Writing Tools, Part 2 Living With An iPad - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Writing Tools, Part 2 â€" Living With An iPad - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career In less than a month, my Apple iPad has become an everyday writing tool, significantly increasing my efficiency and effectiveness. In Part 1, last week, I described some of the specific ways I use my iPad for writing and marketing. This week, Id like to describe my reactions to the iPad as a newcomer to mobile computing. My intention is not to review it, but simply share some of my impressions of getting to know it. If youve been on the fence about getting an iPad to use for writing a book and using content to build your brand, perhaps my experiences may help you decide whether or not an iPad makes sense to you. iPad versus laptop For about a decade, Ive been dragging a Dell laptop around the country, presenting at various web and book publishing events, and I have an IBM laptop dedicated to iTunes duty downloading and archiving music and TED.com videos for iPod and iPhone. Although millions of authors and bloggers use laptops as their primary writing tool, Ive never been really comfortable with laptop keyboards and pointing devices beyond using them as presentation tools. Granted, you can always plug a standard keyboard and mouse into a laptop, but that seems to defeat the whole purpose of portability. (And, youre stuck with the ergonomics of looking down at a screen that you cant easily reposition if you want to type.) There are also weight and cost issues involved when comparing iPads to laptops. The original iPad weighs about 1.5 pounds. Its size is about 9.5 high by 7.5 inches wide and a half-inch thick. This is slightly larger, but thinner, than the typical trade paperback book. The iPad 2 is slightly smaller, thinner, and lighter. Lightweight protective covers are readily available. According to a survey of laptop sizes and weights, the range of laptop weights extends from less than 2 pounds to more than 5 poundswith some weighing in even higher. (Note: these weights do not include a portable power supply and cord.)   Sizes vary, but most are between 11 and 15 inches wide and 9 to 15 inches deep. But, weight, alone, is not the whole story!   Certainly, there are a lot of lightweight laptops around, but at a premium price. In general, the lighter and more capable the laptop, the more youre going to pay. Laptop prices frequently pass the $1,000 mark, and can easily keep going. Obviously, laptops have their place. But, if you already have a primary computer for long writing sessions, and youre looking for a traveling companion or a second computer, iPads have a lot to offer in terms of weight, size, and value. Theyre easy to carry in one hand and easy to set up, or, even, use standing up. Software versus iPad apps If I were to replace either of my laptops, Id have to get all new software. And, this can become an expensive proposition, using as I do a variety of Microsoft Office Software and Adobe page layout and image manipulation programs. Basically, Id need to spend a minimum of $1,000 to $1,500 to get the latest versions of programs I already own! Granted, the versions Im using may not be the latestand, in some cases, theyre a generation behind but, they work! If I continue to use my primary desktop computers to do the heavy lifting, and view my iPad for planning articles and books, social media, and online research, I dont need to replace my software. This also eliminates the need go through the learning curve of a new operating system and simultaneous, multiple forced software updates. By comparison, as Ill discuss in more detail in Writing Tools, Part 3 next week, the cost of acquiring iPad applications is not a concern. Many eminently usable applications are free, and I havent had to purchase anything costing more than $. My total iTunes expenditures for iPad applications total less than $30! Learning and ease of use I was pleasantly surprised to see how quickly I became comfortable with the iPad. My standard of comparison for new computers and software extends back to memories of writing books and tutorials about programs like Microsoft Office, and the lost productivity that often accompanies system upgrades. I certainly didnt expect to like pointing with my fingers and typing on the iPads virtual keyboard. But, I was wrong. I quickly began to appreciate iPad advantages like: Pointing. I was surprised how quickly I became used to tapping (to select), dragging (to reposition), and swiping (to go to the next, or a previous) page . Likewise, it became soon second nature to place 2 fingers and expand them to zoom in for a closer look, or squeeze them together to zoom out. When I went back to my computer, I realized how inefficient it really is to remove my right hand from the keyboard, reach for a mouse, open menus, and select commands over and over again. File management. iPad file management is very easy. There is no save command. When creating new files, youre prompted to name it. From them on, your work is automatically saved. To open previously-created files, you tap on a thumbnail of the first page file, or its name (depending on application). E-mail and cloud integration. You can send files as e-mail attachments, or upload them to cloud applications, like Evernote, without leaving the application youre using. When sending files, most applications allow you to send files in multiple formats, i.e., text files plus PDFs. E-book reader. The iPad syncs with the Amazon Kindle. This means you can continue reading a book on your iPad where you left off on your Kindle. Downloaded PDFs can be displayed as thumbnails on bookshelves for easy selection. You can organize PDFs into collections. Screen captures. Tasks like screen captures taking a picture of whats on your iPads screen for use in tutorials is a 1-step process from within any application. Second computer. Although I first used the iPad as a work anywhere tool, I now use it as a second computer when working at my primary computer. There are many tasks, often online research tasks, that are easier to do on a second computer than switching between programs. More efficient workflow. The ease of mind mapping on the iPad and e-mailing files to my primary computer has improved my writing efficiency. I now do more planning before writing. I use the iPad to create mind maps of blog posts, articles, landing pages, etc., the night before I start writing them, while watching television or before I fall asleep. In the morning, theyre waiting for me on my primary computer. Incidentally, Ive noticed that emails I send on my iPad are usually shorter than they used to be. the iPad has encouraged more concise writing habits, probably appreciated by recipients reading my emails on their smart phones. iPads for writers on a budget If youre buying your first iPad on a budget and dont need a camera because youre not heavily involved with video, you can save money by buying the original iPad instead of the iPad 2. While supplies last, you can purchase a new iPad with greatly enhanced memory plus 3G connectivity for less than the cost of a bottom-of-the-line iPad 2. You have to search online, but the savings are there. In Writing Tools, Part 3, Ill share some specific suggestions for choosing iPad applications for writing, online research, and social media marketing. In the meantime, if you are an iPad user, please share your experiences as comments, below. And, let me know your thoughts on about buying an iPad versus an iPad 2. Author: Roger C. Parker invites you to visit Published Profitable where you can download his new workbook,  99 Questions to Ask Before You Write and Self-publish a Brand-building Book.

