An online BS degree can be the key that opens the doors for advancement, earning power and personal fulfillment. When all three are achieved, it can be one of the best decisions a person ever makes. Luckily, the challenge of successfully achieving such a goal need not become an inconvenience or a distraction.

The decision to return to college or obtain a bachelor’s degree is a personal decision that can be based on many factors. Time and money are often two of the largest issues that come up for a majority of people. As many are beginning to see, the advent of online learning has taken those issues and made them much less formidable.

As many jobs move their requirements to include secondary degrees, the bachelor’s is typically a necessary prerequisite for many jobs. Having the necessary education and training is also essential in order to obtain or advance in a career. With advancement comes a higher earning potential.

Achieving an online BS degree means no longer having to rearrange a full life in order to fit time in for rigid, inflexible school plans. With an online degree program, the classroom is always open, which means learning can take place anytime, anywhere. This is an attractive option for those who steadily work at balancing both a career and home life.

An online degree program can mean no commute times, no uncomfortable classroom environments and no need for relocation. Because a student chooses their learning time in an environment they are comfortable in, it can be easier to retain knowledge, making for a smoother learning process. Unlike conventional learning, it also allows the student to progress at a rate that is comfortable for them, with no worries of falling behind should life get in the way and a class is missed.

Online classes tend to stay at one price with no unexpected rises in tuition. It also means that materials are likely to cost less than those of a conventional onsite program. Just like with the issue of time, those who choose to achieve their online BS degree also save themselves the extra expense of commutes and relocation.

Financial aid is often readily available to those who qualify. In some cases, previous credits or work experience can also count towards arranging an online degree program that is both time and cost effective. For many, this can make opening the door to advancement or an increased earning potential much closer than anticipated.

As online learning has taken wing in recent years, a number of employers have found online degrees offer everything a degree earned at an onsite campus could offer. Employers also take notice of employees who take the time to improve themselves with online learning. It shows an audacity and a willingness to find a way to improve their situation despite an already full life.

In keeping with the ease of online learning, basic computer skills are often all that are necessary to earn a degree online. A tech support team is readily available should the need for help ever arise. However, students can expect clear and concise directions throughout the online program.

With an online BS degree, students can look forward to creating their own positive learning experience. The results of their dedication can lead them right through the door of advancement, higher earning potentials and best of all the confidence of knowing that they can achieve. As online learning continues to gain in relevance for the working adult, many are hearing their own call and heeding the challenge. When all is said and done, it is a challenge that few regret taking.

Andy West
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/the-benefit-of-an-online-bs-degree-138176.html

Personal contacts. Eighty percent of available jobs are never advertised, and over half of all employees get their jobs through networking, according to BH Careers International. Therefore, the people you know—friends, family, neighbors, acquaintances, teachers, and former coworkers—are some of the most effective resources for your job search. The network of people that you know and the people that they know can lead to information about specific job openings that are not publicly posted. To develop new contacts, join student, community, or professional organizations.

School career planning and placement offices. High school and college placement offices help their students and alumni find jobs. They allow recruiters to use their facilities for interviews or career fairs. Placement offices usually have a list of part-time, temporary, and summer jobs offered on campus. They also may have lists of jobs for regional, nonprofit, and government organizations. In addition to linking you to potential employers, career planning offices usually provide career counseling, career testing, and job search advice. Some have career resource libraries; host workshops on job search strategy, résumé writing, letter writing, and effective interviewing; critique drafts of résumés; conduct mock interviews; and sponsor job fairs.

Employers. Through your library and Internet research, develop a list of potential employers in your desired career field. Employer Web sites often contain lists of job openings. Web sites and business directories can provide you with information on how to apply for a position or whom to contact. Even if no open positions are posted, do not hesitate to contact the employer and the relevant department. Set up an interview with someone working in the same area in which you wish to work. Ask them how they got started, what they like and dislike about the work, what type of qualifications are necessary for the job, and what type of personality succeeds in that position. Even if they don’t have a position available, they may be able to put you in contact with other people who might hire you, and they can keep you in mind if a position opens up. Make sure to send them your résumé and a cover letter. If you are able to obtain an interview, be sure to send a thank-you note. Directly contacting employers is one of the most successful means of job hunting.

Classified ads. The “Help Wanted” ads in newspapers list numerous jobs. You should realize, however, that many other job openings are not listed, and that the classified ads sometimes do not give all of the important information. They may offer little or no description of the job, working conditions, or pay. Some ads do not identify the employer. They may simply give a post office box to which you can mail your résumé, making follow-up inquiries very difficult. Some ads offer out-of-town jobs; others advertise employment agencies rather than actual employment opportunities.

When using classified ads, keep the following in mind:

* Do not rely solely on the classifieds to find a job; follow other leads as well.

* Answer ads promptly, because openings may be filled quickly, even before the ad stops appearing in the paper.

* Read the ads every day, particularly the Sunday edition, which usually includes the most listings.

* Beware of “no experience necessary” ads. These ads often signal low wages, poor working conditions, or commission work.

* Keep a record of all ads to which you have responded, including the specific skills, educational background, and personal qualifications required for the position.

Internet networks and resources. The Internet is an invaluable resource. Use it to find advice on conducting your job search more effectively; to search for a job; to research prospective employers; and to communicate with people who can help you with your job search. No single Web site will contain all the information available on employment or career opportunities, so in addition to the Web sites listed below, use a search engine to find what you need. The different types of sites that may be useful include general career advice sites, job search sites, company Web sites, trade and professional association Web sites, and forums. Internet forums, also called message boards, are online discussion groups where anyone may post and read messages. Use forums specific to your profession or to career-related topics to post questions or messages and to read about other peoples’ job searches or career experiences.

In job databases, remember that job listings may be posted by field or discipline, so begin your search using keywords. Some Web sites provide national or local classified listings and allow job seekers to post their résumés online. When searching employment databases on the Internet, it usually is possible to send your résumé to an employer by e-mail or to post it online.

WorkOne.com is a career site that provides free coaching for work seekers. WorkOne has career coaches that will guide you through the process. It can be accessed on the Internet at: http://www.workone.com.

CareerOneStop is a database consisting of three separate career resource tools. It can be accessed on the Internet at: http://www.CareerOneStop.org, or by telephone at: (877) 348-0502. Alternatively, each resource tool can be accessed directly at its own Internet address.

America’s Job Bank allows you to search through a database of more than 1 million jobs nationwide, create and post your résumé online, and set up an automated job search. The database contains a wide range of mostly full-time private sector jobs that are available all over the country. Job seekers can access America’s Job Bank at: http://www.ajb.org.

America’s Career InfoNet provides information on educational, licensing, and certification requirements for different occupations by State. It also provides information on wages, cost of living, and employment trends, and helps job seekers identify their skills and write résumés and cover letters. Job seekers can access America’s Career InfoNet at: http://www.acinet.org.

