Writing for the Web

Journalism’s future is clearly online, so it’s important for any aspiring journalist to learn the basics of writing for the web. Newswriting and web writing are similar in many ways, so if you’ve done news stories, learning to write for the web shouldn’t be hard.

Here are some tips:
Keep It Short

Reading from a computer screen is slower than reading from a paper. So if newspaper stories need to be short, online stories need to be even shorter. A general rule of thumb: Web content should have about half as many words as its printed equivalent.

So keep your sentences short and limit yourself to one main idea per paragraph. Short paragraphs – just a sentence or two each – look less imposing on a web page.
Break It Up

If you do have an article that’s on the longish side, don’t try to cram it into one web page. Break it up into several pages, using a clearly visible “continued on next page” link at the bottom.
Write in the Active Voice

Remember the Subject-Verb-Object model from newswriting. Use it for web writing as well. S-V-O sentences written in the active voice tend to be short and to the point.
Use the Inverted Pyramid

Summarize the main point of your article right at the start, just as you would in the lede of a news story. Put the most important information in the top half of your article, the less important stuff in the bottom half.
Highlight Key Words

Use boldface text to highlight especially important words and phrases. But use this sparingly; if you highlight too much text, nothing will stand out.
Use Bulleted and Numbered Lists

This is another way of highlighting important information and breaking up chunks of text that may be getting too long.
Use Subheads

Subheads are another way to highlight points and break up text into user-friendly chunks. But keep your subheads clear and informative, not “cute.”
Use Hyperlinks Wisely

Use hyperlinks to connect surfers to other web pages that are related to your article. But use hyperlinks only when needed; if you can summarize the information succinctly without linking elsewhere, do so.

source: journalism.about.com

JOB, JOBS, EMPLOYMENT

Eight Things You Learned in English Class That You Need to Forget

Okay, so you’ve got a decade or more of English classes behind you and you’re about to take your first journalism course. Here’s the bad news: All those years of English class have probably left you with a lot of bad habits.

Why? Because many things taught in English courses are pretty much the exact opposite of what’s required in newswriting. So here are eight things you learned in English 101 that you need to leave behind – and I mean right now – when banging out your first deadline news story.

1. The First Person

Repeat after me: There is no “I” in the news. News stories are not written in the first person. Period.

2. Your Opinion

Chances are you’ve had an English class where you were encouraged to keep a journal chronicling your feelings about such fascinating topics as the weather, the movie you saw last weekend or the boyfriend who just dumped you.

Feelings, schmeelings. You’re in the news business now, and your readers don’t care how you feel about much of anything. So get over it and get on with giving your readers what they want – the news.

3. Adjectives

This relates to no. 2. News stories are supposed to be opinion-free. But even if you’re not conscious of revealing your innermost thoughts, an adjective or two will do it for you when you’re not looking. Example: “The brave demonstrators protested the draconian government policies.” See what I mean? Two little adjectives and your impartiality is gone. So leave the adjectives out.

4. Big, Pretentious Words

They may have impressed your English teacher. They won’t impress your editor. Remember, news stories are written for a mass audience – everyone from the fifth grader to the rocket scientist. So use simple, clear language that anyone can understand.

5. Longwinded Sentences

Not every sentence in a news story needs to read like “See Dick run.” But generally they should err on the side of brevity. Use the Subject-Verb-Object formula to craft your sentences and this should be no problem. Try to limit yourself to one main idea per sentence. And if a sentence gets too long, put a period on it and start a new one.

6. Giant Honking Paragraphs

Paragraphs the size of small villages – those with, say, a dozen or more sentences – may be fine for Jane Austen, but they’re no good in news stories. Keep your paragraphs to just one or two sentences each. Short paragraphs look less imposing on the news page, and are easier for an editor on deadline to cut.

7. Present Tense

News stories are almost always about something that has already happened. So keep your articles in the past tense. The exception: magazine-style feature articles.

8. Misspelled Words

I guess they still teach spelling in English classes, but you could have fooled me. In a dozen years of teaching journalism I can’t tell you how many hundreds of articles I’ve edited that were jam-packed with misspelled words. So get out your dictionary, and use the damn thing.

source: journalism.about.com

JOB, JOBS, EMPLOYMENT

Are Newspapers Dying? Yes Or No?

Some Say the Internet Will Kill Off Papers. Others Say Not So Fast.

Are newspapers dying?

That’s the raging debate in the news biz these days. Many say the ultimate demise of the daily paper is just a matter of time – and not much time at that. The future of journalism is in news websites, not newsprint, they say.

Hold on, says another group of folks. Newspapers have been with us for hundreds of years, and while all news may someday be online, papers have some life in ‘em yet.

So who’s right? I’ll outline the arguments on both sides, then you can decide.

Newspapers Are Dead

Newspapers are in trouble. Circulation is dropping, display and classified ad revenue is drying up, and the industry has experienced an unprecedented wave of layoffs. Big metro papers like the Rocky Mountain News and Seattle Post-Intelligencer have gone under, and even bigger newspaper companies like the Tribune Co. are in bankruptcy.

And where are newspaper readers going? To the web. A recent study by the University of Southern California's Annenberg Center for the Digital Future found that Internet users read online newspapers for an average of 53 minutes per week in 2008. That’s the highest level recorded in the eight years the study has been done.

The bad news for newspapers? The study found that 22 percent of users said they stopped their subscription to a printed paper or magazine because they could access the same content online.

Gloomy business considerations aside, the dead-newspaper people say the Internet is just a better place to get the news.

“On the Web, newspapers are live, and they can supplement their coverage with audio, video, and the invaluable resources of their vast archives,” says Jeffrey I. Cole, director of USC's s Digital Future Center. “For the first time in 60 years, newspapers are back in the breaking news business, except now their delivery method is electronic and not paper.”

Conclusion: The Internet will kill off newspapers.

No They Aren’t – Not Yet, Anyway

Yes, newspapers are facing the toughest times ever, and yes, the Internet can offer many things that printed papers can’t.

But pundits and prognosticators have been predicting the death of newspapers for decades. Radio, TV and now the Internet were all supposed to kill them off, but they’re still here.

And while many papers are still hurting financially, there are hints that the picture will brighten as the economy gains steam.

For example, the Inland Press Association recently reported that, contrary to expectations, many papers are still profitable. And advertising research firm Borrell Associates recently predicted that newspapers' print ad revenue will actually increase 2.4 percent in 2010, and 8.7 percent by 2014.

"That will be short of its 2008 level, but a long way from extinction,” Colby Atwood, Borrell Associates’ president, told Business Insider.

Rick Edmonds, media business analyst for the Poynter Institute, says the widespread newspaper industry layoffs of the last few years, while painful, should make papers more viable when the recession ends.

“At the end of the day, these companies are operating more leanly now,” Edmonds said. “The business will be smaller and there may be more reductions, but there should enough profit there to make a viable business for some years to come.”

And those who claim that the future of news is online and only online ignore one critical point: Online ad revenue just isn’t enough to support most news companies, not in the way print advertising does. So for online-only news organizations to survive, they’ll need an as-yet undiscovered business model.

As for readership, while it’s true that news websites are gaining ground on newspapers, Martin Langeveld, a columnist for Harvard’s Nieman Journalism Lab, recently found that more than 96 percent of newspaper reading is still done in the print editions. The online share of the newspaper audience only amounts to about 3 percent, he found.

Conclusion: Until someone figures out how to make online news sites profitable, newspapers aren't going anywhere.

source: journalism.about.com

JOB, JOBS, EMPLOYMENT

Some Dos and Don’ts for Job-Seeking Journalism Grads

Let’s face it, the news biz is in real turmoil right now. Many newspapers are either shutting down, going bankrupt or downsizing. And things don’t appear much brighter for broadcast or online news outlets.

And while most job-seeking journalism grads possess the hard-nosed realism required for their chosen profession, a few operate under the illusion that after graduation, their next step on the career ladder is to be hired as Paris bureau chief for The New York Times, or rock critic for Rolling Stone.

So here then is a reality check, some dos and don'ts for journalism grads seeking their first jobs. The idea is this: Be ambitious, by all means, but also be realistic. And instead of worrying about having a fabulous life, think about doing good journalism, whether you're in Manhattan, Memphis or Morristown (that's in New Jersey, by the way.)

DO apply everywhere you can. It just makes sense: The more places you apply, the better chance you’ll have of landing a job – or at least getting a nibble. But apply for jobs that you think you have a realistic shot of getting.

