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Learn how to reach career nirvana; Journal is your one stop shop for advice about all things workplace, productivity and job success.

How to Make a Profit in Business
Teach. There’s the short, straight, no bullshit answer for all you busy entrepreneurs and workers trying to get a little ahead in the game! For those of you who want more out of business and life, let me take you on a journey. The company I work for, TherapyCable, is a video marketing company for the healthcare industry. For years, we had gone through different business models to try and turn a profit. We created plans and ideas that we THOUGHT our potential clients wanted rather than simply asking them. Does this sound familiar? I’m sure while starting your own business or venture you’ve come across similar struggles and hurdles to cross. Business is not easy by any means. It takes a dedicated and hardworking team to succeed. What finally worked for us? We realized that teaching and giving away all our knowledge for free is what our clients actually needed before contracting us.
By Austin Armstrong8 years ago in Journal
How to Get More Instagram Followers
With more than 400 million active users, Instagram has become a great place for companies to advertise. However, Instagram is often seen as one of the hardest places to gain followers for some companies in certain industries. So, how can you increase your following?
By Chloe Walton8 years ago in Journal
How To Write an Interview Thank-You Email
Now that you've made it through your job search and interview process, there's the selection process, which can go either way depending on how you respond. Some hiring managers will opt to select someone else if they don't receive a follow-up email, sensing that you're not interested. So crafting together a thank-you email is essential in locking down a job. This is how to write an interview thank-you email properly.
By Madeline Zenk8 years ago in Journal
How to Create a SWOT Analysis
First of all, what is a SWOT analysis? A SWOT analysis identifies internal STRENGTHS and WEAKNESSES and external OPPORTUNITIES and THREATS.
By Amanda Morgan MBA8 years ago in Journal
The Basics of Being a Waitress
First things first, from now on don't call the people you are serving customers ... call them guests. Make your guests feel at home and welcome. I usually do this by verbally saying they are always here, but there are probably better ways. With that said - you do have the right not to serve a customer if they are harassing you, drinking too much, didn't pay last time, etc. Know the menu! For example: if all burgers come with a side of fries, ask them if they want fries or a substitute. Know some drinks! If a customer asks for a mojito, it helps to know what a mojito is, if the bartender says she doesn't know how to make it .. Bring cutlery and side plates before you bring the food. I try to bring them just after they order to make sure I don't forget .. because that can be embarrassing! Management is going to want you to up-sell, so if it's dinner offer a dessert menu and coffee at the end. With that said - don't ask them if they want anything else while they are waiting for their food. If you have trouble remembering orders, it's okay to write them down. Smile. I hate saying this because I hate being told to do it, but it helps you get better tips. Look clean! Washed hair, washed finger nails, clean clothes, etc. Makeup isn't mandatory but it can help sometimes. It can also be fun. It is best to avoid perfume, some people are allergic to it. If you think you might forget a task that you need to do in ten minutes, it's okay to write it down. Check the order before bringing it to the table. If there is a mistake don't blame the chef or anyone else. Just apologize and fix it. Never complain about a bad tip. The only time you can mention a tip is if you are saying a simple thank you. Never sit around doing nothing. 'If you have time to lean, you have time to clean.' Stay neutral in arguments about who will pay. Ask if they would like water when they order coffee or alcohol. Bring extra cutlery for specific orders. If someone is getting a steak, grab a steak knife. If someone is getting a soup, bring a spoon. If someone is getting a coffee, put a spoon on the side. Don't set dangerous objects near children. If the parents order hot soup just try to keep away from the kids a little. If you don't have an apron pocket, you can consider buying one online. Familiarize yourself with the daily specials. I hate to say this but it's best to do it before your shift even starts. If someone is getting take-out, bring it in a plastic bag with plastic cutlery and napkins. Don't let it get to you if the other waitresses are being mean to you, they could easily just be jealous you are getting better tips or they are just stressed. Know the numbers of the tables, trust me it helps. Also it looks really bad if you don't know the numbers. Choose the music with some care. Don't play a whole album of the same artist. In the morning, play softer music and in the afternoon, play more energetic music. Perform unpleasant tasks without complaining. Keep the music a little low so that guests can still talk to each other. Want more tips? Good! Introduce yourself, make eye-contact and be friendly. Befriend the regulars. Remember their names and favourite drinks. Make them feel like they are coming to visit a friend: you! Don't gossip about customers, even if you think they can't hear you. Just don't risk it. Show up to work early. This is important to any job, especially if you are new.
By Test8 years ago in Journal
The Art of Great Coaching. Top Story - March 2018.
Many managers seem to cringe at the thought of coaching their employees when performance comes up short. I mean, after all, don’t they already know their jobs? Why in the world would they need coaching? I feel like I’m a teacher, counselor, career guru, and sometimes a baby-sitter! I just want them to do their jobs!
