Whats Up (Plus Killer announcement about my next book)

Whats Up (Plus Killer announcement about my next book) Hey, sorry Ive been gone for a while over a week!   Heres what Ive been doing: A few weeks ago my wife asked if I would help with my oldest daughter in a week-long school program.  Some of you know we homeschool which means they are busy with lots of programs outside of the home. This one is a week-long government simulation with kids age 12 18ish.  Its kind of a long story, but in a nutshell, there is a group of people who left plane earth about 300 years ago to find a new planet, only to be stuck there.  In the last 300 years they grew from 1,000 to 500,000, and live in five countries.  Each of the countries is ruled differently (theocracy, monarchy, dictatorship, etc.).  The kids are split up into one of the five countries and have spent the last four days working within their own government system, understanding it, and also working with other countries. It has been a BLAST.  This is my first time doing something like this.  Im the King over the monarchy.  It was fun to figure out what kind of king I would be nice or mean, eccentric or laid back, etc.  Yesterday I was asked to do something different because all my kids love me and my kingdom too much doing something eccentric might jar them a bit.  So we basically declared war on a country during peace treaties. Anyway, thats where Ive been from morning to night.  My brain is doing totally different stuff, so its like the first week on the job where you come home  exhausted!  I love getting to know these kids better, especially since Ive heard about them for so long. Today it ends, so I should be back in the work saddle pretty soon. Speaking of which, I had an epiphany related to my next book, 101 Alternatives to a Real Job. For various reasons, Ive decided to call it 51 Alternatives to a Real Job. Ugh, just writing that makes me feel like, in a sense, Im quitting Actually, there are some good reasons to take it down to 51: With 51, Im pretty much done writing them all up.  What was supposed to be done about 7 months ago can now get done in the next few weeks.  Yippee!!  Gotta get to market!  It was killing me thinking this project was going way too long! With 51 ideas Ill have room for more tips and actionable takeaways.  I was getting worried the amount of pages needed for 101 would be too big AND not leave much room for actionable stuff. If I ever want to do a second edition, or a Part II, I realized finding 51 more would be A LOT easier than finding 101 more! Those are the main ideas.  Im meeting with the editor tomorrow to see what the next steps are, and I hope to have the 51 to a Real Job book out SOON! Thanks for all your support! Whats Up (Plus Killer announcement about my next book) Hey, sorry Ive been gone for a while over a week!   Heres what Ive been doing: A few weeks ago my wife asked if I would help with my oldest daughter in a week-long school program.  Some of you know we homeschool which means they are busy with lots of programs outside of the home. This one is a week-long government simulation with kids age 12 18ish.  Its kind of a long story, but in a nutshell, there is a group of people who left plane earth about 300 years ago to find a new planet, only to be stuck there.  In the last 300 years they grew from 1,000 to 500,000, and live in five countries.  Each of the countries is ruled differently (theocracy, monarchy, dictatorship, etc.).  The kids are split up into one of the five countries and have spent the last four days working within their own government system, understanding it, and also working with other countries. It has been a BLAST.  This is my first time doing something like this.  Im the King over the monarchy.  It was fun to figure out what kind of king I would be nice or mean, eccentric or laid back, etc.  Yesterday I was asked to do something different because all my kids love me and my kingdom too much doing something eccentric might jar them a bit.  So we basically declared war on a country during peace treaties. Anyway, thats where Ive been from morning to night.  My brain is doing totally different stuff, so its like the first week on the job where you come home  exhausted!  I love getting to know these kids better, especially since Ive heard about them for so long. Today it ends, so I should be back in the work saddle pretty soon. Speaking of which, I had an epiphany related to my next book, 101 Alternatives to a Real Job. For various reasons, Ive decided to call it 51 Alternatives to a Real Job. Ugh, just writing that makes me feel like, in a sense, Im quitting Actually, there are some good reasons to take it down to 51: With 51, Im pretty much done writing them all up.  What was supposed to be done about 7 months ago can now get done in the next few weeks.  Yippee!!  Gotta get to market!  It was killing me thinking this project was going way too long! With 51 ideas Ill have room for more tips and actionable takeaways.  I was getting worried the amount of pages needed for 101 would be too big AND not leave much room for actionable stuff. If I ever want to do a second edition, or a Part II, I realized finding 51 more would be A LOT easier than finding 101 more! Those are the main ideas.  Im meeting with the editor tomorrow to see what the next steps are, and I hope to have the 51 to a Real Job book out SOON! Thanks for all your support!

