Madison Jobing Community Blogs

In recent weeks I’ve been watching events unfold in Sedona  -- that whole James Arthur Ray thing and how people died in an ersatz sweat lodge.  I suppose for many people, a terrible event such as this (where people paid $9,000 for the privilege of dying a horrible death, surrounded in the gloom by their vomiting and fainting companions) is so exotic to most people that “that could never happen to me” is a thought that briefly passes through our minds.  And that would probably be true.

However, this whole clutch of motivation and self-help teachers has been bugging me over recent years. While a multitude of programs are offered every year that don't involve ambulances and homicide investigations, many of them are damaging in the way they take advantage of intelligent, open-minded individuals looking for a better way out of frustration and despair.  And the cumulative effect of little damages everywhere can also be very destructive indeed. And I’m worried that the general public might be even more at risk as the economy continues its stagger, stagger, crawl mode.  These are emotional frontiers we’re in, folks, and the woods are lousy with snake oil salesmen – people who promise to give you a breakthrough secret to life in a week or a weekend, for the price of a semester of college or a small car.

 I have had in my bookshelf for a couple of years now the book, SHAM, by Steven Salerno. And I’ve been really reluctant to read it. Primarily because I knew he would blow the lid off of the mechanics behind self-help gurus and their business models. And at the time I was also reading Martin Seligman (the very legitimate founder of the very legitimate positive psychology movement), and I was also dabbling in more than a little Jack Canfield, Tony Robbins, Marianne Williamson and even Joel Osteen. And, frankly, I liked the way their messages made me feel.  And while I certainly didn’t buy The Secret’s promises hook, link and sucker (I mean, sinker), having grown up in a family whose mantra was mainly, “ain’t it awful, ain’t it tragic,”  I knew there is definitely something to be said for willfully focusing on the positive side of things. If you have read my earlier postings, you’ll know that I believe that a positive attitude is more conducive to creative thinking and endurance during a time where everything seems to be hitting the fan.  At least it makes the ride a little more tolerable.

 But I also know a manipulative head-game when I see one. (At least I hope I do.) I certainly learned to recognize the signs when I’ve bought into one, much to my ever-lasting regret pretty quickly thereafter.  So, I thought I’d lay out a list of danger signs for you – with the hopes of helping you keep your money in your pocket.  (I get the fact that this could mean that I might miss out on a few sales of my own books – but at the end of this post I’m actually going to offer you my first book for free. I won’t even ask you for your email address as one of those cheesy quid pro quo gambits.)

 Avoid any course with titles containing such words as “breakthrough,” “success,” “transform,” “dream,” and whose tuition includes a comma.  Speaking from personal experience here.  These kinds of courses are mostly warmed over material drawn directly from the texts of books that you can purchase for $20 to $30.  There will be much playing of John Denver and hugging of total strangers  -- most who look like they either haven’t been hugged in decades or they’re really really really looking forward to hugging you. The break times are dedicated to urging you to sign up for the advanced course at twice the price (but today – and only today – slashed to the same amount you just paid for the basic course). My memories of those break times involve softly trance-inducing singing from the stage and a certain zombie-ness of the people moving to the back of the room where tables are conveniently set up, where staffers cheerfully accepted credit cards. Did I get anything of value from that basic week? Yes…my mastermind group is still intact after almost five years. We meet on the phone every other week and have become supportive friends. But have our circumstances changed significantly since we met that that “breakthrough” week?  Nope.  (As you can imagine, I’m usually the cranky one on our phone calls.)

 If you go to any course with a title that includes the words “spirit,” “warrior,” “vision quest,” make sure there is an EMT on call at all times before laying your money down. Most spiritual quests are flat-out scary. Who are these people to say they know the way, and will lead us there through a regimen of fasting, meditation and bodily deprivation? The way people refer to spirituality as Spirit, as if Spirit is their next door neighbor with handy cable piracy skills, is revolting. And the way white Americans romanticize the mysteries of Native American life and traditions is deeply hypocritical or willfully shallow. If they’re so enchanted by the Native American way, how about coming out to the Southwest, don't stop at the spas or casinos, and spend that week teaching Native American children to say no to crystal meth addiction and alcoholism? Share the inspiring benefits of your own education, skills and privilege, rather than trying to siphon off a few sips of mysticism from authentic traditions that you will never get anyway?

