MyBlogGuest A Great Tool For Growing Your Blogging

MyBlogGuest A Great Tool For Growing Your Blogging 26 Handy for bloggers and bloggers-to-be. Thank you to MyBlogGuest for being a Silver Sponsor in The 6th Annual JobMob Guest Blogging Contest, the second year in a row that they've sponsored the contest. Please support them too! If you need help creating quality content for your blog (or a client's), or want exposure by guest posting on other blogs, MyBlogGuest is a must-use platform. To explain why in detail, site founder Ann Smarty furnished this introduction to her site:eval There comes a time when even the most successful blogger has to admit that they need a boost. Whether it is in reputation management or branding, content can only get you so far. To really make an impact, you need to have a platform from which to expand and grow, something best accomplished through networking.eval Why is that? Networking with other writers or blog owners, and sharing content between the two, is a quick shot in the arm for any blog. It drives new traffic, connects you to a new reader base and can even just give you a much needed break when you are burnt out blogging. What Is MyBlogGuest? MyBlogGuest is a network of writers and blog owners for guest posting. Many bloggers find that looking for guest contributors is quite a difficult task, even if they have an active blog with a following. MyBlogGuest noticed that same trend and did something about it- they created an Article Gallery where writers could post completed articles to be published on other sites. All within easily searched categories, under tags. Bloggers can then sign up and search through the gallery. If they see something they like, they make an ‘offer' to the post writer. This has nothing to do with cash, as all content is free. Instead, the blogger shows the writer a link to their blog and proposes a date to publish their writeup. All the blogger needs to give in return is a byline. Bloggers can also post article topics you want written (i.e. article wanted ads) in the MyBlogGuest forum. Writers then make offers to write up the topics with the same conditions, giving bloggers a secondary way of getting just what they want. How Well Does It Work? Pictured: using the watchlist feature to stay alert of offers in your topics of expertise. MyBlogGuest is not a magic bullet. It doesn't automate writing and submitting articles (only scaling and organizing is automated) because MyBlogGuest community is all about a *high-quality* approach to guest posting. It all comes down to how actively you use the site. If you try out a few offers and test a few writers and their articles, you'll eventually find great partnerships that would have taken much more work and effort to find elsewhere. For more about the site's benefits (and relevance to job seekers!), check out: Gerald Weber: MyBlogGuest is Guest Blogging on Steroids.

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese 20 Questions You Need to Ask Yourself if You Want to Smarten Up About Your Career

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese 20 Questions You Need to Ask Yourself if You Want to Smarten Up About Your Career It's the first day back at work after Labor Day, and it just feels different.I'm not sure why. Is it the kids back at school? The closing of the neighborhood pools? The local nursery stocking mums and pumpkins?Whatever the reason, it strikes me as a new beginning. A chance to take a deep breath after the craziness that goes along with summer and consider where things stand now, and where you want to head in the coming months.But instead of offering you advice about what you should and shouldn't be doing, I'm going to ask you to offer your own opinion about your situation. After all, who knows it better than you?It's time to ask yourself these 20 questions:1. What is the best part of my job?2. What is the worst part of my job?3. What task do I like the least?4. What task do I like the most?5. Who is the most difficult person for me to get along with at work?6. Who is the easiest person for me to get along with at work?7. When was my best day at work?8. When was my worst day at work?9. In one hour at work, how many times am I distracted from a specific task?10. What is the source of my distractions?11. The last time I made a mistake at work, it was because....12. When the mistake was discovered, I felt....13. I handled the mistake by....14. Other than my own job, the position I'd like to do within my company is....15. The job within my company that I would not like to do is....16. When I am feeling stress about my job, I leave work and handle it by....17. I last updated my resume on....18. I last attended a networking event on....19. Three facts I can tell you about my industry's current condition are...20. The last time I talked to a higher-up, other than my direct supervisor was...Now, look at your answers. No one is going to see these but you, so be brutally honest. Are you satisfied with where you are now? Are you taking steps to ensure a future that makes you happy? Have you learned from your mistakes? Are you stuck in a rut? Where are you stumbling? Where a re you succeeding?Are there other questions that might be helpful for a career assessment? del.icio.us

