Why diets dont help you lose weight, according to a nutritionist

Why diets dont help you lose weight, according to a nutritionistWhy diets dont help you lose weight, according to a nutritionistWhile a true final word is hard to come by as far as medical intelligence is concerned, diet and nutrition seem to taunt expertise the most. When federal officials released their canonized dietary guideline for the first time in five years many were correctly frustrated by the puzzling list of foods we were told to avoid.Lighting a fire beneath the tail of this long-awaited report, was the Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition Food Studies at New York University,Marion Nestle, commenting the following to the Washington PostThe minute they start to talk about things to eat less of, they invoke nutrients instead of foods. I dare someone to explain saturated fat to me, or to tell me where most sugar or salt comes from in their diet.Key Recommendations Components of Healthy Eating PatternsSometimes, dietary guidelines are phrased intentionally vague because n ew and potentially conflicting research is likely just around the corner. However, sometimes the reasoning is much more sinister. As previously reported by Ladders, theJournal of Public Policy and Marketingsuccessfully identified foursmoke and mirror tactics employed by personenname brand companies in order to capitalize on nutrition trends, i.e underscoring things like low fat to belie the impression that a product is healthy, even though there are a myriad of products that are low in fat and high in other things that are not conducive to a balanced nutritional regimen.Follow Ladders on FlipmainboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and morePart of the problem seems to be the symbiotic relationship shared between commerce and weight loss. Public health should never be at the gluttonous whim of flash in the pan fads. You would never see an ad for a new diabetes medication telling you that your last couple of dates didnt work out because youre a loser that cant control your blood sugar levels, yet in the world of weight management, wherein hucksters shamelessly exploit our national obesity crisis for fiscal gain, its totally above board to make you feel dumb for not knowing about the latest dumb thing thats gonna make you hate chocolate and like doing crunches more. Instead of promoting long-term healthy living, its more profitable to champion provisional results.The U.S weight loss market was worth an estimated $70 billion as of 2018, with about 45 million Americans trying their hand at a new diet each year.Ladders had the pleasure of another correspondence with the decorated dietician and nutritionist of Guiding Stars, Allison Stowell, only this time she was joined by fellow Guiding Stars colleague and dietary expert, Kitty Broihier. The two share a passion for applying the latest data on nutrition science with pioneering measures to improve public health.While some trendy diets may result in quick weight loss, they can be isolating, restricting and difficult to follow for the long term. An effective weight loss diet is not a diet at all, but rather a way of living and eating that leads to long term results that can be maintained over time, the two told Ladders.Not all diets that have won public appeal are without merit, Stowell and Broihier simply suggest consumers engage in research informed by sustainable results and nutritional needs as opposed to commercial elbowing. For example, in a recent webinar, the two outlinned the reasons why votaries of the keto diet ought to properly assess their own objectives against the rubric of the diet before diving in belly first,The nearly complete elimination of an entire macronutrient group and the need for strict adherence to the diet (or risk leaving ketosis) make this diet challenging for all but the most motivated. Although effective for weight loss, the health consequences (including increased LDLs and nutrient imbalances , among others) as well as potential difficulty in sustaining the diet must be considered.I inquired if a healthy regimen should adjust according to seasons. I read a study conducted some years back that motioned that our fat cells respond differently when exposed to sunlight. The Researchers from the University of Alberta, Canada that published the reportfound that fat cells tucked beneath our skin actually shrink when exposed to blue light created by the sun which may help to explain why so many people pack on pounds in the winter. I wondered if it thus follows that there are diets that would be more effective in winter, summer, spring, etc. The Guiding Stars experts had this to say on the subjectGetting outside in the sun for a morning walk or exercise session is a reasonable idea no matter if weight control is your goal or not. Eating lighter foods (eg more produce) in thespring and summer and heartier fare in the cooler months is common, as may be cyclical exercise patterns. be hauptung seasonal eating patterns are normal and likely evolved in response to food supply, bodily needs, and comfort levels (temperature adjustment, for instance), and may help people balance their weight over the course of a year.Before you commit fidelity to any diet, first distinguish between wants and needs. Societal currents will have you believe standards for beauty and standards for health are one in the same. Everyones body has unique requirements and learning to translate these needs to daily dietary habits isnt always easy, but the outlay is always worth it, Stowell andBroihier conclude,While we all may wish there was a quick fix for weight loss, it takes time and effort to properly lose and maintain a healthy weight. The best diet to follow is one thats balanced, with lean proteins and heart-healthy fats, produce and whole grains. Taking it further, a healthy diet is a colorful, flavorful one that individuals want to follow to achieve long term success..bxc.bx-campaign-1 012255 .bx-group-1012255-lyDBLV9 width 900pxheight 550px

