SalesHQ

Getting Through a Group Interview

Hamsa Ramesha | SalesHQ — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:43:00 -0700

Group interviews are relatively easy if you work well in a team and are able to make your ideas heard in a crowd. However, they can be challenging if you have a quieter personality and prefer to keep to yourself.

Regardless of how you feel about group interviews, there’s no reason you should treat them any different, in most respects, than a standard, one-on-one interview. The same basic principles apply: Research the company, arrive on time, dress appropriately, practice answering common interview questions, and remember to follow up after the interview.

What's the Difference?

The key difference between individual interviews and group interviews is obvious: You’ll be questioned along with a bunch of other hopeful job seekers. Your objective isn’t just to show what a great employee you could be — you need to beat the competition face-to-face, too. The competition is in the room with you. Don't worry — you can use this to your advantage.

The challenge is to find the right balance between getting your opinion across and dominating the conversation. You don't want to be so close-mouthed that you're perceived as being passive or shy either. Be confident and don’t let yourself be bullied by others into staying quiet. At the same time, encourage your fellow interviewees to speak up and let their ideas be heard. You've got nothing to worry about, right? Let your knowledge and confidence speak for themselves. Keep yourself focused and calm and you'll blow away the competition.

Panel Interview vs. Project Interview

Group interviews can be conducted a few ways, depending on the quirks of the company. In a panel interview, a group of job seekers are asked several questions by a panel of people from the company. These people are usually from a variety of backgrounds, and can include someone from human resources, company executives, and/or employees you are most likely to work with should you get the job. The point of panel interviews is to make your voice heard without dominating the conversation. Are your responses memorable? Are you memorable? Be respectful, respond intelligently, and keep your cool to ace this kind of interview.

Project interviews are more hands-on. In these situations, a team of job seekers is given a group assignment which measures a variety of skills including teamwork, leadership, communication, interpersonal relationships, and project management. The interviewers want to see how well you work with each other and observe you in action — something that can’t be done in a passive, one-on-one interview. These types of interviews are difficult to prepare for, unless you’ve been told ahead of time what the assignment will be so that you can study up. In any case, turn the interview in your favor by showcasing your leadership ability. Don't just take charge and manage the whole group — make sure everyone is heard and keep the peace!

Next: What to Expect >>

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What to Expect in a Group Interview

The challenge of any interview is to figure out specifically which kind of employee the company is looking to hire. You should have an idea of the skills the position requires, based on the job description and preliminary conversations with the company. Are you applying for a leadership position? Or will you be part of a team? If you know what skills the position requires of you, focus on emphasizing those traits in the group interview.

Follow Up After

Following up after the interview is especially important for group interviews. You want to do everything you can to set yourself apart from the crowd! Don’t forget to send a thank you note to every single person who interviewed you, so make sure you've got the right names and contact information of everyone you interviewed with. In the note, it might be a good idea to remind them of something specific you said that was memorable or impressive, so they can tie a face to your name.

Take it Easy

Still worried about the group interview? Don't be — it sounds more daunting than it is! Just treat it with the same sense of precaution and preparedness you would with a one-on-one interview. Employers are still looking for the most qualified candidates who best fit their company. If you do your research, come prepared, look professional, and answer the questions well, you've done all you can. If you don’t get the position, ask for feedback. Find out where you could have improved and learn from your mistakes. At the very least, the employer will be impressed with your request, and they may just keep you in mind for the next position that opens up!

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6 Bathroom Etiquette Tips for the Office

Jeff Hindenach | SalesHQ — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:22:00 -0700

You spend eight-plus hours at work every day, so you can assume that nature will call at least once during your day. Besides your desk, the office bathroom is where you might spend the most time during the workday.

Since you spend so much of your day there, the office bathroom should be a comfortable, approachable place. Make sure you are following these basic workplace bathroom etiquette rules to keep the experience pleasant for all your co-workers.

Don’t Talk on Your Cell Phone

Nothing is more awkward than when you hear the toilet flush when you are on the phone with someone. Not only is this rude to other people in the bathroom — it’s also disrespectful to the person you are talking to. Your bodily functions are private, so please keep them that way.

Wash Your Hands … Every Time!

There should never be any excuse for not washing your hands after using the bathroom. This is a hard and fast rule, especially in the business world, where you could be shaking many hands during the day. In addition, you are spreading germs throughout the office. Since you share this space with your coworkers, do everyone a favor and wash your hands.

Next: The Urinal Is Not Chat Time >>

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The Urinal Is Not Chat Time

It doesn’t matter how close you think you are to the person or how important the conversation is, you can wait until you are out of the bathroom to talk about it. Besides the fact that you are both exposed while at the urinal, most people aren’t comfortable having a conversation while urinating. Keep the office gossip confined to the water cooler.

Make Sure the Toilet Paper Is Stocked

No one wants to be stuck on the toilet and realize there is no toilet paper. If you use the last of the toilet paper, it's up to you to make sure it's either replaced or that other bathroom users are aware of the lack of toilet paper. If you personally can’t replace the toilet paper, contact the office manager (or whoever is in charge of restocking) to alert them of the situation.

This Is Not Your Personal Bathroom

There is no reason to do your grooming routine at work when you can do it at home. The work bathroom is never the place to shave or cut your toenails. And it goes without saying that you should not be bringing reading materials into the work bathroom for an extended stay, especially if stalls are scarce.

Keep It Clean and Fresh

Treat the bathroom as if it were your bathroom at home. Keep it clean and fresh for the others who use it. If you create an odor, be courteous enough to spray air freshener for the people who will be using it after you. If you splash water all over the sink, clean it up. If you drop toilet paper on the floor, pick it up.

Using a communal bathroom can be a difficult experience if people don’t know how to share properly. Keep these tips in mind when using your workplace bathroom and hopefully you will save your coworkers from bathroom-related anxiety.

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6 Illegal Interview Questions to Avoid

Hamsa Ramesha — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:25:00 -0700

Wondering which questions you'll be asked during your job interview? You should expect the usual ones, such as "Where do you see yourself in five years?" and "What's your greatest weakness?" But then there are more colorful questions, such as "What animal best describes you?" and "If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you want to have with you?" that you should brace yourself for.

Regardless of what questions get thrown your way, there are a handful of interview questions you should never be asked. Be aware — questions about subjects in these categories violate your rights:

• Age	• National origin
• Birthplace	• Race
• Color	• Religion
• Disability	• Sex
• Marital/family status

However, don't assume an employer's prying questions are suggestive of discriminatory intentions. Often, a hiring manager is just trying to assess your fit for the job, not trying to illegally discriminate. While you can't be asked directly about any of these topics, don't be surprised if you find yourself discussing your family or religion with a potential employer either. It all depends on how the question is phrased.

While it's important to protect yourself from illegal interview questions, there are legal alternatives to get the same information out of you. Be prepared and know your options by checking out these six examples of illegal interview questions, and how they can be rephrased to pass the law.

Next: "Are You a U.S. Citizen?" >>

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ILLEGAL: "Are you a U.S. citizen?"

LEGAL: "Are you authorized to work in the U.S.?"

Employers aren't allowed to ask about your national origin, and that includes inquiring about your citizenship status. Touchy immigration issues aside, this question makes unnecessary assumptions based on your looks and racial stereotypes. On the flip side, employers can ask if you're allowed to work in the U.S. By rephrasing the question, they're avoiding directly asking if you're a citizen, green card holder, or on a visa.

