Alexandra Levits Water Cooler Wisdom Tapping Into Global Business Innovation

Alexandra Levit's Water Cooler Wisdom Tapping Into Global Business Innovation Before the internet, most innovation took place in small communities, with isolated breakthroughs eventually spreading throughout the world. Today, however, global business innovation is the norm. Business owners pursuing growthmay want to make a habit of looking around themâ€"and not just at local competitors. How other companies around the world do business can affect your organization. I spoke to two business owners to understand how they tap into global business innovation to power their companies. Stepping Out of Your Communal Bubble Fabrizio Moreira is the owner ofThe Moreira Organization,a nonprofit that develops world leaders. He has learned that everything a business owner touches involves a global team of talentâ€"from manufacturing to storing data in the cloud. “Thisglobal talent poolmeans youre competing with a lot of innovators who you ignore at your peril, Moreira says. “Many emerging markets are leapfrogging established markets because of need-based innovation and fewer existing infrastructure constraints, Bullen says. “Paying attention to what these markets are doing can help you identify opportunities in your own market as well as threats that may be down the line. He seeks out intelligence on global business innovation by observing similar organizations operating in other countries, and finding ways to plug in and work with them. Erik Bullen is CEO ofMageMailand is actively involved in the start-up and innovation community, mentoring and advising for programs such as Techstars, MassChallenge and LaunchX. His ideation is regularly informed by other cultures, markets and industries. “Many emerging markets are leapfrogging established markets because of need-based innovation and fewer existing infrastructure constraints, Bullen says. “Paying attention to what these markets are doing can help you identify opportunities in your own market as well as threats that may be down the line. For more where this came from, check out the AMEX OPENForum.

How to Add Volunteer Work to Resume - Useful Tips

How to Add Volunteer Work to Resume - Useful TipsMany people are wondering how to add volunteer work to resume. It is quite interesting but many people just don't know that it is an option. If you want to get your resume into the top of the pile, you can't ignore it. But just how to get it noticed and ranked high in the resume rankings?The simple thing to do is look for something that makes you stand out from the rest. Volunteers do a lot of different things, things that make a difference. But you may not feel like doing those things. You can use volunteer work as a way to improve yourself.Doing volunteer work doesn't mean you need to do all of them. It means just that one little thing. Make sure you have something that you have done that says that you are passionate about. Volunteer work will make you strong in the skills and attitude department. That is why it is called passion.In the old days, people volunteer to help the poor to help themselves. A lot of things happened back then because people got together and were able to change the world for the better. These days, though, you can't think about the good times back then.But in your volunteer work, you can try to improve yourself and bring yourself up a notch. And that is what you want to do. You want to make yourself stronger. But how can you do that? By looking at ways that volunteer work can be added to your resume.If you are thinking about adding volunteer work to resume, you should do it while you are still at school. Schools are always on the lookout for fresh students. It is part of the schools' goals.Now, if you find yourself doing some volunteer work, consider doing it at least twice a month. It will show. The idea here is that you can have something that would help you on your college search. Also, some of the work you do as a volunteer could be included on your resume.If you can add volunteer work to resume, it will help a lot in your college search. There is no reason to continue to do all of t he things you want to do in your spare time other than to prove that you have them.

