Ways to Be Accountable

Last week when I talked about being professional, one of the things that I mentioned was being accountable.  Being accountable means taking responsibility for the end result of our actions and being able to explain why we did it a certain way.  It is standing up to our choices and being responsible for our actions.

So, how can we be accountable in our jobs?

• Have a vision for the future.  If you work for someone else this usually means knowing what the company goals are and what the company’s outlook for the future is.  Every time you make a decision or work on a task, ask yourself if this is furthering the company’s vision.  How is it going to help and propel the company forward?  If it is only slightly working towards moving the company forwards in its goals see if there is a way you can tweak the project or add to it that will make it more goal focused.
• Have an accountability partner.  Find someone in the company that has a similar work ethic to yourself that you can go to when you need a second opinion.  Bounce ideas off one another.  Talk about the possible repercussions.  Having someone to talk to that has a similar mindset to your own can give you the chance to see things that you might be missing otherwise.
• Take responsibility for your actions.  That means taking responsibility whether the results are good or bad.  Sometimes we forget that we need to speak up when we have done something good.  Remember that it is unlikely that others are going to speak up for you so you should speak up when you are proud of something you have done.  On the other hand, when you have made a mistake you should take ownership of it and find a way to make it better by fixing it or getting the task into the hands of someone who can show you how to fix it.
• Take charge of your advancement.  Advancement does not always mean promotions or raises.  Many of our advancements take the form of learning and increased knowledge.  So, take charge of it by taking time to read good magazines and books that can help you on your job.  Go to a seminar or a workshop.  Listen to a webinar online (many are free).  Read and keep up to date with professional sites online in your industry.

What other ways do you hold yourself accountable?

How to Get a Promotion - Part 2

Last week I started talking about how to get a promotion.  In part 1 I covered:

• Taking charge of your time
• Networking with other employees, and
• Using email as a tool

This week I’d like to talk about three more things.

·         Give your job 100% of your effort.  Never give only 50% or even 90%.  When you are assigned a task make sure that you do it right and make sure that you are efficient.  Find out what exactly is involved in the task before you start it and then make sure each aspect is covered.  Find out if there if the task has been done before and by whom.  Ask them if they have any advice or if there were any tools that were especially helpful.  And do not forget to ask them if there is anything you should watch out for or anything you should avoid.

    Remember that there are no small tasks so if you are assigned something that is “beneath you” you should still give the task 100% of your effort.

·         Have a positive attitude.  A good attitude can take you a long way in your job.  In the post Attitude is Everything I gave some tips to keeping a good attitude in the office.  It certainly is not easy to do this but a person with a great attitude certainly will be noticed.  Do not be afraid to jump to take the jobs that others do not want and do them with a smile on your face.  Spread smiles around the office liberally.  Encourage others.  Compliment. 

 

·         Ask for the job.  If there is a job opening that you would like to be promoted into do not be afraid to ask for the job.  Make it known that you are interested in it and be prepared to tell your boss or manager why you should be considered for the job.  Have concrete examples like the time you save a project or the time you were responsible for gathering the team and encouraging them into the night as a task was completed.  This is not bragging – this is selling yourself.  If you want to get a promotion you have to be good at selling yourself.

The bottom line is that the ones who do get promoted work hard to get promotions.  Promotions do not just fall into people’s laps.  They take work and effort and confidence.  They take time.

And remember that if you do not get this promotion it is not a sign to give up.  Continue putting your best effort in, continue to go for the jobs you want, and continue to sell yourself.  The promotions will come if you follow these tips!

How to Get a Promotion - Part 1

So, you’ve started as an administrative assistant and you want to get promoted.  As I’ve told my students, the administrative position is often a great starting point to working your way up the ladder.  It gives you the opportunity to show off your skills and to show that you have a great work ethic.  But that doesn’t mean that it is easy!

Getting your first promotion requires hard work and a great attitude and it also requires patience.  I’ve seen it happen several times – an employee works hard, smiles all the time, does whatever she is asked and doesn’t get the first promotion they aim for.  Then they go storming into the boss’s office spouting off all the things they have done for the company and demanding to know why they didn’t get the promotion.  Patience – without it you’re going nowhere fast.  In all most every instance the employee was laid off in the next 6 months or left of their own will.

