Category Archives: Career Development

RPL and Skills Recognition can be the solution towards career development. They will help individuals advance in their careers by acquiring the qualification needed to move to the next career stage

Bit by Bit: New Technology Remodels an Old Career

“I Used to.” That’s a phrase heard all too often lately.

Technology waits for no one. Many intelligent people with valuable skills are left by the side of the road as innovations in technology race ahead. Even with decades of experience, if you haven’t got the digital tools of the trade, it could be hard to find work in today’s business world. Chin up, there’s hope. It will never be like it was. It will be better.

Middle aged workers, those between the ages of 40 and 60, earned their status in business before computers were a significant factor. They typed on mechanical typewriters. They took shorthand with pen and paper. They wrote with markers on plastic sheets displayed on overhead projectors. They designed machinery that required human operators. People actually put their hands on things other than keyboards.

Today, computers carry the load. Humans now simply tell computers what to do. Some computers even seem to know what we want them to do before we tell them. Most people in this age range have had at least a little interaction with computers, whether it’s using a cell phone, programming a television remote, or checking in for a flight at an airport. Those activities just scratch the surface, however, of what most businesses require of their employees today regarding computer literacy. If you think your career went obsolete with the adoption of the digital age, however, think again.

For many, it is probably good news that typing is still typing. Granted, there are some fancy things one can do with flying fingers, but for the most part, if your job as a typist disappeared, you can still use those skills in data input and word processing. Through your computer, with an at-home, online course or two in medical terminology, you can be ready to take on work as a medical transcriptionist. If you prefer law to biology, similar coursework can prepare you to be a paralegal. In these jobs, the faster you type, the more valuable you are.

Manufacturing work was plentiful when this group entered the job market. Things were done mechanically, however, instead of digitally. Machines were run by men. Now, they’re run by computers. If you ran a drill press, assembled things, worked in a sawmill, mine, or oil field, you worked with your hands. Today, much of that once physical work is automated, directed by computers and performed by robots. Still, you have knowledge. You know what went before. You understand how the industry evolved. How can that help you land a contemporary position in a similar industry?

If you worked with oil, mining, or manufacturing equipment, you likely have some valuable knowledge about how machines work and what tasks need to be completed, in what order, within specific tolerances. A course in robotics, laser technology, or electronics can be very useful in redirecting what you know as valuable background for a new position. Again, many of these courses can be completed online at nominal cost. Some, including open courseware from impressive schools like MIT, are free. Some are eligible for tax deductions, which is true of course expenses in other disciplines as well.

Many secretaries in the pre-computer era were also walking dictionaries, with a stellar knowledge of grammar, punctuation, and proper formats for upper level communication. Those things still rank high, despite spell check and word processing programs built into computers. Even they make syntax and spelling errors when they don’t understand the context like humans do. Today’s positions as administrative assistants prize those skills, and pay well. Again, a course in computer office programs will put you back on track.

Something important that the online employment sector offers is anonymity. If you feel your age is a factor in getting and securing work, arranging the details of a job online all but eliminates that judgemental snub. Similarly, any disability that you feel might be a disadvantage for a specific task becomes irrelevant. Computers, high tech prosthetics, and automation can now help those with a significant number of disabilities to perform as well as a worker without any physical challenges. Blind workers now have programs to help them “see” their work through other senses, and amputees and immobile workers can perform their tasks with special computer tools that may actually give them advantages. The playing field is a little more level as technology teaches us to be the best we can be. Add a little new tech to your life and see how it can rejuvenate your work history.

If you don’t have a computer, you might consider getting one. It will open a multitude of doors for working from home, as well as help you update many useful skills that are valued in today’s employment marketplace. Some of the entry level computer models, or even one of the newer notebooks, are priced attractively. No matter what brand or model you end up choosing, it will likely pay for itself in short order.

You will also need some software for that computer. No need to jump into the deep end, however. Just start with one program. Pick a word processing program, as that will prove very useful, no matter what industry you’re in. You’ll also need an internet connection to communicate with the world outside your home. If all that is just too much, consider starting out by using computers for free at your local public library.

