Barack Obama
Fortune Cookie Writer
There are the sufficient, regular jobs that hem you in a cubicle with all the paperwork, and then there are those that are just outright weird. So if your current job has bored you enough to want to try more interesting options, here are 10 out-of-this-world jobs that, believe it or not, can pay the bills:
1. Odor testers or judgers
For quite some time, people have been employed to test the smell of deodorants and antiperspirants to check if they properly work. All they need do is sniff varied scents to evaluate how they fare for a specific market.
2. Furniture testers
Shopping for furniture entails a keen eye for quality and endurance of the product. That is precisely why furniture companies employ furniture testers. If you’re the kind who wants to relax for a living, then this is might just be the best job for you. To cite an inviting example, companies like La-z-Boy are looking for people who can test the durability and comfort of their recliners.
3. Fortune cookie writers
It is always fun to open fortune cookies to find a small piece of paper that foretells a future happening in your life. Such prediction is made possible by none other than creative and prolific fortune cookie writers. As a fortune cookie writer, you can put your wit and ingenuity to good use! Your predictions might even come true for those who have come across them in a Chinese fortune cookie.
4. Odd jobs journalists
Odd job journalists are paid to write about weird careers or jobs people of sound and sane minds think do not exist. If you’re bored by office and paper work, it wouldn’t hurt to check the mundane jobs these journalists write about. You might just find something that fits well with your hobby or interest.
5. Fountain pen repairers
Do you suspect something’s wrong with your fountain pen? Well, it may have lost some parts that keep it from working as it should. There’s no need to buy another one. You can have yours checked by fountain pen repairers and they may be able to fix it, too. Besides, a new replacement for the old pen might cost more than its repair fee.
6. Braille translators
A Braille translator comes in handy when communicating with the blind especially when the other does not have an understanding of how to read the Braille. It is common knowledge that the blind use the Braille to communicate with their peers, blind or not. If you’re trained with reading the Braille and find communicating with people and the blind fun, this might just be the best job for you!
7. Weed farmers
Weed farmers grow weeds that are then sold to horticulture schools and laboratories. And they sell pretty well with those institutions. The scientists employed in these institutions in turn perform experiments on the weeds to help improve the current state of agriculture in the nation and all around the world.
8. Nasty stunt producers
Fear Factor is one of the popular shows with mundane stunts and challenges performed by individuals brave enough to accomplish them. These stunts would not come to be if not for the creative minds of nasty stunt producers.
9. Gum busters
The work of gum busters is simple. It is to scrape of old gums stuck to furniture, walls and even ceilings. If you enjoy busting gums off of wood, steel or even glass surfaces, you might just enjoy this job.
10. Dog food tasters
Dog food companies have their products tested by tasters before they go out to the market. Dog food may be nasty for the human taste buds but there are many professional tasters who endure the whole process to earn their keep.
You already have your monitor, your CPU (the Central Processing Unit), your keyboard, mouse, and printer. The recent Windows Microsoft’s OS (Operating System) is already installed, as well as other basic office programs. Your PC seems to be complete yet you find yourself bored with it. Here are 10 easy steps to liven up your PC:
1. Add other hardware and accessories.
High-performance speakers or headphones that give off quality sound from mp3s and other sound files can be bought from almost any electronics or computer shops. While you’re at it, why not upgrade your printer with those that can act as scanners, colored and black & white printer as well?
2. Change the basic desktop settings from time to time (wallpapers, icons and others).
Wallpapers, icons, and cursors can be changed. You can do this by right-clicking on your desktop and selecting Properties. If you find the wallpapers, icons, and cursors boring or uninteresting, there are websites that offer good ones for a free download. Changing these settings will give your PC a more personalized and creative feel to it.
3. Add a screensaver.
Screensavers of different themes and designs can also be downloaded from the Internet. Cartoons, animals, nature scenes — you name the design. It will be fun to look at it after you’ve left your PC on standby mode.
4. Install PC Games.
Free computer games like Bookworm and Text Twist challenge the vocabulary and minds of just about anyone. They may be a bit simple and generic but they can give life to your boring PC. They definitely serve the purpose when you have nothing much to do.
5. Install Photoshop and other graphics editing programs.
There are many things that you can do with graphic editing programs. You can edit and enhance photos from your digital camera. You can also create your own wallpapers or desktop backgrounds and icons out of your photos or designs.
6. Get yourself an Internet connection.
The Internet is a good source of news and information. It also makes correspondence with family, friends, business partners and clients easier. Once connected, you gain access to networking sites and other entertainment domains where you can watch movies, music videos and other video clips for free. You can also compete with players from all over the world in a multitude of online games.