 If someone wants to teach you how to be rich (for whatever price), first find out how he got rich himself.  Look at the frequent fliers of this particular line of work, and you’ll find out that most of them got rich by sticking their hands into pockets of people just like you (and me). And they’re getting richer.  Did he ever grow a company, other than the staff of eager minions he has working for him now? Did he turn around a major corporation? Did he emerge from his own family of alcoholics and desperados to blaze his own trail by making something or contributing something useful to society (that is other than an ultra-expensive retreat)?  Is he an unimpeachable researcher who has the gift of translating esoteric, hard-to-understand information into immediately useful ideas that anyone can have for the price of a book?  That might be someone worth paying some attention to.

 When someone tells you that you’re nowhere without his secrets or gift, laugh and walk away. Need I say more? Okay, I will. I know of one so-called Buddhist guru (she’s American) who actually replaced the words “Higher Power” in the 12 Step Program with her own name.  That’s amazing. But what’s even more amazing is that hundreds of otherwise intelligent people said, “Duh, okay.”

 Just say no to any product marketed to you via email by someone you’ve never heard of but endorsed by someone you have. These people exchange mailing lists, knowing full well that purchasers of self-help products are the most likely to come back for more and more. The cynicism is mind-blowing.

 Avoid self-help books that were Number 1 on Amazon for, like, three hours one day.  Again, it’s the lists at work. These people know how to game the system and they use each others’ lists to snag that coveted spot, even for an instant. This way they can call themselves “bestselling authors.”  Big whup.

 Don’t give up your own dreams.  Life is full of true mysteries. My personal favorite one is the mystery of synchronicity. I’m a total sucker for those stories, and I have true, first-hand stories of my own that would curl your hair. But I wouldn’t bet the ranch on a synchronicity that I perceive to be an omen. (Even though, in my heart of hearts, I kind of hope it is.)

We all need fresh infusions of inspiration now and then. And  personal growth does involve keeping your mind open and venturing into uncomfortable zones now and then. But no breakthrough experience should necessitate group puking or even close bodily contact with strangers to the strains of “Sunshine On My Shoulders.”

 Keep your wallet in your pants. Or purse.

 (Now for the free offer:  I will give you a free copy of my very first book, Find Your Calling, Love Your Life. For absolutely nothing. Not even your email address.  Just go to www.unlockthehiddenjobmarket.com and click the green button that will lead you to free downloads. You can also have a free sample chapter of my new book, Unlock the Hidden Job Market.  Naturally, my coauthor and I would love it if you also purchased that book. But you know what? You don’t have to.)

My friend Patricia is probably the only person I would call a natural networker. Her worldly possessions have been in storage for most of the last 10 years as she goes where her heart tells her to (always beautiful places: Hawaii; Aspen; Naples, FL;  San Diego; hey! Why not?). Jobs and projects fall into her lap no matter where she goes (and right now she’s in Austria after having spent a couple of weeks in Spain).  She always has friends to stay with or a house to borrow.  I would say she’s female version of Tim Ferris. But she’s her own self.  And she makes her way in the world through relationships she builds along the way.

You ever have one of those right-words-at-the-right-time moments that blasts all your illusions away?  Patricia gave me the right words at the right time and showed me the way to think about networking.  It was a few years ago while she was visiting me on Cape Cod. I was feeling rudderless, pitiful, unnecessary, unwanted,  all those un’s that make it such a drag to get up in the morning. Patricia and I were sitting in the livingroom wrapped in blankets and drinking coffee (well, she was drinking herbal tea, of course). I was saying that I just couldn’t bring myself to knocking on Cape Cod businesses begging for a job.  And she gently said this:

“It’s not about what you need, it’s about what you can contribute.”

Oh.

Ohhhhhhhhhhh.

