Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Business & Career Luck

Have you ever met someone who seems to have the Midas Touch? You know who I mean---those people who enjoy bountiful blessings in business, career and life. They walk through life effortlessly and appear to have everything go their way. They exude light auras and happy spirits. And you can sense just by being with them that they are indeed lucky or blessed with good fortune.

In comparison, there are also people who are often down on their luck. They seem to carry heavy burdens on their shoulders. And even though they play by the rules and they put in a lot of effort in everything that they do, they can’t seem to get that lucky break. They struggle through life with discontent and sometimes even experience never-ending catastrophes one after another. It almost seems as if a dark cloud constantly hovers above them. As a result, their energies get depleted and they feel defeated.

Now let me ask you, which group do you belong to? Do you believe that you are a lucky person? Or have you experienced a string of bad events lately that make you think otherwise? Do you even believe in luck in the first place? And if so, would you like to increase your luck in business, career or life in general?

In the spirit of the Chinese New Year, allow me to give you some insights on how you can increase your luck this year. I’m not a geomancer or a feng shui expert, so I’m not going to be talking about zodiac signs and charms. Instead, from a trainer’s point of view, let me share with you attitudinal and behavioral advice that can make you luckier this year and the years to come. I do consider myself a lucky person and I’d like to share with you things that I have learned on the subject of luck.

First, let us try to understand what luck is. There are different definitions and philosophical thoughts about this subject, but let’s simplify it. For me, Luck is Good Fortune, whether you work hard for it or not. There are three types of luck:

Heavenly Luck. This is luck that you cannot control such as when, where and which family and social class you were born into as well as your genetic make-up.

Earthly Luck. This refers to environmental and elemental influences in your life or how harmonious you are with your surroundings. This is where feng shui fits in. When you are in harmony with the earth, life gets better.

Manly Luck. This is luck that you create for yourself through the choices that you make, how you develop yourself as a person, how you live your life, your values and attitude. Your thoughts, feelings and actions day in and day out directly affects your life and your luck.

Since Manly Luck is the one that we have control over, that’s what we’ll talk about today. Without further ado, here’s how you can increase your manly luck:

Attitude of Thanksgiving.
Being lucky is not about the absence of problems or bad events. Lucky people do have problems, some of which are greater than you can imagine. The difference between lucky and unlucky people is how they look at these occurrences. Lucky people tend to accept problems as bumps on the road. Rather than have a “woe to me” attitude, they tend to look at problems as blessings in disguise. Once they see the light, they become thankful for their life and the blessings that they already have. They live life with gratitude. When the Ondoy tragedy happened last year, a friend of mine got stuck on the road and took refuge on a gas station’s rooftop while his car got washed away. He never complained or whined about it because he felt other people had it worse.

Self-Prophecy & the Law of Attraction
My mother insisted and trained me to smile always. She believed that smiling increases your luck and I totally agree with her. This may sound basic but not a lot of people understand that when you sincerely smile (the pure happy kind of smile) and give goodwill, the world smiles back at you often with a dose of luck with it. Similarly, if you believe good things will happen to you, the world will connive to make it happen for you. But if you think in a negative way, for instance believing that “whenever I earn money, an emergency happens and takes it away”. Guess what?! That will happen. Be very careful with what you put in your head, as it has a way of manifesting itself as real.

The Choices that You Make
Now if you have positive thoughts, a pure heart and a light happy spirit, you will attract more people in your life. But you also have to make the right choices and ensure that you attract the right kinds of people. There are people who will bring you up and give you peace and prosperity; there are those who can drag you down and give you misery, even if they are good people. So choose to be with people who are lucky and blessed as their success can rub on you. Your choices in life will rule your destiny so strive to make the right choices every day.

Right Place, Right time
If you want to increase your business and career luck, you’ve got to get out there. Seek exposure and network. Many lucky people got their breaks because they were out there meeting people and finding opportunities. With our busy lives, there are meetings or social events that we would much rather pass up as the lure of our comfy beds seems more appealing than having to hobnob with strangers. But more often than not, being in the right place at the right time happens away from your bed. Sometimes, you just have to be present to get that big break.