The Smartphone Software Every Career Woman Needs

The Smartphone Software Every Career Woman Needs Diamonds might be a girls best friend, but the smartphone is a womans secret weapon. Because women in business already face a litany of obstacles to overcome, you need all the help you can get. Your phone is the root of your success. Its not just a tool for making phone calls, receiving texts or reading your Twitter timeline. Its about staying connected with your work, no matter where you are. Its crucial that the career woman arms herself (and, consequently, her phone) with all the tools she needs to succeed. Nobody is going to help you in the cutthroat world of business, so you need to help yourself. The best way to achieve that is by making sure that your smartphone is improving your professional life at an optimal level. Remember, for the career driven woman, your phone is much more than just a plaything. There is a whole host of apps that can help you manage your business needs, and Im going to outline a few of the best pieces of smartphone software for you. Accounting Software This is imperative for the woman that runs her own business, not least if she doesnt have a great grasp of figures. Hey, youre not the only one. Not every small business can afford to hire out a contracted accountant, but you dont need to anymore. The evolution of technology has made that redundant. Now, everything, including your accounts, can be easily automated with the right software. This can help you keep track of your budget reports, incomings and outgoings. You can link up all your business (or personal) accounts, and itll review your cash flow for you. The more sophisticated apps are even able to predict future cash flow problems based on past data. Cloud Software Cloud computing has become one of the most important pieces of software on the market. As business becomes more about remote working, technology has had to make adjustments to account for that. The last thing you want is to find that youre stuck on a train and unable to access the important documents you need to work on for another three hours. The Cloud, as it has affectionately come to be known, absolutely has an important place in business. You can store files, photos and documents on the remote network server and access them from any device. Anywhere. It would have been crazy to think about a few decades ago, and yet the first remote network was first suggested as early as the 1960s. It just goes to show how far technology has come. Just make sure you look at some iPhone 6 cases to make sure your phone doesnt get damaged when you need it most. Invoicing Software This is essential for freelancing professionals. Sending out invoices is one hell of a painstaking task. Especially so if youre not particularly great at maths. All that calculating and sending off reminders is just a headache waiting to happen. Thats why there are many app developers that have seen a market for invoicing software. Programs like Quickbooks are imperative to keeping on top of your invoicing needs. You just input all the data that you have, such as who youre billing and how much, and it will take care of the rest. You wont need to worry about who has paid and who you need to chase up. The app itself will let you know that information with just a few clicks of your phone. There are tons of other benefits too, like predicting your forecast for the financial year. This is great as, by the nature of freelancing, you have no guaranteed income. You can see what you can expect to make in the upcoming months and budget accordingly. Itll also help you account for taxes, and how much you can expect to pay when it comes time for your self-assessment. Not to mention keeping track of your expenses. Note Taking Tool Both iPhone and Android come with their own built-in note functions by default. The iPhones Note app and Google Keep on Android are great for taking down quick reminders, but theyre not the best out there. Youre probably already familiar with the concept of having a bright idea somewhere and having nowhere to jot it down. So, you turn to your phone. Thats the place for you to jot everything down. Its safe. Its secure. Its with you wherever you go. Improving on your phones default note app should be one of the first things you do. They do the job, for sure, but there are many better options available. With the paid-for apps, youre not limited to just taking quick written notes. Some use voice recognition software so that you can just speak your mind as it comes to you. Thats invaluable when youre on the move and brainstorming.  Organising Tools As anyone in business can attest to, keeping a strict itinerary can be a lifesaver. No matter where you are or what youre doing, youve always got somewhere else to be soon after. Even when youre trying to relax at home, your phone is constantly pinging with reminders and notifications. If that sounds anything like you, its time to take back control of your life. The very least you should have is a good calendar tool to make note of important dates coming up. Most smartphone calendar apps now have notification settings so youll never miss an important date. Just input what you need, and your phone will do the rest. As paper trails are dying out, its important that you find alternative ways to keep on top of budgeting your time. Your phone can do everything that a traditional journal can do and more. Even better is that you most likely wont ever leave it behind by accident. Youre glued to your phone, and all the details you need are residing safely in your pocket. Thanks to the progression of technology, your smartphone can power your entire professional life. What are some of your favourite apps and why? Image Source; Image Source