I’d been thinking about networking all wrong! It wasn’t about what a pitiful needy, loser, user I was. It was about letting the world know that I was here to help. Patricia certainly isn’t a needy, loser, user. She moves through the world like a queen (in a good way), and people take their cue from her – treating her accordingly.  And she benefits a lot of lives as she goes.  She may not have a permanent address (other than her Naples PO box). But she has real friends who love her, and she earns an honest living (thanks to laptops and cell phones), growing spiritually, emotionally  and professionally along the way.

You may not want to live the life that Patricia has (although, for me, every time she breezes through Santa Fe, where I live right now, ever fiber of my being screams ROAD TRIP!).  And you may not have the flexibility of treating the entire planet as your own personal marketplace.

But then again, maybe you do.  At the very least the marketplace that you most naturally belong to needs you! But it may not know you’re there. If your resistance to networking is keeping you shy, I don’t blame you. So maybe the thing to do is examine your beliefs around networking. And maybe change your mind just a little.

Networking is a waste of time.  It could be, depending on what you expect from your networking activities. If you want a job right this very minute (of course you do, just bear with me here for a minute), you’re probably going to think that networking activities are a waste of time because what are the chances that any given networking encounter will result in a job offer? To be honest – practically zero. 

Yes, I get that you need a job – right this very minute. And networking will eventually bring you that job. But it’s a cumulative effect kind of thing.  One person leads to another who leads to another who leads to five others.  As my coauthor for Unlock the Hidden Job Market, Duncan Mathison, says: Networking is about planting seeds. Lots and lots of them. Some will sprout. But the more networking you do, the more of those seedlings will sprout. And some – not to drive a metaphor in the ground or anything – will bear fruit.

Still not convinced?  What are the chances that staying at home will result in a job offer? Guaranteed: Zeeee-roe.

The only people I meet at networking events are people who are out of work themselves. That would be true.  Those networking events are the worst.  They suck the life right out of you. They waste your time. And feed your growing sense of despair and overwhelm. So. Stop going to them.

Networking is not  about going to networking events. It’s meeting people one-on-one, showing sincere interest in what they do, your shared industry or profession, your community, future trends, ideas, etc. 

This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t network with other people who are out of jobs. But still make those one-on-one events, high-quality conversations where both of you end up with a growing list of ideas, connections, phone numbers, companies, introductions. 

People don’t want to meet me. How do you know? Somewhere someone needs you.  And that will only happen if you get the heck out of the house.

Just because you don’t have a job, that doesn’t mean you don’t have value and that you have nothing to contribute. People need you. To use Patricia’s philosophy: Get out and find out who they are.  Under other conditions would you let negative self-talk prevent you from lending a hand where your unique strengths and gifts can really make life easier for someone?  Of course not. So why let the inner gremlins have the power now?

People only want to hire to people who already have jobs. That’s a myth.  If you’re unemployed right now, you actually have some advantages working for you.  You’re available now.  You’re not coming in with that entitled “what can you do for me” attitude. You won’t be taking their offer back to your current boss to try to snag a sweeter offer.  Everyone knows that really great talent is on the loose right now because of the massive trend of lay-offs.  The fact that you’re between jobs right now is not a black mark on your record.  It’s just one of those things.

There’s no point in starting now, since the holidays are around the corner.  Wrong. This is absolutely a terrific time to look for a job. Budgets are being formulated for Q1. So while you might not start until January 1, you’d be making great use of your holidays by networking your brains out.  And just think,  if everyone else thinks that there’s no point in job hunting right now, you are out there with very little competition.

For a great article on this subject, check out: T’is The Season To Follow the Money.

I look like hell.  That might be true. If you’ve been stuck at home all day, not having seen the business end of a razor in weeks,  it might be time to put on your go-to-meetin’ clothes (assuming they still fit) and see if your car will start.  

Not judging here. In recent months I’ve been stuck at home writing books. Yoga pants and t-shirts have been my friends.  My business clothes have been on the floor, serving as bedding for the cats.  And just yesterday I spotted a coyote sauntering past my windows. And, while I was admiring its glossy coat and bushy tail, the thought came to me that it is better groomed that I am.  I picked up the phone and made an appointment. For tomorrow.  Can’t wait.