Here are some other ways to increase your chances of getting a promotion:

• Take charge of your time.  Don’t make excuses for not getting things done – just get them done.  And get them done when you say you will.  Be conservative about giving people times for completion of projects – realize that sometimes you will have interruptions and things will take longer than you expect.  It’s better to have something done before you say it will than to have to call them in the middle of the afternoon and beg for an extension.  Track your time using something like Chrometa and watch for where time is being used inefficiently.
• Network with other employees.  Your job is a great place to network – you don’t have to be at a seminar or workshop to network.  Talk to other staff about their projects.  Find ways to work together.  Offer your expertise.  Share information that will help others do their jobs better.  Don’t keep it all to yourself.
• Use email as a tool.  Email isn’t just about communication.  It’s about displaying your skills, your work ethic, and your knowledge.  When you write an email keep sentence structure, spelling, and grammar in mind – even when it is just a brief email that you don’t consider important.  Every email you write tells the person you are sending it to something about you.  And always, always, read over the email you are responding to first (I one person I worked with in the past that constantly replied to my emails without actually reading the email I’d sent them and as a result I would have to send another email asking my questions again) and always, always proofread your emails to make sure that you are saying what you actually mean to say!

Watch for part two of How to Get a Promotion!

Top Ten Skills Of Administrative Professionals

Since Administrative Professionals are so involved with every aspect of the businesses they work for they need to have many skillls.  If you have started an admin career or are taking a course to train for an admin career your skills need to be portable and transferable.  That means that your skills can be put to use to effectively complete a wide array of projects.  So, what are the top 10 skills that administrative professionals need to have?

1. Organizational skills - professionals in your office will be depending on you to know where files are, to know when their meetings are, and to know what the priorties are for the day, among other things.  Your organizational skills will be imperative to keeping all this information straight.
2. Written communications skills - every day you will use writing as a form of communication when you write emails, formal letters, and even reports.  You will need to understand grammar and be familiar with the writing process.
3. Verbal communication skills - since you are the first person that clients and business partners will have contact with, either by phone or in person, it is essential that your verbal communication skills be up to par.  You may also need to give presentations or present information to small groups of people so you need to be comfortable speaking in front of people.
4. Cultural awareness - in our world it is not only possible but it is very probable that you will be working with people from different cultures.  By being culturally aware you will be more likely to be successful and to be thought of as a professional.
5. Microsoft Office skills - while there are other programs that are specific to individual fields, Microsoft Office is still one of the most widely used programs among business professionals - knowing how to use Word, PowerPoint, Access, and Excel is just the beginning of your learning but if you are comfortable with these programs you will be more likely to learn other programs more easily.
6. Typing skills - not only will you need typing skills to do your own work efficiently but you'll also likely need to type up documents for other people.  And administrative professional should have a minimum of 45 keystrokes per minute but should aim higher; many companies request 60 keystrokes per minute or more!
7. Concentrations skills - I don't hear this one mentioned very often but since you are likely to be working at the front desk there will be a lot of traffic around your desk.  If you are not able to concentrate while others are talking you will have a difficult time completeing your work!
8. Efficiency - know the difference between effectiveness and efficiency.  You need to have both but efficiency is key.  The ability to get work done quickly and properly will make you indispensible!
9. Self-motivation - there isn't always going to be someone standing over your should telling you what to do so make sure you know what you are responsible for.  When you've completed all your tasks have a list of things that you can work on.
10. Being ethical - this is one of the skills that everyone must develop in the business world but the administrative professional that has a strong work ethic will go far.  They will stand out in the minds of their superiors and they will be promoted before others.

So - do you have all of these skills?  Or are there some that you can work on?  This is just a short list of the skills that students develop at Robertson College when they are taking one of our administrative professional courses at our business college.  If you have been thinking of pursuing an admin career come and see one of our career counsellors who will be happy to tell you more about the opportunities at Robertson College.

7 Tips to Improve Your Phone Etiquette

As administrative assistants we spend a lot of time of the phone.  Whether it is answering calls or making calls there is no doubt that phone work is a big part of our job.  We are often the first voice that people hear when they call so it is often our voice that is associated with the company.

Here are some tips for having great phone manners:

1. Introduce yourself.  I like to know who I am talking to when I phone a company and I like to know that I’ve dialed the right number.  “Good morning.  ABC Company.  Danielle speaking.”  It is quick and to the point assures them that there is a friendly person waiting to help them.  

2. Find out the name of the person you are speaking to and use it.  People like to hear their name – it makes the conversation more personal.  It also makes them feel like you matter to them.   If you’re the one who made the call and have something to request they are more likely to feel that they should comply.  It is amazing how something as simple as using someone’s name can help you get what you want.

3. Listen.  I’ve heard people say that you should spend 1/3 of a conversation talking and the other 2/3’s of the conversation listening.  By listening you will need to say less and what you say will be more effective.

