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What do you want to be when you grow up? If you are still
trying to figure out which career path you want to follow,
examine the following list of occupations currently considered
the ten hottest careers:

1. Elementary school teachers
2. Accountants and auditors
3. Computer systems analysts
4. Secondary school teachers
5. Computer software engineers
6. Special education teachers
7. Computer programmers
8. Network and computer systems administrators
9. Preschool teachers
10. Dental hygienists

These ten hot careers are expected to have the highest demand
for new recruits over the next eight years.

Born to teach?

If you love meeting new people and enjoy interacting with a
wide range of personalities, teaching may be the right career
choice for you. Four of the ten hottest careers are in the
teaching profession. It doesn`t matter if you prefer to work
with younger or older students because teachers are needed in
every age range and category. If you love a challenge, consider
working with special needs children or adults and become a
special education teacher. Special education teachers are in
very high demand and are one of the top five career choices
available out of the ten hottest careers.

Computer savvy?

Considering that five of the ten hottest careers are computer
related, if you have a knack for logging on and are interested
in increasing and expanding your computer skills, a career in
computers may very well be the right choice for you.

Take some time to analyze the ten hottest careers profiled on
this page and consider all of the choices carefully. Knowing
that there is a high and growing demand for qualified people in
each of these occupations may help you decide to pursue one of
these jobs.

A job search for executives is far less complicated today than
it has been in the past. Anyone who is looking for an executive
job can simply look to the Internet where there are hundreds of
employment websites, with many specifically geared towards
executives. These websites offer individuals the opportunity to
network with other executives in order to share ideas, offer
communication about opportunities and support that can be
useful during a job search.

The best way to begin looking for an executive position is to
have an exceptional resume that provides any potential employer
with an individualized declaration of that person`s educational
and employment history, in addition to their professional
direction anticipated for the future. The resume is such an
important part of a job search that it can truly mean the
difference between landing an interview and having the resume
discarded. There are a number of things that can set one
candidate apart from another, and an outstanding resume can be
a great start.

Job search websites for executives often work closely with
recruiters from a number of specialty areas in order to make
the right connections. Meetings and interviews can take place
on the Internet or via phone. Some job search services come
with full support from a professional staff to provide answers
and counseling during the process.

Many executives who are looking for a job are in a position
where they would like to keep the fact that they intend to
change companies a private matter. Posting a resume on a job
search website might seem risky, but a lot of these sites
provide only resume information, and it is up to the individual
posting the resume to release any contact information. Be sure to confirm the site`s confidentiality options before
proceeding.

A good reputation is priceless.

Just as we have our unique nature and personality, our jewelry business also evolves and takes on its own personality. As your business grows, it will become known and will gain a name for itself – hopefully a good name! Let`s take a look at some key factors that will help your business gain a good reputation:

Your Customer Return Policy
Firstly, what kind of guarantee or return policy do you have in place? How highly do you value customer satisfaction? Is the customer always right?

When I first started out in business, I had some restrictions on my return policy. I only guaranteed jewelry for one year from the purchase date. I would not cover general wear and tear or abuse. I debated over money back or credit note.

After I had this policy in place for a few months, I decided to remove it completely and have a 100% guaranteed satisfaction policy in place. At any time and for any reason, a customer can return a product to me for a full refund, no questions asked. Having this policy in place could lead to some extra work on my part, even some loss of monies. However, it gives each customer the reassurance to buy with confidence.

They know if the item doesn`t match the outfit they bought it to go with, they can return it. If it breaks, I will fix it – even five years down the road. If they simply decide they shouldn`t have spent the money on it, they can return it and receive their money back. No questions asked.

My new policy also displays my confidence in my own products. With this policy in place, I have so far never had an item returned for a refund.

Offering Customer Incentives
Secondly, what are the incentives you offer to customers? These are by no means required or even expected of a business. They do, however, increase awareness to your business, instill loyalty from your customers, and usually result in more sales.

What am I referring to by incentives? Any way in which you can pamper your customer a little, while at the same time giving them an incentive to purchase more – or simply rewarding them for a purchase.

