Attention Grads! Don't Miss One of the Best Job Opportunities For Recent College Graduates

By : Karen Jurgensen

Are you looking for open job opportunities for recent college graduates? Does the depressed economy have you feeling likewise? Got the Paying Back My Student Loan blues?

Consider a career in internet marketing! Why is this field one of the best careers for recent college graduates?

It's recession proof - As I'm sure you all know e-commerce is a multi-billion dollar industry. (You were paying attention in econ class, right?) Internet marketing lets you tap in those huge commercial profits by earning commissions for marketing goods online. You don't need to worry about the current recession as people as continue to buy online, and sales numbers are only going up!

You can work on your schedule - Internet marketing is done from the comfort of your computer. So you can work where you want, when you want! You can work at the coffee shop, between grad school classes, after your part time job at that obscure little record store. Even sitting on the deck up at the cabin or at the beach! Basically whenever and wherever (as long as you have a wi fi connection anyway)!

No experience is necessary - This is one of the best job opportunities for recent college graduates because you don't have to compete with a more experienced, out of work professional to try to get the job. Internet marketing is not just for the business or marketing majors either. You can use a lot of the skills you learned in school to be successful in this field. Who knew all that essay writing would come in handy? Best of all full training programs are available to help you get earning money fast!

Start immediately - No resume, no interview process, no grumpy boss giving you "the look" from the corner office! You can start your new job in internet marketing today and bypass corporate America altogether! Be your own boss and start earning hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars a day! Yes I mean that, there are noted marketers out there who started internet marketing while in college and have earned millions! No wonder this is one of the best job opportunities for recent college graduates!

You've got your degree so start doing something with it, RIGHT NOW! Start your new career in internet marketing TODAY!

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Fight Creative Time Wasting: Tips for Resourceful Time Wasters

By : Willy Kenny

Most readers of this blog provide creative services of some kind, largely as designers or as writers. And if you are contemplating a switch to the freelance life, you may be wondering about your own creativity, about your ability to constantly come up with new and better ways to do things for your clients.

While there are many different kinds of freelancers offering many kinds of services, all the freelancers I have known have been able to demonstrate outstanding creativity in at least one aspect of their work:

Avoiding it!
You’ve Got Mail

When you go freelance, you suddenly discover what is really important.

Like the mailbox next to your front door! If you have left a corporate cubicle for a home office, your sensitivity to the things around you is heightened to the point that you can hear inanimate objects speaking to you. Your mailbox whispers, “come out and look to see if I’ve got something for you,” hour after hour. Even though you know when the post arrives, you can’t resist the call, you “just take a moment” to check it now and then . . and then . . and then. And if you are waiting for a check from a client, forget it. You might as well put a chair next to the mailbox and live out there until the mail arrives.

Naturally, if you are working from home , it would be a shame not to keep up with the laundry, maybe just do up those dishes quickly, and it can’t hurt to vacuum occasionally.

If you are not freelancing yet, those kinds of activities might seem to be boring chores. But once you go out on your own, they become endlessly fascinating. Develop that web form? Write that brochure? Dust?

Easy decision.
Pretending to Be Virtuous

Even if you resist tackling these totally irrelevant tasks to avoid your work, you can still waste lots of energy in activities that appear to have something to do with your trade. The trick is simply to move low-priority items you could do anytime up to the top of the list.

Don’t you need a better filing system, so you can be more efficient? Better check your office supplies, perhaps pick up a couple of printer cartridges. Maybe you should catch up on your accounting, so you can get a couple of months’ head start on your taxes.

And those are just the time-wasters you can come up without the aid of modern technology.

Welcome to the Black Hole

If computers can make us more efficient, they are even more powerful tools for inefficiency. You probably learned to check your e-mail way too often long before you went freelance.

Now that your productive time is your source of revenue, it is much easier to be seduced into making little tweaks that might minimally improve your output. Why not defragment your hard drive, update to the latest versions of all your software, search for just the right plug-ins and extensions, and find the perfect way to manage all your files and documents so you can instantly find any item you need?

You also probably don’t have the perfect theme set up in your browser, and you need to customize every menu and tool bar you can find . . . all motivated by your deep desire to get more work done, of course.

What’s the Cure?

Frankly, some people never get past this phase. But while successful freelancers may not be completely free of these afflictions, they eventually learn to manage them, to hold these distractions down to a level where they do a little less damage to their productivity:

* Start with patience. If you are new at freelancing, you are facing a whole new lifestyle and “workstyle.” It takes time to adapt, so don’t expect to apply a heavy dose of “will power” or “self-discipline” and suddenly make everything better.
* Bunch your distractions together. Check mail (e- or other) at specific times, and deal with it in a few set time periods, instead of constantly throughout the day. Get those office supplies, and all those other errands you have discovered, done on a single day in the week, instead of running out the door repeatedly.
* Earn your distractions. Get those software updates only when you complete your work quota for the morning. Recognize these activities as the breaks they are, and use them as rewards.

Generally, outwitting these time wasting maneuvers works better than trying to eliminate them through some kind of brute force effort. And when you have that occasional relapse — as you will – forget all the guilt. Just have a laugh at yourself, and accept time wasters as part of the freelance life.

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Top 5 Freelance Forum Discussions on FreelanceSwitch

By : Patrick Larsson

If you’re active in the freelance forum, you might be aware of what’s going on there. For you who aren’t that active (myself included), might want to check out some of the most notable discussions that took place last week. I’ve been browsing the forum a lot these past days, but I actually haven’t got around to post anything yet. If you find a really interesting topic, make sure to post a link to it, and I’ll check it out.

Freelance Web Developer Rates. This is a quite interesting thread for all web devs about what kind of freelance rates developers charge which turned out to a full blown discussion. If you haven’t read any post yet, I strongly suggest you do. You might get a nice insight on others opinions and experiences.

Go to the Gym? Started little over three weeks ago, but just a couple of days ago, it got turned back on. Very interesting topic in my own opinion, who does work-out and who dosen’t? I for one, I really need to start again – been awol from the gym for almost a full year now. Someone to kick me in the right direction?

Stop Forum Spam. Due to a lot of spammers the last few weeks, our awesome forum staff would love for you to read this thread regarding spam posts. Contains some small pointers and has grown into a pretty nice discussion.

Is a Cell Phone Tax Deductable? I think the topic says it all, but then again – who can really be sure? Well, the topic is right down to accurate, but it’s the follow-up comments I want you to read. Really interesting information for all freelancers to take part of.