By Glenn Harriman8 years ago in Journal
How to Be an Amazing Server
This is a lot to take in at once, so I apologize in advance. Just try to take in what you need/want. First things first, they are guests in the restaurant, not just customers. Treat them like you would treat a guest. Give people a warm greeting as they enter the restaurant. Seat guests even if the rest of their party isn't there yet. If a person enters alone, don't make them feel bad for being alone. Simply ask if they have a reservation. If they don't have one, ask if they want to sit at the bar. Tables should be level before guests arrive. Try to fix this or any similar problems ahead of time. Try not to be biased towards tap water vs. bottled water. Both are fine. Don't just walk up to them and ask what they would like to order. First, start with something more simple, like asking them how they are doing that day. Be friendly, then ask what they would like to eat. Some places want you to announce your name, some places don't. I guess just ask your supervisor. Do not interrupt the guests' conversations. When the customer approaches, make sure to acknowledge them by greeting them nicely. Apologize for any wait, even if it was a short wait. Tell them about the specials that are on right now. Make it sound natural. Don't recite them like this is the 100th time you've said them today... even if it is the 100th time you've said them today. Don't mention your personal favourites when telling them the specials. I am personally guilty of this one and the guests will tell you they weren't looking for that information. Never say, "Good choice," because it implies that any other choices may be bad. Don't say, "no problem." Say, "you're welcome" instead. "My pleasure," seems to be a popular choice as well. Never mention what your favourite dessert is. They probably don't want to know. Do not compliment a customer on their hair, clothes, or anything else. You are insulting someone else. Do not gossip about co-workers or guests within earshot of any guests. Better yet, don't gossip at all. Ask the customer if they found everything all right. Handle glassware by stems and cutlery by their handles. Ask them "How is everything?" and fix the problem if there is any. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you don't know the answer to a question... this phrase will save you: "I'll find out." Never use the same glass for a second drink. Bring the cutlery before you bring the food. Don't let a glass of water sit empty for too long. But don't make the same mistake I did and fill a glass of water every two minutes... It either makes them nervous or annoyed. Don't blame the chef, or the hostess, or anyone else if something goes wrong. Just make it right. If someone wants to know your life story, keep it short. Never deliver a hot plate without warning the guest. Try to let the guest know you are out of something before they look at the menu. Never acknowledge one customer more than any other. All guests are equal. So, no favourites. When bringing the food, don't ask whose food is whose. Know who to give it to before you approach the table. Do not go to work smelling like perfume or cigarette smoke. Never remove a plate full of food without asking them what was wrong. Obviously something went wrong. Do not eat or drink in view of guests. Do not turn on the charm when it's time to get your tip. Keep your amazing service consistent throughout the entire time. Ask the guest if they want coffee with their dessert. Or just a coffee after the meal. Never bring the check until someone asks for it. Then bring it to the person who asked for it. Do not stop giving excellent service after the check is paid. Here is something I have messed up on. Remember that the music is for the guests, not for the staff. If they want the music turned down, you can turn it down a little... or ask the supervisor to turn it down a little. Give them a bag with their take-out. This one takes time to figure out. Don't hover over a customer too long because it can make them anxious, especially when they are dealing with the bill or trying figure out how much 15 percent of the bill is. Don't wear too much jewelry. You know it is too much when people comment on it. Know the Menu! Ask what they want for their side choice (if the meal comes with a side). Sign your name with a heart on the receipt. I guess this really only works if you want to be flirtatious... which you're not suppose to be ... Don't say anything after a tip except "thank you" and "thank you very much." If they don't tip, don't say anything at all.
By Test8 years ago in Journal
How to Write a Professional Business Resume
You just heard about a job opening at a company you would like to work for. The job summary includes great potential and advancement with potential benefits. To apply, candidates must include three references and a professional business resume. You’ve never written one and would like to land a new job you’re fond of. What do you do? Regardless of an education background (students, instructors, professors, or anyone of importance), everyone has skills, or material they are good at or proud of; strong enough to put on a resume.
By Jason Anschutz8 years ago in Journal
How To Manifest What You Want by Pushing Through Resistance
For many of us, finding a job is a challenge. Many factors that may be working against us in our search for employment is geographical location, the opportunities available that are within our experience or training, and our past work history. The overall job market of today is booming with opportunities, but not for everyone. Those of us in awakened state, who have begun the ascension process, have a higher vibration than those who are still "sleeping." While awakening is a wonderful experience, the ascension has its challenges. Some of us are not able to successfully navigate the job matrix, as we are on a higher vibration and make others uncomfortable. In the workplace, this often results in the loss of a job or the inability to find one at all. The answer lies within the discovery of our purpose, the proper implantation of the law of attraction and manifesting experiences rather than outcomes.
By Lady Red8 years ago in Journal
Ten Successful Subject Line Formulas to Try on Your Next Marketing Email
Finding the right subject line for your amazing email series can be hard. I get it. You want to create a sense of urgency to encourage your email subscribers to open and take action, but you don't want to blether on or sound like a robot.
By Sarah Katherine8 years ago in Journal
How to Write Fiction
When I write fiction, I make sure to thoroughly imagine the scene before me. This imaginative rendering happens in my head, first. Now, as a trance medium, I have applications that can allow me to use the faculty in order to produce good writing. I channel my work from my imagination to my fingers as my fingers write the prose. I used to do character outlines for my fan fiction. I am contemplating writing short stories again to get them published. Some have survived from my college days where I earned an A.A. in creative writing at Foothill College. Writing fiction is all about showing what is in your head and putting it on paper or computer files.
By Iria Vasquez-Paez8 years ago in Journal
Auditioning: The Real Victory
Local, professional, and high school theatre are gearing up for auditions in the upcoming weeks/months. Some for the spring term/semester, others for the summer. Nerves are at an all time high. Some actors can audition like it's nothing, while others struggle with nerves mightily. For me, auditioning is the goal. If you treat the audition like the destination, instead of the first step, you'll audition much better. I've never hosted auditions or made the decision on my own in regards to casting or choosing people to come back to call-backs.
By Kevin Rothlisberger8 years ago in Journal