Innovation: Need Of The Hour - Entrepreneur Journeys Vol. 4 - Book review

Innovation: Need Of the Hour

Entrepreneur Journeys Volume 4

By: Sramana Mitra

Published: May 10, 2010
Format: Paperback, 200 pages
ISBN-10: 1451577907
ISBN-13: 978-1451577907
Publisher: CreateSpace







"Now more than ever, we need discontinuities to crack open innovative new industries and create new jobs", writes Silicon Valley based technology entrepreneur and strategy consultant Sramana Mitra, in her thought provoking book, and the fourth entry into her highly acclaimed Entrepreneur Journeys series,
Innovation: Need Of the Hour: Entrepreneur Journeys Volume 4. The author combines her own experience and thoughts on innovation with insightful and informative interviews with leading experts on innovation, creating a compelling case for the critical importance of innovation to lead future economic growth.

Sramana Mitra is no stranger to the power of innovation to create wealth for entrepreneurs, jobs for many people, and to build sustainable overall economic growth. As a creative and entrepreneurial technology innovator and strategy adviser, Sramana Mitra has helped countless entrepreneurs achieve their goals, while building a stronger economy. As with the previous books in the Entrepreneur Journeys series, the author presents her ground breaking, and real world ideas in a format that is both thought provoking and a pleasure to read. In this fourth entry into the tremendous series, Sramana Mitra provides ideas, strategies, and techniques for innovation and entrepreneurship that combine her own concepts with the wisdom of some of today's leading innovation authorities. For Sramana Mitra, the potential and importance of innovation is critical for economic development and entrepreneurial success.



Sramana Mitra (photo left) recognizes that innovation is the key to creating what she calls Capitalism 2.0, where innovators and entrepreneurs are rewarded properly for their creative insights. The author sees the imbalance between highly compensated speculators who very often think in terms of short term gain and even wealth destruction, and that of innovative entrepreneurs as a root cause of the current economic problems. As always, Sramana Mitra supports the ability of entrepreneurs to develop new ideas, and to bring them to market. She also supports the role of universities in their innovative research efforts, but also believes that their ideas must be transformed into marketable products and services. The author recommends bootstrapping and self financing as a bridge and alternative to the short term thinking of speculators, some venture capitalists, and of bankers. For Sramana Mitra, more longer term thinking and less emphasis on quarterly results, will create the innovative breakthroughs that will drive an economic recovery and expansion.

For me, the power of the book is how Sramana Mitra combines her own ideas on innovation and entrepreneurship, with interviews of thought leaders in the fields of innovation and sustainable economic growth. Sramana Mitra seeks justice for entrepreneurs, who she considers the backbone of both innovative thinking and of the economy itself. For the author, speculators have gained too much while stifling and even actively discouraging innovative ideas from reaching the marketplace. That imbalance has brought the economy to its knees, she writes, and more risk and long term thinking is needed to correct the situation. Along with her interviewed experts, Sramana Mitra points to the importance of ending short term thinking that works against innovation, creativity, and research and development. These drivers of growth must become the focus of entrepreneurs and of corporations, to end the downward cycle of the economy. Sramana Mitra and her interviewees share their intriguing and practical ideas for enhancing the innovative process, and for rewarding entrepreneurs.

I highly recommend the idea packed and economic growth enhancing book Innovation: Need Of the Hour: Entrepreneur Journeys Volume 4 by Sramana Mitra, to anyone serious about seeking long term and sustainable solutions to the current economic downturn. The author shares her ideas, and those of other innovators, for building a stronger economy based on research and development at both the institutional and the entrepreneurial levels. She also provides useful and practical strategies and techniques for bringing these innovations to the marketplace for the benefit of all.

Read the economy building book Innovation: Need Of the Hour: Entrepreneur Journeys Volume 4 by Sramana Mitra, and discover a way forward to a stronger, more innovative, and sustainable economy that rewards entrepreneurs for their creativity. The economy needs more fresh thinking and new ideas, and be attractive for entrepreneurs to succeed. This book helps build that economy based on social justice for entrepreneurs.

Tags: Innovation: Need Of the Hour: Entrepreneur Journeys Volume 4, Sramana Mitra, entrepreneurship and innovation, business book reviews.

James Mathewson: Audience, Relevance, and Search - Blog Business Success Radio

Listen to Wayne Hurlbert on Blog Talk Radio



New media analyst and Editor-in-chief of ibm.com, and co-author of the practical and results oriented book Audience, Relevance, and Search: Targeting Web Audiences with Relevant Content, James Mathewson shares his insights into writing engaging web copy that achieves top search results. James describes how to use long tail phrases and keywords that are searched by real people. Learn how to get to the point faster in your copywriting, and how to create relevant content for diverse audiences. James also demonstrates how create copy that engages while achieving strong sales results. Learn as well how to use social media effectively to share your content.

James Mathewson is my internet radio show guest on Blog Business Success; hosted live on BlogTalkRadio.

The show airs live on Tuesday, August 31, at 8:00 pm Eastern Time; 5:00 pm Pacific Time.

New media analyst and Editor-in-chief of ibm.com, and co-author of the practical and results oriented book Audience, Relevance, and Search: Targeting Web Audiences with Relevant Content, James Mathewson shares his insights into writing engaging web copy that achieves top search results. You will learn:

* Why copywriting on the web is different from writing print copy

* How to find your target audience and provide relevant content

* How to optimize a site to achieve high search engine rankings

* How to use social media to strengthen online web relevance



James Mathewson (photo left) has followed the Web since 1994, first as a contributing editor specializing in Web publishing and search for ComputerUser magazine, and later as the editor in chief of the magazine and its Web site. Since leaving ComputerUser in 2004, James has worked for IBM as a Web developer and Web content editor.

In his current role as editor-in-chief of ibm.com, James sets standards, and creates and delivers education to improve the effectiveness of IBM's Web content. James has trained more than 1000 writers, editors, and content strategists on Web content quality and search engine optimization (SEO) within IBM.

My book review of Audience, Relevance, and Search: Targeting Web Audiences with Relevant Content by James Mathewson, Frank Donatone, Cynthia Fishel.

Listen live on Tuesday at 8:00 pm Eastern, 5:00 pm Pacific time.



If you miss this very informative show, it will be available for free download as a podcast for iPod, iTunes, and MP3 players; or play it right on your computer. To download this, or any other of my guest interviews, go to the Blog Business Success host page and click on Archived Segments. Once there, click on the podcast icon at the end of the episode description, to download the show free of charge for your listening enjoyment. You can also subscribe to the show feed.



To call in questions for my guest, the number is: (347) 996-5832

Let's talk with new media analyst and Editor-in-chief of ibm.com, and co-author of the practical and results oriented book Audience, Relevance, and Search: Targeting Web Audiences with Relevant Content, James Mathewson as he shares his insights into writing engaging web copy that achieves top search results. James describes how to use long tail phrases and keywords that are searched by real people. Learn how to get to the point faster in your copywriting, and how to create relevant content for diverse audiences. James also demonstrates how create copy that engages while achieving strong sales results. Learn as well how to use social media effectively to share your content on Blog Business Success Radio.