Free Time. A few weeks old topic, but still quite interesting. If you’re up to know what your fellow community members do in their free time, make sure to find it out here. There’s quite a few interesting activities taking place in our lifes, so make sure to bring this thread back to life again.

You have a thread you’ve noticed? Or maybe you have a favourite topic you would like to discuss in the freelance forum, either way – remember to leave a comment with your opinions and suggestions.

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What Career Path Should I Take? 5 Lucrative Engineering Career Paths

By Kim Ruehl, PayScale.com

Everyone knows engineers never have to worry about bringing home the bacon. But, most folks assume that engineering careers are boring and tedious. This isn't necessarily true. There are a ton of interesting, exciting possibilities in engineering-a highly lucrative career path that, contrary to popular belief, doesn't require a graduate degree in order to achieve long-term success. If you're not familiar with the many engineering fields, you may ask yourself, "What career path should I take?" Here are a few options that can get you started with one of the most in-demand, well-paid engineering careers for people with a four-year degree:

1. Environmental Engineering

With Obama on his way into office, and his emphasis on tackling environmental issues, most folks would agree that environmentally friendly careers are on the rise. An environmental engineering job is one of the most promising and, perhaps, the most attractive for prospective engineers. Cody Johnson, Principle Engineer for Shannon & Wilson, Inc., a geotechnical and environmental consulting firm in Seattle, puts into perspective why this field is only on the rise. "From a practical standpoint," he says, "if there is a 'new New Deal' in the works, it's likely that a good portion of the money will go to public works projects to shore up our aging infrastructure. So, in the current economic climate, there might actually be [environmental engineering] jobs out there for engineers." Like most engineering paths, environmental engineers do need to earn Engineer in Training (EIT) certification. Then, within the first five years in the field, you'll also need to complete a Professional Engineer certification. Both certifications, says Johnson, only ensure your ascent up the environmental engineering job ladder. Average Salary for an Environmental Engineer: $63,833 per year

2. Chemical Engineering

The benefits chemical engineering careers are growing each day as our society looks for more environmentally savvy ways to tackle the production and use of oil, plastics, paint, and food products. Think of how often you fill up the tank, buy toys for the kids, or scan the shelves at the grocery store. These are some of the most basic products in our society, and chemical engineers are in charge of figuring out how to manufacture them-think compostable baby bottles and biofuels. All of this makes both chemical engineers' demand and income reliably high - two great benefits of chemical engineering for you. And you don't need a master's degree to ensure a long, productive career in this field. Average Salary for a Chemical Engineer: $79,345 per year

3. Electrical Engineering

If you've ever taken apart a radio just to see whether you can put it back together again, electrical engineering may be the job for you. The advantages of electrical engineering are found in the number of options for jobs in this field. Bill Culbreth, Associate Dean at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering, says students pursuing this avenue can "work for private industry or for the government. The construction industry, aerospace, transportation, automotive, and electronics firms also hire these graduates." And, if you get into any of these kinds of electrical engineering careers and decide you're ready for that higher degree, it's a great prerequisite for a highly lucrative future in nuclear engineering. Average Salary for an Electrical Engineer: $70,941 per year

4. Computer Engineering

Nobody can deny that computer engineering is here to stay. As we all look for newer, better and faster computerized electronics to help us tackle our ever-changing world, even in a tipsy economy, computer and software engineers are in constant demand. Steve Wong, Senior Account Manager with COMSYS, an information technologies recruiting company, says that the "industries that are strong are aerospace, telecom, and specialized technology. Those are areas that'll stay strong, and specialized technology, especially, is going to continue strongly." What's more, while larger companies are cutting back on full-time employees, the demand for computer engineering contractors remains steady. One of the sweetest perks of being a computer engineer is contracting. You may have the opportunity to work from home on occasion-something almost nobody would complain about. Average Salary for a Computer Engineer, Systems Software: $79,359 per year

5. Civil Engineering and Structural Engineering

If you've ever marveled at the efficiency of a highway junction or the power of a well-built dam, civil engineering may be right up your alley. Civil engineers work on public projects, planning the construction of new highways, dams, bridges, and other infrastructure mainstays. According to Gary Spring, Professor and Chair of the Engineering Department at Merrimack College in Andover, Mass., there are plenty of options for pursuing a future job in civil engineering, and you won't have to be in school forever, either. He recommends seeking out civil or structural engineering careers with a smaller to midsize consulting firm because the larger the company, the more they require their employees to be specialized. Plus, he says, "don't avoid engineering because you might someday have to earn an advanced degree. Most [of our] students don't go on for an advanced degree." The career path for a structural engineer is pretty steady. Once you have earned your certification, sticking to civil or structural engineering careers is one of your most stable options because, he says, "there is always a need for infrastructure improvements." Average Salary for a Civil Engineer: $66,638 per year

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6 Simple Ways to Significantly Increase Your Pay

By Cherie Berkley, Special to PayScale.com

Not only can you increase your pay, you may even be able to double it. To secure a pay increase, follow these six tips to get on the fast track to a super-sized paycheck.

1. Say Bye-Bye. You will keep pace with inflation with 4 percent annual raises, but you certainly won't get ahead. Changing companies is one of the fastest ways to get a pay increase. Often new hires start at a salary that it took their peers years to obtain. With a fresh start you can negotiate a higher salary with a new company that has not pigeonholed you into a particular salary range. Having an offer in hand can also give you leverage at your current company to get a significant raise or promotion.

2. Start a business. Take charge of your earning potential by starting a business. This way you determine your compensation and pay increases over time. But patience, determination - and a good business plan - are key. Young businesses typically require time and energy to reap big rewards. Investment banker, Chris Norman agrees. Several years ago, he and a partner left their jobs and opened a boutique investment banking firm in Atlanta. "One of the most difficult challenges is creating brand presence and making the transition to doing everything yourself," he says. But, there are significant pros. "You have tax advantages that you never were able to take advantage of as an employee. We have some highs and lows, but we've definitely been able to generate more than twice our previous income," he says.

3. Start packing. Some cities pay higher - much higher - for the same profession based on supply and demand and cost of living. PayScale.com shows a software developer with five years experience in Miami can boost his salary 69 percent by moving to San Francisco, and an experienced dental hygienist in Memphis, Tenn., earns 77 percent more in Chicago. Be sure to run a cost of living comparison to ensure higher housing, taxes, and other cost adjustments won't eat up a pay increase in your targeted city. For instance, a physical therapist making $65,000/year in Chicago would need to earn $87,658/year in Los Angeles to maintain the same standard of living. Real estate in Los Angeles is 103 percent more expensive.