America’s Service Locator provides listings of local employment service offices which help job seekers find jobs and help employers find qualified workers at no cost to either. At the State employment service office, an interviewer will determine if you are “job ready” or if you need help from counseling and testing services to assess your occupational aptitudes and interests and to help you choose and prepare for a career. After you are “job ready,” you may examine available job listings and select openings that interest you. A staff member can then describe the job openings in detail and arrange for interviews with prospective employers. Job seekers can access America’s Service Locator at: http://www.servicelocator.org. A list of offices is also in the State government telephone listings under “Job Service” or “Employment.”

Using Internet Resources to Plan your Future, a U.S. Department of Labor publication, offers advice on organizing your Internet job search. It is primarily intended to provide instruction for job seekers on how to use the Internet to their best advantage, but recruiters and other career service industry professionals will find information here to help them also. How to Use the Internet in your Job Search; The Job Search Process; and the Career-Related Pages, other U.S. Department of Labor Internet publications, each discusses specific steps that job seekers can follow to identify employment opportunities. Included are daily tips and hints, plus a large database of links and job search engines. Check with your State employment service office, or order a copy of these and other publications from the U.S. Government Printing Office’s Superintendent of Documents. Telephone: (202) 512-1800. Internet: http://bookstore.gpo.gov or http://www.doleta.gov.

State employment service offices. The State employment service, sometimes called the Job Service, operates in coordination with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. Local offices, found nationwide, help job seekers to find jobs and help employers to find qualified workers at no cost to either. To find the office nearest you, look in the State government telephone listings under “Job Service” or “Employment.”

Job matching and referral. At the State employment service office, an interviewer will determine if you are “job ready” or if you need help from counseling and testing services to assess your occupational aptitudes and interests and to help you choose and prepare for a career. After you are “job ready,” you may examine available job listings and select openings that interest you. A staff member can then describe the job openings in detail and arrange for interviews with prospective employers.

Services for special groups. By law, veterans are entitled to priority for job placement at State employment service centers. If you are a veteran, a veterans’ employment representative can inform you of available assistance and help you to deal with problems.

State employment service offices refer people to opportunities available under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998. WIA reforms Federal employment, adult education, and vocational rehabilitation programs to create an integrated, “one-stop” system of workforce investment and education activities for adults and youths. Services are provided to employers and job seekers, including adults, dislocated workers, and youths. WIA’s primary purpose is to increase the employment, retention, skills, and earnings of participants. These programs help to prepare people to participate in the State’s workforce, increase their employment and earnings potential, improve their educational and occupational skills, and reduce their dependency on welfare, which will improve the quality of the workforce and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the Nation’s economy.

Federal Government. Information on obtaining a position with the Federal Government is available from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) through USAJOBS, the Federal Government’s official employment information system. This resource for locating and applying for job opportunities can be accessed through the Internet at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov or through an interactive voice response telephone system at (703) 724-1850 or TDD (978) 461-8404. These numbers are not tollfree, and charges may result.

Professional associations. Many professions have associations that offer employment information, including career planning, educational programs, job listings, and job placement. To use these services, associations usually require that you be a member; information can be obtained directly from an association through the Internet, by telephone, or by mail.

Labor unions. Labor unions provide various employment services to members, including apprenticeship programs that teach a specific trade or skill. Contact the appropriate labor union or State apprenticeship council for more information.

Private employment agencies and career consultants. These agencies can be helpful, but they may charge you for their services. Most operate on a commission basis, with the fee dependent upon a percentage of the salary paid to a successful applicant. You or the hiring company will pay the fee. Find out the exact cost and who is responsible for paying associated fees before using the service.

Although employment agencies can help you save time and contact employers who otherwise might be difficult to locate, the costs may outweigh the benefits if you are responsible for the fee. Contacting employers directly often will generate the same type of leads that a private employment agency will provide. Consider any guarantees that the agency offers when determining if the service is worth the cost.

Community agencies. Many nonprofit organizations, including religious institutions and vocational rehabilitation agencies, offer counseling, career development, and job placement services, generally targeted to a particular group, such as women, youths, minorities, ex-offenders, or older workers.

Hans Glint
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/job-search-methods-60570.html

In today’s business world, boring facts and empty stats simply won’t make the impression on customers that a story about someone “just like them” will. True stories are much more compelling and better-remembered than other information. So to get coveted word-of-mouth advertising, start by telling your company or product story. When you do, you’ll find that story-telling is a powerful tool that differentiates you from your competition.

Story-telling your way to greater profit is based on the idea of “social proof.” When people are unsure what to do, they look at others’ behavior and ask what others have done previously in the same situation. A behavior seems more correct to the degree that we see others doing it, and the more people doing it the better. Social proof comes into play in all buying decisions, from the most basic to the most expensive. This includes everything from what movie to see or restaurant to eat at, to what car to buy or contractor to hire.

Whatever your industry, you can essentially get your customers to write your best stories for you by documenting your successes through testimonials and pictures. Do what your competition fails to do effectively. To develop powerful stories that sell your customers, follow these ten simple steps:

1.Identify your positioning. If you don’t position yourself advantageously, your competition will position you and your product in a way you do not want. What is your unique selling proposition (USP)? What added value do you deliver that your competition won’t? Get your customers say “wow!” Maybe it’s your unique expertise, free installation, or free delivery. Whatever you offer, it should be low-cost but have high perceived added value.

2.Define your ideal customer. Contrary to popular belief, your customer base isn’t “everybody.” While you may have customers across all spectrums, who’s going to be the most profitable customer for you, and how can you attract more of those? You don’t want to be always selling to everybody. Be proactive, and let your competition suffer the consequences of giving their sales force too broad of a brush.

3.Identify what’s different about you. Different is good. Create a point of differentiation between you and your competition with a story. You may have noticed this recent trend at retail when you’re looking for a BBQ sauce or a bottle of wine. To get customers to pick their product off the shelf, companies use their product packaging and web sites to tell an intriguing story.

4.Draw them to you. If you’ve done the first three steps well, the customers you want will be attracted to you. Rather than pursuing customers, learn their key issues/pains/problems and how you can solve them. For example, top mortgage brokers work to build a good reputation and thereby attract a lot of the business. They don’t have to go out and pursue clients; people come to them. Do the little things that make for a great story so your customers will sing your praises and bring the business to you. Ideally, you’ll be able to choose your customers, instead of begging them to choose you over your competition.

5.Show, don’t tell. One of the main principles of story-telling is to show the details of the story, and let those details speak for themselves. Effective story-telling is in the details, and the more the better. Leaving out a minute detail, which you feel may not be important, could turn out to be the deciding factor from the customer’s point of view. Paint a picture with your words to bring your story to life for the reader or listener. You don’t have to be a master fiction writer to tell a powerful story. Set up a problem, then work through and resolve it by offering specific benefits to the customer. Create powerful case studies of the specific problem you and the client were facing, why they hired you, what your strategy to solve it was, the terrific result and what the thrilled client had to say.

