Alexandra Levits Water Cooler Wisdom Do Your People Speak Your Language

Alexandra Levit's Water Cooler Wisdom Do Your People Speak Your Language In building a new house, one has the opportunity to interact with a lot of contracting businesses. Most of these are small and locally owned. Usually, the business owner wins overthe customer by being knowledgeable and friendly, and by making promises about his firm’s reliable, punctual and detail-oriented culture. Once the project begins, however, the customer may not see the owner again. Youredealing with a project manager and a series of vendors (heating, electrical, plumbing, paint, interior design, etc.) who may not fully understand how the owner’s business is supposed to operate, or the customer’s expectations. This is when things start to fall apart. The owner built a terrific business based on an appealing culture, but that culture isn’t translating in everyday customer interactions. The individual employees and vendors have their own ways of doing things. The right hand on the project doesn’t know what the left hand is doing. Chaos and misunderstandings ensue. The customer is disappointed and does not recommend the business again. When any small business starts to grow and additional people must be engaged, owners must be strategic about their process. Here are five tips to move in the right direction. 1. Consider cultural fit.Small-business owners tend to hire people purely based on expertise and whether they are experienced in a particular industry. But just because someone is a talented carpenter, for instance, does not mean she prides herself on solving a problem without being asked or taking that extra step toensure the best quality. If you want your business to be perceived as doing these things, you must screen for them during the interview process. 2. Develop an onboarding program.Whether it’s personally training everyone who works on your behalf or developing standard materials for all new people to review, make sure that allnew full-time and contracted hiresreceive the same message about your culture, philosophy and processes. If a partner refuses to comply with your values, find another who will. For more suggestions, head over to the full article at the AMEX Open Forum.

What to Expect When You Hire a Writing Services Resume Writing Service

What to Expect When You Hire a Writing Services Resume Writing ServiceIf you have ever hired writing services resume writing service then you know that when the project is over, the services are not there to just sit around and wait for work. You will get some kind of written communication about how to get your work in order, what is going on with the project, and any other details that are necessary.Writing services offer their clients the benefit of letting them come up with the resume, getting it to the client, and then letting the client decide whether or not he or she wants to continue with the process. All of this works great for clients who want to retain the control of the work they did. Unfortunately, if you hire writing services resume writing service without first scheduling an appointment to talk to someone at the company, you may be left wondering what happened to your resume.It's important to go into the meeting with your eyes wide open because sometimes a client will c ome to you with all of their needs met and their eyes shut tight as the negotiations begin. This means that you've not only got to be prepared to make sure that the client gets exactly what they want, but you've also got to prepare yourself to make sure that everything is clear and understandable.When you start out the meeting, you should explain to the writing services client what you expect from them and what the client's level of control will be. Whether or not you will be the one to write the resume or you'll send someone else to do this, it is imperative that you can have all of the conversation that you need to keep things going well.Just like when you're writing a term paper, it is essential that you thoroughly discuss the benefits of the resume as well as the duties that will be required. This way, the client knows exactly what he or she will be receiving and it's not confusing to him or her.Of course, you want to be able to write your own resume and never have to take anyon e else's word for it. So, let the client know exactly what you expect when it comes to a finished working product and you'll have the best chance of getting it right the first time.Another important thing to bring up during the meeting is whether or not you want to have a third party look over the resume before it's sent out. While it is possible to have a third party look over the resume to ensure that it is clearly readable, it isn't always the most convenient option. Sometimes, you can't stay late for the meeting if you don't have to and this might require you to pick up the resume and write it yourself.When you hire a writing services company, you want to make sure that they are up to the task of making sure that your resume is flawless. If you bring a resume from another company, you want to make sure that they can keep it in top shape so that it is ready to be sent out before the event you're holding it for.

Volunteering Abroad Consider These Tips

Volunteering Abroad Consider These Tips Traveling for volunteer work has grown in popularity in the last few years, and many women are getting into the spirit of travel and charity.  We have all heard the adage safety in numbers. However, there are many reasons to stay vigilant despite the growing number of women traveling to foreign countries for this purpose. For one, despite more women fearlessly getting on a flight to exotic locations to extend their help and kindness, it does not change some pre-existing cultural notions that some of these countries have. Women are far more conservative and are treated differently in some countries that are receiving volunteers. It is a matter of safety and respect that visiting women carry themselves with proper demeanor at all times.  Here are eight important things to remember when volunteering abroad as a woman.  1.  Dont romanticize volunteer work. Be smart about picking your program.  Not all volunteer organizations are the same. You need to be very practical about which organization to go with. Make sure that you are part of an organization that does a complete background check, not just for your safety but for the integrity of your efforts. Read up on everything there is to know about the program from their activities to the experience of people who have previously joined the activities of the organization. Youll want to know everything about the mission and processes of the organization before volunteering abroad. 2. Stay in contact with your volunteer organization Whether going out for volunteer work or for fun, it is better to let someone from your volunteer organization know where you are headed.  The organizations differ in leniency based on their locations. It is best to heed their advice at all times and let them know what youre up to. 3. Stay in touch with family and friends. One tip I always give my friends who are traveling for whatever purpose it is, is to set a schedule to stay in contact with a family member. A text, email, or call at a designated time can help them keep at peace.  It also  can be a good indicator if you are in danger. Always let them know ahead if you are not able to make the schedule so you dont worry them. 4. Avoid confrontation In some cases, you may come across disrespectful glares and remarks from people who are averse to you being in their locality. Sometimes it can even happen for no apparent reason. Resist the urge to fight back.  You will need to hold your emotions and think logically.  And remember, because their customs are different than yours, you may offend without knowing it. 5. Always be in familiar company Whether doing your work or taking a night off with friends, be aware of those around you. Always stick to people you know, and dont go running off with unfamiliar people no matter how nice they are. While turning strangers into friends is a promising adventure, it can also be a very dangerous one.  Dont ever simply wander off at night alone. 6. Have travel health insurance Every traveler knows that getting  travel medical insurance is probably the most important thing in your travel checklist. Ensure that you are covered for any health or accident issues that can arise.  Read and make sure that you understand how it works. 7. Dress appropriately. Many of these countries that require volunteer work have much warmer climate. This may lead a lot of women to think that it is fine to wear whatever they feel comfortable in. While comfortable tank tops and shorts are easier to move in, it may also raise some eyebrows from the locals and attract unwanted attention. Instead of cutting the coverage, go for light fabric that would still cover you but keep you cool. Do your research on  acceptable clothing before packing. 8. Use caution when carrying money There isnt a much more helpless feeling than discovering the money youve brought along is gone.  Whether you plan to handle expenses with credit cards, travelers checks, or cash, it will require much more  caution than youre accustomed to.  Smartertravel.com    has excellent tips to consider before you leave home. Volunteering abroad : Make it Awesome! Volunteering abroad is a great opportunity to travel and do good.  It can be the basis for many future opportunities.  But be sure to keep your safety in mind at all times. Checking out  websites that provide peoples experiences and advice is a good investment of your time. Make sure you do everything you can do to be ready and informed.  And come home with only good  stories. National Volunteer Week is  April 10-16, 2016 Images: Main