What kind of background or industry do you think is best suited for an individual that is excellent at managing projects from birth to completion? Trick question, because if you’re this type of professional, every industry will accept you with open arms. In fact, some industries are desperate to refill their ranks with brilliant project managers. This is not to be confused with a manager. A manager will be in charge of the daily running of a section and or department. However, a project manager is a more senior role higher than the standard manager role. The project manager is a part of the administration level, thus they are sandwiched between the department and it’s most senior ranks and the C-suite. If you’re in this line of work, you may want to know where your expertise takes you in 2020.
7 Tips For Considering A Career Change
Are you bored at work? Have you suddenly woken up and realized your current career is not for you? It can seem daunting to realize that you want a change, but not have the first idea of how to do it. Especially when you still have to sit in your current job and pay your bills until you can successfully embark on your next adventure. Whether you want a complete career overhaul or just a small change of direction, are here are some top tips for the best way to make a career move.
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Consider Further Study
If you’re making a move when you’re already part-way through your career, further study could be a great tool for changing trajectory. Many universities like Northeastern University will discuss the merits of taking up various Master’s courses, which can be really useful if you’re not sure which angle to choose, like taxation versus accounting. Visiting the open days and discussing with the course leaders is a great way to find out if the course is for you.
Once you’ve decided on the right area of study for you, it’s time to look at the different course types available. Will you be looking to work full time, and if so would you be looking at evening or long-distance classes? Are you keen to finish a full-time course in a year, or would you need more time to complete it? Looking at the different options and how you’ll structure it around your future schedule will help you work out the right options for you.
Get A Career Coach
Sometimes meeting with an impartial career advisor will help you get some inspiration or a good sounding board to help you consider your career options. At any age, a careers advisor can help you redefine your goals and add focus to your career ideas. Make the most of the opportunity to speak to someone as they will set you back per hour, so go in with a list of questions and ideas to get the process started. Looking at reviews for career coaches will help you get a good idea if they’ll be worth the money. If you know where you want to go but haven’t written a resume in a while, invest in an online resume writer to get a solid self-advertisement for your future job search.
Consider Investing In Your Own Business
If you’re established in your career but want a change, it might be worth considering going into business for yourself. It doesn’t have to be a pipe dream, you can make it a reality by pooling your resources and reading into the feasibility of going solo. Speak to friends that have recently gone into business, or go to an entrepreneur networking event to suss out if this is really for you.
If you’re determined to set up your own business, look into funding opportunities like local grants or small business loans. Establish what your niche in a market will be (especially if it is a saturated one), and how you will start and grow your client base. Does it seem possible? You can explore your options while working, you don’t have to take the plunge and go it totally alone.
Cast A Wide Net
The best way to start looking at a career change might be to dive right in. Cast a wide need when applying for jobs you think you might like, then see if you get through to interview stages and how you market your transferable skills. You can treat them as informational interviews and get a feel for whether this job or company is a good fit for you. You might need to be resilient as you may feel overqualified, underqualified, or just right out of your comfort zone. Those feelings seem traumatic at first, but getting used to them will help you navigate the transition through a career change. Casting a wide job search might just give you some unexpected inspiration for what you want to do next.
Look At How To Transfer Those Transferable Skills
Making a list might sound obvious, but having that record of things you’re good at isn’t a bad way to boost your confidence and make a start on considering a career change. Look at different job specifications and assess how you’ll make the link between skill X and your current capabilities. For instance, if your potential new charity career involves arranging fundraising events, then organizing the annual office conference is an equivalent skill that you can mention instead.
Look At Your Finances
You may feel that you can’t take the hit of a potential pay loss when making a career change. You may find a like-for-like salary or even a pay increase, but being realistic and assessing your options will make you feel more equipped to start the search. Investing in a new career might be the perfect time to dip into your savings and make a career move that is worth making a risk on your financial resources. If you aren’t currently in a position to take a pay loss, consider adding on additional freelance work if you can, or if you’ve got a family, talk to your partner about sharing the financial losses and whether you can afford to make a change.
Try Something Extracurricular
You might be antsy at work if all you do is work. If you used to love your job, but the shine has worn off, consider taking the focus off work and adding something extra to your day. It might be learning a language, meeting your friends or taking up a yoga class. Adding an extra element to your life will enhance your work-life balance, and help you get some perspective on whether a career move is right for you, or you just need to lay off the evening work emails and make some time for yourself.
Making a career change doesn’t have to be a life-overhaul or a traumatic experience. Planning ahead or considering transitional options like studying can help you prepare yourself for making a move into a new sector.