ILLEGAL: "How old are you? When did you graduate from college?"

LEGAL: "Are you over the age of 18?"

Whether you're 18 going on 48 or 60 going on 40, employers are not allowed to discriminate against age (which is what the first question implies). However, when asked differently, the question becomes legal; the legal phrasing implies an age range, not a specific number. After all, employers need to know their employees are over 18 years of age to work legally in the U.S.

ILLEGAL: "Are you married? How many children do you have? Who do you live with?

LEGAL: "Can you relocate if necessary? Are you willing to travel as a part of this job? Can you work overtime as necessary?"

Your marital and family status is not being interviewed here — you are. Anything about your living situation, roommates, fiancés, spouses, children, etc., is off limits. While employers might simply be trying to gauge how busy you are in your personal life to see if it clashes with work responsibilities, it's illegal to make a hiring decision based on this factor. As a potential employee, if you can commit to the necessary work hours and agree to the job requirements, your other responsibilities shouldn't matter. Women should especially be wary of being asked for their maiden name — not required for employers if it isn't legally your name. (But you can be asked if you've ever worked under another name.)

Next: "How Much Do You Weigh?" >>

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ILLEGAL: "How much do you weigh?"

LEGAL: "Are you comfortable with lifting heavy objects?"

While employers may want to make sure you're physically able to do the job, asking directly about your weight/height and general health is a major HR no-no. Not to mention potentially embarrassing for you! But rephrasing the question to ask about your ability to perform a specific task is fair game.

ILLEGAL: "Do you have any disabilities? Any recent illnesses or operations?"

LEGAL: "Are you able to perform the essential job functions?"

Discriminating against the disabled, whether wheelchair-bound or clinically depressed, is a classic example of illegal hiring practices. But the employer still has a right to make sure you can do the job you're hired for and rephrasing the question accordingly is within their rights.

ILLEGAL: "Ever been arrested?"

LEGAL: "Ever been convicted of ___?"

A general question about your (criminal) past is off topic, but a more targeted question regarding questionable behavior — as it relates to your job — is okay. For example, if you were applying for a job as a magician, it's appropriate to ask if you've ever been convicted of fraud in your line of work.

It's not so much what the question is asking, but how the question is asked. Federal and state laws prevent employers from asking interviewees about subjects unrelated to the job. However, if you feel you have been asked a question that's off-limits, you should seek legal counsel. Before you take serious action, take into consideration the nature of the job, the context of the situation, the interviewer's intent, and of course, the phrasing of the question. Good luck, and happy interviewing!

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8 Surefire Ways to Break Writer’s Block

Jeff Hindenach | SalesHQ — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:35:00 -0700

There's nothing more frustrating to a writer than writer’s block. You strain your brain to make something happen, but nothing comes out. You’re out of ideas. And it seems like there's nothing you can do to fix the situation.

Sometimes the words just won’t come, and staring at a blank page just makes you more frustrated. Don’t throw your hands up in surrender. Here are eight easy ways to break down the wall of writer’s block and find your voice again.

Take a Break

Sometimes overworking your brain can make it just shut down. Surf the internet. Watch your favorite show. Take a nap. Anything to give your mind a little break. You could even try relaxing yourself through meditation. Find a quiet place in your home or office and do some deep breathing exercises. The less pressure and stress you put on the brain, the more your mind can get creative.

Listen to Music

A good way to relax yourself is to listen to music. Pick songs that are low-key and filled with meaningful lyrics. Listen to the lyrics and see if any ideas start flowing. If you think more upbeat, energetic music will inspire you to write, blast some of that — but use headphones if you share an office! Music stimulates the brain, and gets the creative juices flowing again.

Brainstorm

Sometimes, constructing an entire sentence, paragraph, or page in your head can be overwhelming. Start small. Write down a random word or thought. Then, start writing every word or phrase that comes to mind when you look at that word. This exercise will not only jog the brain, but — if you keep yourself loosely focused on the topic at hand — it can produce some solid ideas.

Have a Snack

Sometimes writer's block is caused by something as simple as the brain not having enough nutrients to function correctly. Make sure you're properly fed when you sit down to write. If you find your stomach rumbling while you're hard at work, try making yourself a snack that combines carbs and protein. Carbs will give you the initial jolt your brain needs, while the proteins will help you maintain that energy throughout the day.

Next: Go for a Walk/Jog >>

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Go for a Walk/Jog

Exercise can release endorphins that not only make you happy and energetic but are known to help make the brain function better. If you are stuck for words, strap on your running shoes and head outside for a quick jog. If you need something even faster or with less impact, do some jumping jacks in front of your computer or sit-ups on your bedroom floor. Stuck at work? Take a walk around the block a few times to get the blood pumping.

Pick up a Book

Reading can be the best way to get into the writing mood. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a classic novel, pick anything you enjoy reading. Reading stimulates the language part of the brain — which is exactly the part you need for writing. It can also give you inspiration about vocabulary, tone, and flow.

Do Something that Inspires You

If you love to cook, get in the kitchen and start working. If you love to draw, break out your sketchbook. Creativity often breeds creativity. Exercising one part of your brain can also help stimulate other parts of your brain, so try to do something that’s completely different from writing.

Just Start Writing

One of the most common cures for writer’s block is to get something, anything down on paper. It sounds difficult when you have a block, but just writing whatever comes to mind can get you putting your ideas on paper and help your brain make sense of things. Even if it’s just a stream of consciousness, you can go back and edit it later. The point is to break the block by forcing your brain to forge ahead.

Remember, writing is both creative and functional. It can tax the brain heavily, so make sure you are taking plenty of breaks and feeding your brain what it needs. Try these tips, and you should be writing again in no time!

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Good Coffee Is Vital to a Happy Workplace

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 10:58:00 -0700

When employees are asked to do more with less, smart business managers look for creative, affordable ways to keep staff motivated. Now, new survey findings reveal that small perks like good, free coffee can have a major impact in boosting employee morale.

According to a recent national survey, three out of five employed Americans feel more motivated to do their best work when provided with perks in the office. Nearly half said small perks make them feel more valued.

“It’s important for business managers to recognize and reward their staff for their hard work, even if a tight budget only allows for small perks,” said Dr. Bob Nelson, a leading authority on workforce motivation, best-selling author, and co-founder of Recognition Professionals International.

Nelson points to fresh, free gourmet coffee as a commonly desired office perk that has a very high perceived value to employees. A recent national survey conducted on behalf of Keurig, Incorporated, a leader in single-serve brewing systems, showed 37 percent of employees surveyed would prefer free, daily fresh gourmet coffee or tea over a company’s annual holiday party.

Keurig’s Single-Cup Brewing technology makes it easy to reward employees by providing a variety of gourmet beverages for everyone’s tastes, without the waste, mess, and hassle associated with traditional coffeemakers.

A new small business coffee web site, www.BusinessCoffeeExpress.com, features the Keurig® Single-Cup Brewing System and a wide variety of coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and other beverages in K-Cup® portion packs. Convenient starter kits include a Keurig OfficePRO™ Brewer and the right amount of K-Cups®, condiments, and accessories for offices of different sizes.

