Open Space week - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

Open Space week - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog Its consistently a delight seeing Open Space gatherings, and this week Ive been a piece of two VERY various ones. To start with, last wednesday I sorted out a workshop for 25 adolescents from the most exceedingly terrible piece of Copenhagen. Were talking 25 children matured 12-18, with totally various mentalities and foundations. Yet, it went incredible! Open Space was just a little piece of the day, yet the children took to it like ducks to water. They dove directly in, composed the gathering and got extremely far in the conversations right away. Phenomenal stuff! The subsequent Open Space meeting I went to this week was composed by Thomas Madsen-Mygdahl, to assemble motivation on making an inventive office condition/network in Copenhagen. This was a very surprising group, with a startling measure of ability taking part. Once more, the gathering got sorted out in a matter of seconds, and the discussions were open, positive, engaged and innovative. So the record despite everything stands: Every Open Space meeting Ive ever joined in or arranged has been a triumph. Which reveals to me that Open Space Technology is essentially a formalization of the manner in which we people like to meet and collaborate. OST is some way or another characteristic. BTW: I conversed with Lars Pind and offered to assist him with his Open Space meeting in april. Lets see what occurs there. A debt of gratitude is in order for visiting my blog. In case you're new here, you should look at this rundown of my 10 most famous articles. What's more, in the event that you need progressively extraordinary tips and thoughts you should look at our bulletin about joy at work. It's incredible and it's free :- )Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related

How To (Really, Truly, Actually) Stick To Your Career Goals This Year

The most effective method to (Really, Truly, Actually) Stick To Your Career Goals This Year Cheerful New Year! Regardless of whether youre sleeping after a nights ago festivals or youre determined to have a gainful first day of the year, we trust youre taking a break from work today. In any case, youve likely been doing some considering your profession objectives for this year...which now and again appears to be trivial. Since one more year down just methods one more year of ignored goals, isn't that so? Wrong. We need to push you to really make 2017 unique. In the event that this canine can figure out how to eat like a human, you can adhere to your goals in 2017! Heres how youre going to do it: Before you choose your goals, consider your inspirations for those objectives. Frequently we thoughtlessly write down a rundown of dynamic things we need to achieve. Get advanced, get a raise, locate another jobthese are objectives most everybody has as a primary concern, at any rate eventually, in light of the fact that they are away from of progress in our professions. However, its critical to comprehend your inspirations before defining objectives that are to some degree self-assertive. For instance, maybe youd like to get a new position - however is a totally new gig truly what youre focusing on? Ponder whether youd rather attempt to make a horizontal move inside your organization. In the event that that doesnt appear to be engaging, possibly theres an objective you can set in your present place of employment - regardless of whether it includes a discussion with your chief or your immediate reports, or whether it includes requesting a raise or advancement - that would make you more joyful. So also, if youre seeking after a raise or an advancement, pause for a moment to think about why. Is it accurate to say that you are feeling overlooked or underestimated at work? Do you anticipate the circumstance improving on the off chance that you show signs of improvement title or check? Possibly you do, yet be straightforward with yourself - the base of the issue may be more profound than pay; perhaps what youre truly searching for is a change to another organization. Most importantly you have to attempt to get to the core of your wants so as to set objectives that bode well and will persuade you. Since getting a raise isnt going to illuminate everything on the off chance that you truly loathe where youre working - and you need to make progress toward what will at last make you your most joyful and best self. Similarly, ensure youre moving in the direction of something that is reasonable. Its incredible to reach skyward, however all things considered, youre not going to turn into a CEO on the off chance that you have one year of experience added to your repertoire. In the event that you begin the year by going after something that is, well, totally out of your scope, youre going to get debilitated, and thusly, presumably less profitable. So be aggressive and challenge yourself, yet make a point to stay reasonable. When you make sense of a reasonable rundown of goals (or, hello, even only one goals), make an arrangement to keep yourself on track....and Write. It. Down. Youre going to make some hard memories remaining focused on your drawn out objectives in the event that you dont take on a steady speed with a course of events that incorporates some littler advances that will assist you with getting to the end goal. Regardless of whether you deal with your plan for the day in a schedule on your telephone or you like an outdated pen and paper agenda, it assists with having visual updates. Also that truly confirming or denoting your advancement will assist with keeping you propelled. For instance, if youre going to request a raise, youll first need to track and blueprint your prosperity with the goal that you have some solid proof that you merit what youre requesting. On the off chance that you have messages or reports that feature that youve been performing great, print those out and check this progression off your rundown. It will urge you to proceed onward to your next transient objective, which may be doing exploration to make sense of the amount you ought to request. Foresee difficulties and disappointment. The greater part of us make goals without stopping to thoroughly consider what may occur on the off chance that we fizzle. Dont misunderstand us - were in support of the glass-half-full-demeanor - yet on the off chance that you face a touch of dismissal that you arent expecting, it could throw you absolutely off kilter. Dont be skeptical, yet attempt to assess what snags you may look in attempting to arrive at your objectives. Along these lines youll be more ready to respond properly if something thwarts your advancement. Follow these means and have confidence this is the year when youre truly going to get things going. Fairygodboss is focused on improving the work environment and lives of women.Join us by looking into your boss!