Skills Learned in Writing a Resume

Skills Learned in Writing a ResumePeople who are candidates for new jobs should learn skills learned in writing a resume. Resumes are required not only for job applicants but also for employers when they conduct their recruitment process. There are many skills that are relevant to employers when evaluating resumes.The first skill learned in writing a resume is the ability to write clearly. This skill will help you write an effective and accurate resume. It is very important to put in as much information as possible because this will enhance your chances of getting a job and being hired. Furthermore, you should also have a detailed description of your past experiences that will be helpful to employers.The second skill learned in writing a resume is the ability to write concisely. Employers will appreciate this skill if they are going to choose the best candidate for the job. However, this will also be helpful for you as you must always make sure that you do not send a lengthy resume t hat will take too long to be read.The third skill learned in writing a resume is the ability to write from a prospective employer's point of view. Employers need to know that you are sincere in what you have to say and you have an honest opinion about the work that you can do for them. You must also be motivated to get the job that you have applied for.The fourth skill learned in writing a resume is the ability to portray yourself positively. You should always portray yourself as a hard-working, hard-working person who can do the job that they require of you. Employers will be impressed with your work ethic, because this is the same kind of attitude that they are looking for in their candidates.The fifth skill learned in writing a resume is the ability to promote yourself in the eyes of your prospective employer. To do this, you can either include your contact details or indicate where your current work location is. It is also important to create a list of the qualities that you pos sess and include these in your resume.The sixth skill learned in writing a resume is the ability to organize your information. This will help you be able to successfully organize your documents and make it more organized. You can use this skill to make your resume look more professional and up-to-date.Last but not least, the seventh skill learned in writing a resume is the ability to write a resume that will be easy to read. You must do all you can to make sure that your resume is clear and simple to read. This will not only make it easier for your potential employer to read but will also make it more convincing to your future employer. Always be sure to include all the necessary information on your resume so that you will be able to get a job in the field that you are suited for.

