Home Business - Working With Others

The notion of working from home in any capacity or running your own business has an implication that it is you alone and no one else. This is often not true and whilst there can be an appeal in the sense of being your own boss and being in control and owning your own time, there is also a realisation that this can lead to quite a high degree of isolation in many ways.

Isolation is not itself a bad thing, but it is often the context within which an individual is isolated that can generate problems or open up areas that need to be addressed and dealt with.

A home-based business can be many things, ranging from an individual who has been made redundant or who has been fired setting up their own business, through to a stay at home mum who needs to earn some money, but has childcare and family commitments. There are also many small businesses that combine both office/shop and living areas in the same building, sharing the space with other family members and sometimes employees.

Working with others from home can be both a curse and a blessing. The blessing can be that it gives you an opportunity to share your work life with other people, and the downside can also be because it gives you opportunities to share your work life with other people.

For many people the attraction is the degree of freedom that this mode of working offers you, mostly in terms of being in control of your own time and space, and being directly responsible for your own efforts in terms of making money or not. This often brings with it both a high level of freedom and a high level of stress as you are effectively responsible for your own security as well as possibly that of your family.

The value of working with other people in the context of a home-based business has led to many people finding ways of connecting or networking with similar people either in a formal or informal capacity. The informal capacity tends to be people who share their experiences together, either online or in the real-world. There are many different approaches to this and it should be relatively easy to find one that works for you.

The more formal approach is for a number of people to get together and share a degree of office space, or work hubs as they are known, where people will work together either collectively or at individuals in a group. They may do this on a regular or irregular basis in regularly in terms of days or hours.

The value of its is that it gives a focus to an individual based have their own time and space in terms of the home, but also to have the option of spending time with co-workers in an environment and setting they have a high degree of control over.

Peter Main is freelance writer who has spent almost twenty years in the insurance industry, working at Lloyd's of London. He writes extensively about home insurance and also about the broader areas of personal finance, including how insurance companies work out their home insurance premiums, when purchasing their financial products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Main

Preloaded Home Business Online - Does It Really Work?

Recently, multiple preloaded "turn key" home businesses have become a popular method of creating money online.

The master question is if any of these actually work. People often claim they can present an opportunity to others to make a home-based business with no experience required. Online you may find projects that run profitably, and some others that run profitably just for the creators. The second one is s-c-a-m. Always research these sites to find out what is legitimate and workable.

But there are also projects that are clever and based on preloaded systems. Some of them need to make referrals and pay you for that. Some others want you to sell their product or service, but all the stuff you need is ready for you. They pay you to bring in buyers and give you part of the profits. You can never know what is working or not. So it is essential to be prepared, do some research before jumping in, and have some rules in place before getting involved in a project like that.

First of all, try to search in similar niche forums to see if this business model is effective and viable. Try to listen to people who are not affiliates of the system, because you will not get an objective opinion otherwise.

The next thing you have to consider is if the way you make profits is something you can realistically do. I mean, if it suits you or you like it or not. Try to find something you like or are passionate about.

Then you have to see how much money you need to invest. Is it worth it? How much time will it take to recoup your investment? Are there set goals you need to achieve?

Lately, I started working on a Home Business like this. I did it because I had no expenses. I was taking no risks. I referred to people who didn't spend any money because I wasn't paid by commission on their purchases. I felt confident I could refer my friends because I wasn't proposing they had to spend any money to get involved. I gave them the opportunity to take advantage of it without feeling like I was abusing our relationship. The good thing was we got paid from companies to refer more and more people.

Depending on my rules, I had nothing to lose. For example, I wouldn't spend a lot of money to see if something suited me or not.

You may find similar projects online. Just be careful to fully research the project and follow some rules. You can follow the rules I have mentioned previously, or make your own rules.

Good Luck.

You can get details from my experience and find other useful ways to make money online at http://makemoneyonsite.com starting your own home business online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Giannis_Kountouridis

Explore Your Career Options With a BSB50207 Diploma of Business

Everyone longs to have a successful career at some point in life. Fortunately, there are so many career options for all kinds of individuals. You might want to find out what you are passionate about so that you can choose a career that you are bound to enjoy for the rest of your life. Wrong choice of career can have you stuck and feeling frustrated for the rest of your life. With so many career options, however, you most definitely will find one that you can completely enjoy undertaking.

The BSB50207 Diploma of Business is one of the career paths that you can choose. The diploma course comes in handy for individuals with the drive to start their own business or those who wish to further the skills in a wide range of functions in business. Those with no vocational training or experience can start with the course to explore the career options they have. It is however important to have theoretical business knowledge and skills to develop what they have in mind. This will increase the employment opportunities for such individuals.

Course Description

This diploma helps you qualify to start your own business. It also equips you with what you need for a job promotion or even to help you enjoy university admission with credits which are under the right belt. It will all depend on the reasons that you are taking the course for. When undertaking the course, you will learn advanced concepts revolving around contemporary business practice. You will gain the skills that you need to set you out from the crowd increasing your chances of success. You will also gain the insight on administrative functions oversight especially in busy office settings and how to manage all workforce requirements to create a safe and happy workforce.

