The cost of a college education has become such a big worry that many parents begin saving for their children's schooling even before the children are born. But even long-term planning for college often fails to keep pace with ever-rising tuition and boarding fees, and even the most prudent parent often find themselves with a high school senior and no idea how they are going to augment the college fund with the extra money it now requires. But help may not be as far away as it seems.
A private education loan is available in several different forms for those students who qualify, but there is significant misinformation floating about as to the qualification requirements.
Unsecured Private Education Loans First of all, most private education loans are unsecured; this means that the student is not obliged to guarantee repayment with any sort of collateral. However, having a good credit record is a big help if you are to get a private education loan, simply because it is neither secured nor backed by the Federal government.
If you have yet to establish a credit rating, or yours is not the best, you may still qualify for a private education loan if your parent or someone else with a good credit rating is willing to co-sign the loan. If you find a lender who will give you a private education loan in spite of your poor credit history, you can expect it to carry a hefty interest rate, and even extra processing fees. But you can use the private education loan as an opportunity to lift your credit rating by making your payments on time.
What A Private Education Loan Covers While many people who do not qualify for Federal private education loans because their family's income is too high, there are lenders who will provide a private education loan so that you can cover the educational expenses which go beyond mere tuition and materials. You can use a private education loan for any expenses associated with your college career, from campus room and board to having a PC and Internet access in your dorm.
Because you are working with a private lender, there is not annual deadline before which you must apply for your private education loan. You will know within minutes of applying whether or not you have qualified, and if you have been, you will receive the money directly and can allocate it as you wish to cover your educational expenses.
Most private lenders will not require you to begin repaying the loan until after you leave school, simply because they recognize that as a student you may not have the means to come up with monthly payments.
About the Author
You can also find more info on College Loan Consolidation and Education Loan Consolidation. schoolloanshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to get information about School Loans.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
The Top 10 Tools for 21st Century Career Success!
Career success isn't rocket science--it's a simple 3-step process. (1) Know what you want to achieve. (2) Define what success looks like (how will you know you achieved it?) and (3) Take action. The more you do, the faster you'll get there.
Circumstances do not make or break success. It's determined by believing you can achieve your goals; by adopting specific, more useful patterns of thinking; and by preparing yourself mentally and physically to develop the habits of success. Success may be an "inside job" but it still requires a lot of work! Here are ten tools to help you more easily make your mark.
TOOL #1: A contact relationship management (CRM) system
Everyone is a job seeker. Some are active job seekers; others are passive ones. Passive job seekers become active job seekers every 3 to 5 years. If you are a student now, the US Department of Labor estimates you will have 10-14 jobs by age 38!
Looking for work can be grueling. Don't spend valuable job search time trying to invent an organizational system. Get yourself a great contact relationship management (CRM) tool called JibberJobber instead. It's free and lets you track all the critical information you collect during a job hunt and when networking. Track companies you apply to or think you'd like to work for someday. Track each job you go after and log the status (date of first interview, thank you letter sent, etc.).
Jibberjobber has great reporting tools and offers excellent advice too. Setting up a CRM puts all your critical information in one place where you'll have access to it for your entire career!
Find out more at http://www.jibberjobber.com/faqs.php
TOOL #2: A professional online presence (your web site, MySpace, and LinkedIn pages)
Employers are now using the internet to find and qualify new hires. At the very least, you should have your own name reserved as a web site domain name where you can post an online version of your resume and other pertinent career information.
Many domain registrars have low sign up and hosting fees and offer tools for building a web site that require no technical expertise. For example, my web site, www.lindalopeke.com, was built in a single weekend using only the service provider's web page templates. It costs just $0.35 per day to make up-to-date information about my career and my resume instantly available to anyone. No more mailing or photocopying expenses!
Having an online presence makes you stand out from your competition. Start by reserving your domain name. If you have a common name, like John Smith and the domain is not available, try a variation such as MrJohnSmith.com or MsJaneDoe.com. If that doesn't work, try adding your initials, profession or city (e.g., JSmithArchitect.com or JaneDoeMiami.com).
Create free MySpace and LinkedIn pages designed to market yourself professionally not socially (and don't forget to screen your "social" pages for career-killing content).
Check your "Google factor" periodically. Search for your own name and see what comes up! As you grow in your career, so too will your online presence. However, always remember "What goes on the net, stays on the net!" so keep that in mind when posting in favorite blogs and forums.
Video resumes are becoming increasingly popular but can work against you if you aren't careful in what you do and say in them. If you decide to do one, get professional help with it (services are available for <$200). Some, who have created video resumes on their own, crashed and burned and few examples posted on YouTube are good models to follow.
TOOL #3: A good headshot
You need a professional headshot (not a "glamour" shot) when you are promoted to the higher ranks. Investing in one now will have you moving up even faster. Have a good black and white and a color digital photograph created in both high-resolution (300 dpi) and low-resolution (72 dpi) files available at all times. Update your headshot every 2-3 years. Initially, you'll use it on your resume and business card (the ones you create for yourself). Eventually, you'll use it in other places where you are building your success brand. For example, to show next to articles you write for your company newsletter. Always control your image where you can.
TOOL #4: An hourglass (the ultimate uncomplicated personal productivity tool)
Time easily slips away. An hourglass quietly reminds you of this. Displaying a classy hourglass (or collection) is guaranteed to get you noticed and remembered for being conscientious about personal productivity! Self-imposed time limits help you focus better and produce more. And to get the most out of the workday, you must stop wasting time. This simple tool has an amazingly powerful impact on your productivity when used to help you be more aware of passing time.
Hourglasses come in sizes from 3 minutes (egg timer) to 90 minutes. In SmartStart we use a 3-minute timer to limit time spent on phone calls and answering routine email. And we use a longer one for tasks requiring more time and concentration.
TOOL #5: A chess set (secret weapon of the world's best team builders)
Forget about candy dishes and donuts for in-office networking and team building. Display a great-looking chess set instead! Put it in an open spot near your work area. Use a picture frame to display a sign that says "Get in the game!" and lists a few simple rules for players passing by. The only rules you need to post are:
1. Anyone can play and
2. After making a move, please turn over the black/white card so the next passerby knows which color chess piece to move. (Then have a card next to the chess board that says "White goes next" on one side and "Black goes next" on the other.)
You'll be amazed how many people participate in this open match. You'll give yourself and your department or team a good name throughout the entire company. Plus, everyone who plays will be sharpening strategic thinking and problem solving skills! This promotes team harmony and reinforces that everyone is on the SAME team while advancing your success!
TOOL #6: A networking kit
Networking is not something you do when looking for work or favors. It's something you do every day. And your network is not all the folks whose business cards you have or whom you've entered in your CRM tool--your network is the people who would take and/or return your phone call! It is going to take some effort and advance preparation to grow your network. That's what your "networking kit" is for. Don't take a chance on leaving a bad first impression because your breath is stale or offensive. Pop a subtle breath mint before making social rounds.
Before attending networking events set 3 goals. Write them down and review them before launching yourself onto the scene. The first goal could be how many strangers you plan to meet; the second how many things to learn about each new connection; and the third might be how many connections/reconnections to follow up on before leaving.
You need a great business card, even if you have to get it made yourself. Most business cards (90%) are thrown away. Yours will be kept if you make it, the conversation, and the card exchange more memorable. Use both hands to present your card to someone you've just met (it makes the gesture feel special and you more memorable). Always speak in good taste when exchanging cards (pass along a compliment and avoid making boorish comments or using bad language). Never write on a business card you receive in the person's presence (it's rude); leave the room or immediate area before putting your memory-jogging facts on the back.
Carrying around your business cards without a protective case is like throwing your laptop into the car naked. You need a case to keep your business cards safe, neat, clean and handy. Talking with strangers can be nerve-wracking; however, when you have an unusual business card case it can be a handy conversation starter. I carry two; one for my own cards and one reserved for business cards I collect.
Discipline yourself to follow up. Exchanging business cards is not networking; developing relationships with those you meet is. Use your image-enhancing pen (which does not need to be expensive) to make notes to help you follow up in a meaningful way, then send personal handwritten cards to those you want to stay connected to over time.
TOOL #7: "Signature" stationery
Fine stationery enhances your professional image and is a wise investment. It takes little effort to develop your "signature" style. Before selecting affordable items at local retailers, get familiar with options offered by a specialist in high-end stationery.
If you study the "Executive" offerings at Stationery Studio you'll see many designs that support your desired professional image without sacrificing personal style. Use their virtual tool to experiment with different lettering styles, ink colors, design motifs and envelopes with tissue linings. When you've found something you like, print it off and go shopping. Look for similar items to purchase at lower cost. Once you've chosen your "signature" stationery, use it consistently to keep in touch with those in your network. It becomes your trademark.
TOOL #8: A success library and toy box
Successful people read. A lot. Carry your books around in audio files on your iPod or set aside a special bookcase at home but do create your own library of personal development materials. (A minimum of 10% of your workweek should be spent in "learning" mode.)
A well-stocked personal success library includes: biographies and autobiographies of people you admire, collections of inspirational quotations that appeal to you, foundational texts that shape your thinking, reference texts that build your skills in specific areas (language and communication, technology, other key areas of professional interest), and other books of personal interest (both classics and current best-sellers).
In your "toy box", you can have any number of cool items such as Brain Age (an electronic game), puzzles (crosswords, sudoku, and brainteasers), ThinkerToys, brainstorming and mindmapping aids and other tools for sharpening your mental reflexes. These make for great entertainment when you just don't feel like reading on your commuter train or while waiting around in airports, traveling on business, or being stuck in dreary hotel rooms.
TOOL #9: A membership in toastmasters (http://www.toastmasters.org/)
Toastmasters is not exaggerating when they say "your success in business is based on how effective you are". The higher you go, the more your communication skills are on display. By participating in Toastmasters programs people from all backgrounds develop and enhance their vocal power.
Start preparing now in the arts of speaking, listening and thinking! These vital skills promote self-actualization, develop confidence and self-esteem, enhance your relationships with others, and position you for making significant contributions to your employer and the world. A membership in Toastmasters is a personal growth experience you won't regret.
TOOL #10: A personal stylist
Your image is part of personal branding. The world is full of people with good degrees who are completely lacking a sense of style. You only get one chance to make a great first impression and doing so is a necessity for winning in the competitive business world.
Investing in the services of a personal stylist costs less than you might think, pays big dividends, and is of great benefit when you:
. are about to make your "debut" in the corporate world . want to change careers and work in a different industry or sector . want to move from a technical role to an operational one . have excellent performance reviews but just aren't getting ahead . want to strategically position yourself for a higher rank . are faced with a life-changing transition (pregnancy, divorce, etc.) . will be working in a country or with a culture you weren't born into
Professional stylists are objective about what really suits your coloring, body shape, and the business image you must project. You do not need to spend a fortune to look great; it is possible to spend a fortune on garments that only hold you back from getting ahead.
Working with an expert to develop your style is empowering. Taking time out to develop or refresh your style and update your professional look can reenergize a flagging sense of self and kick start a stalled career. When you know you look your absolute best you carry yourself differently, with more confidence. People feel that energy and perceive you as even more capable. The medium is the message; never second-guess your style!
While these are all excellent and highly recommended tools, the one tool that tops them all is a personal mentor.
Career success isn't rocket science--it's a simple 3-step process. (1) Know what you want to achieve. (2) Define what success looks like (how will you know you achieved it?) and (3) Take action. The more you do, the faster you'll get there.
Circumstances do not make or break success. It's determined by believing you can achieve your goals; by adopting specific, more useful patterns of thinking; and by preparing yourself mentally and physically to develop the habits of success. Success may be an "inside job" but it still requires a lot of work! Here are ten tools to help you more easily make your mark.
TOOL #1: A contact relationship management (CRM) system
Everyone is a job seeker. Some are active job seekers; others are passive ones. Passive job seekers become active job seekers every 3 to 5 years. If you are a student now, the US Department of Labor estimates you will have 10-14 jobs by age 38!
Looking for work can be grueling. Don't spend valuable job search time trying to invent an organizational system. Get yourself a great contact relationship management (CRM) tool called JibberJobber instead. It's free and lets you track all the critical information you collect during a job hunt and when networking. Track companies you apply to or think you'd like to work for someday. Track each job you go after and log the status (date of first interview, thank you letter sent, etc.).
Jibberjobber has great reporting tools and offers excellent advice too. Setting up a CRM puts all your critical information in one place where you'll have access to it for your entire career!
Find out more at http://www.jibberjobber.com/faqs.php
TOOL #2: A professional online presence (your web site, MySpace, and LinkedIn pages)
Employers are now using the internet to find and qualify new hires. At the very least, you should have your own name reserved as a web site domain name where you can post an online version of your resume and other pertinent career information.
Many domain registrars have low sign up and hosting fees and offer tools for building a web site that require no technical expertise. For example, my web site, www.lindalopeke.com, was built in a single weekend using only the service provider's web page templates. It costs just $0.35 per day to make up-to-date information about my career and my resume instantly available to anyone. No more mailing or photocopying expenses!
Having an online presence makes you stand out from your competition. Start by reserving your domain name. If you have a common name, like John Smith and the domain is not available, try a variation such as MrJohnSmith.com or MsJaneDoe.com. If that doesn't work, try adding your initials, profession or city (e.g., JSmithArchitect.com or JaneDoeMiami.com).
Create free MySpace and LinkedIn pages designed to market yourself professionally not socially (and don't forget to screen your "social" pages for career-killing content).
Check your "Google factor" periodically. Search for your own name and see what comes up! As you grow in your career, so too will your online presence. However, always remember "What goes on the net, stays on the net!" so keep that in mind when posting in favorite blogs and forums.
Video resumes are becoming increasingly popular but can work against you if you aren't careful in what you do and say in them. If you decide to do one, get professional help with it (services are available for <$200). Some, who have created video resumes on their own, crashed and burned and few examples posted on YouTube are good models to follow.
TOOL #3: A good headshot
You need a professional headshot (not a "glamour" shot) when you are promoted to the higher ranks. Investing in one now will have you moving up even faster. Have a good black and white and a color digital photograph created in both high-resolution (300 dpi) and low-resolution (72 dpi) files available at all times. Update your headshot every 2-3 years. Initially, you'll use it on your resume and business card (the ones you create for yourself). Eventually, you'll use it in other places where you are building your success brand. For example, to show next to articles you write for your company newsletter. Always control your image where you can.
