tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83111712874862740242024-03-08T17:07:29.066-05:00Careers To ConsiderInteresting ways to make a livingCheryl Zarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01147238309396820384noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311171287486274024.post-40576150359453183812009-05-27T12:16:00.001-04:002009-05-27T12:18:10.439-04:00Furniture TesterBefore a chair, recliner or bed makes it to the showroom and eventually in someone’s house, it has to be tested for safety and comfort. Many companies such as Lazy Boy hire furniture testers to carry out such work.<br /><br />You will be required to sit in, lay on and wiggle around in a piece of furniture and grade it according to comfort. Think about it for a moment. Your job is to find comfort in a piece of furniture. Of course you will have to do this many times over each day but such is the life of a furniture tester. Many companies hire out temporary or summer help for this type of work but it’s not a bad gig if you can get it. With all of the sitting, standing and moving around you may even burn a few calories.<br /><br />There is no required training for such a position but some companies have height and weight guidelines so check them out before applying.<br /><br />In addition to comfort testing there is safety testing. This is more of a laboratory research type of job and requires some laboratory experience. There are strict standards that the piece of furniture needs to meet in order for the furniture to be available for sale to the public. Some companies perform these test onsite while other businesses like Inertek are in business to do nothing but test furniture.<br /><br />The next time you sit in your easy chair or recline on your sofa and think: “Boy is this comfy” - you can thank a furniture tester for doing the hard work of making sure that the comfy factor is in place before it hit the showroom.Cheryl Zarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01147238309396820384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311171287486274024.post-54579080540718028922009-05-19T10:46:00.002-04:002009-05-19T10:48:48.503-04:00Street PerformerTake it to the streets – literally! A very entertaining and interesting career choice. A street performer is someone who provides on the spot work or entertainment to paying customers. You might have seen them at fairs, festivals or amusement parks giving henna tattoos, face painting or caricatures to the delight of fair goers or passerby’s. If you have ever passed someone playing an instrument while onlookers toss coins and cash into their instrument case, you have witnessed a street performer.<br /><br />If you have a talent that you can perform on the spot such as balloon animals, magic tricks or juggling that is entertaining to others then you too can be a street performer. You don’t need any special degrees or training to perform. All you need is a talent, an outgoing friendly personality and a permit. Yes a permit or license. <br /><br />In order to be legal you will need to apply to the local government of the town you wish to do business in for a permit and or license. There you will find out what restrictions may be imposed on a street performer. Some types of performances or materials may be banned or require special approvals so be sure to do your homework and ask questions. You should also register with the state and federal governments to really keep things legit as a business owner so don’t skirt the issue – a street performer is a business owner in the field of entertainment. <br /><br />Once you have your license/permit you are ready for action. Make sure comply with all town regulations in order to stay in business. Now find your talent and share it with the world!Cheryl Zarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01147238309396820384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311171287486274024.post-58913605253102239282009-05-11T13:46:00.000-04:002009-05-11T13:46:00.978-04:00A Career That Works for YouIn this job market more and more people are turning to alternate lines of work as a result of being laid off or the instability of their company. This led me to think about the types of jobs I would turn to. Well, truth be told…..if I were to lose my job I would take the first one that was offered to me in order to bring some form of income into my household BUT if I had my druthers I would be a bit choosier. So the question still remains – “What type of job would I be drawn to if I had my choosing?”<br /><br />For this I sat and pondered for a bit. How to choose a career? Some people will tell you to list your talents and interests and find a job that has both. Interesting… While there are many things I am capable of doing that doesn’t necessarily mean I want to do them day in and day out. Sometimes an interest is simply a hobby that is best enjoyed periodically rather than daily. Then there are those things that I just wouldn’t do no matter how much you paid me. <br /><br />Another thought crossed my mind – “What if my interests and talents combined do not exist in a career?” Well, I guess I could treat it as a niche market and start my own venture but maybe entrepreneurialism isn’t my cup of tea (I really don’t like tea but the saying fit). What am I to do? Still, I thought there must be something to this. Of course I want to do something I would enjoy but I don’t want to tire of it easily. <br /><br />Another way to find what you enjoy is to list what you consider to be your stand out accomplishments or the things you are most proud of. Once this list is made look at each of them and jot down the tasks or types of action items required to complete the accomplishment. Again, look for commonalities in these action items. You may find that you truly like to work with your hands or problem solve or even work with groups of people. This could truly be an eye opener for you.<br /><br />Still another way to determine your perfect job is to write down in diary style your absolute worst job including dress code, co-workers, tasks, office space, vacation time, work hours etc… and the exact opposite, by default, is your best job.<br /><br />Well, well in doing all of these exercises I have found that I am truly a multi-passioned person. I like change, monotony is a slow and painful death for me. I also have a tendency to lose interest quicker than others so variety is key for me. I can not stand boredom so the freedom to do more than my typical responsibilities entail is important. I enjoy working alone as well with others, working with my hands, problem solving, crafting, creating, writing, organizing, learning and many other “action items” I was unaware of.<br /><br />I am currently in a great job that allows me to fulfill many of my “action items” so I don’t intend on leaving BUT if I was forced to be on my merry way then I have a pretty good picture of what would be the best fit for me. Now it’s your turn….are you doing what works for you?Cheryl Zarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01147238309396820384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311171287486274024.post-11211029364475988142009-05-07T10:40:00.000-04:002009-05-07T10:41:38.201-04:00Mobile Pet GroomerHave soap ……. will travel. There is a white van with paw prints and a picture of a dog in a bathtub that I have seen driving the streets of my town. The wording on the van boasts a cleaner pup without dirtying your bathroom. This is the office of a mobile pet groomer and they are popping up everywhere.<br /><br />I can see how this service is desirable. We all want our furry critters to be clean and fresh smelling but not too many of us want to take the time to travel to the groomers or worse yet, turn our bathrooms into a damp fur ridden mess complete with the ever so pungent wet dog scent. Of course there is the time spent cleaning the bathroom after cleaning the dog and add to that the many towels you will go through to dry said dog. It can make you think twice about your desire for a clean dog. What’s a dog owner to do? Call a mobile pet groomer of course! Not only is there less mess for the owner, the dog gets one on one attention and does not have to sit in a cage for hours waiting for their turn to be groomed or picked up. Yes, the cost for this service is a bit higher than that of a brick and mortar groomer but the pros of this service make up for it.