Alexandra Levits Water Cooler Wisdom A Peek Inside the World of the CIO

Alexandra Levit's Water Cooler Wisdom A Peek Inside the World of the CIO At Intuit QuickBase’s recent #EMPOWER2015 conference, product marketing manager John Carione convened a panel of customer CIOs to discuss how cloud-basedlow-code platforms and citizen development are transforming the way IT is executed. We heard fromIsaac Sacolick, CIO of financial consulting firm Greenwich Associates;Francois Tricot, CIO of veterinary medical supply company Ceva Sante Animale; andWill Weider, CIOof hospital network Ministry Healthcare. How has the role of the CIO evolved? Will: I have been a CIO for 20 years and it has changed for the better. My role has lessened somewhat because more people know how to leverage technology. I suppose my key question now is: how can we deliver more reliably and less expensively? Isaac: I view myself as the technology steward for the business and I spend my time trying to grow revenue through the use of new technologies. In the last 4-5 years, I’ve asked myself: how can we make the organizationmore data-driven? How can we scale oureffective platformsand how can we upgrade software quickly? How can wehelp non-IT employees develop the appsthey need to grow their businesses? Francois: The most important thing for a CIO today is to have a strong return on investment, and my strategy is:go beyond the cloud. Why would you choose a low-code platform? Isaac: It’s simple. Low code means we deliver faster and require less skilled labor. Once they’ve uncovered a need, business unit personneldeveloping an appcan get 70 percent of the way on their own and then IT may step in. In particular, we assist with sandboxing, or testing out an app before it goes live to make sure the right information is encrypted and everything is backed up properly. It’s a partnership. Francois: Self-service wins. The learning curve is short, the user interface is friendly, and you can get a live application in an hour. Everyone achieves their goals andthe company saves a lot of money. For the rest of the interview, head over to the full post at Intuits Fast Track blog.And, to learn more about EMPOWER2016, check outwww.empower2016.com.

The Business Connection That You May Need For Your Resume

The Business Connection That You May Need For Your ResumeIf you want to land that big job interview, then you may need the services of professional resume writers. Employers today are much more discerning than they were in years past when a resume was just about 'getting a job'. A professional resume writer has the skill set and experience to make the employers sit up and take notice.What makes these professional writers so special? They have the industry connections and know what the employers need to be sure they hire you for the position you are seeking. How can you tell that they are the ones who know the information that you will need to sell yourself to the employer?It's easy to see why hiring someone from the business world to write your resume is a smart move. These individuals understand how to keep the information that is important to you on the top of the pile. So when you sit down to write your resume, you won't be looking at a pile of information that no one wants to rea d.Professional resume writer has the best connections in the business world. He or she has a reputation built around creating the most professional looking resumes and it's all about keeping their clients happy. Remember that your goal is to get hired for the position you're seeking.One way to ensure that you are getting the job of your dreams is to make sure you utilize your networking to make sure your resume gets read and goes to the top of the pile. With a little research and knowledge, you can easily find the right resume writers who will help you get that career move you've been trying to make. All it takes is one interview to show that a resume is very good and offers something valuable to the employer.When you are interviewing, you must remember that employers are always looking for someone who has not only interviewed, but someone who has made an impression. With that said, there are many job seekers who just sit back and wonder why they're not being called back for a secon d interview. If you're applying for a position in your local area, you should ask if the recruiter will recommend someone to you.By having a good impression of yourself, employers will be more likely to call you back. In addition, as your resume stands out, it will show that you are a serious candidate and not someone who came in thinking they could get a job done. Just remember that if you want to land that big job interview, you will need the assistance of professionals in the resume writing field.The professionals will be able to show you how to take advantage of the skills your friends and family members have developed over the years to come up with other's people's resumes. This is essential to landing the interview you want. So don't hesitate to contact a professional resume writer today!

