Thursday 13 December 2012

Find Your Passion and Add Perseverance! A Book Review For Career Success

We've heard the modern day business Titans tell college students who are graduating to get involved in an industry or profession that you love, one that you have passion for, and then work very hard and you will be successful. Indeed, no one could ever argue with that advice, because if you can find your passion and add perseverance to it, you will be successful, even if you don't make a lot of money. You will be one of the 20%, as goes the 80/20 rule in that area of human endeavor.

Not long ago, I picked up a very interesting book, it was written by someone who I very much respect Sir Ken Robinson, and also written with a co-author. I'd like to recommend this book to you in case you doubt what I've said above, you see, rather than trying to convince you of this reality, I'd just as soon point you towards this excellent book to read;

"The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything," by Ken Robinson and Lou Arinoca, Penguin publishing company, New York, New York, (2009), pp. 288, ISBN: 978-014311-673-8.

The book speaks to issues of perseverance, talent, passion, success, and achievement. It is written by a couple of very well-respected authors specializing in education. You see, we all have natural abilities and talents, and it is important we find what we are good at, where we excel, and concentrate our efforts there.

Although not all the examples in this book are people I would consider my idols, the explanation in the examples of each person mentioned as a case study, well, all together, it makes it easy to understand, and really hard to debate the points that the authors are trying to bring forth.

They also suggests that we can transform our societies, civilization, towns, communities, nations, businesses, government, and education along with these principles, and we will achieve more, with happier people, more productivity, and more success overall. Indeed, I hope you will please consider this.

Lance Winslow is the Founder of the Online Think Tank, a diverse group of achievers, experts, innovators, entrepreneurs, thinkers, futurists, academics, dreamers, leaders, and general all around brilliant minds. Lance Winslow hopes you've enjoyed today's discussion and topic. http://www.worldthinktank.net/. Have an important subject to discuss, contact Lance Winslow.


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Sunday 2 December 2012

"Getting From College to Career" - Book Review

I just finished reading "Getting from College to Career" from Lindsey Pollak. As a career consultant, author and owner of a job board that focuses on jobs for high school and college students, I have read almost every book in this niche. In my opinion this book ranks among the best in the after college niche. The author stresses three themes throughout the book, she encourage entry level job seekers to be smarter, faster, and better.

What I like most about the book is that the author really stresses the importance of attitude. I have seen this time and time again in my experiences with young job seekers. If you have a great attitude you are destined to achieve and if you are miserable and have a negative attitude it will be very difficult to land a job. I also like how the author emphasizes the networking portion of the job finding phase. I like when she says that networking is not about who you know, it is about who knows you. Her advice to students to set up a linked in account and make sure that their MySpace and Facebook pages are sanitized for employers is great relevant advice to students.

My major criticism is that some of the information is rather basic and seems like she added some fluff at times to fill some pages.

In closing, I would recommend this book to all college students that are close to graduating. The book is up to date and provides a lot of relevant tips and suggestions that should help you land your first job out of college.

Dan Keller is the CEO of the popular Teen Job site called TeenJobScene.com. He also runs several Teen Forums [http://www.teenmovement.com/]


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Saturday 17 November 2012

Red Cross CNA Teaching

The Red Cross provides CNA training that supports those who want to become certified nursing assistants. There are so many of such training centers operated through CAN teaching facilities within the Red Cross and these are available in almost every state. These training centers offer training courses of maximum standards. You can benefit from such first class CNA education if you enroll in any of these centers.

The CNA training at the Red Cross provides you with the basic knowledge to become a qualified nursing assistant. You will be assigned coursework in addition to practical work. These courses will enable you to be better equipped to write the CNA exams. Courses such as practice in taking proper care of patients or helping them to take care of themselves as well as courses which will facilitate you to communicate with the patient will be taught. What you should know is that because of the dispirited state of mind of a patient, he or she may find it hard to understand the immediate surrounding. You will also be trained to work with patients with moving difficulties. Remember that the basics of every training program are to enrich you with the skills needed to provide healthcare to those in need of it.

Classes will either be held in the day or in the evening. Depending on your program, you will decide which is best for you. You will however be required to be present at not less than 80% of classes. There should be no preference of classes over another. Remember that the same curriculum is taught in every state and at every Red Cross CNA instruction center. You will have to prove that you have gone through all the required lessons before you can sit for and pass the exams.

Some courses will take as little as three weeks and as much as a few months. This will however depend on your mode of study. Most training centers will offer fulltime as well as part-time studies. You aim should be to select what best fits into your program.

You must also make financial preparations for your study. Be prepared to pay between $660 and $1700 for the entire CNA training course. Remember that this range of cost varies with your choice of location. The cost should not be thought of as being very expensive. Always remember that the value of what you gain cannot be compared to what you put in.

Before You Receive CNA Training From the Red Cross

Before you join any red cross CNA education facility, make sure that you have attained the age of 18. You must further be of good health and be without any communicable illness such as TB. Even among those who are physically and mentally fit to enroll for CNA preparation within the Red Cross, a moral condition is apparent. Over the past seven years, you must not have been found guilty of a felony.

Once you are enrolled, make sure that you sit in for every course and you gain the required knowledge and experience to become certified. Take this advantage and receive one of the most excellent CNA trainings.

Click here if You want to know more about CNA training, CNA classes


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Saturday 3 November 2012

Career Book Review - Conquer Job Search Barriers For a Great Job Interview and Career Success

Although technology mandates advanced methods for a job search that may not have been used 15 or 20 years ago, there are still some basic principles that remain timeless. Many books and resources agree on the proper attire, methods of answering questions, and other things critical for a successful job interview.

But one book, while written in the 1990s, still provides exceptional insights into overcoming barriers to employment. "No One is Unemployable," by Debra L. Angel & Elisabeth E. Harney, WorkNet Publications, Hacienda Heights, California, (1997), pp. 274, ISBN: 0-957057-0-6.

Job Clubs Help
Job clubs are a great way of transitioning through the stages of unemployment. As more job clubs are formed across the nation, job seekers have the opportunity of getting expert help with job search skills and practice their networking techniques on a regular basis. If you facilitate a job club, or if you are a job seeker looking for help with your next job, this book would be a good resource to use.

This book is written for the benefit of a job coach or career mentor, and how they can help candidates advance through a job search using suggested scenarios.

On the other hand, a job seeker can quickly find information pertinent to their unique situation, and how to conquer barriers to employment based on their individual circumstances.

Two Sides of a Problem
The authors outline a ten-step process for overcoming barriers to employment. A key element of this, after identifying the barrier, is understanding the candidate's perception of the barrier, as well as the employer's perception of the barrier. This factor, seeing a situation from both sides of the coin so to speak, is part of what makes this book such a great resource.

Half of the book includes an Encyclopedia of Barriers, arranged alphabetically, and how to conquer those barriers. The authors state, "The only barriers which cannot be solved are those which you do not take the time to address, or those which the candidate is unwilling to address."

Proactive Methods to Conquer Employment Barriers
In more than 150 pages of the book, this section identifies barriers to employment, the employer's concern as well as the candidate's concern with that barrier, suggests proactive methods to address the barrier, and cross-references other barriers of similar topics to learn from. There are also mini case studies of candidates' experiences in overcoming these barriers.

Through the use of examples, every type of situation from A to Z is discussed - candidates who are homeless, gang members, convicted felons, overqualified professionals, displaced homemakers, and more. It also addresses physical barriers, such as hygiene issues, disability, obesity, etc. The book also covers emotional, behavioral, and knowledge barriers.

The book also gives hints and tips for overcoming the barriers while developing resumes and other marketing documents, filling out application forms, and while preparing for a job interview.

While this book may be dated, according to the publication date, the information inside is not dated, and is pertinent to job candidates in just about any situation, even today.

By now I bet you are wondering what you need to change in your own resume in order to land a job in today's economy? Get FREE Instant Access to a video series at http://www.HowDoIGetHired.com/getvideo where you will get short, easy-to-understand videos outlining the components of a value-based resume, PLUS additional reports to help you in your job transition.
From Naomi Lolley - Helping You Stand Out In The Crowd During Your Job Search.


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Wednesday 17 October 2012

Book Review - Teen Dream Jobs - How to Find the Job You Really Want Now

I just finished reading, "Teen Dream Jobs: How to find the job you really want now!" by Nora E. Coon.  I must say that I was not overly impressed with the content of the book.  As the title suggests, the book is about helping teens find jobs.  The author provides information on how to find a job, resume advice, how to dress for the interviews and other advice for teen job seekers.  The information is good, much of it is outdated though. 

Here job seeking advice seems more relevant to a job search in 1999, rather than 2009.  She hardly touches on the internet and the new job boards designed for teens and the wealth of resources available for teen job seekers.  The reality is that all of the information presented in this book can easily be found on the internet with a simple google search.  The author does not provide any new or cutting edge techniques that make it worth forking over money for.