Simple Tips For Self-Care Success
To really make self-care worthwhile, then you have to learn what things you can do to nurture yourself. There are going to be things that make you feel good mentally, emotionally, physically, or spiritually. And, even with the best of intentions, you might find that you have a bad day where you don’t manage your meditation, you don’t brush your hair – or you just binge watch a new Netflix series all day.
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So here are a few tips that might help you get yourself in to healthy self-care mode.
Unplug
Although you can spend time curating your Instagram feeds, twitter, and facebook to only have positive people and posts on it. Sometimes you should unplug altogether for a while. It is one of the hardest things for people to do too. We are so used to having our mobile phones or a computer that we are allowing ourselves to be bombarded with all kinds of news and opinions. And sometimes, for the sake of sanity, we need to put our mobile phones in a drawer and leave them for a while. Messages and emails will still be there when you come back to it.
Stock Up
Headaches, stomach aches, sleeplessness, and a lack of a multivitamin can really be annoying. So, if you have a habit of leaving things until you need them and then needing to head out to find soothing tea bags, hearing aid batteries, band aids, and sanitary protection. Then make an effort to stock up on a few packets of each item. It is a small thing, but it means when you need to take a painkiller and rest, you can do so without worrying, you don’t have the right things.
Multivitamin
Most of us are deficient in a range of things. While you can get a lot from your diet, we don’t all get the balance right every day. You might not be able to avoid catching a cold or getting a tummy bug – but if you do catch one, your body is in a better position to fight it off. Not only that but the energy you truly need every day, and all of the functions that your body performs will be well supported.
If you feel like you have a deficiency that needs more than a multivitamin, then head to your doctor and ask them to take some blood and explain how you’re feeling. Big deficiencies in b12, iron, vitamin D can have disastrous impacts when not taken care of at the earliest possible time.
Walk
When you have a lot to do each day, it can be easy to say that you don’t have time to take a 10-minute walk in the day. However, if you really look at your schedule, there are probably a number of places you can fit in a short walk. It might be during your work lunch break you head out and get some fresh air. It might be arriving at school pick up and parking a little bit further away and giving you room to walk.
Sleep
Start to pay attention to how refreshed you are feeling after you’ve been to sleep at night. If you are waking up and still feeling tired or not feeling rested, then there are things you can do. When we get high-quality rest, our bodies are better able to make sure that they are repairing and renewing. If you have a shoddy bedtime routine, are going to bed late all the time, then you are going to start living in a sleep deficit.
This will impact your daily life and your health too. So, look at starting a new bedtime routine that begins at least an hour before you want to go to sleep. Plan to have a hot shower or warm bath, put on some breathable pajamas, and switch off the TV for a while. A warm tea like chamomile is a great option.
The Calm app has a range of sleep stories that can help you gently drift off to sleep. Try to be strict about the routine and start it at the same time every day if you can.
Cook For Yourself
Think of a meal that you had while on holiday, or something that you have fond memories of, and recreate it in your own kitchen just for yourself. The memory of the meal, the tasty, and taking the time to create it can bring real comfort. And, feeding yourself well is a form of self-care.
3 Ways Your Business Reputation Can Be Put At Risk
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Reputation: It’s a powerful thing in business.
If your reputation is a good one, you can guarantee more interest in your product and service, and your business will have the opportunity to grow.
On the flip side, if your reputation takes a hit, perhaps because of the reasons we will list below, then you will start to lose customers, fail to acquire new interest in your business, and quite possibly see your business fail. Yikes!
So, let’s take a look at some of the factors that could negatively affect your business reputation.
#1: A lapse in ethical judgment
For the betterment of your business, you might be tempted to do something that is borderline illegal. You might try to save money by being dishonest with the taxman, for example. Or you could copy a business idea that has been spearheaded by another entrepreneur. Of course, you might also hire an employee who has less than moral ethics, and they could do something that could be considered illegal. Whatever the case, when the media and your customers discover ethical lapses within your business, your reputation will start to go downhill. While a good PR team and the white-collar legal services of law firms such as Takajian & Sitkoff will do much to protect your business, you should still think twice during the hiring process, and when considering your own actions in business.
#2: Doing your customers a disservice
In business, excellent customer service is a must. If you don’t give your customers what they need, then you can guarantee bad word of mouth will spread about your business on social media, review sites, and in the hearing range of the public at large. So, be sure to treat your customers well. Don’t talk to them with disrespect in person or on the phone. Don’t make them promises that you will struggle to keep. Don’t sell them something that is obviously defective. And don’t ignore them when they come to you with complaints or questions about your business. In each case, you let them down at your peril.
