When do you do your best work

When do you do your best work I do my best writing in the morning.  I like to get at least one blog post cranked out early if I do it in the morning I think the quality of the post is better.  I have less distractions then, than later. I have come to cherish the mornings as a time to get my best and most important work done. About a year ago I realized there was other important stuff I needed to do, which typically took too long to do.  I was saving it until after my best time.  The immediate result was prolonging the project, and all the the gunk you get with procrastination. So I decided to use my best time, the morning, for those projects.  Guess what happened?  They got done quickly, and well! Im definitely not a night owl I am out of mental energy by the evening, and if I have to work late I pay for it the next couple of days.  But if you are a night owl, and you do your best work at night, then capitalize on that time! The lesson for me, and the message to you, is to recognize when you are the sharpest and most efficient, and do the most important tasks then. Dont use this time for low-value tasks, or busy-work tasks.  Use this optimal time to accomplish the most important things you have on your list! When do you do your best work I do my best writing in the morning.  I like to get at least one blog post cranked out early if I do it in the morning I think the quality of the post is better.  I have less distractions then, than later. I have come to cherish the mornings as a time to get my best and most important work done. About a year ago I realized there was other important stuff I needed to do, which typically took too long to do.  I was saving it until after my best time.  The immediate result was prolonging the project, and all the the gunk you get with procrastination. So I decided to use my best time, the morning, for those projects.  Guess what happened?  They got done quickly, and well! Im definitely not a night owl I am out of mental energy by the evening, and if I have to work late I pay for it the next couple of days.  But if you are a night owl, and you do your best work at night, then capitalize on that time! The lesson for me, and the message to you, is to recognize when you are the sharpest and most efficient, and do the most important tasks then. Dont use this time for low-value tasks, or busy-work tasks.  Use this optimal time to accomplish the most important things you have on your list!

Amazing Beauty Tips Every Girl Needs to Read

Amazing Beauty Tips Every Girl Needs to Read Us girls want to make sure we look amazing during the summer months, and that is because we spend more time in the company of other people. The hot weather usually encourages more of us to venture out during the day, and we always wear less clothing in the club at night. You probably want some expert tips that are going to help ensure you look your best, right? Luckily for you, that is precisely what you’re getting this morning. My advice today is going to be a little different from the ideas you might read in other posts. That is because I know you already spend time at the salon, and so there is no point in me making recommendations of that nature. My beauty tips are for those who like to think outside of the box. Avoid Junk Food Avoiding junk food should help to keep your body in good shape. However, it should also guarantee you never lose your natural beauty. Consuming the wrong items can make your skin greasy, and it could even take some of the color away from your cheeks. Instead of eating crisps and chocolate, your body would much prefer you to down some fruit and other healthy products. Do not smoke Smoking causes aging of the skin, and so it is not a good idea if you want to remain looking beautiful this summer. Those of you who can’t kick the habit should look towards buying some premium anti-aging cream. Just ask at your local chemist if you are unsure about where to buy LifeCell anti aging products. If they don’t stock them, they are sure to know of a local shop that does. Apply the cream twice each day, and you should notice a huge improvement. Of course, stopping smoking is preferable, but some people find it too difficult. Refrain from washing your hair too much As most women should know already, washing your hair too frequently can take away many of the essential oils. That results in your hair becoming dry and damaged. After spending so much on your latest style at the salon, you will want it to look fantastic. Experts recommend you should not wash it more than twice each week to keep the hair healthy. If you do need to give it a rinse more often than that, you should simply use water. It is the products you use on your head that cause the most damage. They might seem like pretty simple ideas, but they could make a huge difference when it comes to looking your best. At the end of the day, beauty products can only do so much. Sometimes it’s lifestyle changes that are going to produce the best outcomes. If you are one of those people who wants to stop smoking but who finds it too hard, you should contact your doctor. There is lots of support out there for people who want to kick the habit. Many smokers find that attending specialist groups can give them the encouragement and motivation needed to succeed. Image Credit:  Link