4. Boost your knowledge. Achieving a substantial pay increase sometimes means changing careers or earning an advanced degree in your current field. If you've hit the glass ceiling in your profession, going back to school for a degree with higher earning potential or getting additional training may be the answer. For instance Payscale.com shows a copywriter who majored in English averaging $41,065 could command an average salary of $79,718 in business after earning an MBA. Kailei Richardson says earning her MBA helped her double her salary after working as a consultant for a major firm. "If you look at pure salary, I made a 47 percent increase in salary. However, if you look at my first year salary factoring in signing bonus, I had an 86 percent increase, but including relocation it was a 106 percent increase," says Richardson who now works as a marketing manager in Dallas.

5. Consult a career coach. Many high achievers have that je ne c'est quoi. One way to increase your pay is to learn the secrets of their success. A career coach can assess career pitfalls and help propel professionals to executive ranks. Books such as Leadership on the Line by Ronald Heifetz or Moral Mazes by Robert Jackall also offer smart insights to the nuances of corporate success. Often people don't realize that while performance is important to success, personality and knowing how to navigate the system are probably equally important, if not more so.

6. Go solo. If you are experienced in your field and have good contacts, going the independent contractor route can be highly lucrative. Industries such as IT, law, business, and medicine are just a few that pay big to contractors. "Contracting afforded me the opportunity to see a return based on expertise and hours worked. As a salaried employee [at my old company], my yearly assessment didn't factor in current market rates," says Wayne Nelson, a web applications developer in Atlanta, who switched companies and his status from full time to contractor this year. He says he doubled his salary in one move. He notes that being proficient in JavaScript, .NET, and the major database systems increase marketability in web development.

There is a downside: Independent contractors often foot their own bill for health insurance, must manage their own employment taxes, and have unpaid vacations. They also lose out on the perks of 401K matching. However, Nelson says he found retirement strategies and a health insurance plan that greatly offset the compensation loss from a full-time benefits package.

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Personal Growth Doesn't Come Easy

By : Penelope Trunk

You can tell if you are avoiding personal growth in your career by whether or not you feel challenged. You can tell if you are feeling challenged by whether or not you are scared. Being scared is what makes life interesting. You should be scared that you are going to fail at something, because if failure isn’t a possibility then you are not trying hard to do something difficult.

Most people think they are challenging themselves, but most people are avoiding personal growth on some level. There are many paths to personal-growth avoidance. Here are five ways people do it in their career.

1. You aim to be a generalist. The best way to see what you’re great at is to specialize. Pick a type of work that suits your personality, then pick a field that is a specialty within that. Usually you will pick wrong. So what? Keep trying. When I was trying to figure out what I was great at, I wrote a lame novel, I pitched stupid articles to Marie Claire and I got dumped as a feature writer for an alternative weekly. This is how I learned that I should be writing career advice. The process of becoming a specialist is finding out what makes you special. How could you not want to know that?

2. You are consumed with getting a book deal. Ninety percent of you do not need a book deal (or whatever singular accomplishment would be an equivalent in your line of work). What are you going to do with that? A book will not make you rich. It will probably drive you nuts because a book is very hard to write. If you have so many good ideas, put them in blog posts. The ideas get out faster and you get more feedback. A book is good to promote something. But you need to know what you’re promoting. Maybe a company, maybe a project, maybe you want to build a community. But in most cases, a book is not the most time-effective way to meet that goal. So people who are focusing on the need to get a book deal are, in fact, avoiding figuring out what they really want. A book is a means to an end, not an end. Uncovering your real goals is what personal development is about.

3. You have never had a long-term relationship. If you have never been in a relationship for more than nine months, then you have not let anyone really see you. Nine months is how long it takes for that crazy, being-in-love feeling to wear off. (There should be a link here, but it would be to my therapist, who told me that in last week’s session.) So after getting through nine months, the clouds dissipate and you start to see your true self reflected back to you from someone who knows you well. Before that, it’s pretty easy to cover up your true self. You can manage personal development much more effectively if you are looking at yourself through someone else’s eyes. It always feels different because you can’t hide from the stuff that you wish would go away.

4. You lack strong opinions. The only thing you get to do in this world is choose what a good life is and then aim for it. But that requires being opinionated. Every day you are choosing what a good life is for you. If you are scared to have opinions because you’re scared of being wrong, then how are you making choices? If you can’t think of stuff you have strong opinions on, you are probably living someone else’s vision of a good life. Not your own. Being wrong is way better than not having opinions. At least when you’re wrong you know you are trying.

5. You think career advice is stupid. We read the most about stuff we know the most about. It’s not optimal, but it’s how we are. Do you read about how to make tutus from materials other than tulle? See? That’s my point. It may be an interesting topic, if you knew anything to start with. So it’s a good bet that the people who read career advice are very consciously navigating their personal development through their career. And people who think it’s stupid to read career advice are ignoring the fact that adult life is about getting smarter and smarter answers to the question: What should I be doing?

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Top Five Tips on Becoming Court Artist

By : K

If you are talented artist and looking for news outlet to use your skill, then considering becoming court artist. Television stations and newspapers use court artists to sketch the characters and scenes of widely publicized trials. So here are five tips for launching successful career as court artist.

1. Develop your skill
It is important that you first develop your skill, before you embark on career as court artist. This means learning how to sketch fast and without mistakes. It can be difficult to sketch a scene with a lot of movement, so I suggest practice sketching at school or public. That way you can practice capturing scene with a lot of movement and speed. You must be able to work under pressure and be prepared to travel. A trial can take you to another city for months at time, so you also have be prepared to be away from family and friends.

2. Create portfolio
In order to get clients, you need to have portfolio. This can be folder or binder that shows off your best sketches. Your portfolio is what you will show potential clients, so make sure it looks professional and neat.

3. Job hunt and network
In order to obtain a job as court artist, you will need to job hunt. Contact every television station, newspaper and magazine in the country. Try to get appointments with news producers and magazine editors, to show off your portfolio. Even after meeting with them, keep contacting them on a regular basis so they remember their name when they need a court artist. Another tip I would give is to network . Joining an organization of journalists, can help open a lot of doors for your career. Once you get to know people in the industry, you will start getting referrals, which can help you land that right job.

4. Use the internet
Use the internet to aid in your job search. Contact internet news sites because the will typically looking for sketches from major trials that can be scanned onto their site. However,, be sure to not contact internet sites that are affiliated with news network. They will already have an court artist who will be supplying sketches.


