message delivers a clear, unambiguous meaning. In certain communications, timing is everything. For example, a message of praise and recognition should not come too late after the fact, or it will lose its effectiveness. The "Better Late Than Never" advice may be true, but a timely message is the best.
Most people don't like negative communication and bad news. Passive, weak, or negative communication will turn people off. Even the most negative, critical, or difficult communication will be better received when presented in a positive, affirmative style. Instead of saying, "This is a terrible idea," why not say, "Tell me how you can make this idea work." Getting your message across in a way that is clear and coherent is a critical skill in both organizational and personal life. The Communication Effectiveness Profile looks at the large and often complex subject of communicating with others.
Examine your possible biases and personal assumptions about the issues you're communicating. Disclose your own interests and agendas. The receivers will quickly tune out if they suspect that you have a hidden agenda. By being authentic, you will gain credibility, which is essential for effective communication. Communication is not just speaking. It's both speaking and listening. One way communication is no communication at all. Make sure to listen and understand the others' needs and points of view.
If your message is not clear, or if it can be interpreted in more than one way, it will leave the receivers wondering about what you mean. Make sure that your message delivers a clear, unambiguous meaning. In certain communications, timing is everything. For example, a message of praise and recognition should not come too late after the fact, or it will lose its effectiveness. The "Better Late Than Never" advice may be true, but a timely message is the best.
Most people don't like negative communication and bad news. Passive, weak, or negative communication will turn people off. Even the most negative, critical, or difficult communication will be better received when presented in a positive, affirmative style. Instead of saying, "This is a terrible idea," why not say, "Tell me how you can make this idea work." Getting your message across in a way that is clear and coherent is a critical skill in both organizational and personal life. The Communication Effectiveness Profile looks at the large and often complex subject of communicating with others.
Humor and Fun in the Workplace
Company activities can teach employees how working together as a team can be fun and productive. Some of the competitive natures can work itself out on a co-ed field. In addition, managers or supervisors can be seen also as team players, who can relax and enjoy life and others as well. Company-planned or approved activities can go far in cultivating a positive corporate culture.
The use of fun and humor in the workplace must be appropriate in nature, when and how it is used. The humor should not be offensive to the ordinary or reasonable person. It is meant to encourage people to see the absurdity in our thought processes, perceptions, behaviors. It is also a useful tool that can be used to help us lighten up and not take things so seriously. It can also effectively reduce the level and intensity of conflict among employees, if properly used.
So, how do you implement and maintain (with an emphasis on maintenance) a humor and fun program? Is it going to be costly in terms of resources, including money, time, and productivity? It does not have to be a costly undertaking. However, even if there is some expenditure associated with "fun-at-work" activities, the benefits may be multi-fold in terms of the reduction of cost associated with absenteeism, turnover, and decreased productivity.
Fun at work can even lead to alleviation of the inevitable boredom that arises out of dull, routine, and non-challenging tasks. Even schools recognized the importance of giving children recess breaks so that they might have the opportunity to have fun. The desire to feel good, to change a mood, or even to loosen up a bit, is the reason that many people turn to alcohol or even legal or illegal drugs. However, there is no way that any man-made substance can be as powerful as the endorphins that the body produces for free, without any side-effects.
The use of fun and humor in the workplace must be appropriate in nature, when and how it is used. The humor should not be offensive to the ordinary or reasonable person. It is meant to encourage people to see the absurdity in our thought processes, perceptions, behaviors. It is also a useful tool that can be used to help us lighten up and not take things so seriously. It can also effectively reduce the level and intensity of conflict among employees, if properly used.
So, how do you implement and maintain (with an emphasis on maintenance) a humor and fun program? Is it going to be costly in terms of resources, including money, time, and productivity? It does not have to be a costly undertaking. However, even if there is some expenditure associated with "fun-at-work" activities, the benefits may be multi-fold in terms of the reduction of cost associated with absenteeism, turnover, and decreased productivity.
Fun at work can even lead to alleviation of the inevitable boredom that arises out of dull, routine, and non-challenging tasks. Even schools recognized the importance of giving children recess breaks so that they might have the opportunity to have fun. The desire to feel good, to change a mood, or even to loosen up a bit, is the reason that many people turn to alcohol or even legal or illegal drugs. However, there is no way that any man-made substance can be as powerful as the endorphins that the body produces for free, without any side-effects.
Ways to keep our job
Be sure to be up to date in your skills. When jobs are scarce companies can easily find new employees who have more advanced skills. Take classes, go to workshops, and join professional associations to stay current. Get cross trained so that you have the ability to do more than one job. Specialization is great when there are lots of employees. When companies are downsizing someone who can be used in a variety of positions becomes more valuable.
Contact and help other people in your network. It's rough to call people in your network for the first time when you lose your job. Keeping your network alive and active will give you confidence that you could find something else if necessary. No one likes a whiner! Yes it is difficult when times are unstable but it serves no purpose to complain about it. Happy people are nice to have around and less likely to get laid off. If you are whining all the time your manager may feel he/she is doing you a favor by laying you off!
This is the time to stick to the budget. Better yet find ways to save. In difficult times the valued employee is the one who doesn't spend more than what was budgeted for. Better yet find ways to save and be a real hero. Look for ways to bring in new revenue. Since resources are short, cost effective ways to generate new revenue are valued. This is the time to be a star performer. It is probably not the best time to be away from the office too much. This is the time to be sure your reputation is for work that is high quality, done on time, on budget and without a lot of fuss.
Let people know about your accomplishments. This is not the time to be modest. While you are networking you can also let others outside your company know about your successes. Publish your results. Speak before groups. Get expert status! Don't be the person who just does what he/she is told and no more. Look around to see what needs doing and volunteer to take on those critical tasks.
Get your resume up to date, return the phone calls of head hunters and think about a second career. Nobody's job is totally safe so it is always best to have your network in tact, your resume ready, and an idea of where you might like to go. Confidence that no matter what happens you can deal with it, helps you to weather the recession and even thrive!
Contact and help other people in your network. It's rough to call people in your network for the first time when you lose your job. Keeping your network alive and active will give you confidence that you could find something else if necessary. No one likes a whiner! Yes it is difficult when times are unstable but it serves no purpose to complain about it. Happy people are nice to have around and less likely to get laid off. If you are whining all the time your manager may feel he/she is doing you a favor by laying you off!
This is the time to stick to the budget. Better yet find ways to save. In difficult times the valued employee is the one who doesn't spend more than what was budgeted for. Better yet find ways to save and be a real hero. Look for ways to bring in new revenue. Since resources are short, cost effective ways to generate new revenue are valued. This is the time to be a star performer. It is probably not the best time to be away from the office too much. This is the time to be sure your reputation is for work that is high quality, done on time, on budget and without a lot of fuss.
Let people know about your accomplishments. This is not the time to be modest. While you are networking you can also let others outside your company know about your successes. Publish your results. Speak before groups. Get expert status! Don't be the person who just does what he/she is told and no more. Look around to see what needs doing and volunteer to take on those critical tasks.
Get your resume up to date, return the phone calls of head hunters and think about a second career. Nobody's job is totally safe so it is always best to have your network in tact, your resume ready, and an idea of where you might like to go. Confidence that no matter what happens you can deal with it, helps you to weather the recession and even thrive!
Interview Tips and Techniques
An interview is the time to let your personality shine and to demonstrate to employers that you would be a valuable asset to their organization. It is essential to do your research before interviewing to learn successful techniques to increase your chances of receiving a job offer. It’s important to be confident and prepared.
The first step you should take in your job search is to conduct research on companies of interest before applying to a job or showing up for an interview. By understanding and showing interest in the company, you can customize your pitch, demonstrate the value you will bring to the organization and confidently convince employers that you are the right candidate.
Prepare for an interview by running through commonly asked interview questions. Understand that interviewing is a skill and as with any skill, practice makes perfect! When you are on an interview, you are marketing yourself as the best candidate for the job, so it’s important to dress professionally. Appropriate attire and good personal hygiene demonstrates that you are not only willing to take that extra step to look your best but also do your best. First impressions are critical. Arrive early, give a firm handshake and make eye contact throughout the interview. It is important to be confident, but most importantly, be yourself!
Behavioral interviewing is an ever-growing interview technique. Rather than merely telling the interviewer what you would do in a situation, demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and abilities by giving specific examples from past work experiences. Use this as an opportunity to emphasize the value you would bring to the company by citing a situation where you effectively used your skill set to overcome a difficult situation. Express interest and willingness to learn about the company by asking questions and listening to details about the organization.
Remember, that you are not the only one being interviewed – you are also trying to determine if the company and position are right for you. This portion of the interview is your chance to shine. Not having any questions for the interviewer can show that you are uninterested and unprepared. Reinforce to the employer that you bring value to their organization by developing a well-written thank you note. A thank you note is an easy and surefire way to show your appreciation, reiterate you are the best candidate and demonstrate your initiative and follow-through. It is also appropriate to make a follow up call, unless instructed otherwise by the employer.
The first step you should take in your job search is to conduct research on companies of interest before applying to a job or showing up for an interview. By understanding and showing interest in the company, you can customize your pitch, demonstrate the value you will bring to the organization and confidently convince employers that you are the right candidate.
Prepare for an interview by running through commonly asked interview questions. Understand that interviewing is a skill and as with any skill, practice makes perfect! When you are on an interview, you are marketing yourself as the best candidate for the job, so it’s important to dress professionally. Appropriate attire and good personal hygiene demonstrates that you are not only willing to take that extra step to look your best but also do your best. First impressions are critical. Arrive early, give a firm handshake and make eye contact throughout the interview. It is important to be confident, but most importantly, be yourself!
Behavioral interviewing is an ever-growing interview technique. Rather than merely telling the interviewer what you would do in a situation, demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and abilities by giving specific examples from past work experiences. Use this as an opportunity to emphasize the value you would bring to the company by citing a situation where you effectively used your skill set to overcome a difficult situation. Express interest and willingness to learn about the company by asking questions and listening to details about the organization.
