Online Career Education News & Info

Early 2018 U.K. Real Estate Deals not as Successful as Royal Wedding - Guest Post

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Mon, 21 May 2018 17:49:00 +0000

Guest Post by Ben Hernandez

With much of the world focused on this past weekend’s royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, one can only hope the newlyweds will not suffer the same fate as the majority of real estate deals in the United Kingdom during the early months of this year. According to a report published by independent bridging lender Market Financial Solutions, a third of real estate deals in the U.K. fell through in the first three months of 2018.

Market Financial Solutions extrapolated these figures from a data set consisting of 2,000 adults in the U.K. In addition to tracking the number of lost deals, the reasons as to why they fell through were recorded.

The majority of deals, 41 percent, were lost as a result of a breakdown within the property chain—the seller’s inability to obtain another home during the course of the transaction. 33 percent of failed deals were triggered by the buyer’s inability to obtain financing on time and 16 percent was due to mortgage lenders reneging on lending commitments.

Overall, it’s an alarming statistic given the current growth in demand for real estate and the general optimism of the property sector by market leaders in the U.K.

“The U.K. is renowned for its love of bricks and mortar,” said Paresh Raja, CEO of Market Financial Solutions. “Many people strive to own a home, while real estate has long been a popular asset among investors. However, amidst such strong demand for property, it is concerning to see so many deals falling through after the formal house-buying process has begun. Evidently, difficulties in accessing the finance they need to complete the deal is a major issue for buyers.”

The Market Financial Solutions report also revealed that in the past 10 years, 11.91 million adults had an offer accepted. However, over 30 percent of those offers resulted in a failed transaction, and deals falling through showed a financial impact of $3,915 lost on average in solicitor and surveyor fees.

Despite this, U.K. real estate appears to be on the rise. Mortgage provider Nationwide publishes a Housing Price Index, which recently revealed that the average price of a UK home rose by 2.6% in the year to April 2018 and is expected to increase by 18% over the next five years—good news for the royal couple when they think about purchasing a home together.

If a career in real estate makes you feel like a prince or princess, don’t hesitate and get your real estate license today. Call (800) 617-3513 to enroll in the required pre-licensing courses with a school that offers an exclusive 110% Money Back Guarantee.

Allied’s Proctoring Service Saves Time and Money!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 21:54:00 +0000

Allied’s Proctoring Service is available for all Texas real estate and appraisal licensing courses that require a proctored final. As a student, this means you can easily and conveniently utilize a proctor from the comfort of home, saving you time and money (as much as $207 for your Texas real estate courses!)

In-House Proctor Included

That’s right, Allied’s Proctoring Service is included at no additional cost and is part of the tuition you’re already paying for the applicable courses. This service includes an unbiased third-party who will verify your identity and oversee you taking the course exam.

So, you’re ready for your final - what do you do next? To schedule a proctor appointment, you can access the “Proctor” button in your course’s toolbar. From there, you will launch a calendar of available dates and times. Simply choose the ones you prefer for your final. Once it’s scheduled, you will receive a confirmation email with additional instructions.

Proctor Service Details

· You must have a webcam to utilize this service.

· You cannot access the calendar until you have completed all of the assignments required to access the final exam.

· You must schedule an appointment for each course final attempt.

· There is a 2-hour buffer for same day appointments.

· Once at the appointment, you must go through a 5-10 minute check-in process in which your identity is verified, among other things. Once verified, you are transferred to a quiet room where your test is completed.

· During the exam, you must remain in view of the webcam for the duration of the exam or the session will be ended and the exam will be locked.

· Currently, there are 18 appointments available Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. PST, excluding holidays.

Benefits of Using Allied’s Proctoring Service

Here are just a few of the reasons you’ll benefit from enrolling in an Allied course that includes the proctoring service:

· Save money - Start with a school that includes a proctoring service as part of the tuition! This will save you money (as much as $23 per Texas real estate course!) Using a third-party service costs extra. Why pay more when it can be included with what you’ve already paid?

· Save time –Instead of driving to your local library, you can save time and simply log onto your computer. There’s no drive time, traffic time or walking time to get to your testing location. It’s all on your time!

· Convenience – Take your final from the comfort of home. That’s right - with Allied’s proctoring service, you don’t have to go anywhere. What is more convenient than that? You just need access to a computer with a webcam.

· Ease – What could be easier than logging into your computer and getting started with your final? After your appointment is set up, just come back on the assigned day and time of your final and complete a 5 – 10 minute check in. After that, you’re on your way!

· Get a Leg Up – You’ll be ahead! While your friends or classmates are trying to find a proctor or travelling to a testing site, you’ll be at home ready to sign in and get started on your final.