TOOL #4: An hourglass (the ultimate uncomplicated personal productivity tool)
Time easily slips away. An hourglass quietly reminds you of this. Displaying a classy hourglass (or collection) is guaranteed to get you noticed and remembered for being conscientious about personal productivity! Self-imposed time limits help you focus better and produce more. And to get the most out of the workday, you must stop wasting time. This simple tool has an amazingly powerful impact on your productivity when used to help you be more aware of passing time.
Hourglasses come in sizes from 3 minutes (egg timer) to 90 minutes. In SmartStart we use a 3-minute timer to limit time spent on phone calls and answering routine email. And we use a longer one for tasks requiring more time and concentration.
TOOL #5: A chess set (secret weapon of the world's best team builders)
Forget about candy dishes and donuts for in-office networking and team building. Display a great-looking chess set instead! Put it in an open spot near your work area. Use a picture frame to display a sign that says "Get in the game!" and lists a few simple rules for players passing by. The only rules you need to post are:
1. Anyone can play and
2. After making a move, please turn over the black/white card so the next passerby knows which color chess piece to move. (Then have a card next to the chess board that says "White goes next" on one side and "Black goes next" on the other.)
You'll be amazed how many people participate in this open match. You'll give yourself and your department or team a good name throughout the entire company. Plus, everyone who plays will be sharpening strategic thinking and problem solving skills! This promotes team harmony and reinforces that everyone is on the SAME team while advancing your success!
TOOL #6: A networking kit
Networking is not something you do when looking for work or favors. It's something you do every day. And your network is not all the folks whose business cards you have or whom you've entered in your CRM tool--your network is the people who would take and/or return your phone call! It is going to take some effort and advance preparation to grow your network. That's what your "networking kit" is for. Don't take a chance on leaving a bad first impression because your breath is stale or offensive. Pop a subtle breath mint before making social rounds.
Before attending networking events set 3 goals. Write them down and review them before launching yourself onto the scene. The first goal could be how many strangers you plan to meet; the second how many things to learn about each new connection; and the third might be how many connections/reconnections to follow up on before leaving.
You need a great business card, even if you have to get it made yourself. Most business cards (90%) are thrown away. Yours will be kept if you make it, the conversation, and the card exchange more memorable. Use both hands to present your card to someone you've just met (it makes the gesture feel special and you more memorable). Always speak in good taste when exchanging cards (pass along a compliment and avoid making boorish comments or using bad language). Never write on a business card you receive in the person's presence (it's rude); leave the room or immediate area before putting your memory-jogging facts on the back.
Carrying around your business cards without a protective case is like throwing your laptop into the car naked. You need a case to keep your business cards safe, neat, clean and handy. Talking with strangers can be nerve-wracking; however, when you have an unusual business card case it can be a handy conversation starter. I carry two; one for my own cards and one reserved for business cards I collect.
Discipline yourself to follow up. Exchanging business cards is not networking; developing relationships with those you meet is. Use your image-enhancing pen (which does not need to be expensive) to make notes to help you follow up in a meaningful way, then send personal handwritten cards to those you want to stay connected to over time.
TOOL #7: "Signature" stationery
Fine stationery enhances your professional image and is a wise investment. It takes little effort to develop your "signature" style. Before selecting affordable items at local retailers, get familiar with options offered by a specialist in high-end stationery.
If you study the "Executive" offerings at Stationery Studio you'll see many designs that support your desired professional image without sacrificing personal style. Use their virtual tool to experiment with different lettering styles, ink colors, design motifs and envelopes with tissue linings. When you've found something you like, print it off and go shopping. Look for similar items to purchase at lower cost. Once you've chosen your "signature" stationery, use it consistently to keep in touch with those in your network. It becomes your trademark.
TOOL #8: A success library and toy box
Successful people read. A lot. Carry your books around in audio files on your iPod or set aside a special bookcase at home but do create your own library of personal development materials. (A minimum of 10% of your workweek should be spent in "learning" mode.)
A well-stocked personal success library includes: biographies and autobiographies of people you admire, collections of inspirational quotations that appeal to you, foundational texts that shape your thinking, reference texts that build your skills in specific areas (language and communication, technology, other key areas of professional interest), and other books of personal interest (both classics and current best-sellers).
In your "toy box", you can have any number of cool items such as Brain Age (an electronic game), puzzles (crosswords, sudoku, and brainteasers), ThinkerToys, brainstorming and mindmapping aids and other tools for sharpening your mental reflexes. These make for great entertainment when you just don't feel like reading on your commuter train or while waiting around in airports, traveling on business, or being stuck in dreary hotel rooms.
TOOL #9: A membership in toastmasters (http://www.toastmasters.org/)
Toastmasters is not exaggerating when they say "your success in business is based on how effective you are". The higher you go, the more your communication skills are on display. By participating in Toastmasters programs people from all backgrounds develop and enhance their vocal power.
Start preparing now in the arts of speaking, listening and thinking! These vital skills promote self-actualization, develop confidence and self-esteem, enhance your relationships with others, and position you for making significant contributions to your employer and the world. A membership in Toastmasters is a personal growth experience you won't regret.
TOOL #10: A personal stylist
Your image is part of personal branding. The world is full of people with good degrees who are completely lacking a sense of style. You only get one chance to make a great first impression and doing so is a necessity for winning in the competitive business world.
Investing in the services of a personal stylist costs less than you might think, pays big dividends, and is of great benefit when you:
. are about to make your "debut" in the corporate world . want to change careers and work in a different industry or sector . want to move from a technical role to an operational one . have excellent performance reviews but just aren't getting ahead . want to strategically position yourself for a higher rank . are faced with a life-changing transition (pregnancy, divorce, etc.) . will be working in a country or with a culture you weren't born into
Professional stylists are objective about what really suits your coloring, body shape, and the business image you must project. You do not need to spend a fortune to look great; it is possible to spend a fortune on garments that only hold you back from getting ahead.
Working with an expert to develop your style is empowering. Taking time out to develop or refresh your style and update your professional look can reenergize a flagging sense of self and kick start a stalled career. When you know you look your absolute best you carry yourself differently, with more confidence. People feel that energy and perceive you as even more capable. The medium is the message; never second-guess your style!
While these are all excellent and highly recommended tools, the one tool that tops them all is a personal mentor.
THE TOOL THAT TOPS THEM ALL: A personal mentor
Sometimes, what you can't see keeps you from achieving your goals. Having a mentor gives you access to information otherwise not available to you. A coach may tell you what to do but a mentor will also tell you why. That makes a good mentor priceless!
Even the best university education can leave you unprepared for handling the substantial emotion and cultural politics that exists in all organizations. Everyone needs a "safe harbor" when self-doubt and fear are rocking the boat and a steady, experienced hand to guide them at the wheel when negotiating foreign waters.
A mentor shares personal experiences and helps you create new learning opportunities. S/he can also connect you to other resources that help advance your goals or serve your needs if they are beyond the mentor's expertise.
Many business rules you'll be judged by are unspoken or require translation to be fully understood and usefully applied. Often only a mentor will tell you the truth or rise to your defense in a sticky situation. If you're lucky, you'll have more than one in your lifetime. Cherish them all and honor them well for shortcutting learning and helping you succeed.
All of these tools are readily available and anyone can use them. The question is, how many will you put to work for you?
About the Author
Sometimes, what you can't see keeps you from achieving your goals. Having a mentor gives you access to information otherwise not available to you. A coach may tell you what to do but a mentor will also tell you why. That makes a good mentor priceless!
Even the best university education can leave you unprepared for handling the substantial emotion and cultural politics that exists in all organizations. Everyone needs a "safe harbor" when self-doubt and fear are rocking the boat and a steady, experienced hand to guide them at the wheel when negotiating foreign waters.
A mentor shares personal experiences and helps you create new learning opportunities. S/he can also connect you to other resources that help advance your goals or serve your needs if they are beyond the mentor's expertise.
Many business rules you'll be judged by are unspoken or require translation to be fully understood and usefully applied. Often only a mentor will tell you the truth or rise to your defense in a sticky situation. If you're lucky, you'll have more than one in your lifetime. Cherish them all and honor them well for shortcutting learning and helping you succeed.
All of these tools are readily available and anyone can use them. The question is, how many will you put to work for you?
About the Author
Career Advancement Expert Linda M. Lopeke can help you turn your college degree or new job into a corporate career worth hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of your professional lifetime with her SmartStart Success virtual mentoring programs. Linda dares you to take the $1,000 cash-for-college challenge and test your office smarts at http://www.smartstartcoach.com
Circumstances do not make or break success. It's determined by believing you can achieve your goals; by adopting specific, more useful patterns of thinking; and by preparing yourself mentally and physically to develop the habits of success. Success may be an "inside job" but it still requires a lot of work! Here are ten tools to help you more easily make your mark.
TOOL #1: A contact relationship management (CRM) system
Everyone is a job seeker. Some are active job seekers; others are passive ones. Passive job seekers become active job seekers every 3 to 5 years. If you are a student now, the US Department of Labor estimates you will have 10-14 jobs by age 38!
Looking for work can be grueling. Don't spend valuable job search time trying to invent an organizational system. Get yourself a great contact relationship management (CRM) tool called JibberJobber instead. It's free and lets you track all the critical information you collect during a job hunt and when networking. Track companies you apply to or think you'd like to work for someday. Track each job you go after and log the status (date of first interview, thank you letter sent, etc.).
Jibberjobber has great reporting tools and offers excellent advice too. Setting up a CRM puts all your critical information in one place where you'll have access to it for your entire career!
Find out more at http://www.jibberjobber.com/faqs.php
TOOL #2: A professional online presence (your web site, MySpace, and LinkedIn pages)
Employers are now using the internet to find and qualify new hires. At the very least, you should have your own name reserved as a web site domain name where you can post an online version of your resume and other pertinent career information.
Many domain registrars have low sign up and hosting fees and offer tools for building a web site that require no technical expertise. For example, my web site, www.lindalopeke.com, was built in a single weekend using only the service provider's web page templates. It costs just $0.35 per day to make up-to-date information about my career and my resume instantly available to anyone. No more mailing or photocopying expenses!
Having an online presence makes you stand out from your competition. Start by reserving your domain name. If you have a common name, like John Smith and the domain is not available, try a variation such as MrJohnSmith.com or MsJaneDoe.com. If that doesn't work, try adding your initials, profession or city (e.g., JSmithArchitect.com or JaneDoeMiami.com).
Create free MySpace and LinkedIn pages designed to market yourself professionally not socially (and don't forget to screen your "social" pages for career-killing content).
Check your "Google factor" periodically. Search for your own name and see what comes up! As you grow in your career, so too will your online presence. However, always remember "What goes on the net, stays on the net!" so keep that in mind when posting in favorite blogs and forums.
Video resumes are becoming increasingly popular but can work against you if you aren't careful in what you do and say in them. If you decide to do one, get professional help with it (services are available for <$200). Some, who have created video resumes on their own, crashed and burned and few examples posted on YouTube are good models to follow.
TOOL #3: A good headshot
You need a professional headshot (not a "glamour" shot) when you are promoted to the higher ranks. Investing in one now will have you moving up even faster. Have a good black and white and a color digital photograph created in both high-resolution (300 dpi) and low-resolution (72 dpi) files available at all times. Update your headshot every 2-3 years. Initially, you'll use it on your resume and business card (the ones you create for yourself). Eventually, you'll use it in other places where you are building your success brand. For example, to show next to articles you write for your company newsletter. Always control your image where you can.
TOOL #4: An hourglass (the ultimate uncomplicated personal productivity tool)
Time easily slips away. An hourglass quietly reminds you of this. Displaying a classy hourglass (or collection) is guaranteed to get you noticed and remembered for being conscientious about personal productivity! Self-imposed time limits help you focus better and produce more. And to get the most out of the workday, you must stop wasting time. This simple tool has an amazingly powerful impact on your productivity when used to help you be more aware of passing time.
Hourglasses come in sizes from 3 minutes (egg timer) to 90 minutes. In SmartStart we use a 3-minute timer to limit time spent on phone calls and answering routine email. And we use a longer one for tasks requiring more time and concentration.
TOOL #5: A chess set (secret weapon of the world's best team builders)
Forget about candy dishes and donuts for in-office networking and team building. Display a great-looking chess set instead! Put it in an open spot near your work area. Use a picture frame to display a sign that says "Get in the game!" and lists a few simple rules for players passing by. The only rules you need to post are:
1. Anyone can play and
2. After making a move, please turn over the black/white card so the next passerby knows which color chess piece to move. (Then have a card next to the chess board that says "White goes next" on one side and "Black goes next" on the other.)
You'll be amazed how many people participate in this open match. You'll give yourself and your department or team a good name throughout the entire company. Plus, everyone who plays will be sharpening strategic thinking and problem solving skills! This promotes team harmony and reinforces that everyone is on the SAME team while advancing your success!
TOOL #6: A networking kit
Networking is not something you do when looking for work or favors. It's something you do every day. And your network is not all the folks whose business cards you have or whom you've entered in your CRM tool--your network is the people who would take and/or return your phone call! It is going to take some effort and advance preparation to grow your network. That's what your "networking kit" is for. Don't take a chance on leaving a bad first impression because your breath is stale or offensive. Pop a subtle breath mint before making social rounds.
Before attending networking events set 3 goals. Write them down and review them before launching yourself onto the scene. The first goal could be how many strangers you plan to meet; the second how many things to learn about each new connection; and the third might be how many connections/reconnections to follow up on before leaving.
You need a great business card, even if you have to get it made yourself. Most business cards (90%) are thrown away. Yours will be kept if you make it, the conversation, and the card exchange more memorable. Use both hands to present your card to someone you've just met (it makes the gesture feel special and you more memorable). Always speak in good taste when exchanging cards (pass along a compliment and avoid making boorish comments or using bad language). Never write on a business card you receive in the person's presence (it's rude); leave the room or immediate area before putting your memory-jogging facts on the back.