5. Persevere
It may take good amount of time before you get your first job as court artists. However if this is your dream and you have passion for art, then don't give up. Continue to preserve and you will accomplish your goals. As long as you believe in yourself and skill, then you will succeed

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Wal-Mart Employees Get College Help

By Jeanine Skowronski


Wal-Mart (Stock Quote: WMT) announced yesterday that it is partnering with American Public University to offer college credit and tuition assistance to its employees.

According to Wal-Mart’s Web site, this “partnership will put associates on a faster track to earning a college degree, reduce their length of time in school and make the overall cost more affordable.”

As part of its Lifelong Learning Experience Program, Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club associates who enroll in the online university are able to earn 45% of the credit required to receive an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. They are also eligible for a 15% tuition reduction. Additionally, the retail giant will invest $50 million during the next three years to help workers buy books and pay for tuition. Wal-Mart employs 1.4 million workers in the U.S.

APU is an accredited online institution that offers more than 100 online certificate and degree programs and educates more than 70,000 adult learners worldwide. Wal-Mart employees will earn credit for on-the-job training and work experience in degree programs such as Management, Security Management and Transportation and Logistics. The university plans to offer additional programs in retail management in accordance with their new partnership.

“APU is dedicated to providing an affordable, high-quality learning experience that is designed to equip graduates for career advancement and leadership in an increasingly competitive, knowledge-based economy,” Wallace Boston, Jr., president and CEO of the accredited American Public University System said in a press release. “We look forward to welcoming Wal-Mart associates to our university community.”

Other organizations that have instituted similar partnerships with academic institutions include consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton, FedEx (Stock Quote: FDX), Verizon (Stock Quote: VZ), global security manufacturer Northrop Grumman (Stock Quote: NOC), the U.S. Postal Service, the Coast Guard, Wachovia (Stock Quote: WB) and the YMCA. However, Wal-Mart, who employs more than 2.1 million worldwide, is one of the largest corporations to provide its workers the chance to earn academic credit.

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Employers urge Cable not to alter agency law

By Louisa Peacock

Under the current agreement between the CBI and TUC, temporary workers are due to get the same pay and working conditions as permanent staff after 12 weeks in a job, rather than on day one, as unions originally demanded.

Mr Cable pledged last week to review these regulations and 200 others that have yet to come into force and that will cost £19bn to implement.

Businesses are concerned that changing the agency workers' regulations in a bid to simplify them for employers could infuriate unions, who will walk away from the 12-week deal and insist on equal rights from day one.

Keith Luxon, human resources (HR) director at water company Veolia Water, which employs 2,200 people, urged the Government to weigh up any unintended consequences of revamping the law.

"One of the features of the UK labour market is its flexibility and active temp market," he said. "This allows businesses to respond quickly and effectively to changes in the market without forcing them to make long-term commitments they are unable to keep. We need to think very carefully before sacrificing this."

He warned that giving agency workers equal rights from day one would increase business costs and force the company to "hire less temps".

"Whilst I applaud the aim to reduce bureaucracy and red tape, it is vital that all implications are thought through," Mr Luxon said. "So much has happened over the last 13 years that you can't just wind the clock back and what many businesses want is a period of stability."

Christian Armstrong, HR chief at Thistle hotels, which relies on temps during busy periods, agreed that without the 12-week rule, companies would "think twice about hiring agency workers" and become powerless to respond to business needs.

He called on ministers to consult with business about any changes to the law. "The Government has to make sure whatever measures are put in place, it encourages implementation. The best way to do that is to take on board employers' views."

Manufacturers' body the EEF warned it could take a year to agree the final set of regulations, which must be implemented by November 2011, giving companies little time to prepare.

However, Neville Upton, chief executive of The Listening Company, a call centre employing 4,000 people, of which up to 10pc are temps, said the incoming legislation needs to change to reduce the burden on business. "We need as much flexibility to run our business the way we want to at the moment. We are competing in a global environment in a tough recession," he said.

A TUC spokesman refused to comment before the Government's review findings, but did not rule out unions reneging on the 12-week deal.

Other business regulations approved by the previous Government now up for review include elements of the Equality Bill and rights for fathers to claim up to six months of a mother's maternity leave.

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A Guide to Environmental Conservation Careers

By : Alexis Devan

here are environmental conservation careers working in academia, for a non-profit organization, or in environmental consulting that are professional office positions, and there are also careers such as forestry and
federal positions that are largely outdoors and may consist of physical labor. A wide range of opportunities exist for the work environment and specialty that one seeking a career in environmental conservation may be interested in.

Conservation Scientist

A conservation scientist manages, observes, and attempts to restore or save natural resources including the development of forests and rangelands. A conservation scientist may work with an individual, a farmer, or the federal and state government. Mostly these positions are held by government employees, with 74 percent working for government including agencies like the Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service and similar state departments. Most hold a bachelor's degree in in forestry, biology, natural resource management or environmental sciences. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage of a conservation scientist as of May 2008 was $58,720.

Teaching

Those who teach courses on forestry and conservation science may be retired or currently working as conservation scientists. These courses, typically taught at the university or college level, are in environmental and conservation science and may be into addition to research that the professor is conducting. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2009 the median yearly salary for a teacher in a university, college, or professional school was $76,500, with the highest concentration of the profession being in Pennsylvania.

Forest workers complete much of the physical work rather than analyzing or preparing data on environmental concerns. Typical duties of a forest worker include planting seedlings to reforest areas, removing diseased
trees and spraying insecticides and fungicides. Often forest workers are employment by local or the federal government, although they may be employed by tree farmers or nurseries. A high school diploma is typically sufficient to obtain work as a forest worker, but many community and vocational schools offer degrees in forest management technology, wildlife management, conservation, and forest harvesting, which may help an individual advance in his career.

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Six Tips to Personalize Your Workspace

By : Admin

Here are some tips on creating an organized, professional and attractive workspace, whether you have a home office, a corner office or a cubicle.

• Ask about your company's policy on desk decorations. Obviously, you have considerable decorating freedom if you work from home. But your company may have restrictions -- find out what they are before you're required to remove family pictures or that piglet calendar.

• Choose a color scheme. You can bring some life to your desk by repeating a few colors. For example, your visible file folders, desk pad and stapler could all be blue.

• Hang framed business certificates or awards on the wall. Framed business certificates will remind coworkers and clients of your credentials and accomplishments, not to mention provide professional-looking decoration. PlaqueMaker Plus sells attractive padded and flat certificate covers, as well as slide-in plaque frames that come in ultra-light weights, making them appropriate for office cubicles.