DO expect to get lots of rejections. There are more job-seekers than jobs at the moment. So get used to the idea that you’re going to get a lot of rejections. Indeed, many places you apply to may never respond at all.

DON’T expect your first job to be your dream job. Too many journalism grads expect their first job to fulfill all their dreams and expectations about what it's like to work in the news business. Sorry, but that’s not likely. You have to be ready to start at the bottom and work your way up to that dream gig.

DON’T expect to start out in the big city. Sure, it would be nice to be in New York right from the get-go, but cities like New York, Chicago or Washington are where journalists with decades of experience strive to be, and as a newbie you just can’t compete with that.

And if you’re determined to be in the big city no matter what, that just shows you’re more interested in city life than in the craft of journalism. Editors can smell that kind of thinking from a mile away. So instead of New York or LA, expect to start out in a small town somewhere.

DON’T expect to start out at a big news organization. Here’s a newsflash: A journalism degree – even one from a prestigious university - does not guarantee you a job at The New York Times, CNN or Rolling Stone magazine. As I said previously, journalists with years of experience are competing to get hired at places like those. Again, a small paper in a small town is likely where you’ll start.

DON’T expect to get rich. Yes, Katie Couric reportedly makes $15 million a year, but the vast majority of journalists earn under $100,000. So be realistic about what you can expect to earn. True, wages are higher in big cities, but so is the cost of living. The moral of this story? Few people get rich in the news biz.

DON'T give up. This article may seem pretty discouraging, but even in these tough economic times there are jobs out there for people who are willing to start at the bottom and work hard to achieve their goals. And if you're one of those people, a reality check like this isn't likely to stop you, anyway.

source: journalism.about.com

JOB, JOBS, EMPLOYMENT

Tips for Taking Good Notes

Even in an age of digital voice recorders, a reporter’s notebook and pen are still necessary tools for print and online journalists. Voice recorders are great for capturing every quote accurately, but transcribing interviews from them can often take too long, especially when you’re on a tight deadline.

Still, many beginning reporters complain that with a notepad and pen they can never take down everything a source says in an interview, and they worry about writing fast enough in order to get quotes exactly right. So here are some tips for taking good notes.

Be Thorough – But Not Stenographic

You always want to take the most thorough notes possible. But remember, you’re not a stenographer. You don’t have to take down absolutely everything a source says. Keep in mind that you’re probably not going to use everything they say in your story. So don’t worry if you miss a few things here and there.

Jot Down the ‘Good’ Quotes

Watch an experienced reporter doing an interview, and you’ll probably notice that she isn’t constantly scribbling notes. That’s because seasoned reporters learn to listen for the “good quotes” – the ones they’re likely to use - and not worry about the rest. (You can read more here about what constitutes a “good quote.”) The more interviews you do, the better you’ll get at writing down the best quotes, and at filtering out the rest.

Be Accurate - But Don’t Sweat Every Word

You always want to be as accurate as possible when taking notes. But don’t worry if you miss a “the,” “and,” “but” or “also” here and there. No one expects you to get every quote exactly right, word-for-word, especially when you’re on a tight deadline, doing interviews at the scene of a breaking news event.

It IS important to be accurate get the meaning of what someone says. So if they say, “I hate the new law,” you certainly don’t want to quote them as saying they love it.

Also, when writing your story, don’t be afraid to paraphrase (put in your own words) something a source says if you’re not sure you got the quote exactly right.

Repeat That, Please

If an interview subject talks fast or if you think you misheard something they said, don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat it. This can also be a good rule of thumb if a source says something especially provocative or controversial. “Let me get this straight – are you saying that…” is something reporters are often heard to say during interviews.

Highlight the Good Stuff

Once the interview is done, go back over your notes and use a checkmark to highlight the main points and quotes that you’re most likely to use. Do this right after the interview when your notes are still fresh.

source: journalism.about.com

JOB, JOBS, EMPLOYMENT

Have we reached the end of the road for the print press?

News has been the staple of the print industry for centuries...a far cry from the first print press. Since the world-wide-web came to life, the dead knell of the newspaper industry was pretty much announced.

Google and yahoo, and other search engines were first to mark their territory and sculpt out a share...and soon they stepped into news aggregation, a natural 'next-step' in their development. They unilaterally shaped the future for the rest of the industry, and changed the course of all future news media developments.

Today, one need not waste a minute flicking through a newspaper, because the news is on the internet and just a finger click away.
Some services even now provide audio news!

Such has been the story across the world that one wonders why it has taken so long for the world to latch on to the new trend. Never the less, it appears in a few years, or decades, particularly because of the 'save the forest' campaigns all over the globe, print press may be retired to the chronicles of history....fodder for historians as well as scholars...but not a great deal more.In its place, a much easier, quicker, less complicated , and more accessible and free system of consumption: online newspapers!

The future is not completely hopeless nonetheless, as print industry leaders begin to appreciate the importance of online presence for their brands. As they assume more aggressive online marketing methods they will adapt with the new trends and hopefully, carve out a new model for their flagships.

That said, it won't be a monopoly on information ever again. What with the bloggers and citizen reporting taking root. The Iran elections to the fore a modern phenomenon…citizen sharing in journalism, or in short citizen journalism. Iranians send photographs and videos across the worldwide web and gave access to millions who wanted to know what was happening in the ‘now'…something the print media would have got round to after editors and journalist had polished off their articles, edited out any unfriendly footage and doctored some of the material to put across ‘the right message'.

The presence of bloggers also complicates things for the old model of doing things in the news industry. No longer do people have to take what the editor and his sponsors want them to hear…no longer are people forced to wait, and no longer is the right to control information dissemination the sole privilege of ruling dictators and parties…anyone can be a newspaper, anyone can be a journalist, and anyone, can share his opinion.

That is the power of the web. As news aggregators take root...the future looks bright. We stand at the edge of a new dawn.

(ArticlesBase SC #2647790)

Job, Jobs, Employment

Working at Weekly Community Newspapers

Great Training, Low Pay

By Tony Rogers, About.com Guide

Weekly community papers are where many journalists get their start. There are literally thousands of such papers found in towns, boroughs and hamlets across the country, and chances are you’ve seen them or perhaps picked one up on a newsstand outside a grocery store or local business.

Most are free, supported solely by advertising. Some are individually owned and operated, while many others are part of chains that can include dozens of papers.

So what are the pros and cons of working at a community weekly?

Pro: Learning To Do Everything

Community weeklies typically have very small staffs, which means the journalists who work there usually do a bit of everything, from writing and editing stories to taking pictures, doing layout and even creating webpages. On a community weekly you might cover a school board meeting, a high school football game and the opening of a new exhibit at the local gallery – all in one day. In a time when versatility is the name of the game in the news business, working at a community weekly is great training.

There are also opportunities to move up the ranks quickly. A reporter at a big paper can labor for years to become, say, a high-ranking editor, but at a small paper a hard-working scribe can often become editor-in-chief within a matter of months.

Another pro is the small-town feel of community papers. Many reporters enjoy the close connection to their local community that working at a weekly provides. Often they get to know literally everyone in town, from the fire chief to the mayor to the school board president. Large daily papers in major metro areas usually can’t offer that same sense of connectedness.

Con: The Pay

Probably the biggest downside of working at a community paper is the pay, which is generally lousy. The are exceptions of course, but most reporters who work at weeklies find they have to do some freelancing on the side or work an extra job just to make ends meet.

Another possible downside: journalistic integrity. Many community weeklies are objective, hard-hitting publications that take pride in covering the news “without fear or favor.”

But others, because they are so dependent on advertising dollars, often publish articles that are little more than press releases for their advertisers. Or, fearful of alienating the locals, some community weeklies will go easy on local politicians and turn a blind eye to corruption and abuses of power.

The moral of the story? If you’re considering working for a community weekly, check it out carefully. Is good solid reporting being done there, or is the paper little more than a public relations tool for local businesses and politicians? If it’s the latter, steer clear.

Required Training

Many reporters start out at community weeklies with just a two-year Associates degree from a community college and little in the way of journalism experience. Indeed, community papers are probably the easiest way to break into the news business for someone who doesn’t have a bachelor’s degree or years of journalism experience.