The BSB50207 Diploma of Business will teach you on how to make leadership dynamic through planning ahead for growth and positive change. The diploma gives you the chance to choose from the different specialties that it covers depending on your individual preferences. They include business administration, IT, operations management and human resource management.

The main benefit that you will gain with the diploma is quantifiable proof of the experience and skills in business management field. It illustrates the range of management functions that you can confidently and efficiently perform. They include understanding of the consequences which come with developing and designing of an integrated marketing communication plan, continuous improvement implantation, meeting management, and the building and sustaining of a work environment that is innovative. The best thing about this course is that it does not have any prerequisites for entry.

Job Outlook

When you hold a Diploma in Business, the job titles and roles will vary from one industry sector to another. However, the most common job roles you can enjoy with this diploma include a program coordinator, program consultant and executive officer. You can be sure to fit into the course if you are passionate about handling business.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shalini_Mittal

Do You Get Lured by Business Development Jobs?

Business development is one of the vital segments in almost every business, these days. It can be considered an extended form of sales, but isn't just getting leads to the business, but also emphasizes the expansion of a business in other ways. It is a balanced combination of strategy, marketing, and sales. Those employed as business development executives are involved in getting leads, negotiating & closing the deals besides maintaining cordial relationships with the clients. They serve as the link between the corporate partners and the organization.

Business development executives are involved in identifying the potential target market, new business opportunities and the new business partnership that they can benefit with, in the near future. They work towards expanding the company's client base and corporate relationships to ultimately add to the revenue.

Where do they work?

The need to hire these professionals is now being realised by almost every business and industry. Those seeking jobs in business development can get into real estate, infrastructure, IT, digital marketing, telecom, and other sectors too. Some of the leading companies they can aim to work with are HCL Technologies, Cognizant Technology Solutions, and many others.

Who can qualify?

For those, who master the combination of communication and influential skills and do not wish to get into direct sales, business development is a viable career choice. To get started, you need to hold a bachelor's degree in business administration. However, those who hail from other fields too can be considered for this job role.

Generally, the professionals having gained considerable experience in corporate sales are considered apt for this position. The prior sales experience even helps a professional aim for considerably higher salary than a fresher.

Skills to take you ahead

Business acumen:

It is one of the major skills that help a profession qualify for this job role. An understanding of how the market works and what are the essentials to keep the audiences interested in the product serve as the major skills for these jobs.

Communication:

The business development executives are involved in dealing with the customers, business partners, and other associates and for this, communication remains a desired skill.

Analytical Skills:

To analyse a situation and bring out the best of opportunities is what these professionals are desired for. They work to get business leads and even maintain the professional relationships with the associates so to ensure their satisfaction with the association.

Networking:

If networking is something you are best at, you can contribute well to the business.

Average Pay Scale

If you have prior experience in sales, you can make well in this profile. On the other hand, if you get started as a business development executive with no prior experience, the pay scale may not be too alluring. As per a global research firm, a business development professional in India earns Rs 242,480 per year. Experience remains a major factor for pay hike in this job.

This article is written to detail the career prospects and other relevant details associated to the business development executive jobs. One can even find these jobs at CareerBuilder India.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shivali_Sharma

The Top Five Most In-Demand Construction Jobs For 2015 And Beyond

In a world where the growing

population is demanding more places in which to live, work, shop, and play construction professionals are in high demand. A construction professional plans and develops the buildings, infrastructure, and environment that a growing population needs especially in the sunbelt states, such as Texas, and California where the greatest population gains are expected over the next 10 years as the economy improves. The more money people have will allow for greater spending for houses, shopping centers, and schools, which in turn encourages more building projects.

The following are the top five most in demand construction jobs from 2012 to 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Civil Engineers

Freeways, sewer systems, dams, and bridges rarely occupy public consciousness unless they don't work correctly or there's not enough of them. Civil engineers then step in to design, develop, maintain, and operate these and other public infrastructure projects. Their employment is projected to increase by 19.7 percent, or 53,700 jobs. Aside from population growth, another driving force behind the growth is age. Federal, state, and local budgets now have the money to replace or maintain these structures. In addition, the demand for alternative energy provides opportunities in the construction of solar plants and wind farms.

Architects

Homes, offices, schools, shopping malls, and other buildings are designed and planned by architects, whose employment is expected to grow by 16.8 percent, or 21,400 positions. The design of healthcare facilities will be in high demand as aging baby boomers require more healthcare services. Professionals with knowledge of green design, or sustainable design, will find excellent opportunities. This specialty ensures that structures use resources efficiently, such as by conserving energy and water, or are otherwise friendly toward the environment.

Construction Managers

Construction managers organize, plan, and supervise construction projects by handling workers, resources, and budgets. Their employment is expected to increase by 16.1 percent, or 78,200 jobs. Many will be involved in the retrofitting of buildings to meet newer energy standards, and the improvement of aging infrastructure, such as bridges and sewer systems.