#3: Mistreatment of your employees
Not only will productivity start to falter when your employees become unhappy with the way you have treated them, but negative word of mouth will start to spread too. As with your customers, your employees may be inclined to share their opinion of you with others, be that face to face, on social media, or on employer review sites online. So, be good to your employees. Don’t give them more work than they can handle. Don’t speak to them with disrespect. Don’t ignore their requests for support. And don’t disregard any news of workplace bullying that filters back to you. Be good to your employees, and they will be good to you.
It’s not overly difficult to secure a positive business reputation. By acting ethically, and by treating the people who use your business well, there should be no need for bad word of mouth to spread. So, think about that today, as your business will have a better chance of survival if you heed our warnings.
Thanks for reading.
10 Ways To Make Your Home Infinitely More Interesting
Having an interesting looking home is something that can be really enjoyable as a homeowner. If you want to make your home as interesting as possible, there are a few different things you can try. Below, you’ll find 10 methods that will allow you to make your space infinitely more interesting – take a look and see what you can do.
1. Include Patterns In Different Ways
Patterns are a great way to make your space more interesting and really funk it up. You can include patterns in just about any way you like – on curtains, cushions, and on your walls, for example. There are no rules. All you have to do is figure out a formula of mixing patterns that you like best. Some people like to use three patterns in different amounts, while others like to use the same pattern just in different colorways/sizes. You can have fun and get really creative with this method.
2. Add Plants
Plants can do lots of things for your space. They add color and joy, not to mention texture. They can also purify the air and do other amazing things. Adding plants both small and large is great. Just make sure you learn a little about the plants and select those that suit your ability best. They should also suit the room and space you intend to keep them in. For instance, if you were to buy a croton, you’d want to keep it in a humid, moist place like the bathroom. Each plant will need to be watered different amounts and different levels of light, so bear this in mind. A great starter plant is the spider plant, or even a snake plant!
3. Use Various Textures
Use various textures by selecting rugs, cushions, and other items. Using as many textures as possible is a great way to keep things interesting and feeling cosy to boot.
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4. Add An Unexpected Twist
Adding an unexpected twist is a wonderful way to make your home more interesting. You could do this with an antique, for instance, or even patterned glass. Step away from the norm and you won’t believe how much more interesting your home can look.
5. Get A Bookshelf
A bookshelf helps you to show off your interests – as well as give you something to do away from the TV. Why not create a reading nook? A cosy space where you can grab a read will likely encourage you to do it more. You could even invest in a big cosy bean bag or an indoor chair swing if you want to make it extra appealing.
6. Collect Your Favorite Art Pieces
Art isn’t just for people with a lot of money. You can use your favorite pieces printed on high quality paper and framed – you could even create something you love yourself if you’re quite arty. Art in each room is a great way to perk the space up. A huge piece can make a statement, while smaller pieces can be used on the same wall to create an accent.
7. Use Mirrors The Smart Way
Mirrors can be used to add texture and interest, as well as make a room look bigger and better. If you use mirrors properly, you can make a small room look much bigger. Texture on a mirror can also do a lot for your decor.
8. Mix Up Your Furniture
You don’t have to buy matching sets of furniture. This is just plain lazy! Many people don’t realize that mixing their furniture pieces can actually create a more interesting space. All you need to do is make sure the same style or a similar color is used so that the space still looks unified. You can also mix up your pillows, using different sizes and styles to create an eclectic look.
10. Create Your Own Accent Wall
Creating an accent wall is a wonderful way to show off your tastes and have fun. Include art, prints, pictures of loved ones, and even souvenirs to add to the space. However, you shouldn’t do this too much. You don’t want one in every room of the house! Instead, stick to a maximum of two. Choose walls that are bare with no distractions like doors or windows. They should draw the eye when you enter a room!
Making your home more interesting is really easy if you use the ideas and methods here. Do you have any suggestions of your own? Leave them below!
What Do Customers Really Need?
When we’re running a company, we tend to think in terms of what we want to bring to the table. But while this is an important aspect, it’s not necessarily the best way to think. Let’s not forget who the most important group is when it comes to your business: your customers. As such, it’s best to think in terms of what they want, not necessarily what you want. The good thing about this approach is that it’s not a mystery; customers everywhere generally want the same thing, regardless of industry. We take a look at four such examples below.
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Problem Solved
You’re not going to get too far if you’re not solving a problem for a customer. You’re likely well aware of the failure rate of businesses. Still, there’s little reason to get too disheartened by the figure: the fact is that the majority of these companies failed because they just didn’t add enough value to the lives of their customers. It’s important to remember that customers aren’t going to flock to you just because your there: you need to aid their lives in some way, and do things better than other companies. So ask yourself: how are you improving your customers’ lives? Is it best to put up social media advertisements to inform them of what’s new in the online world?