6.Feel their pain. You can use your stories to help overcome common objections you receive, such as cost. You don’t want to compete on price but on customer experience and your unique ability to solve customers’ problems. In life insurance and financial services, for example, many people haven’t done what they should do in terms of planning. In this case, smart advisors tell their customer’s, “Don’t feel bad. Last week I met with someone just like you who had that same problem. Here’s how we worked together to solve it.”

7.Keep ‘em coming. Dog-eared, over-copied success stories from seven years ago won’t do the trick. Document everything and keep it current! Develop a system to follow up with satisfied clients because you can’t have too many stories at your disposal. Utilize the Web, phone calls, letters, and e-mail to generate new stories, and then put them on your website in the form of written, audio, and video testimonials. Have them organized and ready to send out with e-mails to prospects.

8.Use pictures. A picture is worth a thousand more words. A testimonial with a photo shows that there is a real person behind the name, enhancing your credibility. Build your testimonials one at a time, asking clients, “If I can exceed your expectations, get the work done in time and at the budget we set, would you give me a testimonial so I can share your success with other customers?” The majority of your customers will happily say “Yes!” Then you can create a Raving Fan book that will let you select the jobs you want to do. Home improvement contractors, for example, can fill it with before-and-after pictures plus testimonials saying that they showed up on time, stayed within budget, etc. On future jobs, other bidders will show up with no social proof, just a napkin with an estimate on it, but the smart contractors will have ten success stories, impressive photos, and raves from past customers. Even if their price comes in 10 – 20% higher, if they’ve proven that they can meet the customer’s needs, the customer is likely to pick the professional who provided social proof! You can easily add streaming video to document your success too.

9.Utilize product reviews. Vendor ratings and product reviews such as you find on eBay, Overstock.com, and Amazon.com can tell your story and offer social proof even without personal contact. The combination of customer rants and raves is highly believable.

10.Create a personal marketing sheet. Tell a good story about who you are, especially if you’re self-employed. It should feature a picture of you and your product and tell who you are and what your USP is. On it, list some of your customers and include the right quotes as well as detailing your number of years’ experience, special training or certifications you and your team have, and any community involvement.

Tell Yourself a New Story About Stories
Many people are hesitant to sell themselves and their product or service with stories because they don’t want to feel “pushy,” as if they’re forcing their clients to do their marketing for them. A simple paradigm shift is all you need to see the benefits of this practice, for you and for your customers. Consider this: you’re cheating people if you don’t share what a great experience you offer customers. They’ll go somewhere else and get an inferior product and experience.

In the end, it’s simply a matter of utilizing the power of social proof: Tell your story, attract customers to you, deliver what you do best, and you won’t be able to stop them from talking about their “lucky find,” sending others to you and coming back again and again. Remember: A good story can change the way people think. A great story can change the way people behave.

Chip Eichelberger
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/proof-positive-a-good-story-can-be-telling-60036.html

While different employers have vastly different needs in functional areas, there are many employer qualities which virtually every employer wants, regardless of the job the employee will perform.

One employer needs an engineer with special training in strength of materials. Another needs a psychology major with a solid background in social work. A third is looking for a financial analyst who’s a whiz with statistics. But all three are looking for candidates who will become highly motivated, responsible employees. They want people who have drive, energy, confidence, integrity, pride and dedication. People who know how to listen, who understand the importance of turning a profit, who can follow instructions meticulously, and who know how to save time and money.

Above all they choose candidates for their enthusiasm and their strength of character. If you truly shine in both of these areas, most employers will be willing to forgive many weaknesses in background, education or experience.

Enthusiasm: An eagerness for the challenge at hand. A positive view of the world. The perception of problems as opportunities for gain and improvement. The belief that the work will be exciting and rewarding, and that the organization will certainly achieve its goals.

Strength of character: Stability. Dependability. Commitment to do what’s right. Avoidance of what’s trivial and petty. Willingness to get the job done, whatever effort is required. Concern for maintaining reputation. High standards. Leadership stature.

This isn’t a sermon. It’s simply a description of what impresses most employers.

It’s also important to note that employers are conservative. Whatever their politics and personal values, employers are rather predictably conservative when it comes to their businesses. In their heart of hearts, they really want rock-solid, squeaky clean people joining their staffs. That doesn’t mean there are no openings for off-the-wall personalities, free spirits or outspoken reformers. There are. But they’re not the easiest jobs to find, because there aren’t that many bosses willing to gamble their businesses on employees others might find offensive—or odd.

When the chips are down, most employers can be counted upon to play it safe. If you want to be a contender for the biggest portion of the best available jobs, don’t stray too far from the conservative path. Think “enthusiasm” and “strength of character” as you talk to a prospective employer, and you’ll never be very far off the mark. You want him or her to look at you and think, “That’s a person I can trust to get the job done.”

No, that doesn’t mean be a stiff. It just means be solid.

Bruce Bloom
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/what-every-employer-really-wants-72035.html

Once you receive a job offer, you are faced with a difficult decision and must evaluate the offer carefully. Fortunately, most organizations will not expect you to accept or reject an offer immediately.

There are many issues to consider when assessing a job offer. Will the organization be a good place to work? Will the job be interesting? Are there opportunities for advancement? Is the salary fair? Does the employer offer good benefits? If you have not already figured out exactly what you want, the following discussion may help you to develop a set of criteria for judging job offers, whether you are starting a career, reentering the labor force after a long absence, or planning a career change.

The organization. Background information on an organization can help you to decide whether it is a good place for you to work. Factors to consider include the organization’s business or activity, financial condition, age, size, and location.

You generally can get background information on an organization, particularly a large organization, on its Internet site or by telephoning its public relations office. A public company’s annual report to the stockholders tells about its corporate philosophy, history, products or services, goals, and financial status. Most government agencies can furnish reports that describe their programs and missions. Press releases, company newsletters or magazines, and recruitment brochures also can be useful. Ask the organization for any other items that might interest a prospective employee. If possible, speak to current or former employees of the organization.

Background information on the organization may be available at your public or school library. If you cannot get an annual report, check the library for reference directories that may provide basic facts about the company, such as earnings, products and services, and number of employees. Some directories widely available in libraries either in print or as online databases include:

* Dun & Bradstreet’s Million Dollar Directory

* Standard and Poor’s Register of Corporations

* Mergent’s Industrial Review (formerly Moody’s Industrial Manual)

* Thomas Register of American Manufacturers

* Ward’s Business Directory

Stories about an organization in magazines and newspapers can tell a great deal about its successes, failures, and plans for the future. You can identify articles on a company by looking under its name in periodical or computerized indexes in libraries. However, it probably will not be useful to look back more than 2 or 3 years

The library also may have government publications that present projections of growth for the industry in which the organization is classified. Long-term projections of employment and output for detailed industries, covering the entire U.S. economy, are developed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and revised every 2 years. See the November 2005 Monthly Labor Review for the most recent projections, covering the 2004-14 period, on the Internet at: http://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/mlrhome.htm. Trade magazines also may include articles on the trends for specific industries.