A real example of a resume without work experience that has impact

A real example of a resume without work experience that has impactA real example of a resume without work experience that has impactEnhanced Lives is a series which aims to put our customers in the spotlight. In a short interview, we ask about their background, the experience they had with and how it helped to improve their career. Our tenth star is David, one of s youngest users who left us speechless after sharing his story. Even though hes only 16 years old and without any (paid) work experience, he created a resume thats 4 pages long and had employers fighting to get him on board.Hi David, can you tell us a bit about yourself?Hey, Im David and Im from Sofia. I study at Sofia High School of Mathematics and I graduated from Telerik Academy one of the leading educational institutes for software engineers in Bulgaria. One of my biggest passions is Shotokan Karate, which I started to train when I welches 6 years old. I won a bronze medal (together with a few others) on the world cha mpionship for Shotokan Karate at the age of 12. I also love writing and my creations were published across different media here in Bulgaria. I write about my other passions, our ecology, animals, history, education, and autism. For me, its important to mention that I dont write to get awards, but rather to help make a positive change in my country and our environment. I also won an award called Astro Camp NASA, which I couldnt attend because of a lack of financial resources. There is more, but you can view all that in my resume. ??What was the reason you created your resume?A part of the course at Telerik Academy was a program Career Jumpstart where we learned a lot about resume writing and interview process. There, resume was used as an example. So I gave it a go and created my own. Despite still being a student, I guess my resume was perfectly written, as I started receiving job offers right away. I got a call from 6 companies and after interviewing with 2 of them, I canceled the rest just so I dont make my decision even harder. ?? And I got my very first jobRelated articlesSam landed a job at Spotify with 6 powerful women to inspire your next career moveHis abverkauf account manager resume got him great job in 45 daysWhat do you like about ? Did you learn anything from it?What I like is that resumes are not just a standard format, but a 4 in 1 combination. Its because it includes elements resumes should include (Experience, Languages, Education), together with Tips Examples (popping up throughout the process), special competencies (colors, backgrounds, icons), and you can also create a cover letter. It gives you freedom, it is multifunctional and one can get a pretty good idea about the persons character and attitudes through small details encourages you to include.I learned that even though I dont have any work experience, I can still create an impactful resume (thats on 4+ pages). So my very first resume turned out to be effective and of high quality, as many employers have considered it seriously. Although I am not actively looking for a job right now, I keep receiving job offers only last week I got 5, one of which was from Germany.What message would you send to other job seekers out there?My message to the readers would be dont settle for a place you dont like, fight for what you want and initiate a change right now, at this very moment with a resume, for example. ?? Tomorrow you might be at my place, sharing your success story with the world.I would like to thank David for sharing his experience with us. It means a lot and we hope it will motivate many others to get started and upgrade to more personality oriented and performance-based resumes.If youd like to contribute to Enhanced Lives series and share your achievements with others, send me a message. I look forward to hearing from you ?

How side hustling can hold you back at your real job

How side hustling can hold you back at your real jobHow side hustling can hold you back at your real job7 Side Hustles You Can Actually Start in 2019. 8 Side Hustles You Can Start This Weekend. Why havent you started that sweet side hustle yesterday so youd have all that cash today? Only talk to any Uber or Lyft driver or Postmates delivery rolle its never as much cash as it seems like its going to be.People take side hustles for a few reasons, but the main one is serious they cant get either enough hours or enough money at their main job.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreIn the New York Times Opinion section, Alissa Quart points out that people take on second or third side hustles because of wage stagnation or low pay at their full-time jobs. In other words, they very much need to side hustle, once called taking a second part-time job.According to a NPR/Marist survey from last ye ar, cited by Quart, 30% of Americans do something else for pay in addition to their full-time jobs.In this case, the situation is dire economically. Side hustle if you have to, by all means.But dont just side hustle because you want toSide hustling has become hip, almost the norm amongst the younger demographic, where people side hustle for extra spending money, the chance to pay down debt or to save up for a big-ticket item. Thats where the side hustle can also be an insidious squeeze on your time, energy, and what you actually want to do.When youre side hustling, youre taking your focus away from your main hustle, which should be the thing youre concentrating on, usually your job. Even if you dont make enough money now, you should be putting your resources and brainpower into turning out a better work product, leveraging your position within your company, networking outside it, and doing things that will enable you to ask for a raise when the time is right.You might not be getting paid enough right now. But work through the pain as you work on improving your career instead of running around doing odd jobs when you could be getting ahead.Put your resources you into your main thing can be your thing. Having extra money is nice, but the side hustle can become a distraction. What would you rather be an ace at marketing or a really good food-delivery partie? Weigh your options carefully, and look at the long term. Sometimes its better to try to improve things where you stand, rather than have two things going on at once.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

