In most professional fields, career stability is a very important trait that companies look for in new employees. It is important to demonstrate long-term commitment to your company and focus on the development opportunities within that company. Conventional HR wisdom holds that hiring managers prefer job candidates with years of experience at their previous companies. Employers want candidates with stable track records, the ones who have demonstrated loyalty and commitment to their firms. The Dilemma of Career Stability Some job candidates are penalized for too much job switching displayed on their résumé, while others are labeled ‘stagnant’ for staying too long in one job. However, in today’s world, recruiters and hiring executives say that two years at a job is about the minimum length of employment you should stay. This standard of job stability varies by age and field of profession. Employers like longer track records in financial and purely corporate professionals. However, sometimes the recruiters in the field of technology, arts, advertising and communication tolerate, and rather encourage more job-hopping. Also, when you are younger, frequent job switching is more acceptable than when you are older and much experienced. On the other hand, more than ten years at the same company may be too long and disadvantageous. When a candidate has been at one company for a longer time period, the concern often is that the person is stalled in his career and is not expanding his skills aggressively enough. Moreover, there is another fear that no matter how qualified the candidate is he would not be able to adapt to a new company if he has been at another one for too long. However, the question which would pop up in minds of the people who are reading this article is that if staying at a job for a longer period of time is so important, then how exactly can an employee be able to practice career stability? Useful Tips To Pursue Career Stability Even when changing industries and technologies and the crests and troughs of the market pressurize to make us out-of-date, it is likely to have a longer, more dynamic and satisfying career. Following are five helpful suggestions through which you can pursue career stability: Career Planning Career planning makes a person to think suitably about their positive and negative aspects. All about their interest and their creativity becomes possible through properly analyzing ourselves. Think what we want to do and finding out more about the kind of training, education and skills we will need to achieve our career goal is the core objective of career planning. Identify exactly where you want to be in the next five years and then break down the steps you need to take to get there. However, if you do not have a plan to start with, you will run the risk of being bounced around. Effective Communication If you think you do not need writing proficiency or social skills on your job right now, you might need those skills in order to move up or just to maintain your job. Professional career experts say that the people who get ahead are more outgoing, more assertive, carry themselves with confidence and communicate well. Even if you are shy, you can still stretch yourself by taking a business communication/writing class and there are also some organizations that can help you practice public speaking. Career Networking Even in the best of economic times, there is no position, company or even a career, is completely safe. When employers are hiring new staff, their first inclination is typically towards employee referrals or internal searches. Both the job seekers and professionals need to have a network of contacts that can provide them support, information and any new job. By continually networking with people in your company, and also outside your company, in your profession and outside your profession, you can increase your opportunities and knowledge exponentially and seize opportunities you would not ordinarily hear about. Suitable Flexibility Being flexible about career planning and career management is very important. In addition to career planning and identifying exactly where you want to be, also create a more general plan, a sort of ‘plan B’, of personal ethics, job characteristics, pay scale, duties and work environment that would be satisfying, just in case you longer have the job you want. Career experts say that with a broader master plan that suits your needs; you will be able to take advantage of other opportunities, maybe even better opportunities, which align with your overall values and goals. Continue Learning You must keep learning new things in order to broaden your horizon in your professional field. Once you start learning something new, you will become excited about your job again. You may have all the skills you need to do the job you have now. However, if you want to move up the ladder of career growth, you will definitely need a broader range of skills. You should take a good look at the job qualifications of the position you want and get the necessary training for it. But do not expect your company to train you and manage your career. These days you will probably have to pay for the training you need. However, if you choose to keep learning during your professional life, it will turn out to be one of the best things you can do. Career Stability – A Synopsis Although, career stability is a situational factor and also varies from one individual to another. However, its importance cannot be undermined. One of the basic ways to reach suitable stability in job is by keeping yourself refreshed and updated. A fresher approach towards your career may lead you to a longer and more progressive stay at your employment. Volunteer for new duties. There may be new opportunities in your own organization that let you stretch your abilities and extend your skills. By participating in such volunteering opportunities, not only that you will learn new skills, you will also be automatically networking and socializing with others in your field, especially those who were not on your radar before. Above all, raise a question to yourself, whether you have the passion and commitment for the career you have chosen. Career length distinguishes successful long tenures from unsuccessful short stints and partially reflects the contributions of an employee to the goals of the employer. There are well-defined standards that quantify career stability and productivity, which together contribute to the overall success rating for an individual employee.