What Women Need to Watch for When Securing a Loan

What Women Need to Watch for When Securing a Loan Women are out there getting it done. Starting businesses, raising funding, and taking male-dominated industries by storm. Women-owned businesses grew 114% in the United States between 1997 and 2017, nearly 2.5 times the national average. Women entrepreneurship is also steadily rising around the world. And yet, women continue to face unique challenges in securing both business, home, and personal loans, creating what many refer to as the gender lending gap. A 2017 report from the US Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship found that women who applied receive fewer small business loans than their male counterparts. This unequal access to funding can be a significant financial barrier to entrepreneurial success. If securing funding for your startup or getting the mortgage for your dream home is on the horizon, pay attention to the following considerations. Arming yourself with the right information can ensure success at the bank and help you lean into brighter financial prospects. Check Your Credit Score It helps to know what you’re up against, so check your credit score now to avoid any unpleasant surprises during the application process. Lenders want a track record of consistent income, evidence of your ability to accumulate wealth, and assets they can count on when extending a line of credit. Your credit score helps lenders glean insight through your credit history and the percentage of available credit you currently have. If your credit score is mediocre, you’re in good company. According to research from the US Federal Reserve, women tend to have lower credit scores, and it’s not necessarily due to a lack of financial savvy. In fact, women’s lower credit scores could derive from having fewer assets while also holding higher rates of student loan debt. And the gender pay gap certainly doesn’t help women bridge the distance between what they earn and the debt they bear. In 2019, women are expected to make $0.98 for every dollar made by men even when holding the same job with the same qualifications. Women are also much more likely to be single parents, heading up a household with a budget already stretched thin. Need to improve your credit score in a hurry? Some quick fixes can clean up your credit report depending on what the problem is, including those listed below. Set up automatic payments to avoid late fees and past-due notices. Pay down your debt. Dispute inaccuracies in your credit report. Consult with a credit counselor. Working with a credit counselor can help you determine which parts of your credit score are weighing you down and where to focus first to get the best results. Get your Paperwork in Order Create a fantastic first impression by turning up at the lender with documentation in hand. Hopefully, your ability to dazzle them with prepared statements and a completed loan application gives the impression that you’re a financial force to be reckoned with. The documentation you’ll be expected to provide will depend on the kind of loan for which you’re applying. In general, you can expect to produce proof of the following items: Tax returns Proof of income (W-2s, pay stubs, etc.) Bank statements Proof of ownership for assets Photo ID Applying for a business loan usually requires submitting business financial records like profit and loss statements, your business license, and a clearly articulated business plan. Network, Network, Network Newer businesses and those without well-established credit histories tend to have more trouble securing loans from traditional lenders. Newly divorced women may face significant obstacles, especially if the spouse retained most of the marital assets under their name. Entrepreneurs may be tired of the mantra, but it pays to make connections. Local banks and branch managers have deep roots in the community and can help smooth the way with loan underwriters. It may also be helpful to know folks in the broader business community or to join a business mentoring program. Some nonprofits like the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Association of Women’s Business Centers can be great resources and specialize in helping women entrepreneurs secure small business loans through targeted lending programs or grants. Ask for What You Really Need One of the most frequent mistakes women make is asking for less money than they need. Studies indicate women not only receive smaller loan amounts but also typically end up paying them back at higher interest rates. While your ability to bootstrap a business or cobble together three jobs to make ends meet shows admirable resilience, it’s counterproductive to advancing your fiscal goals. Entering any loan application process with a clearly articulated bottom-line dollar amount is essential. But you’ll also need to be able to explain in detail why the funding is necessary and exactly how you’ll use it. And beware of being tempted by banks that offer you more than you need, especially at terms that aren’t favorable to you. Borrow exactly the amount of capital required for your venture, or you may find yourself underwater and struggling with a high debt-to-income ratio for years to come. Consider Alternative Funding If traditional lenders aren’t giving you traction, it’s time to look at alternative methods of funding. While term loans might be out of reach and personal loans are risky, other kinds of small business loans and grants are available to women through various avenues. SBA Loan (Small Business Administration) These loans, backed in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, do have additional requirements that you won’t find on standard loans, but they come with the benefit of lower interest rates. The SBA points women entrepreneurs toward the 8(a) Business Development Program that “helps small, disadvantaged businesses compete in the marketplace.” Open a line of credit Lines of credit can be a good option when you need to borrow a small amount of money and can pay it back in a short amount of time. This kind of revolving credit can be helpful to establish a reputation for both new businesses and individuals with spotty credit histories. Lines of credit also have a more straightforward application threshold and less rigid requirements for approval. Apply for a grant Grants exist to give the disadvantaged equal access and opportunity to all sorts of things, including a college education, homeownership, and owning a business or even a farm. Grants.gov is an excellent place to start because it acts as a clearinghouse for all sorts of grants and scholarships from around the country, and you can filter for eligibility requirements that pertain to you. Get venture capital Otherwise known as angel investors, this kind of money seems like an urban legend, but it does exist. Usually, investors offer up financing in exchange for a slice of the business. Terms will vary depending on the venture capital firm or group you’re working with. There are a few investment groups that focus specifically on women-led businesses such as Women’s Capital Connection and Women’s Venture Fund. Take out a microloan Microloans may not be a one-size-fits-all solution for lifting women out of poverty. However, if you need a small infusion of cash for a project, microlending might be the answer. These small loans issued by individuals or a group of individuals are perfect for those working out of their homes, freelancers, or sole proprietors who need help to start generating some profit. Whether you choose to pursue funding through your local credit union or lean into qualifying for an SBA loan, you can and should embrace the opportunity to invest in yourself. Increasingly, women entrepreneurs and business owners are the engines of innovation that drive our economy and transform opportunities for the next generation of leaders. This guest post was authored by Madison Crader Madison specializes in content related to small businesses building brand awareness and gaining access to capital to grow their business. She has a passion for helping entrepreneurs understand their financial needs and set long-term goals by sharing tips and tricks.  