15 Ways Your Online Brand Can Win You Clients - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

15 Ways Your Online Brand Can Win You Clients - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career The following answers are provided by members of  Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), an invite-only organization comprised of the worlds most promising young entrepreneurs. In partnership with Citi, YEC recently launched  BusinessCollective, a free virtual mentorship program that helps millions of entrepreneurs start and grow businesses. 1. Connect With Your Clients Senior Team on LinkedIn   When you visit other LinkedIn profiles, the person gets a notification that you were on their page. Build up your own profile to tell the story that you want them to see, i.e. that you have thousands of happy clients using a cool product at a great price. If they see you visited them, and your story piques their interest, this is a valuable touchpoint.    Aaron Schwartz,  Modify Watches 2. Start or Join an Industry-Focused Facebook Group   If you can leverage your industry contacts into joining a niche Facebook group or join a group they are already in, you can help steer the conversation your potential customers are already having. Share valuable insights, receive validation (in the form of likes and comments from your customers peer group), and use your online brand to become a resource for your industry.    Nicholas Haase,  Startup Drugz 3. Highlight Whats Unique About You   The right clientele are ones that want to see you because you are offering something that someone else doesnt. A quick way to easily discern why you are unique or special is to ask yourself: If you stopped providing services tomorrow, what would your clients miss most about you? The answer to that question is what makes you different, and should be clear from your website and online presence.    Rachel Beider,  Massage Greenpoint, Massage Williamsburg 4. Create Highly Targeted Content   If you know who the right clientele is, invest time researching their online hangouts, interests, and values. Once you understand the online profile of your ideal customer, create great content and spend money to put it on the right channels. For high-value customers, 500-word blog posts won’t cut it, so be prepared to spend a chunk of your marketing budget on  creating the best content in a niche.    Vik Patel,  Future Hosting 5. Adapt Your Brand to Your Ideal Customer   Make sure your brand  represents the wants and needs of the customers that you most want to attract. Focus your message around that customer. If your brand message is too broad, you will struggle to find customers, because no one will relate to you. By narrowing your brand message, you will lose some potential clients, but if  its done right, you will attract your ideal clients.    Alan Carniol,  Interview Success Formula 6. Take Advantage of Audience Targeting Tools   Use Facebook’s business manager or the new LinkedIn Matched Audiences tools to create social media campaigns that are personalized and highly targeted. This might be more time consuming, but could actually decrease your ad spending and attract the right kind of clientele.    Russell Kommer,  eSoftware Associates Inc 7. Focus on the Outcome for Your Clients   Prospects want to know what you can do for them, not about you. Focus your content and craft authority messaging on how you have made your clients lives/businesses better. Then leverage those stories to attract others.    Kim Walsh-Phillips,  Elite Digital Group 8. Get Your Clientele Involved in Content Creation   Continue to produce content that the audience segment wants and share it with them regularly. This thought leadership reflects positively on your brand and builds loyalty and credibility with this clientele. You can even ask them what they are most interested in so you can keep producing relevant content for them, and it makes them feel more involved.    Angela Ruth,  Due 9. Look Bigger Than You Are   My best clients tend to be large, well-known organizations, and they are looking for a partner that also has brand recognition and a platform. If I want to be taken  seriously, I need an online presence that wows them and provides the impression that I am running a big-time operation. This has involved creating a website and social media profiles that maximize experience and accolades to the fullest.    Alexandra Levit,  PeopleResults 10. Create Value and Speak Your Clienteles Language   Focus on creating value within your brand for your clientele. It could be unique messaging, specialized content, or even catering to something like the style of humor your audience likes. You need to address your audience at their level with your brand. Speak their language and understand them as best you can.    Nicole Munoz,  Start Ranking Now 11. Focus on Your Landing Pages   Its about  the sales funnels  you set beginning with your landing pages. For each type of client we seek, it is important for us to first create a landing page on our website that attracts the profile of the right type of clientele. These landing pages are created specifically to vet the right type of clientele and weed out the ones who would not make  a good fit.    Jacob Tanur,  Click Play Films 12. Create a Cohesive, Seamless Experience   By creating a cohesive online brand experience through channels such as social media and your website, you can target specific client demographics, rather than confusing visitors looking into your brand. A united brand identity goes a long way in getting the right message to the right people.    Stan Garber,  Scout RFP 13. Use Visuals to Show Off Your Products   Because our clientele needs to see a transformation, we use photos and videos â€" visuals to explain how our product works and how people are transformed through our products. We post our stories, photos were proud of, and inspirational messages we want to share.    Daisy Jing,  Banish 14. Create Useful Video Content for YouTube   The best way to leverage an online brand on a long-term basis is to create video content and post it on Youtube. Since people love to watch videos, it makes sense to start doing videos such as product reviews, tutorials and QAs which can position your brand for higher visibility. Some industries have built very loyal followers and have attracted the “right” type of clientele by doing so.    Derek Broman,  Discount Enterprises LLC deguns.net 15. Go Where Your Ideal Clients Are   Identifying which social media platforms your ideal clientele is using regularly is a simple yet effective way to attract them to your online brand. Once you determine the social media platforms, the next step is to tailor content and digital marketing efforts towards that demographic.    Bryanne Lawless,  BLND Public Relations  