Remember, that you are not the only one being interviewed – you are also trying to determine if the company and position are right for you. This portion of the interview is your chance to shine. Not having any questions for the interviewer can show that you are uninterested and unprepared. Reinforce to the employer that you bring value to their organization by developing a well-written thank you note. A thank you note is an easy and surefire way to show your appreciation, reiterate you are the best candidate and demonstrate your initiative and follow-through. It is also appropriate to make a follow up call, unless instructed otherwise by the employer.
Good Resume Writing
A resume must be well - structured which means resume gives all the meaning the candidate wishes to convey to their prospective employer. Resume makes the employer to select the candidate immediately over the others. The resume should be cross-checked for any spelling mistakes because these make bad impression.
Once the information is checked, the job seeker must include a solemn pledge that the contents are true, and they must clearly mention their stated objective in sending their resume to the employer. Presenting a true, detailed, well-structured resume to an employer will catch their attention, and should get the immediate response it deserves.
The main purpose of resume is to market your skills, achievements, professional background, academic history, and future potential to a prospective employer. You must have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish in your professional life in order to maximize the impact of your resume for your targeted audience - the hiring manager or graduate school admissions director. It's a brief paragraph that showcases your most effective skills and experience as they pertain to your job search. It's a chance to convince a hiring manager of the skills you can bring to the position.
Accomplishments separates you from other equally qualified candidates. Your accomplishments must be quantified. Special Skills should always be presented up-front so that a hiring manager knows what you can do. In some instances, a special section should be created to showcase these special skills. In the Professional Experience section you will list your employers, job titles, and dates of employment in a reverse-chronological order; that is; your most recent job comes first, followed by your next most recent job, and so on. This format is standard and is expected by all hiring managers and admissions directors.
Include your full contact information. Include details of your Qualifications. Include information about RELEVANT work experience for the position or industry sector that you are applying for. Write about why you believe you're an ideal candidate for employment.
Include details of referees from whom personal and employment references can be obtained. Write in English - if English is not your first language have a professional translation service translate your CV. Remember the old adage - 'you never get a second chance to make a first impression' - therefore your covering letter should present you in the best possible light, it should be well written, professionally presented and get straight to the heart of the matter about why you should be considered for any employment opportunity specific to your skills, qualifications and experience.
Once the information is checked, the job seeker must include a solemn pledge that the contents are true, and they must clearly mention their stated objective in sending their resume to the employer. Presenting a true, detailed, well-structured resume to an employer will catch their attention, and should get the immediate response it deserves.
The main purpose of resume is to market your skills, achievements, professional background, academic history, and future potential to a prospective employer. You must have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish in your professional life in order to maximize the impact of your resume for your targeted audience - the hiring manager or graduate school admissions director. It's a brief paragraph that showcases your most effective skills and experience as they pertain to your job search. It's a chance to convince a hiring manager of the skills you can bring to the position.
Accomplishments separates you from other equally qualified candidates. Your accomplishments must be quantified. Special Skills should always be presented up-front so that a hiring manager knows what you can do. In some instances, a special section should be created to showcase these special skills. In the Professional Experience section you will list your employers, job titles, and dates of employment in a reverse-chronological order; that is; your most recent job comes first, followed by your next most recent job, and so on. This format is standard and is expected by all hiring managers and admissions directors.
Include your full contact information. Include details of your Qualifications. Include information about RELEVANT work experience for the position or industry sector that you are applying for. Write about why you believe you're an ideal candidate for employment.
Include details of referees from whom personal and employment references can be obtained. Write in English - if English is not your first language have a professional translation service translate your CV. Remember the old adage - 'you never get a second chance to make a first impression' - therefore your covering letter should present you in the best possible light, it should be well written, professionally presented and get straight to the heart of the matter about why you should be considered for any employment opportunity specific to your skills, qualifications and experience.
Customer Service
Most companies believe they provide a unique offering to their customers. In many industries, a company achieves this uniqueness by delivering customer service that is superior to its competitors. This leads us to the question, “What does superior customer service mean?” While the details are industry and even firm specific, the basic principles can be generalized.
The following list provides a good starting point for thinking about customer service research and how it can help your company deliver superior service..Whether customer expectations are set by the firm or by a competitor, exceeding these will reflect on your company’s reputation and leave a lasting impression. To achieve this, you must have a strong understanding of customer needs as these dictate expectations. Conducting a customer service survey will provide you with a true understanding of these needs. Managing expectations up front sets the stage for you to exceed customer expectations later in the relationship. Any successful company must learn to identify and adjust to changing trends, many of which will be reflected in customer expectations.
Measure customer satisfaction with tracking research in order to monitor trends over time. The first contact with a customer (the “moment of truth”) often sets the tone for their lasting impression of the company. Customer Satisfaction Research shows that how a customer feels about a transaction tends to be more important than the product or service purchased. If your customer finds it difficult to get in touch with someone at your company, they are less likely to do so, and the prospect of developing a strong, long-term relationship built on customer service satisfaction is greatly diminished.
Make a habit of regularly reaching out to your customers to enhance customer service satisfaction and build lasting relationships.Initial customer satisfaction research will provide a baseline against which to measure future improvement initiatives. Regularly conduct a service satisfaction survey to help identify specifically what attributes of the product/service are of greatest importance to customers, how the company performs against those attributes and how both change over time.
Most public-contact employees are self-motivated to achieve customer service satisfaction. They are the best source for identifying roadblocks to superior service delivery (too much paperwork, difficult return policies, lack of information, interdepartmental miscommunication, inability to schedule service call times, etc.) and what upsets customers most. Spotlighting and addressing these issues not only improves customer service satisfaction but front-line employee attitudes as well.
The following list provides a good starting point for thinking about customer service research and how it can help your company deliver superior service..Whether customer expectations are set by the firm or by a competitor, exceeding these will reflect on your company’s reputation and leave a lasting impression. To achieve this, you must have a strong understanding of customer needs as these dictate expectations. Conducting a customer service survey will provide you with a true understanding of these needs. Managing expectations up front sets the stage for you to exceed customer expectations later in the relationship. Any successful company must learn to identify and adjust to changing trends, many of which will be reflected in customer expectations.
Measure customer satisfaction with tracking research in order to monitor trends over time. The first contact with a customer (the “moment of truth”) often sets the tone for their lasting impression of the company. Customer Satisfaction Research shows that how a customer feels about a transaction tends to be more important than the product or service purchased. If your customer finds it difficult to get in touch with someone at your company, they are less likely to do so, and the prospect of developing a strong, long-term relationship built on customer service satisfaction is greatly diminished.
Make a habit of regularly reaching out to your customers to enhance customer service satisfaction and build lasting relationships.Initial customer satisfaction research will provide a baseline against which to measure future improvement initiatives. Regularly conduct a service satisfaction survey to help identify specifically what attributes of the product/service are of greatest importance to customers, how the company performs against those attributes and how both change over time.
Most public-contact employees are self-motivated to achieve customer service satisfaction. They are the best source for identifying roadblocks to superior service delivery (too much paperwork, difficult return policies, lack of information, interdepartmental miscommunication, inability to schedule service call times, etc.) and what upsets customers most. Spotlighting and addressing these issues not only improves customer service satisfaction but front-line employee attitudes as well.
Team Building
A true team is more than a group of people who work together in close proximity on the same project. A team implies relationships within the unit and focuses on equality, cooperation and communication. A team is most likely headed by a team leader, but this role may be filled by a series of individuals or it may be self-directed. Although these activities may help in some instances, they probably wouldn’t serve as your tantamount solution to a communication problem you would genuinely wish to fix. These activities would serve to assist in the “bonding” process you’re undertaking with that individual in addition to some serious work on the foundation of your relationship.
Team bonding generally involves a team taking part in an extra-curricular activity outside of the office. This event may serve as an annual reward or event with its main purpose being to allow members of the team to interact outside of the normal, everyday work setting. Team bonding activities may take the form of lunch at a restaurant, bowling, a cooking class, golf, white water rafting, a scavenger hunt or laser tag (just to name a few). It is hoped that people will have the opportunity to communicate in non-work related conversation and learn more about one another. Many of these activities also take people outside of their comfort zones and allow them to create new avenues of trust with their fellow teammates.
However, team bonding activities are generally not facilitated or focused towards any specific workplace issues. Thus, quite often the members that interact the most with one another within the office are naturally drawn to those same individuals outside of the office and new relationships are rarely formed. Further to that, if true consensus is not reached by the team for their team bonding event, those who are disappointed by the choice of activity may actually develop feelings of resentment towards the company and the individuals who championed that choice of event. Thus if the team bonding coordinator is not careful, the exact opposite of the day’s objectives may be attained.
Team “building” on the other hand can still be a lot of fun, allow for new lines of communication to be formed, build trust, etc. etc., but there is also a bit more “work” involved. True team building does not need to be dry and boring, as today’s professionals have identified that the best way for learning to take place is in a dynamic and fun setting. From my experience, people love learning more about themselves and what it is that makes them tick. Personality tests and lessons on leadership and conflict management can be a lot of fun if presented in the right manner. Team bonding activities are also usually scattered throughout the process to keep the overall format lively, dynamic and fun.
Team bonding generally involves a team taking part in an extra-curricular activity outside of the office. This event may serve as an annual reward or event with its main purpose being to allow members of the team to interact outside of the normal, everyday work setting. Team bonding activities may take the form of lunch at a restaurant, bowling, a cooking class, golf, white water rafting, a scavenger hunt or laser tag (just to name a few). It is hoped that people will have the opportunity to communicate in non-work related conversation and learn more about one another. Many of these activities also take people outside of their comfort zones and allow them to create new avenues of trust with their fellow teammates.
