Successful Networking - Give and Take

Written by Rebecca Metschke Jun 07, 2009 www.jobsarticle.com

The smart person pays attention to her professional contacts on an ongoing basis. Whether the economy is soaring or in recession, whether she's progressing quickly up the ladder or facing a temporary setback, whether she's just starting her professional career or has been in the workforce for years - she's mindful of her network and intent on adding to it.

Not everyone is this conscientious.

When times are tough, those who've neglected their network over the years have a tendency to "get religion" and focus with renewed zeal on their circle of extended friends and associates - and what they can do to expand it.

Better late than never.

Some people are better networkers than others. They recognize these relationships as such. Relationships. These are people - not simply tools or means to an end.

If you want to get the most out of your network, provide something in return. And the providing part should come first wherever possible.

Give and take.

Everybody is familiar with that phrase. Apply it to networking.

And while you're at it, remember it's not "take - and give." Nor is it "take - and then take some more."

No, the order is clear. No complicated owner's manual is necessary to understand this one. First, you give. This sets the table for the other half of the equation.

That means you stay in touch with your connections. Without asking for anything in return. Maybe you send an unsolicited email just to say hello and find out what's new. Or you place a phone call, or (if you live in the same city) you try to get together for an occasional lunch. If you see an article that another person might find useful, you send it along.

Conversely, you respect people's time.

You don't pester others. You don't call every Tuesday morning like clockwork and talk Scott's ear off, simply because "Tuesday is my day to check in." You remember it's not all about you. You show that you're genuinely interested in the other person.

You think about how you can help those in your network. Maybe you can facilitate an introduction that would be beneficial to one or both people. Maybe one person you know is looking for work and another could be a good source of leads or information in that industry. Maybe someone is contemplating a job opportunity in Denver; you introduce her to a friend based there who can help connect her to a great realtor.

Give and take.

And by all means, when you do ask for a favor, or someone offers you some type of assistance, don't forget to thank them. Then find out if there's something you can do in return.

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How To Keep Your Office Desk Clean

By: Keith Baxter

A messy and disorganized desk is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and viruses. These unwanted guests may result in you suffering from coughs and colds or other ailments. Would you like to work in an unhealthy workplace? I am sure the answer to the question would be a resounding NO.
There are many ways that we can prevent our office workspace from becoming a proverbial pigsty. Here are some tips which are easy to follow and will help you keep your desk clean and your office healthier.

1.Have organizers for your work.
Get files folders, in-out trays for urgent projects, CD boxes to store your digital documents and a stationary holder to keep your desk clutter free. Prioritize what you have by keeping the items that you use on a regular basis within reach. Items that are occasionally used should be stored away in cabinets, drawers or even separate shelves near your desk.

2.One photo frame is enough.
Limit the number of decorative items on your desk as they are a magnet for dust and vie for the limited desktop space that you have.

3.Have anti-bacterial wipes and tissues on hand.
It is important to routinely wipe down the phone, keyboard and surfaces to prevent the spread of germs with anti-bacterial wipes. Having tissues around to cover your nose if you do have a cold. If you do have a cold, take precautions to prevent your fellow employees from contracting the virus from you.

4.Open the windows to air out the room if possible.
Having a fresh breeze now and then prevents the office from having stale air. Turning off the air-conditioner once in a while can help reduce the spread of germs.

5.Add plants to your workspace.
A touch of greenery can help to improve the air quality in the office and make it a more pleasant place to work.

6.Do not store food in your office drawers or on at your workstation.
If you have food around you will be tempted to munch while busily typing at the keyboard. Unnoticed to you there maybe food crumbs in your office chair or in the carpet which may lead to visits by ants or the growth of germs.

7.Do not eat at your workstation.
Eating on the job is bad not only for your health but also you may accidently spill the contents of your lunch on the table or on your keyboard.

8.Have a five minute clean up routine.
End each working day by filing away and putting away the items on your desk so you can arrive to a clean desk tomorrow. Clean all surfaces with a moist cloth then dry.

With these 8 handy tips you can be assured that your work desk is kept clean and hygienic.

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10 Steps To Use Workplace Conflict To Your Advantage

Is there such a thing as a good fight? The willingness to embrace conflict and turn a bad fight into a good one is a hallmark of a great leader. And if you want to learn, there are steps you can take to help turn negative conflicts into creative opportunities.

1) Don't Despair, Prepare!

First, and most importantly, know that sometimes it's best to walk away from conflict. Know your 'exit point' -- the point at which it makes more sense to walk away from a conflict than it does to work to manage the issue. There are times that it will be your best option.

Everyone has their own style of dealing with conflict. Understand the different styles, identify yours and the styles of your team. Learn to appreciate the diverse styles of others, assume leadership when conflicts arise, and value the creative spark that conflicts can kindle.