Benefit from the ease and convenience of Allied’s Proctoring Service today. With live support from start to finish and 26 years of experience, this is one additional way Allied is there to help its students reach their goals. Get started now and complete your education on your terms.

Get Hands-On Work Experience with Appraiser Trainee Professional Development

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 21:49:00 +0000

Allied Real Estate Schools, is proud to announce, in conjunction with Metro-West Appraisal Company, LLC, the launch of the Real Estate Appraiser Trainee Professional Development program, designed to provide career development and a hands-on work site experience for appraiser students.

“This exclusive program picks up where the training finishes and is a seamless next step to get our students educated and then out in the field alongside industry leaders,” said Mike Eagan, director of sales and marketing. “It reinforces our primary goal of providing live student support from start to finish.”

The professional development program provides students with the opportunity to learn the day-to-day expectations and responsibilities of the Appraiser Trainee position, from professional development to on-the-job experience, including:

· Students will receive an overview of the various State Board requirements leading to licensure, gaining experiential hours and completing CE requirements

· Students will find helpful and useful tips for a successful training experience

· Students will develop a professional portfolio, as required for the interview process

· Students will develop a professional networking profile

· Upon completion of the professional development program, students will utilize their job search abilities and learn how to negotiate for employment as an Appraiser Trainee, if not already enrolled in an apprentice program

· Students who are accepted into the Associate Program with Metro-West Appraisal will have an opportunity to practice the skills they have learned under direct supervision in an actual work environment

Metro-West Appraisal, the largest independent residential appraisal firm in the nation, matches students with mentors that have years of experience, a proven track record of completing quality appraisals and a consistent pipeline of appraisal assignments. The paid Associate Program is designed to provide Allied students with the first step in securing long-term employment by providing hands-on experience working alongside tenured appraisers. Greg Stephens, the Program Chair and Chief Appraiser, oversees the program, bringing 40 years of appraisal industry experience and industry qualifications, including SRA Designated Certified General Appraiser and winner of the Valuation Visionary Award.

“We are excited to partner with Metro-West to provide our students with the very best hands-on experience and teaching them firsthand how to put their skills to work,” said Eagan. “This is setting them up for success from the very beginning, with respected mentors by their side.”

With Allied’s Real Estate Appraiser Trainee Professional Development program, appraisal students receive the basis of career exploration and preparation, followed by an opportunity to earn Trainee experience with a Supervisor Appraiser with Metro-West Appraisal where they learn the acceptable methods of analyzing, researching, inspecting, reporting and monitoring all aspects of the appraisal process.

About Allied Real Estate Schools
Allied Real Estate Schools, a division of Allied Business Schools, Inc., is an industry-leading online career training school that is committed to providing affordable, high-quality courses, instructional materials, and student services to students nationwide. With over 1 million enrollments to date, Allied has been a leader in online education since 1992. For more information about Allied’s real estate course offerings, please visit https://www.realestatelicense.com/ or call (800) 617-3513.

About Metro-West Appraisal, LLC
Metro‐West Appraisal, LLC, the nation’s largest and premier appraisal firm since 1987 with over 225+ staff appraisers nationwide, was founded by appraisers and is still managed by appraisers today. There are staff appraisers located in over 80 major metro markets throughout the United States. Each office is staffed with full-time W-2 appraisers, helping to maintain quality and consistency throughout its entire network. For more information about Metro-West Appraisal, please visit http://www.metrowestappr.com.

Career Training Online? Prepare Your “Hire Me” Wardrobe

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 21:24:00 +0000

Career training online for a better tomorrow? Congratulations. Balancing your career training school education with other responsibilities is no easy feat, but the potential returns for a brighter future are well worth your time. And while you study, it never hurts to think ahead. For example, preparing a snappy resume, sharpening interview skills, and of course, dressing the part.

That's right - Your "hire me" wardrobe may hurt or help you land that dream job. In fact, it's the first thing your potential boss and co-workers will notice about you as soon as you enter the room. Don't stress. Click on the infographic below for tips to help you keep your wardrobe choices simple, yet classy.

So what do you think? Good, realistic wardrobe advice or complete hogwash? Respond with your feedback and feel free to share any at-work wardrobe disaster stories (we could all use a little laugh)!

Infographic Source: Created by columnfivemedia.com for mint.com

Flag Day Fun Facts

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 15:04:00 +0000

“You’re a grand old flag, you’re a high-flying flag. And forever in peace may you wave. You’re the emblem of the land I love. The home of the free and the brave.”