4. Use tone, pitch, and inflection to communicate.  In person to person conversations people look to your body language to determine the message you are trying to convey but on the phone we don’t have that advantage.  Instead, use tone, pitch, and inflection to stress important points.

5. Slow down.  Most of us are fairly fast talkers and on the phone it can be more difficult to understand fast words.  Slow down a bit – but not so much that the person on the other end thinks that you think they are not smart enough to understand!

6. Enunciate.  Make sure you are fully enunciating your words.  Don’t let the ends of words slide away.

7. Smile.  Yes, I said smile. I know that they can’t see you but believe it or not, they can hear you smiling!  Try saying something negative with a smile on your face.  Difficult isn’t it?

How to Avoid Secretary Bottom

You know what I’m talking about right?  It’s the old myth that if you get a job as a secretary you’ll get a big bottom from sitting on it all day long.  Well, that’s only true if you really do nothing but sit all day and if you go home and sit all night long.  If you are (or are going to be) and administrative assistant there are several things you can do to prevent secretary bottom

• Exercise at home - it shouldn't need to be said but don't go home and sit in front of the TV all night long.  Not only is that not good for you but if you spend some time exercising you'll be able to get rid of daily stresses and do your job better.  So get out and go for a walk, join a fitness class, or engage in an active game with your kids.
• Desk stretches - they may not help you lose weight but they will help you stay limber.  There are lots of stretches you can do at your desk like the ones found here.
• Break time walks - breaks are there to help you so go for a quick walk around the block during your break.  Or, if you're allowed to, eat at your desk and go for a longer walk at lunch time.  It's even easier to do this if you recruit a co-worker to come with you.
• Take the stairs - f you work in an office with several floors start taking the stairs.  This is great for the butt and thighs and that's the spot many women have troubles with.
• Squats - there are so many opportunities to implement squats into your day that once you get in the habit of it you won't even think twice about doing it.  Just remember to do a squat instead of bending from the waist whenever you need to pick something up or get something out of the bottom file cabinet drawer.  Keep your back straight and your shoulders forward and lean into your heels.  
• Get rid of your chair - replace it with a fitness ball and you'll be working on your core muscles all day long.  You can use it for other exercises as well when you have a break or at lunch time.
• Walk or bike to work - if you live close enough you'll find this is a great way to get a little bit of energy at the beginning of the day.  Or if you don't want to get all sweaty before you get to work, walk home.
• Organize and office sports team - basketball, softball, or soccer are great ways to have fun with your co-workers and it builds team morale as well.

Try implementing some of these strategies and you'll find that secretary bottom is no longer a concern!

Increase Your Typing Speed

Being a fast typist is an important part of your job. You do it every single day. So, if you are at the beginning of your career as an administrative assistant or just want to improve on your speed you should take advantage of some of the online tools available to you. Here's my top 10:

1. Speedtest - I like this one because it doesn't have sentences - just words - so it helps you to focus on the letters rather than the meaning of what you are typing.
2. Learn2Type - this one will not only test your current typing speed but you can also sign up for online lessons to brush up or improve.
3. TypeFaster - improves your typing speed with a free software that includes games - makes it more fun.
4. Fingerjig - fun game, good practice
5. TyperShark - another game to download or play on the web - or even buy the full version.
6. Stamina - another tool to download. The bonus of this one is that it offers an alternative method to reduce wrist stress. Let me know if you have wrist stress and if this works for you.
7. Sense-lang - has typing games, a program, and even tips for seniors.
8. Type Online - another typing test.
9. QWERTY Warriors - like RPG's? Then this typing game is for you.
10. TypingHero - this game is loosely based on Guitar Hero.

Online Degrees Can Accelerate You Career

Time Management (Photo credit: Intersection Consulting)

 Online degrees can be a great way to help you move forward in your career and move ahead quickly.  Many online degrees can be completed in a year or less, which allows you to either enhance your current career or start a new one in a short period of time.  The benefits of online degree courses are many and will vary from person to person.  There is a wide array of courses that are available to help you move forward in your career such as:

• Travel counselor
• Health care
• Administrative assistant/bookkeeper
• Software Developer
• ...and more!

Here are a few things you should keep in mind if you are considering obtaining your degree through an online college.

Online degrees have the advantage that you can work at your own pace.  If you want to finish quickly and are able to put the time needed into your  studies you can finish very quickly.  Those who absorb information easily will find that they can get through a course very fast.  If you have a lot of family commitments and other time restrictions, you can work at a slower  pace an still be able to complete your degree. 

