The Oracle Blog - Andy Hughes

UX Storytellers: Aristotle’s Storytelling Framework

2011-08-23T05:39:00.000-07:00

UX Storytellers: Aristotle’s Storytelling Framework

Monday Morning Marketing Memo -- Top 11 Marketing Trends (Part Two)

2011-02-07T14:04:00.000-08:00

I have been reading for some time now a very interesting set of blogs called Monday Morning Marketing Memo, part of two of a recent post Top 11 Marketing Trends, compelling reading and certainly food for thought in a difficult and challenging market place.

The complete article and links are posted below, information i hope readers will find of value and offer some stepping out from the crowd strategies.

Gmail - Monday Morning Marketing Memo #238 -- Top 11 Marketing Trends (Part Two)

If You Have a Gift, It Is a Crime Not To Let Others See It

2010-12-21T14:10:00.000-08:00

If You Have a Gift, It Is a Crime Not To Let Others See It

A recent new connection through the LinkedIn network portal posted an interesting article about sharing your gift, and why you shouldnt be afraid to let the world know. With kind permission of Carson i have
posted the article here to continue reading the full article please follow the link below.

Every time I drop my princess daughter off at the sitter's and she has a treat of some kind, she is required to share with the others. One of my primary goals is to instill in her the principle and concept of putting others ahead of herself. While it is not always easy or desirable to do, the outcome pays dividends. This very mantra led me to the success I have had in the selling game and in sales leadership and that same principle should be applied in your daily life - be it in career or pursuit of your dreams.

We were all born into this world with something to give. Every one of us. Trouble is, we often get caught up on what we do not have or what is holding us back rather than making the choice to shine. For, after all, it is a choice.

We all need affirmation of some kind - someone to tell us that we are good. This is the very reason many people seek this in significant others and become dependent on their "love" - they have to have this confirmation to keep themselves going. Others of us find that drive and the necessary mechanics internally. Some cower in the corner, afraid of rejection or ridicule.

http://EzineArticles.com/5359253

Article by Carson V Heady Author of "Birth of a Salesman" / Marketing Manager at World Audience, Inc

'Great teachers understand how the learner learns'

2010-10-25T06:37:00.000-07:00

No matter who you are or what you do in life, both professionally and in your social life we are all different. Some are good listeners, some are good teachers, and some good communicators.

Look around and you will see a miriad of self help and development material, those which may benefit our personal lives and those for our professional and working lives. And each and everyone of us takes from these materials and media different values and understanding and begin to apply them accordingly. However, have you ever noticed that some people just 'like a duck to water' seem to take on board this new learning and some struggle and take time to adapt.

No two people are the same, yes indentical twins are indentical, physically maybe, but there will be subtle differences whether on the inside or out. And each will learn about the world around them differently also, this is true of everyone.

This brings me to the purpose of this blog, and the lesson i learned from reading a book 'The Magic of Metaphor'. The book contains many stories and indeed examples of how valuable lessons can be learned by the power of story, One of which grabbed my thoughts and attention immediately.

The teacher of a large class could not understadn why one of her pupils was constantly achieving low marks when the rest were not. Deciding one day to ask what could be done to improve this pupils marks the teacher was surprised to hear that the pupil couldnt relax and focus like everyone else bacause the classroom was too quiet and everyone had to sit still. The teacher replied that this was normal for a classrooom and acceptable conduct. The pupil then explained that when he was at home doing home work for other topics (ones which he got good class grades) he would have music playing and would dance and move to the music whilst reading. The teacher suggested that he could do this in the classroom silently in his head without distrubing everybody else. This the pupil did and without disturbance and his grade improved dramatically. The teacher suddenly realised that to be a great teacher one must understand how the learner learns.

A great story and a great lesson and one we can all use in our everyday working and personal lives.