Coachology See yourself clearly and put it on paper

Coachology See yourself obviously and put it in writing The explanation I invest so much energy advising you to have another person compose your resume is that I have done it previously, and it turned out to be truly well for me. I thought of myself diversely subsequent to finding support with the resume. This is on the grounds that a decent resume isn't a rundown or a work history, yet rather, a story. Furthermore, the manner in which we recount tales about ourselves truly uncovers what our identity is, however its extremely difficult to make an anecdote about our work when we are so near the subtleties all day every day. Stories are ground-breaking. In the event that you have an intelligible story of yourself, at that point your resume peruses like a sorted out arrangement. On the off chance that you have no clue what your story is, your resume peruses like a disconnected rundown. The best continues show a course of events of movement in your life in a way that makes a story that will stick in the perusers mind. Its difficult to filter through all the resume authors and make sense of who is acceptable. So individuals approach me all the ideal opportunity for the name of the organization I utilized. The issue is, that organization is no longer in business. Anyway a lot of the individuals from that organization keep on accomplishing the resume fill in as consultants. What's more, one of them, Elaine Basham will change two people groups continues with the expectation of complimentary this week. On the off chance that you need to have Elaine try your resume, send a three-sentence email to me by March 25 that says what's going on with your resume now, and what you need to achieve with another resume. Elaine will pick the two individuals who are generally ready to profit by her administration. For those of you who dont wind up working with Elaine, you may wind up composing your resume yourself, so here are the absolute most normal missteps.

Best Administrative Assistant Resume Examples [Skills Tips]