Your knowledge is valuable. Teachers, nurses, office workers, manufacturing workers, mechanics, bank tellers, and farmers all have skills and industry backgrounds as well as online options for learning as well as working. Updating that knowledge with a digital toolkit can make all the difference, refreshing your career and putting you in demand.

A Matter of Degree: Careers That Reward Without a Sheepskin

Higher education is expensive. In the traditional sense, it captures time and money in a concentrated, four-year, intellectual marathon. For some, that isn’t a problem. For an increasing number of high school graduates, it is becoming a disappointing fact of life: they simply cannot afford it. Others are weighing their options and deciding in favour of careers that do not require that up front investment.

If college is not an option for you, there are a number of career paths that allow you to learn on the job, rewarding you with increasing responsibility as you advance. There are others that require some technical or people skills, but due to the nature of the particular industry do not require a formal degree. All are more accessible than careers requiring a four year diploma. Let’s review.

Computers are not going away. If you’d like a job with security, learn a skill related to these powerful electronic tools, and keep it polished, current, and ready. There are certainly secondary degree programs that grant status, but many computer companies would jump at the chance to hire an industry-engaged high school grad, aggressively pursuing the latest and greatest technologies. Plenty of software developers and web programmers began their careers without a four year degree. It’s not likely that you’ll land an impressive spot out of the gate with an industry giant, but working as a software developer or web programmer with a young company that has potential could be a perfect fit. And who knows where the company will ascend to in a decade?

Sales reps often work on commission and usually are not required to have a four year degree. If you’re good with people, intuitive about what they need and want, and know your product, you can earn a good living. Pharmaceutical and technical companies may require that reps have a degree, but heavy equipment, service groups, food and beverage suppliers, construction companies, sports teams, and in a general sense, local or regional companies, usually find a high school degree sufficient.

Bookkeeping skills are always in demand, and any responsible worker with solid knowledge of computer bookkeeping programs will find plenty of work. Businesses are good at making, selling, and promoting their products, but often not very good at managing their finances. Their need to hire someone to keep an eye on that for them makes this a lucrative line of work, especially if you have good referrals from prior clients. This choice also offers great stepping stones to becoming an accountant, or even a CPA, as expertise, resources, and desire to improve enter the picture. Certification for all levels is available, as are degrees, but not every business needs a CPA. If you’re good with numbers, this can be a great career, even if you don’t have a degree.

Heavy equipment operators and truck drivers usually do not require degreed personnel. There are technical schools that provide certification in short term classes, enabling students to pursue careers quickly. While not an executive wage, many earn substantial salaries in this field that often does not even require a high school diploma.

Captaining, piloting, and deckhanding on water vessels is an exciting opportunity that embraces a variety of educational backgrounds. Certification through a training program is an advantage here, but experience and practical skills count for a lot. Beginning as a deckhand and learning the ropes on the way up is a good way for a young person to begin. Responsible, eager, and able workers will earn their way to the pilot’s or captain’s seats by executing their duties well. Private yachts, both power and sail, also offer opportunities that start from the bottom up. Websites seeking to match boats to crew abound, so if travel, adventure and learning a new career is in the cards, take a peek.

The labour trades all offer young workers entry level positions, signing new apprentices to learn from experienced workers. Degrees are rarely required in this field, which is instead focused on ability, coordination, and logical, practical thinking. Carpentry, plumbing, electrical, masonry, and finishing trades do experience fluctuations with the markets, but if you’re willing to travel, there are always construction sites gearing up somewhere in the world. Moving into management after you gain experience can have substantial financial advantages.

Commercial pilots, while required to complete a prescribed number of flight hours and training, are not required to be degreed. It is also unlikely that people will quit flying around the globe, but the airline industry does have its ups and downs, as well as risks and rewards. Still, it remains an interesting, highly valued position worth investigating if taking to the air sounds inviting to you.

Some jobs are so new that formal degree programs cannot fill the posts required. Those cutting edge industries frequently hire employees with background knowledge as opposed to a formal degree. Consider 3-D printing, writing apps for electronic and mobile devices, and any web programming or coding.