7. Install or subscribe to reputable anti-virus software.
Norton and McAfee are two of the leading anti-virus programs that protect your computer and rid it of viruses that cause harm to it. They can be downloaded online and are provided to those who need them by subscription. You can also download free trial anti-virus software before you make any subscription.
8. Download music or rip music from your CDs.
Programs like Apple’s iTunes and Windows Media Player can rip music from CDs. Programs such as iTunes also has a vast library of songs up for purchase and download. At 0.99 cents, you can already get any song that you like.
9. Upgrade your PC with an added RAM or an extra hard disk.
The Random Access Memory (RAM) determines how fast your computer can function. With a high-performing RAM, your desktop can function with relatively less fear of malfunctions. RAMS with a capacity of 2 to 3 gigabytes can be purchased in electronic and computer stores.
10. Get a DVD-writer or an external storage.
External hard disks that store up to 250 gigabytes-worth of computer programs, files or documents, videos, images and sound files are for sale in the electronics and computer shops. There will be no fear of running out of storage space when downloading more files if your PC is supported with an external hard drive.
With today’s popularity of scandal and gossip, it is almost impossible to sanitize the workplace of irrelevant chitchats. Office gossip poses as one of the most difficult challenges that the boss must be able to moderate to keep the workers focused and productive. But how can a boss achieve a gossip-free workplace without impairing the workers’ channels of interaction? Here are some effective management tips.
1. Introduce and impose the observance of office etiquette.
Furnish your staff with basic office etiquette, from the appropriate fashion statements, to the rightful language and conduct, and to office attendance. This should already clue them in of what is expected of them, including doing away with futile activities that may harm the morale and career of their workmates.
2. Lead by example.
The boss serves as a key person to whom the staff looks up to as the ultimate model of the company’s principles. If you intend to control office gossips and other unproductive behaviors, be a credible example of what and how an efficient worker should conduct himself in the workplace.
3. Keep your workers busy.
Delegate tasks to make sure that everyone will keep his nose on his business. A busy and responsible worker cannot afford time for gossip. Keep your staff occupied during office hours to inhibit idle times.
4. Establish open communication with your staff.
Develop an approachable image without compromising your staff’s esteem for your authority. An office with cultivated candidness regarding office and personal matters easily discourages the building of gossips. Train your staff on how to gear constructive criticism towards improving their work performance.
5. Set up team building activities.
Take the initiative of setting team building activities that will foster harmonious relationships among your workers. Activities can range from sports fests, to a Family Day, to seminars and to recollections. These are effective venues for workers to know their colleagues in depth and develop mutual respect. A staff that has developed genuine friendships is less likely to get into conflicts, thus the fewer instances for gossip.
6. Establish management rules against slanderous actions.
State the company’s statutes governing irresponsible behaviors, including gossips that lead to serious legal problems. Stress the company’s objective of upholding its principles and image to the public, as well as its concern for its personnel well being. Cite the company’s policies and sanctions against destructive gossip mongers.
7. Design a workroom structure that prevents workers from indulging in gossip.
The office set up can be an important aspect that you can manipulate to moderate office gossips. Arrange office tables and cubicles to promote a dynamic work scheme, and limit gossip opportunities.
8. Maintain a prominent visibility in the office.
Regularly go around your staff’s offices, cubicles and tables to check on individual and group performances. Workers will distant themselves from gossip-inviting activities if they are aware that you are watching them closely.
9. Organize regular office social events.
Being stern about office chitchats does not mean completely discouraging casual exchanges among colleagues. Organize proper venues where workers can freely interact over food and a couple of drinks. Having these occasional tête-à-têtes lessens the need for workers to discuss unrelated tales during office hours.
10. Reproach slanderous office behaviors.
Let your workers know how serious you are about cutting down office gossip. Report any defamatory behavior in the office memorandum to penalize liable individuals. Intentionally injuring the reputation and peace of others should be sanctioned accordingly.
The competition for quality and high paying jobs has heightened with the global economic recession. This has resulted in freeze hiring and company retrenchments. Companies have become even more demanding in admitting only the best candidates. Put your best foot forward and land on that dream job with an outstanding resume that will capture the attention of any employer. Check out these updated techniques to beef up your resume and win that desired post.