However, team bonding activities are generally not facilitated or focused towards any specific workplace issues. Thus, quite often the members that interact the most with one another within the office are naturally drawn to those same individuals outside of the office and new relationships are rarely formed. Further to that, if true consensus is not reached by the team for their team bonding event, those who are disappointed by the choice of activity may actually develop feelings of resentment towards the company and the individuals who championed that choice of event. Thus if the team bonding coordinator is not careful, the exact opposite of the day’s objectives may be attained.
Team “building” on the other hand can still be a lot of fun, allow for new lines of communication to be formed, build trust, etc. etc., but there is also a bit more “work” involved. True team building does not need to be dry and boring, as today’s professionals have identified that the best way for learning to take place is in a dynamic and fun setting. From my experience, people love learning more about themselves and what it is that makes them tick. Personality tests and lessons on leadership and conflict management can be a lot of fun if presented in the right manner. Team bonding activities are also usually scattered throughout the process to keep the overall format lively, dynamic and fun.
Career goals and Motivations
The benefits of motivation to an individual are fairly obvious – people who are motivated tend to be more successful in achieving their personal and professional goals, which in turn has benefits in terms of their self-esteem and confidence. Given that people are usually the most important asset of any organization, motivation is also a critical factor in the overall success of a team or business. Motivation does not take place on its own. In order to be motivated or to motivate others, it is important to remember three golden rules of motivation before considering any specific techniques.
Motivation and goal setting are inextricably linked. Without a goal or purpose, motivation is meaningless, whilst motivation is a vital part of intentionally achieving any goal. Two of the most basic motivators are to know exactly what you are trying to achieve, and to then go out and achieve it. Not having a clear idea of your goal or not believing that a goal is attainable will severely dent your motivation. Every business needs motivated employees in order to be successful and achieve its goals. If employee motivation is not closely matched to these business goals, the chances of success are diminished.
How often have you felt that you have been performing well or doing a good job, only to be told by your manager or colleagues that you have been focusing on the wrong thing, that priorities have changed or that you have simply been underperforming? For example, imagine an experienced sales person who has an excellent track record of retaining business with their established customers, but is heavily criticized by their manager for failing to develop as much new business as their less experienced colleague.
As a result, the sales person feels alienated, undervalued and ultimately de-motivated. Their performance and results are likely to suffer. The chances are that there has been a lack of dialogue between the manager and the sales person over how individual goals need to fit with the overall goals of the company. If the emphasis is on generating new business, has this been communicated effectively to each sales person, and in a manner which will motivate each of them to succeed?
Motivation is not a one-off event. Something which provides motivation at one particular time may not be as effective in the future, due to changes in environment and circumstances. If someone is driven to become the best in their field, how do they maintain their motivation to perform once they reach the pinnacle of their profession? Even if circumstances remain constant, the most powerful motivational factors will lose impact over the course of time. For instance, you may attend a conference and feel energized by a particular speaker or meeting, and leave the event highly motivated to put what you have heard into action.
Motivation and goal setting are inextricably linked. Without a goal or purpose, motivation is meaningless, whilst motivation is a vital part of intentionally achieving any goal. Two of the most basic motivators are to know exactly what you are trying to achieve, and to then go out and achieve it. Not having a clear idea of your goal or not believing that a goal is attainable will severely dent your motivation. Every business needs motivated employees in order to be successful and achieve its goals. If employee motivation is not closely matched to these business goals, the chances of success are diminished.
How often have you felt that you have been performing well or doing a good job, only to be told by your manager or colleagues that you have been focusing on the wrong thing, that priorities have changed or that you have simply been underperforming? For example, imagine an experienced sales person who has an excellent track record of retaining business with their established customers, but is heavily criticized by their manager for failing to develop as much new business as their less experienced colleague.
As a result, the sales person feels alienated, undervalued and ultimately de-motivated. Their performance and results are likely to suffer. The chances are that there has been a lack of dialogue between the manager and the sales person over how individual goals need to fit with the overall goals of the company. If the emphasis is on generating new business, has this been communicated effectively to each sales person, and in a manner which will motivate each of them to succeed?
Motivation is not a one-off event. Something which provides motivation at one particular time may not be as effective in the future, due to changes in environment and circumstances. If someone is driven to become the best in their field, how do they maintain their motivation to perform once they reach the pinnacle of their profession? Even if circumstances remain constant, the most powerful motivational factors will lose impact over the course of time. For instance, you may attend a conference and feel energized by a particular speaker or meeting, and leave the event highly motivated to put what you have heard into action.
Advertising
Advertising is a form of communication that typically attempts to persuade potential customers to purchase or to consume more of a particular brand of product or service. “While now central to the contemporary global economy and the reproduction of global production networks, it is only quite recently that advertising has been more than a marginal influence on patterns of sales and production.
Mass production necessitated mass consumption, and this in turn required a certain homogenization of consumer tastes for final products. At its limit, this involved seeking to create ‘world cultural convergence’, to homogenize consumer tastes and engineer a ‘convergence of lifestyle, culture and behaviours among consumer segments across the world’.”
Many advertisements are designed to generate increased consumption of those products and services through the creation and reinvention of the "brand image" . For these purposes, advertisements sometimes embed their persuasive message with factual information. Every major medium is used to deliver these messages, including television, radio, cinema, magazines, newspapers, video games, the Internet, carrier bags and billboards. Advertising is often placed by an advertising agency on behalf of a company or other organization.
Organizations that frequently spend large sums of money on advertising that sells what is not, strictly speaking, a product or service include political parties, interest groups, religious organizations, and military recruiters. Non-profit organizations are not typical advertising clients, and may rely on free modes of persuasion, such as public service announcements. While advertising can be seen as necessary for economic growth, it is not without social costs.
Unsolicited Commercial Email and other forms of spam have become so prevalent as to have become a major nuisance to users of these services, as well as being a financial burden on internet service providers. Advertising is increasingly invading public spaces, such as schools, which some critics argue is a form of child exploitation.
The same advertising techniques used to promote commercial goods and services can be used to inform, educate and motivate the public about non-commercial issues, such as AIDS, political ideology, energy conservation, religious recruitment, and deforestation. Advertising, in its non-commercial guise, is a powerful educational tool capable of reaching and motivating large audiences. "Advertising justifies its existence when used in the public interest - it is much too powerful a tool to use solely for commercial purposes." - Attributed to Howard Gossage by David Ogilvy. Public service advertising, non-commercial advertising, public interest advertising, cause marketing, and social marketing are different terms for (or aspects of) the use of sophisticated advertising and marketing communications techniques (generally associated with commercial enterprise) on behalf of non-commercial, public interest issues and initiatives.
Mass production necessitated mass consumption, and this in turn required a certain homogenization of consumer tastes for final products. At its limit, this involved seeking to create ‘world cultural convergence’, to homogenize consumer tastes and engineer a ‘convergence of lifestyle, culture and behaviours among consumer segments across the world’.”
Many advertisements are designed to generate increased consumption of those products and services through the creation and reinvention of the "brand image" . For these purposes, advertisements sometimes embed their persuasive message with factual information. Every major medium is used to deliver these messages, including television, radio, cinema, magazines, newspapers, video games, the Internet, carrier bags and billboards. Advertising is often placed by an advertising agency on behalf of a company or other organization.
Organizations that frequently spend large sums of money on advertising that sells what is not, strictly speaking, a product or service include political parties, interest groups, religious organizations, and military recruiters. Non-profit organizations are not typical advertising clients, and may rely on free modes of persuasion, such as public service announcements. While advertising can be seen as necessary for economic growth, it is not without social costs.
Unsolicited Commercial Email and other forms of spam have become so prevalent as to have become a major nuisance to users of these services, as well as being a financial burden on internet service providers. Advertising is increasingly invading public spaces, such as schools, which some critics argue is a form of child exploitation.
The same advertising techniques used to promote commercial goods and services can be used to inform, educate and motivate the public about non-commercial issues, such as AIDS, political ideology, energy conservation, religious recruitment, and deforestation. Advertising, in its non-commercial guise, is a powerful educational tool capable of reaching and motivating large audiences. "Advertising justifies its existence when used in the public interest - it is much too powerful a tool to use solely for commercial purposes." - Attributed to Howard Gossage by David Ogilvy. Public service advertising, non-commercial advertising, public interest advertising, cause marketing, and social marketing are different terms for (or aspects of) the use of sophisticated advertising and marketing communications techniques (generally associated with commercial enterprise) on behalf of non-commercial, public interest issues and initiatives.
Importance of Business Communication
Communication is essential for life in general but in business settings, it is critical. Communication is more than just a matter of speaking and hearing, especially within a business setting. Good communication, on the other hand, means that your message will be sent and that the people or organizations understand the message in its entirety. Further, they are much more likely to respond in a positive manner if the message was communicated effectively. A poorly communicated message will likely result in an unfavorable response.
Today, most businesses are relying on the Internet as a way to communicate. This can be especially trying when trying to communicate effectively as there is no body language to rely on and no spoken words. The reader can only then make assumptions based on your words. Electronic communication can be difficult and challenging but can also result in favorable outcome for all.
Body language plays a large role in communication. If you are making person to person contact, you are then able to read non verbal body language and possibly rely on that for a clue as to the effectiveness of your message. Watch for disinterest, eye rolling, body slumping, lack of interest, looking in another direction, these are all non verbal body language and not a very good sign either. If you are delivering an oral presentation to a group, you can feed off of their non verbal body language and determine if you are captivating them or simply boring them. All you have to do is pay attention and if you communicate clearly and are organized, the result will likely be a favorable one.
Cultural communication is another area where problems can arise in communicating. It is best when dealing with various ethnic groups or cultures to learn about them before you attempt communications. What one culture embraces, another finds offense to and this applies to both verbal and non verbal communications.