<br /><br />These vans come equipped to clean, trim and dry dogs and cats alike. While some require a hose hookup at the client’s location others come with water on board. You would park in your client’s driveway, go to the door, remove a filthy furry friend and return to your client a much cleaner and well groomed pet. <br /><br />To be successful you will need to know how to groom various breeds. There are grooming schools that will train you or you could get a job in a brick and mortar establishment and learn on the job before striking out on your own. You will need to know how to use both scissors and clippers, how to trim nails, how to handle various breeds and temperaments, have patience and of course you will need to love pets.<br /><br />As with any business be sure to follow the guidelines for business start up in your state and town, obtain all necessary registrations and insurance. Be prepared to purchase equipment, a van and business cards. The more people consider their pets as part of the family the more special services like mobile pet grooming will be in demand.Cheryl Zarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01147238309396820384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311171287486274024.post-49228141845731021762009-05-03T13:41:00.000-04:002009-05-03T13:41:00.362-04:00Facility CoordinatorWhether it is a wedding, an office meeting, a dance recital or little league baseball drafts events happen and someone has to schedule them and make sure they run safely, productively and according to policy. There are many details that need to be taken care of in order to hold an event at a building such as set up and break down, coordinating equipment needs as well as scheduling onsite staff. Some facilities host multiple events on the same day and in order for everything to run smoothly a facility coordinator is needed to oversee it all.<br /><br />As a facility coordinator you would be responsible for all facility operations including: guest use, enforcement of policies and procedures, hiring and training staff, track inventory and purchase necessary equipment and supplies, coordinate recreational events as well as routine maintenance of the facility with both staff and outside vendors and prepare and meet expense budgets. <br /><br />You will need to be very organized, be able to soothe those groups looking to use your facility as you walk them through the process and smooth out the bumps that may occur during their event. You must be able to multi-task and be ready to handle last minute issues that may arise at any time.<br /><br />Where could you find work as a Facility Coordinator? Virtually every public use building could use a Facility Coordinator be it an office, school, recreational facility, restaurant or wedding hall. Some places require a college degree but others will accept experience in lieu of school.<br /><br />You may very well have odd hours if you need to be present for the events as most are held on weekend and evening hours. In many cases however, the Facility Coordinator would schedule staff to be onsite during events that occur outside typical business hours.Cheryl Zarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01147238309396820384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311171287486274024.post-32361811446187997462009-04-30T09:57:00.001-04:002009-04-30T09:57:00.294-04:00Travel AgentWho doesn’t love a vacation? Time off to see the world even if only for a few days. Experience different cultures, take in the sights and cuisine or simply relax and do nothing. When you arrive home do you tell everyone and anyone about your trip? After seeing your pictures and hearing all the wonderful things you did are you often asked for information on where you stayed on where the best places to visit are? Are you more than happy to supply them with all of this information and help them plan their trip? If so, then you could make a living as a home based travel agent.<br /><br />A travel agent markets, plans and sells transportation and accommodations to people looking to go on vacation. This could be a trip to Disney, a cruise to alaska ora full european vacation. You would take care of everything from limousine services, car rental, hotel and air travel as well as entertainment and meal packages.<br /><br />Training and certification is not necessary depending on where you choose to work. There are many travel agencies where you could take a position as an agent in their office but the truth is that you don’t have to. You could be a home based travel agent. In order to collect commissions for the trips you book you will need to work with merchants and set up an account. Typically they require an ARC (airline reporting corporation) or CLIA (cruise line international association) or IATA (international air transportation association) number; they may also require you to have previous sales of travel packages, travel agent certifications and sufficient funding in your business account. Not all merchants require the same criteria. In order to obtain an ARC or IATA number you can apply directly to the organizations. Some key requirements for membership include: <br /><br />Proof of legal form of business <br /><br />Proof of commitment to travel business through sales & financial standing <br /><br />Errors and Omissions insurance <br /><br />Ethical responsibilities <br /><br />State and local licensing <br /><br />For a quick peek at detailed requirements for IATA membership click <a href="http://www.iatan.org/NR/rdonlyres/BEE3BA6C-2381-40F6-A46B-2EB38AF5858E/0/AccreditRequirements180.pdf">here</a>. <br /><br />If you choose not to apply for such numbers or to set up merchant accounts but still want to be on your own you could work as an independent contractor and team up with a host agency in order to collect commissions on your bookings. The host agency would act as a liaison between you and the merchant in order to collect a commission. The host company will split the commission with you.<br /><br />No matter which way you go, independent home based contractor or agent in an already established agency, if you truly enjoy planning vacations this is one career that will take you places.Cheryl Zarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01147238309396820384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311171287486274024.post-86778482509526183992009-04-27T09:00:00.000-04:002009-04-27T09:00:03.729-04:00Inventory CounterIf you’ve ever been to the grocery store and spied little tickets hanging from the shelves then you have been a witness to the diligence of inventory counters. You may have even seen them in grocery or department stores, they are the people with hand held machines counting items and leaving little tickets on shelves in their wake. If you enjoy working on your own and traveling from job site to job site to conduct your business then being an Inventory Counter could prove to be an enjoyable career for you. <br /><br />Hours vary as the work that is performed is usually done in the evening or in the middle of the day to avoid high congestion hours. It all depends on the client. Duties will include traveling to customer job sites and recording inventory information using any on of the many audit machines that various companies use to collect data. The audit company you work for will provide training in the use of these machines. Preparing customer reports based on the data collected is also part of the job. This valuable information helps the company in many was including future product purchase. <br /><br />You could very well work in a variety of locations in one day. You may find yourself on sales floors, in stockrooms or warehouses counting various things from machine parts to clothing or groceries. Dependability, reliable transportation and attention to detail are a must.<br /><br />Many auditing firms require little to no experience as training is often provided. If you can work independently and don’t mind daily travel then you should look into this interesting career choice.Cheryl Zarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01147238309396820384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311171287486274024.post-62980918920316061632009-04-24T09:30:00.000-04:002009-04-24T09:30:00.481-04:00Riflery InstructorReady…Aim….Fire! If you like kids and enjoy marksmanship then being a Riflery Instructor at a summer camp or training facility might be the right fit for you.