Career centers at colleges and universities often have information on employers that is not available in libraries. Ask a career center representative how to find out about a particular organization.

Does the organization’s business or activity match your own interests and beliefs?

It is easier to apply yourself to the work if you are enthusiastic about what the organization does.

How will the size of the organization affect you?

Large firms generally offer a greater variety of training programs and career paths, more managerial levels for advancement, and better employee benefits than do small firms. Large employers also may have more advanced technologies. However, many jobs in large firms tend to be highly specialized.

Jobs in small firms may offer broader authority and responsibility, a closer working relationship with top management, and a chance to clearly see your contribution to the success of the organization.

Should you work for a relatively new organization or one that is well established?

New businesses have a high failure rate, but for many people, the excitement of helping to create a company and the potential for sharing in its success more than offset the risk of job loss. However, it may be just as exciting and rewarding to work for a young firm that already has a foothold on success.

Does it make a difference if the company is private or public?

An individual or a family may control a privately owned company and key jobs may be reserved for relatives and friends. A board of directors responsible to the stockholders controls a publicly owned company and key jobs usually are open to anyone.

Is the organization in an industry with favorable long-term prospects?

The most successful firms tend to be in industries that are growing rapidly.

Nature of the job. Even if everything else about the job is attractive, you will be unhappy if you dislike the day-to-day work. Determining in advance whether you will like the work may be difficult. However, the more you find out about the job before accepting or rejecting the offer, the more likely you are to make the right choice. Actually working in the industry and, if possible, for the company would provide considerable insight. You can gain work experience through part-time, temporary, or summer jobs, or through internship or work-study programs while in school, all of which can lead to permanent job offers.

Where is the job located?

If the job is in another section of the country, you need to consider the cost of living, the availability of housing and transportation, and the quality of educational and recreational facilities in that section of the country. Even if the job location is in your area, you should consider the time and expense of commuting.

Does the work match your interests and make good use of your skills?

The duties and responsibilities of the job should be explained in enough detail to answer this question.

How important is the job in this company?

An explanation of where you fit in the organization and how you are supposed to contribute to its overall objectives should give you an idea of the job’s importance.

Are you comfortable with the hours?

Most jobs involve regular hours—for example, 40 hours a week, during the day, Monday through Friday. Other jobs require night, weekend, or holiday work. In addition, some jobs routinely require overtime to meet deadlines or sales or production goals, or to better serve customers. Consider the effect that the work hours will have on your personal life.

How long do most people who enter this job stay with the company?

High turnover can mean dissatisfaction with the nature of the work or something else about the job.

Opportunities offered by employers. A good job offers you opportunities to learn new skills, increase your earnings, and rise to positions of greater authority, responsibility, and prestige. A lack of opportunities can dampen interest in the work and result in frustration and boredom.

The company should have a training plan for you. What valuable new skills does the company plan to teach you?

The employer should give you some idea of promotion possibilities within the organization. What is the next step on the career ladder? If you have to wait for a job to become vacant before you can be promoted, how long does this usually take? When opportunities for advancement do arise, will you compete with applicants from outside the company? Can you apply for jobs for which you qualify elsewhere within the organization, or is mobility within the firm limited?

Salaries and benefits. ait for the employer to introduce these subjects. Some companies will not talk about pay until they have decided to hire you. In order to know if their offer is reasonable, you need a rough estimate of what the job should pay. You may have to go to several sources for this information. Try to find family, friends, or acquaintances who recently were hired in similar jobs. Ask your teachers and the staff in placement offices about starting pay for graduates with your qualifications. Help-wanted ads in newspapers sometimes give salary ranges for similar positions. Check the library or your school’s career center for salary surveys such as those conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers or various professional associations.

If you are considering the salary and benefits for a job in another geographic area, make allowances for differences in the cost of living, which may be significantly higher in a large metropolitan area than in a smaller city, town, or rural area.

You also should learn the organization’s policy regarding overtime. Depending on the job, you may or may not be exempt from laws requiring the employer to compensate you for overtime. Find out how many hours you will be expected to work each week and whether you receive overtime pay or compensatory time off for working more than the specified number of hours in a week.

Also take into account that the starting salary is just that—the start. Your salary should be reviewed on a regular basis; many organizations do it every year. How much can you expect to earn after 1, 2, or 3 or more years? An employer cannot be specific about the amount of pay if it includes commissions and bonuses.

Benefits also can add a lot to your base pay, but they vary widely. Find out exactly what the benefit package includes and how much of the cost you must bear.

Hans Glint
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/evaluating-a-job-offer-60586.html

Investment

If you have thought about working from home you have probably thought how great it would be to wake up when you want, go on holiday when you want, and for how long you want.

There are several things that you must remember though. You have to be motivated. This is YOUR business and to get it off the ground you have to be willing to put in an equal amount of time and investment.

You can start part time around your current job and build it into a full time career, or you can run it as a hobby. It is your business so what you want to achieve from it is entirely up to you. But you need to have the right amount of expectations and the right level of commitment. There is no point in throwing money at your business if you have no time to do anything with it, you may as well just … well … invest it and see what happens. Also, on the other side of the coin, there is no point having hours and hours of available time, but you don’t want to invest any money to realise your vision.

Goal Setting

Self motivation is one of the biggest key factors in working from home. There are so many more distractions that always seem to deserve your attention much more than working on your new business. It is important to treat your business like a multi million pound business from the start. Value it, give it the attention that it deserves and give it the time to grow.

Setting yourself goals is a great motivator. Before you start your business take an hour or two to think about what you want, what you truly want to achieve or work towards. It may be something like paying off your credit card bill, or even buying that boat you have always wanted. Pick something that is close to your heart and is really important to you, otherwise it just won’t keep you motivated. Make sure you write it down and remind yourself everyday what you are working towards.

Personal Development

Keep yourself up to date with personal development. Be inspired by the success of others. Learn and gain skills from others who talk and have written from personal experience.

Read lots. Get your mind open to thinking in different ways. It may only take one small change for everything to click in place.

Some books I recommend to get you thinking and inspired are:

The Richest Man In Babylon by Georges Clason

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki

How I Raised Myself From Failure To Success In Selling by Frank Bettger

Awaken The Giant Within by Anthony Robbins

All of these can be found on http://www.amazon.com

Starting

OK, so you have made the biggest decision of all and have decided to work from home. So what do you do now? What area of working from home do you want to do and can you do? There is no right or wrong business to get involved in, or one solution. It is all down to the individual as everybody’s circumstances are different.

There are many different options, and you will no doubt have to learn a whole new different set of skills to achieve your goals. But don’t let this put you off. There are many businesses that you can join, run as your own business and get the full support and mentoring and all the tools to help you start up. A bit like a business in a box. You have to supply the commitment, time and investment, but the business is still your own.