Carrying around your business cards without a protective case is like throwing your laptop into the car naked. You need a case to keep your business cards safe, neat, clean and handy. Talking with strangers can be nerve-wracking; however, when you have an unusual business card case it can be a handy conversation starter. I carry two; one for my own cards and one reserved for business cards I collect.
Discipline yourself to follow up. Exchanging business cards is not networking; developing relationships with those you meet is. Use your image-enhancing pen (which does not need to be expensive) to make notes to help you follow up in a meaningful way, then send personal handwritten cards to those you want to stay connected to over time.
TOOL #7: "Signature" stationery
Fine stationery enhances your professional image and is a wise investment. It takes little effort to develop your "signature" style. Before selecting affordable items at local retailers, get familiar with options offered by a specialist in high-end stationery.
If you study the "Executive" offerings at Stationery Studio you'll see many designs that support your desired professional image without sacrificing personal style. Use their virtual tool to experiment with different lettering styles, ink colors, design motifs and envelopes with tissue linings. When you've found something you like, print it off and go shopping. Look for similar items to purchase at lower cost. Once you've chosen your "signature" stationery, use it consistently to keep in touch with those in your network. It becomes your trademark.
TOOL #8: A success library and toy box
Successful people read. A lot. Carry your books around in audio files on your iPod or set aside a special bookcase at home but do create your own library of personal development materials. (A minimum of 10% of your workweek should be spent in "learning" mode.)
A well-stocked personal success library includes: biographies and autobiographies of people you admire, collections of inspirational quotations that appeal to you, foundational texts that shape your thinking, reference texts that build your skills in specific areas (language and communication, technology, other key areas of professional interest), and other books of personal interest (both classics and current best-sellers).
In your "toy box", you can have any number of cool items such as Brain Age (an electronic game), puzzles (crosswords, sudoku, and brainteasers), ThinkerToys, brainstorming and mindmapping aids and other tools for sharpening your mental reflexes. These make for great entertainment when you just don't feel like reading on your commuter train or while waiting around in airports, traveling on business, or being stuck in dreary hotel rooms.
TOOL #9: A membership in toastmasters (http://www.toastmasters.org/)
Toastmasters is not exaggerating when they say "your success in business is based on how effective you are". The higher you go, the more your communication skills are on display. By participating in Toastmasters programs people from all backgrounds develop and enhance their vocal power.
Start preparing now in the arts of speaking, listening and thinking! These vital skills promote self-actualization, develop confidence and self-esteem, enhance your relationships with others, and position you for making significant contributions to your employer and the world. A membership in Toastmasters is a personal growth experience you won't regret.
TOOL #10: A personal stylist
Your image is part of personal branding. The world is full of people with good degrees who are completely lacking a sense of style. You only get one chance to make a great first impression and doing so is a necessity for winning in the competitive business world.
Investing in the services of a personal stylist costs less than you might think, pays big dividends, and is of great benefit when you:
. are about to make your "debut" in the corporate world . want to change careers and work in a different industry or sector . want to move from a technical role to an operational one . have excellent performance reviews but just aren't getting ahead . want to strategically position yourself for a higher rank . are faced with a life-changing transition (pregnancy, divorce, etc.) . will be working in a country or with a culture you weren't born into
Professional stylists are objective about what really suits your coloring, body shape, and the business image you must project. You do not need to spend a fortune to look great; it is possible to spend a fortune on garments that only hold you back from getting ahead.
Working with an expert to develop your style is empowering. Taking time out to develop or refresh your style and update your professional look can reenergize a flagging sense of self and kick start a stalled career. When you know you look your absolute best you carry yourself differently, with more confidence. People feel that energy and perceive you as even more capable. The medium is the message; never second-guess your style!
While these are all excellent and highly recommended tools, the one tool that tops them all is a personal mentor.
Career success isn't rocket science--it's a simple 3-step process. (1) Know what you want to achieve. (2) Define what success looks like (how will you know you achieved it?) and (3) Take action. The more you do, the faster you'll get there.
Circumstances do not make or break success. It's determined by believing you can achieve your goals; by adopting specific, more useful patterns of thinking; and by preparing yourself mentally and physically to develop the habits of success. Success may be an "inside job" but it still requires a lot of work! Here are ten tools to help you more easily make your mark.
TOOL #1: A contact relationship management (CRM) system
Everyone is a job seeker. Some are active job seekers; others are passive ones. Passive job seekers become active job seekers every 3 to 5 years. If you are a student now, the US Department of Labor estimates you will have 10-14 jobs by age 38!
Looking for work can be grueling. Don't spend valuable job search time trying to invent an organizational system. Get yourself a great contact relationship management (CRM) tool called JibberJobber instead. It's free and lets you track all the critical information you collect during a job hunt and when networking. Track companies you apply to or think you'd like to work for someday. Track each job you go after and log the status (date of first interview, thank you letter sent, etc.).
Jibberjobber has great reporting tools and offers excellent advice too. Setting up a CRM puts all your critical information in one place where you'll have access to it for your entire career!
Find out more at http://www.jibberjobber.com/faqs.php
TOOL #2: A professional online presence (your web site, MySpace, and LinkedIn pages)
Employers are now using the internet to find and qualify new hires. At the very least, you should have your own name reserved as a web site domain name where you can post an online version of your resume and other pertinent career information.
Many domain registrars have low sign up and hosting fees and offer tools for building a web site that require no technical expertise. For example, my web site, www.lindalopeke.com, was built in a single weekend using only the service provider's web page templates. It costs just $0.35 per day to make up-to-date information about my career and my resume instantly available to anyone. No more mailing or photocopying expenses!
Having an online presence makes you stand out from your competition. Start by reserving your domain name. If you have a common name, like John Smith and the domain is not available, try a variation such as MrJohnSmith.com or MsJaneDoe.com. If that doesn't work, try adding your initials, profession or city (e.g., JSmithArchitect.com or JaneDoeMiami.com).
Create free MySpace and LinkedIn pages designed to market yourself professionally not socially (and don't forget to screen your "social" pages for career-killing content).
Check your "Google factor" periodically. Search for your own name and see what comes up! As you grow in your career, so too will your online presence. However, always remember "What goes on the net, stays on the net!" so keep that in mind when posting in favorite blogs and forums.
Video resumes are becoming increasingly popular but can work against you if you aren't careful in what you do and say in them. If you decide to do one, get professional help with it (services are available for <$200). Some, who have created video resumes on their own, crashed and burned and few examples posted on YouTube are good models to follow.
TOOL #3: A good headshot
You need a professional headshot (not a "glamour" shot) when you are promoted to the higher ranks. Investing in one now will have you moving up even faster. Have a good black and white and a color digital photograph created in both high-resolution (300 dpi) and low-resolution (72 dpi) files available at all times. Update your headshot every 2-3 years. Initially, you'll use it on your resume and business card (the ones you create for yourself). Eventually, you'll use it in other places where you are building your success brand. For example, to show next to articles you write for your company newsletter. Always control your image where you can.
TOOL #4: An hourglass (the ultimate uncomplicated personal productivity tool)
Time easily slips away. An hourglass quietly reminds you of this. Displaying a classy hourglass (or collection) is guaranteed to get you noticed and remembered for being conscientious about personal productivity! Self-imposed time limits help you focus better and produce more. And to get the most out of the workday, you must stop wasting time. This simple tool has an amazingly powerful impact on your productivity when used to help you be more aware of passing time.
Hourglasses come in sizes from 3 minutes (egg timer) to 90 minutes. In SmartStart we use a 3-minute timer to limit time spent on phone calls and answering routine email. And we use a longer one for tasks requiring more time and concentration.
TOOL #5: A chess set (secret weapon of the world's best team builders)
Forget about candy dishes and donuts for in-office networking and team building. Display a great-looking chess set instead! Put it in an open spot near your work area. Use a picture frame to display a sign that says "Get in the game!" and lists a few simple rules for players passing by. The only rules you need to post are:
1. Anyone can play and
2. After making a move, please turn over the black/white card so the next passerby knows which color chess piece to move. (Then have a card next to the chess board that says "White goes next" on one side and "Black goes next" on the other.)
You'll be amazed how many people participate in this open match. You'll give yourself and your department or team a good name throughout the entire company. Plus, everyone who plays will be sharpening strategic thinking and problem solving skills! This promotes team harmony and reinforces that everyone is on the SAME team while advancing your success!
TOOL #6: A networking kit
Networking is not something you do when looking for work or favors. It's something you do every day. And your network is not all the folks whose business cards you have or whom you've entered in your CRM tool--your network is the people who would take and/or return your phone call! It is going to take some effort and advance preparation to grow your network. That's what your "networking kit" is for. Don't take a chance on leaving a bad first impression because your breath is stale or offensive. Pop a subtle breath mint before making social rounds.
Before attending networking events set 3 goals. Write them down and review them before launching yourself onto the scene. The first goal could be how many strangers you plan to meet; the second how many things to learn about each new connection; and the third might be how many connections/reconnections to follow up on before leaving.
You need a great business card, even if you have to get it made yourself. Most business cards (90%) are thrown away. Yours will be kept if you make it, the conversation, and the card exchange more memorable. Use both hands to present your card to someone you've just met (it makes the gesture feel special and you more memorable). Always speak in good taste when exchanging cards (pass along a compliment and avoid making boorish comments or using bad language). Never write on a business card you receive in the person's presence (it's rude); leave the room or immediate area before putting your memory-jogging facts on the back.
Carrying around your business cards without a protective case is like throwing your laptop into the car naked. You need a case to keep your business cards safe, neat, clean and handy. Talking with strangers can be nerve-wracking; however, when you have an unusual business card case it can be a handy conversation starter. I carry two; one for my own cards and one reserved for business cards I collect.
Discipline yourself to follow up. Exchanging business cards is not networking; developing relationships with those you meet is. Use your image-enhancing pen (which does not need to be expensive) to make notes to help you follow up in a meaningful way, then send personal handwritten cards to those you want to stay connected to over time.
TOOL #7: "Signature" stationery
Fine stationery enhances your professional image and is a wise investment. It takes little effort to develop your "signature" style. Before selecting affordable items at local retailers, get familiar with options offered by a specialist in high-end stationery.
If you study the "Executive" offerings at Stationery Studio you'll see many designs that support your desired professional image without sacrificing personal style. Use their virtual tool to experiment with different lettering styles, ink colors, design motifs and envelopes with tissue linings. When you've found something you like, print it off and go shopping. Look for similar items to purchase at lower cost. Once you've chosen your "signature" stationery, use it consistently to keep in touch with those in your network. It becomes your trademark.
TOOL #8: A success library and toy box
Successful people read. A lot. Carry your books around in audio files on your iPod or set aside a special bookcase at home but do create your own library of personal development materials. (A minimum of 10% of your workweek should be spent in "learning" mode.)
A well-stocked personal success library includes: biographies and autobiographies of people you admire, collections of inspirational quotations that appeal to you, foundational texts that shape your thinking, reference texts that build your skills in specific areas (language and communication, technology, other key areas of professional interest), and other books of personal interest (both classics and current best-sellers).
In your "toy box", you can have any number of cool items such as Brain Age (an electronic game), puzzles (crosswords, sudoku, and brainteasers), ThinkerToys, brainstorming and mindmapping aids and other tools for sharpening your mental reflexes. These make for great entertainment when you just don't feel like reading on your commuter train or while waiting around in airports, traveling on business, or being stuck in dreary hotel rooms.
TOOL #9: A membership in toastmasters (http://www.toastmasters.org/)
Toastmasters is not exaggerating when they say "your success in business is based on how effective you are". The higher you go, the more your communication skills are on display. By participating in Toastmasters programs people from all backgrounds develop and enhance their vocal power.
Start preparing now in the arts of speaking, listening and thinking! These vital skills promote self-actualization, develop confidence and self-esteem, enhance your relationships with others, and position you for making significant contributions to your employer and the world. A membership in Toastmasters is a personal growth experience you won't regret.
TOOL #10: A personal stylist
Your image is part of personal branding. The world is full of people with good degrees who are completely lacking a sense of style. You only get one chance to make a great first impression and doing so is a necessity for winning in the competitive business world.
Investing in the services of a personal stylist costs less than you might think, pays big dividends, and is of great benefit when you:
. are about to make your "debut" in the corporate world . want to change careers and work in a different industry or sector . want to move from a technical role to an operational one . have excellent performance reviews but just aren't getting ahead . want to strategically position yourself for a higher rank . are faced with a life-changing transition (pregnancy, divorce, etc.) . will be working in a country or with a culture you weren't born into
Professional stylists are objective about what really suits your coloring, body shape, and the business image you must project. You do not need to spend a fortune to look great; it is possible to spend a fortune on garments that only hold you back from getting ahead.
Working with an expert to develop your style is empowering. Taking time out to develop or refresh your style and update your professional look can reenergize a flagging sense of self and kick start a stalled career. When you know you look your absolute best you carry yourself differently, with more confidence. People feel that energy and perceive you as even more capable. The medium is the message; never second-guess your style!
While these are all excellent and highly recommended tools, the one tool that tops them all is a personal mentor.
THE TOOL THAT TOPS THEM ALL: A personal mentor
Sometimes, what you can't see keeps you from achieving your goals. Having a mentor gives you access to information otherwise not available to you. A coach may tell you what to do but a mentor will also tell you why. That makes a good mentor priceless!
Even the best university education can leave you unprepared for handling the substantial emotion and cultural politics that exists in all organizations. Everyone needs a "safe harbor" when self-doubt and fear are rocking the boat and a steady, experienced hand to guide them at the wheel when negotiating foreign waters.
A mentor shares personal experiences and helps you create new learning opportunities. S/he can also connect you to other resources that help advance your goals or serve your needs if they are beyond the mentor's expertise.
Many business rules you'll be judged by are unspoken or require translation to be fully understood and usefully applied. Often only a mentor will tell you the truth or rise to your defense in a sticky situation. If you're lucky, you'll have more than one in your lifetime. Cherish them all and honor them well for shortcutting learning and helping you succeed.
All of these tools are readily available and anyone can use them. The question is, how many will you put to work for you?
About the Author
Sometimes, what you can't see keeps you from achieving your goals. Having a mentor gives you access to information otherwise not available to you. A coach may tell you what to do but a mentor will also tell you why. That makes a good mentor priceless!