<br /><br />A partial list of your duties will include maintaining absolute safety on the shooting range, instructing 9-16 year olds on gun safety, proper sighting, care and maintenance as well as and marksmanship, maintaining the equipment in good order i.e. cleaning and oiling the guns and making sure they are sighted correctly.<br /><br />Camps vary on their certification requirements. Some prefer an NRA certification while others will accept a 4H Shooting Education Rifle Instructor Certificate or equivalent. I can report that every camp website that I visited required First Aid and CPR training for all instructors.<br /><br />You can receive training either through the camp itself or from outside companies who provide training. The typical training from outside companies ranges from 18 to 23 hours over a three to four day period.<br /><br />While this job is mostly held by those in college as summer jobs you could very well incorporate this into your career menu through use of vacation days, teach instruction certification courses through the year and keep time set aside for summer instruction at a camp. You could add it as one of your part time ventures should you be so inclined to hold a few part time jobs in lieu of one full time career or as a summer stint if you happen to work in the education system and have access to summers off.Cheryl Zarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01147238309396820384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311171287486274024.post-57638415337829737432009-04-21T11:24:00.001-04:002009-04-21T11:27:44.748-04:00Top 3 Reasons People Hate Their Job<strong>Career Burnout</strong> <br />You work hard for long hours that often times encroach on your evenings and weekends leaving you stressed and exhausted both physically and mentally. This happens so often that you have no time for a decent social life and forget about enjoying those hobbies you once looked forward to for peace and solace. You become short tempered with your co-workers and at the end of the day you come home and feel like kicking the cat for getting underfoot. Any achievements you do accomplish at work hold little meaning to you as the pressure is on to produce more in less time. You begin to dread going to work on Monday and it is only Saturday night. Can you relate to this? <br /><br /><strong> Boredom</strong> <br />Your work is so monotonous you could do it in your sleep. Most of the day is spent completing tasks that are just shy of busy work. Your mind is far from challenged and there is nothing new for you to learn. Those sharp pencils in your pencil holder taunt you on a daily basis to jab them in your eye just so you can feel pain in order to be certain that you are still breathing. <br /><br /><strong> Toxic Work Environment</strong> <br />The work atmosphere is so negative you get an attitude just walking through the front door. The people you work with are disrespectful and would sell you out the first chance they get just to move ahead. You avoid contact with most of your colleagues. Maybe you deal with discrimination or harassment but here you remain because you need a paycheck. <br /><br />What can you do about it? For some it’s easier said than done to get another job so for those who need to hang in there a little longer until a move is possible I offer you the following:<br /><br />To combat burnout take a vacation no matter how long it is. Two or three days could do wonders if you truly take a break from your job. That means no checking emails, answering calls from work or signing on just to “see” how everything is going in your absence. Another option that I strongly suggest is to prioritize and delegate where you can. Not everything is top priority and if additional manpower is needed to accomplish tasks then request it.<br /><br />To alleviate boredom you can look for ways to create a new project that will compliment and improve your department. Many companies offer online training. Take advantage of these online classes to improve your knowledgebase and make your department more efficient or for nothing else enhance your skill set in order to move around in the company. <br /><br />If you deal with a toxic work environment I am sorry to say that you can not change other people. What you can do is improve your own skills in order to move up or out. If you do not have an HR department or at least one that provides any type of relief I suggest taking a few mental health days to plot your escape plan and return with a different outlook. Take classes, if offered, through work or outside of work. Avoid the most toxic people in the office at all costs and if you must interact with them give them no ammunition to work with. Do your job thoroughly and professionally. Do not stoop to their level. If this does not get you noticed and out of the mine field then make your move towards the door.Cheryl Zarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01147238309396820384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311171287486274024.post-51704037562895396752009-04-11T10:17:00.001-04:002009-04-11T10:17:00.135-04:00Entrepreneurial RewardsMaking the decision to become an entrepreneur is both exciting and intimidating. I will say that the road to an entrepreneurial livelihood is not for the faint of heart. You must be organized, disciplined, willing to put yourself out there for the survival of your business and have a clear head or at least be willing to do your homework before you quit your day job and plunk down your savings to get your venture going. <br /><br />If you do the research, work up a business plan; get a realistic idea of what you will need both monetarily as well as materials and labor, have an excellent work ethic and truly believe in the service or product that your business is offering then you can reap the rewards that comes with the territory. Just what are these rewards you might ask?<br /><br />1. The freedom to make and implement your own business decisions. Ideas that you once put in a suggestion box to make someone else’s company better are now yours to actually make happen.<br /><br />2. You will earn a salary that is in direct proportion with your efforts not to mention that there is no salary cap.<br /><br />3. Flexibility with your schedule. Your time is yours to plan your day, rearrange your schedule as you see fit. While the hours you put in to make your business grow especially in the early days of start up are long you will eventually be able to enjoy this benefit if you plan it correctly.<br /><br />4. There are tax write offs that you can enjoy with your own business.<br /><br />5. The biggest reward in my book is that you will be spending your days working for your own vision and not that of someone else’s.<br /><br />These are by no means the only rewards that accompany business ownership and it is not all fun and games, unless you are in the fun and games business. You will work hard, harder than you ever thought you would but if you truly believe in your vision and have the drive to see it come to life it is very much worth the effort you put into it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-3422716-8073313"><br /><img src="http://www.tqlkg.com/image-3422716-8073313" width="468" height="60" alt="25 businesses you can start and run from your home" border="0"/></a>Cheryl Zarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01147238309396820384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311171287486274024.post-32372287013284061322009-04-08T09:53:00.001-04:002009-04-08T09:53:00.291-04:00AuctioneerGoing once…. going twice…. sold! Auctions are becoming a popular choice when it comes to buying and selling just about everything from antiques to art and furniture as well as cars, boats houses and more. There is both anticipation and excitement during auctions from the sellers looking to make a few bucks for their treasures as well as buyers looking to get a good bargain. One person is the bridge between the two and that is the auctioneer.<br /><br />An auctioneer not only “calls” the event driving the bids up for the seller, he/she also puts in time before the auction in tasks such as marketing and advertising the items to the right groups of people in order to draw the best possible crowd who would be interested as well as assisting the seller in the preparation of the items for sale.