Private investigator, event coordinator, fashion designer, private chef, house painter, yacht concierge, wine and spirits sales, and an ever increasing list of new product developments in the world of computing, all offer opportunity for those with initiative and drive to earn a good living. In these fields, degrees are becoming less important than demonstrated expertise, especially if you set out on your own. A few loyal clients and some praiseworthy work under your belt will work hard toward building a solid business.

The important thing is to get out there and do something to show the world what you know, then network it like there’s no tomorrow. Recommendations that link you to successful people can get you in the door for an interview. What you do with that interview once you’re in is all up to you, so choose your niche, polish your brand, and know your mission. Are you ready?

Show Me the Money: Careers Ten Years Out

What will you be doing ten years from today? Will you have the same job or will you switch fields? Will you be with the same company or working for one that has not even been thought of yet? Will you live in the same town or will your career call you to a new location? And what will your pay check look like? Wouldn’t it be fabulous to peek ahead and find out?

While we can’t actually do that, there are some indicators that point toward viable career paths of the future. Before we go there, however, consider this: Dave Evans, a Futurist for Cisco Systems, says that 95 percent of everything we know as a species will be discovered in the next 50 years. That means we only know a pitiful 5 percent today of what we will know by 2064.

Ray Kurzweil, Director of Engineering and Futurist for Google, says that the knowledge we will gain as a species in the next 100 years will be the equivalent of the previous 20,000 years of knowledge. Both cite huge discoveries in technology as one of the basis points for their statements. Well, now, If things are going to be moving along so quickly, what will that mean for your career path? Better put on your running shoes, and try to keep up. But first, back to the future.

Consider the lifestyle landscape in 2004. Did you have a cell or mobile phone? If you did, it probably looked a bit different from the one you have today. It probably also operated a bit differently as well, and pretty much just made phone calls. Did you have a laptop? Maybe, but it was probably pretty heavy, and certainly couldn’t do the things today’s machines do. Even the shrunken versions in notebooks and e-readers can probably do more than the original laptops. Did we have big data ten years ago? Sure, we had data, but not streamlined, organized metadata, dropped on our electronic doorstep through the wonder of analytics as it is today. While much of what we’re doing today resembles our daily routines of ten years ago, it appears we’re in for a much faster ride through the next ten. Ready?

Sentient machines: Over the next ten years, technology is expected to provide rapid advances in the area of robotics. We will likely begin to see sentient, thinking machines and self-aware robotics that almost seem human. I know. Don’t tell Siri. Or Watson. They truly have no job security here. Engineers and technicians who know how to design and build these machines will be in demand. Software designers and programmers who can bring these things to life through almost human movement, reaction, speech, and appearance will not have to look hard for work.

Big Data: As we collect mountains of daily data, some big opportunities in analytics focused on financial sectors, marketing, sports performance, sales, and manufacturing will emerge. Extensive data will even begin to come from your doctor’s prescription. Pills containing tiny microprocessors will be travelling through your bloodstream, digestive tract, heart, and lungs, collecting and transmitting data about the state of your health to your hospital. All of these things will need computer savvy technicians to run programs, analyse data, and make sense of this brave new healthcare world.

3D Printing: While the jury is still out, and the product is still in its infancy, 3D printers have the potential to drastically change how we shop for many things. These amazing machines can print things in three dimensions using any number of materials, from plastic and metal to glass and chocolate, building items, layer by layer, with jets of stuff. A brilliant graphic designer who is also well versed in programming will be writing programs to plug into everyone’s 3D printers, allowing them to “make” their own replacement parts, or design cool new things, right at home on the little old desktop.

Transportation and Energy: Getting things from point A to point B seems to be in for some big changes, as does energy, with sophisticated equipment and extensive new knowledge to perform new tasks, faster, cheaper, and better. Those equipped with industry knowledge that keeps pace will be busy.

New Jobs and New Kinds of Work: Many new jobs will emerge with this technological boom, including things like urban shepherds and farmers, and anyone thinking very, very small, as in nanotechnology and photonic crystals. Farmers located in cities will begin to tend crops on roofs, vertical gardens, beehives, and perform composting, as they already are in some cities. Expect it to become much more common. On the opposite end of the spectrum, those working with nano-molecular materials to fabricate new layers in semiconductors, insulation, solar arrays, and microprocessors will command respect, and a good wage.

