Small Business Tips: Effective marketing plans

When writing effective business correspondence, one must pay great attention to even the minutest of details. However, one must also capture the readers’ attention and that can usually be best accomplished by projecting a specific writing style. Your chosen writing style could fit one of the following descriptive groups: elegance, class, opulence; humor, sincerity, friendliness; humorous, down-to-earth, friendly; blunt, stark, aggressive; to-the-point, professional, no frills; non-traditional, funky, offbeat; pleading, submissive, “hope-you-pick-me” or you could invent one entirely unique.

Obviously one or more styles could be combined, however this is difficult to do and still be straightforwardly effective. It is best to choose a specific style such as one of the above that suits the situation; the potential buyer; and your business as well as your own unique personality. A company that sells business services, for example, would find it inane to attempt to impress their prospective clientele base with a letter that was funky; prospective clients would most certainly shy away. To put it another way, can you imagine a vintage clothing store that would properly convey their image with a no frills, professional approach?

Once you have chosen the style that is suitable to the given situation, you must decide who is your target; who will be reading this information, or rather, who do you want to read it? It will usually be one of the following positional types that will be reading your copy:

1. The decision maker

2. The screener

3. The spouse of the decision maker

4. A partial decision maker

The decision maker is who you obviously want to receive your printed material; however, you must keep in mind that you may initially have to get it beyond the screener, the spouse (who may also act as a screener), or simply a partial decision maker. You want your information to ultimately end up in the hands of your target – the decision maker. Let’s discover how we can effectively attract and hold the attention of one of the intermediary persons involved yet still captivate the decision maker’s attention.

First, ask yourself this question as if you were each of the above recipients, “What is in this for me?” Good question, can you answer it? You must embed an attribute within your copy that is beneficial to each individual who has the good fortune to hold your materials in his/her hands. For the screener, it may be that it offers a lessening of the load of responsibilities from his/her shoulders by providing a viable option of transference to another entity – you. In this case, the screener will ensure the copy makes it to the decision maker and quite possibly will do so with his or her own personal recommendation!

For the spouse, the caveat will free up more time for the spouse (the decision maker) making it possible for the couple to spend quality time together, like more beneficial activities. A partial decision maker is easily pleased, as he/she will be most receptive to the same approach as the decision maker. Therefore, you must make your copy powerful enough so that it can gain impetus through the partial decision maker. In any of these scenarios, the point is to get whoever is the initial and intermediary contact in your corner, on your side, pitching your product or service, for their own gain. This is not as difficult as it sounds and can reap benefits that are well worth the time and effort it may take to put these concepts into practice.

To recap this effective strategy:

1. Define your style

2. Define the possible intermediary contacts

3. Define the benefits for the intermediary contacts

4. Define the benefits for the decision maker

5. Use these definitions to write copy that will capture attention

By implementing these principles you will find that your written copy will literally soar into your prospective buyers’ hands. Remember: Define, define, define, define…and put into action!

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Business plan presentation tips

One of the most frustrating things in an office environment is trying to get management to take your ideas seriously.

While most companies SAY they listen to employees and consider them a valuable asset, when the chips are down, many of them do not truly give your input the time of day.

Many of us learn to shut down. We stop trying to bring up new ideas and schemes.

Yet most of us still come up with exciting ideas we're convinced are important for the company. And let's face it - if you can make your ideas stick, not only do you help make your employer more successful, but you become more important to the company leading to a reduced risk of being laid off, and a greater possibility of advancement.

On the other hand, it's human nature to resist change, and you'd be surprised how many people will try to kill your idea outright.

How can you get that idea across to management and have it taken seriously without antagonizing those around you?

Here are some tips:

1. Don't waste a lot of office time on it. If either coworkers or bosses think or suspect that you're putting a lot of office time into your zany new idea you're going to get shot down quickly. Emphasizing that a lot or all of the time preparing the proposal was done on your own time, that both lends credibility to the proposal and keeps the wolves at bay.