I like to have different offers available at any given time. These include sale items – usually older stock that is not moving as fast as I would like. For example, “Buy 2, receive the 3rd item free”. This is a great way to increase earring sales.

I recently had a very large order to fill for a wedding party. I was preparing the jewelry for 8 bridesmaids and decided I would make a wedding gift for the bride – not something she would be wearing on her wedding day, as she already had her jewelry – just a little indulgence for her to enjoy, and my way of saying “thank you” for placing such a large order with me.

Another great incentive to keep your customers loyal, is to offer a `frequent buyer` plan. Once they`ve spent a certain dollar amount, reward them in some way you see appropriate – a discount off the next item or a free gift.

Helping Others with Your Jewelry Business
There is one final area that I view as critical to the good will and personality of my own business. This is in the area of helping others.

I am proud to support breast cancer research and donate a portion from each sale to this worthy cause. I also purchase my silver from the Hilltribes in Thailand where my money directly supports Hilltribe families. I volunteer my time for charity events and I donate jewelry items to these causes.

There are several reasons I view this aspect of my business as critical.

Firstly, I believe that those who are blessed should bless others. Secondly, it simply feels good to assist others in some way or another.

There are other spin off benefits which I place further down the ladder, but are relevant all the same. Volunteering, donating, etc. do draw attention to your business, and any monetary donations result in tax breaks. While I don`t personally view these as critical, they are nice bonuses for the extra work I do.

I hope these tips assist you in assessing and developing the personality and reputation of your own business.

by Doug Firebaugh

If you`ve been in this business for any length of time, I bet you have heard a lot of recruiting trainings, and there are some incredible MLM teachers and Network Marketing trainers out there to help out.

But I think that in order to put all of the techniques and tactics out there being espoused into perspective, (and yes, I am an espousee — is that a word??? smile, ) it would really make a lot of sense to know what your Ultimate Objective is in Network Marketing. Would you agree?

I sent out over 1000 emails asking a single question:

“What is the Ultimate Objective in MLM Recruiting?” And they went out over a period of 4 months. We got a lot of response, and some was amazingly off base in it`s answers.

Here is the breakdown as close as we could get it:

37% said that the Ultimate objective was to get a paycheck.
26% said that it was build a downline.
22% said it was to create financial security.
8% said it was to help people. (Great Answer!)

And the rest fell in differing answers.

Now folks, 63% said that the Ultimate Objective was to either get a paycheck or build a downline. Those are 2 VERY obvious results, but they are fruits of reaching your objective, not the objective itself.

When I was starting, my team got off to a blazing fast start and a blazing fast crash, because we lost sight of our Ultimate Objective in Network Marketing.

I had the honor of working with some folks in Canada, and one person in particular I`ll call him Frank, was doing all the right things, but was not getting the results he wanted.

Why?

He had lost sight of the Ultimate Objective of MLM recruiting.

And when he finally “Got It,” his business exploded.

The same thing happened out in Colorado Springs. I`ll call him “Dick”. He was struggling for the longest time, but when he saw and “Got It,” and focused on the Ultimate objective, his business exploded. Now he earns a 6-figure income. I am so proud of his success. He truly deserves it.

Whenever you do trainings or writings, some folks will “Get It,” others take some time and still some others never get it, as that is just the way the ball bounces.

But for those who are ready to “Get It” and explode your business with a little paradigm shift, you have come to the right place.

I have seen businesses literally explode in 90 days once this Ultimate Objective was understood and internalized then duplicated. And your business can, and will too.

So what is the Ultimate Objective of MLM Recruiting?

Collecting Decisions.

Not getting a paycheck, or building a downline, but collecting decisions. Plain and simple, and the truth.

Why?

You can prospect, approach, present, follow up and follow up some more, but if you do not collect the decision from people, you will be a nice person doing a lot of work in MLM and making NO money.

If you don`t FINISH what you started, you will never create a finish worth having.

Collecting Decisions is where you make your money, and doesn`t matter if it`s a yes or no you make money with every decision.

If they say yes, you make a commission and override on your downline. (Result) But if you get a No:

Great!

You still have gotten paid by sharpening your skills with that person, and remember:

Paychecks are temporary — skills are permanent.

