October is typically recognized as the month for goblins and scary images in celebration of Halloween, however few recognize it as a time for confronting “real life fears” as Diversity Awareness Month. Diversity Awareness brings to the forefront the issues that make us different but equal. The things that make our nation great as a global force.Oftentimes stigmas, stereotypes and fears are byproducts of being “in the dark” about various religions, races, and regions. So this post on diversity awareness seeks to highlight some relevant themes and thoughts to increase your level of consciousness, shed some “light” and broaden your horizons!Let's face it. We all feel more comfortable in the company of those with whom we share commonalities. Right? It's why you'll often find athletes scoring time with other athletes, creative artists hanging out with other cool kats, nerds pondering the complexities of life with one another, or P.T.A. Parents … [Read more...] about Creating Awareness for Diversity Awareness
Career Advice Blog
Thinking Like Your Boss to Get a Promotion
There are quite a few articles out there on ‘interviewing technique’ that suggest you should put yourself in the employer’s shoes and think about what they want from a candidate, thus allowing you to provide much more attractive question responses. This article takes that concept one step further and looks at how to adopt the same principle when seeking a promotion at work.What employers want...SecurityIf you think about it, most of us desire security in our lives. We desire to own a home, have a stable relationship, and have a steady income. Employers are no different, and the more secure they can make their workforce, the more content they will be with the ‘work’ element of their lives. Employers will frequently look to promote those who demonstrate stability and don’t look like they up-sticks in search of a better opportunity once they have been given a better job title. Being at a company for a number of years obviously implies a level of … [Read more...] about Thinking Like Your Boss to Get a Promotion
10 Tips for Outstanding Customer Service
Your customers will reward you with more sales if you provide them with great customer service. Outstanding customer service combines the golden rule with simplicity. Give your customers the easiest route to what they want. Here are some ways to provide stellar customer service. 1. Provide solutions - Your customers are genuinely more interested in their own problems rather than your store's sales. When they come to your store, they are single minded. If you give your customers exactly the products for which they are looking, they will keep coming to your store. When you give them great information on their initial visit, you will become their first call for related items. 2. Don't take it for granted - Customers choose to come to your store and use your services. With the level of local and global competition, there are other vendors from where your customers can get widgets. Show your appreciation for your customer's business. When you thank the customers for their patronage, be … [Read more...] about 10 Tips for Outstanding Customer Service
5 Ways to Handle Someone Hitting on You at Work
As an individual, you do not have to stand for being hit on. You don’t have to endure any sort of harassment in hopes of getting that next raise or keeping your job. Most companies have strict policies that try their best to keep relationships completely out of the workplace – where they belong. Some companies will even host seminars on just this sort of thing. Familiarize yourself, first and foremost, with how your office handles romance. Any sign of harassment is considered against company policy. Therefore, do not be afraid to put a stop to it! If you actually like the attention, be warned that getting involved in an office romance could get messy. On the other hand, many people meet their sweethearts in the office. After all, what better way to find something in common than at work? Understand the Risks: If you are actually considering dating someone in the office, there are a few things you should know. Before you start a relationship, look at the potential hazards. Are they … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Handle Someone Hitting on You at Work
Sun Tzu and the Art of Getting a Job
Though I now work in a great office at Airsplat, the nation's largest retailer of Airsoft guns, it took a strategic search to find this position and I am often dismayed at the struggles of my friends who are on the hunt. Seeing their constant disdain, I reflected on the primary differences between my search and theirs and came to the realization that I instinctively approached the process using war tactics. I have a favorite book, The Art of War in which Sun Tzu said "If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt" and my strategy was relying on this concept. I know you are probably thinking that the employer is not the enemy and you are right – but unemployment is! The reality is that if you face unemployment as an enemy to be vanquished, then employers are your allies and you must strategically create those alliances. I teach some military training courses with airsoft on weekends as a side gig. Recently I decided to hold an airsoft seminar that … [Read more...] about Sun Tzu and the Art of Getting a Job
