Alexandra Levits Water Cooler Wisdom Best Practices for Managing Telecommuters

Alexandra Levit's Water Cooler Wisdom Best Practices for Managing Telecommuters Maybe you’re a telecommuter and the rest of your team works in an office, or maybe your team is spread out across continents and time zones. Regardless, being a good boss when your team members operate remotely requires a special skill set. Move in the right direction with these four suggestions for managing telecommuters. Set Expectations In any kind of virtual work environment, assumptions are dangerous and you as the manager are responsible for clearly communicating everything. Roles and team rules and protocols should be tightly defined, and your team members should understand how to touch base regularly on project statuses and how to escalate urgent issues. Hold Efficient Phone Meetings Send out agendas in advance so your team knows exactly what will be covered and how to prepare. Emphasize the importance of punctuality, and build trust by staying to the time allotted. Establish meeting ground rules like putting yourself on mute if you are not speaking and allow discussion time for input and consensus. For the rest of the tips, check out the full post at the FlexJobs blog.

Get That Raise! 7 Secrets To Requesting The Raise You Deserve

Get That Raise! 7 Secrets To Requesting The Raise You Deserve When you consistently deliver value to your company, its reasonable to feel that you deserve a raise. Not everyone delivers value on a regular basis, and you are an asset to a company when you strive to be your best at all times. When youve finally made the decision to request a raise, an effective strategy is in order. Rather than using the ol threatening-to-leave-the-company approach, here are a few tips you can employ to leave a positive, lasting impression on your employer. And get that raise you deserve! 1. Have a Figure in Mind You must have a specific figure in mind when you talk with your employer. Your boss will likely toss it back to you, asking you how much you think your skill set is worth to the company. Whether it is $50 or $5,000 raise that you are requesting, be prepared to state it confidently. 2. Research Your Contributions To build your confidence, make a list of your recent contributions. If youve helped boost sales for the past two years, then bring those numbers to your meeting. Did you settle the constant battles of two opposing teams that now work together nicely, and show increased productivity? Find some data or some feedback from others you can cite.  Proof like this supports your case and increases your chances of success. 3. Link Your Contributions to Success of the Company The next part is to discuss your contributions in the context of the companys success. Talk about the ways that profits have increased for your company and how your increased sales have helped boost the profits. If the social media content youre creating for your company has gone viral, received global attention, and helped the sales team nail some big accounts, be sure to connect your efforts to their successes. 4. Use the Six Months Rule If your boss denies your request, ask what you can do over the next six months that would have her consider granting your raise the next time around. You might discover that her definition of whats important for you to do is completely different than the things you would have focused on.  Plus, she could  be so impressed with your ambition that she grants a small raise in that moment. 5. Go to the Top Be sure to meet or interact with the person who is ultimately responsible for deciding your salary. Your direct supervisor may not  have the authority to influence this decision, so be prepared to make your case up the chain, when appropriate. If you get a meeting with the decision-maker, be sure to dress and appear professional. Presenting your case in a way that shows you care about the company as much as you care about your requested raise will help your case. 6. Be Calm and Confident When you are presenting yourself, be calm and confident. Even if you are presented with a frustrating response or arguments, dont become angry or tear up during the meeting. Keep your cool and be as professional as possible. 7. Pick a Quiet Time to Ask Timing is everything, so choose a time to ask your boss when he is the least busy. You want  to be certain she can devote full attention to your cause.  Its usually best to request a meeting (even an informal one) for this discussion. But you might consider creating an opportunity when youre working together on a project thats especially appreciated by your boss. It cant hurt, right? Try these tips when youre seeking a raise. And be sure to let me know how it goes! About the Author: Amanda Green is a online writer who normally writes about personal finance and business. She has been writing online for many different sites and publications over the years. Besides finance topics like how to find the best credit cards, Amanda likes to mix in topics like career, education and even some eco-friendly writing from time to time. You can read more from Amanda at paidtwice.com.

