If you did not get the opportunity at the end of the year to sit down and think about what you accomplished in 2011, now is your opportunity.

Use the first few weeks of January to put together your Victory Journal for 2011. These victories or successes can be good food for thought as you think about updating your resume. It is also a great way to overcome low self-confidence and self-esteem.

What do you put in a Victory Journal? Here are a few ideas:

• Any thing you did well in 2011. It could be something you think you did well, or something someone else appreciated (your boss, for example) and sent you a note about.

• Any time you have done something for the first time…you took a risk.

• Any time you stepped out of your comfort zone and tried something new.

You don’t have to limit your Victory Journal to work. You could add in your family, sports, hobbies, health etc. The important thing is to list out your successes and review them from time to time. They are a great reminder of what you are capable of!

As the work world changes, more of us are setting up shop and working from home. This includes those of us who are between jobs, free-lancers, and telecommuters.

 

There are obvious advantages to working from home, such as no commuting time and costs, controlling our own time, schedule, and environment, and better home-life balance. However, there are some drawbacks, and if you are contemplating working from home, here are a few things that you should consider first.

 

The transition can be difficult, especially for workers who are outgoing and very social. There can be a major adjustment for those workers, as they must now adapt to being in a quiet setting without much personal interaction. There always is email, telephone, Facebook, etc., through which to communicate and collaborate with your co-workers, but it's not quite the same as face-to-face connections.

 

Working from home also requires you to take the reins on a number of issues that might have been done through group or company activity. You now have to take responsibility for your own professional image, networking, and professional development. And, you must be a self-motivator if you want to keep expanding your network and visibility.

 

You also must be self-disciplined. It can be very easy to linger over your morning cup of coffee before starting to work. Or, you can be distracted by something you would rather be doing around the house, a pet project, your television, even your laundry if you aren't motivated to jump on the work you need to do.

 

As a recent report from the Wharton Business School detailed, working alone requires more than just managing your personal time, space, and motivation. What is equally important is how well you keep collaborating, networking, and advancing your career. So, keep all of these things in mind when thinking about working alone. You can do it, but you must be prepared first.

I did a vision board a few years ago when I was working with a life coach. Although I was reluctant at first to do one, I found it was a really fun experience and has served me well. My vision board is in my bedroom, strategically placed where I can see it daily and absorb its messages several times a day.

 

Several of the desires that I have expressed on the board have come true. And, I have tried this technique with some clients, too, and it has worked for them. So, let me tell you what a vision board is, and how it might work for you.

 

A vision board is basically some type of a poster board that you set up or prop up in a very visual location, such as your bedroom, a sitting area, your kitchen, or even your office. It should be somewhere that you spend a lot of time, and a place where you might pause for deliberation. It also should be placed in a spot that is comfortable for you. If you want to keep this exercise private, don't place your vision board in your office.

 

On your vision board, you should attach images, photos, words, and phrases that are meaningful to you and that would inspire you. Basically, this board should be a visual representation of the things you want in your life, what you want to accomplish (both professionally and personally), and the goals you want to achieve.

 

Your vision board doesn't have to be a thing of beauty. No artistic skills are needed. You just need to express what's important to you. The images and words on your vision board should invoke your passions, and make you think positively about yourself and what you can accomplish.

 

The purpose of the vision board is to activate the law of attraction. The law of attraction says that we attract into our lives anything we give attention to, whether it is negative or positive. When you create a vision board and put it somewhere where you can see it, you program your psyche to attract what you desire and then make it happen.

 

So think about what you would like to achieve and start putting your visions into place!

I read an article recently in Entrepreneur magazine on working from home or running a business from home, and found it interesting how this can end up being a most productive or most destructive situation.

Obviously, if you end up working 24/7 from home, you will self-destruct and, in the long run, not accomplish much at all. So, how do you make this a productive situation? Structure, organization, and discipline are the key ingredients to making this situation work for you.

First, determine if you are self-disciplined enough to work from home or run a business from your home. Ask yourself if you are organized, self-directed, a good communicator, enjoy working alone, and in a quiet place. And, be honest. If you like to collaborate with others in person, enjoy feedback and creative discussion, and the buzz of an office, you shouldn't be looking to isolate yourself at home.

If you have passed this first test, and are convinced this working arrangement is for you, then you need to get organized about setting up a home office, and putting some structure into how you work from home. Try to find a place in your home that will work for you. You don't necessarily need a separate room with a door that closes out any distractions. But it helps! Working in your kitchen can be fraught with distractions.

Next, you will need to create a system to keep you on task. Here are a couple of tips:

·      Set up scheduled hours. And, stick to them!

·      Plan in logical breaks (to stretch your legs, have lunch, etc.).

·      Keep a daily ritual (what you do before, during, and after work).

·      Manage your time well, because you won't have a boss to do this.

·      Prioritize, and then be flexible as work conditions change.

You can make working from home work for you if you are honest with yourself, organized, and flexible. Good luck!

This week, one of my career change clients, who was considering financial planning as a career change option, sent me an article from the Wall Street Journal on this career path. As I read the article, it made me think back to the many career reinvention clients I have worked with who were intrigued by the prospect of financial advising as a future career path. And it also made me reflect on those clients who have come to me hoping to exit the field, as the role did not turn out as they had hoped.

Why is this field so interesting and who do many career changers want to explore this industry??  Also, why is it that many in the field want to leave, feeling  disenchanted and unenthused about their work??? Over the years, I have learned a great deal about financial advising and planning and can share my advice.

There are many advantages to this field, including the ability to set your own hours, work from anywhere and set the number of clients you wish to work with.  Many are drawn to this field by fantasies of very high income potential.  And if you love numbers and analyzing data, this industry appears to be a great choice.

Unfortunately, there is much more than meets the eye. Firstly, there is a very steep learning curve to enter this field, including studying for and obtaining numerous certifications and licenses. Once you have received the relevant training, then comes the hard work-you have to find and engage clients. And this is where many career change clients fall short. This field requires a TREMENDOUS amount of networking and selling to identify and qualify prospects. That means cold calling, prospecting and attending a numerous networking meetings.

For the first several years in this field, you role is actually in sales and not in financial advising. Think about it-if you don’t have clients to advise, then you don’t have a business and you have no one to advise.

If you are thinking of entering this field, do your homework and talk to as many financial advisors as possible so you really understand the role, the industry and the time required to gain momentum.

If you wish to read more, here is the link to the article in the WSJ:

http://bit.ly/9ar48x

Balancing Starting a Business Can Be Done!

Starting a business can be overwhelming in terms of time, energy, and commitment. So, is it at all possible to maintain a healthy work-life balance while you’re doing this? Well, it is possible, and, if you want your business and yourself to be healthy and prosperous, it is essential to maintain such a balance.

