Your Brand is Your Promise! (So What Are You Promising?)When people mention the word "brand" they usually mean a well known, well
defined company. That's why consumers frequently mention names such as Target, Rolex, Apple, BMW and others who have done an excellent job in crafting an image and sticking with it. Buyers know what to expect from these companies, and as long as these companies meet that expectation, they will continue to imprint their brand in the minds of our their audience. It's pretty simple really, if you just keep in mind these two principals.Principal One: Know your promise.As amazing as this may seem, most companies don't really know what it is they are
promising their clients. That's why they have weak brand
s a notch below your interviewer.
Spoken Language
Conversation is the part of the interview in which you should know what to say, when to say and how to say it. First, do not interrupt the interviewer when he/she is speaking. Second, be clear and concise in your answers – you want to promote yourself, but not too much. Third, remember you are communicating with someone else, and not ‘throwing information out’ – try not speaking too slow, neither too fast. Fourth, avoid excessive small talk. Sometimes you’ll be induced to chat in order to ‘break the ice’ (and most likely in the beginning of the interview) – let the interviewer conduct that process.
When asked about your previous (or current) job, do not include bad remarks about the employer or the company. If you do not understand any question or point, ask the interviewer to clarify. Ultimately, remember that you are ready for this, and that the whole process is rel
Houston Economic Rebound; retail franchise locationsHouston has always been a boom or bust economy. Yet it is America’s third largest city with 5.5 million people. The ten-year economic cycles have been caused by oil price fluctuations. But as Houston diversifies its economy and matures it employs larger and larger percentages of folks in retail and service sectors. Let’s discuss some other economic issues during the last recession in Houston. Albertson’s pulled out of the Houston Market, Wrath left by Enron, Arthur Anderson Collapse, Continental Airline Lay offs, HP-Compaq merger and all the oil mergers just prior. All these large corporations hurt the Houston Economy along with the telecom layoffs too; but that was over four years ago. To
The interviewing process is a common form of filtering candidates for a job, and used by almost every company in the world. This process can also cause many people to experience anxiety, fear, and many other quite unpleasant feelings. Well, we know exactly how that feels, and for this reason – we’ve decide to provide some guidelines to help you achieve success and impress your prospective employers:
The Preparation
The interview is, at many times, as simple as a game. It is a matter of preparing yourself as much as you can, and using that preparation to back you up in every moment of the interview. Having knowledge will also equip you with the required confidence to clearly communicate with the interviewer:
Research
The first step is to find out about the position you are applying, the company and the industry. Review your job application guidelines, and ensure you know every function required for the job. Determine the main qualities and skills you possess which are aligned with job requirements, and then you’ll have an idea as to why you’ve been selected for an interview. Find out about the company’s purpose statement, motto, goals and objectives and anything of importance that may have occurred in the past few months. Then research the industry, and check how the company positions itself, and what the current industry status is. If you can’t find all of this, don’t worry – simply try to get as much information as you possibly can.
Drafting the Interview
Drafting a plan of the interview is a common and effective way to prepare for the event. Primarily, you must consider what types of questions would be asked, and how you are going to answer those questions. Questions about your achievements, attributes, your previous job (or current), your previous company, referees, and why you want that job are common. Be prepared to answer them with confidence, and to be honest about everything. Also ensure you prepare any documents you may need during the interview.
Dressing Strategies
Dress according to the company’s culture. If it is a formal business, be formal. If it is more casual, dress accordingly. Moderate options are usually preferred and suitable for any interview. Avoid wearing excess jewellery, colourful clothes, or having too much hand baggage (in fact, any unnecessary items).
Logistic Plans
Find out the exact location and time of the interview. If it is a distant location, ensure you have reliable transportation options – or include an alternative option in case of an unexpected event. Plan yourself to arrive approximately 15 minutes prior to the interview time. Whatever you do, DO NOT BE LATE!