Office managers can save time and money by setting up a recurring order through Office EXPRESS(sm), an automatic K-Cup delivery program. A coffee calculator on the web site helps determine how many K-Cups to order, based on the number of people in the office or the number of visitors expected each day. Businesses with busy waiting rooms, such as medical offices, beauty salons and auto garages, find Keurig Single-Cup Brewing to be an easy way to keep clients and customers happy.

The website offers over 100 varieties of K-Cup portion packs, including several new iced coffee and iced tea options. The new Brew Over Ice K-Cups are specially designed to brew directly over ice, so employees can enjoy a cool afternoon treat without leaving the office.

SalesHQ's Guide to Work Happy Hour Etiquette

Jeff Hindenach | SalesHQ — Fri, 14 May 2010 12:17:00 -0700

At the end of a hellish day, it can be fun to go out and have a few with your favorite coworkers. But drinking with your office mates isn’t like drinking with your friends on the weekend. The same rules just don’t apply.

No matter how laid-back your office may be, your actions always reflect on your professional persona. So what kind of behavior is appropriate? We’ve put together a little work happy hour etiquette guide for you.

Pretend You Are Still at the Office

What happens at happy hour doesn’t necessarily stay at happy hour. You don’t want to be the butt of the office joke the next day, so keep your wits about you when joining your coworkers for drinks. Act like you are still in an office setting, and that all the usual HR rules still apply. This should give you a solid guideline of how to act.

Treat Your Boss Like You're Still at Work

Just because you’re sharing a pint doesn’t mean you’re now BFFs. Pitching him ideas while he’s trying to enjoy his Pilsner is not going to gain you any brownie points. Chances are he’s not going to remember what you talked about the next day anyway, so why are you trying so hard? As with your other coworkers, keep the conversation light and superficial.

Don’t Overstay Your Welcome

Having a few drinks after work with your coworkers is fine. Closing down the bar with them is not. The drunker you get throughout the night, the more likely you are to embarrass yourself in front of your entire office. If you feel like you just have to stay out late, call some friends to meet up with you at a different bar.

But if you do find yourself stuck at the bar until last call with your coworkers, remember to avoid the following …

Office Relations Are Off Limits

No matter how hot he is and how drunk you are, it’s not ok to flirt with the guy from Sales. While legitimate work relationships may be acceptable at your office, sloppy drunken hookups are not covered in the HR training. These are people you will have to work with on a daily basis — having an awkward hookup relationship with your coworkers just makes it more difficult for you to do your job properly.

Next Page: Don’t Get Sloppy →

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Don’t Get Sloppy

Doing shots off the stomach of the girl from Accounting is a big no-no. Dancing on the bar is probably frowned upon. And joining in on Jager-bomb races can only lead to trouble. These are extreme examples, but even having one too many beers can put you on the road to embarrassment. Keep track of how much you are drinking, and have a glass of water handy to sip between drinks. If you find yourself getting tipsy, excuse yourself and hail yourself a cab home.

Keep Trash Talking to a Minimum

You may find it a little harder to keep work gossip to yourself once you’ve had a few. Try harder. Chances are if you’re drunk, you may be talking at a louder volume than you think. It’s true what they say — loose lips sink ships, and you could be sinking your career ship if you’re branded the office gossip.

This Is Not Jersey Shore

Alcohol is a mood accelerant. If you dislike someone from the office, emotions can run high once you start knocking them back. Don’t pick a fight. Whether it be physical or verbal, fighting at a work happy hour creates an uncomfortable situation for everyone involved and could even lead to your termination if it gets out of hand.

Remember the Consequences

No matter what happens during happy hour, you’re going to have to deal with the fallout the next day. As fun as your coworkers might be, you have to know when to say enough is enough. If you are worried you won’t be able to cut yourself off, designate a responsible coworker to tell you when you’ve had enough.

While an office happy hour can be a great way to network at work, it can also easily destroy your career with one wrong move. Watch your alcohol intake, keep a cool head, and keep the conversation light and you’ll be fine. Enjoy yourself!

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Should Sales Performance Management be Pay-as-You-Go?

MARKETWIRE — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 10:38:00 -0700

Callidus Software Inc. (NASDAQ: CALD), the leader in Sales Performance Management (SPM), announced today the industry's first "pay-as-you-go" pricing option for its Sales Performance Management suite, the Monaco release. With the new option, customers can get the full-featured, best-of-class SPM solution suite with low entry costs, through monthly subscription.

"While conventional pricing models require substantial up-front investment, Callidus' new pay-as-you-go model enables businesses to receive the full advantage of its market-leading SPM suite with dramatically reduced entry costs," said Lorna Heynike, senior vice president of marketing at Callidus Software. "Through the new offer, our customers can avoid large-scale initial capital investments and bypass complex approval cycles required by traditional license models or multi-period contracts. We believe this will enable thousands of small- to medium-sized businesses to access our sales lifecycle management solutions and drive immediate improvements in sales execution."

The new purchasing offer is available for deployments of up to 200 payees. Customers can subscribe on a month-to-month basis, with a 30-day cancellation option.

In an effort to drive down entry costs and increase time to value for its customers, Callidus has also recently launched Monaco Propel: a new, fast track implementation option that enables customers to deploy the Callidus SPM solution suite within six to eight weeks. The Propel offer enables businesses to quickly recognize the value of Callidus' solutions at a dramatically reduced cost, with minimum risk.

Monaco Propel is based on a pioneering approach to accelerating time to value in SPM: pre-built best practices built over 14 years of experience with customers in multiple industries. Propel includes a re-usable library of compensation plan components, pre-built Excel data management templates, pre-built compensation statement reports and dashboards, and a library of sales on-boarding and communications workflows. The libraries enable businesses to meet and exceed industry standards for competitive advantage with a very short ramp up time. To learn more about Monaco Propel, please visit: http://www.callidussoftware.com/go/propel

"In today's environment of reduced spend and increased scrutiny on operating expenses, businesses need to focus on projects like SPM, which both position the business to move forward at an accelerated pace once companies begin to increase spend again and deliver a rapid return on investment," said Ron Fior, senior vice president, finance and operations and CFO at Callidus Software. "Generally it's prudent to avoid investing up-front in big projects that take one or more years to come to fruition. By the time the projects are implemented, in this rapidly changing environment, the business' needs will have changed. The shorter time to value has been an ongoing trend with our customers and we are seeing the impact of the benefit of solutions like Monaco in our new implementations."

Callidus Software's award-winning solutions manage the entire sales lifecycle from on-boarding, to pay for performance, to talent development, while providing visibility into sales operations and financial performance. This gives customers the ability to align their sales force and channels with their business objectives to consistently and reliably execute on sales targets. The software is used by leading companies in a broad range of verticals including high-tech, telecommunications, banking, insurance, and pharmaceuticals. Since its inception nearly 15 years ago, the company has evolved into the most experienced, proven, and reliable SPM vendor in the marketplace. Callidus Software manages over $50 billion in incentives and compensation for more than 2 million payees in over 140 countries.

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6 Ways You Could Be Kidding Yourself In Your Career

J.T. O’Donnell | CAREEREALISM.com — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:15:00 -0700

When it comes to your career, do you lie to yourself? The answer is most likely ‘yes.’ In an article I read by Sam Sommers, a professor of psychology at Tufts University, he explains how and why we like to kid ourselves. He explains:

“People do this all the time. We bend the facts to fit our self-image, perpetuating a view of ourselves that is often more positive than accurate.”