What you don’t want to do is to jump into a business with your eyes closed. Working from home sounds ideal – and it can be. But there are also some facts that should be considered:

There is no secure income. You will get paid for the work you put in – there is no wage involved.

It may take you several months to begin working at a profit.

You will need to develop good time management. Although you can take a break and a day off whenever you want, remember if you don’t do the ground work on your business, the chances are you won’t have one.

Don’t start out with unrealistic income expectations. You will only be disappointed if you do not reach them. This may lead to you losing steam in your business before it has really got going.

So what sort of business do you want?

Do you want a solely internet based business or do you want an on and off line business?

Do you want to create and sell a product of your own, or do you want to promote and sell somebody else’s and collect a commission or a wholesale profit?

Do you want to create a web site of your own, or do you want a ready made website that you can promote?

All of these different areas are possible, you just need to decide what area you want to get into and how big a home business you want to achieve from it.

Affiliate programmes are one of the ways that you can start earning money on the internet.

One effective way of becoming an affiliate marketer is to create a website promoting other peoples products. This is a low risk way to start a business as you do not need to spend money on production of stock, packaging and shipping. In general there is no fee for you to join and you can leave at any time.

There are a few factors that you should consider if you decide to become an affiliate marketer.

Is the product you are promoting something you are interested in yourself?

It should be something that you believe in and would sell to your family and friends.

Does the product you chose fit in with the theme of your website?

You can advertise many different affiliate products and services on your site, but they must be related. If you have decided to sell camera’s on your website, you can also sell books on photography, camera batteries, camera cases, tripods, lenses, photography courses.

Would you buy off the affiliate’s website?

Take a look at the website of the affiliates product you want to promote. Would you buy anything from there? Is it easy to navigate? If it is not a good experience for you then your customers may think the same and will not buy.

How much commission are they paying you?

There are a couple of different area’s to consider here. You will need to look at the percentage they are going to pay and the monetary value of what you are promoting. If you have a high turn over of less expensive products, a lower commission may be more profitable than a high priced item that you make less sales with.

Is it a one-tier programme or a 2-tier programme?

All affiliate programmes are one or two tier programmes. A one tier programme is where you sell an item and receive a percentage of the profits for that sale. With a two-tier programme you can also make a commission for each sale that you refer. You can also promote the affiliate programme to customers and subscribers where you can then make a commission of all the sales they then make.

You may also want to check if your commission is a one-off commission or a residual commission. A residual commission is often payable on used-up items that customers need to re-order or pay a monthly fee for, like web hosting sites, health-supplements, flowers etc.

What advertising tools do they provide me with?

The affiliate programme that you join should not expect you to re-invent the wheel to promote them. Most sites will provide you with some form of advertising material like:

Banners

Text Links

Articles

Product Pictures

Classified ad’s

Testimonials

These methods should all be proven by the company you have decided to promote, to be affective in drawing in customers.

If you decide to go down the affiliate advertising route then make sure the company you choose has a great customer care and a guarantee with their products.

These websites will give you loads of affiliate programmes to choose from:

http://www.associateprograms.com/index.shtml

http://www.lifetimecommissions.com

This one will give you a choice of residual income affiliate programmes.

If you are looking to promote digital products like e-books then http://www.clickbank.com is an excellent place to start.

You are probably now wondering how you are going to create or get your hands on a website. I personally do not have much experience in html, but these days you don’t really need to, there are many programmes that you can use to create your own website without it. I have not personally built websites from the programmes below, but I know they are used by some of the top affiliate marketers on the internet and come highly recommended.

http://www.microsoft.com/products/expression/

This software is new from Microsoft. If you can use MS Word you can make websites easily with this. Great for design, and good for someone who has a bit of experience with software.

http://www.adobe.com/products/dreamweaver

This will give you the ability to create a web page easily and simply, or you can input code.

http://www.nvu.com (pronounced n-view)

This is a rival to dream weaver and will make creating web pages easy, even if you have no knowledge at all.

Check out all the links and compare cost and write up’s of the different programmes and see which one will suit you and your experience the best.

The content and structure of your website will mean the difference between a successful business and an unsuccessful one. Think of it like walking into a shop and finding half the stock on the floor that you have to rummage around. You will probably give up and never go back, if you even entered the shop in the first place. It is exactly the same with a website. If it looks confusing, unstructured and you cannot easily find what you are looking for, your visitor will give up, and go else where. Consumers will make a decision whether to stay on your site within seconds. It needs to be simple and follow a theme throughout so it makes sense to the viewer. The content needs to be interesting and informative about your products so the viewer gets to value your opinion and trusts you. It is important to use professional fonts and have links that work.

The About Me page is also an important part of your website. It is about exactly what it says – YOU. This is the page people will go to, to find out who they are dealing with. A few lines about yourself, which country you live in etc. with a photo will make you seem more real and trust worthy.

If you really don’t have a clue where to start designing a website, then it would be worth your while hiring a professional as it can make or break your online business.

Network Marketing

Network Marketing is another way you can begin working from home. These direct marketing companies have grown to offer some of the best training and income making opportunities in the world. They add a personal touch to business as it usually involves one-on-one contact and follow up with customers. This can create a huge referral market for your business which means less advertising costs and more profit for you.

The benefits of a network marketing business are plenty. It is an easy way to start up business, with a proven training system to get you selling products directly to the consumer. The hours you work are flexible, and the opportunity can create an option to earn from a part time income to a substantial amount of money per year.

There are two different initial sources of income. The first is a wholesale income which comes from retailing the products to customers. The second is to build a team and earn a commission from everything they retail. This can create a long term residual income. You basically earn money from the efforts of your team.

The great part of a network marketing business is that many companies will include website’s and comprehensive training from your own personal mentor, who is normally the person who introduced you to the business. They will guide you through start-up of your new business and will train you on how to use the website’s and advertise your business. If you do not have much experience with the internet, and are not sure how to get started working from home, then this type of business is ideal as it has already been tried and tested and proven to work. There is a real person behind it all that you can discuss everything with before you decide to commit. So you can be absolutely sure whether it is for you or not.

For more information on this type of business visit:

http://www.smart-work-win.com

One of the greatest attractions of a network marketing business is that anybody, of any age, race or religion can join and be successful. Whatever your education or profession, everybody joins the business at the same level. It does not matter if you are hopeless with computers, or you have no clue about running your own business. The support and training will guide you through. All you need is perseverance, to be teachable and ambitious.

Advertising

Advertising is where the majority of your time and effort, not to mention your money will go. As with many things in business, consistency is the key here. There is no point posting an advert once and wondering why you did not get any customers. Set yourself up a 90 day plan and stick to it. Pick 3 -4 different types of advertising and concentrate on consistently advertising your business using these methods for 3 months. By the end of this time, you will know whether they are worth your while to carry them on, or ditching them and trying something else.