The Interview
Once you have meticulously prepared for the interview, your confidence should give you a nice push. Now it’s time for action.
Body Language
The body language is, in many occasions, the most prominent element of the interview. Remember that the interviewer is trained, and most likely is aware of various body language signs. First, adjust your posture – look professional and confident, but not too relaxed. Being nervous is part of the process, and most employers expect (and even sympathise with) the feeling. Try to keep direct eye contact at most times, especially when the interviewer is talking. Crossing arms, looking away, making repetitive movements are signs of excessive nervousness, lack of attention and defensive behaviour. If you are too nervous to handle it, talk about it with your interviewer and, most likely, he will understand it. Finally, body language in an interview can be a game of power. Employers usually use certain postures to reflect that, and they mean to. Ensure that, in this game, you are always a notch below your interviewer.
Spoken Language
Conversation is the part of the interview in which you should know what to say, when to say and how to say it. First, do not interrupt the interviewer when he/she is speaking. Second, be clear and concise in your answers – you want to promote yourself, but not too much. Third, remember you are communicating with someone else, and not ‘throwing information out’ – try not speaking too slow, neither too fast. Fourth, avoid excessive small talk. Sometimes you’ll be induced to chat in order to ‘break the ice’ (and most likely in the beginning of the interview) – let the interviewer conduct that process.
When asked about your previous (or current) job, do not include bad remarks about the employer or the company. If you do not understand any question or point, ask the interviewer to clarify. Ultimately, remember that you are ready for this, and that the whole process is rel
Business Cards - More Methods To AdvertiseBusiness cards can be used for advertising your new venture in town and not only for identification purposes. By distributing them to the public in your area you are introducing your business to the public.You can design and print your cards your self in the beginning when you have just launched your business. This will save you a lot of money until you have a better cash flow to spend on professional printing. It is not so much how the cards look but how you distribute them that counts. The more you distribute the more people will know that you have moved into their area in a brand new store. This generates curiosity and people will come and see where you are situated.Yo
b. Determine the main qualities and skills you possess which are aligned with job requirements, and then you’ll have an idea as to why you’ve been selected for an interview. Find out about the company’s purpose statement, motto, goals and objectives and anything of importance that may have occurred in the past few months. Then research the industry, and check how the company positions itself, and what the current industry status is. If you can’t find all of this, don’t worry – simply try to get as much information as you possibly can.
Drafting the Interview
Drafting a plan of the interview is a common and effective way to prepare for the event. Primarily, you must consider what types of questions would be asked, and how you are going to answer those questions. Questions about your achievements, attributes, your previous job (or current), your previous company, referees, and why you want that job are common. Be prepared to answer them with confidence, and to be honest about everything. Also ensure you prepare any documents you may need during the interview.
Dressing Strategies
Dress according to the company’s culture. If it is a formal business, be formal. If it is more casual, dress accordingly. Moderate options are usually preferred and suitable for any interview. Avoid wearing excess jewellery, colourful clothes, or having too much hand baggage (in fact, any unnecessary items).
Logistic Plans
Find out the exact location and time of the interview. If it is a distant location, ensure you have reliable transportation options – or include an alternative option in case of an unexpected event. Plan yourself to arrive approximately 15 minutes prior to the interview time. Whatever you do, DO NOT BE LATE!
The Interview
Once you have meticulously prepared for the interview, your confidence should give you a nice push. Now it’s time for action.
Body Language
The body language is, in many occasions, the most prominent element of the interview. Remember that the interviewer is trained, and most likely is aware of various body language signs. First, adjust your posture – look professional and confident, but not too relaxed. Being nervous is part of the process, and most employers expect (and even sympathise with) the feeling. Try to keep direct eye contact at most times, especially when the interviewer is talking. Crossing arms, looking away, making repetitive movements are signs of excessive nervousness, lack of attention and defensive behaviour. If you are too nervous to handle it, talk about it with your interviewer and, most likely, he will understand it. Finally, body language in an interview can be a game of power. Employers usually use certain postures to reflect that, and they mean to. Ensure that, in this game, you are always a notch below your interviewer.
