Reuse Your Stuff and Revamp Your Mindset

Can’t bring yourself to toss that ultra-soft, threadbare T-shirt you’ve had since the early 80s? Does your throat catch when it comes time to check out at the grocery store and you’ve forgotten your cloth bags? Do you feel a sense of dread that teeters on compulsion when faced with having to buy retail? Then just relax, because you’re in some pretty awesome company with Alex Eaves. The mastermind behind Stay Vocal’s principle has been inspiring people to reuse and regenerate since he was a kid; if he could influence folks to pay attention at that age, it’s no wonder how he’s become a go-to guy for the growing reclaim movement, collecting awards and accolades along the way.

"Every day, I live and breathe reuse. It's how I dress: from vintage USA made Chuck Taylors to used jeans to the shirts that I sell. It's how I cut my hair: I donate it to charities who reuse it, like Matter of Trust. It's how I shop: I never leave home without my reusable bag and mug (which is good, because I drink A LOT of coffee)."

Alex’s long-time obsession with sports, music, skateboards and T-shirts created an amalgam of reuse potential that eventually spawned the popular Green America certified ReUse apparel company known as Stay Vocal, whose mission has recently spread to redirecting young minds toward embracing this philosophy. His soon-to-be kids workshop will seek to change how children think about product regeneration (not so much toward recycling since that’s still the act of throwing things away). The “Reuse Pro” will drive home his message by having his young audience craft reusables like toilet paper tubes into animals, puppets, presents, etc. they can easily make with or without their parents.

Homeless dogs have also firmly planted themselves on Alex’s radar as he incorporates animal adoption in his mission to reach and teach about giving products and pets a second chance.  I guess you can say Alex is somewhat of a magician the way he breathes new life into what others throw away. But he’ll be the first to tell you that what he does has nothing to do with illusion and everything to do with awareness. Some immediate campaigns Alex is undertaking include encouraging Dunkin’ Donuts to offer discounts to patrons who bring their own reusable cups to reduce ever-increasing environmental damage from polystyrene foam cups; and marketing his “Water Saver” T-shirts as a way to offset the 400 gallons of water it takes to grow the amount of cotton used for a single new T-shirt.

All this only scratches the surface of Alex’s penchant for pioneering the reuse concept until it becomes commonplace rather than innovative. See what else he has up his reproduced sleeve on Stay Vocal’s Facebook page (where there’s a 10% off purchase coupon waiting for you), Alex’s Facebook page (where you can see him make more amusing faces) and Twitter.

Not Your Grandma's Rummage Sale

There's no rapture quite like unearthing a barely broken-in pair of Sorel hiking boots for $30 (and yes, they're also the right size, so no need to stuff socks in the toes). And the bliss that comes with locating a favorite pair of Rider's comfort fit jeans the company no longer makes is beyond compare; you smile with suppressed giddiness as they swing happily on the hanger, while your eyes are drawn to the dangling tag that reads "$5."

"Nearly New" to "Well-Worn"
The "gently used" quality of vintage and secondhand clothes punctuates the value of thrift shopping: while there is always the potential to come home empty-handed, that mad anticipation of what prized possessions may await makes the hunt as thrilling as the find. Sure, there's a big difference between junk stores and potential treasure troves, but don't be too quick to write off the smaller, independent shops just because they don't have as much eye appeal; since many people avoid these little gems in favor of more popular names, the inventory is not nearly as picked over.

Unleash Your Inner Philanthropist
Scoring some of your best threads is only one benefit of shopping thrift stores, because the money you spend supports many different charitable organizations from animals and abuse victims to feeding the hungry and housing the homeless. Some non-profit groups rely solely upon selling donated goods as the financial lifeline that keeps them operating, so remember to ask for a tax receipt when you contribute to your local resale shop.

Teach Your Children Well
We all strive to impart our kids with a sense of social responsibility, yet they're constantly bombarded with conflicting outside influences that can counteract our efforts. Introducing them to the world of recycled apparel not only gives the opportunity to budget without compromise, but it also broadens their worldview. Supporting thrift and secondhand shops with consumer dollar power is a surefire way to spark community spirit while giving a good turn to local groups doing good. And who knows -- teens may even want to volunteer their time behind the counter after finding out they get benefits like a great discount and first dibs on incoming merchandise. :)

Find a shop near you with the National Thrift Store Directory, and arm yourself with 12 how-to tips to make your shopping excursion more successful.

Clicking the "Unfriend" Button in Real Life

If you're familiar with the phrase "emotional vampires," you likely strive to keep these people at arm's length; surrounding yourself with those who suck the life force out of you is the quickest way to catch the "disease." As we saw in a previous post (Are You Eeyore or Pooh?), there's absolutely no effort needed to be a Debbie Downer, but we nearly kill ourselves tripping over mental road signs that remind us to emit only positive vibes. So what possible benefit is there in willingly sucking the discharge from other people's emotional exhaust pipe?