In fact, Sommers outlines the six main ways we use self-deception to make ourselves feel better. As I read each one, various people came to mind and I realized many professionals use these forms of self-deception in their careers. And, while Sommers argues that some self-deception is effective as a coping mechanism to keep us from falling prey to feelings of helplessness or depression. Overall, the tools we use to kid ourselves cause problems. Let’s take a look at each one:

Featured Author: CAREEREALISM.com

CAREEREALISM.com provides timely, honest answers to today's toughest career questions. Only 'approved' experts who meet a set of professional criteria are able to contribute to the site, ensuring readers get refreshingly real advice from proven advisers. Using the latest online technologies, the site also offers tools and resources, including free webinars and tutorials, to help job seekers get up-to-speed on the best way to find work and advance their careers. Visit them today at CAREEREALISM.com.

Get Started: Rationalization

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Rationalization

Often accompanied by denial, rationalization is used to justify things we do that we know are wrong. For example, the employee who submits fake receipts on his expense report to get a few extra bucks every month and says to himself, “Everyone does it. And besides, the company doesn’t pay me enough.” Or, the job seeker who lies on their resume to get the interview and validates it with, “Their candidate criteria is unrealistic…it’s the only way I’ll get the chance to prove I’m the right person for the job.”

To sum it up, rationalization is the way we allow ourselves to take short cuts, avoid extra work and exploit resources.

QUESTION: What have you rationalized recently to make yourself feel better about a choice or decision at work that, deep down, you knew was questionable?

Featured Author: CAREEREALISM.com

Keep Reading: Better-Than-Average Effect

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The Better-Than-Average Effect

Sommers shares an amazing example of this. He regularly asks his classes how strong their social skills are. Based on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being totally socially inept and 10 being the best. Here’s what he experiences:

“When I ask my students this in class, the average response is an eight or a nine. Even when I tell them to limit their comparison group to Tufts students, far more that have tell me their social skills are better than average. Impressive, no? Either I’m the luckiest professor at the university or a large percentage of those students are kidding themselves.”

Sommers explains the ‘I’m better-than-average’ mentality is quite popular. He cites one study showed 86% of managers believe they are more ethical than their peers. Let’s be honest, how many times have you thought to yourself, “I’m better than my co-workers.” Better still, when’s the last time you contemplated how much better you are than your boss?

QUESTION: When it comes to your job, are you really as good as you think you are?

Featured Author: CAREEREALISM.com

Keep Reading: Illusions of Control

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Illusions of Control

This is when we think, even in spite of the odds, we can manage the outcome of a situation. For example, many workers think that if they do their job well and stay ‘under-the-radar’ at work, then they should be able to keep their job as long as they want it. I’m pretty sure a lot of people were using this self deception tool this past year and learned the hard way it doesn’t work. 13M people are unemployed and learning first-hand that there is no such thing as controllable job security.

QUESTION: Do you think your hard-working efforts on-the-job ensure a job is yours for as long as you want it?

Featured Author: CAREEREALISM.com

Keep Reading: Basking in Reflected Glory

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Basking in Reflected Glory

This is my favorite self deception tool because it explains why we are drawn to those with great amounts of professional success. Sommers explains, “People are social animals. We spend much of our lives seeking out and managing bonds with others. It should come as no surprise, then, that when we’re trying to feel good about ourselves, we frequently call to mind our more illustrious associations, basking in their reflected glory.”

In common language, we like to brag about our association with winners. So true! Why is it that people love to share their conversations with higher-ups as a way to up their own worth? Better still, why do we gladly take credit for our associations with successful projects at work, but tend to downplay our involvement in those that failed?

QUESTION: Who or what do you like to brag about as a way to improve your professional credibility?

Featured Author: CAREEREALISM.com

Keep Reading: Downward Social Comparison

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Downward Social Comparison

So, what happens when a person we view as our equal suddenly becomes more successful than us? How do we react when we are faced with the reality that we really aren’t better-than-average? Simple. We start to compare ourselves to the least successful people we know. Sommers gives some interesting evidence to support the fact that, sometimes, there’s nothing like other people’s struggles to make us feel better about our own plight. i.e. our own financial challenges never seem as bad when we see people in foreclosure.

QUESTION: When someone you view as a peer (i.e. coworker) is doing better than you professionally, do you react by spending time with folks who you feel certain will always be one step behind you?

Featured Author: CAREEREALISM.com

Keep Reading: Self-Handicaping

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Self-Handicaping

Last, but by no means least, self-handicaping is when we chose to actually sabotage our own performance to ensure our ego stays in tact. The most common example of this is the student who stays out all night before the test. If they fail, they have an excuse, and if they pass, they get to brag about the accomplishment in spite of no studying. In the work world, people do this all the time too! Anyone who has put off a tough work assignment until the eleventh hour is guilty of this. In fact, I think self-handicaping is the most common way people hold themselves back from advancing in their career. It’s easy to validate a lack of career progression when we undermine our own efforts.

QUESTION: Have you ever justified an inability to move forward in your career based on outside distractions (ie. significant other, personal commitments, etc.)

Featured Author: CAREEREALISM.com

Keep Reading: So What?

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So, now that you know the ways in which we use self-deception, the question remains, “What should we do about our avoidance of the truth?” As I mentioned earlier, Sommers suggests that while we should recognize how it holds us back, we should also understand it can be helpful too:

“Our real task, psychologically, may not be to banish self-deception but to make it work for us – to enlist it when we feel threatened and let go of it when we’re ready to face facts. Should we always evaluate ourselves in relation to those of inferior aptitude? No – we ‘ll grow complacent and develop an exaggerated sense of competence. But sometimes a dash of downward social comparison is just what we need to bounce back from failure. Or maybe the better-than-average effect will do the trick. Or a little rationalization.”

So, be honest. Which of the six do you use? Or, are you better than the rest of us and don’t use self-deception? Better still, what examples have you seen of self-deception by your peers lately? Why not do a little downward social comparison and share their stories below.

Featured Author: CAREEREALISM.com

Office Extremes: How Flexible Should Our Work Schedule Be?

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 11:48:00 -0700

The Human Services and Public Health Department of Hennepin County, Minnesota, has taken the idea of a flexible work schedule to its logical extreme:

Hennepin County is practicing what's called a results-only work environment, or ROWE, which gives everyone in a company the freedom to do their job when and where they want, as long as the work gets done. The state of Minnesota signed a contract for the program last year as part of a campaign to reduce rush hour traffic on 35W in Minneapolis.

This is just clearly a good idea. After all, what could an employer possibly care about beyond results? And in Hennepin County, there is some initial evidence that ROWE has made things much more efficient. They used to have a two-week backlog of public support cases to process. Now that's down to five days. A ROWE program would also save employers money on everything from printing paper to electricity.

If this seems risky to employers, it's probably because they feel like they need visual reassurance that people are actually doing work. And if that's the case, their real problem is not having clearly defined the "results" they care about in the first place.

Do you agree with this practice? Sound off in the comments!

Are We Starting to Care Less About Money?

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:45:00 -0700

A new survey by the advertising and marketing firm Ogilvy & Mather suggests we might be:

Among the study’s key findings is that “having it all” is an unrealistic goal with 75% of those surveyed saying they would rather get out of the rat race than climb the corporate ladder – and instead, 76% said they would rather spend more time with family than make more money.