Be proactive when approaching other cultures. Remember their learning styles, the religious beliefs, and their families are completely different. Do not rely on stereotypes and do not identify them based on their population. Differences are evident within all groups so avoid classifying them together as one. To be effective with cross cultural communications you have to be diverse and open to new ideas.
Today, most businesses are relying on the Internet as a way to communicate. This can be especially trying when trying to communicate effectively as there is no body language to rely on and no spoken words. The reader can only then make assumptions based on your words. Electronic communication can be difficult and challenging but can also result in favorable outcome for all.
Body language plays a large role in communication. If you are making person to person contact, you are then able to read non verbal body language and possibly rely on that for a clue as to the effectiveness of your message. Watch for disinterest, eye rolling, body slumping, lack of interest, looking in another direction, these are all non verbal body language and not a very good sign either. If you are delivering an oral presentation to a group, you can feed off of their non verbal body language and determine if you are captivating them or simply boring them. All you have to do is pay attention and if you communicate clearly and are organized, the result will likely be a favorable one.
Cultural communication is another area where problems can arise in communicating. It is best when dealing with various ethnic groups or cultures to learn about them before you attempt communications. What one culture embraces, another finds offense to and this applies to both verbal and non verbal communications.
Be proactive when approaching other cultures. Remember their learning styles, the religious beliefs, and their families are completely different. Do not rely on stereotypes and do not identify them based on their population. Differences are evident within all groups so avoid classifying them together as one. To be effective with cross cultural communications you have to be diverse and open to new ideas.
Hiring People
Attitudes are influenced by values, but they focus on specific people or objects, while values have a more general focus. 'Employees should be allowed to participate' is a value; your positive or negative feeling about your job because of the participation it allows is an attitude. As an example, when you say you "like" or "dislike" someone or something, you are expressing an attitude. One important work-related attitude is job satisfaction. This attitude expresses a person's positive or negative feelings about various aspects of his or her job and/or working environment.
It is important to remember that an attitude, like values, is a hypothetical construct; that is, no one ever sees, touches, or actually isolates an attitude. Rather, attitudes are inferred from the things people say (informally or formally), or do (their behaviour). A positive attitude will have positive results because attitudes are contagious. One such attitude is ENTHUSIASM. Elbert Hubbard said, “Nothing great has ever been accomplished without enthusiasm.” The difference between the good preacher and the great preacher, the good boss and the great boss, the good speaker and the great speaker or the good employee and the great employee is often enthusiasm.
Employees are the most valuable asset in any organization. A successful and highly productive business can be achieved by engaging them in improving their performance. All employees are not equal in their working and they have different modes of working like some have highest capability regardless of the incentive but other may have occasional jump-start. If they are handled effectively, the result can be greater productivity and increased employee morale.
Apart from very robust psychometric, job CLUES is so well priced -- you can purchase 5, 10 or 20 assessments (includes all modules and reports) from $39 (plus GST) each. If you are a larger organisation you can have unlimited testing for an annual fee of $1500 for business up to 50 employees - $30 an employee annually thereafter. It really is a "no-brainer" price for such a highly valid pre-screening selection tool. This instrument combined with a good application form, a behavioural based interview (Job CLUES provides these tailored to the role) and reference/background checking will help you avoid hiring "bad attitude".
It is important to remember that an attitude, like values, is a hypothetical construct; that is, no one ever sees, touches, or actually isolates an attitude. Rather, attitudes are inferred from the things people say (informally or formally), or do (their behaviour). A positive attitude will have positive results because attitudes are contagious. One such attitude is ENTHUSIASM. Elbert Hubbard said, “Nothing great has ever been accomplished without enthusiasm.” The difference between the good preacher and the great preacher, the good boss and the great boss, the good speaker and the great speaker or the good employee and the great employee is often enthusiasm.
Employees are the most valuable asset in any organization. A successful and highly productive business can be achieved by engaging them in improving their performance. All employees are not equal in their working and they have different modes of working like some have highest capability regardless of the incentive but other may have occasional jump-start. If they are handled effectively, the result can be greater productivity and increased employee morale.
Apart from very robust psychometric, job CLUES is so well priced -- you can purchase 5, 10 or 20 assessments (includes all modules and reports) from $39 (plus GST) each. If you are a larger organisation you can have unlimited testing for an annual fee of $1500 for business up to 50 employees - $30 an employee annually thereafter. It really is a "no-brainer" price for such a highly valid pre-screening selection tool. This instrument combined with a good application form, a behavioural based interview (Job CLUES provides these tailored to the role) and reference/background checking will help you avoid hiring "bad attitude".
Fair trade policy
Fair trade is an organized social movement and market-based approach that aims to help producers in developing countries and promote sustainability. The movement advocates the payment of a "fair price" as well as social and environmental standards in areas related to the production of a wide variety of goods. It focuses in particular on exports from developing countries to developed countries, most notably handicrafts, coffee, cocoa, sugar, tea, bananas, honey, cotton, wine, fresh fruit, chocolate and flowers.
Fair trade's strategic intent is to work with marginalized producers and workers in order to help them move towards economic self-sufficiency and stability. It also aims to allow them to become greater stakeholders in their own organizations as well as play a wider role, and achieve greater equity, in international trade. Fair trade proponents include a number of international development aid, social, religious and environmental organizations such as SERRV International, Oxfam, Amnesty International, Catholic Relief Services, and Caritas International.
Fair trade advocates typically espouse a number of guidelines. The movement intends to provide market access to otherwise marginalized producers, connecting them to customers and allowing access with fewer middlemen. It aims to provide higher wages than typically paid to producers in typical trading relationships, with the hope of allowing them to achieve greater financial stability, improve their general well-being and allow future investments. The movement stresses information sharing and planning logistically, as well as helping producers develop knowledge, skills and resources to improve their lives.
Fair trade advocates also seek to raise awareness of the movements philosophies among first world consumers. Fair trade products are traded and marketed either by an "integrated supply chain" whereby products are imported and/or distributed by fair trade organizations (commonly referred to as alternative trading organizations) or by "product certification" whereby products complying with fair trade specifications are certified indicating that they have been produced, traded, processed and packaged in accordance with the standards.
Fair trade's strategic intent is to work with marginalized producers and workers in order to help them move towards economic self-sufficiency and stability. It also aims to allow them to become greater stakeholders in their own organizations as well as play a wider role, and achieve greater equity, in international trade. Fair trade proponents include a number of international development aid, social, religious and environmental organizations such as SERRV International, Oxfam, Amnesty International, Catholic Relief Services, and Caritas International.
Fair trade advocates typically espouse a number of guidelines. The movement intends to provide market access to otherwise marginalized producers, connecting them to customers and allowing access with fewer middlemen. It aims to provide higher wages than typically paid to producers in typical trading relationships, with the hope of allowing them to achieve greater financial stability, improve their general well-being and allow future investments. The movement stresses information sharing and planning logistically, as well as helping producers develop knowledge, skills and resources to improve their lives.
Fair trade advocates also seek to raise awareness of the movements philosophies among first world consumers. Fair trade products are traded and marketed either by an "integrated supply chain" whereby products are imported and/or distributed by fair trade organizations (commonly referred to as alternative trading organizations) or by "product certification" whereby products complying with fair trade specifications are certified indicating that they have been produced, traded, processed and packaged in accordance with the standards.
Time Management
Time management starts with the commitment to change. Time management is easy as long as you commit to action. You can train others and improve your own time management through better planning; prioritising; delegating; controlling your environment; understanding yourself and identifying what you will change about your habits, routines and attitude. The key to successful time management is planning and then protecting the planned time.
People who say that they have no time do not plan, or fail to protect planned time. If you plan what to do and when, and then stick to it, then you will have time. This involves conditioning, or re-conditioning your environment. For people who have demands placed on them by others, particularly other departments, managers, customers, etc, time management requires diplomatically managing the expectations of others.
Time management is chiefly about conditioning your environment, rather than allowing your environment to condition you. If you tolerate, and accept without question, the interruptions and demands of others then you effectively encourage these time management pressures to continue.
You can show precise timings if you wish. It's not necessary to know exactly what will fill each time-slot, especially if you are subject to unpredictable demands, as most people are; the important thing is to schedule the time to deal with what arises, and activities that you can predict need to be done at certain times.
You'll know what sport of time you need for these unforeseen activities, so plan time-slots to accommodate them. Plan time-slots to check emails and post, but not to deal with each one fully there and then - desperate emergencies are rarely communicated by email or post - mostly they'd be by phone, so think about the originators realistic expectations. Most emails you'll need simply to acknowledge and give an indication of when you will respond in full, which can be scheduled later, when it suits you, depending on the level of importance and urgency.
Plan time slots for returning and making phone calls - don't just do them when you feel like it or when you happen to remember. Plan and schedule things sensibly and logically - try to kill several birds with one stone. Think about how best to use lunchtimes - and don't work through every one - you need to unwind and take a break now and then. Once you've produced your first weekly activity schedule it's easy to keep it going; many of the slots will repeat. You'll also notice monthly patterns too. The more senior your role, the further ahead you need to plan.
People who say that they have no time do not plan, or fail to protect planned time. If you plan what to do and when, and then stick to it, then you will have time. This involves conditioning, or re-conditioning your environment. For people who have demands placed on them by others, particularly other departments, managers, customers, etc, time management requires diplomatically managing the expectations of others.
Time management is chiefly about conditioning your environment, rather than allowing your environment to condition you. If you tolerate, and accept without question, the interruptions and demands of others then you effectively encourage these time management pressures to continue.
You can show precise timings if you wish. It's not necessary to know exactly what will fill each time-slot, especially if you are subject to unpredictable demands, as most people are; the important thing is to schedule the time to deal with what arises, and activities that you can predict need to be done at certain times.
