Positive thinking: Practice this stress management skill
Positive thinking helps with stress management and can even improve your health. Overcome negative self-talk by recognizing it and practicing with some examples provided.
By Mayo Clinic staff
Is your glass half-empty or half-full? How you answer this age-old question about positive thinking may reflect your outlook on life, your attitude toward yourself, and whether you're optimistic or pessimistic.
In fact, some studies show that these personality traits — optimism and pessimism — can affect how well you live and even how long you live.
With this in mind, take a refresher course in positive thinking. Learn how to put positive thinking into action. Positive thinking is a key part of an effective stress management strategy.
Understanding positive thinking and self-talk
Self-talk is the endless stream of thoughts that run through your head every day. These automatic thoughts can be positive or negative. Some of your self-talk comes from logic and reason. Other self-talk may arise from misconceptions that you create because of lack of information.
If the thoughts that run through your head are mostly negative, your outlook on life is likely pessimistic. If your thoughts are mostly positive, you're likely an optimist — someone who practices positive thinking.
Living longer and happier through positive thinking
Researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health. Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:
■Decreased negative stress
■Greater resistance to catching the common cold
■A sense of well-being and improved health
■Reduced risk of coronary artery disease
■Easier breathing if you have certain lung diseases, such as emphysema
■Improved coping ability for women with high-risk pregnancies
■Better coping skills during hardships
It's unclear why people who engage in positive thinking experience these health benefits. But one theory is that having a positive outlook enables you to cope better with stressful situations, which reduces the harmful health effects of stress on your body.
How positive thinking gives way to negative thinking
But what if your self-talk is mainly negative? That doesn't mean you're doomed to an unhappy life. Negative self-talk just means that your own misperceptions, lack of information and distorted ideas have overpowered your capacity for logic and reason.
Some common forms of negative and irrational self-talk include:
■Filtering. You magnify the negative aspects of a situation and filter out all of the positive ones. For example, say you had a great day at work. You completed your tasks ahead of time and were complimented for doing a speedy and thorough job. But you forgot one minor step. That evening, you focus only on your oversight and forget about the compliments you received.
■Personalizing. When something bad occurs, you automatically blame yourself. For example, you hear that an evening out with friends is canceled and you assume that the change in plans is because no one wanted to be around you.
■Catastrophizing. You automatically anticipate the worst. You refuse to go out with friends for fear that you'll make a fool of yourself. Or one change in your daily routine leads you to think the entire day will be a disaster.
■Polarizing. You see things only as either good or bad, black or white. There is no middle ground. You feel that you have to be perfect or that you're a total failure.
You can learn positive thinking
Instead of giving in to these kinds of negative self-talk, weed out misconceptions and irrational thinking and then challenge them with rational, positive thoughts. When you do this, your self-talk will gradually become realistic and self-affirming — you engage in positive thinking.
You can learn to turn negative thinking into positive thinking. The process is simple, but it takes time and practice — you are creating a new habit, after all.
Periodically during the day, stop and evaluate what you're thinking. If you find that your thoughts are mainly negative, try to find a way to put a positive spin on them.
Start by following one simple rule: Don't say anything to yourself that you wouldn't say to anyone else.
Examples of typical negative self-talk and how you might apply a positive thinking twist include:
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
How to keep your position in a Tough Economy
By Jeb Blount
For many Sales Professionals the stress of our current economic situation is taking a toll. Besides shrinking retirement accounts and the relentless stream of bad news, corporate compensation policies are becoming less generous, customers are cutting back (which impacts commission checks), and the competition for new accounts has never been more fierce. And, to make things worse, salespeople everywhere walk on egg shells wondering when the next wave of cuts may leave them without a job.
Fear is palpable everywhere I go. Everyone is scared. Most people are searching for answers. Some are so paralyzed with fear that they are taking no action at all. I'm not going to presume to tell you that your fear is unfounded because it is not. I'm not going to deliver an empty message telling you that if you just manage your attitude everything else will work out. Though attitude is very important, attitude without action can hurt you in this environment.
What I am going to give you are 5 Rules designed to keep you employed so that you have the means to make it through this recession in one piece, and are positioned to win when we come out on the other side.
