Alexandra Levits Water Cooler Wisdom Should You Jump Through Hoops for Your Customers

Alexandra Levit's Water Cooler Wisdom Should You Jump Through Hoops for Your Customers Customers are always rightâ€"or are they? As business owners, we try togo above and beyond to provide the best possible experience and customer service to our clients. However, there are times that, despite our best efforts, we simply can’t resolve the situation in a manner that’s satisfactory to both parties. Three business ownersâ€"Patrick Barnhill, founder of SpecialistID in Miami, Florida; Tim Maliyil, CEO of AlertBoot in Las Vegas, Nevada; and Mona Patel, CEO ofMotivate Design in New York Cityâ€"sound off on how they’ve handled unreasonable or impossible customer service situations. Tell usabout a time when a customer made an unreasonable demand. How did you handle it? Patrick Barnhill: It seems that unreasonable demands have become the norm these days. Amazon’s two-day Prime shipping and lots of other factors have totally distorted most shoppers’ perception of real costs for small businesses fulfilling orders. Luckily, a small percentage of demands are unreasonable and we are able to write them off as a cost of doing business and staying competitive.If it will cost us less than $100, my staff is trained to “Do the right thing” by the customer.The right thing is making them happy even if it’s a loss for us.If it is over that amount, it will get special attention and may require asking the customer if they can meet us somewhere in the middle. Tim Maliyil: Being in the software business, we often have to balance requests that would genuinely improve the software and requests that are overly specific to a particular customer’s needs. We try to educate the customer about the necessary engineering process involved in fulfilling a request, and we help them understand the cost to the company. Reasonable customers tend to understand why something gets rejected, but the unreasonable ones will still put up a fight. Mona Patel: Last year, we worked with a client on a design SWAT project in which we were tasked with branding a new kind of conference. The project was scoped, staffed and started within a few days, and our designers were excited to get to work. These SWAT projects are designed for quick turnaround: two weeks, two rounds of iteration and final delivery of branding materialsâ€"icons, fonts, color palettes, etc. In this case, the client asked for more rounds of iteration, which required more hours. Our designers wanted to please the client while delivering their best work, but we had a dedicated timeline. When the partnership began to feel abusive, I stepped in. I called the client with scope in hand to clearly and directly communicate what we promised, how we over-delivered and how he overstepped. I presented him with three solutions: take the deliverables as is: no added iterations, no added time, no added budget; two more rounds of iterations for added time and budget; [or] a working session with the designers to address all issues and hand off the deliverables at the end of the session, billed at their hourly rate for three hours. He went with option #3 and launched a successful conference. We have worked together ever since. For the rest of the interview, head over to the AMEX Open Forum.

Accepted a Job Offer 12 Questions to Ask Before You Take the Job!