Wnat to be a grea salesperson, understand how the buyer buys, a great communicator, understand how people communicate,the list is endless. But more valuable a lesson is that everyone is different, and therefore what works with one wont neccessarily work with another. In sales you should never assume that all buyers buy the same way, they dont, processes may be the same, but the decision criteria isnt, the same can be said for marketing.

THe book 'Magic of Metaphor' was written by Nick Owen and available through online bookstores and directly from his site www.nickowen.net

Google New: Everything New From Google�|�Digital Buzz Blog

2010-09-24T14:37:00.000-07:00

Google New: Everything New From Google�|�Digital Buzz Blog

TED Blog | Where good ideas come from: Steven Johnson on TED.com

2010-09-22T11:15:00.000-07:00

TED Blog | Where good ideas come from: Steven Johnson on TED.com

Career and Jobseeker Mapping - a Successful Strategy where you take Control

2010-05-20T03:46:00.000-07:00

How long do you take to trawl through the Local Newspaper, Internet Job Site or Social Media Channel to seek out opportunities matching your career or skills background - no doubt quite a long time! After you have repeated this exercise how many opportunities do you have to aim/apply for. Dependent upon your experience and background this number may well vary from person to person and also be affected by the economic climate, such as we are experiencing currently.

Whatever the result of this effort there is no guarantee of the outcome or indeed the numbers or amount of opportunities we can pursue, it is controlled by what is available at the time and published via the web or news print.

In addition there is the speculative approach or recruitment agency and of course posting your CV onto the internet (e.g. Monster, CV Library, Jobsite) all of which, dependent upon your background and/or experience may provide additional opportunities. As with the more popular method of search this also has varying results and is again influenced by events we cannot totally control.

Mapping allows you to take an in-depth look at your skills, Value and Industry or Market Sectors and will provide you with a wealth of additional resources and opportunities, maybe ones you were not already aware of.

To get your free copy of this eBook and template click on the following links

http://tinyurl.com/2wk9gxp for copy of the eBook

http://tinyurl.com/2veacel to download a Mapping Template

http://tinyurl.com/3y89wzy to view the eBook online a leave comments

Please feel free to post your thoughts and comments.

And the winner is...............

2010-03-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who took part and congratulations to the winner Tony Ryan a copy of 'Ignite your Passion' is yours.

The book is available to purchase and i have provided an additional discount code for you to use when you place your order, please feel free to leave a comment or two at the site if you do/have purchased a copy.

http://www.cyberlifetutors.com/IgniteYourPassion.htm (discount code Le5Ord3r09 )

Thanks again everybody, Tony enjoy the read!!

Win a copy of 'Ignite Your Passion'

2010-03-08T03:52:00.001-08:00

Lets start the week on a positive foot - your chance to win a free copy of 'Ignite your Passion' ebook. For your chance to win a free copy of this inspiring book visit the link (click on the image) and simply cut and paste a paragraph from any part of the page and email it to me andyhughes0@gmail.com.
The winning entry will be drawn Monday 15 March 2010 and the winner will be published here on my blog
.
Good luck everyone!! (Don’t forget you can purchase a copy at the same link and download a sample chapter before you buy - enter the competition with a chance to win a free copy)
Good Luck!!

Sales Trends Fact or Fiction

2010-02-25T02:48:00.000-08:00

2010 Sales Trends Are In – Change the Way You Sell or Get Left Behind

I stumbled upon this interesting white paper illustrating the sales trends that have been researched leading into 2010 and possibly beyond. The interesting information details that there seems to be less monies invested in the selling function but still a big demand on success and performance.

Follow this link for the full article http://tinyurl.com/yk6ap3k

A pdf version of a white paper regarding this report is available (provide your name, company details and position) via return email.

Keeping with this theme of reduced investment in the selling function you may wish to follow a very vibrant and stimulating debate happening over at ModernSelling.com linkedIn group (http://tinyurl.com/yhtzb6r), its worrying that a declining investment trend has been indentified for sales rather than the opposite, what of the future given this scenario??

The solutionsellingblog.com has a good archive of selling articles and indepth insights i would recommend bookmarking this blog and keeping savvy on the changing world of selling.