Rule One - Activity Is Everything: Complete all of your customer visits, make all of your prospecting calls, hit all your new appointment and closing appointment targets. Even if you are not at quota you don't want anyone questioning your activity. And if you are achieving your activity targets but not hitting quota, the economy, not you, may get the blame. Activity is tangible. It can be measured, analyzed, and reported up. When you hit your activity targets the perception is that you are working hard and toeing the company line. Your company and your boss are more likely to invest in and keep the salespeople they perceive to be hard workers. One more note here - be sure that your reports and paper work are perfect and always on time and keep your CRM updated.
Rule Two - Don't Complain: You are stressed out, your company is cutting back, the boss is more demanding, and things are changing. You may even be asked to take a pay cut. Heed this warning: DO NOT COMPLAIN. Don't complain to anyone, for any reason, at any time -- no matter what. If you complain to co-workers, they will use your words to throw you under the bus and save their own hides. And the last thing the boss wants to deal with is a complainer. The boss is likely way more stressed than you are. She doesn't need you to remind her of how bad she already feels for reducing entertainment expenses, cutting spiffs, or having to announce that the annual awards trip has been canceled. So learn to keep your mouth shut. Instead, start repeating to yourself, "I'm lucky to have this job." or "It could be worse; I could be unemployed." Keep a smile on your face, accept things as they are, and stay focused on your activity targets.
Rule Three - Become Indispensable: In the past when companies downsized it was always last in, first out. Today, however, most organizations choose who goes and who stays based on productivity. In other words, people who generate more value for the organization stay. Being indispensable means more than just doing your sales job perfectly. It means volunteering for projects, looking for ways to add value, and consistently asking the boss if there is anything you can do to help. Change your way of thinking about work - the party is over for Work/Life Balance. Right now your job must become everything. Devote yourself to it - even if it means putting other things (like time with your family) aside. Work longer hours, be seen often, and always offer to lend a hand. Your goal is to create the perception that you are an employee the organization cannot live without.
Rule Four - Make No Enemies: Unfortunately, in most companies, non-salespeople don't like sales professionals. This dislike is motivated mostly by jealousy. The other people in your company are jealous because you work less, have a flexible lifestyle, go on the award trips, and out earn almost everyone - including top executives. Because of these feelings, your non-sales co-workers are looking for a reason to hate you. Normally this is not such a big deal. However, in a recessionary economy, you must not create enemies; and if you have enemies, do whatever you can to repair those relationships. Be flexible with demands and difficult people. Bend over backwards to accommodate. Let insults and affronts to your character roll off your back. Smile. Be polite and respectful. Stay away from office politics at all times. And never say a disparaging word about anyone because it will get back to them.
Rule Five - Have a Back-up Plan: It is always easier to find a new job when you have a job - especially if you are at the top of your game. Even in a recessionary economy top sales professionals are in demand. The proof of this are the more than 100,000 sales jobs currently listed on www.SalesGravy.com. Unfortunately, many people only start searching for their next sales job the day they get fired or laid-off. You must be prepared. Start by getting your resume in order - get a professional service to put it together for you if you don't have time. Post your resume on job boards, like www.SalesGravyJobs.com, where you can hide your personal information. Begin searching online to get a feel for the sales jobs that are available and which companies and industries are expanding. Build and nuture your professional network now. It will be too late if you end up on the street. Most importantly, keep your eyes and ears open. Pay close attention to the moves your company makes. Don't make any career changes in haste or in a panic. But, if after careful consideration, you feel like your demise is inevitable and you are about to be cut, take action to make a change while you are still employed.
For many Sales Professionals the stress of our current economic situation is taking a toll. Besides shrinking retirement accounts and the relentless stream of bad news, corporate compensation policies are becoming less generous, customers are cutting back (which impacts commission checks), and the competition for new accounts has never been more fierce. And, to make things worse, salespeople everywhere walk on egg shells wondering when the next wave of cuts may leave them without a job.