Spoken Language
Conversation is the part of the interview in which you should know what to say, when to say and how to say it. First, do not interrupt the interviewer when he/she is speaking. Second, be clear and concise in your answers – you want to promote yourself, but not too much. Third, remember you are communicating with someone else, and not ‘throwing information out’ – try not speaking too slow, neither too fast. Fourth, avoid excessive small talk. Sometimes you’ll be induced to chat in order to ‘break the ice’ (and most likely in the beginning of the interview) – let the interviewer conduct that process.
When asked about your previous (or current) job, do not include bad remarks about the employer or the company. If you do not understand any question or point, ask the interviewer to clarify. Ultimately, remember that you are ready for this, and that the whole process is rel
Radio Interview 101Different Types of Station ContactReaching radio hosts (for the purpose of trying to get booked for
an interview) can take on various forms, depending on the type
of station the show is done at. What's best? All of them at the
same time, of course. But since that's cost prohibitive for almost
any guest, you have to pinpoint what will do an acceptable job
for an acceptable price.Personal contact with prospective hosts is always the best, done
by either by the guest or the booking person. These personal
visits are usually only possible in the hometown of the guest or
booking person, since radio PR campaigns just don't charge
enough to pay someone to visit stations n
answer them with confidence, and to be honest about everything. Also ensure you prepare any documents you may need during the interview.
Dressing Strategies
Dress according to the company’s culture. If it is a formal business, be formal. If it is more casual, dress accordingly. Moderate options are usually preferred and suitable for any interview. Avoid wearing excess jewellery, colourful clothes, or having too much hand baggage (in fact, any unnecessary items).
Logistic Plans
Find out the exact location and time of the interview. If it is a distant location, ensure you have reliable transportation options – or include an alternative option in case of an unexpected event. Plan yourself to arrive approximately 15 minutes prior to the interview time. Whatever you do, DO NOT BE LATE!
The Interview
Once you have meticulously prepared for the interview, your confidence should give you a nice push. Now it’s time for action.
Body Language
The body language is, in many occasions, the most prominent element of the interview. Remember that the interviewer is trained, and most likely is aware of various body language signs. First, adjust your posture – look professional and confident, but not too relaxed. Being nervous is part of the process, and most employers expect (and even sympathise with) the feeling. Try to keep direct eye contact at most times, especially when the interviewer is talking. Crossing arms, looking away, making repetitive movements are signs of excessive nervousness, lack of attention and defensive behaviour. If you are too nervous to handle it, talk about it with your interviewer and, most likely, he will understand it. Finally, body language in an interview can be a game of power. Employers usually use certain postures to reflect that, and they mean to. Ensure that, in this game, you are always a notch below your interviewer.
Spoken Language
Conversation is the part of the interview in which you should know what to say, when to say and how to say it. First, do not interrupt the interviewer when he/she is speaking. Second, be clear and concise in your answers – you want to promote yourself, but not too much. Third, remember you are communicating with someone else, and not ‘throwing information out’ – try not speaking too slow, neither too fast. Fourth, avoid excessive small talk. Sometimes you’ll be induced to chat in order to ‘break the ice’ (and most likely in the beginning of the interview) – let the interviewer conduct that process.
When asked about your previous (or current) job, do not include bad remarks about the employer or the company. If you do not understand any question or point, ask the interviewer to clarify. Ultimately, remember that you are ready for this, and that the whole process is rel
Would You Bet on Your Brand? - Three Strategies for Winning at Brand PokerIt seems you can't turn on the TV without seeing some sort of World Series of Poker contest. Poker, especially, Texas Hold 'Em, has become extremely popular. It's not for crusty old men anymore. Poker has a new brand - it is now young, hip and cool. When branding your business, take a lesson from poker. See, match, and push are poker terms that can have major impact on your brand. Below is a review of how you can use these traditional poker terms to raise the level of your brand-poker game.1) See - Have a clear vision of what you want your brand to become. If you can see it, you can achieve it. I once heard a story about a reporter speaking to Roy Disney, at the opening of D
push. Now it’s time for action.