Google Buzz and Personal Branding | Brand-Yourself.com Blog

2010-02-18T07:58:00.000-08:00

For those who still think Personal Branding isn't for them, check the linked blog post below. If you cant be seen then you will never be asked or known, in a selling or marketing profession who and what you are is what makes the difference, making yourself known for you expertise and making yourself visible has to be a priority. Heard the saying 'right time right place' it does have some truth especially if you are failing to be considered or indeed contacted about that once in a lifetime career opportunity.

Google buzz is part of the Google giant, as with Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn they are today's essentials in getting you, the brand out there to be visible and gaining the opportunities ahead of your competition.

Google Buzz and Personal Branding | Brand-Yourself.com

You never know who your real friends are until adversity overtakes you and you need co-operation

2010-02-13T07:51:00.000-08:00

Friends, companions or acquaintance who really knows, we class as we interact on a social or professional level. From all of our personal experiences we cannot always be certain of who will step up to the mark and provide that support and understanding which any situation we find ourselves in demands.

Being an avid follower of the Napoleon Hill foundation and daily quotes the one below landed in my inbox today!! After i had read it, I thought it more than worthy passing on the wisdom and insight, compelling yes, but how many of our friends, colleagues, acquaintance or other would think in this same way?? I believe I have some who certainly think in this way..........

You never know who your real friends are until adversity overtakes you and you need co-operation

Everybody loves a winner, it has been said, but nobody knows you when you’re down and out. One of the often unappreciated benefits of adversity is that it accelerates the process of identifying your true friends. Most of us have many acquaintances and associates, but we are indeed fortunate if we have a handful of real friends. You will very quickly identify yours when you ask them for help. The wise individual is the one who, when asked for assistance, recognizes that he may one day find himself in the same situation.

courtesy of www.naphill.org

2010 a New Year, New Challenges and New Beginnings

2010-01-06T10:11:00.000-08:00

If like me and countless many others during the past few days you have sat down reflected on last year, put it into perspective and set yourself some goals for the coming year. Last year was a mixed one for me personally but i have risen to the many challenges and i believe conquered them, now i am looking forward with positivity to a year filled with fresh challenges and new opportunities.

This year has started with a flourish already and i am privelidged to have contributed to a fantastic new book 'Ignite your Passion' there i talk about my passion 'RAIDers of the Lost Sale' along with 15 authors who share their own personal experiences and contributions to what fires our passion. Without bias the book will inspire anyone to take steps this year to fulfil their own personal goals and dreams, we are all individuals and capable of great things, believe in yourself then believe it will happen.

A preview chapter is available for download as is the opportunity to buy your own copy a discount code is available and is detailed also, feel free to leave a comment

http://www.cyberlifetutors.com/IgniteYourPassion.htm (discount code Le5Ord3r09 )

Please also take a look at http://www.cyberlifetutors.com/blog/ to see more news and reviews of this inspiring book and feel free to leave comments, i hope you enjoy the read!!

Most misfortunes are the result of misused time.

2009-10-02T02:51:00.001-07:00

The only luck in the world is the luck you create for yourself. Only in the casino are the odds in favour of the house. In real life, the odds always favour those who use their time wisely to pursue their goals constructively, to fill every day with a full measure of honest work. Bad luck befalls those who waste time and mental energy hoping for the big break that will propel them to greatness. We all have the same twenty-four hours available to us in each day. Most of us spend eight hours working and eight hours sleeping . What you do with the remaining eight hours will have a tremendous influence on the level of success you achieve in your life.

http://www.naphill.org.

Don’t ever admit that the world has never given you an opportunity.