~ You’re a Grand Old Flag
by George M. Cohan

As we approach Flag Day on June 14th, we should all take the time to reflect on the words written by George M. Cohan above. In honor of the holiday, we’ve put together a list of interesting facts about our “Grand Old Flag.” Let’s celebrate the red, white and blue! Happy Flag Day!

1) The 50 white stars on the flag represent the 50 states of America and the 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies.

2) Betsy Ross is recognized for sewing the first American flag (although there is no historical evidence to support this claim).

3) The Flag is nicknamed “Old Glory.”

4) The red, white, and blue colors on the flag are referred to as “Old Glory Red”, “Old Glory Blue” and white. Red stands for hardiness and valor. White represents purity and innocence. Blue symbolizes vigilance, perseverance and justice.

5) In 1885, Wisconsin school teacher, BJ Cignard organized a group of school children to observe June 14^th as the Flag’s Birthday.

6) In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation establishing June 14^th as Flag Day. In 1949, President Truman signed an Act of Congress, officially designating the 14^th of June as National Flag Day. The day commemorates the anniversary of the original adoption of the Stars and Stripes on June 14, 1777.

7) Flag Day is not recognized as a Federal Holiday but Americans continue to honor the history and heritage every year on June 14th. Pennsylvania is the only state to recognize Flag Day as a legal holiday.

8) The flag is normally flown from sunrise to sunset. If a flag is displayed at night it should be illuminated.

9) The military folds the flag with 13 folds, each having a symbolic meaning.

10) Old Glory shares its birthday with the U.S. Army.

Sources: PBS.org, military.com, Wikipedia

"Check Out My Study Space!" Allied Photo Contest Winners

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 20:08:00 +0000

"Check Out My Study Space!" Allied Photo Contest Winners

Congratulations Brooke, Anna and Megan! Thank you to everyone who submitted photos! Have a great 2015 and happy studying!

Brooke B.

Anna P.

Megan W.

30-Day Countdown to a New You!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 15:54:00 +0000

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Day 13 Day 14 Day 15 Day 16 Day 17 Day 18 Day 19 Day 20 Day 21 Day 22 Day 23 Day 24 Day 25 Day 26 Day 27 Day 28 Day 29 Day 30

Join us as we count down the days to 2015 and a NEW YOU!

Beginning tomorrow, we'll be posting useful information to help put you on the path to a better you in the new year and beyond! New content will be added to this blog and our Facebook page each day through the end of the year, so be sure to check back.

Are you ready? We are! The countdown begins in 3....2.....1....

Day 1: 30-Day Fitness Challenge

To kick off Allied’s self improvement series for December, “30 Days to a New You”, we’re proposing a 30 Day Fitness Challenge that is sure to get your body back in top shape after the Thanksgiving festivities. Work off the pumpkin pie, yams and extra serving of stuffing with a structured exercise regimen that is easy to stick with. Whether you’re a busy mom, full-time student or a working professional who’s constantly on the go, this easy-to-follow fitness challenge will help you defend against those pesky pounds and loathsome love-handles. It may even give you just enough motivation to resist the temptation to overdo it on the holiday ham and sugar plum sweet treats that will be dancing through your head.
So join us as we embark on the journey to a happier, healthier you.
Follow along each day with the handy 30 Day Fitness Challenge tracker and feel free to report back or post pictures of your successes so that we can rejoice along with you. Good luck!

30 Day Fitness Challenge

Downloadable Fitness Tracker

Day 2: 10 Useful Study Tips

Have an important test coming up? Here are 10 study tips to help prepare you to ace it.

1) Make a schedule
Life is busy, and making time for your studies can be challenging. Schedule at least a few days of study time in per week and stick to your plan. Be sure to add calendar reminders for accountability.

2) Take good notes

There is something to be said about old school techniques. Research suggests our brains retain more information when we write notes by hand rather than typing them onto a computer screen. Even if you only write down a few key sentences for each study chapter, you’ll increase your ability to remember the information long term.

3) Get a lot of rest

You may be tempted to pull an all-nighter before that very important test because cramming as much knowledge into your brain at the last minute will help you get a better grade, right? The truth is, lack of sleep can actually impair cognitive performance, not improve it. So, resist the temptation and get at least seven hours of sleep the night before your huge exam. Your brain will thank you.

4) Manage your time effectively
You know that helpful schedule you made to help manage your study time? Follow it. If an unexpected life event throws you off track, move things around and replace a less important activity with the study time you missed. Make a to-do list that breaks things up into more manageable pieces if necessary. Just be sure to make the most of your time.

5) Find a study plan that works

Whether you like to study in short blocks of time or for several hours in a row; with a buddy or without; at home or at the local library or coffee shop, it is important to have a plan that works best for your lifestyle. You may have to experiment to find the most effective solution, but once you do, keep it going.