In most professional fields, career stability is a very important trait that companies look for in new employees. It is important to demonstrate long-term commitment to your company and focus on the development opportunities within that company. Conventional HR wisdom holds that hiring managers prefer job candidates with years of experience at their previous companies. Employers want candidates with stable track records, the ones who have demonstrated loyalty and commitment to their firms.

The Dilemma of Career Stability

Some job candidates are penalized for too much job switching displayed on their résumé, while others are labeled ‘stagnant’ for staying too long in one job. However, in today’s world, recruiters and hiring executives say that two years at a job is about the minimum length of employment you should stay. This standard of job stability varies by age and field of profession. Employers like longer track records in financial and purely corporate professionals. However, sometimes the recruiters in the field of technology, arts, advertising and communication tolerate, and rather encourage more job-hopping. Also, when you are younger, frequent job switching is more acceptable than when you are older and much experienced. On the other hand, more than ten years at the same company may be too long and disadvantageous. When a candidate has been at one company for a longer time period, the concern often is that the person is stalled in his career and is not expanding his skills aggressively enough. Moreover, there is another fear that no matter how qualified the candidate is he would not be able to adapt to a new company if he has been at another one for too long.

However, the question which would pop up in minds of the people who are reading this article is that if staying at a job for a longer period of time is so important, then how exactly can an employee be able to practice career stability?

Useful Tips To Pursue Career Stability

Even when changing industries and technologies and the crests and troughs of the market pressurize to make us out-of-date, it is likely to have a longer, more dynamic and satisfying career. Following are five helpful suggestions through which you can pursue career stability:

Career Planning

Career planning makes a person to think suitably about their positive and negative aspects. All about their interest and their creativity becomes possible through properly analyzing ourselves. Think what we want to do and finding out more about the kind of training, education and skills we will need to achieve our career goal is the core objective of career planning. Identify exactly where you want to be in the next five years and then break down the steps you need to take to get there. However, if you do not have a plan to start with, you will run the risk of being bounced around.

Effective Communication

If you think you do not need writing proficiency or social skills on your job right now, you might need those skills in order to move up or just to maintain your job. Professional career experts say that the people who get ahead are more outgoing, more assertive, carry themselves with confidence and communicate well. Even if you are shy, you can still stretch yourself by taking a business communication/writing class and there are also some organizations that can help you practice public speaking.

Career Networking

Even in the best of economic times, there is no position, company or even a career, is completely safe. When employers are hiring new staff, their first inclination is typically towards employee referrals or internal searches. Both the job seekers and professionals need to have a network of contacts that can provide them support, information and any new job. By continually networking with people in your company, and also outside your company, in your profession and outside your profession, you can increase your opportunities and knowledge exponentially and seize opportunities you would not ordinarily hear about.

Suitable Flexibility

Being flexible about career planning and career management is very important. In addition to career planning and identifying exactly where you want to be, also create a more general plan, a sort of ‘plan B’, of personal ethics, job characteristics, pay scale, duties and work environment that would be satisfying, just in case you longer have the job you want. Career experts say that with a broader master plan that suits your needs; you will be able to take advantage of other opportunities, maybe even better opportunities, which align with your overall values and goals.

Continue Learning

You must keep learning new things in order to broaden your horizon in your professional field. Once you start learning something new, you will become excited about your job again. You may have all the skills you need to do the job you have now. However, if you want to move up the ladder of career growth, you will definitely need a broader range of skills. You should take a good look at the job qualifications of the position you want and get the necessary training for it. But do not expect your company to train you and manage your career. These days you will probably have to pay for the training you need. However, if you choose to keep learning during your professional life, it will turn out to be one of the best things you can do.

Career Stability – A Synopsis

Although, career stability is a situational factor and also varies from one individual to another. However, its importance cannot be undermined. One of the basic ways to reach suitable stability in job is by keeping yourself refreshed and updated. A fresher approach towards your career may lead you to a longer and more progressive stay at your employment. Volunteer for new duties. There may be new opportunities in your own organization that let you stretch your abilities and extend your skills. By participating in such volunteering opportunities, not only that you will learn new skills, you will also be automatically networking and socializing with others in your field, especially those who were not on your radar before.