Accepted a Job Offer 12 Questions to Ask Before You Take the Job! Have you ever accepted a job offer, started working, and found that it didnt turn out the way you thought it would?New Job Failure RatesIf thats the case, join the crowd. 50% of new hires fail. Imagine the damaged careers and the cost to organizations. Ouch!I do not want that to happen to you. And some savvy research and questioning on your part can protect you. Read on to learn more.Written Job Descriptions MatterFirst, make sure youve read the job description. Does it:Outline key deliverables?Communicate timelines?Cover the full scope of your responsibilities?If not, be sure to get clarity on those points and communicate them back in writing when you accept your job offer.Written Job Offers MatterNext, I dont care how long it takes to get a written job offer, do not say yes until you have one. It should document your:Job title.Complete compensation agreement.And any other key points you have negotiated.If your new employer wont put your agreement in writing, you might well be takin g a leap of faith on empty promises. Dont go there.Questions to Ask Before the Job OfferBefore you even get to a job offer, find out about the history of the position:Ask why the job is available (new or not?).Ask how long the previous incumbent held the job.If its not a new role, find out why the previous incumbent left.Trace back five years to learn if and why this is a high-turnover role.Ideally, you want to learn that this job provides a consistent path to promotions, not a revolving door out of the company.Meet the PeopleAsk to meet your prospective managers direct reports. If you cant, beware of:A non-collaborative manager.Secrets your manager doesnt want you to know.Its reasonable to want to meet your future colleagues. Avoid accepting job offers from hiring managers who wont let you do so.When you meet your future colleagues, ask about who makes the decisions that affect them. If its not the hiring manager, you need to meet the real decision maker and ask him/her the same qu estions you asked the hiring manager.Use LinkedIn to Research Your Future ColleaguesAs you prepare for your interviews, review your future colleagues LinkedIn profiles:Use Emma, a psychometric app/Chrome extension, to get a quick read on them.Notice whether or not their profiles indicate job searches in process.Reach out to people you know in common.Assess the Companys Financial ConditionUnless youre a turnaround pro, join a growing company because it will generate promotion opportunities for you.If youre interviewing with a public company, look at its most recent 10-K:Read the Business Description for terrific background information.Check out Selected Financial Information, including the companys five-year stock performance, revenue growth/decline, and earnings growth/decline.Read Managements Discussion Analysis for a more granular description of recent performance.If youre interviewing with a privately held company:Search for it on Google News to see what you can find.If the comp any has private equity investors, ask about their investment thesis.Plus, know that it might flip to new owners sooner than later.If youre interviewing with a start-up, ask about:Its business model.How much cash it has on hand.Its burn rate.The failure rate for start-ups might stun you. Bad business models and lack of cash put those companies out of business more than any other factors.Dont Be Afraid to Ask QuestionsDont be afraid to ask prospective employers tough questions. Explain that you find the people, company, and job exciting. Then say you need more information to decide if you want to invest your most valuable asset, your time, in their endeavor.If they wont honor the importance of your decision, dont accept a job offer from them.The InfographicIve summarized everything discussed above in the handy infographic below. Dont accept a job offer without getting the information that will protect you from making a career-damaging mistake.Non-Compete Agreements2017 Update: Not inc luded in the infographic, but critically important, find out if you will be asked to sign a non-compete agreement after youve accepted a job offer. Companies often wait until new employees quit their old jobs before springing non-competes on them. Click the link to learn more.12 Things You Wish Youd Known Before You Took the JobFeatured on Career Sherpa Lifehacker Updated May 2019 2013 2019, Donna Svei. All rights reserved.Donna SveiDonna Svei, an executive resume writer and former C-level executive, retained search consultant, and CPA, writes all of AvidCareerists posts. She has written for and been quoted by leading business, general, and career media outlets, including Forbes, Mashable, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, Business Insider, Lifehacker, Ask.com, Social Media Today, IT World, SmartBrief, Payscale, Business News Daily, and the Muse. Let her background and experience inform your job search strategy and decision making.Learn more about Donnas executive resume writing service or email Donna for more information. Interviews â€" Questions (3 Posts)