<br /><br />Can you make a good living from being an auctioneer? Absolutely! According to cnnmoney.com, an article dated June 3, 2005 by Jeanne Sahadi states in part that six figure incomes for full time auctioneers and those who own their own auction businesses is quite possible. An auctioneer typically makes a decent percentage from the total profit from the auction. Many auctioneers work part time but for those who choose to have this as their only means of making a living this is a very viable and profitable business to be in.<br /><br />How do you break into this field? Well there are auctioneer schools with courses of study lasting few days to less than a month. Just what do they teach you at schools for auctioneers? Classes include the fine art of the bid calling, or “the chant” as some call it, advertising and marketing, auctioneer commissions and expense rates, how to solicit and book auctions, record keeping, live auction participation and more. Is auctioneer school necessary? Well, that depends on the state you would like to be licensed in. Some require education while others will gladly take apprenticeships in lieu of formal education. In any event in order to be licensed you must pass an auctioneer exam in the state for which you want to be licensed. <br /><br />There are no shy people in the auctioneering business. You must be confident, speak with clarity since people can’t bid if they can’t understand you, have great rapport with both the buyer and the seller as well as have the ability to engage the bidders. You must be a bit of a salesman, if you will.<br /><br /><br /><br />For more information on auctioneering I suggest the following:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1592576419?ie=UTF8&tag=caretocons-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1592576419">The Complete Idiot's Guide to Live Auctions</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=caretocons-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1592576419" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1420836021?ie=UTF8&tag=caretocons-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1420836021">SOLD!: The Professional's Guide to Real Estate Auctions</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=caretocons-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1420836021" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />Cheryl Zarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01147238309396820384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311171287486274024.post-47557842342659935292009-04-05T10:05:00.000-04:002009-04-05T10:05:01.200-04:00Pastry ChefI never met a dessert I didn’t like and if you feel the same way too then becoming a Pastry Chef may be a career to consider. You could work in hotels, restaurants, bakeries or if you are feeling entrepreneurial you could open your own sweet shop. <br /><br />Baking pastries, desserts, breads and other baked goods are just part of the responsibilities that a Pastry Chef has. Ordering supplies, overseeing kitchen staff, creating dessert menus for restaurants with themes in mind as well as developing and testing new recipes are also part of a Pastry Chef’s duties. You will need to be very organized and have attention to detail running through your veins. Ingredients need to be measured exactly, this is not cooking where a pinch of this and a dollop of that will do, baking requires exactness and knowledge of the scientific principles of food as well as food safety. You should be aware that this job is not for the late sleepers, a typical day could very well begin at 3 or 4 am and you will be on your feet most of the day.<br /><br />What course of study do you need to follow in order to enter this field? Well, for starters, you should just start baking and have fun creating your own recipes. If you are serious then enroll in a culinary school and take on a part time job in a bakery or restaurant in order to “watch and learn” from someone who can already make an array of “to die for” desserts.<br /><br /><br /><em>Careers to Consider picks for further reading for future Pastry Chefs:</em><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471359254?ie=UTF8&tag=caretocons-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0471359254">The Professional Pastry Chef: Fundamentals of Baking and Pastry, 4th Edition</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=caretocons-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0471359254" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471359262?ie=UTF8&tag=caretocons-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0471359262">The Advanced Professional Pastry Chef</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=caretocons-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0471359262" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470009551?ie=UTF8&tag=caretocons-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0470009551">The Pastry Chef's Companion: A Comprehensive Resource Guide for the Baking and Pastry Professional</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=caretocons-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0470009551" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1589650549?ie=UTF8&tag=caretocons-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1589650549">Career Diary of a Pastry Chef: Gardner's Guide Series</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=caretocons-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1589650549" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />Cheryl Zarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01147238309396820384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311171287486274024.post-76379595464778204572009-04-03T09:00:00.001-04:002009-04-03T09:00:02.987-04:00Office EtiquetteThere are no written rules in an office manual that states the social code that governs interaction and communication with co-workers and colleagues but there should be. Usually common sense and manners will take you far but I find that many people simply do not have either. For this reason I will share with you a handful that I find to be top on the list. While the list for office etiquette is endless, if you start with these you should do ok.<br /><br />Do not send your co-workers chain emails. Just because you need to forward something to 8 friends in order to receive 3 years of good luck and you only have 2 friends does not mean you can use your co-workers email address to fill the void. It is annoying so stop it.<br /><br />Do not take credit for someone else’s work. If you collaborated on a project with colleagues, acknowledge their contribution. If you practice being a glory hog at the office I can guarantee you that the next time there is a project that needs to be complete you will be out of luck finding assistance of any kind.<br /><br />Do not clip your nails, pass gas, or pick your nose, ears or any other orifice in the presence of your co-workers. It is simply gross. And for goodness sake – blow your nose! There is nothing worse than listening to someone sniffle snot all day. I can’t believe I had to include this one but you would be amazed at the number of people who do this. I must add that even if you are not in the direct presence of your co-workers these activities should be left to your own bathroom. Office walls are not soundproof – we can hear you!<br /><br />Please set your cell phone to vibrate. Nobody wants to hear “Mambo No. 5” or your son’s annoying whine for you to answer your phone set as a ring tone during a meeting or from their cube neighbor. It is also rude to answer a cell phone during a meeting or to look to see who has called if you set it to vibrate. Wait until after the meeting to check it. You’ll live. <br /><br />If you work in a cubical do not put your phone on speaker. Your office mates don’t want to hear your conversations. While I am at it lower your voice, it carries. They are both distracting and annoying, again - stop it.<br /><br />This last bit of office conduct is by no means any less important than those previously noted, it just happens to be the last one in this post - Answering other people’s phone conversations that you were not part of in the first place - “I heard you talking to Steve about ______ and I think…” Look, if your opinion is desired you would be asked for it but listening in and then trying to give your unrequested point of view is rude and grating.