1. Start with a powerful Banner Statement.
Do away with the traditional resume format. Surprise your employers with a personalized and impressive banner statement. A banner statement is a comprehensive account of your strengths and work experience that are related to the job that you are applying for. For example, James, a Finance Management officer in a multi-national bank starts his resume with the following:
“A driven, focused and dynamic business professional, with over five years of success and experience in sales, account and asset management and customer relations…”
2. Identify your level of employment.
Clearly indicate your employment level at the beginning of your resume. This should be based on your employment experiences that are relevant to your application. New graduates should indicate an “Entry Level” application, while experienced professionals should classify their appropriate employment category, either as professional non-supervisory, middle management, upper management and executive level.
3. Identify your core strengths that are relevant to the job requirements.
Enumerate your specific traits and technical skills that are central to the job qualifications as required by the company. This will enable the employer to immediately recognize your qualities that are pertinent to their need.
4. Use Field or Industry Keywords.
Make use of keywords that are relevant to your field of expertise, and to the industry of your desired job. For example, an application to the commerce industry should use keywords such as sales and marketing communications, support management, payroll administration, and financial analysis, among many.
5. Develop a value-based resume.
The traditional resume is characterized by its chronological account of an individual’s education and employment background. A value-based resume, however, focuses on the individual’s strongest suits that will be beneficial to the company. To craft this type of resume, weave specific adjectives and verbs in the active voice into convincing statements of your skills and experiences.
6. Create a separate category for industry-specific skills.
Refine your resume by making a separate category for technical skills and expertise that are specific to a particular industry. For example, an applicant with a background on Information Technology (IT) can make a section featuring explicit skills in programming and networking.
7. Highlight achievements with supporting details.
Dress your resume to impress by highlighting accomplishments that speak of your competence and expertise. Traditional resumes cite previous work duties in formal statements such a “responsible for closing deals on real estate and property projects.” Seize the attention of your employer by dropping the bomb through specific, quantitative accounts of your achievements. For example, “Increased sales by specifics ex increased sales by 17% in my area,” or “Closed a $5M composite real estate deal within four months.”
8. Keep it brief and concise.
An effective resume is devoid of rhetorical clutters that will only bore and confuse the employer. Use precise descriptions as needed in short paragraphs, or bulleted formats. When using the latter, keep it at a maximum of five bullet points. Your resume should ideally be within one to two pages only.
9. Observe a clean and organized lay-out.
Present information in an organized and logical order, set in a tidy lay-out. Use lines as dividers and allow white spaces to let the reader breathe in between a set of information.
10. Review, review, and review!
Check the grammar, and the accuracy of terms, dates and contact information. The last thing you would want is a careless error to sabotage your application.
Building a friendly relationship with co-workers can be a tough challenge for most managers and supervisors. The line between boss and subordinate is so defined that it is almost impossible to create even a minute fringe for casual chatter without threatening the entire streak to break.
If you are opting to create a more productive harmony in the work place, here are useful tips to be friends with co-workers while maintaining their respect for your authority.
“During preliminary client meetings, the PR Director pushes us writers to contribute our ideas,” says Marc, a Junior Writer for a marketing communications firm.
Workers appreciate a boss who listens to their ideas, recommendations, and more so, to a boss who is open to varying opinions. They will feel important to the realization of the project, and thus cooperate more to its success.
“Our area manager regularly updates the TOP SELLER of the MONTH section of the office bulletin,” shares Ritchell, a medical representative.
This activity has proven to encourage healthy competition among the company’s sales force.
These events are venues for you to know your workmates in depth and understand their work habits and style. In turn, this will further aid you in developing more efficient leadership strategies and at the same time strengthen personal bonds.
Leveling off with co-workers and subordinates takes keen and strategic observation of the workplace dynamics over a period of time. However, to an efficient boss, there’s definitely no unconquerable challenge.
Plurk is one of the more intriguing lifestreaming sites out on the World Wide Web right now. Launched in May of 2008, it takes the basics of Twitter and dresses them up in a snazzy interface, throwing some pretty interesting features into the mix.
Why "plurk"? The name alone sparks curiosity. According to Plurk’s creators, there are four ideas behind this catchy name. One is People + Lurk – yes, people do lurk online. Second, it is an amalgam of Play and Work, touching on the fun side of plurking. Third, it is an acronym for Peace, Love, Unity, Respect, Karma. Lastly, there is the potential for becoming a coined verb, just like "google".
Now, Plurk users call themselves "plurkers", the act of posting is called "plurking", and the post itself is called a "plurk". Very, very catchy indeed.
So what makes Plurk so much different from Twitter and why do plurkers love it? Here are the top 5 reasons:
1. Threaded Conversations
This is probably the number one feature plurkers love. When you post an update, your friends’ replies can be seen under it. Replies don’t get lost, and friends can read and answer to each other’s replies, turning it into a stimulating discussion. There is no clutter because the conversation only expands when you click on the original post.