Job, Jobs, Employment

Choosing The Right Journalism School

Pick The Program That Fits Your Needs

By Tony Rogers, About.com Guide

There are dozens if not hundreds of journalism programs at colleges and universities nationwide, so choosing the one that’s right for you can be a dizzying prospect. Here are some tips to help you find the

Pick Your Professors
If you want to pursue a career as a working journalist, you’re going to want to study under professors who have spent years as reporters or editors. Unfortunately, many j-schools are increasingly staffed by academics who have Ph.Ds but little real journalism experience.

Go to the websites of the j-schools you’re considering and check the bios of the journalism faculty. Do the professors have experience in print, broadcast or online journalism? Or have they spent their careers writing dissertations and articles for obscure journals? An academic is fine if you're taking a theory course. But for practical journalism courses, go for the profs with real-world experience.

Match Your Interests
Whether you want to major in magazine journalism or train to become a sportswriter, find the program that matches your interests. Some j-schools are strong in print while others excel in broadcast. Again, scan the websites and talk to faculty to find out the strengths and weaknesses of each school.

Check the Tech Specs
Make sure the school you’re considering has state-of-the-art technology and facilities. This is especially important if you want to go into broadcast or online journalism. Great professors are important, but if you’re studying broadcast journalism at a college with 30-year-old equipment, you’re not getting the training you need.

Look Beyond Academics
Remember, you won’t just be taking classes. See what extra-curricular activities and opportunities the college has to offer.

For instance, if you’re a print major, check out the college’s student newspaper. Is it a weekly or a daily? Is it a vibrant, hard-hitting publication, or a sleepy, dull-as-ditchwater rag? What about its website?

Likewise, if you plan to major in broadcast, does the college have a student radio or TV station? Those extracurricular extras can make all the difference.

Urban vs. Rural Colleges
If you’re aiming for a career in a big city, then look for journalism programs in major urban areas. Studying the farm beat at the University of Montana won’t prepare you for covering the South Bronx or east Los Angeles.

Generally, urban areas tend to be richer environments for aspiring reporters. But if it’s the agriculture beat you covet, then by all means find a college out in the country.

Don’t Spend Big $$ on Big Names
Going to a prestigious j-school is fine if you have unlimited funds. But if, like most college students, you’re on a tight budget, then don’t worry about big-name schools. Plenty of journalists have attended smaller or less-well-known schools and done just fine, career-wise.

And don’t overlook the possibility of starting your academic career at a two-year community college, then transferring to a four-year university. You can save tens of thousands of dollars taking this route.

One example: After high school Steve Capus spent several years studying journalism at Bucks County Community College outside Philadelphia. He transferred to Temple University, a relatively inexpensive institution in Philly, where he got his bachelor’s degree.

Job, Jobs, Employment

Artikel Dunia Kerja - Ketika Anggota Tim Anda Terlibat Konflik

Memimpin tim yang anggotanya terdiri dari karyawan dengan berbagai latar belakang membuat argumentasi dan perbedaan pendapat muncul secara alami. Dalam situasi tertentu bahkan bisa dianggap sebagai hal yang baik karena tiap anggota aktif berpartisipasi dan antusias menjalankan tanggung jawab mereka. Namun tak jarang perbedaan pendapat berkembang menjadi hal yang tidak menyenangkan seperti percekcokan bahkan perkelahian.

Ketika hal ini terjadi dalam tim yang Anda pimpin, apa yang harus Anda lakukan? Mengatasi konflik antar karyawan memang tricky. Jika Anda masuk ke konflik terlalu cepat mereka tidak akan belajar untuk menyelesaikan konflik sendiri. Namun jika Anda membiarkannya terlalu lama, ada kemungkinan persoalannya akan semakin besar dan bukan tidak mungkin akan menghasilkan masalah dan kerusakan yang tidak bisa diperbaiki lagi. Contohnya saat konflik berkepanjangan mempengaruhi produktifitas, performa bahkan menciptakan lingkungan kerja yang tidak nyaman bagi karyawan lainnya. Kalau sudah begini, kinerja tim yang dipertaruhkan.

Ada beberapa hal yang bisa Anda lakukan dalam menghadapi konflik antar karyawan.

1. Beri teguran segera.
Jika konflik sudah berkembang menjadi percekcokan atau perkelahian secara terbuka, apalagi terjadi di tempat kerja, berikan teguran secara langsung. Bahkan jika hal ini terjadi didepan tim lainnya, jangan segan untuk memberikan melakukannya dengan tegas. Hal ini memang akan mempermalukan mereka namun pada saat yang sama akan memberikan terapi kejut. Mereka akan menyadari bahwa setiap bahwa adu mulut secara terbuka, terlebih berkelahi merefleksikan karakter mereka dan perlakuan yang mereka terima. Jika mereka memilih untuk bertikai karena gagal menyelesaikan masalah dengan dewasa, teguran keras yang bisa mempermalukan mereka akan diterima.

2. Selesaikan segera.
Perkelahian dan percekcokan muncul karena mereka kedua belah pihak tidak bisa mengatasi persoalan dengan dewasa. Sebagai pemimpin bantu mereka untuk menyelesaikan hal ini dengan bijaksana dan seadil-adilnya. Adakan pertemuan tertutup untuk membantu mereka mencari jalan keluar yang adil terlebih jika pemicu pertikaian adalah masalah yang berkaitan dengan pekerjaan. Jelaskan tindakan Anda sebelumnya yang menegur mereka didepan umum. Sampaikan dengan jelas mengenai sanksi dan konsekuensi yang mereka akan terima (jika perusahaan sudah memiliki regulasi mengenai hal ini). Jika belum atau tidak ada peraturan, diskusikan jalan keluar terbaik dan minta mereka berdua untuk menyepakati hasilnya. Jika perlu buat perjanjian tertulis yang ditandatangani mereka berdua. Saat inilah kesabaran ekstra dan taktik negosiasi Anda sangat diperlukan dalam menyelesaikan masalah yang menguntungkan semua pihak.

3. Prevensi sejak awal.
Tumbuhkan suasana kerja tim, ciptakan atmosfir yang menghargai pencapaian dan prestasi kelompok daripada hasil kerja individu. Jika Anda ingin memberikan reward atas hasil kerja, berikan atas nama kelompok, bukan individu. Dengan demikian setiap anggota akan merasa pencapaian tim adalah juga hasil kerja mereka, dan setiap masalah yang muncul antara mereka akan mempengaruhi produktifitas tim.

4. Atur dalam regulasi.
Jangan biarkan setiap argumentasi atau perbedaan pendapat berkembang menjadi perkelahian terbuka. Buat peraturan tertulis bahwa perusahaan tidak mentoleransi perkelahian dalam kantor, terlebih lagi yang melibatkan kontak fisik. Berikan sanksi yang bagi yang melanggar.

5. What happen next.
Jangan lepaskan masalah ini setelah usaha Anda mendamaikan mereka selesai. Monitor perkembangan kasus antara mereka. Pastikan jika mereka berdua menjalankan kesepakatan yang dibuat dengan Anda. Jika hal yang sama terulang kembali, jangan segan untuk memberikan sanksi lebih untuk menunjukkan konsistensi Anda sebagai pemimpin.

Remember!
Konflik dalam team adalah hal yang wajar, pastikan selalu ada penyelesaian atas konflik tersebut.

Chandra Ming (General Manager JobsDB.com)
Artikel ini juga bisa dibaca di Harian Sore Suara Pembaruan edisi Sabtu 19 Juni 2010

See also: Job, Jobs

Work From Home Data Entry Jobs What Are They (II)

One aspect of data entry jobs is that they are usually needed quickly, that's why employees that can type quickly and accurately are in such demand. If you are fortunate enough to land a traditional data entry job working from home, be prepared to work under strict deadlines. Schedule work to be able to complete each job on time, but having them completed before the deadline would be better.

Newspapers, magazines, and the internet can all be utilized to find a work from home data entry job. If you don't have a physical newspaper subscription, check the internet to see if the paper is also published online. Some newspapers have begun to publish a mini-paper online for a subscription fee, but at least you won't have papers cluttering your house. Search for classified employment ads or look online for freelance data entry jobs.

Work from home data entry jobs can be found if you're willing to spend some time searching for them. Talk with your current employer and ask them about allowing you to begin telecommuting. If they aren't agreeable, you can start looking elsewhere for a company that is willing to allow you to work from home or consider joining a data entry program online. You may find that the possibility of working from home and doing data entry isn't a far-fetched dream, but can become a reality.

source: floweradvisor.com

Work From Home Data Entry Jobs What Are They (I)

If you've ever worked in a business office, you know there are some people that spend their entire day entering data into computers. Whether it is textual data or numerical data, someone has to input it so that it can be used by others in the business. This is the basic idea behind traditional work from home data entry jobs.