What to Do When You Dont Have Enough to Do

What to Do When You Dont Have Enough to DoWhat to Do When You Dont Have Enough to DoFor anyone whos dealt with an insane workload, a lighter load- or even a week or two where you dont have much to do- sounds like a welcome reprieve. However, to quote those 90s motivational speakers the Spice Girls Too much of something is bad enough, but too much of bedrngnishing is just as tough.Meaning, when every day is a slow day at work, its hard to stay motivated. It can even make you question whether this job is really worth your time and talent. The first step, of course, is to inform your supervisor that you have some free time and that youd be happy to take on a few more tasks or projects. And in ideal-outcome world, thats all it takes. This piece, however, is for those of you whove done that, but still cant seem to stay busy. Read on for your three-step plan.1. Check for Old Projects and Brainstorm New OnesThe first place you should go is your parking lot- not the physical place you leave your car, but the folder (in both your email and your desk) where you park the someday projects. You know, the projects that sound like a great idea, but that no one has gotten around to because theyre not time sensitive.Dont have a parking lot? Start there. Cull through old meeting notes and review old to-do lists. Is there something you pushed off during busy season? Or an idea that languished in the ideation stages? By beginning with something that has already been discussed- even peripherally- you know youre staying within your job description (making it easier to get approval).Dont have any old projects? First, the fact that youve scoured so hard means you can preempt any assumptions that you should have been able to find something to do. Second, you can feel free to brainstorm- which brings me to step two.2. Confer with Your Colleagues and SupervisorsOdds are, if you could simply think up a new pet project- if there were some obvious unmet need or task youd been dying to tackl e- you would have proposed it already. So, this is the time to reach out to others.The simplest approach is to ask around and see if anyone could use a hand. Yes, this means you could end up helping with a mailing or some other beggars cant be choosers task youd later lament, however it does provide you with the opportunity to strengthen your workplace relationships and build your in-office network (which is always a good thing).Another option is to ask colleagues or your supervisor what they identify as unmet needs in the department or areas for growth. For example, say youre tasked with managing social media efforts, but because of your companys reach, there is only so much you can do. Could someone in tech or PR think of a way you could assist with building community or publicizing the organization, such as making the website more user-friendly or examining continuity between hashtags and taglines?This approach will make you seem like a team player and coalition builder. Moreover , the next time you check in with your absent manager (er, extremely busy supervisor), you are coming to him or her with a team need, as opposed to a personal one, which means your project is be more likely to be green-lighted.3. Schedule a MeetingIf youve worked through your personal project list, as well as that of everyone in your department, youve taken plenty of initiative to try and solve the problem. Still find yourself Gchatting, twiddling your thumbs, even contemplating searching for other positions at your desk?Its time to move beyond discussing your lack of work as an agenda item during general conversation and schedule an official meeting with your supervisor. Send a calendar request so that the time is blocked off, as well as an agenda that titles the meeting Insufficient Amount of Work Discussion and lists that detail what youve done to create more work (see steps one and two).Sometimes, its simply a matter of your anfhrer being busy or scatterbrained and assuming youl l figure it out. This meeting is a way to get his or her attention and demonstrate that you have already exhausted your options, and now you really need some help.If you get no results, or if you get one project and then the struggle begins all over again, its time to go elsewhere. That could mean HR, that could mean your boss boss, or that could mean putting the word out to your network that youre looking for a new job.Too little work sounds like a good problem to have- until its the one with which youre faced. Be creative, but dont be afraid to stand your ground You are talented, and you deserve the opportunity to put your skills to good usePhoto of blank to-do list courtesy of Shutterstock.