<br /><br />Remember if you are polite, have common consideration for others and leave your disgusting habits home you will do just fine in the workplace.Cheryl Zarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01147238309396820384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311171287486274024.post-42368981163875227922009-04-01T10:29:00.001-04:002009-04-01T10:29:00.125-04:00Child ProoferAs a child proofer you will provide a valuable service to parents and anyone else who spends time with children such as grandparents, aunts, uncles and day care providers. Your job is to identify safety issues in and around your clients’ home, make recommendations for change as well as properly install safety products.<br /><br />You will need to be detail oriented and very knowledgeable in as many child proofing products as possible. You will also need to keep up to date with safety recalls of all child related products and toys.<br /> <br />So what kind of training and certifications are required? Well, I was unable to find training programs for this field so I visited a number of established childproofing service websites to see what training they had. I was surprised to find that not one of them talked about training of any kind. Your best bet may be to shadow an established child proofer if possible, reading as many childproofing books as you can is not a bad idea either. <br /><br />I did find an organization you may want to look into called <a href="http://www.safekidsworldwide.org">Safe Kids Worldwide</a>. This nonprofit organization is a network of many organizations whose mission is to prevent accidental childhood injuries. It was started in 1978 by Children’s National Medical Center with support from Johnson & Johnson to provide information regarding child safety.<br /><br />Children are crafty little beings so the best way to do this job is to get down on all fours, crawl around and look at the space at the same level as a child. You will be amazed at the dangers that become clear to you from this level. Sharp corners on coffee tables, electrical outlets, plants (not only a choking hazard some of which can be poisonous), window blind cords, the toilet lid and access to household cleaners through cabinets are just a few hazards to be had in the home.<br /><br />As with any entrepreneurial business venture you will need to create a business plan, register with the state and federal governments as well as acquire the proper liability insurance.Cheryl Zarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01147238309396820384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311171287486274024.post-55870158245873581442009-03-30T08:37:00.001-04:002009-03-31T09:43:49.947-04:00OcularistOcularist!? Just what is an ocularist exactly? Well, if we break down the word, ocular means visual or optical so we know it has something to do with your eyes right? Yes, an ocularist is someone who creates, fits, shapes and paints prosthetic eyes. They may paint “stock” eyes (mass produced) or “custom” eyes which are made specific to an individual. I guess you can say they are artists, a very specific type of artist whose work adds a sparkle to the eye of the beholder.<br /> <br />A little factoid: It is difficult to trace the inventor of the artificial eye but in my research there has been evidence to shows that as early as 5th century BC, Roman and Egyptian priests would be fitted with a painted clay eye attached to a cloth and worn outside the socket. Since then much has changed and now many prosthetic eyes are difficult to tell apart from their real counterpart.<br /> <br />So how does one become trained for such a profession? From my investigation I have noted that training and registration to become an ocularist varies by state but most gain experience through apprenticeships approved by the American Society of Ocularists or Anaplastologists. You can become a Board Certified Ocularist through the National Examining Board of Ocularists. This agency was formed in 1980 to help provide a uniform standard in the field of ophthalmic prosthetics. They are an independent entity that awards the Board Certified Ocularist title for those who complete the written and practical exam. Ocularists work in ocular prosthetics labs and often in conjunction with other ocular professionals while others make a name for themselves and open their own custom ocular prosthetic business.<br /><br />They say that the eyes are a window to the soul so to be able to create such a seamless replacement for someone who has lost this most precious gift is truly a gift in and of itself.Cheryl Zarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01147238309396820384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311171287486274024.post-40146502858262506942009-03-28T08:00:00.002-04:002009-04-02T11:24:05.420-04:00Kid's Taxi DriverIf you have kids or know someone who does then you know that they are always on the go. They have baseball practices, soccer games, dance lessons, dental appointments, play dates and more. If you have more than one child, good luck getting each of them to their respective appointments on time. This is where you as a Kids’ Taxi Driver can swoop in to save the day.<br /> <br />Your very valuable service will help out parents who are busy, working or at home without access to a vehicle get their children safely to and from their many appointments. <br /><br />What does it take to be successful in this career? Patience! Ok, you will need a little more than that like the ability to ignore distractions from the precious cargo you will be driving such as singing, talking, giggling and the minor “he’s looking at me” arguments. You will also need a strong stomach in order to handle the occasional car sick child. Did I mention that you must love kids, get their humor, enjoy listening to their music and treat them like people instead of a package for delivery? Organizational skills are also a must in order to devise a route that will get each child to their destination on time. Although not mandatory, I suggest that you take classes to become certified in first aid and cpr.<br /> <br />Other incidentals you will need include a reliable vehicle such as a 6 passenger van or a used small school bus, ample insurance and a cell phone. The cell phone will come in handy as a two way transfer of information with parents such as keeping them informed of traffic tie-ups or parents needing to make a destination change on the fly as well as any other delay from either end.<br /> <br />Remember, you will need to register your business with the state and federal governments. Once you are legal I suggest you get some business cards and start advertising with flyers at schools, day care centers, on library bulletin boards and anywhere else kids and parents are plentiful.<br /><br /><br />Editor's pick for business card deals:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3422716-10287876" target="_top" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/gateway.asp?S=3423758781';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;">FREE Business Cards</a><br /><img src="http://www.tqlkg.com/image-3422716-10287876" width="1" height="1" border="0"/>Cheryl Zarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01147238309396820384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311171287486274024.post-78769650981062825932009-03-26T09:00:00.000-04:002009-03-26T09:00:02.235-04:00Interview with Robin Longcor, Operations Administrative Assistant<strong>A typical day on the job:</strong><br /><br />Dealing with operations of a mall consists of helping tenants with issues they may have (i.e. leaks in the stores, questions they have about their stores, etc.). Deal with contractors who are constructing new stores within the mall. Work with software programs to maintain construction schedules, work orders for work performed on property, spreadsheets to maintain what contractors are on site and work being performed. Maintain folders for each new tenant under construction. Keep in contact with tenant’s construction departments.<br /><br /><strong>How did you prepare for your success?</strong><br /><br />I attended Katherine Gibbs School.<br /><br /><strong>How did you get started in this career?