Timeboxing is the new #1 productivity hack

Timeschachteling is the new 1 productivity hackTimeboxing is the new 1 productivity hackTo-do lists are not beneficial, argues productivity expert and Filtered.com CEO Marc Zao-Sanders in the Harvard Business Review. They tend to grow long and unwieldy, and people tend to cross the easiest items off them first.Timeboxing has been proven to be the most useful productivity tool. Timeboxing is a calendar-based time management system that came out 1 in a study Sanders conducted of 100 productivity hacks.Its a simple concept for every task you have, pick out a date and time on your calendar and box off an amount of time for that task. For that time period, you will be working on and hopefully completing only that task.Timeboxing often fits right into your workflow. As Sanders puts it, If you know that a promotional video has to go live on a Tuesday and that the production team needs 72 hours to work on your copy edits, then you know where to place the timebox.Timeboxing is visual.Not on ly can you see it right in front of you, but so can your colleagues, if you use a shared calendar.You can play with time. Use the scheduled periods to cut a larger problem into chunks. Spread a project over a long period of time or compress it into a short one. Recapture periods of goof-off time that would normally be lost by scheduling a timebox where youd normally be scrolling mindlessly. Schedule super-short timeboxes for increased focus. Timebox your email.It keeps a record. It looks forward but is also backward-facing if need be you can review what youve done the week or month prior if its all been a blur. Or a performance review looms what were the highs and lows of the last six months? Its in your calendar.Productivity In a world when work fills the time available for it, constraining the time available to get that work done will force you to finish up faster. So dont give yourself too much time to complete something, although it will be difficult to estimate how much time you need at first.Most importantly, its almost as easy and uncomplicated as a to-do list. So toss those sad Post-Its and give it a try.

Introverts Can Make the Best IT Leaders

Introverts Can Make the Best IT Leaders Introverts Can Make the Best IT Leaders According to a recent article in Forbes.com, often introverts can excel in leadership positions, despite long-held beliefs to the contrary. As many as 40 percent of executives reported that they were introverts, according to Jennifer Kahnweiler of Forbes.com. Many famous leaders are introverts, including perhaps the most famous technology leader of them all- Bill Gates. How does this work? Introverted people can excel in leadership positions if they turn what they might think are weaknesses into strengths. Here are five qualities of introverts that make them great leaders.EmpathyMany introverts are great listeners, and they will take the time to understand another persons point of view before they make a decision. Having empathy for others is a great quality for a leader to have because they will be able to put gruppe members at ease and understand the differing needs of executives.DepthIntroverts also tend to drill down and get to the heart of the matter instead of gathering a little bit of knowledge about everything. This can be an excellent quality for a leader to possess because it allows them to thoroughly understand a problem instead of rushing into half-baked solutions. The ability to delve into problems and issues is also a valuable communication skill, as it allows introverts to ask pointed questions of team members in order to get to the heart of a problem.A Calm DemeanorHaving a calm demeanor in the face of pressure or others stress is also a quality that both great leaders and introverts share. The ability to speak calmly in high-pressure situations can be invaluable to a high-level IT professional. Even though speaking in front of others is a common fear in introverts, many introverted executives have learned ways to calm themselves and exude confidence even in the face of stress.Writing SkillsAccording to psychological experts, many introverts are more comfortable wr iting down their thoughts rather than speaking. While this may seem like a drawback, it allows introverted IT professionals the opportunity to present well-written and thoughtful reports, documents and written business communication. Because of a preference for the written word, many introverted professionals also do well with social media and conducting business in an online environment.