Landscape Architects

The environment around a structure as well as parks and recreational facilities are designed and planned by landscape architects. They take into account the beauty and growth rate of foliage, the durability of man-made structures such as walkways and walls, and the ability of spaces to provide environmental benefits. Their jobs are expected to increase by 2,900, or 14.3 percent. New opportunities will come from the design of green roofs, which improve the environment by planting foliage on top of buildings.

Construction Inspectors

Construction inspectors look at worksites and buildings to ensure that they meet national and local building codes, professional standards, and contract specifications. Their jobs are expected to grow by 12,500 or 12.2 percent, primarily in government and consulting services.

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing http://www.webuildstaffing.com. To learn more about Michael or to follow his Blog please visit http://www.michaeldesafey.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_M_DeSafey

Variables That Could Affect the EKG Technician Compensation Package

An EKG technician is an important member of the professional medical community who is responsible for performing several tasks associated with the diagnosis and treatment of patients who suffer from a wide variety of heart conditions. Although technicians have been a part of the healthcare team for many years, demand for their services has increased dramatically because of the higher prevalence of chronic diet and exercise related illnesses. The specialized nature of this career path makes it one of the highest paying allied health employment options currently available in the healthcare sector. While a technician can expect to earn a competitive salary, there are several important factors that should be considered when attempting to develop a general idea of how much an individual can expect to be paid.

One of the first aspects that an employer will look at when evaluating a potential new employee is the amount of previous patient care experience that the individual has and whether or not this experience was acquired in the cardiovascular specialty. Those who are new to the healthcare field will have a more difficult time trying to compete with experienced applicants who require less training and supervision. A new technician may be able to secure employment in areas where demand is high, but they may receive a less desirable compensation package while they acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to work independently. In general, it is a good idea to work as an aide or medical assistant in a less specialized area of practice before making the transition to the cardiac care unit. This approach will improve one's chances of being hired and might result in a more desirable salary.

Another important factor to consider when developing an accurate earnings projection is the credentials that an applicant has acquired and their relevance to cardiac care. Individuals who have worked in this specialty before are likely to have successfully passed a nationally recognized certification exam that is specific to the EKG technician profession. The fact that a technician is rarely required to become licensed in order to provide direct patient care means that other methods for demonstrating competence, such as certification, can positively influence the amount of money that a medical facility is willing to pay in order to attract qualified applicants. Those who have not worked in the cardiovascular department in the past, but who have experience in a more generalized area of practice are well-advised to complete some form of certification in order to improve their odds of being hired and their earning potential.

Prior work experience and credentials are two of the most important factors to consider when deciding on a technician's earning potential in the cardiovascular department, but there are many elements that could come into play when a technician sets out to find employment. Some of the most common include things such as the size and type of employer, geographic location, demand for new employees, and the population density in the area. In general, larger facilities have more money to spend on acquiring new employees while smaller establishments may not have a comparable human resources budget. Also, a technician who is seeking employment in a Coastal state or urban area may be able to demand higher pay based on the fact that the costs of living are more expensive than in rural or Midwestern states.

The median EKG technician salary in the United States is around $50,000 per year, but this number is subject to many different variables that must be accounted for when attempting to estimate the size of an applicant's compensation package. Those who have a basic understanding of career entry requirements are generally better able to prepare for the application and interview process by acquiring experience and formal credentials before attempting to enter the specialty. Individuals who are wanting to try to secure employment in the cardiovascular department without having worked in a general area of practice are encouraged to communicate with facility administrators to find out what their chances are of accomplishing their career objectives.

Those who are new to the healthcare sector and who are interested in learning more about the EKG technician career path are encouraged to visit http://www.ekgtechniciansalary.org/ where they will find additional details about the competency requirements in different states along with facts about several industry relevant topics. Employment in this profession is extremely rewarding and can result in high levels of professional satisfaction for those who have conducted proper research prior to seeking employment. In addition, it is always a good idea to become active in local, state, and national organizations that offer career advice and support for those who are new to cardiac care.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_S_Sinclair

Applying for Federal Employment

Despite negative views around the country, federal employment remains one of the most coveted job opportunities in the country. If you want to apply for a federal employment, follow these steps to get started:

1. Go to usajobs.gov.


2. Click on the "Create an Account" link at the top right hand corner of the page.


3. Continue to follow guidelines to set up your account.


4. Create a resume using the resume builder. The main difference between a government and a private company resume is that a government resume has five to six pages worth of data instead of one. Start by putting all of your data into the resume builder. At the end of the process, you will have an opportunity to view and save your resume. Do that so that you can cut and paste relevant material into your resume for private company job searches.


5. Create a search. You are able to create up to 10 different searches, so set up multiple searches focused on the different localities or field that interest you. For example, if you want to work in the Washington DC area, select places such as "Washington DC," "Washington Navy Yard," "Virginia" or "Arlington VA" and "Maryland" or "Patuxent River" in one search. Or, search a specific government department, such as the Department of Defense or Department of State. At the bottom of the search, select the frequency with which you will get email messages of new job postings Choose daily or weekly. Any period longer than that and you will miss a number of opportunities as many announcements only stay open for a week or two.


