Career Tips Guides

The winter months have hit us and unless you live in Southern California, most people aren’t swimming in open-air pools any longer.

Until recent times, Indie Artists and the labels they set up for themselves had a hard time getting their music heard by anyone outside their own backyard pool of fans. With guerilla marketing finally becoming common practice and online music stores becoming a main stay for the music aficionado, record pools are now open for business to the general indie population.

What is a record pool? Basically, a record pool is a membership of DJ’s that act as an intermediary between DJ’s and the music makers. The power behind a record pool is that it can reach a mass, global market in lightening speed.

As of 2005, there are over 7000 DJ’s and industry professionals who are part of this digital revolution. In order for a DJ to belong to a record pool, they must pay a monthly association fee to obtain the latest and most current music.

Frequently this music is available to them before it becomes available to mainstream radio, and because of that, record pools quite often have more of an initial impact than the popular mainstream outlets.

The power radio programmers have over radio, clubs and street music is now handed over to the DJ’s who participate in the record pools, allowing them to have control over what they “break.”

So how can you get an invitation to swim in their pool? No invitations necessary, but you must have a good professional product that is available in digital format (although I did find one that accepted vinyl).

Some of the record pools now require that you have your own label, meaning that you don’t submit as your band name. That is easily done by setting up your own label (too much information to go into here, but you can find the information inside my book The Indie Guide to Music, Marketing and Money).

Once you have the business side taken care of, start searching the internet using the keywords, “record pool,” and then contact them to be certain that your style of music is part of their repertoire.

Don’t randomly send out your online or hard copy press kit to every record pool you find, just as you wouldn’t send your music to every station you discover. E.g., a country record pool isn’t interested in acid rock and a classical record pool won’t be interested in spinning a blue grass tune. Then begin to submit your CDs using the contact information you acquired. Do you homework and beware of companies that don’t post charts or may be music collectors.

Here are a few record pools I found on the web:

http://www.americanrecordpool.com (they represent an assortment of music, including R&B, Hip-Hop and Dance.)
http://www.keystonespinners.com (they represent Hip Hop, Latin, World and Jazz)
http://www.recordpools.com (they represent Dance, Hip Hop, and Latin)

The time for indie artists is upon us, but you better take advantage of record pools now, before someone puts a “no swimming without a lifeguard” sign out. Copyright 2006

Jaci Rae is a #1 Best Selling author of The Indie Guide to Music, Marketing and Money and Winning Points with the Woman in Your Life One Touchdown at a Time. Book Jaci for your next show: and hit contact button for her publicist.

Continuing education serves as a conduit in obtaining a post-baccalaureate degree in any profession. This serves as a passport to acquire different job positions with higher salary grades. Not only you have your diploma to certify that you have satisfactorily completed the requirements for that program, but also you will be informed of the latest developments in your current field. Moreover, the continuing education program is now served online. You need not to visit the main office of the school or university that you want to enrol-just a click of your mouse and presto! You can now gain access to the different courses and programs that you need.

About Nursing Continuing Education

Nursing continuing education is one of the frequently-taken programs among the different professions. Universities and institutions offering such post-baccalaureate degree for registered nurses do have a website in the Internet to facilitate enrolment of students who are planning to study such programs. Its primary goals are the following:

Job pages in newspapers and on jobsites clear doubts in anyone’s mind about Six Sigma career opportunities. As companies place emphasis on quality and cost management with process improvement being the underlying foundation, Six Sigma is coming to the forefront because of its overall applicability in a business environment. With it comes an upswing in the demand for Six Sigma professionals.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities are on the rise in the Six Sigma sector at various capacities. For experienced professionals, launching their own venture can also be very lucrative. However, job opportunities probably exist within your organization as well as outside of it.

Within Your Organization

You can enhance your career within your own organization as a black belt or a green belt in Six Sigma discipline by appropriate Six Sigma training. Organizations that decide on Six Sigma implementation usually hire a professional in consultative capacities for initiation. They will not be playing decision-making roles for strategic reasons. Upper management obviously prefers to use its own employees at all levels beginning with green belts at execution levels, black belts at problem solving levels and master black belts at the highest levels.

Outside Your Organization

A keyword search for “Six Sigma” in any of the popular job portals reveal the number of available jobs and related information like the level of employment, salary etc. Both freshly trained as well as experienced black belts are in demand; however, the ratio seems to be slightly skewed in favor of those having implemented at least one or two projects. Certain companies place more weight on prior work experience in a relevant field even with freshly trained candidates.

Another interesting statistic is that black belts are in a rather higher demand than green belt Six Sigma professionals. This is obvious from the fact that, as green belts form the lower rungs of implementation program, they have the obligation of having to divide their time to their routine work as well. It is normal practice to identify people from within the organization for this position.

Six Sigma Training

One unfortunate thing about Six Sigma training is that the methodology is not universal and not standardized. Because of this, there is an inconsistency in teaching, subject material etc. It is important for organizations to confirm through references, employment bureaus/counselors and future employers who recognizes which institute. The fees are another major cause of concern for many candidates.