Bringing the best out of yourself

Bringing the best out of yourself Now that the New Year is well and truly in its swing, it’s important not to forget any New Year’s resolutions that you may have made. How are your 2015 resolutions? Too often, by February we can lapse back into bad habits and end up feeling lethargic and depressed. This can have a pretty dramatic knock on effect in terms of our futures and careers, so here’s a quick reminder of the ways that you can be the best version of yourself possible! Food It’s an obsession for many us, and for good reason. On these long cold winter days, food is one of the few things that can keep us going. Whilst a nutritious juice diet might be OK in summer, it simply isn’t going to cut it in the midwinter. So make sure that your main meals are varied and include plenty of fresh vegetables to stop you heading to the biscuit barrel! Check out Kris Carr’s hyper-healthy recipes for some inspiration. Drink After a long, hard day at the office it can be tempting to reach for the wine bottle. And the occasional drink can have good stress-relieving effects for many of us. However, it’s important not to let this slip into becoming a habit. It’s all too easy for what was meant to be one glass to turn into an entire bottle consumed. This can have really damaging effects for your next day’s productivity as nobody is at their best with a hangover! So treat yourself to some freshly squeezed juices and make sure to drink at least two litres of water per day, you’ll feel better I guarantee it! Sleep It’s no surprise that many animals hibernate in winter, as it’s horrible outside! So if you are going into hibernation mode, then remember it’s the quality of sleep that counts most. Entering deep sleep will aid concentration, give you energy and also keep your skin looking fresh. Ways to aid deep sleep include avoiding caffeine four hours before bedtime, keeping those tablets and smartphones out of the bedroom, and maybe even investing in a luxury king size bed! Variety One of the best ways that you can avoid the temptations of fatty foods and alcohol is simply to keep yourself entertained. Often our bad habits are bred out of boredom, so be sure to treat yourself in other ways. If the idea of exercise conjures up images of trudging through puddles in the dark, then think about maybe joining in some team sports that will at least be a bit more fun and sociable. And try and make sure that you always have one thing per week to look forward to. This will mean that you are working to live, not the other way around!

Your Resume Should Be Proofed and Fast Writing Skills

Your Resume Should Be Proofed and Fast Writing SkillsA very important part of writing a resume is proof reading and fast writing skills. You do not want to put your writing skills on the back burner for the rest of your life. Proof reading and fast writing skills are also considered by most employers when they choose who to hire for a job. That is why you want to make sure that you are up to par with how you should proof read and be able to write your resume and fast writing skills.The first thing you need to consider is the format of your resume. You should take care of every last detail so that the employer can easily see what you have to offer. One mistake most people make is that they do not proof read and have their resumes filled out wrong. Your resume should look like an essay when you fill it out and formatted correctly.Secondly, it is essential that your resume is short and sweet. Employers tend to use abbreviations and keywords in their search engines and it is best to avoi d these in your resume. Also, keep your resume concise and keep it to a certain word count. This will save you time and ensure that the hiring manager has something they can get quickly from your resume.Lastly, if you do not proof read your resume properly and have spelling and grammar errors then you may not have as much of a chance of getting a job as you could have had if you proof read and proofed it. A lot of employers prefer resumes that are well written and error free and this is something you want to take note of. This will make sure that you get the job you were looking for in the future.Make sure that you proofread and edit your resume before sending it in. This is a good way to ensure that you get a job because many people can see that you have proofread your resume before sending it in. The next thing you should do is research your resume and see what you may find in the way of typos, grammatical mistakes, and other errors. These are the things that you can correct befor e you send your resume out for consideration.Making sure you have fast writing skills and proofreading your resume is not enough. You should be sure that your resume is polished and looking as professional as possible. Proofing your resume and doing your own editing should not be underestimated. There are many people who spend countless hours doing research, editing, and proofing their resumes.Do not be ashamed if you can't write or proofread. In fact, you should make it a point to go out there and learn as much as you can about how to proof read and fast write skills. This is a skill that you will need to be skilled at in order to get hired.Here is a final tip to think about when doing your resume. It is important that you give your resume a personal touch so that it is not all the same. Write different words that show that you are different and that you stand out from the crowd. As you are reading your resume, you will want to keep in mind this very important tip so that you do no t lose your chance.

