ClassroomToCubicle

During these lean, post-recession years, it is increasingly important to reduce costs and to make investments that will reduce future costs. IT departments have many opportunities to reduce spending by taking advantage of new technological improvements to “do more with less.”

Using the virtualization technology of a Dell Vmware server allows the IT department of a company to cut costs significantly by using server space more efficiently. Much of the capacity of large servers can go unused when a multitude of processes requiring different operating systems are relegated to different computing units inefficiently. Virtualization solutions engineered by the partnership between Vmware products and Dell engineering has produced products with the ability to more efficiently partition server space in such a way that multiple operations and operating systems can be contained within partitions made on one server. This can reduce the number of servers needed to process the computing needs of an organization, which can significantly reduce expenditures because servers are neither free nor cheap, so fewer servers needed translates directly to fewer servers that need to be purchased. Fewer servers also require less resources, such as electric power and resources needed for cooling the servers, which reduces costs and is more environmentally responsible, if you’re into that sort of thing. With fewer servers, there is also a decreased need for regular maintenance, which makes the number of servers increasingly more manageable. It is interesting to imagine the global significance of a move to more efficient computing processes; if all the server space in the world were used with maximum efficiency and all excess space was left unused, how much electricity would be saved, how much of the world’s resources could be used for other things or conserved for future use?

Dell virtual desktops also allow for the reduction of costs because they allow for centralization of computing. Virtual desktops, for example, allow employees to use their personal computers as an interface with the main server, where the programs being used are actually being run. This allows for all of the computing to take place in one location, but for access to that computing power to occur at various locations. Desktop virtualization increases efficiency by making it possible to access personal information that would be stored on a personal desktop from a number of different computing stations, which increases the availability of vital information.

When looking to cut IT costs, it is necessary to be willing to spend when investing in new technologies that will increase productivity. Although it may seem counter-intuitive to purchase new technologies in an effort to cut costs, it is crucial to remain relatively up to date on the most current, and therefore most efficient, technology. The funds spent on purchasing new technology should be seen as an investment that will pay off in terms of increased efficiency that will allow IT to accomplish more with available resources. It is important to remember that an over-zealous effort to cut costs can sometimes do more harm than good, and that it is necessary to either maintain current productivity or increase productivity while also decreasing costs.

When you assess your strengths and weaknesses, then you can find a job that fits with your ADD.

If you are one of the many people living with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) in the United States, then you know how hard it is to find a job that you like and that pays well. THe job hunt is difficult for everyone, but seems to be more so when you have ADD. It is true, that ADDers can adapt well and make the most of their surroundings. The important thing, when choosing a career, is that you find something that maximizes your talents and that you would happily excel in.

There is a poll on ADDitudemag.com where various people diagnosed with ADD voted as to what they would hate most in a job. The number one aspect of a job (at 40%) they would absolutely hate is if the job gave them mindless and repetitive work. That is the ultimate in torture for an ADDer. The second highest aspect (at 18%) was if the job gave them strict deadlines and a very strict schedule. When you have ADD, you thrive off change and lenience with deadlines. As you look for a job, make sure that it is one that you can see yourself enjoying, otherwise you will not be happy or successful in it.

Below, I will list some options for jobs that tend to work well for ADDers. However, this is not a comprehensive list and is by no means strictly calibrated to fit your life and your particular brand of ADD. Each person has their own strengths and weaknesses and it is important that you know your own. If you do not then you become bunched up into the general ‘ADD’ group and while that may be more beneficial than not being grouped in there, it is not as helpful as it could be. When you know how your work best and worst, then you can use these as guidelines to propel yourself to joy and success in the workplace.

Creative jobs tend to be incredibly good for people with Attention Deficit Disorder. The ADD mind thinks quickly and critically and so careers in marketing, design, and anything artistic are generally good fits. They are able to create good and lasting ideas, others can help them with the actual followthrough. Medicine is also a good place for those with ADD minds. That career path requires quick thinking, problem solving, and someone to handle all of this under high levels of pressure. These are situations where the average ADDer works best and thrives in the creative and adrenaline filled environment.

ADD people are also great entrepreneurs, however they do need someone else there who can keep them on track and make sure that they do not lose sight of the end goal or anything in between. Thinking ahead is not the ADDer’s strong suite. The coming up with a great idea and the execution are very good for the creative thinker and allow them to come up with their own schedule and deadline and work in a place that they can create for themselves. That is the ultimate environment.

This post was written by Gary Lightman, a lawyer in the Philadelphia area with 30+ years experience who helps small businesses with legal issues.

If you’re going to school with the intent of starting a company afterwards (or during), or you are working on ramping up your start-up company already, you’ll likely have about a thousand things on your plate at any given moment: building your brand, managing damage control, looking for ways to maximize the audience you reach, and (of course) trying to stay afloat. Understandably, you own the core elements of your business; you’re the captain of the ship, and you know where you want to take her. But even a very excellent and capable captain needs a crew—there are just too many jobs on the boat for one person to handle alone. And while the captain has the ultimate say as to where the ship goes, he or she does well to try to staff the ship with the most competent sailors possible, and then listen to the advice that they give.

Likewise, you should look at the various tasks you’re currently tackling, and evaluate whether you might perhaps need some help. Specifically, think about your finances and the records you’re keeping. Think about how familiar you are with the laws at play when dealing with taxes. If you can realistically say that you’re anything less than an expert on taxes, you might want to consider hiring a competent accountant to keep your books in order.

Before you get defensive, it’s no sign of weakness to admit that you need help. After all, the success of your business is the most important thing, so why not bring in an expert to make sure that you’re using the company finances in the wisest way possible?