Relationships are fluid; many of the people who cross your path are not meant to stay there. There's no unspoken rule that says you must accommodate every acquaintance, friend, spouse or business associate for the rest of your life, yet so many of us feel a gnawing obligation to put up with ill-fitting relationships for fear of being less than a good friend/business partner/family member. Instead your integrity suffers when you fail to be a friend to yourself first.

And yes, you are absolutely allowed to emotionally emancipate yourself from parents, siblings, aunts, uncles or anyone else in your clan who drags you through the gutter. Why should they receive special treatment simply because you share a genetic disposition? In fact, sometimes that's actually the best reason *to* break away.

It matters not if they're family, friends or coworkers; if you're a magnet for drama queens, boors, martyrs, attention seekers, criticizers and hypochondriacs, it's time to make some changes. But how do you expunge someone from your life without feelings getting hurt in the process? Well, you can't. But you can take steps that help the individual save face and you escape guilt. Therese Borchard's You Deplete Me: 10 Steps to End a Toxic Relationship is a snappy, somewhat snarky but completely engaging summation of who, what, when, why and how to purge an unhealthy relationship.

Online Donation Trends

Once requiring a handwritten check and postage stamp, charitable donations now need just a few mouse clicks or a cell phone text to submit. The evolution of online giving allows nonprofit and aid organizations access to a vast syndicate of potential donors and enables those donors to instantly research and donate time or money to desired causes.

STRONGER VIDEO PRESENCE
The time-worn adage "A picture is worth a thousand words" stands as true today with the advent of Internet videos. These visual recordings not only capture a greater emotional element than still photographs or articles, but their content compels an elevated awareness that more readily translates to financial support. Video snippets give patrons vital information in a palatable format that can swiftly turn into mission support.

MOBILE DONATIONS
Text messaging has become much more than just a way to carry on conversation; in the context of charitable giving, it's a direct line to financial support. The swell of text donations began in earnest with groups reporting $1 million dollars of mobile funds in 2010 and grew exponentially with the onset of disaster; relief organizations responding to Hurricane Sandy and the Haiti earthquake garnered record-breaking donations via mobile devices to the combined tune of $85 million.

SOCIAL MEDIA
An active presence on Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets is an essential resource tool for organizations to reach the global community. This instant interface facilitates the communication of needs, issues and events, and expands organizations' reach by enabling people to further circulate the information by sharing it with their own personal networks. Groups that hesitate to create a social media profile will likely miss out on an important channel that engages potential supporters from all walks of life.

LOOKING AHEAD
Despite the significant growth of online contributions, this particular mode of private giving constitutes a mere 2.1 percent median of most large nonprofit budgets, according to a recent "Chronicle of Philanthropy" study. Some groups, however, have reaped up to 30 percent of their total donated funds via Internet and mobile devices. Charitable organizations have their sights set on making mobile giving a much larger fundraising component -- between 10 and 20 percent -- by encouraging benefactors to enroll in monthly or quarterly direct withdrawal programs.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
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Improving Workplace Productivity With Physical Fitness

Coffee and energy drinks may help get the brain cells firing, but they're mostly a quick, temporary fix. Staying mentally sharp in the work-place is an ongoing challenge for many who reach for these artificial stimulants; however, employees can gain greater clarity by engaging body and mind. Implementing a regular physical fitness routine -- even for as little as 15 minutes each day -- can create a synergistic payoff for the fuzzy-brained worker.

Body-Mind Connection
Whether you're a long-distance trekker who regularly experiences runner's high or someone whose elevated mental outlook comes from boogying to the radio, you're following the same path toward greater productivity in the workplace. Job output reflects variables that, when out of balance, get in the way of giving your all. Myriad studies have illustrated the clear connection between exercise and better mood, a more tolerant attitude and higher collaborative tendencies, all of which play an integral role in your personal productivity.

Timing Is Everything
Reducing stress and improving productivity are as easy as stepping out of the office for an early afternoon bike ride or spending 30 minutes of your lunch hour limbering and toning in yoga class. Using noontime to engage in physical activity is not just a pleasurable experience but also one that handsomely rewards you. Forbes notes how midday exercise is especially invigorating when thought processes slip into low gear; breaking up the workday with a simple yet steady exercise program spikes energy and productivity throughout the afternoon.

Strength in Numbers
The idea of low to moderate exercise during the workday may really appeal to you, but lack of motivation might threaten to zap your enthusiasm. Since some of your co-workers likely feel the same way, the solution is to gather a group with similar objectives and unapologetically use one another for inspiration. Peer pressure alone, according to the Brookings Institution, is enough to drive you toward your goals.

