Alexandra Levits Water Cooler Wisdom BYOD Pitfalls You Must Avoid

Alexandra Levit's Water Cooler Wisdom BYOD Pitfalls You Must Avoid As tablets andwearable devicesbecome more prolific, it looks like theBYOD(bring your own device) phenomenon is here to stay. To learn what executives and managers should be doing to keep their organizations safe and streamlined, I connected with Bill Carey ofSiber Systems(creators of BYOD apps RoboForm and Goodsync) to share the most common danger zones and their solutions. Danger Zone: All apps welcome Allowing your employees to download whatever they want leaves your enterprise vulnerable to viruses as well as data storage and productivity issues. Createyour own “app store”so employees know what’s available (and not available) to them. If you are going to allow certain non work-related apps on BYOD devices, establish boundaries so employees cannot access those apps on your network. And while we’re on the subject of employee choice, you can give them the freedom to select their own devices â€" within limits. The last thing you need is a jail-broken iPhone crawling around your network. Danger Zone: All hands on or all hands off Employees dislike location tracking, or for employers to know too much about their exact activities and whereabouts. But leaving employees to their own devices (forgive the pun) is not an option if you want to properly protect confidential company information. The answer? You must find a happy medium that allows regular monitoring of employee access while preserving some semblance of their privacy. Talk with your colleagues at similar organizations practicing BYOD to gain insights into workable policies. For more danger zones, have a look at the full post at Intuits Fast Track blog.

5 Things to Know About Graduate Accounting Jobs

5 Things to Know About Graduate Accounting Jobs If you’re looking for a graduate job in accounting, with over 300,000 students graduating from British universities every year, you can rest assured that you are not alone. Accountancy is more than dealing with numbers and as a graduate looking for a job in accounting, you need to see the bigger picture, so with this in mind, here are 5 things you should know about graduate accounting jobs: 1) There are three paths that you can take as a graduate accountancy trainee The most common route is to train within large accounting firms that provide consultancy services with clients. However, if securing a chance in these large companies becomes a challenge, you can train within smaller firms. Another path is to train within the finance department of a commercial business or a public sector organisation. All of these options are available to you so think carefully about which path you’d like to take and have a backup plan in case you’re unable to take the first route. 2) You’ll gain more qualifications One good thing about a graduate job in accounting is the training on offer, as it puts you in a good position for the rest of your career, and the best part is that this training is totally funded by the company. However, it is important to note that the qualification you study for will largely depend on the area you want to work in as well as the organisation you are training with. For instance, if you are working in an accountancy firm, you will most likely study ACCA or ACA. Similarly, if you have interest in management accounting, you will study CIMA. 3) Entry to the accounting profession is quite stringent While bigger firms will require at least a 2:1, this does not change the fact that experience is crucial for any aspiring accountant. Whether you’ve gained experience through working in a high street firm, a small accounts department in a small business or one of the big four all experience, provided it is relevant, have a role to play as far as getting your first accountancy job is concerned. If you don’t have any experience currently, then there are entry level positions available that you can go for, but the likelihood is you’ll be earning less than those with some prior experience. 4) You need to learn how to relate with different people and businesses The ability to communicate is imperative when you’re working in accounting, and the better you are able to communicate with clients, the more in demand you will be. Showing you’ve experience of communicating with people on all levels, whether through volunteer work, a part time customer facing job, or as a contributing member of an organisation within your university will stand you in good stead when it comes to getting a trainee role. 5) It’s not all number crunching in the office You will spend a lot of time away from home if you find an audit job, and this will call for a lot of meetings and interactions with clients, usually at their premises (for larger clients at least). The opportunity to get out of the office and meet clients face to face is a good thing, as it broadens your experience and teaches you how to communicate at a corporate level, but if this scares you, the good news is that tax activities are more office-based. Therefore it’s imperative to choose to apply for roles that you’re most comfortable with. In reality, getting a graduate accounting job isn’t always easy, but once you have a foot in the door, it can lead to a stable, long term career. Author:  priorityplacements.ie  â€" leading Irish recruitment consultancy, specialising in providing opportunities in the accountancy and financial services sector.

