Should Anyone Care About Bloggers for a Better World

Should Anyone Care About 'Bloggers for a Better World' 6 The idea for Bloggers for a Better World partially came to light as a result of Shimon Peres mentioning in his LeWeb3 speech that we should all accept responsibility for our planet. One step further and we arrive at the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam, literally ‘repairing the world'. However, to repair something, you need to know what's broken and that is one of the reasons why so many LeWeb3 attendees enjoyed Professor Hans Rosling's myth-busting presentation on the health of the world. I highly recommend that you watch it. Professor Rosling helped found the Gapminder Foundation, a non-profit organization with the goal of developing software ‘that visualise human development'. As he explained onstage in Paris, the United Nations publishes a plethora of data regularly on the state of its member countries, and since these studies are paid for by our taxes, every effort should be made to have the public aware of the findings. People don't really enjoy sifting through tables of data (do you?), so Gapminder's tools mine that information and present it in a visually-pleasing manner that's powerful yet easy to understand. I agree with Tom Raftery when he says that the site ‘is incredible'. They liked it so much that Google is hosting the Gapminder World demo, and has been since Spring 2006. One of the great things about these tools is their simplicity. They're almost fun to use and it's easy to imagine someone playing with them for 10 minutes instead of wondering where to put another king in Solitaire. In that timeframe, a user is guaranteed to come across some shocking statistic by chance or design, almost presented like a StatAttak T-shirt. The emotion is memorable, and the results can be quite viral. Which is what we want, right? Bloggers for a Better World is a nice idea and I don't think we'll be hearing many people, if anyone, standing up against it. After all, who would want to discourage efforts to make the world a better place? With terrific sites like Gapminder, it's so easy to discover a worthy cause, grab a nice graphic and then dash off a quick blog post with the right tags. If that's the case, why have so few people done that? It's not like people aren't already blogging about social causes. During the post-LeWeb3 blogstorm, it seemed as if this noble initiative would be lost in the hubbub, and there wasn't much talk until Loà ¯c LeMeur reminded us about the proposal. The fact that we needed reminding wasn't a good sign. The fact that http://bloggersforbetterworld.com still points to a parked domain more than 2 weeks after the conference has ended is also not a good sign. Finally, the fact that basically no one outside the LeWeb3 attendees is aware of it is the worst sign of all. As some may point out, only a few weeks have gone by since the announcement at the conference, but that's unimportant in this context. Bloggers are very reactive; during the 2-day conference itself, almost 500 articles were posted about it, as Technorati shows here.eval The attempt to make Bloggers for a Better World a grassroots movement has clearly failed so far. If the idea is to be rescued, it will require a much more persistent and visible effort by its proponents such as Loà ¯c and Yossi Vardi, perhaps in collaboration with organizations like Gapminder. Hopefully Arnon Katz's US$100,000 pledge can be put to good use. @edit: Netanel Jacobsson just posted an interesting take on all this.eval Made you think? Subscribe to the JobMob RSS Feed for more thought-provoking news in the blogosophere.

5 things to do right before you start a new job

5 things to do right before you start a new job My husband just accepted a new job, and he had to give his new boss a start date. We agreed that he would take a week off before he starts, but it turns out we had very different ideas about what that week would entail. We both agree that the stress of a job hunt is exhausting, and anyone who has been through that process needs to recharge before embarking on something new. A real vacation like Paris or the beach was not possible to plan because we had no advance notice about this job. In fact, though, one does not need to be in an exotic location in order to recharge. The problem is that my husbands idea of recharging is haphazard and, in my mind, ineffective. But just because youre married to a career expert doesnt mean you want to hear her advice, which is frustrating to me, to be honest. So here is an open letter to my husband about how I think people should spend the week before a new job. 1. Get out from under your oppressive to do list. Its no fun to start a job weighted down by a big to do list that has nothing to do with your new responsibilities. Take a week to kill your to do list. Anything you cant get done in that week, delete: admit that you are not going to get done in the next year. You can console yourself with the fact that if its not important enough to do when you have a week with no plans, then it probably wasnt important in the first place. 2. Clear the clutter by devising a new system. Get rid of all your piles, all your lists, all the projects, all the things that hang over your head but never get done. But going through this mess once is not enough. Figure out a system so that you dont create new piles and lists once your job starts. Piles and lists and unfinished projects are borne of unrealistic ambitions. Acknowledge what you can do and get rid of the other stuff. The pressure you feel to address your unfinished business drains you every day. Create a system that does not generate unfinished business. 3. Get into a routine that supports the lifestyle you want. Do you want eight hours of sleep a night? You should. People who get less than seven hours of sleep exhibit the same mental signs as someone who has had a little too much to drink. Do you want to exercise regularly? You should. People who exercise regularly have more successful careers. So get started on this during your down week the week when you have no other commitments except to get your life in gear in preparation for your new job. Its a lot easier to get yourself into a routine when there is no other pressure. And if you can do a week of the life you want youre more likely to keep it up when you start your new job. 4. Have lunch with friends. Most people avoid their friends when they are looking for a job. Not that this is the right decision, but it is an understandable decision during a time when morale and self-esteem are low. Now that you have a job, though, reconnect with people and let them know how excited you are. Better to do it now, during your interim week, than during your first month of the new job; you never know what your schedule will be like, especially for the first couple of months. Also, be sure to invite people out to lunch who have helped you in your hunt. Even if their help was not particularly fruitful, if they tried, then you should express thanks. 5. Remember who you truly are. For people who really, really need a job, much of a job hunt is pretending: Pretending you dont need a job. Pretending you love tedious tasks and long hours. Pretending you get along with anyone. Pretending you feel good about yourself. But most people who need a job and cant find one actually do not feel that good about themselves. Once you do find that job, Take a week to get back to your regular self the valuable, self-confident person you truly are.