The Role of a Music Promoter

The Role of a Music PromoterThe Role of a Music PromoterA music promoter is someone who publicizes and promotes performances. Promoters organize gigs, book bands or akrobats and advertise the shows to bring in paying attendees- and profits. What Does a Music Promoter Do? The music promoter works with an artist or a band manager to plan an event. They agree to a date and look for an appropriate venue. The promoter negotiates any fees for the artist and then publicizes that event through radio, television, digital, or email advertising. The music promoter ensures the artists have everything they need offstage and on, from hotel rooms to sound checks. The promoter typically creates a contract outlining the terms of the agreement, including fees owed to the promoter, date and time of rehearsals, the length of the bands performance and any other demands. A music promoter usually works in a regular office and may have an assistant or a team. Some opt to meet with clients off-site, at r estaurants or other entertainment locations. Others do most of their work online or over the phone. How Do I Become a Music Promoter? There isnt a formal education path required to become a music promoter. The most essential skills are a love of music and business savvy, so a degree in business or marketing can be very useful. The ability to negotiate effectively is essential, as you will need to bargain with artists, venues, hotels and more. Understanding different aspects of the business is important. Read music trade magazines to understand the latest developments and see how other events are put together. If possible, try to get an internship with an event management company. You can get experience planning and promoting major events, which can be invaluable, even if the events are not related to music. Many people start out on their own offering their services for free or at a steep discount to local bands trying to make a name for themselves. They check out smaller bars, c afes, and fairs for venue options and research lower cost options for equipment or security. While you may not make any money for the first few events, these experiences can pave the way for larger and more lucrative opportunities going forward. Whats the Nature of a Music Promoters Job? Many people enter the business without fully understanding the demands of the job, so turnover and job lassitudo is high. For those who stay in the business, it can be fiercely competitive. It can be difficult to get steady work within the industry, particularly for those just starting out, According to 2016 Bureau of Labor Statistics figures, the latest available, the average annual salary is $65,200 for those employed by companies the projected job growth through 2024 is 2.5%. Independent promoters receive a cut of tickets sold or a business fee. If you have a strong knowledge of music, a passion for the industry, outstanding communication and negotiation skills and motivation, you may excel a s a music promoter. Its a challenging and competitive career path, but it can be very rewarding work if you love what you do.

How to Avoid Bad (or Mediocre) Employers

How to Avoid Bad (or Mediocre) EmployersHow to Avoid Bad (or Mediocre) EmployersIts always a good idea for job seekers to make sure that their application materials are perfect. Take the time to make sure your resumes and cover letters are targeted to the jobs you are applying for. Then, check, double check, and triple check, for typos and grammatical errors. Most job seekers do a good job of making sure everything they send is perfect. What happens, though, when someone goes to all that effort, only to discover that the employer doesnt pay similar attention to detail? There are some warning signs to watch for that can indicate the job youre applying for might be a nightmare. When the Company Isnt Professional An example is the email I received from Sonya who said, I sent my resume, portfolio URL, and cover letter to a company last week addressed to a Vice President as indicated in the advertisement. Several days later I got back a letter that was grammatically incorrect and unpr ofessional. I guess you could say at least I got a reply. She went on to say, Sometimes you just get a little put off when you try so hard to do things correctly and you either dont get a response or you get a really bad one from someone who has the title of Vice President. Id be put off too, and, to be honest, Id wonder whether I would want to work for a company that was that unprofessional. Communication Skills Matter Its not just written communications. It can be off-putting to be called repeatedly by an overly aggressive recruiter who has an opportunity that is absolutely too good for you to pass up, but, who cant divulge the employer until much later in the hiring the process. Im not impressed, either, by hiring managers who dont show up for interviews, without rescheduling in advance. One job seeker I spoke to me told me he spent over an hour getting to the interview site, only to be told by a secretary that he needed to come back at a later date. Keep in mind, that even i f you need a job very badly, you dont have to accept a job youre not comfortable with. All of the above scenarios are red flags and should give you pause. At the least, you will want to consider whether the employer who doesnt communicate effectively or appropriately is one you want to work for. Warning Signs to Watch For Poor Communication SkillsWhen an employer cant communicate effectively, by email, phone, or in writing, with candidates for employment, be careful. If all their communications are handled that way, how well are they running a business? OversellingWhenever I hear a recruiter or hiring manager say that you absolutely cant pass up this opportunity and you have to send your resume, drop everything and interview, etc. right now, I wonder what the sense of urgency is. Perhaps, its a legitimate opportunity that needs to be filled immediately or maybe its just an overzealous recruiter or manager trying to meet a hiring quota. Limited Contact InformationVague contact in formation (no contact person or company name) and phone numbers that dont show up on Caller ID are another warning sign. You should be able to easily search Google and find the company and company information. Jobs That Sound too Good to be TrueThat old mantra that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, mucksmuschenstill holds true. One person who was in the midst of a job search was told by a recruiter that an employer was hiring a high-level executive for a top secret multi-million start-up company. When the job seeker inquired further, he found out that the start-up wasnt funded, that it had no existing products or even a marketing plan. What a Job Seeker Can DoThere are a few things you can do when you see a red flag. You can stop, or at least, halt the hiring process temporarily while you research the company. There isnt anything the matter with delaying sending your resume or scheduling an interview if youre hesitant about whether you want to work for the company. R esearch the CompanyGoogle the company name to find out what you can discover about it online. Check the companys LinkedIn and social pages to see what information you can find. Check sites like Glassdoor and read company reviews which can help you decide whether to continue with the hiring processor not. Use Your ConnectionsIf you have a connection that will help you find inside information, use it. Do you know someone who works there? Ask them about the company. If you belong to a professional association, they may be able to help you network with people who can give you advice. Use online networking resources, like LinkedIn, as well. You may be surprised at how much you can find out. How to Say No (Thank You) Its important to keep in mind that not all companies are good companies. They dont all operate professionally, and you may not want to work for a company that doesnt match your standards. You always have the option of declining an interview, withdrawing your candidacy for employment, or declining a job offer. When it comes to accepting a position, the ball is in your court, and youll want to make an educated, informed decision to be sure the opportunity is the right one for you.