If you look like hell, you know what to do.  You probably won’t look like Heidi Klum, once you’ve spruced up. But you won’t look like Tom Hanks in Castaway either.

People will know that I’m only networking because I need a job.  So what?  You’re not the only one looking for a job. The question is: are you the person they’re looking for? It’s up to you how they’ll regard you. They’ll take their cues from you. If you act ashamed or frustrated, they’ll pick up shame and frustration and treat you like you have a contagious disease.  Figure out what it will take to behave with confidence, calm and professionalism. And do that.

Focus your conversation not on what you need but on what they need, what they think, who they might introduce you to, who you might introduce them to, etc.  Remember: It’s about contribution, not need.

I’ve already done everything I can think of to get my resume into circulation. No you haven’t.  Networking is not about bugging your family, friends, the Rotor Rooter man. A reader actually wrote to me saying that she gave her resume to her mail carrier.  

Networking is about expanding your circles of contacts, acquaintances, colleagues. It’s about making lists of people and their phone numbers. Then picking up the phone and calling those folks.  It’s difficult, I know, especially for people who don’t enjoy calling strangers.  But remember, you’re calling colleagues and peers…people you have something or someone in common with.

These are people you might be able to help.

And that’s what it’s all about.

Special note from Martha:  These principles have been borrowed from my new book, Unlock the Hidden Job Market, which I wrote with Duncan Mathison. To learn more, visit our website!

  Feeling like you're losing control of your career? Nobody's responding to your applications? Wishing someone would return your calls? Your career is your own! Time to reclaim control over your future! This is the article for you! I hope you enjoy it!

If you’ve been between jobs for, like, an hour, you already know that wishing will get you only so far. Now. Luck. That could be another matter altogether. While you can’t control everything in life, you can certainly help good luck along by the actions you take and the way you take care of yourself while you’re looking for your next job. You need all the advantages working for you. And that includes luck.

Now that you’re looking for your next, great job, let’s see how we can give it a nudge in your direction, shall we?

Expect that the right job really is out there waiting for you to find it. Yes, even in these days when it appears that “no one is hiring,” people are getting new jobs. You’ve got to hold onto the belief that you will too. If you don’t, you’re going to be sending out those freak-out vibes that will tell potential employers that you’re about to self-combust right then and there. And who wants to hire that? Keep that grounded core of calm, solidified by the belief that, yes, you’re on your way to your new job.

Be prepared to meet your opportunity when you least expect it. I don’t mean you have to be dressed in go-to-meetin’ clothes, with your resume at the ready all the time. In our new book, Unlock the Hidden Job Market, my coauthor, Duncan Mathison, and I tell a great story about a client of his who meets his next opportunity while standing on the beach in San Diego, dripping wet, battered and bruised after a raucus competitive ocean swim. He was CFO caliber, and the guy he met was a CEO looking for a CFO. Suffice it to say, not exactly your dress for success moment. (Personally, I’m imagining an ill-advised Speedo and a decidedly snotty nose. If this guy can land a job with that as a first impression, just think what luck you’ll have just being dressed!)

Keep your mind open. Duncan Mathison and I also tell the story of one of his clients who found a job through a friend of his mother’s. The daughter of a friend of his mother’s, no less. But it took this guy four weeks to pick up the phone and make the call that would ultimately land him the job. Whether it was generic sexism or mom-snobbery that was holding his client back from making the call that could change his life, who knows? Either way, it’s a good story to keep in mind when you’re inclined to say “nope” to hope.

Look at what you have to offer from the point of view of your potential employer. The line, “look, I really need this job,” is compelling only in the movies. In real life, it’s darn pitiful. And will net you sympathy, not a job offer. Don’t lead with your need. Present yourself in terms of what you have to offer. So look at your pile of gifts, skills and experiences from the standpoint of how they will solve a company’s problem or meet a need. That’s a conversation that will inspire the right person to say, “How soon can you start?”

Tell your career story in a positive way. When you launch into the response to, “So, tell me about yourself,” stay away from “…and then I got laid off.” Emphasize the results you achieved, talk about the people who noticed your performance and chose to promote you to the next level, tell about the teams you worked in or led. As you near the sad-sack conclusion that takes you to how you’re out of work now, don’t gloss over it. But quickly turn the tables and ask your interviewer a question about the company, his or her own experience in some similar project or team, his or her opinion about the current state of your profession.

