Fred Sines

The Most Sought After Soft Skills

In today’s competitive job market, numerous personal and professional attributes might improve a particular candidate’s viability. Prospective employers typically define these valuable characteristics as soft skills.

Soft Skills Definition

Soft skills are defined as positive personal traits and intrinsic abilities certain individuals possess. These elements differ from the more commonly defined hard skills, which include one’s educational background, experience level and discernible qualities necessary to perform a specific function.

In recent times, many employers are placing more significance on soft skills and retaining the services of candidates or promoting employees who possess traits such as:

Adaptability

Oftentimes, professional landscapes change. Personnel turns over, business philosophies are altered and relocations occur. These ever-evolving circumstances necessitates workers who demonstrate adaptability. Adaptable individuals typically display a “go with the flow” attitude and accept such evolution without complaint. In many instances, those who cannot adapt might come across as stubborn or difficult.

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the capacity to discern the feelings displayed by others and utilize one’s own to their competitive advantage. In far too many instances, invoking emotion at the wrong time or trying to play on another’s feelings could have disastrous consequences. However, when feelings like empathy, sympathy and self-awareness are utilized strategically, such emotions could help an employee master numerous trying circumstances.

Creativity

Some of the world’s most successful individuals typically possess a significant degree of creativity. Creative thinkers often create viable solutions to difficult problems because such individuals ponder out of the box and seldom view present conditions the way many others do.

Collaboration

One of the most important keys to organizational success is team work. Many employers look quite favorably upon employees who display a willingness and enthusiasm for collaboration. Being a willing team player often demonstrates a level selflessness and a commitment to accomplishing the task at hand over any individual goals.

Time Management

It is hard to argue that time is any company or organization’s most precious commodity. Lost time can never be regained. Ergo, numerous employees often demonstrate appreciation for staff members with excellent time management abilities. Such persons neither wait until the last minute to begin or complete a task not do they have idle time on their hands. Every moment is spent wisely and efficiently.

This article was originally published at FredSines.co.uk.

4 Steps To Starting Your Own Business

In this century, starting your own business is the dream of many aspiring entrepreneurs. Thanks to the rise in ecommerce and mobile technology, starting your own business may also be easier than ever before. Here are four steps to turning your great business idea into a profitable business.

Find a problem to solve

The best way to get a business up and running is to find a product or service that people genuinely need. On the other hand, you have to be careful about ideas that stray too far from existing products or services. It is far harder to convince someone that they need a brand new thing than it is to convince them they just need a better version of something they are already familiar with.

Research your market carefully and develop a solid brand strategy

Unfortunately, in the world of business, just having a great product is not enough. Just because a consumer sees value in a product or service does not always mean they will buy it. Good market research should also include determining exactly who your market is (and who it is not) and building a solid brand strategy geared towards reaching your specific target market.

Start small

Perhaps one of the hardest ideas for entrepreneurs to let go of is the idea of an overnight success. There just really is no such thing. Phil Knight started Nike by selling shoes out of the trunk of his car at track meets and Steve Jobs famously founded Apple out of his parent’s garage.

Fail forward

There is an often quoted statistic about how 8 out of 10 businesses fail in the first 18 months but the truth is that roughly 1/3 of all new businesses will fail in the first two years and approximately half will fail in the first 5 years. What these statistics do not take into account, however, are the number of entrepreneurs who take an early failure and turn it into stellar success somewhere further down the road. Not every business is going to go the distance, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn from your mistakes and turn your second, third or fourth venture into the next Fortune 500 company.

This article was originally published at FredSines.co.uk.

How to Turn Your Career Weaknesses into Strengths

Having career weaknesses are a common feat for most people, especially those who are new in their field. Learning through trial and error usually allows an individual to develop their skills. However, some may not be sure how to turn their career weaknesses into strengths that can further their career progress. Everyone has one or two things they believe they could benefit from making improvements on. Establishing strengths in one’s career and skill set not only makes one better at their job, but it widens their career opportunities because it gives them more experience.

Common Career Weaknesses

Too much focus on details
Lack of confidence
Trouble saying “no”
Experience difficulty asking for help
Lack of computer skills
Managing project deadlines
Public speaking

Tips to Turn Your Career Weaknesses into Strengths:

Rehearse Speeches Privately

Public speaking is a common fear among the general population. However, this can be considered a weakness if this interpersonal skill is not developed. Often times, a company may require their faculty and staff to do public presentations or speak to large groups on behalf of their business. To lessen social anxiety and improve one’s public speaking, an individual can benefit from practicing privately. Rehearsing a speech or presentation minimizes any potential mishaps or miscommunications. It also help in calming one’s nerves.