Fear is palpable everywhere I go. Everyone is scared. Most people are searching for answers. Some are so paralyzed with fear that they are taking no action at all. I'm not going to presume to tell you that your fear is unfounded because it is not. I'm not going to deliver an empty message telling you that if you just manage your attitude everything else will work out. Though attitude is very important, attitude without action can hurt you in this environment.
What I am going to give you are 5 Rules designed to keep you employed so that you have the means to make it through this recession in one piece, and are positioned to win when we come out on the other side.
Rule One - Activity Is Everything: Complete all of your customer visits, make all of your prospecting calls, hit all your new appointment and closing appointment targets. Even if you are not at quota you don't want anyone questioning your activity. And if you are achieving your activity targets but not hitting quota, the economy, not you, may get the blame. Activity is tangible. It can be measured, analyzed, and reported up. When you hit your activity targets the perception is that you are working hard and toeing the company line. Your company and your boss are more likely to invest in and keep the salespeople they perceive to be hard workers. One more note here - be sure that your reports and paper work are perfect and always on time and keep your CRM updated.
Rule Two - Don't Complain: You are stressed out, your company is cutting back, the boss is more demanding, and things are changing. You may even be asked to take a pay cut. Heed this warning: DO NOT COMPLAIN. Don't complain to anyone, for any reason, at any time -- no matter what. If you complain to co-workers, they will use your words to throw you under the bus and save their own hides. And the last thing the boss wants to deal with is a complainer. The boss is likely way more stressed than you are. She doesn't need you to remind her of how bad she already feels for reducing entertainment expenses, cutting spiffs, or having to announce that the annual awards trip has been canceled. So learn to keep your mouth shut. Instead, start repeating to yourself, "I'm lucky to have this job." or "It could be worse; I could be unemployed." Keep a smile on your face, accept things as they are, and stay focused on your activity targets.
Rule Three - Become Indispensable: In the past when companies downsized it was always last in, first out. Today, however, most organizations choose who goes and who stays based on productivity. In other words, people who generate more value for the organization stay. Being indispensable means more than just doing your sales job perfectly. It means volunteering for projects, looking for ways to add value, and consistently asking the boss if there is anything you can do to help. Change your way of thinking about work - the party is over for Work/Life Balance. Right now your job must become everything. Devote yourself to it - even if it means putting other things (like time with your family) aside. Work longer hours, be seen often, and always offer to lend a hand. Your goal is to create the perception that you are an employee the organization cannot live without.
Rule Four - Make No Enemies: Unfortunately, in most companies, non-salespeople don't like sales professionals. This dislike is motivated mostly by jealousy. The other people in your company are jealous because you work less, have a flexible lifestyle, go on the award trips, and out earn almost everyone - including top executives. Because of these feelings, your non-sales co-workers are looking for a reason to hate you. Normally this is not such a big deal. However, in a recessionary economy, you must not create enemies; and if you have enemies, do whatever you can to repair those relationships. Be flexible with demands and difficult people. Bend over backwards to accommodate. Let insults and affronts to your character roll off your back. Smile. Be polite and respectful. Stay away from office politics at all times. And never say a disparaging word about anyone because it will get back to them.
Rule Five - Have a Back-up Plan: It is always easier to find a new job when you have a job - especially if you are at the top of your game. Even in a recessionary economy top sales professionals are in demand. The proof of this are the more than 100,000 sales jobs currently listed on www.SalesGravy.com. Unfortunately, many people only start searching for their next sales job the day they get fired or laid-off. You must be prepared. Start by getting your resume in order - get a professional service to put it together for you if you don't have time. Post your resume on job boards, like www.SalesGravyJobs.com, where you can hide your personal information. Begin searching online to get a feel for the sales jobs that are available and which companies and industries are expanding. Build and nuture your professional network now. It will be too late if you end up on the street. Most importantly, keep your eyes and ears open. Pay close attention to the moves your company makes. Don't make any career changes in haste or in a panic. But, if after careful consideration, you feel like your demise is inevitable and you are about to be cut, take action to make a change while you are still employed.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
What is the Value of Writing a Cover Letter?
What is the Value of Writing a Cover Letter?