Physiology Behind Productivity
Brain boost occurs at a cellular level where mitochondria -- known as the "power plant" component -- create the energy chemical called ATP. Mitochondria reproduce when you exercise, which in turn generates additional ATP, a domino effect that not only enables you to physically maintain your workout routine but also heightens mental capacity and productivity.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
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Jobs Where You Can Take Your Dog to Work

The dogs-at-work movement began in earnest with the first Take Your Dog to Work Day in 1999 and has gained considerable momentum with companies steadily jumping on the bandwagon. Studies have played a helpful role in this transition by showing how workplace canines give a positive boost to morale, teamwork and productivity.

How It All Began
Pet Sitters International, the largest association for in-home pet care providers, started the ball rolling by designating one day a year as workplace dog-friendly to spotlight the homeless pet population and encourage more adoptions. Three hundred businesses participated in that 1999 event, serving as a springboard for thousands more to follow suit, many even to the point of implementing policy that makes everyday dog friendly.

High-Profile Companies
Such corporate giants as Google, Amazon, Ben & Jerry's and Clif Bar actually encourage employees to bring their canine kids into the office; they even tout their dog-friendly policies as perks for attracting new talent. Not only do these employers recognize staff performance benefits of having dogs in the workplace, but workers also get more exercise by having to take their canine companions on potty breaks.

Assistance Dogs
Service dogs -- who are the eyes, ears and mobility of people with special needs -- are permitted in the workplace under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) even when the company doesn't have a dog-friendly policy. The single most determining factor is whether the canine's presence constitutes a reasonable accommodation for the employee, such as a blind worker who needs her guide dog to maneuver in and around the workplace.

Bring Your Boss Onboard
Large or small, your workplace can be an inviting, dog-friendly environment as long as everyone follows a few ground rules. While many people are enthusiastic dog lovers, others may not share that affinity and instead consider their presence an annoyance or even be fearful of them; a staff survey will find out who's allergic or afraid. All dogs should be well-behaved and friendly when in the company of others, both human and canine; baby gates are great for keeping them contained yet still allowing them to interact with passers-by.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
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The Importance of Workplace Hierarchy

The need for organiza-tion, unity and consis-tency is paramount to any business or industry to stave off chaos; when a chain of command is not maintained within the structural unit of authority, stability is challenged as subordinates assume decision-making roles. While the idiom "too many cooks spoil the broth" speaks to the need for defined roles and responsibilities along the entire chain, there is still room for a more collaborative approach beyond the rigidity of traditional hierarchy.

Empowerment
Traditional management and leadership practices have evolved considerably to incorporate a more collaborative dynamic that not only favors hierarchical strength but also bolsters workforce productivity. The chain of command doesn't have to be rigid to be successful; a strong and empowering hierarchy positively pushes the comfort zone by keeping the labor pool learning, inspired, and communicating.

Checks and Balances
The system of checks and balances perpetuated by a well-functioning workplace hierarchy helps to eliminate problems that otherwise might develop when individuals address situations meant for management. For example, a subordinate who makes a decision without first consulting his superior may create a negative outcome if he doesn't have all the pertinent information to make that call.

Ineffective Hierarchy
A company's health index starts at the helm and works downward to include what many organizations consider the inconsequential bottom workforce layer. As such, it's difficult for employees to respect corporate hierarchy when those in charge fail to recognize and acknowledge weak links in the upper echelon. Management is not exempt from accountability any more than those lower on the command chain; leaders who rely on subordinates to absorb the consequences of their ill-advised decisions threaten the relationship between organizational culture and its human capital.

Learning from Real Life
Popular culture has been instrumental in demonstrating the importance of workplace hierarchy, with the reality show Undercover Boss being one of the most enlightening examples. A common denominator among the show's featured CEOs and company presidents is how nary a single one is in touch with his or her organization's daily operations. Time and again these commanders discover sizable weak links throughout the company chain that necessitate immediate damage control mode.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
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Moral Issues About Dating Coworkers

Interpersonal relationships play a critical role in daily workplace operation; without the ability to create rapport, employees may not establish strong communication. Given how much time people spend in the workplace, it's easy to understand the lure of dating coworkers; when those working relationships cross over into office romances, however, the moral component of such intimate interaction comes into play.

Policy
The desire to curb romances with a no-dating policy has increased with the growing awareness of sexual harassment in the workplace. This heightened awareness aside, companies are not jumping on the no-dating bandwagon as much as it might seem; just 12 percent of survey respondents in 2003 implemented such a policy, according to the American Management Association (AMA), with the majority specifically prohibiting morally questionable boss/employee fraternizing. Even with such a rule in place, there may be little legal power to enforce it if the state considers it privacy infringement. To sidestep this possibility, employers can impose an ethics code that more solidly supports the company's stance.