To accomplish this, you first need to define what a healthy work-life balance means to you before you start your business. You must decide how much time to set aside for work, and how much time to set aside for your family life and activities outside of work. You also must set your boundaries. Decide how many hours you will work each day, and then leave your work at work, and not bring it “home”—even if you’re launching your business from home.

It’s also important to define your ideal client. You must avoid clients you don’t want to work with or who will zap your energy and aren’t worth pursuing. And, you should decide where you need help that might alleviate the amount of time and energy you put into your business. Some areas to consider might be financial bookkeeping, technical support, or virtual support.

Here are a few more tips:

·      Communicate your work-life goals to your inner circle.

·      Hire great people to work with you.

·      Make your family a priority.

·      Take your scheduled time off.

·      Do something daily to help yourself relax.

·      Get a good night’s sleep.

·      Learn to say “no.”

Once you have your plan in place, your work schedule and skills will be better utilized, and your time for yourself and your family will be more consistent and enjoyable. And, this balance will help you to be better at your business, be positive about your endeavors, and be successful at work and at home. Good luck!

The start of each year marks a time of new resolutions for many of us. Losing weight, more exercise, or saving money for a trip are common vows. But, this also is the time to do something for yourself that will help you for the rest of the year.

This is the best time to take a step back and make sure you have set your career and life goals for the remainder of the year. Goal setting is a crucial exercise for career reinvention, your job search, and personal branding. Yet, many of us don’t set career or life goals.

Goal setting is important because it helps you clarify what you want, identify what distractions might be blocking your success, motivate you, and leads to success, increased income, and greater career/life happiness.

Here are 10 steps to help you set your goals:

1. Create a list of what you want to accomplish in your life.

Write down everything you want to accomplish in the next 10 years. Be sure to include goals for your career, education, professional development, community service, family activities, general health, and financial commitments.

2. Prioritize your goals by time frame.

Go back to the list you just created and break the goals into three smaller time frames—the next 12 months (short term), two to five years (medium term), and six to 10 years (longer term). This will help you focus on your most important and timely, short-term goals.

3. Rewrite your short-term goals in SMART goal format.

SMART goals are specific, stating what you are trying to accomplish and why. They are measurable, stating how you will measure progress. And, they must be attainable, relevant, realistic, and timely.

4. Put your goals in obvious places, and review them daily.

This will become a daily reminder of what you are trying to accomplish. Spend a minute every day in front of your list of goals and read them to yourself. Review your goals regularly and revise them if you reach them too easily, or if they are too difficult.

5. Identify the obstacles to achieving your goals.

What will get in the way of you achieving your goals? Often, it is a factor that is internally focused. Ask yourself: What is that limiting factor for you? And, what within yourself is holding you back?

6. Identify the knowledge, skills, and competencies you need to achieve your goals.

Identify what one skill, if you developed it, would have the greatest impact on your life or career. Begin working each day on the one skill, if you developed it and did it consistently, that would help you achieve your most important goal.

7. Identify the support team you need to achieve your goals.

To achieve big goals, you will need the help and support of many people. Identify the family members, work colleagues, and mentors you will need. You also could include your coach, an industry consultant, and professional associates.

8. Celebrate Successes.

Take the time to enjoy the satisfaction of having reached a goal. Treat yourself to something to mark the accomplishment. You do not have to spend a lot of money. Relishing your successes will help boost your confidence.

9. Organize your 12-month goals into smaller steps.

The more detailed you can be in outlining your activities, the more you will accomplish in less time. Plan the next 12 months, month by month. For each month, list two or three activities that you must accomplish that would have the most profound impact on the bigger picture.

10. Take action every day.

Lots of baby steps add up to big goals. If you are having a very busy week at work, don’t beat yourself up. Just try to do one little thing each day that will keep the momentum going and keep you moving forward.

One of the great benefits of my job, is to watch individuals as they go through the various (and sometimes painful) stages of career change and evolve into a new person. Over the last year, I have had the pleasure to work with Heather Poduska, whose previous life was as a successful opera singer in Boston, where she sang with the Boston Lyric Opera. After many months of working together, Heather has now launched a business as an image consultant where she is able to combine her skills in professional presence, creativity, marketing and helping others. Heather was kind enough to author an article for my blog.

Why is image so important in a job interview? 

Well, let me put it this way, if you walk into a hair salon and the person cutting your hair does not have an attractive, clean, hair style do you feel confident they will give you an attractive hairstyle?  They may be the most talented stylist in the salon, but you would never know by their appearance.  Perhaps they were up all night with a sick child and did not have a chance to style their hair.  Maybe their hot water heater broke suddenly and they couldn’t take a shower that morning.  But you don’t know that.  All you see is someone who is about to cut your hair and they look a mess.  The same is true in any business.  You may be the most talented lawyer, marketing executive, bio-engineer, publisher, but if you don’t look professional, the first impression may be that you are not competent.

Ok, I understand that I am supposed to look professional, but what does that mean? 

First of all, make sure that you are groomed properly!  Are you clean?  Are your clothes clean, pressed and in good condition?  Are your shoes without scuffs?   Is your hair cut maintained and in an up-to-date style?  Are your nails manicured?  Ladies, please no long nails or bright nail polish colors.  Men, are you clean shaven or is your beard and mustache groomed?  This checklist may seem obvious, but many people often neglect even basic grooming and wonder why they are not getting the response they desire.  You are kidding yourself if you think are people are not noticing your wrinkled shirt or your ragged cuticles.

After you have covered the basics, I suggest you do some research into your chosen field.  What are the dress codes that are spoken and unspoken?   If you want to work at a hip and trendy gallery and you show up in a suit, it will make just as bad an impression as if you show up to a corporate interview in a colorful, relaxed outfit.   Do you know any one working in your desired field?  Ask what people usually wear.  Better yet, do some re-con and sit outside a place of work in which you are interested and watch people come and go at lunch time.  Or, go to a busy lunch place where people in your industry eat and see how they are dressed.  You will begin to get a sense of the level of dress required.   I would suggest, however, you stick to the most conservative edge of whatever field you are in for your first interview. 

What are some things I can do to make myself stand out from the pack?  

In my opinion, the best thing you can do is to get yourself a great haircut.  Hair is probably the most dramatic tool you have for creating a specific look.  Let your hairdresser know how conservative your field is, or is not and then ask for advice on an appropriate, yet modern style.  If your field is more creative you can be more adventurous with your style.  However, even in a very conservative environment you still want to look modern and up to date.  No fuddy-duddy hair! 