• Assess your lighting. Unless you have a bright window, you should add an attractive desk lamp, both to brighten your workspace and create decoration. A banker's lamp is always a good choice.

• Think about what you need to perform your job. A glass vase might improve your desk's aesthetics, but a glass paperweight might prove more useful. Consider decorating by buying attractive versions of all the office accessories you need to have anyway, such as pen holders, staplers, folders, letter openers and calendar stands.

• Buy a potted plant. An orchid or fern is the quickest way to turn your humdrum office space into a stress-free sanctuary.

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How To Handle The Job Hopping Question

by Nathan Newberger

The Career Landscape Has Changed

As the economy changes and pink slips pop up, the once optional choice of changing jobs has become a mandatory step towards the top. Times change: 15 years ago employers may have easily rejected a good candidate who held five jobs in eight years. Today, in the wake of company mergers, corporate acquisitions, dot.com shutdowns, mass lay-offs and restructuring, hiring managers are more forgiving of job hoppers. They are realizing it is more of the norm.

While today’s employers may be less weary of job changers than their predecessors, some may still have misgivings. That is why you must come prepared with confident, reassuring answers to tricky questions like:

The Tough Interview Question: quot;Why have you switched jobs so often?"

What Is The Interviewer After?
When interviewers ask such an uncomfortable question, they are usually looking or one of the following:

1. A reason to choose you. Valid reason(s) for your jumping jobs.
2. A reason to eliminate you from the selection process. Any red flags that indicate you are the problem and will not last long at the company.

Popular Reasons For Switching Jobs Often
To receive the employer’s approval and acceptance of your reasons for changing careers, formulate an acceptable response to counter the job hopping issue. Some popular reasons for switching jobs include:

1. Taking care of domestic demands, death/extended illness in immediate family, etc.
2. Moving because of spouse’s job, desire to travel, climate, family, etc.
3. Continually seeking more satisfaction in the workplace
4. Experiencing different jobs to determine where true interests lay
5. Working in positions that were only temporary (internships, summer jobs, campaign work, etc.)
6. Wanting more responsibilities, more money, more respect, more prestige, more flexibility, etc.

Be Honest With Your Answers
Don’t try to leave employment skeletons in your closet because sooner or later, they will invariably come back to haunt you. Be bold. Take full responsibility for whatever leaps you made in your professional past and explain why you did what you did and how you’re a better candidate because of such actions.

In your answer, try to:

1. Tie Your Work Together.
If you worked in different capacities, relate those duties to the position you’re applying for.
Answer Example:
"Since I worked in public relations, marketing and promotions, my communication skills continually improved in various mediums which would aid your advertising firm."
2. Explain Why This Time Will Be Different.
If you always had to leave jobs because your husband was in the military, say how his retiring will change your pattern. If you jumped whenever another offer looked better, say how you have learned loyalty, stability and commitment take precedence over money.
Answer Example:
"After I graduated from college, I wanted to test my talents in many different fields but now I know that my true passion is for architecture."
3. Reveal How Your Checkered Career Path Can Benefit The Company.
List how your skills, experience and education improved in each of your previous jobs and that such a varied background can bring a fresh perspective to the current position.
Answer Example:
"Since the film and music industries are so closely related, I feel my experience in the recording and commercial music business helped me acquire unique contacts and skills that will improve your film production company."

CONCLUSION
Each counter to the job hopping question will vary based upon individuals and their unique experiences. Not everyone has a perfect career history but that doesn't mean you are at a disadvantage. Use the above tips to better handle this situation during your next interview

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Creating A Personal Career Map

By : Nathan Newberger

Whether you are unemployed or have an unfulfilling job, you probably suffer from an ailment that plagues many people: career disorientation. You are not where you want to be professionally. Somewhere along the road to professional happiness you veered off course and lost your way. If you are driving and become lost, a map is a handy tool to help get back on course. A career map is just as useful in curing career disorientation.

This article describes how to develop your own personal career map. Once you know the path you want to take, it is much easier to get where you want to go.

These four key elements will be covered:

* 1. Finding The Big Picture
* 2. Do Some Research
* 3. Start Marketing Yourself
* 4. Plan For The Unexpected

1. FINDING THE BIG PICTURE
To create a career map, you must be able to take a step back and examine your position. More often than not, you may need to take many steps before the big picture becomes visible. The whole purpose of a career map is to create a path to your end goal. Being able to envision the entire path is crucial.

As you step back to examine your situation, ask yourself these questions:

* » How far into the future do you want to plan? One year? Five years? Ten years?
* » What job characteristics are most important to you? Location? Salary? Room for Promotion?
* » Is there flexiblity for unexpected detours? You never know when a spouse will find a job in another city or when a new boss will make your current job unbearable.

2. DO SOME RESEARCH
Planning should not be a stationary act. A vital part of effective career mapping is gathering information. After all, you cannot fully prepare for a journey unless you have a detailed understanding of the places you want to go. Determining the path you want to take for the next few years requires a lot of legwork. You must identify the specific actions you need to take on the road to success and fulfillment.

There are numerous methods to obtain all the information necessary for creating a sound career map. Some of the most popular choices include:

* » Reading trade magazines and professional industry analysis.
* » Interviewing industry experts.
* » Finding a mentor that is already successful in the job you hope aspire to be in one day.

3. START MARKETING YOURSELF
As you examine your path to success, you must determine how to get yourself on that path. This means you need to be in contact with the companies and/or industries you see in your future. As you already know, landing the job you want is not an easy task. That is why marketing is an essential part of career mapping.

Above all else, a self-marketing strategy for career mapping should address these three issues:

* » Market Identification: Just like a business must decide on the customers to whom it will sell its product, you must decide on the companies and industries to which you will sell yourself. Be specific, having only a general idea will leave you unfocused. Make a list of specifics so you can properly allocate your time and effort.
* » Strength/Weakness Identification: When a business sells its product, it does not just to tell you the product's name. Advertisements emphasize the advantages of a product. You need emphasize your strengths and downplay your weaknesses as you market yourself. Have your closest friends and colleagues help you compile a list of your positive and negative characteristics.
* » Mission Statement: It may seem trivial to actual develop a mission statement for yourself, but they perform a very valuable function. Creating a mission statement requires you to concisely explain your goals. In doing this, you remove frivolous details and better focus yourself.

4. PLAN FOR THE UNEXPECTED
Often times, as a person develops their career map he or she realizes that they are far off course. This perfectly normal, but it also means that getting on the right road will require a change of direction.

