Friday, December 27, 2019

Lessons learned selling on eBay that made me a successful entrepreneur

Lessons learned selling on eBay that made me a successful entrepreneurLessons learned selling on eBay that made me a successful entrepreneurI welches enthralled when the first The Fast and The Furious film came out. Like most boys my age, I got excited about the idea of modifying engines and tricking out cars. I was gearing up to get my learners permit and ready to hit the roads. As I sat in school, all I could think about was cars, cars, cars.But I was also a budding entrepreneur. At the time, eBay was still pretty new, so there werent too many businesses in the marketplace. I wondered if I could unite my passion for cars with my desire to make money. After identifying a market interested in the aftermarket auto space, I purchased inventory, listed it on eBay, and began selling.Let me tell you, it was a rocky road.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreThe lessons about entrepreneursh ip I learned selling aftermarket car parts as a teenager have stuck with me to this day.Heres what I discovered during this first business venture1. Nurture your ideas and commit to them.Theres a big advantage to starting anything early, and countless entrepreneurs will tell you stories about how their first foray into the business world was running a lemonade stand as a kid.Growing up, I was more into baseball cards than beverages. But I definitely had an interest in buying and selling. I remember constantly thinking about how I could trade certain cards to grow my collection.Once I started my eBay business, I went all in.I didnt know if it was the best idea, but I thought it might just work. And as a teenager living at home with my parents, I knew I had nothing to lose no bills to pay, no family to support. Because I dove right in, I was one of the earliest sellers in the erreichbar marketplace.I made what I perceived to be a lot of money at the time- and eventually sold my compan y.But what was more valuable than my earnings was the lesson that by getting into an entrepreneurial mindset early, I was better able to identify potential markets, distinguish between good and bad ideas, and follow through on my ideas.2. Listen to your customers.Today, it seems obvious that customer feedback is essential to growing any business.Yet, in the early days of eBay, everyone was too busy navigating the fundamentals of how to buy and sell online to focus on a customers input. To stand out, I made it my priority to get positive feedback from buyers- and this commitment to customer service paid off.Nowadays, customer satisfaction is still paramount to any online company. After all, earning great reviews on eBay is no different than getting positive reviews on a platform like Yelp or Airbnb.In the end, your success or failure comes down to your customers.3. Understand that success breeds a cycle of confidence.Once youre consistently making abverkauf and getting positive custo mer feedback, everything changes. You feel increasingly confident and want to strive for more.No matter what youre selling, you have to be focused on why youre doing it. Even though I was excited about the profit from selling in the aftermarket auto space, I only focused on that space because I thought cars were cool. But once the money began rolling in, I became more assured of myself and my ability to increase both sales and profit.Every success empowers you to strive for the next step, the next opportunity, the next big thing.4. Know some things are out of your control- and some arent.Early on, I realized things dont always go according to plan.My favorite quote is Life doesnt happen to you, it happens for you. I truly believe that nothing is thrown at us that we cant handle.In my early days, I knew an entrepreneur who spent three months dealing with a client who didnt pay for one months worth of work- and he never recovered his money. But rather than making countless calls and f eeling aggravated, he could have spent that energy finding new clients who would pay.Instead of writing it off as a sunk cost and moving on with his business, he fought an uphill battle that eventually led to nothing. Of course, thats not to say that there isnt a time and place to pursue unpaid debts depending on the situation.Whether your shipment gets lost, you face a legal dispute, or you lose a business partner, problems are inevitable. Knowing how to cut your losses, especially when somethings out of your control, is essential for prolonged success as an entrepreneur.5. Realize the basic lessons of entrepreneurship dont change.Fundamental business principles hold true over time, which is why I still can apply what I learned almost two decades ago to my work today.Figuring out how to get visitors to my eBay site was not much different from driving online traffic to a website. Instead of selling in the auto space, I came to realize I could build a website with ads on it, or sell other peoples products. I got into the advertising space, and all my experiences with generating online traffic led me to where I am today with multiple business ventures and almost two decades of experience with marketing and branding.Selling in the aftermarket auto space on eBay wasnt the most glamorous entry into the business world, but truthfully, it doesnt matter where you start. The wisdom youll gain from running your first company will stay with you in your entrepreneurial toolbox, always there for you to tinker with your next idea.This article originally appeared on Crunchbase.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Sunday, December 22, 2019