2. Align allies. In many cases, it makes sense to get someone else enthused about the idea first. This might be a respected coworker or someone in middle management. If it's coming from other people was well, management may take it more seriously. One warning - however trite it may sound, many other office workers will try to torpedo you due to jealousy or a perceived threat so be careful who you bring it up with (see below).

3. Know who it hurts. You already know who it helps. But who does it hurt? Those people who feel threatened by a proposal may torpedo it right out of the blocks. While working in a Spanish speaking office, I had suggested we take on this great new accounting package that would streamline operations a great deal and save money. The boss was excited and ready to buy. However, just to be sure he called in the main accountant. She immediately began to find tons of flaws in the software, and basically ripped it to shreds. Later I figured out that she actually liked the product, but was concerned that she wouldn't handle the English commands well. She was threatened by the idea and preferred the status quo. She'd never say that out loud to the boss, but that feeling caused her to torpedo it right away. Think through those people who may be hurt directly or indirectly by an idea and work to make it more palatable for them. If you start with enemies all around you, you're doomed.

4. Make sure to do you homework on costs and benefits. Your idea isn't brilliant just because it sounds great, it's brilliant because it's faster, cheaper, and more efficient than what's being done now. Try to back up concepts with hard facts. I once worked at a liquor company who was paying $20,000 a year to have their logo on a local soccer teams jersey. When I suggested skipping that and instead putting it on a scoreboard they were somewhat skeptical. When I mentioned that we could DONATE it to the city (with our logo on it of course) and that it would be the first electric scoreboard in the stadium, AND that it would cost only $8,000 and last for 10 years they sat up and took notice.

5. Anticipate objections. Think ahead on what people will say about it. Don't be blinded by your own brilliance. What are your weak points. When Jane Manager says, "Yeah, it looks good on paper, but in the real world that's not going to work," you can come back with, "I know that's how it sounds, but look, here are the numbers from Acme Company who tried something similar last year and it worked for them". Anticipate objections and come prepared to respond to them.

6. Don't try to be perfect. Don't get defensive. Nothing is more hokey that trying to say your idea is perfect. Don't try to poke holes in it, but an honest appraisal of some risks and downsides makes your presentation more solid. Phrases like, "now, I realize that this will cost more per year than we're currently paying, but it will give us an increased return due to it's efficiency and I think the return is worth the cost" sound solid and well thought out. It also covers you when costs are high - you DID mention that to start with.

7. Use management's own words. Don't be afraid to come right back at them. Listen to what they are talking about, and try to present ideas of your as solutions to problems they've raised, or as an outgrowth of something they've already done. "I was thinking about what you said at the staff meeting last week and I thought of a great solution…." Or "Remember how you said putting widget A into slot B might help our troubles? That got me thinking… what if we also put widget A into slot C…." You have to be a bit careful with this one, or management will take it as their own, and leave you in the cold which brings me to….

8. Take credit. Don't be obnoxious, but try to make sure that you keep clear where the idea came from. Many people will take an "underlings" idea and present it as their own. Preempt that by saying (in a staff meeting, or at a meeting with higher ups), things like, "when I brought this idea to Joe Boss on Friday, I was really excited by how he immediately helped me flesh out some of the details". You're giving him credit, but also clearly establishing where the initiative came from. You don't have to do it often. Usually two or three times, innocently said, is enough to catch in everyone's subconscious that you're the author of the deed…. Don't try to show anyone up though or you could engender resentment.

9. Cover your backside. Be careful that your ideas don't put you too far out on a limb. Make sure that others are coming with you so that if things don't turn out, it's clear that it was your idea, but it was everyone's decision to act on it.

10. No guts, no glory. Figure out your risk threshold. Sometimes it pays to go out on that limb. If you are in a position to do so, you've figured out how much of yourself is on the line, and you're willing to take the risk, sometimes walking the plank on your own brings the greatest glory.

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Public speaking tips

At first glance, giving a speech might seem like a truly difficult task to accomplish. In reality, the job can be performed whether or not you have given one before, and no matter what the length or topic of your speech is.