Karma and Your Brand Reputation - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Karma and Your Brand Reputation - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Anything that is posted online can always come back to haunt you in the future. Im starting to see bloggers who feel that they can become more successful when they taunt and bully others in a public setting. These individuals, whom I wont name, can justify their blog posts based on facts uncovered online. The problem is that they dont consider how perception and brand reputation work in the online world. When you attack someone else, even if they deserve it, your visitors will have a different view of who you are as a person, and a brand. Almost every time that you make a private situation visible to the world, it makes you look bad. Think before you publish two examples I want to keep these two examples anonymous on this blog, but if youre really interested in knowing which company and blogger Im referring to, you can google each quote. I wont link back to these posts because I dont want to draw too much attention to them and increase their standing in search engines. 1. The spam agency In this example, the blogger has resorted to embarrassing this company because of reoccurring spam emails. Instead of setting up a email policy to automatically delete the messages or place them in a spam folder, he has exposed private matters to the public in a malicious fashion. The bloggers is probably a very nice person, with a big heart, but his post sends a negative message to both his community and to outsiders whose first brand interaction was this post. He indirectly states that if you spam him, you will also receive negative press on his blog. It comes off as a threat, whether he meant to or not. If he does it once, why wouldnt he do it again? Whats worse is that hes not only hurting this companys reputation, but hes pushing his followers to support him. He also exposes email addresses, which opens this situation up to personal attacks. I tried to warn them, but apparently they didn’t believe me when I said that I would call them out. So, I officially start my boycott today, of PR_Agency until they vow to change their ways.   Don’t hire them.   And PLEASE link, share and retweet this post, so that when folks search for “PR_Agency,” the Google gods rank this post highly. If anyone has a lot of time on their hands and wants to email my friends at PR_Agency, here are their email addresses: first.last@pragency.com. 2. The plagiarizer Sometimes people just dont know any better and try and take the easy way out. In this instance, one blogger copied material from other bloggers, without citing their name, and a link back to their site. Any blogger would be upset if their content was stolen, but please remember that you cant be successful by copying someone else. This blogger should have emailed the plagiarizer instead of publishing a post, which attracted much more unnecessary attention. The bloggers goals were twofold: stop the plagiarizer from continuing to re-post and to teach him a lesson. Whats worse is that other people started latching onto this story, including one of my friends, who I had to tell to not write about the incident. Why spread this negative energy, when you can make it a private matter, correct it, and help him improve. Im sure the plagiarizer didnt understand the rules of social media, so tell him! Also, the blogger not only used the plagiarizers name, but his picture, which makes this even worse. You see, Michael doesn’t actually write his own material â€" he steals it from other people. Michael, I understand that this is the one  post that you will not want to steal and re-publish â€" copyright violation is serious stuff, so please do get in touch with me before my lawyers get in touch with you. This is an early appeal; the later ones will be far less polite â€" you know it makes sense! Public versus private The common theme between these two examples is that you need to choose when to communicate publicly versus privately. If the situation is personal (you have an issue with someone else), then send an email explaining your view of the situation and a solution, without getting too emotional. If youre rating a product online, then you should be an honest critic, and it wont hurt your brand if you publish your review. When it comes to rating, grading, or forming public opinions of other people, you have to have good etiquette. Honesty versus arrogance If you read some of the comments on these two blogs, youll notice that people are thankful and are more trusting of the bloggers. Theres a fine line between being honest with your followers, and being arrogant and malicious. Youre better off focusing on the positive than the negative because what goes around comes around. Youd be surprised how few people will trust someone who exposes a private matter on their blog. If the PR agency is really bad, then they will eventually go out of business. The plagiarizer wont end up receiving attention because hes not delivering unique content, which is required for social media success. Your turn How would you handle these situations differently? Would you be tempted to blog about them or send a private email?

5 Questions to Ask Before You Launch Your Info Product - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

5 Questions to Ask Before You Launch Your Info Product - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Although theres still value  in education via hard copy, tons of digital nomads are on the hunt  for quick answers. Theres an opportunity to capitalize on this trend, by using the sale of information products. The following questions will help you triple check your product creation, and  profit from  this opportunity. Does this product accurately represent my brand? You dont ever want to release a product that doesnt support your overall brand message. For example, lets say you own a social media marketing firm. Should you bother releasing info products about data analysis? Probably not. Stick with what you know. Dont try to be a one stop info shop. It will dilute your brand message and confuse your digital footprint. Does this product meet consumer expectations? Are you marketing your info product as a kit, but then when its actually downloaded, its just a series of 3 videos? Dont mislead your customers with an inaccurate product description. Make sure they know exactly what it is theyre paying for. Even if the content is good, a misrepresentation can discourage any chance of turning a one time sale into a  repeat customer. Is the amount of value provided equivalent to the amount of money spent? So lets say youre charging upwards of $300 for a step by step 200 page guide on  how to build a membership platform. Now, if this guide only copy and pastes different articles from other industry leaders, is it really worth $300? If this information can easily be found online, you shouldnt be charging an arm and a leg for content regurgitation. Did I consult top experts in this  area of knowledge? If not, does my information  accurately compliment  the thought patterns of industry leaders?   Did you milk the industry for all it was worth? For example, lets say youre releasing an info product on content marketing. Did you consult with well respected  thought leaders? If not, are you yourself an expert on this topic? It never hurts to cause a little controversy by choosing an unpopular stance, but just make sure your point of view  doesnt make you look like a fool. You dont necessarily need to mimic top leaders, but you also need to build authority by acknowledging their perspective. Am I maxing out my promotional channels? If youre hoping to attract millennial purchasers, you could  potentially promote your info via Facebook and text marketing.  Now, if youre hoping to attract seasoned white collar professionals, head over to LinkedIn. No matter what, dont sell yourself short. Dont  use an outdated or irrelevant promotional channel, as this will shortchange your product selling potential. Before you even start assembling your content, know your customer and what marketing channels they prefer. I personally suggest tapping into the info  product industry. Your products dont have to revolve around marketing, branding, or even business. Ask yourself: what am I passionate about? What do I consider myself an expert in? And then  start developing content based on that answer.

