Dress up for success
By: Nirralee S.Mehta
The new millennium working Indian woman definitely needs to appear right, feel right & deliver right. With the incredible rise of MNC’s & working women in India, there definitely is a great need for a wardrobe makeover. The professionalism the women of today display in the office must translate in their dressing. What to wear for work, from where will I get it, why r women in west always dressed so chic…. Aren’t all these questions we ask ourselves very often? Yes, we do. Indian fashion world still needs more practicality, more stylizing, & of course more awareness.
What you wear to work is arguably the most important part of your wardrobe. You may think this sounds presumptuous and work should count more than your wardrobe, but it is a proven
scientific fact that your dressing can effect your career future. Your appearance can be the
difference between getting that promotion and being stuck in the same position forever.
Till now, corporate wear has not been addressed in India-no one has educated the new breed of
professionals on the appropriate look and style. Check out the following pointers to make sure
your work attire doesn't let you down. And as for the inspired shopping expedition that will follow reading this article, heed my advice-Think in term of outfits when you shop, and be practical.
Ask your self some questions:
• Do you have anything you can mix and match with it? Does it match your lifestyle?
• Will it be comfortable, nonchalant, and easy to wear?
• Is it machine wash or dry clean only?
• Is it of good quality? Quality counts, it is better to have four or five mix and match out fits
of quality, than 8 or 10 'steals.'
• Is the colour right for your skin tone?
• Is the fit proper to suit your body type?
Clothes Styles and Body Shapes
• Avoid high collar shirts, it shortens your neck.
• Tight tops with short sleeves and breast pocket are detracting from your figure. The torso
can be shortened or narrowed with seam lines, belts, bows, and collars.
• Avoid bold prints, animal prints, bold stripes, & bright colours.
• Play more with pastel shades, like, black, white, brown, beige.
• Do not forget to accessorize yourself with a scarf, a formal purse of the same pastel
colour plate, & most important of all that will give you a confidant look will be your shoes.
• When buying pants be sure they fit well. Flaws in figure are emphasized in a pair of pants
that may go unnoticed in a skirt.
Petite women.
Petite women need to keep clothes in line, slim narrow belts. A slight contrast in colors and fitted lines will flatter you endlessly. Also stay with fabrics that are soft and flowing that fits well. Over powering prints should be avoided.
Tall women.
Tall women can indulge in wide belts, avoid tight clothes and skirts that are to short or to long.
Tall women should play down their waist by wearing their blouses over the pants and skirts and
avoid tight belts.
Hip heavy triangle woman.
A hip heavy triangle and round full figured women can use clothes with vertical lines to make an
up and down illusion. V-necks and skirts with slits up the sides are also good. Clothes with small padded shoulders should be chosen . Too big pads will make you look like a foot ball player.
Wear long tops that go passed your hips. Choose jackets, tailored suits and shirtwaist dresses
with straight, classic cuts.
Hip heavy women should choose lighter colors on top, this brings eyes up. Wear dark stockings
and avoid patterns. Select vertical, fluid patterns and avoid bulky fabrics. Adopt the just below the knee look in dresses and skirts. Choose accessories close to the same color clothes you are
wearing including shoes. This gives your body an unbroken slimmer look. Avoid very wide
pinafore skirts. Stay with straight or Aline skirts.
Top heavy woman.
The top heavy body types need to choose long jackets without shoulder pads. Do not wear
blouses with fancy details and ruffles. Do not wear clingy fabrics on top, choose darker colors on
top. Do not wear tops that are to light. Tops with dolman or raglan sleeves and ones that fit loose and slims down to hug the hips and waist are good.
Wear pants or skirts that are pleated to bring the eye down. Choose thin materials like cotton, or cotton jersey. One color dressing will also be thinning. Flat shoes are best unless you are short,
then wear heels. If your legs are in good shape shorter hem lengths will draw attention away from your top.
Rectangular type woman.
The rectangular type can accentuate curves by wearing jackets or tops that hug the waist. Use
patterns in your tops or bottoms to add dimension. Round out the neckline with necklaces,
scarves and other accessories.
Style tips
• Know your body type; do not get carried away with the trends and go overboard for office
wear.
• Avoid chunky and flashy jewellery.
• Prefer high heels to flats.
• Prefer A-line or straight fit skirts to trousers.
• Be more feminine with the taste of clothes you select.
Following some of these tips should bring about a definite change in your personal style. Once
you start on the path to self-awareness in your dressing, you will feel a surge of confidence in
yourself. And the compliments coming your way won’t hurt either!
A
bout the author:
Nirralee Mehta, a fashionista from Mumbai went to London to study the art further, and has now returned to revolutionise the fashion industry in India. Studying in one of the most prestigious schools- The London University Of Fashion, which is right in the middle of the stylish districts of Bond & Oxford streets, was her dream come true. Having had numerous successful exhibitions in Mumbai between 2000-2002, and having designed for celebrities, she knew that as a designer she was accomplished.
www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
Top 7 Quotes for Leaders to Remember & Use
I love to speak and do a lot of it for my classes, but it is important to grab the audience in the first few minutes of your speeh. And the best way to do this is by using a great quote !
Here is an article by : Kevin Kearns is President of Kearns Advantage
The Bible is a great place to find quotable wisdom. One of the things I like about the Bible is that it tells you to "think on these things." It does not say, "read this, say to yourself 'yeah, I like that' and then forget all about it in your life." My intention with these quotes is that you read them, remember them, and use them!