A good speech begins even before you take the stage or podium to talk. Research your subject if you do not know it well. Memorize important items so that you can recall them at a moment's notice. Once you have gathered all pertinent information, place it into an outline, keeping in mind that your speech time may be limited. Eliminate unnecessary details, and stick to the main points that your audience wants to hear. Place yourself in their shoes and ask "What would I want to hear if I were in the audience?" The better you know your topic, the easier it will be to talk to someone about it.

Prepare your final outline on 3" x 5" notecards, as they are less obtrusive than sheets of paper. Allow plenty of time to rehearse your presentation. Go through it several times until you feel comfortable about its contents. Give it in front of a mirror, and then a few friends. Take suggestions on what you can improve upon. Practice you speech in the clothes you will wear when giving it. You will be amazed at how it helps you to focus.

On the day of your speech, allow plenty of time to reach the place at which it will be given. This will not only put you at ease, but it will give you a chance to possibly socialize with your audience prior to your presentation. Talking and shaking hands will bring the audience into your court. They will see you as a friendly ally once you begin talking.

During the early portion of your speech, it is very effective if you can capture your audience's attention with the use of a story or a joke. However, make sure that whatever you do is appropriate for the occasion and pertinent. You may, for example, find that reciting a series of shocking facts and figures about your topic to be a solid opening.

As you progress through your speech, remember to take your time and enunciate each word. Speeding through your presentation will make you slur your words. Your audience will feel uncomfortable,a nd the emphatic parts of your speech that you worked so hard to research will be lost.

The room in which you speak may be quite large. Be sure to speak to everyone in the room by moving your head and eyes to cover everyone. Focusing solely on one portion of the room will lead the others to believe you have forgotten them. Keep everyone in your sights, and they will be more apt to pay attention.

Do not let you speech drag on endlessly. Once you have hit your main points and covered your objectives, close out your speech. Your audience will appreciate your being succinct. Additionally, end with a point that your audience will remember.

Following these points will enable you to channel your energy into giving a very effective speech.

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How to Build a Portfolio

1.1

Build a portfolio for a construction, remodeling or design business by taking good photographs of every job you do. For example, if you remodel a house--or even one room of a house--take pictures before you begin your work. Then be sure to get pictures of every phase of your job's progress. Finally, take good, clear photos of the finished room (or each finished room if you do a whole house).

2.2

Think about how to build a portfolio for a real estate career as another example. Keep every note of thanks you receive from clients after a transaction is complete. You may receive flowers as a gift from a client or a basket of treats as a thank-you for your services. Take good pictures of these type gifts and keep the delivery cards that come with them (if signed by your client). These notes and gifts look good in a portfolio and are proof of satisfied customers with whom you obviously built good relationships.

3.3

Have someone take your picture with clients in front of the home you sold for them. Make sure your real estate "For Sale" sign (with your name clearly shown) gets into the picture. Also, get someone to snap a picture at the closing table with you and your happy clients together.

4.4

Arrange your photographs, notes, letters of appreciation and any certificates of accomplishments or education in a three-ring binder. Put the pages into clear, plastic covers to keep them looking sharp and clean. Use labeled tabs and dividers in your binder notebook so that you can flip easily to a page you want to show to prospective clients or employers.

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Why Structured Networking Works

by Caroline Levchuck
hotjobs.yahoo.com


Networking is a key part of a successful job search. It's also a hard skill to master. So job seekers often wonder "Where do I start?"

Structured networking groups may be the answer. With the help of facilitators, employed peers and career coaches, these organizations offer opportunities for members to connect and share job leads.

Plus, they help members learn to network skillfully and confidently.

A Little Structure Goes a Long Way

Networking requires that you step outside your comfort zone -- and act confidently there.

The appeal of structured networking groups is just that, structure. Meeting new people and building relationships are easier in a formal program.

Structured networking groups teach networking techniques in a safe, non-threatening forum. After you've practiced and honed your skills, you're then able to network without fear or anxiety.