The REAL value in this business is in the permanence. Ask any Networker Millionaire.

If you sharpen your skills to Razor Sharp, you can go anywhere in the world, and make a fortune with this Industry. Now THAT is career security!!!

So I have one question…

How many decisions did YOU collect today?

Your Ultimate Objective in MLM is to collect a LOT of decisions.

As my friend Jeff Roberti (50 Million dollar earner in this industry) says:

“I was no different from anybody else when I started except for one thing: I went out to collect a million dollars worth of No`s.”

That is called a HUGE CLUE!

Blessings…

Doug Firebaugh (c) 2005/ all rights reserved
PassionFire Intl.

http://www.passionfire.com

You`ve must have read the phrase “multiple streams of
income” numerous times on your journey searching for wisdom
on the Internet. Regarding to Robert G. Allen, multiple
streams of income are the stock market, real estate and the
Internet. I prefer to add paycheck to this list as well.
Most of us don`t feel comfortable to give up the security
of a steady income, at least not in the beginning.

During the next few months I will publish new articles
about my very own experiences with building multiple
streams of income. Although I just recently started, I have
a lot to share and I hope I will inspire someone to avoid
the mistakes I made, and still will make.

Please join me on my journey to financial freedom through
my home-based business on the Internet. I will cover my
experiences and mistakes with the stock market and in the
real estate business in separate articles. For now I`m
focusing on the Internet business.

I wasted hours and hours searching for the almighty golden
key to financial freedom. I spent a lot of money for
worthless e-books and signed up to almost every newsletter
there is. Until I had to switch email addresses. My inbox
couldn`t keep up with the massive stream of useless emails.

What did I learn so far? Somebody else got a little bit
closer to financial freedom, certainly not me! I was in
desperate need of either giving up or dramatically changing
my strategy. I`m not a quitter and whatever strategy I
used, if so, it must change or I will find myself in
financial hell.

Don`t get me wrong. I`m not looking to make money out of
thin air. I actually don`t believe in the get rich with no
money schemes. The only person getting rich is the author
of the book! Some of these strategies may work in theory,
but I`ve never seen substantial results in the long run. I
might be wrong on this one, if so, please send me your
opinion and experience with this business strategy.

Here`s another advice; it takes time, lots of it. Don`t
rush yourself into hasty decisions just because you think
it is a hot deal. Do your homework and research the deal as
good as possible. If this is the true “hot” deal, it will
be around for a while. Otherwise it`s just another rip off
scheme and someone else is making the big bucks. If you
come across these 30 days to success guides, give yourself
at least 60 days to achieve your success. Remember,
patience is one of the key factors to success. Read the
guide in its entirety and slowly start implementing these
suggestions into action. Always keep track on what you did
and double check after a few days or weeks, if it`s
working. Make changes as necessary.

I really don`t remember how I got started with the idea of
building my own home business on the Internet. I believe
that I was searching for ways to increase web traffic to my
real estate site. During my research I came across all
these websites promising thousands of visitors to your
site. Most of them are free, but you spend hours after
hours to generate enough credits for your own site to be
shown. And when the site is shown, guess who`s looking at
it? Another sleepless soul, who is looking to increase
traffic to their site. This is not exactly the type of
customer you`re looking for.

After a while I thought, hmm, if I add a banner from a
banner link exchange, then I will be able to trigger more
targeted hits to my website. So I continued clicking night
after night through these exchange services with little or
no success. I wasted countless hours in front of the
computer. My advice; stay away from these exchange
services. Most of them are pure pyramid marketing schemes
anyway. There are no real products or useful services
offered by these sites.

At this point I started to discover the power of affiliate
programs. And this, my friends, is the real deal! I`m not
saying this just to get your attention; I`m speaking from
experience. Affiliate programs come in any shape and form.
Some are pure product reselling machines, others offer
incentives for recruiting new affiliates and many are
offering a combination of both. The real value behind this
concept is; you get endless training material to sharpen
your marketing skills. There are real products to sell and
there is real money to make.