Most of today's online data entry jobs seem to be typing ads for various online companies. If you don't mind entering data for multiple online companies at various places around the internet, there is good money to be made from home. There are some really good programs available that will train you as well as show you which companies to work for that do pay well, for a small one time fee. These types of work from home data entry jobs seem to pay the most as well as allowing the most flexibility in work schedules.

Those who can have lightning-fast typing abilities, coupled with accuracy, are in demand the most. However, quite often the information that is being input is proprietary, so the employer may want you to work from their office when doing traditional data entry jobs. Perhaps they have specialized software that must be used. If you have the desire to work from home doing data entry, don't give up. The work from home data entry jobs are out there. You may have to do some searching to find them.

If you're currently working in data entry at a traditional job, you may be able to convince your employer to let you work from home. Explain to them that your working from home may actually cost them less money and that you will be able to work more efficiently at home. Just in case they're not open to that possibility, begin now to look for legitimate work from home data entry jobs.

continue...

source: floweradvisor.com

Ten Tips for Job Fairs (II)

5. Arrive a few minutes early at a job fair, to register if required and plan your "attack." Pick up a booth map if available, and route your path to the employers you've targeted. If a job list is available, check it, just in case employers added new jobs since you last researched. If you're going to attend seminars, networking events and such, look for the schedules while you're at it.

6. Visit your targeted employers first with resume in hand, and spend some "quality time" with each. But, remember that they have many more job seekers waiting, so don't try to hog all their time or be offended if they cut it short. Once you've hit all of your targets, "shop" other employers' booths and do some networking. If the job fair has casual get-together, have some fun while networking too! But, natch, it's a good idea to go easy on the cocktails. Your potential new boss might be watching you.

7. When wrapping up your conversations with employers' reps, show your interest by asking them what the next steps are. Ask if it's okay to call them or sendfollow-up letters a few days after the job fair ends. But if they say they'll contact you, don't press your luck too much. The squeaking wheel doesn't always get the oil in this case.
8. Track to which employers you've submitted your resume at the job fair, so you don't redundantly resubmit it too soon. It's a good idea to jot down other notes too, right after you talk with each rep. This will help you to stay consistent, in case you land a follow-up interview with the same person. (You can bet that interested reps will take notes on you.) Taking notes will also help you to effectively follow up with a call or letter.

9. Collect business cards or contact info as you go, and do follow up within 24-48 hours with a thank-you letter to each of the representatives with whom you spoke. It's courteous, professional and typically expected, even after casual job fairs. Complying might make you stand out in their minds, to help you land follow-up interviews.

10. Afterward, revisit the job fair producers' sites periodically. Many continue to list new and unfilled openings for some time after job fairs. Post your resume if you haven't already done so. Again, if producers don't offer these options, visit the sites of employers that interest you. It wouldn't hurt to visit the latter anyway, as they may have new openings they don't forward to the producers after the job fair. But don't bombard employers with your resume, as it'll appear that you're unorganized and not keeping track. One resume in three to six months is enough. If you want to know what's going with your resume or if you see a new position, send a follow-up letter or letter of inquiry instead. The employer will let you know if you should submit your resume again.

source: about.com

see also: Jobs, Job

Ten Tips for Job Fairs (I)

Job fairs are excellent places to learn, network and land a job. But the big job fairs can be overly-crowded, competitive, confusing events. Some have hundreds of employers and thousands of job seekers participating, making it impossible for you to "shop" all booths. You could easily miss your ideal job opportunity while trying to squeeze through the crowd. It's also hard to leave lasting impressions when hundreds of job seekers were at the booths before you, with hundreds more after. But there are ways to make the most of your time on the job fair floor and beat your competitors.

1. If the Web sites of job fair producers offer the option, search for jobs in advance, to target the most promising, participating employers. Read the employers' profiles if available, to help you answer the classic question, "Why do you want to work for us?" Even if job fair producers don't offer these options, most at least list the participating employers and the general types of jobs they have open, so you may research them on your own. That might be a good idea anyway, and the "About Us" and career sections of employers' Web sites are typically good places to start. You can find an employer's site by typing the full company name in your browser, where you'd normally type a URL. Alternately, try company-research resources, some of which include business articles, financial reports and such for the companies they track. Natch, in-depth research might not be practical if dozens of companies are offering your job at the fair. But the more you know about each, the better.
2. Plan to take at least 25 crisp resumes to a job fair, 40 or so if it's a huge event. (The job fair might have copy facilities for free or a small fee, which is nice if you run out. But don't count on it ahead of time.) The scannable format is probably best for job fairs, as it accommodates most of the ways employers file and distribute paper resumes and their electronic counterparts. If your job requires formatting skills, you might also bring some fancier resumes to offer employers a choice. Bring a pen, pencil and notepad too, and organize it all in a nice brief case or portfolio.
3. Before a job fair, prepare to interview on the spot, summary style in a few minutes or less. In other words, be prepared to quickly sell your skills, talents and experiences. It's better to politely sidestep up-front salary discussions if you can. But have a salary figure in mind, just in case your interview advances to the salary stage. Job fairs tend to be more casual than formal interviews, so you can relax and be more friendly. But also "read the mood" of the employer's representative with whom you're speaking at the moment, and adjust your style accordingly. Even though it's more casual, attire, body language, manners and other interview professionalisms still count. Dress sharp, act professional and display enthusiasm.
4. Also prepare to fill out a job application on the spot. Unless you're otherwise directed, it's best to turn it in right away. Taking it home first allows your better-prepared competitors to beat you to it.

continue...

about.com

Data Entry Jobs Are They Real Or Scams

Generally, data entry jobs are those that record, manipulate, store or create any kind of data. In the past, data entry jobs were usually intended for workers in large corporations that had enough typing and transcription work to afford the services of full time data entry personnel. With the increasing use of the internet in the work environment, more companies have found it beneficial to contract out data entry work to home businesses, either directly or indirectly. The home businesses can be local or can even be found internationally in large centers where small organizations work is transmitted and prepared by typists and data entry workers.

Who uses data entry?

Both large and small corporations use personnel to do data entry jobs. Because home business owners can often perform data entry work at a lower cost that can be paid out for a salaried employee, even the very small businesses can take advantage of home workers for data manipulation. Because of the advances in technology, almost every business can make effective use of this type of office function. There are even businesses who use data entry personnel to do quality control work. Data entry has long been used in the legal profession both in court and by law offices. Medical offices use data entry workers to complete patient charts and insurance billing forms.

What type of work is contracted?

Work such as updating of databases, transcribing audio or video/audio materials or routine accounting entries into a standardized form can easily and economically be sent to contracted employees or businesses. Not only can the standard work be sent to data entry personnel, but data entry jobs to assure editing and quality control on a finished product can be contracted. Medical transcription helps keep patient charts up to date while legal transcription is another sub specialty often contracted to outside personnel. Preparing and maintaining large databases is a logical duty for data entry personnel.

Who are the data entry workers?

Data entry jobs are prized by home workers because of their variety, simplicity and lack of sophisticated equipment. A typical data entry worker is one who has worked in the corporate world and has decided that other lifestyles are preferable. The data entry worker can be a parent who wants to stay at home with preschool age children. He or she may be a retired worker looking for a little extra income that can be completed at a pace that suits the individual.

How is work transmitted?

Work for data entry jobs is typically transmitted over the internet especially if the distance from the business is significant. Alternatively, workers at home can receive projects and instructions through a messenger, through mail or delivery services, or over the telephone. In some cases, the worker will be required to travel to a location to collect or to pick up the data to be transcribed, such as is the case with legal transcriptionists. By far the easiest and most economical transmittal method for most situations is that of electronic transfer.

http://floweradvisor.com

Self Employment Or Self Improvement

Self employment and self improvement go hand in hand to some degree or another. It is fair to say (though not always true) that self employment could lead to a state of self improvement in the long term. Plenty of people hold the dream of working on there own account but for many it remains just that, a dream. With so much to worry about such as no job security it is little wonder that most budding business owners give up before they even get started.

Unfortunately for many others there is little choice in the matter. They make up the numbers of the ever growing masses that are pushed out of full time work due to company buy outs and sizedowns or whatever trendy label they give them these days. These are the people who have had the rudest of awakenings from their corporate slumber to realize that there are no jobs for life and no one is safe from the hatchet man.