6) Take breaks

Reward yourself by taking regular breaks, which will help improve your ability to focus on a single task as well as boost your productivity. Go for a walk, nourish your body (and mind!), or rock out to your favorite song or two (You even have our permission to sing at the top of your lungs if you choose. We promise, we won’t tell!)

7) Understand the material
It is important to not just memorize the material but understand it, too. Since you’re investing your precious time and hard-earned money into getting an education, you probably want to learn something. Passing a test may help you with your short-term goals, but absorbing the knowledge can help you in your future career and in life long term.

8) Ask for help
Collaboration is an important step in the learning process. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a teacher, fellow student, friend or family member if you are having trouble understanding something. Always ask questions!

9) Review
You have taken the time to write down notes, so make sure you take the time to review them as well. Quiz yourself if it works best for you, but be sure to have some sort of review session at the end of your study period each day.

10) Use study tools

Flash cards, mnemonic devices, infographics, and charts can all be useful tools to help you throughout your study process. These are easy to create on your own, or through a quick Google search, you can find many helpful resources online. Check out a few of these valuable smartphone apps for when you’re studying on-the-go as well.

Good luck and happy studying!

Day 3: Top 10 Resume Tips of 2014

The end of the year is the perfect time to take a closer look at your resume and cover letter in preparation for any potential interviews or job prospects in the coming year. Regardless of whether you plan to change jobs in the near future or not, it’s always a good idea to have an updated copy of your resume handy in case you do need it on short notice. Perhaps you are surfing the internet and come across a listing that sounds like your dream job or you meet someone who thinks you’d be the perfect candidate for an open position and wants to consider you. The job market can be competitive and fast paced so the quicker you can respond, the better advantage you will likely have in scoring an interview. When you send your resume, you want to make sure that it’s a strong one that reflects your skills, experience and education in a professional manner. So grab your laptop and a cup of tea and follow these top 10 resume tips to whip your resume into top shape.

Top 10 Resume Tips

Day 4: A Little Inspiration

Here’s a thought provoking James Dean quote that seeks to remind us that we are in control of the direction that our lives take and how important it is to be flexible in our daily undertakings. We hope it inspires you to always remain relentless in pursuing your goals.

Day 5: Find Your Passion

Becoming a volunteer can be a very self-fulfilling and rewarding experience and can help you discover your passion! In addition to improving the lives of others, you can improve your own life by gaining skills and experience that can be invaluable in the future. Research from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) found that volunteers have a 27 percent higher likelihood of finding a job after being out of work than non-volunteers. If you have an altruistic spirit and are looking for ways to make a difference, the list of suggestions we compiled below should help get you started.

1) Animal Shelters
If you’re passionate about our furry, four-legged friends, volunteering at a local animal shelter might just be the perfect match for you. Rescue facilities are almost always in need of good people, so if you’re up for the task, connect with a staff member to see how you can help. It’s a great way to stay active (dogs love walking partners!) and brush up on your office and people skills. The best reward of all? Being greeted with the warm kisses, tail wags, purrs and unconditional love only animals can provide.

2) Habitat for Humanity®
Check out Habitat for Humanity for volunteer opportunities if you’re interested in developing experience in home building and repair. According to their website, there are nearly 2 billion people around the world who live in slum housing and more than 100 million are homeless. Habitat for Humanity helps by building or renovating simple, decent houses in partnership with those in need. Through your experience, you can increase your leadership ability and obtain valuable skills in home maintenance and repair. For more information go to www.habitat.org.

3) Retirement and Nursing Homes
If you are outgoing and enjoy interacting with the elderly, you might want to consider volunteering your time at a nursing or retirement home. Nursing homes depend on volunteers to provide companionship for their residents and assist with onsite activities such as bingo nights and dances. Volunteer experience in a retirement or nursing home can also be valuable for those looking to pursue a career in the medical field. You’ll gain practice and significant insight into the special needs of elderly patients.

4) Soup Kitchens
Unfortunately, there are many people who are not able enjoy the luxury of having food on the table every night like most of us do. Because of this, food pantries and soup kitchens can always use a helping hand to serve a hot meal or organize a food drive for those in need. Volunteers are welcome all year round, but if you’re feeling particularly charitable this holiday season, consider donating your time to feed the less fortunate. The gift of a warm meal and a friendly smile are certain to brighten spirits during the cold winter months. To find a local food pantry in your area, go to www.foodpantries.org

5) Veterans’ Service Organizations
Our veterans dedicated their lives to serving our country, allowing us to continue to enjoy the many freedoms our great nation provides. It may be impossible to properly repay them for their sacrifice, but you can show gratitude and appreciation by donating time and support to veteran service organizations nationwide. According to Volunteers of America, the number of homeless Vietnam-era veterans is greater than the number of service men and women who died during that war. And, veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are already appearing among the homeless population. For ways you can help veterans at a local level or on a national scale, check out www.voa.org/veterans or www.milserve.org.