2009-09-15T05:02:00.001-07:00

Opportunities are never just handed to you; they must be created. Opportunities abound for every individual in every walk of life. They may not be the opportunities that you prefer, but each opportunity of which you take advantage leads to bigger and better opportunities. Physical and mental handicaps may mean that you have to explore territories unknown to others, but they also mean you have opportunities those others will never find. Think of Stephen Hawking’s brilliant research on the nature of the universe despite the fact that a crippling disease makes writing and speaking, as we know it, impossible for him. Those who approach their jobs and careers with enthusiasm always find plenty of opportunities, while those who complain about no one ever giving them a chance are merely observers of life. When you are determined that you will not allow others to determine your future for you, when you refuse to allow temporary setbacks to defeat you, you are destined for great success. The opportunities will always be there for you. If there are adversities that you cannot overcome right now, remember to capitalize upon them at a later date by looking for the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit.

http://www.naphill.org.

Don’t be afraid to aim high when choosing your life’s goal, for no matter how high you aim, your achievements may fall below it.

2009-08-10T03:01:00.001-07:00

Many businesses today advocate "continuous improvement" as part of their quality programs. They have realized that to remain competitive in today’s global economy they must constantly strive to improve every aspect of the business, otherwise they will be overtaken by the competition. The same ethic applies to individuals. All of life is a continuous learning experience. Every success and every temporary setback only serve to prepare you for the time when you will eventually prevail. Your short- and medium term goals should be realistic and achievable, but your long-term goals should always far exceed your present capabilities. As the Roman poet Virgil said, "Fortune sides with him who dares."

http://www.naphill.org

If you are sure you are right, you need not worry what the world thinks.

2009-07-20T13:07:00.001-07:00

If you are ever to achieve noteworthy success in your life, you must be willing to stand apart from the crowd. Success is something that is achieved by the minority, not the majority, of people. You will also discover as you climb the ladder of success that there are many who, out of jealousy or envy, will belittle your achievements. Nevertheless, if you have the courage of your convictions, nothing can deter you from your course. You develop confidence in your beliefs by doing your own thinking and by constantly testing and revising your knowledge. Use W. Clement Stone’s R2A2 Principle to Recognize and Relate, Assimilate and Apply information from any field to help solve your problems and direct your thinking.

http://www.naphill.org

A negative mind spawns only negative ideas.

2009-07-16T14:34:00.001-07:00

It is a physical impossibility for a negative mind to generate positive thoughts. When you allow yourself to dwell on the negative aspects of life, negative thinking expands to fill all of your thoughts until there is no room for positive thoughts to grow. It becomes an endless cycle. The habit of negative thinking generates more and more negative thoughts, which the mind attempts to turn into physical reality. The result is a life of despair and hopelessness. Develop the habit of eliminating negative thoughts the moment they appear. Start small at first. When you first hear that inner voice that says, "I can’t do this," put the thought out of your mind immediately. Instead, concentrate on the task itself. Break it down into manageable parts and complete them one at a time. When the job is finished, tell your doubting self: "You were wrong. I could do it, and I did!"

The Only Limits in Life are YOU!

2009-07-08T11:53:00.001-07:00

If you have more enemies than friends, it’s time to examine your mental attitude.

2009-07-08T04:52:00.001-07:00

When your enemies outnumber your friends, the answer to the problem most likely resides within you. Ask yourself, Am I the kind of person I would like to have as a friend? Do I consider the feelings of others, or do I think only of myself? Do I try to find the good in others, or am I always finding fault? When something goes wrong, do I search for a solution to the problem, or do I look for someone to blame? In the answers to such questions, you may find the answer to the question: Why do I have more enemies than friends?

Thought for the Day http://www.naphill.org

If you start at the top you can only move in one direction-Downward

2009-06-24T04:45:00.001-07:00

Perhaps the worst thing that might have happened to you would be to have been born with the proverbial silver spoon in your mouth. For had you been born into privilege, you would have been deprived of one of the world’s greatest gifts: the opportunity to reach the highest levels of success of which you are capable, solely on the basis of your own merit. If you were born with less than most, don’t resent others who seem to have more advantages. In truth, the real advantage is yours, for you will develop the self-confidence that comes only from meeting life’s challenges on your own terms. As you progress, you gain the strength and knowledge necessary to assure your enduring success, things that cannot be given to you, but must be earned.