6 little known facts about insurance every small business owner should know

6 little known facts about insurance every small business owner should know Purchasing commercial insurance is a necessary evil that all business owners have to do once a year.  Many business owners have a tendency to rush through this process because they feel it is taking their time away from what they do best, which is running their business.  What many business owners fail to realize is that not all insurance companies and not all insurance policies are created equal.  Taking just a few more minutes of your time can reap enormous benefits for your company.  Here are six misconceptions many business owners have about the process of buying commercial insurance.  Taking just a few minutes to understand these policies a little better can help your business when you buy insurance and in the unfortunate event that you have to use it. General Liability covers my employees if they are injured at work This statement is completely false.  General Liability Insurance covers the liability your business faces to third parties injured by the actions of your business. This includes both property damage and bodily injuries.  Employees are not covered by this policy.  A Workers Compensation Insurance Policy would cover the injuries to your employees if they were hurt on the job. Workers comp coverage will cover your employees medical care and some lost wages when they are hurt on the job and not able to work. In most states and for most policies the amount for lost wages is 60% of what they normally make. My claims history is what determines what I pay in premium There are actually many things that go in to how a carrier determines what you pay in premium for coverage.  The industry you are in goes a long way towards determining what you pay for premium.  You can understand how a business with an office setting has a lower risk for bodily injury than a moving company.  Because of the amount of risk involved in the work, the insurance company must charge more in premium to make up for the risk they are taking covering the business.  The classification code you are placed in also makes a big difference.  Some industries have as many as 5-10 class codes depending upon the type of work the business does.  Landscaping is one such industry.  There is one classification code for a business that simply mows existing grass.  Other businesses install sod and still some others offer tree work where employees climb in to trees with chain saws.  Each type of business has dramatically different risks and as a result they have different rates for p remium. Your personal auto policy will cover your car when you are using it for business purposes   In most cases a personal auto policy will not cover damages that occur when the vehicle is being used for business purposes. This is because the primary reason the vehicle is where it is, is a result of the actions of the business.  Therefore, the liability for the accident lies within the business and not the individual.  In most cases, the personal insurance policy will pay to cover the damages to your car, but it will not cover your liability to third parties. That liability falls on the shoulders of the business.  For that reason, you will need to secure either a commercial auto policy or a hired and non-owned auto policy. You must pay your insurance premium in full up-front Depending upon the carrier you choose to purchase coverage with, it is not always true that you must pay the entire amount of premium for the entire year at the beginning of the term.  Most commercial policies require 25% or more of the premium in order to get coverage in place.  After this is secured the business will owe 9 monthly payments over the last 9 months of the policy period.  There are other options that can limit the up-front costs to get coverage in place.  A  Pay as You Go option is offered for most general liability and workers compensation policies.  Pay as you go can usually get the coverage in place for only a few hundred dollars and then the business must pay premium each month based upon the monthly payroll.  This is an excellent option for seasonal or cash-strapped businesses. All businesses are required to carry Workers Compensation Insurance Whether or not you are required by law to secure workers’ comp coverage depends on several factors. First and foremost, the laws and regulations within the state you operate in may or may not require your business to secure coverage.  Each state has their own system and they give exclusions to some specific businesses.  Checking with your state governing agency can help you determine if you even have to secure coverage.  If you are not required to secure coverage, it is more than likely in your best interest to secure coverage unless you or your business has a vast supply of readily available cash to cover the cost related to an injured employee. General Liability Insurance is an all-encompassing coverage. General Liability covers the basic liability your business faces for property damage and bodily injury to third parties. It does not cover your property, equipment or your liability when offering professional advice and services.  These risks would have to be covered by separate commercial property, inland marine or professional liability insurance.  Assuming that any insurance policy covers everything is a risky proposition.  This is where the help of an experienced independent insurance agent can be extremely beneficial to your business.  Most agents can help you determine how much risk you face and how much risk you are willing to take on.  How much coverage a particular business needs is personal to the business owner and with a short conversation with an agent they can help you cover your business in the way that best suits your business’s needs. Bio Allison Melvin has been an Agent at  General Liability Shop.com  since 2013.  April specializes in all types of Commercial Lines for Small Businesses, including Data Breach, Property and Casualty, Errors and Omissions and Workers Compensation Insurance. She would like to use her expertise and passion for the commercial insurance industry to help the small business community.