</strong><br /><br />My father was head of security and I worked in customer service as a 2nd job at night and on weekends, then the position opened and I applied and since I worked in customer service they new my work ethic and personality.<br /><br /><strong>What do you find most enjoyable about your career?</strong><br /><br />The interaction with tenants and contractors<br /><br /><strong>Are there any challenges in your career?</strong><br /><br />There are challenges but luckily they don’t get me out of my comfort zone and I can handle them. You need to stay focused and relaxed when challenges occur.Cheryl Zarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01147238309396820384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311171287486274024.post-45231274651920030712009-03-24T09:49:00.000-04:002009-03-24T09:49:00.139-04:00Pets - a profitable businessAt one time dogs were valued only for the work they performed - herding cattle and sheep, hunting, guarding etc.. Now they are seen as companions and even family members. They fill a void for some whose children have gone, those who find themselves alone after a break-up or divorce and even as practice for couples thinking of having a baby. <br /><br />There is no denying it, the powerful bond between human and dog has never been stronger. According to the American Pet Product Manufacturers Association’s (APPMA) 2007/2008 National Pet Owner Survey, pet ownership is at it’s highest level ever with 71.1 million households in the U.S. owning at least 1 pet. This is up from 6.9 million in 2004. These numbers explain the explosion of doggie daycares, gourmet treat makers, pet boutiques, pet sitters, obedience trainers, pet salons, Doggie Day Spas offering massages for pets, custom built dog houses, pet hotels and poop scooping companies.<br /><br />Spending on our furry companions is predicted to hit $50 billion annually by the end of the decade, according to APPMA. Peopel take their pets into consideration when making home purchasess and improvements and even where they will go on vacation. They choose to add lower windows so their pets can see out easier, doggie doors, cat walk installation and more. When purchasing a home they look for a nice sized backyard preferable fenced in, a neighborhood condusive to dog walks, the proximity of doggie parks and ammenities. When it comes to vacations those hotels that cater to pets is the one that is in demand.<br /><br />If you have ever considered carving a niche in the pet industry, now is the time to go for it. If you already have a pet related business now is the time to add to your product/service line. Not in the pet industry but own a business? Get creative and make your company pet friendly. You will see a growth not only in your bottom line but in your life as well.Cheryl Zarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01147238309396820384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311171287486274024.post-66793004452976929542009-03-22T09:46:00.002-04:002009-03-22T09:49:22.760-04:00How To Lose ClientsMost business comes from word of mouth. It’s the most important form of advertising you can get. If your business practices are less than stellar imagine the word of mouth you’ll be getting or worse, the kind you’re NOT getting.<br /><br />For your convenience I have listed 7 ways a business can lose a client/customer without even trying. This is not an exhaustive list but it’s enough to get you going down the path to lost business.<br /><br />1. Provide less than quality services or products. Go for that under par software, raw material or pre-made item. Save a few bucks because no one will ever know - especially your clients. So what if the software doesn’t do what your client requested or loses all of your customer data. If the item falls apart moments after they get it home, who cares, what really counts is your bottom line right? Just fall short of the srvice you promissed no one will notice. <br /><br />2. Ignore your client and potential clients. When you receive your signed contract simply disappear. When your client calls or emails you go ahead and wait a few days to respond. You already have their money so they can wait while you spend it. You can also ignore those that email or call with a request for information on your product or service. You are the only game in town so they will wait - forever!! <br /><br />3. Leave your potential clients with more questins than answers when they visit your website. Keep them guessing about your services, price, return policy, guarantee, how to contact you with questions, broken links etc.. This is a game they truly love to play. <br /><br />4. Become a one-person show. As your business grows by all means continue to do it all yourself. Spread yourself so thin you can hardly concentrate on your business. So what if you forget to return a few calls or emails, pay bills to vendors, schedule a meeting, compile your information, confuse clients and provide the wrong service etc.. Your customers are the only ones who will suffer and they will take it on the chin for you because as you know, it’s all about you anyway. <br /><br />5. Show a lack of confidence in your abilities, services or products. People actually like to spend their time and money to invest in you just to boost your confidence. I can’t tell you how many times I have felt so bad for a sales person because they avoided eye contact or shrugged their shoulders as they explained their services and products to me that I was COMPELLED to spend my money at their place of business. <br /><br />6. Go for the greed. Give nothing away for free. Not one iota of information, discount or extra product. Don’t do it, not even for your repeat customers. People love to pay for everything. No one likes to receive a special something for being a valued customer - ever! Don’t even think of sending out holiday cards or thank you notes - it will just go to their heads. <br /><br />7. By all means neve accept responlibility for anything that goes wrong. Blame your inability to return calls, deliver product, miss a meeting and so forth on anything but yourself. Hey, why not blame it on the cutomer, they love to take the fall for your mistakes. It build their character and who are you to deny them that growth. <br /> <br /><br />Ok, Now that I have had some fun with you about how to lose a client, I would like to leave you with some words to run your business by. Customers are the reason for your business they are not an interruption to it. Follow good business practices and keep the lines of communication open with all of your clients, both current and those you have not yet met. What you give has a way of coming back to you ten-fold so always do your best, give of yourself and you will grow in both your business and personal endeavors.Cheryl Zarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01147238309396820384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311171287486274024.post-59992707060144635792009-03-18T09:23:00.002-04:002009-03-18T09:23:00.880-04:00Bingo CallerBingo is a very popular game played by millions worldwide. I have enjoyed the game myself from time to time. All you need to do is be the first to get a certain pattern on your bingo card by marking off the numbers called by a bingo caller and the pot is yours. The popularity of this game makes the prospect of finding work as a Bingo Caller fruitful.<br /><br />What does it take to be a successful Bingo Caller? A sense of humor in order to keep game lively and entertaining – you can’t have people falling asleep during the game. You will need to be a bit of an entertainer as jokes and commentary are common and expected in bingo halls. You will need to have confidence in yourself and thick skin. There will be booing and cheers alike so go with the flow. A love for working with people and a desire to meet and mingle with people of many backgrounds is a must. A keen eye for observation is needed since some people hold up their Bingo cards as opposed to calling out “BINGO” when they have won. Of course it goes without saying that you will need to have clear pronunciation in order to call out those number/letter combinations.