6 Ways to Get the Most Out of a Leadership Coach

6 Ways to Get the Most Out of a Leadership Coach6 Ways to Get the Most Out of a Leadership Coach As a new executive or entrepreneur, youre probably juggling what feels like a million competing priorities all at once. Big changes are happening all around you, and you need to learn quickly. No pressure. Increasingly, new leaders are turning to leadership coaches for help with everything from developing 30/60/90 day plans and managing performance to cultivating a company mission and avoiding burnout. And theyre smart to do so. Why not learn from those whove been there before? Coaching requires an investment of your time and your money, so you want to be sure that youre maximizing your ROI. (And as a quick aside, dont be afraid to get creative with coaching packages if you cant afford six sessions, ask for three). Heres how you can get the most out of your coaching relationship, according to some of my most successful C-level clients and fellow coaches. Look for a coac h who you connect with, respect, and feel comfortable turning to with challenging situations. Cindi Bright, President of the Bright Group suggests keeping in mind that the right match may be someone who doesnt fit your typical level of comfort. Growth comes from discomfort, so finding a coach who will challenge your preconceived notions may be just what you need. A great coach will offer support and encouragement, be tough when needed, and be resourceful. They may not always have the answer, but they know where to look.As you explore your coaching options, remember that in this space, reputation matters. Anyone can call themselves a leadership coach, so be sure you take a hard look at their accreditation, methodology, industry expertise and track record. Nothing happens overnight. Have a candid conversation with your coach about where you are now and where youd like to be. From there, youll be able to set attainable goals together. Meara Clark, founder of Work with Candor advises, that every coaching engagement should have some kind of written agenda. It could be one word, like Action or three specific goals, like delegating administrative tasks, practicing e-team presentations and creating accountability in one on ones.I know it may be tempting to try to tackle all of your goals at once, but selecting your top three will feel much more manageable. Be patient. If youve never managed a team before, its going to take some time for you to get comfortable making hiring decisions and delivering critical feedback. Youll get there eventually.In the wise words of my client, Max Makin, Co-Founder and CTO at Modern Electron, gobble up as much information as you can. Take notes, ask questions. Be curious. The best mentees have a healthy bchse of self-awareness and a genuine desire to be their best.The most successful clients show up ready and willing to learn. That also includes being prepared to hear tough feedback. After all, thats what your coach is for. They dont ex pect you to have all the answers (even though your employees might), so dont be afraid to ask for help and be vulnerable if youre feeling stuck. We all need help sometimes. I know this can be challenging. The vast majority of my clients are type-A, high achievers who believe they should be able to figure everything out on their own. But, as Teri Citterman, Forbes Contributor and Executive Coach at Talonn LLC wisely advises, the going it alone approach is not scalable. You dont need to do this on your own. Turning to a coach doesnt make you a failure it makes you wise. Or as Max puts it, dont rest on your laurels. The whole point of working with a coach is to become the best leader you can be. So be prepared to challenge yourself. Ask your coach for feedback about what youre doing well and where you can improve.Getting feedback can be tough for some especially those who feel like they need to have all the answers. But I promise you that honest, constructive feedback is the most dir ect path to improvement. And if your coach isnt able to be straight up with you, find one who will. The goal isnt to pull the wool over your coachs eyes. If you arent upfront about your leadership style and opportunities for improvement, whats the point? Meara advises, being radically honest with yourself and your coach allows you to learn from failure or inaction, evolve your goals, and maintain a growth mindset. Remember that your coach isnt here to judge you, and she cant help you if she doesnt have the full picture. Being honest about your behavior, your patterns, and your missteps will enable your coach to steer you in the right direction. This goes both ways, so dont be shy about giving feedback to your coach too. If you disagree with something or their approach is not working for you, say so. Partnering with a coach can have an invaluable impact on your success as a leader. But, given the constraints on your time, and possibly your budget, youll want to be sure that youre opt imizing every minute you have with your coach. Finding the right match, being prepared to learn and accept feedback, and showing up with an open mind will help maximize your return on investment not to mention empower you to become the best leader you can be. Mikaela is the founder and CEO of uniquelyHR, providing fast-growth companies including startups and scale-ups with flexible HR services from consulting to leadership development and executive coaching. Prior to founding her company, Mikaela welches an HR leader with several iconic Northwest brands including Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks, PopCap Games and Redfin. Mikaela continues to work as an executive coach specializing in CEO and leadership development and working with high potential women leaders. Find her on Twitter uniquelyHR or LinkedIn.