Tags: Audience, Relevance, and Search: Targeting Web Audiences with Relevant Content, James Mathewson, creating relevant online content, Blog Business Success, Blog Talk Radio.

Audience, Relevance, and Search by James Mathewson, Frank Donatone & Cynthia Fishel - Book review

Audience, Relevance, and Search

Targeting Web Audiences with Relevant Content

By: James Mathewson, Frank Donatone, Cynthia Fishel

Published: April 26, 2010
Format: Paperback, 208 pages
ISBN-10: 0-13-700420-6
ISBN-13: 978-0-13-700420-1
Publisher: IBM Press





"Writing for the web is fundamentally different than writing for other media, such as print". write internet writing and marketing experts James Mathewson, Frank Donatone, and Cynthia Fishel in their practical and results oriented book Audience, Relevance, and Search: Targeting Web Audiences with Relevant Content. The authors describe how online audiences approach and read content differently online than they do with print media. The book guides the reader through the process of writing effectively online, even if a person is an accomplished writer for offline media.



James Mathewson (photo left), Frank Donatone, and Cynthia Fishel recognize that good writing habits are universal to both the online and offline media. What the authors focus on is how an online media content is different from print media. Instead of delving into the area of what to write, and the nuts and bolts of quality writing, the book emphasizes the differences in how writers engage readers online from their experience with print media. To develop their ideas about online writing differences, the authors begin with an analysis of the basics of print media writing and engagement. They describe the evolution of copywriting as content has moved from print to the online media. The book highlights how writing and reader engagement has changed in parallel to the online migration of content.



Frank Donatone (photo left), Cynthia Fishel, and James Mathewson understand the importance of knowing and defining the target readership. Taking the time to find the relevant keyword phrases, and including them in the website copy, establishes relevance for the site readership. At the same time, knowing the keyword phrases that the site visitors are searching leads to stronger relevance for the search engines. Higher search engine rankings, for relevant long tail phrases, leads to more visitors actively seeking that online content. The authors provide a solid basic framework for enhancing the search engine optimization for the website, including on page copy and website architecture. The authors, through their understanding of online relevance, demonstrate clearly how to differentiate online web content from that of offline print media.



Cynthia Fishel (photo left), James Mathewson, and Frank Donatone present an important and very timely section on social media for building online relevance. This recognition of the growing reliance on social media for online users enhances the power of the book. The authors add value to the book's power in several other way as well. One is their emphasis on writing with the different needs and reading styles of online visitors from those who read print content. Another strength of the book is the research backing for the ideas put forward in the book. Instead of relying on anecdote, the authors support their thesis with real world research studies. A further strong point of the book is the chapter on measuring and quantifying the online content effectiveness to reinforce relevant aspects of the site, and to improve the less engaging areas. A final power of the book is the heavy use of graphics and screenshots to illustrate the points, especially for the more complex concepts.

I highly recommend the must read online content writing guidebook Audience, Relevance, and Search: Targeting Web Audiences with Relevant Content by James Mathewson, Frank Donatone, and Cynthia Fishel, to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the real but often overlooked differences between writing effectively online and for print media. The authors share their ideas for creating more relevant content for both the readers and for the search engines, through establishing relevance and deep online relationships.

Read the systematic and well presented book Audience, Relevance, and Search: Targeting Web Audiences with Relevant Content by James Mathewson, Frank Donatone, and Cynthia Fishel, and transform your mediocre online copy to engaging and relevant content. Your readers will thank you, and your online presence will set you apart from your competition.

Tags: Audience, Relevance, and Search: Targeting Web Audiences with Relevant Content, James Mathewson, Frank Donatone, Cynthia Fishel, creating relevant online content, business book reviews.

Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh - Book review

Delivering Happiness

A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose

By: Tony Hsieh

Published: June 7, 2010
Format: Hardcover, 272 pages
ISBN: 9780446563048
Publisher: Business Plus








"At Zappos, we had collectively come up with our own set of ten core values. Those values bonded us together, and were an important part of the path that led us to this moment", writes entrepreneur and Zappos.com CEO Tony Hsieh, in his revolutionary and business transforming book Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose. The author takes the reader on a journey through the success story of Zappos, from its inception to billion dollar sale to Amazon.com. Along the way, Tony Hsieh shares the company's core values of all encompassing customer service, a great company culture, and a commitment to excellence for the company employees.

Tony Hsieh delivers the important and powerful message that creating happy employees, customers, suppliers, and business associates is not only the right thing to do, but that it's also good business. In a world where business people from entrepreneurs to CEOs are told that taking a hard line on employees, cutting back on customer service, and squeezing suppliers is seen as the correct approach to business, Tony Hsieh shows a better way. Not only does the author share his vision of passion and purpose as the road to profit, but that living a balanced life is also compatible with operating a successful and growing company. The book presents this world changing business blueprint, and how it worked so well for everyone employed by Zappos, all of their customers and suppliers, and anyone who came into even peripheral contact with the company.



Tony Hsieh (photo left) is a pioneer in the effective use of social media, including the now ubiquitous Twitter and Facebook. More importantly, as CEO, he empowered his employees to use Twitter to form deeper relationships with customers, and to respond to questions about the company and its products. The company culture was built on trust between employees and management, and between customers and the company. This passion for engagement both within and outside the organization created happier employees who spread their upbeat mood to their satisfied customers. The company developed a list of core values that were not simply to serve as a guideline for operation, but as a credo to live by. The organization's values manifesto is a proven model for other businesses to infuse into their company culture. While the core values of each organization may be different, the value that they provide for empowerment, engagement, and integrity is unlimited.

For me, the power of the book is how Tony Hsieh demonstrates clearly the potential of shared passion and purpose for building an ethical and sustainable business, while at the same time increasing growth and profits. Through the Zappos experience, it's certain that a company that outlines its core values, and lives them every day as integral to the company culture, will be a competitive powerhouse. The book contains numerous testimonials, from the Zappos employees themselves, sharing their own engagement and enthusiasm for the values of the company. At the same time, the book contains some very practical and easy to apply business concepts that can be universally adopted by any business leader. Tony Hsieh even challenges his readers to join his business revolution, toward building a new type of company that empowers and engages both employees and customers, creating an entirely new business paradigm.

I highly recommend the inspirational and thought provoking book Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose by Tony Hsieh, that challenges previous ideas about how a company should operate. The book presents a fresh vision, where trust, happiness, and a balanced life form the basis of a truly successful and profitable company.

Read the destined to be classic book Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose by Tony Hsieh, and put the power of core values to work for your organization. While delivering happiness, your company will also be enhancing peoples' lives while building ever larger profits and share of the marketplace.

Tags: Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose, Tony Hsieh, employee and customer engagement, business book reviews.

Nancy Lublin: Zilch: The Power of Zero in Business - Author interview

CEO and "Chief Old Person" of DoSomething.org, and experienced non-profit organization leader Nancy Lublin, was kind enough to take the time to answer a few questions about her very timely and practical book Zilch: The Power of Zero in Business.