2. Unique User Interface
Plurk splits the screen into two parts. The upper section contains your timeline, where all your plurks appear, arranged by the time they were posted. What makes the timeline unique is that it scrolls sideways. You scroll right for the past, and left for your most recent plurks. Scrolling is done either through the arrow keys or the mouse’s scroller.
The lower portion is the dashboard, which contains your info, userpic, friends list, and the post entry box.
3. Karma Points
Plurk addicts live for karma points! Karma points rise based on your activity and the responses of other plurkers to your plurks. More karma gets you access to extra features like additional emoticons or changing the image in your page’s Plurk logo. Getting over 80 karma points means you’ve reached Plurk Nirvana and nets you a shiny badge for your page.
4. Customization
Plurk gives you the freedom to personalize your page. You can choose from built-in color templates, install CSS codes from third-party Plurk layout designers, or create your own.
5. Cliques
One significant Plurk feature is privacy control. You can open your plurk to the world, limit it to friends, or have a private conversation with a single individual, all within your timeline. If you want certain plurks to be read only by specific people, you can group your friends into cliques, and then specify which clique can read your plurk when you post it.
Twitter still has the edge when it comes to third-party applications, page rank and plugins, but Plurk is more personal, more fun, and more close-knit. Users who admit that they use both sites say that they post mostly business or news-related shout outs on Twitter, while going to Plurk to have fun, goofy conversations with friends.
Microsoft Laptop Hunters featuring Lauren
With the fears of recession and overall scrimping on unnecessary expenses, Microsoft shows some marketing savvy by positioning it as the better and cheaper alternative to Apple’s Macintosh.
Microsoft recently released a new ad featuring Lauren, a bespectacled redhead. In the commercial, a voice-over tells her to go hunt for a laptop that would suit her needs, and if she does, Microsoft would buy it for her. Lauren then goes into an Apple store, but quickly goes back out and dejectedly reports that the store did not have her preferred laptop: one that has a comfortable keyboard, a 17 inch screen and fast performance. The only thing she could afford from the Apple store is a 13 inch Macbook.
Earlier, Twitter was running to slow. Every page loads approximately 12 seconds. Then at one point it displayed this error:
Twitter Overloading
I refreshed my page 3 times and still that error was displayed. After 10 minutes, I refreshed my Twitter page again and this time it displayed this error message:
Twitter Server Problem
But, it is OK now. Maybe Twitter has too many users logging on at the same time. This should be addressed quickly so as not to face similar problems encountered by Friendster.
Friendster was once the largest social media network. At one point, it became the #1 online social media (yep you heard it right). But because of Friendster’s server and network problems (coupled with poor marketing strategy and focus), it slipped and handed its crown. Today, Friendster is in 3rd place; way beyond MySpace and Facebook.
It used to be that a company’s online marketing efforts consist of having a Web page, sending out e-mails, and advertising on high-traffic sites. However, in this age of social networking sites – like Facebook, Twitter and MySpace – these efforts are no longer enough!
Social networking sites have allowed businesses big and small to be more interactive in the way they present their companies, brands, products, and services. Online marketing has ceased to be a one-way street where the businesses do all the talking and hope that their potential customers listen and try out their goods and services. Interactivity has become the key feature of online marketing on social networking sites.
Businesses can still advertise their products and services by sending out a Tweet or updating their Facebook status for all their followers and friends to see, or update them about the latest promotions and discounts. Meanwhile, customers can post questions and complaints in real time.
A company doing business on social networking sites can further keep itself ahead of the game by easily developing customer relationships and loyalty. You are no longer an
e-mail address promoting a product via spam, or a Web site they stumbled upon, but a profile with a real person behind it. This personal touch, which is an additional way of interacting with your customers, can make them feel connected and supported and in turn leads to more positive feelings and loyalty to your business. Anne Rice, for instance, just does not write great novels, she goes on Facebook to discuss any aspect of her characters as her fans ask her questions about them, or she conducts online writing workshops for her fans. Rice also speaks to them, making them feel that they are friends and that she, too, has her own hopes and dreams.
Social networking sites also provide a way for businesses to talk about their products in a more natural setting. You are not a business that intrudes on people as they read e-mails from friends and family, but you are part of the social network. That means that people will be more receptive to your pitch. If you provide a link to your Web site, people are also more inclined to click on it and visit your site.
More importantly, these links on social networking sites become new inbound links to your site, which makes your site rank higher on search engines. Few people realize that the links they put up on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook do not only point their friends and family to their site, they also point search engine spiders to their sites, making it seem more important and therefore making their site rank higher on Google, Yahoo and other search engines.