Above all, raise a question to yourself, whether you have the passion and commitment for the career you have chosen. Career length distinguishes successful long tenures from unsuccessful short stints and partially reflects the contributions of an employee to the goals of the employer. There are well-defined standards that quantify career stability and productivity, which together contribute to the overall success rating for an individual employee.

Politics

Pakistan - corruption amnesty fallout

Arrest warrant for Interior Minister, travel ban on Defence Minister

  2009-12-18

  Lawyers celebrate after Pakistan's Supreme Court on Wednesday announced its decision
(Photo: Reuters)

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Pakistan's Interior Minister, Rehman Malik, while Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhta is barred from leaving the country. This is the first fallout after the Supreme Court removed an amnesty protecting politicians from corruption charges.

Mukhtar told local television he had been due to go on an official visit to China, but that his name was on an "exit list" restricting travel, and that federal authorities said he could not leave.
"It was in connection with a corruption case. But there is no corruption case against me - it is only an enquiry which is pending against me for the past 12 years. I will strongly defend myself in the court," Mukhtar said.
He is one of thousands affected by Wednesday's decision to annul as "unconstitutional" a 2007 amnesty that protected politicians and senior ministers, including President Asif Ali Zardari, from corruption charges. Neraly 250 people are reported to be on the exit control list.
The ruling has rattled the US-backed civilian government in Pakistan, with the opposition demanding the resignation of Zardari and his entire cabinet.
The National Reconciliation Ordinance was passed in October 2007 by then-president Pervez Musharraf, who was under pressure to hold elections and end eight years of military rule.
Meanwhile the United States on Thursday accused Pakistan of delayed hundreds of visas for US contractors and officials, adding to tension between the allies in the war on terrorism.
State Department deputy spokesperqon Robert Wood said the US government has raised its "serious concerns" at very senior levels with Pakistan, but added that the cause of the delays is "unclear."
He warned that the delays risked undermining US-backed efforts to fight terrorism and boost the economy in Pakistan.

Pakistan minister court summons

Friday, 18 December 2009
 

Rehman Malik is one of thousands who benefited from the amnesty

A judge in Karachi has summoned the Interior Minister, Rehman Malik to appear before an anti-corruption court.
It follows a court ruling this week which ruled out an immunity granted to the minister and thousands of other Pakistani officials.
Mr Malik is one of around 250 officials whose corruption and criminal cases have been re-opened.
On Thursday Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar was barred from going to China after he was stopped at the airport.
Mr Mukhtar said immigration officials prevented him from boarding the plane for an official visit.
The latest developments after the supreme court ruled on Wednesday that an amnesty protecting senior members of government was unconstitutional.
Only recently has it been revealed that more than 8,000 politicians and officials benefited from the legislation.
Those under investigation are barred from leaving Pakistan but the others have so far not been named.
Presidential immunity
The BBC's Aleem Maqbool in Islamabad says that the ruling has thrown Pakistan's political administration into turmoil.

Many ministers may now have their movements curtailed

Our correspondent says that calls are growing for the president and the entire government to step down - something presidential aides have said will not happen.
The controversial amnesty was brought in by the previous president, Pervez Musharraf, and its removal opens the way to possible prosecution for allies of the current President, Asif Zardari.
Mr Zardari himself faces several pending court cases against him in Pakistan but is protected by presidential immunity.
Before taking office, he spent years in jail after being convicted on corruption charges he says were politically motivated.
Pakistan's main opposition, the Pakistan Muslim League-N of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, has called on the president to resign.
Exit list
Mr Mukhtar told local television that his name was on the "exit list" restricting travel and that the federal investigation authorities had said he could not leave the country.
He told Geo TV that he had been planning to visit China for three days on an official visit in connection with the delivery of a warship.
"It was in connection with a corruption case but there is no corruption case against me - it is only an inquiry which is pending against me for the past 12 years."
He said he would "strongly defend" himself in court.
The amnesty was introduced by Mr Musharraf in order to allow Mr Zardari's late wife, Benazir Bhutto, to return to the country and stand for office, with the aim of a possible power-sharing deal with Mr Musharraf.
She returned to Pakistan from abroad after the so-called National Reconciliation Ordinance was signed into law, but was assassinated soon after.

