hould always have a good handle on your finances. Know how long you could support yourself and your family without any income. One of your financial goals should be to have enough money in savings to keep you for at least six months should you suddenly be without an income.

Good communication skills are an absolute must in the Information Age, yet so few people practice improving them and our schools are turning out more young people who have very low reading and writing skills. Here’s a simple three step strategy for improving your speaking skills:

First, you should prepare what you are going to say by practicing it over and over. Do this whether you’re going to speak to your boss, your business team or giving a speech. You should develop a worksheet that identifies your objective, audience benefits, key points, illustrations, and closing. Always ask several people to listen to your practice run and have them critique your performance.

Second, warm up before you begin your talk. Knowing your material and how you’re going to say it allows you to concentrate on making eye contact with your audience. Always watch for thi

In the Industrial Age the main skills you needed to survive and prosper in the business arena were loyalty and strong work ethic. You could set your watch by annual pay raises. Seniority was the standard for upward mobility, but that was long ago.

Survival today takes a lot more. If you have a job, you’re probably working harder and longer than you were ten years ago, earning fewer pay raises, benefits and languishing on the promotion stepladder.

People used to have career master-plans: Get a degree, get a job, and retire with a pension and full benefits. Today, career planning is an oxymoron. Technology, reengineering, and a global economy have altered the career landscape. To survive, you have to learn to manage your career and your life in a much different workplace.

You must understand that there is less loyalty and trust. Employers and employees today don’t expect lifelong commitments from each other anymore. Now you have the freedom to choose your own path.

There are fewer and fewer opportunities for upward mobility and downsizing means survivors usually work more. If you’re in management you’ll have to find new ways to motivate others as well as yourself. Companies today, only want you as long as you add value to them. Some companies offer employee training to enhance and develop marketable skills, while others offer employment on a project-by-project basis.

You have to ask yourself some important questions: Do you love your job but have little faith in your employer? Do you hate your job but are afraid to change because you think it provides you with security? Whatever combination describes you, it’s time to evaluate your choices.

You could stay in your job. Learn the business and become more involved. You could change jobs within the company by expanding your networks. You have the option to move to another company, but before you leave make sure you have another job lined up before you leave. Never burn your bridges. Another choice is to start your own business, but if you do this I advise that you keep your daytime job while you’re building it.

If you’re going to succeed in today’s business world you need to fine-tune your personal skills by rethinking the way you look at stress. Most jobs have high stress. Since you can’t avoid it, learn how to harness it to your advantage. Identify the types of stress that are inherent to your job and imagine how you’d deal with the worst-case scenario. Then do something.

If you feel left out of the decision-making loop, give your opinion anyway. Talk over your ideas with your boss and center the discussion on answers rather than complaints. You should learn to address any conflicts with your co-workers or colleagues by modifying your own behavior rather then expecting the other person to change.

In addition to our jobs we have plenty of stress in our personal lives as well so you must be able to strike a balance between your professional and personal commitments. Get help to control any negative habits, like excessive drinking, that interfere with your job performance. If you have reached a plateau in your job, change jobs, or start your own business. If you’re unhappy that you’re not getting enough recognition, then tell your boss you want more feedback.

Much as you might like to, you can’t stop time until you are caught up on your work. However, you can learn to manage your time better by beginning with your business goals. What are they? Make a list. Which are the most important? For example your goals could include, enhancing customer service and or the company bottom line.

Show this list to your boss and ask whether you’re on the right track. Then make list of how you’re going to accomplish each goal and how much time you’re going to spend on each one. Make sure you’re spending most of your time accomplishing your goals that have the highest priority. Spend a few minutes every morning to plan your day and go over your goals.

Chances are that in today’s fast changing job market your job will disappear in the next few years. So you had better get ready now for that possibility. You should create a file of documents you need, particularly appraisals, recommendations, employee handbooks, and your updated resume. Make a list of questions you’ll want to ask, such as how long you’ll receive benefits if you loose your job.

Make sure your networks are up to date by making a list of all the people you know who have good jobs and stay in touch with them. Keep up with your profession by learning something new every day. You should always have a good handle on your finances. Know how long you could support yourself and your family without any income. One of your financial goals should be to have enough money in savings to keep you for at least six months should you suddenly be without an income.

Good communication skills are an absolute must in the Information Age, yet so few people practice improving them and our schools are turning out more young people who have very low reading and writing skills. Here’s a simple three step strategy for improving your speaking skills:

First, you should prepare what you are going to say by practicing it over and over. Do this whether you’re going to speak to your boss, your business team or giving a speech. You should develop a worksheet that identifies your objective, audience benefits, key points, illustrations, and closing. Always ask several people to listen to your practice run and have them critique your performance.

Second, warm up before you begin your talk. Knowing your material and how you’re going to say it allows you to concentrate on making eye contact with your audience. Always watch for thin

ew ways to motivate others as well as yourself. Companies today, only want you as long as you add value to them. Some companies offer employee training to enhance and develop marketable skills, while others offer employment on a project-by-project basis.