I also think color and accessories are great tools for creating interest and individuality when dressing.  Even if your industry demands you wear a dark suit, you can stand out by putting a brightly colored shirt underneath.  This season plum seems to be a hot color.  A plum satin shirt under a black suit can look stunning.  If you are fair you might try a softer version like a lilac color and then add plum accents with a necklace or broach. 

Lastly, remember your cases, bags and portfolios.  You could look great head to toe and then pull out a sloppy or scuffed attache case.  Instead, use this opportunity to top off your polished look with the best quality brief case and portfolio you can afford.  If you are in a creative field you could choose an interesting color.  If you are in a conservative field make sure your bags are neutral dark colors, preferably in a high quality leather.  Make sure all bags and portfolios are in perfect condition.

Any last suggestions?

If you follow these simple steps you will be well on your way to making a great first impression at your interview.  Remember, however, that your best accessory is your smile.   Interviews are not comfortable for anyone and that includes the interviewer.  A great smile will help put everyone at ease and can only help to accentuate your great style!

Boundary Setting Helps Reduce Stress!

In my coaching with clients, I notice that many of them are overwhelmed and overworked, especially in this economy. In my own work with Sharon Teitelbaum, I have learned that one of the most powerful things time-starved, crazy-busy people can do for themselves is to strengthen their boundary-setting skills.  It offers a big bang for the buck, in my experience. 

Here are a few of Sharon’s tips for setting boundaries:

Don't be an Automatic Helper. 

§  Before jumping in or committing to help, ask yourself these questions:

o   Do I have the necessary resources available (time, money, focus, attention) to help in this situation?

§  What other commitments of mine will take a hit (be postponed or taken off the list entirely) if I take on this new one? 

§  What will I have to say "no" to in order to say "yes" to helping out here?

§  Based on your answers to these questions, make a conscious decision.

Practice saying this line out loud: "Let me think about this and get back to you." 

Feeling guilty doesn't necessarily mean you're doing anything wrong. 

§  Sometimes it means you're doing something different and that feels uncomfortable.

If you'd like to hear more ideas about how and when to set appropriate boundaries, consider attending Sharon’ teleconference on boundary setting on Thursday October 22^nd at 1:00 pm Eastern.

Registration Link:

https://ssl.webvalence.com/ecommerce/kiosk.lasso?merchant=STCoach&kiosk=teleclasses&class=Oct22TC

If you are interested in learning how to set boundaries in a way that is comfortable for you, I would suggest participating in this teleclass. I did myself last year and found it VERY helpful.

The Professional Woman's Guide to Setting Boundaries

A Teleconference, led by Sharon Teitelbaum

As a coach for professional women since 1995, I have seen a great need for coaching on how to set strong boundaries, a survival skill that is (alas) not taught in school.

This teleclass offers a framework for understanding why boundaries are a critical ingredient to your work and personal success.

We'll look at:

--> some of the classic themes and issues underlying women's often-ambivalent attitudes toward setting boundaries 

--> the ineffective behaviors that can result

We'll also explore:

--> typical situations that call for drawing a line in the sand

--> how to effectively articulate your boundaries 

--> how to deal with the guilt.

There will be time for questions, so please bring yours!

Registration Link:

https://ssl.webvalence.com/ecommerce/kiosk.lasso?merchant=STCoach&kiosk=teleclasses&class=Oct22TC

After you register, you'll receive the phone number to dial into the teleconference in a confirmation email message. US long distance charges will apply when you make the call. If you don't receive your confirmation email, please contact Sharon@stcoach.com

https://ssl.webvalence.com/ecommerce/kiosk.lasso?merchant=STCoach&kiosk=teleclasses&class=Oct22TC

New Marketing Trends Report

Let's face it -- the economy today is BRUTAL. The recession is changing the business landscape, driving many companies out of business. Competition has never been this intense. And everyone is reluctant to spend money.

If you are an entrepreneur, are exploring the possibility of starting your own business or simply are looking for a marketing job, you need an edge.

To that end, StartupNation and Website Marketing NOW have announced the publication of their new Marketing Trends Report: Recession, Bankruptcies, and the Explosion of Social Media.

Highlights:

§  The down economy has brought with it a great deal of discounting and price-centric marketing. This leads to commoditization of your products and services. Buck the trend and stand out among your peers. Focus on your differentiators and all the value-add you deliver.

§  There were 156 major bankruptcy filings in the first half of 2009, and this number is expected to be larger in the second half of the year. Monitor your competition using online tools such as Google Alerts, and capitalize on targeted advertising opportunities when competitors go under. When it's a large competitor that falls to bankruptcy, remind their customers how much more flexible and personalized your services are.

§  People don't want to be "sold to" anymore. Learn how leveraging the principles of "Authenticity" can help you grow your business.

§  Twitter usage grew by more than 1,000% over the past year. Are you there, effectively engaging with your audience?

§  Bing is Microsoft's new search engine. Are you prepared to capitalize on the opportunities that Bing will introduce?

See what you need to do next in order to grow your business!

The 29-page Marketing Trends Report is offered as a downloadable PDF file for $10 on the Website Marketing NOW website. Take action. Get the report and increase your sales.

http://www.websitemarketingnow.com/marketing-library/marketing-trends-q3-2009.html

Over the past year, and particularly in the last few months, I have coached many clients and prospects just as they were getting laid off from their jobs. What amazes me the most is how unprepared people are for this situation, despite the fact that layoffs are still continuing at an alarming pace. Getting laid off can be painful and can really set you back for a while, not matter what level you are at or industry you are in. Be patient with yourself and others.

Here are some helpful tips to consider if you are laid off, or someone close to you is.

1.    Take time to process and heal. Being made redundant, due to performance, or a difficult economy can be very upsetting emotionally. Clients are often very angry when they are laid off. Take time to process your anger and resentment, understand that these feelings are normal and don’t jump to any quick career conclusions.

2.    Evaluate your unemployment options. One of the reasons being laid off is so stressful is that you immediately begin to wonder “how am I going to pay the mortgage or pay my kid’s college tuition?”. Call you local unemployment office and request to meet with an intake counselor to determine your unemployment eligibility.

3.    Sort out your health care coverage. If you are the primary earner in your family, gather all the information you can on how to continue your health care coverage. Some states, such as Massachusetts, provide reduced-cost health care for the unemployed. If this is not possible, consider your firm’s COBRA plan. If your spouse is working, perhaps you could evaluate having him/her carry the health care costs.

4.    Sort out your finances and family budget. Figure out where you can cut back. If you have large bills to pay, call your creditors and see if you can negotiate a payment schedule.

5.    Line up your support team. Reach out to your family, friends and other coworkers, who may also have been laid off. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and networking contacts, especially in this economy where networking has proven to be THE way to find a job. If you lack job search and or career reinvention skills, then consider hiring a coach.