Best Administrative Assistant Resume Examples [Skills Tips] You are 7 minutes away from the perfect administrative assistant resume. But firstAn administrative assistant is the offices one-person special operations unit. You make the boss run like clockwork. You make that Monday morning teleconference happen.You make the world go round.The problem?Landing that job in the first place.Demand for secretaries and administrative assistants isnt growing fast enough.You need the perfect admin assistant resume to land your next job.This guide will show you:An administrative assistant resume sample better than 9 out of 10 other resumes.How to write an administrative assistant resume that will land you more interviews.Tips and examples of how to put skills and achievements on a resume for administrative assistant positions.How to describe administrative experience to get any job you want.Heres an example of a resume for an administrative assistant made using our resume builder.Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume bu ilder. Its fast and easy to use. Plus, youll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here.Sample Administrative Assistant ResumeSee more templates and create your resume here.One of our users, Nikos, had this to say:[I used] a nice template I found on Zety. My resume is now one page long, not three. With the same stuff.Create your resume nowHere are more resume samples for office and administrative support occupations:Executive Assistant ResumeOffice Assistant ResumeOffice Manager ResumeSecretary ResumeReceptionist ResumeClerical ResumeOffice Clerk ResumeFront Desk ResumeBusiness Administration ResumeNonprofit Resume1Whats the Best Format for an Administrative Assistant Resume?The best format for an administrative assistant is elegant and personable like Pam Beesly. But it packs a punch like Peggy OlsonIts the reverse-chronological resume format.You cant go wrong with this format for a professional administrative assistant resume .Remember how hard it was for you to write your first resume?This time its different.Whats a good administrative assistant resume template?Professional. Clean. Simple. Easy to scan.The core of administrative assistant job skills is organization. Prove your worth by using a professional resume templateA modern resume-friendly font. White space to guide the hiring managers gaze. Headings that help navigate the contents.Finally, save your perfect administrative assistant resume as a PDF. The PDF format keeps the layout in shape better than bubble wrap.Have your resume saved in different formats depending on whats required on the job advertisement, says Sarah Dowzell, COO at Natural HR.Pro Tip: Check the job description for the administrative assistant position to make sure PDFs are OK. Some Applicant Tracking Systems cant read PDF-formatted resumes. Then a Microsoft Word file may be preferred.How many pages? Aim for a one-pager, but double-check if its your ideal resume length.The reve rse-chronological format is best for most admin assistant resumes. But there are better templates for career changers and admin assistants re-entering the workforce. This guide will show you what will work best for you: Resume Format: How to Format a Resume for a Dream JobWant to make sure your resume will hook every recruiter and get you that interview? Get our free checklist and learn what makes a job-winning resume: 46 Things You Need To Do Before You Send Your Resume2Administrative Assistant Resume Summary or Resume ObjectiveWhatever introduction you use, it should be catchy but chock-full of job-relevant skills and experience.Who should use a resume objective for an administrative assistant resume?Fresh graduatesCareer-changersAre you an experienced administrative assistant? Go for aresume summary.An administrative assistant resume objective is like an elevator pitch. It explains what skills you excel at and how you can prove yourself on the job:Sample Resume Objective for Admi nistrative Assistant (No Experience)Heres how entry-level administrative assistant resumes could begin:Right Example of Administrative Assistant Resume ObjectiveRightEnglish graduate with proven communication, travel planning, and email management skills. Seeking a position as an administrative assistant at Acme Inc., to leverage organizational and research skills to support internal and external communication.Wrong Example of Administrative Assistant Resume ObjectiveWrongLooking for an admin assistant role where I can apply my skills. Im a self-starter that wants to make a difference.But wait! The first example does mention experience!Actually, both examples come from the same candidate. She was writing an admin assistant resume without experience in the industry.In the right example, she included work experience relevant to the position. She got it through internships, freelancing, and in college. It's a success!In the wrong example? Well, she simply called it quits and moved on.P ro Tip: Writing a resume for an entry-level administrative assistant job? Brainstorm. Come up with relevant experience and skills from other jobs. If you have the time, do a quick internship or volunteer at a local not-for-profit. Get involved in on-campus activities.An administrative assistant resume summary is a to-the-point highlight of your achievements and skills as an admin assistant.A good summary will make the hiring manager think, This is our savior!Examples of a Senior Administrative Assistant Resume SummaryLook at these two samples of executive administrative assistant resume summaries.Right Example of Administrative Assistant Resume SummaryRightSenior administrative assistant with 5+ years of experience and a degree in accounting. Managed busy schedules and travel plans of 3+ corporate executives while performing general office administration duties. Wanting to execute appointment management, manage internal and external communication, and aid with QuickBooks bookkeeping while meeting deadlines at Acme Inc.Wrong Example of Administrative Assistant Resume SummaryWrongAdmin assistant with on-the-job experience. Well-versed in handling day-to-day office management duties and