Search Engine Advertising

Advertising on the search engines is an effective way to get traffic to your site, although you will have to keep an eye on the cost or it can mount up without you noticing.

Google AdWords is one that I use a lot and it does bring me targeted leads to my websites. These are the ads that you will find on the right hand side of the webpage, highlighted in blue if you are searching on Google. You pay per click (ppc) that you receive from your advert. The amount you pay is directly related to the keyword that produced your website to show. You do have full control over how much you will want to spend per day, and what is the limit on the cost per click that you are willing to pay. Obviously the more targeted key words will cost more as there is more competition for them.

AdWords is very easy to set up. Visit http://www.google.com and click on Advertising Programmes underneath the search bar. Then click on Google AdWords on the left hand side and they will give you full instructions on how to create a campaign.

One important factor in advertising with search engines is the keywords that you use. If you are advertising shoes, for example, your keywords should be related to the words in your advert, which will produce more targeted traffic for your site. You do not want lots and lots of untargeted traffic to click on your ad, as you will be paying every time somebody clicks on it.

To find variations of keywords and how often they are searched for per month visit:

http://inventory.overture.com/d/searchinventory/suggestion/

All you need to do is type in a keyword, like shoes, and it will tell you how many people have search that word the previous month, and also other related keywords and how often they were search for to. One way to get the cost down on your keywords is to choose words that are more targeted. If you check how many people searched for shoes you will find a number not far off 550000. That is a lot of competition, and it would probably mean that there is a high cost per click on that keyword. If you choose something like wedding shoes, running shoes or red shoes, (providing you sell those items) you will find that the number of people searching for it is less, and will be more targeted.

Customer Service

This is one area that you should not skimp on. You have spent all that money and effort on advertising your product, so don’t ruin the after sales experience for your customer. If they have a query, answer it promptly and honestly and politely. You don’t want a disgruntled customer bad mouthing you on some forum – you know what they say about bad news and how quick it can travel!

Keep them posted with special promotions for your valued customers to encourage them to come back. You will soon realise that an auto responder system will become your new best friend. If you are unfamiliar with how these work, they are basically pre-written emails by you that then get sent out to your customers automatically. You can write what you like on them – special promotions and discounts, or letting them know of new products. This is a great way to follow up with your customers without you having to think about it. A little time spent in the beginning will save you many hours of work later on.

There are many different auto responders you can use, it depends on the size of your customer list and how much you want to spend.

http://www.ecoursewizard.com

This is fairly simple to use and inexpensive. There are different packages that you can join depending on the amount of subscribers you have.

http://www.prosender.com/

This provides you with unlimited auto responders, automated ad tracking features and great customer service.

Your may be familiar with the phrase, “The money is in the list”.

You need to build a list of customers and opt-in subscribers that you can then promote your service or product to. You will build trust with these people, as well as keeping your business name in their minds. You can promote your site and products to them. These people will form a huge part of the success of your internet business.

Although I don’t want to put you off starting your own business – I do just want to give you a word of warning – the internet can be a scary place. Most of the people are honest folk running their legitimate business. But there are also many unscrupulous people who just want to make a fast buck. Before you get lulled into different get rich quick schemes, do your research.

You can throw lots of money away joining different schemes that just don’t work. Envelope stuffing is one of them. You may have already seen the adverts. You don’t find out that it is a scam until you have sent your money for the starter package, only to find out that your job is to spoof other people into doing the same thing.

If you receive e-mails offering you a job that you have never applied for – then guess what, it is probably a scam. Other jobs target people looking for low skilled work, like typing from home, craft work and medical billing and are usually looking for unsuspecting people, which unfortunately the internet is full of. They usually ask you to pay the start up fee for the information, which is about all there is to the job.

Be careful with the wording of adverts you read. If they say it is fun, simple and highly lucrative, it probably means that it is boring, hard and you won’t make a penny.

Whichever area you go into I wish luck. Although there are up’s and down’s with working from home, the up’s do out way the down’s. When you see your business take off and you know that it has been down to your own hard work, the feeling is indescribable. You feel empowered – nothing can touch you!

Lisa Neser
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-business-articles/working-from-home-your-startup-guide-129955.html

Core Training is a very popular philosophy sweeping over fitness programs.  At a quick glance core training appears to be simply abdominal exercises and lower back exercises, but core training is so much more.  Core training is all about good alignment, joint stability, and efficient movement, and your core includes your entire spine, shoulder girdle, and hip girdle.

When you perform core exercises you can focus on 3 things: stability, strength, or power.  Although stability, strength, and power are all related you can emphasize a certain benefit by choosing specific exercises and performing them in a specific way.  Stability refers to the ability of your muscles to maintain a joint’s position, posture, and alignment.  Strength refers to the ability of your muscles to move a certain amount of resistance through the full range of motion.  And power refers to the ability of your muscles to move your body with speed.

In this article, I want to focus on developing core stability.  One possible cause of lower back pain is a lack of stability in the pelvis and lower back.  When your back is unstable, there is more pressure on the joints of your back.  In addition, when your back is unstable your sports performance is decreased.  So, developing core stability is important for everyone from people with desk jobs to elite athletes.

Let me ask you a question that speaks to the importance of core stability.  Is it easier to run on sand or grass?  Most people will say that it is easier to run on grass.  Since the grass is more stable than the sand it’s easier for your muscles to push you forward as you run.  Because the sand in unstable, your muscles have a harder time pushing your forward as you run.

You should think of your spine in the same way that you think about your running surface.  When your spine is stable, your muscles work more efficiently.  When your muscles work more efficiently, you have a lower risk of injury and perform at a higher level.

Well, you may be asking which type of exercises is best for core stabilization.  Some of the best core exercises for stabilization are isometric exercises.  Isometric simply means same length or no movement, so during isometric exercises the position of your spine does not change.  Two of the first core stabilization exercises that I teach my clients are the drawing in maneuver and the plank.

The drawing in maneuver is the best exercise for the transversus abdominus.  In movement studies, physiotherapists found that the transversus abdominus is the first abdominal muscle to fire when you move your arms are legs.  They also found that it lags behind in people with lower back pain.  To re-educate your transverse abdominus (your natural girdle) you must practice pulling your belly button in towards your spine.

You can practice the drawing in maneuver from many positions, but the key is to keep your spine in a neutral or balanced position when you pull in.  You can perform the drawing in maneuver while lying on your back, so gravity can assist you.  Then, you can progress to seated or standing where gravity is more neutral, and the most challenging position is lying face down or on your hands and knees where gravity pulls down against you.  No matter which position you choose, pull in your belly button and hold for 5-10 seconds and repeat for 10 repetitions.  When personal trainers or physical therapists say pull in your abs, they are referring to the drawing in maneuver.

Another great core exercise for stabilization is the plank.  The plank is a popular yoga pose that has crossed over into many other areas of fitness.  It involves balancing face down on your elbows and your toes.  There are two main keys when performing the plank.  First, you should keep good alignment through your spine and entire body.  And, second, you should pull in your belly button and use the drawing in maneuver throughout the entire set.