You have to ask yourself some important questions: Do you love your job but have little faith in your employer? Do you hate your job but are afraid to change because you think it provides you with security? Whatever combination describes you, it’s time to evaluate your choices.

You could stay in your job. Learn the business and become more involved. You could change jobs within the company by expanding your networks. You have the option to move to another company, but before you leave make sure you have another job lined up before you leave. Never burn your bridges. Another choice is to start your own business, but if you do this I advise that you keep your daytime job while you’re building it.

If you’re going to succeed in today’s business world you need to fine-tune your personal skills by rethinking the way you look at stress. Most jobs have high stress. Since you can’t avoid it, learn how to harness it to your advantage. Identify the types of stress that are inherent to your job and imagine how you’d deal with the worst-case scenario. Then do something.

If you feel left out of the decision-making loop, give your opinion anyway. Talk over your ideas with your boss and center the discussion on answers rather than complaints. You should learn to address any conflicts with your co-workers or colleagues by modifying your own behavior rather then expecting the other person to change.

In addition to our jobs we have plenty of stress in our personal lives as well so you must be able to strike a balance between your professional and personal commitments. Get help to control any negative habits, like excessive drinking, that interfere with your job performance. If you have reached a plateau in your job, change jobs, or start your own business. If you’re unhappy that you’re not getting enough recognition, then tell your boss you want more feedback.

Much as you might like to, you can’t stop time until you are caught up on your work. However, you can learn to manage your time better by beginning with your business goals. What are they? Make a list. Which are the most important? For example your goals could include, enhancing customer service and or the company bottom line.

Show this list to your boss and ask whether you’re on the right track. Then make list of how you’re going to accomplish each goal and how much time you’re going to spend on each one. Make sure you’re spending most of your time accomplishing your goals that have the highest priority. Spend a few minutes every morning to plan your day and go over your goals.

Chances are that in today’s fast changing job market your job will disappear in the next few years. So you had better get ready now for that possibility. You should create a file of documents you need, particularly appraisals, recommendations, employee handbooks, and your updated resume. Make a list of questions you’ll want to ask, such as how long you’ll receive benefits if you loose your job.

Make sure your networks are up to date by making a list of all the people you know who have good jobs and stay in touch with them. Keep up with your profession by learning something new every day. You should always have a good handle on your finances. Know how long you could support yourself and your family without any income. One of your financial goals should be to have enough money in savings to keep you for at least six months should you suddenly be without an income.

Good communication skills are an absolute must in the Information Age, yet so few people practice improving them and our schools are turning out more young people who have very low reading and writing skills. Here’s a simple three step strategy for improving your speaking skills:

First, you should prepare what you are going to say by practicing it over and over. Do this whether you’re going to speak to your boss, your business team or giving a speech. You should develop a worksheet that identifies your objective, audience benefits, key points, illustrations, and closing. Always ask several people to listen to your practice run and have them critique your performance.

Second, warm up before you begin your talk. Knowing your material and how you’re going to say it allows you to concentrate on making eye contact with your audience. Always watch for thi

t avoid it, learn how to harness it to your advantage. Identify the types of stress that are inherent to your job and imagine how you’d deal with the worst-case scenario. Then do something.

If you feel left out of the decision-making loop, give your opinion anyway. Talk over your ideas with your boss and center the discussion on answers rather than complaints. You should learn to address any conflicts with your co-workers or colleagues by modifying your own behavior rather then expecting the other person to change.

In addition to our jobs we have plenty of stress in our personal lives as well so you must be able to strike a balance between your professional and personal commitments. Get help to control any negative habits, like excessive drinking, that interfere with your job performance. If you have reached a plateau in your job, change jobs, or start your own business. If you’re unhappy that you’re not getting enough recognition, then tell your boss you want more feedback.

Much as you might like to, you can’t stop time until you are caught up on your work. However, you can learn to manage your time better by beginning with your business goals. What are they? Make a list. Which are the most important? For example your goals could include, enhancing customer service and or the company bottom line.

Show this list to your boss and ask whether you’re on the right track. Then make list of how you’re going to accomplish each goal and how much time you’re going to spend on each one. Make sure you’re spending most of your time accomplishing your goals that have the highest priority. Spend a few minutes every morning to plan your day and go over your goals.

Chances are that in today’s fast changing job market your job will disappear in the next few years. So you had better get ready now for that possibility. You should create a file of documents you need, particularly appraisals, recommendations, employee handbooks, and your updated resume. Make a list of questions you’ll want to ask, such as how long you’ll receive benefits if you loose your job.

Make sure your networks are up to date by making a list of all the people you know who have good jobs and stay in touch with them. Keep up with your profession by learning something new every day. You should always have a good handle on your finances. Know how long you could support yourself and your family without any income. One of your financial goals should be to have enough money in savings to keep you for at least six months should you suddenly be without an income.