6. Identify potential job opportunities from the email notices. After reviewing the announcement, click "Apply Now" on the right side of the screen. I recommend that you change your resume to use key words found within the announcement. A search engine selects resumes for review utilizing these key words. Look for these terms under the "Duties" or "Qualifications Required" sections of the announcement. Pay special attention to the sentence that reads "Specialized experience is defined as... " USAjobs.gov allows you to ave up to five different resumes. Copy your primary resume and then change the terminology for the particular announcement.


7. After submitting your resume, the system will redirect you to another site to complete your submission. Complete the questionnaire. Upload required documents that qualify you for the position. This includes college transcripts, Standard Form 50, etc.


8. Submit your application package.


9. You will receive an email notice stating that your application package has been received. Afterwards, track the status of your application online through the USAjobs.gov website.

Federal hiring takes at least two to three months. Stay positive if a bit of time passes and you have not heard anything. Best of luck to you in your job search!

Holly South lives in Honolulu, HI with her husband and two children. You can read more of her work at http://familybooknight.blogspot.com and http://7yearstofinancialfreedom.blogspot.com. Her debut book, Sell Your Stuff, Save Your Life, provides a sixty day plan for raising the funds you need to start your emergency fund by selling your "stuff." Find it on Amazon, the iBookstore, and Lulu.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Holly_R_South

Professional Chauffeur Services - A Smart Way for Airport Transportation

Professional airport transport services are very convenient, because they allow you reach your flights or hotel rooms on time. The vehicles used by these limo services are generally well maintained, and you won't have to worry about vehicle breakdown in the middle of nowhere.

There are many companies that provide this service, but you will need to find the right ones to serve you the best.

Good experience

Go through the websites of a few popular companies, and choose the one that has good experience and reputation in the field. Before hiring a cab, check their user reviews too. This will help you know if there are any negative remarks about the operator. Most of these service providers have attractive websites, but that does not mean that they all are good. So, choose wisely.

Vehicles used

Information about the vehicles available would make you more comfortable while using their services. Go for the operator that has new vehicles and different models, so that you can get a good number of choices.

The type of vehicle you choose is also depended on the number of passengers travelling. The operator must be able to provide a vehicle accordingly, keeping in mind everyone's comfort. Moreover, some good companies also provide means of entertainment like portable TV sets in a car. Such facilities relax your mind and make your journey peaceful.

Professional services

You need to be aware of the companies that do not provide you with the upfront cost. Check all their rates and pricing policies. Any honest company would be straightforward about their pricing and services. You don't want to be a victim of any foul play and waste your money. Check for all the details before spending your money.

Find a professional airport transfer service that uses experienced chauffeurs to transport passengers. The chauffeurs must be very polite, well dressed, punctual and knowledgeable about different routes.

Airport transfer services are beneficial in many ways

• You can easily focus on work in hand instead of struggling with the traffic. Your work can be easily completed while you get to your destination.
• This service reduces stress. We all are tensed when we have a flight to board. Using this service you can easily reach the airport without any stress.
• It leaves a good professional image when a business person arrives at the airport with their own designated driver. It portrays a good impact on your clients at the airport.
• They will also pick you up from your office or home and would drop you safely at the airport, reducing the efforts you put in to walk to the terminal from the car parking lot.

Find the right professional airport transfer service, as it is very convenient to travel with well trained drivers. You will get to your destination without any delays.

We offer Sydney airport transfers service for the most competitive prices. We also provide fleet services to our corporate clients. Please feel free to visit our website today to book your limos in Sydney online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alok_Jaiswal

How to Successfully Do Business Overseas

I used to work with Tom. Tom was promoted as our business development manager in charge of expanding our business in Africa. Tom had only operated in western countries and he was at ease with the western culture and its customs. For his first international business trip, he was sent to Nigeria to meet our current clients and new prospects. As we all know business development is not about selling but rather about building relationships to consequently offer services to fulfil the needs of your clients. Tom's first business lunch was with Franklin, the managing director of an international oil and gas firm. Franklin was used to working with Phil as our company representative, and this lunch was an opportunity to pass over the management of Franklin's account. It is customary with some countries to give to your client a traditional gift from your country, such as chocolate from Harrods or Scottish shortbread; anything that represents the British culture. These little details show that you care about the foundation of long-term business relationships. Unaware of this custom, Tom didn't bring anything to the lunch. To show his discontent, Franklin used Tom's business as a toothpick. This was so embarrassing. The business relationship was damaged and it took a while to reposition it back to where it was previously.

I have travelled across the world during my international career. I studied cross cultural differences with fascination and I learned a great deal through my business experience. I have seen managers failing to sign deals just based on their lack of cultural awareness. In my previous business article, I taught the importance of personal branding. In this article, I will reveal to you a few tips you need to know to break challenging markets such as Asia.