Teamwork: "Michael, if you can't pass you can't play" -Coach Dean Smith during Jordan's freshman year at UNC. Why I love it: it points out so clearly that even a superstar needs to work as a team player. Their great individual accomplishments mean little if they do not help the entire team succeed.
Leadership: "Leadership is not magnetic personality - that can just as well be a glib tongue. It is not 'making friends and influencing people' - that is flattery. Leadership is lifting a person's vision to higher sights, the raising of a person's performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations" -Peter F. Drucker. Why I love it: isn't obvious?
Action!: "You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do" -Henry Ford. Why I love it: even the most talented people with the best ideas will not accomplish great things if they do not take action.
Normal: "The only normal people are the ones you don't know very well" -Joe Ancis. Why I love it: everyone, no matter how polished on the outside, has moments of fear and doubt. Nobody has it all together all of the time. The leaders you look at with admiration, deal with the same things as you.
Change: "Sometimes things change Daddy" -Maren Kearns (7 years old.) Why I love it: my daughter said this to me when I commented to her "but I thought you didn't like her very much." Her statement is true in the business world. Everything is the way it is until it isn't. Then it is another way. Be it lazy employees, poor performance - sometimes things change. In many cases, a leader like you can be the catalyst of a positive change!
Sincerity: "Always be sincere, even when you don't mean it" -Irene Peter. Why I love it: this quote reminds me to let things go. Even when I shouldn't, even when I am right and they are wrong, even when they did it on purpose. Letting things go means that I do it "sincerely." It does not mean that I let it go only on the outside while I do a really bad job of faking nice.
Gossip: "A rumor without a leg to stand on will get around some other way" -John Tudor. Why I love it: people often reinforce gossip with the belief that if there wasn't at least some truth in it, then it would not be spreading. This quote points out that gossip does not need truth to live. All it needs is a willing transport system. As a leader, you must set the example.
Kevin Kearns is President of Kearns Advantage, a leadership coaching company. Kearns Advantage has a proven track record of developing strong leaders. Kevin holds a Master of Science degree in Organization Development and is a member of the Coachville Graduate School of Coaching. Subscribe to Kevin’s free leadership newsletter at http://www.kearnsadvantage.com.
Here is an article by : Kevin Kearns is President of Kearns Advantage
The Bible is a great place to find quotable wisdom. One of the things I like about the Bible is that it tells you to "think on these things." It does not say, "read this, say to yourself 'yeah, I like that' and then forget all about it in your life." My intention with these quotes is that you read them, remember them, and use them!
Teamwork: "Michael, if you can't pass you can't play" -Coach Dean Smith during Jordan's freshman year at UNC. Why I love it: it points out so clearly that even a superstar needs to work as a team player. Their great individual accomplishments mean little if they do not help the entire team succeed.
Leadership: "Leadership is not magnetic personality - that can just as well be a glib tongue. It is not 'making friends and influencing people' - that is flattery. Leadership is lifting a person's vision to higher sights, the raising of a person's performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations" -Peter F. Drucker. Why I love it: isn't obvious?
Action!: "You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do" -Henry Ford. Why I love it: even the most talented people with the best ideas will not accomplish great things if they do not take action.
Normal: "The only normal people are the ones you don't know very well" -Joe Ancis. Why I love it: everyone, no matter how polished on the outside, has moments of fear and doubt. Nobody has it all together all of the time. The leaders you look at with admiration, deal with the same things as you.
Change: "Sometimes things change Daddy" -Maren Kearns (7 years old.) Why I love it: my daughter said this to me when I commented to her "but I thought you didn't like her very much." Her statement is true in the business world. Everything is the way it is until it isn't. Then it is another way. Be it lazy employees, poor performance - sometimes things change. In many cases, a leader like you can be the catalyst of a positive change!
Sincerity: "Always be sincere, even when you don't mean it" -Irene Peter. Why I love it: this quote reminds me to let things go. Even when I shouldn't, even when I am right and they are wrong, even when they did it on purpose. Letting things go means that I do it "sincerely." It does not mean that I let it go only on the outside while I do a really bad job of faking nice.
Gossip: "A rumor without a leg to stand on will get around some other way" -John Tudor. Why I love it: people often reinforce gossip with the belief that if there wasn't at least some truth in it, then it would not be spreading. This quote points out that gossip does not need truth to live. All it needs is a willing transport system. As a leader, you must set the example.
Kevin Kearns is President of Kearns Advantage, a leadership coaching company. Kearns Advantage has a proven track record of developing strong leaders. Kevin holds a Master of Science degree in Organization Development and is a member of the Coachville Graduate School of Coaching. Subscribe to Kevin’s free leadership newsletter at http://www.kearnsadvantage.com.
Friday, March 23, 2007
10 Majors That Didn't Exist 10 Years Ago
Just like new career choices here are 10 new majors that have come into existence as society and technology has advanced. Bridget Kulla has done a great job highlighting them.....
by Bridget Kulla
Want to try something new? Really new? That list of majors in the course catalog isn't static. As technology advances and business evolves, fields of study that weren't imagined or that may have been limited to a few specialized classes emerge as full-blown majors. Check out these ten fields of study that hardly existed a decade ago:
1. New media
Online media is one of the fastest-growing areas of journalism. New media majors combine traditional journalism studies with courses on the design and management of digital media.