The Triple-A Job Search Approach

The Triple-A Job Search Approach What is the key to a successful job search? It is the three As. In prior blog posts I spoke about using a brag book, the need to stay in front of your network, the importance of networking, how to stand out and how to use a bio, but the focus here is more broad. These prior blog posts provide specific, tangible tools to help you manage your career but what are the overarching strategies that are the key to a successful job search in this current economic climate? It is what I refer to in my career management methodology as the three A’s: Attitude, Activity and Assertiveness. You can have the most amazing credentials in the world and the most polished resume but if your Three A’s are not in perfect order, your job search will likely falter, or at a minimum, will not allow you to land the job you deserve in the shortest time possible. Let’s look at each of these key dimensions. 1) Attitude: A positive, energetic, hopeful attitude while in job search mode is such an important element in this process. Hiring managers and recruiters can sniff a desperate, negative and lackluster approach from miles away. This approach won’t help at all in the current economy. Let’s look at how a healthy attitude plays out with a standard interview question. Let’s assume I was laid off due to an elimination of a layer of management. Interviewer: “Matt, why are you no longer working at XYZ Company?” Poor attitude: Me: “Well, I have to tell you, my boss and I never really got along that well. My clients loved me but I never really hit it off with her. She seemed to play favorites and I never felt like I had a fair shake. It’s all for the best anyway because I don’t think I was a good fit for XYZ.” Positive attitude: Me: “Frankly, I never thought that high-performing employees would get hung up in a layoff; however, business decisions had to be made. My entire layer of management was eliminated. I know it wasn’t personal. While I can’t say I agree with it, I can respect a company that makes difficult decisions. Rather than focus on what was out of my control, I decided right away to leave on a high note by finishing strong on my assignments and transitioning my work in a timely manner. Now, I am being very selective in what role I accept next because I want to make sure to land in a spot where my talents can best be utilized and where I can make an impact to the company.” So, as you can see, by fostering positive attitude, you can leave a positive impression during an interview. This attitude will serve you well in other aspects of your job search, too. A great example is during the heavy networking phase of your search. It is important to remain upbeat with your networking partners. If you are executing your search properly, you should be going after the influential players and power connectors (the most well-networked people) in your industry and region. These folks are extremely busy and surely will not take a networking call or meeting with a downtrodden jobseeker. Not a chance. 2) Activity: You can have the best attitude in the world, but if you are not talking to these power connectors, not attending events, meetings and conferences, and if you are not applying to jobs regularly, then you are going to have a tough time accelerating the job search process. Activity yields results. It always does. Ask any sales professional. They all use statistics that tell them how many leads they need to call on, how many need to be converted to a face-to-face sales pitch, and how many of these will yield a sale. Job search is the same way, except you are the product and salesperson wrapped in one. Here’s a list of some important activities that you should be participating in every day, week and month. This goes for whether you are out of work and those who are gainfully employed: Face-to-face networking meetings with power connectors LinkedIn invitations Networking events Professional organization meetings Speaking with recruiters Applying for jobs This type of activity is crucial. By getting out there and meeting people, even the same people repeatedly (the average networking partner forgets about you in about seven days), you start to become ingrained in your connections’ minds as the person to remember for job leads and other important referrals. Please don’t lose sight of the need to apply to open positions, too! It is very easy to get swept up in the networking process. So much so that you forget to apply to open jobs. You need to set aside time to do both. When the process comes together, you will see an open job and then tap your robust network to find someone with influence to pluck your resume out of the “black hole” and right onto the hiring manager’s desk. 3) Assertiveness: Searching for your next position also takes the right degree of assertiveness. Assertiveness comes into play in several areas. First, when you are trying to get networking appointments with power connectors, you may have to follow up on two or three different occasions. Why? Not because networking partners don’t care about you or don’t want to be bothered, but because they are extremely busy and just have trouble keeping up with all that they have on their plate. Let’s look at an example. People have called me a power connector in the Philadelphia area, particularly in Human Resources and in the pharmaceutical industry. I’m not sure of this but let’s go with it. I have a full time job, a side business and a volunteer position. This creates many emails, phone calls and meetings. If you send me an email, it could likely get buried under other pressing issues. Does this mean I don’t want to connect with you? No, not at all, so I suggest you send another follow up. Build rapport, show credibility, and show me that you believe in mutually beneficial networking. The same concept applies to a call or email to a recruiter that has an opening that fits your background. Polite, courteous and timely follow-up shows interest, passion and persistence. These are traits that any employer would likely covet. Of course, there is always a limit. Too much of a good thing is always problematic. Many jobseekers are timid and don’t follow up enough. If that’s you then remember a good amount of follow-up is appreciated and can really make a difference. Summary Conducting a cutting-edge job search requires many tactical elements such as a resume, cover letter, bio, target list of companies and brag book; however, if you also remain focused and practice the Three A’s of Attitude, Activity and Assertiveness, you will likely land your next position sooner and with less stress! RELATED: 3 Smart Ways to Boost Your Job Search and Enjoy the Ride. Author: Matthew Levy is a well-rounded HR  professional and Career Coach with fifteen years of broad experience in both  specialist (e.g., recruiting) and generalist (e.g., HR business partner) roles  at blue-chip companies, including Merck, Amgen and Johnson Johnson. In addition to his full time work, Matt founded a  career coaching practice, Corner  Office Career Coaching. Follow Matt on  Twitter.