With all these advances, which careers are likely to become obsolete? Postman and meter reader come to mind. Drill press operators, printing company workers, and retail clerks will decline in number as automation continues to take over.

What to do if the automation, computerization, and renovation of the career landscape doesn’t appeal to you? People still need to be human. Some jobs just can’t be done by a machine, at least not in the next 10 years. We will continue to need physical therapists, training and development specialists, marketing and convention/event planners, interpreters and translators, registered nurses, physicians, surgeons, teachers, counsellors, and dental hygienists.

But what if you’re that square peg that doesn’t fit in the round hole anywhere? There’s still a place for you as well, serving as a corporate disruptor. It seems that the disruptive nature of start-up businesses instils an organized chaos that dynamic companies love. It keeps employees on the cutting edge of discovery, wondering what the next big thing might be. So get out there and mix it up. Plan now for where you want to be in ten years. It’s possible, but highly unlikely, that you’ll be doing the same thing.

Drinking From The Cup: What The World Learned From Football

We watched. We cheered. We held our breath. And we celebrated. All 27 million of us, worldwide, as we watched teams compete in The World Cup in Brazil. There were tweeting Brazucas and snazzy boots. There were spying drones and stylish haircuts. There was a final with just ten red cards, the least since 1986, and a time stoppage clock with a sponsor plastered all over it. Fun and frustration aside, there were also lessons to be learned from this amazing set of contests, many of them that translate well from the football pitch to the office.

Whilst much of our business knowledge is gained in the classroom or the conference room, handed down by teachers and mentors, there’s no substitute for a live, 3D event. In sport, like in life, there are teachable moments that illustrate the good stuff, making the difference between a glorious win and a disappointing head-hanger. Here are five takeaway lessons that you probably spotted if you’ve been glued to the telly for the past three weeks watching football. Put them to good use:

It’s not over till it’s over. Sometimes that last effort makes all the difference, like in the 113^th minute of the Germany vs Argentina final. Keeping your head in the game for the full clock is what winners do. Focus, then follow through. Your confidence will shine in interviews, presentations, challenges, and whenever your mettle is about to be tested, with persistence at your side. Giving up, even when things seem a bit bleak, prematurely steals away any opportunity for success. Staying on task gives you not just the chance to win, but also the chance to learn some things that may prove valuable next time around, win or lose. Never, never, never give up on yourself.

Persieing works. We’re not talking launching headlong across the conference room table to score a goal like flying Dutchman Van Persie, but we are talking about aiming high. Going for a little more than you are comfortable with, whether it involves an educational pursuit, a career move, or a personal best in potholder weaving, is a strategy that can deliver results you never dreamed possible. Set your sights high and commit to the accomplishment. If you do happen to fall short, you’ve given it your honest best, and again have probably noted a few things that you’ll do differently next time. If you go for it and get it, congratulations are definitely in order.

Snazzy boots do not necessarily mean fancy footwork. There was a boatload of fussy footwear tearing up the turf around Rio, and it was fun to watch the fashion show. From Lionel Messi’s World Cup Birthday Boot, to Nike’s flashy gold Neymar Hypervenom, footballers sported some remarkable designs. Style matters, to be sure, and it’s always good to look smart, whether you’re running down the field or striding up to your next boss, but there is more to success. Substance, as in knowledge, experience, creativity, and the like, makes a career take off much faster than new kicks. Keep in mind, however, that even an Einstein genius won’t make it through today’s demanding critiques if personal grooming isn’t up to snuff. Keep things relatively neat and clean, while directing resources to knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those that matter will not be put off if you have yet to achieve that GQ wardrobe. They’re too busy focusing on your interesting ideas and conversation.

Which wins, an awesome team or a superstar? Yes, that’s a trick question. No matter how accomplished a player is, it is nearly impossible to win a contest without the support of the team. They may not all be out there kicking goals, but they’re all doing their part to help the forward to put numbers up on the board. Similarly, a team without a standout or two is at a distinct disadvantage. It’s like a business without a manager, or a corporation without a CEO. Someone has to lead, others have to support. When leadership and support staff work together, everyone wins, both on the sports field and in business.