Some programs, such as the new media program at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, concentrate on computer skills and design of online media. Other programs, like the one at Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis, integrate communications and digital skills.
2. Biotechnology
Biotechnology combines biology and technology to solve agricultural, food science, and medical issues. It is an interdisciplinary field and is often combined with a business degree, as in the joint degree program at Johns Hopkins University. Most biotechnology degrees are at the master's level, yet bachelor's degrees in biotechnology, such as the one at Delaware State University, are starting to emerge as this field becomes more in demand.
Related fields include bioinformatics and biomedical engineering.
3. Organic agriculture
The first organic agriculture program in the United States began at Washington State University (WSU) in 2006. Demand for those knowledgeable in organic agriculture is growing. "Large corporations increasingly are interested in meeting the nation's growing appetite for organic foods [and] are seeking employees who understand organic agriculture systems," says Dr. Cathy Perillo, coordinator of WSU's organic agriculture program, in a press release.
This major is not widespread, but other institutions are looking into adding an organic agriculture degree program, including the University of California, Davis. The University of Florida (an MSN Encarta advertiser) also launched an organic agriculture major in 2006.
4. Homeland security
New degree programs in homeland security have been established since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Homeland security majors study everything from psychology to disaster relief and federal law to handling hazardous materials. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers scholarships and fellowships for homeland security majors and runs an intensive 18-month degree program at the Center for Homeland Defense and Security.
Homeland security education is expanding rapidly at community colleges. Close to 85 percent of students trained in homeland security-related fields graduate from community colleges, according to the American Association of Community Colleges.
5. E-business/e-marketing
This field focuses on buying, selling, and marketing items on the Internet and may also include communicating with customers, employees, and business partners. Demand for employees in this field is expected to grow faster than average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Degree programs in e-marketing are usually in universities' business schools and are more common at the graduate level. Some schools, such as the University of Akron, offer bachelor's programs in e-marketing, while others, like Missouri State University, offer a minor for business students.
6. Computer game design
Students playing video games in their dorm rooms can now avoid a lecture from their parents by majoring in computer game design. Computer game design programs were nearly nonexistent a decade ago. Today more than 150 colleges offer programs and courses in game design.
Some programs, such as the program in computer games development at DePaul University, focus on the programming of games while others, like the game art and design program at the Art Institute of Phoenix, concentrate on the visual design. Michigan State University is launching a Serious Game Design master's degree program in the fall of 2007 for students with "a desire to create and study games which change the world." The International Game Developers Association offers resources, including a scholarship, for students interested in game design.
7. Forensic accounting
The controversy surrounding recent corporate scandals has drawn attention to the expanding field of forensic accounting. While it has existed for many years, forensic accounting is now the fastest-growing field of accounting. Forensic accountants are like money detectives--they investigate suspected financial mishandling and assist in legal matters. Forensic accountants must have a broad understanding of business practices beyond standard accounting skills.
Bachelor's degrees in forensic accounting, like the program offered at Franklin University, are required for most careers in this field. Students can also earn a master's degree and post-graduate certificate through a program like the one at West Virginia University (an MSN Encarta advertiser).
8. Human computer interaction
Human computer interaction (HCI) majors focus on designing ways to improve human experiences and work practices with technology. HCI investigates the impact of technology on individuals and organizations. While courses in this field have been offered since the 1960s, degree programs in HCI have been growing. Human computer interaction majors are usually located in schools of computer science, but studies are multidisciplinary.
Most HCI programs are at the graduate level, such as the program at Iowa State University, but some, including the HCI program at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, have a bachelor's degree program.
9. Society and the environment
Society and environment majors study the interactions between society and the environment. Degree programs in this field go by slightly different names, like Indiana University's joint environmental science and public affairs degree and Columbia University's climate and society program. Students in these majors apply social science theories to environmental issues. Most programs are at the master's degree level, but programs such as the one at UC-Berkeley offer undergraduate degrees as well.
10. Nanotechnology
Developments in technology have made it possible to control matter at smaller and smaller levels. The field of nanotechnology works with systems at the molecular level and can be applied across many different disciplines, including physics, engineering, and chemistry. Interest in nanotechnology is growing and is being encouraged by the National Nanotechnology Initiative, organized in 1998. Most nanotechnology programs are at the graduate level, but several programs provide a background in nanotechnology studies, like the bachelor's program in nanosystems engineering at Louisiana Tech University.
by Bridget Kulla
Want to try something new? Really new? That list of majors in the course catalog isn't static. As technology advances and business evolves, fields of study that weren't imagined or that may have been limited to a few specialized classes emerge as full-blown majors. Check out these ten fields of study that hardly existed a decade ago:
1. New media
Online media is one of the fastest-growing areas of journalism. New media majors combine traditional journalism studies with courses on the design and management of digital media.
Some programs, such as the new media program at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, concentrate on computer skills and design of online media. Other programs, like the one at Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis, integrate communications and digital skills.
2. Biotechnology
Biotechnology combines biology and technology to solve agricultural, food science, and medical issues. It is an interdisciplinary field and is often combined with a business degree, as in the joint degree program at Johns Hopkins University. Most biotechnology degrees are at the master's level, yet bachelor's degrees in biotechnology, such as the one at Delaware State University, are starting to emerge as this field becomes more in demand.
Related fields include bioinformatics and biomedical engineering.