Even the best university education can leave you unprepared for handling the substantial emotion and cultural politics that exists in all organizations. Everyone needs a "safe harbor" when self-doubt and fear are rocking the boat and a steady, experienced hand to guide them at the wheel when negotiating foreign waters.
A mentor shares personal experiences and helps you create new learning opportunities. S/he can also connect you to other resources that help advance your goals or serve your needs if they are beyond the mentor's expertise.
Many business rules you'll be judged by are unspoken or require translation to be fully understood and usefully applied. Often only a mentor will tell you the truth or rise to your defense in a sticky situation. If you're lucky, you'll have more than one in your lifetime. Cherish them all and honor them well for shortcutting learning and helping you succeed.
All of these tools are readily available and anyone can use them. The question is, how many will you put to work for you?
About the Author
Career Advancement Expert Linda M. Lopeke can help you turn your college degree or new job into a corporate career worth hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of your professional lifetime with her SmartStart Success virtual mentoring programs. Linda dares you to take the $1,000 cash-for-college challenge and test your office smarts at http://www.smartstartcoach.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming A Private Investigator
How do I become a private investigator?
That's a complicated question with several parts that largely depend upon in which state you plan on working. You have two options; you either work for a licensed private investigations agency or you go to work for yourself and obtain your own PI company license. Either way, you there are two considerations you must address at some point:
The first consideration is licensing; all but only a handful of states require a state-issued license to be a private investigator. Each state has different background, education and experience requirements that may vary from simply attending a state-approved training course to pre-licensing education, exams, years of work experience and obtaining a sizable professional liability insurance policy with "errors and omissions" coverage. To make matters just a little more confusing, there are some cities that require private investigators to either register or obtain a municipal license in states that do not otherwise require them.
The second consideration is training. Private investigation specific training is the most important investment you can make in yourself! Since most new PIs don't have the ability or are not ready to start up their own investigations company you will most likely be looking for employment with an established agency. As an owner of an established and well respected detective agency I get resumes all of the time; the first thing I look for before considering a candidate is to ask the question, "How has this person invested in themselves before asking me to invest in them?"
What if I do not have the minimum experience required by the state to obtain my own company license? How will I ever break into the industry?
If your goal is to eventually own your private investigations agency, no problem... every state that requires experience also has a program in place to see that new investigators have access to eventually obtaining their own license. For example, in Texas where we hold an agency license those who are too new simply go to work for an established company until they have the required number of hours to be able apply for their own license. In Florida (where we also have an agency license) they specifically provide internship licenses. Again, every state is a little bit different but thousands of successful private investigators are working today and tens of thousands have come before us; we all had to get started someplace... you can too.
Also, consider your own background and employment related experience carefully some of it may apply. I have known loss prevention agents, security guards (in specific roles), accountants, firemen, bail bondsmen, alarm installers, teachers, and even a librarian use their previous employment experiences to apply for their own agency license.
What type of training should I be looking into?
Any amount of training is great though most PI companies don't place a whole lot of credibility with the courses from PCDI, Harcourt, and Thompson Direct. You could honestly do much better and at less cost.
Instead, look for academies or training programs that have been created by private investigators. Who knows better about what a new or an aspiring private detective needs to know than an investigator who has been in the field for a considerable amount of time?
Also... look to see that the sponsoring company is active in the industry as well. Are they still providing regular private investigative services to a robust clientele? It's sad, but many PIs who wash out over a very short period of time in the business look to teaching. In reality, you will learn very little from those who could not make it themselves; success breeds success!
Lastly, I have a little secret I would like to share with you...
Look over the education provider's entire website and see if you find boastful claims or where the company is bashing other educators. This is a very tight-knit industry and you will find that students who complete training programs from educators that spend time "bad mouthing the competition" have a terrible time getting a break simply because of the animosity created through their educator's use of negative advertising. I know that seems unfair but it is a reality in this business. This does not mean, however, that you should dismiss the negative press but the first thing an excellent private investigator learns is how to evaluate a claim, identify the source and make a judgment based on additional facts and research. Some statements will have merit while others will not; it's up to you to make that decision.
What is the difference between a private investigator and a private detective?
Nothing. The terms are used interchangeably but some states choose to use the term "detective" while most use the term "investigator."
I really just want to help my friends and family to find old friends or people who owe them money. Do I need a PI license?
That's a great question. Generally speaking, in those states where it is a requirement you will need to obtain a license if you hold yourself out for hire or accept payment from another person or business and participate in or provide the following services:
* Surveillance
* Obtaining or furnish information related to a crime or the identity, habits, business, occupation, knowledge, movement, location, affiliations, associations,transactions, acts, reputation, or character of a person, group or company.
* Securing evidence for use before a court, board, officer, or committee
* Locating or recovering lost or stolen property and unclaimed funds.
* Determining the cause or responsibility for a fire, libel, loss, accident, damage, or injury to a person or to property.
Some states may specifically include such things as service of process, bail enforcement, personal protection and genealogical research under those activities that require a private investigator's license as well.
Do I have to have a degree in Criminal Justice from a college or university?
No, though some states may accept a degree in Criminal Justice, Administration of Justice or Police Sciences in lieu of the minimum experience requirements. One recent study conducted on behalf of the Virginia Department of Justice concluded that almost 57% of all private investigators do not have a college education.
If I do not have a college education do I have to have a background as a police officer or other law enforcement related profession?
No. Most private investigators do not have a law enforcement background before entering into this industry. It is true that many private investigators may have once had a career in criminal justice but the bottom-line is that private investigation and law enforcement is very different and my experience has been that very few who make the transition from law enforcement are prepared for this type of work, either technically or creatively, on their own. Most of them recognize this and seek industry specific training as well.
What type of person makes a successful private investigator?
This business requires a rare blend of logic and creativity; it's rare because logical people tend to not be very creative and vice-versa.
I would say that any successful detective must first have the ability to communicate. This means that he or she must have the ability to connect with people of all walks of life, regardless of economic status, ethnicity or education. It also means that the investigator must have the ability to clearly present a simple fact or a complex investigation in writing. The end result of an investigation is the investigative report, which is given to the client upon conclusion of the assignment; this is essentially our work product. If you cannot write reasonably well, your reputation will surely suffer as a result.
Secondly, great investigators have a burning desire to answer any question that is put to them only after a careful and determined effort to identify the facts and circumstances that contribute to a complete and unbiased explanation. We are in the business to provide facts, not opinions; we let our clients draw their own conclusions from our report. Oftentimes in order to get to those facts, we must be relentless in our pursuit of information. This is where logic meets creativity. Dead-ends often only require a different approach!
Lastly, I believe that every investigator should possess a varied set of experiences and knowledge. One characterization of the private detective industry I can make is that by and large we represent a vastness of experience, skills, and trades. One of the most accomplished investigators I have ever met listed "Mom" on her resume. When she decided to become a private investigator she had no appreciable skills that she could put in her resume but through her own experiences she had developed an intuition that was almost never wrong and she could simplify complex problems into there most basic parts. I have personally hired a plumber, building contractor, car salesman, and a host of other seemingly unrelated career types into my own company, CompassPoint Investigations, because they had certain intangibles that made them great in this business!
The bottom line is that anyone can train to become a wildly successful private investigator, just like one can train to become a barber or an attorney, but an aspiring detective has to bring some things to the table that cannot be easily taught: creativity, logic, the ability to communicate and an insatiable curiosity!
I have a criminal conviction in my background from many years ago. Will this affect my ability to become a private eye?
Every state that requires a license to be a PI also requires a background investigation as a part of the licensing process. I believe that a felony conviction will be an automatic disqualification in almost every instance (though I know a felon who has a PI license issued by the city of Columbus, MO.), while misdemeanors may be considered depending upon the crime, its seriousness and the amount of time that has passed since the conviction; again this will vary by state.
Will my military discharge affect my ability to become a private investigator?
In some cases a discharge that is anything but honorable may prevent you from becoming a PI. Just as in the answer to the criminal conviction history above, some states require PI applicants be free from negative military discharge classifications- Bad Conduct Discharge, Less than Honorable or Other Than Honorable service characterizations are grounds for denial of a PI license in several states and jurisdictions.
Perhaps the Florida Division of Licensing put it best: "Private investigators and private investigative agencies serve in positions of trust. Untrained and unlicensed persons or businesses, or persons not of good moral character, are a threat to the public safety and welfare. The private investigative industry is regulated to ensure the interests of the public are adequately served and protected."
Can I just specialize in a particular type of investigation or will I have to do the surveillances and cheating spouse investigations too?
I absolutely recommend that investigators find their niche and specialize in only a few types of investigations! There are several important reasons for this, which I discuss in my training programs, but it can be summed up this way: when you are the most notable investigator in your region of the country for a specific type of investigation, you will find MANY additional opportunities to make a lot more money than if you advertise yourself as a "jack of all trades." This has been proven across the country time and time again and is a major topic of discussion in our upcoming private investigation marketing manual.
What types of assignments do private investigators typically take?
Wow, the options are endless and the subject really deserves its own entire section! I have listed the most obvious types of private investigator assignments in an article you can find by going to my Articles Page. I will eventually briefly describe each type of investigation in the next couple of weeks. Continue to check in as we are constantly making additions.
What type of investigation or specialty assignment pays the most?
I don't know that anyone can answer that question definitively, but I will say that surveillance is typically the most lucrative type of assignment a private investigator can get because it is solid, billable, blocks of time. I am aware that there are particular types of investigations where investigators are making anywhere between $300 and $500 an hour for activities like forensic computer evaluation, security consulting, automobile repossession, and a few others specialties. I personally have made $10,000 in an hour on several occasions in 14 years doing bail fugitive recovery work, those types of paydays are few and far between. Overall I average almost $150 an hour while engaged in bail enforcement, not too bad by most people's standards, though many investigators just don't have the stomach for that type of work. It can be extremely dangerous, it is a very competitive field and you get paid only if you can complete the case.
Is private investigation dangerous work?
Obviously, there are some PI jobs that are more dangerous than others like collateral repossession or bounty hunting but, generally speaking, private investigation is not a dangerous job. We all have heard the stories of PIs getting caught while on surveillance by an irate cheating husband or being chased out of a yard at the business end of a shotgun while serving a subpoena. Most episodes of Magnum PI had Tom Selleck dodging bullets, too. Certainly, scary things can and do happen on rare occasions but like all war stories, the ones that seem to get a lot of attention play out more like fiction than reality. Safety is always at the forefront of every trained investigator's mind.
About the Author
Good "Character Education" site: 123-Character-education.com
That's a complicated question with several parts that largely depend upon in which state you plan on working. You have two options; you either work for a licensed private investigations agency or you go to work for yourself and obtain your own PI company license. Either way, you there are two considerations you must address at some point:
The first consideration is licensing; all but only a handful of states require a state-issued license to be a private investigator. Each state has different background, education and experience requirements that may vary from simply attending a state-approved training course to pre-licensing education, exams, years of work experience and obtaining a sizable professional liability insurance policy with "errors and omissions" coverage. To make matters just a little more confusing, there are some cities that require private investigators to either register or obtain a municipal license in states that do not otherwise require them.
The second consideration is training. Private investigation specific training is the most important investment you can make in yourself! Since most new PIs don't have the ability or are not ready to start up their own investigations company you will most likely be looking for employment with an established agency. As an owner of an established and well respected detective agency I get resumes all of the time; the first thing I look for before considering a candidate is to ask the question, "How has this person invested in themselves before asking me to invest in them?"
What if I do not have the minimum experience required by the state to obtain my own company license? How will I ever break into the industry?
If your goal is to eventually own your private investigations agency, no problem... every state that requires experience also has a program in place to see that new investigators have access to eventually obtaining their own license. For example, in Texas where we hold an agency license those who are too new simply go to work for an established company until they have the required number of hours to be able apply for their own license. In Florida (where we also have an agency license) they specifically provide internship licenses. Again, every state is a little bit different but thousands of successful private investigators are working today and tens of thousands have come before us; we all had to get started someplace... you can too.
Also, consider your own background and employment related experience carefully some of it may apply. I have known loss prevention agents, security guards (in specific roles), accountants, firemen, bail bondsmen, alarm installers, teachers, and even a librarian use their previous employment experiences to apply for their own agency license.
What type of training should I be looking into?
Any amount of training is great though most PI companies don't place a whole lot of credibility with the courses from PCDI, Harcourt, and Thompson Direct. You could honestly do much better and at less cost.
Instead, look for academies or training programs that have been created by private investigators. Who knows better about what a new or an aspiring private detective needs to know than an investigator who has been in the field for a considerable amount of time?
Also... look to see that the sponsoring company is active in the industry as well. Are they still providing regular private investigative services to a robust clientele? It's sad, but many PIs who wash out over a very short period of time in the business look to teaching. In reality, you will learn very little from those who could not make it themselves; success breeds success!
Lastly, I have a little secret I would like to share with you...
Look over the education provider's entire website and see if you find boastful claims or where the company is bashing other educators. This is a very tight-knit industry and you will find that students who complete training programs from educators that spend time "bad mouthing the competition" have a terrible time getting a break simply because of the animosity created through their educator's use of negative advertising. I know that seems unfair but it is a reality in this business. This does not mean, however, that you should dismiss the negative press but the first thing an excellent private investigator learns is how to evaluate a claim, identify the source and make a judgment based on additional facts and research. Some statements will have merit while others will not; it's up to you to make that decision.
What is the difference between a private investigator and a private detective?
Nothing. The terms are used interchangeably but some states choose to use the term "detective" while most use the term "investigator."
I really just want to help my friends and family to find old friends or people who owe them money. Do I need a PI license?
That's a great question. Generally speaking, in those states where it is a requirement you will need to obtain a license if you hold yourself out for hire or accept payment from another person or business and participate in or provide the following services:
* Surveillance
* Obtaining or furnish information related to a crime or the identity, habits, business, occupation, knowledge, movement, location, affiliations, associations,transactions, acts, reputation, or character of a person, group or company.
* Securing evidence for use before a court, board, officer, or committee
* Locating or recovering lost or stolen property and unclaimed funds.
* Determining the cause or responsibility for a fire, libel, loss, accident, damage, or injury to a person or to property.
Some states may specifically include such things as service of process, bail enforcement, personal protection and genealogical research under those activities that require a private investigator's license as well.