Should Employers Consider Attitude Before Aptitude When Hiring

Should Employers Consider Attitude Before Aptitude When Hiring There’s been a slew of commentators looking at what makes a good employee â€" personality, attitude, engagement? Whatever you think good looks like for it is plainly not found in first-class degrees, amazing IQ, top-notch coding skills or years of experience. It is claimed that when asked what sets exceptional employees apart business leaders chose “personality”. Is personality more important than aptitude? Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck of Stanford University has spent her career studying attitude and performance, and her research shows that attitude is a better predictor of success than IQ. She suggests that a ‘growth’ mindset is the trait most likely to help individuals fulfil potential, thrive and succeed: “the hand you’re dealt is just the starting point for development. This growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts. Although people may differ in every which way in their initial talents and aptitudes, interests, or temperaments everyone can change and grow through application and experience.” What factors  are essential for success? In the 21st century workplace success is predicated on building effective relationships, collaboration, interaction and communication rather than the traditional top-down hierarchy. It’s about know-how and being able to react to change rather than specialisation. The growth mindset enables the versatility and agility that empower those in volatile business environments to marshal their resources, devising innovative ideas and creative solutions. What sets the best employees apart is their willingness to adapt, to embrace new ideas; an attitude that is enterprising, resourceful and proactive. This is something you can develop and hone; Dweck says people with a “growth mindset” enjoy challenges, strive to learn, and consistently see potential to develop new skills. Employers should look for potential rather than purely experience In essence this is about valuing potential rather than replicating the past. An appetite for learning and exploring is essential in order to think beyond the routine; to envisage potential ways ahead and new perspectives, with an open-minded and positive approach to achieving growth in the long term. In organisational terms this requires what Linda Holbeche refers to as “a culture that values learning, that encourages people to cross boundaries”. The problem is, of course, that the recession has made organisations risk averse and conservative. In terms of the growth mindset this is a problem because fear of failure is the great enemy of innovation. Without the freedom to experiment we stick with the tried and tested and that doesn’t necessarily serve us well in a globally connected world where we are constantly confronted with challenge, change and ambiguity. Creativity is incredibly valuable to a business Boosting organisational creative thinking skills pays dividends in terms of the sourcing of productive solutions rather than quick fixes. Creative thinkers learn to examine problems and consider the complexities of a situation while looking for new and different approaches that may lead to new discoveries and world-beating innovation. Dweck emphasises that this is not about how smart you are, what makes a difference in performance is hard work, persistence, enthusiasm and effort. So what can organisations do to help their people develop a growth mindset? This is the 10Eighty approach: Check your assumptions leaders should challenge the standard perspective, keep an open mind and resist the temptation to accept the status quo while willing to consider the options and embrace the possibilities. Value diversity â€" a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds can facilitate innovation approaches and reactions to barriers and challenges. Provide training, development and networking opportunities â€" encourage wide-ranging interaction throughout the organisation, offer work assignments that take individuals out of their usual work environment, let people learn from their colleagues and make knowledge-sharing a reality; these are all ways to help the team broaden their horizons and spark new ideas.

The trials and tribulations of a TEFL student University of Manchester Careers Blog

The trials and tribulations of a TEFL student University of Manchester Careers Blog By Cecily Rooney, Theology Religious  studies graduate 2016 Careers Intern 2016-17. I’ve known I’ve wanted to do a TEFL for quite some time now. I was lucky enough to go and spend some time working in Rwanda during my second year of University which really inspired me to take the plunge and move abroad to teach. How to decide which course? It’s important to note that TEFL is just an acronym for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. There are a few companies on the web which have TEFL in their name, but there are also lots of other qualifications you can do such as CELTA or TESOL. When deciding which to do, it’s crucial you do your research. What sort of qualification do you need for the country you want to work in? What is your price range? How long have you got to do your qualification? Do you see yourself doing this long-term or short-term? I spent a good few weeks mulling over these questions. I then started shopping around, asking friends and reading people’s blogs so that I made an informed decision about which qualification to do. I ended up going for TEFL.org as it seemed like a well-reviewed course, one which was accredited in Spain and it was in my price range. I opted for an online only course as I have some teaching experience under my belt. The course The course that I decided to do is no walk in the park. It takes a lot of time and effort and should not be thought of as an easy option to getting work abroad. I have learnt A LOT about grammar â€" who knew there was such a thing as gerund?! Fortunately, you have access to an online chat forum where other students discuss the tasks and modules. I have found this to be particularly useful and have spent many an hour reading over peoples’ tips and advice. Finding a TEFL job Finding a job was actually incredibly easy for me thanks to good old CareersLink. I had been advised that going for a summer job/camp would be a really good way to get some experience and also to see if I am any good at this teaching English malarkey! So with that in mind, I searched for a summer job and found an ideal one in Spain. I applied, made an incredibly cringy video, and got the job! They then offered me work in September for the academic year which was a total win-win situation. There was also a job board on the TEFL.org website which had a lot of good vacancies on there. You can also use other job searching platforms in order to keep your search nice and wide. See: The TEFL guide here. Ask everyone youve ever met, ever. Networking can also be a huge help for getting you settled in a new country. If a friend of a friend of your mate Tom once lived in the country you want to go to then ask them about it. I have found people love reminiscing about their time in another country so are almost always happy to help! Besides, it’s only ever the locals who know where to find the best food and drink in a city. And there you have it, my honest account of my TEFL search experience. Lots of contemplating, lots of research and lots of excitement to get out there and teach! All Careers advice Undergraduate Undergraduate-highlighted summer Teaching TEFL work abroad work experience