1 - Dress for Business

Professionalism begins with your brand persona. So always dress professionally to make a positive impact and satisfactory business impression. Acknowledging cultural differences whilst looking and acting prepared will always be received positively and will help you seal the deal.

Take the time to study the cultural norms of the country that you are doing business in, and find out how they dress. A particular flower for example, may be acceptable in your country, but in another country, it could be used for mourning which would be totally unacceptable in a business situation. Attention to detail is essential and will help you to avoid causing any upset.

2 - Time

Punctuality is also valued differently, so be aware that some cultures are more time conscious than others. In South America and Africa, scheduled appointments are considered as a time guideline rather than something they need to stick by. In Europe, they are always punctual and being late is perceived as unprofessional. Take this into consideration and consequently allow your schedule some time flexibility.

3 - Greeting

In western countries, a hand shake is the commonly accepted form of greeting. In Saudi Arabia, women should wait for a man to offer his hand first. If she offers her hand first, he may not shake it. So save yourself the embarrassment. In Japan, people bow to greet each other. In Italy and Egypt, don't be surprised if your client or partner offers a kiss on the cheek. The best way to start on a good note is to offer a traditional present from your country. This is not bribery but rather a good gesture. However in Asia, this might be perceived as bribery and they are quiet likely to refuse your present. Always address and greet your business partners or your clients by their last names and titles unless you are invited to do otherwise.

4 - Communication

Business people in different countries communicate differently. In Nigeria or Germany, people tend to speak loudly when sharing ideas. In Ghana or Japan, they speak softly and don't interrupt each other. Don't forget to watch your body language when interacting as it could be distracting in countries that are not accommodated to so much body movements to emphasise an idea.

To conclude, always do your research when working in business and in markets that you are not familiar with. Ask advice from colleagues who have experienced working with certain countries. Their knowledge and experience are great values for your own success. Observe and adjust to the ways that your clients or business partners communicate. The more information you know, the more you are in control and capable of signing the deal.

If you would like to find out more about brand image and cultural awareness, please do not hesitate to contact me. Visit my website http://www.3coloursrule.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Flavilla_Fongang

From Irritation to Innovation

Elizabeth Holmes hates needles. To her, the idea of being poked by a needle and withdrawing blood is more than just unpleasant. When she knows that she has to give blood, she becomes consumed and overcome with the thought until it's finally over.

So it should be a surprise that at age 19 she founded Theranos, a ground-breaking blood diagnostics company that 11 years later is worth more than $9 billion. The company has patented its secret technology of performing 200 different blood tests (soon growing to over 1,000 different tests) without using a syringe. They use a few drops of blood drawn using a finger stick to minimize discomfort, and collected in a "nanotainer"; a container the size of an electric fuse. Her board is stocked with powerful blue chip members including former cabinet secretaries, former U.S. senators and former military brass. Theranos' innovative technology is poised to transform health care technology at no more than half the cost of similar tests using current technology.

Holmes leveraged a process that irritated her to innovate a new method of getting it done.

Productive Dissatisfaction

Tony Fadell was building a vacation home in for his family. One of the seemingly mundane decisions was selecting thermostats, but he wasn't satisfied with his choices. So he developed the Nest Learning Thermostat, a digital and WiFi enabled device that conserves energy by learning it's owners habits. He also designed the Nest Protect which uses new technology to detect smoke and carbon monoxide.

Fadell's real goal is to use technology to redesign and control all technology in the home. He was successful in raising startup capital as a result of his Apple pedigree, and extensive connections in Silicon Valley. He previously led the team that created the iPod, thereby rejuvenating Apple and transforming the music industry (yes, I love iTunes), and assisted in the development of the iPhone. Fadell left Apple in 2008 (along with his wife who was an HR executive there) and his thermostat irritation became the epiphany to innovate his next career move. As evidence of his success, Nest was purchased by Google earlier this year for $3.2 billion.

Innovation Mindset

Holmes and Fadell were irritated by processes and technology that others accepted as status quo. Obviously this wasn't just a minor irritation either. Most of us would have dismissed it, avoided it, complained a bit while it was on our minds, then moved on to what we believed were more important things. We would think that change wasn't needed, or that technology couldn't effectively be applied to it and scaled for use. Instead, they saw it as a challenge and took the opportunity to do something about it. They had a mindset for innovation that they applied to their environment.

At the time, Holmes was a sophomore at Stanford, and according to her chemical engineering professor, viewed complex technical problems differently than other students. She dropped out shortly thereafter and persuaded her parents to invest her education fund into the business start-up.

Fadell's tenure at Apple was distinguished by asking lots of questions, challenging Steve Jobs, and building his network in the "valley" outside the company; something normally reserved for Jobs himself. He didn't conform to the typical concept of the Apple executive.

The Key to Innovation

So what is the key to your innovation? What is it that irritates you, but you find it difficult to simply walk away or ignore it. Instead, you keep trying to figure it out. This may be your opportunity to move from irritation to innovation; to find new approaches to address old ways of doing things. Though Holmes and Fadell applied innovation on a large scale, you can easily do this within a smaller sphere of influence; in your work team, organization, community group or family. Here are a few simple steps.