Release your attachment to the so-called system. Amazingly, 70% of all jobs never get published or advertised in any way. That’s why we call it the hidden job market. But even though those jobs are hidden, you can still find them. But that means you have to release your grip on the expectation that “the system” will deliver up a selection of jobs for you to choose from every morning. It might have before (like in 2005) but it won’t anymore. The hidden job market is where you’ll find the great jobs. But you have to go looking for them.

Take that as good news. Sure you have to be more proactive than you were a few years ago. But the hidden job market puts you in the drivers seat. You have the power to go out and find the great jobs and companies that meet your criteria. That’s so much better than just sitting back and waiting for a diminishing stream of the wrong jobs trickle by you.

Finally, keep your standards high. Luck won’t find you if you’re targeting job opportunities that are clearly beneath your abilities. When you keep your standards high, you will be at the right place at the right time. On purpose. And by design.

So much better than just crossing your fingers, wouldn’t you say?

A special note from Martha:  These ideas come from my brand new book, Unlock the Hidden Job Market: 6 Steps to a Successful Job Search When Times Are Tough. This book tells you how to find that great job that’s waiting for you!

The survey, authored by the American Payroll Association, as part of its National Payroll Week campaign (www.nationalpayrollweek.com) asks workers to voice their opinions on issues that affect their paycheck.  Results from the survey will help the payroll industry better understand and adapt to challenges like the economy’s impact on 401(k) contributions, electronic pay options, the economic stimulus tax credit, identity theft and more.  

In addition to the pay-related questions, the “Getting Paid In America” survey asks fun questions about celebrity pay.  Examples include a question comparing the salary of Miley Cyrus to the minimum wage rate and a contest between late-night talk show hosts David Letterman and Conan O’Brien.

Anyone 18 or over can participate so tell everyone you know.  One lucky survey taker will win a free paycheck and trip to Las Vegas !  The survey is live until September 11 at 5 p.m. ET.  Don’t miss your chance.  Visit www.nationalpayrollweek.com today to take the survey.

APA is also now a recognized member of DANTES, the Department of Defense’s education program for military personnel and families, whereby both the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) and Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) exams will soon be available at more than 500 DANTES military installations around the world.

In addition, as of May 2009, the cost of FPC and CPP certification testing is eligible for tuition assistance reimbursement through the G.I. Bill.

If you or someone you know is a veteran or active duty military, send an e-mail to education@americanpayroll.org for more information.

Leaving the military?

Hire a veteran?

Step 1. Check your military education benefits eligibility at www.gibill.va.gov.

Step 2. Consult www.americanpayroll.org/certification to determine if you should prepare for the FPC or the CPP exam.

Step 3. Enroll in online payroll courses, including: PayTrain®, Fundamentals of Payroll, and PayTrain Mastery.

Step 4. Consult your DANTES representative to schedule your certification test.

Step 5. Go to www.americanpayroll.org/job-board to view job postings.

We at deBoer Transportation, Inc will be celebrating Driver Appreciation Week from August 24th through August 28th.  

We would greatly appreciate any items that you may be willing or able to donate for us to award to our drivers.  Donations in the past have ranged from hats,shirts, mugs, gift cards and an array of other items!!!

Your generosity is greatly appreciated, especially in today's economy!!

CALL 1-800-256-8561 for details about donations!

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The Network of Indian Professionals (NetIP) is a professional, non-profit organization dedicated to the overall achievement and advancement of South Asian professionals. The primary focus of the organization is to foster a bond among South Asian professionals to unite and support each other locally, as well as to give back and contribute positively to the communities in which we live and work.

Join us this year at:

The 18th Annual NetIP Conference
Held in the Dynamic and Vibrant City of Toronto
Friday, Sept 4th to Sunday, Sept 6th 2009

• Engaging Panels and Workshops (covering finance, healthcare, entrepreneurship, culture, media arts)
• Film Screenings & Community Outreach Events
• Chic & Elegant Parties
• Captivating Entertainment (including a Bollywood-themed gala affair)

Create Memories of a lifetime and gain an opportunity to forge lasting friendships, as you mingle with elite South Asian professionals, network with industry leaders and meet top notch speakers!