Hostile Work Environment
The ethical components of an office affair can impact other employees if it's known that one or both workers are cheating on their spouses with another staff member. The workplace can also turn hostile once the affair is over and the one-time lovers are not emotionally capable of working in the same space. Moreover, the burden of liability may fall upon the employer if one of the romantic pair files a harassment complaint that's not immediately addressed and rectified.

Turning a Blind Eye
While employers may not be happy with knowing their subordinates are fraternizing, they may respect the couple's privacy as long as the relationship does not detrimentally impact either employee's job performance. Should such concerns as favoritism from one toward the other, arguing in the office or decline in productivity arise, the boss has reason to step in.

Legal Aspects
What employees do on their own time is beyond the scope of workplace policy; however, once the relationship spills over into office space, the amorous coworkers cross a line that takes them into more legally stringent territory. For example, if they exchange personal and/or intimate messages while using a department computer on company time, the employer is within rights to take action as long as an electronic messaging policy is in place.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
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Modern Theories on Workplace Ethics

To live within a given society is to conform to the ethical components dictated by its governing culture. This same philosophy applies to the organizational environment, whereby workplace ethics is an ever-evolving entity that can be evaluated from a number of theoretical dichotomies.

Norms
Cultural values dictate workplace ethics and encourage staff to behave in certain ways. Adhering to these corporate social norms provides a structured path for people to follow; without this man-made construct, companies would have greater difficulty maintaining a socially and psychologically healthy environment. Breaking social norms, such as eating another employee's refrigerated food or undermining a fellow staffer's performance, indicates overstepping very specific guidelines that mandate certain behavioral expectations within that particular workplace.

Utilitarianism
In its raw form, utilitarianism might seem to uphold everyone's best interest, but in reality it benefits a greater number of workers while compelling the rest to adapt to majority rule. Since it is highly unlikely to appease everyone in any given workplace, the utility theory serves to satisfy needs of the many over the few, and may even be construed as a form of Darwin's survival of the fittest.

Deontology
The intrinsic value of good will — behavior that is not dependent upon an outcome to justify its occurrence — is the basis of deontological theory. This Kantian perspective applies to workplace ethics by highlighting man's need to reap a perceived value for doing what's considered a social and moral obligation. For example, an employee helps a coworker reach an important deadline without expecting recognition for his efforts.

Egoism
In stark contrast to deontology, egoism gives people permission to consider only what benefits their personal needs. This theory can create a hotbed of contempt in the workplace due to its lack of social responsibility — being aware of the impact your actions have upon the workplace as a whole. Ethical egoists believe that no reasoning can overrule what is otherwise the moral and righteous actions all human beings are expected to uphold.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
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Just Cause for Turning Down a Job Interview While on Unemployment

Obtaining unemployment benefits may be a standard next step to bridging the financial gap when you're jobless through no fault of your own, but those subsidized paychecks are not automatically tendered without some serious effort on your part. Unemployment compensation is granted to those job seekers who, once deemed "able and available" for suitable work, do not turn down an interview for any job without "good cause."

Proving "Able and Available"
Being able and available means you possess marketable skills. While it's not your responsibility to identify available jobs, you do have to demonstrate there is a market for your specific experience. For example, creating matchstick animals may be an entertaining talent, but there is no demand for it within the labor sector. Able and available also speaks to your physical capacity to actually carry out the work, as well as having a dependable means of transportation to get to and from the job.

Imposing Job Restrictions
Job seekers are allowed to establish certain boundaries when it comes to the type of jobs they'll accept and still be considered able and available. Health issues, for instance, can dictate whether a position is suitable where there is heavy lifting or unhealthful environmental factors, such as allergens. You may also cite lack of transportation as the reason for only seeking jobs within walking distance, but the onus is on you to demonstrate reasonable attempts to rectify the situation prior to requesting a restriction.

Suitable Work
Suitable work is determined by courts and unemployment compensation referees after considering various factors of your specific situation. These can include work experience and training; proximity of home to job; why and how long job seeker is out of work; plausibility of securing a job close to home in skilled profession; previous wages; job market climate; normal occupational pay rate; and residence permanency.

With and Without "Good Cause"
Refusing a job for "good cause" may include a mismatch of skills to position; physical inability to complete required tasks of that particular job; conflict between religious beliefs and job requirements; lack of transportation; and inability to secure quality childcare during work hours. You must make reasonable effort to rectify the latter two before refusing a job. Suitable jobs refused without good cause can cost job seekers their unemployment compensation when, for example, full-time employment is offered yet only part-time is wanted or vice versa, and refusing to accept a lower pay rate than previously earned.