Do I have to have a degree in Criminal Justice from a college or university?
No, though some states may accept a degree in Criminal Justice, Administration of Justice or Police Sciences in lieu of the minimum experience requirements. One recent study conducted on behalf of the Virginia Department of Justice concluded that almost 57% of all private investigators do not have a college education.
If I do not have a college education do I have to have a background as a police officer or other law enforcement related profession?
No. Most private investigators do not have a law enforcement background before entering into this industry. It is true that many private investigators may have once had a career in criminal justice but the bottom-line is that private investigation and law enforcement is very different and my experience has been that very few who make the transition from law enforcement are prepared for this type of work, either technically or creatively, on their own. Most of them recognize this and seek industry specific training as well.
What type of person makes a successful private investigator?
This business requires a rare blend of logic and creativity; it's rare because logical people tend to not be very creative and vice-versa.
I would say that any successful detective must first have the ability to communicate. This means that he or she must have the ability to connect with people of all walks of life, regardless of economic status, ethnicity or education. It also means that the investigator must have the ability to clearly present a simple fact or a complex investigation in writing. The end result of an investigation is the investigative report, which is given to the client upon conclusion of the assignment; this is essentially our work product. If you cannot write reasonably well, your reputation will surely suffer as a result.
Secondly, great investigators have a burning desire to answer any question that is put to them only after a careful and determined effort to identify the facts and circumstances that contribute to a complete and unbiased explanation. We are in the business to provide facts, not opinions; we let our clients draw their own conclusions from our report. Oftentimes in order to get to those facts, we must be relentless in our pursuit of information. This is where logic meets creativity. Dead-ends often only require a different approach!
Lastly, I believe that every investigator should possess a varied set of experiences and knowledge. One characterization of the private detective industry I can make is that by and large we represent a vastness of experience, skills, and trades. One of the most accomplished investigators I have ever met listed "Mom" on her resume. When she decided to become a private investigator she had no appreciable skills that she could put in her resume but through her own experiences she had developed an intuition that was almost never wrong and she could simplify complex problems into there most basic parts. I have personally hired a plumber, building contractor, car salesman, and a host of other seemingly unrelated career types into my own company, CompassPoint Investigations, because they had certain intangibles that made them great in this business!
The bottom line is that anyone can train to become a wildly successful private investigator, just like one can train to become a barber or an attorney, but an aspiring detective has to bring some things to the table that cannot be easily taught: creativity, logic, the ability to communicate and an insatiable curiosity!
I have a criminal conviction in my background from many years ago. Will this affect my ability to become a private eye?
Every state that requires a license to be a PI also requires a background investigation as a part of the licensing process. I believe that a felony conviction will be an automatic disqualification in almost every instance (though I know a felon who has a PI license issued by the city of Columbus, MO.), while misdemeanors may be considered depending upon the crime, its seriousness and the amount of time that has passed since the conviction; again this will vary by state.
Will my military discharge affect my ability to become a private investigator?
In some cases a discharge that is anything but honorable may prevent you from becoming a PI. Just as in the answer to the criminal conviction history above, some states require PI applicants be free from negative military discharge classifications- Bad Conduct Discharge, Less than Honorable or Other Than Honorable service characterizations are grounds for denial of a PI license in several states and jurisdictions.
Perhaps the Florida Division of Licensing put it best: "Private investigators and private investigative agencies serve in positions of trust. Untrained and unlicensed persons or businesses, or persons not of good moral character, are a threat to the public safety and welfare. The private investigative industry is regulated to ensure the interests of the public are adequately served and protected."
Can I just specialize in a particular type of investigation or will I have to do the surveillances and cheating spouse investigations too?
I absolutely recommend that investigators find their niche and specialize in only a few types of investigations! There are several important reasons for this, which I discuss in my training programs, but it can be summed up this way: when you are the most notable investigator in your region of the country for a specific type of investigation, you will find MANY additional opportunities to make a lot more money than if you advertise yourself as a "jack of all trades." This has been proven across the country time and time again and is a major topic of discussion in our upcoming private investigation marketing manual.
What types of assignments do private investigators typically take?
Wow, the options are endless and the subject really deserves its own entire section! I have listed the most obvious types of private investigator assignments in an article you can find by going to my Articles Page. I will eventually briefly describe each type of investigation in the next couple of weeks. Continue to check in as we are constantly making additions.
What type of investigation or specialty assignment pays the most?
I don't know that anyone can answer that question definitively, but I will say that surveillance is typically the most lucrative type of assignment a private investigator can get because it is solid, billable, blocks of time. I am aware that there are particular types of investigations where investigators are making anywhere between $300 and $500 an hour for activities like forensic computer evaluation, security consulting, automobile repossession, and a few others specialties. I personally have made $10,000 in an hour on several occasions in 14 years doing bail fugitive recovery work, those types of paydays are few and far between. Overall I average almost $150 an hour while engaged in bail enforcement, not too bad by most people's standards, though many investigators just don't have the stomach for that type of work. It can be extremely dangerous, it is a very competitive field and you get paid only if you can complete the case.
Is private investigation dangerous work?
Obviously, there are some PI jobs that are more dangerous than others like collateral repossession or bounty hunting but, generally speaking, private investigation is not a dangerous job. We all have heard the stories of PIs getting caught while on surveillance by an irate cheating husband or being chased out of a yard at the business end of a shotgun while serving a subpoena. Most episodes of Magnum PI had Tom Selleck dodging bullets, too. Certainly, scary things can and do happen on rare occasions but like all war stories, the ones that seem to get a lot of attention play out more like fiction than reality. Safety is always at the forefront of every trained investigator's mind.
About the Author
Good "Character Education" site: 123-Character-education.com
How Specialization Can Jump-Start Your Writing Career
Professional writers and those who aspire to earning a living from writing may or may not be familiar with the argument of generalization versus specialization but they surely know the concept. Should a writer be an expert in the field in which he or she is writing? Or can writers write about anything they please and take assignments as they come along? What is the role of subject expertise for the professional writer?
If you intended on earning a living as a writer or even just making serious part-time money, you need to decide how and where you'll find work and that means deciding where you'll look. Are you going to look everywhere and accept just about anything of interest? Then you're a generalist. Or are you going to narrow your sites and concentrate on certain topics? That's a specialist.
You can decide to generalize or specialize based on your personality, your whim, or the circumstances, but it is sounder business (and writing is a business) to make a conscious choice.
So which is the better choice? The answer may surprise you.
On the surface, it would appear that a generalist can earn more simply because he or she is more open to work from all sources. After all, if you specialize in a narrow field, you are immediately limiting the number and types of assignments for which you'll qualify.
However, a generalist can have a tough time finding work! It can be harder for a generalist writer to land assignments than a specialist, simply because the specialist can sell his or her expertise in the field.
For instance, I specialize in medical writing. That immediately precludes me from a lot of writing assignments. However, when medical writing jobs come up, I have a very focused portfolio of previous articles and projects to present. I know the lingo. I have a lot of contacts in the field. My references are great; in some fields, I have references that my editors often know personally or know about.
In some situations, I can wow a potential customer by showing him examples of my writing and past projects that track very closely to what he is asking me to do. This kind of calling card is very powerful. When you know the lingo, know the turf, and can prove you can handle the job, it is hard to lose out on an assignment.
If a generalist were to apply for the same writing gig at the same time, I'd blow the generalist out of the water.
By the same token, if the writing assignment were on raising kids, I'd be on even footing with the generalist, if I bothered to apply at all.
In terms of landing a job, there is really no scenario where the generalist has the edge over the specialist.
Now you could argue that the generalist can make it up with volume. After all, a generalist is free to pursue just about any writing assignment that comes along. He can write about raising horses, traveling to Iceland, or how to buy your first home. I'm limited to medical.
But medical is actually pretty broad! If you specialize, don't hesitate to specialize in a "big" field. I once knew a woman who embarked on a writing career with the most narrow specialization I'd ever heard of. She was going to write solely about 19th century German immigrants to Fayette County, Texas. Okay, she didn't make much of a career out of that, but that's a great example of getting over-zealous with specialization! She might have succeeded had she specialized in writing about Texas. Or about writing about 19th century historical subjects.
Specialists need to keep a specialty that's focused but not so narrow that there are only one or two potential jobs that come along in a year. Medicine is a great specialty. It includes cardiology, pediatrics, the healthcare crisis, patient advocacy, geriatrics, dermatology, and just about anything else you can think of that involves health. Plus there are lots of businesses in this field and I write a lot for business as well as for publishers.
Other great specialties might be real estate, business, politics, or music.
Once a generalist and a specialist have landed assignments, the specialist has another edge. Specialists already know the basics in their field. As a medical writer, I know the lingo and the research methods. I often get assignments where I don't have to look up too many words or do too much background research. I have a lot of contacts in certain fields, so I'm not always scrambling to get some good interviews or fabulous quotes. I don't have the queasy feeling that generalists sometimes get when they're writing about a subject they don't know.
This isn't to say a generalist cannot do a good job. But it takes longer. For instance, I'm no expert in gardening, so if I were to get an assignment on growing roses in zone 9, I would have to do a lot of research. I could probably do a decent job on the article, but I'd need a lot of time and lot more effort than a person who specialized in writing about gardening topics (and who likely had already done some articles already on roses and gardening in extreme climates).
Specialists get good at snowballing one assignment into another. A patient pamphlet on breast cancer can become a springboard for my suggestions to do a pamphlet for breast cancer patients' families, particularly kids of women with breast cancer. I could then take that same body of research and pitch some newspaper or magazine articles on the ramifications of breast cancer for the whole family. This might lead to some articles for cancer patients' websites. And I might be able to approach a pharmaceutical company that makes a drug for breast cancer patients and show them the body of work I've done and be able to work on projects for them, like patient education slides or the script for a take-home DVD.
That's not an exaggeration. Specializing allows you to get in deep into a subject and then see how one topic and one assignment flows naturally into another.
Specialization makes it easier to get assignments, faster to complete assignments, and helps to keep generating assignments. The fact is, specialists are usually kept busy full-time just managing the assignments that businesses, customers, and editors bring to them, because they are well known in their field; specialists eventually get to the point that they rarely sell their services. A specialist can spend more time writing and less time selling his services; a generalist, on the other hand, almost always has to do a lot of marketing to stay afloat.
But many writers balk at the idea of specialization. I've even heard people say that the reason they wanted to write in the first place was in order to do lots of new things. They fear that specialization will put them in a rut. There iis a bit of truth to the rut argument. Medical writers are rarely asked to review movies, write about designer hand bags, or cover the scandal of executive compensation in major businesses. So what if you want to be more of a Renaissance man or woman and write of many things?
You can try multiple specialties. In this method, you take the best of both worlds of specialist and generalist. You pick two or three subjects that interest you. Don't pick too many more than that or you'll lose focus. Then you develop depth in them so that you get some expert-level status.
You can pick art, business, and home renovation. Or medicine, travel, and childcare. Or whatever two or three topics grab you. Ideally, they should be far removed from each other, since you can dilute your specialty by playing it too wide. For instance, I write about medicine but I don't ever write about alternative medicine. Why? If my medical editors knew I was writing about acupuncture or other therapies they might not approve of, it would make me seem less of an authority.
So if you're going to write about business, don't write about "get rich quick" businesses as well as the Fortune 500. If you're going to write about travel, don't write stories about "everybody is out to gyp you" and then write stories about cruises and hotels. If you write about losing weight sensibly, don't also write about "lose 10 pounds overnight" miracle pills. You need to establish not only a specialty but some boundaries for that specialty.
Some writers with multiple specialties actually use different names for each field, but that is probably not necessary. If you work in two very different specialties, you'll not see a lot of overlap in terms of editors or experts, so there is no need to go cloak-and-dagger.
But if you are interested in writing as a business, specialization is the more profitable angle. You'll establish your expertise, make valuable connections, and be able to recycle material much more efficiently than a generalist!
About the Author
Want to see a website for a specialist-writer? Check out http://www.LeQMedical . com. But if you're a writer who wants to find out more about earning a living as a writer, visit http://www.workingonlinewriter.com .
If you intended on earning a living as a writer or even just making serious part-time money, you need to decide how and where you'll find work and that means deciding where you'll look. Are you going to look everywhere and accept just about anything of interest? Then you're a generalist. Or are you going to narrow your sites and concentrate on certain topics? That's a specialist.
You can decide to generalize or specialize based on your personality, your whim, or the circumstances, but it is sounder business (and writing is a business) to make a conscious choice.
So which is the better choice? The answer may surprise you.
On the surface, it would appear that a generalist can earn more simply because he or she is more open to work from all sources. After all, if you specialize in a narrow field, you are immediately limiting the number and types of assignments for which you'll qualify.
However, a generalist can have a tough time finding work! It can be harder for a generalist writer to land assignments than a specialist, simply because the specialist can sell his or her expertise in the field.
For instance, I specialize in medical writing. That immediately precludes me from a lot of writing assignments. However, when medical writing jobs come up, I have a very focused portfolio of previous articles and projects to present. I know the lingo. I have a lot of contacts in the field. My references are great; in some fields, I have references that my editors often know personally or know about.
In some situations, I can wow a potential customer by showing him examples of my writing and past projects that track very closely to what he is asking me to do. This kind of calling card is very powerful. When you know the lingo, know the turf, and can prove you can handle the job, it is hard to lose out on an assignment.
If a generalist were to apply for the same writing gig at the same time, I'd blow the generalist out of the water.
By the same token, if the writing assignment were on raising kids, I'd be on even footing with the generalist, if I bothered to apply at all.
In terms of landing a job, there is really no scenario where the generalist has the edge over the specialist.
Now you could argue that the generalist can make it up with volume. After all, a generalist is free to pursue just about any writing assignment that comes along. He can write about raising horses, traveling to Iceland, or how to buy your first home. I'm limited to medical.
But medical is actually pretty broad! If you specialize, don't hesitate to specialize in a "big" field. I once knew a woman who embarked on a writing career with the most narrow specialization I'd ever heard of. She was going to write solely about 19th century German immigrants to Fayette County, Texas. Okay, she didn't make much of a career out of that, but that's a great example of getting over-zealous with specialization! She might have succeeded had she specialized in writing about Texas. Or about writing about 19th century historical subjects.