<br /><br />Is training necessary in order to become a Bingo Caller? Yes and no. Some facilities offer in house training while some states like Virginia offer training through their Department of Charitable Gambling. Others will give you a shot with no formal training while some will offer you a chance after working for a certain amount of time with an experienced caller. <br /><br />What hours will a Bingo Caller work? Since many venues are open 24 hours 7 days a week 52 weeks a year your 40 hour week will not be broken into days with a typical 9 to 5 time slot. Flexibility is the key with this line of work as evenings, weekends, split shifts and holidays are highly plausible. <br /><br />Where will you find a job? A Bingo Caller can find work on a cruise ship, at independent Bingo clubs and casinos. It is typical that local churches usually provide bingo calling in house and do not hire out but you never know.Cheryl Zarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01147238309396820384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311171287486274024.post-30743625057298110882009-03-16T11:07:00.000-04:002009-03-16T11:07:01.227-04:00DoulaWhile researching this career I found that the word “Doula” comes from a Greek word, however, depending on which childbirth or Doula certification site you visit the meaning differs. I have seen a variety of meanings such as “most important female”, “woman caregiver”, and “woman’s servant”,” maid servant, the woman who mothers the mother”,” in service”, and “to serve women.” Regardless of the exact Greek word meaning the main responsibility of a Doula is to provide emotional, physical and informational support to expecting, in labor or new mothers. <br /><br />A Doula establishes a relationship with the expectant or new mother and her partner to the point where they feel comfortable enough to express their concerns, feelings and ask questions. They will assist the mother/couple in coming up with a birth plan and help to carry it through in order to provide a pleasant and memorable childbirth experience.<br /><br />A Doula is not a medically trained doctor and can not provide medical care. They do not give advice or make decisions but they are knowledgeable in the areas of labor and delivery and can answer questions an expectant mother or father may have. They can also provide techniques for pain and stress relief.<br /><br />There are specialties within this career choice that you can choose to focus on including Birth Doulas who focus on the impending birth, they are available to answer questions, provide emotional support and are there during the delivery to see that parents have a pleasant and memorable birth experience. Antepartum Doulas who focus on before birth services and typically tend to high risk bed ridden moms. They may help with light housework, run a few errands or provide possibly meal preparation in addition to emotional and informational support. Then there are Postpartum Doulas who assist the mom with emotional support and assistance following the baby’s arrival. <br /><br />So what kind of training is necessary in order to become a Doula? There is no state requirement for certification at this time however, if you want to be certified there are many training programs that you can look into. If you type the words “Doula Training” in your internet search box you will receive numerous programs to investigate. The most well known is <a href="http://www.dona.org">DONA</a>, Doulas of North America. <br /><br />The birth of a child is a wonderful miracle and to be a part of it and help new parents to enjoy it fully is truly a blessing.Cheryl Zarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01147238309396820384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311171287486274024.post-68728661156666782742009-03-14T08:40:00.000-04:002009-03-14T08:40:00.593-04:00The Healthcare Industry – Recession Proof?I have read articles and heard talk that the healthcare industry is the only safe haven when it comes to a recession. I am guilty of believing this to be true until I did a little research of my own. If you think about it, it seems plausible that it is indeed recession proof. Just because money gets tight it doesn’t mean that people stop getting sick, needing routine boosters, pediatric checkups, having babies, getting cavities taken care of or having much needed surgery. So why did I change my position? After reading many articles to both claims I thought about it for a while and came to the conclusion that nothing is recession proof. Here are some thoughts as to why it is just as likely to be hit during a recession: <br /><br />1. When money gets tight the first thing to go are “extras” and while a life saving heart surgery is not sacrificed the elective surgeries are. Cosmetic surgery is sure to get hit heavy with people putting off that much desired perky nose or pouty lip look until they are able to afford it.<br /><br />2. With more people losing their jobs and healthcare coverage more families are applying for Medicaid and other government assisted health care options. While this is a great help to those in need, I have read a number of articles from many sources that reflect the same assertion: public healthcare programs usually pay hospitals much less than the hospital has billed. There is no negotiation for fees like there are with insurance companies. The government sets the fee they will pay – no negotiation - and the monies paid, in many cases, do not cover the actual cost.<br /><br />3. For those who still have healthcare through their employer they may now have to pay higher deductibles and co-pays as companies try to save money by sharing the cost for healthcare. This may lead to the delay of routine care. People may skip a check up or dental cleaning in order to pay for groceries. <br /><br />To wrap things up, while there is still a need for healthcare when times are tough, the healthcare industry is not recession proof. There is definitely a decline in routine and elective care as well as a loss that will be reflected on the books of many hospitals and doctor offices due to non negotiated payments that do not cover operating expenses. Without income generated to pay operating expenses things will need to be cut. It’s just the way it is.Cheryl Zarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01147238309396820384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311171287486274024.post-3995596203044794362009-03-12T09:15:00.000-04:002009-03-12T09:15:00.947-04:007 Ways to Squeeze Out Extra Time Each DayIf you don’t think you have an extra 5 minutes to yourself each day let alone enough time to pursue your interests you are wrong. Here are a few daily tactics you can employ to put your time to better use and even carve out a few extra minutes, 30 minutes or even an hour or more each day to get yourself moving closer to your goals.<br /><br /><br />1. Make a time journal. Write down everything you did over the past two days making sure to jot down everything from the time you opened your eyes in the morning to the time you close them at night. Look it over and take notice of all the wasted time spent on unnecessary things. Can you see anything you can knock out? No? Let’s look a little closer at your list. Do you watch the 5pm news then again tune in at 7pm and yet again at 10 pm? Even if you switch stations for each viewing it’s pretty much the same news. If you cut out all but one viewing you could gain about an hour and not miss a thing. While we are still on television how much time do you spend staring blankly at it in the evening? Do you have it on out of habit? Do you spend hours surfing the channels because there is nothing on until the 10:00 news? Think of all of the wasted time you could gain by shutting it off and doing other things. There are only three nights a week where there are actual shows I like to watch. The other nights are channel surf nights. By turning it off on the nights I used to surf I gained valuable time to dedicate to my other goals.<br /><br /> <br />2. Morning time! What time do you get up in the morning? Are you guilty of using the snooze alarm? Here are two more ways to add minutes to your day. By getting up the first time your alarm goes off you can gain an additional 10-20 minutes. Time better spent on planning your day. How about getting up a little earlier each morning? I know, you are thinking, “But Cheryl, I need my sleep.” By getting up even 30 minutes earlier gives you that much golden quiet time before the family, phone and other interruptions happen. You could pack in a quick workout, a 30-minute reading session, painting time or whatever else is on your “To Do” list for the day.