Three Home Improvement Projects For 2015

Three Home Improvement Projects For 2015 Taking on your own home improvement project is both a challenging and rewarding experience. I am personally in the process of planning a remodeling project for a house that my boyfriend and I are moving into. The biggest challenge to this whole project, really, is my own self-limitation. Remodelling a house is an intimidating affair. It looks like such a tedious and difficult task, but doable. We are in an age where women are empowered to be able to do everything. Yes, including revving up some powertools, if needed. Home improvements by women  is not an unknown concept, and if you havent tried it, nows the time to! Whether living with a partner, a roommate, or alone doing a few fix ups to your abode can create a feeling of relief and calm once done. It is an investment in time, money, and effort that truly pays off. So what home improvement projects should you prioritize this year? Here are some suggestions that can help boost the style and functionality of your personal haven. 1. Change Up The Lighting I dont mean just changing a light bulb. Every room in the house needs proper lighting to set the mood of the section. The kitchen may need lights under the cupboards on top of the kitchen counters, the bathroom can use a spotlight by the sink, the bedroom can do with some dimmers, and the living room or hallway can get a new modern chandelier as a new centerpiece! Lighting has many different kinds and uses, and it is much easier to install than you think, especially when the wirings are already there to begin with. If you  need instructions on how to install them you can YouTube it or easily refer to a step by step installation guide when you buy the lighting. Make sure that you have the voltage and sizes correct when taking on this project, and a simple but important reminder make sure the lights are switched off before you install your new lighting. Excited to do a home improvement project but simply cant understand the technical stuff? If in need of professional help, dont be afraid to call the pros. Dont  expected to take down walls and change wiring if you are a complete newbie. There are a number of handyman services in London that I am currently looking at for my own remodelling project, and Im sure there are many in your neighborhood. It would do you good to truly assess what you actually can and cant manage before you even begin to take on a project so you wont have to pay for the cost of fixing something that you have excuse my french and pun screwed up. Happy remodelling!

5 Ways to Break Into the Tech Industry

5 Ways to Break Into the Tech Industry There is no denying the tech industry is here to stay and the skills are important to remain relevant in any career. Many people are wondering if breaking into the tech is the next best move. Some are often intimidated and see no reason to try. Before you decide to avoid the tech industry, read 5 ways you can break into it, even if you are not a typical “techie”.1. Stop Thinking About Your AgeWe have all heard people say, “I am too old to learn this” or “I am too young to be taken seriously”. If you want to break into the tech industry you must stop considering your chronological age to be an obstacle. Chronological age is misleading and there is a culture in the US job market that believes, “Age is an indicator of one’s ability to learn”.Think about your “Biological Age”, which is “how old you really are”. Times have changed. 40 is the new 30, 30 is the new 20, 60 is the new 50, etc. You are never too old to learn something new. And technology is not just f or high-school students.2. Start With the Small ThingsNo one has the ability to learn everything overnight. You may be thinking of “time” and whether or not changing industries is wasting time. But every change takes time. Start with the very small things that you can do for fun on your own time:Creating a blog or your own website/landing page Taking classes on Codecademy or other tools Do some free work for others as practiceThe reason you should not expect to be paid at the beginning is that you are still learning. As you learn and build your confidence, you will get a better understanding of the right time to seek actual employment with a company.3. Start Making ConnectionsYou can get some face-to-face time with people in the tech industry by attending things like “Tech Meetups”, where entrepreneurs and product developers discuss new tech or give product demos. The more you attend these types of Meetups, the more you start to realize that the tech community is quite small , even if it has many members. The same faces show up all the time and it is a great way to get an understanding of the global community involved.In addition, try attending and communicating with people who do webinars or run conferences in the tech industry. Attending a conference is an amazing way to talk to people in tech who may have booths set up or hold panels.Social media is helpful, too. Platforms like Product Hunt and LinkedIn can provide you with the ability to connect and communicate with those running tech companies. Facebook groups targeting specific industries are always wonderful ways to chat with others in the career you are pursuing.4. Update Your ResumeIf you truly feel your age is a problem, get around your fears by updating your resume and remove the following:Date of graduation Work experience over 20 years old Make sure your resume includes the latest tech trends Be up to speed on cover letters currently in use for tech jobsAll of these will help you look like you are currently a part of the tech industry and willing to do what is necessary to make this your career.5. Be Flexible, Humble, and ConfidentThis is new turf for you. So, it may be time to put your past experience behind you until you see a time to use it again. Just like the person who falls a couple of times learning how to ice skate, you are going to have to fall a couple of times before you learn the ins and outs of the tech industry.This requires flexibility in the way you think, learn, and act. This is a new industry for you and the hours may be different, the people will definitely have different personalities, and where or how you work will change, too.Anytime you start off in a new career (in case you forgot), you have to be open and willing to take on any challenge. Employers will appreciate your flexibility and confidence. And if you are humble about your abilities and lack thereof you will start to make yourself more valuable to a company.The perks of your new industr y will happen for you. It just takes a little more effort than you are used to in your older industry. But it will surely be worth it!