Pros and Cons of a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy

Pros and Cons of a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) PolicyPros and Cons of a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) PolicyBring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies are set by companies to allow employees to use their personal smartphones, laptops, and tablets for work. A BYOD policy can help set a business up for success- especially a small company- but tzu siche are definite downsides to consider. If youre thinking about implementing a BYOD policy, its a good idea to review some of the pros and cons before making a decision. ProsSavings for the company on purchasing and replacing technologyNo learning curve for employeesPotential improvement of employee moralemora up-to-date tech due to personal upgradesConsMore complex IT support for disparate devices and operating systemsHigzu sich security risksPotential loss of employee and company privacySome employees may not have their own devices Pros of a BYOD Policy Savings With a BYOD policy, you wont have to buy phones and laptops for every employee. Some employees may not have their own devices, but a recent Pew Research survey found that 77 percent of American adults already own a smartphone, and 92 percent of people ages 18 to 29 years old own one. In addition, employees are more apt to take better care of their equipment because it actually belongs to them. Usually, employees know that if they lose or break their company phone, its a pain, but the company will provide a new one. If they lose or break their own phone, it tends to be a much bigger deal. ConvenienceEmployees can stick one phone in their pockets and dont have to worry about taking care of two devices. PreferenceIf John likes iPhones and Jane likes Androids, both can happily use their preferred system. They dont have to learn new systems. Often, if your company pays to install Microsoft Office or Photoshop or whatever software the employee needs for work on an employees personal laptop, the employee is happy to have the software for personal work as well. Efficie ncy Employees have no learning curve for new equipment because they already understand how to use their own electronic devices. They can jump in on day one for immediate productivity. Up-to-date techIts a huge expense for any company to update equipment, but employees are often more motivated to pay to replace their personal phone or laptop with the latest available device. Cons of a BYOD Policy Complex IT support If every employee has a standard issue computer, tablet, and phone, its easier for the IT department to support and fix the devices. If everyone has their own device, it can become much more complex to keep the electronics functioning. If you need to install custom software, will it work on everyones devices? What if Jane isnt willing to update her laptop? What if John wants to run Linux while everyone else is running Windows? Higher security risks What type of data does your organization generate and use? Its easy to make rules about how employees should use company d evices, but its not quite so easy to tell your employees that they cant let their 13-year-old write a school paper on their own laptop. What are you going to do to make sure that your company information is kept secure? Also, when employees leave the company, youll want to remove any confidential information from any employee device. But, you dont want to delete their personal information. No one is happy if you say, IT needs to wipe all of your photos and documents from the computer to make sure that you dont take any confidential information. Potential loss of privacy Youll need to determine how youll secure your companys confidential information before an employee agrees to use his equipment for work. Make sure that you state clearly, from the beginning, what you will do with classified information on the device or youll have problems when an employee leaves. If Jane is a salesperson who uses her personal phone number for work purposes when she quits and moves to your competitor, all of her clients still have her phone number in their records. When they call, shell answer, and Jane will have a much easier time to move those clients to her new company.Even if Jane signed a non-compete agreement, if the customers come to Jane, you cant legally stop them. As long as Jane isnt pursuing the customers, shes in the clear. Conclusions About BYOD Policies A BYOD policy may work well for smaller companies. However, its wise not to make the decision based purely on the convenience and cost factors. Think about how a BYOD policy will have an impact on your business and think about what your employees want. Look to the future and make decisions about how to handle the devices when an employee leaves your organization. Suzanne Lucas is a freelance journalist specializing in Human Resources. Suzannes work has been featured on notes publications including Forbes, CBS, Business Insider, and Yahoo.