<br /><br /><br />3. Speaking of “To Do” lists make one based on your Itinerary. Do you recall your Itinerary from the MPP series? Yes, that’s the one. Based on these interests you will need to have action items to move you forward to achieving them. Remember, a goal without action is nothing more than a dream that will never materialize. Create action items each day for each of your items on your itinerary. You may need to adjust your Itinerary based on the time needed to complete your action items. You may find that you may want to have more “low intensity” interests and only one “high intensity” interest on your list for better balance. You will need to play around with it until it feels right for you.<br /><br /><br />4. Focus on one task at a time. When you try to do more there is a tendency to get stressed and you will find yourself struggling to get the job done satisfactorily. You may also find that you fail to accomplish anything. Plan your tasks in time blocks of about 30 – 45 minutes each and then do nothing else for that time period except that task. That means not answering emails or chatting on the phone. These two time stealers can be given there own time block.<br /><br /><br />5. Delegate non-essential tasks to others to free up much needed time. Let the kids help with chores around the house. Have the hubby or wife pitch in as well.<br /><br /><br />6. Are you home with kids all day? Hire a babysitter, drop them off at “Camp Grandma’s” for an afternoon, schedule reciprocal play dates with friends to free up some much needed uninterrupted time to get some things accomplished. <br /><br /> <br />7. Do you find yourself waiting? Waiting on lines, in cars or while your daughter is taking ballet? Put that time to good use. While in the car, pop in a positive learning cd or foreign language lesson. Pack a bag with pen and paper handy for taking notes on that book you are writing or reading material for a class you are taking. Keep the bag in your car for those “waiting” moments you find yourself in.Cheryl Zarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01147238309396820384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311171287486274024.post-43397164675650109302009-03-02T11:59:00.007-05:002009-03-12T10:35:39.574-04:00Career Myth - One True CallingToday I would like to use this post to dispel the common career myth that everyone has one true calling. The myth states that everyone has one career path that is right for them and that their interests, talents, skills and personality traits are an infallible guide that will point them to this calling.<br /><br />While this may be the case for some it is not for others. Take for example the person who as a child ate, drank and slept video games and as he grew fell in love with programming. He wrote his first game at the age of 15, acquired jobs with various gaming companies in his 20’s and now in his 40’s is programming more advanced games, is a guru to others and is still loving every minute of it. This is the way people believe the career life cycle is supposed to be.<br /><br />Now let me paint a different picture and see if you can relate. As a child he found interest in many things. He even took a few career tests hoping to find what he was meant to do. When he did choose an interest to pursue whether it was from the result of a test or one he was suddenly drawn to he was excited at first but soon lost interest, decided he made a mistake. He then explored yet another interest just to have the same thing happen again. Bouncing from job to job he really didn’t get much satisfaction out of any of them. Now in his 40’s he is still trying to figure out what he wants to be when he grows up. Is he lazy? Does he have a short attention span? Does he have a problem with commitment? While it is possible that some people are just plain lazy and others fear commitment; chances are he is simply trying to wear a stereotype that is not one size fits all.<br /><br />Well, I have a secret to share with you. There is more than one acceptable career model. The game programmer I mentioned earlier is a single-passion person while the second person is a multi-passion person. If you relate to the second scenario then you, my friend, are perfectly normal. You are simply wired to sample all that life has to offer guided by your ever-changing quest for knowledge and experience.<br /><br />Multi-passion people can hold their heads up high and live fulfilled lives enjoying every interest they desire to pursue and make a great living at it. If you happen to be such a person check back with Careers to Consider, I will delve down into the concept of a multi-passion personality and outline just how you can create the career you were meant to have in a series of posts called The Multi-Passion Career Path.Cheryl Zarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01147238309396820384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311171287486274024.post-17843213717100194822009-02-27T14:09:00.002-05:002009-02-27T14:13:03.165-05:00Professional OrganizerIs your closet organized by clothing type and color? Does it bother you to see “piles” of papers on table tops and counters? Do you have to fight the urge to “straighten up” clutter when you visit your family and friend’s home? Have you created little “systems” for organizing your home office? Well, I have some good news for you. You could have a very successful career as a professional organizer.<br /><br />Professional organizers help people not only with their home or office to get rid of the clutter and organize what is left, they can also help people to better organize their time. In a sense they help to gain back control over their lives. It is a fast growing industry since the number of those who were born without the “organizing gene” is quite large. <br /><br />The <a href="http://www.napo.net">National Association of Professional Organizers </a>, founded in 1985, is a group of over 4,000 professional organizers whose mission is to develop, lead and promote professional organizers and the organizing industry. They are dedicated to sharing information about the growing organizing industry. You can join their group and have access to discounts on educational events, volunteer and community outreach programs as well as networking opportunities and having your name listed in their directory of Professional Organizers.<br /><br />Should you become certified? While there is no state requirement for licensing in this particular field, it goes without saying that people in general feel more comfortable working with a certified professional. This doesn’t mean that you are not a phenomenal organizer and you would not succeed in this industry, all I am saying is that people are more likely to hire someone with credentials than someone without them. Certification can help if you are just starting out and do not have a long list of references. Another asset that training can provide is an array of tools and strategies at your disposal to truly customize organizing solutions to each client. What works for one client may not work for another. <br /><br />There are numerous training programs that you can take. One such distance learning program is offered by the <a href="http://www.professional-organizers.com">Professional Organizer Training Academy </a>established in 1995. While there are many programs out there to fit every budget in order to become certified my investigation takes me to the program developed by the National Association of Professional Organizers which is run through the <a href="http://www.certifiedprofessionalorganizers.org">Board of Certification for Professional Organizers</a>. <br /><br />So what does it take to be successful? You must have a passion for organizing, a strong set of people skills, the ability to teach new ideas to people, be organized in your own business practices and open to listen to your clients needs and then customize a solution that works for them. If you are shy in any one of these areas then training is definitely a road you want to explore. Like any other craft, organizing is an ongoing learning experience.<br /><br />Of course starting your own business requires registering with the state and obtaining insurance so you will need to look into your state requirements to become legal. I am sure as organized as you are this will not be an issue.Cheryl Zarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01147238309396820384noreply@blogger.com0