Showcase Your Personal Brand In Your Cover Letter - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Showcase Your Personal Brand In Your Cover Letter - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Job seekers in favor for the resume often overlook the cover letter, but it’s just as important and effective to get noticed by your dream employer. It’s not only a way to expand on your experience, but showcase your unique selling points, or personal brand. When drafting your cover letter, it’s essential to tailor it. It may include limiting your brand’s focus. You don’t have to expand on everything you do or done, but only to things that match what the description is looking for. At the same time, you want to be able to tell why you’re best fit among candidates who may have the same qualifications â€" what makes you different. 3 ways to showcase your personal brand The tricky thing about cover letters, however, is that they’re actually not about you â€" but rather what you can do for the employer. Essentially, your cover letter should showcase your brand in a way that matches exactly what the employer is looking for in a candidate. Consider below these three ways to showcase your brand in your next cover letter: Be Creative. The opening of the cover letter is most crucial, as it’s the first impression the employer will get from you. Instead of a boring and standard opening, consider a different approach. You’ll still want to address how you’ll help the employer, but using a narrative hook (for instance, the story of how you became interested in the company) is a unique way to reveal your knowledge and use your own voice instead of a template’s. Show and Tell. The body of your cover letter is an extended view of what’s already on your resume. As both should be tailored to the job description, choose which accomplishments, competencies, or experiences to talk about in greater detail. You don’t have to choose all of them, but rather, focus one or two where you can show off the results and how they apply to the job position at hand. Be sure to link them to your website or portfolio, which can prompt employers to see more that you’ve done. Close Strongly. Nearing the end of the cover letter, you want to wrap it up with strong language and a call to action. Avoid using qualifying words (“I think, I believe”) and let them know when you intend to follow up. At the same time, link your social media sites, so they’ll get to see your interactions and expertise for themselves. In these ways, your cover will be remained, focused, concise, and connect your brand to the employer’s needs. What are other ways to showcase your personal brand in your cover letter? Author: Heather R. Huhman  is a career expert, experienced hiring manager, and founder president of  Come Recommended, a content marketing and digital PR consultancy for organizations with products that target job seekers and/or employers. She is also the author of  Lies, Damned Lies Internships  (2011),  #ENTRYLEVELtweet: Taking Your Career from Classroom to Cubicle  (2010), and writes career and recruiting advice for  numerous outlets.

10 things you know if you have spent a whole day in your university library - Debut