What I did like about the book is the quizzes that she provides.  There are a variety of self assessment exercise that really get the reader thinking about what they like, and dislike, and what they are passionate about.  There is also a quiz that will help determine which career path would be most suitable based on your personality traits.  I actually took some of these quizzes myself and I must say that I found them to be quite accurate.

In closing, I found the book to have some bright spots but overall I felt the book did not provide enough new information to warrant a purchase.

Dan Keller is the CEO of a popular teen jobs website and a resume writer


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Sunday 30 September 2012

What's Next? Follow Your Passion and Find Your Dream Job by Kerry Hannon

"What's Next? Follow Your Passion and Find Your Dream Job" by "U.S. News & World Report" Contributing Editor Kerry Hannon is an entertaining, interesting, and quick book to read that provides the reader with examples and motivation to follow their passion rather than sticking out a job that is unfulfilling and not providing the important things for life, such as family time and wellbeing. The book is a collection of stories, interviews, and suggestions related to changing careers when in your 40s, 50s, or older. The stories and interviews are of real people who did just that, and the jobs they left and the careers they entered are extremely varied, but all interesting with a few common themes behind why they changed. From the opening story of a tough cop turned Nashville music agent to the final story about a lawyer, congressional aide, lobbyist turned pianist, singer and performer of parodies, satire, and song, I found myself engaged and motivated as I pursue a career change myself.

Each chapter is formatted in the same way and features a different person and their career change. First there is a short story of the change the person made. Next there is a question and answer section where the author asked questions to the person about the reasons behind the change, difficulties and resources. Questions such as, "What did the transition mean to your personally?" or "What do you tell people who come to you for advice on starting the second act?" While the answers are brief, they do provide some nice insight and made me stop more than once and ponder my own situation. After the interview questions and answers, there are short segments that provide tips and resources, and some expert advice. These sections are brief too, but contain some very good information to think about upon thinking about your own second or third act and career change. There are sixteen chapters, so sixteen profiles and other information.

Additionally, the back of the book has a few pages of additional books on the topic and helpful web sites on topics such as nonprofits, job hunting, continuing education, small businesses, and more.

Hannon writes in an engaging style and I found myself enjoying the book and really thinking about my own possibilities. And that is the benefit of this book. It's not going to lay out a road map for your career path. Very unlikely you will want to follow the same course as one of the sixteen profiled, and even if you did, your path would be different. This book is for motivation. It allows you to see what others have done and why, and just may trigger a sense of excitement within that leads you to your own second or third act. (Or maybe even your forth, who knows?) The purpose of the book is to show what's been done to open your eyes to your own possibilities. If that is where you are in your life right now, this may be just the book you've been needing.

Alain Burrese, J.D. is a performance and personal development expert who teaches how to live, take action, and get things done through the Warrior's Edge. Alain combines his military, martial art, and Asian experiences with his business, law, and conflict resolution education into a powerful way of living with balance, honor, and integrity. He teaches how to use the Warrior's Edge to Take Action and Achieve Remarkable Results. Alain is the author of Hard-Won Wisdom From The School Of Hard Knocks, the DVDs Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, the Lock On Joint Locking series, and numerous articles and reviews. You can read more articles and reviews and see clips of his DVDs as well as much more at http://www.burrese.com/ and http://www.aikiproductions.com/


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Tuesday 11 September 2012

Career Warfare - A Book Summary

It is a tough and competitive business environment you
live and it is getting more and more difficult to achieve
your goals. You have to stand out among your colleagues
and competitors. You have to work hard for career
advancement, and better compensation.

Whether you are a senior executive, an entrepreneur or
an employee, this book will show you the best way to
succeed, accomplish your personal and career goals,
outshine your competition and differentiate yourself
from the pack. David F. D'Alessandro shows you how to
stand out from the crowd by developing your own
"personal brand"; and provides valuable lessons in
the etiquette of reputation building.

What is Personal Brand?

You need to realize that success does not only come
from hard work and appropriately playing the part.
To be successful in business and in your career, you
must be able to distinguish yourself from the rest of
the pack - you need to develop, build and defend your
reputation.

Personal branding is a way you manage your career or
business. It is a way of communicating that makes you
different and special. By using these qualities you
can distinguish yourself from your peers so that you
can expand your success.

There are 10 rules you can follow for building a
successful personal brand and keeping it:

Rule 1: Try to Look Beyond Your Own Navel - The biggest
obstacle in building a positive personal brand is your
own ego. In order to develop an attractive personal
brand, you need to have self-respect and you need
to respect the people around you.

Rule 2: Like It or Not, Your Boss is the Coauthor of
Your Brand - You must realize and accept the fact that
early on in your career, your boss will reap most of
the rewards for ideas you give, money that you brought
in, etc. This is how the corporate world operates. Do
not fight the power structure. Instead learn how to
play and live by it.

Rule 3: Put Your Boss on the Couch - Not all bosses
will help you. It is best that you recognize what type
of personality your boss has so that you would realize
what advantages and disadvantages this person can
cause to your brand.

Rule 4: Learn Which One is the Pickle Fork - Good manners
are crucial in developing and enhancing your personal
brand. Manners are about consideration and respect,
knowledge and patience. Practice good business etiquette.

Rule 5: Kenny Rogers is Right - While it is important
for you to seize the opportunity to build your brand,
it is equally crucial to know what battles to take. Know
when to keep on fighting and when to move fold.

Rule 6: It's Always Show Time - You must realize that
reputations are not usually made by big events -
sometimes it is those big events that smear your brand.
What builds your reputation is your day-to-day
behavior in the business setting, such as how you deal
with people, how you make decisions, your work habits,
etc.

Rule 7: Make the Right Enemies - The best personal brands
include courtesy, fairness, tolerance, self-respect and
having good and proper manners. However, a small amount
of ruthlessness is good for your brand. Your reputation
will not suffer much if you fight your enemies,
but it will suffer if you lose your self-respect.

Rule 8: Try Not To Be Swallowed By the Bubble - Once you
are successful in building your brand and is rising in the
ranks, do not lose sight of the forest. Do not be too
full of yourself that you will be swallowed by success.
It is bad for your humanity, and bad for your career.

Rule 9: The Higher You Fly, the More You Will Be Shot
At - Everybody makes mistakes. The higher you are in the
ladder of success, the more likely that your mistakes
will be highlighted. Accept the fact that bad press comes
with prominence in any field.

Rule 10: Everybody Coulda Been a Contender; Make Sure You
Stay One - Set yourself to be distinct from your peers.
Since you are constantly being compared to your peers,
don't be afraid to offer something unique or distinctive.
Don't give up easily. Don't throw in the towel immediately
because of a setback or two. Learn from your mistakes and
turn it into an opportunity. Don't lie, cheat or
steal. Be cautious of the reputation you are building.

By: Regine P. Azurin

Regine Azurin is the President of BusinessSummaries.com, a company that provides business book summaries of the latest bestsellers for busy executives and entrepreneurs.

http://www.bizsum.com/freearticle.htm

"A Lot Of Great Books....Too Little Time To Read"

Free Book Summaries Of Latest Bestsellers for Busy Executives and Entrepreneurs

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Monday 27 August 2012

Book Review - Crisis-Proof Your Career

Some ideas are timeless and when it comes to your career it really doesn't matter that the book "Crisis-Proof Your Career" was written in the 1990s.  North America and many of the world's economies are leading employees to consider the risks and options that they have for the future.

Author, Peller Marion, Ed,., D. challenges the read to not only examine whether you are "endangered" in the workplace but also helps you helps you to identify factors and barriers that prevent you from doing well.  Then he offers strategies and information to help you implement a plan that is "crisis-proof" which you can use on a daily basis to reach success.

Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The One Minute Manager and writer of the Foreword states:  "A crisis-proof career gives you the flexibility, courage and personal security to survive and even prosper in hard times as well as good times.  Peller Marion's book can show you the way!"

This book not only provides you with information about how to become marketable, but also provides specific and practical worksheets and action plan templates that will help you to turn the knowledge into effective task lists.  He promotes networking, teaches resume basics and tips on how to get the most from an interview. 

Besides the outward behaviours and activities, Mr. Marion challenges the reader to deal with the inner self through nourishing of the spirit.  He also recommends techniques to achieve a positive frame of mind.

If you are concerned about your career and want to read about how to improve your situation, this book offers you good common sense as well as specific methods for moving into a situation where you can enjoy security and emotional health.  I highly recommend it.

And now I would like to invite you to claim your Free Instant Access to a complimentary list of 10 Steps to Making Your Life an Adventure when you visit http://www.lindahancockspeaks.com/

From Dr. Linda Hancock, Registered Psychologist and Registered Social Worker


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Tuesday 7 August 2012

Can You Be a Career Renegade? A Blueprint For a Fulfilling Career That Pays the Bills

Get a pad and pen and sit down at your computer before you begin reading Career Renegade by Jonathan Fields [Broadway, 2009]. You'll want to jot down notes and visit websites while reading -- and Fields provides a lot of ideas and resources in this fast-reading, career-building guide.