6 Ways to Keep the Peace at Work

6 Ways to Keep the Peace at Work Weve all had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with people that we do not like. It’s not necessarily them, or maybe it is, but their personality doesnt fit yours or your taste in people. Thats fine, as long as you werent a d**k about it. During university days, campus was big enough to be able to avoid the people you didnt like, and to not have work with them on projects. However as soon as you land your first job, you realise you have no choice but to work with people from very different walks of life to you, and some of these people wont be to your taste. You can’t exactly choose your colleagues, and quitting is a bit too extreme, so how can you  be sure to  keep the peace at work? Heres how: 1. Avoid taboo subjects As a rule of thumb, unless you know someone or a group really well, don’t bring up taboo subjects. You have no idea what peoples’ lives have or haven’t involved, and what might upset, offend or anger them. You might think that your view on the subject is unanimous, but it’s not okay to assume, especially within the workplace. 2. Listen and show it! Learn to  listen properly:  and then practise by looking engaged, prying your eyes away from your phone screen and asking questions! If it’s a culture, tradition or even just a topic you don’t know much about, try to seem interested you might even learn something! Plus, if you take more interest in your colleagues, you’re more likely to be appreciated in return and be  valued as a team member. 3. Learn from past mistakes If youve witnessed someone making a comment that upsets a colleague or you have done so yourself in the past, take note. Hopefully you wouldnt be making upsetting comments anyway, but even if it’s an honest mistake, be aware that at least one person in the office could be offended by certain comments. Think before you say something, and perhaps next time, just  don’t mention it. 4. Understand there’s a time and place for a debate A work debate is just a glorified argument, and while discussing opinions in an openminded manner is great, most arguments do not take this tone. In light of this, keep the debatable topics to Friday night at the pub as opposed to a Monday lunchtime when everyone is already feeling rubbish. 5. Dont be too proud to apologise You might think that your view is gospel, even if someone is offended or annoyed by what youve said, but dont let your pride get in the way of an apology. Do you really need to be right all the time? Isnt it easier to just let it go and move on, with very little collateral damage? Lets just agree to disagree will come in handy for situations like this. 6. And if there’s tension Now, workplace bullying is not something to take lightly and if you feel victimised, speak to a manager. However, if some tension has simply grown between yourself and another member of the team, you have two options: ‘get over it’ or laugh it off. Which strategy you choose should be dependent on what  your future relationship with the colleague needs to be like, and the type of person you are. Im very non-confrontational, so when I was upset by what someone said once I chose to simply move past it for the sake of having to work together. If you’re feeling brave, bring it up by the kettle one day and laugh about it together (hopefully). If not, just let it pass. Theyve probably already forgotten about it. Image: Shutterstock