6.    Look forward. Remember there is not much you can do about the past. You do however; have total control over the future. Turn your anger, frustration and resentment into motivation. Take action and use this time to re-evaluate and assess what other career options might be available to you.

In June, I wrote a blog post on asking for a raise in this economy. This morning, I read an interesting article in Execunet’s Career Smart Insider again on this topic. I am summarizing below some key points from the article:

1.     Before heading to your boss’ office to ask for a raise, do your homework.  That means knowing what you are worth in the market and comparing your current salary to similar positions at other companies.

2.     Understand were your current salary compares to the mid-point of your salary range.

3.     Know your company’s schedule for performance reviews.

4.     Prepare your “success stories or accomplishments” and have proof of your results and value-add you bring to an employer.

5.     Be flexible and think of other ways your firm can compensate you, in lieu of salary-time off, telecommuting schedule etc.

Find the Right Cultural Fit

Are you a good fit for your next job? You might have all the right skills and a string of accomplishments, but you still might not be the right person. This can be especially true if you are considering a position in the nonprofit sector.

Not everyone is the right cultural fit for a nonprofit. In addition to great skills and successful business experience, you need to like people, have plenty of patience, be willing to work hard, focus on the long-term picture, and always put the organization ahead of yourself if you want to be hired by a nonprofit.

To be a successful candidate for a nonprofit position, you will need to emphasize these attributes, and show significant volunteer and teamwork experience. That’s why getting your feet wet as a nonprofit volunteer is a great first step to see if you like to work in this sector, and this experience will expand your resume and help you determine whether you possess the right cultural fit.

A recent Bridgespan study focused on cultural fit. Although the study emphasized the cultural fit for a nonprofit, the basic premise exists for any job sector. I think you’ll find this Bridgestar article about cultural fit interesting: http://www.bridgestar.org/Resources/Library/Recruit/CultureFit.aspx.

Venture Capital Investment Creates Optimism

For the first time in a year, there might be a glimmer of real hope about the economy—if new venture capital investment numbers can be believed. Both Dow Jones VentureSource and the National Venture Capital Association reported increases in venture capital investments for the second quarter, the first time this has happened in four quarters.

The increases in the last quarter appear to be more modest for New England, but experts predict that our region will continue to rebound. And, analysts reported the health-care industry moved ahead of information technology in terms of dollars invested.

What this means for us is that there are more dollars available now than last winter, and that means more jobs are being created, and more investments are being made into startups and smaller companies. The numbers also mean that if you’re starting up a company in the health-care field, you also might be in line for a shot in the arm.

For more information about these venture capital investment figures, and what it might mean for you and the economy, take a look at this masshightech.com article at http://www.masshightech.com/stories/2009/07/20/weekly10-VC-investment-numbers-bring-a-touch-of-optimism.html.

Why More Baby Boomers Are Rethinking Retirement

Once upon a time, American workers looked forward to the day they turned 65 or 62 and could retire to a quiet, simpler life.

Those days have changed. Now, as the baby boomer generation starts hitting retirement age, they are rethinking the entire retirement options. There are numerous reasons for this. First, and foremost, is financial. Many baby boomers have lost significant amounts of money in the market and in their retirement savings during the economic downturn of the last year.

Another reason has to do with their concern about “What am I going to do with myself?” when they retire. This new generation hits age 60 running, and they are much healthier and think in ways that are much younger and broader than their parents did at the same age.

I have coached several clients around the age of 60–62, who are very concerned about being completely bored during retirement. These individuals have had very successful and rewarding careers up to this point—several were lawyers, another was a very successful high-tech marketing executive.

When they retire at 62 or 65, many of them are still very interested in staying intellectually active and/or pursuing some type of career, at least on a part-time basis. If you consider that people are currently living into their 80s, that leaves a good 20 years of working professional time still available as an option.

So, what can this non-retiring generation do? With entrepreneurship on the rise, this opens many opportunities for baby boomers to open a business or to freelance. This gives them the opportunity to pursue a passion and start a business, which would allow them the flexibility and autonomy to combine work with other leisure activities, normally associated with retirement. I know a former lawyer who retired and then opened a pet-sitting business because pets were his hobby.

Nonprofit work also offers great opportunities to baby boomers when they retire. They could volunteer and work on one or several nonprofit boards. This would still keep them active professionally without tying up all of their time. The same goes for successful business people who have taken early retirement. I have a colleague who was a very successful and well-paid CFO in numerous high-tech startups. After making a lot of money, she took early retirement and now sits on the boards of five companies (She gets paid for this!), and she coaches individuals on how to get, and be successful in, board leadership roles.

If you’re approaching retirement age and pondering several options in a working or volunteer role (anything ranging from working full time in your present position to following your passion), here are five questions to ask yourself first:

1.      What are my financial requirements during retirement?

2.      What is important to me at this point in my life?

3.      What are my interests and passions?

4.      What else would I like to do with my time besides work?

5.      What types of organizations am I passionate about?

Once you have honestly answered these questions, you can determine which options are best for you, and you can start planning what to do for the next chapter of your life.

What to Do Before Starting Your Own Business

As the economy has hit the skids and more people have lost their jobs during the last year, many have started something they never thought they would have the courage to do—launching their own businesses. Tired of sending out hundreds of online resumes and cover letters without getting a nibble, many unemployed workers are asking: “What can I do on my own?”

And, the answer this year for many is to start that business they’ve always dreamed about but never had the courage to make the leap. If you are contemplating starting your own business, there may not be a better time to do it—even if the economy is shaky.

While that sounds like it might be contradictory, it isn’t. Despite the big government bailouts to big business, the economy will get back on its feet on the backs of new small businesses and new entrepreneurs. So, if you are considering being a new entrepreneur, here are five tips to consider before going out on your own:

·        Plan: Think about your financial situation. How can you best use your severance pay, buyout money, paid vacation, and your savings to get you through the initial period of establishing your business? Be realistic about your expenses, and don’t forget to plan to continue your health insurance without a break in coverage.

·        Discover: Now it’s time to find out about the type of business that might interest you. Get on Facebook, LinkedIn and other networking Web sites to make new connections and find out about how other people are running a business in your area of interest.

·        Develop: Once you’ve completed these first two steps, you can now link up with a career coach, a professional mentor, or take a couple of business development classes to sketch out a business plan for your new venture. Keying in on the advice of an experienced career counselor will help you get your business off in the right direction.

·        Research: Next, you should spend time researching the official steps you’ll need to take to get your business up and running. Registering your business name, obtaining the proper licenses and insurance, setting up a business accounting system and checking account all fall into this category. You can get this information from the Small Business Administration, and through classes and Web sites.