Arrest warrant for Pakistan interior minister

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 
 

 

Interior Minister Rehman Malik is among the 52 high-ranking officials for whom arrest warrants have been issued.

A court in Pakistan has issued an arrest warrant for Interior Minister Rehman Malik amid growing political turmoil in the nuclear-armed country.

Arrest warrants have been issued against 52 individuals including federal ministers and some of the persons sitting on key government positions.

Earlier, Pakistan's anti-corruption agency stopped Defense Minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar at Islamabad International Airport on his way to China for an official visit.

Nearly 250 other top officials are also barred from leaving the country as political turmoil deepens following a Supreme Court on revoking an amnesty deal which shields President Asif Ali Zardari and many other government officials from prosecution.

The 2007 National Reconciliation Ordinance allowed Zardari and his late wife Benazir Bhutto, a former prime minister, to return from self-exile without facing corruption charges.

Revoking the amnesty could challenge the legality of Zardari's presidency and raise corruption cases against some of his close associates.

The developments have plunged the country into political turmoil amid rising militancy.
 

PUBLIC WARNING!

PUBLIC WARNING!

BEWARE OF FRAUDULENT COMPANIES/ NON-CORPORATE ENTITIES/ INDIVIDUALS
The General Public is once again warned not to be misled by fraudulent activities/schemes of deposits, loans, investments etc. launched by certain companies/non-corporate entities /individuals through advertisements (print and electronic media), agents, brochures, websites, emails and hoardings etc. The modus operandi of such schemes is briefly explained below for the benefit/information of the general public:

·   Employment Scams in which the job applicants are asked to pay some amount on one pretext or another along with job application.

·   Scams in the form of lottery schemes which attract people to earn wealth overnight through wagering. They make billions and give ads of people receiving prizes to attract more people. In reality, the winners are just actors for the advertisement.
·   Real estate scheme/projects soliciting investors to purchase properties in Pakistan by promising high gains and abroad by promising residency permits as well. The projects/properties exist only on paper. After obtaining sufficient funds from investors they disappear.
·   Deposit Schemes in which the general public is promised unusually high profit/mark-up. They give assurance of deposit safety and guaranteed regular high profits. For some time they pay profit regularly. Once they have accumulated enough deposits, they disappear.
·   Loan Schemes in which they promise loans of huge amounts for any purpose on easy terms. They ask borrowers to fill forms, pay certain fees and then keep telling them that they have submitted their case to a bank and will get it soon. In this way, they get a lot of prospective borrowers to pay fees and make a lot of money.
·   Introducing brokers of foreign brokerage houses, a type of business not covered under local laws. These concerns offer their services to clients in return for heavy fees. Most of the clients lose all of their hard earned money without any legal cover. They use bogus trading software to cheat their investors
·   Multi Level Marketing, Ponzi and Pyramid Schemes requiring new customers to bring certain number of more members in a geometric progression. The process of membership reaches a stage of saturation when the whole structure collapses and only a few people at the top of the scheme make money. Some companies also use this technique in the guise of sales strategy to sell otherwise unmarketable products at exorbitant prices.
·   Cheating through post, e-mails, phone calls, SMS by offering unexpectedly exciting prizes, lucky draws and sweepstake, and false promotions. Such approaches are designed to trick the innocent people to part with their money.

The general public is, therefore, advised in their own interest to be prudent while making any investments and to verify that the entity they are dealing with is duly authorized/licensed by the relevant authority to carry on its business. Appropriate advice from independent legal or financial professionals regarding the risks involved is advisable. The list of entities licensed by State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) & Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is available at their respective websites. For further clarification in respect of these entities, you may contact SBP or the SECP at the following addresses: 

Jamal Abdul Nasir Daudpota Joint Director Banking Policy & Regulations Department, State Bank of Pakistan I. I. Chundrigar Road, Karachi. Tel. No: 021-32453532 Fax No: 021-99212506	Muhammad Siddique Director (CL) Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan NIC Building, 63 Jinnah Avenue, Islamabad. Tel. No: 051-9210205 Fax No: 051-9207863

__._,_.___

Career Networking – A Good Recipe For Professional Success

 Career networking is a significant milestone in one’s professional life. In some organizations, especially in Pakistan, when employers are hiring new staff, their first inclination is typically towards employee referrals or internal searches. Both the job seekers and professionals need to have a network of contacts that can provide them career support, professional information and new vacancies, if any. Productive networking does not mean making use of your contacts for all they are worth. It means participating in a process of give-and-take, where people benefit from and help each other.