When Preparation Meets Opportunity
There is no such thing as overnight success. Most people who seem to have become rich or famous overnight, had to work hard and carry their share of trials for several years. They have developed themselves constantly, so much so that when the opportunity knocked, they were ready, open and quick enough to act on the opportunity. For luck really happens when preparation meets opportunity, and if your mind is open and wise enough to spot it when it comes.

Are there things that are preventing you from getting lucky? Take the time and effort to think it through, it’s worth it. Having luck makes life easier and it feels good. Believe that you can create your own good fortune, you deserve it. Good Luck and Happy Chinese New Year to you!

Jhoanna O. Gan-So is president of Businessmaker Academy and the managing director for HR Club Philippines. Her company conducts seminars on Business Management, Human Resource, Sales and Marketing Courses. They have also recently launched the INSTANT HR TOOLKIT, a service that provides HR practitioners with over 100 ready-to-use downloadable, customizable and printable HR manuals, contract, letters forms and templates. To know more about HR seminars that they offer, you may visit www.businessmaker-academy.com or call (632)6874645. To know more about the Instant HR Toolkit, you may visit www.hrclubphilippines.com. You may email your comments and questions to: mbworklife@gmail.com

Best Careers in Marketing (Part 3)

For the past two weeks, we have been exploring new careers in marketing such as Internet Marketing, Professional Events Management and Marketing Communications. We also explored some popular careers that have stood the test of time such as Advertising, Product/Brand Management and Publicity.

But the ultimate goal of Marketing is to sell. That is why Sales is a high-demand marketing-related career. If you are looking for a financially-rewarding career, you may want to look into becoming a sales person. There are different types, level and classifications involved in this type of career which includes:

Telemarketer

Telemarketers are marketing and sales representatives who conduct their business on the phone. They usually call people from a list or database to sell a product or gather information that will help sell a product to their target customers. Usually following a script or sales spiel, telemarketers may be tasked to make cold calls to target new clients or even call existing customers for order renewals and to try new products. They may also entertain inbound calls from inquiring customers.

What Skills Will You Need to Become a Telemarketer? A high degree of Verbal Communications skills is necessary if you want to be successful in this career. Most companies hire college graduates or even undergrads for this job. They usually will train you in basic salesmanship and the sales process, active listening skills, sales negotiation and sales closing techniques. With the right amount of drive and persistence, your sales skills can be developed as a Telemarketer.

Pros & Cons: The good thing about this career is that it is not as physically challenging compared to other sales jobs. As a telemarketer, you don’t have to go out under the sun and brave the traffic to do sales calls. Most of the time, you will stay in a comfortable office and the phone will be your constant companion. Sales, is a performance-based job, so there will be incentives and financial rewards. The more sales you close, the more rewards you get.

Field Sales Representative

Many different types of industries hire Field Sales Representatives and pay well for it. They know that their field reps are the key to getting their products out there so they typically send them off with brochures, catalogues, product samples and giveaways. Popular careers in field sales include Medical Representatives, Consumer Goods Sales Representatives or Sales Distributors, and even Door-to-Door Sales Persons.

What Skills Will You Need to Become a Field Sales Representative? What is important in this type of job is your desire to sell and make money. Since you are out of the office more often than not, time management skills and knowledge of city locations are necessary. You will also need to be able to deal with people from different walks of life and use your street smarts as you go about selling your products. A high level of interpersonal skills and relationship-building will help you build a collection of customers for life, which will make you a successful Field Sales Representative.

Pros & Cons: This type of career involves going out and meeting clients, travelling to different cities, towns or even counties (if you get promoted into a regional or country sales manager). If you are the type who like being on the go, this is the job for you. Field Sales Representatives usually have control over their time, but are required to punch-in at certain hours of the day and provide reports. It’s a good job for people who like having a little flexibility in terms of work hours. However, if you prefer to stay in your office cubicle, this is not the job for you.