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Originally written for and published by Demand Media

Doggy Day Care Code of Ethics

Doggy day care is one of those modern conveniences that makes pet parents wonder how they and their canine companions ever survived without it. From physical exercise to social stimulation, these types of pet resorts offer a home-away-from-home quality that gives owners much-needed peace of mind. Part and parcel of this comfort level is staff adherence to the industry's code of ethics.

OVERVIEW
The Pet Care Services Association governs industry standards of appropriate behavior, addressing the needs of both canine and human clients. Each facet of the code calls for staff compliance where safety, kindness and ethical behavior are concerned, bringing to light how pet care has evolved into much more than merely warehousing someone else's furry companion. Association members are obligated to uphold honorable principles in both their personal and professional lives as indicated by 11 specific measures.

STAFF REQUIREMENTS
Choosing a reputable doggy day care facility can be just as nerve-wracking as parents deciding on the most capable babysitter. When weighing all the desirable characteristics, no single attribute can be missing from the mix. The Pet Care Services Association's code of ethics requires staff to place the dog's welfare over other business issues, be involved in continuing industry education, refrain from dishonest and unfair business practices, and respect client confidence.

PETS FIRST
The pet care service industry has become a trusted and experienced go-to option in great part because of the organization's ethics code, giving pet parents a sense of security when entrusting staff with their pets. Facility operators sidestep unsavory competitive practices, fully endorse PCSA protocol, are respectful of and cooperate with others in the pet industry, and are dedicated to their clients' welfare above their own.

COMMUNITY EFFORTS
Facility staff and owners must obey all applicable animal governing laws and practices at every regulatory level, operating as a vehicle of community good-will and honor. Moreover, the code stresses teaching and perpetuating responsible pet parenting.

EVALUATING A FACILITY
A referral is one of the best ways to find a facility that abides by this stringent code of ethics. To ensure your dog's safety and comfort, the Pet Care Services Association recommends making an appointment to meet the operators and tour the building. While some areas are accessible only by employees, you should still have the ability to see what goes on behind closed doors. Notice how clean the runs and yards are, whether play areas are segregated by size, if all fencing is free of escape holes, and that play groups are constantly supervised. Ask if staff will administer your dog's medications, how emergencies are handled and what steps are taken to prevent spread of contagious diseases. Be sure to tell staff all information about your dog's known health issues and behavioral concerns to encourage a fun and safe experience.


Originally written for and published by Demand Media
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The Best Jobs for Your Personality

Many people tend to enjoy their jobs much more and achieve greater productivity when their personalities are matched to the tasks. In fact, career suitability and interest tests are based on the idea that certain individual characteristics are more likely to bring about greater success and job satisfaction. Heading down a particular career path based on prominent personality traits is an approach that can demystify the whole "What do I want to be when I grow up?" quandary.

Learn About Yourself
Finding the right vocational fit begins with identifying who you are by assessing factors such as interests, talents, hobbies, achievements and desired lifestyle. Pinpointing these traits can be somewhat challenging to achieve, given how people are not always aware of all their unique personality facets. Enlisting the input of friends, family and even school counselors can be one strategy for learning about and recognizing your personality characteristics.

Gauging Your Forte
Whether you're extroverted and spontaneous, or calm and calculated, any number of vocations can complement your abilities. Finding your forte comes from pairing personality traits with career paths that highlight those characteristics. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, long considered the gold standard of personality assessments, not only provides a finely-tuned psychological insight, but it also identifies the most relevant career options that can steer you toward a satisfying livelihood.

Career Compatibility
Dr. John Holland's career-choice theory is based on the idea that six different personality types gravitate toward different work environments: realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising and conventional. People rarely fall into just one work-related personality type, and are often drawn to and suitable for a combination of categories. Consider your options in more than just one area to find your niche.

Holland's Hexagon
Holland's Hexagon, a model that outlines relationships between personalities and work environments, shows conventional personalities are orderly, systematic and like set plans, making them suited for occupations like bank teller, bookkeeper or court clerk. The dynamic, ambitious, "take charge" enterprising personality is well-suited for positions such as bank president, lawyer or customs inspector. Having a social personality lends itself to the nurturing, helpful and principled approaches seen in nursing, social work, teaching, counseling and physical therapy. Artistic dispositions thrive in independent and expressive environments where they are free to create in such careers as dancing, designing, writing, comedy or composing. The rigorous and intellectual nature of investigative personalities works best in such careers as lawyer, architect, veterinarian or chemist. Practicality and mechanical abilities represent the realistic personality, which include law enforcement, firefighters, pilots and carpenters.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
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Dying of Boredom: Creative Teaching

The first image many think of when identifying a boring teacher is the droll, monotone instructor lulling his class to sleep in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." While that portrayal may be the iconic go-to example, it really isn't far off the mark when it comes to approaches some educators take to infuse knowledge. What's sorely lacking is any sort of entertainment value that grabs students' attention to keep eyes front and minds sharp.

