How to Put a Little Play Back in Your Day

In the recent study No Vacation Nation (2007), the U.S. Center for Economic and Policy Research found that among the 21 richest countries in the world, the United States is the only nation where paid vacation time is not guaranteed by law. And when time off is offered, it is still usually less than what other countries such as France, Australia and Japan offer.

Before heading up to Human Resources to complain, however, take a closer look at your own work habits. Similar studies found that the average American only uses a portion of his or her vacation time, and even then, many tend to take their work with them. A shift in American work habits from the 1950s is often cited as the cause, but this change in attitude was not a subtle generational one; rather, it was distinct, and, for most, happened sometime around the sixth grade.

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Dream of Owning Your Own Business?

Have you always dreamed of owning your own business? If so, you’re not the only one. As many have followed the dream and released themselves from the corporate jungle, they’ve found that it can be a difficult journey. What can you do to help ensure your success?

Owning a successful business is no longer reserved for a lucky few. Today, there are more than 16.5 million small businesses in the United States started by skilled and creative men and women who know how technological advances can allow them to compete with larger firms in the marketplace. Having your own business can be exciting and rewarding, but it can also be very difficult.

Scott Nemiro is no stranger to this challenge. He started with a simple business idea, but when he attended DeVry University in Orlando, he changed his vision into an actual working plan.

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Start-Up Advice for Women Business Owners

Whether you’re starting from scratch, purchasing an existing business or looking to buy a franchise, the starting point is always a significant hardship. In today’s business world, women are faced with unique challenges when starting a business, due to ongoing stereotypes that portray women as a higher loan risk.

Karen Lackey, MBA, Business/Technology department program chair at Brown Mackie College - Findlay in Ohio, explains that while challenges do exist, women business owners can achieve success in the modern entrepreneurial world.

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Pros & Cons of Advertising Media

Newspapers as an Advertising Media

Pros
Newspapers get 21.5% of all U.S. advertising expenditures
Newspaper ads rank highest for believability for all media.
High local coverage and immediate [daily] delivery of your message.
Excellent mass media [almost everybody reads the newspaper].
An interactive medium [people hold it, save it, write on it, cut coupons, etc.].
Flexibility in production: low cost, fast turnaround, ad shapes, size, excellent quality for inserts.
Special targeted sections and shopping guides.

Cons
Very busy/cluttered competitive environment [must compete against other ads and the newspaper copy].
Little control over ad placement
Low production quality.
Hard to target your specific audience.
Short life span [24 hours].

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Making Big Life Changes? Small Goals Are Key to Personal and Professional Succes

It’s never too late to take the time to get your life in order. Every year, millions of Americans vow to change their lives: new job, new eating habits, new outlook on life. But many times, change is easier said than done.

Hollywood life coach Sherri Ziff Lester of Rock Your Life Coaching helps educate Americans about how small, sustainable changes can have big, positive impact.

“When you want to make a positive change, like modify a behavior or take on something new, it is important to understand that change is a gradual process that takes time,” says Ziff Lester. “I have found that the easiest and most effective way to achieve a goal is to break it down into a small, specific step you can reasonably accomplish each day.”

Additionally, Ziff Lester notes that small goals mean making small changes which are easier to incorporate and maintain in any lifestyle. Numerous common goals can be broken down into mini steps to get closer to a larger accomplishment.

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