Has Social Media Replaced Your Water Cooler?
Social media is taking over as the gathering point for gossip. Has it for you?
Has Social Media Replaced Your Water Cooler? Read More »
The Find-a-Better-Job Challenge
Would You like to join me in searching for a better job than we are currently in right now?
The Find-a-Better-Job Challenge Read More »
Powerful Phrases for Effective Performance Reviews
If you could buy just ONE BOOK to help you with your Performance Review, which one would it be?
Powerful Phrases for Effective Performance Reviews Read More »
What Should You Do If Your Boss Hates You?
Your boss hates you – what should you do?
What Should You Do If Your Boss Hates You? Read More »
How to Describe an Achievement – Pro Style
Whether it’s in a resume or in a job interview, knowing how to describe an achievement is critical. Here are 7 tips for effectively communicating them.
How to Describe an Achievement – Pro Style Read More »
How To Strike the Balance Between Personal and Positional Power
A leader has five sources of power, and each has its place. Using power wrongly often means that leader’s lose their influence (and then their followers). How should the balance be struck?
How To Strike the Balance Between Personal and Positional Power Read More »
Freelancers, Could You Benefit From The Bartering Economy?
Could the ‘bartering economy’ help your freelance business? Thousands of businesses think so. It could save you shed loads of money and build new business relationships too.
Freelancers, Could You Benefit From The Bartering Economy? Read More »
Use Twitter to Find a Job
Did you know you can use Twitter to find a job now? Thousands of job postings are entering the twittersphere, if you know where to look and who to follow.If you haven’t discovered it yet, there is a great service that specializes on this channel – it’s called JobShouts.com and it’s free to join. Job
Use Twitter to Find a Job Read More »
Salary Planning and Other Tools for Managers
Does planning salary increases in your department gives you a headache? This isn’t a straightforward process as salary caps (especially now) are putting pressure on fairness and agreements we might have made with staff.
Salary Planning and Other Tools for Managers Read More »
How Do You *Effectively* Find a Great Job?
We all want enjoyable, lucrative and progressive work, right? So how should we go about finding that kind of work?
How Do You *Effectively* Find a Great Job? Read More »
Just Launched: A New Job Search Service
You can now search from thousands of job vacancies in your country, state, city or even zip code with a new job search site: JobGuerrilla Job Search . You’ll find many thousands of employers currently hiring in the US, Canada, UK and Germany.
Just Launched: A New Job Search Service Read More »
What Carrot Farmers can tell you about Job Scams
If I can help just one person to avoid being ripped off, this post serves its purpose
What Carrot Farmers can tell you about Job Scams Read More »
Success Is… Mastering ONE Thing
The route to success is often a tough one that involves hard work and sacrifice. I’ve proposed two general paths to wealth (a form of success) – guru, or entrepreneur. Both routes, as does all form of success, are built on mastering something. Mediocrity does not have a home here.What does ‘Mastering’ mean?Simple definition: you
Success Is… Mastering ONE Thing Read More »
Unemployment Rates Across the US Revealed
Do you know what the unemployment rate is in your State? Here are the results of current research. It could reveal to you the extent of the challenge you’re facing in your job search.
Unemployment Rates Across the US Revealed Read More »
Why Don’t Graduates Get Jobs?
The Recession has created massive competition for the fewer jobs that become available, and it’s graduates that are paying the price. Lack of experience in industry seems like an obvious reason why graduates are not offered job placements, but surprisingly, this is not the primary reason
Why Don’t Graduates Get Jobs? Read More »
The 12 Dumbest Mistakes Network Managers Make
What are the 12 most stupidest gaffes a network manager can make? More to the point, have you made one, or experienced one yourself? See if you recognize any of these clangers?
The 12 Dumbest Mistakes Network Managers Make Read More »
Update on ‘Become a Smart and Effective Freelancer’
Dang It!The Become a Smart and Effective Freelancer course was due for launch on July 1st… But time ran out for me this month! It’s been a hectic mêlée of juggling several projects on the go so I decided to push the launch of this course out so that I can make sure I don’t
Update on ‘Become a Smart and Effective Freelancer’ Read More »
Are You Ready For Your Performance Review?