Some people might think that it is easier to learn online than it is in a traditional educational setting but this is not necessarily true.  It all depends on your learning style.  For some people it is easier to learn online but some people will find the technology and the fact that there is no one there to push them to get work done to be very challenging.  Learning online requires a lot of determination and self-discipline.  You will also need to have good time management skills because while you are learning you will still need to take care of your other responsibilities in life.  When you learn online you will need just as much concentration and effort as  is needed in traditional studies.

When you take an accelerated degree program online you will take in a lot of info in a short period of time.  You’ll have to focus on specific topics for a short period of time and then move on.  Whiile it might be easier to do well on tests, the important part is how well you will be able to retain the information in the long run.  That is why your study skills will be a very important part of your learning.

Online learning degrees are not for everyone.  You should take some time to think about your personality and whether you are able to be proactive in your studies.  You must be able to work independently without having someone beside you to tell you when projects are due and what you need to do next.  If you are motivated and ready to put some serious effort into  your studies, online college might be the right path for you.

If you are considering taking an online course consider someof the many options available at Robertson College.

Networking within Your Company Can Help Your Career Advancement

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Your job should be in your control.  You should be able to plan it out, follow the steps and see yourself progress accordingly.  At least that is what most people think.  The truth is that this is generally not how it works in the real world.

The truth is that you can't predict things like the other people you work with, your boss or his/her moods and preconceptions, and the economy.  The best laid plans rarely go exactly as we want them to.  We often need to make changes along the way and we need to be able to adapt as necessary.

If you want to advance in your career there are some things you can do to encourage advancement.  These are things that you can control.

One of those things is networking within the company network.  Most people think of networking as something you do when you are looking for a new job but networking within the company you work for can be valuable, too.

You can network with in your company in many ways including:

• taking part in company sports
• taking part in company volunteer activities
• consulting with a coworker on a project you are working on 
• consulting with a coworker on a project they are working on
• joining people for lunch
• talking about personal projects
• sharing past experiences that can help your coworkers
• joining a brainstorming team

These are just some examples.  Can you think of others?

Although you can't control everything there are some things you can control so take advantage of those things.

People Are Getting More Online Degrees than Offline Degrees

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Education degrees earned at online universities now dwarf those of traditional universities. USA Today analyzed recent Department of Education data and found that online education behemoth, the University of Phoenix, awarded more than twice as many education degrees as its closest traditional competitor...read more here

I know this is an article based on US findings but it is still very revealing.  More and more people are using online education to get degrees.  And more and more employers are giving them as much value as traditional degrees.

People are using online education for many reasons:

• They can study at their own pace.
• They can study around their schedules.
• They can study where they want.
• They can continue to work while going to school.
• They can work around their family life.

Getting an education online can be great for those who need more flexibility.

Employers are accepting online degrees more often because they know that online courses today are not like the online courses of the past.  Because of technology, online courses can offer more interaction between instructors and students as well as between students.  Technology makes it easier for students to get hands on practice using software that is necessary for their career instead of just reading about it.

Are you ready to start learning?  Then consider getting an online degree today.

Interview Question: Tell Me About Yourself

So, you're at an interview and you get the question, "Tell me about yourself" - seems easy enough right?  Not always.  The question isn't just that cut and dry.

One of the main reasons that interviewers ask this question is to see how you will react to a loose and unstructured question.  The key to answering this question well is to have something prepare.

Interviewers are also watching for the following:

• They are watching to see how confident you are.
• They are watching to see how you will appear to clients.
• They are listening to see  what you think is important.

If you have done some research you will know what the employer thinks is important so  you should tailor your answer accordingly. If you know that the employer is involved in community building and you have done some community work in your own area, talking about this would be a good idea.

Check out these videos to see the good, the bad, and the ugly responses to the interview question, "Tell me about yourself."

The Good

The Bad

The Ugly

Job Dissatisfaction - Get Rid of it!

Career Day (Photo credit: Tulane Public Relations)

Many people suffer from dissatisfaction on the job.  There are many reasons that people become dissatisfied with their job but it usually leads to apathy.  When people become apathetic about their job they usually stop doing it well and just try to get by with “enough”.  That’s not a good place to be in because the company will suffer and ultimately, you might lose your job.

One of the first steps to getting rid of job dissatisfaction is figuring out the reason behind it.

One reason that people sometimes become unhappy with their work is that they don’t feel like they are making a real contribution.  When this happens you need to find something at your job to engage you or you can change career paths.  I’d almost always recommend finding something engaging to do at your job before completely leaving your current career behind.  If that doesn’t work, a career change might be just what you need.  You don’t always have to go to a university where you take a 4 year degree course.  Sometimes a short term course is your best option.