You'll know what sport of time you need for these unforeseen activities, so plan time-slots to accommodate them. Plan time-slots to check emails and post, but not to deal with each one fully there and then - desperate emergencies are rarely communicated by email or post - mostly they'd be by phone, so think about the originators realistic expectations. Most emails you'll need simply to acknowledge and give an indication of when you will respond in full, which can be scheduled later, when it suits you, depending on the level of importance and urgency.
Plan time slots for returning and making phone calls - don't just do them when you feel like it or when you happen to remember. Plan and schedule things sensibly and logically - try to kill several birds with one stone. Think about how best to use lunchtimes - and don't work through every one - you need to unwind and take a break now and then. Once you've produced your first weekly activity schedule it's easy to keep it going; many of the slots will repeat. You'll also notice monthly patterns too. The more senior your role, the further ahead you need to plan.
Risk Management
Risk management is the discipline of identifying, monitoring and limiting risks. In some cases the acceptable risk may be near zero. Risks can come from accidents, natural causes and disasters as well as deliberate attacks from an adversary. In businesses, risk management entails organized activity to manage uncertainty and threats and involves people following procedures and using tools in order to ensure conformance with risk-management policies.
Risk management is also used in the public sector to identify and mitigate risk to critical infrastructure. The strategies include transferring the risk to another party, avoiding the risk, reducing the negative effect of the risk, and accepting some or all of the consequences of a particular risk. Some traditional risk management programs (e.g., health risk assessment) are focused on risks stemming from physical or legal causes (e.g. natural disasters or fires, accidents, ergonomics, death and lawsuits). Financial risk management, on the other hand, focuses on risks that can be managed using traded financial instruments.
In ideal risk management, a prioritization process is followed whereby the risks with the greatest loss and the greatest probability of occurring are handled first, and risks with lower probability of occurrence and lower loss are handled in descending order. In practice the process can be very difficult, and balancing between risks with a high probability of occurrence but lower loss versus a risk with high loss but lower probability of occurrence can often be mishandled.
Intangible risk management identifies a new type of a risk that has a 100% probability of occurring but is ignored by the organization due to a lack of identification ability. For example, when deficient knowledge is applied to a situation, a knowledge risk materialises. Relationship risk appears when ineffective collaboration occurs.
Process-engagement risk may be an issue when ineffective operational procedures are applied. These risks directly reduce the productivity of knowledge workers, decrease cost effectiveness, profitability, service, quality, reputation, brand value, and earnings quality. Intangible risk management allows risk management to create immediate value from the identification and reduction of risks that reduce productivity.
Risk management is also used in the public sector to identify and mitigate risk to critical infrastructure. The strategies include transferring the risk to another party, avoiding the risk, reducing the negative effect of the risk, and accepting some or all of the consequences of a particular risk. Some traditional risk management programs (e.g., health risk assessment) are focused on risks stemming from physical or legal causes (e.g. natural disasters or fires, accidents, ergonomics, death and lawsuits). Financial risk management, on the other hand, focuses on risks that can be managed using traded financial instruments.
In ideal risk management, a prioritization process is followed whereby the risks with the greatest loss and the greatest probability of occurring are handled first, and risks with lower probability of occurrence and lower loss are handled in descending order. In practice the process can be very difficult, and balancing between risks with a high probability of occurrence but lower loss versus a risk with high loss but lower probability of occurrence can often be mishandled.
Intangible risk management identifies a new type of a risk that has a 100% probability of occurring but is ignored by the organization due to a lack of identification ability. For example, when deficient knowledge is applied to a situation, a knowledge risk materialises. Relationship risk appears when ineffective collaboration occurs.
Process-engagement risk may be an issue when ineffective operational procedures are applied. These risks directly reduce the productivity of knowledge workers, decrease cost effectiveness, profitability, service, quality, reputation, brand value, and earnings quality. Intangible risk management allows risk management to create immediate value from the identification and reduction of risks that reduce productivity.
B2B Business Opportunities
Buying an existing business is often a simpler and safer alternative to starting your own business. There are more financing opportunities available for the purchase of a B2B business compared to buying a business that only sells products or services to consumers. Time, money, and energy are required to startup or purchase any business. If you start with a new service, concept or an invention, you should be prepared to self-finance the business costs and your living costs for two or three years. When you purchase a B2B business, you can finance 80% to 100% of the purchase price with commercial financing.
Cash flow will start immediately with existing inventory, accounts receivables, an existing staff, business clients, and customer goodwill. You can finance your growth. You should determine your target company's readiness to expand its operations locally, nationally or internationally and ascertain its ability to increase production of a particular product or service. You should systematically and objectively identify your target company's strengths and weaknesses concerning these issues.
When you purchase a B2B business with commercial financing, a Financing Statement (Form UCC1) is filed to perfect a security interest in named collateral, such as accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. The UCC1 establishes priority for the lender in case of your default or bankruptcy. It is a first lien on the business assets. Many commercial finance companies offer accounts receivable financing, inventory financing and equipment financing to help B2B businesses grow. A UCC1 is required as a first lien on the transaction.
Both types of financing are available with proper structuring and negotiation if you purchase a B2B business. The SBA 7A loan may be obtained to purchase a B2B business with a carve-out for the commercial finance company to have a UCC1 lien on their portion of the financing. With financing for growth combined with financing for the purchase of the business the opportunities for success of your business increase. The advantages are: you can market for new business; accelerate cash flow to meet payroll, supplier and tax obligations; and have the opportunity to negotiate larger contracts for your products and services. If you purchase a B2B business without the carve-out, you may have closed the door to financing for future growth.
Cash flow will start immediately with existing inventory, accounts receivables, an existing staff, business clients, and customer goodwill. You can finance your growth. You should determine your target company's readiness to expand its operations locally, nationally or internationally and ascertain its ability to increase production of a particular product or service. You should systematically and objectively identify your target company's strengths and weaknesses concerning these issues.
When you purchase a B2B business with commercial financing, a Financing Statement (Form UCC1) is filed to perfect a security interest in named collateral, such as accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. The UCC1 establishes priority for the lender in case of your default or bankruptcy. It is a first lien on the business assets. Many commercial finance companies offer accounts receivable financing, inventory financing and equipment financing to help B2B businesses grow. A UCC1 is required as a first lien on the transaction.
Both types of financing are available with proper structuring and negotiation if you purchase a B2B business. The SBA 7A loan may be obtained to purchase a B2B business with a carve-out for the commercial finance company to have a UCC1 lien on their portion of the financing. With financing for growth combined with financing for the purchase of the business the opportunities for success of your business increase. The advantages are: you can market for new business; accelerate cash flow to meet payroll, supplier and tax obligations; and have the opportunity to negotiate larger contracts for your products and services. If you purchase a B2B business without the carve-out, you may have closed the door to financing for future growth.
Telemarketing Ideas
Telemarketing' means telephone-based research, appointment making, or other information exchange. Telephone selling (or telesales) is where an actual sale can be made over the phone, such as advertising sales. I will use the term 'telemarketing' for the sake of simplicity. Using the telephone to sell is hard work, isn't it? If you have just agreed with this statement - I guess that you have had a go at telesales. Countless thousands of salespeople have 'earned their stripes' by selling on the phone. This happened to me when I tried selling life insurance, in the City of London (I lasted for a whole three days).
Telemarketing is expensive - on a cost per contact basis (because of the labour costs involved). However, money is a relative commodity, isn't it? Yes, teleselling is expensive - when you compare it to, say, direct mail. However, it is also extraordinarily effective. This is because it is a live medium, where objections can be dealt with, appointments made and decisions reached - just as in a face to face selling situation. BUT without the time involved in travelling, not to mention the training and experience which is required to become an effective salesperson.
As always in marketing - decide what your objectives are. Do you want people to request further information? Are you trying to organise sales meetings? Or can you actually take orders over the phone? Always set targets for the number of calls, and / or the number of Decision Maker conversations, or the number of 'successes' (appointments, direct sales, etc) which you will achieve for each session. It is amazing what people will achieve, if you set them a target.
In telemarketing, the research shows that you only have a few fleeting seconds to grab someone's attention, before they 'switch off'. They then immediately kick into defensive mode. Then all they want to do is get you off the line. So you have next to no time to say something interesting and attention grabbing. I have seen countless salespeople and so-called telemarketers waste this 'Golden Time'. Here is the key: establish that you have experience of helping other people with their job title, in their industry with a series of issues which they are probably facing right now.
Telemarketing is expensive - on a cost per contact basis (because of the labour costs involved). However, money is a relative commodity, isn't it? Yes, teleselling is expensive - when you compare it to, say, direct mail. However, it is also extraordinarily effective. This is because it is a live medium, where objections can be dealt with, appointments made and decisions reached - just as in a face to face selling situation. BUT without the time involved in travelling, not to mention the training and experience which is required to become an effective salesperson.
As always in marketing - decide what your objectives are. Do you want people to request further information? Are you trying to organise sales meetings? Or can you actually take orders over the phone? Always set targets for the number of calls, and / or the number of Decision Maker conversations, or the number of 'successes' (appointments, direct sales, etc) which you will achieve for each session. It is amazing what people will achieve, if you set them a target.
In telemarketing, the research shows that you only have a few fleeting seconds to grab someone's attention, before they 'switch off'. They then immediately kick into defensive mode. Then all they want to do is get you off the line. So you have next to no time to say something interesting and attention grabbing. I have seen countless salespeople and so-called telemarketers waste this 'Golden Time'. Here is the key: establish that you have experience of helping other people with their job title, in their industry with a series of issues which they are probably facing right now.
Business Loans
A business loan is funding given to business by a bank, an individual(s), or an organization usually to be repaid by a certain date with a certain amount of interest. The amount of a loan, the amount of interest, the repayment date, the qualification of the loan recipient to merit the loan, the credit analysis, and the number of lenders used to achieve the desired loan amount are all variable.
A business might seek to borrow money for many reasons which may include, but is not limited to: making up a shortfall in operating capital, expanding an existing business to another location, developing an area or new idea within an existing business, or creating an entirely new business.