For more information, visit www.NetIPConference.org.  

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics states is clearly:

Education pays ... Education pays in higher earnings and lower unemployment rates

According to a March 2009 report by the Bureau, the median weekly earnings and unemployment rate of a person with less than school diploma is $426/week and 9% unemployment rate compared to a high school graduate at $591/week and 5.7% unemployment rate.  To put that number into perspective, over a lifetime a person with a diploma will make $ 430,000 more than a person without.

Now there are a large amount of opportunities open to the young adult and adult learner to support the completion of the high school diploma. Please research your high school opportunities on JobingEducation or visit Pinnacle Online High School directly.

Do you have time? Can you afford it? According to the BLS, you can’t afford not to finish your high school diploma. Good luck!

Citation:
Education Pays, BLS

Still not convinced that there is enough time? 

Let’s take a minute out of the 10,080 minutes in a week to look at how the average American spends that time.  

1680 minutes - Spent watching television (4 hours/day)

2400 minutes - Spent at work (40 hour work week)

3360 minutes - Spent sleeping (8 hours a night)

If you complied exactly to those numbers it would leave you exactly 2,640 minutes a week (44 hours) to do whatever you choose (cleaning, hobbies, exercise, social activities, child-rearing, etc.).  Some schools advocate that for every hour of class you take, you need to plan for 2 hours of study.  With this strategy it would mean devoting 36 hours to school if you took 12 hours of courses.  If that sounds excessive, then maybe it would make more sense for you to take two classes (maybe around 6 credit hours = 18 total hours spent on school work).  18 hours of time spent on college would require the average American above to eliminate television viewing 4 1/2 days a week in order to be successful in school without altering the rest of their free time (the 44 hours a week of "free time" we all have). 

If you are ready – there is time! Research your educational opportunities either at JobingEducation , The Princeton Review or one of our sponsored schools, Grand Canyon University (on-line masters degree programs). Now just might be the right time for you to take that leap of faith.

Is the lack of a high school diploma hurting your employment potential?

Think you don’t have the time to go back to school?

With the competitiveness of today’s job market, you need every advantage you can get.  Employers are looking for skilled and educated employees.  A high school diploma is absolutely necessary in order to attract the employment attention you want.

Pinnacle Online High School offers a wide range of classes that allow individuals to earn a high school diploma. And because of our NCA and CITA accreditation, your high school diploma will transfer to the university or college or your choice.

o    24/7 access to online high school courses

o    Set your own schedule and pace

o    Courses are fully accredited

o    AZ students under 22 take classes for free

o    Students over 22 pay minimal fees.

Since Pinnacle was founded more than 13 years ago, more than 35,000 students have found our school a welcome alternative to a traditional high school, providing a high quality online learning experience without the constrictions on their schedule or their pace of learning.

Pinnacle Education is open entry, meaning that you can start classes any day of the year. Since classes are self-paced, you can study and learn any time of the day or night.

Although students work at their own pace and dictate their schedule, they are never on their own. Pinnacle’s learning platform encourages students to be involved in peer discussions and group blogs, and allows for individual attention from their instructors. Students can engage their instructor by email at any time, and can speak by phone with an instructor from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Arizona time), seven days a week.

Pinnacle’s engaging online learning environment can help you achieve your education goals.  Request information today and learn how you can begin your journey to achieving a high school diploma.

Daryl Ann Moore of Blu Ice Consulting talked about developing a peer mentoring program designed to pass knowledge from Baby Boomer employees to Generation X and Y employees.  As Boomers leave the workforce it is critical that a smooth transition takes place.  Another consultant, Victoria Littlefield, also spoke regarding leadership development due to the large amount of retirees coming soon.  Her recommendation is for HR to develop and execute succession plans to ensure continued leadership through the upcoming retirements.  Karen Main, a leadership consultant, spoke about the importance of ongoing leadership development despite the current economic concerns many companies face.  Yet another speaker, Sam Lloyd of SuccessSystems, Inc., talked about the importance of leadership from HR to ensure employee productivity during layoffs or just the notion that layoffs are possible.