Moreover, Americans are showing disenchantment with the pursuit of money with 75% again saying they would trade job security over a job that offered an opportunity for raises.

This probably due in part to the bad economy. A lot of people who pinned their happiness to money got burned—and realized they could find meaningful gratification in other ways. I just hope some of this wisdom sticks if, and when, the economy picks back up.

It's nice not having the bulk of our Ivy League grads going straight into investment banking.

What do you think? Sound off in the comments!

April Fools' Day: Fool-Proof Pranks for the Office

Hamsa Ramesha | SalesHQ — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:26:00 -0700

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April Fools is just around the corner, and that means you've either got a nefarious prank up your sleeve, or are planning to take some PTO to avoid being pranked. Whatever type of funny business you choose for April Fools' Day, make sure that you don't cross the line and get yourself fired or involved in a lawsuit! Follow these guidelines when thinking up your practical joke to protect your career, and possibly, your colleagues.

- Consider the level of embarrassment or disruption your prank could cause at work.

- What kind of consequences will your joke have? Anything that could be potentially long term or career-damaging should be avoided.

- What's your motive? If it's revenge, it's not a prank. Back off now.

- Who is your victim? If your boss is your target, tread carefully. Be extra cautious when fooling employees who are higher up the corporate ladder. The higher they are, the harder they fall.

In the meantime, check out these five office-friendly pranks that you can use to laugh it up come April 1st! We've put together a mixed batch of humorous pranks that won't get you fired, but will get you laughs.

What are you waiting for? Start Pranking >>

[page]

1. Office Ransom

The Prank:

Steal an item of value from your victim. Objects of value such as special writing tools, a nice mouse, an ergonomic keyboard, or a personal coffee cup, work well. Take a picture of the item and leave it on their desk along with a ransom note. Extra points for wearing a wicked mustache!

Level: C

This prank is simple, and to the point. You can't go wrong with this practical joke, but you aren't impressing anybody either. Points for trying, but you lose on actual cleverness.

Keep Pranking: The Pen is Mightier >>

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/creative_tools/ / CC BY 2.0

2. The Pen is Mightier

The Prank:

They say the pen is mightier than the sword. Have you tried testing that theory?

Take all the pens from your colleague's desk and paint some of the tips with clear nail polish so that they won't write. With the remaining pens, glue the caps to the pens so that they won't come off! Sit back and watch as your coworker goes through everything, trying to find something to write with! (Note: You can remove the nail polish by dipping the pens in nail polish remover. No harm, no foul.

Level: B

High points for hilarity and public embarrassment; but this also lacks difficulty and complexity.

Keep Pranking: Office Conspiracy >>

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3. Office Conspiracy

The Prank:

Gather a group of coworkers who will be in on the joke. Have each of them call the victim's office throughout the day asking for a mysterious employee called "Joe." Of course, your poor coworker will have no idea who they are asking for and will proceed to become increasingly frustrated by the end of the day. To top it off, at the end of the day, have one last person call in as "Joe" and ask the victim for any messages!

Level: B

You get major points for the extended time frame of the prank, coordination of a larger group, but the level of public embarrassment could be higher. Try again.

Keep Pranking: Foiled Again! >>

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/goldberg/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

4. Foiled Again!

The Prank:

Go out and by lots of aluminum foil. Wait until your intended victim leaves for the day on March 31. Once you're sure he's left the premises, you and your fellow colleagues start covering everything in aluminum foil. And we mean everything, like his desk, pens, books, phone, and chair. (Note: You can also try shrink wrap or other similar materials if you prefer.)

See What it Looks Like:

Level: A-

Points for involving more people, and creating a small conspiracy! While it's not the most devious prank in the world, it is pretty hilarious. Kudos for a job well done!

Keep Pranking: Bathroom Bait >>

[page]

5. Bathroom Bait

The Prank:

This complex office joke will guarantee you as the reigning prank master if you can pull it off successfully!

You'll need a pair of pants, socks, shoes, and something to stuff them with, like a large doll or crushed newspaper. Go into a bathroom stall at work and place the stuffed pants on the toilet seat, so that it looks like someone is using the stall. Lock the stall door and get out of there! Set up a fake bathroom dummy for however many stalls your office bathroom has. If you really want to go for it, hide a tape recorder in the bathroom with sounds of flushing and other bathroom-appropriate noises! Sit back and laugh it up as coworkers wait, and wait, and wait for an empty stall.

Level: A

Congratulations for pulling off a masterful prank without getting caught and successfully frustrating your fellow coworkers. You win major points for pulling off a pretty complicated prank that required a lot of planning, stealth and sheer nerve. You are a prank king!

Take a Break From Your Job Search

Steve Berman — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:04:00 -0800

6 Ways to Maintain Your Sanity While Looking for Work

They say looking for a job is a full-time job in itself, but that’s only partially true. Full-time jobs come with things like regular paychecks, benefits and a sense of pride and accomplishment. Compare that to the frustrating, tedious and mostly unrewarding task of finding a job, and it’s no wonder that some people stop looking for work entirely.

While only hard work and persistence (along with a little luck) will propel someone back into the workforce, job-seekers also need to remember to take a rest from searching every now and then, too. Breaks from searching for a job are just like breaks when you’re on the job -- they raise your spirits, help you refocus and generally make you feel like a human again. What a concept, huh?

For the sake of your own mental health, you need to give yourself at least one breather a day if you’re pounding the virtual pavement looking for work. The good news? These breaks don’t have to be time-consuming or expensive to be effective. Here are 6 suggestions sure to help boost your spirits.

DIY Sandwiches →

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1. Make Yourself Lunch

While it’s tempting to just grab whatever snacks are handy and munch away while searching job listings online, a better solution for your middle-of-the-day cravings is to make your own lunch.

Not only is it less expensive and healthier than eating out or just forgoing lunch altogether, it’s also a nice timeout from your job search. The routine activities of making a sandwich or a salad can have a calming effect, and you don’t need to be a Top Chef contestant to put cold cuts, cheese, veggies and condiments (or peanut butter and jelly, for that matter) between two pieces of bread.

Get Moving! →

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2. Exercise

Being unemployed can sap not just your finances, but your energy too. One of the best ways to get the blood flowing (and get a brief respite from calling hiring managers and emailing resumes) is to set aside a little time each day for some exercise.

Whether you hit the gym, walk the dog or play a game of Wii Fit, working up a sweat is the perfect antidote to a sedentary day spent looking for your next job. Also, exercise is just as beneficial for your brain as the rest of your body, so it stands to reason that being physically active can help you stay optimistic and focused – a must when looking for employment.

Keep it Clean →

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3. Tackle One Minor Household Project

One of the most important parts of an effective job search is staying organized. However, if the environment around you is chaotic, your state of mind will be, too.

Cleaning your desk, washing those dishes in the sink or making your bed are all good ways to take a break while at the same time staying productive. Plus, a well-ordered workspace will help keep you focused once you go back to looking for employment.

Making your living space look better will make you feel better, but remember -- this is supposed to be a short break from your job search. Don’t procrastinate and start some gargantuan project like cleaning out the garage or painting your living room. Remember, we said “one minor household project,” not "several major household projects."

Put Down the Computer →

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4. Read a Book

Too many of us can't even remember the last time we were enthralled by a book. You know -- one with an actual cover and pages that you can store on a shelf? With everything available online these days, including pretty much everything related to finding your next job, it’s easy to waste an entire day surfing the Internet.