What Do You Want to Do?

Fields begins by leading you through finding your passion, the activities that you love doing so much you get lost in them, and the people you need to surround yourself with to be successful.

How Will You Do It?

In the next section of the book, Fields lays out general career renegade paths you can follow or adapt to your own circumstances. Each path is highlighted with stories of real entrepreneurs who have created wonderful careers for themselves while finding their passions. He presents categories of people's needs and discusses ways to use those needs to build your new career.

In addition, he provides a treasure trove of research tools and ideas to help you ensure that you find the right niche for your passion. Finding the right niche is essential if you are to earn a living, not just pursue a beloved hobby.

How Will You Share It with the World?

Next, Fields discusses the social networking and traditional tools you will need to use to build a platform for your new career. He provides tips for using each medium to the greatest effect for your own needs. He also shares valuable etiquette that will help you ensure you don't alienate any of the people you need to surround yourself with as you build your brand.

How Will You Make It Work?

Finally, Fields shares his own story, his failures and successes. He highlights the importance of believing in what you are doing and of ensuring that the most important people in your life (your spouse, children, and close friends) also believe in you and your dream.

Fields provides tips for contacting and networking with influence makers so that you can learn from their expertise. 

He closes with a powerful statement that should become a mantra for anyone seeking to follow in Fields' footsteps and make their passion their new career: "I began to accept responsibility not only for my life to date, but for the process of making it come alive from that moment forward."

Career Renegade: How to Make a Great Living Doing What You Love is a new breed of career discovery and business book - and it is useful to those looking for a career shift and those looking to start their own business. Career Renegade is highly individual and depends heavily on the interactive participation of its readers. You have to work the book to make it work for you.

Jennifer Roland is a an experienced writer and editor living in the Portland, Oregon, area. Her nonfiction covers such areas as educational technology, personal finance, entertainment, pets, and health and fitness. She also writes fiction, mainly paranormal and contemporary romances.


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Wednesday 18 July 2012

Career Book Review "101 Ways To Successfully Market Yourself" by Jay Miletsky

In today's marketplace, your career is 100 percent your responsibility, including marketing your strengths. Unfortunately, marketing can be maligned, especially when you're the product being marketed. Honest attempts can appear boastful, so we hesitate to do so. Yet, if people aren't aware of your strengths, how will they know when, where, and how to use them?

The best self-marketing centers around building relationships and having fun doing so. Successful self-marketing can, among other things, enhance your job search, promote your own company, grab a piece of the spotlight (i.e. become a thought leader/industry innovator), and make new friends.

Following is the second of three articles summarizing "101" career books published by Course Technology. A different author highlights what it takes to achieve professional success in the 21st century for each book. Here, it's businessman and marketing expert, Jason Miletsky. His new book is entitled 101 Ways To Successfully Market Yourself."

Miletsky is CEO and executive creative director for a leading marketing communications agency in New York City. He's a featured speaker for numerous companies and seminars and guest lectures for universities.

"101 Ways To Successfully Market Yourself," is a short read of 88 pages, long on self-marketing tips. You're bound to learn some new applications to advance your career. Use Miletsky's ideas to gauge how many techniques you currently incorporate to promote yourself, and decide which ones best suit your needs.

The book reads in three easy parts. The first is entitled, "27 MYM (Marketing Yourself Mandates);" and establishes the foundation of your self-promotional efforts. Miletsky's tips include:

Understand Your Personal Brand. Your personal brand is your personal reputation. It's key to successfully market yourself and sustain relevant long-term connections. People will decide to befriend or distance you based on your personality, sense of style, unique qualities, what and how you say it, commitment follow through and what you potentially bring to the table.

22. Do Something Specific to Stand Out. Accomplish something that separates you from the crowd, and you'll find yourself in more demand. Suggestions include write a book, or articles for popular print/online publications, record a series of Web videos, and hold a seminar.

27. Don't Give Up-It Won't Happen Overnight. "Marketing yourself is a process," says Miletsky. It takes time to meet new people and build a following. Persevere.

Part II is titled, "Make The Most of The Web." Miletsky emphasizes that to effectively market yourself today, you need to include the Web. "Social networking may die down a bit over time, but it's here to stay," he says. For space interest, Miletsky assumes you have a basic knowledge of the three big social networking sites: Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. If not, he advocates learning their attributes as soon as possible. Highlights include:

28. Make Social Networking Part of Your Daily Routine. Social networking does take time and effort. It can take a while before you see results. "This can be frustrating, because thanks to the speed of the Web, most people have lost their patience to allow things to happen over time," says Miletsky. Incorporate social networking into your daily routine, using the Big 3 sites. Send an e-mail blast once a month to your contacts. Inform them of your new blog posts and other information.

63. Get Your Name in a URL. Make sure you secure your name as a URL. It's good marketing for any of your online activities you engage in. Defensively it prevents someone else from cashing in on your name, as you become better known.

69. Broadcast What You Write. Get the URL for any blog post you write or comment you leave on someone else's blog (shorten the URL through bit.ly or some other shortening service). Broadcast it on Twitter, use it in LinkedIn conversations, and post it on relevant Facebook groups and your Facebook wall.

"There's Life Offline-Get Out and Meet Real People," is Miletsky's third message. Among his suggestions are:

78. Become a Regular. Frequent various places. Over time, people will recognize your face, making connections easier.

82. Seek Out Public Speaking Opportunities. Meet numerous people all at once. Be a featured speaker in a room full of people listening. Speakers command attention, are focal points for attendees; and many will want to befriend you afterwards.

101. Make Follow-Up a Ritual. Make sure you follow up with each new contact within 24 hours after your initial connection. Send a quick e-mail to remind new contacts who you are, how you met, and conversations had. Suggest a future meeting when you sense mutual benefits.

Six appendices enrich the book; with the first listing Miletsky's top 30 Twitter tools. "Twitter is one of the absolute best ways to get people to notice you," he says. Endorsements include:
Tweetdeck. Provides numerous columns to allow simultaneous monitoring of people you follow, tweets mentioning you, direct messages and any other keyword/group you choose. Twitterholic. Checks your relative ranking and graphs your followers over time. Nearby Tweets. Enhances local marketing by entering desired geographical location/keyword. Site shows the people within that radius that fit the description.

The " Who You Should Follow On Twitter" List is Appendix B, and details 31 active links to find good people to follow on the site. Included are:

25 SEO Gurus. 50 Users to Follow for Job Searching. Top 237 People to Follow on Twitter Who Will Follow You Back.

The most comprehensive appendix, titled, "Strategies for Success," specifies how to maximize your achievements at work. Its nine tips include "Visualize Success," and "Learn How to Advance within the Company;" which features 30 soul-searching questions pertaining to seeking a management position. Those queries include:

Are you decisive? Can you see yourself calmly and objectively handling crisis situations? Do you do your best work all the time?

Other appendices highlight LinkedIn groups, networking events and additional social networking sites.

Marketing yourself is no longer an option. To enjoy long-term career success, learn and hone a process that works for you; and have fun doing it.

Complement Miletsky's message with Rashika Fernando's "101 Career Success Tips," and Carol A. Silvis's "101 Ways To Make Yourself Indispensable at Work," to jump-start your career, whether employed, unemployed, seasoned or novice.

You can follow the author on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/jaymiletsky.

Timothy Zaun is a blogger, speaker and freelance writer. Visit him online at http://timzaun.com/.


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Monday 2 July 2012

Back on The Career Track - Book Review

Are you among the growing number of moms returning to work after leaving paid employment to care for your family? Maybe your youngest child is learning to walk, starting kindergarten, or leaving for college. You may be yearning for the rewards of your former career, feeling the isolation of your "empty nest" or in need of more household income.

Women return to work for a variety of reasons, but they all face similar challenges that can be minimized with smart planning.

Back on the Career Track - A Guide for Stay at Home Moms Who Want to Return to Work by Carol Fishman Cohen and Vivian Steir Rabin is a very good road map for women who have left paid employment to raise a family and are considering a return to work. In this book, the authors lay out an effective plan for stay at home moms who want to return to work. They are realistic about the challenges moms returning to work will face, and they provide effective tips for protecting your career while you are out of full time employment.

I've worked with plenty of relaunching moms and have found that when moms return to work, they have more success in reestablishing a career when they have found a way to stay connected to their former colleagues, their industry and developments in work related technology while they were at home with their kids. Back on the Career Track is full of tips for stay at home moms who want to maintain or reestablish professional connections, and for that reason, smart stay at home moms will benefit from implementing the tips in this book even before they are ready to return to work.

The book is remarkably thorough and addresses:

Fears and insecurities that stay at home moms often face when relaunching a career Realistic career considerations and options when moms return to work Typical challenges that arise from employment history gaps Changes in family and social dynamics when stay at home parents return to work Societal and employer views on relaunching moms

Although I'm a big fan of this book, there are two shortcomings in Back on the Career Track. The first is the fact that the authors have chosen to focus on college educated women who established high level, elite careers prior to starting families. The choice to use primarily doctors, lawyers and MBA graduates in the examples in the book is unfortunate.