The Elevator Pitch and Other Techniques

The format of structured networking events varies. Usually a structured networking group offers both informal gatherings as well as programs run by career coaches or facilitators.

One common program teaches job seekers to create an "elevator pitch." An elevator pitch is a short summary of your background and skills. It should be concise, confident and brief enough that you could share it with someone during an elevator ride.

As new members develop their pitches, coaches and more seasoned members of the group will give feedback and offer suggestions.

Structured networking groups also usually offer lectures and sessions to provide support. And members are expected to help one another by sharing contacts whenever possible.

1-2-3 Contacts?

The goal of structured networking is to gain useful professional contacts. However, don't expect to attend a few events and go home with an address book full of job leads.

New members must be patient.

Organizations stress that strong relationships form over time. Each individual has to earn the respect and trust of the other members before asking them for contacts or referrals.

The Price You'll Pay

Many structured networking organizations charge membership fees or fees to attend specific events. Some groups offer discounts to individuals depending on their financial situation.

Groups are usually categorized by profession, income or geography. You'll have to do some research to find the group that's right for you.

If you feel uncomfortable about paying for a group's services, trust your instincts. Before you pay to join a group or attend events, check the Better Business Bureau: http://www.bbb.org

If you don't want to pay to join an organization, or can't afford to, consider starting your own networking group.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career Opportunity

How to Change Careers Part 3: Making the Change

by Caroline Levchuck
hotjobs.yahoo.com


So you've identified the new career that's right for you. Now you need to start making the switch.

In the third part of our series on changing careers, Richard Bolles, the author of "What Color Is Your Parachute? 2003: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers," offers strategies for starting a career change.

Bolles advises talking to at least five people who are successful in the field you want to pursue.

"There are four simple questions you need to ask [these people]," said Bolles in an interview with Yahoo! HotJobs.

Once you've gotten answers to these questions, you're on your way.

The Best of Times

When talking to someone in your desired industry, the first question a career changer should ask is "What do you like best about your job?", advised Bolles.

This question serves two purposes.

First, you learn about the rewards and advantages of the job.

Second, you have an opportunity to become familiar with the industry vocabulary. People will speak enthusiastically about their job's rewards, and you can pick up essential jargon by listening.

The information you collect here becomes especially helpful for future job interviews.

"If you've [spoken to] enough people, you start to speak the language they speak. When you go for an interview for a job, you speak as an insider instead of an outsider," said Bolles.

The Worst of Times

The second question that a career changer should ask someone in their target industry is "What do you like least about your job?," advised Bolles.

"You can find out where the land mines are hidden," said Bolles.

This question helps you identify the job's challenges and anticipate potential pitfalls. It will also help you maintain realistic expectations. For example, you might discover that a job involves more administrative work than you'd like, or that it requires more travel than you're willing to do.

"That's where the revelations come from," said Bolles.

Getting Out of the Gate

The third question that a career changer should ask someone in their desired industry is "How did you get into this [field]?," recommended Bolles.

"That's where the fascinating stories lie," said Bolles.

These stories give you essential insight into the career-change process.

"[They] are useful because they can give you new ideas on how to break into a field, as well as give you encouragement that it IS possible," said Bolles.

You might mistakenly believe that you need a degree or special knowledge to be successful in your chosen field. But you can learn that there are many different ways to get started, said Bolles.

Referrals

The fourth question that a career changer should ask someone in their target industry is "Can you suggest any other people I can talk to in the field?," advised Bolles.

"Most likely they do know people [in the industry]," said Bolles.

Bolles recommended that you ask the person if they will call the referral in advance for you.

"[An advance call] often kicks open a door that might be shut. It's [the referral's] friend who's called for you, instead of a stranger. That's how you get in the door," said Bolles.

If your referrer won't or can't make the initial contact, ask if you can mention their name when contacting the referral.

Always try to get the names of at least two referrals for informational interviews. And always send a thank-you note to everyone who was kind enough to meet with you.

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Email Tips For The Job Seeker by Nathan Newberger

This http://www.WorkTree.com career article by Nathan Newberger will quickly give you eight MUST know tips on using email effectively in your job search.