Custom Resume Writing Questions For Success

Custom Resume Writing Questions For SuccessCustom resume writing questions may seem like a very simple topic, but they are very important and should be answered. I'm going to talk about the pros and cons of custom resume writing questions and give you some examples to follow.When you hire professional resume writers to write your resume, they can provide you with a much more comprehensive and professional service than you might get elsewhere. They can create the exact resume that you want or need. Some people may believe that the job is all about what you put on the resume, but that is not the case. Writing the perfect resume requires more than just this, of course.Writing a resume for different job situations will require different skills, as well. Some companies have very strict requirements for resumes and hiring managers do not want to waste their time on applications with generic job titles and lack of relevant experience. Other companies are looking for people who have specific skills and education or awards. The ideal scenario would be for you to be hired based on these things rather than simply put together an application.Resume writing questions are one way for you to tailor your resume to meet the job requirements of the company you're applying to. You can also use this information to show your skills and qualifications to the hiring manager.One of the main reasons that it's so important to choose custom resume writing questions that fit the job is because of the question format. Everyone uses a different format and some require more time to answer, while others are very basic. Depending on the position that you're applying for, the right question format will show a potential employer that you took the time to write a resume with specific job skills and education requirements.After you've finished writing your resume and got to the interview stage, you will be asked to take a test. Ifyou have a good quality resume written out for you, then you should have no problem getting through the test. However, if you don't have a custom resume written, or if you are simply following a standard resume format, it could be difficult to write effectively to answer the question.Custom resume writing questions are used to show the applicant what skills he or she has and that they understand the job function. If the person you're interviewing knows your specific skill sets, then it will be much easier to demonstrate them on the interview table and when your potential boss asks questions about what you do.You can also have your resume edited by the hiring manager or HR supervisor before being given to the hiring manager. This will increase your chances of success in the interview process.

How to Get Into Construction Project Management - CareerMetis.com

How to Get Into Construction Project Management When it comes to working in the building and construction industry, construction project management sits right near the top. From start to finish, construction managers play a crucial role in getting the job done.But how do you get into this field?evalIn a nutshell, you’ll need a solid combination of education and experience. To give you a better idea, let’s look at what construction project management involves, and the steps you need to take to get into it.What is construction project management?evalAt its core, construction project management These soft skills are important things to consider and you’ll need to show potential employers in interviews that you can handle them well.Getting educatedProfessionals working in CPM are some of the most educated people in the building and construction industry.But for many Let’s say you’ve completed an apprenticeship. Your next step into CPM would be to consider more study.Depending on where you’re from, this could involve enroll ing in a certificate program or diploma in building and construction. This will give you the skills and knowledge needed to get licensed and work as a construction manager on residential or commercial sites. Really want to take it up a notch?Then you’ll also find a range of associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fields related to construction project management. Just keep in mind that while getting educated will boost your chances of working in CPM â€" it’s equally important to build up your experience in the industry, preferably across a range of areas.Everything is about a balance. Make sure your skill set is spread across every possible area of expertise, and you’ll find the job hunting path a whole lot easier.Choosing a pathConstruction projects are always shifting â€" and construction project managers need a variety of skills and know-how to handle big teams and varying jobs. For this reason, they are some of the most sought-after Aside from studying the right building and construction courses, and building up your work experience, you’ll find it easier to get into CPM if you constantly have your finger on the pulse.Put simply, the building and construction industry is always evolving. Thanks to advances in technology, the industry has seen exciting progress in software systems, virtual reality, 3D printing, sustainable technology, construction-site robots and much more.As a construction project manager, it’s better to keep on top of all the changes â€" otherwise you risk falling behind. You’ll need to constantly adapt to new trends and changes, even if this means enrolling in continuing professional development courses.Another way to add value to your employability is to connect with others online. Having an optimised and established LinkedIn profile with connections to others in your industry is an excellent way to build a reputation and add value to yourself as a worker.This will also help you keep up-to-date with all the happeni ngs of your industry and even let you search for new jobs.evalIt’s also important to build your resume, especially if you’re pursuing higher-level employment opportunities. Your resume is the one-stop shop to display your professional skill set and abilities, and you should treat it as a portfolio you’re proud of. Display the best stuff you’re strongest at first and keep in mind what potential employers want the most. This will separate you from the other hundreds of applicants immediately.Build your way to the topevalWorking in construction project management takes time, effort, experience and education. It requires years of hard work to get to the top. But with the right drive, you can definitely make it happen â€" and the rewards are more than worth it.