6) American Red Cross
The American Red Cross provides compassionate care to those in need. Their mission is to prevent and relieve suffering, in the US and around the world. Red Cross provides help through five key service areas: disaster relief, supporting military families, blood donations, health and safety services, and international services. Volunteers make up 90 percent of the total workforce to carry out their humanitarian work. Visit their website at www.redcross.org for ways to get involved.

7) Local Libraries
Our society has become so consumed with technology, we sometimes forget that libraries and hard-copy books still exist. If you’re a book lover and are nostalgic for the feel of crisp pages between your fingers, you might want to offer some time volunteering at your local library. Libraries often need volunteers to organize shelves, help patrons, and assist with author signings or other local community events.

8) Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Mentoring a child or young adult can be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable things you will ever do. By becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, you have the opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life and shape his or her future for the better. The best part is you can make a huge impact by having fun and sharing the enjoyment of your favorite activities with your Little Brother or Little Sister. For more information, check out their website at www.bbbs.org

For more volunteer opportunities visit the following websites:
www.volunteermatch.org
www.idealist.org
www.allforgood.org
www.createthegood.org
www.serve.gov

Day 6: Declutter Your Life

Is excessive clutter in your work, home, and everyday life having a negative effect on your overall well-being? An overly cluttered life can be distracting and chaotic, causing an abnormal rise in your stress levels. The article below outlines how to start tackling the clutter in your environment so you're able to enjoy a happier, healthier, less stress filled life.

How to Declutter Your Life and Reduce Stress

Day 7: Mmmm Brownies

December 8 is National Brownie Day, and we're celebrating by providing you with a healthier recipe of one of America's favorite treats! Who says something that tastes so good can't also be good for you?
This brownie recipe from Texanerin Baking Blog is sure to have your mouth watering, while allowing you to keep on track with your health goals.

Happy eating!

Chocolate Zucchini Brownies

Ingredients

2 eggs

1 tbsp vanilla extract

¾ cup coconut sugar or unrefined or granulated sugar

¼ cup (60 ml) unsweetened applesauce

1 cup (125 grams) whole spelt or whole wheat flour

½ cup (45 grams) Dutch-process cocoa powder

1½ teaspoons baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

2 cups (about 300 – 320 grams) peeled and grated zucchini

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips + ½ cup mini chocolate chips to sprinkle on top (for dairy-free, use Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (176 degrees C) and line an 8"x8" pan with parchment paper or spray with baking spray.

In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, vanilla, coconut sugar, and apple sauce and let this sit for 5 minutes to let the coconut sugar dissolve.

In a separate medium bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder (sifted if lumpy!), baking soda and salt. Make sure there are no clumps before going on to the next step.

Add the dry mix to the wet, gently stir until combined. Be sure not to over mix!

Then fold in the zucchini and 1 cup chocolate chips.

Pour the batter into the pan and even the surface with a spatula.

Sprinkle ½ cup mini chocolate chips on top.

Bake for 30 - 35 minutes (14 minutes for the half batch) or until a toothpick inserted in the middle doesn't come out gooey. It might still be sticky - just not have raw batter on it.

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or up to one week in the refrigerator.

Read more here

Day 8: Dress For Success

What do I wear to the interview? A lot of job seekers struggle with this question on some level when they are preparing to meet with a potential employer. Although it is true that skills and work experience usually take top priority when companies hire someone new, you shouldn't neglect the fact that first impressions can be equally important. What you wear and how well you are put together can send a message to the hiring manager as to the type of worker you are. Don’t let your wardrobe be a distraction to all the other performance related assets that you have to offer. We all want to express our personal style for the world to see. However interviews are generally a time to err on the side of conservatism when it comes to dress. You don’t have to look like a boring, bland candidate but if you follow these basic tips you can look sharp and sound sharp at the same time.

Dressing for Success

Day 9: The Health Benefits of Drinking Water

It is essential to drink water daily in order to keep the body hydrated. Daily water consumption can aid in weight loss, greatly improve your mood, and give you healthy, glowing skin. Many experts recommend drinking a minimum of eight glasses per day to maintain overall good health.
If you already have a healthy water regimen, great job. Keep it up! If you don't, it's never too late to start incorporating more water into your daily routine. Even increasing your water intake in small amounts can help lead you on the path to a healthier, happier you!

These Top 10 Health Benefits of Drinking Water are sure to help keep you motivated.

