1. Wake up before your alarm clock rings - your competition may have hit the snooze button.
2. Workout - Builds energy and creates positive feelings that can translate to new ideas and innovations.
3. Listen to your favorite song/singer while getting ready for the workday- Studies have shown that music often contributes to your emotional state.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
How to Properly Manage Credit
Begin with only using one credit card: Typically first time credit card holders accumulate a wide variety of credit cards within their first couple of years using credit. Do not fall into this deconstructive habit. The more credit you have, the more you’ll end up using in reality. Learn how to be responsible with one credit card before you decide to even apply for any additional credit cards. When searching for new cards try to stay away from credit provided by department stores.
Charge only what you know you can afford to actually pay: When you are charging only what you can actually afford, it lets potential lenders and creditors know that you have the positive attributes of a responsible borrower. You’ll find that it will be easier to borrow money and have the opportunity to obtain new credit when you show that you know how to only borrow what you can pay back to lenders. Only charging what you know you can afford helps you steer clear of excessive debt.
Use a portion of the credit you are given: Maxing out your credit cards, or coming very close to doing so, is one of the most irresponsible ways of using credit. Chances are that you can’t afford to pay off a maxed out credit card balance. The lenders know that borrowers who completely max out their cards frequently have difficulty repaying what they’ve borrowed against. Stay below 50% of the credit limit you are given. It is highly suggested to even stay below 30% if possible.
Learn how to correctly carry a balance: Having a credit balance is not bad as long as you do it correctly. It is highly recommended that you make more than the minimum payment requested of you each month to pay off your balance as quickly as possible. At all costs avoid making late credit card payments and always keep your balance at a reasonable level. If you properly follow these steps, carrying a balance won’t hurt your credit.
Completely pay the balance on time: Responsibly paying off your balance each month shows that you’re capable of paying bills, something creditors and lenders want to see from its customers. Since a large part of your credit score includes timeliness of your payments, paying your balance on time improves your credit score.
Business Plan Template
1.0 Executive Summary
1.1 Objectives
1.2 Mission
1.3 Keys to Success
2.0 Company Summary
2.1 Company Ownership
2.2 Start-up Summary
2.2.1 Start-up (table: outline)
3.0 Products and Services
3.1 Products
3.2 Services
4.0 Market Analysis Summary
4.1 Market Segmentation
4.1.1 Market Analysis (table)
4.1.2 Market Analysis (pie)
4.2 Target Market Segment Strategy
4.3 Service Business Analysis
4.3.1 Competition and Buying Patterns
5.0 Strategy and Implementation
5.1 SWOT Analysis
5.1.1 Strengths
5.1.2 Weaknesses
5.1.3 Opportunities
5.1.4 Threats
5.2 Competitive Edge
5.3 Marketing Strategy
5.4 Sales Strategy
5.5 Milestones
5.5.1 Milestones (table)
5.5.2 Milestones (pie)
6.0 Management Summary
6.1 Personnel Plan
6.1.1 Personnel (table)
7.0 Financial Plan
7.1 Start-up Funding
7.1.1 Start-up Funding (table)
7.2 Important Assumptions
7.3 Break-even Analysis
7.3.1 Break-even Analysis (table)
7.3.2 Break-even Analysis (pie)
7.4 Projected Profit and Loss
7.4.1 Profit and Loss (table)
7.4.2 Profit Monthly (pie)
7.4.3 Profit Yearly (pie)
7.4.4 Gross Margin Monthly (pie)
7.4.5 Gross Margin Yearly (pie)
7.5 Projected Cash Flow
7.5.1 Cash Flow (table)
7.5.2 Cash Flow (pie)
7.6 Projected Balance Sheet
7.6.1 Balance Sheet (table)
7.7 Business Ratios
7.7.1 Ratios (table)
7.8 Long-term Plan
Appendix
Sales Forecast
Personnel
Profit and Loss
Cash Flow
Balance Sheet
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Resume Writing
Personal Information: Name, address, phone number, and E-mail address. Please note that the E-mail account title should be professional and not be inappropriate, political or offensive.
Summary: Consists of one powerful sentence that describes many of the qualities that the employer is looking for in its applicants. This one section can be what distinguishes each applicant.
Education: College attending, expected graduation date (month and year), and degree currently studying. If you find that you will lack professional experience you may want to list major projects and papers in this section as well.
Professional Experience: Typically will include start and end dates, the company/firm/business name, location, and three to four bullet points that describe roles and responsibilities completed. Bullet points should be short and concise and still be effective in communicating the applicant's skills. It is important to have thoroughly read over the qualifications and responsibilities posted by the company for which you will be applying since it will help provide key phrases and jargon that you can integrate into this section of your resume. Action words (past tense) should be used at the beginning of each description. Finally, it is important to use numbers whenever applicable especially if they convey a significant result.
Example of Actions Words: organized, developed, managed, implemented, presented, directed, and created.
Awards and Citations: Includes scholarships, special recognitions, merits and citations (certificates of competency).
Computer Skills: Any notable software proficiency, which can include Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.
Other Notable Tips
- If you have less then 10 years of experience, then keep your resume to one page
- Don't be afraid to change the page margins, but remember to avoid clutter
- Printing your resume on regular paper is acceptable but whenever possible use professional resume paper. Stay away from colored paper.
- When attending a job fair be sure to put your resume in a professional folder or portfolio to make a good first impression
- Always tell the truth on your resume. The lies can be researched and could cost you the interview.
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