Most people take the power of email for granted. For most people that is okay, but for job searchers, your email form and content is an expression of yourself. Its IMPORTANT that you cover the email basics.


FACT
The days of job searching using postal mail are vanishing. Some experts even say initial telephone correspondence during the job search process is being replaced by e-mail or "electronic mail". Mainly because its easy, inexpensive, and you can reach a large audience with a few keystrokes.

During the job search process you may be using e-mail more than you imagined. Before you know it you will be e-mailing recruiters, employers, previous co-workers, sending resumes back and forth, etc.

The following eight tips will help make sure that your e-mail looks professional and get the attention of the reader.



8 Tips To Make The Most Of your E-Mail


#1 - OBTAIN A SEPARATE (job search only) E-MAIL ACCOUNT:
Use this e-mail address on your resumes and for corresponding with recruiters, contacts and prospective employers. Do not give this out to your friends and family or your favorite on-line shopping sites. The purpose of this career only account is to help you stay focused on your job search. By setting up an e-mail account for only career purposes you minimize the potential for distraction.

#2 CHECK YOUR E-MAIL REGULARLY:
This means at a minimum three times a day (morning, afternoon and evening). It is highly recommended that you log on more often as recruiters often use this medium to inform you of potential leads and possibilities. Ignore this rule and you may find that your golden opportunity has passed you by.

#3 - ALWAYS RESPOND PROMPTLY:
How would you feel if you left someone a phone message and he/she did not respond promptly? Offended because he/she did not take the time to respond back? Worried that maybe the message never made it to him/her? It’s no different with e-mail. The rules of common courtesy still apply. Whenever possible, reply within the same day. Make sure that you respond to all e-mail with-in 24 hours at the latest. Do this even if only to say that you received the original e-mail and will need more time to do what is requested.

#4 - UTILIZE THE SUBJECT LINE:
The subject line is the first thing that a person sees when he/she checks his/her e-mail. Make it worthwhile. Best practice is to summarize the overall purpose/objective of the e-mail in the subject line. “ACME Brick position” will work. However, “Follow-Up: ACME Brick Fin Mgr Position” is better. Keep in mind that the person that you are e-mailing may receive dozens of e-mails each day. When short on time, he/she will scan the subject lines of his/her e-mails and answer the ones that seem most important first.

#5 - SPELLING AND GRAMMAR RULES STILL APPLY:
Poor spelling and grammar can make you appear at best careless and at worst poorly educated. Neither characterization is appealing when worn by the job seeker. Read over and spell-check each e-mail before you send it. If you don’t have access to spell-check, then utilize the services of a friend or your trusty dictionary. The extra few seconds won’t break your schedule and might make all the difference in your job search.

#6 - KEEP IT SHORT AND SWEET:
Think back to all the English papers you wrote in high school. Now make sure that your e-mail correspondence does not look anything like that (except as mentioned in the previous point). E-mail is a casual and direct form of business correspondence. As a general rule, try and keep your e-mail under a page. Do not waste time with fancy words or flowery phrases. Make your point using the smallest amount of words reasonably possible. Remember that your target audience is often short on time. If they open up your e-mail and it looks like an essay, they may become frustrated and not bother to read it at all.

#7 - FORGET BEING CUTE:
Never forget that you are looking for a job. Save the smiley faces, colored fonts, exclamation points, etc. for your friends and family. For the most part, they do not belong in your job-search e-mails. Also, e-mails may be informal business communication, but do not throw all rules of etiquette out the window. Always be courteous in your writing.

#8 - Your Sign-off:
You should close each e-mail with a proper sign-off. It may be as simple as “Thanks-Jeff Smith”. Often times, it is useful to include contact information as well as any certifications in your sign-off. Many e-mail services (i.e., MS Outlook) have an auto signature function that allows you to set up a customized sign-off that can be inserted at the end of your e-mail.