Good communication skills are an absolute must in the Information Age, yet so few people practice improving them and our schools are turning out more young people who have very low reading and writing skills. Here’s a simple three step strategy for improving your speaking skills:

First, you should prepare what you are going to say by practicing it over and over. Do this whether you’re going to speak to your boss, your business team or giving a speech. You should develop a worksheet that identifies your objective, audience benefits, key points, illustrations, and closing. Always ask several people to listen to your practice run and have them critique your performance.

Second, warm up before you begin your talk. Knowing your material and how you’re going to say it allows you to concentrate on making eye contact with your audience. Always watch for thi

th your business goals. What are they? Make a list. Which are the most important? For example your goals could include, enhancing customer service and or the company bottom line.

Show this list to your boss and ask whether you’re on the right track. Then make list of how you’re going to accomplish each goal and how much time you’re going to spend on each one. Make sure you’re spending most of your time accomplishing your goals that have the highest priority. Spend a few minutes every morning to plan your day and go over your goals.

Chances are that in today’s fast changing job market your job will disappear in the next few years. So you had better get ready now for that possibility. You should create a file of documents you need, particularly appraisals, recommendations, employee handbooks, and your updated resume. Make a list of questions you’ll want to ask, such as how long you’ll receive benefits if you loose your job.

Make sure your networks are up to date by making a list of all the people you know who have good jobs and stay in touch with them. Keep up with your profession by learning something new every day. You should always have a good handle on your finances. Know how long you could support yourself and your family without any income. One of your financial goals should be to have enough money in savings to keep you for at least six months should you suddenly be without an income.

Good communication skills are an absolute must in the Information Age, yet so few people practice improving them and our schools are turning out more young people who have very low reading and writing skills. Here’s a simple three step strategy for improving your speaking skills:

First, you should prepare what you are going to say by practicing it over and over. Do this whether you’re going to speak to your boss, your business team or giving a speech. You should develop a worksheet that identifies your objective, audience benefits, key points, illustrations, and closing. Always ask several people to listen to your practice run and have them critique your performance.

Second, warm up before you begin your talk. Knowing your material and how you’re going to say it allows you to concentrate on making eye contact with your audience. Always watch for thi

hould always have a good handle on your finances. Know how long you could support yourself and your family without any income. One of your financial goals should be to have enough money in savings to keep you for at least six months should you suddenly be without an income.

Good communication skills are an absolute must in the Information Age, yet so few people practice improving them and our schools are turning out more young people who have very low reading and writing skills. Here’s a simple three step strategy for improving your speaking skills:

First, you should prepare what you are going to say by practicing it over and over. Do this whether you’re going to speak to your boss, your business team or giving a speech. You should develop a worksheet that identifies your objective, audience benefits, key points, illustrations, and closing. Always ask several people to listen to your practice run and have them critique your performance.

Second, warm up before you begin your talk. Knowing your material and how you’re going to say it allows you to concentrate on making eye contact with your audience. Always watch for things like mechanical gestures, vocal monotone, and distracting nervous habits. If you’re speaking to a group of people it always helps to use visuals.

Third, build on each presentation to improve the next one. Record your talk and if possible videotape it. This way you can study what you did right and wrong. Always ask for feedback from the audience and make notes on what you need to improve.

Being able to write well is perhaps even more important than being able to speak well, because the written word has permanence. One of the most important rules of effective writing is to write as though you’re speaking directly to the reader. Get your message in the first paragraph. Don’t make readers hunt for your objective. Make your message fun to read. Use quotes, facts, and anecdotes and when it’s appropriate drop in charts and other visuals to add interest.

If you’re writing a long report, organize it by sections and use headings and subheads. Using bullet points helps to set off important information. Be consistent in your writing. For example, if you list items beginning with action verbs, don’t switch to nouns.

Of all the communication skills listening is used the least but is by far the most important. Think of how much time each day you spend listening to your boss, your colleagues, and your family. If you are going to get the most out of each conversation, you must learn to listen well.

When someone is talking to you, stop talking, both out loud and mentally. Look for the real meaning in what the other person is saying, by focusing on the content not the speaker. Don’t let the person who is speaking overshadow your ability to hear what he or she is saying. This is why it’s always a good idea to take notes in a business meeting.

Test your understanding by paraphrasing back to the other person what he or she has said to you. If you do understand, evaluate what was said and give feedback to the other person. Take action on what the other person has said. For example, if your boss has given you a directive and you understand it clearly, then act on what he or she has told you to do.

The people who survive and excel in the 21st Century will be the people who have the best survival skills. These skills will enable you to not only prepare for the constant barrage of changes that will constantly hit you but it will enable you turn those changes into unlimited opportunities for success.

Copyright©2006 by Joe Love and JLM & Associates, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.