Day 10: Take an Online Class

Getting an education is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your future. As we reach adulthood, our responsibilities increase, causing our desire to obtain a higher education to be put on the back burner in favor of more pressing life commitments. If you fit into this category, obtaining an education online may be the perfect solution to quench your thirst for knowledge. By taking an online class, you’ll be able to better yourself, while still having the time to tackle the many challenges real life throws your way. If you’re not yet convinced, allow us to offer you further proof of the many ways online classes can make life easier and more enjoyable!

The Perks of Taking an Online Class

Day 11: Friday Inspiration

Vince Lombardi is one of the greatest football coaches of all time. It’s not difficult to understand why from the way he taught the game, which was as much from a mental standpoint as a physical one. His deep passion for achievement was evident in the many quotes that have been collected from him throughout history. This quote reminds us that there is no failure, there are only valuable learning experiences. The important thing is not giving up, but learning and then improving by using feedback to get better and ultimately succeed. Hopefully it inspires you to keep pushing forward, despite setbacks, obstacles or anything else that tries to get in the way of accomplishing your goals. Never give up!

Day 12: Breaking Bad Habits

You’ve likely felt the pain during the second week of January… “Not another year that I’ve screwed up my New Year’s Resolution!” Don’t be so hard on yourself, because you’re in the same boat as millions of people. The great news is that this year, you’ll be armed and ready with a few simple tips that will put you well on your way to breaking bad habits once and for all!

These tips can apply to habits as simple as biting your nails, spending less money, to quitting smoking or worrying less.
Ray Lumpp suggests four simple steps:

1. Creating Awareness (Know what your bad habits are!)

2. Going Cold Turkey (Immediately abstain from that which you want to quit.)

3. The Tier Method (Cut back your habit by a percentage.)

4. Replacement (Swap the bad habit with a new one.)

Read the details at Lifehack.org to learn more:

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/4-tips-for-breaking-bad-habits.html

Day 13: Healthy Recipes Worth Trying

Eating healthy is a daily challenge for all of us. With busy schedules to contend with involving work, family, school and more, it can be easy to lose sight of the nutritional value of what we are feeding ourselves and our families. Making a healthy home-cooked meal every night of the week may be an unrealistic expectation by any means. Who has time for that these days? However trying a new and healthy recipe one or two nights a week can be a good way to unite the family, eat healthier and feel good about yourself.

We’ve selected some of our favorite healthy recipes that not only taste delicious but are nutritious as well. If you’re trying to lose a few pounds or just eat healthier in general, these recipes can help you get closer to your ultimate goal.

Healthy Recipes Worth Trying

Day 14: Budgeting Tips & Tricks

Did you know that making a few simple changes in your life can lead thousands of dollars in savings every year? For those looking to achieve financial success in the year 2015, these no-brainer ways to save money are sure to put you well on your way.

10 No-Brainer Ways to Save Money

For the tech savvy, it is also easy to keep track of your finances on your mobile device or tablet. Here's a look at some of the best mobile finance apps recommended by PC Mag.

Day 15: Tips for Using Social Media in Your Job Search

There is no denying that the 21st century has presented social media as a major force in connecting people. Now more than ever, we are using the internet along with social media as a means to find and share information about each other. With such widespread use of online platforms to communicate, we have the capability to reach a much broader audience compared to traditional forms of contact. This can be extremely useful when trying to conduct an effective job search.
With a single online profile, you can apply for multiple jobs with a few clicks whereas in the past it could take hours or even days to write and send out cover letters and resumes. Although social media profiles can be helpful when it comes to looking for a new job, they can also hurt your chances if your profile doesn’t portray the type of candidate that a hiring company is interested in. By carefully composing your Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram etc. pages to boost your overall likeability instead of diminish it, you can effectively utilize them in landing those interviews and attractive job offers. When conducting your next job search, keep these tips in mind when it comes to social media.

10 Smart Ways to Use Social Media in Your Job Search

Day 16: Take Up a Hobby

‘Tis the season to try something new! And Allied has just the idea for you…
If you’re looking to find a new hobby in the upcoming year, perhaps you’ll be enticed to start baking with this sweet treat recipe book. By making one of these tasty desserts, you’re sure to be a hit at any family or social gathering all year round. Who can resist the charms of some of the best loved cakes, cookies, and pastries?
From our kitchen to yours – download and enjoy a few of our staff member’s favorite sweet treat recipes that are guaranteed to make your mouth water!

Happy Baking!
Download Sweet Treats Recipe Book

Day 17: Conquer a Fear

Everyone has fears of one kind or another, and overcoming them can be a real battle. The good news is that whether you have a fear of heights, spiders, flying, public speaking or even failure you don’t have to remain a slave to them for the rest of your life.