10 things you know if you have spent a whole day in your university library - Debut This post was written by an external contributor. Abigail Hanley sings a sad song were all familiar with being trapped in the university library. University students know all too well what a typical day spent in a library feels like. Whether you are studying for exams or writing an essay which you just cannot seem to get your head round, we have all been there. You might even be in your uni library right now procrastinating, if so, reading this article is a fantastic way to take a break, enjoy! Check out the following list as it may be very common for many of you: The dreaded arrival   Students will be very familiar with the triumphant feeling you get from just walking into the library early to get a good study spot with the full intention of staying all day and working hard. Walking through those doors is an achievement in itself. You woke up, got out of bed, got dressed and made your way onto campus. Well done you! Let the procrastination begin… But that triumphant often does not last and the sudden realisation that you have been there an hour already and all you have done is got your laptop out and scrolled through every social media platform you can get your hands on becomes all too real. The numb bum sets in Sitting in the library all day comes with the sad reality that you will be confined to your seat for the majority of the day. The only movement you have been doing all day is by taking unnecessary breaks to get another coffee from the café downstairs. Of course coffee and snacks are a necessity for a library day. The maze There comes a point where the texts you have brought along with you are not providing you with sufficient information. So you decide that you need to find a book from within the library but you actually have absolutely no idea where to get it from (despite not being a first year student anymore, it is embarrassing fact that despite having attended this university for a long while you still cannot use the library efficiently.) H is for hungry It always gets to that point right before lunchtime, when all you want is your Sainsbury’s meal deal so you begin to get irritable and everything annoys you. From the person beside you who keeps sniffing or tapping their pen to your laptop being completely unresponsive. You begin to realise that as much as you hate the term ‘hangry’ it is a real emotional state which you are experiencing in its full force. People watching suddenly becomes fun When you’re half way through the day and you just sit there noticing everyone who walks in and out, especially that one person who has got up 5 times already! Your focus is pretty much out the window, oh and so is everything interesting as you stare longingly for the freedom which awaits outside of those four walls. Familiar faces Sometimes you catch a glimpse of a familiar face. The feeling of sweet relief is overwhelming as you see your friend and feel the need to have a catch up for half an hour. Procrastination takes its toll The happiness of conversation and a distraction is short lived as you start to realise that you have been there for hours by now and have not been as productive as you planned so spend an hour panic studying. Oh yes, and again… Then of course, more distraction as you sit there watching the library staff put books back on the shelves and wishing you were doing anything but being sat at this desk writing this essay. Sweet relief! And finally the last decision of the day is to leave so you can go home, have dinner and go to bed. Ready to repeat the same routine the next day (or maybe take a day off, you worked hard today) Connect with Debut on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for more careers insights.

How to Use the New Facebook Profile to Get Hired

How to Use the New Facebook Profile to Get Hired 72 Flares 72 Flares Facebook has once again evolved and updated the way we share our lives with the world.  The most noticeable change sees Facebook taking the last five tagged pictures of you, and placing them near the top of your profile page  Im sure that mostly everyone reading this post is well aware of this already, but heres an example: Not everyone loves this added feature, as not all tagged pictures are flattering.  I suggest double checking those privacy settings to make sure private pictures still remain privateespecially with this new feature. Using the New Facebook to Advertise Your Job Search For job seekers, this new feature creates a pretty cool opportunity to advertise their job search and let all of their friends know exactly what they are looking for!  To get an idea of how this might work, check out what Ive created for my own profile page: When my Facebook connections took notice of the above image I created, the messages began flowing in almost instantly.  A few people wanted to know what Corn on the Job is,  some wanted to know how I did it, and others just popped me a message to say it was cool. The image on top of my Facebook profile creates a buzz around my blog and it does this for free.  I smell a success sandwich. Are your wheels spinning?  Do you see how job seekers can use this feature to advertise?  Lets pretend Im looking for a Public Relations Specialist position in Philly.  The image created could say,  Philly PR Specialist 4 Hire. The key is to be as creative as possible, and make your banner image stand out. Speaking of standing out, the more graphically inclined folks can probably create much cooler images than what I used.   Plain black and white kind of works for me, and is actually somewhat classy, but you may be skilled enough to create something so visually strong that a company cant help but contact you! If you enjoyed this post, please click here to subscribe to receive automatic updates from Corn on the Job! What are your thoughts on using his new feature to advertise your job search?  Have you seen anyone else on Facebook do something creative with their image bar up top?

Why Do You Need a Resume Writing For Teacher Assistant?

Why Do You Need a Resume Writing For Teacher Assistant?Resume writing for teacher assistant is not an easy task. You must be fully capable of passing the certification examination. But, this can be done by spending time to prepare a quality, professionally written resume.Many companies have taken up student jobs that they have trained in how to write good resumes. A certified resume writer can do it if you are properly trained and prepared.A professional resume writer will know how to design a professional resume that can meet all the requirements. The resume must be well structured professionally. The copywriting must be completely professional in order to attract the attention of the employer.Some companies provide samples of teacher assistant resumes for you to sample before you sign on with them. These samples show the standard format. Then, the resume is rewritten to be different from the standard format. At this point, you can also improve the content and structure of the resum e.You can also hire a resume consultant who can do your resume for you. They can give you advice on what you can change or add to the content of the resume. A resume consultant can help you write it the way you want it to be written.There are good companies online that will help you rewrite a resume for you. There are many resources online to help you learn how to write a professional resume. The online resume writing sites to help you learn how to create a resume, how to structure it, how to edit it, how to create bullet points, and how to write cover letters.If you write a good teacher assistant resume, then the employer will notice that and then will ask you for more details. Itis possible to make a great impression of yourself. The employers will look at your profile and see what you have accomplished so far. This will enable them to determine whether you can work as a teacher assistant.You may want to learn how to write a resume for teacher assistant who has special needs. That might also prove useful for the job interview. Good resume writing for teacher assistant is essential in order to keep your potential employer interested in finding out more about you.