Another thing you can do is attend some workshops to explore a new career or to inspire you in the career that you are currently in.  Workshops can be great short term solutions.  You can learn new skills and the enthusiasm of other participants and the workshop leaders can be contagious.  It’s exciting to be able to learn to do something new and find a way to apply it to your work.  Your employers will be impressed at your initiative, too, and it could lead to a promotion to a new and exciting position.

The average life span is only about 4000 weeks long and there are only 7 days in each week so you really can’t afford to sit around at a job that you are truly unhappy with.  Give yourself a time limit to see if you can make your job more enjoyable.  After that decide to make a choice to make a change.  Look into career options and find some possibilities for training in a new career.  Time is limited and there’s no point in wasting it with being dissatisfied. 

There are many ways that you can train in a new career.  You might decide to go to university but you will find that other options are there, too.  You might find that you can train for a new career in a year orless.  You will likely find that there are online training options that would suit your life very well.  These options will give you hope and knowing that they are there is the first step.

Get Trained in the Skills You Need to Be a Virtual Assistant

Word 2007 icon. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 In our currently economy, people are realizing that jobs are hard to come by - especially jobs where you have creative control and can work the hours that are suitable for you.  Many people settle for lower paying jobs that they aren’t really happy with and they feel they have control.  But there are other options.

Many people are learning that they can train to get the skills they need to work from home in a variety of fields.  One of the fields that is becoming increasingly popular is virtual assistants.  It is a fairly new field and there are many ways that you can be a VA.  You can find your own private clients or you can find employment at companies that hire people to work from home on a contract basis.  The growth for this field is amazing because more and more small businesses are realizing that they do not have to hire a full time assistant.  Instead, they can hire virtual assistants to handle a wide variety of office jobs from their own homes.

Of course, you still need to have the skills that are required and training will likely be needed. 

One of the most important skills is technology skills. You’ll need to know basis computer use and you will likely need to learn to use programs like Microsoft Word and Excel.  You’ll also need to have excellent communication skills as most of the communicating of clients needs are done either by email or by Skype.  Written communication skills and reading skills are especially important in the virtual work world.

You can get basic training for a virtual assistant job by taking and administrative course.  Administrative courses usually cover skills like:

• Microsoft Office
• Typing
• Communications
• Customer service

These basis skills will give you a good start to your virtual assistant career.

As  you progress you might want to offer more services so continuous learning is important.  You could learn how to blog or set up Wordpress sites, do research and more.  The more skills you have in the online world the greater your chances of finding work on a regular basis.

Brand Yourself Online BEFORE You Need a Job

Yesterday I talked about what personal branding is and how it applies to your as a job searcher.  If you have not read it yet, take a minute to go and read and then come back.

Now that you understand what personal branding is you need to start now, before you need to get a job. You might already have a job or you might be in school and training for a career.  Either way, start branding yourself now because at some point you are likely going to be looking for a job.  If you wait until you actually need a job you will find that the actions you take won't make a lot of difference.  If you start now, you will be building a foundation for the future.

Personal Branding Through Blogging

Start your personal branding with a blog.  Buy your personal name as a domain name.  That way if future employers search for you your blog will be the first thing they find.  You control what they are exposed to so make sure it is good!

Here are a few things you can blog about:

• Your education and what you learned
• Your activities in professional organizations
• Articles that you have read online; link to them, quote them, and share your opinion
• Your thoughts on current trends

If you are ready to start blogging but you've never tried it before check out these blog posts:

• Is Blogging a Good Idea?
• What Should I Blog About?
• Getting People to Your Blog

Personal Branding Through Social Media

Social media can be a great tool for personal branding but if you're not careful it can turn against you.  When you are working on branding yourself and you are using social media as one of the tools you must always be aware of what you are saying and what you are posting.  That means no snide or negative comments, no questionable pictures, and no controversy.

You can connect with people that work in the field you want to work in.  Ask them questions, share comments, and connect with them.  If you do it gently but regularly, you will get on their radar.

Start branding yourself now, before you actually need a job, and when the time comes you will have a portfolio of material that people will recognize you from.

What is Personal Branding and Why Should You Care?

Image via CrunchBase

Personal branding is basically a means of marketing yourself.  It is usually spoken of in regards to careers.  It follows the marketing concept of packaging.

Think about it this way.  When you go to the store are you attracted to the item that is packaged in a plain brown box or does the one with colors and attractive design catch your eye first?  Usually, it is the one that is packaged up attractively, isn't it?