What the future holds is always a mystery. Drastically changing your life can only complicate things. A very important concern to have is your financial stability. A career map is only valuable when it is realistic, so it should address any of your financial concerns. As you plan for the future, ensure you have a financial plan to tackle the worst-case scenario. With each step along the way, you career map should answer the question "Can I afford to continue on?" And the answer must be yes.

CONCLUSION
Planning before you act allows you to make focused moves. Once you've plotted your course, you must act without hesitation. Don't forget to check your career map regularly to ensure you have not veered off course. Make forecasts and continue to plan. When the job market is rough; the people that do well are those that have a strong idea of where they are trying to go. Remember, driving is a lot easier when you keep your eyes on the road. Happy planning!

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What Employers Want from Job References

By Yahoo!! HotJobs staff

A great resume and solid interview skills may place job seekers in the running for a position, but a new survey conducted by OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service, finds that the results of a reference check can really be what makes--or breaks--a job search. Hiring managers interviewed for the survey said they remove about 21 percent of candidates from consideration after speaking to their professional contacts

Managers also were asked, "When speaking to an applicant's job references, what is the most important information you hope to receive?" Their responses:

* Description of past job duties and experience: 36 percent
* A view into the applicant's strengths and weaknesses: 31 percent
* Confirmation of job title and dates of employment: 11 percent
* Description of workplace accomplishments: 8 percent
* A sense of the applicant's preferred work culture: 7 percent
* Other/don't know: 7 percent

"When hiring managers narrow the field to a few potential candidates, the reference check often becomes the deciding factor," says OfficeTeam executive director Robert Hosking. "To distinguish themselves from the competition, job seekers should assemble a solid list of contacts who can persuasively communicate their qualifications and professional attributes."

OfficeTeam offers five tips for creating a reference list that works in your favor:

1. Choose wisely. Select people who can discuss your abilities and experience that directly relate to the position, not just those with the most impressive job titles. Offer a mix of contacts who can address different aspects of your background; for example, a former peer may be able to describe your interpersonal skills, while a past direct report can talk about your management style. (Read tips on effective teamwork.)

2. Check in beforehand. Always call potential references first to get their permission and evaluate their eagerness to talk to hiring managers. Be sure to give all references a copy of your resume, the job description, and the name of the person who will likely call.

3. Be prepared. Provide clear contact information for your references, including their names, titles, daytime phone numbers, and email addresses. Also, offer a brief explanation of the nature of your relationship with each individual. Consider supplying more references than are requested, so you won't miss out on the job offer if the hiring manager can't get in touch with one of your contacts.

4. Think outside the box. It's common for employers to seek out additional references for new hires--either online or through their own networks. Since you never know whom a hiring manager might reach out to, you should not only remain on good terms with your past supervisors and colleagues (if possible), but also be selective about who's in your online network, on sites such as LinkedIn. (Read tips on using social networks to find a job.)

5. Give thanks. Express your gratitude to people who agree to serve as references, even if they aren't contacted by employers. Keep them updated on your job-search progress and offer to return the favor by providing a recommendation should they need one.

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Cross-Country Job Hunting

By : Gina Cappielo

Dreaming of relocating for a new job? Dr. Katherine Hanson and Dr. Randall S. Hanson of Quintessential Careers have helpful tips for job seekers who are searching beyond a 50-mile radius:

Research
"Learn as much as you can about the city to which you wish to relocate," they advise--if for no other reason than to make sure that's where you really want to be. "Make sure you'll be able to afford the cost of living and that you'll be content with the city's climate and cultural offerings," they add.

Along with learning about the city itself, explore the job opportunities within the city: "Conduct research to find out which major employers are located in the city. You can also check out geographic-specific job sites."

Devise a strategy
"Decide approximately when you'll make the move and whether you'll be able to make one or more scouting trips to the area before you relocate." Quintessential Careers' experts also suggest creating a moving budget to figure out whether or not you're financially stable enough to handle a move--with or without a new job. Once your moving plans are straightened out, create a stand-out resume and cover letter. "Make sure your cover letter is in good shape and briefly explains your relocation to employers," they say. "Be prepared to discuss some of the details of your relocation in your cover letters and interviews with employers in the new locale."

Search for jobs
When looking for work, find all the companies you want to work for in the area: "A list of about 20 employers is a good goal to shoot for, and you should conduct additional research into these target companies." When contacting (and being contacted by) companies, Quintessential Careers' experts suggest explaining when and why you are relocating, to give your potential employer a time frame to work with. They also recommend asking employers for a phone interview before an in-person one. "Employers may be more willing to conduct initial screening interviews with long-distance candidates by phone if they can avoid worrying initially about the expense of getting you to a face-to-face meeting."

Schedule interviews
Before going out and exploring your new city, it's best to have interviews already lined up. "Schedule these interviews by making follow-up calls to all the employers and recruiters you've contacted so far in your new city. Tell them when you'll be in town and that you'd like to schedule an interview." Even if you can't get an interview with a company for a specific job, ask if you can come in for an informational interview: "These interviews will provide you with a networking 'in' at companies." Along with getting interviews booked, Quintessential Careers' experts recommend researching and attending "career fairs, relevant professional conferences, or trade shows planned for your new area," to get the most out of your trip.

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Top 5 Ways to Work for Yourself

By : Jessica Hanley

Work doesn't have to mean a dreary cubicle and an unappreciative boss--in fact, several of today's most in-demand careers lend themselves to self-employment. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the following careers to grow faster than average from 2008 to 2018, and some require only a couple of years of career training.

Whether you want to add hours on a contractual basis or start your own business, the following five careers allow you to build client relationships and be your own boss.

1. Accountant
Accountants keep financial records for businesses and individuals, and they often prepare financial statements, budget analysis, and taxes. Unlike management accountants, who are generally employed by large corporations, public accountants and tax specialists find their own work through individual clients. According to the BLS, accountants earned an average salary of $67,430 in 2009, and their employment is expected to grow by 22 percent from 2008 to 2018.

Accountants must be good with numbers, organized, and detail oriented. Most companies require their accountants to hold at least a bachelor's degree in accounting, and accountants who are self-employed often seek certification through the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.

2. Web developer
Web developers use software languages to develop the technical aspects of Web sites, including organization, layout, and databases. Because Web developers can work from any computer with the required software, they can complete contract projects or run a small business from home. The BLS expects employment of all computer network, systems, and database administrators to grow by 30 percent from 2008 to 2018. In 2009, this group earned an average salary of $70,930.

Most Web developers have a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer programming, or a related field, and they continually learn about new technology and software to keep their work current. If you're interested in becoming a web developer and currently work full time, consider an online bachelor's degree program in computer science.