Opportunities are funny things. Some people think they just magically happen. Others believe they are built on the backs of strategy, experience, and hard work. Either way, if you don’t recognize one when it’s coming at you, it simply doesn’t matter. Whether it’s serendipity or strategy that prompts an opening, staying engaged, constantly scanning the horizon for what could become the chance of a lifetime can have big payoffs. Consequently, if you’re away with the pixies while someone else drops the ball, you’ll miss an important opportunity that may not knock again soon. Recognizing every opportunity for what it is, knowing what to do with it, and acting decisively, are all key.

The World Cup won’t come around again until 2018, when we all have reason to watch another marathon of matches, broadcast from a widespread collection of venues scattered about Russia. There will be fabulous teams, standout superstars, a classy new ball, and some stylish trends. Who knows? Black shoes may even become the “it” that everyone must have. There will be lots of chatter about culture, globalization, social media, and personal stories. There will also be winners and losers. For some, especially those at the very top, winning may be everything. For most, there are lots of ways to win, and not all of them are reflected by the score.

In the classic work, The Art of War, Sun Tsu sagely advises that “Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.” That winning first thing may have some merit. Let’s give it a shot.

Five Tips To Be Respectfully Assertive In The Workplace

Bossy? Assertive? Argumentative? Are these traits that keep you quiet in workplace debates? If so, you’re not alone. There are a countless number of employees that simply agree with ideas, plans, or concepts to make things easier and to avoid being labelled as bossy, assertive or argumentative. It takes a certain level of confidence and courage to put yourself out there and debate an idea that’s been presented by a co-worker. There is however, ways to do this that won’t have you labelled negatively, instead they will have you labelled as a reliable source to share an honest opinion, not simply a “yes man.”

So how can you share your honest opinion while maintaining the respect and admiration of your fellow co-workers? Here are five things to keep in mind next time you’d like to voice your opinion.

1. Don’t make it personal

When you question someone’s ideas they often get defensive and take your criticism personally. It’s important to communicate that you understand where they are coming from, or why they came to a certain conclusion, and then provide thoughtful feedback as to why you’re approaching the concept differently. This will allow you both to discuss the idea a little bit differently without disrespecting anyone’s idea or having it feel like it’s a personal attack.

2. Provide adequate back up

If you’re confident that you have a better solution to the problem or concept then it’s essential you do your homework to back yourself up. Refuting a coworkers idea without any suggestions or well thought out explanations can make you appear arrogant. Know what you want to say before you say it, and be prepared to explain exactly why you’re disagreeing.

3. Ask questions

If there is an idea you disagree with, start by asking questions to ensure you fully understand it. Inquiring about how they arrived at their conclusion will help you better understand their idea, or at the very least, give you a stronger platform to advocate your idea from.

4. Watch your tone

We are cautious how we speak to others every day, however sometimes when debates get heated, people lose their consciousness of this and their tone itself is what triggers a debate. Be calm and patient when trying to present a new idea. Like you, your colleague has put thought and effort into their idea and it needs to be respected as much as yours.

5. Know when to walk away

Your opinion won’t always be chosen. You may be confident that your idea is a strong one, but upper management may have a reason for going a different route. If you’ve explained your idea, and thoroughly explained your concerns with the other option then leave it at that and walk away. You’ll maintain respect from your coworkers for stating your idea and avoid being labeled as hard headed or argumentative.

Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch

In a society where everyone is constantly on the run, time is valued more than ever. As a brand you only have a few seconds to gain the attention of your potential customers, and as a business owner or employee you’re granted the privilege of having roughly 20 seconds to ‘wow’ your audience. It is imperative that you make the most of this time and clearly represent your brand, and what it has to offer.

To begin, find a common reference point. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. As unique as your brand may be, there is likely already something similar out there. Find that reference point and then begin familiarising your audience with your specific brand and how they may already be familiar with what you’re offering.