Body Language
The body language is, in many occasions, the most prominent element of the interview. Remember that the interviewer is trained, and most likely is aware of various body language signs. First, adjust your posture – look professional and confident, but not too relaxed. Being nervous is part of the process, and most employers expect (and even sympathise with) the feeling. Try to keep direct eye contact at most times, especially when the interviewer is talking. Crossing arms, looking away, making repetitive movements are signs of excessive nervousness, lack of attention and defensive behaviour. If you are too nervous to handle it, talk about it with your interviewer and, most likely, he will understand it. Finally, body language in an interview can be a game of power. Employers usually use certain postures to reflect that, and they mean to. Ensure that, in this game, you are always a notch below your interviewer.
Spoken Language
Conversation is the part of the interview in which you should know what to say, when to say and how to say it. First, do not interrupt the interviewer when he/she is speaking. Second, be clear and concise in your answers – you want to promote yourself, but not too much. Third, remember you are communicating with someone else, and not ‘throwing information out’ – try not speaking too slow, neither too fast. Fourth, avoid excessive small talk. Sometimes you’ll be induced to chat in order to ‘break the ice’ (and most likely in the beginning of the interview) – let the interviewer conduct that process.
When asked about your previous (or current) job, do not include bad remarks about the employer or the company. If you do not understand any question or point, ask the interviewer to clarify. Ultimately, remember that you are ready for this, and that the whole process is rel
Viagra: A Brand That Won't Go AwayRemember That Brand? Well It’s Back! One would have to travel to the back woods of the Appalachians or perhaps to the cave dwellings in the Southwestern canyons to find anyone who has not heard of Viagra. Viagra, the market-leader of male erectile dysfunction prescription drugs, continues to occupy valuable space in the mind of the male consumer. What is so enchanting about an erectile dysfunction pill? How does Viagra have such appeal when it is the focus of late night comedy and radio morning shows? As consumers we seldom question a successful product. (Or maybe we just would rather not have to address or explain male erectile disorder more than we have to).The consumer is exposed
s a notch below your interviewer.
Spoken Language
Conversation is the part of the interview in which you should know what to say, when to say and how to say it. First, do not interrupt the interviewer when he/she is speaking. Second, be clear and concise in your answers – you want to promote yourself, but not too much. Third, remember you are communicating with someone else, and not ‘throwing information out’ – try not speaking too slow, neither too fast. Fourth, avoid excessive small talk. Sometimes you’ll be induced to chat in order to ‘break the ice’ (and most likely in the beginning of the interview) – let the interviewer conduct that process.
When asked about your previous (or current) job, do not include bad remarks about the employer or the company. If you do not understand any question or point, ask the interviewer to clarify. Ultimately, remember that you are ready for this, and that the whole process is relatively simple.
Finishing the Interview
After the conversation has reached a point of mutual satisfaction (you have provided all the information the employer wanted), there are some things you can add to the interview. Expressing your interest for the position (if you are very interested) is an option – but do not beg for it! You can also ask about feedback from the interviewer, or when you can expect to be contacted. Do not discuss salary or further position details unless the topic brought up by him/her. Remember also that a job should be mutually satisfying to you and your employer, so go prepared with queries you may have regarding the position (but be careful not to interview your interviewer). Finish up with a nice smile, a firm handshake and thank your interviewer for the time spent with you.
Can anyone save our victim? I can think of only one.
Ever taken a career personality test? They can be both fun and eye opening! This article goes into detail about the how and why of career personality tests and helps you determine if you should take one.