Personal Branding Interview Alan Deutschman - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Personal Branding Interview Alan Deutschman - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Today, I spoke to Alan Deutschman, who writes for Fortune Magazine, GQ, Vanity Fair and New York Magazine, while being the author of the new book, Walk the Walk. In this interview, Alan tells us why most aspiring leaders dont actually become leaders, gives us an example of a leader that walks the walk, authenticity, what seperates leaders and followers and more. What do most aspiring leaders not have that keeps them from becoming leaders? Most aspiring leaders fail for several reasons. The most common problem is that they don’t have the focus that they need. The leaders’ actions must always highlight the one or two things that are most important to the cause. I call this “The Rule of One or Two.” Aspiring leaders also fail because they lack empathy. Leaders need to understand and be sensitive to the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of the people they’re trying to lead. Too often, though, they’re elitists who become awfully disconnected from the rest of us. Real leaders also need constancy because everyone is always watching to see how they walk the walk. They’ve got to be relentless, and many wannabee leaders aren’t up for it. And finally, aspiring leaders are often doomed because they don’t have the sincere belief that their people can overcome obstacles and change dramatically. They often have a high opinion of themselves, of course, but they don’t trust their people to achieve great things. Can you give an example of a leader that walks the walk (and talks the talk)? Jeff Bezos has always said that Amazon.com puts the customer firstâ€"from early on, his vision was “to create the world’s most customer-centric company.” That’s how he talked the talk. Now a lot of CEOs say that they put the customer first, but Bezos was the rare one who actually did it again and again through decisions that hurt short-term profits. He allowed customers to post negative reviews of products that Amazon was trying to sell, which was a very controversial move at the time. He came out with offers for free or cheap shipping when he could have charged a lot more. By treating customers so well, he incited the ire of Wall Street stock analysts, who called for Amazon’s board of directors to remove Bezos from power. But Amazon attracted very loyal customers, and it has thrived even during the economic downturn because of how Bezos has walked the walk. What happens when a leader doesnt walk the walk? Do they lose authenticity? If you’re talking about creating real change, very few people will believe what you say, at least in the beginning, whether you’re entirely authentic or completely phony. We’ve been lied to so many times by our supposed “leaders” in business and politics that we’ve become very cynical about what they say. But we watch what they do very closely. So walking the walk can help you gain trust. Don’t assume that you have it to begin with. Do you believe anyone can be a leader? What separates leaders from followers? Leaders strive to change the ways that other people think, feel, and act. Leadership is all about creating change. Anyone can be a leader if they embody new ways of thinking and acting and serve as a model for those around them. You don’t have to be a CEO to be a leader. If you rip out your front lawn and plant an organic vegetable garden as a small move towards reversing global warming and changing our food supply system, and you offer your fresh produce to curious neighbors when they wander by, then you’re a leader. What separates leaders from followers? Leaders have to go first and show what’s possible, and they have to do things that the rest of us can do, too. If I spend a fortune “greening” my house with the latest state-of-the-art technology, that’s no good if my neighbors can’t afford a similar retrofit. But they too can plant organic home gardens. How did the Fast Company article you wrote Change or Die change your life and build your personal brand? Before I wrote “Change or Die” I had spent most of two decades as a business journalist, but that article, and the book I wrote with the same title, helped turn me from a detached observer into an impassioned advocate. But I’m still a journalist, and I believe that the best way to interest people in provocative ideas is to report and tell a terrific, real story. Alan Deutschman is one of Americas most provocative thinkers about leadership and change. In his highly anticipated book, Walk the Walk: The #1 Rule for Real Leaders, he presents a compelling new theory of leadership. His pathbreaking earlier book, Change or Die: The Three Keys to Change at Work and in Life, began as one of Fast Company magazines most talked-about cover stories. In a 22-year career as a journalist, Alan Deutschman has been Fortune magazines Silicon Valley correspondent, GQs Profit Motive columnist, and a contributing editor at Vanity Fair and New York Magazine. Most recently, he was a senior writer for Fast Company. He is also the author of The Second Coming of Steve Jobs and A Tale of Two Valleys: Wine, Wealth and the Battle for the Good Life in Napa and Sonoma. He has taught at General Electrics Crotonville executive training center and delivered keynote addresses to leadership conferences for organizations such as National Public Radio.