CONCLUSION
E-mail is indeed a powerful tool for the job seeker, but keep in mind that the decision to use it or not may depend on your audience. While most employers have welcomed the technology age and happily accept e-communication, there are some who may not be as comfortable. With the latter, it is often a good idea to stick to the phone or postal mail for your correspondence. How to tell the difference? It’s often easiest to just ask. More often than not, they will be an e-mail aficionado.

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Holiday Job Searching Tips

by Nathan Newberger


The holiday season is just around the corner. To many people, that means bells ringing, carolers singing and job openings waning. However, the holiday season offers some rare career opportunities that are not available the rest of the year. The real problem is that many job seekers cannot identify these opportunities.

This http://www.WorkTree.com article by Nathan Newberger explains the need-to-know-facts of performing a job search during the holidays. With a keen eye, you can take advantage of the opportunities that every one else misses by paying attention to the following:

• Networking at holiday parties
• Sending holiday cards with a purpose
• Working around vacation schedules
• Beating the holiday blues

1. Networking At Holiday Parties
The holidays bring more than a seemingly eternal string of parties. With these social outings come a string of fantastic networking opportunities. You can meet a wide array of people in many diverse fields. Even if you don't feel like attending a party, the opportunity is too great to pass up. To get the most out of the occasion, keep these points in mind:

• BE CONSERVATIVE. You are trying to impress potential employers and colleagues. The party may not be an interview, but some restraint must be exercised. Avoid revealing or questionable clothing and limit your alcohol consumption.

• BE CASUAL. Being overly aggressive about getting employment information will turn people away. You may be at the party to find a job, but everyone else came to unwind. As you meet new people, the topic of employment will eventually come up, and you can casually mention your job search.

• BE PREPARED. As a job hunter, you should always have business cards with you. Anyone you might talk to about work will meet a plethora of people over the course of the night. Giving them a business card gives them a reminder of who you are.

2. Sending Holiday Cards With A Purpose
It may seem a bit cheesy, but holiday cards are a fantastic and easy way to get the attention of an employer or recruiter. There is a good chance you will be sending cards to friends and family already, so there is not very much extra work to do.

While the process is not complicated, it involves a little more effort than shoving a card into an envelope, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Avoid holiday specific cards. As a matter of professionally courtesy and respect for religious diversity, use generic cards with messages like "Happy Holidays", "Season's Greetings" or "Happy New Year".

• Use a simple message inside your card, such as "Looking forward to seeing you in the New Year", "Happy to see you this holiday season" or "Best Wishes".

• Do not send cards to people you have not corresponded with. The real advantage of sending a holiday card is that it serves as an unimposing reminder to people with whom you have interviewed or discussed work. A stranger will toss the card in the trash.

3. Working Around Vacation Schedules
The biggest obstacle that a job hunter will face during the holiday season is timing. People go on vacations, schedules become tight, and open time slots vanish. This does not mean that people have stopped hiring.

To have any success, you will have to fight the hands of time. This means leaving yourself available and flexible.

Consider these points:

• The early bird catches the worm. If you contact a recruiter earlier in the holiday season, they will have more available time periods in their schedule.
• Since the holiday schedule is so chaotic, recruiters have time slots appear and disappear all the time. You never know when a recruiter may unexpectedly be available so be prepared for a call at anytime.
• Hold back on a vacation. If other job seekers are not available during the holidays and you are, you stand a much better shot at landing a job.

4. Beating The Holiday Blues
Regardless of financial position, people often get depressed and/or lonely during the holiday season. Being in between jobs cannot help the situation. In such a time, it is very easy to lose site of goals or suffer more serious psychological problems.

Tips on how to search for a job during the holidays are probably not going help you fight off clinical depression, but they can help you to kick those holiday blues out the door.