Next, quickly and clearly highlight how your product is different from what they are familiar with, and explain the added benefits that you’re offering. If you saw a gap within the market that your brand is filling, with a strong explanation your audience will be able to see it too.

Following the deliverance of the facts on what exactly is different about your brand, you need to explain why these differences are important. How does it benefit the end user? What is the advantage to them? How can it improve their life? Why do they need it?

Another important component to mastering your elevator pitch is to speak simply. These 20 seconds are not an opportunity to spit out big words and industry jargon- As Albert Einstein said “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” Understand your brand thoroughly so you can explain it simply.

You won’t get it right the first time, the second time or even the third time. The delicate elevator pitch is an ever evolving process that takes time and practice to perfect. Over time, you’ll learn how to best pitch to different audiences, ages and industries. Be patient and most importantly be perceptive, notice what your audiences respond best to and work from there. If you’re still nervous to get out there, your family, friends, and even children are great sources to practice your pitch with.

Also, don’t forget – a great part of your elevator pitch can be to explain what qualifications you’ve earned. Visit us at https://www.gqaustralia.com.au to get the qualification you deserve!

Seven Tips To Ensure You Have A Successful Performance Review

The majority of employees in Australia’s job market today will face a performance review this year. With some companies conducting the reviews every few months, and others only once a year, they are an important time in your career. This is a time when you can hear where you need improvement, and where you are excelling. Many people tend to forget that this is also a good opportunity to voice any concern you may have with your boss and share any issues that you’re facing. It can be an emotional time, especially if you and your boss have varying opinions on your performance. There are some things you can do to ensure that you have an effective, and successful performance review.

Don’t get emotional – Don’t take the negative criticism personally. There are a variety of elements that may affect the way you interpret the information; The personality or mood of your boss, your current emotional state, your personal life, and the list goes on. Take the information you receive as an opinion, and later you can evaluate the accuracy of the information.
Do a self review ahead of time – Sit down and seriously evaluate yourself. What have you accomplished over the past two months? Have sales increased? Have large projects been completed? Have you gone above and beyond to complete tasks?
Record your achievements – Any time you accomplish a goal, large task or project, write it down. Recording these achievements will ensure that projects completed several months ago aren’t forgotten about.
Tell your boss where you need help – Even if your review is completely positive, you may still have ways that you could perform even better if you had support from your boss. Explain why you think additional support in a specific area would help you perform even better.
Have a plan – While the primary focus of a performance review is to review your performance thus far, there is also an opportunity to outline your future plans. What do you plan on accomplishing over the next few months?
Be clear – It’s not a time to dance around and avoid the serious issues. Vague language and ambiguous terms have no place in a performance review. Be clear, precise and to the point.
Be confident – You know you have worked hard, and while there may be room for improvement in some areas, be confident in the work you’ve completed.

Overall just remember that these are designed to assist you. To highlight areas that could benefit from improvement as well as acknowledge areas in which you’re performing well. Take the negatives in stride and be proud of your successes. Use the information to improve your performance in the future.

The Benefits of Workplace Training

Building and maintaining a highly skilled workforce can be challenging. Employees need to feel valued and appreciated while employers need to ensure all elements of their business are taken care of. Employees coming from different backgrounds and roles all bring something different to the table and keeping them happy and motivated can be a difficult task for business owners and managers. What if employers could reward their employees with a qualification based on the work experience they’ve gained over the years? A specialised degree, diploma or certification without attending classes is an appealing incentive. Not only will employees be rewarded for their efforts over the years, but any gaps in knowledge will be identified and addressed with gap training. The result? A happy employee who now has a qualification that will allow them to progress in their career, and a happy employer who has closed the knowledge gaps within their workforce and has a highly qualified team running the business.

The process of Workplace Training with Get Qualified Australia is four simple steps:

1) Skills Recognition – One of our skilled assessors will identify the employees’ skills, knowledge and work experience using a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Assessment.

2) Receive credit exemptions for units – Employees complete core units and choose any of the elective units that they have work experience in to apply for skills assessment and exemption.

3) Complete Units – The completion of the remaining units can be done through self-paced e-learning, face to face workshops or online training.