Account Executives

Many service-based companies employ Account Executives to liaison between their clients and their service team. On the front end, they are the point person---the go-to guy or gal that the client relies on to handle, deliver and complete projects for them. They usually meet with clients, present solutions and work out cost estimates. On the back end, they are the ones who briefs and coordinates with the team to get the job done, usually following up and closely monitoring the overall developments of the project.

What Skills Will You Need to Become an Account Executive? To become successful in this field, you will need to have skills in consultative selling. Since the client relies on you to give solutions, it helps to have creativity and a good business head. Meanwhile, you will also be dealing with your service team who will complete the project. To be good at it, you will need good organizational, leadership and interpersonal skills. The ultimate point of the job is client servicing. The better you are at satisfying and impressing clients, the more long-lasting the relationship will be and the more indispensable you become to your company.

Pros & Cons: Account Executives are tasked to find new customers or maintain existing customers. As such, you will need a lot of patience in dealing with the demands, moods and even egos of clients. It is a challenging career but it can also be very rewarding not just financially but also personally. Successful Account Executives eventually build long-lasting relationships with their clients and even gain great friendships in the course of their career.

There are many exciting jobs in the field of Marketing. Entry to this is quite easy because unlike other professions where you will need certification testing and years of fellowship, you simply need general education. This is a career where persistence, practical knowledge of people and street smarts are valued more compared to academic excellence. It can also be very financially rewarding, if you are successful in getting people to buy your product.

I hope this Best Careers Series in Marketing has helped open your mind to many possibilities and options to help you find the best career for yourself.

Jhoanna O. Gan-So is president of Businessmaker Academy and the managing director for HR Club Philippines. Her company conducts seminars on Business Management, Human Resource, Sales and Marketing Courses. They have also recently launched the INSTANT HR TOOLKIT, a service that provides HR practitioners with over 100 ready-to-use downloadable, customizable and printable HR manuals, contract, letters forms and templates. To know more about HR seminars that they offer, you may visit www.businessmaker-academy.com or call (632)6874645. To know more about the Instant HR Toolkit, you may visit www.hrclubphilippines.com. You may email your comments and questions to: mbworklife@gmail.com

Best Careers in Marketing (Part 2)

Welcome to Part 2 of our Best Careers Series in Marketing. Last week, we discussed popular new Marketing-related careers such as Internet Marketing, Professional Events Management and Marketing Communications. (To read Part 1 of this series, visit my blog: http://worklifenow.blogspot.com).

Today, we shall be exploring popular Marketing jobs that have stood the test of time. These careers are here to stay for a long, long time. So take a look at your career options if you are looking into establishing yourself as a Marketing Practitioner.

The Adman (or woman)

Many things are happening in the Advertising World as new technology changes the way people live and do business. Despite that, many businesses will continue to need the services of Ad people. So if you are interested in Advertising and looking into entering this field, there are many jobs that you can look into. Careers in Advertising include Creative types such Copywriters, Graphics Designers, Lay-out Artists and Creative Directors. Aside from the creative side, there is also the business side of Advertising such as Media Buyers and Account Executives.

What Skills Will You Need to Become an Adman or woman? It really depends on the type of job that you hold in Advertising. If you are doing Creative Work, you have to have an eye for visual design, skills in digital design, copy writing and an innate feel for what will sell or click with people. For Media Buyers, you need to be abreast with current events, tv and radio programming, publication lineups and media rates, as well as build a good relationship with media companies and suppliers. For Account Executives, you will need skills in salesmanship and account management. Being good with people, client servicing and networking will help you succeed in this type of work.

Pros & Cons: The Advertising World consists of very colorful people who does exciting and creative work whether they are in Creatives or not. Be prepared to be able to deal with different types of people. If you are free-spirited and enjoy a culture that celebrates creative expression or tolerates varying degrees of temperaments, you will survive this zany world. However, if you prefer a structured corporate environment or routine-work, you might find a career in advertising extra challenging.

Product or Brand Managers

Product or Brand Managers can be found in almost every industry ranging from IT, Retail, Consumer Goods Manufacturing and Publishing. These careers involve planning and developing the marketing strategy for a single product or group of products. They do the important role of estimating the consumer demand for the product they manage, identify potential customers, stay informed of any competing products on the market, develop pricing strategies, and oversee product development.