February 17th, 2009
The cover letter is often thought of as a last-minute item, sometimes left out altogether. Believe it or not, the cover letter does have two very specific purposes. It is a demonstration of your knowledge about the organization and the position with which you are applying, it serves as a work sample of your writing and communication skills, and it is one more opportunity that you have to make it past human resource’s screening process.
These tips may help you to end up on the potential employer’s interview list.
Avoid a synopsis of your resume- The HR folks have your resume, don’t make them read it twice. Instead, research the organization and the job for which you are applying. Use keywords from the job description and website to explain specifically how your skills and experience match the job. This is especially helpful when your career history does not obviously speak to the job being applied for.
Address your letter to a specific name- Addressing your cover letter to “To Whom it May Concern” or misspelling the individual’s name is a clear sign that you did not make the effort to do your research. If you cannot find out who you should be addressing it to on the website, call the front desk and ask, do a Google search, or try LinkedIn.
Share your enthusiasm- Companies want to know that you are interested and enthusiastic about their role, not just in finding a job. Be specific about how you can contribute to the organization’s overall mission. At then end, be direct and ask for an interview to demonstrate your skills and commitment.
Avoid typos- As I mentioned, this is a sample of your writing and communication skills. Misspellings and punctuation errors are unacceptable. Also, use an active voice (I am confident, I know) instead of a passive voice (I think, I feel).
Keep it to the point- Remember this cover letter is about the job, not your life. The letter should be no more than one page.
Yes, crafting a cover letter for each job you apply for does take more time, but a well developed cover letter can give you an edge up on the competition
February 17th, 2009
The cover letter is often thought of as a last-minute item, sometimes left out altogether. Believe it or not, the cover letter does have two very specific purposes. It is a demonstration of your knowledge about the organization and the position with which you are applying, it serves as a work sample of your writing and communication skills, and it is one more opportunity that you have to make it past human resource’s screening process.
These tips may help you to end up on the potential employer’s interview list.
Avoid a synopsis of your resume- The HR folks have your resume, don’t make them read it twice. Instead, research the organization and the job for which you are applying. Use keywords from the job description and website to explain specifically how your skills and experience match the job. This is especially helpful when your career history does not obviously speak to the job being applied for.
Address your letter to a specific name- Addressing your cover letter to “To Whom it May Concern” or misspelling the individual’s name is a clear sign that you did not make the effort to do your research. If you cannot find out who you should be addressing it to on the website, call the front desk and ask, do a Google search, or try LinkedIn.
Share your enthusiasm- Companies want to know that you are interested and enthusiastic about their role, not just in finding a job. Be specific about how you can contribute to the organization’s overall mission. At then end, be direct and ask for an interview to demonstrate your skills and commitment.
Avoid typos- As I mentioned, this is a sample of your writing and communication skills. Misspellings and punctuation errors are unacceptable. Also, use an active voice (I am confident, I know) instead of a passive voice (I think, I feel).
Keep it to the point- Remember this cover letter is about the job, not your life. The letter should be no more than one page.
Yes, crafting a cover letter for each job you apply for does take more time, but a well developed cover letter can give you an edge up on the competition
Monday, January 26, 2009
Opportunity for you to Change in 2009!
Change is coming across the United States and across the Globe. After listening to rants and raves, reading articles, listening to the news, and C-span, BBC, we are all in a state of change. Change has been with us since the beginning of time so I don't exactly understand why we think it is all so strange. Perhaps we are in a state of how do we change our career, our lives to adapt to the current situation.
I also, pay close attend to trends. If you Google trends for the next few years you will see that Education, Accounting and It won't have so much of a hard time.
I think one beautiful gift is to think positive despite circumstances. This is a great moment in time for us to Re-invent our purpose and re-evaluate where our true
Priorities are. We always will want to be successful and accomplish our dreams, goals, and ambitions. Now we are faced with some real life challenges. We can't really at this point effect the Globe unless of course you are a world leader and in the public forum, so best to tackle your own center of the universe. Why not start out with healthy New Year’s resolutions to improve your outlook, the way you approach business, relationships and everyone around you and don't forget to treat yourself kindly this year. Make time for the basics, reading, and writing and keep track of your progress. Set goals for your life that are attainable and measure your results.