Tips For Using a One-Time Resume Writing Service

Tips For Using a One-Time Resume Writing ServiceWhen you have a lot of people to thank and a resume that is filled with achievements, why not turn to a one time resume writing service? This is a type of resume that has been crafted for a single person and not for multiple purposes.One reason to hire a service for this kind of a document is when you are just starting out in your career and don't know how many people you have to give a thank you to and where to begin. If you are one of the millions of people who work in a variety of positions in an array of companies then it may be easier for you to hire a one time resume writing service.An in depth service will work with you on the type of resume you need and then it will create one for you that can be used for several different jobs within the same company or multiple companies. Many of these services also work with companies that require the same type of resume but the companies have different types of roles to fill. This makes the job a bit harder but it doesn't mean it can't be done.Some of these services do all this for businesses, colleges and business associates so they have a better understanding of what kind of resume you need and what job positions you are applying for. Once you submit your resume, it will work closely with the company it was designed for to give you the information needed to get your job.One time resume writing service does not cover multiple positions and it does not work for small businesses because of the demand of the job they are hired to fill. They are created for the proper person who is looking for a job that requires someone with experience in an area they are in.A one time resume writing service is generally created for the individual that is having trouble getting past the first level of the job search because of all the applications they have already sent. This person may be the most qualified for the position they are applying for, but they just do not have the experience to get past that first step and they keep sending out resumes over again.Many of these services provide different services, but they generally can handle a few different types of job positions. Many of them do not work for small businesses or smaller businesses because they are trained for doing multiple jobs.The key to using a one time resume writing service is that the person who is working with the resume to get it into the proper position for you should be happy with it. It is important that they feel good about the document.

Your Guide To Employee Service Recognition - CareerMetis.com

Your Guide To Employee Service Recognition Source â€" Pixabay.comIf your organization lacks a formal employee service recognition program, this might be the most opportune time to start one.A growing number of businesses understand that, while it’s always good to recognize an employee’s years of service, other key growth-related reasons justify creation of a formal, ongoing recognition program: Creating a strong company cultureMotivating superior employee performanceAligning with overall corporate valuesThis helps explain why formal programs â€" in contrast to spontaneous, informal recognition â€" are on the rise.evalToday, employers typically spend 1 to 3 percent of payroll on employee service recognition programs, a significant commitment of resources.What’s more, nearly 50 percent of employers report plans to invest in more employee service recognition in the near future.How to Make Recognition CountBusinesses that haven’t yet implemented an official employee service recognition program The committee’s main purpo se will be to evaluate different approaches to making the recognition program as meaningful as possible to employees.As for the recognition events themselves, employees usually feel more excited if some element of entertainment is involved, such as a brief skit or creative video. Just as importantly, plan to hold the event during lunch hours, so employees don’t feel they’re being required to stay longer at work.Employee service recognition has become a critical element in strategies involving employee recognition and retention. Businesses are increasingly coming to see that the most effective programs go beyond plaques and certificates.They represent events that celebrate people, not years, and serve as milestones on a journey that employer and employee are taking together. evalYour Guide To Employee Service Recognition created by Point Recognition

Lesson learned Back up your files - Sterling Career Concepts

Lesson learned Back up your files Lesson learned: Back up your files Ill spare you the details, but I survived a computer issue this week. All ended well. My data is safe and sound, andImsmarter for the experience. I learned an important lesson. Dont put off backing up for another day. One of my new favorite websites is www.mozy.com, an online back up service that provides home users with a free account with up to 2 GB of space. Mozy utilizes 128-bit SSL encryption(the same technology used by banks) to secure your files. Youll have the peace of mind knowing that your resume, company research, and job search correspondence is backed up ina safe, remote location. A job search is stressful enough. Dont add tothe stressby potentially losing your files to a computer glitch.