Each need has its own set of variables and prioritization of those costs. For example if you are developing a new location and wish to transfer your top manager to lead the effort you may need to factor in additional money for his/her living expenses or a relocation package; whereas if you wish to develop a new idea or product you might need to allocate funds toward patent attorney fees. In both cases, significant costs arise from elements that are oftentimes outside of a project manager’s field of vision, but are significant to a loan officer’s risk analysis and payback schedule.
In order to determine the correct loan amount to take you will need to assign a cost to every operational, financial, or developmental aspect within the business plan.
Lenders will assess interest on a loan based upon the prime rate set by the Federal Reserve Bank, the recipient’s credit history, the presence of collateral, the political climate, and the venture’s risk. Alternatively the Cost-Plus Loan pricing model is employed which uses four factors in determining the interest rate: the funding cost incurred by the bank to raise funds to lend, whether such funds are obtained through customer deposits or through various money markets; the operating costs of servicing the loan, which include application and payment processing, and the bank’s wages, salaries and occupancy expense (overhead); a risk premium to compensate the bank for the degree of risk involved with the loan request; and a profit margin that provides the bank with an adequate return on its capital.
Determining a business loan’s repayment schedule will hinge primarily upon for what the loan is being used. If the loan will be used to acquire land, plant or equipment of a tangible nature then the repayment schedule can be based against the borrower’s needs balanced with the lender’s needs. Usually the repayment schedule will consist of equal total payments per time period (amortization); equal principal payments per time period; or equal payments over a specified time period with a balloon payment due at the end to repay the balance. When the business loan is unsecured or to be used for operating capital, a new venture, or expansion, the repayment schedule will be shorter and have less flexibility due to the higher inherent risk.
A business might seek to borrow money for many reasons which may include, but is not limited to: making up a shortfall in operating capital, expanding an existing business to another location, developing an area or new idea within an existing business, or creating an entirely new business.
Each need has its own set of variables and prioritization of those costs. For example if you are developing a new location and wish to transfer your top manager to lead the effort you may need to factor in additional money for his/her living expenses or a relocation package; whereas if you wish to develop a new idea or product you might need to allocate funds toward patent attorney fees. In both cases, significant costs arise from elements that are oftentimes outside of a project manager’s field of vision, but are significant to a loan officer’s risk analysis and payback schedule.
In order to determine the correct loan amount to take you will need to assign a cost to every operational, financial, or developmental aspect within the business plan.
Lenders will assess interest on a loan based upon the prime rate set by the Federal Reserve Bank, the recipient’s credit history, the presence of collateral, the political climate, and the venture’s risk. Alternatively the Cost-Plus Loan pricing model is employed which uses four factors in determining the interest rate: the funding cost incurred by the bank to raise funds to lend, whether such funds are obtained through customer deposits or through various money markets; the operating costs of servicing the loan, which include application and payment processing, and the bank’s wages, salaries and occupancy expense (overhead); a risk premium to compensate the bank for the degree of risk involved with the loan request; and a profit margin that provides the bank with an adequate return on its capital.
Determining a business loan’s repayment schedule will hinge primarily upon for what the loan is being used. If the loan will be used to acquire land, plant or equipment of a tangible nature then the repayment schedule can be based against the borrower’s needs balanced with the lender’s needs. Usually the repayment schedule will consist of equal total payments per time period (amortization); equal principal payments per time period; or equal payments over a specified time period with a balloon payment due at the end to repay the balance. When the business loan is unsecured or to be used for operating capital, a new venture, or expansion, the repayment schedule will be shorter and have less flexibility due to the higher inherent risk.
Ergonomics in the workplace
Ergonomics was another name for Human Factors. Today, Ergonomics commonly refers to designing work environments for maximizing safety and efficiency. Biometrics and Anthropometrics play a key role in this use of the word Ergonomics. Engineering Psychology often has a specialty dealing with Workplace or Occupational Ergonomics.
Companies once thought that there was a bottom-line tradeoff between safety and efficiency. Now they embrace ergonomics because they have learned that designing a safe work environment can also result in greater efficiency and productivity. Recently, U.S. laws requiring a safe work environment have stimulated great interest in Ergonomics - from ergonomic furniture to ergonomic training. But it is in the design of the workplace as a whole where the greatest impact can be seen for both safety and efficiency.
The easier it is to do a job, the more likely it is to see gains in productivity due to greater efficiency. Analogously, the safer it is to do a job, the more likely it is to see gains in productivity due to reduced time off for injury. Ergonomics can address both of these issues concurrently by maximizing the workspace and equipment needed to do a job. Usernomics can assist your company with all areas of ergonomics including: ergonomic assessment, workplace design, and staff training. We can make your workplace safe, efficient, and in compliance. Our expert Ergonomics Engineers apply a rigorous and systematic technique to ensure a hazard-free and worker-safe environment.
We use quantitative methods to evaluate the workplace and determine those areas that will most benefit from design and placement changes. Once the critical ergonomic hot spots have been identified and evaluated, we can re-design the problem areas to maximize the ergonomic impact. Finally, we can train your staff to self-monitor and regulate their ergonomic environment. The objective is to meet compliance requirements while increasing safety, efficiency, and productivity.
Companies once thought that there was a bottom-line tradeoff between safety and efficiency. Now they embrace ergonomics because they have learned that designing a safe work environment can also result in greater efficiency and productivity. Recently, U.S. laws requiring a safe work environment have stimulated great interest in Ergonomics - from ergonomic furniture to ergonomic training. But it is in the design of the workplace as a whole where the greatest impact can be seen for both safety and efficiency.
The easier it is to do a job, the more likely it is to see gains in productivity due to greater efficiency. Analogously, the safer it is to do a job, the more likely it is to see gains in productivity due to reduced time off for injury. Ergonomics can address both of these issues concurrently by maximizing the workspace and equipment needed to do a job. Usernomics can assist your company with all areas of ergonomics including: ergonomic assessment, workplace design, and staff training. We can make your workplace safe, efficient, and in compliance. Our expert Ergonomics Engineers apply a rigorous and systematic technique to ensure a hazard-free and worker-safe environment.
We use quantitative methods to evaluate the workplace and determine those areas that will most benefit from design and placement changes. Once the critical ergonomic hot spots have been identified and evaluated, we can re-design the problem areas to maximize the ergonomic impact. Finally, we can train your staff to self-monitor and regulate their ergonomic environment. The objective is to meet compliance requirements while increasing safety, efficiency, and productivity.
Stock Market
A stock market, or equity market, is a private or public market for the trading of company stock and derivatives at an agreed price; these are securities listed on a stock exchange as well as those only traded privately. The size of the world stock market was estimated at about $36.6 trillion US at the beginning of October 2008. The total world derivatives market has been estimated at about $791 trillion face or nominal value, 11 times the size of the entire world economy.
The value of the derivatives market, because it is stated in terms of notional values, cannot be directly compared to a stock or a fixed income security, which traditionally refers to an actual value. Moreover, the vast majority of derivatives 'cancel' each other out (i.e., a derivative 'bet' on an event occurring is offset by a comparable derivative 'bet' on the event not occurring.). Many such relatively illiquid securities are valued as marked to model, rather than an actual market price.)
The stocks are listed and traded on stock exchanges which are entities a corporation or mutual organization specialized in the business of bringing buyers and sellers of the organizations to a listing of stocks and securities together. The stock market in the United States includes the trading of all securities listed on the NYSE, the NASDAQ, the Amex, as well as on the many regional exchanges, e.g. OTCBB and Pink Sheets. European examples of stock exchanges include the London Stock Exchange, the Deutsche Borse and the Paris Bourse, now part of Euronext.
Participants in the stock market range from small individual stock investors to large hedge fund traders, who can be based anywhere. Their orders usually end up with a professional at a stock exchange, who executes the order. Some exchanges are physical locations where transactions are carried out on a trading floor, by a method known as open outcry. This type of auction is used in stock exchanges and commodity exchanges where traders may enter "verbal" bids and offers simultaneously. The other type of stock exchange is a virtual kind, composed of a network of computers where trades are made electronically via traders.
The value of the derivatives market, because it is stated in terms of notional values, cannot be directly compared to a stock or a fixed income security, which traditionally refers to an actual value. Moreover, the vast majority of derivatives 'cancel' each other out (i.e., a derivative 'bet' on an event occurring is offset by a comparable derivative 'bet' on the event not occurring.). Many such relatively illiquid securities are valued as marked to model, rather than an actual market price.)
The stocks are listed and traded on stock exchanges which are entities a corporation or mutual organization specialized in the business of bringing buyers and sellers of the organizations to a listing of stocks and securities together. The stock market in the United States includes the trading of all securities listed on the NYSE, the NASDAQ, the Amex, as well as on the many regional exchanges, e.g. OTCBB and Pink Sheets. European examples of stock exchanges include the London Stock Exchange, the Deutsche Borse and the Paris Bourse, now part of Euronext.
Participants in the stock market range from small individual stock investors to large hedge fund traders, who can be based anywhere. Their orders usually end up with a professional at a stock exchange, who executes the order. Some exchanges are physical locations where transactions are carried out on a trading floor, by a method known as open outcry. This type of auction is used in stock exchanges and commodity exchanges where traders may enter "verbal" bids and offers simultaneously. The other type of stock exchange is a virtual kind, composed of a network of computers where trades are made electronically via traders.
Import Business
In economics, an import is any good (e.g. a commodity) or service brought into one country from another country in a legitimate fashion, typically for use in trade. It is a good that is brought in from another country for sale. Import goods or services are provided to domestic consumers by foreign producers. An import in the receiving country is an export to the sending country.
Imports, along with exports, form the basis of international trade. Import of goods normally requires involvement of the Customs authorities in both the country of import and the country of export and are often subject to import quotas, tariffs and trade agreements. When the "imports" are the set of goods and services imported, "Imports" also means the economic value of all goods and services that are imported. The macroeconomic variable I usually stands for the value of these imports over a given period of time, usually one year.
