Posted by Alicia on November 5, 2009
Flextime/ 4-day work week etc…
More and more of America’s workers are becoming less willing to spend their free time commuting on traffic congested highways and subways, working a typical 9-5 workday or working in mentally unhealthy work environments with toxic bosses and co-workers. Because of the current economy and the sky-rocketing costs of corporate overhead such as leases, overused equipment, offsetting employee transportation costs and other expenses, more companies are looking for ways to save money as well. By companies offering benefits such as flextime, a 4-day work week, job sharing and telecommuting, they are finding themselves in a win/win situation.
Companies who offer such benefits are discovering that by offering their employees a more flexible work environment, their workers are happier which, in turn, makes them more productive. Below are brief descriptions of each type of work schedule.
Flextime: An employer establishes the hours that constitute a full work day and employees are free to determine what 8 hour period they work. For example, if an employer makes work hours available between 6a and 9p, an employee may choose to work the hours of 11a to 7p and still be conforming to the work policy.
Job Sharing: Two employees share the same job and share the hours so there is no need for over time. They also share the job responsibilities and their salaries are usually pro-rated. With job sharing, employees can overlap their hours, split their shifts or work at different offices or facilities at the same time.
Four Day Work Week: Also known as a compressed work week, employees work the same amount of hours during the week but in fewer days. The most common example of the four day work week is the 10 hour work day with either Monday or Friday off. The theory is that by taking Monday or Friday off, traffic is directly impacted.
Teleworking: Easily defined, teleworking simply means working from home or any other place away from the brick and mortar of an employee’s office. Teleworking relieves the stress for parents who have to work while also reducing traffic, overtime, and reducing absenteeism. Approximately 41 million U.S. workers are teleworkers.
Alicia D’Amico
www.womenforwomensite.com Inspiring women to achieve their goals in business and or in their working lives.
Posted by Alicia on October 26, 2009
Corporate Mindset
Working from home is not for everyone. Some people are content with the daily regiment of commuting to a job, reporting to a supervisor, mingling and socializing with co-workers, friends and colleagues and coming home to their families. They achieve a sense of belonging underneath a blanket of security that they need to feel like they have accomplished a complete work day. Others however yearn to separate themselves from the traditional brick and mortar workplace and much prefer to set up offices in their home. Whether you work on-site or from home, the corporate mind-set must still remain in tact. Working from home makes establishing patterns, routines, lunch breaks, phone calls etc…a bit more challenging.
With the advent of technology, it is possible to work anywhere there is a viable internet connection and a computer. With equipment such as web cams and software programs such as Live Meeting, teleconferencing, instant messaging and computer conferencing (such as SKYPE), people from all over the world are able to work together with relative ease. In some cases, the most challenging problem is coordinating time zones.
Technology has allowed corporations a way to offer more and more people the opportunity to work away from the office. Business travelers are able to continue working on their laptops from the moment they leave the office (or home), at the airport (all U.S. airports now offer wifi service for travelers), on the flight and from their hotel rooms. In years past, companies lost millions of dollars, potentially, while workers moved from one point to another.
Approximately 41 million Americans worked from home in 2008 and that number is expected to continue to increase as technology makes business transactions and interactions so convenient. With a simple telephone, people are able to send and receive emails, text messages, photos and other documents. Over the next several years, it will be interesting to see just how convenient working from anywhere will become.
Alicia D’Amico
www.womenforwomensite.com Inspiring women to achieve their goals in business and or in their working lives.
Posted by Alicia on October 24, 2009
Are Women Better Entrepreneurs?
Whether women are better entrepreneurs pretty much depends upon whom you ask. It can also be argued that the term ‘better’ is subjective. By saying ‘better’, are you asking if the employees of a company like female bosses better than male bosses or whose profit margins are better or who gets more credit and exposure as a business owner, your responses may flip-flop from women to men.
Even though the number of women entrepreneurs has significantly increased over the decades, the rise in female-owned companies is not necessarily synonymous with the notion that women entrepreneurs are fairing as well as men when it comes to salaries for themselves, profits or business opportunities.
Women are more likely than men to create service oriented businesses or businesses that have more direct customer contact. Women who have worked on at least one job were also more likely to start a business than women who have never worked before. Women seize the reins of entrepreneurship to better their socio-economic situations and provide better lives for their children more than the desire to become “rich”. Men tend to start businesses to become rich. Because men often base their level of masculinity on their successes in life, they therefore have the undying need to be bigger, better and more successful than the next guy.
Fear of failure as an entrepreneur was greater among women business owners than men business owners which can be attributed to a few reasons – 1) women’s overall image of themselves 2) the glass ceiling of the corporate world 3) male-dominated corporate world where they feel oppressed 4) salaries for women in the corporate world still fall short of men’s. It make be for these reasons that there is no shortage of women entrepreneur support websites on the Internet that provide relevant information, support, advice and resources for women in business.