bookkeeping. Excellent at multitasking.The right administrative assistant resume summary cuts to the chase. The hiring manager will want to call this skilled candidate ASAP.This candidate has the experience. Delivered quantifiable results. No need to mention multitasking, its clear shes a pro.The wrong administrative assistant resume summary isnt wrong wrong. Its just like the mystery meat served at the canteen on your first job. It looks fine, but youre clueless about specific ingredients (How many years of experience? Whats their background?). Some might like it, but only if theyre out of options.Pro Tip: Its easier to write a heading statement after youve finished the whole admin assistant resume. This way youll know exactly what to showcase in your summary or objective.A headi ng statement works great on any administrative assistant resume template. With all the competition out there, you need to grab the employers attention ASAP. Pack that entry-level administrative assistant resume objective with relevant experience. Highlight your pedigree in your summary. These guides will show you how: How To Write A Resume Summary: 21 Best Examples You Will See and 20+ Resume Objective Examples - Use Them On Your Resume (Tips)When making a resume in our builder, drag drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check. Start building your resume here.Create my resume nowWhen youre done, Zetys resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.3How to Describe Administrative Experience on a ResumeFollowed our advice on writing the best admin assistant resume summary/objective?Great, the hiring manager will read on.Time for the make or break part of your resumethe experience section.Administrative Assistant Res ume SamplesExperienceRight Example of Administrative Experience on a ResumeRightExecutive Administrative AssistantAcme Company, October 2014January 2018Trusted with a $350,000 budget to coordinate all international and domestic travel arrangements for executives going to corporate events.Trained 3 administrative assistants on customer service and other office procedures, including maintaining files and sending correspondence.Organized office transition from paper invoice to QuickBooks and online invoicing.Achievements:Saved $3,000 a year in office supplies after negotiating a new deal with the current supplier.Commended for creating the in-house newsletter to communicate managements vision. Reduced email back-and-forth by 20%.Wrong Example of Administrative Experience on a ResumeWrongAdmin AssistantAcme Company, March 2017PresentResponsible for coordinating travel arrangements.Managed online invoicing.Responsible for basic procurement of office supplies.Circulated in-house newslette r.See the difference?The right example of an administrative assistants resume will get any hiring managers seal of approval!The wrong example of an administrative assistants resume?It reads like a generic administrative assistant job description from Craigslist.Listen, hiring managers know the responsibilities and duties of an administrative assistant. They wrote the job ad to hire new employees.Curious how you can give your resume a boost like our candidate in the right example?Here are the best tips for talking about administrative assistant duties and responsibilities:How to Write About Administrative Experience in a ResumeDont list non-critical or routine day-to-day tasks, unless theyre in the job ad.Dont list responsibilities. List achievements.What is administrative experience without the numbers? Quantify your achievements whenever possible.Introduced a procedure or initiative that saved time or money? Show that off.Dont use clichs like responsible for or managed. Use action words to highlight your strengths: organized, trained, arranged, or distributed.Use the ProblemActionResult method to talk about your work. For example: Saved $3,000 a year in office supplies after negotiating a new deal with the current supplier. Problem? Money wasted. Action? Renegotiated. Result? Saved $3,000.You really need to do this right.Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that demand for secretaries and administrative assistants is not growing fast enough. But knowledge of office equipment is not enough. Fine-tune your experience section with help from this guide: How to List Work Experience on Your Resume [+20 Examples]Having trouble making that administrative assistant entry-level resume shine? These guides will help you kick the employers doors wide open: Entry-Level Resume: Sample and Complete Guide [+20 Examples] and First Resume with No Work Experience Samples (A Step-by-Step Guide)If you have worked on projects that required you to make use of your administ rative skills, be sure to mention them. Internships matter. So does freelancing and volunteering. You can create an additional section that will surely change the status of your application from maybe to hell yes!: Resume Sections to Include on Your Resume: Guide (+20 Examples)Action Words and Power Verbs for an Administrative Assistant ResumeUse these power words on your AA resume. See section 4. How to Put Skills on a Resume of this guide for more administrative assistant keywords.Keywords for Administrative Assistant ResumesLeading a Team or ProjectDesigned or CreatedAchievementsAssistanceCoordinatedAdministratedAchievedArrangedExecutedBuiltAcceleratedAidedGeneratedCreatedBoostedAnsweredHeadedDevisedDecreasedAssistedHandledDevelopedEnhancedCooperatedOrganizedFormedExpeditedContributedOversawImplementedGainedGuidedOperatedLaunchedIncreasedProvidedInitiatedPioneeredMaximizedSimplifiedPlannedSpearheadedOptimizedSupported4Skills toPut on an Administrative ResumeYoure well on your way to finishing the perfect administrative assistant resume.Remember how jobs arent growing fast enough? That means competition.Time to tip the scales in your favor and emphasize your administrative assistant skills on the resume.The ones that double as resume keywords for administrative assistants20+ Must-Have Administrative Assistant Resume SkillsAppointment SettingCalendar ManagementTravel PlanningEvent PlanningTime ManagementForeign Language SkillsEmail ManagementWriting