Nancy Lublin turns the previously accepted idea that the corporate for profit model was the ideal to emulate for every organization, including not-for-profits. Instead, it's time for businesses to learn a few proven concepts and techniques from the non-profit sector.

Thanks to Nancy Lublin for her time, and for her very thoughtful and informative responses. They are greatly appreciated.

What was the background to writing this book Zilch: The Power of Zero in Business?

Nancy Lublin: I was sitting in a conference room of a ginormous Fortune 100 company, listening to them complain about their "slashed" marketing budget. They were used to having lots of money, lots of time, lots of hands on deck--and they were now going to have to learn how to do more, with less. Not-for-profits have always had to stretch a dollar, stretch people, stretch time. So I decided to compile these best practices in a (sassy) business book.

What lessons do non-profit organizations, accustomed to operating on tight budgets, have for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and established companies?

Nancy Lublin: It’s a counter-intuitive argument--business advice form not-for-profits--but we're actually quite good at brand management, recruitment & retention, and even fiscal integrity.



Nancy Lublin (photo left)

Non-profit organizations are experienced in attracting volunteers. Are there lessons to share with for-profit companies on retaining employees without paying more money?

Nancy Lublin: People rarely stay or leave jobs just for the money--and even if they do, they don't perform well or contribute to a happy workplace. You want people who love your workplace. This starts in the recruiting process--is "passion" a key criteria for employment? It should be! Then you need to make the job itself fulfilling. Are you giving your people enough responsibility that they feel a sense of importance? Do they know how they fit into the larger goal(s) of the company? Are your company goals measurable and clear? Do your employees have job titles they are proud of? Notice that none of these questions or suggestions were about being cause-y. Purpose in the workplace is different from "cause."

Non-profits are experienced in bartering services for other goods and services. Can companies learn to barter to better leverage their own resources?

Nancy Lublin: Absolutely. Do you have extra space or extra product or employees with expertise that other needs? Think about trading with a neighbor, a vendor, etc.

Is it possible to use the non-profit model to create new products and services, and to strengthen brands, without expensive market research?

Nancy Lublin: Your best market research isn't a fancy study from McKinsey, it’s the juicy stuff living in your employees heads. Think about internal crowd-sourcing for innovation. For example, looking for a tagline for a new product? Considering asking your employees for suggestions. They know the product. They know your target market. They live this stuff every day! Asking them will make them feel respected--plus, it’s fun to think about things outside the scope of your job, helping your colleagues.

Can marketing be done at little or no cost effectively and is there a role for social media in the Zilch model?

Nancy Lublin: Social media presents really interesting opportunities for companies to leverage the power of zero. How many employees do you have? And how many Facebook friends do they have, combined? What if your employees leveraged their status updates to help launch a new product? It can be that simple.

Are there real world examples of companies who are adopting the techniques of non-profits to their own businesses?

Nancy Lublin: Well, Pfizer just bought 360 copies of Zilch. Citigroup just took 150 copies and had me speak there. I think the new economic realities are forcing companies to think about doing more with less.

How can an entrepreneur learn how to apply non-profit guerrilla tactics to their companies?

Nancy Lublin: Volunteer for a not for profit. Get on the board of a not-for-profit. Go work for a not-for-profit.

What is next for Nancy Lublin?

Nancy Lublin: Lunch.

*******************

My book review of Zilch: The Power of Zero in Business by Nancy Lublin.

Tags: Zilch: The Power of Zero in Business, Nancy_Lublin, non-profit organization management techniques, business author interviews.

Zilch: The Power of Zero in Business by Nancy Lublin - Book review

Zilch

The Power of Zero in Business

By: Nancy Lublin

Published: June 24, 2010
Format: Hardcover, 256 pages
ISBN: 9781591843146
Publisher: Penguin/Portfolio












"Simply put, really great not-for-profits are brilliant at doing more with less. We understand the power of zero", writes CEO and "Chief Old Person" of DoSomething.org Nancy Lublin in her very timely and practical book Zilch: The Power of Zero in Business. The author turns the previously accepted idea that the corporate for profit model was the ideal to emulate for every organization, including not-for-profits. Instead, it's time for businesses to learn a few proven concepts and techniques from the non-profit sector.

Nancy Lublin brings her years of experience in the not-for-profit world to the business community. In today's troubled economy, finances for all sizes of companies - from entrepreneurial ventures to major corporations - are very tight and spending budgets are shrinking. For many business leaders, executives, and managers, this is an unusual situation where they lack experience for making do with less. For Nancy Lublin, the idea of strict and very limited budgets is nothing new. For executives in the non-profit community, achieving tremendous results with small amounts of money has long been standard operating procedure. With companies of all sizes downsizing their staff numbers, their spending budgets cut back severely or eliminated altogether, and still facing the same expected targets, many business leaders are left shaking their heads and short of ideas. Nancy Lublin provides a powerful, effective, and proven alternative drawn from the non-profit ethos, about how to do more with less.



Nancy Lublin (photo left) recognizes that not all non-profit organizations are perfect, and that not all for profit companies lack the ability to adapt to tough economic times and the ensuing slashed budgets. Instead, the author points out the experience of well managed not-for-profits is exactly the type of skill that business leaders need in today's economy. While many corporate managers may lack the understanding of how to accomplish their goals without large budgets, executives from the non-profit sector have faced and met that money shortage challenge for decades. Nancy Lublin shares time proven techniques for recruiting and retaining skilled employees without resorting to ever higher salaries and bonuses, based on the non-profit experience with volunteers and their own organizational staff. The author also describes how to market on little or no money, how to create a memorable brand on a shoestring, and how leverage external connections to achieve mutually beneficial goals.

For me, the power of the book is how Nancy Lublin makes a convincing case, that the experience and skills demonstrated by leaders in non-profit organizations, is precisely the knowledge needed in for profit companies. To bolster her case, the author points to case studies of real world non-profit executives who have succeeded using their ability to operate on very small budgets. As a successful not-for-profit leader herself, Nancy Lublin not only shares her own impressive experience, but provides a new way of thinking and problem solving rarely seen in the boardrooms of major corporations.

Because of the recession, the old ways of doing business by throwing money at the problem, are no longer effective. In fact, with drastic reductions in budgets, the spending option is no longer available. This book teaches business leaders a new way of seeing challenges and overcoming financial obstacles. Instead of simply looking for more money, the author presents the different concept of seeking solutions that are very low cost or even free. This book turns traditional management techniques and thinking upside down.

I highly recommend the revolutionary and mind opening book Zilch: The Power of Zero in Business by Nancy Lublin, to anyone in any size of company seeking a way out of the current budgetary binds placed on organizations. As the author points out, most businesses are looking at things from one to ten, while non-profits strive to go that extra mile to eleven. This book takes any company beyond ten and into eleven, with that many ideas and more, upon which to build a stronger, and more efficient organization.

Read the important and essential book Zilch: The Power of Zero in Business by Nancy Lublin, and put the power of thinking like a not-for-profit leader to work in your company. Your profits may be higher and your brand better known than ever before, while spending zero money to do it.