Interview Series - Career Experts - Heidi Scott Giusto from Career Path Writing Solutions CareerMetis.com

Interview Series - Career Experts - Heidi Scott Giusto from Career Path Writing Solutions CareerMetis.com In this interview series, we caught up with Heidi Scott Giusto from Career Path Writing Solutionswho shares her expertise and insights about job search, career change, etc. in today’s marketplace.Tell us a little bit about your companyevalCareer Path Writing Solutions is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses succeed when the stakes are high.In practice, this means I work with job seekers as they proactively manage their careers. I’m a twice-certified resume writer and also routinely work on cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and interview preparation.How did you get started in this path?I got started working on resumes while I was in my doctoral program at Duke University. I worked at the Writing Studio, and friends and family came to me for help because they knew I worked on writing.The first seven people I helped quickly secured job offers. I knew I found my niche. Since then, I have engaged in substantial professional development and have earned four career services c ertifications.Is this something you decided early on in your career?I fell into this path while I was in graduate school. Via formal education, I am a professional historian. This training gives me a particular understanding of the cultural and historical context of an individual’s work history and accomplishments.While in graduate school, I realized my true passion for helping people articulate their value as they manage their careers.Soon after earning my PhD, I launched Career Path Writing Solutions. I’ve been growing my businesses steadily for the past six years.What is the Best Career Advice You’ve ever received?My dissertation advisor told me “There will be plenty of people who close doors on you. Never close any on yourself.”That advice is priceless.evalWhat is the most exciting part of working in thisindustry?Helping people navigate career change is deeply satisfying and a privilege.Clients have told me they love having me in their corner, and I love being in their corner!How do to stay abreast of the industry as an expert?I stay abreast of the industry by maintaining close connections with recruiters, who help me stay knowledgeable of hiring trends, and through professional organizations.I am a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches, the National Resume Writers’ Association, and a Career Thought Leaders Associate.What are some of the things that you see job seekers struggle with the most?Many job seekers struggle to devote the time necessary for a job search.They might haphazardly apply to jobs rather than have a strategic plan for the process.What are the common mistakes that you see them do?Common mistakes are submitting documents that have basic errors and are not tailored to the job.Similarly, once securing interviews, some job seekers do not adequately prepare for them.How should job seekers approach job search today?Strategically.They should develop a plan that involves developing exceptional docu ments and leveraging their network, and then execute on that plan.With a clear strategy, they don’t waste their timeâ€"our most precious commodity!What is the biggest trend(s) you see that job seekers will face in the next 2-3 years?I think this depends on industry and geographic area they live.For some industries, I think it will be a job seekers market whereas in other, I foresee it remaining highly competitive.What is one advice you would give someone just out of college today?Do not expect your first job to be your dream job.It might be a great job, but recognize that your first job will likely be a stepping stone to the job and career you ultimately want.What is one advice you would give someone who is switching careers?Conduct informational interviews so you can fully learn about the new career.You’ll be better prepared to write a compelling resume and cover letter, and to succeed in an interview.How should job seekers get the most out of LinkedIn?Use LinkedIn with purpose .Develop a strong profile and then use its features to network, engage in professional development, and show subject matter expertise.Unemployment is at the lowest levels, why do you think that is?My understanding is that it’s a combination of employers feeling confident they can hire more workers and also a lower labor participation rate than from before the Great Recession.The latter has the effect of skewing our understanding of just how many people would like a job. But economists are much more knowledgeable about this complex issue.What is the biggest trend(s) you see that hiring managers will face in the next 2-3 years?Depending on the industry, I think finding qualified candidates will remain a challenge.On the opposite end of the spectrum, I think that applicant tracking systems (ATSs) need to do a better job of identifying candidates.The ATSs continue to get more sophisticated, but they can overlook outstanding candidates just because a person might have not known they sh ould include a particular keyword.Heidi, what are you currently working on?I recently launched a professional writing blog series, Write to Get Results.If you’d like to be notified of each new monthly post, subscribe here:What are the best resources you recommend to job seekers?My own blog, of course! It’s at Career Path Writing Solutions .I also recommend The 2 Hour Job Search by Steve Dalton because I like his highly strategic approach to researching companies and conducting informational interviews.What is the best way for our audience to reach you?Email â€" [emailprotected]Connect with or Follow Heidi Scott Giustoon Social Media:LinkedInTwitterFacebookHeidi Scott Giusto and Career Path Writing Solutionshave also been featured in our recent compilation of the most resourceful career experts and career blogs â€" Top Career Advice Websites.