The Dos and Donts of Working With Recruiters

The Dos and Donts of Working With RecruitersThe Dos and Donts of Working With RecruitersThe Dos and Donts of Working With RecruitersIn order to work effectively with a recruiter, you need to know how to communicate with them.Many job seekers discuss networking as being a critical component to a successful job search. While the majority recognizes the importance of building the right relationships, few know how to establish a rapport with a key group headhunters. The ability to form ongoing relationships with influential recruiters can prove more critical to your career success than any other networking outlet. In order to influence a headhunter, you must know how to interact with them. Working with recruiters can have a wide variety of benefits.To assist you, weve listed important communication dos and donts of working with a recruiter. Understanding the importance of recruiter relationships.Why is it so beneficial to learn how to speak with executive search professionals and work wi th recruiters effectively? Over time, alliances with the right staffing agents can aid you in several different ways. Competent recruiters can do the followingOpen up additional job opportunities you didnt know about.Provide key insight into the job market.Help negotiate higher compensation packages.Provide critical resume and job-search advice.The dos and donts of recruiter communication.Since your goal is to have lasting relationships with headhunters, its imperative to understand how to work with recruiters effectively and communicate well. Here is what you should be doingDo clearly convey your career goals.Often, job seekers complain about being pressured to interview for jobs that they are notlagelage interested in nor qualified for. This results in them making a bad impression during the interview which, in turn, hurts their ongoing relationship with that recruiting agent.However, you can prevent this by clearly conveying your professional goals to the recruiter. When a headhu nter knows exactly what youre looking for, they can more accurately make career suggestions without putting you in an awkward spot. If you are approached for a job you are not interested in, its best that you politely decline, thank the recruiter for their consideration, and tell them what interests you.RelatedPersonal Branding is Critical to Your Careers Future. Heres WhyDont be indecisive.Dont interview just to get in the recruiters good graces. Doing so will not strengthen the relationship, and will ultimately come back to hurt you. Whether you interview well and dont accept a job, or dont receive an offer, its a lose-lose situation.Do allow the recruiter to call the shots.One of the best ways to get on the good side of a recruiter is to simply allow them to do their job. On occasion, job applicants have trouble not being in control of the hiring process. Anxiousness forces them to take certain actions which can be perceived as stepping on the toes of the recruiter.For instance, when working with a recruiter, its in your best interest to ask them permission (as well as their opinion), or keep them in the loop with any client contact. This includes sending thank you notes to interviewers with the individual ccd, all the way to negotiating salary through the headhunter unless directed otherwise. The rule of thumb is if you dont know the way a staffing professional likes to work, its best to ask. Inquiring about their preferences and being compliant with those requests builds trust and fosters long-term relationships.Do remain cordial and professional even if you do not get the job.Another great way to get into a recruiters good graces is to be gracious upon losing an offer. Sometimes, applicants will bad mouth the hiring manager which makes them look petty and unprofessional. This is not to mention that they are talking poorly about the recruiters clients. How you behave when things dont go your way is just as important as how you behave when they do.By thank ing the recruiter for their time and informing them youd be interested in anything similar that comes along leaves the door open to you working again with the individual.Dont be a sore loser.Recruiters find the sour grapes mentality very off-putting and complaining has no benefit to you. Sometimes you get the job, sometimes you dont. However, never lose your composure when things dont go your way.In the end.If played correctly, working with a recruiter will do nothing but benefit your career. Whether or not you end up a taking a job today is not as important as whether or not youll be considered in the future.Ken Sundheim is the CEO of KAS Placement, an executive search firm based out of New York City specializing in schlussverkauf and marketing recruitment of all levels.Need help with your resume? Take advantage of our free resume review todayRecommended ReadingHow to Choose the Right Recruiter for Your Job SearchWhat Recruiters Want Straight Talk From a Sales and Marketing Recruit erHow to Brag on Your Resume Without Sounding Like a Jerk