To combat this all-too-common obstacle, allow yourself a small amount of time (15-30 minutes) to read something that (gasp) isn’t on a computer screen. When you’re finished, you’ll see how much easier it is to focus on the task at hand instead of checking out all those gossip sites, LOLcats and Facebook games that waste the days of countless job seekers.

Feeling Sleepy? →

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5. Take a Nap

Searching for work when you're exhausted can actually be counterproductive. Sleep deprivation makes you more prone to make spelling and grammatical errors in the 20 different cover letters you planned to send out before the day's end, and hiring managers tend to find it annoying when it's clear you're yawning during that phone interview.

Whether you stayed up too late the night before or your job search has driven you to the point of exhaustion, a short nap is oftentimes a much better idea than trying to fight through feelings of fatigue. While too much daytime dozing can actually make you more tired or hinder your nighttime sleep cycle, "power naps" (about 20-minutes or so) will leave you refreshed and ready to look for work. You'll also be in good company with famous former and current nappers such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Albert Einstein and Bill Clinton.

Location, Location, Location →

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6. Visit the Local Coffee Shop

Here’s something you can do that not only gives you a break, but keeps you searching for jobs at the same time. Unemployment and disposable income rarely go hand-in-hand, but it costs relatively little to grab a coffee and hang out for an hour or two at a café, and most coffee shops (the independent ones, anyway) have free Wi-Fi.

Not only does heading to an Internet café get you out of the house, it’s also an energizing experience that reminds you there’s a world out there. Maybe it’s the caffeine, maybe it’s all the people working away on their computers, but the environment at a coffee house is usually pretty lively and conducive to getting things done. Plus, unless your life is an episode of Friends, visiting a café is a temporary activity. At some point you’ll leave and go home or to the store or wherever. Meanwhile, hanging out at home day after day, sending out countless resumes from the same spot on your couch, makes you feel more like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day.

Remember, you won't be unemployed forever!

Don't be afraid to change things up every now and then. Remember, you’re a human being whose life isn’t solely controlled by whether or not they have a job interview that day. You will get a job eventually, especially if you give yourself a short, productive, revitalizing break every day. Your job search won’t just be more pleasant, it will be more effective, too.

JOB SEARCH TIPS

Hooking Up with Recruiters

Tips for Job Hunting During the Recession

Help Your References Help You

US House Passes Tax Breaks for New Hires

Associated Press — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:46:00 -0800

Despite doubts among many US lawmakers that it will create many jobs, the House on Thursday passed legislation giving companies that hire the jobless a temporary payroll tax break.

The measure passed 217-201 on a mostly party-line vote. The bill also extends federal highway programs through the end of the year.

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Some Democrats feel the approximately $35 billion jobs bill is too puny, while others say the tax cut for new hires will not generate many new jobs. However, the pressure is on to address jobs and deliver a badly needed win for President Barack Obama and a Democratic Party struggling in opinion polls and facing major losses in the upcoming November elections. Further jobs measures are promised.

"If that's the only thing that I can vote on ... I'll vote for it, obviously," said Rep. Bill Pascrell, a Democrat, "We've got to get something moving. We've got to get something done."

"It's really not a jobs bill," said Rep. Barbara Lee, a Democrat. "It's one small piece." Lee said she instead wants money in the legislation for job training and youth summer jobs.

The House had passed a much larger measure in December that contained almost $50 billion in infrastructure funding, $50 billion in help for cash-starved state governments, and a six-month extension of jobless aid. That bill conspicuously left out the proposals to award tax credits for hiring new workers.

The Senate responded last week with the far smaller measure that the House is reluctantly accepting. The House amended the measure Thursday to conform with so-called pay-as-you-go budget rules that have become an article of faith among moderate Democrats. The rules require future spending increases or tax cuts to be paid for with either cuts to other programs or equivalent tax increases.

The minor tweak means that the notoriously balky Senate would have to act again before Obama could sign the bill into law.

A service of YellowBrix, Inc.

Car Salesman Shot During Test Drive

Mail Tribune — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:55:00 -0800

What started as a routine test drive ended in violence Saturday for a Lithia Toyota car salesman who had less than two weeks on the job.

Robert Joe Johnson, 32, is recovering from a bullet wound to the abdomen after he was shot in a parking lot off East McAndrews Road during an alleged carjacking.

Johnson needed surgery for his wound, but was able to speak to police about the attack that left him bleeding on the parking lot of the First Nazarene Church at the corner of East McAndrews and Wabash Avenue, Medford police Chief Randy Schoen said.

"It appears he will survive the assault," Schoen said. "But it could have turned out much worse."

Johnson, a salesman with Lithia Toyota of Medford, was giving the suspect a test drive of a Ford Mustang just before noon when they pulled into the church parking lot to switch drivers, Schoen said.

The suspect, later identified as 49-year-old Clayton Emil Huff of Eagle Point, then brandished a gun and ordered Johnson to get in the trunk of the Mustang.

A struggle ensued after Johnson refused to enter the trunk, a move praised by Schoen.

"Even though he ended up with a serious wound, not getting in that trunk could have saved his life," Schoen said. "Who knows what would have happened once the suspect had him in that situation."

At some point during the struggle, Johnson was shot. Passersby who heard the gunshot and witnessed the fight called police who rushed to the scene to find Johnson sprawled on the blacktop.

The arriving officer saw Huff speed away in the Mustang and radioed other officers to the direction he was heading. That officer stayed on the scene to assist Johnson.

Additional officers pursed the Mustang on Crater Lake Avenue to Highway 62. The chase reached high speeds as Huff eventually turned onto Highway 140 heading toward Klamath Falls. He then turned onto Obenchain Road just east of Eagle Point where the pursuit would soon end after he crashed the Mustang in a field.

Jackson County sheriff's deputies in the area joined the pursuit and the agency prepared two helicopters to aide in the chase from above, Jackson County Sheriff Mike Winters said.

"We were getting ready to get the helicopters in the air when the suspect veered off the road and into a field off Highway 140 and Obenchain Road," Winters said.

Huff was arrested without incident and was being questioned by Medford detectives late Saturday. He was treated for bumps and bruises suffered in the crash that ended the pursuit.

At the church, police roped off the entire parking lot and scoured the area for shell casings, blood drops and other evidence.

Schoen said a gun was recovered at a spot where the shooting happened. He did not identify what caliber or type of gun was used in the attack.

Detectives set up a command center for briefings in a community building attached to the church. They planned to work there late into the night, Schoen said.

The chief said officers could search Huff's home in Eagle Point for additional evidence linking him to the shooting.

"There is a lot of investigating that needs to be done in this case before we can move forward," Schoen said. "We don't often have these types of shootings here in Medford."

Huff faces charges of attempted aggravated murder, first-degree assault, first-degree robbery, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and felony eluding police in a vehicle.

Attempted aggravated murder is a Measure 11 crime that carries a mandatory 10-year prison sentence upon conviction. The assault and robbery charges each carry mandatory sentences of 7 years, 6 months.

Schoen said it's usually a good idea to comply with an armed robber's request, but that advice does not always hold true.

"If they just want your property you should give it to them, but if they want you to come with them or they want to force you into a confined space, you should do what you can to get away," Schoen said. "The victim here made the correct decision."Lithia Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Sid DeBoer was shocked at the news that one of his salesman was shot on duty.