The excellent advice in this book applies to all stay at home moms who may want to return to the workforce, not just women who left high level careers. If you are not a doctor or a lawyer or you don't hold an MBA, you can definitely benefit from the strategies in this book, but you'll have to remind yourself that all of the tips apply to any stay at home mom from any field of work.

The second shortcoming in the book is in the resume examples in the resources section. Addressing employment history gaps on resumes is an important issue for stay at home moms returning to work. The gaps in the sample resumes in this book are absolutely glaring. There are simple, effective strategies to minimize gaps on your resume while maintaining credibility with employers; those strategies have not been used in the examples here.

Go ahead and apply any and all of the other strategies for returning to work that are outlined in the book; the advice is excellent. When it comes time to write your resume, however, I'd recommend consulting another source for effective tips on minimizing gaps in your work history.

Back on the Career Track is a wonderful, much needed resource for moms returning to work. There is plenty of advice that you can apply well before you are ready to relaunch your career, so this book is a great read for women who are just leaving paid employment to become stay at home moms as well as those who are ready to return to the workforce. The authors do a great job of balancing honesty about the challenges of relaunching a career with the optimism that returning to work is absolutely achievable.

Stay at home moms returning to work can relaunch their careers. I've worked with plenty of moms from all walks of life who achieved this goal. Successful relaunching does take commitment, work and planning, and Back on the Career Track will show you how to do the work to make it happen.

Lisa McGrimmon publishes http://www.careerchoiceguide.com/ a career management and job search resource. To find out how parents returning to work can minimize gaps in their work history, visit http://www.careerchoiceguide.com/parents-returning-to-work.html


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Thursday 21 June 2012

Career Book Review - Have You Punched in Yet?

Looking to get a job and eventually move up in the world? Do you need to get experience or perhaps, just get a job even if it is a step down for you; under-employment? If so, wow, there is a great book I read mostly for fun, but as I read I felt I was there, and got a much better understanding of what the front-line employees in the US go through. The book I'd like to recommend to you is:

"Punching In - The Unauthorized Adventures of a Front Line Employee," by Alex Frankel, Collins Publishers, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, New York, NY (2007), pp 223, ISBN: 978-0-06-084966-5.

An interesting article to read which immediately made my memory recall upon reading this book was one I read in Quality Progress, an industry trade journal in November of 2007, beginning on page 55 titled; "Turning the Tables: Six Questions to Ask Your Interviewer," writer by Joe Conklin. In that article he suggests how to turn difficult questions during the hiring procedure into conversations which uplift your intellectual status, thus your value, while allowing you gain pre-employment intelligence.

The author of this book writes in a similar genre as the author of "Nickled and Dimed" but at a higher level of employment, namely rather than working at places like a 24hr. Waffle House, Walmart, or Gas Station mini-mart - the author of "Punching In" worked for UPS, Starbucks, Whole Foods, and sold iPods at the Apple Store, and also entered the well-known manager program for Enterprise Rent-a-Car.

Have you ever wondered the secret of how corporations turn their workforces into brand loyalists, and absolutely an army of productivity? Well, read this book, and learn about how to win in your career for both the company, the team, and yourself. This book is written extremely well, and the writer is pretty funny, and shows off his writing style with great stories. He also writes for Wired Magazine, so perhaps you've seen his pieces there.

Seriously, you have to read this book, it will totally enlighten you, and give you a better understanding of what it's like to work in a big corporation on the front-lines, companies with 1,000s of outlets and a specific way of doing things. As you read you will laugh, frown, and be disturbed, but you will definitely learns something, many things you probably didn't know and it will give you a much better understanding of the reality of jobs in America, especially at the retail level, you will be amazed.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes it's hard to write 20,000 articles; http://www.bloggingcontent.net/

Note: All of Lance Winslow's articles are written by him, not by Automated Software, any Computer Program, or Artificially Intelligent Software. None of his articles are outsourced, PLR Content or written by ghost writers.


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Saturday 2 June 2012

The Complete Guide to Environmental Careers - Book Review

I just finished reading "The Complete Guide to Environmental Careers in the 21st Century." As an author and consultant in the green work field, I try to read everything I can get my hands on that is related to green issues. I would rate this book as average at best, it is a good book, but it does not stand out among the many books on this topic.

The book highlights 10 major fields that are in the environmental realm. The authors provide very helpful information like salary ranges, what a "day in the life" looks like and what educational paths you should take to prepare yourself for these careers. The book also offers some really good advice on interviewing and writing your resume and other things that will help you during the job search phase.

The book is a bit dated, as it was written over 5 years ago. It was interesting though to read the predictions and trends and see where they were right and see where they were wrong. They severely underestimated the growth of the green collar industry and hardly touched on the subject of alternative energy and sustainable energy.

In closing, I think this book was average and I would rate it a 6 out of 10. I would not recommend it at all and the reason is because it does not talk about what is relevant right now. I would suggest you look for a book that specifically focuses on the green collar industry or the growing green jobs movement

Dan Keller is the CEO of the popular Green Jobs [http://www.greenjobscene.com/] site and also runs a site that focuses on jobs for teens


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Sunday 13 May 2012

Want a Super Stellar Career? Be Ready For Anything - Book Review

Everyone wants to advance in their career, and with so many people laid off or fearing they will be next, we see that it's time to get serious or get left in the dust. Do you want to get the dream job of your life? Apparently, many people do, you can tell by reading the business news these days, career articles, stories, and advice, it's everywhere. We have a whole new career now of personal coaches, helping others score their dream life and career. Surely, you've noticed all this online and in the media as of late?

Indeed, not long ago there was an interesting article in Forbes - "America's Most Surprising Six-Figure Jobs - Astronomers, ship captains, even writers can make more than $100,000 a year," by Susan Adams May 28, 2010. The article suggested that perhaps getting a great paycheck in a rewarding career means thinking outside the box and growing your skill sets organically. The article also indicated the need for networking and ability to keep doors and opportunities open. I'd recommend thinking on this, and some of the wisdom in the article.

Meanwhile, when considering this topic of career choices and good pay, let me recommend a good book by Harvey MacKay; "Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty; Only Networking Book You'll Ever Need for a Rewarding and Successful Career," published by Currency Books, a Double Day Publishing company partner, New York, NY, (1997), pp 311, ISBN: 0-385-48543-3.

The author of this book also wrote the best-selling book; "Swim with The Sharks - without being eaten alive," which focused on the cut-throat corporate career game, and ladder climbing challenges of modern day business. Yes, things have changed since then, but in this new book; "Dig Your Well, Before You're Thirsty," we see it's all about networking to land that perfect job.

He makes an interesting statement in this book, whereas networking may not be rocket science, someone who is career driven certainly ought to keep it that way, and realize he wrote this book in 1997 prior to all these social networking websites and groups. Talk about on the leading edge of his day, Harvey was ahead of his time, Mr. MacKay. It appears that if you take the advice in this book seriously, and network efficiently you can very much hyper-accelerate your career using these tactics and techniques.

This book has been sitting in my personal library for as long as I can remember, so I pulled it out the other day, as I have a friend who got laid off, get this; "involuntary indefinite leave of absence without pay," yah right! He just lost his job. I am going to recommend this book, if he agrees I am going to give it to him. I'd recommend you read it too.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes it's hard to write 20,000 articles; http://www.bloggingcontent.net/.

Note: All of Lance Winslow's articles are written by him, not by Automated Software, any Computer Program, or Artificially Intelligent Software. None of his articles are outsourced, PLR Content or written by ghost writers.


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Tuesday 24 April 2012

Book Reviews - Careers - Title - Job Strategies For the 21st Century

"Job Strategies for the 21 Century: How to Assist Today's College Students during Economic Turbulence" written by Dr. Daryl D. Green and William Bailey, MBA, have combined their forces offering insightful, concise and invaluable information to any student or recent graduate. Transitioning from college life to the work world can be a daunting task, especially in this current economy. Many college students struggle to find work after graduation. Even with a perfect resume, a lot of college graduates and students find they need to further their education to seek their dream job. As quoted by President Barack Obama, "... first and foremost, your education can fortify you against the uncertainties of a 21st century economy."

The economy in the United States is causing great concern for ordinary citizens both here and around the world. It's even more challenging for new college graduates who are trying to compete for jobs with over 15 million people unemployed. These days' graduates find themselves competing with people who are more qualified. It used to be only the privileged were able to attend college and get an education. Now everyone has this opportunity, this too is a contributing factor in the difficulty of finding employment. Both Dr. Daryl D. Green and Mr. Bailey understand the challenges that graduates are faced with in today's world and offer not only support but provide numerous strategies throughout this easy to read guide.