Try to remember:

• Create a holiday schedule. Schedules allow you to allocate time for constructive job hunting activities and set aside time for relaxation or holiday celebrations. This way you can be productive and enjoy yourself.
• 'Tis the season to give. During the holiday season, a tremendous number of volunteer opportunities appear. Helping others can give you a sense of pride and even put a smile on your face. Furthermore, volunteering gives you more experience to put on your resume and opportunities to network with other people.
• At the very least, you will be contributing to your community

CONCLUSION
Many people fall into the illusion that career opportunities do not exist during the winter holidays, but this simply is not true. Some recruiters have even admitted that December is their busiest time of the year. This does not mean you are guaranteed to land a job, but it also does not mean that you should take a break from your search. With these tips and a bit of luck, you may just get the one thing you want the most this holiday season.

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How to Deal With a Colleague You Can't Stand

by Clea Badion, Robert Half International



You probably work with at least one person who simply gets on your nerves. Although you hate to admit it, interacting with him or her is a struggle, and the person's actions set you on edge. You dread collaborating with this colleague--and doing so negatively affects your mood and productivity.

Although you may not be able to change the coworker's personality or annoying behaviors, there are ways to work more effectively with him or her. Here are suggestions for working with four types of annoying coworkers:

The "Complainer"
When this person is given a new assignment or extra work, he reacts as if the boss told him he'd never be able to leave the office again. He makes his unhappiness known through words ("I don't know why I'm the only one who is given more work!") and actions (loud sighs and pained expressions). Worse, he searches for sympathy and tries to convince others of how he's been wronged by the firm. Any enthusiasm you have for your work quickly erodes in his presence.


When dealing with this person, keep the focus on the task at hand. If he complains about a deadline, offer suggestions for meeting it or reiterate the reasons the work must be completed on time. If the Complainer continues to groan and grumble, change the subject or excuse yourself from the conversation. You don't want to be seen as someone with the same attitude.

The "Bermuda Triangle"
You walk into his office for a quick project update and don't emerge until hours later--after she's filled you in on every detail of her weekend with the in-laws. When she stops by your desk, you know she's setting up camp, and you repeatedly glance over her shoulder, hoping to flag down a passing colleague who can rescue you.

To avoid getting sucked into a long, drawn-out conversation with the Bermuda Triangle, start conversations with her by saying, "I only have a few minutes to talk ..." When she strays off topic, explain that you have to get back to work but would be happy to catch up at a later rime. Use email or instant messages as much as possible; these formats make it harder to start--and easier to stop--a lengthy conversation.

The "Evil Genius"
Bring out your suit of armor when you encounter this person. She's brilliant at the technical aspects of her job, but the finer points of interpersonal communication elude her. Her conversations are always curt, her emails rarely stretch beyond a word or two, and any question you ask her is greeted with a "Why are you bothering me?" attitude.

The best way to deal with the Evil Genius is to modify your communication style to mirror hers. Be very brief and to-the-point in person, and think in bullet points instead of long paragraphs when it comes to email. She'll appreciate your efforts to quickly give her the information she needs. Also, try not to take it personally. Some people prefer to simply get down to business when at the office.

The "Coaster"
This colleague has an almost magical ability to get away with doing less work than everyone else. The Coaster may be a former star employee resting on his reputation, or perhaps he's simply very good at appearing busy and productive to upper management.

Whatever the case, it's not your job to point out that the Coaster has less on his plate than everyone else, as frustrating as this might be. You don't want to be known as the office tattletale. If his lack of productivity is affecting your ability to do your job, bring the issue up with him--for example: "I couldn't find you when I needed an answer right away. For future reference, what's the best way to locate you quickly?" If the behavior continues, bring the issue up with your manager (focusing on specific incidents, and without resorting to generalizations).

Keep your cool
Many times, a pleasant attitude and a few simple steps on your part are enough to help you effectively deal with an annoying colleague. But keep in mind that sometimes your efforts might not be enough. If you continually clash with a particular colleague, or if someone's actions are significantly affecting your ability to do your job well, you need to involve your manager or human resources representative.

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Advice for working mothers: breast feeding tips

No one disputes the benefits of breast feeding anymore– it is healthier for the baby, as well as for the mother. However, in this busy day and age, trying to breast feed your baby while you are holding down a 9 to 5 job can seem a daunting task.