3. Organic agriculture
The first organic agriculture program in the United States began at Washington State University (WSU) in 2006. Demand for those knowledgeable in organic agriculture is growing. "Large corporations increasingly are interested in meeting the nation's growing appetite for organic foods [and] are seeking employees who understand organic agriculture systems," says Dr. Cathy Perillo, coordinator of WSU's organic agriculture program, in a press release.
This major is not widespread, but other institutions are looking into adding an organic agriculture degree program, including the University of California, Davis. The University of Florida (an MSN Encarta advertiser) also launched an organic agriculture major in 2006.
4. Homeland security
New degree programs in homeland security have been established since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Homeland security majors study everything from psychology to disaster relief and federal law to handling hazardous materials. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers scholarships and fellowships for homeland security majors and runs an intensive 18-month degree program at the Center for Homeland Defense and Security.
Homeland security education is expanding rapidly at community colleges. Close to 85 percent of students trained in homeland security-related fields graduate from community colleges, according to the American Association of Community Colleges.
5. E-business/e-marketing
This field focuses on buying, selling, and marketing items on the Internet and may also include communicating with customers, employees, and business partners. Demand for employees in this field is expected to grow faster than average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Degree programs in e-marketing are usually in universities' business schools and are more common at the graduate level. Some schools, such as the University of Akron, offer bachelor's programs in e-marketing, while others, like Missouri State University, offer a minor for business students.
6. Computer game design
Students playing video games in their dorm rooms can now avoid a lecture from their parents by majoring in computer game design. Computer game design programs were nearly nonexistent a decade ago. Today more than 150 colleges offer programs and courses in game design.
Some programs, such as the program in computer games development at DePaul University, focus on the programming of games while others, like the game art and design program at the Art Institute of Phoenix, concentrate on the visual design. Michigan State University is launching a Serious Game Design master's degree program in the fall of 2007 for students with "a desire to create and study games which change the world." The International Game Developers Association offers resources, including a scholarship, for students interested in game design.
7. Forensic accounting
The controversy surrounding recent corporate scandals has drawn attention to the expanding field of forensic accounting. While it has existed for many years, forensic accounting is now the fastest-growing field of accounting. Forensic accountants are like money detectives--they investigate suspected financial mishandling and assist in legal matters. Forensic accountants must have a broad understanding of business practices beyond standard accounting skills.
Bachelor's degrees in forensic accounting, like the program offered at Franklin University, are required for most careers in this field. Students can also earn a master's degree and post-graduate certificate through a program like the one at West Virginia University (an MSN Encarta advertiser).
8. Human computer interaction
Human computer interaction (HCI) majors focus on designing ways to improve human experiences and work practices with technology. HCI investigates the impact of technology on individuals and organizations. While courses in this field have been offered since the 1960s, degree programs in HCI have been growing. Human computer interaction majors are usually located in schools of computer science, but studies are multidisciplinary.
Most HCI programs are at the graduate level, such as the program at Iowa State University, but some, including the HCI program at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, have a bachelor's degree program.
9. Society and the environment
Society and environment majors study the interactions between society and the environment. Degree programs in this field go by slightly different names, like Indiana University's joint environmental science and public affairs degree and Columbia University's climate and society program. Students in these majors apply social science theories to environmental issues. Most programs are at the master's degree level, but programs such as the one at UC-Berkeley offer undergraduate degrees as well.
10. Nanotechnology
Developments in technology have made it possible to control matter at smaller and smaller levels. The field of nanotechnology works with systems at the molecular level and can be applied across many different disciplines, including physics, engineering, and chemistry. Interest in nanotechnology is growing and is being encouraged by the National Nanotechnology Initiative, organized in 1998. Most nanotechnology programs are at the graduate level, but several programs provide a background in nanotechnology studies, like the bachelor's program in nanosystems engineering at Louisiana Tech University.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Panel Interviews - An Intimidating Position To Be In !
In a panel interview, two or more interviewers play off each other while taking turns asking you questions. A panel interview is appropriately nicknamed a "tag-team interview".
It's primarily to see how well you handle stress while facing a "firing squad". A panel interview also measures how you interact with different people, especially your future bosses, work peers, or both.This kind of interview is conducted by an interviewing panel that is made up of the supervisor and some members of the team. The interview panel can also consist of top level CEOs although this depends the kind of position you are applying for.
I had faced a Panel interview once in my career and it can be pretty intimidating. In fact it was a panel of 8 people. I am usually great with a bunch of people but, being starred down by 16 eyeballs was surely not fun, especially since I could not see everyone's reactions to my answers. At this point you have to go with your gut. Just be yourself, afterall the fit for the job has to be both ways !
You will be asked questions from all the panel members, sometimes the same question by different panel members. It is difficult to build the kind of connection with the interview panel as you can in a one on one interview.
You can buy time by asking your own questions. You should always remain calm and composed during a panel interview. Take a breath and even count to five (in your head), if you see the situation getting out of hand.
Bring a Cheat Sheet as it is a great way to relive the stress of remembering all the dates, names etc. Your interviewing “cheat sheet” should focus on key assets you’ll bring to the position.
Take Names and Use Them as people like to hear their name during a conversation. It’s important to know who is interviewing you, so ask their names and write them down within your notes — in order of where each is seated. Don’t be afraid to use their names or ask questions throughout the process.
It's primarily to see how well you handle stress while facing a "firing squad". A panel interview also measures how you interact with different people, especially your future bosses, work peers, or both.This kind of interview is conducted by an interviewing panel that is made up of the supervisor and some members of the team. The interview panel can also consist of top level CEOs although this depends the kind of position you are applying for.