I recently launched a brand new blog dedicated to your performance review: ‘ACE Your Performance Review‘. Here is are some great articles that will really help you ACE your performance review and become a superstar in your workplace.
Are You Ready For Your Performance Review? Read More »
Freelancers: How To Increase Your Rates, Annually
One of the hotly debated topics between freelancer and customer is the issue of rate escalation
Freelancers: How To Increase Your Rates, Annually Read More »
Why You Will Never Be A Millionaire
So you want to be a millionaire? Well let me tell you that you won’t be, unless you are clear on your purpose.
Why You Will Never Be A Millionaire Read More »
Freelancers: Does Your Personality Define Your Business?
All organizations have culture. Culture is intangible, and a description of the default behaviors, tendencies and styles of its workforce. Your freelance organization is no different, but what is your ‘culture’?
Freelancers: Does Your Personality Define Your Business? Read More »
Where Have the IT Jobs Gone?
In a recent post on CIO.COM , it’s revealed which cities have IT jobs available for you to fill right now. I am not surprised to see that NYC and Washington D.C. are among these cities. Is Your city in the list?
Where Have the IT Jobs Gone? Read More »
How To Leave a Permanent Job to Become a Freelancer
Leaving the safety and stability of a permanent job is a daunting task. Thousands (like You?) don’t chase their dream of being their own boss every day because they just don’t know how to make that leap of faith and hand in that resignation letter that’s gathering dust in their minds!
How To Leave a Permanent Job to Become a Freelancer Read More »
If You Lack Discipline, Don’t Beat Yourself Up!
I found a great article when I was perusing one of Eric Brown‘s latest posts – ‘6 Small Things You Can Do When You Lack Discipline’. Recession may be making you doubt yourself, or create a drop in motivation, or perhaps you’re feeling unloved by your boss.
If You Lack Discipline, Don’t Beat Yourself Up! Read More »
Sunk Costs Are Irrelevant
Do you manage expense? Whether you’re a manager, professional or freelancer, if you make decisions that involve spending money then you must ignore sunk costs. This is the advice from guru Seth Godin.
Sunk Costs Are Irrelevant Read More »
Freelancer Negotiation: Will You Factor?
Setting prices for freelance gigs is not an easy task. I am sure you know what I mean. It’s a dichotomy – you want to earn as much profit as you can, whilst at the same time offering an attractive price that your customer believes offers them value.
Freelancer Negotiation: Will You Factor? Read More »
Recession Survival – Lessons From Nature
Many parts of the world regularly suffer from drought and famine. People and wildlife seem to adapt well (as a matter of course) to what is a cyclical phenomenon.So is economic recession.
Recession Survival – Lessons From Nature Read More »
Thanks For Your Comments!
Thanks to everyone who has left great comments on this blog and sent me private messages. I really appreciate your support in keeping this blog alive and kicking.
Thanks For Your Comments! Read More »
Do Your Bosses Think You Web-Two-O Too Much?
Is Web2.0 a drain on your productivity? The explosive use of LinkedIn, Facebook and MySpace has urged some companies to reevaluate their electronic-use policies. Some organizations have banned social-networking tools completely over concerns about a drop in productivity as well as data-security. Has this happened in your workplace?
Do Your Bosses Think You Web-Two-O Too Much? Read More »
One Opportunity to Stand Out
Find out how to Stand Out when connecting with LinkedIn.
One Opportunity to Stand Out Read More »
Review: How to be a Rockstar Freelancer
Here is a book that tells you all you need to get set up as a freelancer…
Review: How to be a Rockstar Freelancer Read More »
Here’s How To Successfully Work With People Long Distance
Creating the right impression with a customer is something all freelancers worry about, especially if business is done long-distance. So much information is lost when we transact over the ether, which makes our communication skills that much more important and (even more nowadays) which tools we use to communicate with.
Here’s How To Successfully Work With People Long Distance Read More »
Ready To Quit Your Job, Yet?
How do you know when you’re ready to quit your job and graze on pastures new? This is a question asked by many IT Professionals right now.
Ready To Quit Your Job, Yet? Read More »
I’d Love Your Feedback on The 10 Habits Of Highly Effective IT Professionals
I launched the eBook ‘The 10 Habits of Highly Effective IT Professionals’ and since then it’s been downloaded over 3,000 times. If you haven’t downloaded your copy yet, then enter your name and primary email into the form on the right of this page and I will send it to you right away.