Take Specialized Classes

A person can seek outside help by taking specialized classes to develop the necessary skills pertaining to their job. If a person’s weakness happens to be a hard skill such as advanced mathematics or language, then they should take extra classes to build those skills. For example, if one’s career requires that they learn how to use Microsoft programs, then they can achieve this by taking a class and learning how to be more tech savvy.

Get Advice

Some people don’t realize how much a weakness is affecting their career. Perhaps they underestimate their career’s demands or they overestimate their capabilities on the job. To perfect one’s skills, they should seek the help of a mentor or adviser. They should also be able to receive help from those offering help.

Identify Your Weaknesses

Among anything else, pinpointing one’s weaknesses is the part to changing them into strengths. In order to pinpoint weaknesses, an individual must be completely honest with themselves and figure out what their weaknesses are. One can do this by making a list of about 5 things they wish to improve or perfect when it comes to their career.

This article was originally published on FredSines.co.uk.

Best Cyber Security Practices For Your Business

Cyber security is not just a fad and shouldn’t be thought of as only applying to large corporations that rake in billions. The truth is that about half of businesses have experienced a breach in recent years. Since there is no 100 percent magic cure for cybercrime, all businesses are at risk of being invaded by hackers, who continue to find new ways to breach systems. Here are key moves for proactive businesses to explore to make their networks more secure.

Commit to Multiple Security Layers

The main concept that all businesses should envision is multilayered security so that if one barrier fails, there are still more hurdles for hackers to overcome. Virtualization is a growing type of infrastructure solution that allows for stacking separate operating systems on one physical computer, limiting access to specific departments for each employee. Other security layers include anti-malware software, encryption, multifactor authentication and complex passwords.

Firewall Software and Hardware

A firewall is a strong defense against cybercriminals as it creates a wall between the business and the outside world. Firewalls can either be in the form of hardware or software. The FCC has advised all SMBs to use a standard external firewall. A growing number of companies have taken a further step to install internal firewalls.

Make Cybersecurity Policies Clear to Employees

Cybersecurity policies define who can and cannot access a company’s network and what types of digital destinations employees can use. Many firms put restrictions on illegal sites that provide access to porn or downloads without permission from copyright owners. Not only can these sites hurt a company’s reputation if exposed, many of these sites are conduits to infected links.

Tighten Security on BYOD Workplaces

If a company implements a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy, it should take extra precautions on cybersecurity. It’s imperative to use a solution such as mobile device management (MDM) software, which can detect unauthorized visitors on a network. This software allows managers to lock and wipe lost or stolen mobile devices.

Regularly Back Up Critical Data

All companies should make regular backups of all their data, or at least the most critical data that will still be needed for years to come. One of the biggest mistakes a company can make in the digital age is to neglect making backups and testing them. This neglect makes the firm extremely vulnerable in the event of an attack, which could lead to downtime and enormous data loss.

Educate Employees About Cybercrime

It’s up to every business to spread the word about the dangers of cybercrime. Most breaches are actually the result of employee error, such as clicking a suspicious email that infects the user’s computer and beyond. Employees should be trained to spot strange emails that may come in the form of an imposter posing as a friend or global brand.

This article was originally published at FredSines.co.uk.

Team Building Games for the Workplace

Team building exercises can be a great way to break the ice, promote communication and team cohesion. That is when they’re done right. However, the mention of team-building exercises often illicit stifled groans and eye rolls from team members. Who hasn’t had the “pleasure” of participating in a series of games that did little more than annoy and possibly injure their teammates.

There are thousands of team building games and ice breakers online. Some of them are time-tested classics. Others border on the absurd. When deciding what kind of games you want to play, there are a few things that you should avoid.

First, avoid paintball or any similar activities. Chances are, these kinds of games will only lead to injury and inflamed tensions as disgruntled employees take revenge on supervisors, agile teammates outmaneuver slower ones, and office cliques are reenforced.

It’s also a good idea to avoid physical challenges as ice breakers. Nobody wants to relive the humiliation or discomfort of middle school gym class while at work. More importantly, for employees who are sensitive about personal space, getting up close and personal with relative strangers can be off-putting. Crawling around or holding hands with strangers may seem like a great way to bring your team together but it may have the exact opposite effect.

Similarly, avoid games of humiliation. Try to avoid games that put people on the spot or force them to reveal things about themselves that they may not be ready to share. Avoid role-playing games and humiliating punishments.

Instead, opt for games like Truth or Lies. The participants decide how much of themselves they want to reveal and the team is challenged to see how well they know their teammate. Doing an office egg drop or another creative endeavor is another great way to promote communication and creativity in the office. Scavenger hunts, blind drawing, and puzzle games such as “This Is Better Than That” all provide teammates an opportunity to get to know each other without pressure, humiliation, or injury.

Team building games don’t have to be the worst part of your company retreat or weekly meeting. With a little attention to detail and creativity, you can improve your team’s communication and promote creativity while having fun.