Specialists need to keep a specialty that's focused but not so narrow that there are only one or two potential jobs that come along in a year. Medicine is a great specialty. It includes cardiology, pediatrics, the healthcare crisis, patient advocacy, geriatrics, dermatology, and just about anything else you can think of that involves health. Plus there are lots of businesses in this field and I write a lot for business as well as for publishers.
Other great specialties might be real estate, business, politics, or music.
Once a generalist and a specialist have landed assignments, the specialist has another edge. Specialists already know the basics in their field. As a medical writer, I know the lingo and the research methods. I often get assignments where I don't have to look up too many words or do too much background research. I have a lot of contacts in certain fields, so I'm not always scrambling to get some good interviews or fabulous quotes. I don't have the queasy feeling that generalists sometimes get when they're writing about a subject they don't know.
This isn't to say a generalist cannot do a good job. But it takes longer. For instance, I'm no expert in gardening, so if I were to get an assignment on growing roses in zone 9, I would have to do a lot of research. I could probably do a decent job on the article, but I'd need a lot of time and lot more effort than a person who specialized in writing about gardening topics (and who likely had already done some articles already on roses and gardening in extreme climates).
Specialists get good at snowballing one assignment into another. A patient pamphlet on breast cancer can become a springboard for my suggestions to do a pamphlet for breast cancer patients' families, particularly kids of women with breast cancer. I could then take that same body of research and pitch some newspaper or magazine articles on the ramifications of breast cancer for the whole family. This might lead to some articles for cancer patients' websites. And I might be able to approach a pharmaceutical company that makes a drug for breast cancer patients and show them the body of work I've done and be able to work on projects for them, like patient education slides or the script for a take-home DVD.
That's not an exaggeration. Specializing allows you to get in deep into a subject and then see how one topic and one assignment flows naturally into another.
Specialization makes it easier to get assignments, faster to complete assignments, and helps to keep generating assignments. The fact is, specialists are usually kept busy full-time just managing the assignments that businesses, customers, and editors bring to them, because they are well known in their field; specialists eventually get to the point that they rarely sell their services. A specialist can spend more time writing and less time selling his services; a generalist, on the other hand, almost always has to do a lot of marketing to stay afloat.
But many writers balk at the idea of specialization. I've even heard people say that the reason they wanted to write in the first place was in order to do lots of new things. They fear that specialization will put them in a rut. There iis a bit of truth to the rut argument. Medical writers are rarely asked to review movies, write about designer hand bags, or cover the scandal of executive compensation in major businesses. So what if you want to be more of a Renaissance man or woman and write of many things?
You can try multiple specialties. In this method, you take the best of both worlds of specialist and generalist. You pick two or three subjects that interest you. Don't pick too many more than that or you'll lose focus. Then you develop depth in them so that you get some expert-level status.
You can pick art, business, and home renovation. Or medicine, travel, and childcare. Or whatever two or three topics grab you. Ideally, they should be far removed from each other, since you can dilute your specialty by playing it too wide. For instance, I write about medicine but I don't ever write about alternative medicine. Why? If my medical editors knew I was writing about acupuncture or other therapies they might not approve of, it would make me seem less of an authority.
So if you're going to write about business, don't write about "get rich quick" businesses as well as the Fortune 500. If you're going to write about travel, don't write stories about "everybody is out to gyp you" and then write stories about cruises and hotels. If you write about losing weight sensibly, don't also write about "lose 10 pounds overnight" miracle pills. You need to establish not only a specialty but some boundaries for that specialty.
Some writers with multiple specialties actually use different names for each field, but that is probably not necessary. If you work in two very different specialties, you'll not see a lot of overlap in terms of editors or experts, so there is no need to go cloak-and-dagger.
But if you are interested in writing as a business, specialization is the more profitable angle. You'll establish your expertise, make valuable connections, and be able to recycle material much more efficiently than a generalist!
About the Author
Want to see a website for a specialist-writer? Check out http://www.LeQMedical . com. But if you're a writer who wants to find out more about earning a living as a writer, visit http://www.workingonlinewriter.com .
How to Be an Astronomer
How to Be an Astronomer
So, you have an interest in astronomy and space and you think you want to be an astronomer. This article will show you the steps you have to take in order to turn your amateur astronomy hobby into the career of a professional astronomer.
What is an astronomer and what do they do?
This may seem like a basic question, but it's a good place to start. Just because you have an interest in astronomy doesn't necessarily mean that becoming a professional astronomer is right for you.
An astronomer is a scientist who spends a great deal of time studying and observing the behavior of stars, planets, and galaxies as well as lots of other celestial objects. To be an astronomer, a person must earn a doctorate degree and have extensive knowledge of mathematics, computer science, and physics.
Even if you meet these difficult standards and get such an education, your journey toward becoming a professional astronomer is only half over. The competition for jobs in the field of astronomy is extremely fierce.
What you need to do to get started
Try to learn as much as you can about the field of astronomy. The library is a great place to find all sorts of information on the topic of astronomy. More importantly though, it's absolutely free.
Another thing you should do is find out if there is an amateur astronomy club in your local area. Meeting other people who are knowledgeable about astronomy is a great way to learn things about astronomy that you just can't learn from a book.
If there is an astronomy observatory near you, then pay them a visit. Observatories are another fantastic way to introduce yourself to the field of astronomy. You may even be able to speak with a professional astronomer at an observatory. There is no better way to research a career field than by talking to someone who is already working in that field.
Lay the groundwork in high school
Try to take as many mathematics and science courses as you can while you're in high school. You should complete pre-calculus, chemistry, and physics by the time you graduate.
Moving on to college
Once you are accepted into a college, you should choose physics or astronomy as your major and try to carry at least a 3.0 grade point average. A B average is is the minimum GPA accepted by many graduate astronomy programs, so you'll want to get the highest grades you possibly can while you're an undergraduate.
Excellent writing skills
Another area to make sure you're highly proficient in is writing. As an astronomer, you'll write many articles related to astronomy and space. If you want them to be published in respected publications, the quality of your writing has to be top notch.
About the Author
Astronomy For Kids Online explores the Milky Way Galaxy, the Big Bang theory, and the Solar System for kids. Learn about famous astronomers like Claudius Ptolemy and Nicolaus Copernicus, and find out the definition of astronomy from an astronomy dictionary.
So, you have an interest in astronomy and space and you think you want to be an astronomer. This article will show you the steps you have to take in order to turn your amateur astronomy hobby into the career of a professional astronomer.
What is an astronomer and what do they do?
This may seem like a basic question, but it's a good place to start. Just because you have an interest in astronomy doesn't necessarily mean that becoming a professional astronomer is right for you.
An astronomer is a scientist who spends a great deal of time studying and observing the behavior of stars, planets, and galaxies as well as lots of other celestial objects. To be an astronomer, a person must earn a doctorate degree and have extensive knowledge of mathematics, computer science, and physics.
Even if you meet these difficult standards and get such an education, your journey toward becoming a professional astronomer is only half over. The competition for jobs in the field of astronomy is extremely fierce.
What you need to do to get started
Try to learn as much as you can about the field of astronomy. The library is a great place to find all sorts of information on the topic of astronomy. More importantly though, it's absolutely free.
Another thing you should do is find out if there is an amateur astronomy club in your local area. Meeting other people who are knowledgeable about astronomy is a great way to learn things about astronomy that you just can't learn from a book.
If there is an astronomy observatory near you, then pay them a visit. Observatories are another fantastic way to introduce yourself to the field of astronomy. You may even be able to speak with a professional astronomer at an observatory. There is no better way to research a career field than by talking to someone who is already working in that field.
Lay the groundwork in high school
Try to take as many mathematics and science courses as you can while you're in high school. You should complete pre-calculus, chemistry, and physics by the time you graduate.
Moving on to college
Once you are accepted into a college, you should choose physics or astronomy as your major and try to carry at least a 3.0 grade point average. A B average is is the minimum GPA accepted by many graduate astronomy programs, so you'll want to get the highest grades you possibly can while you're an undergraduate.
Excellent writing skills
Another area to make sure you're highly proficient in is writing. As an astronomer, you'll write many articles related to astronomy and space. If you want them to be published in respected publications, the quality of your writing has to be top notch.
About the Author
Astronomy For Kids Online explores the Milky Way Galaxy, the Big Bang theory, and the Solar System for kids. Learn about famous astronomers like Claudius Ptolemy and Nicolaus Copernicus, and find out the definition of astronomy from an astronomy dictionary.
Best Teen Jobs - Ideas to Get You Started
How to Find the Best Teen Jobs
Where are the best teen jobs? It is important for the young job seeker to try to find the best job possible, however, the more important question is "how do I go about finding the best teen jobs"?
If you are a teenager seeking a new job, you will need to learn the very basics in order to succeed, not only in your first job but every job thereafter. Unfortunately, for those who are looking to hurry up and graduate from high school and think that their education is over, you may not realize that finding one of the best teen jobs can become a lot of work.
In response to the many questions about teen job search, there is a book which will tell you step by step how to get started on your job search. There are also many articles on the Internet which will do the same. The difference is that those articles are scattered over thousands of pages and it will take you days to sift through the information you might need today.
The information contained in Job Search 101 (click here to get it at http://www.jobsearchtop10.com will provide you with everything you need to know once and for all about finding the best teen jobs.
Once you discover this information, you will be able to use it for the rest of your life. It will be the best money you have ever spent and it is priced under $10, less than the cost of an average movie and a soft drink!
You may want to get your parents to visit the website and take a look at what is available. Your parents can help you focus on what is important in your quest for finding the best teen jobs. Once they read the information they will realize that they should be helping to train you in the necessary steps to finding your first job so you will be successful in any other job searches throughout your career.
The skills you will develop in your young teen years will be invaluable as you progress in your education and in your careers. Discover the information you will need to have to succeed from your first job through every job thereafter.
In the interim, here are some of the best teen jobs listed here. But remember, as a parent or a teen, or as a teen, you should not be looking for a quick fix. You should be looking to discover the very basics that will not only get you, your son or your daughter one of the best teen jobs, but will arm you and them with the ammunition you and they will need to succeed in the future as well.
For more information on Teen Job Search visit: http://jobsearchtop10.com/Default.aspx?PageID=bestteenjobs
Here are the top 5 places for your teen to find the best teen jobs: Look in your own hometown for the following:
1. Look for jobs within your local government whether it be city, county, or state. There are often times youth programs that are run by the government. You can go online at google and find this information by typing in your state and then the words local government jobs. Play with the wording until you find what you are looking for.
2. Another place to find one of the best teen jobs is to consider working in a daycare center or a nursing home. These types of jobs help you to build a sense of compassion for others. Once again, go to google and type in your city and state and then the title of the job you think you would want.
3. Fast food is always popular. If you like variety you can always work at concession stands, juice bars, coffee shops, or ice cream shops too.
4. Movie theatres are one of the more popular choices for the best teen jobs. You can have fun working with people and at the same time, catch your favorite movies as a benefit.
5. Popular vacation and tourist places like Ocean City Maryland, Ocean City New Jersey, popular California amusement parks and amusement parks all over the USA or overseas are great places for a teen to work. The work is hard though but the jobs can be plentiful. Google your favorite location whether it be a resort, hotel, park, swimming pool, campground, golf course, camp, aquarium, zoo, museum, amusement part, theme park or other entertainment park, along with your city and state to find the best teen jobs in your area.
There are many more jobs that a teen can get but these are the most popular ones that can provide a stepping stone to a well rounded career.
About the Author
Margaret Dunn is President of Dunn Associates Inc. near Pittsburgh, PA. She is an executive recruiter (headhunter) and has been giving career advice and counseling to job seekers of all ages for over 25 years. She is author of the popular career book "Job Search 101 - The Top Ten Mistakes Job Seekers Make and How to Avoid Them". You can sign up for her free career ezine at: http://www.careercoachcdtogo.com
Where are the best teen jobs? It is important for the young job seeker to try to find the best job possible, however, the more important question is "how do I go about finding the best teen jobs"?
If you are a teenager seeking a new job, you will need to learn the very basics in order to succeed, not only in your first job but every job thereafter. Unfortunately, for those who are looking to hurry up and graduate from high school and think that their education is over, you may not realize that finding one of the best teen jobs can become a lot of work.
In response to the many questions about teen job search, there is a book which will tell you step by step how to get started on your job search. There are also many articles on the Internet which will do the same. The difference is that those articles are scattered over thousands of pages and it will take you days to sift through the information you might need today.
The information contained in Job Search 101 (click here to get it at http://www.jobsearchtop10.com will provide you with everything you need to know once and for all about finding the best teen jobs.
Once you discover this information, you will be able to use it for the rest of your life. It will be the best money you have ever spent and it is priced under $10, less than the cost of an average movie and a soft drink!
You may want to get your parents to visit the website and take a look at what is available. Your parents can help you focus on what is important in your quest for finding the best teen jobs. Once they read the information they will realize that they should be helping to train you in the necessary steps to finding your first job so you will be successful in any other job searches throughout your career.
The skills you will develop in your young teen years will be invaluable as you progress in your education and in your careers. Discover the information you will need to have to succeed from your first job through every job thereafter.
In the interim, here are some of the best teen jobs listed here. But remember, as a parent or a teen, or as a teen, you should not be looking for a quick fix. You should be looking to discover the very basics that will not only get you, your son or your daughter one of the best teen jobs, but will arm you and them with the ammunition you and they will need to succeed in the future as well.
For more information on Teen Job Search visit: http://jobsearchtop10.com/Default.aspx?PageID=bestteenjobs
Here are the top 5 places for your teen to find the best teen jobs: Look in your own hometown for the following:
1. Look for jobs within your local government whether it be city, county, or state. There are often times youth programs that are run by the government. You can go online at google and find this information by typing in your state and then the words local government jobs. Play with the wording until you find what you are looking for.
2. Another place to find one of the best teen jobs is to consider working in a daycare center or a nursing home. These types of jobs help you to build a sense of compassion for others. Once again, go to google and type in your city and state and then the title of the job you think you would want.
3. Fast food is always popular. If you like variety you can always work at concession stands, juice bars, coffee shops, or ice cream shops too.
4. Movie theatres are one of the more popular choices for the best teen jobs. You can have fun working with people and at the same time, catch your favorite movies as a benefit.