Personality and Charisma
Often there is an instructor whose antics are so engaging and memorable that they create a buzz around campus, making his class the one not to be missed. Unlike the boring faculty member who dryly runs through the syllabus without a twinge of originality, this teacher brings a sense of flair that captures students' attention, keeps them interested in the subject, and encourages them to talk about it outside the classroom.

Interactivity
Lecture hall is a staple of college life, but that doesn't mean it must also be a boring, uninspired experience. Engaging students on more than just a superficial level is an important component for grasping lessons, according to the Creative Learning Site. Good college teachers mix it up to reach beyond the conventional classroom by assembling in a grassy park, scheduling a field trip or simply strolling with students around campus while they're immersed in stream-of-consciousness conversations and enjoying some hot chocolate.

Good Teaching Practices
Students are unique in how they absorb information, which means different learning styles require different teaching methods. The one-size-fits-all approach is not only a disservice to students in general, but can produce graduates who are ill-prepared. The NDT Resource Center points out how a curriculum rich in visual (diagrams, videos), auditory (group discussions, word association) and tactile (hands-on experiments, role playing) techniques hits the trifecta of good teaching.

Technology
Technology's interactive nature engages students far beyond conventional standards, thus challenging the status quo and taking education far beyond what teachers of the past could offer. Computer simulations and games, for example, take the focus off one-directional lectures and encourage group participation. If you ever walk past a classroom filled with loud outbursts and raucous laughter, find out who the teacher is and sign up for his next class.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
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Criteria for Being a Grant Writer

Finding money for organiza-tions is a career choice that offers considerable satisfaction; whether private or public, the recipients of grant monies can further projects and endeavors that might otherwise never come to fruition. Along with possessing solid communication, research and writing skills, grant writers are also often required to have a college degree and experience in the industry.

Education
A key ingredient of good grant writing is the ability to persuade, which makes all the difference between mediocre and stellar proposals. According to The Education Portal, earning a degree in areas such as English, journalism, marketing or public relations provides the communication nuts and bolts, and fine-tunes additional techniques that aid in crafting eloquent, engaging proposals.

Specific Course Work
Once you have strong and detailed writing skills, it's time to cultivate a greater understanding of the proposal's specific nature. Knowing the proper format and expectations for each grant application is critical to the final outcome; submissions that do not conform to each funder's unique protocol are often dismissed without consideration. Moreover, The Education Portal points out that grant topics can be individualized to a particular organization, which requires an additional layer of knowledge to maneuver through those conditions. Joining professional grant writing groups provides opportunities to network with others for continued education and job prospects.

Cultivate Experience
Nothing speaks greater volumes about an individual's aptitude than having a track record; it's not unusual for employers to overlook your lack of a degree when your past experience is strong. If you are just starting out and need to build your portfolio, you'd do well to approach smaller organizations that cannot afford to pay a grant writer and offer services pro bono, according to The Grant Adviser website. Steadily continue to move up the ladder and demonstrate diversity in the size of grants you seek and the types of industries. Interning within a desired industry places grant writers directly in the cross-hairs of potentially permanent employers.

Industry Experience
If all of your previous grant writing experience has, for example, been securing monies for a family owned preschool and you're now seeking employment with a Fortune 500 company, it's likely the latter will not consider that level of procurement to be a transferable skill. By the same token, employers prefer to hire grant writers who have a working knowledge of the general industry, if not also specific understanding of how that particular company operates. Fund-raising for a small nonprofit that needs seed money to build a homeless shelter is quite different from securing multimillion-dollar funding for a groundbreaking technological prototype.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media

Proper Dress for a Bartender Interview

The job interview process, which can be tricky to maneuver under the best of circum-stances, begins the moment you walk through the door. Because tending bar is often considered a casual position, applicants can make the mistake of wearing attire that's too informal or too extravagant. Dress the part by choosing appropriate clothes that make the right impression, and you'll set the tone for a more successful interview.

Follow the Example
Establishments make it pretty simple to dress appropriately for a bartender interview. On a day other than when you're scheduled to meet the hiring manager, visit as a patron and learn from what you see. If employees wear a uniform, simulate it as best as you can with similar colors and styles. Establishments that let their bartenders choose their own attire based upon general guidelines (such as T-shirts and jeans or shorts and tank tops) are too casual to copy for the interview but do give you a bit more leeway to assemble an appropriate look. Smart casual is a good guideline to use, similar to an outfit you'd wear to dine with a colleague or in-laws.