2) Follow the Yellow Brick Road

What is your goal? If you can agree on a common goal - to creatively solve a problem, to generate a new idea or to sell more product -- you'll have a better chance of harnessing the conflict. Sometimes the root of a conflict is that you don't even agree on what the problem is -- or that you're struggling to address different issues.

3) Reveal, Don't Conceal

You must agree -- at least some extent -- to be vulnerable, to reveal why you want something, and to declare what's really important to you about an issue. When we're in conflict, we always have a story - usually one that justifies our proposed solution. Listen and try to understand the other person's story. If the other person won't reveal their needs or interests, ask open-ended questions and look for clues.

4) Tackle the Problem , Not the Person

Focus on the problem and persuade the other person to join you in solving the problem. Make the problem your common enemy rather than blaming the other person for causing the problem. Try and discourage conflicts from becoming personal.

5) Play Within Bounds

Sometimes conflicts are caused by process problems rather than substantive issues. If the other person remains difficult, start talking more about standards and procedures than about the problem. This can help you creatively manage a conflict that seems like an unmovable object.

6) Stir Up a Storm

Brainstorm -- welcoming all suggestions -- then sort through them all and determine which ones merit further study. Many of us fall in love with our solutions and decide that our idea is the only possibility. The best resolution for all concerned may not be the one we had previously discussed.

7) Take a Time Out

Classic advocates of creative conflict management have used this move throughout history. Martin Luther King Jr. suggested we "go to the mountain" during conflict to gain the higher ground and a better perspective on the problem. Gandhi retreated to meditation and fasting during the most intense periods of his struggle to free the Indian people. When things get heated or stalled consider taking a time out to regroup.

8) Talk Until You Drop

People don't allow enough time for creative conflict management. In our modern, instantaneous world we have lost our patience. If you have decided the conflict is worth your time and energy, make sure you allow sufficient time for management. It usually takes longer than we think to produce good fights instead of bad ones.

9) Circle the Wagons

When you reach an agreement or a creative solution, you need to go through some sort of closure process. Arrange a time in the future to review how the solution is working. Agree upon an action plan to accomplish the goals of an agreement and decide who does what, when and where.

10) Write to Avoid New Fights

Write down what you think you've agreed upon at various stages. The process helps clarify your own thinking as well as the agreement. We all tend to assume the meaning we ascribe to a certain word or discussion is the same for everyone. This one act will save you a world of hurt down the road.

These ten steps can provide a roadmap to lead you skillfully through using conflict to generate creativity. While you may not need to use all ten for every situation, it's good to review them before you try to resolve an issue. Then, you'll be able to see where you're stuck and what you need to do to move forward. For complex disputes, you may very well need to work your way through all the steps with all the parties.

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The Catch-22 - Securing Work Experience

You've just successfully completed your coursework for your college degree. It is a time of great expectation and excitement. You are embarking upon the next phase of your life your career. And you want to ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible.

The search for a job is likely to be challenging. In today's economy, the competition for jobs especially well-paying jobs is fierce. In addition, as a recent college graduate, you may be at a competitive disadvantage, since you might not have any work history to speak of. How can you secure work experience when you need experience to land a job in the first place?

Consider an internship

One effective thing you can do in order to prepare for the world of work is to obtain an internship. While most internships are not paid positions, they can provide you with a world of experience. You can obtain internships in a number of fields, including business and journalism.

Check with your college placement office to find out what internships are available. You might also place a call to a company that you're interested in to see if they have an internship program available. But be warned you might face some stiff competition in your effort to obtain an internship, so be prepared to sell yourself.

Consider volunteer work

If you cannot obtain a formal internship, you might consider doing some volunteer work. Volunteering for a local non-profit organization can help you to gain valuable work experience. A number of volunteers do far more than answer phones and stuff envelopes. You might have to take charge of a project or help organize a fundraising effort in a volunteer capacity.

Realize that you can list volunteer work on your resume as an indication of your experience. While this work was unpaid, it was work nonetheless. You can even list it under the "experience" section of your resume provided that you note that the work was on a strictly volunteer basis.

Consider an entry-level position

It may very well be that your college courses trained you to become a manager. However, you might have difficulty securing a management position if you lack experience. Therefore, consider applying for an entry-level position. The position might involve low pay, long hours, and little responsibility. Still, it could pay handsome dividends in terms of helping you gain experience. With one job under your belt, it will be easier for you to secure additional employment.

Focus on your strengths

Even if you have no experience whatsoever, you still might be able to land a job in your chosen field. But, in order to do so, you'll need a resume that really highlights your accomplishments. Be sure to list any academic awards or service awards you've received on your resume. If you graduated cum laude or summa cum laude, be sure to point that out as well. You'll need to showcase your strengths as best you can and your resume is the best place to do just that.

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