Letters and EmailsFaxingCalling Clients and SuppliersReceiving VisitorsCustomer ServiceTranscriptionRecording Minutes of the MeetingTraining New EmployeesResearchOrder ProcessingData EntryFilling SystemsBookkeepingInventory ManagementBillingSalesForceMicrosoft OfficeMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft OutlookMIcrosoft PowerPointA good admin assistant is like a Swiss Army knifedependable and can do almost anything.See the administrative assistant skills list above?It combines soft skills, technical abilities, and problem-solv ing skills.But dont just copy and paste the whole thing into your resume. Pick your best abilities which mirror the requirements of the job ad. Match them to your previous jobs and mention them in bullet points describing your administrative duties.Does the job listing require you to know something about accounting, managing communication, and be fluent in Spanish?For this candidate its check, check, and check. Look how she put these administrative skills on her resume:Right Example of Administrative Assistant Resume SkillsRightAdministrative AssistantDecent Company, January 2017PresentProofread and ghostwritten internal communication for the management board.Communicated with clients and scheduled face-to-face meetings for 5+ executives.Conducted basic accounting tasks in QuickBooks and escalated issues to the supervisors.ReceptionistIncredibleStaffingAgency SF, August 2014January 2017Navigated a multicultural work environment and created positive rapport with potential hires.Scree ned phone calls and incoming email in Spanish.Skills:Fluent in Spanish (2 years in a bilingual work environment), accounting, QuickBooks, G Suite, MS Office, database management, multiple productivity apps (Slack, Trello), ...Cant quantify or prove your administrative skills through achievements?Dont worry, you cant put a number on everything. List the remaining relevant skills in the skills section of your AA resume template.Always highlight your command of foreign languages. Especially, if youre a bilingual admin assistant.Pro Tip: Want your admin assistant resume to start landing you interviews? Always write with the prospective employers needs in mind. Heres a great guide to explain what we mean: 6 Tips on How to Tailor Your Resume to a Job Description (Examples)Why do resume keywords matter? Your resume goes through an applicant tracking systeman app that puts non-relevant applicants on hold. Forever. Dont let this happen to you. This guide will help you get straight to the rec ruiter: Resume Keywords To Use: Step-by-Step Guide [25+ Examples Tips]Its not easy to come up with administrative skills on your own, so let us assist you: +30 Best Examples of What Skills to Put on a Resume (Proven Tips)5Is Your Education Section Underperforming? It Might BeJust list the highest level of education and move on, right?Not really.Yes, a high school diploma works just fine on an entry-level administrative assistant resume.For many executive administrative assistant resumes, youll need a bachelor of arts.Either way, this is how to put education on an AA resume:BA in Business Economics 2012State University of New York (SUNY)Relevant coursework: Introduction to Managerial and Financial Accounting, Advanced English Composition.See that?Its not just the degree, date, and the schools name. Our candidate also listed coursework that matches the job requirements of the position.Pro Tip: Whatever goes on the resume has to work in your favor. Use the education section to show o ff job-relevant knowledge and skills. If youre a recent graduate with an almost perfect GPA, put it on your resume. In all other casesdont.Still working on your degree? Just finished vocational training? Employers will appreciate this. Read our resume tips to find out how to put that education on your administrative assistant resume to wow them: How to Put Your Education on a Resume [Tips Examples]6How About a Cover Letter for an Administrative Assistant?Youve got some serious communication skills, right?Dont do like the rest of your competition and just plonk communication skills in your administrative assistant skills list.Prove them by writing a cover letter for the administrative assistant position.For administrative assistant jobs, are cover letters necessary?Spoiler alert: Yes.Approximately half of all recruiters expect to get a cover letter.Dont make them send you that thanksbutnothanks email the previous admin assistant wrote.Write an administrative assistant cover letter t hat makes them think, Wow! I need this candidate to write everything from now on!Aim for a short cover letter for your administrative assistant resume. Show youve got the skills, you know the company inside out, and provide them with an offer they cant refuse.Not sure what we mean? Weve got you covered. Heres our complete guide on how to write a cover letter that fits your perfect resume: Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Sample Writing GuideYou can also see general cover letter writing tips here: Cover Letter for a Resume: 12+ Sample Cover Letter SectionsA great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here.Here's what it may look like:See more cover letter templates and start writing.Want a sample to work from as you write your office assistant cover letter? See this guide:Office Assistant Cover Letter: Sample Full Writing Guide [20+ Tips]Key TakeawaySo, to write a professional admini strative assistant resume you need to follow these steps:Grab the hiring managers attention with the perfect administrative assistant resume objective or summary.Focus on achievements to prove youre worth your weight in gold.Show youve got the right education by listing relevant coursework and vocational training.Pepper your AA resume with relevant skills.Prove your communication and research skills by writing a catchy admin assistant cover letter for your resume.Include contact information, but consider skipping the address on your resume.Resume writing can be a challenge. Do you have any questions on how to make an administrative resume shine? Want others to review your document? Give us a shout in the comments section!