5 motivational podcasts you need to listen to - Debut

5 motivational podcasts you need to listen to - Debut This post was written by an external contributor.  Susannah Keogh looks at the best podcasts to listen to when you find your motivation is a little lacking. We all know the struggle sometimes when work and responsibilities start to pile up, our motivation can actually begin to drop. When things get too much it can be very easy to sit back and decide that it can wait, when in reality, you need to focus and be productive. However, in order to do that, sometimes you need to give yourself a little space and time to get your thoughts together so here it is, a definitive list of the best podcasts to listen to during those times when motivation is at an all time low. Simply pop on one of these and feel your motivation begin to soar. The High Low Ex-Sunday Times style magazine journalists Dolly Alderton and Pandora Sykes present this pop culture type podcast, which deals with everything from events in the news, to what television they’ve been watching. It’s on this list for the advice segment in every episode though, where the duo answer a question sent in by a listener. Dolly and Pandora give great measured advice on issues like handling a toxic friend and navigating difficult family relationships. Also worth mentioning is the fact that despite the sometimes serious subject matter, this podcast really does have a mixture of the ‘highs’ and the ‘lows’ we all face. Listen to: The Response to Charlottesville and the Curious Tale of Chloe Ayling Call Your Girlfriend Anyone who’s at university will know the struggle of missing friends back home, and those long distance conversations where you talk about all the world’s problems for hours. Call Your Girlfriend is that and so much more. Two long distances besties, Aminatou and Ann phone each other once a week and talk about everything from Trump, whether women can have it all and empowerment. Listen once, and you’ll be picking up the phone to your own long distance best friend. My personal favourite is the episode with Hillary Clinton’s former aide, Huma Abedin, as the guest star in a rare interview with the private political staffer. Listen to: Episode 45, Right Hand Woman. Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People The premise of Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People is simple: a listener phones the host, comedian Chris Gethard, and just talks. Sometimes the mystery caller has something to get off their chest that they can’t confide to anyone they know, or sometimes they phone in for just a casual chat. The twist? They have to be anonymous, and Gethard can’t hang up. Gethard’s witty, engaging form of questioning often leads to beautiful conversations, with the caller revealing their innermost secrets and fears. The tales they tell are often insanely inspiring, and really remind you to get motivated and reach for your goals. Listen to: Episode 14, Jack Mormon. Desert Island Discs Now, until recently I’d never bought into the Desert Island Discs hype. Honestly, I thought the show was probably something only middle-aged parents listened to, but after reading journalist Dolly Alderton’s passionate article describing the joys of the show, I thought I’d give it a listen. How glad I am that I did. There’s something truly moving and inspiring about listening to these famous, talented people often describe the failures in their lives; how Emma Thompson’s first television series was hated by critics or how Happy Valley writer Sally Wainwright didn’t land her first job effortlessly, but instead spent a year working as a bus conductor after graduating. Hearing how they still succeeded despite numerous setbacks will 100% motivate you. Listen to: Emma Thompson Headspace It is the only podcast you have to pay for in this list, but Headspace is definitely worth it, counting Emma Watson amongst its celebrity fans. A mindfulness meditation app, Headspace offers a range of mindfulness exercises, all presented by ex-monk Andy Puddicombe, who possesses quite possibly the most soothing voice ever. Listening to a session absolutely helps calm me down when I’m feeling stressed or anxious and the app sends you daily notifications to remind you to get some headspace, which is always a helpful reminder in your busy life to stop and take a breather. It reminds you what’s important in your life, and by creating a calm mood it sets you up to succeed. You can sign up and get the basic programme for free, but you’ll have to subscribe to receive the meditations targeted at specific problems, like sleep and anxiety. Connect with Debut on  Facebook,  Twitter,  and  LinkedIn  for more careers insights.

Two Heads Are Better Than One

Two Heads Are Better Than One The old saying two heads are better than one supports the idea of collaboration! Working with someone who has fresh insights, similar values and even different ideas can make anyone more energized. Partnering, for many, is just the ticket to creating something better! A Back Story Blogging is actually more of a team effort than people think. It often requires research and acquiring information from others. At least that has been my experience. When I first started blogging in 2008, I was looking for other bloggers that did it well and whom I felt I had something in common with. Whether by fate, chance or luck, I found Keppie Careers site and remember saying to myself, Miriam thinks just like me!   I began commenting on her posts and referencing links to her work in my own posts. I respected the advice she was giving. Miriam and I began sharing each others work on Twitter and it was shortly thereafter that Miriam and I began exchanging direct messages which lead to a chat on the phone.   Since then, weve met in person at conferences, worked on projects together and even met in Atlanta for a little RR. Miriam and I coach and push each other. We test ideas on each other. We bring out the best in one another (at least I think so!). This is why I so strongly believe in the power of collaboration! Job search should be collaborative And this is also why I know a solo job search is close to impossible. You need fresh insights. You need someone to push you outside of your comfort zone. You need someone to hold you accountable.   If you arent in a job search, couldnt you still benefit from having someone to act as a coach and mentor to do all the same things?