Tags: Zilch: The Power of Zero in Business, Nancy_Lublin, non-profit organization management techniques, business book reviews.

Superconnect by Richard Koch & Greg Lockwood - Book review

Superconnect

Harnessing the Power of Networks and the Strength of Weak Links

By: Richard Koch, Greg Lockwood

Published: August 24, 2010
Format: Hardcover, 304 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7710-9592-4
Publisher: McClelland & Stewart










"If you ever look back at a turning-point, you'll uncover a chain of human contacts - as we did - who played a crucial role in what happened to you", write entrepreneurs Richard Koch and Greg Lockwood in their brilliant and insightful book Superconnect: Harnessing the Power of Networks and the Strength of Weak Links. The authors describe how these often very casual contacts operate, and how to utilize their connecting power to enhance your own life and success.



Richard Koch (photo left) and Greg Lockwood point out the importance of the interpersonal links that now connect literally everyone on the planet. The authors consider the well known axiom, that everyone is six degrees of separation from everyone else in the world, and discover that on average that the concept holds true. What is most important in this small world idea is that very fleeting and remote links between people are usually the forces for the greatest impact on people's lives. The authors describe three main types of interpersonal links. The first is the strong link of close friends and family. The second is the weak links of acquaintances and friends of friends. The third type of link is the hub where many different and disparate contacts meet and connect in new and exciting ways. The person who can integrate all aspects of the link types, and utilize them in countless ways with others, becomes a superconnector.



Greg Lockwood (photo left) and Richard Koch uncover many unexpected and counter-intuitive aspects to links. To their surprise, the least useful links for getting jobs or building a new business venture were the strongest links. In fact, the close relationship with family and friends very often worked against the person, making a new job or business a much less likely outcome. The best links, as it turns out, are those fleeting weak links of acquaintances, people not seen in years or even decades, and chance encounters that have a wonderful tinge of serendipity. The hubs where widely separated, casual acquaintances meet and discuss topics of interest, can occur spontaneously both on the internet and in the offline world. People who are superconnectors are able to introduce people to one another for their mutual interest and benefit. For business people, the more weak links added, the greater the chances of business success.

For me, the power of the book is how Richard Koch and Greg Lockwood guide the reader through the fascinating world of weak and strong links, with clarity and purpose. The authors share their experiences with making connections through weak links in their own business careers. They also describe how connectors and superconnectors may be the the least likely people. The authors emphasize the critical importance of making casual acquaintances at all times, and with everyone possible. No one can predict which weak link can be the one that makes a successful connection. For business people, the power of networks is obvious, but seldom understood. The authors present a strong theoretical and practical framework for building career and business success through weak links. The authors found success in their own business lives through creating companies that operated based on links and connections, and make the case that such businesses are the most profitable and become dominant in their respective niches.

I highly recommend the intriguing and groundbreaking book Superconnect: Harnessing the Power of Networks and the Strength of Weak Links by Richard Koch and Greg Lockwood, to anyone seeking a deeper and more clear understanding of the power and vast potential of interpersonal networks. Going far beyond the basics of networks, the authors share a vision of how casual connections can be actual life changing events for people. One meeting can indeed change a person's entire future.

Read the the fascinating book Superconnect: Harnessing the Power of Networks and the Strength of Weak Links by Greg Lockwood and Richard Koch, and put the power of weak links to work in building your own career or company. The book demonstrates with clarity, how the seemingly most tenuous of links and casual connections, are the basis for successful career change and entrepreneurial growth.

Tags: Superconnect: Harnessing the Power of Networks and the Strength of Weak Links, Richard Koch, Greg Lockwood, business networks, business book reviews.

Sharon Armstrong: The Essential Performance Review Handbook - Author interview

Entrepreneur, employee training and performance consultant, and human resources expert Sharon Armstrong was kind enough to take the time to answer a few questions about her valuable and thought provoking book The Essential Performance Review Handbook: A Quick and Handy Resource For Any Manager or HR Professional.

Sharon Armstrong tackles the often misunderstood subject of employee performance reviews with a team based approach that transforms the process into a powerful management tool.

Thanks to Sharon Armstrong for her time, and for her comprehensive and informative responses to the questions. They are greatly appreciated.

What was the background to writing this book The Essential Performance Review Handbook: A Quick and Handy Resource For Any Manager or HR Professional?

Sharon Armstrong: As a former HR director at a law firm and three associations, my responsibilities always included oversight of the performance management systems. I saw from firsthand experience that performance appraisals can be one of the most anxiety-provoking aspects of work life – for both supervisors and employees. My plan was for this book to help cut through the anxiety and make the process more productive and less unpleasant.

Why are performance appraisals so painful for everyone involved?

Sharon Armstrong: I think some managers don’t have ongoing workplace conversations throughout the cycle and therefore haven’t made notes of performance. The performance appraisal should be the culmination of all those discussions. Often employees are surprised at what they hear and feel duped that they weren’t given sufficient time to turn a behavior around. Those bad experiences for employees make them reluctant to have the next performance review. And managers don’t feel prepared or comfortable having the meetings.

What is wrong with the usual approach to performance appraisals?

Sharon Armstrong: The usual approach to performance appraisals is a quick one-way discussion and hand-off of a completed form. That approach can’t continue if you want performance discussions to be constructive, strengthen the organization and add value.

A better approach is to involve the employee as an active participant in the meeting and use the time for joint problem-solving and goal setting. And absolutely spend time recognizing the employee for his/her efforts throughout the year. Be specific.



Sharon Armstrong (photo left)

Do performance appraisals have to be so difficult for everyone, or is there a better way that can turn the appraisal into a positive for the supervisor, the employee, and the company?

Sharon Armstrong: I think organizations need to train managers and employees on their roles in the process then hold them accountable. If that happens, there will be benefits for all the stakeholders – the supervisor, the employee, and the company.

One of the issues that arises from performance reviews is that of employee compensation. How can compensation and incentives be worked into the appraisal in a positive way?

Sharon Armstrong: Pay for performance describes a broad range of pay practices. Repeated raises, while not meant to be such, might be considered entitlements if they are not linked to specific performance achievement. Pay for performance is intended to link a worker’s actions to his or her well-documented level of performance.

Many companies utilize a rigid rating approach for employees, believing it to be fair and unbiased. Is this really the case, and how can ratings be improved?

Sharon Armstrong: Ratings need to match the culture of the organization and be explained to all the players. For example, if the ‘middle’ rating is Meets Expectations that means that the employee is doing the job they were hired to do. Only if they exceed the expectations, should the rating reflect that. You want to avoid ‘rating creep’ – where everyone gets the highest ranking possible and the ratings lose all meaning.

When many employees enter the office for the appraisal, the meeting very often goes off the rails. What causes this problem and how can it be prevented?

Sharon Armstrong: There are many reasons why appraisals derail. Four reasons immediately come to mind. First there haven’t been mini-conversations on performance throughout the cycle. The result is often surprise and disappointment for the employee once they finally hear the manager’s assessment during the annual discussion.