THE TWO KINDS OF PEOPLE WHO NEVER GET AHEAD ARE THOSE WHO DO ONLY WHAT THEY ARE TOLD AND THOSE WHO WILL NOT DO WHAT THEY ARE TOLD.

2009-06-22T13:22:00.000-07:00

It’s hard to say which would be more discouraging: drifting from job to job because you’re always the first to be laid off, or labouring in monotonous obscurity at the same job. The first results from not doing what you are told to do, the second from doing only what you are told to do. You can "get by" for a time following either approach, but you will never get ahead. Personal initiative is more important in today’s enlightened, high-tech workplace than it was during the Industrial Age, when the ability to follow orders was a critical skill. As technology makes many supervisory functions obsolete, every one of us is expected to do more with less, determine what needs to be done, and do it. Don’t wait to be told. Know your company and your job so well that you can anticipate what needs to be done-then do it! Stop explaining and start doing!

visit http://www.naphill.org for more insightful views

Is it just your mind playing tricks??

2009-06-03T09:26:00.000-07:00

How often have you stopped yourself from doing something, because, well, it just did'nt seem right. Is it your instinct, or just your mind telling you that you shouldnt.

A recent article published over at The Little Dumb man blog suggests that maybe our mind is actually playing tricks with us. An insightful look at everyday situations and thoughts and actually what might or might not really be going on. Whether it business or our normal everyday lives, at some point we entertain these types of thoughts.

Take away some of the advice detailed within each of the scenario's and take a step towards your happiness.

Full article can be viewed by following this link

http://www.dumblittleman.com/2009/06/12-tricks-your-brain-is-playing-on-you.html

How to Improve your Business Writing

2009-05-19T11:40:00.000-07:00

Whether you’re worried that your emails come across as too friendly or too brisk, or whether you have to prepare a report or presentation, these tips should help you write in a professional, readable, way – that’s bound to impress your clients, your boss and your colleagues.

Be As Clear And As Succinct As Possible
If you’re not totally confident about your writing skills, it’s easy to fall into the trap of using complex words and impressive-sounding phrases that don’t really mean anything. You need to resist this temptation, and make your writing as simple, clear and concise as you can.

This is especially crucial if you’re writing a document for external purposes, particularly if it will be published on the web, where readers are typically rushed and distracted.

This sort of language is often a real turn-off to potential clients. I’ll bet that you’ve come across paragraphs like this on websites:

AskBio has proactively developed strategic relationships with the following corporate, foundation, and academic collaborators, which provides distinct capabilities to execute projects from discovery through patient clinical trials. (AskBio – Collaborators)

Does it inspire you to read on? Does it even make sense at a quick glance? Wouldn’t you prefer to read:

AskBio has strong relationships with these corporate, foundation, and academic collaborators. Our expert connections mean we can take your project every step of the way – from discovery to patient clinical trials.

Yes, my example doesn’t hit all those key business words like “proactively”, “strategic” and “execute”. Frankly, unless you’re writing for a boss with a predilection for buzzword bingo, you don’t need them.

For the full article please follow this link

http://www.dumblittleman.com/2009/05/impress-your-clients-boss-and.html

Many thanks to Ali Hale http://www.aliventures.com/ and also Jay at http://www.dumblittleman.com/ for permission to link and post this blog.

Keep one step ahead of the competition, step out from the crowd.

2009-05-05T11:14:00.000-07:00

Salesblogcast has launched a brand new site, if you haven't already done so i strongly recommend you get yourself registered. Salesblogcast has a wealth of great tips and insights into the selling profession, all in one well organised, and resourceful site.

And as a bonus for subscribing (limited number available, so don't delay) you can get yourself a fantastic e-book '15 Rules for Becoming a Top Producer'

www.salesblogcast.com you will see registration on the top right of the site

Many thanks to Doyle Slayton for his kind permission in publishing this blog

On the move - keeping in touch Mobile networking

2009-04-30T08:29:00.000-07:00

Just a short blog following the subject of networking which i have recently featured.