How to Stop Overeating When You Work From Home - Top Tips

How to Stop Overeating When You Work From Home - Top Tips Working from home seems like the perfect arrangement: you get to keep your job and your salary, but you don’t have to bother with business-casual dress, commuting, packing your lunch or any of the other hassles that come with an office-based career. The only problem is that once you get into your new work-from-home position, you might find its not all as perfect as you envisioned it to be. For many telecommuters, one of the most challenging things to get used to is having snacks at your fingertips round-the-clock. It can be tempting to know your favorite bites are just a few steps away. Fortunately, there are ways to stave off mindless snacking and stick to the healthy eating schedule you were on at your 9-to-5. The following are six ways to do it. 1. Drink Water All Day You’ve probably heard this before â€"  and, maybe, you stuck to a water-drinking regimen when you had a desk and a nearby water cooler. Once you start working from home, it’s imperative that you maintain your hydration schedule so that you’re never dehydrated. Dehydration is one of the main reasons why you’re prone to feeling hungry. Your brain sometimes confuses your bodys signals, making you think youre hungry when, in fact, you just need some water. So, when you get an unexpected hunger pang while working from home, drink a glass of water and see if your hunger goes away within 15 to 20 minutes. If it doesnt, then you know youre craving food and not a beverage. 2. Don’t Skip Breakfast When you worked in an office, you may have gotten into the habit of grabbing a to-go bite in the morning or buying something on the way in. At home, though, youre skipping the meal altogether â€" why bother with breakfast when you can just get straight to work? There’s a reason why breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day, though â€" it has so many benefits to you and your health. One of the major benefits is that it helps control your cravings for snacks later on. Without breakfast, you’ll start craving bites to eat here and there, which can add up to even more calories than the breakfast you skipped. Try eating a high-protein meal first thing in the morning and see how much more full and satisfied you feel. 3. Take Breaks, But Not Snack Breaks When you were in the office, you might’ve taken a walk around the office floor, chatted with a colleague or gone for a cup of coffee or tea when you need a break. Once you’re working from home, you don’t have those built-in breaks surrounding you. It is a good idea to break your gaze from your computer for a few minutes throughout the day to get up and walk around. But walking back and forth to the kitchen isn’t going to serve you well in the long run, and many telecommuters end up making every break a snack break because there’s not much else to do. To avoid this habit, start penciling in breaks and planning an activity you can do during that time. Perhaps you want to spend a few minutes making your bed or throwing a load of laundry into the machine. You might want to go for a walk or do a workout DVD. Do something active with the break time youre given, and youll find you wont even miss those snacks â€" you didnt even need them in the first place! 4. Schedule a Lunch, Too Without lunch, what will you be? The answer is, of course, hungry. And, if you’re hungry and surrounded by snacks, what do you think you’ll do? Yep, that’s right â€"  you’ll just eat those instead. So, to once again prevent yourself from overdoing it in the snack department, give yourself time to leave your desk and eat a nice, balanced lunch at home. If you don’t have enough time to stop working, prepare a lunch and then eat it, take time each night or once a week to make healthy meals for yourself in advance. That way, there are no excuses: you can easily eat healthy because you have pre-prepped food ready to go. 5. Practice Portion Control Your workday doesnt have to be entirely snack-free to prevent you from over-eating, but you do have to snack mindfully. An easy way to do so is to measure out what snack you want to eat in a small bowl or plate and bring only that amount of food with you to your desk. No more carrying the full-sized bag to your workspace: most will mindlessly graze all day long without realizing just how many snacks theyve eaten until the bag is empty. 6. Brush Up Finally, there’s one resource you have at home that you probably didn’t have at the office: your toothbrush. After every meal you eat at home, brush your teeth for a clean-tasting mouth and one without any lingering flavor of the delicious meal you just ate. Without those tastes hanging around, you’ll be less likely to crave more food to eat. Plus, if you do find yourself in the mood for a snack that you don’t necessarily need to eat, a minty mouth will mean your snack won’t taste as delicious. A quick brush after your breakfast and lunch break might be all it takes to stave off snacking and work healthily from home for good. Which of the above tips do you think will help you reduce your snack cravings? Let us know in the comments section below. While you’re here, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter, so you never miss another work-from-home tip thatll help you succeed in your domestic digs. Get everything you need to build a career you love by signing up for the newsletter.