Here is the bottom line information this book imparts:
1. Make sure to have strong communications skills.
2. Be a critical thinker and problem solver.
3. Be able to adapt to any situation.
4. Make sure to do your research - job homework.
5. Social networking.
6. Always look for an opportunity.
7. Build your corporate experience and consider internship.
8. Have leadership skills.
9. Always be up-to-date about news, and trends of the marketplace.
10. Always have passion.

"Job Strategies for the 21 Century: How to Assist Today's College Students during Economic Turbulence" is every job seeker's "one-stop shopping" guide to finding a great job - even in uncertain times. Both Dr. Daryl D. Green and Mr. Bailey don't miss a beat! They acknowledge the reality of the present time, and yet offer optimism; great ideas to help you become the standout job candidate; appendices, recommended websites and books that will help you get clarity about your next opportunity; and excellent samples of job search tools to customize for your search.

Not only is this a book for the graduate or student but also for the parent, teacher or anyone facing unemployment issues. The book is meticulously printed with an attractive galley text, easy to read font, graphic tables to summarize ideology, and beautiful photographs illustrating various human emotions a person normally will feel when traversing this process. This book helps the reader find his or her niche as you just need to roll up your sleeves, and put your passion to work.

Nicole Sorkin is the Managing Book Review Editor for Pacific Book Review. To learn more about Pacific Book Review visit us at:

http://www.pacificbookreview.com/


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Friday 13 April 2012

Job Hunting 101 - The Ultimate Guide to Reaching Your Career Goals

Written in a breezy and humorous style, Job Hunting 101: The Ultimate Guide to Landing Your First Job Out of School by Matt M. Gordon is a manual meant to guide the newly graduated toward the first rung on their personal ladders of success. The focus of the book is far reaching, orienting on long term career goals. There are also the usual sections found in a job hunting guide, such as chapters on resumes and interviews. Therefore this book is a useful resource for all job seekers, with special emphasis for those just starting in the workforce after college.

Matt Gordon tells his readers to think of him as a professor. In turn, he offers to mentor them in the 6 main objectives of his job hunting course:

1) Defining job criteria- Analyze and identify your current needs and long term goals

2) Writing impressive resumes and cover letters- Learn what to include and what to avoid

3) Generating interviews- There are more ways to get interviews than just perusing the classifieds. Be creative and take the initiative to seek out opportunities

4) Preparing for interviews- Research is the key to a great interview

5) Winning the interview game- Tips to put your best self forward and stand above the crowd

6) Handling job offers- Weigh the aspects of each job offer to choose the one that will best meet your current needs and long term goals identified in phase 1.

Each of those 6 phases is a crucial point of career planning, and these are only some of the explanations, anecdotes and examples Matt Gordon uses to help light the way. The helpful tips do not stop there. Chapter 7 advises you on what to do after you have chosen and landed your first job.

All in all, Matt M. Gordon has written an excellent guide that no job seeker should be without-whether you are changing careers or heading into the workforce for the first time.


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Saturday 24 March 2012

Book Review - Escape From Cubicle Nation

If you've ever dreamed of leaving your corporate job to start a business of your own I highly recommend that you read Escape From Cubicle Nation by Pamela Slim. This book is inspiring, motivational, and utterly practical. It provides a well-organized tour of all the elements that must be considered when making a significant career change -- emotional, financial, and social.

The book starts with a discussion of why you might want to leave the corporate world -- a section that might seem unnecessary to employees who have survived reorganizations, outsourcing, burnout, and layoffs. But the author wants you to be very clear about what you want to do and why. She also helps her readers confront the fear that if they leave their jobs they'll end up "living in a van down by the river." Pamela Slim became a life coach after leaving her corporate career and this part of the book in particular feels like being professionally coached through this major decision.

While the author's writing style is lively and funny she is also down to earth. Section 2 of the book is called "The Reality of Entrepreneurship" and it includes a reminder that hating your job is not a business plan. She walks the reader through the tough practical steps of defining a clear vision and creating a financial strategy as well as business and marketing plans.

Section 3 is about looking your finances in the eye and making the practical side of this momentous decision work for you. She urges the reader to eliminate debt before making the leap and to have savings to last at least 6 months. There's also excellent advice on shopping for health insurance and other benefits that you will now have to find on your own.

Section 4 guides the reader through conversations with family and friends to reassure them that you are not crazy and to enlist their support in your new endeavor. It also includes a valuable chapter on how to know when it's time to leave the corporate world to start your own business. Hint: it's after you've done a great deal of soul searching, planning and testing.

I believe this book is essential reading for anyone who is considering leaving a corporate job to start their own business. The combination of inspiration, motivation, humor and practical advice is unbeatable.


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Saturday 17 March 2012

Why It Is Important To Stay Focused On The Road While Driving

Driving can be scary business. It may be something that has to be done, but that does not make it any less scary for some people. Getting in wrecks is something most drivers fear, but most of them do not spend a lot of time thinking about it. It is easy to get lost in your own thoughts while you're out on the road, but this can be dangerous.

Paying attention to what's around you while driving is not always simple. Today, with cell phones, (that people not only talk on but text on and surf the internet with) being distracted is easier than it has ever been. When you are driving in a car, it is imperative to always keep your eyes on outside surroundings.

This is not to say that you should forget about daydreaming while you're driving, or that listening to your favorite music is a no-no. All it means is that in order to be as safe as possible, you need to be as alert to potential dangers as you can be. It is easy to get lost in your own head, listening to the radio, or playing over events in your mind. However, no matter how much your mind wanders, your eyes should always be focused on all three sides of the road in front of you.

If you have a good driving record, you will probably be able to find the best deals on auto coverage. However, even the greatest of drivers are not immune to the dangers of driving. Depending upon what kind of coverage you have, if you get in a wreck, you may not have much to worry about other than recovering from your ordeal.

Every day, people and their cars are injured in accidents. This is something that is not going to go away. As long as there are big, fast machines out on the roads, wrecks will happen. Wild (and domestic) animals are responsible for many of the accidents people get in, and many insurers take this into consideration.

Being in a wreck, and surviving, is not the end of the world. If the wreck was your fault, it could cause your rates to go up. However, if you were in a wreck that someone else caused, your rates should not be increased. That being said, if you get into more than one or two accidents within a short period of time, your insurer may need you to raise your deductible.

Accident affect insurance premiums negatively. You will find compete details about the factors that affect insurance rates and a summary of the reasons why you should compare ins quotes online, now.


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Gap Insurance - To Defer or Not to Defer, That Is the Question

Not so long ago it was very common practise for your own motor insurance company to offer a new for old style of cover within the first 12 months of your ownership when ever you bought a brand new car.

This means that if your car was written off within this period your own insurance company would simply replace it on a new for old basis.

It was a perk of buying a new car. It was almost an expected feature of any motor insurance policy. As you already had new for old within the first twelve months it was always tempting to delay the purchase of any gap insurance until the end of this period. The problem was that as you would have then owned the vehicle for over the magic one hundred and eighty days qualifying period the type and level of cover available was inferior to the styles offered when you originally purchased the vehicle.

To compensate for this difference the only option was to buy gap insurance at the start of your ownership. A result being that you where effectively paying twice for the first years cover.

Times change and today's economic climate every organisation is looking for ways to stay competitive and stream line costs. This in turn has meant that not all insurance companies offer this feature as standard. That said there are plenty that still offer this cover and one in particular whom I know offers up to two years complimentary cover.

So as we have already explored if you had this type of cover you where left with only two options neither of which where ideal. At last times have changed and there is a new breed of gap insurance which simply allows you to defer the start date to coincide with the end of your own motor insurance companies cover. The date can be set up to 12 months in advance.

At last you can benefit from the higher premium levels of cover and not be left in the position of having to pay twice or accept inferior levels of cover.

That said do not consider any level of deferred gap insurance until you have contacted your own motor insurance company and confirmed their levels of cover. You will need to read their terms and condition and satisfy yourself that should your vehicle be written off that you would be protected via their policy. That said if you have read the conditions and are happy with their level of cover why not explore the deferred gap insurance option and take advantage of even further price reductions.

Jackie Verdier Sales Director at Aequitas Automotive Limited

As our name Aequitas suggests our aim is simply to be fair and honest in all we do. No gimmicks, no fuss just fantastic service and real market leading prices via our two brands https://easygap.co.uk/ and https://gapinsurance123.co.uk/. Gap insurance dose not have to be difficult and really can be very easy. Used properly and with common sense it really help you protect your finances. So why not take the easygap challenge and see just how easy gap insurance can be.


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Legit Online Jobs Reviews - Discovering Ways To Find a Legit Online Job


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Useful Auto Insurance Tips For Any Buyer

Make sure you stay abreast of the latest updates about auto insurance. Having a vast knowledge of coverage and policies helps you make a suitable decision about your insurance. Here are some strategies to aid you in making your decision on car insurance.

Buying extra insurance coverage for replacement parts may be senseless. It's common practice for repair shops to give you a guarantee on their work for a limited period of time. There is no point in spending money on something you do not really need.