Peace of Mind
We live in an age of skepticism, and it’s not hard to see why. Customers have become fatigued by companies who have their own interests at heart, and also by the rise in cybercrime. There is a long list of high profile data breaches, and every one has eroded customer trust that little bit more. As such, it’s critical that you’re taking your customer’s sensitive data seriously. They should have peace of mind that their information is in safe hands. If this is one area of your business that needs improving, then learn more about how you can incorporate a system that offers the highest levels of security. If you lose your customer’s trust, then they’re highly unlikely to return in the future.
Straightforward Processes
Some companies sure do make things difficult for themselves. If you have a customer interested in making a purchase, then it’s in your best interest to make that process as smooth as possible. This should be a priority, especially if you’re running an online business. Shopping cart abandonment is a real issue for online retailers, but it should be expected if there are too many layers to the checkout process, or if you’re adding surprise charges at the final hurdle.
Good Value
Unless you’re in the luxury goods market, then you need to look at value. This can be the difference between a customer deciding to make a purchase and moving to a competitor. Of course, you need to make a profit, so it’s all about striking a balance. If you’re finding it difficult to lower the cost, then look at other areas of your business where you can save money. Customers are looking for an even balance between value and the quality of the product. Get this right, and you’re good.
Seeing Indonesia: The Must-See Locations On Your Next Trip
One of the most diverse, beautiful places that you could hope to visit in 2020 is Indonesia. If you are currently hating the cold weather of the Northern Hemisphere and are craving sunshine, then put Indonesia on your bucket list of countries to explore. With over 17,000 islands, there’s bound to be something here that appeals to you, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t a few places that you NEED to know. Not everyone has the time to see the entirety of Indonesia, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not the place for trekking, relaxing, culture, shopping and more.
Whether you are looking to couch-surf your way around the area, or you hope to book an apartment through Jual Beli Rumah, you need to know about the best places to visit when you head to Indonesia. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the must-see locations you should add to your list for the next time you’re headed to Indonesia.
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- Mount Bromo is the majestic and iconic mountain to be on in Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park. there are both active and dormant volcanoes to pick from, and as you’d be standing 2329m high, it’s one of the places that is most iconic in Indonesia. You can ride a horse or drive a jeep to the top, and you will be rewarded with the most spectacular views and sunrises!
- When you want to unwind from your long journey, and when you are in between locations to sleep, why not take a tent and go and stay at Lake Toba? You can swim in the biggest volcanic lake in the world here, and the beauty of the area is one that is quiet, serene and ready to take your breath away. As one of the most visited lakes in Indonesia, locals and visitors alike appreciate the area for its stunning beauty.
- Where you look at Bali, you’ll see the quieter shadow that is Lombok. It’s slowly becoming an extremely popular place to be in its own right. People arrive here purely to get away from the crowds, to enjoy the mountains covered in lush green and the waters a deep blue. It’s a place to escape, and Lombok is one of those famous places you MUST visit at least once.
- One of the most beautiful places has been given a UNESCO World Heritage Site status in Indonesia, with Komodo National Park at the top of every bucket list! If you’re lucky, you could see the flying foxes (fruit bats, not actual foxes!) in the air at night. The stars are an amazing sight here, and you’ll be able to see the Komodo Dragon, too.
- At Southern Sulawesi, you have Tana Toraja. It’s a popular destination that is steeped in culture. It sits between mountains, and it’s engulfed in a very rich culture, with traditional villages and ceremonies to attend that are simply fascinating.
- If you want to be in the Papua area, then you need to head to Baliem Valley. You can find tribes here, many of which are still practicing rites and ceremonies that embrace the ancient times, with purple mountains that buzz with human activity. You can explore Lani, Dani and Yali Lands, which all have their own tribes in this area of Papua.
- The heart of Indonesia lies in the capital, Jakarta. It’s the first or last stop when visiting Indonesia, and it’s an important international hub for those who want to fly worldwide. When you visit here, you’ll be surrounded in the city that remains a hectic place to be! You’ll be able to explore the rest of the country here, too, with tons of hidden places to visit both day and night.
- When you go to Java, you’ll come across the magical area of Yogyakarta. It’s got everything a visitor could want, from ancient ruins to visit, shopping and food attractions and culture to die for! Those who love to try new street food will love it here, too, as the food vendors offer perfection when you want it. There are two different religions that reside here still, and you can appreciate both in their different methods of worship.
- Lastly, one of the best for adrenaline hunting is Raja Ampat. You can find the best diving destination in Indonesia, and it’s even the best diving destination in the world. There are over 75% of the coral species in the world for you to see and you can spend time in the water with thousands of tropical fish.