1. Tap into what's irritating you. What problem needs to be solved? Chances are it's right in front of you.

2. Find the benefit. Who will it add value to? Identifying your stakeholders will help you to target what action to take, and encourage you to stick with it for their benefit.

3. Ignore the naysayers. What do you believe is possible? If you don't have faith in yourself, no one else will either.

4. Identify all the assumptions associated with the status quo. Why do people do it this way? Calling them out individually helps to break the innovation opportunity down into workable sizes for better analysis.

5. Methodically challenge each assumption. Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? By the time you've asked "why" five times, you'll uncover some suppositions that really don't have a strong foundation.

6. Think of a new approach. What if we did it this way instead? Then think of another different approach. This practice gets you into the mode of change.

If you're really irritated, true innovation will typically involve transformation, not evolution. It will yield a totally unexpected outcome that represents a leap ahead, not just a step forward. So embrace that impatience and exasperation with the current situation, and press forward to a new mindset of innovation.

Read more about Elizabeth Holmes and Tony Fadell in the June 12, 2014 issue of Fortune Magazine.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Priscilla_Archangel,_Ph.D.

Keeping the Job On Schedule

Regardless of the scale of the project to be undertaken, keeping everything on schedule is of paramount importance for success. The reason being is that to ignore the importance of scheduling is effective to work in a completely random and poorly controlled manner, which each element of the process cannot in any way be tracked, monitored and evaluated. It's a little like heading off on a journey with no destination or map - you can't get where you're going unless you know how to get there.

In terms of keeping a job on schedule, there are certain simple tips that can be followed and applied by any project managers to great effect, which include the following:

Schedule Everything

It's not enough to map out a plan in January whereby the only scheduling involved is that of insisting everything must be done by December - this does not qualify as scheduling. Keeping things on track means coming up with a schedule that covers everything of importance, and every step of the project. The simple reason being that if you don't know what should and should not be done by March, June and September, how can you be sure you're on-track?

Set Milestones

Another key tip is that of setting milestones, which essentially means breaking down the final goal into much more manageable targets to be met one by one. If the overall goal is to cut costs by say $10,000 for example, milestones could be set at $2,000 and $5,000. The utilization of milestones are not just for measuring progress, but also as a motivational tool.

Use Software

The very best scheduling software on the market today can work wonders for keeping a project running smoothly and efficiently. From the production of accurate estimates to the analysis of work carried out to date, to use the right software is to make scheduling and general project management much easier to handle.

Address Setbacks

When and where things go wrong along the way, the worst thing to do is pretend they never happened and move on. The reason, risk history repeating itself many times over, which will only hold the project back even further. If things aren't going as they should, they must be addressed.

Allow for Error

When coming up with the scheduled for the project in the first place, be sure to leave at least a little realistic margin for error. It's more than likely that at least one or two hiccups will creep into the equation, so by allowing for these ensures the schedule can be kept and less likely to be deferred from.

Learn from Mistakes

Last but not least, each time a mistake is made by way of the project itself or its Scheduling, it's important to learn from it. This means analyzing what went wrong, why it happens, what effects it had on the project and how to make sure it doesn't happen again.

Learn more about the latest scheduling software and how best to keep a project on track by manageable milestones.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alfred_Clark

3 Reasons to Automate Business Processes in Your Organization

Since the days of the automaton, workers have been searching for ways to automate the manual business processes that steal time from more important jobs. Communicating with colleagues, manipulating spreadsheets, entering customer information into a CRM... these are all examples of time-consuming manual processes that can be done better and faster by someone (or something) other than you (no offense).

If your idea of fun is copying and pasting text all day then by all means, continue doing what you're doing. Your competitors will love that. But we've got some thoughts on why you should at least consider automating business processes in your organization. Here are a few.

Reason 1: To Err is Human. It's Also Expensive.

In a compilation of error rates by business task*, as reported by studies over the last 30 years or so, error rates for medication prescriptions were found to exceed 1.6%. Data entry error rates for expert typists ranged as high as 6%. In general, the human mechanical (I.e. by hand) error rate for data entry tasks is 0.5%. Seems small at first, but what if you're entering order data from 100 online transactions into your CRM? Or, if you're compiling stock performance for 100 different mutual funds from an online investment website? What if you're changing prescription doses for 100 patients? That's 5 errors that have the potential to cost you money and maybe lives. You can expect to make 5 errors per 100 records any time you're manually changing information. The fun part is: You'll never know which records or pieces of data will be wrong. Get yourself an automated solution that enters and changes data for you automatically, and you'll never have to worry about data errors again.

Reason 2: Have Time to Kill? Neither Do I.