Often times there isn’t a trusting relationship between the supervisor and the employee. Not everyone is committed to ‘active listening’ – a genuine effort to understand what both parties are saying. And lastly, no willingness to become actively engaged in owning the appraisal. This applies to both sides of the desk.

How should employers and employees be aware of the legal implications of a performance review?

Sharon Armstrong: Managing and evaluating employees has moved into a new legal arena. There are possible legal pitfalls that surround every performance discussion. Some of the pitfalls that can lead to legal complications include unclear communications, lack of concrete, specific goals, improper or lax record keeping, inaccurate or exaggerated performance ratings, and lack of follow up. Both supervisor and employee can make sure they are doing due diligence in these areas.

With different generations in the workplace, from Baby Boomers to Generation X to Millennials, how can the performance review process be kept relevant in changing times?

Sharon Armstrong: I really believe it’s more a matter of getting to know each and every employee and what motivates them. Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman in their book, First Break All the Rules say ‘we don’t breathe the same psychological oxygen.’ I love that. It reminds us that there’s no cookie cutter approach to managing employees.

What is the first step employers and employees should take toward improving the performance review system in their company?

Sharon Armstrong: The success of any system depends heavily on senior-level support. Once you have buy-in from the CEO, work to align individual goals with company goals. Develop a system that achieves what you want your performance review system to achieve. Train managers and employees in the process. Hold everyone accountable for the success of the system. Then continuously monitor and improve it. By doing so, you keep it in the spotlight and a vital part of your culture.

What is next for Sharon Armstrong?

Sharon Armstrong: I think I’ve written my last book. Four books is enough already! From this point on, I hope to help my clients focus on this process in a healthy way and incorporate best practices in their organizations. That is enough to do and that would make me very happy!

************

My book review of The Essential Performance Review Handbook: A Quick and Handy Resource For Any Manager or HR Professional by Sharon Armstrong.

Tags: The Essential Performance Review Handbook: A Quick and Handy Resource For Any Manager or HR Professional, Sharon Armstrong, employee career management, business author interviews.

The Essential Performance Review Handbook by Sharon Armstrong - Book review

The Essential Performance Review Handbook

A Quick and Handy Resource For Any Manager or HR Professional

By: Sharon Armstrong

Published: May 20, 2010
Format: Paperback, 224 pages
ISBN-10: 1601631138
ISBN-13: 978-1601631138
Publisher: Career Press








"Performance appraisals can be one of the most anxiety-provoking aspects of work life - for both supervisors and employees", writes human resources expert Sharon Armstrong in her valuable and thought provoking book The Essential Performance Review Handbook: A Quick and Handy Resource For Any Manager or HR Professional. The author tackles the often misunderstood subject of employee performance reviews with a team based approach that transforms the process into a powerful management tool.

Sharon Armstrong understands that all too often the employee performance appraisal process is painful for both management and staff. At the same time, the discussion between supervisor and employee is very often negative and counter-productive, resulting in mistrust and animosity. The vagueness and mystery surrounding the purpose and value of the assessments only adds to the disparagement of the entire system. Sharon Armstrong provides convincing evidence that the evaluation process doesn't have to be that way. In place of the adversarial method found in far too many organizations, the author presents a revolutionary concept that is both motivational for all concerned, but also one that adds new managerial skills and increases productivity. This collaborative approach to appraisals is based on creating an opportunity for teamwork instead of causing division and demoralizing results.



Sharon Armstrong (photo left) presents her concepts with an eye to creating a win-win for both supervisor and employee. Creating an appraisal process that is motivational and productive for all isn't done without some effort from everyone, however. The supervisor and employee must establish empathy for one another's role, and develop trust. Both people talking and listening, and sharing ideas and feedback enhances the process, making for a more positive and motivational experience. Sharon Armstrong provides the tools for developing and utilizing a standard and objective appraisal format, stressing fairness and collaboration. The author describes some of the most common errors found in many appraisal systems, and shares solid research based techniques to replace the typical mistakes.

For me, the power of the book is how Sharon Armstrong provides both a theoretical framework for developing an entirely new performance appraisal process, but also adds the hands on nuts and bolts to make the new system work properly. The book contains several sections that are especially useful, and that are not always found in handbooks of this type. Sharon Armstrong adds a critical section on following the various employment laws, and guidelines for ensuring that both the letter and the spirit of the law are followed. The author also includes a group of sample forms to illustrate her points about enhanced appraisals. The forms can be adapted readily to fit the requirements of most businesses. Two unique features of the book are the inclusion of the impact of performance appraisals for different generations, ranging from Baby Boomers, to Generation X, to Millennials. This inclusive section recognizes the often radically different outlooks of each generation. The author also presents a technique for adding modern management techniques including flexible working hours and telecommuting.

I highly recommend the appraisal transforming book The Essential Performance Review Handbook: A Quick and Handy Resource For Any Manager or HR Professional by Sharon Armstrong, to any business owners, executives, managers, or supervisors who are involved in the organization's employee performance appraisals. This book will not only improve the process, but will also engage and motivate employees, while increasing overall productivity.

Read the groundbreaking guide book The Essential Performance Review Handbook: A Quick and Handy Resource For Any Manager or HR Professional by Sharon Armstrong, and turn the dreaded employee appraisal sessions into a positive force for team building and collaboration. You may even discover that appraisals are events to look forward to as an integral part of building a richer company culture of trust and mutual respect.

Tags: The Essential Performance Review Handbook: A Quick and Handy Resource For Any Manager or HR Professional, Sharon Armstrong, employee career management, business book reviews.

Plan restaurant business

We plan

Today, much everybody knows that now planned economy exists even if the world's capital as well as what the phrase "business plan" assumes the existence of anything more solid information than the bright presentation, allowing boast before his colleagues and relatives. Duet Folly - Dizmor warns that now when you open a bar business project might turn into a chubby Act, containing, among other things, a lot of vital detail - the color of the walls in the bar until the bartender cut the apron. Menu bar, the fun "Darts" on its walls as well as other "firm" - it is absolutely not fancy cook, the manager or owner, but the result of careful market research food service, which is not a lottery and not portraying the winning random people.

After preparing a springboard comes time to take care of the army - Staff. Finding, training, poaching, improvement, motivation, emancipation and its aftermath - all these stages an impressive way, which will have to go to anyone who tries to sell about yourself in a bar that is now something more lively than the soda. In addition to "education" about staff employed a deep sense of job satisfaction and good care about that, to something like that (only just in a lot of time is much longer) to appear as well as some customers then visit the bar, that way if elected as a customer - a customer unchanged. What a customer, say the creators, with not enough time begins to differ from the worker's bar - it is about is involved in business and still works for the owners of the bar to their wallet, stomach and liver. By the way, drinking in the workplace in a separate and very informative section of the book. It provides tips, as if to foster a culture of drinking about a client (no doubt the same, within reasonable limits) as well as develop some staff stable reflex towards non-alcoholic beverages during working hours. In other respects the advice is simple and concise.