I had faced a Panel interview once in my career and it can be pretty intimidating. In fact it was a panel of 8 people. I am usually great with a bunch of people but, being starred down by 16 eyeballs was surely not fun, especially since I could not see everyone's reactions to my answers. At this point you have to go with your gut. Just be yourself, afterall the fit for the job has to be both ways !
You will be asked questions from all the panel members, sometimes the same question by different panel members. It is difficult to build the kind of connection with the interview panel as you can in a one on one interview.
You can buy time by asking your own questions. You should always remain calm and composed during a panel interview. Take a breath and even count to five (in your head), if you see the situation getting out of hand.
Bring a Cheat Sheet as it is a great way to relive the stress of remembering all the dates, names etc. Your interviewing “cheat sheet” should focus on key assets you’ll bring to the position.
Take Names and Use Them as people like to hear their name during a conversation. It’s important to know who is interviewing you, so ask their names and write them down within your notes — in order of where each is seated. Don’t be afraid to use their names or ask questions throughout the process.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Top 7 Ways To Use Your Intuition Within Your Job by Dan Knapp
Human beings come equipped with an intuitive sense. Many people ignore or reject the intuitive sense and their lives lack for the bounty it can provide.
Our world requires you to make decisions fast and you have little room for error. At the same time, you don't have many of the facts you need to decide as well as you would like. Yet, some people thrive while others flounder. Why? In many cases, using your intuitive ability makes the difference in mastering the real world.
Intuitive ability comes with the human condition. As with mathematics, chess, golf or cooking, the more you use your intuitive talent, the more skill with it you develop. As with gravity, you can claim it doesn't exist but violate it at your peril.
In this Top 7 list, you will learn seven basic applications for intuitive capacity and two basic ways to approach the development and use of your intuitive ability.
Part I - Environmental Scan
In this part you will specifically define what you want. The act of specific definition will tune your senses to detect your targets easier and quicker:
Information. Examples: marketing ideas, process improvements, demographics of your target market, accounts payable, accounts receivable, threats to your business.
Customers. Examples: clusters of your target market, changing needs, different applications of your product or service.
Opportunities. Examples: franchising opportunities, new products to bring to market, new customer problems, investment vehicles.
Once identified, preferably in writing, you will notice your information, customers or opportunities in circumstances where in the past you would have missed them. Once you notice, make note and take action. You will find the information, customers and opportunities quite tailored to your needs.
Part II - Dealing with Uncertainty
When you encounter uncertainty, your first step usually consists of imposing logic and deterministic techniques to select the most rational solution. Good as far as it goes. Your challenge is that in looking at options, you become mesmerized by their intended results.
Along with intended results, every decision made also falls victim of the law of unintended results. These are results, both good or bad, but unanticipated, that come from your decision.
Your intuitive ability allows you to select options based upon the combination of the intended and the unintended results. Of course, this assumption requires a leap of faith. Start with low risk opportunities to apply your intuitive ability and learn to trust it before betting the farm on a major decision. At the same time, check your current decisions with our intuitive skills and, if you see a conflict, try to resolve the conflict before committing resources. You must first learn to recognize your intuitive input and second you must develop the confidence in yourself to respond with your intuitive input.
Remember when you had a decision to make and all the facts supported a course of action? Deep down you had a feeling that the decision, although rational, was wrong. Did you go with your "gut feel" and later find the almost-chosen option would have been a disaster. Or, did you ignore the gut feel and encounter the disaster?
In each of the following applications, the system works the same. First, ask yourself if you have enough options! If you think you need more options, insist on obtaining more before committing to any course of action. Second, step away from the heat of the moment and ask yourself which option would really be best for you. Your first reaction is the right answer!
Decision making. Are you deciding a yes-no issue; a choice between two options; a choice among three or more options; or a choice where there are no clear options? Once you structure your decision and identify proposed courses of action, ask yourself which one really would work best. Go with that choice.
Problem anticipation. Ask yourself what can possibly happen. Once you have a slate of possibilities, ask yourself which one(s) really poses a serious threat. Take precautions against that threat.
Reading people. When conversing, what do you think about what the other person is saying? Keep in mind, they may be entirely sincere - just wrong. Reading body language helps detect lies, intuition detects honest mistakes. Use your intuition to ask additional questions or ask the other person to clarify their points. If a question comes to mind, immediately ask it. If the point seems vague, immediately ask for clarification.
Setting priorities. Yes, you can set relative priorities using whatever system works for you; but did you get the priorities right? When you set your relative priorities, ask yourself if you need to make adjustments. Go with the revisions your intuition feeds to you.
Intuition works for you, just learn to receive the message and take action on that message.
Dan Knapp, Personal & Professional Coach. Visit Dan's Web page www.danknapp.com for schedule of free teleclasses, subscribe to the free monthly newsletter "Tips from the Coach," read articles and complete mini-courses in personal development. Email dan@danknapp.com for direct contact.
Dan Knapp
Personal and Professional Coach
Achieve Your Goals - Grow Your Business
Dan@danknapp.com www.danknapp.com
407 679-9134 Orlando, FL
Source: http://Top7Business.com/?expert=Dan-Knapp
Our world requires you to make decisions fast and you have little room for error. At the same time, you don't have many of the facts you need to decide as well as you would like. Yet, some people thrive while others flounder. Why? In many cases, using your intuitive ability makes the difference in mastering the real world.