Making the most of an assessment centre

Making the most of an assessment centre Following our recent post,  A quick guide to assessment centres, weve got another great student installment. This time Louisa Nefs, a final year history student, reflects on her experience at a Teach First Assessment Centre   The anticipation is worse than the reality The graduate recruitment process can seem like an endless stream of hurdles and an assessment centre invitation is often met with mixed feelings; relief and excitement, but also nerves. This was how I felt when I attended a Teach First Assessment Centre and despite many people’s assurances that assessment centres are never as bad as you think, Im not sure my fears were wholly allayed. However, having come through the other side I can now say they were right; the day was actually quite enjoyable or certainly as enjoyable as such an event can be! Try to be confident about your prospects and show your preparation this will help you maximise your chances of success, by letting your strengths shine through. Find out whats expected When you’re asked to attend an assessment centre you’ll often get a brief description of what you will be asked to do on the day, if not this information will be readily available on the relevant company’s website. The tasks will vary according to the post but often they will include 3 types of activity namely a competency based interview, a case study and a presentation of some description. A good starting point is to try and find accounts from previous applicants. These are widely available on the web and myAdvantage also has a number of  feedback forms  from those who have been through this process. These can shape your expectations and help you to prepare. Familiarise yourself with the core competencies In the interview you will be questioned to see how far you match the company’s core competencies. Companies and organisations are pretty transparent about this information and you can usually find it on their website. It is essential to have a number of examples demonstrating your ability in these areas; for example, leadership or teamwork. That said, try not to make these answers too formulaic  yes, preparation is vital but sounding like you have rehearsed your answers or not being able to adapt your examples to fit the specific question is a no-no. The interview is also a time for the employer to assess your desire and motivation to work in your chosen field so try and stay up-to-date with the latest news stories or developments relating to the sector you are applying to. When I applied to Teach First I looked into how current government education policy might affect the profession and the company’s goals. This can show a real understanding and passion for the job. Cracking the case study A case study is difficult to prepare for but there are a few skills which are important to show. Firstly, you do not need to dominate the task. It is good to show your leadership abilities but be careful not to overpower others; be inclusive of those you are working with and remain focused on the intended outcome of the task. The case study generally takes place under timed conditions and so you need to show that you can process a large amount of information quickly while working collaboratively to deal with the task at hand. How to approach individual tasks Many assessment centres will also ask you to do an individual task, for example I was asked to prepare and conduct a lesson. Always keep in mind your target audience and alter your research and content accordingly. The most important part of this is to be concise and focused, delivering your message with confidence. No-one expects you to be an expert in any of the tasks you are asked to do on the day, but a candidate who is able to deal with the difficult questions or situations while retaining their composure will undoubtedly seem attractive. Challenging but a great experience I won’t pretend that it is not a challenging experience. This is something I expected but while it was nerve-wracking, nerves don’t have to be a negative. Use and channel them to show a sense of drive or desire for the job. The assessment centres give you the tools to demonstrate the qualities they are looking for. Rather than feeling like I was waiting to be tripped up, the day had a supportive atmosphere and I did not feel it was a test but a mutual investigation to see if I would fit within their ethos and culture. You may encounter unexpected challenges but try and stay positive and remember they liked you enough to put you through the earlier application stages. Thorough preparation is the key as it is clear if someone is being disingenuous. Whether you are successful or not assessment centres are invaluable learning experiences with many companies providing some kind of feedback on your performance. Take this opportunity, make the most of it and most importantly learn from it. And finally There is plenty of information out there to help you prepare for  assessment centres  but if you do spend time on forums (and there is a pretty good thread on  Teach First in the Student Room), dont assume your experience will be exactly the same. We were asked not to go into too much detail about the Teach First assessment centre as this could mislead other candidates the format stays the same, but the content will change. You have been warned! *Louisa is a final year history student and Careers Skills rep for the History Department  

Travelling For Art The Museum Of Art And Design, New York

Travelling For Art The Museum Of Art And Design, New York New York is home to a number of truly unique cultural institutions. The Museum of Arts and Design is a one-of-a-kind art institution that is full of contemporary artistic pieces. Although this is but one example of numerous venues, such a museum is great for anyone who appreciates unique and original creativity. As this location is quite large and well respected. It is a good idea if we take a quick look at what you can expect to experience if you choose to visit. In addition to this, there are a myriad of restaurants nearby; as such, you can indulge of sumptuous meals after a long day in the museum. Numerous Categories This museum was originally called the Museum of Contemporary Crafts when it first opened its doors in 1956. However, a growing number of exhibitions led to the owners changing its title to reflect a more modern and contemporary position. Indeed, there are much more than mere crafts to be found here! From optical illusions to woven tapestries and even tableware used as art, there is something for everyone at the Museum of Art and Design. However, there is still somewhat of a focus on hands-on exhibitions; pieces that demonstrate a unique ability for craftsmanship as opposed to mere paintings or sculptures alone. The Building Itself As if to reflect the diversity of its pieces, it was not long ago that the property was given an massive makeover. Costing no less than $90 million dollars, this transformation allowed for a new lease on life while embracing the panoramic views of nearby Central Park. Opaque glass windows now provide the benefit of a spacious atmosphere while its terracotta exterior allows it to stand out from other structures. The lower floors hold most of the art while a collection of contemporary jewellery can also be found here. Modern technology will further aid in the overall experience. Interactive touchscreen displays help the visitor to understand the origins and motivations behind each piece. A First-Hand View An aspect which sets this museum apart is that the only one of its kind which allows visitors to talk with the artists themselves as they are creating their pieces. Available during weekday afternoons andThursday evenings, this is an option that should definitely not be passed up. Embracing a modern sense of openness alongside some truly unique and decorative pieces, the Museum of Art and Design is one of the must-see attractions in this eclectic city. As it is found near many major transportation hubs, arriving here is very easy and worth the trip!