We must be careful when hiring, to monitor the fire safety, continues to apply security systems and locks everywhere, where in only permitted, but also, etc. But about ten myths as well as the ten worst mistakes in the management bar, which are in the book, say the creators, it is better to learn on their own. They are worth, then that, having filled the small bumps, gain invaluable experience.

Business tips for the bar

Tips for those who like to drink and eat, according to not know, as if fitted to this good place

The bar

In our society figure out what is now the only sure means to connect people of all views on what is happening - it ... drink. Alas. universe of free enterprise involves the fall, ups and, in general, the ability to abruptly change their profession. That way is now in our time anyone is likely to take part in the great cause of uniting people. Therefore, for the sake, then that in this case again and make it something that is not less foam than the parent flour, Ray and Heather Falley Dizmor written a book "How to open a bar with a view Dummies", where in almost a "teapot" is in mind does not share ammo bar itself, but the person who decides to settle in a new occupation for her. Since the printed book is written professional bartender and also a professional writer, in it there is everything - from the obvious "water" until now "whiskey" - as though the business recipe that way as well as in content. In the introduction to his own work in addition to the creators bluntly called: "Bar business attracts - partying every day. We are all glad that you dream of them do, and want to immediately announce that now you get to work properly. From a neighboring diner until the local wine bar - opportunities in the industry again in any life is not been that way a lot. And also, this printed book will guide you, along with the help of which you can choose the right direction. " Guide begins with a lengthy section in which readers offer to ponder. What does he therefore wants to open a bar and that is why - vegetarian canteen or a biker pub. Lesson is that now it is absolutely not one and in this case the same. And also, of course, the value of entering the business, the location of institutions, legal, insurance and other aspects will be different. The creators did not provide detailed explanations for each case - in another printed book could be its thickness contend with the complete collected works of Vladimir Ulyanov-Lenin. However, universal algorithms basic actions still present (see "Actions ...").

Business of the future to read

In this article I will try to communicate until you an idea about a niche, whose potential is difficult to exaggerate ... niche, which allowed to compare with the niche of personal computers and cellular phones. It is hardly a fashionable individual is likely to show their lives in addition to these tools in our time. I'm sure you will agree.

Nis, about which I want to talk, perhaps not touched, not a competition, but the decisions were visible in this direction - were either local or occupation did not announce until the end ... The demand in this sector in the hundreds of millions of consumers as well as billions of dollars in cash. But the value of these solutions are not comparable either with anything. Because that word is going about the problem, which is directly linked with people's lives.

That the individual is ready to pay for another one lived through the day? Probably all ...

But not anyone wondered why the average lifespan of people has declined significantly according to the comparison with the last century? And also why people want to feasts "Caucasian longevity? What exactly is the cause of cancer, tuberculosis, respiratory, infectious, viral and etc. disease?

What is the problem with this situation? However, the problem that is the - the individual nor in the life of no thought, what activities he engaged in no less than total. Never. Only the answer is very simple. Breath .. that's the activity in which we are engaged not least of all in life. I am convinced that now hardly anyone in this case, try to contest the truth. Each of us trying to get to nature, sea or mountain resort. Correct own way health, spending a considerable means. And that now it presents to us? On a bill, almost nothing. You know why? Because it is now fashionable individual 90% of his time indoors (buildings, machinery, office). On what is the nature, health and longevity is allowed to express, at which time 90% of its life we all breathe the lifeless, the poisoned atmosphere? What is it that according to the subject wrote The Wall Street Journal: "Wall to wall carpet, poorly ventilated fireplaces, kerosene heaters; mold, bacterial toxins and dust mites ... an almost endless collection of highly allergenic products have sealed them in with deadly precision."

"Carpets, clogged exhaust, heaters, mold, microbial toxins and dust mites ... and nearly inexhaustible range of products vysokoallergennyh captured our home, to where we shut them tightly." Marilyn Chase, The Wall Street Journal.

Tobacco smoke, unpleasant odors, toxins, furniture, paint walls, cleaning, dust mites, pets and etc. - All these poisons the atmosphere in our premises. To the family, conducting about 90% of their time at home and in the office, these threats are real. Advanced energy-saving process of creation, which locked up the old murky atmosphere, not blowing into the fresh, this is a reality that does not go away.

World Health Organization already has listed the problem of dirty air to the indoor crash 21 st century.

With this problematic does not accept even the most skeptical person. Biophysics, Stalin Prize winner Odnako.L. Chizhevsky investigated the usefulness of negative air ions for human breathing, trying to find a solution to the problem of dead air her "chandelier", but in a way and not brought the occupation until the end ... The usefulness of ozone, small doses is always present in natural air, is increasingly says modern medicine . Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, State Prize Laureate, Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences And takzhe.P. Neumyvakin in his paper "Hydrogen Peroxide. Myths and Reality "says mineral and medicinal properties of hydrogen peroxide, which are vital to man. Requirements for air ion composition of the air contained in GOST USSR and SanPiN 2.2.4.1294-03 Russian Federation, indicate that the atmosphere is now closed spaces (houses apartments, government offices, and etc.) is forced to have a minimum of 600 negative ions 1 cm3, with a view to, that the human body to function normally. But I assure you, this certainly is not as well as a number. You have the opportunity themselves with ease to test this. Also, all put up with it. And as we all continue to mercifully "kill" themselves with every breath ... this is how things really are.

But if if things are bad that way, so was forced to the same individual to invent effective solutions in response to this problem. I have carefully monitored the market for the past five years, while in this area. And also those solutions which the market offers, or were not effective enough, or were local action. And as always this morning I met with a pleasant person (the President of the American firm) in a hotel in New York. Nastoyaschiya # Only an individual dedicated impressive part of his life studies as well as development of technologies which could cause the parameters of air in our homes and offices as close as possible to natural. Working earlier in the high-tech U.S. firms in the field of ecology and environmental protection specialist in accordance with technology, he systematized all the advanced developments in this area, as well as in early 2010 he managed to pile a breakthrough in this direction as well as to create absolute product, which of course no equal in today's global marketplace. Tekuschiya # Only the product weight only 5,5 kg and the size is not at least the column from a tape recorder, embodies the most advanced creation process, including technology, NASA, applied to regenerate the air in spacecraft. This system of cleaning and restoration of air is able to saturate the place of light air ions, making the atmosphere of natural (living), similar according to their parameters, along with mountain and sea, and to support this # but the balance of 24 hours a day. It produces small doses of ozone and a molecule of hydrogen peroxide that way, as if he carved this nature. In this way we get answers to questions you put Chizhevsky and Neumyvakin. And also now it looks as though in practice:

We have installed a tool on TV in a hotel room and turn it on. The President saying: "a cigarette" (or to anyone not a secret that U.S. hotels are equipped with smoke detectors). I ask: "Problems with the firefighters could not be?" He replied: "We'll see." All of us together with another lit cigarette under. The smoke disappeared for a few seconds, the sensors were silent ...

A few moments later that, as if all we had finished smoking, he disappeared and smell. The air was clean and fresh, as if on the Hudson ... "Super - the product" - I thought. That's as well as the solution to the problem!