For these guys its more a case of self employment or no employment. Having said that, many of them now swear its the best thing that ever happened to them because they discovered who they truly are. They have then gone on to travel the road of self improvement realizing that there is more to life than work and that you can have anything you want if you dream hard enough. They will tell you that they now spend more time with their families doing the things that are important to them.

Its a strange culture that we have evolved into since the industrial revolution where everyone seems to think that they are somehow entitled to a job. That employment is a God given right and that someone out there actually owes them a living. If there are no jobs it must be the governments fault or the powers to be. Yep that's it, it must be someone else's fault that they don't have a job so they will sit around and wait until whoever is in charge does something about it.

Then of course there is the other camp. They see the world in a completely different light altogether. To them the world is their work place. I am not just talking about high flying business executives here either but ordinary Joe's and Jane's with manual skills and talents that they sell to whoever needs them. These are the guys who make up the real ranks of the self employed. Their lives are a work in progress and self improvement is the bi product of their labours.

These people chose when they work and where they do it. They are the true masters of their own destinies and not only their lives but the lives of those around them are enriched by this style of living. They don't rely on a huge corporation to pay their check every month or jump when they tell them to. They take their vacation when it suits them and if they need time of to be with their families they don't have to scrape or grovel to some boss. These are the pioneers of this new frontier, the frontier of the self employed and self improved.

Selfemployment Is Not For Everyone ( II )

Find a suitable profession

Unless you are an inventor or super smart, you will become self-employed doing something that many have tried and proven in the past. Perhaps your approach may be personalized, but in the end your product or service has already been done, many times over. But, there is one big difference between you and others that have gone before you and that ingredient that magic pill that spawns greatness is . . . You! You are the factor in the success formula. The depth of your endeavor depends on your ability to perform. You must prepare to dedicate yourself for battle by making certain you can face the challenges ahead.

Believe in yourself

Your core beliefs must be high spirited and executed with confidence. Like an Olympian trains for the game, if you are to be a contender, you must also train for success. Success only come to those who pay the price for it. You must sacrifice yourself to the intensity of the challenge. Being adequately prepared could be the difference between success and failure.

What turns a person away from a traditional job and toward self discovery? Many times it's need. The need to fulfill a requirement, desire or pressure from his/her environment. Most often when there is pressure for money, most people will get a part time job to fill their need. They get the mindset that they need extra money over and above what their current job provides. They don't think of a complete change in venue.

The fact is, if you have an independent spirit, you will never be satisfied working for someone else. You will constantly be dissatisfied and have a feeling of incompleteness. Your spirit will demand more of you and until you comply, you will never be settled.


Meet the challenge head on.

The challenge is not what you are going to do, it's "if" and "how" you are going to do it. First off, choose something you can do. Don't worry about loving it and all that junk, just find something you can be productive in. You're going to be competing with other people, no matter how you look at it, so choose and get started.

Hone your peoples skills

People have a lot of choices and thus far none have been for you. They want quality, low price and most of all, someone they can trust. Build confidence through mannerisms and by being professional and standing by your word. Always treat your customer like a respected equal. Build solid relationships and your customers will refer you to their other acquaintances which is called, "center of influence" marketing.

There's nothing to it but to do it!

The mechanics of starting a home based business are all pretty much the same. Just follow protocol and lean heavily on your own expertise.

Happy Trails

Selfemployment Is Not For Everyone ( I )

Challenge Yourself To Break Away From Tradition
The challenge of self-employment can be overwhelming to a person who has always worked for someone else. The very idea of self-employment sends ripples of fear and anxiety into the heart of traditional workers. Traditional people do not seriously think about stepping into the unfamiliar world of self-reliance. Most people are very comfortable and thrive in the traditional workforce. Simply put, most people are follows who don't want to be independent. Society has spawn a compliant workforce that happily does its bidding. Most people are followers, "wage earners" and do not desire freedom or seek the complexities of self-employment. They don't have the courage nor persistence to break away from the mold and become anything different.

Is Job security a plus?

Average people are obedient to traditional ideas and will not break from civil boundaries. The comfort of following becomes their life's compliancy. The tried and proven formula is: "a job equals a paycheck equals security equals satisfaction." Their main objective is to pay the bills, not their job or independence. When a person becomes complacent, he/she loses the motivation to excel or expand. His/her expectant perception becomes narrow and predictable and he/she settles into a mental daze. As the self is subdued, attention is given to the material world stimulus such as TV, hobbies or seeking relationships. That small creative fire within that could have been a roaring fire, grows cold and eventually goes out.

Why be self-employed?

Why would anyone want to be self-employed? Isn't working for someone else, less risky and just plain easier? Quite possibility it is easier and more reliable working for someone else. But that is no consolation for some of us, we must step outside the box to find and experience a real life experience. It's not about freedom, no one is truly free, it's about the challenge and satisfying an inner urge for living life to its fullest. It's about an adrenalin rush in the risk and facing life in a whole new dimension. And in the end, it's about finding your true self.

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The Best Ways To Find Data Entry Jobs ( II )

If you can follow these suggestions, you will be able to find data entry jobs that are meaningful, and that provide you with the income that you really need. There are lots of great things to remember about data entry jobs.

First of all, this type of work can be done from the comfort of your own home and on your own schedule. You'll be ale to be there for your family when they need you, and you'll be able to make your own work schedule. This will provide you with plenty of chances to do other things in your life.

You can decide your own vacation time, and the days that you would like to quit early. You can choose to work at night or during the day; depending on what you feel is best. Many people feel that work at home jobs, allow them to be less stressed and have more time in their lives for the things that they have always wanted to do. Work at home jobs are great positions, and data entry jobs at home are among the best available.

If you can find a data entry job in a field that you are interested in, you'll be able to have a job that goes along with your interests or with something else that you enjoy doing. This can be great because while you are at work, you can also enjoy the freedom of doing something that you actually care about.

In return this will allow you to focus and work harder resulting in more money in the long run. Just be sure to set regular work hours and quit work when it is time so your work at home data entry job doesn't interfere with your family time.

As long as you take the time to do your research, find jobs that meet your specifications, pay you the money you deserve, and avoid scams, you'll find that data entry jobs can truly be your path to financial freedom.

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The Best Ways To Find Data Entry Jobs ( I )

Data entry jobs are some of the best jobs that you can find online. The work is easy, and it goes very fast. You can work from home for a few hours a week out of the comfort of your own house and possibly over time be earning a phenomenal income.

Therefore, working data entry jobs may be the best way that you have to either entirely replace your dreadful commute with a home based job, or just work part time to make a substantial amount of extra income at the time your family may need it the most.

It is important to find the right data entry jobs so that you can make the most money possible in the least amount of time - without falling victim to any scams or organizations that don't intend to pay you what they claim. When you are looking for data entry jobs, there are a few things that you should do before you sign up for one.

First of all, research the company name that is providing the job opportunity. Make sure that the company has a good history, and that they will provide what they state they will. Also, be sure that no one has claimed that they have not been paid by the company.

Be sure that you are working for companies that have addresses and phone numbers, and check out the company website to see that they are legit. Be wary of jobs that contact you through free email accounts.

Next, you want to be sure that the job offers you have been receiving are offers that will actually mean something for you. Think about the amount of time that it will take for you to complete the jobs that are required of you, and be sure that the money being offered is a fair match for the amount of time it will take you to complete it. Don't take a job unless you can be sure that you can complete it within enough time to make the money worth it.

http://floweradvisor.com

Mystery Shopping Jobs

Companies are trying to capitalize on the services that mystery shoppers offer by offering more and more jobs for them. Mystery shoppers provide companies a view inside of there store from a consumers standpoint and let them know what they need to improve on so that they can continue to be profitable. Return visitors play a big part in the profits that companies make, so if a person has a bad experience at a store and decides not to go back then a company could possible miss out on hundreds of visits from that customer. And if that customer tells somebody about his or her bad experience at a store then the company could miss out on that customer also. Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool and bad word of mouth can destroy a company.

That's why companies are always looking for mystery shoppers to complete assignments inside of there stores. So if you get inside of the mystery shopping circle you'll always have a way to earn some extra money because they will always have assignments for you to complete. And the good thing about being a mystery shopper is that you have the ability to make your own schedule so you only work in your free time.