The 8 Secrets that Proud Renaissance Souls Know - When I Grow Up

The 8 Secrets that Proud Renaissance Souls Know - When I Grow Up Lookit! Its all the amazeballs contributors to the 2014  Multi-Passionate Must-Haves  sale! Today’s the day! Multi-Passionate Must-Haves is out and I’m over-the-moon  to let you know about how you can help your multi-passionate self, give back to others (by supporting my Avon Walk for Breast Cancer team!), get 95% off some of the best products created by and for multi-passionates (including moi!). But first? I have to let you know the 8 secrets that proud Renaissance Souls / scanners / multi-potentialites know, in no particular order: Having multiple passions is a blessing, not a curse. It means that were quick and eager to learn, that were enthusiastic to jump into something new that were fascinated by, that we have a shorter learning curve than the average person, and are quick to move on (and learn from!) failure. Were natural creatives, entrepreneurs and researchers. Were super resourceful, too, and are great students (even if we dont thrive in a traditional setting). That you can still be an expert even if you dont feel like one.  See yourself as a Jane-of-all-trades, master of none? Think thatll never allow you to be seen as an expert or linchpin? Proud Renaissance Souls know that their own personal (career) experience, personality traits, education and story are enough to make them stand out in their field and claim their know-what-theyre-doing-ness. That 5 (or 10! or 15! or 30!) year plans are bullshit.  This is always our least favorite question at interviews, and we mightve beaten ourselves up over never having that vision. But really? How the heck can  anyone know what their future will hold?  When I last checked, there were no real crystal balls. Instead, we  only plan a few months (or a year or so, tops) in advance to give ourselves wiggle room to try and pursue The Next Thing. Following our instincts / gut / heart is the best decision-making tool we have.  Yes oh yes. We  feel what The Next Thing isand when its time to move on. Feeling free and fulfilled are our most important values.  We dont want to have to live by someone elses clock, expectations or responsibilities. What we want from our days are variety, the ability to make our own choices, and to feel that weve made a difference (whatever that means to us individually). Were used to change, so were more comfortable with it. Were constantly experimenting, tweaking, changing, pivotingwhether professionally or personally. And because we know that nothing lasts forever, were more apt to change for the better, whether thats with the times or our shifting interests. We know were damn interesting people.  Being a career coach for creative people? Interesting. Being a former actress who performed on cruise ships and SNL? Interesting.    Being a ukulele player and winning a contest to meet Judge Judy because of it? Interesting. If theres anything us Renaissance Souls have, its real good stories. That if we build the And into our career (instead of the Or), itll give us all the room we need. You can see the 15 (!) different hats I wear as a Creative Career Coach right here. The best part is that I can add and drop em as I need/want. Yup I took all of these secrets from my own experience. I think its a bit of a Catch 22, though, in the fact that you have to start by acting as if youre a proud Renaissance Soul (instead of a flaky/ADD/helpless one!) before you feel that way. And the more you embrace it and do it (instead of beat yourself and question it), the prouder you become! If you resonate with being someone with lots o passions/interests, then  click here to check out  30 courses, audios and ebooks â€" worth $2046.95 â€" that allow you to thrive as a multi-passionate person.  It includes my workbook,  An Effective Escape: Leaving Your Day Job Without Living In Your Parents Basement, along with contributions from Megan Auman,  Caren Baginski, Kylie Bellard, April Bowles Olin,  Mayi Carles,  Satya Colombo,  Deb Cooperman,  Melissa Dinwiddie,  Tanja Gardner, Tanya Geisler, Amanda Genther,  Halley Gray,  Tiffany Han, Cory Huff,  Liv Lane,  Jennifer Lee,  Jen Louden,  Jenipher Lyn,  Cairene MacDonald, Molly Mahar, Amy Ng, Kris Oster, Sas Petherick,  Laura Simms, Pace Smith,  Emilie Wapnick, Ev’Yan  Whitney, Joel Zaslofsky.  The most exciting. Also? $10 from each sale is going to my team for the Avon 2-Day Breast Cancer Walk in NY.  I  was diagnosed with boob cancer in November 2011 and declared cancer-free in June 2012, and this will be the 3rd year I’ll be walking 39.3 miles with Avon over 2 days with my  Mom bestest friends. Were looking to break the $17K that we raised last year! The Multi-Passionate Must-Haves bundle sale only lasts for 72 hours, so click here and grab one for yourself! Its 100% different from last years sale and wont come around again. Just like our interests, its fleeting!  {ba dum bum} Regardless of whether ya buy the bundle, come join us for a twitter party tonight from 8-9pm Eastern using the hashtag #mpmh! It’ll be a time when people can tweet about being multi-passionate, maybe talk about some of their many projects, ask productivity questions, etc.  Hope to see you there!