If your record is not perfect, you will pay more than if it was perfect. However, different insurance companies offer different rates. Shop around. Many companies will even help you to re-calculate your premium, in order to figure out what you can do to get the best rate possible.

If you have a previous association with a car repair company, seek their opinion on insurance companies and which ones have a good reputation. Employees at body shops deal with insurance adjusters on a regular basis. Repair shops work with insurance companies all the time, so they know which ones are a breeze to work with and which ones stonewall and delay payments.

Learn about the range of coverages before you choose auto insurance. Your insurance may only be for a single vehicle, but the cost will still be affected by many different variables. To be covered for all costs that might arise if you hit someone with your automobile, you need bodily injury liability.

Only insure those drivers who actually use your car. This can help keep you from paying too much for auto insurance. Your premium will be reduced if you remove drivers from your policy. Removing young drivers from your insurance will decrease your premium.

Do your homework by comparing and contrasting different insurance plans before making your purchase. Even though insurance companies all have access to the same information in your driving record, they use it differently to decide what to charge as an insurance premium. You will find the policy that is most affordable and best suited to you by checking into policies from several different companies.

When you are considering car insurance quotes, the amount of your annual premium will cost is just a minimal part of the factors you need to consider. Know the details of your policy; including, the deductibles, limits and the amount of coverage that is provided.

There should be a "consumer complaint ratio" for many insurance companies in your state. What this number indicates to you is the percentage of provider claims that result in a complaint.

Insurance companies differ and offer a wide variety of services and rate differentials. If you're not satisfied with the quote you've been given, shop around and see what prices competitors are offering.

Most companies offer discounts for having anti-theft devices installed on the vehicle. Theft associated with your car plays a huge role in calculating your insurance coverage. By making your car as secure as possible, you will help ensure lower premiums as the risk of theft, and a big insurance payout, is significantly decreased.

If you are involved in a car accident, contact the police immediately. The police will interview witnesses, collect relevant information, and instruct you about what you should do next. Having the authorities on your side will also be a great benefit when your insurance company gets involved. Notify the police immediately.

Put the lowest amount of miles on your car as possible. If lowering the amount of driving you do isn't feasible, an alternative is to buy an inexpensive second vehicle. You may pay less in insurance on two cars that have low miles than one that has high miles.

Now that you've read this article, you know more about choosing auto insurance that's a good fit for you. Research enables you to make better decisions based off of information instead of speculation. If you think your family and friends could also benefit from this advice, then by all means share it!

For further information and quotes on taxi insurance please visit our website that specializes in all types of hire and reward policies for licensed UK drivers. To compare cheap private hire taxi insurance quotes visit http://dpmediaproperty.co.uk/taxi-insurance/ a leading UK quote comparison portal.


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Benefits of Short Term Car Insurance

Driving without car insurance is illegal and can result in hefty fines or even the revocation of the driver's license. Sometimes purchasing long-term insurance is not a necessary expense especially if the vehicle will be used for a short period of time. Short-term car insurance is a convenient option for people who need coverage from a few days to six months.

How Short Term Car Insurance Works

If you are going to be in possession of a vehicle for a temporary period of time, then a short-term insurance policy is a good idea. Coverage lasts from one day to six months, depending on your needs. This type of car insurance includes physical damage, bodily injury, property damage, uninsured motorist, and medical payments. The premiums can be paid either in advance or monthly and might cost less than long term insurance. Most insurance companies charge a flat rate for insurance that is based on a shorter period of time.

When to Get It

If you are taking a road trip during the holidays, short-term car insurance is a good option. Also, if you have a vehicle that is in storage you might want to get short-term insurance to protect it from physical damage. Other instances when this insurance may be needed; college kids who use a car during breaks, guests who are out of town needing to use your vehicle, a disabled person providing coverage for their driver.

The Benefits

An advantage to having short-term insurance is that it will not affect your long-term policy and any amount of drivers will be able to drive your car. If a driver is involved in a car accident, you do not lose the no-claim benefits and discounts on your long-term policy. It is also much more convenient to add drivers on a policy for a short period of time instead of a long-term one.

Purchasing Short-Term Car Insurance

There are many ways you can obtain information about short-term insurance online and offline. One of the best methods is to compare quotes online from several different companies to get the best rates. Comparing car insurance quotes online can provide you with a good idea on pricing, availability, and coverage options that will fit your needs. Once you have found rates that you are satisfied with, you can purchase the policy online or by calling an agent.

There are many useful tips and advice on car insurance online, so make sure to do your research before making a purchase.


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Merits Of Car Insurance

Any responsible driver will agree with the fact that investing in car insurance is one of the most vital elements of buying a car. Many others often wonder about the advantages associated with automobile insurance. Car insurance is one basic element that provides an individual with an economic cushion and hassle free negotiations if of any unfortunate accident on the road.

Economic cushion: Accidents can happen at any time. One may end blowing all the savings on repairing the car and taking care of the medical expenses in the absence of an adequate insurance cover. Bill for car repairs can be quite an enormous amount. Car owners can restrict their payment liability to a great extent with automobile insurance.

Ease in negotiations: The insurance service providers appoint claims specialists who will handle the negotiations on the insurer's behalf. These claims specialists are experts in their field and they aim at providing fair and just resolution to the parties involved. Presence of these claims specialists also protects the insurer from fraudsters who may be trying to claim more than the damage incurred.

Mental peace: One simply cannot ignore the fact, that insurance provides much of mental peace to the driver. The driver understands that insurance provides him a financial safety cover and protects him and the car if of a road mishap.

Car insurance also provides strong relief if there is fire, theft, earthquake, floods, riots or any other untoward natural or artificial calamities that result in any damage to the car. It also provides financial aid to victims of the car crash tragedy. The car insurance policy also covers people who are driving the insured vehicle with your permission. This provides a sense of security to most of the drivers.

Most of the countries have stringent laws about car insurance. Many countries have made auto insurance mandatory for mutual benefit of the riders. Auto experts recommend that one invests a small amount every month towards the car insurance instead of taking the risk of driving an uninsured car. Several insurance companies will also provide an additional discount if the individuals are insuring more than one car under their name. If one does not make the claim towards the car insurance policy, he/she can also avail discounts in the form of no claim bonus at the time of renewal. Be a smart customer and avoid financial and mental stress by investing in an auto insurance policy.

Gagan is running online web-portal to provide lowest premium on Car Insurance in Delhi. Also, list second hand cars for sale in India.


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Friday 16 March 2012

Careers in Renewable Energy - Book Review


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Make the Right Choice While Insuring Your Vehicle

Vehicle or motor coverage falls under the category of general insurance which makes them different from the life insurance plans. General insurance policies cover assets and vehicles certainly are priced possessions which every owner would want to give a thorough coverage. You might get confused while choosing the right insurance plan for your vehicle, read on to know which sort of insurance will offer the best coverage for your automobile.

Private motor car insurance: If you have bought a car for personal use then it is termed as a private vehicle. You can look out for private car coverage insurance plans in such cases. The basic coverage against loss or car theft, protection against fire, accidental repairs etc are provided by almost every car insurance company, you need to look for additional benefits too. For instance a no claim bonus can make you eligible to pay lesser premium along with the tag of a responsible car driver and owner. Some insurance providers even offer free replacement of glasses, tyres or other car parts as their no claims bonus policy, which ultimately is beneficial for your car. It is wise to browse through all the available options and then settle for a policy that takes care of your car's needs the most. Just opting for any attractive looking motor insurance policy will not serve the purpose instead it can make you pay more and get lesser benefits.

Second hand car insurance: Not every person might think of purchasing a brand new car, for some second-hand cars are more convenient and affordable as well. This does not mean that used cars are not considered for an insurance coverage, automobile insurance is available for such cars too. So if you are planning to buy a used car there is no reason why you should drop the idea thinking nobody will offer you coverage for it, a reliable car insurance company can come to your rescue.

Two-wheeler insurance: Motorcycles and scooters are one of the most preferred automobile choices because they come with convenient mobility. This fact also makes two-wheeler more prone to accidents and damages, to offer coverage to the needs of motor riders and scooter riders is two-wheeler insurance.

Commercial vehicle insurance: Transportation of goods and services is an important aspect of every business; the vehicles used in this process are categorized as commercial vehicles. Such automobiles are also granted coverage by general insurance companies in India. Commercial vehicle insurance is especially meant to protect its owner from the loss or damaged caused to his vehicle by any third party.

Above mentioned motor insurance policy types are a few of the widely classified options you can opt for depending upon the nature of your vehicle. The foremost important thing in all the cases is to settle for a genuine general insurance company.

General Car Insurance are many but to find one that caters to your needs is tough to find. For more details about Automobile Insurance and policies do visit here.