Writing Resume in Latex

Writing Resume in LatexWriting resume in latex is the right way to get your career started on the right track. Even though there are other resume forms out there, this one is considered to be one of the best. By using this professional resume form, you will be able to land your dream job. It's very easy to use and it can save you a lot of time.Resume in latex has been specially designed for ease of use. It is the easiest and fastest way to create a resume. Aside from the fact that it can help you land a great job, you also have the option to customize it to make it unique.You can customize the resume by selecting a different type of resume in latex. In addition, you can choose the font and colors that will suit your personality. After selecting the appropriate colors and font, you can start creating your resume.To achieve the desired results, latex is necessary. Since you're already using it, you can just use the software that is compatible with it. The only thing you need to do is p repare a resume. This is easy and it's the perfect solution to help you get the job you want.It is easy to use since you can customize your resume easily. Once you decide to customize it, you can then write down your skill set or what you bring to the company as well as the responsibilities you would carry out for the company. It is important to add the information you wish to have since you might be leaving something out in the job application.You need to also give importance to the job title. You can't leave this part out because it is a major factor in determining your work place. When it comes to the information you would like to add, you can choose from a number of them depending on the particular requirements of the company. This is why it is important to give your honest input on your resume.You need to make sure that you're choosing the kind of resume that will help you land a great job. You need to read a number of reviews of this resume template. There are several websites that offer various reviews on various resume templates so you can make sure that the resume in latex is one that is reliable and one that will serve its purpose effectively.Resume in latex can be the best thing that you could ever do to start on the right track. If you are serious about landing a job, this may be the solution to get it done. So now that you know about this fantastic resume template, don't waste any more time and get your career started.

3 Expert Tips to Empower and Reinvent Your Career

3 Expert Tips to Empower and Reinvent Your Career Empower Yourself Through Your Skills If you want to move up in an increasingly competitive workforce, you may need to up your skills. Many employees are beginning to find themselves without opportunities for career advancement â€" left behind by evolving trends and suddenly placed in “career limbo.” Those without the ability to move ahead in seeking professional development from employers and higher education to update their skills are getting left behind. And there is a notable disconnect between the skill sets employers expect and the professional development opportunities they actually make available to employees. In a recent University of Phoenix School of Business survey on professional development1, 94 percent of hiring managers say that upskilling and training is critical to the organization’s success. Yet, nearly one in three employees say they do nothing to supplement or update their skills. Recently, I spoke with Ruth Veloria, executive dean of the School of Business at the University of Phoenix to for her perspective on the factors driving these skills gaps. “The biggest issue I hear from employees in the workplace is that they need additional innovative and creative skills in order to enhance their career, especially in IT and business fields,” she said. “Higher education needs to be prepared to arm individuals with the updated skills they need to confidently reinvent themselves and their careers.” More than a third of employees say they aren’t confident in their employer’s professional development programs. For many, higher education programs can help fill the gap. “Employees must take control of their careers, think about areas where they want to grow and develop,” Veloria said. “Find bite-sized education â€" it could be a boot camp in tech skills or a digital marketing course â€" focus on the skills employers are looking for today to prepare you for your career tomorrow.” The employee survey was conducted online nationwide by Harris Poll on behalf of the University of Phoenix among adults aged 18 and older who work full-time in a company with 10 employees or more. The employer survey was conducted among those who work full-time in HR or senior leadership roles with hiring decision making responsibilities. As a result of this research, Veloria offers three steps to help employees find opportunities to gain the skills and confidence they need to reinvent and empower their career: Encourage dialogue As an employee, you can’t be timid about talking to employers about their upskilling needs; both sides need to communicate what they need from each other. Until the issue is raised, employers may not know that career development is something their employees are interested in or willing to invest time into. Take the initiative to talk to your employer about career development opportunities. Help create the culture you want to see Your feedback is essential for your employer and the strength of your company overall. Promote your ideas during regular meetings and encourage your employer to foster an empowering environment where everyone’s voice has a chance to be heard and acted upon. Explore all the resources available to you Don’t just accept what’s immediately in front of you, look outside your organization for upskilling and professional development. Higher education and institutions like the University of Phoenix provide career-relevant education that helps employees and entrepreneurs learn the skills they need to reinvent themselves, advance in their careers or start new careers. To move ahead in today’s workplace, employees need to push the conversation about skills expectations with their employers. They need to take initiative and talk to their employers and organizations about how to update their skills and empower their career. Look to higher education as an option to learn the skills you need to thrive in order to reinvent yourself and your career. Join Dana Manciagli’s Job Search Master Class right now and immediately access the most comprehensive job search system currently available! 1 The employee survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of the University of Phoenix between Sept. 26 â€" Oct. 17, 2016, among 2,057 U.S. adults aged 18 and older, who work full-time in a company with 10 employees or more. The employer survey was conducted between Sept. 26 â€" Oct. 11, 2016, among 1,005 U.S. adults aged 18 and older, who work full-time in a company with 10 employees in HR or a senior leadership role with hiring decision making responsibilities.