Intuitive ability comes with the human condition. As with mathematics, chess, golf or cooking, the more you use your intuitive talent, the more skill with it you develop. As with gravity, you can claim it doesn't exist but violate it at your peril.
In this Top 7 list, you will learn seven basic applications for intuitive capacity and two basic ways to approach the development and use of your intuitive ability.
Part I - Environmental Scan
In this part you will specifically define what you want. The act of specific definition will tune your senses to detect your targets easier and quicker:
Information. Examples: marketing ideas, process improvements, demographics of your target market, accounts payable, accounts receivable, threats to your business.
Customers. Examples: clusters of your target market, changing needs, different applications of your product or service.
Opportunities. Examples: franchising opportunities, new products to bring to market, new customer problems, investment vehicles.
Once identified, preferably in writing, you will notice your information, customers or opportunities in circumstances where in the past you would have missed them. Once you notice, make note and take action. You will find the information, customers and opportunities quite tailored to your needs.
Part II - Dealing with Uncertainty
When you encounter uncertainty, your first step usually consists of imposing logic and deterministic techniques to select the most rational solution. Good as far as it goes. Your challenge is that in looking at options, you become mesmerized by their intended results.
Along with intended results, every decision made also falls victim of the law of unintended results. These are results, both good or bad, but unanticipated, that come from your decision.
Your intuitive ability allows you to select options based upon the combination of the intended and the unintended results. Of course, this assumption requires a leap of faith. Start with low risk opportunities to apply your intuitive ability and learn to trust it before betting the farm on a major decision. At the same time, check your current decisions with our intuitive skills and, if you see a conflict, try to resolve the conflict before committing resources. You must first learn to recognize your intuitive input and second you must develop the confidence in yourself to respond with your intuitive input.
Remember when you had a decision to make and all the facts supported a course of action? Deep down you had a feeling that the decision, although rational, was wrong. Did you go with your "gut feel" and later find the almost-chosen option would have been a disaster. Or, did you ignore the gut feel and encounter the disaster?
In each of the following applications, the system works the same. First, ask yourself if you have enough options! If you think you need more options, insist on obtaining more before committing to any course of action. Second, step away from the heat of the moment and ask yourself which option would really be best for you. Your first reaction is the right answer!
Decision making. Are you deciding a yes-no issue; a choice between two options; a choice among three or more options; or a choice where there are no clear options? Once you structure your decision and identify proposed courses of action, ask yourself which one really would work best. Go with that choice.
Problem anticipation. Ask yourself what can possibly happen. Once you have a slate of possibilities, ask yourself which one(s) really poses a serious threat. Take precautions against that threat.
Reading people. When conversing, what do you think about what the other person is saying? Keep in mind, they may be entirely sincere - just wrong. Reading body language helps detect lies, intuition detects honest mistakes. Use your intuition to ask additional questions or ask the other person to clarify their points. If a question comes to mind, immediately ask it. If the point seems vague, immediately ask for clarification.
Setting priorities. Yes, you can set relative priorities using whatever system works for you; but did you get the priorities right? When you set your relative priorities, ask yourself if you need to make adjustments. Go with the revisions your intuition feeds to you.
Intuition works for you, just learn to receive the message and take action on that message.
Dan Knapp, Personal & Professional Coach. Visit Dan's Web page www.danknapp.com for schedule of free teleclasses, subscribe to the free monthly newsletter "Tips from the Coach," read articles and complete mini-courses in personal development. Email dan@danknapp.com for direct contact.
Dan Knapp
Personal and Professional Coach
Achieve Your Goals - Grow Your Business
Dan@danknapp.com www.danknapp.com
407 679-9134 Orlando, FL
Source: http://Top7Business.com/?expert=Dan-Knapp
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
What You Should Know - How to Write that Cover Letter. Improve Your Chances of Getting the Interview
by Niall Kennedy
Nearly all job seekers are well aware of the importance of a resume when applying for a professional opinion, but few realize the vital role that an accompanying cover letter plays in the selection process. In fact, your cover letter is just as important to your job search as is your resume.
Consider this: recruiters and managers often receive dozens, if not hundreds, of applicants for every one available position. With so many applicants to review, interviewers do not have much time to determine if you are qualified for the job. In fact, a recruiter typically spends between one and two minutes quickly glancing over a resume, hardly enough to thoroughly investigate if your skills set and experience is a good match for the position.
This is why a cover letter is such a critical tool to the job seeking process. The purpose of a cover letter is to clearly express your interest in and qualifications for a position to a prospective employer. So while the resume is a generic advertisement, your cover letter tailors your application to each specific job. By condensing your resume into key points and drawing the recruiter's attention to the most relevant areas of your experience, you are assisting the recruiter in matching up your qualifications to that of the open position. And by taking the guesswork out of your resume, you greatly increase your chances of getting a call for an interview.
A cover letter has to "sell" your qualifications to a complete stranger and convince them that you are worthy of an in-person meeting. Therefore, as you can imagine, it is not an easy document to write. There are several guidelines, though, that should assist you in the cover letter development process.
Typically a cover letter is less than one page in length and has four main sections:
Part 3 - Why you are Interested in the Position:
Let the recruiter know why you want to work at their company. What is it about the company that appeals to you? Why does this particular position appeal to you? Indicate why you are a good fit for the company. How will be an asset to the team?