I’d Love Your Feedback on The 10 Habits Of Highly Effective IT Professionals Read More »
Why You Need a Technical Swipe File, and How To Get One
Just yesterday, I was totally impressed by a guy I met at a technology conference who has an amazing technique for organizing his projects and interests in technology. So much so that when I revise my book ‘The 10 Habits of Highly Effective IT Professionals’ (if you haven’t got your copy yet, then download it
Why You Need a Technical Swipe File, and How To Get One Read More »
What’s Holding You Back?
Recession and job cuts have (at some time or other) caused us to consider a change in job or career. I have – I’m sure you have too. Sometimes, the reasons to change are great. But still, we might find ourselves unwilling or scared to do anything about it. What’s holding you back?
What’s Holding You Back? Read More »
How To Stop Worrying and Start Growing
During economic turbulence, most of us worry about our jobs, our finances, and the future. Some of us worry much more than others. My mom is a professional worrier – she would win the gold-medal if worrying became an Olympic event! Worry is like prayer in reverse – Michael Angier Society programs us to worry.
How To Stop Worrying and Start Growing Read More »
Are Career Goals A Waste Of Time?
Two years ago, this question may have seemed ridiculous to you. In a growing economy, opportunity is in abundance and the challenge we had back then didn’t concern make-or-break, but which of the golden opportunities were the shiniest. Now the whole economic environment has changed. The economy is turbulent and unpredictable. So is it worth
Are Career Goals A Waste Of Time? Read More »
7 Reasons Why I Take My Work Performance Seriously
A colleague asked me yesterday why I put so much importance and value on performance management and my performance review. How did I answer?
7 Reasons Why I Take My Work Performance Seriously Read More »
Freelancing Negotiation: Psychological Tricks
The best answer you will hear, when negotiating, is No (find out why)No sets a boundary. And once you know why your clients says No to your proposal, you have a foundation to work off. Cutting price is not always the best approach.In this article, I will give you a serious edge when negotiating by
Freelancing Negotiation: Psychological Tricks Read More »
5 Reasons Why Your Boss Hates You
Why is your boss giving you so much grief? Here’s why…
5 Reasons Why Your Boss Hates You Read More »
Freelancers: Get Client Wow-Factor By Managing Expectations
Want to know a secret of how to make your clients say Wow!?Is it about bells and whistles?Do you do it by providing comb-bound booklets?Or is it about *really cool* slide masters when you do a powerpoint presentation?
Freelancers: Get Client Wow-Factor By Managing Expectations Read More »
Not For Sony Fans…
I am a Sony Fan, but if you are a true Sony brand aficionado then you won’t want to see this extremely funny video I found on YouTube. It’s a spoof news rip off which will split your sides! Check out the guy outside the store! To counter the balance, I did do a favorable
Not For Sony Fans… Read More »
The 10 Habits of Highly Effective IT Professionals – Reviewed
My latest eBook ‘The 10 Habits of Highly Effective IT Professionals ‘ is out now. Beat colleagues to promotion… Become a top performer… Become highly paid… Impress your CIO… Build influence and authority…
The 10 Habits of Highly Effective IT Professionals – Reviewed Read More »
The Conundrum of High Salary
Do you get hung up on how much you earn? Is your salary the most important measure to you in terms of defining your success?For most people, that is true. We’re socially conditioned to think that way.Seth Godin recently published a post ‘The myth of big salaries (it’s all marketing) ‘ claiming that high salaries
The Conundrum of High Salary Read More »
Lead Well and Prosper!
I’ve written before that if management was a true science, then there wouldn’t be so many books on the subject. Do a search on Amazon for management and you’ll see thousands of books on the subject. How do you pick books when there are so many to choose from?Hopefully, I’ll give you a start. I’ve
Lead Well and Prosper! Read More »
Should You Take a Lower-Level Job?
This is a burning question on the lips of many IT people who are out of work, or want to move on from a dead-end job. Should you take a role that you consider beneath your abilities and talents to get into the workplace again to put food on your plate?Most of us work hard
Should You Take a Lower-Level Job? Read More »
I Hit the 300 Post Mark!