What Skills Will You Need to Become a Product or Brand Manager? If you want to become a Product or Brand Manager, you will normally have to gain experience and a high degree of business skills. Managing a Product or Brand is essentially about managing a business unit which entails knowledge in product development, marketing strategy, sales, supply-chains and distribution management. Since it is similar to running your own business, a certain degree of intrapreneurial spirit will help you get promoted faster. In fact, many Product or Brand Managers become Top Executives in their companies or eventually start their own business because of their exposure.

Pros & Cons: If you like running things and managing your own business unit, then this is the career for you. Here you will be exposed to different aspects of business. You will learn how to manage not just your product but people as well. But along with the power and control that you gain with your product, comes responsibility. As a Product or Brand Manager, you will ultimately be accountable for the success or failure of the product(s) that you manage. Traveling is normally involved, so it is not exactly your typically 9-5 job either. You may have to sometimes work beyond your regular hours of work, but successful product managers are well-paid.

Publicist or PR agent

This is another exciting career. Essentially, the job of a publicist is to increase public interest in his client. However, the type of work a publicist does is dependent upon his client’s needs. A publicist who represents celebrities or politicians arranges gigs like TV interviews or features in publications. In some cases, they also work as talent managers, helping out with endorsement deals and even doing damage control. Meanwhile, some companies also hire publicists or PR agents who work closely with media and journalists. They prepare press releases and press conferences for announcements about new initiatives and business developments of the company.

What Skills Will You Need to Become a Publicist or PR agent?
A career in Public Relations centers on relationship-building. Publicists and PR agents deal with different people, from their client, to journalists and media outfits. Aside from having many social and professional contacts, a good level of writing and communication skills are needed. This career is about people, so having people skills is essential.

Pros & Cons: It’s definitely not a job for shy people. This job entails having to deal with personalities and egos of people. Many times, there are intrigues and controversies that you will have to manage so it can be a challenging job. Sooner or later, you will learn to toughen up and use your street smarts. However, if you are able to build a long-lasting relationship with your client, their success becomes your success and it can give you many types of rewards.

These are just some of the most popular careers in the field of marketing today. More jobs will be featured in Part 3. Till then, good luck in finding the right career for you. (To be continued)

Jhoanna O. Gan-So is president of Businessmaker Academy and the managing director for HR Club Philippines. Her company conducts seminars on Business Management, Human Resource, Sales and Marketing Courses. They have also recently launched the INSTANT HR TOOLKIT, a service that provides HR practitioners with over 100 ready-to-use downloadable, customizable and printable HR manuals, contract, letters forms and templates. To know more about HR seminars that they offer, you may visit www.businessmaker-academy.com or call (632)6874645. To know more about the Instant HR Toolkit, you may visit www.hrclubphilippines.com. You may email your comments and questions to: mbworklife@gmail.com

Best Careers in Marketing (Part 1)

As the new era of the digital age transforms the way we live and work, exciting new careers and opportunities are emerging for job seekers, employees and even entrepreneurs. This “Best Careers Series” is a collection of articles that showcase the most popular and current types of jobs in a specific field or industry. May this give you career options and guide you in choosing the right career path.

For this month, let’s look at MARKETING-RELATED JOBS. We will explore what these entail, the skills required to do the work, the advantages and disadvantages of choosing these jobs and tips on how to get into them. Check them out and see if any of these careers tickle your fancy.

INTERNET MARKETER

As more and more people tune into the interactive world of the internet, many business firms and advertisers are realizing that this is a potent medium to reach their target market. This has opened up new opportunities for internet savvy individuals and a new career has emerged in the form of Internet Marketing. Some companies hire and employ Internet Marketers, but this is the type of job that can be done on a freelance basis too. Or if you have the entrepreneurial spirit, you can even start your own business that specializes in Internet Marketing.