Part 4 - Conclusion and Follow-up:
Refer employers to your enclosed resume so that they can review your qualifications in further detail. Request a personal interview or meeting with the hiring manager. Indicate how the recruiter should contact you. Be sure to provide a working phone number or e-mail address. Set a time to follow up. For example indicate that you "will call to follow up on Monday afternoon".
Thank the reader for his or her time.
One final note: your cover letter is the first impression that recruiters will get of you. A strong focused cover letter can convey a powerful, positive first impression. A weak non-focused letter, though, can kill any interest a recruiter may have in your qualifications, regardless of how strong of a fit you may be for the position. Be sure that you proofread carefully for grammatical and typographical errors before sending any correspondence.
Source : http://www.valuablecontent.com/
Websites
Cuisine Cuisine.com, LLC
Food is Culture . . . Culture is Food !
Elegantly Expressed Gift Baskets
Memorable Gifts . . . Lasting Impressions !
Blogs
Musings About People, Places & Things Intriguing
CuisineCuisine.com's BlogoRama
Life In Digital Pixels
Career Tips N Tricks
The Gift Gazette
Shops
Bazaar! Bazaar! Indian Gift Shop
Indian Gift Baskets, Indian Cookbooks & Indian Spices
Nearly all job seekers are well aware of the importance of a resume when applying for a professional opinion, but few realize the vital role that an accompanying cover letter plays in the selection process. In fact, your cover letter is just as important to your job search as is your resume.
Consider this: recruiters and managers often receive dozens, if not hundreds, of applicants for every one available position. With so many applicants to review, interviewers do not have much time to determine if you are qualified for the job. In fact, a recruiter typically spends between one and two minutes quickly glancing over a resume, hardly enough to thoroughly investigate if your skills set and experience is a good match for the position.
This is why a cover letter is such a critical tool to the job seeking process. The purpose of a cover letter is to clearly express your interest in and qualifications for a position to a prospective employer. So while the resume is a generic advertisement, your cover letter tailors your application to each specific job. By condensing your resume into key points and drawing the recruiter's attention to the most relevant areas of your experience, you are assisting the recruiter in matching up your qualifications to that of the open position. And by taking the guesswork out of your resume, you greatly increase your chances of getting a call for an interview.
A cover letter has to "sell" your qualifications to a complete stranger and convince them that you are worthy of an in-person meeting. Therefore, as you can imagine, it is not an easy document to write. There are several guidelines, though, that should assist you in the cover letter development process.
Typically a cover letter is less than one page in length and has four main sections:
- the introduction
- a highlight of your qualifications
- a summary of why you are interested in the position
- and a concluding follow-up.
Before you start listing a litany of skills, though, it's important to do some research on the company and the position for which you are applying to give you a better understanding of the company's products or services, history, values, and target customer market. This will help give you a better idea of what recruiters are likely to be seeking in a candidate, and allow you to tailor your cover letter to specifically address those areas.
Part 1 - The Introduction:
Your cover letter should be addressed to the hiring manager, whenever possible. Specifically mention the position(s) that you are seeking. Let the recruiter know how you heard about the position. If you saw the position advertised or were referred by someone, be sure to include this information. Grab the reader's attention and stimulate their interest in you right away!!
Part 2 - Summary of your Qualifications:
Highlight your strongest qualifications for the position you are seeking. Be sure to limit your qualifications to only those that are the most relevant to the position. Show, rather than simply tell, the manager your qualifications by including specific, credible examples from your experience.
Part 3 - Why you are Interested in the Position:
Let the recruiter know why you want to work at their company. What is it about the company that appeals to you? Why does this particular position appeal to you? Indicate why you are a good fit for the company. How will be an asset to the team?
Part 4 - Conclusion and Follow-up:
Refer employers to your enclosed resume so that they can review your qualifications in further detail. Request a personal interview or meeting with the hiring manager. Indicate how the recruiter should contact you. Be sure to provide a working phone number or e-mail address. Set a time to follow up. For example indicate that you "will call to follow up on Monday afternoon".
Thank the reader for his or her time.
One final note: your cover letter is the first impression that recruiters will get of you. A strong focused cover letter can convey a powerful, positive first impression. A weak non-focused letter, though, can kill any interest a recruiter may have in your qualifications, regardless of how strong of a fit you may be for the position. Be sure that you proofread carefully for grammatical and typographical errors before sending any correspondence.
Source : http://www.valuablecontent.com/
Websites
Cuisine Cuisine.com, LLC
Food is Culture . . . Culture is Food !
Elegantly Expressed Gift Baskets
Memorable Gifts . . . Lasting Impressions !
Blogs
Musings About People, Places & Things Intriguing
CuisineCuisine.com's BlogoRama
Life In Digital Pixels
Career Tips N Tricks
The Gift Gazette
Shops
Bazaar! Bazaar! Indian Gift Shop
Indian Gift Baskets, Indian Cookbooks & Indian Spices
Friday, March 09, 2007
5 Strategies from Dave Lorenzo for "Effective Interviewing"
Dave Lorenzo is a business coach and he has some great tips.
In his article for "Effective Interviewing" he highlights 5 strategies that will help you land the job.
------------------------------
For those of you who are unhappy in your current positions and looking for employment elsewhere, I applaud you for refusing to settle for work that does not reward and satisfy you. After applying for a job and getting called for an interview, you have an excellent shot at landing the position. The following strategies will help you ace any interview:
In his article for "Effective Interviewing" he highlights 5 strategies that will help you land the job.