The One Thing to Do for Engineering Resume Objective

The One Thing to Do for Engineering Resume Objective By saying just what kind of engineering position you want, you demonstrate that you get a particular career goal and youve thought about where you would like to go in the business. An entry-level position for a project manager usually requires three to five decades of experience in a specific field before you have the reigns for a whole project, so be certain to include prior company projects you lent a hand in. Nothing, if you would like your engineering resume to look like all of the rest. In that situation, its far better tailor your resume for a mechanical engineering job to coincide with the language of the work offer. Importantly, you ought to take a look at the experience youre doing have and the specific genuine efforts that you designed for your prior employers. If you are searching for a permanent position with a company, some men and women feel its important to get a very good objective meinung for your resume. O n the flip side, people with tons of experience in the specialty would require a resume thats detailed and professional. You might have the basics of a resume objective down when it has to do with describing the sort of job that you seek. Youll enhance your probability of finding the internship if you scrape up a small bit of experience first. Its possible to also use the objective to reveal the way your previous experience relates to engineering, even if it looks to be an unrelated field. Youll receive perfectly optimized resumes and youre likely to make your day-to-day life simpler There is a particular format as they need to be reframed based on your work experience or educational qualifications and the work profile youre trying to get. An objective is a brief statement that clarifies your goals concerning the kind of employment desired and the way in which your skills make you a nice fit. When youre asking for work, your very first aim is to let employers know your abilitie s and talents align with the needs of their open position. When youre crafting your resume objective, you should concentrate on particular abilities and experiences which are directly linked to the job. Your abilities and experience sections need to be spot-on for a hiring manager to take notice. Your familiarity with a lot of different engineering computer software programs will make your resume a lot more convincing. Include the businesss name to demonstrate that you truly wish to work there. The template comes in a pdf format which makes it quite easy to use. Freshers in college may apply for various mechanical engineering jobs too. If youre asking for a job for a Community Outreach Worker, you might need to list an objective on top of your resume. Potential employers might want to know precisely what youre ready to do. Prospective employers should know what your skills are and the way the organization can be benefited from the exact same. Focus on how you wish to grow w ithin the business. The subject of mechanical engineering is a very respectable one. There are several different kinds of jobs within the discipline of mechanical engineering. Before you begin with your resume, be sure that you do a little research about the organization youre applying for. Engineering Resume Objective and Engineering Resume Objective - The Perfect Combination To get this kind of engineering resume, you could use the amazing resume templates found here which have been designed particularly for the goal. For example, each industry has a specific employee profile. Avoid using generic materials for each and every job that you apply for. Identify your finest skills by checking out jobs you want to apply for. Our resume builder provides you with tips and examples on how best to compose your resume summary. Since resumes are essentially written to impress upon the hiring manager that youre an exceptional contender for employment, they are important. Many resumes are in fact a mixture of fashions. In most instances, a resume objective is simply a couple of sentences long.