Here's the great thing about never making an error: You don't need to waste time fixing them. If you're lucky enough to catch an error (see #1 above), and it's a critical one, you'll need to go back and do the job again. In some industries like health insurance, where the cost of a reprocessed claim is 4 times that of one that gets approved the first time, that rework time can be a killer

Think of an automation software solution like a "digital employee" - someone who basically does the most unpleasant parts of your job for you so that you're free to do other things. Digital Employees generally work faster than humans in most web or Windows applications, so more gets done faster without rework. Even if it DIDN'T work faster, you'd still be free to perform other tasks while your software solution did all the typing, copying, and pasting. Automation basically returns 100% of the time spent on manual business process back to you so that you can go serve customers, win business, or take a vacation.

Reason 3: It's Easier Than You Think.

A good automation software solution can be installed and put to work inside of a few hours. Sure, there are some solutions out there that require coding or programming to operate, but the kind you're looking for can be "taught" to perform tasks simply by clicking and dragging your mouse to objects on the screen. The software should then present you with a narrow list of actions that work with the object you've targeted. You shouldn't have to scroll through 200 possible choices when all you need to do is click a "Submit" button.

Automation software solutions that actually work like "digital employees" use a series of steps (called a script) to perform a task. They work off of those scripts diligently because it's what you have told them to do. And they do it flawlessly. If concerns over learning curves and installation times are preventing you from automating your workflows and business processes, choose the right solution and put those fears to rest.

*Here's that link: http://panko.shidler.hawaii.edu/HumanErr/Basic.htm

Foxtrot software from EnableSoft automates virtually any process in web or Windows applications, performing them faster and more accurately than any human. For more information on what Foxtrot automation can do for you, visit http://www.enablesoft.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=GM_Richards

The Evolution of Dialysis Technician Competency Standards

Demand for dialysis treatment has increased dramatically in the United States as the number of people suffering from end stage renal disease secondary to chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure has risen. Although a technician is responsible for providing direct patient care, there are very few state and federal regulations that affect the profession. The low barriers to entry that are associated with this field have made it one of the most appealing employment options for those who want to work with patients, but who do not want to commit several years of their life to education and training. Those who are considering this career path should be aware that certification is now required according to the federal conditions for coverage and compliance is required in order to remain employed in the specialty.

Most facilities that offer dialysis treatment in the US require technician applicants to possess a minimum of a high school diploma or GED in order to be considered for an open position. While some community colleges and vocational schools offer technician training programs that are specific to dialysis and that issue a certificate of completion, it is very important to contact potential employers to make sure that a local program has been approved before enrolling. Many facilities have designed their own in-house training programs that must be completed before providing direct patient care. After completing the mandatory training, a technician is generally allowed to work in the field for a period of 18 months prior to passing a state or national certification examination.

There are several different certification exams that can be taken in order to comply with federal dialysis technician regulations. Although the federal government is willing to accept many different certification credentials, it is critical for new technicians to review any special state requirements prior to scheduling an exam date. In most cases, the employer will provide detailed instructions on which exam to take once the training period has been completed. Most states have adopted the federal standards as their default technician requirements, but there are a few states that have created their own guidelines that reflect more stringent credentialing timelines. In addition, some states have developed their own certification exams that must be passed in order to continue working in the profession.

Individuals who have the option of selecting their own certification exam should understand the options that exist prior to scheduling an exam date. In general, there are three national organizations that are widely recognized as the standard for dialysis technician competency assessment. These include the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC), the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT), and the National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO). While these organizations offer several credentialing exams for both nurses and technicians, an individual who is new to the profession will typically be required to pass the entry-level exam before progressing to the advanced options. The vast majority of dialysis technicians working in the US will be required to pass an exam offered through one of these well-respected companies.

Formal dialysis technician certification is a fairly new competency standard within the healthcare sector that represents an important step towards solidifying the legitimacy and long-term survival of the profession. Although these new regulations have made it slightly more challenging to enter the field, they represent a very low barrier to entry compared to the standards that are in place for most medical specialties. In addition, they serve to strengthen the technician's standing among other allied health professionals and they demonstrate the importance of the services that a technician provides. As the healthcare system continues to evolve and become more regulated, expanded credentialing requirements are expected to become a critical determinant for reimbursement and should be embraced as a positive advancement for the profession.

Those considering a rewarding career in this profession are encouraged to learn more about dialysis technician certification requirements by visiting http://www.dialysistechniciansalary.org/dialysis-technician-certification/ where they will find additional details about the national organizations that offer entry-level exams along with links to study materials and registration forms. A basic understanding of the credentialing requirements for a technician will help prepare new technicians for the training process and will reaffirm their commitment to the provision of high quality and comprehensive patient care.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carolyn_Hutchinson

How To Structure Your Job Search Stories To Get A Job

In this article, I will be revealing formulas in the form of acronyms developed by professional career counselors that will help you to frame your job search stories. These formulas while varied generally invoke a common theme.

Typically, you will identify a problem or challenge that you faced on the job, the hindrances you encountered while trying to fix the problem, what actions you took to overcome the hindrances, the results of your actions to fix the problem and what impact your solution had on your department or company.