Tips for the Tough job search,
Networking has become my favorite pastime. Networking is your Best chance of creating an exciting opportunity for your new position. Be your own campaign manager for success.
Join as many groups and organizations so that you can meet people. I spend a good amount of time at the library and on the internet reading current publications on
How to start a new business, how to create opportunities for those seeking employment.
Try using some different techniques to get employers to respond to your resume.
After over 10,000 interviews with potential candidates two stand out, one candidate
left his resume and cover letter in a huge envelop at the receptionist desk with my name on it. He followed up with a phone call to make sure that I received his resume. Of course he got an interview. One candidate went so far to send me a box with a shoe in it, and asked if he could get his foot in the door. We did recruit him and hire him on his creative way to get in front of our management team.
Most candidates now days don't send a thank you. Guess they are too busy interviewing to remember social graces but are always welcome when we hear a thank you for your time and consideration from a potential candidate. After all wouldn't you rather hire someone who is appreciative?
The biggest complaint I hear from those seeking a new opportunity is that it is hard work? Months later I receive emails and phone calls seeking my help to help them find employment. I explain to people to research firms that they are interested in working for and than send them your resume and cover letter asking them for an opportunity. Generally, these firms do not advertise opportunities.
The Best is yet to Come!! Turn change into opportunities to seek out new ways to create your success!
I also, pay close attend to trends. If you Google trends for the next few years you will see that Education, Accounting and It won't have so much of a hard time.
I think one beautiful gift is to think positive despite circumstances. This is a great moment in time for us to Re-invent our purpose and re-evaluate where our true
Priorities are. We always will want to be successful and accomplish our dreams, goals, and ambitions. Now we are faced with some real life challenges. We can't really at this point effect the Globe unless of course you are a world leader and in the public forum, so best to tackle your own center of the universe. Why not start out with healthy New Year’s resolutions to improve your outlook, the way you approach business, relationships and everyone around you and don't forget to treat yourself kindly this year. Make time for the basics, reading, and writing and keep track of your progress. Set goals for your life that are attainable and measure your results.
Tips for the Tough job search,
Networking has become my favorite pastime. Networking is your Best chance of creating an exciting opportunity for your new position. Be your own campaign manager for success.
Join as many groups and organizations so that you can meet people. I spend a good amount of time at the library and on the internet reading current publications on
How to start a new business, how to create opportunities for those seeking employment.
Try using some different techniques to get employers to respond to your resume.
After over 10,000 interviews with potential candidates two stand out, one candidate
left his resume and cover letter in a huge envelop at the receptionist desk with my name on it. He followed up with a phone call to make sure that I received his resume. Of course he got an interview. One candidate went so far to send me a box with a shoe in it, and asked if he could get his foot in the door. We did recruit him and hire him on his creative way to get in front of our management team.
Most candidates now days don't send a thank you. Guess they are too busy interviewing to remember social graces but are always welcome when we hear a thank you for your time and consideration from a potential candidate. After all wouldn't you rather hire someone who is appreciative?
The biggest complaint I hear from those seeking a new opportunity is that it is hard work? Months later I receive emails and phone calls seeking my help to help them find employment. I explain to people to research firms that they are interested in working for and than send them your resume and cover letter asking them for an opportunity. Generally, these firms do not advertise opportunities.
The Best is yet to Come!! Turn change into opportunities to seek out new ways to create your success!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Interview Tips- Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Hi well we are just about ready to close out another wonderful year of tremendous "change" and new and exciting possibilites. Merry Christmas to all
and a Happy Healthy and Prosperous New Year!
Here are some helpful interview hints......
See you in the New Year!!!! Happy Holidays!!!
Pam
Interview Tips
Interview Dos
Arrive on time or a few minutes early.
If presented with an application, fill it out neatly and completely. Don't attach your resume unless you're told to do so.
Greet the interviewer by last name if you are sure of the pronunciation. If not, ask the employer to repeat it.
Project energy and enthusiasm. Smile and shake hands firmly.
Wait until you're offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright, look alert and interested at all times.