This article was originally published on FredSines.co.uk.

How to Create a Career Without a Degree

Not everyone can afford to go to university to earn a degree. A degree doesn’t guarantee a job, nor does it outweigh relevant job skills As many top businessmen have proven, it is more than possible to build a successful career without a degree. If you’re starting your career and not going to school, here are a few ways you can set yourself up for a great career.

Understand Your Aptitude

When building a career, it’s important to understand yourself. Consider your skills and interests, as well as your strengths and weaknesses. You should also take your work style into account. How do you want to spend your work week? Do you prefer working with others or alone? Would you rather perform analytical work with data or be out in the field? You could also take a career aptitude tests. There are many free tests offered online or at career development centers.

Consider On-the-Job Training

Many employers recognize that skills are often more important than a degree. They may offer on-the-job training to their employees so they can learn more about their career. Employers know that the better they equip their employees, the better they will able to perform. On-the-job training pays off for employees and businesses alike. This option is far more affordable than a college degree, and it will also provide you with valuable hands-on experience.

Pursue a Certification

Another option is to earn a certification in a trade or skill. Trade certificates are often offered by trade schools and community colleges. Some are even available online. These certificates are much cheaper than a college degree and provide you with more experience. Some even offer apprenticeships. This training and experience should be able to help you find a great entry-level job with competitive pay.

Educate Yourself

In today’s day and age, it’s easy to educate yourself. You can lean limitless information through reading the blogs of experts or watching videos on YouTube. The best part? It’s all free! It may take a little time and self-discipline, but you can research and learn about almost anything. If watching videos isn’t your thing, you can purchase or borrow books on relevant topics.

Stay Positive

Many people in your life may try and tell you that you won’t be able to create a career without earning a degree. This simply isn’t true. Don’t listen to the negative opinions, and instead focus on the talented individuals who have proven that you don’t need to attend university.

This article was originally published on FredSines.co.uk.

Best Online Resources for New Businesses

In today’s competitive business climate, it can be difficult for employers to know how to navigate legal frameworks and best practices to create an advantage for their business. These are the best free business education resources to help business owners learn to navigate challenges and build a successful business.

Gov.uk

A great place to get started learning about setting up a business is the government’s website, Gov.UK. They house information on taxes, incorporation, self-employment, liability, licenses, importation, and UK and EU regulations. With a vast amount of resources on running a business, this website helps business owners understand the legal framework around how to conduct their business and everything they need to navigate the British business system through short articles and extended guides.

National Federation of Self Employed and Small Businesses (FSB)

The FSB creates resources that help employers grow their businesses and navigate changing work environments. By concentrating on new developments and current events, FSB goes beyond typical advice and helps business owners adequately confront challenges in the workforce and manage productivity. With a series of guides, educational resources explore a range of topics, such as financial planning, mental health and productivity, and templates for legal matters.

Growth Hub

Growth Hub features free online resources geared toward business growth with limited resources on starting up a business. The focus of the in-person resources is for businesses located in south west UK, but online resources cater toward topics that benefit businesses throughout the country. In addition to topics on the basics of running a business, this resource includes education on skill development, human resources, rural businesses, and funding opportunities.

Start up Donut

Start up Donut provides a mass amount of resources on start-up businesses and successfully running a new venture. Prospective business owners can find educational resources on different types of businesses, how to start a business, finding property, writing a business plan. New business owners and small business owners can find advice for propelling their success with information on customer satisfaction management, marketing research, building an online presence, and reaching customers.

Whether starting out in a new business venture or looking to maximise productivity through business growth, these free educational resources for businesses can help provide guidance and direction for a successful business.

This article was originally published FredSines.co.uk.

Teach Yourself These Skills Before Starting a Business

Starting a business from the ground up is no easy endeavor. While there are plenty of opportunities for the entrepreneurial spirit, there are several important skill sets a beginning business owner must cultivate to succeed.

Some of these skills are simple, and build upon the experiences gained in daily living.

Others, such as marketing and promotion? They take a little more time to learn.

Organized Routines

Every road is built upon a single stone. Every staircase, a step. And when it comes to business, every moment of time allocated for work must come with the promise of a return.

This mindset can be slowly built upon by a daily routine. Meant more to cultivate the necessary work ethic, having a set routine day by day, and week by week, allows a new business owner to set a standard that must be upheld.

A set schedule serves as a constant reminder to remain diligent, and to persevere through the undoubtedly difficult times and long hours ahead. There will be days that come with the bitter tinge of failure, but being able to rely on a daily process provides a mental sense of security and accomplishment.

Marketing and Promoting the Business

A businessperson can develop the most useful tool or service to meet a certain demand. But this means nothing if the prospective customers don’t realize that an opportunity is present.