You're out and about, no office, no latop/desktop/netbook, how other than the traditional sms (text message) do you/we keep in touch and upto date.

Now theres a world of different applications, gadgets and means of keeping updated whilst you're on the move, but i just wanted to take a quick look at some of the tools and applications which can really keep you one step ahead.

Mobile phone - everyone has got one, whatever the use, photo, text, mms, twitter (if your on o2 in the uk) and phone calls. But what about writing a letter in word, or supplying some financial data in excel, or even putting together a quick presentation. Quickoffice (which is available for many handsets/PDA/Iphone) has all this in one application. the latest version now has office 2007 capabilitites, read, write, edit and then save your work, even email in advance of your arrival to a meeting or the office.

Other useful add ons for your mobile include social networking applciations, such as twittix (for your twittering), facebook (limited to certain operators) otherwise there is a mobile version m.facebook.com,there is also a beta version of the linkedIn site available for mobiles direct you mobile browser to m.linkedin.com.

Other mobile applications combine more than one of the popular social networking sites, and as well as updating, allows you to instantly chat whilst on the move, an example of this is fring. Fring will also let you call skype to skype, in addition to most if not all Instant messaging (IM) forums (Gtalk, yahoo, MSN)

I must admit this is one of my favourite applications, it is feature rich, and if you have a wi-fi capable mobile/pda/iphone then free internet calls on the move is of great benefit.

The mobile world is constantly changing, new models, capabilities, touchscreen, slide out keyboards, 8 mega pixel build in cameras with flash, 16 gigabite internal memory to name but a few, and there are a multitude of sites and blogs covering every subject matter, whether by mobile operating platform or handset specific.

I hope to write about more of the mobile networking tools which are available and up and coming, so keep watching my twitter alerts (@hughesandy) and visit the blog regulary.

Links below for the applications detailed within the blogcast

http://www.fring.com/, http://www.quickoffice.com/, http://www.mojosmobile.com/studios/ (twittix)

Networking tools - keeping on top and in touch with your network!

2009-04-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

I posted previously a very thorough and insightful look at networking courtesy of April M. Williams of CyberLife Tutors (http://www.CyberLifetutors.com). To follow this, i would like to share with you a fantastic Outlook plug-in tool which will revolutionise your networking.

Xobni - is an outlook plug-in which organises all of you emails, and creates temporary contacts for everyone you correspond with, whether, business, family or friends. It will also display;

Facebook detials - complete with link

LinkedIn details - again with a link

If you dont have a telephone number for a contact, xobni will find it for you by sending an email requesting the number.

This feature rich plug-in really is a fantastic companion for managing your newtwork, and best of all its FREE!!.

Follow the link below to download, and view a demo video and details of all the fantastic features xobni has to offer.

http://www.xobni.com/

Networking do it Right and Reap the Rewards

2009-04-07T02:20:00.000-07:00

Ever thought about your networking skills? Whether social or business what are the do's and dont's and what results should you anticipate.I came across an article recently which i believe answers all the questions on this subject.

Many thanks to April M. Williams of CyberLife Tutors for her kind permission to post this article on my blog, please visit CyberLife Tutors for some fantastic insights into managing your career http://www.CyberLifetutors.com

Career Networking Does Not Produce Instant Results
2009-03-25 11:40:14-04

Are you expecting instant results from your networking? If so, you may be disappointed. Networking is not a one time activity. The most successful networkers are consistent and network for life.

As a business and career coach I ask my clients about their networking plan. Some clients tell me they tried networking once and it did not work. I spend a good portion of each day talking with people. I talk to all kinds of people including corporate professionals, small business owners, strategic partners and other regular people. It is very rare for these discussions to immediately produce sales or new clients.