Listen carefully and respond succinctly and articulately. Look the hiring manager in the eye while speaking.
Early in the meeting, try to get the interviewer to describe the job and the duties to you so you can focus your responses on your background, skills and accomplishments that relate to the position.
Be sincere and truthful while focusing on communicating your specific professional achievements that relate to the accounting or finance job opening.
Interview Don'ts
Don't answer with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible.
If you don't understand a question - or need a moment to think about it - say so. Never pretend to know something or someone when you don't.
Don't rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you. Interviewers will want you to be convincing.
Don't make negative remarks about present or former employers. When explaining your reasons for leaving, communicate your rationale professionally.
Don't over-answer questions. If the interviewer steers the conversation into controversial - or even illegal - topics, try to do more listening than speaking. Keep your responses non-committal.
Don't inquire about salary, vacations, benefits, bonuses or retirement on the initial interview unless you are sure the employer is interested in hiring you. If the interviewer asks what salary you want, give a range based on your research of the job market, but indicate that you're more interested in the opportunity for continued learning and professional development than in a specific salary.
and a Happy Healthy and Prosperous New Year!
Here are some helpful interview hints......
See you in the New Year!!!! Happy Holidays!!!
Pam
Interview Tips
Interview Dos
Arrive on time or a few minutes early.
If presented with an application, fill it out neatly and completely. Don't attach your resume unless you're told to do so.
Greet the interviewer by last name if you are sure of the pronunciation. If not, ask the employer to repeat it.
Project energy and enthusiasm. Smile and shake hands firmly.
Wait until you're offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright, look alert and interested at all times.
Listen carefully and respond succinctly and articulately. Look the hiring manager in the eye while speaking.
Early in the meeting, try to get the interviewer to describe the job and the duties to you so you can focus your responses on your background, skills and accomplishments that relate to the position.
Be sincere and truthful while focusing on communicating your specific professional achievements that relate to the accounting or finance job opening.
Interview Don'ts
Don't answer with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible.
If you don't understand a question - or need a moment to think about it - say so. Never pretend to know something or someone when you don't.
Don't rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you. Interviewers will want you to be convincing.
Don't make negative remarks about present or former employers. When explaining your reasons for leaving, communicate your rationale professionally.
Don't over-answer questions. If the interviewer steers the conversation into controversial - or even illegal - topics, try to do more listening than speaking. Keep your responses non-committal.
Don't inquire about salary, vacations, benefits, bonuses or retirement on the initial interview unless you are sure the employer is interested in hiring you. If the interviewer asks what salary you want, give a range based on your research of the job market, but indicate that you're more interested in the opportunity for continued learning and professional development than in a specific salary.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Happy Thanks Giving!! Gobble Gobble!!
Happy Thanksgiving !!!
Thank you - Your business is appreciated. Have a wonderful Holiday!
This year I am so Thankful for All my friends and Family and just wanted to say a special Thank you to you for all you do.
Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a Happy Holiday..
All the Best,
Pam
Jokes for The Turkeys.......................
A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store, but couldn't find one fresh enough for her family. She asked the stock boy, "Don't you have fresh turkeys?" The stock boy answered, "But they are all dead. Now how can I make them take a bath?"
What did the mama turkey say to her naughty son?
If your papa could see you now, he'd turn over in his gravy!
Asked to write a composition entitled, "What I'm thankful for on Thanksgiving,"
little Timothy wrote, "I am thankful that I'm not a turkey."
Have you finished off the first one?
Yeah!
Eaten it too?
Yeah!
What happened to the other one?
The other turkey is now reading our conversation, boss.
If a man wants to eat a turkey on Thanksgiving, what does a turkey want?
Ans- It simply wants to run away.
What did the turkeys sing on Thanksgiving Day?
Ans- God save the kin.
What did the turkey say to the man who tried to shoot it?
Ans- Liberty, Equality and Bad aim for all.
What will a turkey with a dramatic bent of mind say to another turkey on Thanksgiving morning?
Ans- To be or not to be roasted, that is the question.
