Why You Need to Always think Like the Boss, Even if You Aren’t One

Just because you don’t own the company you work for, doesn’t mean you apply an owner’s mentality to your work.

Thanks to The Great Recession and advancements in technology, the workforce is tighter and more competitive than ever before, and it’s not getting better anytime soon. Simply being good at your job is no longer enough to advance your career. In today’s workplace, companies expect everyone to do more with less, and this approach is here to stay. At first glance, this new expectation can be intimidating; however, taking a more pointed and deeper look will uncover a new age of possibilities for workers open to seeing them.

Most employees don’t take initiative and ownership of their careers, and instead take a passive approach by waiting around for direction and only doing what’s assigned and hinging their success on others’ decisions. What’s worse, most people don’t realize that owning their own career and seizing opportunities is very simple. With a few small changes in your approach, you can make a big impact on your career’s trajectory.

Realize that every problem or challenge offers at least one opportunity. If you live by these words...

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Posted on September 11, 2013 .

How to Have a Personal Life Once Startup Fever Sets In

For many entrepreneurs, the lines between work and home are blurred or have been completely erased. Entrepreneurs are driven people and their success is dependent upon their hard work and on decisions they make. What's more, many entrepreneurs get paid only when they're actively engaged in work activities. So for the self-employed, it's no wonder why many entrepreneurs find themselves working 24/7, 365 days a year. Creating boundaries is even more challenging for those who work from a home, rather than having outside office space.

Working nonstop does not ensure success and it's important for entrepreneurs, especially when you work at home, to be proactive about setting boundaries between work life and home life.

Here's how.

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Posted on September 5, 2013 .

Get a Life. It Might Just Be the Best Thing You Can Do for Your Business

When deciding to embark on the entrepreneurial journey, the first thing you often lose is work-life balance. Those most dedicated to professional success commonly fail to show that same level of commitment to their personal well-being. Granted, it’s easy to get caught up in the momentum of starting and running a business. But that’s not an excuse for disregarding your personal life.

It’s more than just a luxury for entrepreneurs to take time off. It’s a necessity. Many entrepreneurs work 24/7, 365 days a year, and their compulsion to do so is often driven by a fear that anything left unattended will lead to failure. However, it might be wise to consider devoting regularly scheduled time to activities outside the office. It’s important not only for your life, but for your business as well.

Here’s why:

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Posted on August 28, 2013 .

Change Is Good. Now, How to Get Employees to Buy In

Change is key in business for remaining relevant and ahead of the curve. But, while managers love change, employees often fear it or fight it. You always can fire an employee if she doesn’t get with the program, but that’s not good business sense. True leadership demands getting buy-in from those you lead. What’s more, doing so can make your job easier.

With these five steps, you can implement change and ensure a smooth transition with employees who are on board and will work hard because they want to.

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Posted on August 22, 2013 .

7 Reasons Why You Might Be Suffering From Workplace Anger

No one is happy all the time at work. After all, it’s called work for a reason.

According to a Britain-based study, more than half of Britons experience regular “desk rage.” What’s more, a recent Gallup poll shows more than 70% of American employees are either “not engaged” or “actively disengaged” from their jobs, so it’s not a far leap to assume we have some workplace indignation as well.

If you find yourself regularly frustrated or impatient at work, you could be suffering from office anger. On the surface, it might seem like normal day-to-day nonsense that can be brushed off,  and that your colleagues  don’t even notice your displeasure. But you’re wrong. Chances are they do notice, and if you don’t address and work to fix the situation, you could soon find yourself unemployed.

Here are seven possible reasons for your office anger and easy ways to address them to stay employed:

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Posted on August 22, 2013 .

Are you applying for the wrong jobs?

We all have different work personalities and styles. Some of us prefer to work solo, while others thrive in a team setting. The key is knowing the best way for you to thrive at work and learn how to adapt if the right conditions aren’t present.

Most jobs require a balance of being both a team player and an independent worker. But, often, you’re called upon to be one or the other.

As employers remain careful and selective with their hiring practices, job seekers should be prepared to be asked about their work style. While you don’t have to take a hard line toward one or the other, you must recognize the ideal situation for achieving optimal performance and how to answer the question in the best manner. Here’s why:

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Posted on August 14, 2013 .