4) Upon completion, employees will receive the applicable Nationally Recognised qualification and can move forward into a higher level role with a greater understanding of the industry.

What does this mean for the employer?

Staff will be able to provide a higher quality of customer service and work output
The changes in employee skill set and understanding of the industry will be noticeable in all avenues of the business, both present and in the future
Your staff will appreciate that you have taken the time and resources to invest in them and in turn feel more loyalty towards the company

What does this mean for the employee?

Will acquire a better understanding of the industry and learn new skills to assist them in accomplishing their responsibilities
An advanced qualification that can qualify them for higher standing or a better role within the company
A new skill set opens up the doors to work on new tasks and change your regular routine
Satisfaction that the employer is willing to invest money and time into their career development
A pathway to higher qualifications

Call us today to speak with a specialised assessor and develop a customised training program for your business and your employees.

Five Things To Ask Your New Boss

Whether you’re entering a new role or have a new manager taking over your department, there are several important questions you need to discuss with them in order to ensure you both have a strong working relationship.

1) What is your management style? If your manager is hands on, then make sure you provide regular updates on all of your assignments and ask for their input regularly. If they prefer to delegate tasks, take care of the details and just report in with major updates.

2) How do you like to process information? Some managers prefer face to face conversations to discuss updates and happenings, while others work better by seeing the information summarized in an email. Understanding how they prefer to work will make both of your jobs easier.

3) Do you prefer to have your information delivered formally or informally? If your new boss is one for formality, it’s important to take the time to prepare thorough documents outlining your progress. If they are comfortable with a verbal update then don’t waste your time putting everything together in an official document.

4) Are there any courses or training programs you think I should enrol in to improve my productivity in the workplace? This is a perfect opportunity to know what your boss is looking for. They will likely have recommendations for programs or courses that will assist your professional development for the role. Some businesses even offer Accredited Workplace Training programs, which allow you to walk out of the program with a specific qualification, based partially on your prior work experience. Click here for a list of common workplace training programs in Australia.

5) How can I get where I want to be? Outline a goal you have in mind and wish to accomplish over the next 3 or 6 months, and ask your new boss what you need to do in order to accomplish it. This will allow them to know which projects are of interest to you, and which projects will assist you in acquiring the background you need to move forward with your goal.

Five Tips That Entrepreneurs and Management Must Remember

The always changing business world can be hard to keep up with, and over the last few years there have been many significant changes to the way successful businesses run. Some important components to consider for your business in 2014 are:

1. People expect free.

There was a time when people used to pay for everything; consultations, documents, assessments, and anything that took up your time – however, this time has ended. If you haven’t noticed yet, things have changed and now you can get virtually anything for free. From free apps and downloads to free consultations and samples. If you want to be a strong competitor in your industry it’s important to stay up to par with the business standards in your industry, and provide free, when free is expected.

2. Internal Resources.

Over the past decade, we have seen a strong shift from having websites created, updated and maintained externally to having an in house professional take care of the majority of the work. As an entrepreneur you may not specialise in web development but this is the year to familiarise yourself with the ins and outs of web development and maintenance. This will undoubtedly save you headaches in the future.

3. You are your brand.

You can build the strongest business brand in history, but if the Founder, CEO, or President have a negative reputation whether it’s industry related or not, it will affect your business. People have learned to do their research, so it’s important to keep a clean and positive reputation.

4. Stay positive.

You’ll notice that people will either say they love your idea and tell you it’s perfect, or tell you one hundred reasons why it won’t work and why you can’t do it. Find mentors or entrepreneurial inspirations that you can sit down with and learn from. Take their advice, and learn from their mistakes.

5. Expect failure.

Failing is how you learn to succeed. It takes risk, practice, and unfortunately a lot of trial and error to get your business where you want it to be. There will be struggles along the way, and it’s okay to get upset about them. But it’s important to move on and and continue trying new ideas.

Overall, in business it’s essential to stay up to date and aware of what’s going on within your industry. With constant advances in technology and updates to business processes, entrepreneurs need to keep themselves in the know more so than ever before. Following these tips will assist you in successfully accomplishing your business goals in 2014.

RPL Blog