·        Market: Now, you need to learn how to best market yourself and your business. You can use networking, volunteering, your coach/mentor, and business classes and seminars to get this information. Writing up a marketing plan, with professional advice, aimed at the right target audience will include everything from a logo and slogan to a Web site.

Takes these steps seriously, and really plan what you want to do and how you will do it is essential. With the proper preparation, you, too, can begin that business that you always dreamed about.

Local Non Profit Educational Opportunities

A local software entrepreneur and a local college have teamed up to create the Center for Nonprofit Organization Studies and Philanthropy. This new center at Gordon College will offer a minor in nonprofit management and social entrepreneurship.

The center was just launched in October and has begun to offer new courses for a minor in Nonprofit Organization Management and Social Entrepreneurship.

The minor requires students to take three courses that cover topics of interest for non-profit leaders, including social entrepreneurship, grant seeking, funding sources, public relations and management principles. In addition to creating this new course of study, the center also plans to host conferences, campus speakers and offer online noncredit certificate courses.

For more information go to:

http://gordoncollegegrapevine.blogspot.com/2008/11/new-center-for-nonprofit-organization.html

How damaging is your online identity??

A recent survey by CareerBuilder says that 1 in 5 employers are now using social networking (LinkedIn and Facebook) sites to screen job candidates. For those if you who are skeptical about these sites, please pay attention!!!  Employers are using the information on these sites to get a more well-rounded picture of a candidate, their skills, qualifications and accomplishments.

Even more interesting is that fact that 1 in 3 managers who actually use these sites to screen say they reject a candidate from further consideration based on information they found on those sites.

What are some of the areas of concern that employers have cited? Here are a few of them:

·        Information about drug and alcohol use

·        Inappropriate photos

·        Poor writing and communication skills

·        Bad-mouthing former employers/colleagues

·        Inaccurate qualifications

·        Confidential information about past employers

To read the entire article, please visit:

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9114560

Some good news, please!!! Are there careers that are growing?

With the media deluging us with stories of collapsing financial markets, I know I could use a little bit of good news-what about you?. Are there any career opportunities out there that promise growth?

U.S. News and World Report published a fascinating report recently on what they call “ahead-of-the-curve careers. This article explores careers, which are relatively new but offer mid-term growth potential.

These careers stem from six megatrends which are driving the economy. The trends and resulting new career options are:

1. Growing healthcare demand, creating jobs for health informatics specialists, patient advocates and wellness coaches.
2. The increasingly digitized world, creating opportunities for data mining specialists and simulation developers.
3. Globalization and the emergence of Asia as a region are driving the need for Asian business development specialists, offshoring managers and immigration specialists.
4. Clinical genomics is creating the need for computational biologists and behavioral geneticists.
5. The trend toward environmentalism is driving green careers and a newer field called green consulting.
6. Fear of future terrorist attack is likely to create more jobs in the area of emergency planning.

To read more about these six mega trends and the new career opportunities they are creating, please visit:

http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/best-careers/2007/12/19/ahead-of-the-curve-careers.html

VC Investments in Clean Tech Continue to Rise Despite Economic Conditions

Venture capital investment in green energy technologies exceeded $2.8 billion in the third quarter of 2008, far exceeding any previous quarter on record, according to Greentech Media (http://www.greentechmedia.com/) an online media company that tracks green technology news and investments.

During the first quarter of this year, $998 million worth of venture money was invested in green tech, and $1.3 billion was invested during the second quarter, according to the above source.

Investments in solar technology led the charge in Q3 with more than $1.5 billion invested in 26 financing rounds. Firms also invested in renewable energy sectors including transportation and the smart grid.

If you are interested in learning more about this sector, this organization has a very comprehensive report at:

http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/greentech-market-taxonomy-342.html

Corporate Social Responsibility

Going green is a hot, new trend in the business world—and, it’s one that’s likely to stick around for a long time. The reason is this concept, often called Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), is not just trendy but it also makes good business sense.

So, just what is CSR? Well, it’s a broad term for a method companies use to do business that incorporates social responsibility, ethics, accountability, and sustainability. It is doing business and achieving success with a conscience—by helping and not hindering people in and outside of the company, as well as their communities, and their environment.

Companies can achieve CSR by including into their business practices new policies and operational programs that take into account how they affect others and the environment. It’s a way for companies to take responsibility for all of their actions. Areas as obvious as pollution control, waste management, and recycling efforts and as subtle as flexible work schedules, work-life programs, and employee retention all have an impact on a company’s carbon footprint, its public image, and the way its employees think of themselves and their place of work.

Here are some of the benefits for companies that operate with a Corporate Social Responsibility:

·        Lower Operating Costs — Conservation efforts can reduce how much it costs to run a company, while work-life program can cut employee absences and increase productivity.

·        Better Financial Results — Due to lower operating costs and increased productivity, companies employing CSR can see an improved bottom line, even in a tough economy.

·        Improved External Image — An environmentally friendly company can find its reputation growing inside the business community, both nationally and internationally.

·        Increased Business Activity — With an enhanced reputation, a company can build product loyalty as many customers want to do business with a firm embracing CSR.

·        Enhanced Employee Profile — A company with social responsibility can attract and retain great employees, and see an increase in their loyalty, production, and satisfaction.

Green Careers Are Flourishing

Global warming, high energy prices, pollution control, recycling our waste products can affect every person and every business in our country, and much of it can be in a negative way. Yet, with every dark cloud there is a silver lining, and that is true in this case, too.

As industry works to improve all of these conditions, new money is pouring into the clean-technology field, creating a diverse and growing sector of clean energy, biofuel, and environmentally friendly products and businesses. Going green is a hot, new trend for venture capitalists who are increasingly funding young or startup clean-energy companies. And, for you, this means they are creating many new job opportunities in this sector.

Many of the new clean-tech startups are located in California, but they also are increasing in numbers in the Greater Boston area, too. And, many other companies—not considered true green enterprises—are instituting clean-tech practices and positions, opening up more potential jobs for you.

Workers finding this field attractive are passionate about improving world conditions, and working in a job that is meaningful. So, does that mean all of you who are interested in this field will be installing solar panels on rooftops? Not even close. Here is a small sampling of jobs posted on www.sustainablebusiness.com that show the diversity of positions available:

·        Director of Operations

·        Director of Conservation Planning

·        Interactive Marketing Director

·        Assistant Director of Sustainability Partnerships

·        Energy Efficiency Senior Consultant

·        Green Building Consultant

·        Field team member Support Coordinator

·        Researcher

·        Finance Assistant

·        Sustainable Purchasing Intern

Basically, if you are interested in working for an environmentally concerned company, you are likely to find a fit for your skills as this field of sustainability businesses continues to expand. In fact, industry experts predict an expansion of the clean-tech field in the future as U.S. companies grow their operations overseas, and as venture capitalists look to increase clean-tech investments in more international companies.