I just noticed that I’ve hit the 300 post mark. So it’s a landmark day. (Any excuse to break out some champagne). But what next?I started this blog in it’s current guise a year ago, and it’s been quite a journey. Like most bloggers, I started by dabbling, and then when onto rambling, progressed onto
I Hit the 300 Post Mark! Read More »
No Spam For Me, Thanks
I could be setting myself up as a spam target now….In January of 2009, this blog received 1,455 comment spamming attempts, which my spam filter (Akismet) foiled. The most attempts in one day, so far, is 105. Thank God for spam filters!I’ve been lucky – nothing has gotten through yet. There are messages that don’t
No Spam For Me, Thanks Read More »
Become an IT Professional Using Your Passion
I get a number of emails each week (especially from students) asking what the best way is to get into IT. There is rarely a simple answer to this (everyone is different, and everyone’s situation is different) but there is one thing I do come back to often as a sure-fire way to create the
Become an IT Professional Using Your Passion Read More »
Getting Out of the 24×7 Freelancer Trap
So you’re a workaholic, and make yourself available (to yourself) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Running a freelancing business is like breathing to you. Stop, and you believe you’ll die. Free lancing should be called slave lancing, shouldn’t it? This is a follow-on to my previous article: The 24×7 Freelancer Trap .
Getting Out of the 24×7 Freelancer Trap Read More »
Freelancers: How To Market Yourself in a Recession
This is the question many freelancers are asking at this time. We market for a simple reason. If our customers (existing and potential) don’t know we exist, what we do, and how we can benefit them, how will we get more work?Savvy freelancers like you know that marketing is a core function of your business.
Freelancers: How To Market Yourself in a Recession Read More »
Should I Change My Blog Theme?
Hi everyone! I’ve been tweaking the look and feel of my blog and during the process I wondered if I should consider a different theme entirely. What do you think? You can influence my design choice! Tell me what I should do to my theme. So, should I… Change the theme entirely? Any ideas to
Should I Change My Blog Theme? Read More »
Canned Project? 3 Big Reasons Why Your Project Has Been Cancelled
If the project you were busy working on has just been shelved then you might be feeling puzzled, frustrated or even angry. Sometimes, it doesn’t seem logical or even fair. It’s likely that your project has suffered the consequences of one of these 3 reasons:The excess of boom-times causes business leaders, in recession, to shelve
Canned Project? 3 Big Reasons Why Your Project Has Been Cancelled Read More »
Freelancing Negotiation: Start with No
No isn’t the dirty word. It isn’t the killer of deals, or the destroyer of business
Freelancing Negotiation: Start with No Read More »
How to Use Twitter in Your Job Search
It’s become the de facto means for people to tell each other what they’re having for lunch, or which movie they’re about to see. Not just that – it’s become a hotbed of activity for business and commercial purposes, favored by Internet Marketers, Bloggers and product developers to spread the word about their vittles.A growing
How to Use Twitter in Your Job Search Read More »
Common Mistakes Made In A Recession, And How To Avoid Them
I’d be lying if I said the recession isn’t a stressful time for many folks, or that it doesn’t cause us to go about our business with some ‘unusual behaviors’. There are things that we can do that won’t help our situation, even though it might feel a relief at the time. Below, you’ll see
Common Mistakes Made In A Recession, And How To Avoid Them Read More »
The 24×7 Freelancer Trap
Just like permie employees, you rise from a long and restful sleep on a Sunday morning, put on some coffee, enjoy a long breakfast reading the newspaper, and then decide whether it’s the beach or the park for a day’s fun and relaxation with the kids. NO WAY JOSE! Instead, you slide out of bed
The 24×7 Freelancer Trap Read More »
Is It Time To Prepare For The Upturn?