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

6 Signs Youre Doing Well at Your Job - The Muse

6 Signs Youre Doing Well at Your Job - The Muse6 Signs Youre Doing Well at Your JobWhen starting a new job, theres this inevitable rollercoaster of emotions. At first, you feel like you have zero idea what youre doing. Youre lost trying to figure out how to work the companys software, where to find the information you need, and what exactly the protocol is for the breakroom microwave.But soon, you get your feet under you. You gain more confidence in your position- and, as a result, youre on the receiving end of praise from your anfhrer and colleagues about what a great job youre doing.From there, everything seems to be going fine- until you reflect on the past few weeks (or maybe even months). Whens the last time your boss commended you for a job well done? Or called you a lifesaver? He used to brag about you all the time, but now you cant think of a single recent instance. Cue the panic and the dip in that rollercoaster ride. We all experience something like this. Getting comfortabl e in your job usually results in fewer compliments from your superiors- which, unfortunately, can make you feel like youre failing or stagnating.But, rest assured, thats likely elend the case. Here are six key signs youre still an awesome employee- even if your boss doesnt say so as often. 1. Youre Receiving More FeedbackThis first point seems counterintuitive. Shouldnt you be receiving more praise and less feedback if youre really doing well?But, think about it this way Youre performing so well that now your boss wants to give you the tools, resources, and constructive criticism you need to become even better. Youve set the bar high for yourself, and now its your managers job to continue challenging you. So, dont automatically assume that increased feedback is a bad thing. It can actually be an indicator that youre exceeding expectations. 2. Youre the Go-To Resource for QuestionsWhen your colleagues have questions or run into problems, youre typically the first person they turn to for help and guidance.Why? Well, because people trust you. Youve established yourself as an expert resource, and your co-workers are comfortable approaching you for assistance in sticky situations.Would they do that if you werent a capable employee who seems to have a strong handle on all that your position entails? Probably not.3. Youre Asked for Your OpinionsSimilarly to establishing yourself as the go-to for questions, being asked to provide your input during discussions and meetings is another indicator that youre making a positive impression.If youre given a seat at the table for big decisions and important conversations, that means that your colleagues and superiors see the value in your thoughts and ideas. And, remember, they wouldnt feel that way if you were digressing in your position (like that voice of self-doubt in your head keeps telling you). 4. Youre the One Your Boss Depends onCan you handle this for me? is a question you hear a few times each week. When your manager needs something taken care of, youre the first one she turns to. And, lets not forget to mention the fact that youre always listed as her alternative contact in her out-of-office messages. So, no, maybe your boss isnt doling out the praise like she used to. But, the fact that she trusts you enough to rely on you without so much as a second thought is a good sign that your manager still views you as an awesome asset to the team. 5. Youre in Charge of Your Own WorkWhen youre getting up to speed in a new role, theres quite a bit of handholding that has to happen. Your superiors need to offer guidance to ensure you tackle things appropriately. But, whens the last time that happened? If your manager is now letting you take ownership of your projects- without an ounce of micromanagement- you can feel good about the fact that youve proven yourself enough to earn his unquestioning trust. 6. Youre Asked to Represent Your CompanyYoure sent to a speaking engagement to talk on behalf of your e mployer. Youre asked to head to a meeting with external partners. When a press opportunity arises, youre one of the employees thats quoted. Regardless of the specific situation, the message remains the saatkorn Youre doing such an awesome job that your boss is comfortable having you act as an ambassador for your company. And, that means a lot- arguably even more than a compliment said in passing.When you become more comfortable in your role, the praise tends to slow down. Its natural, but its still enough to plant plenty of seeds of self-doubt in your mind. Instead of obsessing over what your boss might be thinking, keep your eyes peeled for these six signs. Chances are, youre still knocking things out of the park. Photo of person working courtesy of Hero Images/Getty Images.