Women often find their own “niche” in business, much easier than men do because women tend to use their natural abilities as a way to start a business and to make money. Women, therefore often require far less capital to start their businesses compared to their male counterparts.
No one really knows if women entrepreneurs are better than men. The answer is subjective and there is no empirical data to support an answer because “better” means something different to everyone you ask.
The blatant truth and reality is however, women entrepreneurs are rising in numbers and are a formidable force in the business world, being billions – even trillions of dollars into world economies.
Alicia D’Amico
www.womenforwomensite.com Inspiring women to achieve their goals in business and or in their working lives.
Posted by Alicia on September 19, 2009
How to Turn Your Passion into Profit
Ask yourself, ‘What do I do that amazes people and I think is absolutely nothing?’
Whatever that thing is your gift. – Michelle McKinney Hammond
Doing what we were meant to do creates fun, excitement, and contentment in our lives, and invariably, in the lives of people around us. When you’re excited about something, it’s contagious. – Mark Victor Hansen
Michelle McKinney Hammond is one of my favorite motivational speakers. She speaks around the country to women’s groups, nurturing, encouraging and empowering women and their issues with self esteem through her words and compassion. The first time I heard those words, I was in the middle of a “what am I going to do with my life” crisis and that one statement changed my life. Those words really made me stop and reach deep inside to figure out what I’m good at. What do I do that impresses other people that makes me look at them and say “What?”
Michelle was talking about finding your talent. Some women often go through their lives searching for their talent, struggling to discover their worth or self value, especially when their children are older and no longer so dependent on them. The search is often disparaging and depressing because for some reason, we, as women, have difficulty identifying our own qualities.
Everyone is good at something. Whether you’re great at baking cookies, scrap-booking, writing, reading, sewing – whatever your talent is, it is, unequivocally, something you love to do. Whatever it is that you love to do; you can turn that passion into profit!
Most successful business owners had several failed businesses prior to hitting on the profitable one. Perhaps you enjoy making gift baskets, invitations, Photoshop banners or Christmas wreaths! Whatever it is, turning your passion into profit is quite easy once you have a plan.
If your passion is making business cards, brochures, gift cards, flyers or other promotional materials, there are several software programs that are available to help make your craft easier. Most companies even often free tutorials with their software. Maybe you don’t have a clue about making your own business card. There are a couple of marketing companies that offer business cards and other marketing materials for free to help you get the word out about your business.
Decide if you just want to make extra money or if you want to want to turn your passion into profit full time. There are several free ways to market yourself including, handing out flyers at the grocery store, at church, at work and through family and friends. Some businesses will allow you to leave a business card or flyer on a specified table or desk so be sure to ask! Advertising in smaller outlets like a local Pennysaver or newspaper are often very affordable for the small business owner. Your initial investment may be little more than a new computer and supplies!
It makes good sense that whatever your passion is, you really enjoy doing it. So, why not make money while doing it? Turning your passion into profit is fun, easy and in most cases, rather inexpensive. Be sure to check for any licensing or permits you might need, but more than likely, you can start making money right away. Remember what Michelle said. We all can do something that amazes other people! What’s your passion? Turn it into profit today!
Alicia
Posted by Alicia on July 22, 2009
A glance at a recent Orange County Chamber of Commerce newsletter showed about 30 new business members. And those are just the businesses that joined the chamber. I’m sure there are many more new businesses in our area not listed, for whatever reason. Business in general has its up and downs, some more severe than others, but it will survive. If you’ve been wondering whether or not becoming a business owner is right for you, then this seminar is for you. It’s not like other seminars where someone teases you with a line and then sells you a whole bunch of stuff. This “Profit from your Passion” seminar involves no selling whatsoever. What it will do is provide you with concrete information about the Hudson Valley business climate, and what owning a business entails…the joys and the stresses from those who do it everyday. We’re not going to sugar-coat anything, but rather, you will leave more knowledgeable, with more tools at your disposable to make a wiser decision, and perhaps with a few business cards in your pocket, and definitely some new friendships made. Hey, you’re getting a pampered lunch….what else could you want? But seriously, consider joining us…but do so quickly. Seats are limited.