Later, it became clear that there is now in the U.S. the most advanced equipment in order to solve the problems of dirty air is not only to the private sector, as well as to the restaurant, hotel, construction, cruise and etc. business, but similar to the food, chemical, processing and etc. industries.

In the CIS countries, Europe and Asia this equipment is again far been submitted. Here as well as niche ... Works - no end, for decades, if not hundreds of ...

And now move on to business. Here are the criteria exactly which typically evaluate any business:

Is this # but the product needed by the people? What is the potential of this market? What is the competition in this market segment? How long can I get income from this business? Like a lot of effort and money I have to invest? How quickly I begin to acquire profits and how much can I earn in this business?

A lot of funny ideas for business

Here is a list of 5 options for unexpected business, which brought enormous denyuzhku as well as the popularity of its creators:

1. Page valued at 1? 000? $ 000
1000x1000 pixels, advertising costs $ 1 per pixel - probably one of the most absurd options business in the World Wide Web, which is allowed to think. But so thanks to this idea of business, its creator, 21-year-old Alex Tew, a data point millionaire!
2. Mail Santa
Okay, what do you think about this idea of a phenomenal business. You get an e-mail address at the North Pole, pretending to be Santa Claus and pick up along with their parents under $ 10 for every letter of their beloved faithful. Thus Byron Riiz sent more than 200 000 letters, along with the beginning of his business in 2001, what did it for a couple million dollars richer!
3. Points for dogs
Create points to dogs as well as sell through a worldwide network? Listen, but it's madness as far from options to business! As permitted here with this driven, but again and enjoy shopping in accordance with the world? I just do not understand.
4. Monks, which is filled cartridges
LaserMonks.com created in favor of donations Cistercian Abbadstva in Spring Benke, USA. This is the monastery of 8 monks in the mountains of Monroe, 90 miles north of Madison. Of course, yes, quite possibly, the monks fill your cartridge. Alelluya! Sales for 2005 reached 2.5 million dollars!
5. Toys for antennas on cars
You are not able to sell toys for antennas. Never. Also, it certainly is not able to pile you off. But why is the business version, which Jason Wall devised and implemented, and it is in the data when a millionaire!

Want to find new options for business? Read our blog article coming soon with a new quintet crazy business ideas!

How to avoid mistakes in business

In the old 80's, at which time my main business was collapsing, I thought what I'd most insane individual on Earth. Being broken, I called the lenders are doing everything possible so that I no longer much in life does not want to be an entrepreneur. I even wanted to go back to my old job.

But in exchange to accept defeat her own way, my wealthy father gave me one of the most important lessons: "You are very lucky that now you have failed. Today around you there is a possibility to comprehend as a failure pile success. If you learn this act, your life will become more not less and not less than successful "

Here are 3 key options as if failure to make a success:

1. Do not reproach. When my wealthy father asked me that now is not got, first what I said - it reproaches the partners as well as economy. He said: "If you blame somebody in this case, the other, anything you did not learn from their mistakes. Provided that if you blame, you give strength. "Remember, the victim was not made by entrepreneurs, business owners, only the strong and confident people.

2. Look at new partners. Wealthy Dad always said that it was even in a bad deal, he always met nice people. Some of them became his partners. Immediately next to me came from a friend of one of the fiasco of the company, similar to current partners, I met exactly the real estate business as well as franchising.

3. Do work on the bugs. As evil as well as a broken, I would like to run away from their own mistakes. But in exchange to ubegaat, I returned to the factory, did work on the bugs (I saw them, recognized, drew conclusions), which in the future, very useful to me.

Business idea for bathroom

According to Randy Sonderhaus, he knows as if it is not difficult to spend time and water while in the shower. Once though his wife noticed that he now spends much too many times in the shower, she decided to come up with a solution.

The solution - the invention of waterproof alarm, Coy now has sold just under $ 10.

The inventor says that this way has helped him to reduce the residence time in the shower with 15-20 minutes until just barely 5. What now will save a sufficient number of water mass and energy needed for heating the water mass.

"The invention of updates relating to the adoption of the spirit because that is now your time is right in front of you," says Sanderhauz.

The device is made as simple as possible. In it there is a display and 4 buttons. 3 buttons - for the sake of time spent in the shower: 5 minutes, 7 minutes and 10 minutes. The fourth button adds another minute of extra time.

For 5 seconds, until the completion of the set time triggered alarm clock - melodic only nag.

Work at home how to make ideas

Being hired employee or an independent professional, working for yourself, you probably had to deal with work at home. Know that now incorrect ordering of the labor process is likely to begin a serious problem but without adequate preparation. Here are a few tips:

* Partially dressed
* Work in a separate office (room)
* Discipline yourself, making the breaks
* Teach yourself to snacks
* Check your insurance (or insure)
* Make training to do routine to himself as well as family
* Define the initial and final time
* Use a separate cell phone number for work
* Identify the purpose of use laptop
* Keep the Union, together with

Business for beginners after 18

Fala operates his company from home in Westville, the firm specializes in Apple products as if for the sake of business, that way as well as to ordinary people. He advertised his company in World Wide Web as well as with the help of printed products. In addition to repairing computers Apple, iPod music players and phones iPhone, Fala again and also sells obsolete Apple products through personal personal internet portal.

"What is more important than money - in such a way so that it was his son, briskly throughout the study. He "played" with the taxes, together with the sale, pours quarterly reports can be rewritten with consumers, a design for websites. "

"He knows little more than I know," said Tony Fala. "He's very intelligent. He works for himself as well as personally as if he chooses to spend time. He feels the freedom and he likes it!

Business for beginners in youth

As a child about Nicholas Fala had two passions - bikes and the new process of creation.

Riding a bicycle has always been a hobby. The new process of creation - inside out, allows students to live with it enough to live a good system.

Nicholas said that it became interested in computers at which time he was 10, in which case the time he's earned denyuzhku helping parents, and later he was still repairing Apple computers for relatives and friends.

Business began to grow as though as soon as Apple has demonstrated to the public the revolutionary iPod players as well as Fala became an expert exactly the repair of these players. He later moved to the iPhone.

In 2007, at which time his business has grown up to sizes at which time already ceased to be as a hobby, he began forming his own company almost called NF Technology Services (IT services).

His parents, Tony and Betsy Fala, supported her son, but father said that Nick is now necessary paperwork for the sake of society, along with Limited Liability (LLC).

Business idea - invention headlights

John Arundel grew up in a small town and the truck was about 23, driving experience which allowed only envy. He became famous for the invention of the device and then to check the lights but without finding a parked vehicle.

And his invention took first place at the British Competition Innovation and inventions. "I am happy that it was honored to win the national award in conjunction with my invention," says John.

The idea came by itself, it seemed as well as other Truckers have to be sure that it, along with his car all right, especially with the lights to a confident feel on the road. In fact, very difficult and inconvenient to check for damage to the lights in case you Truckers and going on their own.

So I and came to the idea of creating a remote check headlights. This means that it is every driver is likely to check their lights while out of the car.