Before you are ready to go back to work, begin to prepare yourself and your baby. Start pumping your milk during the hours you will be working. This will help you get accustomed to your breast pump so that, once you are back at the office, you will be able to use it easily and pump swiftly. Let your baby begin taking breast milk by bottle during these hours, so that she will grow accustomed to it and you can be sure that your baby will take a bottle well once you leave her for the day.

Another benefit of starting early is that you will get a jump on storing your excess breast milk. This will ensure that your baby sitter will not run out of milk should you get stuck at the office one night. Also, if you forget your milk in the office fridge, you won’t have to worry about rushing back and forth to deliver it early in the morning because you’ll have a supply on hand in the freezer.

Breast milk can keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, up to two weeks in a freezer of a one-door fridge, up to 3 months in a two-door fridge, and up to 6 months in a deep freezer. Store breast milk in bottles that are labeled with the day and time it was expressed. Instruct your sitter to use them in the order they were bottled.

Remember to give your sitter clear instructions on how to prepare bottles. Breast milk should be thawed by being placed in the refrigerator for four to six hours, or by running it under cool water until thaw. It can be heated by running it under warm (not hot) tap water. Breast milk should not be left out to thaw at room temperature. It should never be put in a microwave or heated in boiling water. Unused bottles that were thawed should be discarded after 24 hours. Partially used bottles should not be refrigerated or reheated and should be discarded immediately.

When you return back to work, have a discussion with your boss about your needs to pump your breast milk. Ask if your breaks can be scheduled to meet those needs, and if there is a room with an electrical outlet where you can have some privacy to express your milk. If your office has a refrigerator for your use, make sure you keep your breast milk labeled and in a bag so that some unsuspecting co-worker does not accidentally grab it for their morning coffee. If there is no refrigerator where you work, you will need to keep a cooler stocked with ice available each day for storage. Again, make sure it is appropriately labeled and out of the way.

One of the most important investments you can make if you are going to continue breast feeding while working is in a good breast pump. Hospitals and birthing centers sometimes rent high quality pumps for reasonable prices. Beware of many inexpensive drug-store varieties of pumps, as not all pumps are created equal. Ask other working mothers or breast feeding specialists for suggestions on good brands that pump swiftly. Make sure you try out your pump and are thoroughly comfortable with it before going to work with it. If time is short, you should seriously consider a double-sided pump, so that you can express both breasts at one time.

Try to regulate your schedule so that you are pumping at around the same time each day. Your body creates breast milk as it is needed, so it will adapt to your schedule. This will help to prevent engorgement and leakage at inopportune times when you are in the office.

When you are home, afford your baby and yourself the time to nurse. One of the best things about breast milk is the bonding opportunity it offers to the nursing couple.

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1. 1
   Know that you must be between 5 feet 4 inches and 6 feet 4 inches tall to be a pilot and between 4 feet 10 1/2 inches and 6 feet 4 inches to be a mission specialist. You also need to be in top physical condition and have great stamina.
   
2. 2
   Maintain an excellent academic record in your undergraduate and graduate studies. Many astronauts have doctoral degrees.
   
3. 3
   Choose a scientific field for your bachelor's degree that you can use if you become an astronaut. Possibilities include medicine, biology, chemistry, physics, aerospace engineering and mathematics.
   
4. 4
   Make certain you have at least 3 years of work experience in your field before applying as a mission specialist. An acceptable substitution might be a 2-year graduate degree with 1 year of experience.
   
5. 5
   Have at least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft, preferably with flight-test experience, if you wish to be a mission pilot.
   
6. 6
   Send for an application package (see Tips for the address). You'll have to pass the strict NASA physical as a basic qualification.
   
7. 7
   Realize that if you're accepted as an astronaut candidate, you're committing yourself to a training period of 1 to 2 years in Houston without a guarantee that you'll ever go into space. Training will be intense and often in low-gravity conditions. It will include land and sea survival training and scuba diving.
   
8. 8
   Prepare to remain with NASA for at least 5 years if you pass the training period and are accepted as an astronaut.
   

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