It just goes to show you that leadership takes on many faces.  Is your organization doing what it takes?  Are you doing what it takes?

Three degrees that are offered online are masters degrees from Grand Canyon University.
GCU offers an Online Healthcare masters, an online MBA and online education masters.
More information about GCU can be found at their profile. These are three fields of study that are offered online.

2. What is my financial situation?  Am I willing to take out student loans?  How much can I/do I have to work while going to school? 

These may be the biggest questions of all right now.  If you are able to get suitable financial aid and/or student loans, you may find that you can afford to be a full-time student with part-time employment.  If your situation is different than that (i.e. if you are unable to find enough financial aid or you have additional financial responsibilities such as a house or dependents), you may find that part-time student status either in person or online is a better situation for you.  The best thing you can do for yourself is to draw up a budget and find out how you will afford your studies and your living expenses before you are committed.  It can be tempting to work long hours and let schoolwork suffer if you are financially strapped or focus solely on school and let your finances slide.  Knowing your full financial picture can save you future money headaches and scholastic failure. 

3.  Do I have the necessary tools for online learning? 

Check with the online degree provider to make sure you have or can afford the technical requirements necessary to complete the program (for example; adequate internet connection, operating system, software). 

4.  What type of learning environment do I want or need? 

If you are a self-directed learner and absorb information well by reading, completing interactive modules online, and watching video content - you have all the makings of a good online learner.  If you absolutely know you need a professor to question in "real-time" while you are learning and a classroom environment, then on campus learning may be your only option.  Most of us have experience with classroom learning and find it familiar and comfortable.  However, if you have never tried coursework online and would like a test-drive, there are many low cost options available to test e-learning out before you enroll in a full-time program.  Many recent innovations in online video and web-conferencing have minimized the differences between online and in-person learning, so test both environments before you make any conclusions about which is best for you. 

5. Who does this affect other than me?

Consult your family and those around you that would be affected by your decision.  If time spent on commuting, moving, or school work will have a significant impact on your family or your employer, discuss this with them while you are still making your decision.  Much like budgeting, having these sometimes difficult conversations early in the process can save you grief.  Everyone affected will appreciate that they were consulted before you made your final decision.

Online or on campus is a very important decision to make. Jobing.com has resources to help you identify a program that may fit your needs. Take a look at the JobingEducation or research schools that are specifically in your area at The Princeton Review.

Toastmasters is an organization that has been around for a long time.  There are chapters in all major cities that hold meetings, events and even competitions.  Take a look at www.toastmasters.org to find a chapter near you.  We write a lot about networking and this is a great place for it.  My experience with Toastmasters has been wonderful.  The people are great and you'll learn a lot.  Check it out!

1.        Attracting Talent – One survey (Ipsos Morey) I saw said 81% of people in the United States would prefer working for a company that has a reputation for environmental responsibility.  As the workforce gets younger you’ll have more Generation Y employees who definitely have an affinity for the recent green trend.  Other articles opined that if people feel good about their employer’s level of social responsibility they are bound to be happier and thus more productive.

2.        Reputation – Of course, reputation plays a part in recruiting but other areas of the business can benefit as well.  The community in general will increasingly prefer to support and purchase products from socially responsible organizations.  Suppliers may begin showing favoritism.  Partnerships may be forges based on the notion of being green.

3.        Risk – Lawmakers are bound to increase restrictions on waste, pollution levels, etc.  By starting good programs now companies who do so will be ahead of the curve and will avoid last minute expensive projects to get up to code in the future.  Think EPA.

4.        Bottom Line – Of course, more productive employees and additional sales because of green efforts will help the bottom line.  Surprising to me was that many articles cited costs are lower for companies who go green.  They talk about using less energy and creating less waste.  I’m not completely sold on lower costs but I do sense additional revenues especially in the next 5-10 years.  Companies who don’t get on board now will definitely have some catching up to do.