Attempt to hold the plank for 10 seconds to 60 seconds.  Repeat the exercise 2-3 times.  If you shake when you first try the plank, don’t worry about it.  As your coordination and strength improve you will shake less.  Also, if the full plank from your toes and elbows is too challenging, you can build up your strength using the half plank which is done from the knees and the elbows.

Once you have increased your core stabilization, move on to focus more on core strength.  Core strength is best improved by using exercises that move your spine through a large range of motion against resistance, but that is a topic for another article.

Check below for links to my website to learn more core training tips and view pictures of core exercises.

Charles A. Inniss, Jr. DPT
http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/using-core-stability-exercises-to-increase-core-stabilization-723464.html

The benefits of lifting weights — also called weight training, strength training or resistance training — include stronger muscles, a stronger heart, a much leaner physique, a longer life, and a body better able to support your everyday needs and activities. Women, however, still tend to shy away from this beneficial form of exercise.

Ladies, does the mere idea of weightlifting scare you?

“I don’t want to lift weights because they’ll make me too big and bulky.” For how many of you is this the reason you’ve never attempted weight training?

It seems to be many a man’s dream to have big, bulky muscles. Why is it then, that men, whose bodies naturally contain much greater amounts of testosterone and growth hormone, lift weights yet DON’T get big and bulky?

It’s true! Unless they are supplementing with dangerous and unhealthful steroids or similar substances, most men do not naturally bulk up hugely by lifting weights regularly. And neither will most women.

The idea that women get big, ugly muscles from weight training is a complete misconception.

The fact of the matter is that women must lift weights in order to achieve the lean, sculpted bodies they dream of having. If a woman does happen to have the genetic disposition to bulk up quickly, there are easy ways to alter a workout to prevent this extra muscle size, while still increasing strength and rapidly burning fat.

The idea that weightlifting causes insanely huge muscle buildup is largely a creation of the media. It’s true that some women weightlifters takes steroids, and these hormones do make them look very masculine. The average woman who weight trains, however, will simply achieve a slim, healthy body without adding unwanted muscle mass.

Let’s start by discussing the basics of weight training…

Weight training involves controlled lifting and working out with weights. Two basic terms related to weightlifting are “rep” and “set.” A rep describes the complete act of raising and lowering a weight during a single act of exercise. A set describes the number of times a particular rep is performed.

For example, when a person does five reps of a squat, they squat down and stand up five times, continuously, before stopping and either moving on to another exercise or finishing their workout. Those five squats would equal one set. A balanced weight-training session will include several sets of different exercises.

Your goal as either a beginner, intermediate, or advanced weight lifter should be to exhaust your muscles in the shortest time frame – that simply means that when you lift a weight, you should lift a heavy enough weight to exhaust your muscles doing only 10 – 15 reps.

And you should do this exercising pattern about 3 days each week – with at least 24 hour of rest after each workout.

Now I’m going to share a principle exercise with you that many commercial fitness “buff’s” will hate me telling you because this single exercise will do more for your body than almost any other exercise around – making it completely unnecessary for you to ever buy another exercise gadget from late night television ever again.

Before I share it with you I’ve got to give you a quick disclaimer…this exercise should be done (at least initially) under the supervision of a qualified personal trainer, so that you learn the proper form to use during the movement.

This exercise will work EVERY muscle in your body, and you can do it in the privacy of your own home, without any fancy machines or expensive video’s.

In fact, this exercise a foundational core exercise and it’ll set your internal furnace up to burn more calories throughout the rest of the day than any other exercise we’ve tested (when done properly).

It’s called the dead-lift and here’s how it’s done for maximum fat loss and body shaping…

STARTING POSITION

Stand with feet flat and placed slightly farther apart than shoulder width with toes pointed slightly outward.

Squat down with hips lower than shoulders and grasp the weight lifting bar (or any small object)…in the beginning I highly suggest that you use very little added weight, so when you bend to grasp something, use a book or something else that’s small and light weight – just to help you balance.

Place hands on bar (or whatever you choose to lift) slightly less than shoulder width apart, inside the knees and with elbows fully extended. Place bar roughly 1 inch in front of shins and over balls of feet.

UPWARD MOVEMENT

Lift bar off floor by extending hips and knees.
Maintain an erect and flat back at all times.
Keep elbows fully extended.
Keep bar as close to shins as possible without hitting or scraping.
When bar passes knees move the hips forward.
Keep body erect at point of full knee and hip extension.

DOWNWARD MOVEMENT

Allow the hips and knees to flex to slowly lower the bar to the floor.
Repeat movement until finished with set.

Now this might sound a bit confusing the first several times you read it – however, once you practice it for a day or 2, the movement will become second nature to you and you’ll begin feeling and seeing the results quickly.

Remember that with any new exercise comes a bit of soreness, so start very slowly, and gradually increase your intensity.

Ladies, I encourage you: Let go of your preconceived ideas about weight training. Do not fear it. Embrace your weightlifting potential! You will benefit so much more from it than from spending hours on that piece of cardio equipment alone.

Christopher Guerriero
http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/weight-training-for-women-54029.html

Okay, so you’re the type of person who shudders at the thought of working behind a desk in a traditional job. You want something fun. Something different. Something unique. The trouble is, you’re not sure what that is. You know what you like to do. But, you can’t get paid to do something you like to do. Right? Actually, you can, if you just think a little outside the box and think creatively.

The truth is, there are interesting ways to make money and do the things you like. Think of all the dog-lovers out there who have their own dog walking and dog sitting services. They get to make money and be around their passion dogs. (Okay, go figure, I’m a cat person.)

Here then is just a sampling of 5 unique careers for unique people:

1. Hypnotist

Okay, I’m a little partial to this one as I happen to be a certified hypnotist. You can learn to hypnotize people and help them achieve their goals. Maybe you’re into metaphysical things, or, you just love helping people. Maybe you have found yourself to be good at persuasion. A career as a hypnotist or hypnotherapist could be right up your alley. And, if you’re a bit of an entertainer, you could also learn stage hypnosis.

How long does it take to learn how to be a hypnotist? My training at the Hypnosis Motivation Institute in California took a year, which included classes on hypnosis, counseling techniques, therapeutic hypnosis techniques, and the business aspects of setting up a hypnosis practice. You can learn how to actually hypnotize people in a weekend seminar, but, if you’re planning on a career using hypnosis for pain control, motivation, weight loss, etc., then I do recommend a longer program which will prepare you to effectively use hypnosis for different issues. A school which has a mentoring or practicum is good as well. Be sure to look into any regulations or restrictions your state might have on hypnotists.