The mother of all affiliate programs is SFI. I joined them
as soon as I learned the details and the benefits of their
program. Later on I read about Stone Evans and his
incredible services he offers. In fact, Stone is to blame
that I`m writing this article.

So far I got off a good start with SFI and Stone Evans. I
will keep you posted, if you like, in my next article.

A year into your new job and you`ve seen it happen all around you – job hopping – as shifts and changes have become part of the landscape at work. You too begin to ponder; maybe it`s your turn to move on… But, wait! Do you really have to?

The credentials are right, you are a marketing professional with a management degree, and two years plus experience in multinational. That`s reason enough for people to make offers, for a placement co-ordinator to call, or for the advertisements in your daily newspaper to invite your attention, for jobsites `sms-ing` you details of new job listings and make you think again. But before you go decide about that move to shift from your present job, the question to ask yourself – Is there anything unique which I know or have done which very few people have done or know?

If the answer to either of them is in the affirmative then it may not be a good idea to consider a change and if the answer does not apply to either of them then it may be a good decision to change.
Here are a few things that you must consider while making that big leap.

Risk Analysis
Before getting into that new job that one is getting, you need to analyze the new job. Two questions need to be asked —Whether the company is on a growth path and will the new job help me acquire new skills? However, the information available on growth aspects may not be correct and there will be some element of doubt which can only be minimized by analyzing the financials, checking out the credibility of the company, analyzing track records of the people in top management, talking to employees of that company; the interview process is a good opportunity to probe and form an opinion.

Consider The Work Culture
Do work ethics culture, management policies, welfare practices, team management, organizational structure et al figure in your reason for seeking a shift? Quite often it is the case. A young marketing professional says, “Office atmosphere and work ethics are not issues of concern when somebody joins the company for the first or second time, but they do become influencing factors later while making a quit/stay decision.”
Understanding the corporate culture, vision and values of a company that you either wish to quit or join is a good way to determine the feel of the place and your commitment to that organization.

`M` Alias Monetary Benefits
Money is magnetic, especially when you are contemplating a quit or stay decision. Nothing seems a better indicator of the rise in your career graph and your sense of worth! But actual satisfaction in your work experience will require you to dig deeper. How does your compensation compare with your peers in the organization or outside? What is your present dissatisfaction about? Will the shift to a new job with enhanced monetary benefits eliminate the present dissatisfaction? Does the new job offer you scope? Cross-functional movement? Does it capture your interest because it focuses on your area of expertise? Answering these will infuse meaning into your decision.

Discussion With Friends/Contacts
A friend of yours has joined a new organization and thinks the place will be a good fit for you as well. Trust him/her, but ask for more information about the company`s work environment, company`s vision, team management spirit, HR policies, mentors, the pitfalls—people profiles, office politics and other possible blocks. These impressions from a friend are likely to be value based and can effectively answer questions like, “Does the organization resent dissent? Is the place very hierarchical?” etc. If it`s a consultant`s call, he/she is likely to sell you the obvious attractions—money, projects, overseas assignments etc. Ask for time and ask for more information.

Optimistic Approach
Your satisfaction level is high when you have just completed an interesting and challenging project. But sometime a week later, anxiety begins to creep in about the new project you are to work on . The wait builds on your dissatisfaction and the project is finally not up to your expectations. Prepare to deal with such issues on a positive note. Keep the momentum going by investing time in learning something new, by signing up for a training program or making it to an interesting seminar. Work on smaller, achievable personal goals and targets. Looking for a change during this period is absolutely the wrong time to do.

Run Checks On EQ And IQ
Run periodic checks on your Emotional and Intelligence Quotients(EQ and IQ). This will clue you in to the `right break`—an opportunity that will help you grow both intellectually and emotionally. A high emotional quotient will find you feeling respected and consulted, with a sense of belonging to the organization. Does the project you are on excite you? Do you look forward to spend more time on it, and does it challenge you with real possibilities? Have you learnt new skills? Have you been rewarded for good work? Have you earned a promotion? Have you been selected for a coveted training program? A positive response to these questions gets you a high score on the intelligence quotient.
When you are contemplating a quit or stay decision, remember to view the decision in totality and use the rule of rationalizing to make the right choice. Last but not the least, career planning is an art and the sooner one masters it, lesser are the mistakes one is likely to make.