Many corporations have in-house training facilities for their employees. Candidates may need to undergo Six Sigma training as a condition their continued employment. Some professionals see this as detrimental to their career prospects due to the heavy workload involved.

Aptitude Of A Six Sigma Professional

Black and Green Belt candidates must have open minds and strong analytical abilities. They must possess the ability to question all things with a view to making a core contribution. Above all, self-confidence and a high degree of motivation are necessary. Black belts need to focus more on the analytical and problem-solving aspects and dedicate 100% of their time to the implementation. Green belts can’t dedicate 100% of their time, as they have to also focus on their routine responsibilities within the organization. What is expected of them is studiousness, flexibility, understanding of statistical tools and interpersonal skills.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution’s Six Sigma Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

If you’re looking for a better job, then sales professionals might be your best guides to that better job. The same strategies that help them sell product can help you land the job of your dreams!
Make no mistake: when you are looking for that better job, you are selling yourself, and your prospective employer is the one who has to buy the idea that you are “the One.” There is nothing demeaning about having someone “buy” the concept that your time on the job and your labor should be chosen above all the others.

So, we should ask ourselves, “What kind of information does my employer need in order to understand that I am the person he should hire for the job?” Once you answer that question, everything else falls into place for you to get that job.

Many people suppose that they have provided all the necessary information for that better job when they completed a resume or filled out a job application. Well, nothing could be further from the truth. Most resumes look alike, and a standard application can often prevent the most important information about getting you that better job from getting through. You must be prepared to “sell yourself” in those two places where standardization can’t reach: the cover letter, and the job interview.

SUBHEAD 2: Sell Benefits; Not Features.

COPY 2: Gary Thompson is a professional sales trainer for U.S. Foods, the second largest broad line food supply firm in the nation. When Gary talks about “features and benefits” to new sales personnel, he has an interesting way of explaining what’s really important to the buyer - or, in your case, the employer who is offering you the job.

“Suppose you have a metal body, variable speed, reversible electric drill with no-key chuck and a half-horse motor,” he asks a class. “What’s the benefit to the you?”
Immediately, people start to volunteer very sensible answers: “The no-key chuck, because it’s convenient!” “The reverse feature, so you can use it as a screwdriver, too.”
“The powerful motor, because it can do the job with less strain; longer tool life.”
Then, from somewhere in the back of the room, a voice says, “Holes.”
“Right!” says Gary. “The benefit is the hole you need in the wall or the wood. The benefit of the drill may result from the features, like reversibility and power, but the benefit is the thing you want. Mention features; sell benefits.”

The same may be said for job seekers. Too often, they want to sell the features of the product they have become: education, experience on the job, or personality. Those things are good to know - perhaps even essential. But the benefit is the thing that will make a difference to the employer who has the job opening. What does he or she want or need in that job in order to reach his or her business goals? That’s what we should be selling.

SUBHEAD 3: You Are the Benefit; Now, Tell Me Why

When the employer reads the cover letter, he should read about the benefit you bring to the job and to his business. Is it your ability to grow your skill along with his business? Is it your desire to succeed in that better job that will overcome barriers to achievement? What is it about you that makes you a good investment for this job?

“There are three ways the customer can benefit from the job,” says Gary Thompson. “Time, money and quality of life.”
So, the new employee should be able to demonstrate how he can save time for the company on the job, or make money, or do the job in such a way that the employer’s quality of life improves.
Savings of time and money on the job are often associated with skill and experience, but can also come from an aggressive attitude. Quality of life can result from a pleasant disposition on the job, or a sense of dependability. That’s right: just by proving that you will show up and do the job with regularity and dependability can make an employer much happier with the world. If she doesn’t have to worry about whether the staff will be on the job, or whether instructions will be followed while on the job, her life will be much, much better.

So, ask yourself: what is the benefit that you can offer an employer while doing the job? But, first, ask yourself what benefit that employer wants most from those who work on the job in the company. If you find a match between the company’s needs and your job abilities, then be darn sure that the benefit is communicated clearly and repeatedly.

Good luck!

Dewitt Shotts is the Founder of Marketing Solutions, Inc. which serves the proprietary school industry as a full service company for television, media buying, direct mail and hosts the site College & Career Source.

Getting into college is one thing; finding the right major is quite another and, in some ways, just as important. Modern college students seem to change their career choices (the major) several times before they finally pick one and hang with it long enough to graduate.

So, there is no reason to be concerned or alarmed if you can’t find the “perfect major” in your first semester. You have time, but too much time can be expensive and wasteful. The sooner you get on the right track, the sooner you will graduate and embark on your career.

Let’s look at some of the considerations — beyond your interests, past successes and apparent talents — which should be your focus as you evaluate your options. There is a wide variety of options from basic computer training, to a career as a paralegal, a degree in business administration or massage therapy training. The successful search for a major will require research and serious self-evaluation, but the major that fits your lifestyle and your goals is out there, waiting for you.

First, let’s consider what interests you the most. Is it money? Then some field that pays well will probably get your attention. Many students consider a pharmacy degree or a degree in psychology to be a better career path for a money consideration. But you may find that money is no substitute for other things in life: leisure time, challenge, travel, or family. The quest for money may actually frustrate your search for the things that please you most, or the things that give your life a fulfilling meaning. You have to pretty honest with yourself.