The 2 Most Important Rules to Boost Your Instagram Followers and Engagement - Classy Career Girl

The 2 Most Important Rules to Boost Your Instagram Followers and Engagement Instagram, like Facebook, seems to always find ways to make it harder for businesses to get their posts seen and for people to engage with them. That said, there is plenty that you can do to increase your followers and your engagement with the right Instagram strategy. The 2 Most Important Rules to Boost Your Instagram Followers and Engagement 1. Always Use Strategic Hashtags There are countless studies and tests that looked into the impact of using hashtags on Instagram. Plenty of Instagram experts have come forward with optimum numbers of hashtags per post â€" but few agree on an exact number. The truth is, the number of hashtags you should use will differ based on your particular audience and niche. There’s no “right” number; the only thing we know with absolute certainty is that using hashtags is better than using no hashtags â€" all tests and studies support that fact. One of the most recent tests/studies I’ve read on the subject comes from the Social Media Lab; their test found that using up to 5 hashtags in your posts can lead to an impressive effect on engagement â€" particularly likes, but also comments. For the test, they used 4 different Instagram account and posted 140 updates. The results showed a staggering increase in likes of 70.41% and a 392% increase in comments â€" although, they do admit that they weren’t getting a lot of comments to start with, but they clearly got a massive increase on posts with hashtags. Of course, not just any hashtag will get you the results you’re looking for; the more strategic you are with your hashtags, the better. First off, the hashtags you use need to be clearly relevant to the update you’re posting. If you’re going to tag a post with #food (over 250 million updates are tagged with #food!) but your update has no food, you’re just going to put people off â€" not engage with you. Not to mention, the idea is to get targeted followers and engagement. If you’re getting likes from people who have absolutely no interest in your blog, or your business, then what’s the point? Additionally, it’s also better to go with lesser-used hashtags. Some have hundreds of millions of posts (like #food or #cute â€" close to 400 million!), which means that yours will likely get lost. Focus instead on hashtags that get hundreds of thousands of posts, rather than millions: [RELATED: 10 Tips on Using Instagram for Business] 2. Create a Growth Strategy While hashtags should be a big part of your growth strategy, you should also: ·           Create a healthy mix of different posts: don’t just post the same thing every day. Create a good mix of photos with different subjects (from candid shots from around the office to images of your lunch and to photos promoting your products or services), videos, and of course, Instagram Stories. Use a social media calendar and plan out your content strategy clearly; this way, you can assure yourself that you’re constantly changing things up ·           Always engage: if you want more people to follow you and engage with you, there’s no better way than through engaging with them, which is true about all social networks. Set aside a few minutes every day to engage: like photos, repost your favorite ones on your account, reply to your comments and leave comments on others’ posts, and so on. ·           Follow relevant users: you don’t need to wait for people to come to you â€" why not follow them first to get the ball rolling? Start by finding some popular accounts that are similar to yours and share the same target audience, and start going through their followers to find interesting people to follow. Then, simply start engaging with them: like their posts, leave comments, and share. ·           Use your analytics: don’t forget about your analytics. Your growth strategy should always be subject to change, based on your results. Find out which posts get you the most engagement, who engages with you the most, when your audience is online, and so on. Then, use this information to optimise your Instagram strategy â€" there’s no better study, no better tool, than your own analytics. Instagram doesn’t have to be difficult; while there are always new changes that bring about unique sets of challenges, if you’re strategic in the way you post, use hashtags, and engage, you can get very far. What are some of your biggest challenges with Instagram?    