6 Things To Do After A Layoff

6 Things To Do After A Layoff The days after a layoff are difficult but its crucial you begin setting the right wheels in motion. Whether you saw it coming or not, a layoff plain old stinks! Shock, anger, frustration, and other emotions are normal, so be ready to work through them. The key to securing your next job after a layoff is to get yourself moving forward as quickly as possible. These tips will help get you on track! Talk To Your Family Have an open discussion with your family, including your children, and explain the facts about what has transpired and how this will impact everyone. Ask your family for their help and support over the upcoming months and maintain open lines of communication about what is going on with your search. The fear and anxiety you are experiencing is normal and your family feels it too! When you talk openly and honestly about your job search, you help everyone understand their role and the progress you are making. Build Lists Creating lists may not be your preferred style, but do it anyway. You will need to refer to these lists to keep on track. Make a list of 100 people you know well. Create a list of 25 accomplishment stories (learn more here) Next, make a list of the top 50 companies you would like to work for or who could potentially hire you for the work you want to do. Learn how to find target companies. Now reach out to the 100 people on your list with a positive tone and request help, advice and information. Please do not say “help me I am looking for a job!” Learn how to network without a resume instead. Cut Unnecessary Expenses Immediately Your family can help eliminate unnecessary spending. Ask each family member what they will do to reduce their expenditures. Another way to cut your expenses is to evaluate other health insurance options. Your employer will offer the option to continue your health insurance at your cost, also known as COBRA. This is extremely expensive and will drain savings quickly. Begin investigating other health insurance options immediately by talking to colleagues, business owners, and anyone who is unemployed to learn what health insurance options they are using. Your frugality now will enable you to endure the long job search process. Create An Weekly Plan You want time to recuperate from the shock of being laid off, but often the best way to overcome this is by setting a daily agenda. Create a new routine similar to your work schedule. Set your alarm, take a shower and get your day started. I know this sounds silly, but it does help! More importantly, have specific actions identified during your day. This should include networking events, meeting with past colleagues, occasionally volunteering, investing in your professional development through formal or informal learning opportunities, and an hour or two of “you” time when you can indulge in your favorite pastime. This Job Search Checklist will help! One last reminder- do not spend all your time behind the computer! Get out of your house and meet people! Your weekly and daily job search plan should consist of outreach efforts ranging from networking requests to talking with recruiting agencies. A scant few actually find their jobs through online ads. Learn To Say No Its not unusual after a layoff for family and friends to begin calling on you for your help once they find out you are no longer working. However, your new full-time job is looking for a job. Learn to decline requests which would take away from your search. Just say no to the “honey-do” list and delegated household chores. Fulfilling these duties may provide a feeling of accomplishment in the short-term, however, when you procrastinate on your job search efforts, you will extend the time you are unemployed, and no one wants to be in that position. It’s A Marathon, Not A Sprint Inevitably, your job search will take longer than you want. Incorporate a healthy balance: exercise, eat right, get enough sleep, and remember, everything in moderation. This post originally appeared on US News World Report

Dont Ignore Your References

Dont Ignore Your References Have you wondered why you didnt get called in for an interview when the job was a perfect fit? Maybe it was because when they contacted your references, something went wrong. Good references are one of your biggest assets in a job search because they are independent witnesses who testify that your skills and work habits are suitable that you will be a good fit for that job. But since references are real people, things change. Choose Your References Carefully The buddy that you party with every weekend is probably not going to be a good reference about your professionalism, right? Think about who will be an authority in your career search; someone who understands the work involved and who has seen how you work. This means supervisors, professors, and those you have served with as a volunteer. Look at the reference the way an employer would and think about the type of questions that will be asked: How long have they known you? How have they worked with you? What problems have you had in the workplace? Check With Your References Regularly Ask your reference first, before you put their name down, as a professional courtesy to them. But even if someone has told you its okay to use them as a reference, you need to ask if they will be available when you expect a potential employer to contact them. The professor you worked with as an intern may be out of the country for a few months and unavailable, for instance. Its also a good idea to make sure the contact information you list for your references is accurate and current. Queries sent to an unused email address will not help your job prospects, will they? Neither will phone calls that are never answered or wrong numbers. Its always a good idea to check your references before the employer does  so you can verify that they will be available and able to provide the positive reference you need to get that job.