Second, you should be practical in your choice of major. Ask yourself, “Why did I decide to go to college in the first place?” Then, plan your course of study accordingly. If you are interested in acquiring knowledge and experience, then you may follow your primary interests into any field that attracts you. A number of students are interested in helping people so they become a dental hygienist, choose a career in criminal justice or a physical therapy degree. A college degree, no matter what the subject, can open many doors with many different labels.

If you enjoy reading and writing, getting a degree in English might be a logical choice for you. You may want to be a educator and elect to become a teacher . English majors, however, may find the job market very tight and somewhat unappealing — not as lucrative as a degree in business or computer science.

Third, if you are unsure about your interests or your true aptitudes, then you’re in very good company. Students are often discouraged from choosing a career plan early in life because the “possibilities are endless.” While that’s true, it is also true that time and money is not inexhaustible. So, your college experience can be a laboratory in which you experience many different subjects and practices. Chances are that the people who interest you most are involved in the fields that will interest you most, too. Keep your eyes open and your choices flexible, but not postpone your decision forever.

Finally, no matter what your choice, remember that you can always change your mind. Modern research tells us that most professionals will change the companies for whom they work several times. In fact, today’s college graduate may expect to change careers more than once, as technology, society and economies evolve.

Don’t worry about the competitive edge: today’s graduates share the same disadvantage when it comes to employability; they need experience. You can use your college days to get valuable experience in part-time work, internships, cooperative education, and study abroad opportunities. Each of these activities could be the key to finding the career path that interest and excites you the most.

You’ll get second chances, of course. If you attend graduate school, for instance, your career may take a completely different direction. For the moment, your objective should be to learn as much as possible about your world and yourself. Although, it is never too early to consider best graduate schools that are available in your chosen field of study. Once you graduate, the world will get more complex, and the price tag for study and learning will go up.

Now is the best time to try as much as you can without wandering aimlessly toward the unknown future. The odds are that your trip will not end exactly as you imagine, but traveling with confidence and an open mind will help you find pleasant traveling companions and take to you interesting places. Bon Voyage!

Dewitt Shotts is the Founder of Marketing Solutions, Inc. which serves the proprietary school industry as a full service company for television, media buying, direct mail and hosts the site College & Career Source.

The Webster dictionary describes a manager as ’someone who handles or directs with a degree of skill’. But this definition is not rigid as are the responsibilities. Alternatively, you can think of a manager as someone who controls resources and expenditures. A manager has 4 basic roles to play in such areas as planning, organizing, directing or leading and supervising. Is this all that it takes to become a manager? Unfortunately not; you have to be answerable for failures while credit may not be given to you for successes (unless you are the owner). To understand how to prepare for management responsibilities, let’s look first at desirable managerial characteristics:

Attributes Of An Outstanding Manager

An outstanding manager is respected by both his peers and upper management. He is respected because he possesses qualities which others wish to have.

1. Manager Is A Task Maker: A manager sets realistic targets achievable through hard work and breaks them up to share them among the team members.

2. Industrious In Nature: Typically characterized by a hard working nature and perseverance to work meticulously to promote goals.

3. Approachable: He is a vivid listener and is easily comprehendible. Available for discussions and is eager to help solve matters.

4. Respectful: It is perhaps for this character that he inspires respect from teammates. He never disrespects an individual nor does he demand the impossible. He has a perfect judgment of individual capabilities, so he acknowledges difficulties and frustrations.

5. He Is Charismatic And Cheerful: Positive in outlook and bubbly in nature.

6. Never-Say-Die Attitude: Above all else, this character self-motivates the manager. It keeps him spontaneous and resourceful.

How To Prepare For Management Responsibilities

At the core, a manager has two responsibilities. Overseeing the day-to-day activities and leading the team or organization to next level. Preparing for both of these necessitates certain carefully cultivated habits.

Dealing With Day-To-Day Activities:

The first thing to understand is that, come what may, daily activities can’t be ignored. Even if there are bigger and better plans, what makes the wheel run is daily activities. Cultivate habits like following routines; ask about problems being faced by workers, don’t be impatient and lose your temper, ask how you can help them finish their tasks, etc. Unless you master the daily grind, a manager can quickly find himself behind.

Leading The Team:

Taking Things With A Grain Of Salt: It might feel like you are being weighed down by the workload. But you can’t just wish it away. Learn to be judicious and willing to take calculated risks. You should not differentiate workers on personal levels but must be aware of the abilities of each one. Solving problems and disputes instantaneously, not only saves the day for you but wins confidence from everyone.

Putting Your Experience To Use: Develop analytical abilities. This helps you to both envision plans and put them into concrete steps. Draw from past experiences, wherever necessary. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and accept suggestions. Generate ideas by brainstorming with colleagues.

Goal Setting: Although you are managing daily activities, your main goal is organizational growth and with it, your own personal growth. You should dream big, but also set realistic goals based on assessments of scalability, need and cost factors etc.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution’s Six Sigma Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.