The pro football team had just finished their daily practice session when a large turkey came strutting onto the field. While the players gazed in amazement, the turkey walked up to the head coach and demanded a tryout. Everyone stared in silence as the turkey caught pass after pass and ran right through the defensive line. When the turkey returned to the sidelines, the coach shouted, "You're terrific!!! Sign up for the season, and I'll see to it that you get a huge bonus." "Forget the bonus," the turkey said, "All I want to know is, does the season go past Thanksgiving Day?"
Thank you - Your business is appreciated. Have a wonderful Holiday!
This year I am so Thankful for All my friends and Family and just wanted to say a special Thank you to you for all you do.
Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a Happy Holiday..
All the Best,
Pam
Jokes for The Turkeys.......................
A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store, but couldn't find one fresh enough for her family. She asked the stock boy, "Don't you have fresh turkeys?" The stock boy answered, "But they are all dead. Now how can I make them take a bath?"
What did the mama turkey say to her naughty son?
If your papa could see you now, he'd turn over in his gravy!
Asked to write a composition entitled, "What I'm thankful for on Thanksgiving,"
little Timothy wrote, "I am thankful that I'm not a turkey."
Have you finished off the first one?
Yeah!
Eaten it too?
Yeah!
What happened to the other one?
The other turkey is now reading our conversation, boss.
If a man wants to eat a turkey on Thanksgiving, what does a turkey want?
Ans- It simply wants to run away.
What did the turkeys sing on Thanksgiving Day?
Ans- God save the kin.
What did the turkey say to the man who tried to shoot it?
Ans- Liberty, Equality and Bad aim for all.
What will a turkey with a dramatic bent of mind say to another turkey on Thanksgiving morning?
Ans- To be or not to be roasted, that is the question.
The pro football team had just finished their daily practice session when a large turkey came strutting onto the field. While the players gazed in amazement, the turkey walked up to the head coach and demanded a tryout. Everyone stared in silence as the turkey caught pass after pass and ran right through the defensive line. When the turkey returned to the sidelines, the coach shouted, "You're terrific!!! Sign up for the season, and I'll see to it that you get a huge bonus." "Forget the bonus," the turkey said, "All I want to know is, does the season go past Thanksgiving Day?"
Friday, November 7, 2008
How to find a job during a recession- from CNN
How to find a job during a recession
15 October 2008 3 views No Comment
Excellent CNN.com story for job-seekers in this economy to take notes:
If you are getting ready for a job search during troubled times, here are some tips from the experts.
1. Take a closer look at industry data
Research industries and job sectors that are experiencing worker shortages or still experiencing job growth. These are the areas where you may want to focus your search.
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Time: What to say when someone loses their job
Help wanted: Must be comfortable around bombs
More CareerBuilder.com stories
CareerBuilder.com produces a quarterly job forecast that indicates hiring manager trends for the next few months, both regionally and across major sectors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics releases updated figures every month on occupational job growth.
For example, by looking at the BLS data, you will learn that health care, education, government, food services and drinking places, and IT categories have all gained jobs this year.
2. Freshen up your skills
“Don’t give an employer a reason to pass you over because you don’t know the basics,” states Diane Morgan, director of career services at London Business School. Morgan says everyone should know basic office skills like Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel. “Since these are skills you can teach yourself from the Internet or a library book, there are no excuses for not having them.”
Another alternative is CBInstitute.com, which offers easy-to-use online courses at all levels, including business etiquette, project management, foreign languages and typing. You can take courses at times that are convenient for you, so no matter how little time you have to invest, you can make it work. At the same time, the courses are affordable and reasonably priced.
Morgan also suggests brushing up your sales skills (persuasion, negotiating and influencing) even if you aren’t in the sales industry. You need to sell your best product, which is you, so make sure your personal pitch is relevant, timely and effective, she asserts.
3. Try part-time or freelance work
“Rather than one ‘job,’ think in terms of multiple positions. Breaking in [to a new job] may be easier if you aim for part-time work within a company,” advises Katy Piotrowski, career counselor and author of “The Career Coward’s Guides.” “Line up multiple part-time positions and you’ll benefit from more job security; if one position evaporates, you have the others to fall back on.”