5 tips for breaking through the glass ceiling

5 tips for breaking through the glass ceiling 5 tips for breaking through the glass ceiling Getting promoted and moving up the corporate ladder is no easy task. But for women, it may be even more difficult. According to a new study conducted by LeanIn.Org andMcKinsey Co., women are 15 percent less likely to score a promotion at work. To take control of your career and beat the odds, pay attention to these lessons from fearless CEO Gigi Stetler. She has become a successful female entrepreneur and a game-changing businesswoman in the male-dominated industry of RV Sales. Like many other women in the world of work, Stetler has been faced with incredible challenges and obstacles. During her first corporate meeting, she was told to “go home and bake cookies.” Instead, she went home and made millions. Here she offers her key advice for shattering the dreaded glass ceiling. Be prepared to change course, but don’t give up on success. This may seem simple, but Stetler credits her relentless attitude for her current success. After taking over four RV dealerships in the 1980s, her thriving business came to a screeching halt in 2008. In the midst of the recession, banks tightened their lending practices, creating a trickledown effect that had a devastating impact on the RV trade. Rather than declaring bankruptcy, Stetler came up with a new plan of action. She re-established a successful RV dealership business by reinventing it and expanding into new profit centers. Today, despite the economic recessions enduring impact on the RV industry, her company is growing yet again. In a corporate environment, you may be forced to veer off track, but that doesn’t mean you cannot achieve your goals. Get over fear of failure. If you’re afraid to fail, you are creating a debilitating hurdle that can hinder success. According to Stetler, there is a correlation between fear of failure and laziness. Fear is sometimes an excuse to simply not work hard â€" which she defines as lazy. Identify what’s holding you back and be honest. Then get on with it. Focus on the impending outcome rather than the original tragedy. For Stetler, that has been her true grit in life. Early on in her career, her trusted father-figure mentor betrayed her, and on top of that, she was attacked, stabbed, and left for dead in her own apartment. Not only did Stetler live to tell the tale, but she also carved out a niche as a successful female entrepreneur. She may not have been able to trust others, but she knew she could always trust herself. Don’t work to earn. Work to learn. Passion is a key element when it comes to succeeding in business. While making money is important, your mentality should always be to focus on growth and development. Stetler may have failed at some business ventures financially, but she learned the inner workings of the industry and was able to move forward to achieve ultimate success. Don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone. If you want to continue to grow professionally, get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Whether you are searching for untapped areas of opportunity or taking on a new role at work, it is essential for true success. For example, instead of relying solely on RV sales, Stetler began examining new sources of revenue, including an RV rental business, in-house interior design team, and customized RVs for every industry â€" including mobile hair salons, boutiques, and even chiropractor’s offices. Her business competitors refused to leave their comfort zones, and she achieved market dominance. Stetler has had a tumultuous journey, but she has learned that it doesn’t matter how many times you get knocked down; it just matters that you are prepared to get back up. She says the only thing separating success from failure is the ability to dust yourself off and keep going. When people suffer personal tragedies or lose their jobs or businesses, they often feel defeated and want to quit on their dreams. But this is the wrong approach to take. Dont give up, dont give in. Just get back up and start rebuilding your life as quickly as possible.