"We can't believe it," DeBoer said. "What a world we live in."

DeBoer said Johnson was new to Lithia, with only around 10 days on the job prior to the shooting. He said it's common practice for salesmen giving test drives to use the First Church of the Nazarene parking lot to change driving duties to the potential buyer.

"We are going to keep in close contact with (Johnson) and hope that he can come back to work soon," DeBoer said.

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Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

A service of YellowBrix, Inc.

Want a Chance to Win $500 Just for Using SalesHQ?

SalesHQ — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:01:00 -0800

Frequently Asked Questions: SalesHQ's Spring Is Greener Promotion

Do I need to register more than once?

No

How do I increase my odds of winning?

Simply sign into your SalesHQ account once a day through March 31, 2010 to be entered again to win. If you allow your browser to save your log-in information, you will need to click "Sign out" in the upper right corner of the site to sign out, and then "Sign In" to be counted again, each day.

Should I register more than once for better odds?

No, this will not help you at all. Just register once and sign in to your normal account everyday.

What else can I do on SalesHQ besides try to win this contest?

Check out all the ways you can find a job, get a promotion, or network with our exceptional career resources.

Register for a chance to win $500 from SalesHQ!

Tiny Salesman Gets Big Payoff

The Daily Independent — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:30:00 -0800

Eight-year-old Sawyer Mays says he wants to be a scientist when he grows up.

He'd make a good salesman, too.

A few weeks ago, Mays earned a sizable commission from one of Mom Christy Hall's co-workers for successfully selling her minivan.

Marty Kershner, assistant property manager at Providence Hill, recently purchased a new vehicle but hadn't sold her old one. For several months she had been making insurance and loan payments on both, but it was getting difficult.

After no luck with just a for-sale sign on one of the vehicle's windows, she told the maintenance men at the building - and later Mays when he inquired about the sign - that if they could sell it for more than she needed to pay it off, the extra cash was theirs.

Mays was the only one to take Kershner up on her offer.

He makes it clear he was interested in the deal only "for the money. I was saving up for a bow and arrow," Mays says, but he adds helping a friend made him feel good, too.

Mays first made signs he posted at his school, Fairview Elementary. He then tried to chat up his teachers to make the purchase.

Then after about a week he tried a different strategy and got his big break while out looking at cars with his stepfather Ralfred Hall.

"It all started out when me and Ralfred were going to test drive a car. We test drove a Mercedes and when we got back (the salesman) he said, 'Well are there are any used cars that you know are for sale?' I said, uh yea, Marty's van at Providence Hill. He went and looked at it," Mays explained this week.

Fred Unrue salesman Doug Cummings confirmed Mays sales pitch sounded good.

"He's pretty much got it down," Cummings said.

After looking at Kershner's van the next day he bought it on the spot, paying her $100 more than she needed.

"When he bought it from me, he said, 'You know Sawyer sold this car.' I said 'That's OK with me,'" Kershner recalled. "It was real nice because I just opened my insurance statement and I just got a check back. There is no car payment, no insurance and I even got a little money back."

Mays also got some money. His commission was a crisp $100 bill, which he later used to buy that bow and arrow and a set of binoculars.

Selling the car was easier and faster, he says, than saving his $8 weekly allowance earned for taking out the trash, making his bed and helping his papaw.

He plans to use his newly purchased items to earn his Cub Scout Archery merit badge and maybe even go deer hunting with his uncle.

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Copyright (c) 2010, The Daily Independent, Ashland, Ky.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

A service of YellowBrix, Inc.

_© 2009, YellowBrix, Inc._

Beware of Scams in the Job Hunt

The Kansas City Star (Kansas City, Missouri) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:20:00 -0800

In depressed job markets, where job hunters vastly outnumber job openings, there are people who try to profit at desperate job hunters' expense.

There are "headhunters" who charge for access to a "hidden job market."

There are Web pages that charge searchers to see "top-dollar" job opportunities.

There are scam artists who present job offers that are attempts to steal your identity.

Even veteran job hunters tell me they sometimes get sucked in by the offer that looks too perfect to pass up.

Repeat after me: If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Lyn Chitow-Oakes, an officer with TrustedID, an identity theft protection company, says work-at-home and pyramid business offers should send red lights flashing.

Overseas scam operators particularly are e-mailing people with offers to be their U.S. financial agents, she warns.

Do not even click on their come-ons!

You should always check out the veracity of the company that reached out to you before responding to any offer. Don't respond directly to the e-mail address or the Web page without checking into it first.

Can you find other evidence of the company's existence? Do an online search, get help from reference librarians, check the Better Business Bureau and your state attorney general's office. Look for news stories.

Never, ever fall for a pitch that asks for your Social Security number or any bank account information.

There are some legitimate work-from-home companies. If you're sure you've found one, ask to speak with some current employees and read their online employee chat boards. Most legitimate work-from-home employers will help you gain access.

And don't get sucked in by big income promises. Those often rely on getting others to buy into the sales system, too.

Chitow-Oakes suggests that when you post your resume on job boards, you can reduce the risk of your private information falling into evil hands if you use a separate e-mail address solely for your Internet-related job-hunting efforts.

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Copyright (c) 2010, The Kansas City Star, Mo.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

A service of YellowBrix, Inc.

_© 2009, YellowBrix, Inc._

6 Technology Trends That Will Change How You Do Business in 2010

Max Klausner | SmallBizLink — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:08:00 -0800

Out with the old and in with the new! The past decade revolutionized how we do business but there is plenty more to look forward to in 2010. Below is a sneak peak of coming attractions to get excited about.

1. Phone Liberation

2. Cloud Computing

3. The End of Paper

4. The Battle for Local

5. Social Spending

6. Mobile Payment Processing

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Google Voice

Google Voice will change the way your business uses the phone. Currently only available by invitation (request an invitation here) expect Google Voice to become available to the masses in 2010.

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What Google Voice can do:

There are two ways to use Google Voice depending on whether you want to keep your current number or are willing to take a new Google number.

Using Google Voice with your existing number:

Google voicemail: voicemail like email
Voicemail transcription: read what your voicemail says
Custom greetings: vary voicemail greetings by caller
International calling: low cost calls to the world
Notifications: read voicemail messages via email or SMS
Share voicemails: forward, embed, or download voicemails

The Big Deal:
No more sifting through customer messages and calls. Have your messages sent right to your inbox and transcribed! Never lose a customer number or forget about a message again.

It gets even better if you are willing to use Google’s number:

One number: a single phone number that rings all your phones
Free SMS: send, receive & store text messages online
Block calls: send unwanted callers straight to voicemail
Record calls: record phone calls and store them online
Conference calls: join several people into a single call
Screen callers: hear who is calling before you pick up

Yes, It Gets Even Cooler: Imagine going on the road for a trade-show and having the ability to easily forward all calls from the office to your cell phone. Better yet, easily ring all your numbers simultaneously.

Google will continue it's revolution of the phone industry with the addition of VOIP to Google Voice as well as the launch of Nexus One, their first phone.

Cloud Computing>
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Cloud Computing

This fancy buzzword in which data and applications cease to reside on our desktops and instead exist on servers elsewhere promises to make data and programs accessible from anywhere and enable collaboration with teams around the world.