Everyone’s Path to Success Is Different

Finding a job or transitioning into a new career isn’t an exact science. Just as no two people are alike, no two job searches or career transitions are the same. Each one takes its own particular path (some short and sweet, some long and winding) to success. And, each quest is as unique as you are yourself.

With that in mind, here’s a short story that exemplifies how success sometimes can occur when you least expect it.

This week, I heard from a client who has been aggressively looking for a job for several years now. Due to some family issues that he had to resolve, he put his job search on hold for several months.

During that time, he was contacted for a freelance opportunity with a major employer in the area, based on a networking contact he had made several months earlier. His task was to help fill in the gap for a woman on maternity leave.

However, after just one month of contract consulting, he was offered a full-time role with this company as the previous employee decided not to return to work.

This was the best news I have received this year. And, here is what I learned from his experience:

1. If you networking aggressively and well, and plant enough seeds, it will pay off.
2. If you focus on your values and what is important to you in life (in this case: his family), you will be rewarded.
3. Sometimes you just have to give your quest a rest—whether it is your job search or a career transition. Taking a break actually can be a good thing.

New Option for Stay-at-Home Moms

Since women entered the work force en masse several decades ago, many of these skilled workers have struggled with the decision of how to balance work and family. For many, the decision came down to an all-or-nothing choice.

And, many of these workers opted to become stay-at-home moms (or in some cases, stay-at-home dads). Their divorce from the working world was immediate, absolute, and their professional skills were placed in the closet with the hope that they would be dusted off at some future date.

Many of these professionals-in-limbo have attempted to work in a part-time job or tried to use their skills in a volunteer capacity. But, these efforts usually are at a level that is far below their previous professional experience.

However, there is a move to incorporate the skills of these stay-at-home moms on an occasional, part-time basis but in a much more professional way. The Kenan-Flagler School of Business at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill got the ball rolling by incorporating a group of talented former professional women to help instill leadership skills in their MBA graduate students.

The well-respected UNC business school terms these women SWAT moms for Smart Women with Available Time. And, these women have been just that-helping to develop business student applications and training them in negotiations through in-class simulations.

If you're interested in becoming your own SWAT mom, check out staffing agencies, organizations in which you're interested and these two Web sites: www.FlexibleResources.com and www.FlexibleExecutives.com. These sites offer detailed explanations of how they work, sample positions, potential employers, and job postings.

Why References Are as Important as Resumes

You’re ready to start your job search. You’ve examined the job market, you know you have the requisite skills, experience, and educational background. You have targeted your specific regional location, and compiled a list of desirable companies.

You feel as if you’re well prepared because you’ve polished your resume, you’ve practiced your interview skills, you’ve done plenty of networking, you’ve consulted with your professional contacts and/or a professional career coach, and you feel ready to rock.

However, there is one facet of your job search that you might have overlooked—selecting your references. Many prospective job seekers think of their references as an afterthought. It shouldn’t be that way. In this day and age of thorough screening, your references can play a significant role in helping or hurting your job chances.

Even though your resume is what will get you in the door, and your interview skills might put you on the short list, it will be your references who will get in the last word on your candidacy. And, the more prestigious the job that you are seeking, and the higher the pay scale that you are envisioning, then the more important your references will be. 

So, similar to how you have taken control of your job search, you now need to be in charge of your references. Here are five quick steps to follow to make sure you have references who will get the job done for you:

·        Choose Quality References—Use professional people who know you well, who are articulate, and who can describe your character, skills, work ethic, and positive attitude.

·        Reference Checking Service—Consider using the advantage of a checking service that will help you determine if your references will do the best possible job for you.

·        Recheck Your Information—Make certain that all of the information on your resume (dates, positions, education) is accurate, and that your references are up to date on it.

·        Call Your References Immediately—When a company asks for your references, it’s likely they will be called that day or in the next day or two, so contact them first.

·        Prep Your References—Let them know a call is coming from a specific company, brief them on the position, and remind them why you and your qualifications are a good fit.

Last month, our newsletter covered the topic of corporate culture-what it is, how to sniff it out or assess it and how to know if it fits with your values.

Here is another article on the topics that offers some additional suggestions that are worthwhile:

http://www.myglobalcareer.com/archives/2008/03/17/

does-their-corporate-culture-pass-your-sniff-test/

I recently wrote an article on corporate culture and how to assess it during the networking and interviewing stages.

Today, I read a very interesting article on the recruiter's role in helping candidates be aware of and understanding a potential firm's culture.

Here is the link to the article:

http://www.recruitingtrends.com/online/thoughtleadership/852-1.html

Volunteering and Internships Can Help You Change Careers

Once you have started exploring your skills, interests, and motivations and you begin to get a better sense of what you want to do for a new career, you might want to consider volunteering to get a real taste for that new profession or organization.

You could be lucky, and land a volunteer position on a significant board or committee, and immediately make an impact on the organization. This type of position also will allow you to see how the organization operates from an executive or managerial level, offering great insight to help you determine if this is the right direction for you for a possible career switch.

But, don't reject the opportunity to volunteer for a ground-level position. This type of work can give you a unique perspective on how an organization operates, how employees feel about their organization, and how, and at what level, you might best fit in. Volunteering also can give you the chance to try out several positions within one opportunity. This will allow you to test yourself with different responsibilities, using different skills sets to see what appeals to you the most and what job duties you perform the best.

If you are unsure of whether you would like to do certain work, or if you are uncertain as to whether you have the skills to efficiently perform a certain job or individual tasks, then volunteering is a great way to find out. You have invested nothing financial in the venture, and the time you have expended in determining if this type of opportunity is a good match for you will still be time well spent.

Another possibility for gaining the same experience and insight into a potential new career and/or company is through an internship. Some internships pay money, many don't. Some internships are long term, but many others aren't. You might be able to keep your present job, but still find a limited internship (one or two weeks in length or nights or weekends only) that will give you the same opportunities and insight as would a volunteer position.

Self-assessment-The First Step in Changing Careers

One of the most important factors in making a successful career change is your initial self-exploration or assessment stage. During this phase, you should attempt to find the right direction for you with self-exploration exercises, through networking with friends, co-workers, and professional associates, a career coach, or a combination of all of these options.

Properly assessing your skills, abilities, interests, values and motivators is an integral part in formulating a plan to make the career change that is right for you. The most important quality you must possess during this phase is honesty. Being honest about yourself, your feelings, your desires, and your ambitions is essential.