Mystery shopping is a easy way to extra income. If you can pay attention to details(your allowed to take notes if you can't) then you can be a mystery shopper. You'll have to submit a mystery report detailing everything that you observed while on assignment back to the company that you took the assignment for after you finish the assignment. So you will need basic grammar skills. But you don't have to be an expert writer to write a good mystery shopper report. All you have to do is make sure that the report is well organized, detailed, and accurate.

http://floweradvisor.com

Online Jobs

If you are searching for unique ways to make money working online, there are many options you will find. Some of them include jobs such as; getting paid to complete assignments for websites, which usually involves researching content for sites, correcting errors in online websites, sending in jokes, rewriting sentences and much more. Some other options you may find might include testing games for software companies, sampling products and completing tasks for pay. If you would like to find all of these opportunities and more in one place, head over to www.spendwebmoney.com/getpaidinstantlytoday so that you can begin your job online right away. In many cases, you will be paid instantly this very day.

Most people get discouraged when searching online for extra income jobs. With all of the hype and nonsense out there its no wonder why many folks just give up entirely on the hopes of legitimate ways of making money working online. But, the truth of the fact is there are many ways to make extra cash working online. Just think of it, why wouldn't companies pay people to do tasks for them that computers simply cannot do. There are many honest reliable large companies that hire everyday people to do simple "work" for them, however, finding them amongst the thousands and thousands of online advertising that offer "work from home" opportunities is an endless and sometimes futile endeavor. Another stumbling block is the fact that there are quite a few companies that don't even advertise their services--they rely on companies like www.spendwebmoney.com/getpaidinstantlytoday to advertise for them free of charge.

source: http://floweradvisor.com

Careers And Prospects In Accounting And Finance

Do you enjoy the challenge of working with numbers on a daily basis? Then an accounting finance career is right for you. With the tools that were taught in school, you will be able to help a company or a business run efficiently.

What is a CPA - CPA is the statutory title of qualified accountants who have passed the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination and have met additional state education and experience requirements for certification as a CPA.

Primary Function of a CPA - CPA can attest to the validity of financial information. This means that they can audit financial statements and report on whether they are accurate or not. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) are licensed by law.A CPA attest to the reasonableness of disclosures, the freedom from material misstatement, and the adherence to the applicable generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in financial statements.

Career Opportunities in Accounting and Finance - Career opportunities in accounting and finance are endless. You can earn a degree in accounting and become a general accountant, but this is just one of the options you can follow. Some of things that you can get into include actuaries, auditing, banking, chartered accounting, corporate finance, corporate recovery, stock broking and taxation management. There are also specialist areas you can pursue, such as auditing, management policy and taxation.

If you have either a CPA or CA license with you, it is possible for you to work for a large firm that has offices both here and abroad. Given that every company needs ones, it will not be that hard to find a job.

Career Prospects - One report shows that employments prospects for these professionals is quite high over the past 5 years and this is expected to continue until after 2010. You will also be handsomely rewarded with a good salary but long hours come with the territory especially when companies and individuals have to file their income taxes and towards the end of the financial year.

Average Annual Income - Just to give you an idea, newly grades who work in banks earn an average of $35,000 to $50,000 annually, while financial managers earn almost double that amount. Professionals who soon become partners for the bigger firms earn more than $100,000.

Career Development - In order for you to get a higher position, you will also need to go back to school. Most financial experts pursue an MBA after a few years in the corporate world. While some return to their employers, others apply elsewhere.

Before you can see yourself up there, you have to work from the bottom going up. While some decide to make it big in Wall Street, you too can also succeed wherever you decide to apply.

Market Research - The first thing to do is conduct some research. This will make you understand how things work and how news in business affects the industry, the country and the world as a whole.

Networking -If you want to get the job, aside from being knowledgeable, you need to have connections that are already there so you are given the position instead of someone else. This means building your network from school and then using it to your advantage. Associating yourself with those who have done well may give you pointers so you too can be just as successful as them.

Start Early - But you shouldn't wait until graduate before you start looking at the various career opportunities in accounting and finance. The best way to get your foot in the door is to apply for a summer position or an internship because most companies hire those who have worked with them for a short period of time compared to those that sent in their resumes. Believe me; you already have an edge right there as you already have an idea about the internal workings of the company.

Prepare Your Resume - Just in case the company you worked for does not have an opening right now, you should prepare your resume and yourself for interviews with other companies that do similar activities with what you used to do during your internship.

The average professional who works in either accounting or finance leaves after 2 years. They may apply for reassignment to another department or find employment doing something else. When this happens, there are job openings around for fresh graduates as well as those who already have experience in this industry.

Indeed, there are career opportunities in accounting and finance. You just have to build your network and get it.

source: http://floweradvisor.com

Interested In An Accounting Career?

Some of the most satisfying and well paying jobs of 2006 are in medicine and finances. Here, we will discuss what an accounting degree can offer you in todays job market.

Where finance and accounting careers have had rather spotty projections over 2004 and 2005, the year 2006 has been living up to projected rises in financial positions. An accounting career could be just the thing to bring you satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.

Along with medical and health related careers, accounting professionals are among the group of professions that are projected to see a lot of growth over the next few years. Graduates of four year accountancy programs are earning 3.7% more in terms of starting pay straight out of college. Masters degree holders are seeing a 4% increase in starting pay over the last couple of years.

There are many top notch two year accounting degree programs as well. Your choice really depends on many factors, including career objectives, the amount of money that you have to invest in an education or your ability to attain student loans, as well as what your schedule is like. If you want to educate yourself on accounting in order to better manage your own small business or non-profit organization, chances are youd do best with some classes from the local community college or other type of learning center.

In many larger cities and some towns, there are learning centers that offer a wide variety of classes, from cooking and home improvement to accounting. Ask around at your local public library or community college to find out about all the learning opportunities that your community has to offer. For more serious study to put toward managing the finances of your business or organization, you may find that a community college has just the combination of classes that youre looking for. If you want to pursue an accounting career further, a community college is still one of the best places to start.

If you have children or must work while attending school, community colleges are going to offer you the most flexibility in terms of scheduling. For more information on the projected outlook for those in accounting careers, take a look at the governments Occupational Outlook Handbook found at the U.S. department of labor website. There is a great wealth of information here that can help you decide how satisfying various degrees and professions are likely to be over the coming years.

source: http://floweradvisor.com

The Job Of An Seo Expert Explained

Some firms based on the internet will need an SEO expert to continually monitor and revise the sites that they currently have. Search engine optimization is one way of marketing the site to expose it Internet users and to help it rank higher during search engine results. To manage and aid in optimizing a site, businesses and other organizations will need the services of an SEO expert.

SEO Expert Methodologies

Content rich in keywords is the way to go if you want to place high in search engine searches. An SEO expert is sure to point this fact out. Most companies focusing on search engine optimization and other web development areas will immediately try to add keyword rich content to an ailing web site in order to help it get back on its feet.

Other method that an SEO expert might employ to optimize web sites is to tune in to what the other similar sites are using. Knowing what the other websites are doing successfully can help eliminate the process of trying and testing other methods. Using a tried and tested working method helps to minimize the work done on thinking of ways to break into the industry. An SEO expert will recommend using what the competition is using and do a better job at it than the competition. Finding out what the keywords are at a high ranking web site will help you determine which ones are working and which ones to place in your site. This may seem like cheating but you are actually researching what work and what does not instead of trying things out.

An SEO expert will also make sure that your web designs is appealing to both robotic and human visitors. SEO expert and web designers are important resources in getting higher rankings from robotic crawlers and being remembered by human visitors. The web design must be search engine friendly in such a way that the robotic crawlers will not have a hard time indexing or assessing it for better classification.

The relevance of the site must be specific enough to warrant it being classified under what it actually is. SEO expert web design strategy is important so that whatever information or data you have tagged you site as will be readily available for crawlers. You will also need an SEO expert to help you choose and scale down the images and pictures that will appear in the website. Pictures and images which are too large will take a long time loading and this will bore browsers into transferring to another site that is probably more efficient. Other things which you should also stay away from when you design the site is putting hidden texts or tags which you hope the crawlers will find and use to make your site higher ranking. This is a black hat method which most search engines disapprove it. Sites with this kind of web designs will be banned for a period of time until they shape up their site.

Choosing An SEO Expert

When hiring an SEO expert to help with search engine optimization, it is best to ask for recommendations from sites he or she has helped or to visit those sites yourself to see how well they are doing. If you are suspicious of the way the SEO expert does his business, go to another. The investment you will be putting in the hands of an SEO expert is quite large therefore you need to be satisfied and complacent regarding the job he will be doing for you.