Athletes the world over have coaches. Yet, workers whose very livelihood depends on their ability to perform well on the job are often unaware of the merits of a career coach.

Career coaching has been shown to improve productivity and lessen stress. According to a recent study conducted by the International Personnel Management Association a combination of training and coaching increased productivity 88 percent.

Career coaching is geared towards workers and students who want to make a change in their career. When workers are uncertain what job to take or occupational direction to pursue they are prone to make mistakes. Choosing the wrong career path can be detrimental to one`s livelihood. The value of career coaching is indisputable especially when it saves workers from loss in time and wages lost due to career mishaps. For instance, some people get stuck in a job that they dislike, which decreases their productivity and lowers their morale. On the other hand, many individuals take a job just for the sake of it without thinking of the long-term commitment and effect it will have on their lifestyle.

A career coach can help set the path straight for people who have inadvertently selected an occupational direction that doesn`t match their interests, or aspirations. With a coach workers learn and understand what is their unique skill set, how to use it to clarify one`s career path and align it in the right direction.

How does coaching work?

Coaching takes many forms that are beneficial to clients. At the very onset of coaching a relationship is built between client and coach. A foundation of trust is established between both parties. Trust is foremost in this relationship.

There is one-to-one interaction between both parties. The coach needs to utilize skills and strategies that are conducive to the client`s needs and success. The outcome of the coaching session is central. As such, the client also needs to set reachable goals and chart a road map for attaining these goals. The duty of the coach is to make sure the client is on the right track. The client`s progress is monitored by asking probing questions.

What happens in coaching sessions?

Coaching is an ongoing process. Sometimes clients accomplish goals in small steps at the onset while at other times targets are reached on a long-term basis. An example of a short-term goal would be to improve communication and self-confidence while a long-term goal would be to get a college degree in a major of their choice.

How can a worker prepare for a career change and work with a coach?

A client mindset is important in accomplishing goals. For instance, some individuals struggle with letting go of their past position especially during downsizing. They are unable to grasp the reasons for a lay off and as such they may harbor resentment or still cling to the job when it is time to move on and plan for the future. In order for coaching to be effective individuals have to change their mindset. Part of the client mindset involves keeping a positive outlook while being proactive when working with a coach.

Coaching: Case Study –Time Management

A recent example is the case of Wilbert. During the intake session, Wilbert indicated that he wanted to improve his career and productivity at his job. He mentioned during the session that he had problems with time management. This was clear, as he was late for the appointment with the coach. He was stressed due to his job duties as director of an outdoor wilderness program for students with behavior issues.

Identity Skill Set and Assist with Time Management Issues

At the onset of the coaching, Wilbert received three assessments from the KNOWDELL™ Card Sorts: Career Value, Motivated Skills and Job Style Indicator. He received these assessments on different occasions to help him concentrate on one skill set at a time. He was impressed with the assessments as they revealed his skills and how to develop skills, he previously averted.

The coach also developed a set of time management cards for Wilbert to use on the job. These cards were useful to him as he was able to better allocate his time.

Furthermore, the coach also used visual skills in the coaching session. At the direction of the coach Wilbert used a mind mapping diagram to pinpoint the present place in his career and identify key issues. The coach used this and other strategies to help Wilbert improve his productivity on the job. Each week Wilbert exhibited notable progress. His stress level decreased as he was able to map out his duties and rearrange his time. This decrease in stress provided more time for Wilbert to enjoy his personal life.

As a director Wilbert wanted to manage everything on his job although it was hurting his health. By using a graphic organizer he was able to map out his duties and rearrange responsibilities so that someone else could take over particular tasks so he could have time to concentrate on other tasks.

In evaluating his own progress through coaching, Wilbert shared in a recent session, “I feel better about accomplishing tasks on my job. I am more productive and less stressed. Coaching really helps me.”

Wilbert is one of many clients that coaching helps. Each client is unique in their needs and goals. The value of career coaching is seen everyday in people who utilize this service.