3. Software applications engineer
Software applications engineers design the computer software we rely on every day, from word processing programs to computer games. Software engineers use computer science and mathematics principles to create and test software that responds to users' needs. Technological advances have allowed many software engineers to telecommute and perform client projects from home. According to the BLS, computer software applications engineers earned an average of $90,170 in 2009, and their employment is expected to grow by 34 percent from 2008 to 2018.

Computer software engineers need technical knowledge, so most prepare by earning a bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, or software engineering. Professionals with an associate's degree in computer science may find work as computer programmers.

4. Skin-care specialist
Skin-care specialists, also called estheticians, are beauty professionals who specialize in facials, waxing, exfoliation, and other skin treatments. According to the BLS, 44 percent of cosmetologists (including skin-care specialists) are self-employed, and employment of skin-care specialists is expected to grow by 38 percent from 2008 to 2018. In 2009, skin-care specialists earned an average of $31,990.

Skin-care specialists prepare for state licensing by attending an accredited cosmetology school and completing a program in skin care. These programs can often be completed in less than nine months, allowing you to quickly transition to a career in beauty.

5. Landscape architect
Landscape architects use principles of architecture, engineering, and ecology to design functional, attractive outdoor spaces. They design everything from public parks to shopping centers, and they ensure their designs meet clients' needs without harming the local ecosystem. According to the BLS, approximately 21 percent of landscape architects work for themselves, and their employment is expected to grow by 20 percent from 2008 to 2018. In 2009, landscape architects earned an average salary of $65,910.

Landscape architects should be artistic, good with their hands, and able to draft using computer-aided drafting software. Nearly all states require landscape architects to be licensed, which requires earning a bachelor's degree or master's degree in landscape architecture.

Start working for yourself
Whether you're interested in computers, beauty, or plants, you can work for yourself in one of today's hottest industries. Online degree programs and career training options can help you transition into your dream career without giving up your current job.

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Making a Transition Job Work for You

By : Denene Brox

Landing a job is tough these days. The job market is flooded with unemployed workers--so finding a job that's a good fit is even tougher.

If you're a professional who has been out of work for a while, you may have to take a "transition job" to make ends meet (or just to keep busy).

Transition jobs often don't require a lot of experience or education, are usually lower paid, and can be easier to land. Industries like retail, health care, and food service hire lots of workers in customer service and support roles. Temporary agencies can also help you stay engaged with the working world. (For more on making the most of a temporary job, read "Your Temp-to-Perm Hiring Strategy.")

And there are many other benefits to taking a transition job--it's all about making the most of your opportunities, and spinning the job the right way. Here are some tips on making a transition job work for you.

Fill your resume gaps
In addition to providing you an income, transition jobs put you back into the ranks of the employed, the group most attractive to potential employers.

"Transition jobs help you avoid those large gaps of unemployment on your resume, which is a concern in this economy," says Nancy DeCrescenzo, director of career services at Eastern Connecticut State University.

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How to Behave at Your First Job

By : Tara Weiss

ou've landed your first job out of college. That wasn't easy, in this tough time. Now you've got to make sure you keep it and succeed at it.

How? You can start even before you arrive at work. Set up a Web news-alert account that emails you news stories relevant to your new employer, says Danielle Leyland, a recruiter in the information technology department at Sherwin-Williams, the paint company. That will help prepare you to engage your coworkers when you get there, especially if there's big news--and it's also a way to find out about potential opportunities. Even if it's bad news--a round of layoffs or company downsizing, for example--it will affect the entire company and will be important to know about.

To take it a step further, stay up-to-date on competitors and the industry as a whole, too. That will give you perspective on where your employer is heading and why certain decisions get made. Your colleagues will take you more seriously when they see how dedicated you are to the profession.

Good first impressions
When your first day on the job arrives, show up at least 10 minutes early, and don't leave as soon as the clock strikes 5 p.m. That could come off as doing the bare minimum, which is not the first impression any employer wants to receive.

Also, dress professionally, even if you're sure most people dress casually. Men should wear slacks and a button-down shirt; women, either slacks or a skirt with a top that covers their shoulders. "You can assess what everyone is wearing during the first few days and then tone it down," advises Kathryn Santers, a staffing manager for the higher-education division of the educational publishing firm Pearson.

The right questions
Once you settle in and are given projects to work on, be sure you've got a clear understanding of what's expected. If you're not completely sure about something, ask. "It's better to ask a question and be cautious than to do it wrong," says Santers. And when you ask, have pen and paper with you to write down the details so you don't have to ask more than once. If you don't agree with an assignment you're given, don't say so until after you've completed it. Even then, do so tactfully, suggesting alternatives or slight tweaks without antagonizing your manager.

Along the same lines, never behave as if some tasks are beneath you. At some point, everyone needs to file or make photocopies. Your goal is to make your boss's job easier. If doing clerical work accomplishes that, do it without complaining. "It may seem menial, but it's a part of a big picture," says Santers. "Not every day on your new job will be glamorous, but there's always a point to what you're doing."

Effective communication
Don't try to impress your manager by saying you'll finish a job quickly if it means you'll have to get too hasty. Be realistic in what you can accomplish, and keep your manager up-to-date on your progress. During your first week, discuss with your boss how he or she prefers to communicate. Not every question requires popping into her office, so ask if she prefers email or instant messages. As you work on your first assignment, check in to update her on your progress. Ask if you're approaching it right. When you've completed it, ask for feedback. Did you get it done successfully? Was there anything you could have done to improve your work?

Don't be shy about this. Your manager has a vested interest in your success, since it's much easier for her to help you as you go along than to retrain you.

This takes balance, though. Before you run to the boss with a problem, always try to find a solution on your own. You want to be solutions-oriented, says Diane Borhani, national director of campus recruiting at Deloitte & Touche, and bosses always prefer it if people who bring them questions also bring suggested answers. So try to come up with a fix, and discuss it with the boss.

When you're in a meeting, share your thoughts and opinions, albeit in a respectful way. That's why they hired you. When there's an opportunity to take on a new challenge or additional people are needed for a project, volunteer.

"The people who are happy to raise their hand and go above and beyond what they're doing are the people I want on my team," says John Campagnino, senior director for global recruitment at the consulting firm Accenture. "That's a differentiator for managers."