2. A Personal Concierge

Are you the type of person who loves to tend to details? Can you book the best rooms, the lowest airfares, get the best seats at all the shows? Put your talents to good as a personal concierge. While there is no formal definition of personal concierge, this profession is a booming business. Why? Because today’s fast-paced lifestyle hardly leaves hardly any room for busy professionals nowadays to sort out their bills, schedule their activities (both personal and business), or book their vacations. As a personal concierge, you might also be expected to stand in lines, organize closets and drawers and do personal gift shopping. That’s right, you can actually get paid to shop till you drop.

How do you get started as a personal concierge? There are, of course, companies which may hire you, but you can always start your own personal concierge business. Start out small (stand in lines, grocery shopping, small errands) and pretty soon you can build your reputation for more challenging assignments. As long as there are busy executives, you will have business.

3. Make Scrapbooks for Other People

Is scrapbooking your thing? Make money at it by making scrapbooks for other people. A personalized scrapbook is a great gift idea for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, graduations, etc. The thing is, while scrapbooking is a popular hobby, some people just don’t have the time or, let’s face it, the talent to put together a great scrapbook to be given as a gift. That’s where you come in. With a website or blog as a marketing tool, you can begin to acquire clients and build your business.

4. Become a Woodworker

You read correctly. Become a woodworker. In these times of mass-produced furnishings, a piece of handcrafted woodwork can fetch a good price. People want quality and they don’t mind paying for it. In addition, home renovation is in vogue, making a skilled carpenter or woodworker in demand. It’s vital to become educated in the techniques and tools of a woodworker. Luckily, many community colleges and universities have programs in woodworking and carpentry.

The most common type of woodworking is carpentry. It has never faded into our everyday scenarios simply because it is highly versatile. A carpenter can always build a house, repair a shed, or renovate a dilapidated building. Either way, he or she can earn while being creative.

5. Video Game Tester

You spend all your free time playing video games, why not play and get paid for it? As a game tester it’s your job to play the games and look for things that don’t make sense. You verify functionality, performance, and “playability” of the game. Usually experience with video games and a high school diploma or college degree is all that’s required. But, if you wish to climb the ladder in the video game business and eventually become a video game programmer, a degree in computer science is essential. If you’re in school getting your degree in computer science, testing video games is a great job to have while attending school.

There are so many more unique jobs out there which match to interests. And, if they don’t exist yet, create them! The point is to do what you love and are good at. If you need extra training, there are many colleges, both online and in your community, which can help you attain your goals.

Shari Hearn
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/5-unique-careers-for-unique-people-67281.html

Why Exercise?

For me, exercise became a no brainer when I was staring at 40, overweight, and a sedentary wheelchair user for over 33 years. It was time for action. And action is exactly what I got when I met Delia Carper, a personal trainer and dietitian.

I know what you are thinking: Who can afford a personal trainer? But at this point in my life, I believed I could not afford not to hire one. At my age and with a long term spinal cord injury (SCI), I was a prime candidate for diabetes, heart disease, blood clots, continued loss of range of motion and mobility. It was time to get busy and make a lifestyle change.

Carper explained to me the ways to begin an exercise program. One choice was to go to a health club that was willing to purchase adaptive equipment. Another way was to exercise at home. She stressed that I needed cardiovascular exercise and strength training for a complete exercise program. Working out in a gym sounded daunting to me; so I chose to start doing it at home.

Because I had done no physical activity for so long, Carper said I needed a transition phase to strengthen key muscle groups and increase my range of motion through simple stretching exercises. For example, she suggested using my own body weight for movement and increased circulation before trying to use weights. I wanted to jump in with weights, but she said I should begin with simple body movements, and as I grew stronger we would add some weight.

Stay Focused

As you begin any exercise program, pace yourself and be alert to your breathing rate, heart rate, and how you feel in general. Ideally, you want to work your way up to an hour workout session (for example, cardiovascular and weight training activities) three times a week. An excellent way to make sure you are not overexerting is to purchase a heart monitor/sports watch at a local sporting-goods store.

As you begin to exercise, do not get discouraged. If you are only do two minutes of an activity during your work out session, that is fantastic. Everyone has to start somewhere.

Carper emphasized that to build muscle endurance and tone, which will improve your ability to perform repetitive tasks with less muscular fatigue, you should perform exercise with lighter weight and higher repetitions (i.e., 15 reps X 3 sets). To gain muscle strength and power, use heavier weights and fewer repetitions (i.e., 8 reps X 3 sets). As the exercise becomes less challenging, the weight can be increased followed by an increase in repetitions. Schedule a day to rest between workouts, and do not work the same muscle group two days in a row. You may have to use trial and error to establish appropriate weight.

Remember, you should be able to complete three sets of your desired repetitions through a pain free range or motion. People with SCI must maximize the strength and endurance of existing or weak functional muscle groups without causing overwork injuries. By performing a variety of exercises, you can prevent overuse injuries and promote muscular balance.

Keep in mind you do not need fancy gym equipment. Improvise with household items such as soup cans, water bottles, beach ball, volleyballs, or other practical items around your home. You can also make a small investment in exercise bands, medicine balls, or weights that can be purchased at a sporting-good store, Wal-Mart, Target, etc. As I said before, I was uncomfortable going to a gym so I started out in my home with soup cans, small weights, and exercise bands.

Ready, Set, Exercise!

Before beginning an exercise program, have a physical examination to identify exercise restrictions and detect any potential medical complications. Once you have received the green light from a medical professional and you have begun to strengthen and stretch key muscles, you are ready to begin an exercise regimen.

It is imperative that you receive advice from an exercise specialist (i.e. a physical therapist, certified personal trainer, etc.) on how to perform the following exercises correctly and safely. You need to make sure you do not create any new injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, pulled muscles, etc.

We have provided a description of these exercises to help guide you as you learn each new exercise.

The following is a suggested exercise program. Choose the ones most appropriate for your abilities.

Exercises

Day: Monday
Exercises: Chest, Triceps, and Abdominals with Cardio
Repetitions: 1-12 reps each exercise
Sets: 2-3 sets of each exercise

Day: Wednesday
Exercises: Neck, Back and Abdominals with Cardio
Repetitions: 1-12 reps each exercise
Sets: 2-3 sets of each exercise

Day: Friday
Exercises: Shoulders, Biceps, Wrists, and Abdominals with Cardio
Repetitions: 1-12 reps each exercise
Sets: 2-3 sets of each exercise

Warm up by doing arm circles, shoulder shrugs, or some type of light cardiovascular movement for at least 3-5 minutes. Stretching is very important. After warming up, throughout the exercise program and afterward, stop and stretch your major muscle groups with such activities as neck, chest, shoulder, and finger stretches.

Perform every exercise slowly. You should be able to count from one to six from the beginning to the end of each movement. Never hold your breath while exercising and always breathe out on the muscle contraction and inhale on the relaxing of the muscle groups.

Using one-arm movement at a time, whether using weight or not, encourages maximum motor-unit recruitment and full range of motion and helps refine the mind-muscle connection. After completing the predetermined number of reps, switch sides and repeat.

Marcie Davis
http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/fitness-for-wheelchair-users-54227.html