5. Popular vacation and tourist places like Ocean City Maryland, Ocean City New Jersey, popular California amusement parks and amusement parks all over the USA or overseas are great places for a teen to work. The work is hard though but the jobs can be plentiful. Google your favorite location whether it be a resort, hotel, park, swimming pool, campground, golf course, camp, aquarium, zoo, museum, amusement part, theme park or other entertainment park, along with your city and state to find the best teen jobs in your area.
There are many more jobs that a teen can get but these are the most popular ones that can provide a stepping stone to a well rounded career.
About the Author
Margaret Dunn is President of Dunn Associates Inc. near Pittsburgh, PA. She is an executive recruiter (headhunter) and has been giving career advice and counseling to job seekers of all ages for over 25 years. She is author of the popular career book "Job Search 101 - The Top Ten Mistakes Job Seekers Make and How to Avoid Them". You can sign up for her free career ezine at: http://www.careercoachcdtogo.com
Interview Your Next Employer
Before you go on your next interview, prepare the questions that you will ask your next potential employer.
Why Prepare Questions for My Next Employer?
First, let's begin by dispelling the myth that the purpose of the interview is for you to find a job, and for the employer to determine if you are qualified for the position. The purpose of the interview is more than that. It is an opportunity for the employer to try to find the individual with the best combination of talent, experience, skill and personality traits for the position. It is also an opportunity for you to determine if the position and the organization are best suited to utilize your unique blend of talent, experience, skill and character.
Let's begin with the assumption that you would like to be successful in your next position. You might measure success as personal satisfaction, an opportunity for advancement, a higher title, higher compensation, recognition or personal growth. It is important for you to know what you want from your next position and to determine if the potential employer has the ability to meet your requirements. What good would it do to take a job in which you could not be successful? It is far better to seek a position that will offer success and satisfaction for both you and the employer. It is inevitable that you will have greater success in a career that provides satisfaction and fulfillment. Rather than wait to look for satisfaction after you are in a position, begin by looking for that potential during the interview process.
Do you approach each interview with reluctance and nervous anticipation, waiting to see whether or not you get 'voted off the island'? Do you wonder if you will be the sole survivor? Do you approach the interview as if you were on the hot seat in "Who Wants to be a Millionaire", taking your chances that every question will bring you to the next level and hoping for the chance to call a lifeline as a reference? Do you approach the interview like it's "Deal or No Deal", knowing that you will walk away with something, but that you could walk away richer or wiser from the experience? Do you take the approach of the "Newlywed Game", asking questions and finding out how much you know about each other?
Preparing to interview the employer will demonstrate your own self-confidence and your commitment. These are important characteristics during the interview process. A few scripted questions will show that you took time to prepare. It shows that you are comfortable with your own talent and that you took time to study the employer. It will raise the quality of your discussion from an interrogation to a real conversation.
It is not about getting a job, it is about getting the right job for you.
Know Your Strengths
Before you can begin the search for the right job for you, you need to know your own strengths. Finding a position and a career that utilizes your strengths will bring satisfaction, accomplishment and success.
Your strengths are a unique combination of your talent, skill, knowledge, experience and character. Talent represents qualities and capabilities that you have naturally. Skill represents qualities that you have learned from study or experience. Knowledge is typically gained by education or experience. Experience is the application of your talent and skill over time. Character represents personality traits that may contribute to the emotional and relational application of your talent and skill in your career. Take some time to reflect and understand the things that you like to do and the things that you do well without much effort. You may think that just because something comes easily to you, or seems obvious to you, that it is that way for everyone else too. That is not the case. You have talents that you may not have discovered yet. An excellent guide for this voyage of self-discovery is the book, "Now, Discover Your Strengths", by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton. This is an excellent way to prepare before hunting for your next career position, or to evaluate yourself in your current career.
Know Something About the Organization
Reserve a little time to study something about the organization, business or products before going on an interview. You might find some information on the organization web site, from news articles, or perhaps you know some people who work at the employer. You should research current events or announcements about the organization. It shows that you are interested and it will help you to ask meaningful questions.
Prepare a small list of three to five questions about the organization, the culture and the position. Your questions may be related to something that you learned about the organization, and your questions are an opportunity for you to evaluate the employer. Let the person interviewing you know that you are interested in evaluating the position to make sure that it is the right fit for both of you. You can illustrate what you are looking for by providing examples of previous successful positions or circumstances.
If the position is right for you, and if the potential employer recognizes that you have the right talent for the position, then you may be on the path to a mutually successful relationship. If either one of you believes that it is not the proper fit at the time, then consider yourself fortunate for avoiding a potential hazard and continue looking for that opportunity to spread your wings and fly.
Words of Wisdom
"The old maxim says that you can't see the picture when you are inside the frame. Well, you spend your whole life inside the frame of your strengths, so perhaps it is little wonder that after a while you become blind to them." - Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton, "Now, Discover Your Strengths"
""Most Americans do not know what their strengths are. When you ask them, they look at you with a blank stare, or they respond in terms of subject knowledge, which is the wrong answer." - Peter Drucker
"The keystone of high achievement and happiness is exercising your strengths, not correcting your weaknesses." - Martin E. P. Seligman, Professor of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania
John Mehrmann is a freelance writer and President of Executive Blueprints Inc., an organization devoted to improving business practices and developing human capital
About the Author
John Mehrmann is an author, speaker and industry expert with Executive Blueprints Inc. http://www.ExecutiveBlueprints.com
Why Prepare Questions for My Next Employer?
First, let's begin by dispelling the myth that the purpose of the interview is for you to find a job, and for the employer to determine if you are qualified for the position. The purpose of the interview is more than that. It is an opportunity for the employer to try to find the individual with the best combination of talent, experience, skill and personality traits for the position. It is also an opportunity for you to determine if the position and the organization are best suited to utilize your unique blend of talent, experience, skill and character.
Let's begin with the assumption that you would like to be successful in your next position. You might measure success as personal satisfaction, an opportunity for advancement, a higher title, higher compensation, recognition or personal growth. It is important for you to know what you want from your next position and to determine if the potential employer has the ability to meet your requirements. What good would it do to take a job in which you could not be successful? It is far better to seek a position that will offer success and satisfaction for both you and the employer. It is inevitable that you will have greater success in a career that provides satisfaction and fulfillment. Rather than wait to look for satisfaction after you are in a position, begin by looking for that potential during the interview process.
Do you approach each interview with reluctance and nervous anticipation, waiting to see whether or not you get 'voted off the island'? Do you wonder if you will be the sole survivor? Do you approach the interview as if you were on the hot seat in "Who Wants to be a Millionaire", taking your chances that every question will bring you to the next level and hoping for the chance to call a lifeline as a reference? Do you approach the interview like it's "Deal or No Deal", knowing that you will walk away with something, but that you could walk away richer or wiser from the experience? Do you take the approach of the "Newlywed Game", asking questions and finding out how much you know about each other?
Preparing to interview the employer will demonstrate your own self-confidence and your commitment. These are important characteristics during the interview process. A few scripted questions will show that you took time to prepare. It shows that you are comfortable with your own talent and that you took time to study the employer. It will raise the quality of your discussion from an interrogation to a real conversation.
It is not about getting a job, it is about getting the right job for you.
Know Your Strengths
Before you can begin the search for the right job for you, you need to know your own strengths. Finding a position and a career that utilizes your strengths will bring satisfaction, accomplishment and success.
Your strengths are a unique combination of your talent, skill, knowledge, experience and character. Talent represents qualities and capabilities that you have naturally. Skill represents qualities that you have learned from study or experience. Knowledge is typically gained by education or experience. Experience is the application of your talent and skill over time. Character represents personality traits that may contribute to the emotional and relational application of your talent and skill in your career. Take some time to reflect and understand the things that you like to do and the things that you do well without much effort. You may think that just because something comes easily to you, or seems obvious to you, that it is that way for everyone else too. That is not the case. You have talents that you may not have discovered yet. An excellent guide for this voyage of self-discovery is the book, "Now, Discover Your Strengths", by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton. This is an excellent way to prepare before hunting for your next career position, or to evaluate yourself in your current career.
Know Something About the Organization
Reserve a little time to study something about the organization, business or products before going on an interview. You might find some information on the organization web site, from news articles, or perhaps you know some people who work at the employer. You should research current events or announcements about the organization. It shows that you are interested and it will help you to ask meaningful questions.
Prepare a small list of three to five questions about the organization, the culture and the position. Your questions may be related to something that you learned about the organization, and your questions are an opportunity for you to evaluate the employer. Let the person interviewing you know that you are interested in evaluating the position to make sure that it is the right fit for both of you. You can illustrate what you are looking for by providing examples of previous successful positions or circumstances.
If the position is right for you, and if the potential employer recognizes that you have the right talent for the position, then you may be on the path to a mutually successful relationship. If either one of you believes that it is not the proper fit at the time, then consider yourself fortunate for avoiding a potential hazard and continue looking for that opportunity to spread your wings and fly.
Words of Wisdom
"The old maxim says that you can't see the picture when you are inside the frame. Well, you spend your whole life inside the frame of your strengths, so perhaps it is little wonder that after a while you become blind to them." - Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton, "Now, Discover Your Strengths"
""Most Americans do not know what their strengths are. When you ask them, they look at you with a blank stare, or they respond in terms of subject knowledge, which is the wrong answer." - Peter Drucker
"The keystone of high achievement and happiness is exercising your strengths, not correcting your weaknesses." - Martin E. P. Seligman, Professor of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania
John Mehrmann is a freelance writer and President of Executive Blueprints Inc., an organization devoted to improving business practices and developing human capital
About the Author
John Mehrmann is an author, speaker and industry expert with Executive Blueprints Inc. http://www.ExecutiveBlueprints.com
Affordable Small Business Web Site
If you are unhappy at a job an affordable small business web site may be in your future. Niche inter net businesses are making many people profits all over the world. Are you one of those who are not looking for a business but are unhappy with your job or career?
No matter where you are or what you are doing you can find opportunities that will let you make a decent income on the inter net. Many disgruntled workers and mangers at jobs have found an affordable small business web site that has improved their lives and life styles.
By being well informed you can do quality triage or due diligence research of business possibilities. This is before you invest time and money out of your life into a risky adventure that may discourage you and ruin your confidence before you get started. A small business web site development and hosting service can help you get started. An affordable small business web site can be in your income range. A critical need is a hand holding advisory small business web hosting service that will provide you the tools and aid to build a business. This will give you something to do to develop your personal skills. This will also be the methadone to get yourself away from total financial and emotional dependence on your job. Are you not looking for a business at this time and unhappy with you job or career? Frequently the answer to this lies in yourself. On line you can find affiliate programs that provide you a prebuilt web site with your personal id on it. Many thousands of people have started their great job escape by building incomes this way. A very few affiliate programs provide genuine training you can use to start a business with low risk. You join with a partner company, help them sell their products and you get paid for your targeted marketing services. You can do this using their web site at first. In time you will want to seek out a world class web host of your own for this same business and others. There are strong reasons for having your own personal voice along with your own web presence. More flexibility is one of them. Also you are not restricted to promoting the products of one company. It is best to begin your site business development by building your own web business. You want to find a company that specializes in beginning business web hosting. They know they have to work with you and will provide references if they are good. They will show you how to build a profitable site whether or not you have html knowledge. A good web host will provide you with the tools to build your own personal voice enterprise on line. Many men and women of all ages are surprised to find that a good web host can provide a tool to develop your own writing skills to build a web business. This is based on your own life experience, education, passions and skills.
If you have writing skills the inter net world is your oyster. If you have written lots of articles, stories or other materials the inter net will be a natural for you. Web tools with affordable world class software will help you do almost anything. Men and women from the jewelry, dental, general medical, concrete and numerous other businesses are stunned to find out they can build inter net businesses. They do this by following the instructions of their web hosting teachers. They learn optimum use of keywords, page building and other net skills. Amazingly anyone who can normally talk to anyone can learn keyword writing skills. If you tell someone about a book, movie, restaurant or repairman and they get interested and want to learn more you can do this. It is a matter of confidence and going through the motions taught by your web teachers. You can get rid of bored and humbling experiences from work or a non-performing career. You can learn to escape a weak income and replace or add on to it. You can get your small business into second gear and moving. You can change your life for the better with an reasonable web host. It is all in your heart and head. The will, brains and motivation are all you need to do it.
About the Author
No matter where you are or what you are doing you can find opportunities that will let you make a decent income on the inter net. Many disgruntled workers and mangers at jobs have found an affordable small business web site that has improved their lives and life styles.
By being well informed you can do quality triage or due diligence research of business possibilities. This is before you invest time and money out of your life into a risky adventure that may discourage you and ruin your confidence before you get started. A small business web site development and hosting service can help you get started. An affordable small business web site can be in your income range. A critical need is a hand holding advisory small business web hosting service that will provide you the tools and aid to build a business. This will give you something to do to develop your personal skills. This will also be the methadone to get yourself away from total financial and emotional dependence on your job. Are you not looking for a business at this time and unhappy with you job or career? Frequently the answer to this lies in yourself. On line you can find affiliate programs that provide you a prebuilt web site with your personal id on it. Many thousands of people have started their great job escape by building incomes this way. A very few affiliate programs provide genuine training you can use to start a business with low risk. You join with a partner company, help them sell their products and you get paid for your targeted marketing services. You can do this using their web site at first. In time you will want to seek out a world class web host of your own for this same business and others. There are strong reasons for having your own personal voice along with your own web presence. More flexibility is one of them. Also you are not restricted to promoting the products of one company. It is best to begin your site business development by building your own web business. You want to find a company that specializes in beginning business web hosting. They know they have to work with you and will provide references if they are good. They will show you how to build a profitable site whether or not you have html knowledge. A good web host will provide you with the tools to build your own personal voice enterprise on line. Many men and women of all ages are surprised to find that a good web host can provide a tool to develop your own writing skills to build a web business. This is based on your own life experience, education, passions and skills.