Find Out Whos Talking About Free Downloadable Resume Templates and Why You Need to Be Worried

Find Out Whos Talking About Free Downloadable Resume Templates and Why You Need to Be Worried The Foolproof Free Downloadable Resume Templates Strategy Your resume letter should connect sufficient info about your background and also achievements a complete resume isnt required. Add, if you pick, graphics to improve the manuscript. In closing, it is critical to acquire accessibility to all the keyaber ja expressions, expert layouts, in addition to suggestions to compose a resume letter that will allow you to stick out amongst the competition. Organize the contents in the right order. The 5-Minute Rule for Free Downloadable Resume Templates ur One-Page Resume guide is going to teach you all of the professionals. You may say thats quite opposite of functional resumes that are very traditional. The Chronological Resume indicates the precise timeline of an individuals job history and illustrates their abilities and experience. An MS Student Resume schablone guides a student to c reate an appealing resume that might boost their probability of becoming fantastic employment. Livecareer has the absolute most extensive library of resume samples by industry and job title to assist you get the job that you desire. Its very essential to comprehend the type of resumes preferred by the establishment that you need to work for. There are several resume writing guidebooks offered on the market which may help you. Free Downloadable Resume Templates - What Is It? You will want to be cautious. Theres no precise length for a resume, and theres no standard to it. The 5-Minute Rule for Free Downloadable Resume Templates These layouts supply the ideal idea as how to enumerate the abilities and lay down the most crucial points for getting recognized. ur resume builder is the quickest approach to create a resume that will allow you to get your fantasy job. A cover letter builder is perfect for practically any job-seeker, whether you are trying to get part-time work or w hether youve got an established reputation and youre browsing for a more permanent position. The Free Downloadable Resume Templates Game Developing your resume is crucial. You can opt for chronological, functional in addition to modern resume formats. Task aspirants want to be on the lookout for a resume template rather than a curriculum vitae template. They must look out for a resume template rather than a programs vitae template. Free Downloadable Resume Templates Secrets That No One Else Knows About A basic resume is also less difficult to read. How to make a professional resume. A good resume would aid with that. Want to Know More About Free Downloadable Resume Templates? Resumizer free resume creator allows you to preview your resume at any location in the creation procedure. Most resume format word file available for free download so make certain not to waste cash with the thought of getting a better choice. Resume samples totally free download. When you are onli ne, you merely click to load the cover letter builder to start the practice. Whether youre asking for a managerial position or whether youre interested in working in the food business, there are a lot of templates accessible to compare before completing your cover letter. A resume template will give the essential information that is needed for a resume plus the format and the way to present your working details in a logical and appealing way. Double check to make certain that everything on the last version of the resume is about you. Facts, Fiction and Free Downloadable Resume Templates Our website supplies a wide selection of templates for all sorts of user end requirements. 397756 downloads and counting there are a good deal of free resume templates which can be found on the net but sometimes it can be difficult to opt for the most suitable one that is most suited to you. The site will inform you exactly how many views your resume has. This website offers 356 resume templ ates it is possible to download customize and print free of charge. Utilizing a tool to help construct your cover letter not only saves time, but in addition it helps with comparing a selection of layouts and templates available to utilize for any position youre interested in. There are more than only a couple of pointers which you have to remember and fully adhere to when designing a resume even when youre employing a readymade template. By making use of a template, you receive a feeling of what information to include in your resume and the way to arrange it. Our resume templates are designed utilizing an overall style to help avoid this issue. Pick the template that you would like to use. Should you need a resume template which allows you to discuss your abilities and creative talents from a deep perspective, you will enjoy exactly what this template offers. You only have to select your template This completely free timeline-based resume template was made by graphic designer P atryk Korycki.