Friday, December 13, 2019

Why you are your worst bully Stop labeling yourself

Why you are your worst bully Stop labeling yourselfWhy you are your worst bully Stop labeling yourselfDefinitions belong to the definers, not the defined. ? Toni MorrisonDont let a bullys labels define you - defy them.Earlier this week, Monica Lewinski made the headlines for leading a new anti-bullying campaign. She knows how it feels being called names publicly. The former White House intern was referred as that woman during Bill Clintons impeachment.Lewinski has become a powerful and brave activist - the labels and bullying couldnt stop her.The DefyTheName campaign wants to disarm name calling. This reminded me of self-criticism - labeling is something we do to ourselves too.What happens when we are the ones bullying ourselves?Self-bullying is more harmful than being bullied by others - its impossible to stand up to external criticism if you cant stop your own attacks.Labels are anything but randomWe contain multitudes. - Walt WhitmanOur brain is wired to take shortcuts - t hats why we love labels.Early survival depended on the ability to landsee patterns in randomness. Our ancestors needed to discriminate friends from foes - they had to quickly decide to either fight or fly.However, rapid reasoning is prone to error - we must second guess what our brain is trying to tell us.Labeling is more than name calling - its an extreme form of all-or-nothing thinking. Instead of saying My last project failed, you attach a negative label to yourself Im a failure. You might also call yourself a jerk, a stupid, or an incompetent.The use of labels is an irrational form of thinking, according to David Burnes, who made Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) popular.Labels make people invisible - we reduce them to a single adjective.Labeling is a cognitive distortion - its a biased perspective of ourselves and the world around us. These irrational thoughts are often subtle - its difficult to recognize them before they turn into a pattern. Thats why self-bullying can cause so much harm - you dont notice when you call yourself names.When you make a biased judgment about yourself - you let one behavior define you.We apply that same mechanism to judge others. If someone takes time to explain something, we call that person slow or insecure. Before we even realize it, those labels become everything we see about that person.Our brains tend to make connections where there is no relationship - we interpret unrelated thoughts, ideas, and actions. Those faulty correlations make us judgmental and dismissive towards others (we included). We even lose out temper. Mislabeling refers to the application of highly emotional, loaded language to label others.Labels oversimplify reality - we confuse a part with the whole.In the workplace, personality tests encourage a culture of labeling. Instead of trying to understand people, we take a simplified approach to team building. People are put in a (personality) box that limits their ability to grow.Human beings fe el uncomfortable with what we dont know - we are driven to pull together stories to make sense of others. Labels identify in-groups and out-groups - they divide us based on one single trait.Our brain is lazy - categorizing and filing people through perception saves us the effort. Instead of spending time to know another person, we jump into quick conclusions. The labels we use merely capture our impression of someone else in a particular place and moment.Labels dont let us see people - they describe an oversimplified version of who they are.When you label yourself, you are following the same pattern. Instead of accepting one flaw, you become that flaw. You cant see beyond it - you let one defect define you.Not all labels hurt the sameLabels are for filing. Labels are for clothing. Labels are not for people. - Martina NavratilovaSelf-bullying is harmful.Would you allow anyone to label you the way you label yourself?Im not saying that external attacks dont hurt - but neutralizi ng being labeled starts with you.Labels are neither bad nor wrong - the way we use them can be negative or positive.Descriptive labels address aspects of your identity. The issue is being limited to one. Most people describe themselves by their role (spouse, daughter, etc.) or title (doctor, engineer, designer, etc.). Your identity goes well beyond that - you are everything you do, both bad and not.Prescriptive labels dont just describe us they force us to do something. If you are the notetaker or the great presenter, those labels pigeonhole you - they force you to play the same role all the time. I see this pattern very often when working with teams - some people repeat themselves and others cant try new roles.Labeling hinders your potential in various ways.Labels are static - they get you stuck in one moment or experience.Labels divide us by grouping us into categories - you are either a friend or a foe.Labels highlight one single aspect - descriptive labels hide your disti nct and true identity.Labels force you to play to your strengths - prescriptive labels stereotype the roles you play at work or in your family.Labels turn one part into the whole - we let one flaw define who we are.Organizations like to talk about professional and leadership development but miss one point - its menschlich development what matters. By becoming better persons, we improve our ability to lead and thrive as professionals too.Lets remove the labels that divide what we do.We are fluid and adaptive - our preferences and behaviors evolve through time. But labels hinder your personal growth. When you put yourself into a box, you get stuck.You are not a label - you contain multitudes.How to stand up to self-bullyingLabeling yourself is not only self-defeating, it is irrational. - David BurnsUse the following steps to become more aware of self-labeling. And, most importantly, to stop being your worst bully.1. Notice labelingPay attention to the words you use to describe y ourself. Ask someone else to help you become more aware (even if that requires calling you out from time to time).Focus on understanding why and when you tend to label yourself. Do you use them to punish or reward yourself? Which emotions spark labeling?2. List your labelsTrack and capture all the labels. Do you tend to call yourself the same names over and over? Or it depends on the circumstances. Compare the labels you use and the ones others use to describe you. What are the commonalities and contradictions? Anything that surprises you? Why?3. Categorize the labelsbestattungs a piece of paper and divide it into six equal rectangles. Name themwhat I hide to otherswhat I show otherswhat Im proud of.what Im embarrassed by.strengthsweaknessesGrab the list you build and assign each label into each category (its okay if one falls into more than one). You can use two different colors to discriminate self-labels from the names people call you.Try to make sense of this analysis. Is there any category that feels more cluttered? Any surprises or contradictions? What this analysis tell you about how you see (and call) yourself?4. Dont become an adjectiveAs you become more aware of how you label yourself, avoid turning events into an adjective - dont let something define you.For example, if you lose a match, instead of calling yourself a loser, reframe how you talk to yourself. Use this structure Im not a loser, I just lost a match.5. Defy the nameGoing back to the anti-bullying campaign dont let labels define you. Challenge the words you (and others) use to describe yourself. You are not a label - you can make mistakes, but you are not a flaw. Use humor. Monica Lewinski replaced her Twitter bio by all the names people used to call her.When we laugh at our labels, they cant cause any harm. Bullies enjoy seeing their victims suffer. When you stop reacting, they will feel ignored and look for someone else to bother. That applies to you - stop bullying yourself.- - - We are who we are. We are human beings - full of perfect imperfections. Start accepting who you are and treating yourself more kindly.You are your worst bully. Only until you decide to stop labeling yourself.P.S. The video is a reminder that labels divide us, but can also unite us. When we get past one label, we get to realize that we have many things in common with other people.Thisarticlefirst appeared on Medium.