Moreover, it will pad your résumé and your wallet.
Rachel Weingarten, author of “Career and Corporate Cool,” recommends job sharing or taking over for someone on maternity leave or during the holiday crunch.
“A lot of people don’t want to commit full-time skills to a part-time or temporary gig. In this economy though, it can allow you to not only try on a job for size, but to also improve your skills, impress a potential long-term employer and network like crazy with people in your chosen industry,” she says. “Instead of nervously waiting for the right full-time career, you can potentially make something better happen in the short term.”
4. Rev up your social networking
Gone are the days of peddling your résumé at anonymous networking events with watered-down drinks and goofy nametags. Now you can have countless opportunities with a few keystrokes and a couple of mouse clicks.
Sure you’ve received those requests to join LinkedIn and BrightFuse, and you certainly use Facebook daily. (Scrabble anyone?) But now is the time to really take of the network you’ve probably casually built over the years.
Networking is easier than in years past because of the easy access to your network and those of your friends and colleagues, Matuson declares. “Now you can go onto [social networking] sites and see who in your network knows someone at a company that you might be interested in working for. You can then ask them to make an introduction on your behalf.”
15 October 2008 3 views No Comment
Excellent CNN.com story for job-seekers in this economy to take notes:
If you are getting ready for a job search during troubled times, here are some tips from the experts.
1. Take a closer look at industry data
Research industries and job sectors that are experiencing worker shortages or still experiencing job growth. These are the areas where you may want to focus your search.
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More CareerBuilder.com stories
CareerBuilder.com produces a quarterly job forecast that indicates hiring manager trends for the next few months, both regionally and across major sectors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics releases updated figures every month on occupational job growth.
For example, by looking at the BLS data, you will learn that health care, education, government, food services and drinking places, and IT categories have all gained jobs this year.
2. Freshen up your skills
“Don’t give an employer a reason to pass you over because you don’t know the basics,” states Diane Morgan, director of career services at London Business School. Morgan says everyone should know basic office skills like Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel. “Since these are skills you can teach yourself from the Internet or a library book, there are no excuses for not having them.”
Another alternative is CBInstitute.com, which offers easy-to-use online courses at all levels, including business etiquette, project management, foreign languages and typing. You can take courses at times that are convenient for you, so no matter how little time you have to invest, you can make it work. At the same time, the courses are affordable and reasonably priced.
Morgan also suggests brushing up your sales skills (persuasion, negotiating and influencing) even if you aren’t in the sales industry. You need to sell your best product, which is you, so make sure your personal pitch is relevant, timely and effective, she asserts.
3. Try part-time or freelance work
“Rather than one ‘job,’ think in terms of multiple positions. Breaking in [to a new job] may be easier if you aim for part-time work within a company,” advises Katy Piotrowski, career counselor and author of “The Career Coward’s Guides.” “Line up multiple part-time positions and you’ll benefit from more job security; if one position evaporates, you have the others to fall back on.”
Moreover, it will pad your résumé and your wallet.
Rachel Weingarten, author of “Career and Corporate Cool,” recommends job sharing or taking over for someone on maternity leave or during the holiday crunch.
“A lot of people don’t want to commit full-time skills to a part-time or temporary gig. In this economy though, it can allow you to not only try on a job for size, but to also improve your skills, impress a potential long-term employer and network like crazy with people in your chosen industry,” she says. “Instead of nervously waiting for the right full-time career, you can potentially make something better happen in the short term.”
4. Rev up your social networking
Gone are the days of peddling your résumé at anonymous networking events with watered-down drinks and goofy nametags. Now you can have countless opportunities with a few keystrokes and a couple of mouse clicks.
Sure you’ve received those requests to join LinkedIn and BrightFuse, and you certainly use Facebook daily. (Scrabble anyone?) But now is the time to really take of the network you’ve probably casually built over the years.
Networking is easier than in years past because of the easy access to your network and those of your friends and colleagues, Matuson declares. “Now you can go onto [social networking] sites and see who in your network knows someone at a company that you might be interested in working for. You can then ask them to make an introduction on your behalf.”
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