If you have writing skills the inter net world is your oyster. If you have written lots of articles, stories or other materials the inter net will be a natural for you. Web tools with affordable world class software will help you do almost anything. Men and women from the jewelry, dental, general medical, concrete and numerous other businesses are stunned to find out they can build inter net businesses. They do this by following the instructions of their web hosting teachers. They learn optimum use of keywords, page building and other net skills. Amazingly anyone who can normally talk to anyone can learn keyword writing skills. If you tell someone about a book, movie, restaurant or repairman and they get interested and want to learn more you can do this. It is a matter of confidence and going through the motions taught by your web teachers. You can get rid of bored and humbling experiences from work or a non-performing career. You can learn to escape a weak income and replace or add on to it. You can get your small business into second gear and moving. You can change your life for the better with an reasonable web host. It is all in your heart and head. The will, brains and motivation are all you need to do it.
About the Author
James M. Lowe provides world class sbi web site building toolsweb site host training and marketing.
Awaken to the Gentle Embrace of the Untamed in Writing
In writing, extra-ordinary experiences inspire us all to create unique articles, books, novels etc. Below is one of mine that motivated me to write a book.
In the gentle embrace of this untamed world, deep in the Florida Everglades, I slowly crouch and run my hands through the swamp water into the cool, soft, wet black peat, letting it ooze between my fingers, smelling its thick wild scent.
I had been furiously tracking the endangered Florida panther to save it from extinction in this region.So far I had not found any physical evidence the big cat existed.
As I splash water on my face baptismal-like, shivers come up my arms and across my chest. At times like this I feel as though I become part of nature: the trees, mud, sky, water, aniamls. . .everything. My soul seems to be cut in a million different parts, all living and breathing in the same tempo of life. It is as real as the kiss of a single raindrop on a wild orchid.
Suddenly,
Something. . .
Something stirs in the cypress trees fifty yards away. I feel an animal presence.
Instantly, a patch of gray-brown fur apppears in the trees! The animal seems to float above the swamp ground moving swiftly and as stealthy as a. . .cat.
I breathe slowly, deeply, making every effort to hold sound in so as not to spook the animal. For over six months, I have been tracking and preparing for this moment, a moment of true excitement, maybe my only opportunity to be rewarded a sighting of this untamed misunderstood creature.
Then, the fur disappears. My heart stops. No, I cry inside. No. Not now. Not after so long. As the last words roll across my mind, the fur is there again. Then it melts into the shadows, reappears, only to disappear once more. I still have not had a glimpse of the entire animal.
Then all movement stops. It sees me, I think.
At that second, large paws spring in a bolt of speed deeper into the swamp. But I see it! I see the whole cat! It is like no other animal I have ever seen! It is furred power, gray-brown on top, creamy white underneath. At the end of it, a magnificent, long J-shaped tail streaked through dawn light and swamp darkness like a retreating ghost.
However, as he runs, the big cat reminds me of the soft, silent motion of an ocean wave rising from the depths, rolling and forming into a single wave, then lowering into the depths once again, only to swell once more.
As though immediately magnetized to the animal, I jump up and run through the grass, pivoting into the cypress trees, splashing into the swamp, in pursuit of a Florida panther. A Florida panther. An endangered Florida panther!
While manuvering through the density of the treeline, I get tangled in the vines and trip over fallen cypress trees. But I run on. Most of the animals in the Everglades are quick, but this panther is unearthly sudden.
AS instantly as the big cat appears, he disappears. My mind is burning with excitement as I fall to the mud exhausted. Lying there, gasping for air in a morning already hot and humid, I feel both elation and wonderment. I tracked, found, and had a true sighting of the endangered Florida panther in the Everglades.
I accomplished the impossible.
From that moment on, inspired to write a book,I shared my panther experiences in the swampland with as many readers as I could. I have been attempting to do so for over thirty-one years so far through environmental education and public awareness programs. Writing and speaking straight from my heart, I related my encounters in the swamplands to people.
The point here is I talk,
Write,
Write. . .talk.
When writing I write like I talk.
In a very direct sense, talking is writing for all of us.
We verbally choose words that we potentially will use to write.
When we think about what we are going to write we think up words to write. Therefore, we are always writing whether it is in our minds, on paper or the computer monitor.
Shouldn't all of us on earth know how to write?
Everyone of us should know how to write, right?
Think about it. Isn't writing, writing, and writing a wonderful tool of how to communicate with the world?
It is so exciting to write and communicate with all human beings.
When we can not talk to people on our cell phones, we write letters, cards, and emails. Sometimes we are so eager we have trouble spelling and using correct grammar. But that doesn't matter. We still write.
Communication is an exchange of ideas, as well as, an act of giving. When we write to people, we give them important messages we want them to know and never forget. When we write we sometimes reveal our inner feelings toward our loved ones.
Isn't writing a theme in high school communicating with your teacher and classmates?
Words are human being's means to communicate.
Every form of writing you can possibly think of is used to communicate thoughts.
Thoughts are feelings in reference to. . .
Opinions, judgements, beliefs, views, considerations, reflections, assumptions, dreams, and on and on. . .
But I must tell you that after I wrote my book on panthers, later in life I was extremely motivated to write another book to help other people across the world write.
Why?
Because it is my life's vision statement. Everyone on earth should know how to write to communicate his/her experiences to others. It is a truly deeply thrilling time in your life when you are writing.
When I had my panther sighting in rhe swamplands, I wrote in my swamp notes, "To enter the Florida Everglades and experience the haunts of the panther, to catch a fleeting glimpse of this almost extinct cat is the ultimate gift for me. It gives me that rare wilderness shock of power to accomplish the impossble."
I want you to have your shock of power and accomplish the impossble.
Knowing the basics of how to write will cause your motivation to soar like eagles in a new way and embed a deep river current of inspiration in you that will carry you through your writing life with a smile on your face. You will always communicate with people in a unique fashion.
Your writing will supply you with an abundance of powerful energy. The unachievable will then become achievable.
Awaken to the gentle embrace of the untamed in your successful writing career.
About the Author
Jim McMullen is an author/naturalist in the Florida Everglades. He wrote the New York Times best seller Cry of the Panther: Quest of a Species and a new book How To Awaken The Writer Within. If you want to know more go to the link below. http://www.awakenthewriterwithin.com
In the gentle embrace of this untamed world, deep in the Florida Everglades, I slowly crouch and run my hands through the swamp water into the cool, soft, wet black peat, letting it ooze between my fingers, smelling its thick wild scent.
I had been furiously tracking the endangered Florida panther to save it from extinction in this region.So far I had not found any physical evidence the big cat existed.
As I splash water on my face baptismal-like, shivers come up my arms and across my chest. At times like this I feel as though I become part of nature: the trees, mud, sky, water, aniamls. . .everything. My soul seems to be cut in a million different parts, all living and breathing in the same tempo of life. It is as real as the kiss of a single raindrop on a wild orchid.
Suddenly,
Something. . .
Something stirs in the cypress trees fifty yards away. I feel an animal presence.
Instantly, a patch of gray-brown fur apppears in the trees! The animal seems to float above the swamp ground moving swiftly and as stealthy as a. . .cat.
I breathe slowly, deeply, making every effort to hold sound in so as not to spook the animal. For over six months, I have been tracking and preparing for this moment, a moment of true excitement, maybe my only opportunity to be rewarded a sighting of this untamed misunderstood creature.
Then, the fur disappears. My heart stops. No, I cry inside. No. Not now. Not after so long. As the last words roll across my mind, the fur is there again. Then it melts into the shadows, reappears, only to disappear once more. I still have not had a glimpse of the entire animal.
Then all movement stops. It sees me, I think.
At that second, large paws spring in a bolt of speed deeper into the swamp. But I see it! I see the whole cat! It is like no other animal I have ever seen! It is furred power, gray-brown on top, creamy white underneath. At the end of it, a magnificent, long J-shaped tail streaked through dawn light and swamp darkness like a retreating ghost.
However, as he runs, the big cat reminds me of the soft, silent motion of an ocean wave rising from the depths, rolling and forming into a single wave, then lowering into the depths once again, only to swell once more.
As though immediately magnetized to the animal, I jump up and run through the grass, pivoting into the cypress trees, splashing into the swamp, in pursuit of a Florida panther. A Florida panther. An endangered Florida panther!
While manuvering through the density of the treeline, I get tangled in the vines and trip over fallen cypress trees. But I run on. Most of the animals in the Everglades are quick, but this panther is unearthly sudden.
AS instantly as the big cat appears, he disappears. My mind is burning with excitement as I fall to the mud exhausted. Lying there, gasping for air in a morning already hot and humid, I feel both elation and wonderment. I tracked, found, and had a true sighting of the endangered Florida panther in the Everglades.
I accomplished the impossible.
From that moment on, inspired to write a book,I shared my panther experiences in the swampland with as many readers as I could. I have been attempting to do so for over thirty-one years so far through environmental education and public awareness programs. Writing and speaking straight from my heart, I related my encounters in the swamplands to people.
The point here is I talk,
Write,
Write. . .talk.
When writing I write like I talk.
In a very direct sense, talking is writing for all of us.
We verbally choose words that we potentially will use to write.
When we think about what we are going to write we think up words to write. Therefore, we are always writing whether it is in our minds, on paper or the computer monitor.
Shouldn't all of us on earth know how to write?
Everyone of us should know how to write, right?
Think about it. Isn't writing, writing, and writing a wonderful tool of how to communicate with the world?
It is so exciting to write and communicate with all human beings.
When we can not talk to people on our cell phones, we write letters, cards, and emails. Sometimes we are so eager we have trouble spelling and using correct grammar. But that doesn't matter. We still write.
Communication is an exchange of ideas, as well as, an act of giving. When we write to people, we give them important messages we want them to know and never forget. When we write we sometimes reveal our inner feelings toward our loved ones.
Isn't writing a theme in high school communicating with your teacher and classmates?
Words are human being's means to communicate.
Every form of writing you can possibly think of is used to communicate thoughts.
Thoughts are feelings in reference to. . .
Opinions, judgements, beliefs, views, considerations, reflections, assumptions, dreams, and on and on. . .
But I must tell you that after I wrote my book on panthers, later in life I was extremely motivated to write another book to help other people across the world write.
Why?
Because it is my life's vision statement. Everyone on earth should know how to write to communicate his/her experiences to others. It is a truly deeply thrilling time in your life when you are writing.
When I had my panther sighting in rhe swamplands, I wrote in my swamp notes, "To enter the Florida Everglades and experience the haunts of the panther, to catch a fleeting glimpse of this almost extinct cat is the ultimate gift for me. It gives me that rare wilderness shock of power to accomplish the impossble."
I want you to have your shock of power and accomplish the impossble.
Knowing the basics of how to write will cause your motivation to soar like eagles in a new way and embed a deep river current of inspiration in you that will carry you through your writing life with a smile on your face. You will always communicate with people in a unique fashion.
Your writing will supply you with an abundance of powerful energy. The unachievable will then become achievable.
Awaken to the gentle embrace of the untamed in your successful writing career.
About the Author
Jim McMullen is an author/naturalist in the Florida Everglades. He wrote the New York Times best seller Cry of the Panther: Quest of a Species and a new book How To Awaken The Writer Within. If you want to know more go to the link below. http://www.awakenthewriterwithin.com
The Career Center is the Heart of the Hunt
When the time comes for an individual to start their career search, a career center can be a very valuable source of information. A career center can be a place either onsite or online where one can find employment leads, workshops and resume services; not to mention professional advice on a number of career related topics. These helpful resources are commonly found at community centers or colleges. They can assist with everything from internships to finding part time employment for older workers. Companies also use career centers to post their newest and available openings. Some career centers even offer employment at county and state levels.
A career center can help individuals find employment in both profit and non profit organizations. Most offer a wide range of different careers; or they may be devoted to a specific type of vocation, such as accounting or education. Onsite centers tend to deal with employment prospects in the immediate area. With its far reach, an online career center is a best bet for those looking for work in other states or even on an international level. Upon joining a site, members are often allowed to post their resumes for public view. This is of great benefit as employers looking to fill a position often peruse career centers in their search for potential candidates.
Along with these helpful services, a career center can also offer other things such as career tests or news on the latest happenings in a particular industry. Keeping up with the most recent information is a must for those on the hunt for employment. Helpful articles describing where the market is at can provide direction as well as forecast coming trends. Some online career centers offer members the chance to keep a blog. This allows for good amount of interaction among site users. Using blogs, members can gain firsthand advice about everything from search methods that yield the best results to personal techniques for landing an interview.
Those on the search for employment are more likely to find success with the help of a well rounded career center. Merely searching the classified ads of the local newspaper can mean missing out on a number of good resources that could help land the right career with the right company. If the hunt for employment is truly serious, then the effort put into the search should be also. This can mean using resume services and possibly even the assistance of a career counselor. Presenting a polished package is more likely to land the interview that leads to the career of a lifetime.
About the Author
Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Careers And Recruitment...
Free report: 'Prepare and Plan Your Career Change in Just 7 Days!'
For the best online career's guide, visit http://www.RecruitmentAndCareers.com
A career center can help individuals find employment in both profit and non profit organizations. Most offer a wide range of different careers; or they may be devoted to a specific type of vocation, such as accounting or education. Onsite centers tend to deal with employment prospects in the immediate area. With its far reach, an online career center is a best bet for those looking for work in other states or even on an international level. Upon joining a site, members are often allowed to post their resumes for public view. This is of great benefit as employers looking to fill a position often peruse career centers in their search for potential candidates.
Along with these helpful services, a career center can also offer other things such as career tests or news on the latest happenings in a particular industry. Keeping up with the most recent information is a must for those on the hunt for employment. Helpful articles describing where the market is at can provide direction as well as forecast coming trends. Some online career centers offer members the chance to keep a blog. This allows for good amount of interaction among site users. Using blogs, members can gain firsthand advice about everything from search methods that yield the best results to personal techniques for landing an interview.
Those on the search for employment are more likely to find success with the help of a well rounded career center. Merely searching the classified ads of the local newspaper can mean missing out on a number of good resources that could help land the right career with the right company. If the hunt for employment is truly serious, then the effort put into the search should be also. This can mean using resume services and possibly even the assistance of a career counselor. Presenting a polished package is more likely to land the interview that leads to the career of a lifetime.
About the Author
Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Careers And Recruitment...
Free report: 'Prepare and Plan Your Career Change in Just 7 Days!'
For the best online career's guide, visit http://www.RecruitmentAndCareers.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)