Quality Sites for a Better Quality of (Work) Life
Whether you're trying to manage the madness at the office, muster more motivation, devise ways to work smarter not harder, “win friends and influence people”, or simply make better career related decisions, these quality sites featured today are the ticket!As they say, “knowledge is power.” So, sit back, relax and get ready as I serve as your virtual tour guide... Blue collar or white, butcher, baker, or candlestick maker, you'll wanna bookmark these hot spots designed to prevent you from getting “burned” and avoid burn-out, regardless if you're “working for the man” or managing your own joint..Here's what I uncovered in my recent “talent search.”1. The Middle Finger ProjectOf course the name drew me in; the content kept me rooted and reading! The motto for this site is “rejecting the status quo and rebelling against mediocrity”. Written by a woman named “Ash”, you'll … [Read more...] about Quality Sites for a Better Quality of (Work) Life
Mad Men Finale: How to Mad "Men-ize" Your Office
I didn’t start watching Mad Men until the 2nd season, so I’m glad I've been able to recently catch the show from the beginning. I was all prepared to not to like the show, mainly because the 60’s portrayal of women in subservient secretary roles offends my feminist side. But, if you haven’t seen it, give it a try. I think it’s one of the best-written shows on TV.In honor of the Mad men finale, you should “Mad Men-ize” your office. Now this will be risky, as your boss and colleagues might not be amused. Here’re some tips to get you started...* Bring at least a fifth of scotch and some rocks glasses to work. Place these in your bottom desk drawer or file cabinet. Wait at least until 10:00 a.m. to have your first drink. Remember, ice is for sissies. Leave the bottle and glasses out in case a co-worker stops by.* Buy a carton of Marlboros or even better, something unfiltered. Light up and offer the pack around to your cube mates.* Try … [Read more...] about Mad Men Finale: How to Mad "Men-ize" Your Office
What if Your Parents Had a “Teacher” Conference With Your Boss?
Remember when your parents had to go to a parent/teacher conference with mean Mrs. Snyder? You just knew she was going to say terrible things about you and you’d be in SO much trouble. It was worse if your parents had worked all day, were dead tired and would rather do anything than go to the school.Jeffrey Zaslow’s Wall Street Journal article, “Acing Parent Teacher Conferences” addresses how to prepare for and approach conferences with your kid’s teachers. It made me wonder what would happen if your parents regularly met with your boss to assess how you’re doing at work. (Okay, I’m making this up and I already have a creepy feeling of dread.)It would start with a texted memo from your boss to your folks - “Please select an hour slot on my schedule to meet with me to discuss your son’s job performance.”Then the meeting might go like this. “Mr. and Mrs. Smith, I wanted to talk to you today because I’m concerned … [Read more...] about What if Your Parents Had a “Teacher” Conference With Your Boss?
Substitute Teaching – The Perfect Job?
Some time ago, in a typical morning session with a bunch of rebellious teens, one of my many “admirers” shouted at me, “You needs to stop riding our backs and get yo'self a real job!” After I politely put her in her place (and corrected her grammar), I assured her that substitute teaching was a real job; and I assure you too. :-)BACKGROUND...Substitute teachers are like understudies are to actors. It's estimated that by the time that most students graduate from high school, they will have spent the equivalent of one year under the instruction of a substitute teacher. Yet, substitutes remain an enigma. For example, did you know that in many states Subs are required to have a four-year degree and hold a certificate in substitute teaching before they enter the classroom? Or that Subs can earn full time pay for part-time hours? Or that these professionals are considered as part of the “real” teachers' union? Why So Many are Transitioning to this … [Read more...] about Substitute Teaching – The Perfect Job?
Undereducated and Unemployed: Getting America Back on Track
America has seen a large degree of economic down turn in the past few years. Now that we are supposed to be out of the recession, the educational opportunities that are available to people are going to affect how quickly we are able to pull ourselves away from this recession. People are going to find that they need to re-educate themselves in new careers or they may need to upgrade their educations. As new job opportunities arise, we are going to need people to fill those positions and that will require a new attitude towards education. [Tuition Reimbursement Benefits: How to Get Your Employer to Pay] As the economy changes, the needs of employers change as well. In order for the labor market to keep up with the demands of the economy, it needs to re-educate potential employees. Since many employees have been unemployed for a long period of time, government will need to create incentives for re-education.There are many types of incentives that governments, educational facilities, and … [Read more...] about Undereducated and Unemployed: Getting America Back on Track