The cheapest and most effective way to overcome your fear is to expose yourself to what you’re scared of until you get over it. If your fear is having a negative impact on your quality of life, then now is the time to start tackling them. You’ll feel better about yourself and more empowered to take on even bigger challenges in the coming year. So if there is a phobia that gets you jittery from time to time, follow these helpful tips to conquer them once and for all.

5 Ways to Overcome Fear

Day 18: In the Spirit of Giving

‘Tis the season to be giving and we’re giving you TWO quotes this week to celebrate! As you wrestle with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, take a moment to read, reflect and chuckle.

Happy Weekend!

Day 19: Practical Ways to Improve Yourself

Click through the slideshow below to view
realistic tips for self improvement

Day 20: Top Fitness Apps

Keeping up with health and fitness goals is typically a struggle for most of us. I for one, have several fitness apps on my phone that help me keep my fitness schedule intact. For me, a fitness app has to be user-friendly, effective and really show the progress I've been making. Whether the app is tracking exercise and nutrition, counting calories, or increasing fitness level, I've found that the apps I like the most are the ones that can be customized to me personally in every aspect.

Running Apps:

1. Nike+ Running

Nike+ Running tracks your runs with your phone’s GPS. You can run anywhere and the app will record all your moves. Whether you’re running on the trail, treadmill, or streets, Nike+ tracks your distance, speed, and time so that you can track how you have been improving. The best part is while on the run the app will give you audio feedback and real-time performance updates to motivate you to push yourself and beat previous runs. Another feature I really like is the PowerSong setting, where you can choose your favorite song to give you that extra push. Don’t forget you can share your runs with your friends on social media and motivate each other to beat your times!

Apple Download

Android Download

2. RunKeeper - Integration with MyFitnessPal

Training styles vary from person to person. While some like solitude and complete focus, others enjoy encouragement and coaching. No matter what your preference is RunKeeper fits your needs. What I really like about this app is the training plans you can schedule to fit your fitness goals. Whether you want to train for a race, learn how to become a better runner, get fit, or lose weight, RunKeeper has a training plan for everyone. The customization doesn’t stop there! You can use a feature called Goal Coach where the app asks you a series of fitness questions based on your goal and gives you recommendations on the type of training plan you should enroll in the app. After you’ve enabled a training plan, you can view your entire training calendar directly in the app, and get notifications for upcoming scheduled sessions where you’ll get coached throughout each workout with audio cues. The all around functionality of this app really helps you reach your fitness goals and stay fit.

Apple Download

Android Download

3. MapMyRun - Integration with MyFitnessPal

MapMyRun is an all around workout trainer for runners. This app not only helps you track your runs, but also all your other fitness activities. For runners, it has the option for you to choose a local route to run based on your location and see where you rank on leader boards for those routes. Like most running apps, MapMyRun has real-time updates while you run on your progress to help you improve your fitness levels and goals. But the app doesn’t stop there. Be on top of your nutrition, diet, and weight and track your calorie intake. If you want to take it to the next level, you can get MVP for access to the premium features where you can enable interval training, real-time audio coaching, customizable route recommendations, and many other features. The app runs in the background so you can listen to your music, take phone calls, and the app will continue tracking.

Apple Download

Android Download

Circuit Training:

1. Nike Training Club

The Nike Training Club app is another great fitness app from Nike. It’s best for those who like circuit training integrated with cross-training and high intensity interval training (HIIT). Nike Training is a little different, in the sense that you have to download the workouts onto your phone. One way to use the app is to just do separate workouts based on your fitness goal and level, and complete the workouts in the series. Another way (which I prefer), is activating a 4-week training program based on your fitness goal and level, and whether or not you want to add running (Tip: Always add running to your fitness routines. You get faster results and burn more calories when you add high intensity cardio to your workout schedule). The 4-week workout schedule is created and you can start whenever you want. The best part of this app is the option of syncing your Nike+ Running data for your training programs. Overall, Nike Training is a huge winner in my books and I always get amazing results.

Apple Download

Android Download

2. 7 Minute Workout “Seven”

The 7 Minute Workout “Seven” app has a completely different approach to high intensity interval training than most circuit training apps. The whole concept of this app is working out based on the scientifically proven shortest time possible with the maximum benefit of working out regularly only using a chair and wall. All it takes is working out seven minutes a day for seven consecutive months. Sounds easy right? When you start the program you get three lives and each heart represents a missed workout. So if you miss a day, you lose a heart and if you miss 3 workouts a month your progress resets to zero and you have to start all over again. This is why I love this app because it truly encourages you to work out every day, even if it’s just for seven minutes; you still get some activity in your every day routine. This app is great for those who have just a general fitness goal. As you progress through the program, you unlock achievements, earn rewards, and discover newer circuits. So why are these workouts effective? It’s because the fitness program is designed so that you work your entire body with no equipment needed only using your body weight! This type of training maximizes your results since all the resistance is from your own body and not a machine.