Resume Writing For Dental Hygienist - All About How to Write a Good Resume For Dental Hygienist

Resume Writing For Dental Hygienist - All About How to Write a Good Resume For Dental HygienistWriting a resume for dental hygienist is the hardest thing you ever have to do, but it is well worth the effort. When it comes to applying for this kind of job, you should be as prepared as possible. If you don't know how to write a resume that will stand out from the other applicants, then you are really out of luck. There are specific things you need to learn about, and here are some examples of what you should be prepared to put in your resume.The first thing you need to know about is the basic information regarding your qualification as a dental hygienist. You should include your most recent year of experience that shows you are a well-trained person in the field. For example, if you graduated from school this year, then the time that you had in school will be a great idea for your resume. In addition, you can also mention your certification, so that you can list it alongside your work experience.Aside from that, the next most important section in your resume is the professional skill section. These skills will show that you are someone who is well versed in the field. This will show the employer that you are someone who can get along with everyone and will not only focus on yourself. This is why they are going to hire you.Your next point should be your work history. This is something that will be used as proof that you have been working as a hygienist since high school or even before. You may also add something about your community service time in the past, and the length of the time you worked as a full-time hygienist, which will show that you can do what is needed to get hired.The last part of your resume should be your related field of medical. This is an area where you can show that you have good communication skills, and you can also be a good communicator. As a dentist, you should also be able to communicate with others in this field. For example, you can l ist in your resume that you are fluent in Spanish, or in Spanish.Lastly, you will want to include your experiences, as well as any previous experiences that you may have. If you did graduate from college, include that in your resume. At the end of your document, you can list anything that would be considered a highlight of your career.The final thing that you should take into consideration when you are writing a resume for a dentist's assistant is to be very specific about the tasks that you are going to be listing. It is best to say something specific for each thing, so that your resume will be effective. After all, you may be working as a dental assistant, but you should be able to keep up with the duties of a nurse too.So, as you can see, it is best to get down to details. You do not want to spend more time on your resume, and more time trying to figure out what exactly is needed. In most cases, you do not want to leave anything off the resume, so that it is easy to get hired.