Women
Black pants are a standard in the bar industry, so you won't go wrong with this choice. However, choose a style that's more form-fitting with a proper hem and remember to press them. Avoid low-riders; they cross the line between casual and unsuitable. Interject a bit of your personality by choosing a top color other than white; not only will you make more of an impression than other applicants who stay with the standard, but you'll also demonstrate a certain flair that employers value in this particular position. Be sure to choose a full-length blouse that does not show your midriff or cleavage; aim for subtlety over seduction. Flat, black, closed-toed shoes finish the look.

Men
Black pressed pants work as well for the guys as they do for the gals, but men should stick with more muted shirt colors like white, gray, blue or subtle pinstripes. Refrain from choosing a collar that's either too wide or too skinny and be sure the shirt is not so loose-fitting that it hangs over your belt when tucked. A tie is optional if the establishment's dress code is unknown but should be worn if it is part of the existing uniform. Choose flat, black, unadorned shoes to complete the look.

Accessories and Details
Inappropriate attire can throw the interview before the first question is ever asked, so it's important to pay attention to the details. First and foremost, always cover tattoos and remove piercings other than subtle earrings. Women's jewelry should be subdued and sparse, such as a simple necklace and short-hanging earrings. Health hazards are many behind the bar, and employers may consider hanging bangles an accident waiting to happen. Proper grooming is a critical component for making a good physical impression, so be sure your fingernails are manicured or just trimmed and clean. Men's hair, both facial and on the head, should be short and neat, while women's hair is best in an up style or down but not hanging in the face. Use a very light hand when applying perfume or after shave.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media

Identifying a Micromanager

The way a boss manages his staff can make the difference between empowered, motivated employees and demoralized, intimidated workers.

Good Manager
Effective bosses lead with a firm but empowering hand. They give employees the necessary project details, then leave them to their own abilities with minimal supervision. At the same time, good managers are easily accessible for consultation and suggestions when staffers request it.

Micromanager
Micromanagers have difficultly delegating even the smallest projects without constantly having to oversee progress. This can result in frustrated employees who lack confidence in their abilities. Micromanagers often ignore the big picture to focus upon little or insignificant details. They may rescind an assigned project after finding one mistake, and require every aspect of the decision-making process be run past them first.

Effects On Productivity
While being detail-oriented and hands-on are two important characteristics of a good boss, these traits can quickly become detrimental to productivity when taken to an extreme. For example, supervisors who assign projects to highly competent employees and then hover over them every step of the way create unnecessary tension, stymie employee morale and interfere with project outcome.

Working With A Micromanager
When circumstances prevent you from escaping the clutches of a micromanager, "Forbes" offers suggestions for mitigating the negative impact. Identify trigger situations that cause the behavior and anticipate what's needed to lessen the controlling response. Empathize with a boss who may also be under the thumb of a micromanager. Be the ever-present and reliable role model, and encourage change by unceremoniously demonstrating how well an empowering approach works. In some cases, bosses don't realize they are micromanaging productivity into the ground, so a gentle, nonconfrontational chat may be all that's needed to move things in the right direction.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media

Bartender Qualifications

Bartending is often looked upon as fun and glamorous, but it's a job that -- like most others -- requires specific qualifications to be considered for hire. While being legally old enough to serve alcohol and having knowledge of basic bar terminology are at the top of the list, there are other legal, personal and industry aspects that equate to a fully qualified job seeker.

The Basics
Bartenders are a constant work-in-progress as patrons' palates change with new drinking trends. Maintaining a strong grasp of bar basics, such as terminology, standard recipes and garnishes, provides a solid springboard from which to apply for a job making drinks. Likewise, each establishment likely has its own selection of signature cocktails that management prefers you to suggestively sell. No matter your level of experience, always stay adaptable to the ever-changing nature of the business.

Guest Awareness
There is a high level of legal and ethical responsibility when it comes to how intoxicated bar guests become. Bartenders can be held legally accountable when theirs is the last establishment a patron visits before causing an accident due to having an illegal blood-alcohol level. Recognizing the signs -- such as dilated pupils, slurred speech and staggered gait -- is the first line of defense for knowing when to stop serving an individual.

Personality
When all other qualifications are equal, your personality can be the deciding factor over other applicants. Bartending is a socially interactive job where you're always on stage; embodying a fun, outgoing and confident demeanor, coupled with a friendly and welcoming smile, can set you far apart from those who only have the mechanical skills.

Physical Requirements
Watch a busy bartender, and you'll notice his is anything but a low-key job. Long periods on your feet, quick drink-making ability and multitasking with several customers at once are just a few of the physical demands associated with this fast-paced profession. Add to that the option of serving food at the bar, which many establishments do to increase their bottom line, and you'll also be making trips back and forth to the kitchen.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media

Show Your Employer You Can Be a Supervisor

While some people are content to remain in their positions without aspirations of moving up the corporate ladder, others use their cur-rent job as a springboard to the next level. Getting there, however, takes considerable effort on the employee's part to demonstrate how and why he's a better candidate for promotion than anyone else in the office. This quest for advancement means stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the tenets of change.