When you brand yourself, you are making sure that you are the one that catches the eye of companies that are hiring in your field, rather than someone else.  Some of branding is literally, the packaging - what you wear, but there is more to it than that.

Branding is about let employers know about your skills and your talents.  Yes, you're going to do this in your resume and cover letter but why not start even before you are going to apply for a job.  You can brand yourself online as an expert in your chosen career if you think carefully about it.

Personal branding can also involve being attached to projects and causes.  You might volunteer with a cause that is related to your industry or you might create your own project to demonstrate your worth.

You can personally brand yourself in many ways including:

• blogging
• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• Google+
• writing articles
• joining organizations
• ...and more

Yes, YOU Should Have a Facebook Page!

Image via CrunchBase

Are you looking for a job?  Are you planning to look for a job in the near future?  Or maybe you just suspect that sometime in the next year you might have to look for a job.

If any of those are true, you should have a Facebook Page.  No, I'm not talking about your personal profile where you share jokes with your friends and display the pictures from your latest wild trip to Mexico.  I'm talking about a Facebook Page, like many businesses have.

Why?

Because Facebook Pages show up really well in the search engines and if you name your Facebook Page with your real name and your career field, you can easily get the attention of employers when they are searching for people in your area.  For example, if you live in Winnipeg and you have studied (or are still studying) to be a Software Developer you could name your page "Chris Stockwell, Winnipeg Software Developer".  Or if you are willing to move to other locations you could name it "Chris Stockwell, Canadian Software Developer".

If employers search for your name when you apply for a job you want to make sure that they have something good to find.  You want them to find something that YOU are in control of - like a Facebook Page. Google yourself now.  What shows up?  Wouldn't it be great if your professional Facebook Page showed up first and you could display your talents, skills, and experience easily? It's like an ongoing resume - but interactive.

Not sure what to do with it?

Here are some ideas:

• Share inspirational quotes
• Share your blog posts if you have a blog set up
• Share pictures of you at professional event
• Create a video and share it
• Share articles about your career field and your opinion on it
• Share news about your career field - especially new trends!
• Ask thought provoking questions
• Share links to news that is related to your industry
• Use Facebook as your Page and like other pages and comment on them

Wait - hold up!  What's that last one?  It's a pretty nifty little trick is what it is.  When you have a Facebook Page you can use Facebook as your page instead of your profile.  When you do that you can get all sorts of professional exposure.

Here's how you do it:

At the top of your page you will see some tabs that you only see if you are a page admin.  One of them is Edit Page.  Click on that.  Then click on Use Facebook as (your page name).  

It's that easy.  Now that you are using Facebook as your professional page instead of your profile you can look up companies that you would like to work for and like their pages.  When you do that, you can easily follow their updates by clicking on the Facebook logo to go to your pages newsfeed.  

If you check in a couple times a week and comment on other pages status updates and pictures and so on, they will eventually notice you.  That could potentially be your "in" at the company you want to work for!

One more nifty thing about Facebook Pages.  People can now contact you through your Facebook Page.  There's a message button that you can make available to those who like your page (it is available by default and will only become invisible if you purposefully turn it off).  That means that businesses can contact you without ever having to go to your personal Facebook Profile.

So, start your professional Facebook Page today.  Ask your friends to like it.  Share it on your personal Facebook Profile from time to time.  Over time you will get more and more likes on your page if you are active and provide useful info.

7 Sure Fire Tips to Get that Promotion

Are you aware of an opening in the company that you work for that you could apply for?  Or are you just thinking into the future about possible promotions?  The best way to get a promotion is to think about your actions long before you need to.

Here are some great tips to help you get promoted:

1. Make sure that whatever job you do now, you are doing it well.  If you can't handle a lesser job there is no way that you will be promoted into a new position that has more challenges, authorities, or responsibilities.
2. Stay connected.  Even when you're not at the office it is a good idea to be connected to the office.  What if someone needs a file over the weekend and you have it on your work computer.  Do you really want to have to drive all the way to work to email it to the person who needs it?  If you are on top of technology, you can stay connected to your office computer, even when you aren't in the office.
3. Make the time that you spend at work efficient.  If you ever have to leave early or if you have to leave at a specific time of day every day, make sure that the time  you are at work is efficient.  That means that you get as much done as possible.  Productive employees are respected, even if they do have time limitations of when they can be at the office.
4. Be willing to help.  Your co-workers will appreciate your efforts if you are available to help them.  Sometimes someone needs someone to cover their work load when they have a family emergency. Or someone might be working on a project that has a task that they are not overly familiar with and you are.  If  you are a cooperative co-worker, others will be happy to recommend you.
5. Respect company privacy.  When you are working on a project, remember that not everyone in the company should be privy to the same information that you are.  That means that when you walk away from your desk you need to remember to lock your computer.  You don't want the wrong person to come by and have access to information and files that should not be available to them.
6. Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.  If you want to be considered promotable, dress the part.  Invest in quality clothing that look professional.  You'll feel more professional and your employers will consider you to be that way, too.
7. If you have children always have a backup plan for child care.  Actually have several backup plans!  Generally, if something comes up at your child's school and they have to be picked up early, most employers are pretty understanding of this.  But what if it happens on a day when you have a pending deadline and it is crucial that it be met.  Are you going to let down your employers because little Johnny has the sniffles and the school wants him to be taken home?  Or do you have a list of people that  you can call to cover for you at home until the deadline is met?

6 Mom Skills You Can Apply to the Workforce

Cleanliness (Photo credit: felizberto - Emmanuel Avetta)

You already know that being a mom is a full-time job. You cook, you clean, you read stories and wipe runny noses, and you keep the household running smoothly. If you think that your mom skills don’t matter outside of the home, you’re wrong. Moms make excellent employees thanks to the skills they’ve honed by raising children and taking care of the home.

Cleanliness

Nobody wants to work with a slob. As a mom, you already know that lunch goes in the trash when you’re done and crumbs should not be left on the counter. You also know the best way to keep your monitor clean and your keyboard free of crumbs. Cleanliness is a valuable skill at any job, whether you’re a waitress, nurse, or office worker.

Organization

When you’re working hard to help customers and clients, it helps to know where everything is located. Moms usually don’t cram a bunch of pens, paper clips, and other random office supplies in a drawer. They organize their supplies, and they also organize their time. After years of planning and attending birthday parties, sporting events, and play dates, moms know exactly how to make sure that every deadline is met.  

Patience

Sometimes coworkers are annoying, but they’re nothing you can’t handle. After all, you have the impressive ability to ignore a full-blown toddler meltdown in the middle of a crowded store. Your moody boss doesn’t scare you one bit, and neither do rude customers.

Punctuality

Well-rounded children participate in all kinds of different activities, and you’re usually the one who makes sure they get there on time. Juggling commitments, especially if you have multiple children, makes you a master at punctuality. Your boss will love the fact that you’re never late for scheduled shifts and meetings.

Negotiation

“Lucy, you can only watch the new episode of iCarly if you eat all of your carrots”. Sound familiar? Moms know all about negotiating to get what they want and need. This skill will help you handle many different types of work-related issues, from demanding bosses to unhappy clients.

Management

When your application asked if you had any management experience, you considered checking “yes”. After all, you manage a house filled with kids and pets. You might even have a husband that runs all his decisions by you first. You call the shots, Mom, and there’s no reason why you can’t do the same at your job. Don’t be surprised if your boss promotes you fairly quickly. Moms have the skills needed to get the job done right – and make sure that others do the same.   

Dress Right for Your Career Start

When you've been making your career plans have you thought about your wardrobe?  If you haven't you might be missing out on a critical aspect of landing your dream job.  For some jobs, what you wear means a lot.  And it isn't just the interview.  You'll need to have the right wardrobe on a daily basis, too.  Instead of waiting until you get the job, why not plan ahead?

The interview and what you are wearing says a lot about you.  Even if you're just applying for a position low on the ladder you should still show your enthusiasm and respect for the job by dressing appropriately.

Consider the position you are applying for.  What kinds of clothing will you be expected to wear?  Ask someone in the human resources department if you are not sure.  Speak to people you might know who have worked there.  When you bring your application in, observe what people are wearing.  These things should give you a clue.  You can also do some research online if you want a bit more information.

When you apply for any sort of job in an office or in a large business like a bank or an investment company, expect to find that people are dressed in business outfits.  When in doubt, dress as if you were  5 or 10 years older than you are if you are a young person in your twenties.  Dress a little nicer than you think you need to in order to be on the safe side.

A few guidelines for women:

• Keep colors subtle.  Use color in simple accessories and neutrals in jackets, pants, tops, and shoes.
• If you're wearing a skirt wear pantyhose, even if you do have a great tan.
• Heels should not be too high - 2 inches at most.
• Jewelry should be simple - not garish.
• Cute is out.
• Keep hair simple and out of your face
• Make sure make up is simple and minimal.