3 Reasons to Implement Mini-Games in Your Small Business - Spark Hire

3 Reasons to Implement Mini-Games in Your Small Business - Spark HireMini-games are company games that are implemented and carried out about every month, company-wide or department specific. Typically, mini-games are most effective when designed in line with a quarterly or annual company goal.If your small business is not partaking in mini-games in buchen to reach goals, I highly recommend that you consider making this implementation ASAP You will binnensee several positive outcomes when implementing min-games in your small business.1.Create a Team AtmosphereWhen you create games and team goals, you will see a change in your employees. They will begin to work together in order to achieve points or merits in order to achieve a goal.In the past, I have implemented mini-games when managing a team of recruiters and I quickly noticed team members working together to help each other reach targets. They knew if they were able to help each other out, they would have a better chance at making goal.2.Boost Employee MoraleWhen you create fun and engaging games for your employees, you will notice a boost in morale. You will see more smiles and enthusiasm as they are completing assignments and reaching targets.When I implemented mini-games on my recruiting team, I noticed a surge of energy amongst the team. The excitement of the game itself, along with the reward waiting for them once the game target was achieved, was enough to create a fresh new enthusiasm when it came to everyday job tasks.3.Help Employees Focus on the GoalMost companies will have quarterly and / or annual goals to meet. By implementing mini-games, you are helping your employees to stay focused on the larger goal. Your mini-game goals should be a breakdown of the much larger goal. This helps you and your employees to stay focused and excited about meeting the larger goal by keeping things fresh.Now what?Ok, so youve decided that you are going to give mini-games a shot What do you do now?There are a few wo rds of advice that I can offer to you, when implementing mini-games in your small business.Realistic GoalsWhen you are setting goals, ensure that they are realistic. I have seen situations in the past when goals were clearly unattainable for a company or department. Regardless of the type of mini-games or rewards you have in place, this will demotivate your employees quickly.Make sure your annual goal is realistic first. Then, when you break down that goal in order to accommodate goals for mini-games, make sure you are considering things such as slower quarters. For instance, if you know that your business experiences a lull during first quarter, perhaps the games throughout the first quarter will have lower goals or targets than the rest of the year.Simple GamesWhen you are deciding the types of games you would like to implement, make sure they are not overly complicated. You want simple games that will not be difficult to track or keep up with while working. You want this to be fu n, not another job to add to everyones already busy schedule.One way to come up with mini-game ideas is to ask for your employeesinput and ideas. Perhaps everyone contributes ideas for mini-games at the beginning of each year. You can take these and build on them, creating simple and fun games for the team as the year progresses.Rewards and TargetsEach mini-game must have targets and rewards. Perhaps you have a halfway target during mini-games. When the team reaches that halfway target, perhaps you surprise them with ribbons or stars outside their cubes or donuts one morning, celebrating that they are halfway there. Once they reach the end of the game and if they make target, maybe you have a pizza party for the team. leid only does this give the team something to look forward to, but you are still encouraging team activities that encourage team communication and enthusiasm.Do you have any experience with mini-games? Please share your experiences and ideas below.Image monkeybusiness images/BigStock.com

A Step-By-Step Guide to Starting a Pet Business

A Step-By-Step Guide to Starting a Pet BusinessA Step-By-Step Guide to Starting a Pet BusinessAnimal lovers who possess a creative, entrepreneurial spirit may be barking up the right tree by starting a pet store geschftlicher umgang. Here are some basics to help you get started. Pet Store Spending is Booming In addition to the fun and personal satisfaction of working with a clientele of furry, finned and feathered creatures, a pet store can be a very lucrative enterprise. According to the American Pet Products Association, Americans will spend an estimated $72.13billion on their pets in 2018. Pet spending is expected to continue to increase exponentially in the coming years. So here is some important information for those who are considering getting into the pet industry. Before You Start a Pet Business Test the waters. Its a great idea to work or volunteer at a pet store - a good, no-cost, no-risk way to begin to learn the geschftsleben and to determine if youre cut out for this undertaking. Aside from that, learn as much as you can about different pets, their specific characteristics, and needs. If you do open your own pet store, you will be in a better punkt to relate to and serve your clients. Now lets look at some pros and cons of owning a pet store. The Pros You have the freedom to choose your own products and suppliesYou have the ability to offer more personalized tafelgeschirrYou are in a position to establish greater rapport with members of your communityYou can forge your own unique niche, apart from the big franchises Establishing a Distinct Niche Offering products and services not readily available at the big pet stores will give you an edge. For example, a customer who feeds their cat premium natural foods will likely patronize a small pet boutique precisely because this store exclusively sells holistic pet products, many of which cannot be found at the franchise outlets. Being Thoroughly Educated Attracts Customers Pet parents are becoming more sophisticated and discriminating about the products they purchase and the services they seek. Thus, theyre increasingly likely to frequent pet stores where the staff has a lot more knowledge about pets than employees at the big outlets, the majority of whom are merely sales and stock clerks with little or no training in animal care. A manager who has an encyclopedic knowledge of animals will attract and retain customers who want the best care for their pet, giving them a leg up. The Cons On the downside, starting a business such as this can be quite an expensive undertaking. If youre like the average small business launcher, you probably dont have tons of start-up capital at your disposal. The good news is, there are plenty of avenues to obtain small business financing. So do your homework about what youll need, and the best ways to go about getting it. Competition from the Big Box Stores PETCO isnt the only place the pets go. Large general merchandise sto res such as Walmart and Target are expanding their pet product selections, due to their wise recognition of the current market boom. While this may be a challenge for the small pet stores, the good news is the big box stores that exclusively sell pet products are feeling this pressure. Some are experiencing slowed growth as a result. You can turn this scenario to your advantage by uniquely positioning yourself within your market. You can offer products not found elsewhere, and establish yourself as a go-to expert on certain types of pet foods. (Walmart and Target dont have such experts) Plus, theres one area in which smaller, more personalized retailers can really excel customer service So learning everything you can about this will further help you to compete. Limited Advertising and Marketing Resources Realistically, the big boys have huge advertising and marketing budgets. Thats why its important to find low cost, yet clever ways to promote your business. One way is a busines s blog. The great part of a blog is that its easy to use and maintain you can update it as often as youd like, and its very inexpensive.Meanwhile, there are a number of low- or even no-cost advertising options available. All it takes is some creativity. Marketing Tips As for marketing a small business, you actually may have an edge over the big fish because owners of small pet stores have the opportunity to get really creative. Youre also in a great position to forge a deeper, more personal connection with your core audience, the better to set yourself apart and establish your own unique brand. Above all, evaluate what might help distinguish your business from others in your area, and come up with ways to capitalize on that. Establishing a Brand When starting a business, its especially important to establish a brand. One of the first rules is to come up with a memorable business name. So its a good idea to put a lot of thought into your pet stores name. With this kind of bus iness, you can have a lot of fun doing so. Getting a Lease One advantage to this soft economy is that theres been a steady decline in business leasing. So its now generally easier to get a lease at a pet store. You may even opt to buy your space. You may also consider buying an existing store. Meanwhile, remember to check your areas zoning laws.