Bio
Annmarie Edwards is a certified International Job & Career Development Coach. She works with individuals and businesses on career development. She is the author of 50 Ways to Maximize Your Potential and 50 Ways to Maximize Your Job Hunting. She has a BSC degree in education and also a MA degree. Presently she is a doctoral student at the University of Phoenix. For more information check out her website at http://www.ariacareerservices.com or call her at (877) 645 -7670

Copyright © 2005 by Annmarie Edwards. All rights reserved. Author gives permission for the use of this article as long as full credit is given.

The notion that employers are only interested in where you have been and where you are heading is pure nonsense. Experienced hiring managers take into account both your experience and your character. After all, in the end, they are hiring a human being, not a robot. Still, many believe that personal attributes just take up space and make the resume “fluffy.”

After reading countless job descriptions that make it a point to mention personal characteristics and speaking directly with hiring managers on this specific topic, I`ve come to realize that it`s not the inclusion of personal attributes that make resumes superficial. It`s how the characteristics are presented that is the cause of concern. In this article, I will focus on the top three characteristics employers seek (good communication skills, honesty, and a strong work ethic) and discuss how you can seamlessly integrate them into your resume. Now let`s get started.

Print out your resume and take a look at it. If you find that you carelessly threw some of the characteristics mentioned above in your resume without making supporting statements to back them up, then the reader will question the sincerity of your claims.

Here`s an example of a superficial sentence: “Possess a strong work ethic and recognized for the ability to deliver results.” Although the sentence covers attributes employers seek, the sentence needs to be spiced up.

For example, a more compelling sentence is: “Demonstrated record of consistent performance and ability to establish strong presence within global markets (e.g. China, Italy, Sweden), generating 6- and 7-figure revenue gains.”

Notice the difference? In the original sentence, the declaration didn`t carry much weight. Simply stating you have certain characteristics doesn`t make it so. The reader will be scratching his or her head and thinking, “Oh yeah? Prove it.”

The revised sentence takes a different approach. Instead of stating personal characteristics outright, the sentence demonstrates results; therefore the reader can deduce that the candidate has all the right characteristics. This will leave the reader thinking, “Interesting stuff. I`ll put this candidate in the must-call pile.”

Presentation is Everything

The way the resume is structured, organized, and written also alludes to your personal characteristics. Using actual client stories and the top three characteristics employers seek, I`ll discuss common mistakes jobseekers make in the presentation of their resumes.

Poor Communication Skills Are a Real Killer: Bryan was extremely qualified for all the positions he applied for, but he was receiving no bites. After careful review of his resume, I noticed that although he claimed to be an excellent communicator, he failed to communicate his value. It was obvious the resume was homespun and lacked the finesse needed to garner the attention of hiring managers. He was under the impression that once he received an interview, he would be able to communicate exactly why he was qualified for the position. Unfortunately, he never received that chance.

Lesson learned: Simply writing “strong communication skills” isn`t going to be enough to convince a decision maker that you can successfully interact with others. A hiring manager is going to look to your resume as verification of your claims; and if you aren`t able to effectively put two sentences together, they are going to question not only your communication skills but also your ability to do the job.

A Question of Integrity: During a client-intake session with Amanda, a recent college graduate, she told me her current job title was “Director of External Public Relations.” I couldn`t help but think that was an impressive title for a 22-year-old. After prodding a little, I discovered the real story. It just so happens that this particular client worked for her aunt in a two-person office and there were occasions when she wrote press releases and spoke to reporters regarding the latest company happenings.

Though she did participate in public relation activities, the title of Director of External Public Relations was a bit of a stretch. An employer would have had the same reaction I did. He or she would have doubted her claims and as a result, wouldn`t have bothered calling her in for an interview.

Lesson Learned: Your resume has to be believable. If an employer has any inkling you are being deceitful, your resume will go in the trash. And even if you are able to get through the resume review and interview process with half-truths, be warned: once hired, you will be expected to deliver.

When a Strong Work Ethic Doesn`t Work: Even though he had five different jobs within three years, Patrick insisted on including that he had a strong work ethic in his resume. He claimed that his job-hopper image was unjust since he left each job because it wasn`t the right job for him. He insisted that when he found the right job, he would definitely be committed.