Get Appy Phone Apps To Improve Your Job Hunt - CareerEnlightenment.com

Swot up with Interview Prep QuestionsIt’s not just body language and social skills you need to demonstrate at interview; it’s preparation, too. Apps like Interview Prep Questions prepare you by using virtual flash cards. With options to shuffle and ignore at will, you can prepare for your next grilling any time, on the go.Don’t like the sound of that? Try Interview Pro, which features over 80 different questions, or Interview Buzz, which comes in both free and paid-for versions. Finally, a great interview resource for job-seekers is the What Colour Is Your Parachute? app. A companion app to the ‘world’s most popular job-hunting guide’, it imparts excellent job-search advice from revered author Richard Bolles â€" straight to your phone!Get picky with SwitchLove Tinder? Then you’ll love the concept behind Switch, which lets you ‘swipe’ on jobs rather than people. If successful, you could be chatting directly with hiring managers within minutes. Best of all, the proces s is totally anonymous â€" perfect for current employees looking to ‘switch’ quietly to a new position, without alerting their bosses.Make social media work for your job search, with BeKnownIn the modern world, we all have Facebook and Twitter accounts. These social media bastions are great for socialising, organising and… job hunting? The creators of BeKnown certainly think so.Using your Facebook and, if you want, other social media contacts, this app creates a professional network for you out of people you already know. So, if you’re looking to boost your network with minimal effort, this should be your first port of call.Like all new technologies, apps can be daunting at first. But with dedicated use and an open approach, you’ll soon find you couldn’t live without them. So take the leap â€" your dream job could be waiting on the other side.

Sales skills that can help you at work -

Sales skills that can help you at work - When it comes down to it, finding a job is all about being able to sell the hiring organization on your skills and accomplishments. Once you convince them that they need you to solve their problems; you are golden. However, many dont consider how important  sales skills  may be within the job, too. Whether or not you are actually selling a product or service, youll probably need to sell an idea to your manager, showcase a new initiative to your colleagues or convince your superiors that you deserve a raise or a promotion. All of these involve sales skills. Russell Sachs, vice president of sales at Work Market, suggests that the following five sales skills are important for every job. Hone these to enhance your opportunities at work: Listen first.  Think about the people you enjoy being around. Its likely one of their personality traits is being  a good listener. Sachs notes: When it comes to workplace effectiveness, if you dont take the time to listen to your boss and colleagues before you tackle the challenge or problem, you will potentially miss the underlying areas of concern. When you fail to listen first, you may lose the opportunity to create a solution that appropriately addresses the expected outcome. Build your network.  You know sales people need to constantly consider their networks. Unfortunately, many careerists ignore this key aspect of their job because  maintaining a network isnt always top-of-mind  for non-sales professionals. Be proactive at work and build relationships before you need to rely on them to help you accomplish a work goal or land a promotion. Dont forget to build a network of people who know, like and trust you both inside and outside of your workplace. When it comes time to land a new job, youll rely on those outside contacts to help you successfully navigate to a new role. Sachs suggests you consider trade shows, industry events and meetups an important part of your professional development. Be diligent.  We know that sales people need to be tenacious and keep up with their prospects in order to be top-of-mind. This skill is equally valuable for anyone in the workforce. Showing up on time  for meetings(or even a few minutes early), being prepared for the task at hand, knowing your business inside and out and bringing new ideas will set you apart from your peers, Sachs says. Its a point well taken. Everyone knows someone at work whos just getting by, doing the minimum necessary to keep the paychecks coming. However, just as someone is unlikely to buy a product or service from someone who does not impress them, if you dont go the extra mile at work, youll lose out on opportunities to advance. Communicate effectively.  Communication is probably the most important workplace skill. Whether youre communicating in person, on the phone or via text, email or social media, its crucial to demonstrate that you have a command of the situation and can present effective solutions. Sachs suggests  speaking slowly  and confidently to help deliver your points with passion and enthusiasm. He reminds professionals to double check their writing for confidence-killing grammar and spelling errors. You may be surprised by how important these small steps can be when it comes to winning at work. Maintain your personal brand.  We dont have much more than our reputations when it comes to getting ahead. People want to buy from those they believe to be trustworthy and knowledgeable and from companies that offer high quality and innovation. Sachs notes: The same is true when it comes to the workplace â€" your colleagues and superiors will give you more responsibility if they view you as someone they can count on, especially if you establish yourself as a credible authority. How can you enhance your reputation? Maintain a professional social media stream, be a good listener, work diligently, grow your professional network and communicate clearly, correctly and confidently. When you combine all of these tips, youll be well prepared to meet any challenge at work. Originally appeared   on U.S. News World Report