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What You Should Know Before Buying General Car Insurance

Buying a car is now a necessity and no longer a luxury. As the world gets busier, so do you, and it is only better when you are able to access all the places that you wish to without so much of a hustle. Having saved up and bought your dream car, the next thing you will need to think about is insurance. Luckily, general car insurance companies are so many and the only challenge you might face is deciding which one to settle for. There are many factors one should consider when buying insurance.

First of all, you need to know about the laws in your state. Every state has their own set of rules that motorists should abide by. Find out the insurance requirements for your state before you get general auto insurance, as this will help you get a good package. A good insurance company should be able to advise you accordingly. Also, make sure you find out if there are any additional or optional coverage that may come in handy when you get an accident. Their purchase could save you a lot of money in the long run.

Apart from having a car, you need to understand the basics of car insurance so that you can make a better and informed choice. Read as much as you can from magazines or the Internet to know the difference in policies. Make as many inquiries as possible from different insurance companies until you are satisfied that you understand all you need to know about insurance. You will be in a better position to choose a general car insurance package that is ideal for you.

The next thing you need to consider is of course, how much money you are willing to spend. A good deal for anyone means getting a valuable asset for a lower price. If you shop fervently before buying, you will find your good deal. The many general auto insurance companies are in competition so there is always competition in prices too. Window shopping is good because it helps you see what is in the market before settling for the best. Choose a policy that has all the necessary coverage and comes at a good price. You do not want your insurance stifling you of all your hard earned money especially now that the fuel prices are on the rise. Use a car insurance calculator found in many websites to calculate how much coverage your policy should have or how much you will spend for the cover.

You also need to consider the type of car you drive. Different cars operate in different ways and therefore need different coverage. Know your car, and then choose the best cover for it. Men and women also seem to have different needs when it comes to insurance coverage. Luckily, some companies have recognized this and introduced car insurance for women. Though it is just like the men's, it is tailor made to suit a woman's needs.

These are just a few of the things you should find out before buying your insurance. With all this information at your fingertips, you can proceed to purchase your general auto insurance.

Ashley M May is the author of this article on general auto insurance.
Find more information on general car insurance here


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How to Get a Good Car Insurance Policy

Auto insurance cost is affected by several different factors. It can be very expensive depending on your needs and coverage level. The cost of an auto insurance policy is affected by driving record, age, number of vehicles, and the model of your vehicle/s. Deciding on a good insurance policy has to include a reasonable price and adequate coverage.

Shop around: Insurance companies are some of the most successful and profitable businesses. There are countless companies to choose from and the competition is really high. This is good news for the consumer because there are many options that are available. The best thing to getting a good deal on auto insurance is to shop around. An easy way to do this is to get as many insurance quotes online and to compare them.

Look for discounts on car insurance: If you meet certain criteria you may be eligible for discounts. If you have a clean driving record, if you are a certain age, or if you have more than one vehicle to insure you may qualify for discounts that can significantly lower your monthly insurance premiums. If you are a homeowner, you may qualify to reduce your car insurance cost by up to 30% if you apply for a multiple policy discount.

Choose the right amount of car insurance coverage: If you are driving an older vehicle it may be a good idea to stop paying for comprehensive coverage. It is important to calculate that your insurance is not more expensive than the actual value of your car. It may make sense to only have liability on an older vehicle. However, you also want to make sure that you are not underinsured either. Do not reduce your insurance coverage simply to save money. By putting yourself and others at risk you may end up paying much higher for medical costs or other expenses in case of an accident.

Buy from reputable companies: Sometimes we may be tempted with deals that are too good to be true. If you try to save some money by dealing with a company that is not highly rated simply because they enticed you with a low quote, you may end up paying for it in the long run. Companies with low reputations may stall or not pay you at all in the event of a claim. Many of these companies will also try to increase your premiums significantly during renewal time.

There are many useful tips and advice on car insurance online, so make sure to do your research before making a purchase.


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Factors That Affect Insurance Premiums

Certain characteristics will cause you to be included in a group of drivers who present a greater risk than the average driver. Each such group is compiled based on how many claims were filed by individuals in that group. Insurance companies determine the rate based on the cost of those claims. There are things you can do to affect the group that you are placed in.

Make certain you maintain a spotless record. Those who have multiple accidents and tickets for moving violations will most often pay a much higher premium than drivers with clean records. If a driver is at fault in more than one accident in fewer than three years, or is convicted as the result of a DUI, the insurance company will usually raise the cost of the premiums significantly. They may also refuse to renew an insurance policy when it comes time for renewal. The policy can be immediately cancelled if you lose your driving privileges through suspension or revocation. Your poor driving record will do more damage if you are covered under your parents' automobile insurance. It will have a detrimental effect on their insurance and they may pay higher premiums as a result.
The type of car you drive will affect your premiums also. Some automobiles are more prone to damage in an accident. Some cost more for repairs, a luxury vehicle for example. Some are likely to be stolen more frequently than others. If you drive a high performance sports car, insurance rates will rise. If your car is deliberately "modified" to be a street machine, insurance may skyrocket.
Buy a car that has all the safety features. This includes vehicles with seatbelts that have the automatic release feature, anti-lock brakes and side as well as front airbags may lower the premium.
Your credit rating matters because you present yourself as a responsible, stable individual by paying bills on time. Premiums may go up for someone with a bad credit history.
Maintain a good grade point average if you are a student. Insurance companies may offer a discount to those who have a "B" average or higher.

These factors are just a few things you should keep in mind in order to save more on car insurance. Always avoid being categorized as a high risk driver. One single ticket or accident can increase your insurance cost for 3 to 5 years depending on who writes your policy. If you do get into an accident you should always consider shopping around since some companies are more lenient than others.

Comparison Insurance Quotes resource offers a way to comparison shop for car insurance from both National Carriers and local agents. Check out recently updates for insurance quotes Florida.


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Job Interview Tips - 3 Important Things To Always Remember


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Thursday 15 March 2012

Rental Car Insurance

Many folks who travel opt to rent a car for their trip to avoid airport congestion, heightened security, and scanning. A rental car is a really good alternative especially if you are planning on traveling to a closer destination. Most wonder whether they need to insure the rented vehicle. While the answer to this question is yes, the insurance does not always need to be purchased directly from the rental company.

Keep in mind that there are a few different options that are available when purchasing rental car insurance such as:

· Your Personal Car Insurance

· Credit Card

· Car Rental Company

· Through Vacation Packages

Personal Car Insurance

Your personal car insurance usually offers coverage for rented vehicles at no extra cost. To have this benefit you will need to have one of your personal vehicles insured with full coverage in order to have the same coverage extended to a rental car. The deductibles will remain the same for your rented car as well.

In case of an accident, a car insurance company will not cover all the fees that are related to a rental car. The rental companies will charge fees for the days that a rental car spends in the shop being repaired. Make sure to check with your insurance provider whether they will cover the rental fees in case of an accident.

Credit Card

Most credit cards will offer coverage for a rental car. The requirement is to purchase your rental using the credit card that you want the coverage to extend from. In case of an accident, there may be possible fees on your credit card. The credit card company may charge you for the days that the vehicle is repaired. It is usually not possible to avoid these fees.

Car Rental Company

Buying car rental insurance directly from the rental company is the best option as they provide multiple coverage levels offering protection for you and the rental car. However, the downside to purchasing rental insurance through the rental company is that the price is much higher than other options that are available. The benefit to this is that you will not have any out of pocket expenses in case of a car accident.

Vacation Packages

A really good choice is to purchase insurance through a vacation package especially if you are traveling outside of the U.S. Bundled prices are usually much better and you may save a lot of money. Make sure to check whether you will be responsible for any fees if you are involved in an accident. The money that you have saved initially should be kept aside for any possible fees in case of an accident.

If you decide not to purchase car rental insurance through the rental company, you may save money in the long run, depending on the fees, and if you are not involved in an accident. It is essentially a gamble, so make sure to plan ahead and be prepared for the possible fees that could be devastating. Purchasing insurance directly from a car rental agency can be costly but will provide you with the best coverage and protection from out of pocket expenses.

There are many useful tips and advice on car insurance online, so make sure to do your research before making a purchase.


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A Dying Trade or a Niche Opportunity? Become a Master Thatcher


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High Risk Car Insurance Tips

Being in the high risk driver category does not last forever if you strive to improve your driving record and if you make good choices. If you are interested in lowering your insurance payments it is important to understand how long you will be in the high risk driver category. In most instances the length of time that you are considered high risk really depends on your record.

Multiple Tickets

If you have had minor violations in the past three years it may affect your insurance rates. If you have multiple tickets or an accident where you were at fault, you will be able to get back into a preferred carrier when your oldest violation falls off. Most violations will affect your record for 3 years after which it typically comes off your record. You should be able to see a difference in your rate after 3 years if you are staying with the same insurance provider.

It is always a good idea to ask your insurance agent to provide you with dates of all your violations. You can also switch to a preferred carrier the day after your violations come off your record to save money instantly. Keep in mind that most insurance companies have similar policies. However, some insurance providers track tickets and violations within the last 2 years. If you have multiple tickets or violations the term is usually 3 years.

