The World of Work

The world of business and employment can be a cutthroat one, which is why it helps to be ahead of the game and gain an advantage over competitors whether individuals or entire companies.nnBusiness Internet Domain NamesnnAs with all aspects of selling yourself, choosing a name for your website is as vital as any other way of making sure people notice your business and, most important, remember it.nnHere's the list that the UK Freeserve website defines as the key to success: RAILnnRecall -- Will the name be easy to remember?nAesthetics -- How will the name look on the screen or on paper?nImpressions -- First impressions always count.nLength -- Keep it short and sweet. Less is definitely more.nnnBusiness PresentationsnnIn any type of public meeting, seminar, or lecture, never forget your ABC and always be:nnAccurate, Brief, and ClearnnnPPPPPnnTo give a good presentation, plan ahead and remember the 5 Ps:nnProper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.nnPRIDEnnWhatever line of work you're in -- take PRIDE in what you're doing:nnPersonal Responsibility In Daily EffortsnnnTo B or Not to BnnBe Brave and Believe; and don't be Boring or Bashful.nnnKISSnnNo matter how you earn a living, never forget to:nnKeep It Simple, Stupid.nnThe KISS acronym is applied to principles of business, advertising, computer operating systems to science and learning. Albert Einstein's maxim was: "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler."nnnSWOT AnalysisnnSWOT is a study off our crucial elements of a business's planning process:nnStrengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, ThreatsnnnNever ASSUME AnythingnnEvery business person knows that making assumptions is the mother of all screwups:nnTo assume makes an ASS out of U and ME.nnnOffice EgosnnIn the world of employment and life in general, it's sometimes wise to keep your ego under control to avoid making enemies of at least half the population. Stick to the FASTA technique:nnFocus on your goals, not just on yourself.nAsk for other people's opinions.n You can learn from others.nSay thank you. Always a good idea in any situation.nTreat everyone as your equal.n Other people know stuff that you don't.nAllow yourself to fail.n You learn from your mistakes.nnnSales TechniquesnnIf you have something to sell, always PLAN in advance:nnPrepare with research (don't forget your 5 Ps)nLose time, lose allnAnalyze the situationnNever just call (always have a viable reason)n to make contact if you are making a "cold call."nnDuring a sales pitch, meeting, or presentation, these should be your AIMS:nnArrest the sensesnInterest by questions and noveltynMove by proof and demonstrationnSucceed in getting a "yes."nnThink ETC after the pitch has been made:nnEvaluate the outcomenTeach yourself and othersnCheck for results.nnnHow to InterviewnnThe first mnemonic a journalist learns is the five Ws and the H. The worst moment during an interview is when the subject gives only yes or no answers. Phrasing a question with these words gets people talking and should prevent single-word replies.nnWho? When? Where? What? Why? How?nnnSMARTnnUse this mnemonic for setting goals. It's a powerful tool for personal planning and kick-starting your career. Setting goals is all about knowing what you want to achieve and where to concentrate your efforts. You have to be SMART! Your daily "to do" list must be:nnSpecific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time boundnnnAIDAnnAdvertisers need to urge people to buy their products, so they design arresting images and messages for consumers. The key principles of advertising are:nnAttract Attention -- "Look at that!"nArouse Interest --- "Mmm, that looks interesting!"nCreate Desire -- "I want it!"nUrge Action -- "Now!"nnnJob Interview TechniquesnnPreparing for meetings is vital in business, and job interviews are possibly the most important meetings in your business life. Your aim at an interview is to sell yourself -- you are the product. Hence the need for the STAR system:nnSituation -- Describe your previous experience regarding situations that you have managed successfully.nTask -- Give details of exactly how you managed the situation. What was your contribution to the task? A tip from the professionals -- don't make it up, and don't exaggerate, because you'll be found out!nResult -- Congratulations. You're hired!nnnThe above excerpt is a digitally scanned reproduction of text from print. Although this excerpt has been proofread, occasional errors may appear due to the scanning process. Please refer to the finished book for accuracy.nnThe above is an excerpt from the book i before e (except after c): old-school ways to remember stuffnby Judy ParkinsonnPublished by The Reader's Digest Association Inc.; April 2008;$14.95US; 978-0-7621-0917-3nA Reader's Digest book published in association with Michael O'Mara Books Limited. Copyright © Michael O'Mara Books Limited 2008.nn