After careful review of his personal characteristics, we agreed that there were other personal characteristics he could use that would make him just as employable as the phrase “strong work ethic;” phrases that wouldn`t leave the reader with the feeling that he was trying to pull one over on them.

Lesson Learned: In a resume, leverage what you have to offer and don`t try to sell yourself as something you are not. Your resume should answer questions for hiring managers, not leave lingering doubts.

Final Thought

Integrating personal characteristics in your resume will make the resume reader-friendly and allow the reader to visualize you in the position.

Recognized as a career expert, Linda Matias brings a wealth of experience to the career services field. She has been sought out for her knowledge of the employment market, outplacement, job search strategies, interview preparation, and resume writing, quoted a number of times in The Wall Street Journal, New York Newsday, Newsweek, and HR-esource.com. She is president of CareerStrides and the National Resume Writers` Association. Visit her website at www.careerstrides.com or email her at linda@careerstrides.com.

Hollywood helps those who help themselves! In you want to get your movie career
fast tracked then here are three common sense tips to help you on your way.

1. Borrow the Boy Scout`s Motto: Be Prepared.

Once you start the ball rolling you never know when you`re going to get a
casting call. When that call comes there isn`t going to be any time to get all
of the basics covered so get them out of the way right now.

Get your portfolio in order. Have plenty of copies of your PROFESSIONALLY done
publicity photo`s on hand.

Have all of your stage and screen credits listed even if it`s only summer stock
and school performances.

List any special skills you have, such as dancing, juggling, yodelling, foreign
languages, anything which might catch a casting director`s eye.

List any union memberships such as SAG, AEA or AFTRA.

Build a web site that contains everything that`s included in your portfolio and
make sure that there is contact information available. If you have an agent then
list the agent`s contact information instead of yours. If you stink at building
web sites then pay a pro to do it for you. Hire a copywriter as well if you have
no writing talent. Register your name, if possible, and make that your domain
name.

2. Stay Connected

Join local theater groups, read the trades looking for casting calls, hang out
where other actors hang out so you can stay on top of the local gossip and
happenings. Sometimes you can pick up a valuable tip or hear about a film crew
that`s coming to do some local shooting. I know a girl who landed an extra role
in Robert Dinero`s `Meet the Parents` by “accidentally” showing up at the train
station in Oyster Bay, NY where a scene was being shot. She picked up that juicy
tip at an actor`s workshop she attended.

3. Make your own luck

The harder and smarter that you work the luckier you get. Remember my friend
from `Meet the Parents`? What`s the chances that she`d have that screen credit
if she didn`t go out of her way to “get lucky”.

If you live in Podunk, and no one ever films in Podunk, then move somewhere
where they do film.

If your state or city has an agency that works with movie companies to help
scout locations and strip away red tape, call them and see if they have a
mailing list or any other way of finding out IN ADVANCE when a film crew will be
shooting. SHOW UP on shooting days. Don`t make a pest of yourself but be “noticeable”.
Hey, you might just get noticed. If you have enough advanced notice then find
out who the casting director is and fire off a copy of your portfolio. Sure,
it`s likely to get “filed” but you never know when yours will show up and be the
right thing at the right time.

If you look like someone famous then make that work for you. Now, I don`t mean
that you kind of resemble Julia Roberts if only you lost 60 pounds, got a cut
and dye, and had your teeth capped. But if people come up to you in restaurants
and ask for your autograph then you could have an instant ticket to the movies!

Get a recent publicity photo of Ms. Roberts and take it to the hair salon. Have
your stylist cut, style and color your hair to exactly match the style and color
in the photo. Then make your way to the local boutique and buy something to wear
which matches as closely as possible what Ms. Roberts is wearing in the photo
and then get a professional photographer to shoot you in the exact same pose.

Now, take the real photo of Julia and your own and fire it off to her agent,
your agent, any agent you can find. Send it to casting directors, heck, send it
to the local and national newspapers. Write a letter asking: Can you tell which
one is the real Julia Roberts? Might not work for you; but I`ll tell you this —
It doesn`t have any chance of working at all if you don`t at least try it.