What Skills Will You Need to Become an Internet Marketer? Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be an IT specialist to become an Internet Marketer. You need to have a pretty good grasp of the practical side of Marketing and the Internet though. Skills that will really help you are coordination skills, computer skills, persuasive writing and an eye for visual design. You will also need a little web design know-how and a lot of patience in learning and working with internet tools. You will find a lot of information about this in the place where it was born---the internet, but if you want to fast-track your learning, you can attend seminars that are conducted by experienced Internet Marketers. They can direct you on the best tools around to make your work a lot easier and faster.

Pros & Cons: The great thing about being an Internet Marketer is that it isn’t a physically challenging job. If you have a laptop, you can even work anywhere, anytime in places that have internet connection. The downside to this is that you will be dating and spending a lot of time with your computer or laptop which could drain you a bit, give you Computer Vision Syndrome and Carpel Tunnel Syndrome---conditions that you can prevent by taking a break, drinking your mocha latte and stretching your muscles every once in awhile.

PROFESSIONAL EVENTS MANAGER

This is another career that has become popular during the past few years. If you are considering a career in Professional Events Management, you may specialize in two types of events – Corporate Events or Special Occasion Events.

Corporate Events Management involves marketing activities for a Company or Organization such as Product Launches, Fund-raisers, Concerts, Political Campaign Rallies and Conventions. Some companies employ Events Managers and Coordinators full-time, while others hire on a part-time or freelance basis.

Special Occasion Events Management is focused on the important milestones and celebrations of people like Baptismals, Debuts, Weddings and Anniversaries. Most Events Managers of this type are self-employed or works on a freelance basis.

What Skills Will You Need to Become a Professional Events Manager? Professional Events Managers need a high level of leadership and communication skills. It is a job that entails working closely with people from all walks of life. As an Events Coordinator, you will organize the event down to the last detail. You will plan, organize, manage and market the event, as well as trouble-shoot emergencies. Skills that will help you succeed in this field are time management, basic computer know-how, budgeting, marketing and people management.

Pros & Cons: This is an exciting field to be in. If you enjoy working with people and the challenge of putting up a live show, then this will give you a thrilling ride. Definitely not your typical nine-to-five job, a career in Professional Events Management can be stressful and physically demanding. But armed with the right mind-set, attitude and know-how, it can be a lucrative and fun career.

MARKETING COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST

This job comes in many names and titles. People who practice marketing communications include those who practice advertising, branding, direct marketing, graphics design, packaging, promotions and public relations. Experienced people are hired by companies as Marketing Communication Managers, Marcom Managers, Brand Equity Managers or simply Marketing Managers; while those who are just starting out may be hired as a marketing executive or assistant, graphics designer, public relations officer, creative writer or artist. Other practitioners are self-employed or hired on a freelance basis.

What Skills Will You Need to Become a Marketing Communication Specialist?
If you want a career in Marketing Communications, you will need to know the principle behind Integrated Marketing Communications---simply put, it is the creation and execution of marketing materials with a consistent message, the same “look and feel” that strengthens the marketing effectiveness of a company’s products and services. The skills that you will need in order to succeed in this field are persuasive writing skills, graphics design & lay-out, commercial arts and photography.

Pros & Cons: If you have an artistic side and enjoy creating brochures, posters, banners, websites---various marketing materials that sell, this would be a good career for you. Almost every business requires marketing materials, so the need for this type of work is constant. If you are a hired Marketing Communications Professional, this field can give you a stable and rewarding income. If you go for self-employment, it could be lucrative but not as stable as you will constantly need to find customers.

These are just some of the most popular careers in the field of marketing today. More jobs will be featured in Part 2. Till then, good luck in finding the right career for you. (To be continued)

Jhoanna O. Gan-So is president of Businessmaker Academy and the managing director for HR Club Philippines. Her company conducts seminars on Business Management, Human Resource, Sales and Marketing Courses. They have also recently launched the INSTANT HR TOOLKIT, a service that provides HR practitioners with over 100 ready-to-use downloadable, customizable and printable HR manuals, contract, letters forms and templates. To know more about HR seminars that they offer, you may visit www.businessmaker-academy.com or call (632)6874645. To know more about the Instant HR Toolkit, you may visit www.hrclubphilippines.com. You may email your comments and questions to: mbworklife@gmail.com