His invention is sold, the process of developing the final product took about 15 months.

Scot Herrick: I've Landed My Dream Job - Now What??? - Blog Business Success Radio

Listen to Wayne Hurlbert on Blog Talk Radio



Career management expert, founder and CEO of Cube Rules LLC, and author of the very practical and timely book I've Landed My Dream Job--Now What??? How to Achieve Success in the First 30 Days in a New Job, Scot Herrick, shares his advice for new employees to create a positive impression in the first four weeks on the job. Scot describes how to create goals for the job and the overall career path, and how to get to know the new organization, its people, and the manager. Creating a week by week breakdown of measurable tasks to complete, Scot guides the new employee in the direction of success without being overwhelmed by new information. Using the four week process, the new employee can absorb the new information, while achieving success at completing the required tasks promptly and the right way. Scot's tips will make the transition to any new position a success on the way to a great career.

Scot Herrick is my internet radio show guest on Blog Business Success; hosted live on BlogTalkRadio.

The show airs live on Thursday, August 26, at 8:00 pm Eastern Time; 5:00 pm Pacific Time.

Career management expert, founder and CEO of Cube Rules LLC, and author of the very practical and timely book I've Landed My Dream Job--Now What??? How to Achieve Success in the First 30 Days in a New Job, Scot Herrick, shares his advice for new employees to create a positive impression in the first four weeks on the job. You will learn:

* Why the first 30 days on the job is so critical to your career success

* How to create job and career goals and achieve them

* What to do in the first week of a new job

* What to do in the first four weeks on the job



Scot Herrick (photo left) is founder and owner of Cube Rules LLC, where he provides online career management training for Cubicle Warriors, his catchy term for today's knowledge workers.

Scot has a long history of managerial and individual contribution in Fortune 100 corporations. His corporate career has included assignments in sales, product design, project management, process engineering, workforce optimization and customer support.

He has implemented individual products for customers and enterprise-wide customer relationship management systems. He has successfully managed groups of four to twenty-two people.

At CubeRules.com, Scot shares his wisdom and experience to provide career management guidance for all cubicle warriors, to survive and thrive in these turbulent times.

My book review of I've Landed My Dream Job--Now What??? How to Achieve Success in the First 30 Days in a New Job by Scot Herrick.

Listen live on Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern, 5:00 pm Pacific time.



If you miss this very informative show, it will be available for free download as a podcast for iPod, iTunes, and MP3 players; or play it right on your computer. To download this, or any other of my guest interviews, go to the Blog Business Success host page and click on Archived Segments. Once there, click on the podcast icon at the end of the episode description, to download the show free of charge for your listening enjoyment. You can also subscribe to the show feed.



To call in questions for my guest, the number is: (347) 996-5832

Let's talk with career management expert, founder and CEO of Cube Rules LLC, and author of the very practical and timely book I've Landed My Dream Job--Now What??? How to Achieve Success in the First 30 Days in a New Job, Scot Herrick, as he shares his advice for new employees to create a positive impression in the first four weeks on the job. Scot describes how to create goals for the job and the overall career path, and how to get to know the new organization, its people, and the manager. Creating a week by week breakdown of measurable tasks to complete, Scot guides the new employee in the direction of success without being overwhelmed by new information. Using the four week process, the new employee can absorb the new information, while achieving success at completing the required tasks promptly and the right way. Scot's tips will make the transition to any new position a success on the way to a great career on Blog Business Success Radio.

Tags: I've Landed My Dream Job--Now What??? How to Achieve Success in the First 30 Days in a New Job, Scot Herrick, employee career management, Blog Business Success, Blog Talk Radio.

I've Landed My Dream Job - Now What??? by Scot Herrick - Book review

I've Landed My Dream Job--Now What???

How to Achieve Success in the First 30 Days in a New Job

By: Scot Herrick

Published: May 5, 2010
Format: Paperback, 116 pages
ISBN-10: 1600051685
ISBN-13: 978-1600051685
Publisher: Happy About










"Without initial success - hitting the ground running - all your hard work securing your dream job will come to naught", writes career management expert and founder and CEO of Cube Rules LLC, Scot Herrick, in his very practical and timely book I've Landed My Dream Job--Now What??? How to Achieve Success in the First 30 Days in a New Job. The author describes the critical importance of the first thirty days on a new job, and how to turn that initial month into a springboard to future career success.

Scot Herrick recognizes that landing a dream job in today's difficult economic climate is an important achievement itself. At the same time, the author points out that the down economy is an ideal time for a new employee to demonstrate superior employment skills and initiative. Since all jobs represent a transition from one position or company to another, it's important for the previous job to end well. With that positive experience in place, the next step is to create a strong first impression in the new employment role, making that first thirty days much more important than many people realize. Scot Herrick shows the new employee how to approach the new job, through establishing immediate and longer term goals, getting to know the new manager and co-workers, and actively learning the job and the expectations for what constitutes success. The first days on the job are not the time to be passive or inactive.



Scot Herrick (photo left) understands that while the first thirty days on the job is very crucial to future career success, the amount of information to learned and digested is very large and often overwhelming. With this information overload in mind, Scot Herrick breaks down the first four weeks into manageable blocks, with each week having its own specific goals and accomplishments in mind. For the new job holder, Scot Herrick recommends a proactive approach where the employee gets to know the all of the stakeholders including the co-workers, the manager, and the customers. The author also reminds people to ask questions, provide samples of partial projects for feedback and guidance, and to ensure that all assignments are completed promptly. Scot Herrick also suggests learning the manager's style, developing your personal brand, and seeking ideas and feedback from customers. Through this active approach to the job, the new hire will develop a head start, while creating a positive first impression as a goal and results oriented employee.

For me, the power of the book is how Scot Herrick demonstrates the vital importance of the first four weeks on the job, and how to turn that initial month into a platform for future career success. The author provides practical and universal advice that can be applied to any new position. Scot Herrick shares tips for covering all aspects of the new job, from establishing goals to building a strong relationship with the manager and the customers. A really valuable part of the book is how each of the four initial weeks is given separate goals and achievements, keeping the new employee from becoming overwhelmed. Even more important are the review sections for the end of each weeks. With the provided checklists, the transitioning employee can discover what areas were covered and which aspects of the job require more information.

I highly recommend the easy to read and essential book I've Landed My Dream Job--Now What??? How to Achieve Success in the First 30 Days in a New Job by Scot Herrick, to anyone entering a new job, whether it's a first time job, a transition to a new company, or a promotion within the same organization. In every case, that first thirty days on the job, and the impression the person creates, have a powerful short and long term effect on the incumbent's career.

Read the helpful and advice laden book I've Landed My Dream Job--Now What??? How to Achieve Success in the First 30 Days in a New Job by Scot Herrick, and take control of your own career in that all important first month on the new job. The advice is so powerful that it can spell the difference between a long and successful career, and finding oneself derailed, in today's down economy.

Tags: I've Landed My Dream Job--Now What??? How to Achieve Success in the First 30 Days in a New Job, Scot Herrick, employee career management, business book reviews.