Posted by Alicia on July 16, 2009
Anything new is scary. Starting a job, moving, getting married, having kids. The secret is adjusting to it in “baby steps.” We work up to whatever the “new” thing is. We prepare, we get mentally psyched for it. Each day it becomes more and more solidified in our minds, so by the time we actually “sign the papers,” we have made friends with this new endeavor. Take, for example, my experience moving from urban Long Island to rural Orange County. Yes, it was easy to say, “Oh, we’re moving to Orange County.” Did it feel real or possible af the start? Not really. But as we looked at more and houses, we grew familiar with the neighborhood, as we researched the internet, we learned about the schools, and by the time we signed the closing papers, the whole concept of “moving” had become second nature to my husband and I. It wasn’t scary any more, but exciting. That’s how it is when you desire to open your own business. Sure you say it, and you feel strange saying it out loud. But if you really, really want to do this, you take the baby steps needed to have this become an exciting part of your life. You research the idea, learn from experts, meet others who are ready to take the leap and take comfort in the comraderie.
That’s what August 15 is all about. It’s one of the “baby steps” you can take to make your dream business become very, very real.
Posted by Alicia on July 15, 2009
Profit From your Passion!
Workshops – Real Life Stories – Networking – Business Advice
Women are natural nurturers, they want to help one another succeed, but sometimes there needs to be the connection between the two. The Profit from your Passion seminar on August 15th is that connection. Take advantage of the willing, welcoming, friendly, and very, very smart businesswomen who will be there to share their wisdom. There’s no selling. Really…leave your credit card and wallet at home. You will still depart feeling inspired, encouraged and pumped.
Think about how much knowledge you already have. As a mother, a wife, a sister, a girlfriend, a partner, a single parent, a single woman. Inherent in that is a wealth of experience about the world, about people, about what you love to do. We all have something to offer. Come celebrate that on August 15th!.
Is there something you’ve always wanted to try? Is there a dream rolling around in your head that won’t let go. Just like the great Nike phrase, “Just do it.”
The time is now to start working toward that dream and doing what you love.
August 15th ….spend it with a group of women who are here to help you work toward your dreams.
August 15th ….is your day to move forward.
The time is right NOW.
Posted by Alicia on July 5, 2009
I was reading the paper this morning and came upon something that Rachel Ray wrote for Parade Magazine. She said that life doesn’t always turn out the way we planned it. I guess we can all shake our heads in agreement about that. But, her story goes on and it’s quite remarkable. After being in the food business, doing various jobs, she writes, “I started teaching 30-minute meals to move groceries. The classes were a hobby, a fun distraction — and led to TV shows, cookbooks, and a monthly magazine.”
Now, our seminar isn’t promising to make you a television star (although if you have eight kids and wear the right clothes, you may become one anyway), it will get the wheels moving in your head. Maybe you want to change careers and try doing something you really, really, REALLY love to do, or to take your business as little further. Remember you will be guided by some of the best business women in the area…who’ve already started – and continue to prosper in – their own business.
We planned this seminar at a time of year when traditionally folks are gearing up for a new beginning…right before September. A time when we get our minds in gear, buy a few extra marble composition books, buy new shoes, and get ready for serious work. Are you ready? – MJ Hanley-Goff
Posted by Alicia on July 4, 2009
The response has been overwhelmingly supportive from the media and local women. And it all comes down to the universal belief that finding something you love to do, and getting paid for it, well, there’s no better feeling in the world. Maybe chocolate beats that…or a latte from Dunkin Donuts, but I’m digressing…And since most families need a second income, doesn’t it make sense to evaluate your strengths and likes/dislikes to determine what sort of “work” you should do? That’s what this seminar is all about. For me, I knew I loved to write. I could write until the “cows come home.” Although I don’t know what that really means. I do know that I could write and write to the point where there was no food in the house, or I was clicking off the computer just as my husband’s alarm went off. Writing never felt like work to me. And when I was a stay at home mom, “retired” from my daily commute to the city, I knew I had to find something to do that brought in an income, and allowed my mind to stay “in the game.” So, I embarked on a freelance writing career. That’s what this seminar will cover…how some very successful business women — some from right in our own backyard — took their “passion” and turned it into a profitable enterprise. Come and join us for this fact-filled and enlightening day! — MJ Hanley-Goff
Posted by Alicia on May 10, 2009
Profit From your Passion!
Workshops – Real Life Stories – Networking – Business Advice
CONDUCTED BY WOMEN FOR WOMEN
Whether YOU: Own a business, always wanted to own a business, or desire to change careers, or turn a hobby into a profitable enterprise, this ONE DAY SEMINAR IS FOR YOU!!!
Join us for an entertaining, informative and life-changing day.
Early Registration
is encouraged.
Seating is limited!
|
Saturday, August 15
9 am to 4 pm
Hampton Inn, Harriman, NY. |
Sign up now just look for the pay pal pay now button:
Register by July 17th. Receive a 10% discount. Seating is limited.
Bring a friend!!
See you there.
What’s Stopping you from starting your own business?
Price is $53.00 with the discount. Register by July 17, 2009.
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Flextime/ 4-day work week etc…