One place you could start is with an online assessment. There are many free career assessments online, and although many experts won't vouch entirely for their accuracy, they will give you a good starting point. If you are interested in taking an online assessment, compare the various options to determine which ones might best suit your career search. These online examinations aren't fool-proof. They will point you in a direction or two, but they alone won't lead you to the promised land of the perfect career for you.

The next best step is to use these self-assessments as a tool in your self-discovery and in your career quest. Bringing the results of these assessments to a meeting with a career mentor, professional associate, or career coach will give you a great starting point on the road to a satisfactory career change.

A career professional can help you better translate these results, and then add and improve upon them. They can administer additional assessments and other self-discovery exercises that will guide you along the right path to a happy and successful career.

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Finding the Right Corporate Culture for You

Sometimes, that all "too-perfect" new job can turn sour after just a few short months because of the corporate culture and/or internal politics. So, how can you avoid this happening to you? Although assessing a corporate culture can be difficult, there are some things you can do before you accept the job.

The first step toward determining whether you will be a good match for a company is to know yourself well and to know your values. You have to be clear about what you want from this next role and/or company. Are you seeking intellectual stimulation, a family-friendly environment, a social outlet, or work-life balance?

The next step is to use the job interview and your networking interviews to determine if the particular employer's culture and work environment is aligned with your core values. Here are five questions that you can ask to help you determine if your prospective company has the right corporate culture for you:

• What three words or phrases would you use to describe the company/department culture?

• Does the company have a stated set of cultural values?

• What is the company's attitude toward educational and professional development?

• What type of employee achievements are recognized by the employer?

• What type of sponsorships or philanthropic activities does the company participate in?

After asking all of these questions, listen carefully to see if the adjectives they use are a good fit with your values, and whether they address camaraderie, career-development opportunities, work-life initiatives, lifelong learning, or advancement?

Also, be observant when you are at their office during your interviews. Do people look happy and appear that they are having fun? Does the senior management team sit in cubes like everyone else or do they have fancy lush offices? Does the office layout promote collaboration between departments? Are people eating lunch at their desk alone, or in groups in a cafeteria?

All of this information will help you determine if your prospective company has the right culture for you. Reviewing these factors and being honest with yourself are key to your career success.

Breaking Into Your Dream Industry

Most of us have thought about what their dream job would be, but getting to that point takes some work. The dilemma occurs when you think you know what your dream job is, but don't think you have the skills to reach that goal. Yet, many dream jobs are attainable, and there are some logical steps that you can take to help you get your foot in the door.

You should start out by taking some self-assessment tests-either online or with a professional associate or a career counselor, mentor, or with a career coach. The results should help confirm your choice of a dream job. If they don't, they may lead you to a career or profession in which you would excel. Once you have identified your direction, here are four steps you can take:

• 1. Education. Working toward a master's degree or professional certification, or taking courses, classes, or seminars can give you the educational background to use toward landing that dream job. And, working toward a degree or taking classes will significantly assist your candidacy.
• 2. Association. Joining a professional association in your prospective field or attending professional conferences or seminars will give you a taste for your new field, help you make new contacts, and add professional associations to your resume.
• 3. Volunteerism. Volunteering is a great way to gain exposure to your new field, and to meet new professional associates. You'll be able to use this volunteer experience on your resume, and you might make the contact that will open the door to your dream job.
• 4. Networking. You'll be able to do a lot of networking through educational or professional development or through volunteering activities. Within a short time, you should have a group of professional associates who can help alert you to openings in your new field and guide you through the process.

Once you have taken any of these steps-or even better, a combination of education, professional associations, volunteering, and networking-you will be well on your way to stepping into that dream job of yours.

Unfortunately, age discrimination is alive and well in many organizations. Coupled with the fact that more and more workers in their 40s and 50s are in the job market because of layoffs, reorgs, and buyouts, age discrimination is a factor that many of us will encounter at some point when searching for a job.

However, the outlook doesn't have to be bleak if you are in your 40s and 50s. There are many things you can do to navigate your way past age discrimination and still land the job you deserve.

Here are five tips that might help you:

1. Don't Date Yourself. Keep dates and years out of your cover letter, resume, interview, and your thoughts. In your resume, use your job experience for the last 10-15 years; leave out what you did 25 years ago. And, don't include old dates with your degrees, awards, and certifications.
2. Focus on Today. In your cover letter, and especially during your interview, stress what you can do for their company today. Don't continually refer to your vast years of experience. And, don't expect to have an advantage just because you might be the most qualified person for the job. The old rules don't apply today.
3. Get Technical. It's important to show your potential employer that you are computer literate, and not just an old dinosaur. If it's applicable, stress your comfort level and competency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or your use of a laptop, BlackBerry, etc.
4. Find Age-Friendly Companies. Some organizations emphasize their commitment to being family-friendly, diversity-friendly, age-friendly. You can find some of them in newspaper and magazine articles about the best places to work, and at www.aarp.org/careers and http://www.retirementjobs.com/.
5. Look the Part. One thing you don't want to do for an interview is to look old, frumpy, sloppy, or tired. If you want to be hired, you have to act, look, and dress the part. So, stay in shape, sleep well, look trim, dress sharply but professionally, be alert, smile, relax, and make sure your responses are precise, direct, to the point, and definitely not long-winded.

If you follow these tips, you will appear to be a potential employee who is still sharp, vigorous, and poised to step right in and do a great job.

In the past, finding an acceptable work-life balance seemed to apply only to young working moms who had small children. In recent decades, that has extended to young working dads, too. Now, work-life balance has become a significant factor in deciding whether to accept a new job for many workers of both sexes and all age groups.

This, of course, doesn't apply to everyone. If your career is more important than anything else, and you don't mind working as much as the young interns do on the hit TV show, "Grey's Anatomy," then finding the correct work-life balance is something you obviously don't have time for right now.

But, for the rest of you, here are five factors to consider that might help you establish the proper work-life balance for you before committing to a new workplace.

• What Do You Want? You have to start here, and you must be honest with yourself. You must decide what's important to you, how much of your personal life you're willing to invest in a new job, and what factors need to be in place for you to be happy both at work and at home.

• Flexibility of Hours. How flexible are you and how flexible is your prospective new company? This is such an important factor in balancing your work-life situation. Determine if you're a 9-5 person, want to work nights or weekends, or work some shifts at home. This one factor can make or break your decision.

• Your Presence is Requested! Factor in how important it is for you to work at home, travel within your job, be in the workplace all the time, or do a little bit of all three. Or do you want to be on call 24/7, while answering e-mails at 3 a.m. from your company's overseas offices?