The road to Hollywood can be long an never ending, or it could be the next exit
on your journey through this world. The fun thing is: You never know!

For more info:
http://www.TalentInternet.com

The Offer Is Not Always As Good As It Looks
Copyright © 2005 Carole Martin
Interview Coach
http://www.interviewcoach.com/

Have you ever negotiated an offer?

If not, you are not alone. Most people DO NOT negotiate salary.
They accept what is offered.

Whether you negotiate a salary or not is secondary to doing your
homework before accepting an offer. It is always best to take
some time before signing on the dotted line so that you
understand exactly what you are gaining – or losing.

Here`s an example of someone who jumped at an offer before doing
his homework.

Nicholas received an on-the-spot offer and was thrilled. This was
the job he wanted and he was anxious to get started. He was going
to get more money, and a bonus. What more could he ask for?

When he got home that evening, he sat down with pencil and paper
and began to evaluate the offer, and what he was getting overall.
He was not only shocked by what he discovered, but wished that he
could go back and talk about some of the issues. But, he had
signed on the “dotted line” that afternoon.

Once you sign the offer letter, you have essentially signed a
contract. It is too late to go back and negotiate. Never accept
an on-the-spot offer, unless it is absolutely out-of-this-world.
It is generally wise to evaluate what you are gaining and losing.

Let`s look at what Nicholas found out by doing some simple
calculations.

Nicholas was offered $55,000 per year, with a hiring bonus of
$5,000 paid in two payments over the next six months. This was a
$5,000 a year increase from what he was making on his last job,
and a bonus to boot. An extra $10,000.00.

When he and his wife looked over the benefits package they
discovered that he would now have to pay the insurance premiums
for his dependents. His last employer had paid the premiums for
the entire family.

-$350.00/per month – $4200 per year

His new vacation package offered two weeks time off, accrued over
the next twelve months. His former package included three weeks
vacation.

-$962.00 one week`s vacation pay

Nicholas was receiving a 6.5% yearly bonus, based on company
earnings in his last position. His new company does not have a
planned bonus as part of the salary. Bonuses are earned based on
performance, and given as judged appropriate.

-$3250.00 per year – lost bonus

His former employer matched 50 cents for every dollar contributed
up to 6% on his 401K account. This company does not match funds.

-$1500.00 per year (based on 6% contribution)

His calculations showed a minus of $10,000 a year from his new
offer, based on cost of insurance premiums, lost bonus, and lost
matching 401K contributions. He wasn`t quite so thrilled with the
offer anymore.

At least he got that $5,000 hiring bonus, which will cushion the
fall. But even that will be affected – he didn`t anticipate the
higher tax rate on “special” checks that was deducted from the
bonus money. These higher rate taxes can run as high as 41.5%.

Nicholas got the job he wanted, and maybe that is worth more to
him than the money difference. But, it would have been wise to
make the decision with all the facts before signing the offer
letter. He may have been able to negotiate another $5,000 to
compensate for the benefits differences. Or, given the higher tax
rate he could have negotiated for an increase in the hiring
bonus.

It is always best to take some time to reflect on the “total
package.” Benefits can be worth another 20-50% of your salary.
There are other factors to consider besides money — more
challenging work, better company, a greater opportunity. It may
be worth giving up dollars now to invest in your future. However,
the decision should be thought through before rushing ahead.

If pressed to give your answer to an offer on-the-spot, always
stall for time. Tell them that you need to do some calculations
and think about it. There is only one window of opportunity to
negotiate your terms of employment.. Once you say “Yes!” – the
window closes.

Make sure you take the time to consider all your options. It`s not always as good as it looks.

———————————————————————
Carole Martin is a thoroughbred interview coach. Celebrated author, trainer, and mentor, Carole can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Her workbook, “Interview Fitness Training – A Workout With the Interview Coach,” has sold thousands of copies world-wide. “Boost Your Interview IQ” has been awarded one of the 10 best career books for 2004. Her most recent book, “Perfect Phrases for the Perfect Interview” and
the others mentioned are all available at: http://www.interviewfitnesstraining.com and
http://www.interviewcoach.com