Obscurity is the greatest enemy a new business can face. A freshly starting entrepreneur only needs to look at history to know how important it is to promote their business.

Advertisements have been around as long as the first human bartered for something. In modern days, this form of promotion takes the form of internet ads, television commercials, and even by having products placed in film.

Some of the more common, but effective, methods of promoting a business are affiliate marketing, social media marketing, bringing in website traffic, and viral internet videos. Once a product is out on the market and potential buyers know about it, sales will begin to flow in.

Basic Analytical Skills

To know how much money is being made, data must be analyzed and correlated into an understandable format. By simply looking at a chart, a businessperson can directly compare how exposure, traffic, and sales, are affecting the company. You don’t need an advanced degree in statistics to understand the basic information. Basic analytical skills will help you see where your money is going and how people find your business. One popular service that many people use, is Google Analytics.

Once you have these skills, you’ll be able to launch your very own business.

This article was originally published on FredSines.co.uk.

How to Develop Leadership Skills

A good leader is not something you can become overnight. Like most other things in life, the process of developing your leadership skills takes practice. Even those who seem like natural leaders often needed to focus on developing their leadership style. Be purposeful in the following areas of your work life to develop your leadership skills and advance your career.

Don’t Be Afraid to Follow Others

Good leaders aren’t afraid to follow others or allow other people to take control. Practice this mentality by keeping an open mind and listening to the ideas of others. Don’t be intimidated by yielding control or listening to someone who disagrees with you. If you are open and engaging with your team, they will be more likely to respect you.

Encourage Others

Part of the job of a leader is to inspire their employees. You should encourage your team, and work together to solve problems. Remember to give credit where credit is due. Praise your coworker when they do a great job. If someone is struggling, offer advice and guidance. They also might just want someone to listen to them and share some words of wisdom and encouragement.

Seek to encourage others to act. Leaders don’t achieve results alone, but they accomplish task through others. Your team needs your help and encouragement in order to collaborate and solve problems.

Model Good Behavior

Work on your leadership skills by modeling positive behavior and setting a good example for others. Good leaders aren’t afraid to go first before asking their employees to implement behaviors. Remember that actions speak louder than words, and people are more likely to remember what you did rather than what you said.

Take On More Responsibility

Leaders have more responsibility than other employees. One way to develop your leadership skills is to take on more projects. Of course, you shouldn’t agree to take on more than you can handle! Growth requires you to leave your comfort zone and take initiative.

You should always aspire to learn new things. This will help you expand your breadth of knowledge, and prepares you for whatever challenges may arise in the future.

Becoming a good leader does not happen quickly or naturally. Instead of waiting until you become a leader to develop your skills, you should work on being purposeful about setting an example for others, and taking on more responsibility. Be intentional about becoming a leader who encourages others and works hard to solve workplace problems.

This article was originally published on FredSines.co.uk.

How to Hone Your Public Speaking Skills

Public speaking is something many individuals struggle with, both inside and outside the workplace. Although it is a very common fear, it doesn’t have to be intimidating. The following are a few tips to help you improve your skills.

It’s Normal to Be Nervous

You’re not alone in your fear of public speaking. It causes many people to be anxious, which results in physical symptoms like sweaty palms or feeling trembly. Don’t let yourself believe that these are signs that you are doing poorly. Instead, channel your nerves into ensuring that you are properly prepared. The best way to combat any anxiety is to make sure that you practice often. Take time to memorize your speech and practice it with a friend. You can also videotape yourself and review the tapes later.

Make Sure You’re Properly Organised

One of the best ways to ensure your speech runs smoothly is to make sure that you’re perfectly prepared. This begins before you even write your speech. Brainstorm topics that will keep the audience engaged. Create a framework with great opening and closing statements, and properly organise the body of the speech.

Be Yourself

Try to let your personality shine through your speech, much as you would in a normal conversation. This helps the audience perceive you as genuine and engaging. Share personal experiences if they are relevant. Audiences normally enjoy anecdotes, as stories help them feel more connected to you. Don’t be afraid to insert some humor into an otherwise dry speech.

Try to avoid reading straight from a script, and instead use a general outline to help keep you on track. If you’re staring a script the whole time, you won’t be able to make eye contact with the audience.

Don’t Forget About Unspoken Cues

Remember that much of conversation is nonverbal, even when public speaking. Avoid nervous gestures such as playing with your hands or shuffling your notes. You want your message to be clear and not have your audience get distracted by any other gestures. You also don’t want your speech to be boring. Don’t be afraid to incorporate meaningful motions.

Go Easy on the Visual Aids

Don’t overload your audience with excessive audiovisual aids. They are not meant to be the focus of your speech, but rather are meant to clarify your message. A few images or a short video clip will likely suffice.

This article was originally published at FredSines.co.uk.