Commercial Leasing to Find the Right Office Space

Commercial Leasing to Find the Right Office SpaceCommercial Leasing to Find the Right Office SpaceWhen the real estate market favors home buyers, the commercial real estate market also tends to favor lessees (those who lease or rent space). When home prices are down, it is a strong indicator that you can also find cheaper commercial spaces than when home prices are strong. Finding Leads on Available Commercial Spaces for Lease There are many ways to find an office, industrial, and retail space for rent. In a difficult economy, in most places, you can simply drive around and see for lease signs posted. If you can contact the lessor (the rolle leasing the space) you may be able to negotiate a better deal, or even get a month of free rent because the lessor saves money if they do not have to pay commission fees.? Other ways to find space include Craigslist Click on your state, then county, then type of classified you are looking for. One of the benefits of finding properties on Craigslist is that many listings are posted by individuals. If a landlord can lease or sublease space without using a realtor they save money - savings that they may be willing to pass along to you. LoopNet A nationwide commercial real estate listing service online. This is a better resource for finding commercial properties for sale, but the site also lists spaces for lease. Search by state, city, or zip code. Local Newspapers You can look in your local paper for listings by realtors but pay close attention to listings posted by individuals. Landlords who can rent their space without using a realtor save by not having to pay a commission. Be sure to try and use that knowledge to your financial advantage. The Internet To use Internet search engines to find office space for lease, first type in the city and state where you are looking for space and any of the following keyaber sichers If you are looking for non-industrial space just substitute the word industrial for comm ercial and the retail or office instead of industrial. city-state industrial space for lease,city-state lease industrial office space, orcity-state lease industrial retail space. Relax, Be Patient and Wait Until You Find the Perfect Space It is hard to be patient, but the most important thing to remember when looking for commercial real estate is to take your time. Look at a variety of spaces and compare prices. Ask family and friends if they know of spaces for lease. If you only need a small amount of space, ask local churches, community centers, and even other businesses if they have a spare office to rent. Your local chamber of commerce may also be able to help you find local resources. Look for spaces that offer one- to two-year leases and ask for renewal options. While many landlords will push for long-term leases, especially when times are hard, leases beyond two years rarely serve the best interest of a tenant. In tough economic times, you have an advantage, but you can q uickly lose that advantage by being impulsive.