Career and professional networking means to establish relationships so that you can enlist support and comfortably ask for ideas, advice and referrals from those with hiring power. Leslie Smith, of the National Association of Female Executives, defines networking as the process of “planning and making contacts and sharing information for professional and personal gain.” The importance of career networking should never be underestimated. It is very obvious that career networking goes hand in hand with professional growth and job hunting.

Career Networking and Social Media

With the Internet buzzing with social media, there are many ways to use social media in order to network, and eventually find a job. Social networks allow all parties involved to better search for and reach their target.

LinkedIn

Basically, LinkedIn is a site that allows you to connect to the professionals you know. It also allows you to see profiles of other professionals, and to connect with them. You can also send emails to the people in your LinkedIn contact list and ask them for career support or advice. Kay Luo, the Director of Corporate Communications at LinkedIn, says, “The main reason that companies are using LinkedIn is to find passive job candidates. Another reason why companies are using LinkedIn, is because referrals from their employees are highly valued because they typically have a higher success rate (hence the popular “employee referral bonuses”). LinkedIn helps companies leverage the networks of their employees.”

Twitter

Twitter is a social networking and blogging media that utilizes instant messaging, SMS or a web interface. People and companies use it in a variety of ways, including job search and career networking. Twitter allows you to connect with people on the basis of common interests. This is indeed a great way to do some professional networking in an easy way. Twitter has a job search engine that searches Twitter for jobs  whichmatch the keywords that you enter. In order to be noticed, your Twitter name should be your actual name, as it will help in your search engine results. The more complete your LinkedIn profile, the more chances you will have to be found and to be contacted. Use your LinkedIn profile like a resume and provide prospective employers with detailed information on your skills and experience.

Facebook

Facebook is mainly used for connecting with friends or people you know and reconnecting with people in your past. However, it can also be an effective professional and business networking tool. While using Facebook as a tool for career networking, sometimes the line between social and professional contacts gets blurry. However, If you are careful, and use your connections wisely, you can ultimately get what you want form the social media websites. If you decide to use Facebook for professional networking, take a close look at your ‘Profile’ and decide what you want business contacts or prospective employers to see. Post content relevant to your job search or career along with the routine status updates. In order to be taken professionally on Facebook, be very careful what you share with the world.

Career Networking For Job Seekers

You never know where you might find someone who can help with your job search. That is why it is important to be open about the fact that you are searching a job and need assistance. Develop contacts with friends, family, neighbors, college alumni, people in associations and anyone who might help generate information about the job opportunities.  You can take a direct approach and ask for job leads or try a less formal approach and ask for information and advice.  Contact everyone in your list;  you may be surprised by the people they know and in how many ways these contacts can help you.

Informal networking is quite effective in a job search. If you are attending a gathering or any other type of party, it is appropriate to mention in casual conversation that you are seeking employment.  Accept all the invitations you receive because you never know where or when you might meet someone who can provide assistance about job search.
Formal networking is very effective as well. Try going to business, social or association meetings or events.  You will find that many of the participants have the same goals you do and will be glad to exchange business cards.  If you are shy or do not find any chance of formal networking, try to volunteer for some organization of your field, where you can meet and greet people and make new contacts.
Career Networking For Professionals

Even if you are not looking for a job at the present, career networking should be a part of your routine. In this era of global financial recession, you never know when you might find yourself in need of a new job. People have suddenly and unexpectedly lost their jobs without any prior notice from their employers. If you have a good professional network in place, and contacts that you keep in touch with, it will be much easier to get started on a job search than if you do not have any and are starting from the scratch. If you do not meet your contacts very often, it does not take long to send an email or a message just to say hello. Meeting the people you have only known online is helpful as well. That makes your personal connection even stronger.