Sunday, December 8, 2019

What Everyone Is Saying About Length of Resume Is Dead Wrong and Why

What Everyone Is Saying About Length of Resume Is Dead Wrong and Why Top Length of Resume Choices Be sure to demonstrate that yur activities arent just quantitative, but qualitative too. Ensure you highlight that. Please note you dont need to have a laundry list of activities. International students have another application procedure that precedes the normal admission practice. The Ultimate Length of Resume Trick In any case, you might read the testimonials of our clients. You are there to find information. There are many reasons why you ought to prefer our services. Theres no location for individual info on todays modern resumes. Resumes dont need to be one page. Targeted Resume Targeted resumes are extremely much like functional resumes however here you are especially highlighting the abilities and experiences youve got for the job which youre applying for. Also, there are numerous rules to follow when it has to do with doing a resume, and all of them affect the res ume length. Read below for more comprehensive info on the length of time your resume should be, and strategies for making your resume the ideal length. If youre a fresher, by way of example, it is completely advisable to stick to a single page whatsoever times, however important you feel the information which you need to tell is. Begin by reading the work description carefully. Thus, you will know all that is required. If this is the case, you desire a 2-page resume. They all are positive. Many are highly-reputed. New Step by Step Roadmap for Length of Resume Best business schools are interested in well-rounded students who are devoted to pursuing life beyond the classroom or office, along with their busy professional and academic lives. On the flip side, with over 20 bullet points theres a possibility of presenting less relevant points and of not getting the correct attention. There are a number of ways to approach these sorts of resumes and the examples should assist y ou in finding a direction thats best for you. Similarly, when your resume is too short, it spells you havent got a great deal of things to speak for you as well as your candidature may be rejected even before you begin. For instance, some of them just have zero time to deal with dozens of assignments that keep bombarding from every side. Theres also no need to tell lies or to earn an easy statement be larger than that which it should. Bear in mind, however, that the amount of your resume is dependent upon the rhetorical situation and your audiences needs. There are steps that you may take to make your resume schmelzglas stick out from the rest. Seasoned professionals that have many years of experience might find it tricky to restrict their resume to a single page, so two pages will be required. 1 font is all you really require. Just because youve got a three-page resume does not signify you should include all 3 pages of every work application. For example, you might need t o focus an additional page on key leaderships skills or projects. 1 further point dont let yourself be concerned that other candidates might have some or all the very same competencies you do, especially when youre just beginning. The thought process you use to come up with a winning resume can help you force rank your accomplishments so youll just have room for your very best. Theres no greater time to come up with your leadership skills than in college with extracurricular pursuits. Everybody can use a little assistance with their resume, particularly if theyre working in a very technical field. To put it differently, it caters to the requirements of students and job applicants from several nations. Folks really like to speak about themselves and they love to provide advice. If you are working to sneak in a work interview, individuals will see through it. Most men and women feel threatened when they are requested to give work interview, since they feel they have got an o bligation to hire you. The Honest to Goodness Truth on Length of Resume In some cases, it makes no matter what business you pick an American or Australian resume writing service the one thing you require is a seasoned writer, a part who really knows the way to aid you. You ought to avoid writing an unclear objective since its very likely that youll just indicate what job you desire. Dont be scared to talk about your ideas as part of creative procedure and remember theres just one approach to reach the desired goals receiving papers which have been meticulously checked, reviewed and proofread. The aim of your resume is to secure you the interview.