~ Let your boss know you want to advance in the company and have him evaluate your performance. Ask for an honest assessment of your performance and find out which additional skill sets you need in order to move up. You should also ask about the company's goals and strategic initiatives so you'll know the best way to align your performance with future corporate aspirations.

~ Take on more responsibility beyond the scope of your current job. Volunteer to help colleagues with their projects, and step up to accept some of the tasks no one else wants to handle. Show initiative and the desire to learn by grabbing tasks before they're designated to you.

~ Become a sponge for knowledge. Develop relationships with and ask questions of different colleagues and department heads. This will demonstrate your desire to learn about the entire operation and provide valuable insight into the company as a whole. In addition, stay abreast of industry news and changes.

~ Learn your boss's routine, his primary goals and what makes him tick. The best way to do this is observe him in action, ask questions from time to time when he's not too busy, and pick the brain of colleagues who work directly with him. Cultivate his trust by following through on all workplace commitments. Be consistent, dependable and ambitious.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media

Careers Without a College Degree

While a college degree has historically been the bridge to professional success, there are industries where basic training and hands-on experience are just as valuable as -- and sometimes more than -- higher education.

Hospitality
Many a teenager begins his career path at a fast-food outlet or local restaurant, actively participating in back-of-the-house operations -- dishwasher and food preparation -- or front-house customer service. This seemingly inconsequential experience can open many doors for future advancement throughout a worldwide industry that includes working as a Four Star hotel manager, restaurant owner or concierge.

Detectives and Criminal Investigators
If you have a keen eye for detail and a flair for sleuthing, the lack of a college degree won't stand in your way of a career in criminal law enforcement. Prerequisites for detectives and criminal investigators are more mental and physical than scholastic, calling for rigorous qualifications of sound mind and body. The most common path is entering the force as a police officer after successful completion of the academy program and then moving up the ranks with increased experience.

Real Estate Agent
Helping people buy and sell property can be a very rewarding and lucrative career choice. Indeed, there are few things as intimate as the place you call home, which brings a sense of personal satisfaction when clients are gratified. While real estate agents don't need a degree, they do need to be licensed and stay up-to-date on changing requirements, laws and forms through continuing education.

Computer Technology
The future is strong for those who immerse themselves in technology. With many elementary and secondary schools incorporating computer education in their curricula, young people have opportunities to develop skills that set them on the path toward a solid career without having a degree. Successful computer programmers, for example, are often self-taught. Courses in continuing education do offer advanced certification to further knowledge but in most cases, all you need is raw talent, experience and competence to land a position.


Originally written for and published by Demand Media

How Workplace Temperature Impacts Productivity

If you've ever had an ongoing thermostat battle with a colleague or been forced to outfit yourself depending upon the boss's fluctuating comfort zone, then you've experienced the frustrations associated with workplace temperature issues. However, this constant climate conflict becomes more than a pesky annoyance when it impacts overall productivity.

Hot Versus Cold
When the brain is preoccupied with monitoring body temperature, it's easy to see why workplace productivity can suffer. The optimal temperature range for the greatest output at work is between 69.8 degrees and 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit, according to a 2006 study by the Helsinki University of Technology. A 2004 Cornell University study found workers who struggle to stay warm make more mistakes, which in turn can lead to a 10 percent spike in hourly labor costs. A 9-degree boost in office temperature -- from 68 degrees to 77 degrees Fahrenheit -- significantly improved worker performance. Typing mistakes decreased 44 percent, while overall keying output yielded a 150 percent increase. In contrast, an overly heated workplace can leave employees fatigued, irritable and struggling to concentrate.

Penny Wise, Dollar Foolish
It's important to keep heating and air conditioning costs within a specific range to meet operational budgets, but sometimes the meager savings made in one area can be exponentially lost in another, more important area. Bosses who control the thermostat by keeping it low in winter and high in summer can ultimately cost themselves more in reduced staff productivity. According to a 2009 CareerBuilder study, one-third of more than 4,000 workers surveyed cited temperature as a primary workplace issue.

Gender Fluctuation
The battle of the sexes often takes place near the workplace thermostat, a dispute that's physiological rather than sociological. Due to their greater muscle mass, men usually get hot more quickly than women. At the same time, women have a greater number of constricted vessels that keep blood near the skin's surface. This is partly due to the female body's biological tendency to pool blood around the core organs, which draws it away from the extremities and leaves women with the constant need to warm up their cold hands and feet.

OSHA Recommendations
There are no specific OSHA guidelines or regulations that pertain to a work environment's climate. However, the agency does address the subject in its technical handbook by suggesting temperatures stay within the range of 68 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit, and that humidity not dip below 20 percent or rise above 60 percent.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media