What does happen is that I develop on going relationships with people. I look for ways I can add value to their career and personal life. I follow up after the initial contact with an interesting article, a referral or note just to say hello.

There are times when I meet a person several times before I even talk about my career. It is not unusual for me to get a call from someone I met 6 or 12 months earlier with a coaching referral or public speaking request. Everyone knows other people. You never know when one of your contacts will connect you to the perfect job opportunity, strategic partnership or new client.

If you are looking for networking to drive huge changes over night, it is time to reset your expectations. Slow and steady is the way to develop and nurture networking relationships which are mutually beneficial to both parties.
Read more....

How about a full Mental Detox??

2009-03-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

With so many so-called diet gurus telling us what we should do to lose unwanted fat, things can get confusing. For while one self-proclaimed experts says that carbohydrates are the enemy, there are others who say that it isn't. The thing is, they all sound equally convincing. People often have to do their own intensive research to find out who's right or wrong.

Save yourself the unneccesary stress, visit the following link were you will find a video and information on how you can get your energy back fast.

http://www.simpleology.com/blog/2009/03/why_the_road_to_fitness_starts.html

Top tips for using your cameraphone

2009-03-25T04:36:00.001-07:00

Smile! You’re about to learn five fantastic ways to get the most from your cameraphone. Yes, we’re talking about that crummy, low-resolution point-and-shoot that’s built into your mobile. It’s a lot more useful than you think, provided you point it at the right things:

Where you parked Now where’d you leave the car? G7? F4? If only you’d taken a photo of the nearest signpost, and maybe a few landmarks to boot. Take it from us: Losing your car in a crowded airport lot — especially when it’s 10 degrees out — is not fun.
Your passport and/or driver’s license If one of these documents goes missing while you’re traveling, you’re potentially screwed. Before you embark, take a snapshot of your license and/or passport, making sure the numbers are legible. If nothing else, you’ll have an easier time proving your identity and getting your documents replaced.
Your hotel room number Sounds nuts, I know, but remember: Hotels no longer put room numbers on room keys. If you’re the forgetful type, this beats stopping at the front desk to ask for your own room number.
The label on the wine bottle A client raves about the bottle of wine you shared over dinner. Snap a photo of the label (when he/she’s not looking, of course) so you can match it later, then send along a bottle (or even a case, if it’s a big client) to help seal the deal.
Evernote, Qipit, ScanR Snap a photo of business card, cocktail napkin, whiteboard, or whatever, then send it to one of these free information-management services. From there you can organize, share, publish, or even fax your “digital copy.”
(Special thanks to Business hacks)

post your top tips (Useful and Tasteful):

How to beat the credit crunch.

2009-03-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

A very good friend provided a link for some money off vouchers,,,,,every little helps :-)

follow the link and enjoy

http://www.vouchercodes.co.uk/printable-vouchers.html

Ways to help a friend survive job search

2009-03-22T12:22:00.000-07:00

As this is he first post on my blog i thought this very appropiate, given i am currently in a similar situation,,,,,,,,,,,heads up to great friends

Amy Baker, a partner marketing specialist in the technology industry in San Francisco, was pushed into an unexpected job search last year and was the recipient of many thoughtful supportive gestures, which she has itemized below.

When I hear a friend has been laid off, I do at least some of the following:

1. I invite them to lunch.

2. I present them with a “job search survival kit.” This includes a notebook for writing their ideas/interview notes in and a Starbucks card for the networking they will do or simply for a treat.

3. The first piece of advice in the notebook is “Always accept a free lunch. You will do the same when you are in their shoes.” Most people don’t know how to be on the receiving end of generosity and forget it makes both sides feel good.

4. I tell them the first thing they should do is sign up for unemployment, and I explain how it works and what to do (many are not familiar with the system, but it was a godsend during my search) .

5. I make sure they are on LinkedIn, offer help with their résumé and offer to be a recommendation.

Find out what the other 5 were by following the link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/21/your-money/21moneysideweb.html?_r=1