A country has demand for an import when domestic quantity demanded exceeds domestic quantity supplied, or when the price of the good (or service) on the world market is less than the price on the domestic market. A trade deficit occurs when imports are large relative to exports. Imports are impacted principally by a country's income and its productive resources. For example, the US imports oil from Canada even though the US has oil and Canada uses oil. But consumers in the US are willing to pay more for the marginal barrel of oil than Canadian consumers are, because there is more oil demanded in the US than there is oil produced.Companies import goods and services to supply to the domestic market at a cheaper price and better quality than competing goods manufactured in the domestic market.
Companies import products that are not available in the local market. There are three broad types of importers: 1. Looking for any product around the world to import and sell. 2. Looking for foreign sourcing to get their products at the cheapest price. 3. Using foreign sourcing as part of their global supply chain.
Imports, along with exports, form the basis of international trade. Import of goods normally requires involvement of the Customs authorities in both the country of import and the country of export and are often subject to import quotas, tariffs and trade agreements. When the "imports" are the set of goods and services imported, "Imports" also means the economic value of all goods and services that are imported. The macroeconomic variable I usually stands for the value of these imports over a given period of time, usually one year.
A country has demand for an import when domestic quantity demanded exceeds domestic quantity supplied, or when the price of the good (or service) on the world market is less than the price on the domestic market. A trade deficit occurs when imports are large relative to exports. Imports are impacted principally by a country's income and its productive resources. For example, the US imports oil from Canada even though the US has oil and Canada uses oil. But consumers in the US are willing to pay more for the marginal barrel of oil than Canadian consumers are, because there is more oil demanded in the US than there is oil produced.Companies import goods and services to supply to the domestic market at a cheaper price and better quality than competing goods manufactured in the domestic market.
Companies import products that are not available in the local market. There are three broad types of importers: 1. Looking for any product around the world to import and sell. 2. Looking for foreign sourcing to get their products at the cheapest price. 3. Using foreign sourcing as part of their global supply chain.
Real Estate Contract
The real estate contract is the most often used, yet little understood tool in the real estate business. Whether you are a rank beginner or seasoned expert, there is no excuse for not knowing and understanding the real estate contract. Real estate contracts are based on common law contract principles, so it is important that you understand the nuts and bolts of contract law. Offer, Counteroffer and Acceptance. In most states there are standardized contracts used by real estate agents and attorneys. The contract is generally drafted in the form of an offer. The offer is usually signed by the buyer (the offeror). The contract is not binding until the seller accepts, creating a "meeting of the minds" (called "mutual assent").
An acceptance is made if the offeree (the seller, in this case) agrees to the exact terms of the offer. If the seller replies, "I'll accept your offer if you agree to close fifteen days sooner," there is no binding contract, but rather a counteroffer. The basic building block of a contract is that there is mutual agreement. If the offer is not accepted in the time frame and manner set forth by the buyer (offeror), then there is no contract. For example, if the contract specifies that acceptance must be made by facsimile, an acceptance by telephone call or mail will not suffice.
A real estate sales contract is a "bilateral" (two-way) agreement. The seller agrees to sell, and the buyer agrees to buy. Compare this with an option; an option is a unilateral (one-way) agreement in that the seller is obligated to sell, but the buyer is not obligated to buy - it is his option to do so. A bilateral agreement with a "liquidated damages" provision yields the same result if the buyer fails to close escrow; the seller keeps the buyer's earnest money and the deal is over.
The contract must identify the parties. Although not legally required, a contract commonly sets forth full names and middle initials (it helps the title company in preparation of the title commitment). If one of the parties is a corporation, it should so state (e.g., "North American Land Acquisitions, Inc., a Nevada Corporation"). Identify the Property. The contract must identify the property. Although not required, the legal description should be set forth. A vague description such as "my lakefront home" may not be specific enough to create a binding contract.
An acceptance is made if the offeree (the seller, in this case) agrees to the exact terms of the offer. If the seller replies, "I'll accept your offer if you agree to close fifteen days sooner," there is no binding contract, but rather a counteroffer. The basic building block of a contract is that there is mutual agreement. If the offer is not accepted in the time frame and manner set forth by the buyer (offeror), then there is no contract. For example, if the contract specifies that acceptance must be made by facsimile, an acceptance by telephone call or mail will not suffice.
A real estate sales contract is a "bilateral" (two-way) agreement. The seller agrees to sell, and the buyer agrees to buy. Compare this with an option; an option is a unilateral (one-way) agreement in that the seller is obligated to sell, but the buyer is not obligated to buy - it is his option to do so. A bilateral agreement with a "liquidated damages" provision yields the same result if the buyer fails to close escrow; the seller keeps the buyer's earnest money and the deal is over.
The contract must identify the parties. Although not legally required, a contract commonly sets forth full names and middle initials (it helps the title company in preparation of the title commitment). If one of the parties is a corporation, it should so state (e.g., "North American Land Acquisitions, Inc., a Nevada Corporation"). Identify the Property. The contract must identify the property. Although not required, the legal description should be set forth. A vague description such as "my lakefront home" may not be specific enough to create a binding contract.
Software industry
The software industry includes businesses involved in the development, maintenance and publication of computer software using any business model. The industry also includes software services, such as training, documentation, and consulting. There are several types of businesses in the software industry. The largest and most profitable publish horizontal proprietary software such as Microsoft, SAP AG, Oracle Corporation, and Adobe Systems. Others develop vertical-market software intended for a particular sector or niche in the economy such as finance, health care, insurance, retail, automotive manufacturing, and so on.
A great deal of specialized software is produced for various niches. Other companies do contract programming to develop unique software for one particular client company, or focus on configuring and customizing suites from large vendors such as SAP or Oracle. Computer software is so called to distinguish it from computer hardware, which encompasses the physical interconnections and devices required to store and execute (or run) the software. At the lowest level, software consists of a machine language specific to an individual processor.
A machine language consists of groups of binary values signifying processor instructions which change the state of the computer from its preceding state. Software is an ordered sequence of instructions for changing the state of the computer hardware in a particular sequence. It is usually written in high-level programming languages that are easier and more efficient for humans to use (closer to natural language) than machine language. High-level languages are compiled or interpreted into machine language object code. Software may also be written in an assembly language, essentially, a mnemonic representation of a machine language using a natural language alphabet. Assembly language must be assembled into object code via an assembler.
Computer software has to be "loaded" into the computer's storage (such as a [hard drive], memory, or RAM). Once the software has loaded, the computer is able to execute the software. This involves passing instructions from the application software, through the system software, to the hardware which ultimately receives the instruction as machine code. Each instruction causes the computer to carry out an operation – moving data, carrying out a computation, or altering the control flow of instructions.
A great deal of specialized software is produced for various niches. Other companies do contract programming to develop unique software for one particular client company, or focus on configuring and customizing suites from large vendors such as SAP or Oracle. Computer software is so called to distinguish it from computer hardware, which encompasses the physical interconnections and devices required to store and execute (or run) the software. At the lowest level, software consists of a machine language specific to an individual processor.
A machine language consists of groups of binary values signifying processor instructions which change the state of the computer from its preceding state. Software is an ordered sequence of instructions for changing the state of the computer hardware in a particular sequence. It is usually written in high-level programming languages that are easier and more efficient for humans to use (closer to natural language) than machine language. High-level languages are compiled or interpreted into machine language object code. Software may also be written in an assembly language, essentially, a mnemonic representation of a machine language using a natural language alphabet. Assembly language must be assembled into object code via an assembler.
Computer software has to be "loaded" into the computer's storage (such as a [hard drive], memory, or RAM). Once the software has loaded, the computer is able to execute the software. This involves passing instructions from the application software, through the system software, to the hardware which ultimately receives the instruction as machine code. Each instruction causes the computer to carry out an operation – moving data, carrying out a computation, or altering the control flow of instructions.
Management Consulting
Management consulting refers to both the industry of, and the practice of, helping organizations improve their performance, primarily through the analysis of existing business problems and development of plans for improvement. Organizations hire the services of management consultants for a number of reasons, including gaining external (and presumably objective) advice, access to the consultants' specialized expertise, or simply as extra temporary help during a one-time project, where the hiring of more permanent employees is not required.
Because of their exposure to and relationships with numerous organizations, consultancies are also said to be aware of industry "best practices", although the transferability of such practices from one organization to another is the subject of debate.
Consultancies may also provide organizational change management assistance, development of coaching skills, technology implementation, strategy development, or operational improvement services. Management consultants generally bring their own, proprietary methodologies or frameworks to guide the identification of problems, and to serve as the basis for recommendations for more effective or efficient ways of performing business tasks. In general, various approaches to consulting can be thought of as lying somewhere along a continuum, with an 'expert' or prescriptive approach at one end, and a facilitative approach at the other.
In the expert approach, the consultant takes the role of expert, and provides expert advice or assistance to the client, with, compared to the facilitative approach, less input from, and fewer collaborations with, the client(s). With a facilitative approach, the consultant focuses less on specific or technical expert knowledge, and more on the process of consultation itself. Because of this focus on process, a facilitative approach is also often referred to as 'process consulting,' with Edgar Schein being considered the most well-known practitioner. The consulting firms listed above are closer toward the expert approach of this continuum.
Many consulting firms are organized in a matrix structure, where one 'axis' describes a business function or type of consulting: for example, strategy, operations, technology, executive leadership, process improvement, talent management, sales, etc. The second axis is an industry focus: for example, oil and gas, retail, automotive. Together, these form a matrix, with consultants occupying one or more 'cells' in the matrix. For example, one consultant may specialize in operations for the retail industry, and another may focus on process improvement in the downstream oil and gas industry.