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The Art of Informational Interviewing

By : Gina Cappielo

An informational interview may not guarantee you a new job, but it can help you learn more about your industry and give you a leg up on the competition. Robin Reshwan--the founder of Collegial Staffing, which specializes in career preparation, on-campus recruiting, and college-graduate placement--has some pointers on how to schedule, conduct, and follow up on an informational interview:

Don't be afraid to ask.
It's normal to be a little shy or nervous about contacting professionals to interview. Don't be. "Requesting an informational interview from someone is a compliment," says Reshwan. Start by making a list of companies in your field and find the best person to speak with at each company. "Your request tells them that you respect their advice and are interested in what they do," she says.

Be prepared.
Properly preparing for your interview is crucial. Reshwan suggests learning all about the company you're meeting with--from the inside out. "Check out their website to understand what they do, and read press releases about the latest news affecting them," she says. Reshwan also recommends signing up for PR alerts and connecting to the company on social networks (such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn) so you can be in the loop. "It gives you an opportunity to stay on top of the news and to send your contacts a note if you see something that affects them," she says.

Have questions ready.
At an informational interview, you'll be asking most of the questions. Here are some suggested questions from Reshwan:

- "How did you get started in the business?"
"This is a great 'warmup' topic to build rapport and learn more about the interviewee," she says. The interviewee's reply may also show you how to go about finding a job in that particular industry.

- "Who works with you?"
"The people you work with regularly, rather than the actual tasks in the job description, often define positions more," says Reshwan. "Cleaning the garbage may sound awful, but if it's the garbage in the green room for 'Jimmy Kimmel Live,' it is a completely different job."

- "What trends do you predict for this industry or company?"
"This allows you to learn information not found on the Web and will help you identify areas of opportunity to explore for jobs," Reshwan says. She also recommends this as a question to ask because managers are always looking to hire forward-thinking employees. "Your interest in how the business will evolve and what role you could take will set you apart."

Get tips on how to start
Once you've completed the interview, wrap things up by asking for helpful tips on how to take steps toward the job or career you want. "If you impressed the interviewee by being interested and interesting, she or he may refer you to someone who is hiring," she says. If you can't get a recommendation, Reshwan says to not worry. "At the very least, she or he will recommend next steps for you to take in general."

Always send a thank-you note
As soon as you get home, write a thank-you note to your interviewee for his or her time and advice, as you would for any other interview. "I have found that while most people like to be helpful, everyone loves the recognition for doing so," says Reshwan.

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Are you business blogging yet? - Why blogs mean business!

By : Fiona Powell

You’ve probably heard about blogs... the online journal popular with angst ridden teenagers or maverick political journalists.

Blogs have been around for awhile and are part of the Web 2.0 revolution where web content is generated by users, as opposed to the ‘passive consumption’ of websites which are more like watching TV.

Now the blog has evolved past its fad status and come of age to become a must-have communication device for business. Savvy business people have grasped the huge potential of the blog as a way to reach and communicate with, and promote to, existing and potential customers. Large corporations even hire writers to blog for their company.

Why blog?

In a business context, blogs are a great platform for communicating with your customer audience and to recruit new advocates.

Your blog can be utilised for any number of purposes; promoting and showcasing products, for industry comment, as a way to educate customers about new products, to invite customer feedback and questions, drive traffic to your website, highlight your success stories, create and manage your company perception and brand, build your business’ profile as an expert for the media and even used as an intranet for your employees.

There are lots of pragmatic reasons why blogging is good for business:

-Blogs invite interaction. Readers can post comments to your writing, so in affect you are creating a conversation that deepens the relationship and builds rapport and trust. Through your reader's comments, you'll discover what they're thinking about, what solutions they're looking for, or what questions they may need answering.

-Blogs are quick and easy to update making them an ideal online presence for busy business owners. No web guru required! If you can email, then you can blog.

-When done correctly, blogging is one of the best ways to get listed in the search engines through keywords and consistently serving your readers with fresh relevant content.

-Through your blog's RSS feed, your blog readers can opt into receiving your blog posts instantly to their desktops, a reader, or by email allowing you to stay connected, create your network, and build your list of potential customers.

-Blogging demonstrates to your customers that you are capable of adapting and that you are willing to try new things. Blogging also represents a form of transparency that many companies do not have when it comes to their communications with customers and employees.

Why blogs are popular

Blog readers are (according to BlogAds) older, wealthier, web-savvy, online information seekers and they consider bloggers as experts on their blog topics.

Blog readers want to know what’s hot and what’s worth buying and blogs provide them with this information in a unique way. Blogs offer fresh content on a regular basis, they’re written in an approachable first person voice (which welcomes comments), and they provide further information via links to other relevant blogs and websites. Readers can also subscribe to updates of a blog, like an opt-in e-newsletter without giving away their email address.

Getting started

There are a number of blog platforms with powerful functionality to choose from to create your own blog. Typepad is a popular business platform (www.typepad.com) with different user levels at varying, yet inexpensive fees. Wordpress (www.wordpress.com) is another popular platform and is free and easy to navigate and is available as a hosted system or an installed system. Each of these sites’ homepages highlight examples of various blogs using their platform and these blog sites are worth visiting for ideas on the potential uses for your own blog.

These blog platforms have lots of features and functionality; the ability for people to post comments to your entries, to upload your profile, categorise and archive content, invite guest authors, link to other blogs and websites, easy editing tools, and lots more.

You can even fire your web designer and use your blog site as your website, controlling the look and content yourself, and by pointing your domain name to your blog site. Or include a link on your existing website to your blog.

You can get your blog up and running in minutes, even uploading your own customised banner incorporating your business logo. If you have mastered email, then you can set up and publish a blog – it’s simple, inexpensive and not just for the tech experts.

Successful blogging

The most addictive and popular blogs are passionate, controversial or information rich with content added regularly.

Blogging takes energy and time and like a website needs a clear strategy. Determine the purpose of your blog and then commit to adding posts at least three times a week.

Most important of all, keep your blog lively and interesting - write content yourself, invite staff to contribute or hire a writer. Find your ‘voice’ and your niche through your blog and you’ll attract a keen and loyal audience.

Drive traffic to your blog by reading and commenting on other blogs and forums – be part of their conversation so they can be part of yours. Tell your customers about your blog; include your blog address on your emails, businesscard and marketing material.

List your blog on blog directories like BlogCatalog, and join blog communities like the women in business blog community flokka.com (www.flokka.com) where you can link your blog (or create one) so it appears in directories and so each entry you post to your blog is simultaneously displayed on the flokka site as you publish the post.

If you want to know more about blogging, search Google for helpful tips – there’s lots of advice out there and blog experts are willing to share their knowledge and what’s worked for them and what hasn’t.

The best advice is… just get started and have fun!

Go blog!

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