Recession is as certain as death and taxes (I wish taxis were as certain on a cold winter’s night at 3am!). And guess what – so is the upturn. But who is talking about it yet?Good News people: according to McKinsey’s Quarterly Survey , we are getting close to the bottom of the trough we
Is It Time To Prepare For The Upturn? Read More »
Performance Reviews Articles on SimonStapleton.com
‘Performance Review’, as a search phrase, accounts for over 60% of search-engine traffic to this site. A big topic for many people! Performance Reviews are a hot topic during this recession. Why? I contacted 50 readers and put that very question to them. What was the answer?The consensus – a lot of people are nervous
Performance Reviews Articles on SimonStapleton.com Read More »
How To Become a Highly Paid IT Professional (And Be Rich)
Most of us want to be rich. At least rich enough so that we can make our own choices of who we work with, when we work and how we work. How about you?Despite what many marketers would like us to believe, there isn’t a magic bullet to become rich overnight, notwithstanding major inheritance or
How To Become a Highly Paid IT Professional (And Be Rich) Read More »
How to Cope with Cold-Calling
If you’re in Sales, a Freelancer or in a role where you need to secure some kind of deal, at some point you may need to Cold Call
How to Cope with Cold-Calling Read More »
Sh.. IT Happens #5
Another installment of Sh..IT Happens, and another trip through the blogosphers for some of my favorite picks of the week.Brand You: how do you come across at work?Elizabeth Harrin writes a great post on her blog A Girls Guide to Project Management about personal branding in the workplace. She interviews Salma Shah who share her
Sh.. IT Happens #5 Read More »
Freelancers: Talk to Your Accountant
The recession is a different environment from boom-times (er.. yeah?) so have you spoken to your accountant about what options you have to strengthen your finances? A straw-poll of freelancers and contractors told me yesterday that only 17% of freelancers are talking to the accountant. Why aren’t freelancers talking to their accountant. Perhaps the equally
Freelancers: Talk to Your Accountant Read More »
Freelancers: Chase Your Invoices
We’re in a recession. Cashflow is tight. So don’t let your invoices go unpaid another minute! This is short, but sweet. In business, cashflow is king. Profit is great. Low-cost operational costs – cool. But without cashflow, you’re dead in the water… Chasing invoices is the must-do activity if you’ve got debtors. The Time-Value of
Freelancers: Chase Your Invoices Read More »
How To Find Work in Your Dream Organization Using Facebook And LinkedIn
By combining your LinkedIn profile with Facebook ads, you’ll discover an effective way of getting yourself in front of potential employers who use Facebook (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?) It’s a guerrilla job-hunting tactic that enables you to search the hidden job market and find or even create the best jobs before they hit
How To Find Work in Your Dream Organization Using Facebook And LinkedIn Read More »
Laid Off? 7 Essential Things To Do Immediately After a Lay Off
Here are 7 things to do to turn your situation around and get yourself right back into employment
Laid Off? 7 Essential Things To Do Immediately After a Lay Off Read More »
Cloud Computing IS a More Palatable Word for Outsourcing…
…if you were in any doubt.Cloud Computing is one of the most significant transformational innovations for IT in 2009. But what it achieves is not an innovation. The innovation is the dressing up of the word Outsourcing.Business NEEDS Cloud Computing, in general. It removes the cottage industries of IT infrastructure out of struggling businesses whose
Cloud Computing IS a More Palatable Word for Outsourcing… Read More »
Sh.. IT Happens #4
A week can seem a long time when you don’t have the comfort of a Microsoft Natural Keyboard, a coffee machine within spitting distance and an internet connection you can really rely on. So I had mixed feelings coming back from Egypt, until I was forced into a 500m detour when my flight couldn’t land
Sh.. IT Happens #4 Read More »
Taxes: The Dangleberrys of Online Freelancing
Fact: Taxes Are A Pain In The Ass, But They’re Part Of Business Any business, whether online or not, really has to pay its due taxes. Some people would resort to starting an online business thinking that they can evade tax payments if they do so but the truth is, the tax dues will surely catch up with them
Taxes: The Dangleberrys of Online Freelancing Read More »
7 Essential Steps To START an IT Career in a Recession
I wouldn’t want you to start your career off on the wrong foot, especially now the market is so damn tough. Too many opportunities in starting a career in IT are lost because of a lack of understanding of the market and the belief that your first job must be the ‘right job’. If Mr
7 Essential Steps To START an IT Career in a Recession Read More »
Realize 5 Outcomes: Become a Superbrain