The Difference Between Following and Connecting on LinkedIn [Guest Post] - Career Pivot

The Difference Between Following and Connecting on LinkedIn [Guest Post] - Career Pivot Yes, there is a difference between following and connecting on LinkedIn. You cansee the status updates of someone you do not know on LinkedIn and theirlong-form posts (LinkedIn’s blogging equivalent)- without connecting. (Note: this is a guest post by Hannah Morgan, aka, the Career Sherpa) Some LinkedIn UsersWon’t Connect With Strangers One of the biggest debates by LinkedIn users is who you should connect with. LinkedIn says “We recommend only inviting people you know and trust because 1st-degree connections are given access to the primary email address on your account.” As a result, many users will NOT accept invitations to connectunless they know you. Conversely, some people are LIONS (LinkedIn Open Networkers) and will connect with anyone who invites them. As you can see, people have different opinions. If you really want to stay in touch with someone these are a couple of workarounds. Two Ways to Get Updates and Stay In Touch With Someone On LinkedIn If you want to connect with someone you don’t personally know, try either of these options. Listen to the most recent episode 1) Always customize your invitation to connect. Explain why you are interested in connecting with someone in your customized invitation. It isn’t a guarantee that your invitation will be accepted, but it may increase the chances. Learn how to customize your invitation on LinkedIn’s desktop and mobile app. 2) Follow the person on LinkedIn. This is howLinkedIn describes the differences between following and connecting. Connections are two-way relationships of trust between people who know each other. If you’re connected to someone, you’re following them and they’re following you by default. Following allows you to read â€" right on your homepage â€" what members are sharing publicly on LinkedIn, including content that they’ve created such as long-form posts. You can follow someone without being connected to them. You’ll only be able to follow if the person haseither written a long-form post or changed their privacy settings to enable updates to be publically follow-able. Follow Influencers Media So if you want to follow some of LinkedIn’s Influencers (big name, famous people) click on this link to see who you can follow. If you want to follow people, who have posted long-form posts, go to their LinkedIn profile, click on one of their posts, and you will see the FOLLOWbutton. Asure-fire way to follow someone’spublic updates on LinkedIn is to go to their profile and click on the down arrow next to the connect button and select the FOLLOW option (if the user has made this available). Publishers, Speakers, Business Owners, etc. If you area speaker, writer, famous alumni or business owner, you may be receiving a lot of requests to connect. One option is to allow/suggest people follow your public updates- but be sure you change your privacy settings. LinkedIn’s Help Center postManaging Who Can Follow Your Updatesexplains how: While your 1st-degree connections automatically follow your updates and long-form posts, anyone can follow you, even if they’re not in your network. You can limit followers to only your 1st-degree connections from the Privacy Settings page. Move your cursor over your profile photo in the top right of your homepage and select Privacy Settings. You may be prompted to sign in. Under the Privacy Controls section, select Choose who can follow your updates. Select Everyone or Your Connections. Everyone â€" All LinkedIn members, in and outside your network, can follow your updates. Your connections â€" Only your 1st-degree connections can follow your updates. Click Save changes. How To Handle Requests To Connect From Strangers In an interesting discussion thread on Facebook, people were discussing how they handle requests from strangers. Some said they send a reply to the invitation, requesting the sender to explain how they know each other or why they want to connect. The response rate to those emails was mixed. As a business owner, accepting invitations from people you don’t know may not bother you, these are leads, right? But even LinkedIn is seeing its share of spam accounts, so be aware. You may chooseto send a reply message in which you’ve copied theinstructions above. Your message might also explain your logic for not connecting with people you do not know. What do you do when people you do not know invite you to connect on LinkedIn without customizing their request? This post originally appeared as The Difference Between Following and Connecting on LinkedIn on The Career Sherpa blog on September 8, 2015 Who is Career Sherpa, aka Hannah Morgan? My mission: Guiding new job seekers through the treacherous terrain of job search by providing a map and tools to navigate today’s competitive landscape. My passion: Helping the wandering and lost job seeker to understand how to look for work better. To learn more visit CareerSherpa.net or feel free to join Hannah on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus or check out her LinkedIn profile. Note from Marc Miller: Hannah and I were listed in the article 50 Great People To Follow On LinkedIn, No Matter Your Industry. This is a great honor but… the flood of LinkedIn connection requests that followed was a bit much. Like what you just read? Share it with your friends using the buttons above. Like What You Read? Get Career Pivot Insights Check out the Repurpose Your Career Podcast Do You Need Help With ...