Other things that might be considered when choosing an SEO expert for your optimization needs are his maintenance program of the sites he will be optimizing and the services that he will extend to you regarding web site submission, data submission and content submission. Most SEO companies offer submission services but others might charge additional for all the different tools and methods they will do and use for your site. Your chosen SEO expert must be aware of the most updated tools and methodologies available in the Internet today but he should also have reasonable costs for these since the search engine optimization industry is a competitive one.

You might try to do some of your optimization yourself if you want. Some of the things that are usually done to a website are quite easy to manage and can be done by a web savvy individual. The problem is some of the fields of search engine optimization are difficult and you will need some expert in the field to be able to do these and most services are bundled with each other so the optimization that you might do will still be included in the charge of the SEO expert.

source: http://floweradvisor.com

Top 10 Social Media Do's and Don'ts

Social media, including sites like Twitter and Facebook, can help you find a job and connect with people who can assist you with growing your career. However, it works both ways. Social media when used the wrong way can backfire and jeopardize a job offer or even your current job. It’s important to be careful and consider what you shouldn’t do, as well as what you should do, when using social media to job search.

Do Create an Online Presence

When you're looking for a job or positioning yourself for career growth, it's important to have an online presence where you can showcase your skills and experience. Your online profiles will also help you connect with contacts who can expedite your job search and assist you with moving up the career ladder.

Do Be Consistent

Does the employment history on your resume match what's on your LinkedIn profile? Does the information you have on your Facebook page (if it's public) match up with the information you have elsewhere online? It's fine if you rework your job descriptions, for example, because targeting your resume is a good thing when applying for job. What's not okay is if your job titles, companies, and dates don't jive. That's a red flag for prospective employers.

Don't Get Fired

Employers are checking out candidates on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites. If you post it, I guarantee someone will read it and that very well could be the wrong person i.e. a hiring manager. Posting company business (good or bad) and posting inappropriate information on Facebook are just a couple of examples of what can get you in trouble, or even cost you your job, especially when you do it from work.

Do Google Your Name and Check What's Online

There's a ton of information that can tell employers a lot about you online including tweets, instant message, blogs, and the content and photos you post on social networking sites like MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter. It's quite easy for employers to find information you may have preferred to keep private. Much of it can be found by Googling your name.

Do Be Careful What You Tweet

Be really careful what you tweet. You don't know who might read it. Search Twitter for "I hate my job" for an example of what I mean. Hiring managers and bosses are using Twitter, too, and if you say it someone will probably read it. Tweets show up in Google search and you don't want to lose your job because you didn't think before you tweeted, even if you hate it.

Don't Forget Your Facebook Privacy Settings

Here’s an example of what can happen when you aren’t careful about your privacy settings on Facebook. I received photos of a third party from one of my Facebook Friends. She was able to send me photos of her friends, because they didn't limit who their photos were shared with. I was able to see photos of someone I didn't know simply because the person wasn't careful about her privacy settings. If I was an employer, I wouldn't have been impressed - she was having a really, really good time.

Do Network Before You Need To

Build your network well in advance of when you need it. Make connections in your industry and career field. Follow career experts. Talk to your contacts on Twitter or the other networking sites. Join Groups on LinkedIn and Facebook, post and join the discussion. Be engaged and proactive in your communications. By building a network in advance, you won't have to scramble if you unexpectedly lose your job or decide it's time to move on.

Do Give to Get

In a nutshell, give to get. Networking works both ways – the more you are willing to help someone else, the more likely they will be to help you. Take some time every day to reach out to your connections. Write a recommendation on LinkedIn, offer to introduce them to another connection, share an article or news with them. Giving to get really does work - your connections are more likely to return the favor when you've offered to help them.

Don't Connect With EveryoneThere is a school of thought that says you should connect with everyone when you’re using social media. I don’t agree. Quality is more important than quantity when it comes to connecting. The first question you should ask yourself when making connections is how can the person help me? The second question is what can I do to help them? Before you ask someone to connect, consider what you have in common. That common denominator, regardless of what it is, is what's going to help with your job search.

Don't Spend Time Online on Your Boss's Dime

The temptation, of course, when you're job searching is to spend time looking at job postings, perhaps uploading your resume to apply, talking to contacts, or posting about the trials and tribulations of your job search on Facebook page. If you were to do that, you certainly wouldn't be the first (or the only) person to do so. Many people job search from work, but given the way companies monitor employees it's not wise to use your work computer or email account for job searching. Or, if you do, be really careful how you do it.

Lost Without Employment

The job I lost

I worked in IT Support by phone. Due to the economy I was told I would no longer keep my job that I managed to sustain for two years. I thought I was going to grow in this company and become very successful. I started as an entry level contractor. The position was 6 months to hire but the company never hired me fully. Over two years they extended my contract 3 times. I made it clear I was looking for employment, but I didn't stress their decision to renew my contract as I was happy I had a job. When the economy went bad they let me go just as fast as they were to renew my contract.
What it's like being unemployed

Being unemployed this long, for a year, has been one of the most difficult situations that I have had to face. Jobs don't take into consideration the family that you need to support or bills that you have to pay in order to live comfortably in this society. Your whole lifestyle depends on your job and if you lose your job you lose your lifestyle and can sometimes lose everything that you own.


Advice

I have learned from this experience to treasure the things that I have, and I now don't take life lightly. I understand the importance of a dollar better and I make sure each dollar spent is accurately spent in the correct way that it needs to be spent. I'm still unemployed and I'm constantly looking for work, but I don't ever give up. We were once workers, providers, and tax payers and we don't deserve to be treated less than that.

Video Porno mirip Ariel, Luna Maya, Cut Tari

Adegan mesra Ariel dan Luna Maya akhirnya beredar juga. Setelah beberapa tahun Ariel dan Luna Maya memendam hubungan mesra mereka (cie.. cieee…) akhirnya mereka berani untuk menunjukkan adegan mesra di hadapan publik.

Tapi sayangnya ini hanya sebuah iklan. Produk ini sebelumnya sudah memakai Luna Maya sebagai brand ambassadornya. Dalam iklan tersebut Luna Maya yang berperan sebagai dirinya sendiri tampak kompak dan tidak canggung bercengkrama dengan mesra bersama Ariel, kekasihnya.

Iklan ini juga seperti sebuah pengakuan dari pasangan Ariel-Luna, karena untuk pertama kalinya mereka mau tampil berbarengan dalam satu proyek.

Setelah heboh dengan video panas pelaku mirip artis Luna Maya dan Ariel Peterpan, sebuah video panas dengan pelaku mirip Ariel kembali beredar di YouTube. Kali ini pasangannya mirip artis Cut Tari.

Video tersebut berdurasi lebih panjang, yaitu sekitar 8 menit dan lebih bersih dibandingkan video yang heboh sebelumnya. Tidak seperti video sebelumnya yang diduga diambil dengan ponsel oleh tangan pelaku, video kali ini nampaknya menggunakan kamera yang lebih canggih dan profesional.

Cut Tari, yang mengawali karir di dunia hiburan di ajang Gadis Sampul 1991, tidak nongol di kantor Trans TV di Jalan Tendean hingga siang kemarin.

Kita semua hanya bisa prihatin, semoga saja tidak ikut-ikutan buang waktu untuk mencari karena semua link yang mengarah ke video tersebut katanya sudah di blokir.

Guys, dari pada kalian pada pusing mikirin nih video beneran ariel / luna maya / cut tari atau bukan mendingan juga kalian pada mikirin masa depan kalian masing-masing udah bener apa belom. dan biasanya (biasanya lho ya..) yang nyari video kaya gini lebih banyak orang yang lagi pada ga ada kerjaan kan (hayo ngakuuu...), nah mendingan kalian pada cari kerja deh... biar bersihin otak hehehehe....

How to Find Self-Employed Health Insurance

If you are self-employed, or planning to start your own business now or after you retire, the following tips will help you find the best self-employed health insurance coverage options that will fit your budget.

Keep the Health Insurance You Have, For Awhile
The easiest way to ensure that you continue to have good health insurance after you leave your corporate job is to keep the same coverage by invoking your rights under health provisions in the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) of 1986.

Under COBRA, you can leave your job and keep your current coverage for up to 18 months at group rates, so long as the company you’re leaving employs 20 or more people and you weren’t fired for gross negligence or incompetence. For more information about COBRA coverage, check with the U.S. Department of Labor.