Career experts have long stressed the significance of professional networking for career growth. Through networking, we can learn about job opportunities, particularly those we wouldn’t have had access to otherwise. However, job search should not be the prime focus of your networking efforts. Your network can prove to be a very useful mean, when it comes to other aspects of your career. Taking the time to build and maintain your network is well worth the effort. Those connections you make today can help you move along the career ladder tomorrow.

Solution For Pakistanis

Keeping in view the turmoil and problems in Pakistan, we would like to address our Pakistani members here and put forward a SOLUTION to help them come out of the present situation inshallah. When nations face such times, the solution is not to READ various zikrs as ALLAH says “WE DO NOT CHANGE THE CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE UNLESS THEY CHANGE THEMSELVES”. We need to DO what our LORD is telling us rather than devising our own solutions. So how do we change ourselves?

Here are 5 steps to DO it:

1. Stop blaming others. Be it politicians, leaders or other internal or external forces, we need to stop blaming them.

2. Find out the root of the problem. We need to see what the root of the problem is. What do you think it is? The answer and truth is that we have become distant from Haq. Allah says “When truth comes, falsehood perishes…” If we were a part of Truth, if we had Truth inside us, NO falsehood could ever rule, harm or destroy us. But “Tan e bay ruh sey bayzar hai Haq, Khuda e zinda Zindoun ka khuda hai.” (Iqbal)

3. Return to Haq. Every single person needs to look inside himself and see how close or far he is from Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w). How much Haq he or she has inside. Then break the idols of our animal self, lust for money, status, fame, sex… love for all other than Allah are our gods for whom we are living our lives rather than Allah. This does not let us qualify as true Muslims. So cleanse ‘yourself’ from these ‘other gods’ and return to ONE GOD.

4. .Follow Prophet (s.a.w). Allah has promised that if we FOLLOW Prophet (s.a.w), He would love us and when He loves a person, He says ‘I become the hearing with which he hears, the sight with which he sees, the hand with which he strikes and the foot with which he walks..” (hadith qudsi) We need to FOLLOW him (s.a.w) in everything… on personal, social, professional, educational, political, religious, moral and every level.

Do not confined Allah within the mosque and limit following him (s.a.w) to physical appearances or rituals alone. Hold on to Allah in your attitudes, in your thinking homes, schools, universities, offices, markets, and wherever you go and whatever you do.

5. .Invite others to Haq. Once we do this, we need to call our families, our friends and then others to Haq. If we are not true Muslims ourselves, our word will have no effect. So BE MUSLIMS first and then call others to Haq. “Wo Saher Jis Sey Larazta Hai Sabistan e Wujood, Hoti Hai Banda e Momin ke Azan Sey Paida.” (Iqbal)

The entire solution to what is happening is Pakistan and what is happening to Muslims around the world has been summed up in a single verse by Allama Iqbal:

“Ke Muhammad se Wafa Tou Ne Tou HUM Tere Hein, Ye Jahan Chez Kya Hai, Loh o Qalam Terey Hein.” (If you are loyal to Muhammad WE are yours, not only this world, but the Pen and Tablet are yours). Being loyal to Muhammad (s.a.w) means FOLLOWING him.

(Please absorb this message and pass it (email or however) to every Pakistani and other Muslims you know so that those who are feeling lost or wanting to do something for their country or ummah are guided in the right direction. BUT remember your message will have no effect if you are yourself not striving to have Haq within you.)

 

join us here on facebook where we are striking to FOLLOW our Prophet (s.a.w) and CHANGE our condition http://www.facebook.com/pages/I-wanna-follow-my-Prophet-saw/194337788912?ref=nf

Question: On Stress and the Family

"I hate family get togethers because my aunt
always make me feel guilty about not taking
care of my mother better...

How can I avoid feeling this guilt and sadness
and still be part of my dysfunctional family?"

******************************

*****************

The Coach's View

Family get togethers, for many people can be
very stressful times - and whether they are
during the holidays, summer vacations or just
about any other occasion, they can be an
invitation to regress into the past and allow
past behaviors to be tolerated.

Family tradition can be a strong force for good
AND for upset.

The key is to take some control over how you
engage in these occasions and situations,
instead of letting them control you.