------------------------------
For those of you who are unhappy in your current positions and looking for employment elsewhere, I applaud you for refusing to settle for work that does not reward and satisfy you. After applying for a job and getting called for an interview, you have an excellent shot at landing the position. The following strategies will help you ace any interview:
- Relax
- Be specific.
- Don’t talk about yourself.
- Be positive.
- Ask questions.
http://careerintensity.com/blog/2006/07/13/effective-interviewing/trackback/
Websites
Cuisine Cuisine.com, LLC
Food is Culture . . . Culture is Food !
Elegantly Expressed Gift Baskets
Memorable Gifts . . . Lasting Impressions !
Blogs
Musings About People, Places & Things Intriguing
CuisineCuisine.com's BlogoRama
Life In Digital Pixels
Career Tips N Tricks
The Gift Gazette
Shops
Bazaar! Bazaar! Indian Gift Shop
Indian Gift Baskets, Indian Cookbooks & Indian Spices
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Saying "Thank You" after the Interview
Following an interview, promptly, which would be no later than within 2 business days, write the interviewer a letter expressing appreciation and thanks for the interview. The purpose of this letter is to:
•Show appreciation for the employer's interest in you.
•Reiterate your interest in the position and in the organization.
•Review or remind the employer about your qualifications for the position. If you thought of something you forgot to mention in the interview, mention it in your follow-up / thank-you letter.
•Demonstrate that you have good manners and know to write a thank-you letter.
•Follow up with any information the employer may have asked you to provide after the interview.
Here is a simple format
Dear _______,
Thank you very much for the interview today. In reviewing the opportunity with [name of company], I am most eager to start. In closing, let me say that no matter how many people you interview, what their education or experience is, you won’t find anyone who wants to work for you more than I do.
Very truly yours,
[your name]
•Show appreciation for the employer's interest in you.
•Reiterate your interest in the position and in the organization.
•Review or remind the employer about your qualifications for the position. If you thought of something you forgot to mention in the interview, mention it in your follow-up / thank-you letter.
•Demonstrate that you have good manners and know to write a thank-you letter.
•Follow up with any information the employer may have asked you to provide after the interview.
Here is a simple format
Dear _______,
Thank you very much for the interview today. In reviewing the opportunity with [name of company], I am most eager to start. In closing, let me say that no matter how many people you interview, what their education or experience is, you won’t find anyone who wants to work for you more than I do.
Very truly yours,
[your name]
Sunday, March 04, 2007
DoSomething.org & The BRICK Awards !
Ok so you have a good job and your career is going swell. So how about you turn your efforts to doing something good.
DoSomething.org is a community of people wanting to make a change in the world. Their website is a community where young people learn, listen, speak, vote, volunteer, ask, and take action to make the world a better place. Currently, only 23% of this generation actively volunteers. Our hope is to create a do something generation: a world where more than 51% of young people are involved with community action.
This website gives people like you and me a place to connect, a place to be inspired, be supported, be celebrated. They have harnessed the connectivity of the Internet to help young people change the world. They believe that young people have the power to make a difference. It is their aim to inspire, support and celebrate a generation of do-ers: people who see the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action.
They are giving out the BRICK AWARDS on the CW on April 12th 2007
You can vote : on which of these world-changers deserves a 2007 Golden BRICK Award® and an extra $15,000 for their cause.
There are 12 Finalists in 4 Categories
Global Impact
http://www.brickawards.com
http://www.dosomething.org
DoSomething.org is a community of people wanting to make a change in the world. Their website is a community where young people learn, listen, speak, vote, volunteer, ask, and take action to make the world a better place. Currently, only 23% of this generation actively volunteers. Our hope is to create a do something generation: a world where more than 51% of young people are involved with community action.
This website gives people like you and me a place to connect, a place to be inspired, be supported, be celebrated. They have harnessed the connectivity of the Internet to help young people change the world. They believe that young people have the power to make a difference. It is their aim to inspire, support and celebrate a generation of do-ers: people who see the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action.
They are giving out the BRICK AWARDS on the CW on April 12th 2007
You can vote : on which of these world-changers deserves a 2007 Golden BRICK Award® and an extra $15,000 for their cause.
There are 12 Finalists in 4 Categories
Global Impact
- Ruth DeGolia - Links Latin America's most rural and economically disadvantaged women's cooperatives to the US market.
- Kimmie Weeks - Survivor of the Liberian Civil War who vowed to help children in war torn countries.
- Cheryl Perera -Put herself on the line by posing as a decoy to catch a pedophile in Sri Lanka.
Education & Environment
- Ashley Rhodes-Courter - Raises awareness about poor conditions in foster care
- William Hwang -Teaches underpriveleged student Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM).
- Kelly Voigt - Safety advocate who has reached thousands of kids.
Health
- David Fajgenbaum - Started a network of students to support each other through times of bereavement.
- Jennifer Staple - Bringing vision and curbing preventable eye disease worlwide
- Jennifer Zwilling -Is an advocate for understanding and acceptance.
Community Building
- Divine Bradley - Converted his home into a community center, giving kids in tough neighborhoods an alternative to crime.
- Hannah Taylor - Speaks out all over Canada about homeless people and how to help them.
- Jacob Komar - Obtains discarded computers, teaches prison inmates how to refurbish them and distributes them to local needy.
http://www.brickawards.com
http://www.dosomething.org
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