• Level of Responsibility. This one is important, too. Most often, the addition of more responsibility means the addition of more hours, more last-minute complications that only you can iron out, and more stress. You have to decide if this fits into your work-life formula.

• Check Them Out. When considering employment at a new company, do your homework. Determine how flexible the company is when it comes to all of the above factors (hours, flexibility, workplace presence, and responsibilities), how important work-life balance is to the company's management, and whether any work-life provisions are currently in effect.

In the end, this is all about you, what you want, and how you want it! But, you must be prepared, and first decide how important a work-life balance is to both you and your prospective company before you take the plunge.

In a 1982 press conference, President Ronald Reagan wondered why unemployment was so high when The New York Times could list 44 pages, The Washington Post 33 pages, and The Los Angeles Times 65 pages "of those tiny help wanted ads."

Ah, those were the days! But, that was the 1980s, just at the dawn of the era of personal computers. And, that was the time when looking at the help wanted section of your newspaper was a major method of acquiring a new job.

Computers, the Internet, and the proliferation of company Web sites have drastically altered the way we find jobs. The online job search, combined with networking, now is the predominant method. But, using newspapers isn't obsolete, and shouldn't be ignored. Some recent studies suggest that 25 percent of new job offers still originate from newspaper ads.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind for using newspaper ads in your job search:

• Compare Ads. Peruse a newspaper's job section to compare ads for similar jobs from different companies. This way you can find key words to use in your cover letter and resume, and key qualities these firms are seeking in a candidate.

• Ad Frequency. Regularly monitor your newspaper to see how often a company is trying to fill a position. If an ad for the same job appears often, it might mean the company isn't happy with its applicant pool or that it has a high turnover rate. Either way, this might be worth investigating.

• Special Sections. Major newspapers often will run special sections of help wanted ads that highlight specific job areas, such as high tech, biotech, pharmaceutical, health care, engineering, and higher education. This will provide you with plenty of opportunities to compare companies and positions.

• Community Messaging. A company often reveals important messaging in a newspaper ad, such as "Live Your Mission," "There has never been a better time to join us," and "It's easy for you to go to great lengths at ..." You can then turn around this messaging and use it in your cover letter and during your interview.

• Local Newspapers. Don't forget to check your small local newspaper. You might find an ad from your favorite local company that is specifically looking for local applicants. This could end up being the matc

Torn jeans, a scruffy beard, a halter top with a plunging neckline, a variety of body piercings. Sure, all of these things might help you get noticed, but it might not be the attention you want if you're attempting to land that important job.

The maxim, First Impressions Count, still applies in your job interviews. Is it fair if someone decides if you're a viable candidate just on how you look? Of course not. But, if you are seeking a professional position, and not a job in a rap video, you must act and look professional.

Along with that firm handshake, confident demeanor, and the ability to concisely describe your attributes, you must be able to dress for success. Here are five tips that will help you make a great first impression in your job interview:

1. Think in Multiples. If you're a solid candidate for that desirable position, you'll need more than one nice tie, suit jacket, or outfit to wear. So plan ahead. Make sure you're prepared to dress well for several follow-up interviews.
2. What Wears Well. While it's important to know how most employees dress in your prospective workplace, you might still want to dress up a bit. If the office code is business casual, you nevertheless should present yourself in a jacket and tie for a man or a business suit for a woman for your job interview.
3. Check It Out. Above all, please remember to check yourself out one last time before your interview whether it is in the car's rear-view mirror, you own cosmetic mirror, or an office bathroom. Smeared lipstick, a crooked tie, or mussed-up hair can help form a sloppy first impression.
4. Don't Boot It. Although it's at the very bottom, footwear also is very important. Make sure your shoes have a professional look, that they aren't scruffy, unpolished, or have a hole in the sole, and, most importantly, match your outfit.
5. Keep It Simple. The little things are important, too. So, keep your hair neat and trim, your nails trimmed and dignified (No black nail polish, please!), your cologne light and nontoxic, and don't wear flashy jewelry, or chew gum.

There, now you're presentable. Just keep in mind, when in doubt, look professional. You can't go wrong.

LinkedIn opens up multiple opportunities to both publicize yourself and connect yourself to a prospective new employer. But, it also can do much more.

Using LinkedIn can give you a unique inside look into that potential employer. And, it can provide you with plenty of valuable information that will help you decide if a particular company is the right fit for you.

Here are five important areas that you can investigate about any company in which you might be interested:

1. Former Workers. You'll be able to find them through LinkedIn. And, if any one is going to say something bad about their former employer, it's a former worker. However, if they have good things to say, you might be on to something.

2. Current Manager. This might be a huge benefit. Here, you can check references for a potential new manager, and find out if working for the new boss might be the same as the old boss. Buyer Beware works well here!

3. Former Job Holder. Want to find out what it's like to do this new job? You can contact people who formerly held this or similar positions who will be able to fill you in with oodles of inside information.

4. Company's Health. Through LinkedIn, you can perform an advanced search of the company's name and find out the general health of the operation, its overall working conditions, and whether people are flocking to it or leaving quickly.

5. Industry Outlook. LinkedIn can help you decide whether a particular company or similar firms in that genre are healthy or are in trouble. It might be just the information you need before you decide to take the big leap.

You have completed several rounds of interviews and the company thinks you are a good fit for the job. How do you know if the job is a good fit for you?

It is exciting that the company find you to be an attractive candidate and you are thrilled by their offer. However, finding the right job is more than just a question of matching skills and values. People have a chance of succeeding where they fit the role and the organization and vice versa.

Setting the offer aside for a moment, have you asked yourself the right questions to make sure the job is a good fit for you?

Below are some questions you should think about before saying "yes".

1. What kind of work will I be doing? Will I be using skills that I want to use and develop going forward?
2. What is motivating me to take this role? Intellectual challenge, financial reward, or making a difference? Will this opportunity be a good match for what I value in a job?
3. What will my manager be like? What is his or her management style and does it fit with my preferred work style?
4. What are my career and personal goals 3-5 years from now? How will this job bring me closer to meeting those goals?
5. What kind of environment do I want to work in (physical and geographical)? What are the hours and expected amount of travel?
6. How important to me is "lifestyle" and "work-life balance" in the overall equation? How well does the role fit with my needs in this area?
7. What kinds of people do I want to work with? Are my future colleagues the type of people I want to work with?
8. How mobile are people in this organization, either upwardly (promotions) or laterally (changes in job functions). How important is this mobility in managing my own career success?
9. Finally, how will I be remunerated for this job? What is the minimum compensation I am willing to accept for this role? Are there any tradeoffs I am willing to make in terms of salary?