I don’t want to stay in the same draftsman job for over 30 years, like my Dad. Nor does he have any desire to write a blog, manage projects, innovate, etc. But we do have one thing in common – we both have the same underlying skills to master to fulfill our potential. And heck,
Realize 5 Outcomes: Become a Superbrain Read More »
Offline Gmail Isn’t the Answer to Enterprise Adoption
I was astounded to read C.G.Lynch’s article on the CIO.COM blog – ‘Offline Gmail: Now What Excuse Do You Have, Old School?‘ It’s either aimed squarely at SMEs, or it’s just baloney.Perhaps Lynch hasn’t read the article, ‘The case against Web apps (Five reasons why Web-based development might not be the best choice for your
Offline Gmail Isn’t the Answer to Enterprise Adoption Read More »
3 Tech Gadgets I Just Had To Buy…
I am admitting a moment of total weakness. I just gave into compulsion like never before! I feel so weak, but so pleasantly geeky too!I am ‘fessing up to buying three gadgets that (with an objective/boring hat on) I didn’t really need, but I fell in love with them when I saw them. I’ve just
3 Tech Gadgets I Just Had To Buy… Read More »
Sh… IT Happens #3
This was ‘the week that not was’ for me… as I’ve been hiding out in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. It was a great place to relax and catch up on some reading (for fun!) and scouring the blogosphere for interesting posts. So, from Sharm El Sheikh, here are some of the best finds out there:
Dark Clouds Ahead? A Warning About Cloud Computing
Cloud Computing is here, and it is somewhat of a revolution. It brings many benefits to our organizations – the obvious economic, but it also frees us up to focus on core business, as defined today. If managing infrastructure isn’t our core activity, then let’s not do it, right?All the in-crowd on the web are
Dark Clouds Ahead? A Warning About Cloud Computing Read More »
Sh… IT Happens #2
Although you might not believe it, ‘other stuff’ has happened in the world besides the inauguration of Barack Obama… I’ve collected a few gems from across the web from last week – Leave Your Comments below!Communicating IT’s value using Project Portfolio ManagementEric Brown on his blog EricBrown.com controversially states that "Business leadership has no idea
Contemplation on the Red Sea…
I travel to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, on Monday with my family for a relaxing break. It is a beautiful area of the country and sits on the Red Sea. It will be a shame to leave the cold and the rain behind. I won’t be leaving my brain behind though… I need to Come
Contemplation on the Red Sea… Read More »
Lessons From The Field: How To Be a Rock Star with Your Sales Team
In your experience, how does IT actually help Sales? Is it continuous delivery of operational systems so Sales don’t get it in the neck from their clients? Is it providing technical knowledge to clients during the initial engagement, beauty parade and decision-making process? Is it just listening?Of course the first two are true. But have
Lessons From The Field: How To Be a Rock Star with Your Sales Team Read More »
Are You a Player?
Are you known for being a serious player? Do your colleagues look up to you and gain inspiration? When you walk into a room, do you brighten it up?Well I want to know about you! I am looking for volunteers to help me with a survey on the top motivators of the IT Elite.The survey
Sh… IT Happens #1
Finally, I now bring you a weekly pick of some of the best finds from the web and blogosphere. You will find brief reviews and links to some of the best posts about technology and IT. And so to our first installment – #1.The Top 5 Bush Gaffes OK – I’ve startedoff topic. Bite Me!
Make Your Next Performance Appraisal ROCK!
Here’s what I have learned since ‘seeing the light’ and understanding how to make the review process work for me.
Make Your Next Performance Appraisal ROCK! Read More »
Secrets of a Well Run IT Department
Yesterday I offered a challenge I really don’t want you to accept: How Far Can You Drive Your IT Department Into The Ground? There are some pretty dumb things you can do to bring your IT department to its knees. OK – now I know what NOT to do, what instead should I be thinking
Secrets of a Well Run IT Department Read More »
Don’t Accept This Challenge: How Far Can You Drive Your IT Department Into The Ground?
If you were advised that there are seven things that your IT Department can do to avoid disaster, would you take action? I just want to point you to a great post I found on Dr Jim Anderson ‘s blog ‘The Business of IT ‘. Dr Anderson shares with us 7 things to look for
Don’t Accept This Challenge: How Far Can You Drive Your IT Department Into The Ground? Read More »
10 Excellent Tax Tips and Resources for Freelancers
Who said “The only things certain in life are death and taxes?” Yes I remember – it was the taxman. It’s not to late to start planning for this year’s drain on your bank account by getting your finances in order. No one enjoys dealing with taxes, especially freelancers by nature. We do this job
10 Excellent Tax Tips and Resources for Freelancers Read More »
Who Needs Another Program Management Handbook…?