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Employee Referral Programs 8 Key Lessons from 2014

Employee Referral Programs 8 Key Lessons from 2014 Shortages in key skill domains areemerging as the biggest obstacles to business growth in 2015, as all organizations vie for talent in the saatkorn limited candidate pools. Innovation is becoming the new mantra inhiring as organizations go all out to be the first to gain access to and hire highly sought after talent. Employee referral programs have proved to be verysuccessful in these endeavors, which is why mora and more organizations are looking to expand their referral programs in the coming year. The challenges for recruitment and referral programs change each year as technology evolves and industries change. While technology has simplified some of the earlier recruitment challenges faced by organizations, it has brought about its own share of new challenges as well. Employee referral programs have also evolved over time to meet the needs in theexternal environment. Responsive organizations shouldcreate a checklist of successful employee referral tips to be used in 2015 so that their referral programs continue to remain relevant and aligned with thehiring needs of the organization.Here Are Some Key Points to Consider in 2015Technology is now integral to the success of employee referral programs. Automated, fully integrated employee referral platforms have the potential to increase the effectiveness of referral programs by removing manual laborand making the whole process more transparent. Early adopters of technology in the employee referral process have seen their referral programs grow by leaps and bounds, compared to their competitors.Mobile is the new buzzword, and it will be an important aspect of referral strategies in 2015. Anything thatis not optimized for mobile has little chances of success, as more and more people turn to smartphones to conduct both personal and professional business. A mobile-optimized emplo yee referral program is likely to see many moreemployees participating than a non-mobile optimized employee referral program.Anemployee referral program should not belimited by geographical boundaries. A global employee referral program can help an organization recruit the best talent from across the worldin the most cost effective way and help solve hiring needs on a global scale.Employee referral programs can be much more effective when extended beyond current employees. If the processincludesex-employees, vendors, clients, and even employee connections,the referral base will expand, making the employee referral program immeasurably more productive.Gamification is going to be the big differentiator in2015 as organizations thatinclude gaming elements in their referral programs will see more employee involvement and participation than organizations with simple rewards and recognitionmechanisms.Organizations with proactive social media branding strategies will see more success in the ir referral efforts. By encouraging employees to share updates posted on the company site, employers can build a great employer brand among their key target audience at virtually no cost. A good employer brand makes it much easier to sell the organization to prospective candidates and also helps to draw good candidates to apply proactively to the organization, making recruiting much easier in the long run.Employee referral programs are likely to become as much about employee participation as they are about candidate experience. Ensuring a good experience for referral candidates will be very important for 2015, as bad candidate experiences can bring down the popularity of the referral program, which lowersemployee participation. A positive candidate experience, on the other hand, can help draw more referrals by assuring employeesthat their referrals are valued by the organization.The best candidatesare referred byexisting top performers in the organization. Proactively soliciting ref errals from top performers and employees with niche skills is one of the most important referral best practices to carry forward into 2015.What have you learned about employee referrals from the year 2014?