Because of their exposure to and relationships with numerous organizations, consultancies are also said to be aware of industry "best practices", although the transferability of such practices from one organization to another is the subject of debate.
Consultancies may also provide organizational change management assistance, development of coaching skills, technology implementation, strategy development, or operational improvement services. Management consultants generally bring their own, proprietary methodologies or frameworks to guide the identification of problems, and to serve as the basis for recommendations for more effective or efficient ways of performing business tasks. In general, various approaches to consulting can be thought of as lying somewhere along a continuum, with an 'expert' or prescriptive approach at one end, and a facilitative approach at the other.
In the expert approach, the consultant takes the role of expert, and provides expert advice or assistance to the client, with, compared to the facilitative approach, less input from, and fewer collaborations with, the client(s). With a facilitative approach, the consultant focuses less on specific or technical expert knowledge, and more on the process of consultation itself. Because of this focus on process, a facilitative approach is also often referred to as 'process consulting,' with Edgar Schein being considered the most well-known practitioner. The consulting firms listed above are closer toward the expert approach of this continuum.
Many consulting firms are organized in a matrix structure, where one 'axis' describes a business function or type of consulting: for example, strategy, operations, technology, executive leadership, process improvement, talent management, sales, etc. The second axis is an industry focus: for example, oil and gas, retail, automotive. Together, these form a matrix, with consultants occupying one or more 'cells' in the matrix. For example, one consultant may specialize in operations for the retail industry, and another may focus on process improvement in the downstream oil and gas industry.
Government Jobs
Traditionally, government jobs have been considered safe with no or little threat of job loss, especially when job opportunities in the private sector were not. There was a time when governments, both Federal and State, were the biggest employers. Then, job seekers and believed that bagging a government job made their or their children's lives more secure. Nevertheless, Government jobs have traditionally offered many perks which private jobs do not. Here are a few job benefits and reasons for choosing a government job over a one in the private sector.
Pension; this is one of the attractions. Financial services, such as mortgages at a low rate of interest offered by the respective department where the employee is working. Promotions and pay raises offer immediate social recognition/status to employees at specified intervals. Higher positions often entail unmatched administrative power. Relatively stronger immunity against job loss. Some governments promise employment to relatives of employees. More relaxed, congenial working style.
There are a few downsides to government positions, too. Government jobs offer a low starting salary, in comparison to private employers. Salary hikes are sometimes meager as they are regulated by standardization. Career growth opportunities can be few and far between, as promotions are standardized and often based on seniority. Another aspect of government jobs is that they may be perceived as less challenging. A common complaint about government jobs is that the routine and mundane nature of the job often leads to complacency.
Selection procedure provides an even playing field for all applicants. This is unlike the government sector, where selection is often made based on seniority or knowing someone in a particular agency. True talent is unearthed before the selection through interviews and brainstorming. Lucrative starting salaries and high growth potential through what is called "merit based" promotions and salary hikes. Fast paced working style and environments give employees job satisfaction and eventually fosters loyalty and dedication.
Pension; this is one of the attractions. Financial services, such as mortgages at a low rate of interest offered by the respective department where the employee is working. Promotions and pay raises offer immediate social recognition/status to employees at specified intervals. Higher positions often entail unmatched administrative power. Relatively stronger immunity against job loss. Some governments promise employment to relatives of employees. More relaxed, congenial working style.
There are a few downsides to government positions, too. Government jobs offer a low starting salary, in comparison to private employers. Salary hikes are sometimes meager as they are regulated by standardization. Career growth opportunities can be few and far between, as promotions are standardized and often based on seniority. Another aspect of government jobs is that they may be perceived as less challenging. A common complaint about government jobs is that the routine and mundane nature of the job often leads to complacency.
Selection procedure provides an even playing field for all applicants. This is unlike the government sector, where selection is often made based on seniority or knowing someone in a particular agency. True talent is unearthed before the selection through interviews and brainstorming. Lucrative starting salaries and high growth potential through what is called "merit based" promotions and salary hikes. Fast paced working style and environments give employees job satisfaction and eventually fosters loyalty and dedication.
Self Employment
The challenge of self-employment can be overwhelming to a person who has always worked for someone else. The very idea of self-employment sends ripples of fear and anxiety into the heart of traditional workers. Traditional people do not seriously think about stepping into the unfamiliar world of self-reliance. Most people are very comfortable and thrive in the traditional workforce. Simply put, most people are follows who don’t want to be independent. Society has spawn a compliant workforce that happily does its bidding. Most people are followers, “wage earners” and do not desire freedom or seek the complexities of self-employment. They don’t have the courage nor persistence to break away from the mold and become anything different.
Average people are obedient to traditional ideas and will not break from civil boundaries. The comfort of following becomes their life’s compliancy. The tried and proven formula is: “a job equals a paycheck equals security equals satisfaction.” Their main objective is to pay the bills, not their job or independence. When a person becomes complacent, he/she loses the motivation to excel or expand. His/her expectant perception becomes narrow and predictable and he/she settles into a mental daze. As the self is subdued, attention is given to the material world stimulus such as TV, hobbies or seeking relationships. That small creative fire within that could have been a roaring fire, grows cold and eventually goes out.
Your core beliefs must be high spirited and executed with confidence. Like an Olympian trains for the game, if you are to be a contender, you must also train for success. Success only come to those who pay the price for it. You must sacrifice yourself to the intensity of the challenge. Being adequately prepared could be the difference between success and failure. What turns a person away from a traditional job and toward self discovery? Many times it’s need. The need to fulfill a requirement, desire or pressure from his/her environment.
The challenge is not what you are going to do, it’s “if” and “how” you are going to do it. First off, choose something you can do. Don’t worry about loving it and all that junk, just find something you can be productive in. You’re going to be competing with other people, no matter how you look at it, so choose and get started. People have a lot of choices and thus far none have been for you. They want quality, low price and most of all, someone they can trust. Build confidence through mannerisms and by being professional and standing by your word. Always treat your customer like a respected equal. Build solid relationships and your customers will refer you to their other acquaintances which is called, “center of influence” marketing.
Average people are obedient to traditional ideas and will not break from civil boundaries. The comfort of following becomes their life’s compliancy. The tried and proven formula is: “a job equals a paycheck equals security equals satisfaction.” Their main objective is to pay the bills, not their job or independence. When a person becomes complacent, he/she loses the motivation to excel or expand. His/her expectant perception becomes narrow and predictable and he/she settles into a mental daze. As the self is subdued, attention is given to the material world stimulus such as TV, hobbies or seeking relationships. That small creative fire within that could have been a roaring fire, grows cold and eventually goes out.
Your core beliefs must be high spirited and executed with confidence. Like an Olympian trains for the game, if you are to be a contender, you must also train for success. Success only come to those who pay the price for it. You must sacrifice yourself to the intensity of the challenge. Being adequately prepared could be the difference between success and failure. What turns a person away from a traditional job and toward self discovery? Many times it’s need. The need to fulfill a requirement, desire or pressure from his/her environment.
The challenge is not what you are going to do, it’s “if” and “how” you are going to do it. First off, choose something you can do. Don’t worry about loving it and all that junk, just find something you can be productive in. You’re going to be competing with other people, no matter how you look at it, so choose and get started. People have a lot of choices and thus far none have been for you. They want quality, low price and most of all, someone they can trust. Build confidence through mannerisms and by being professional and standing by your word. Always treat your customer like a respected equal. Build solid relationships and your customers will refer you to their other acquaintances which is called, “center of influence” marketing.
Export business
Exporting is the method of carrying or sending goods to a foreign country for global trade business. Nowadays, there are many people who move to a foreign company either for business or for pleasure. Usually, it will not be for a short period of time. Rather, it would be for several years, or maybe for the rest of their lives. Of course, if you are planning an international move, it is essential that hire an overseas shipping company to assist your move.
As an exporter or manufacturer who is keen to step into international market, you should better initiate in a secure and planned manner for export import trade. One fairly safe and secure way is to establish indirect exports and see the response. There are various ways to begin indirect exports, but the most commonly used technique is to get into a contract with some distributor or hire the services of commission agents. Although, their functions may sound a bit similar, both of them differ at some points. Let’s look into the work aspect of these two in detail.
Commonly recognized as commission agents, they are accountable for selling your items in overseas market. They are skilled campaigners and quite familiar with the bazaar you are going to target. They are familiar with the customers and their requirements. However, the thing to keep in mind is that they are only responsible for selling your items. They do not purchase from you directly; neither do they engage themselves in delivery or after sale services in most cases. Their source of earning is the preset commission on each sale.
Distributors should be monetarily sound. They must be good in warehouse management and inventory stocking. Should be ready to work at cost margins you are willing to offer. Should be having deep technical information about the items you are dealing in. Be very cautious when going into a deal and think over the sections several times before signing. Export distributor should be capable of running or managing the marketing campaign if required.
As an exporter or manufacturer who is keen to step into international market, you should better initiate in a secure and planned manner for export import trade. One fairly safe and secure way is to establish indirect exports and see the response. There are various ways to begin indirect exports, but the most commonly used technique is to get into a contract with some distributor or hire the services of commission agents. Although, their functions may sound a bit similar, both of them differ at some points. Let’s look into the work aspect of these two in detail.
Commonly recognized as commission agents, they are accountable for selling your items in overseas market. They are skilled campaigners and quite familiar with the bazaar you are going to target. They are familiar with the customers and their requirements. However, the thing to keep in mind is that they are only responsible for selling your items. They do not purchase from you directly; neither do they engage themselves in delivery or after sale services in most cases. Their source of earning is the preset commission on each sale.
Distributors should be monetarily sound. They must be good in warehouse management and inventory stocking. Should be ready to work at cost margins you are willing to offer. Should be having deep technical information about the items you are dealing in. Be very cautious when going into a deal and think over the sections several times before signing. Export distributor should be capable of running or managing the marketing campaign if required.
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