No Prior Insurance

If you did not carry insurance for a period of time chances are that your insurance rates will be higher. It is important to consistently have car insurance because there are surcharges if there is a lapse. In case that there has been a lapse in paying for car insurance on your record, your rates may be higher for up to six months.

If you obtain a car insurance policy, it is in your best interest to keep this policy for at least six months. If you switch or discontinue your coverage you will have to start your six month coverage over. Switching insurance carriers is still a possibility within the initial six months but you will be required to show proof of insurance coverage by providing the declaration pages.

Major Violation

Major violations can affect your insurance rates up to five years with some insurance providers. Some major violations fall in the category of DUI, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident. In most cases preferred insurance rates will not be available until five years have passed form the time of a major violation.

It is possible to shop and compare insurance carriers that do no charge for major violations after three years. Once the five years are up, it is a good idea to start shopping around again in order to obtain the cheapest car insurance possible.

With rising living expense costs it can be extremely difficult to maintain payments on insurance under high risk driver status. Many people spend more time in the high risk category simply because they do not keep continuous insurance coverage. It is really important to keep driving records as clean as possible and to have insurance policies in effect at all times in order lower insurance premiums.

There are many useful tips and advice on car insurance online, so make sure to do your research before making a purchase.


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Learn How Teenagers Can Get Affordable Automobile Insurance

Many parents shudder at the thought of their teenagers reaching the age where they will be able to become legal drivers. Even the most responsible teenager can be expensive to insure for automobile insurance. Insurance companies almost always charge a much higher auto insurance liability rate for teenage drivers than they do for older adults who have a safe and proven driving record. This is because the teenager has yet to prove himself or herself as a safe and responsible driver. For the first two or three years of having their driver's license, teens may be subject to extremely high insurance rates through their parents' auto insurance policy.

Every household differs in how parents require teenagers to be responsible. Some households have teenagers work part time or full time jobs to help pay their auto insurance premiums. Other parents find it necessary to have their teenagers not work and focus solely on sports and academics and other common extracurricular activities that can promote positive and well-rounded social and academic development in a student.

If the teen pays for the auto insurance or if the parent pays for the auto insurance, the rate still stays the same. If the parents pay for it, this is a bill that can add another expense to yet a potentially already strict budget. There are steps that teens can take to lower their insurance premiums to make insurance more affordable for them and for their parents. Teens who take driver's education courses in high school will be viewed more favorably by insurance companies compared to teens who have not taken the course. Taking a driver's education course demonstrates that the teen not only takes driving seriously, but that he or she has passed a course on safe and responsible driving by a certified driver's education teacher.

The driver's education course is one thing that a teenager can do to lower his or her insurance. When a student volunteers in the community, makes good grades, and has a record of being an upstanding citizen, he or she will stand a good chance of getting reduced rates on auto insurance. Many insurance companies will reward students who make an extra effort to be responsible and upstanding. Insurance companies also see teens that do these things as a lower risk driver than teenagers who do not get good grades and who have no participation in community events.

Getting a teenager a sports car or a high end powerful or luxury vehicle will also dramatically increase the automobile insurance the teen is able to get. Some insurance companies will refuse to insure teenage drivers on high end sports cars out right. Other insurance companies will charge a significant amount of money for a teen to be insured in even a newer automobile. Studies have found that reliable, medium grade quality sedans are the most affordable vehicles for teenage drivers to be insured for. These vehicles are typically safer and have less speed capabilities than other higher end models.


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Girly Men Save On Car Insurance

It doesn't take much, just go against nature, fight the instincts and make wise judgments instead of just going with the flow. When men start acting more like a lady, their insurance will start costing less and less, on the road that is.

I am talking about being safer while driving, wearing that seat belt, slowing down and following that speed limit, make complete stops at stop signs and quit running that red light. Just follow the laws of the road and make sure to not get any tickets. Traffic tickets go straight to the driving record and any kind of blemishes on that will directly affect the car insurance rate. Tickets equal risky driver and risky driver label drops you right into the higher car insurance rate box.

The statistics show that women are generally more careful drivers. They will wear the seat belt more often than men will and they get less traffic tickets. They also are less likely to drink and drive. These statistics have been changing over the last 35 years though, showing women caused fatal accidents growing by 10 percent. However it is only because women are driving more miles than they used to, so men are still showing to be more risky mile for mile.

Men love the adrenaline rush when they take risks and when it comes to driving, the nature comes out on the road too. It would be beneficial both for men, themselves, as well as others on the road for them to tame that nature beast but not too many take that challenge.

If they would start acting more like the ladies maybe the statistics would start balancing out with the women but I doubt it will ever happen. It is the nature of men to take risks so boys will be boys and they will keep paying more for their car insurance.

The sad part is that a fraction of men that are cautious by nature, do not take as many risks on the roads at all, but being male, they still get to pay up with the rest of them.

Car insurance companies work by statistics and the rate they charge is directly related to the risk factor of the driver. They will calculate all the different elements of the driver's details and create a risk factor or risk score for each driver, and then based on this number they will issue a quote.

Valik Rudd writes articles about e car insurance for his website and other online publications to inform his readers about this subject. Read more articles like these on his website at http://cheapinsurancelist.com/


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How To Easily Get A Vehicle Coverage Quote Online

Although it is true that you may not need a car in order to survive, it does make life a lot easier for many people. Some people opt to ride the bus, ride a bike, or walk, but most folks like the convenience of owning their own automobile. However, along with vehicle ownership, comes a lot of responsibility.

Not only are drivers expected to know and obey the rules of the road, they must also obey laws regarding ownership. Even if you do not own the vehicle you're driving, it is still required to be insured. Business vehicles, rental cars, and personal vehicles all have to be insured before they can be legally driven out on the road. If you fail to have your vehicle insured, and you get caught, it can lead to many headaches.

Many drivers neglect getting their rides insured because they believe it costs too much money. The cost of getting inspections, tags, plates, and paying sales tax can be overwhelming to new car buyers; this is one of the most popular reasons for failing to get coverage. However, not being able to show you are insured can cost you a big fine, and possibly a trip to court.

Before the internet was around, people had to use the phone to make inquires about policies. It was also considered a hassle, by many drivers, to have to travel to different agencies in order to get a quote. Today, however, you may not need to do either of these things. It is possible to check out different agencies, and compare what each has to offer, all from the comfort of your own home or office.

You can always do searches of the companies you want to compare, by using a search engine. No matter what time of the day it happens to be, the internet is always open. You will not have to wait in any lines, or risk getting caught without coverage (if you're not presently covered). All you need to do after you find what you're looking for is type in your information and hit send.

Most people lead busy lives and the last thing they want to worry about is tracking down the best prices on car protection policies. For those who do not have a lot of time on their hands, but still want to find the best deals, it is simple to use the tools provided by online companies. By doing it this way, you could save yourself both time, and money.

You can find a summary of the reasons why you should compare auto insurance quotes online and a comprehensive ins highlights list on our site, now.


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Wednesday 14 March 2012

Liability Insurance And Financial Responsibility

Drivers in the state of Texas must demonstrate that they are financially able to compensate for property damage and injuries caused in an auto accident. Obtaining the minimum amount of Texas liability insurance is the most common way to protect yourself while owning and operating a vehicle. Failure to comply with Texas's financial responsibility law could lead to criminal convictions and monetary fines.

Legislators believe that when you take on the responsibility of driving a vehicle, you should also be able to pay for any damage and injuries you cause.

Auto accidents are a daily occurrence. Even the most careful drivers can end up getting into an accident.

An easy way to cover yourself if you are at fault for an accident is to get auto insurance. The minimum Texas liability insurance requirements are $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident of bodily injury coverage. The minimum limit for property damage is $25,000 per accident.

Looking for auto insurance quotes online is a convenient way to compare rates and purchase a policy. Provide information such as your zip code, the car description, and types of coverage on the website. Once you provide your information, you will get a list of comparable rates from different companies to choose from.

Even though drivers are only legally required to get the minimum coverage limits, it is prudent to inquire about additional coverage as well. Collision, comprehensive, medical payments, and rental reimbursement are some of the coverages that will protect you in the event of an auto accident. Getting additional coverage will increase the price of the policy but ultimately it may be less expensive to have the insurer cover your expenses if you are injured or have property damage in an accident.

There are penalties for violating the financial responsibility law. A conviction could result in monetary fines. If the fine is not paid or if the issue is not corrected, additional fines may be incurred. Other than financial penalties, it is possible that your driver's license will be suspended. Your car may also be impounded.

Prior to purchasing an auto policy, look at rates from different insurers. Contact insurers directly via email or on the phone if you have questions regarding the appropriate amount of coverage to get. If you have difficulty finding an insurer to cover you, get in touch with the Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association for assistance. The association provides basic liability coverage to drivers who are rejected by other insurers.

You can find more information about Texas liability insurance requirements and details about different auto ins discounts offered by insurers, now.


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