Child Protective Services Caseworker Job Description

Child Protective Services Caseworker Job DescriptionChild Protective Services Caseworker Job DescriptionChild protective services (CPS) caseworkers investigate allegations of child abuse and neglect for their county or state CPS agency. They typically work with law enforcement officers during the course of their investigations. According to Child Protective Services A Guide for Caseworkers, a caseworkers main focus is to determine whether a child is safe and whether there is a risk of future maltreatment. Caseworkers also offer services to aid children who have been abused or neglected as well as to their families. Abuse may be physical, sexual, or emotional. Neglect is the failure to provide food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, or supervision. Caseworkers may get burned out on their work because they encounter many people with difficult problems and they may feel they arent able to make a difference. Some caseworkers are able to continue in the job for a long period of time by taking heart in the small victories they achieve and by focusing on the help they provide. Duties Responsibilities This job generally requires the ability to do the following tasks Review reports of an alleged case of abuse or neglect.Investigate the case through interviews with key people, including children, parents, other relatives, and medical providers.Collect documentary evidence such as medical reports, arrest records, and court filings.Plan and coordinate services to help children and their families.Fill out paperwork outlining the investigation and the resulting actions that were taken. Caseworkers keep families together if possible. If they determine children need to be removed from a home for their own safety, caseworkers look to place them with an extended family member or someone else in the same community. Caseworkers aim to reduce the trauma neglected or abused children experience. They also act to provide the person or people who have harmed the children with the services and support they need to end the abuse or neglect. Caseworkers may find themselves in dangerous situations while confronting people they believe to have harmed children. They also are called on to testify in court proceedings and may help prepare the case against the abusive person or people. Child Protective Services Caseworker Salary The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not compile statistics specifically for child protective services caseworkers, but it does for the similar job of social worker. Median Annual Salary $49,470 ($23.78/hour)Top 10% Annual Salary More than $81,400 ($39.13/hour)Bottom 10% Annual Salary Less than $30,750 ($14.78/hour) Source U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018 The median annual salary for child, family, and school social workers was a bit lower, at $46,270, than for social workers as a whole. Education, Training Certification CPS caseworkers have at least a bachelors degree, often in social work or psychology, and sometimes a masters degree in social work. Requirements vary from state to state. Licensing Some CPS agencies hire licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) as caseworkers. To become an LCSW, most states require a candidate to obtain a masters degree in social work and to pass an exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards. Check with your state to determine its licensing procedures and requirements.Foreign language fluency Being proficient in a language other than English is often helpful, especially in municipalities with significant populations of immigrants. Child Protective Services Caseworker Skills Competencies Working with abused and neglected children is a difficult job. Its psychologically draining and calls for emotionally tough yet empathetic people. Youll also need these qualities to be successful as a CPS caseworker Compassion The children and adults that caseworkers deal with are in extremely stressful situations. Kindness and patience are vital.P roblem-solving skills Caseworkers must be able to zero in on the most workable solutions with the childrens best interests in mind.Communication Talking with people is a big part of this job. Caseworkers need to gear their conversations to childrens maturity and consider the cultural background and sensitivities of everyone they speak with.Interpersonal skills Caseworkers often find they have to switch gears quickly from dealing with families and children to interacting with coworkers, superiors, and other professionals. Job Outlook The BLS does not make projections about job growth specifically for CPS caseworkers. The BLS projects employment of social workers as a whole will grow 16% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the 7% average for all occupations. The BLS expects jobs for child, family, and school social workers to grow 14% from 2016 to 2026, though it notes that employment growth may be limited by federal, state, and county budget constraints. Work Environment CPS caseworkers split their time between the office and visiting families and collecting evidence in the field. Their office may be in a county or state government building. Work Schedule Although caseworkers may be expected to work only 40 hours a week, they often deal with emergencies at odd hours and work evenings and weekends because that is when families are available to meet with them. How to Get the Job APPLYLook for job postings on government websites and search broader job websites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Monster.WRITE A TARGETED RESUME AND COVER LETTERCreate a resume and cover letter that speak directly to the requirements in the job description. Check out example resumes and cover letters for related social worker jobs to use as a guide in writing yours.REHEARSE COMMONLY ASKED INTERVIEW QUESTIONSHuman resources recruiters and hiring managers often ask the same types of questions when interviewing job candidates. Review questions that typically come up for social wo rkers and prepare responses to them. Comparing Similar Jobs People interested in becoming CPS caseworkers may also consider the following careers. The figures given are median annual salaries Marriage and family therapist $50,090School counselor $56,310Community health worker $46,080 Source U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018