Different Styles of Resume Writing

Different Styles of Resume WritingThe differences between resume style are extensive and must be addressed to ensure a smooth transition to the new position. As with most things in life, employers are not idiots, and are unlikely to hand over a promotion to a hire who does not look their part. It is critical that your resume reflects your personality and ensures a successful transition into the new role.Recruiters will search through your resume for any errors in grammar or formatting, as this is an area where mistakes can get you fired. Generally, your resume should read like a summary of your accomplishments, followed by a professional look at your job history and experience. It is important to remember that your old job will not always be completely disclosed, so it is vital that you provide all the information you can. Additionally, if you are going back to school or retraining, your school program will be disclosed, and your instructors will be listed too.Your resume needs to be organized. It should have a header which provides some insight to your current position and allows for easy referencing later on. If you intend to search for a new job, then listing your best accomplishments will ensure you receive an increase in your resume's job application. It is also important to remember that the header should provide a brief summary of your previous employment.In addition to being organized, your resume needs to be legible and easy to read. The size of your resume should be appropriate to your current experience and qualifications. In addition, it should be relevant to the role you are applying for, as the ability to effectively convey what you do best is more important than the size of your resume.The format of your resume needs to reflect the organization of your previous work. If you have been responsible for many projects, then include them all in the section entitled 'Projects'. If you were responsible for several business meetings, then list them in the 'Meetings' section. You should also list what types of events you attended.Finally, in your career goals section, it is imperative that you clearly state what types of organizations you would like to work for. It is important to include your employer in the section, as this can benefit both parties by providing an excellent foundation for communication and by introducing the new position to those who will need to know about it.In addition to the sections discussed above, your resume need not be identical to another. Rather, it should be different and built upon your resume written for the next level up.The amount of time spent in your personal life is one of the best ways to determine the best format for your resume. Be sure to list all of your personal and professional affiliations, and any recommendations you may have given to employers. This will give a much fuller picture to potential employers and ensure a successful transition into the new position.

Video 15 of the Top 30 Interview Bloopers (Part 1 of 2)

Video 15 of the Top 30 Interview Bloopers (Part 1 of 2) 15 of the Top 30 Interview Bloopers (Part 1 of 2) Good news, bad news. Bad news: The majority of job seekers are blowing it in their job interviews. And this is within your own company or looking outside in other companies. So the bar is pretty low. Now the Good News: You can stand out in interviews by being just plain old prepared. Be well-rehearsed, smart about your answers, balanced with confidence and humility and concise. Im Dana Manciagli, author of Cut the Crap, Get a Job! and instead of lecturing you more about the crap that happens in interviews why dont I just point out the multiple bloopers.! 1. Not listening to the question. 2. Babbling on and on and on and on 3. Not having interesting questions. 4. No Passion, Low Energy. 5. Cocky, not Self-Aware or not Humble. 6. Negative about your prior company, prior boss, or prior anything. 7. Not being prepared with good ole strengths and weaknesses. 8. Forgot to go for the close. 9. Slow with turnaround on a request from the Hiring Manager 10. Smelling. Onions, cigarette smoke, perfume, cologne 11. Chewing gum 12. Phone on and vibrating or ringing 13. Dressed inappropriately, sloppy 14. Nothing to write with (and I dont mean on a PC or phone). 15. Having something to write with, but not writing anything down. More bad news: there are more than these 30! But I thought I would stop here and cry Cut the Crap, Get a Job!

Are You Asleep at the Wheel

Are You Asleep at the Wheel The stable/secure job is on the verge of extinction.   Are you paying attention? Have you checked your rear view mirror lately?   If you are not alert while driving your career, you could find yourself sitting alone by the side of the road (unemployed and unemployable). Distinguish Yourself Richard McDermotts article on Harvard Business Review is an excellent reminder that youll need to Distinguish Yourself from the Market, Not Just the Competition. He tells the story and provides the data to illustrate that professional service jobs we thought might be immune to lay-offs or outsourcing, ARE NOT. McDermott says: You need to do something to distinguish your skills from everyday professional services. What jobs are in danger? According to the Forrester study cited in the HBR article, these were the occupational areas predicted to be offshored: Administrative support Computer Business and financial operations Management Sales Architecture Legal Life sciences Art, design and related Why They Are Vulnerable In a wordtechnology. Make Yourself Memorable McDermott lists four ways to distinguish yourself (please go read the full post for the details!) Get on the cutting edge of your discipline. Become a contractor. Dont sell yourself short. Find a market niche. What About the Average Joe? This is alarming. I have to wonder, what happens to those who are just average?   What is to become of the people who just want to collect a paycheck? Is the global economy raising the bar for everyone and pushing us either to be uber-achievers or solopreneurs? Your Wake Up Call You can complain all you want, but the best advice I can provide is to take control!   NOW. Dont hit the snooze button. What do you think the options are to distinguish yourself?