Custom Resume Writing Your Objective

Custom Resume Writing Your ObjectiveCustom resume writing your objective means a deeper and more detailed idea of what you want. If you have already written a resume, you will know that it is important to get the perfect purpose of your resume into the document. The objective of your resume is what it is all about.You have to make sure that you are targeting your audience correctly. If you have to narrow down your target market and are not getting a good response from those people, it is very unlikely that you will be able to sell them on your products or services. This is one thing that custom resume writing your objective can help you do. You have to have a well-written objective because that is what will make it easier for people to take you seriously when they see your resume.You have to start by listing out who you want to see your resume. You have to include in your document what you have done to make yourself qualified to fill the position. You have to mention your accomplishm ents in each of the three areas of the job that you are applying for.You can also consider including your objectives in your letter of application. This is very important and helps with the process of getting the interview. If you are successful in getting an interview, you need to start being objective and list out the things that you can do to further your chances of getting hired.List out all of the reasons why your objective is important and why you should be chosen. You also need to list out the advantages of you getting the job over others who are applying for the same position. If you have several advantages to offer, you need to list out what you can do to prove that you are the best person for the job. You need to be prepared and list everything that you can do.You will also want to write your custom resume writing your objective after you have completed all of the information you listed in your document. Make sure that you make your statement very concise. Be sure that you r statement does not go on. This can easily turn off potential employers who are looking for a quick way to dismiss someone.When you are doing your custom resume writing your objective, make sure that you do not forget to use phrases such as: 'Personal statement'Contact details' in your opening statement. These will help your interviewer pick up on this and know that you are going to be very thorough in answering their questions. Also, you should think about using a short statement of intent to introduce yourself.You should keep these pointers in mind when you are custom resume writing your objective. Once you have completed your document, it will not be long before you start to get calls from recruiters or employers looking for your resume. You will have the chance to prove that you are well qualified for the job and deserve to get the job.

The Conversation Piece How Your Outfit Can Help You Network

The Conversation Piece How Your Outfit Can Help You Network Today’s post is written by Kristina Moore, founder and editor of Corporate Fashionista, a fashion blog dedicated to the professional woman. She thrives on helping busy biz gals better communicate purpose through fashion. In a way, you’re always networking, right?!  As a professional, you understand it’s imperative to take charge of your career path, and building relationships is key to achieving your professional goals. It doesn’t even matter if you already have a job, you need to keep your feelers out there in the world, see what’s going on, and what opportunities are available in your office, industry, and marketplace at all times.  This means you need to make the most out of every networking event. First visual impressions or what you wear to these meet-and-greets can jumpstart, rekindle, and solidify important professional relationships. It’s true whether we like to admit it or not.  Here’s what works. Just as you are with your business, be very strategic with your clothing and accessory choices. The way you present yourself is a business tool, just like any other and when done well can greatly enhance all of the powerful networking skills you are honing here by reading  Classy Career Girl. The Outfit Conversation Piece The trick to using your outfit as a way to engage others is to always incorporate what I call a conversation piece.  It’s an ice-breaker that invites friendly, respectful interaction. This does not mean it has to be directly commented on to be effective nor does it mean it needs to be bold or graphic or flashy in any way. Obviously, the degree of fashion flexibility depends on the industry you work in, but you can easily add subtle style choices that make a strong impact and get the results you want.  Today, I want to focus on conservative attire with a twist. Here are my top three ways to easily make your conversation piece an instant hit. Choose one: Wear a Dress It will stand out in a sea of suits. The  Maggie London dress is a classic sheath dress and predominately black, so it meets the conservative criteria. The subtle twist is incorporating the color-blocking trend. It’s interesting, modern, and current. It implies you are, too. Add a black blazer if you need to tone it down further for your field. Add a Statement Necklace A statement necklace does not mean it has to be large or bright to make a statement. It needs to be eye-catching because it’s beautiful or fascinating. Sarah Chloe’s mini heartbeat necklace  is a great example. Its unique, story-filled design grabs attention and is an instant conversation piece. Earrings (unless your hair is in an updo), bracelets, handbags and, yes, even shoes can work, but won’t do the job of a conversation piece as quickly. A necklace is close to your face and easy to notice when introductions are made at crowded networking events. Wear a Colorful, Solid-Colored Blouse A flattering, lively color gets attention. A blouse is close to your face, so it’s easy for your peers to notice it. The color does not have to be shocking to be noticeable. A  purple blouse is a great example. The vibrant color will appropriately stand out. A printed blouse can work, but it doesn’t have quite the same instant impact. The other best blouse option is one with an exciting yet suitable neckline. Again, the intriguing design detail is close to your face and very easy to attract or to add to a conversation. Remember, the conversation piece  you incorporate into your next networking outfit does not have to elicit comments to be successful! The spirit of its impact will not go unnoticed…let the connections begin! Reader Question: How conscious are you about the message you are sending with what you wear to professional events?