For example, I had a client who had family
reunions once a year and she was expected to make
a particular dish. It was expected that she would
make that dish according to her grandmother's
recipe even though she did not particularly enjoy
them.

She was also expected to have dinner with all her
in-laws at least one of the weekend nights, even
though she did not feel appreciated by them and
found their language offensive. And finally, she
was expected to bring flowers for the dining room
table and no one ever appreciated or approved of
the arrangement she brought.

The question you could ask yourself is do you
really have to do these things? Or have you just
chosen to do them because you were unwilling to
say "no"?

Why do things that make you miserable? Make a list
of the pros and cons of doing these things and
observe the answers you get. This should remind
you that you DO have a choice even though we
sometimes forget.

My coaching is to challenge your assumptions. What
would happen if you chose to do something differently?
If you chose not to make the expected dish but
requested that someone else make it? If you had an
arrangement delivered and did not personally attend
the in-laws dinner?  They might be annoyed - and so
what? Could you make it up to them later by seeing
them individually throughout the year?

The key is to be conscious about what you're doing.
Don't unthinkingly do things the same way just because
that's how you always do them. If your old ways of
being aren't working, if they're not making you happy
and causing stress, it's time to do something different.

Sunday, December 06, 2009

Attention! Coming Through! (PIC)

i.imgur.com —
770 Diggs in Offbeat - Submitted Dec 05, 2009 01:33 pm

Recession's Over (COMIC)

editorialcartoonists.com — Happy days are here again, The skies above are...blub blub blub
621 Diggs in Entertainment - Submitted Dec 05, 2009 11:51 am

Tim Tebow Cries at End Of SEC Championship

bustersports.com — Tebow crying? Not surprised. However, Tim Tebow crying in defeat to the Alabama Crimson Tide was certainly a bit of a surprise. Video of Tim Tebow crying
513 Diggs in Sports - Submitted Dec 05, 2009 05:07 pm

Apple acquires music service Lala

reuters.com — Apple has acquired digital music service Lala, as the dominant online music retailer explores new models for selling songs. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed by Apple, which confirmed the purchase on Friday.
358 Diggs in Technology - Submitted Dec 05, 2009 09:11 am

12 Games You Must Play this Christmas

techradar.com — The amazing thing about Christmas is you finally get some time to play those games you've been reading about all year. Here are our essential 12 games you really must put some time aside to play this Christmas.
322 Diggs in Gaming - Submitted Dec 05, 2009 10:21 am

Obama the Mortal: Democrats Weep

washingtonpost.com — Obama's messianic cult simply expected too much of him... Some parishioners in the Church of Obama discovered last week that their spiritual leader is a false prophet.
315 Diggs in World & Business - Submitted Dec 05, 2009 11:53 am

Joakim Noah Calls LeBron "Bitch," LBJ Takes Exception (Vid)

notqualifiedtocomment.com — Whether you agree with him or not, you have to love the balls on Noah to call the NBA’s biggest superstar a bitch.
305 Diggs in Top Video - Submitted Dec 05, 2009 09:37 am

‘Fear of fear’ can lead to depression

futurity.org — People who are overly anxious often find themselves in a Catch-22 of fear so intense it results in depression.
287 Diggs in Science - Submitted Dec 05, 2009 03:43 pm

Five Deliciously Deceptive Desserts (Pics)

blogs.sfweekly.com — We've noticed a fun trend in dining: Deceptive desserts fashioned to look like something other than what they are, whether another sweet item or something savory.
252 Diggs in Lifestyle - Submitted Dec 05, 2009 02:20 pm

25 Best Christmas Movies - PICS

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Email Etiquettes – An Important Aspect of Professional Communication

Email etiquette and manners have been around for years, but they are far more important in this age than ever before. Implementing proper email etiquette into daily cyber communication should be a custom for everyone. A person, who displays proper etiquette while writing an email message, not only feels good about himself he also makes those around him feel important and respected. Email etiquette are important in a social environment, as well as in a business setting. Displaying proper email etiquette will get you noticed and, obviously, being noticed is great in many aspects.

Netiquettes

‘Netiquettes’ is the name given to the email etiquettes by the cyber gurus, which means the etiquettes of communication via Internet. Although netiquettes concerns all the various customs and conventions we follow when writing and sending messages through Internet, but in this article we will particularly discuss the emailing etiquettes of both the current employees and the job seekers.