You’d be forgiven if you thought the last thing needed on the bookshelf is another Program Management handbook. If Program Management was an exact science, then why would we need so many books when one PM bible would do? The truth is, PM isn’t a science, although it isn’t an artform as such – it’s
Who Needs Another Program Management Handbook…? Read More »
Building a Career is Like Constructing a Space Rocket
One of the big myths of career-building is that you can become an overnight success from a standing start. There isn’t such a thing! There are people who rise to meteoric heights very quickly – that I can’t argue with. But guess what – the people who are put on that pedestal have had to
Building a Career is Like Constructing a Space Rocket Read More »
How To Make Your Career Recession-Resistant
If you’re feeling like your future is uncertain and your job could disappear at any moment, then you’re probably feeling pretty gloomy. If you watch the constant flood of media alerts on businesses closing and layoffs happening left, right and center, then it’s easy to fall into a trap of the self-fulfilling prophecy: folks who
How To Make Your Career Recession-Resistant Read More »
Make Your LinkedIn Profile Really Stand Out
I am a big fan of LinkedIn – not just for the social networking aspects of the site – but I strongly believe it creates the new-wave of opportunities for jobseeking. In my post How To Search The Invisible Job Market I described guerrilla tactics for finding the very best jobs, even before they become
Make Your LinkedIn Profile Really Stand Out Read More »
Compare Your Salary with PayScale.com
Off the back of my recent article about How To Ask For a Fair Raise or Pay Increase During a Recession , PayScale.com got in touch with me to tell me about their tools for benchmarking salaries across job roles and regions. So I took a look in more detail and I must say I
Compare Your Salary with PayScale.com Read More »
The Moment That Sparked My Career In IT
Can you remember what originally sparked your interest in IT? Was it the technology, or the pay? I look back on what created my passion for technology and IT. There are two types of IT people: Those folks who are in IT for the career and gainful employment as part of life’s journey, and those
The Moment That Sparked My Career In IT Read More »
$3,450 for a 32K RAM Computer! Cheap at Half the Price!
I had to share this post with you, it’s from the ‘Techyshit’ blog (nice title). It’s a list of ten old computers from the 70s and 80s with hefty pricetags and abysmal specs – well by today’s standards. Here is the list . Back then, these would have been the bees-knees of the technology world!
$3,450 for a 32K RAM Computer! Cheap at Half the Price! Read More »
A Killer Interview Tactic Revealed…
A compelling resume with a distinctive cover letter gets you the interview. You put on your sharp suit with your polished shoes . You’ve prepared answers to those awkward questions . Is this enough to land the dream job? Maybe, but here is a tactic I discovered that will bring you to the top of
A Killer Interview Tactic Revealed… Read More »
Why Isn’t ‘Staying Employed’ in the Top Ten List of CIO Issues?
InformationWeek just announced the ‘Top Ten CIO Issues for 2009 ‘ and I was wondering why ‘Staying Employed’ didn’t feature on the list!If you believed everything you read in the newspapers or watched on TV, then we’ll all be out of work in 3 months. The economy will grind to a halt, so we’ll all
Why Isn’t ‘Staying Employed’ in the Top Ten List of CIO Issues? Read More »
Book Review – The Naked Corporation: How the Age of Transparency Will Revolutionize Business
The main thrust of this title is to show us that the technology and the Internet is exposing the shenanigans of corporations more than ever before. Web2.0 and social media technologies allows information to flow almost unimpeded through viral channels, and can stem from valued customers, pissed off employees and corporate terrorists alike. Although it’s
How To Ask For a Fair Raise or Pay Increase During a Recession
Asking for a raise during a recession can give good reason for your boss to think you’re totally out of touch with what’s happening in the global economy, or maybe they’ll think you’re just insensitive to business issues. It’s a risky thing to do. What if you’re struggling to make ends meet yourself; perhaps you
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Essential Tips for non-US Freelancers Using Freelancer Marketplaces (e.g. Elance)
You might have learned this before – ALL freelancers should use Freelancer Marketplaces (such as Elance) for ALL their work (and somewhat obviously then) buyers who use freelancers should use them too. They bring to buyers and freelancers benefits that mustn’t be scoffed at. PROBLEM: The currency used is $USD, but what if you’re not
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The Outsourcing Barometer of Success
Is your outsourcing relationship healthy? Here are some questions to ask yourself to find out.Is the ratio of value greater than 1:1?This is mostly an economic measure, but it can also be strategic. Imagine if you hadn’t outsourced – what would the costs of providing these services internally then be? And how does this compare
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Who Would You Throw Your Shoes At?