4-Day course with Penelope How to start an online business

4-Day course with Penelope How to start an online business This course  includes four days of video sessions and email-based course materials.  You can purchase this course  for anytime, on-demand access. The cost is $195.     Sign up now. This course is a peek into  the inner workings of my life; how I figure out how to make money no matter what situation Im  in. My personal life  shifts quickly, in big ways, and I have had to be able to shift my financial  life to keep up with that. Most of  my tactics for financial survival have been quick launches of  online businesses, one  after another, depending on what my needs are in that moment. Ive launched plenty of  online businesses over many phases of my life. Ive launched an online business when I had no experience and learned everything about online marketing from a book. I launched an online business when I had unlimited time to invest in making the business huge. And Ive launched an online business while Im homeschooling, and all I really want is five minutes peace. Its been a long, interesting road, but now I know: there are five types of online businesses that work, and in this course youll know what I know from that long road as I teach you what works. And what doesnt. Ill show you how to figure out which type of business if right for you. And which ones arent. Ill  show you the tactics it takes to launch an online business, but Ill also show you how to tailor the process to your strengths and your passions. Youll be surprised by how much control you can have over your life once you know how to launch an online business. Day one: Find  the best business for you to launch An online business is very low-cost to  start. There is almost no overhead, you do not need investors and you can build your business at whatever pace you want. Which means you have a lot of choicesso many that its hard to know how to start. Everyone has different reasons for wanting to start an online business. This session will help you find the business model that will actually help you build the life you want. Do you want to earn some extra spending money on the side? Do you need a great job on your resume? Are you bored with your life, or looking for a new project? This session will cover: The 5  types of online businesses that work The online  business that best leverages your particular strengths The type of online business that  will  meet  your financial goals Day Two:  Make a launch plan One  reason an online business is so low-cost to launch is that you can customize your business to play to skills you already have. So much of success comes from self-knowledge. The more clearly you understand your strengths, the more smoothly your business  will operate. Ive spent years testing launch plans, and Ive made all the mistakes so you dont have to. In this session youll  learn best practices for people who are just like you. Once you have a blueprint for a successful launch,  your confidence will increase  and so will your productivity; theres nothing like a clear, tactical plan to make you go after your dreams. This session will cover: The launch-plan template Ive used many times  for my own online businesses 7 Low-cost ways to make your site look great from the start How to shut down the noise and outside pressure and focus on the essentials of launching Day Three: Make your first month great, and then youre home free  What you are really after is a  sustainable online business, one you can count on to make money. To that end, well focus this session on crafting systems that  create customers. I will show you the quick, free system Ive developed for testing online business models, so you can find a system that works for you. We will explore the most popular strategies for drawing  customers to your site, and teach you how to convert website traffic to paying customers. This session will cover: Proven systems online entrepreneurs  use to generate sales Tactics for pinpointing the weak spot in the sales process and fixing it Methods for evaluating success; how to turn failures into success in just  one day Day Four: Live QA This session will be a live workshop where I help you vet your ideas (so you know what businesses wont work at all), and find the best business to launch. During this  live QA I can give you direct feedback and answer any questions you have about running an online business. Sign up now.