Networking Obstacles and Shy Networkers -

Networking Obstacles and Shy Networkers - If you missed the post Networking: Who, What, When, Where and Why?, you may want to read it first!  In summary, networking is your best tool to find a job and to find information that youll need to land a job.  Even if you realize that networking is important, it can still be intimidating Obstacles to Networking   I dont like to ask for help Many ask me, Isnt this about using people? Networking is not about using people; its about plugging into the job market.  When you network, you are looking for information and advice from those who know it best. Most people can and will provide helpful answers to your questions and guidance, and are only too glad to do so if asked the right way. Im just not an outgoing person Thats okay! You dont have to change your personality type to be successful at networking. The goal is to project a confident, articulate and professional demeanor. If you prepare yourself to be confident about your goals and skills, you should be able to better project confidence and professionalism in your own way. Some Suggestions: Role play Practice working a room and chit-chatting Prepare things to talk about in advance in social situations Have a list of questions or topics to discuss RESEARCH What you need to know and who knows it? Whats the worst thing that can happen? Maybe youll encounter someone who wont want to help you. Thats okay.  Ideally, youll ask them if they can suggest someone else who may be able to answer some questions for you.  Most of the time, you will at least be able to get a referral from someone who isnt interested in helping! Dont let fear or shyness get in the way of your job search. Shy or Introverted Networkers There are some terrific points for shy or introverted networkers on Lindsey Pollaks blog.  Lindsey is the author of Getting from College to Career.  Her ideas apply to all potential networkers.  The advice (above) about networking encourages shy people to act outgoing.  Lindseys article, Why Shy People Make Great Networkers reminds these networkers of their great innate traits. In summary, shy and introverted people ask for personal referrals, tend to be polite, are good listeners, bring a friend to networking events and leverage their on-line contacts all great indicators of a successful networker! (Thanks, Lindsey for those timely points!) Cultural Factors In the U.S, contacting people you may not know for information is acceptable and expected. However, in other cultures, even the most polite networking may be considered rude and disrespectful. If your cultural assumptions prohibit networking, and you are looking for a job in the U.S., you may want to work with a trusted friend or adviser to strategize about how you can take advantage of networking. For those networking with people of various cultures, remember how cultural differences influence communication. Stay tuned for specific, practical networking strategies in the next installment in the Networking series.

Best Tips For Writing a Great Resume With Little Experience

Best Tips For Writing a Great Resume With Little ExperienceIf you want to improve your job prospects, writing a great resume with little experience can greatly increase your chances of getting hired. You may wonder how this process works but the truth is there are some steps you can take right now to get started.While there are many factors that determine whether or not a person is successful at getting hired, how you write a great resume with little experience does play a major role. After all, the person who can make their resume stand out from the crowd is the one who is going to get hired. Let's take a look at what exactly you can do.Your resume is going to show up when a potential employer looks through their resume packets. In the past, job hunters were completely overwhelmed with the amount of information they had to remember. Your resume probably needs to be more like a 10-page memo than an application.However, what you can do right now to make your resume stand out is simply to review it. If you are unsure what sections of your resume to include or how to organize it, take some time to review it carefully. No resume is ever finished. It's always something new to be added to your resume.Another tip is to write your resume in the first person. This can be difficult if you have had many resumes, but when you get started writing a great resume with little experience, just get to the point. Try and avoid using 'we,' 'us,' and other pronouns. They only work when you are describing your experience and abilities.Of course, the best way to start writing a great resume with little experience is to actually apply for a job. Try and apply as much as possible. Try to write a resume that is tailored for your ideal job. Find what you can use to describe your skills that are unique to your desired position.If you do a good job with your resume, you will find a lot of support in interviews. And if you're ready to get started, send your resume out for the interview proc ess. It is the way to gain experience and learn about the process of the hiring process. Start writing a great resume with little experience today!

The Shortcut to Launching Your Own Business

The Shortcut to Launching Your Own Business To be your own boss, you don’t have to start from scratch. Instead you can buy an existing business. One upside: less uncertainty about whether the venture is viable. Bank loans can be easier to come by, since the business has a track record. Plus, seller financing, which is typically even easier to qualify for than a bank loan, is common. “Probably two-thirds of first-generation businesses sell with some form of owner financing,” says Jack Gibson, author of How to Buy a Business Without Being Had. And as long as the business is sound, you should be able to draw a salary from day one. Still, this is most likely a major investmentâ€"anywhere from tens of thousands of dollars to millions, depending on the size of the business and the industry. Don’t let your passion blur your view of the bottom line. Tread carefully and follow this plan instead. Search strategically You can get ideas at online exchanges, such as BizBuySell.com and BizQuest.com. But the best way to search may be through word of mouth. Reach out to bankers, lawyers, and accountants in your area who may have clients poised to sell. If you have an industry in mind, contact regional or national trade associations for leads. Know who’s who A business broker can help narrow your search (again, local financial pros can offer referrals). Just keep in mind that most brokers are paid byâ€"and therefore representâ€"the seller. Unlike the case in real estate, buyer’s brokers are uncommon. Consider what you can’t buy The ideal acquisition is an established business in which you see opportunities to make improvements. When to think twice: “A business that is highly personalized and associated with one person is risky,” says Gibson. Pay for a second opinion There is no simple formula for putting a price tag on an established operation. Four times adjusted pretax earnings is “a pretty good average,” says Gibson, but a healthy, growing business may sell for seven or eight times earnings. Your lawyer and accountant can help, and an independent valuation by a business appraiser may also be a good investment. While the cost will depend on the size and complexity of the business, a few thousand dollars is typical. You can find a pro at appraisers.org. Don’t dismiss a franchise “For someone who has a lot of big ideas, a franchise may not be a good thing,” says Joel Libava, author of Become a Franchise Owner! The Start-Up Guide to Lowering Risk, Making Money, and Owning What You Do. But if you’re looking to buy a proven brand and a blueprint for doing business, a franchise could be the way to go. The tradeoff? In addition to a one-time franchise fee ($10,000 to $100,000) and startup costsâ€"or an acquisition price if you buy an existing franchiseâ€"expect to pay ongoing royalties and other fees.