Did you see the news item where an Iraqi journalist, Muntadhar al-Zaiydi, threw his shoes at President George W Bush? Whether you’re a Bush supporter or not, it’s hard not to see the funny side of this, especially at the skill in which ‘W’ dodged the missiles. [Are these classed as Weapons of Mass Destruction?]
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The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Layoffs
There are ‘good’ ways of dealing with layoffs – indeed there are ‘bad’ – but there are real ‘ugly’ ways of conducting the process too. Here are some stories to illustrate examples of each. Make you’re own mind up on which you will choose, if you’re going to lay people off (or be laid off!).The
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How To Land Top Jobs by Distinguishing Yourself
Here is the truth: because of recession, or otherwise, competition for the best jobs is at its height right now. And it’s only going to get WORSE. Being a hardworker, or having really great skills or experience isn’t going to be enough to stand out from the crowd. How will employers know? The ONLY way
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How Do You Tell Your Parents What You Do In IT?
I’ve been in IT for over 15 years and risen to senior ranks in my career, and still my folks think I wander the floors in a boiler suit! Do yours? There is still this huge brush that all IT professionals and leaders are tarnished with, and it was built from the days of the
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How To Improve Your Performance With 8 Weekly Events
Here are 8 things you can do on a weekly basis
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Dave Crain Talks About Entrepreneurial Qualities…
Do you know what it takes to be an entrepreneur? If not, here’s how you can find out.Dave Crain is someone I have ‘just met’ in the blogosphere and I’ve just read his latest post on Entrepreneurial Qualities, and I was so impressed I wanted to share it with you. Dave’s research has arrived at the
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10 IT Manager Performance Review Affirmations
For employees, a Performance Review can be a nervous time. But you know what, it can be for IT Managers too!In my article ’10 Performance Review Affirmations’ I discussed why Performance Reviews are very important elements of personal development, and most employees in a corporate environment are subjected to them, managers too. What I’ve noticed
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10 Performance Review Affirmations
A Performance Review/Appraisal is an important element of your career and personal development. The thing is, many employees don’t really know why they have them, and see them as an opportunity to be scolded or criticized. This isn’t their purpose!Your Performance Review is a golden opportunity to learn more about your performance and develop new
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Praise… Let it Flow, Let it Flow, Let it Flow
Have you noticed that when you give someone praise that they walk away with their chest puffed up and a smile on their face, and then more responsive and engaging? The effect of praise is like a nitro blast – its power is tremendous. What you’re doing is creating pride, which is an awesome motivator.
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How To Cope With A Headcount Freeze
The Global Financial Crisis continues, and Managers are being asked to do more with the same, or less. The inevitable ‘Headcount Freeze’ has been mandated in many organizations putting pressure on managers to maximize the return on investment. Holy Cow it’s getting tough! There are a number of interventions that will ease the pressure. And
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What is the Best Way to Prepare for an Interview? (Part Three)
Your ‘big day’ has arrived. Your interview is now. How are you making the final preparations?In Part One of this series we looked at how to prepare in advance for an interview, in particularly, how to build confidence that you have the best answers for the ‘tricky’ questions that always get asked. Interviews are a
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10 Big Reasons Why Freelancers Must Use Elance and Rentacoder (or Other Freelance Marketplaces)
Freelance Marketplaces, like Elance and Rentacoder, have grown very popular with freelancers and their clients because they are a ‘platform solution’ to many freelancer business problems. For a small(ish) fee, freelancers enjoy many benefits. What are they, and why use these platforms?You might already be familiar with these platforms, and use them regularly. If that isn’t
6 More Powerful Questions To Ask At Your Performance Review
Here are six more powerful questions to ask at your review, which delve further into your performance and to inquire about how you can excel in the future
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