Here are five of the most popular acronyms used when creating stories:

PAR: Problem, Action, Result
SAR: Situation, Action, Result
SHARE: Situation, Hindrance, Action, Results, Evaluation (by Fred Coon)
SOAR: Situation, Obstacle, Action, Result
STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result

You can pick any of the formulas above to use as the framework for structuring your stories. All of these formulas follow a logical sequence making it easy for you to present your stories in an organized fashion. Stories created using these formulas are most often used when interviewing. However, they can be applicable to other aspects of the job search such as resumes, cover letters and portfolios which will all bae discuss later in the report.

Hint: When detailing the results that you obtained in your particular story always try to quantify them by using numbers, percentages etc. Remember to keep the stories short and memorable.

Use adjectives and verbs that will help the interviewer visualize the story as you tell it. If there are any negative aspects of the story always end on a positive note and let the interviewer know how this experience impacted you and made you a better person.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheila_Savage

How To Discuss Your Crime With An Employer

Discussing your crime will probably be both the scariest and trickiest part of the interview process. Consequently, it is extremely important that you:

1.) Think about what you are going to say.
2.) Write down what you are going to say.
3.) Rehearse what you are going to say.

Although, you are not required by law to tell all of the details of your crime to a potential employer, they are not necessarily bound by law to hire you either. Even though, it is illegal for employers to discriminate against you because you are an ex-offender. However, discrimination for that basis alone is often very difficult to prove. Consequently, the more information that you are willing to provide to the employer the more honest you appear and the more willing the potential employer is to hire you.

Please note, this does not mean that you should disclose every detail of your crime. It means that you have to learn how to strike a delicate balance.

As an ex-offender the whole objective of the interview is to give the potential employer the opportunity to put a human face to the crime(s) that you may have listed on your employment application.

This person needs to see you not as a victim but as someone who is:

1.) Competent and capable of doing the job.
2.) As someone who for whatever reason made some extremely bad choices.
3.) Someone who recognizes his/her past mistakes and is remorseful.

Violent offenders particularly those convicted of capital crimes such as manslaughter and first degree murder have to understand that regardless of how much time that they may have served in prison, in the eyes of a potential employer time can never make up for the loss of life incurred by the victim(s). Nor can it make up for physical, psychological and/or emotional trauma that living victims may presently be experiencing as a result of their actions.

The reality is that regardless of what circumstances led up to your committing a crime, the fact remains that you did commit one. In some cases, such as self-defense, you may even have felt that you had no options.

Unfortunately, in the eyes of the courts in particular, and society in general, there is no just cause for violence. This holds true whether it was done in self-defense or due to some psychological problems, childhood trauma, and/or alcohol and drug addiction.

The best advice I can give you, if you are a violent offender, is to face the fact that whether for seemingly right or wrong reasons, you committed a crime. Then try to determine what factors led up to it, explain what you are doing to rehabilitate yourself and provide evidence.

Visit My Site And Get My FREE eBook: 101 Tips For Ex-Offender Job Search Success

For the past 13 years, Sheila Savage has worked with ex-offenders to help them find suitable employment. To get more information about ex-offender employment and job searching please visit http://www.lifebydesignconsultants.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheila_Savage

Brain Power for a Job Search

There were times when I woke up in the morning feeling like I didn't know "which way was up"... I had a hard time thinking, I felt spacy, confused, tired and many times I had a hard time focusing and concentrating. Through talking to my friends and family, I found out that I was not the only one that felt this way from time to time. Later I learned that the foods that I ate played a big part in the mental boost that I was lacking in the morning.

For many of us, preparing a healthy breakfast is time consuming so we try the quick fix by eating foods such as toast and coffee, waffles drowned in syrup or a bowl of our favorite cereal.

The following 5 foods were included in the list of "brain foods" by a September 2012 article posted by the Huff Post Healthy Living and can serve as a brainy substitute to the unhealthy quick fixes that we normally settle for. Now although there are many other benefits for consuming these foods as well, I am focusing on how they can give us the brain power boost that we need to maintain a focused job search.

1. Olive Oil

My favorite on the list is Olive Oil. Unlike other fats, olive oil helps to control blood sugar levels and prevent diseases that cause problems with brain function and memory.

2. Avocado

Avocados may be high in fat but it promotes blood flow allowing the brain to function at its highest.

3. Eggs

Although high in cholesterol, eggs are a great source of protein; they contain choline which is a nutrition that helps the brain to improve memory function.

4. Mixed Berries

Delicious berries such as blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and cranberries all have been shown through study to benefit our brains by boosting brain function and preventing age related memory lost.

5. Walnuts

Walnuts contain Omega 3's which are the essential fatty acids that help to keep the brain functioning normally. Ever wonder why this nut is shaped like the brain? It gives an ironic meaning when people say "Your Nuts!"

There are many other foods that are brain friendly and can help stimulate our mind in the right direction but these were the favorites on my list that I wanted to share with you. Have a nice day and don't forget to start your day right by a "brain powered breakfast".

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joyce_Sanchez