People normally adopt email etiquettes by observing what others do, and gradually incorporate their actions into our own communications. We expect that after reading this article you would be able to develop your own style of writing an effective email.

Basic Manners Of Communication

“Please” and “Thank You” are two simple words, yet they carry a great deal of meaning and are very powerful. These words are the basic etiquettes of communication and are potentially influential on the sender’s image. People may not notice these words when they are mentioned, but if you forget to use them, you will look disrespectful and ungrateful.

Be Brief and Concise

When writing an email for either a potential employer or a current boss, try to be to-the-point. Get to the subject of conversation as quickly and briefly as possible. However, in doing so, please do not leave out necessary details.

Accurate Spelling and Grammar

Accurate spellings and correct grammar are one of the most essential elements of email etiquettes. Do not try to guess the spellings of a word. Use the spell-checker; however, do not rely entirely on it. Good grammar is equally important. Usage of incorrect spellings or grammar in the email leaves an idea of an incompetent or careless correspondent.

Subject Line

Write the subject line in such a way that it summarizes the body of the e-mail. While writing the subject line, ask yourself, ‘will the recipient know what this e-mail is all about’. A well-written subject line makes it easier for the receiver to understand the essence of the message.

Do Not Use Abbreviations

Usage of abbreviations in emails, sent from either a professional or a job seeker makes your message look awkward and unprofessional. People use ‘U’ instead of ‘you’, ‘plz’ instead of ‘please’, and ‘thanx’ instead of ‘thank you’. It is fine to use abbreviations for personal emails or chat, but business email should have a formal format. Of course, frequently used abbreviations such as Mr. and Mrs., FYI, FYC, inc., and etc., are fine, but usage of slang language is not appropriate.

A Decent Email Address

Take a look at your email address. Is it appropriate enough to be sent to a prospective employer? Email addresses like prettygirl@isp.com are awkward and ridiculous for professional usage. Try to get a more formal address; perhaps your first initial and last name would be good. If do not want to change it for some reason, consider making a separate one for professional use only.

In case, you are working at a place and have a company registered email account, you are advised not to use it for job hunting purposes; use a personal account only.

Forgetting Attachments

If the reason for sending an email is to send a file, remember to include it. Professionals and job hunters, both sometimes forget to attach files, which results in absolute embarrassment. One strategy of avoiding such a blunder is to attach the file before writing the email.

Tone Of Communication

No matter who you are sending the email to, the pitch or tone of your professional communication should be moderate and respectable. Avoid writing your message using all upper case letters. It looks like you are shouting out your message. Also, do not use all lower case letters as it will make your email sound like you are mumbling.

Email writers often use ‘emoticons’ to convey a certain tone. If you write to someone frequently and you have a less formal relationship then emoticons are okay. However, if, you are writing to a prospective employer, it is better to stick to words only.

Confidentiality Of The Email

One should realize that emails are never confidential. It is laughably easy for others to read the contents of your email without your knowledge or permission. So, it is advised to avoid writing anything obnoxious or absurd in the emails.

Also, if you are working in a company and are using their official account, it becomes more likely that every email that you send and receive is scanned for certain words that are held ‘unacceptable’. Emails with such content are isolated and are kept in a record. People can be restricted or even fired if continue to send or receive these kinds of emails frequently.

Replying To An Email

Writing a reply to an email is also very important and requires much concentration. Do not ‘Reply to All’, unless it is necessary. Perhaps only selected people need to see your email. Also, when replying to an e-mail, use the ‘Reply’ option in order to keep the message in the ‘thread’, and make it easier for the recipient to follow-up with the previous conversation.

An email may be your introduction to someone you have never met before. Job seekers should keep in mind what a prospective employer might think on receiving a poorly written message, because your correspondence says a lot about you and your personality. Under no circumstances should you use offensive language. Make sure that you paint your picture as  a respectful, friendly and approachable person in the receiver’s mind. Take your time putting together a proper and well-written message and read it over several times before you send the email. Sometimes, just rearranging your paragraphs helps a lot. Once you hit ‘Send’ you would not have another chance to correct what you have written in the email message.

Regards,

Muhammad Suhail

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