Preventing the spread of flu in the office

Preventing the spread of flu in the office Preventing the spread of flu in the officePosted October 13, 2011, by Josie Chun With winter almost upon us, flu season is approaching and it is expected that this year swine flu will once again hit hard. If the experiences during the northern hemisphere winter are anything to go by, swine flu, or pandemic influenza (H1N1), will likely be the dominant strain again this season so it would be wise to start thinking about what you can do to help prevent catching and spreading this dreaded lurgy. According to Dr Rod Pearce, Chair of the AMA Council of General Practitioners and member of ATAGI, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, everyone is at risk of catching swine flu and vaccination is the only proven way to reduce this risk. Certain groups of people, such as diabetics, pregnant women, the obese and those with underlying health conditions, are at particular risk of more serious complications if they get sick. Flu season typically starts in June, peaking between July and September, but can occur earlier. It takes two weeks for full immunity to develop after vaccination, so now is a good time to talk to your GP about receiving the flu vaccine, which you can get for either swine flu alone, or in combination with the seasonal flu vaccine. Typical symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, fatigue, headache, body ache, diarrhoea or vomiting, with a minority of people going on to develop more serious symptoms requiring treatment or hospitalisation. Symptoms that may require urgent medical attention include shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion and severe or persistent vomiting. Should you succumb to the flu, it is important that you stay at home, rest and minimise close contact with others to avoid spreading your germs. In the workplace, there are a number of measures you can take to minimise your chances of catching or spreadi ng the flu during the coming winter months. Wash your hands Commonly touched surfaces things like doorknobs, buttons (elevator, microwave, photocopier), shared computers, phones or books are a primary way that germs are spread, with the flu virus able to live for up to two days on such surfaces. Washing your hands often and thoroughly (for at least 20 seconds in wobere extremitt running water) is considered the most important thing you can do to avoid catching and spreading germs. Be sure to wash your hands before and after eating, after you have used the loo, and after sneezing or coughing. Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly your desktop, keyboard, telephone, shared objects like staplers and wash your hands afterwards. Regular use of antibacterial hand cleaners or wipes is also helpful. Cover your mouth and nose Flu germs can spread through droplets in the air, so cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze then throw the tissue out and wash your han ds. If you dont have a tissue handy, it is better to cough into the corner of your arm than in your hands. Dont touch your eyes, nose or mouth Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, or biting your nails, as this can introduce germs to the locations where they can take hold and proliferate. Keep an appropriate distance Keep at least one metre away from people who appear to be ill or who you suspect may be ill. Cover your nose and mouth if someone sneezes or coughs near you and avoid shaking hands with others. Lead a healthy lifestyle A strong immune system is one of your best defences, so keep yourself as healthy as possible. That means eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, drinking plenty of water or herbal tea, getting plenty of sleep, exercising and minimising your stress. Avoid excessive alcohol and smoking, as they will compromise your immunity. Supplements such as vitamin C or multivitamins may also help. If youre sick, stay at home If you are really sick, stay at home, rest and dont spread your germs. Theres no point you wont be productive, will prolong your illness, and people wont appreciate it if you infect them and bring the whole office down See a doctor See your doctor if you have severe flu symptoms, especially if you are pregnant or have an underlying condition such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma or a compromised immune system. In some cases, antiviral medication may be prescribed. Have a contingency plan Make sure you have contingency plans in place in case you have to be away from the office for any length of time. Ensure that you can remotely access work emails and documents, and minimise travel and exposure with options such as teleconferencing or video conferencing. ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice AdministratorPopular Career Searchessample of an adv ertisement of a new chemistoffice manager job description for resumeadvertising office managerjob advertisement for office manageradvertisements for teachers in news employement CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineJosie ChunRelated ArticlesBrowse moreWORKFORCE TRENDSAre you living the dream?If you could work for any organisation, what would it be?Career AdvisorsJob hunting tipsWhy Should I Hire a Resume Writer?Struggling to land an einstellungsgesprch? Your resume could need some attention. A resume writer can help you elevate your resume to a new level. Learn what resume writers do, how they can help, how much they cost, and how to find a good one in this quick read.EMPLOYER RESOURCESHuman ResourcesHow to hang onto your employeesWith a recent survey revealing that more employees are starting to look at greener pastures, it is more important than ever for employers to look at ways of retaining their staff.