Even so, expect the price tag to be a shock. Once you’re self-employed you’ll have to pay the full cost of the coverage, which is likely to be much higher than the amount you were paying as an employee. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, workers typically pay only 28 percent of their insurance costs.

Lighten Your Load Before You Leap
If you have the luxury of planning ahead and leaving your job on your own timetable, consider signing up for the least expensive health insurance plan your company offers during the open enrollment period closest to your departure date. That way, you will have a lower cost self-employed health insurance premium to cover under COBRA.

Don’t Let Time Slip By
Under the law, you are guaranteed access to health insurance as long as you find a new policy within 63 days after you reach the end of your COBRA benefits. If you fail to arrange for new coverage within that timeframe, your health insurance application could be rejected or the new policy could exclude a pre-existing condition for up to a year.

Marry Well
There is an old adage that says the best way for a self-employed person to ensure his or her success is to have a working spouse. The same holds true here. If you’re married, there is a good chance that joining your spouse’s plan will cost less than most other options, including COBRA.

Do Your Homework
If you decide you need your own self-employed health insurance policy, check out ehealthinsurance.com, which comes highly recommended by the likes of Money magazine, Kiplinger, the National Federation of Independent Business and financial guru Suze Orman.

This online resource lets you compare dozens of health insurance plans that are available in your area with just a few keystrokes, and even provides information about the insurance companies’ financial health.

Learn the rules that apply to your situation and follow them. This is especially important if you or someone in your family have chronic health problems or a pre-existing condition.

Find a Reputable Health Insurance Agent
If you prefer to deal directly with an agent for your self-employed health insurance, do your homework. Interview a few different agents, and compare the price and coverage of the self-employed health insurance plans they offer.

Before you sign anything or make any payments, check with your state insurance commissioner’s office to find out if any complaints have been filed against the agents or the insurers they represent.

If you need help finding a reputable agent, check with the National Association of Health Underwriters.

Pay More to Pay Less
Another way to lower your self-employed health insurance premiums and still get good coverage is to choose a plan with a high deductible, and combine it with a tax-free health savings account (HSA). You deposit pre-tax dollars into your HSA, and use that money to pay medical expenses that aren’t reimbursed by your health insurance. You can find more information about health savings accounts and HSA-eligible insurance plans at hsainsider.com.

Join the Crowd
If your business grows and you start hiring employees, you may be able to save money by getting health insurance for your business through a professional employers association that provides health insurance and other services to small businesses. The National Association of Professional Employer Associations can help you find a group that meets your needs.

source: http://about.com

I Hate My Job. What Should I Do?

Question: I Hate My Job. What Should I Do?

"I hate my job! I feel trapped and frustrated. I dread going to work, watch the clock all day, and look forward to weekends. I get a little depressed every Sunday night, thinking about the work week to come. But I can't quit--I need the money, and the job market is rough out there! What can I do?"
Answer: If you're having a few too many of those 'I hate my job' days (and any is too many, really), you're not alone. But that doesn't mean that you should accept those feelings of dread that accompany even the thought of going to work. You don't have to work at a job you hate, and you probably don't even have to switch jobs to stop working at a job you hate. There are simple steps you can make you find greater satisfaction at your current job.

First, you can gain a better understanding of what's behind that 'I hate my job' feeling. Different people find different things they hate about their jobs, but generally what people hate about work tends to be what contributes to job burnout:

* Mismatch of Skills- If you are overqualified, you may feel bored; if expectations are too high, you may feel overwhelmed and stressed.

* Low Control- People need to feel that they have some control over their lives in general, and this certainly applies to jobs. If you feel you can't control what happens to you at your job, you will likely experience almost everything at work as 'more stressful'.

* High Pressure- Are there heavy consequences if you make a mistake? People often think that working long hours is the big contributor to burnout, but working under high pressure circumstances really adds more stress!

* Low Recognition- Are you recognized for your achievements? Are you adequately rewarded for your hard work? If not, it generally becomes difficult to stay motivated.

If you find that your job fits some of all of these criteria, or you have that 'I hate my job' feeling for other reasons, it may be understandably stressful to go to work. However, quitting may not be your best option--at least not right away. If you need the job, are concerned about finding a similar or better position, or can't quit for some other reason, don't despair. There are steps you can take to feel less stressed at work and start enjoying work more. Try the following:

# Incorporate Your Strengths--In order to enjoy your job, you need to be challenged just the right amount--not too much, and not too little. Further still, it's best to be challenged in ways that lead to flow, in strengths at which you naturally excel. Read more about how great jobs incorporate these skills (which are unique for everyone), and how to find job satisfaction by incorporating your strengths into the job you already have.

# Make Your Job Better--Along the lines of incorporating your skills into your current job, talk to your employer and see if you can 'build a better job for yourself by slightly altering the responsibilities you have. Take on new challenges that can help the company--things you naturally enjoy and do well at--and see if the areas that are overly stressful might be better managed by someone else who excels in that area.

# Remember The Rewards--When things get difficult, remind yourself of why you're doing this in the first place, keep your eyes on the prize, and remember the rewards you find in your work. If you're having a difficult time, see if you can add a few extra rewards for yourself--give yourself a treat at the end of the day as a reward for hard work. This can be as simple as a nice bubble bath, a relaxing music-listening session, or an evening with friends. Be sure the work is balanced out by play!

# Laugh About It!--Finding the humor in your situation can turn stressors into stress relievers--or at least it can rob them of their stress-inducing power! Here are some tips on maintaining a sense of humor.

# Practice Stress Management--If you can relive general stress, you'll likely feel less overwhelmed by specific stressors at your job. Here are some basic but effective stress management techniques.

# Get Support--Be sure you have support in your life. See if you can organize a supportive network of co-workers to commiserate and congratulate each other in the trials and triumphs of the job. Or create a group among your friends outside of work. These groups can work wonders for one's mood! And if you feel overwhelmed and unable to cope, you can talk to a professional--you don't have to handle an overwhelming situation alone.

source: http://about.com

Passion Pays

When you are passionate about what you do, you do better and you enjoy it more.

Thank God it's Monday.
Do you look forward to Monday morning? Are you raring to go back to work? Or are you a TGIF (Thank God it's Friday) kind of person who can't wait to get away from the job for a couple of days? You spend at least 8 hours a day at the job. That is almost 25% of your week. If you are a TGIF person you are missing something really important in your work life - passion.

Being passionate about your job is more than the old adage "do what you love". It's looking forward to going to work. It's time flying by when you're there. It's working past quiting time, not because you're swamped with work, but because you were so intent you didn't notice the time.

When you are passionate about what you do for a living you enjoy it more. You also do it better. You are more committed to the success of the operation if you believe in it passionately.
Putting your passion to work
The trick is not just to feel passionately about your job, but to act passionately too. Use you passion to move projects ahead, to find innovative solutions to perplexing problems, to work through the interpersonal conflicts.

If you act passionately, you won't sit passively through another boring meeting. You can't. You will share that passion with the others in the meeting. Your energy can lift all of them. Even if it doesn't, you will feel better knowing you are doing something to advance the cause in which you believe passionately.

Passionate people get more done. They don't spend time worrying about what they have to do next. They don't scheme about how to get out of doing something. And they don't have to waste time dreaming about a vacation they want to take to get away from the job.

People who are passionate about their work do a better job. Since they care so much about the work, they don't settle for anything less than their best. They don't ever "just go through the motions." The pour all their thought and energy into doing the job well.
It's just a job, isn't it?
If you feel that work is just a job, you are wasting 40 or more hours a week of your life. You are shortchanging your employer who gets less than your best effort. You are shortchanging yourself by wasting time on routine or even drudgery instead of spending that time doing what you enjoy. You could, and should, spend those 40 hours instead doing something that makes you feel good.
Not convinced?
If you have ever had a job that you felt passionately about, you know what I mean. If you have never worked at a job like that, you may wonder just how valid these statements are. If that's the case, think about something away from work that you are passionate about. Maybe it's a hobby or a sport, an activity with a special group of friends or that quiet activity where you recharge your energies.

Ever miss dinner because you were shooting hoops and didn't notice how late it had gotten? Do you know the intensity and concentration you feel when you are working on your radio-controlled models? Have you ever wondered where the day went when you were antique hunting with your best friend? Those are the the passions we enjoy in our time away from work. You get the same charge when you work at a job you are passionate about. Try it and see if you don't agree.

source: http://about.com