What to Do When Layoffs are Imminent

What to Do When Layoffs are Imminent Layoffs are Imminent What to Do Next and Why? Layoffs are imminent, even now that the economy is on the upswing.  This is part of the business process… refining operations and maximizing profitability isn’t meant to be personal. It is business right? Well, it is. But when it is your job on the line, it becomes VERY personal. The whispers and door closings become more frequent. Staff is on edge. They aren’t stupid.  The handwriting is on the wall. Layoffs are coming. If your “spider sense” is tingling and you have a feeling that layoffs are imminent, listen to your intuition. But don’t cave in to panic or fear. Take these signals as an opportunity to take care of yourself. Remember, your employment is a business contract, not a personal one, and you and you alone are responsible for your career destiny. So here’s what to do when layoffs are imminent: Brush up on your skills. Make sure your job-specific knowledge is as current as possible by targeting relevant classes, workshops, trainings, conferences, conventions, certifications, etc. to position yourself with job-specific skills and knowledge. Be a subject matter expert so when layoffs happen, you are tuned up! Network like a fiend. Oftentimes, while we are in our regular line of work, we tend to neglect networking because we have so many tasks demanding our attention in the office. But in reality, the magic secret to successful job searches and life after layoffs is building a robust, engaged network, so when an opportunity comes up or if layoffs are imminent, you can immediately ping your trusted connections for potential job leads or garner referrals to decision makers. Keep calm and carry on. Don’t spend your time panicking and stressing out about layoffs. Of course, some concern is appropriate, but when things are not within your control, you need to keep calm and carry on and focus on what you do best. Save your energies for productive activities that you can influence. Identify your own career goals. Uncertainty in the current workplace and impending layoffs is the opportune time to evaluate your own career goals. Maybe you have been in a job for a long time and it wasn’t exactly what you envisioned for your overall career. This might be a “jumping off” point to help get yourself aligned to what you really want to be doing. Get involved. By identifying key industry memberships and joining them, then getting active / involved, you are creating a whole web of connections that are in the same arena as you. Building your profile through involvement can make you become a known quantity within those circles, and make you top-of-mind when opportunities come open after layoffs happen. People buy from who they know, and they hire who they like. Find ways for people to get to know you while you can demonstrate your on-the-job skill sets and work ethics. Reinforce your value to employers. Most people are loathe to do this, but initiating a low-key campaign that provides updates to supervisors about project progress and metrics help factor into who gets laid off and who gets to stay. The more you can show how invaluable to the organization, the less likely you might not get the axe when layoffs are imminent. By taking these steps, you can be better prepared to navigate unplanned transitions. And by staying on top of these tactics on a regular basis no matter what your employment situation, you are in a much better position to navigate your career as a whole.

How DO You Land a Job in This Economy (Stimulating Career Talk on the Bill Handel Show)