10 Steps to Help Build Your Career

10 Steps to Help Build Your Career Originally Published here Lately I have heard the following comments from people in the business world: • I feel stuck. I want something different. • I’m in my first professional job and I don’t like it. What do I do? • If only I knew what I wanted to do, I would do it.The job market is improving, which allows many professionals to consider that they would like to make a change. Yet, some people only criticize their current jobs, but don’t take any positive steps to change.evalDon’t complain about your job â€" do something!I believe that it is through the process of exploring your options that you will discover your next career steps.The following items should ignite the “fire in your belly” that will help you to grow in your career.1. Cluster your interests.evalPut your name in the center of a large sheet of paper, and then let your mind wander. Jot down any thoughts that come to mind about what you would like to do professionally. Cluster those thoughts around a key phrase â€" such as more education, a new field, working overseas, or whatever it is you desire. Then jot down what it would take to achieve this. Place related ideas together. Don’t censor yourself. Even if your ideas seem silly, include them anyway. Once you have written down all the ideas you can think of, the work begins. Evaluate your ideas, and start working on putting them into action. Revisit the cluster often, to refresh your commitment or to edit your ideas.2. Don’t set limits on yourself.Figure out what you want to do first, and then figure out how to make it happen. Often, what you believe are roadblocks are simply stumbling blocks that can be overcome. When I decided to go to graduate school, my friends told me it was too late to apply. However, I carried my papers from department to department, explaining my case â€" and I started my master’s program on time.3. Become known as a Good Employee.There are lots of reasons to build up your reputation, including h aving references â€" people who will speak well of you. Make sure you help others. Volunteer for assignments. Go above and beyond what’s required. Be friendly and polite. Don’t burn your bridges â€" behave professionally, even at business social events. One woman cursed out her team’s catcher for missing a ball during a company softball game. Three months later, she was interviewing in front of him and, not surprisingly, didn’t get the job.4. Explore possibilities within your company.Are there other positions with your current employer that interest you? Find out what you need to do to be ready for the next opening. Get involved in company activities, as this will allow you to get to know more people. You may learn about openings before they are posted. Managers like to hire and promote people they know.5. Conduct a job search.evalevalThat is, make your job search a job in itself. Yes, I know you are working full-time already, but you still need to find the time to look for work. One manager worked every day, and after she put her young son to bed, she would spend 2-3 hours each night on her job search. Within a few months, she had a better job. Additional information on job search and careers can be found in my new book, The Essentials of Business Etiquette: How to Greet, Eat, and Tweet Your Way to Success. 6. Build an area of expertise.You want people to view you as an expert, so become one. Choose your subject, then take a class, get certified, or earn an advanced degree. Start a blog on the subject. One young man has set aside Tuesday nights to do his blog. Since it is on his schedule, he is more likely to make it happen.7. Talk to people about their jobs.What do their jobs entail? Ask questions about the requirements, and also what they consider the pros and cons. You may find positions that interest you.8. Investigate Recruiters.If you can, develop a relationship with a recruiter. Though they typically work on senior, high-paying positions, recru iters can expose you to career opportunities that you may not know about. To find a recruiter, check with people in your network.9. Get involved in your Professional Association.evalDon’t just join an association, volunteer for the committees. Associations can be great places to network, find mentors, and gain access to job banks.10. Remember that sometimes a bad job can provide great experience.Even if you don’t like your current position, think about what you are gaining from it. Are you learning new skills? Are you meeting new people? Are you learning how to manage a bad boss? Are you gaining the experience you need so that you can leave to go to a better job? Don’t wallow in self-pity if you find yourself in a difficult situation â€" make the most of the opportunities it offers.Taking specific steps like these can help you to revitalize your career, or perhaps lead you into a new career in a field you may not have considered. But you have to make the effort. Perhaps you ar e nervous and feel that you can’t “just do it.” That’s okay. Start with just one step, then tackle the other actions a step at a time as you build confidence. Remember, it’s your future you are enhancing.