A good accountant (preferably one that’s familiar with your industry) can be an invaluable resource. In addition to making sure that you’re not overextending the resources of the business, an accountant can help you greatly during tax season. This is because the IRS scrutinizes the business deductions you make when you file your taxes. If anything’s amiss, you’ll be sure to hear about it, most likely in the form of an audit. Audits can be very stressful and costly affairs, so it’s better to play it safe when making your deductions. Small business owners can get into trouble, though, if they’re not familiar with some of the tax laws that control what can and cannot be deducted. A good accountant will help you know which things to steer clear of. Avoiding an audit will help you focus your time and energy where they belong: on your business.

Beyond helping you know what can and cannot be deducted, an accountant can help you know whether any of your current business practices disqualify you from making a specific deduction in the first place. For example, if you run your business from a home office, you might be excluded from claiming a deduction on the office if you also use it as a guest room. An accountant can help you do things right.

So as you pilot your ship into new seas, consider the merits of bringing an accountant along for the journey.

One of the keys in an organization’s long term success is team unity, thus it is no surprise companies allot a sizeable amount of budget on group activities to foster camaraderie, develop strengths and address weaknesses of the staff.

There are actually several group activities targeting on building team unity and there are two major categories for these – one is the competitive type which pits coworkers against each other and declares someone or a group as the winner, and the other type is the non-competitive group activity that revolves in a common goal and gives rewards to those who produce good results.

If the organization is set on organizing a team unity activity, it is vital for leaders to identify current pressing issues of the organization.  Then, proper planning with employees’ involvement follows to address these team unity concerns.  The leaders have to bear in mind that the team must gain benefits from the event, otherwise, the group activity ends as a fruitless endeavor.

You can do the popular and fun group activities as listed below.  However, you can enhance these suggested team unity activities according to the team’s culture.  It is also more interesting if the activity hits on the interest of the group to guarantee success.

•  Halloween in the Office

A growing number of American offices celebrate the Halloween since it has become one of the popular events of the year.  Since Halloween is not tied to any religion and race, it is ideal for a team unity event.

Companies take the opportunity of celebrating a Halloween event since it boosts morale and teamwork.  Such group event creates a common activity among employees, and, improves communication and inter-departmental cooperation.  Hidden talents and creativity surface and you get to identify the people who have these qualities in the organization in a non-hierarchical setting.  Creativity, team leadership, and cooperation become evident in this scenario.

Following are various ways of having a Halloween group activity in the office that foster team unity:

•  Halloween Costume Contest

You can set-up and publish contest rules, including categories for a Halloween costume contest.  You may also want to separate contests for teams and individuals such as Women’s Halloween Costumes for 2012, Most Original Halloween Costume, Best Women’s Halloween Costumes, and Most Scariest Halloween Costume are examples of awards you can give during this event.

•  Halloween Party

A Halloween party usually works best at lunch time but some have it during breakfast.  You can make it as simple or massive as your budget may allow with cookies to buffet lunch.  Having a party increases the employees’ time to interact, even if they do not choose to join a costume contest.

• Area Decorating

During the Halloween event, allow employees to decorate their group areas.  Whatever is the outcome of their Halloween decorating efforts tells you something about the people in the group and their team spirit.  You can spot informal leaders who emerge during the activity.

• Other Games and Contests
• Holiday Parties

Apart from the Halloween party, celebrating holidays and incorporating these in the office helps create motivational team unity.  These allow employees an opportunity to interact with other people in the organization apart from their colleagues in the same department, and allow expression of creativity and leadership talent among all people in the organization.

•  Potluck Meals

With these few suggestions, you can head on to great group activities that aim for team unity.  Besides being good for business, these are sure fun for the employees and will help employees love their work.

Make your next interview the best one yet!

A good amount of these posts have been about interviews and such. The reason for that is when you find a job that is only part of the bigger issue and once you have been hired, then there is not much you can do except perform the work that is required of you. When going into an interview, it is best to get all the help that you can. Ask friends to quiz you on popular interview questions so that your responses can be professional and well representative of your character. Plan your outfit so that it is flattering and professional also. Here are some more interview tips that can help you land the job that you want.

The most important thing to remember about an interview is that it is your time to “sell yourself”. Imagine that you are a salesman and you have been given a product to sell, that product is yourself. How would you do it? You would focus on the positives and make the product look as good as you possibly can. That is what you need to do when going into an interview, sell your product (yourself) to the interviewer. Dress sharply, speak eloquently, and be respectful.

One job advice website says that “if you want to be an exceptional candidate, then you need exceptional preparation.” The times when you go into an interview and feel like you rock it are the times that you are prepared. Like I said earlier, have someone quiz you so that you know what your responses will be. Your friend can give you feedback and help you look the best you can.

Know exactly what it is that you are applying for. When a potential candidate comes in for an interviewer, they will probably be asked about the position that they applied for. It is critical that you know the tasks you will be asked to perform and the type of job that it is so you can respond to that question. Also, when you know what the job is asking of you it is easier to incorporate your own response into the interview that demonstrates you already have a bit of prior experience in a similar job or something like that. It is not bad if you tailor your responses to fit your job, it is a highly intelligent thing  to do.

Make sure that your references suit the position that you are applying for as well. You want to be their ideal candidate. If you are applying for a position in accounting, then you would not want to put down the time you worked as a summer counselor at a barn teaching kids to ride. That would be much better suited for a job where you are interacting with people a great deal. What you would want to write if you are going into accounting is a job that required a high level of organization and mathematical skills.

Do your best to become their ideal candidate using the experience and references that you have. That will make you a much more appealing candidate.