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The cloud movement will see a major leap forward in the first half of 2010 with the launch of "Office Web Apps," free online versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote released in tandem with Microsoft Office 2010. Google also looks to be a strong player in the space with rumors of a “GDrive” that will give users infinite storage.

The Big Deal:
Imagine being able to work from anywhere with anyone. Use any computer and access any program or file. Many cloud enthusiasts believe this could be the death of the PC.

Save Money: Previously, running your own data center was an expensive headache. Cloud computing eliminates the cost by outsourcing.

Leveling the Playing Field: Advanced business systems were previously out of reach for small business owners due to the cost. Cloud computing will allow small businesses to compete with the same tools as much larger companies.

The End of Paper>

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The End of Paper

In 2010 New Hardware and online tools will combine to make paper obsolete. Okay, that’s a little bit of a stretch. However, there are a number of tools that will become available that will replace and enhance the daily functionality of paper.

Tablets & Readers:
The fabled iTablet or iSlate was one of the most anticipated unreleased items of 2009; think iPod Touch on steroids. Such a handheld device would pose a threat to all forms of print due to its portability and dynamic functionality.

[photo:63661]

The darkhorse in the tablet race is the very real plastic logic QUE, which is being hailed as the first proReader designed for business professionals. What sets the QUE apart is its super light and flexible design that will allow you to carry all your business documents and presentations. The QUE will also be able to connect to the internet and download publications and files.

Google Goes Local>

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Google Goes Local

In a quest to dominate the local advertising market Google is sending window decals to more than 100,000 U.S. businesses that they’ve identified as the most sought-after on Google and Google Maps. Much like the Yelp stickers these decals will appear in store windows and highlight the business’ status as a “Google Favorite Place.”

The decals also include QR codes (fancy bar codes) that you can scan with your mobile device to pull up the locale’s “place page” and get reviews and potentially deals and discounts. A “places page” is essentially an online profile for the business which includes the contact information, pictures, maps, and perhaps most important to Google’s strategy, reviews. Customer reviews and community are so important to Google’s strategy that they tried to acquire Yelp in a deal that recently fell through.

The Big Deal:
The real world and the web are becoming seamlessly merged. This means:

Join or Die: An online presence will be essential to even the smallest mom and pop shop. Get yourself on the map (literally) for free.

Transparency: Just by walking up to your business and sticking out their phone, a customer will be able to tap into the collective customer experience and make an educated decision about whether to do business with you. This amplifies the need for outstanding customer service.

Your customers are your billboards: The importance of your customer reviews and feedback will become crucial to your marketing efforts. Encourage loyal customers who have been promoting your business through word of mouth to move their efforts online.

Social Spending>

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Social Spending

The privacy barrier continues to erode as our daily lives become more and more transparent. The next phases of our daily lives to become available for entertainment and sharing will be our spending and purchase habits.

Why would you share your purchases decisions with the world?

Well, do you like telling your friends when you saw a good movie or bought a great new outfit? Sharing your transactions -- like sharing tweets -- is the next step in crafting your online identity.

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If this sounds far-fetched, think again. Blippy.com, a new startup in private beta, is revving up to become the Twitter of credit card and online transactions. The premise simply, “What are your friends buying?”

The Big Deal

The sharing of spending habits will lead to more in-depth market research and targeted advertising. Every purchase from your business becomes broadcast to your customer’s social circle, which creates the awareness of your product or service. That being said, so does every other brand and competitor, leading to increased transparency in pricing and customer experience. Companies with good customer service, low pricing or innovative products, no matter how small, will have the chance to exploit the crowd effect and gain market share.

Mobile Payment Processing>

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Mobile Payment Processing

Forget expensive wireless credit card terminals. Squareup, a new startup by the creator of a little site called Twitter, will turn your smartphone into a payment processor with no monthly fees or hidden costs. Text and email customer receipts while effortlessly managing all the money you take with an intuitive interface.
How does it work? Check out this video demo.

The Big Deal:
This has the potential to change how money is exchanged forever. Become a mobile commerce machine and start accepting payments anywhere.

Stop getting ripped off: Escaping the cryptic fees of credit cards will be a welcome development for all business owners.

The end of paper receipts: Emailing receipts to customers, as Apple already does, could be the first step in ridding the world of traditional receipts.

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Auto Sales End 2009 with Uptick

USA TODAY — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:25:00 -0800

Automakers ended a dreadful 2009 -- the worst U.S. sales year since 1982 -- on a positive note: Sales rose 15.1% in December compared with a year ago, reports released Tuesday show.

Even with the improvement late in the year, 2009 industry sales fell 21.2%, to 10.4 million, compared with 2008 as the recession took its toll, according to Autodata.

Among Detroit automakers, Ford was the standout in December, with sales up 32.8%. General Motors and Chrysler, which went through bankruptcy reorganizations midyear, fell 5.7% and 3.7%, respectively, in December.

Major Japanese and South Korean makers were up solidly in the month, with Hyundai leading the group with a 40.6% gain, Toyota rising 32.3%, Honda up 24.5% and Nissan up 18.2%.

Looking to 2010, most analysts expect steady but modest sales gains as customers who've waited are forced to trade aging vehicles. "It's a slow recovery," said Edmunds.com sales analyst Jessica Caldwell. "There are still a lot of displaced people who still need to buy a vehicle."

Despite winding down Pontiac, Saturn and Saab and cutting a deal to sell Hummer, GM remained the No. 1 U.S. seller. It will have just four brands going forward: Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac. Ford came close to passing Toyota for second place. It steadily grew its piece of the sales pie last year and posted its first full-year market share increase since 1995.

Detroit's laggard continues to be Chrysler. Sales fell 35.9%, and it was passed by Honda for fourth place in the U.S. Sales of 931,402 marked the first year under a million for Chrysler since 1962, according to Edmunds.com.

Ford's F-Series pickup was the best-selling vehicle in 2009, despite a trend toward thrifty, smaller cars and a commercial sales hit from the housing slump.

Ford noted that its December sales increase was broad-based in market segments. It even saw a 33% increase in sport-utility vehicle sales, which had become a slow-selling segment as crossover vehicles became the rage.

Despite an awful year when sales fell 29.9%, GM noted its December drop was less than 6% and said that came mostly from cutting back low-margin sales to rental car and corporate fleets. GM says its offer of a 60-day buyback guarantee, which ended Monday, helped drive better sales. Out of 420,000 vehicles sold during the program, only 310 have been returned.

"We've got some positive momentum going into 2010," said Susan Docherty, GM's U.S. sales chief. (c) Copyright 2010 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

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_© 2009, YellowBrix, Inc._

Economy Loses More Jobs, Unemployment at 10 pct.

Associated Press — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:42:00 -0800

The economy lost more jobs in December and the unemployment rate was unchanged, as a sluggish economic recovery has yet to revive hiring among the nation's employers.

The Labor Department says employers cut 85,000 jobs last month, worse than the 8,000 drop analysts expected.

A sharp drop in the labor force, a sign more of the jobless are giving up on their search for work, kept the unemployment rate at 10 percent, the same as in November. Once people stop looking for jobs, they are no longer counted among the unemployed.

Revisions to the previous two months' data showed the economy actually generated 4,000 jobs in November, the first gain in nearly two years, while it lost 16,000 more than previously estimated in October.

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_© 2009, YellowBrix, Inc._