Most Popular Jobs Vol 1 - Targeted Search for Healthcare Jobs - CareerAlley

Most Popular Jobs Vol 1 - Targeted Search for Healthcare Jobs - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint. Mark Twain Targeted job search posts are always in the top 10 on my site and my posts on targeted Healthcare jobs are near the top of the list. The good news is that health care jobs are increasing at a rate of approximately 23,000 jobs per month (according to the Washington Post). That is more than 300,000 jobs per year! So if Health Care is your field (or you are considering it), you are in luck. If you are considering changing careers, healthcare should be on your list to consider. There are a number of targeted resource types you should leverage, what I call The Four Legs of Job Search. For this post Health Care recruiters, Health Care job search sites, specific health care companies and industry sites. Best to spread your time across these resources rather than focus on any one type. Healthcare Recruiters: Recruiters are but one important resource in your job search. They sometimes have access to jobs that are not advertised elsewhere. But, even for jobs that are advertised elsewhere, recruiters generally have direct access to hiring managers and can help get your resume in front of the right hiring managers. Most recruiters specialize in specific industries, and healthcare is no exception. B.E. Smith This recruiting firm specializes in healthcare executive search and, according to their website, they are the nations leading Healthcare executive search firm. From the main page, click Candidates from the top of the page. From the next page, you can search for available listings. You can also select sign in from the left hand side of the page and register for their site. You should also take a look at candidate solutions and candidate contacts from the left hand side of the page. Recruitment and Staffing Agencies This list of healthcare recruitment agencies is provided by Hospitaldreamjobs.com. This page has a long list of links to recruiters and includes a brief on the recruiters specialties. There is also a wealth of information at the bottom of the page for job seekers. You can also select Job Seekers from the top of the page or try the quick job search link on the right hand side of the page. Healthcare Job Search Sites Job search sites (as Im sure you know), aggregates job opportunities based on a list of criteria. As with most things in job search, there are a number of job search sites that specialize in the healthcare industry (either specifically or as a niche within their site). Healthcarerecruitement.com The main page of this site is full of great resources. The top of the page has tabs for Job Seeker Center, Browse Jobs, Manage Resume and so much more. Below this is a list of specific healthcare careers (nursing, radiology, rehab and more). Center page is a quick job search box along with highlighted employers on the right hand side of the screen. You can also register with the site and submit your resume. Health Career Web Another healthcare job search site, there are thousands of jobs according to the site. You can use the quick search center page, click on spotlight employers, check out their blog or peruse their articles. Healthcare Companies There are thousands of healthcare related companies. From hospitals, to pharmaceutical companies, to local healthcare providers. You will need to research companies in your area (or where you would like to work). You should create a list of companies in order of preference. To get you started, several links to lists are included below. Top Health Companies on the Inc. 5000 Incs list of top healthcare companies (ranked by 3-year growth), there should be quite a few companies that meet your criteria on this list. Click on any company, read the highlights, then click through to the company of your choice. United States Healthcare Companies This list is provided by Manta.com and provides a way to refine your search (left hand side of the page). Each company has a link, a brief overview and a list of their specialties. Good luck in your search. Visit me on Facebook

What Are Some Resume Writing Tips?

What Are Some Resume Writing Tips?Employers consider it all part of their job to help you succeed, but it is also true that some of the resume writing tips you hear are not actually the best advice. When a recruiter or HR specialist is considering your resume, they will not really be looking for what you think is in your best interest. Instead, they are more concerned with convincing the hiring manager that you will fit into the particular job, and that you can perform the duties associated with the position. Thus, if you know how to compose a resume that impresses them, the rest of the resume writing tips will be very easy for you to follow.If you know how to write a resume that has all the information necessary to convince them, then the rest of the resume writing tips can be easy. In the first place, never use any language or style that doesn't fit your resume. For example, if you want to include a resume attachment, you will want to use the standard format that you are used to. I f you have a very old resume, you might want to consider using a newer style, such as bullet points.If you have a certain situation in mind, such as an emergency situation or any other urgent need, it would be well to include this in your resume. If you have some experiences related to emergencies, then include these as well. The resume should make an impression on the recruiter. If you are in a position to speak from experience, then let them know that you are qualified and ready to perform the responsibilities associated with the job.When you write your resume, make sure you have clearly separated the document from your biography. The resume is designed to give the recruiter enough information to decide whether or not you are the right candidate for the position. Therefore, if you have information that is relevant to the resume, don't include it in your biography. This way, you avoid having the resume read by the hiring manager as you are providing a particular part of you to the company.Of course, you will want to include some useful tips and information about yourself when you are creating your resume. However, do not put anything in it that you aren't willing to reveal, even if the information you present is of a personal nature. Your resume should be exactly as you see yourself in relation to the job, and it will only appear that you are putting together a resume that you are proud of.Keep your resume short, yet clear and accurate. This will allow the recruiter to see your accomplishments, but at the same time let them know that you understand what it takes to successfully complete the job. Do not talk about the reasons why you were unable to get the job before. Instead, mention a job loss, or a change in the location, or any other circumstance that might have resulted in you being passed over. As long as you're clear about what happened, the recruiter will understand the circumstances and be able to draw his or her own conclusions.Be sure to make sure y our resume does not contain any spelling errors. When a recruiter or HR specialist looks at your resume, they won't want to see it written by someone who is incompetent or has poor spelling. Instead, have proofread it yourself, and make sure that your writing is professional and polished.Finally, when you are finished reading your resume, remember that it is only meant to impress the recruiter and not be completely read by them. Then, get in touch with your references, such as former employers and previous co-workers. Let them know that you are eager to discuss your experiences and know what they may have to say about your qualifications for the job. Once they agree to meet with you, you should begin to hone your skills and take action to get the job.