A few guidelines for men:

• At the very least wear a collard shirt.
• A tie is always a nice touch.
• Wear neutral colored pants - black, khaki, navy, or grey.
• Wear dress shoes - no runners!
• Wear a suit if you are going to interview at a bank or business establishment.

Could Being a Travel Agent be the Perfect Home Business for You?

Cabo Home (Photo credit: FreeCat)

If you're goal is to work for yourself you might think that you need to take many years of business courses in order to run a successful business.  But if you think about the things that you love to do, you will find that many of your "hobbies" can actually become great businesses that you can run from home or from a small office.

Many people who love to travel are doing just that.  They are taking their love of discovering new places and traveling around the world and turning it into a great business that they can run online, from home, or with minimal costs in a small office space.  They are helping others to discover new adventures and they love every minute of it.

Does this sound like something that you would like to do?  It's completely possible.

Of course, your first step is to get the right training.  Go to school and get some accreditation behind your name.  This will give you a better impression when you do start your own business.  Training as a travel counselor first will ensure that you are truly interested in this kind of business.

There are two options if you wish to start a travel business:

1. Go completely on your own.  Find your own clients, do your own books, make your own arrangements.  This is without doubt the more difficult option but it might be right for you if you have a very unique idea that you want to implement or if you are the type of person that needs to figure things out as you go.  Just be aware that it will likely take you longer to become profitable.

2.  Join a company membership program.  Membership programs can be very helpful when you want to start your own travel business.  You will pay a fee to be part of the program but in exchange you will get training and support that will help your business to thrive much sooner.  Make sure you choose a membership company that has a good reputation and take some time to do some research on them before you make a commitment.  Make sure that you will get the support you need.  If at all possible, talk to someone that has been working with that company and find out what their opinion is.

10 Myths About Careers

There are many myths about careers so let's knock some of them out of the water!

1. It is easy to choose a career.  The fact is that it should not be easy to choose a career at all.  You should put time and effort into your career choice.  There are several steps involved including learning about who you are and what skills you have.  You should consider several occupations that might suit your personality and skills and explore them before you make a decision.
2. I can go to a career counselor and let them tell me the best career for me.  The truth is that only you can decide what career is best for you.  A career counselor might be able to help you in the process of deciding on a career and give you options but ultimately, you are the one that needs to put thought into it to make the best decision for you.
3. My hobbies can't make money.  You never know.  I know many people who have turned hobbies into careers.  People who like writing can become full time writers.  People who love to work with Word and Excel and who know bookkeeping can become virtual assistants.  In fact, know what  you like to do for a hobby can lead you to your perfect career!
4. "Best Careers" lists are the best place to find a good career.  You'll find many "best careers" lists online and in  magazines like Macleans and in career oriented newspapers or newsletters.  It certainly doesn't hurt to look at lists like these but just because a career that you are considering is not on the list does not mean that you should strike it off of yours.  Sometimes the best careers are the ones that are on no one's list because there is no competition for them!
5. I need a career that earns lots of money to be happy.  Money earning potential is likely part of your considerations but don't make it the main consideration.  If you're only thinking about the money you can earn in a career you might pick one that is not suited to you.  Enjoying your job is more important.
6. I have to pick the right career the first time because it is the career I'll have for the rest of my life.  First, this puts a lot of pressure on you!  Who can make a decision like that when they are in their 20s, 30s or even 40s?  Second, most people end up working in two or three different careers through the course of their life so know that you are likely going to change and changing careers is not that big of a deal these days.
7. My skills will go to waste if I change careers.  Not necessarily.  Many of the skills that you develop in one career will be transferable to others careers.  Some skills like document use, reading, communications, and computers skills are well suited for almost any career.  It is just a matter of showing them off in the right light.
8. If one of my friends or family members has been happy in a certain career I likely will be, too.  Unless you have the exact same personality and come from the same background and enjoy doing the same things, this is very unlikely to be true.  Career choice is a very personal thing.  By all means, ask them what they like about the career and what kind of duties and responsibilities they have but don't assume that just because they say, "I love my job" means that you will love it, too!
9. Once I've picked a career field everything else will follow.  If only it were that easy!  Once you've picked a career you'll need an action plan that will guide your through your career training and into finding employment and then working your way up the ladder.  Progress is one of the keys to a great career.
10. I can't find out much about jobs until I try them on.  There are many ways to explore a career to find out if it is a good fit for you.  With the Internet you can find out a lot about your career interest.  Social networking can help you connect with those who already work in the field you are interested and interviewing people who hold positions in that field can help you learn even more.