How DO You Land a Job in This Economy (Stimulating Career Talk on the Bill Handel Show) Bill Handel is known throughout Southern California for stimulating talk radio. When I made a return appearance on his show recently, he didnt disappoint. Being a bit of a realist, Bill had tough questions for me including:Where are the jobs really?What do you do when an employer wants experience and all you have is education?How do you stand out when resumes all look the same?Doesnt it take years to change careers?These are difficult challenges but I was more than happy to share real answers. Employers are posting job opening and opportunities for exciting new careers exist now. But rather than focusing on landing another job, I was emphatic with Bill and his listeners that its not enough. To succeed today, youve got to follow your heart to the paycheck. To do that means targeting your job search with soul search first. Getting clear on what you WANT to do, what youre GOOD at, and how you WANT to put your skills to good use is not a nice to have, its a career survival strategy! What ever career you go into is going to be demanding and you will need genuine enthusiasm to keep pace. For those concerned that a career change will take too long.in almost ten years of helping people change careers I have found the path is made of latent talents and interests. Career possibilities and ideas that clients have been harboring for YEARS and even implementing for YEARS on the side or for friends, turn out to be their dreams jobs. They just needed to formalize them. Chances are you may already be doing what you love to do, youre just not getting paid for it (YET).LISTEN IN tomy stimulating career conversation with Bill and weigh in below with your thoughts and ideas. What do you think is the best way to land a job in this economy?

Employment Background Checks

Employment Background Checks Background Checks and Candidate Research Hype or a Reality? For the last few years weve been hearing more and more about celebrities or high-powered executives being publicly cast as liars after being caught lying on a resume. Why did these people do it? Didnt they know they would get caught? Well, probably hoping they wouldnt be discovered, and back then we didnt have the internet and other public information at our fingertips. This leads me to another related topic. being aware of our actions. For example: a picture of you marching down a main street protesting a political party, or posting a picture of yourself for your friends to see of you chug-a-lugging it at a football game, might seem okay or fun to you, but casts a shadow of doubt to the hiring person. They want to know, are you the candidate for them? Ive had to tell a few clients to use a different email address because, on a hunch, I did a search on the email address and pulled up 2-3 pages of links to a few different blogs and message boards all containing controversial topics not at all suitable for an employer to read in a potential candidate. Most checks are for criminal records or education verification, driving records, credential verification, sex offender registry, reference checks, Patriot Act search and credit reports. Some employers use several different kind of checks while most use one kind and look for extremely bad reports. While it may seem like a scary inconvenience for the employees trying to get a job, they might want to keep in mind that a search on potential employees might just benefit not only the company itself but also the current employees in the long run. Food for thought

NCSU Writing a Resume - Tips to Get You Started

NCSU Writing a Resume - Tips to Get You StartedA NCSU writing a resume is important for the person to apply for any job that will be given to him or her in this field. When a person applies for a job, he or she is required to write a resume and fill it out accordingly. It is not an easy task to write a resume, because it is often quite hard to find information and to come up with an idea of the type of work that is available in the job and what you are good at doing.NCSU writing a resume takes time. A person who is unfamiliar with the job that he or she is applying for will be able to apply if he or she will remember some facts about the job and will also be able to get the information from the HR department and this is why NCSU writing a resume is important.In NCSU writing a resume, a person is supposed to be as accurate as possible. Any mistake in the resume that is published can be judged by the job hiring companies and they will try to get rid of that person. If a person makes mi stakes in the resume, it is best to use it only for the purpose of getting into a certain job that is more useful to that person.If a person is unsure about how to write a resume and is not sure about NCSU writing a resume, he or she should look for NCSU writing resume books that can give him or her a general idea of what to do in the matter. Since there are many online resources that can provide NCSU writing a resume, the best way to do it is to get one. Most of these books can give the person who is looking for help in the matter with the details of the job or they can also be used to check the list of job that is available.The NCSU writing a resume must be clean, because if a person has done some blunders in his or her resume, it can reflect badly on the job seeker. With the help of NCSU writing a resume books, the person who is applying for a job can get details about the resume writing skill and be able to know which book he or she should be using.The NCSU writing a resume can also be a big help to the applicant to get his or her resume in the hands of the job searchers. The ability to get a good idea about the types of people who are always interested in certain types of jobs makes the job seekers able to judge a person by his or her resume.When a person looks for the NCSU writing a resume books, he or she should also check out the credentials of the writer. It is recommended that the person looking for these books take time to check out the person who is writing the resume. This is to avoid any sort of mistakes.

A Simple Trick for Resume Writing Service Gumtree Uncovered

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