Apple Download

Android Download

3. Runtastic Six Pack Abs Workout - Integration with MyFitnessPal

We all have that one part of our body no matter how much we train, how intense our cardio workouts are, losing weight in that section feels close to impossible. For many people, it’s their core. If that’s the case, there’s an app for that! Runtastic Six Pack Abs Workout app is the absolute easiest way to work your core without hiring a trainer all at the ease of your home. With the free version of the app, you can only choose to do the 10 day workout plan, which gives you 35 exercises. Each day you get a different set of workouts, increasing the workout duration every day, and varying the number of sets and repetitions. Many times when I've used this app, I wake up the next day and it hurts to laugh. Soreness after a workout is the most obvious indication of building muscle. That’s right, the app works! If you love the free version of the app, I highly recommend that you buy the full version and start the level 2 and level 3 training plans.

Apple Download

Android Download

Health & Fitness Trackers:

1. MyFitnessPal

MyFitnessPal has got to be the most common health and fitness tracker among fitness apps. This app records and tracks essentially everything that you want. You can track your calorie intake, record your fitness activities, and water consumption all at the palm of your hands. The great part is that the app syncs your progress so you can record your data on your phone or the website. With this app, you really can lose weight by tracking your eating habits and fitness activity over time. The feature I love the most is the app integration capabilities with other fitness apps, so your data is recorded in MyFitnessPal without having to manually record everything again. For iPhone users, you can also sync MyFitnessPal with Apple Health and track essentially everything.

Apple Download

Android Download

Yoga:

1. Daily Yoga

For those of you who love yoga, Daily Yoga is the app for you! This app is your on-the-go yoga trainer with the largest yoga pose database and step-by-step yoga exercises all aimed to help you burn fat, lose weight, and relieve stress. With Daily Yoga you can activate different training programs with scheduled sessions, different workout intensities, and various workout durations. You can also connect with other members using this app from their yoga community directly in the app, which is a great source for daily motivation. So find your inner yogi, grab your yoga mat, and work towards your goals!

Apple Download

Android Download

Day 21: Achieve Your Dreams: Goal Setting

A better job. Getting in shape. Learning a new language. We all have goals we want to meet this new year but come March most of them are distant memories. Well this year’s going to be different…right?

This is the year you stick to your guns and create a better you. That’s why we’ve come up with some helpful tips to keep you motivated and on track to meet your goals this 2015.

6 METHODS TO KEEP YOUR GOALS IN CHECK THIS NEW YEAR:

Follow the leaders. Odds are someone has already achieved your goal. See if you can find out their process and any obstacles they had to overcome along the way. Why start from scratch when you have a world of information at your disposal? Read success stories of the people living your dream and learn from their mistakes and triumphs.

Get uncomfortable. Sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone is great way to get results. Switching up your workout routine, taking a public speaking class, or even learning new ways to network outside of your circle can help you develop new skills. A twist in your routine can be just what you need to see some big results.

Great expectations. Henry Ford famously said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.” Confidence in yourself can help you move mountains. If you approach your goals with a lax attitude, you’re only setting yourself up for failure. Get in a good mindset toward finishing your goals for the best chance of success.

Go with the flow. The zone. Flow. Dialed in. Whatever you want to call it, when you’re completely and utterly immersed in a process you can reach a flow state. This is like being locked into a productive trance, and when you finally snap out of it, the work is finished and time seems to have disappeared. Just like Bruce Lee used to preach, you should “be like water” to overcome your obstacles.

Push it. Sometimes you just have to buckle down and get the work done even when you don’t want to. The excitement of having new goals has long worn off and all that’s left is the hard work. This is where you find out what you’re made of. Don’t let excuses take over for productivity. Fight through the tough days and you’ll thank yourself for it later.

Breaking Bad… habits. With so many distractions around us, it’s a surprise we get anything done at all. Binge-watching new shows on Netflix is almost certainly more exciting than completing self-improvement goals. But it also offers little reward for your time. Try to find a balance between work and play that allows you reach your goals and still leaves time to unwind.

This is the year to trade in the junk food and remote for something a little more challenging. And hopefully some of these tips will help you along the way. Just remember, the road to success isn’t easy…so try not to make it any harder than it needs to be. Good luck and have a safe and productive new year!

Day 22: Apps for Organization and Productivity

By year’s end, most people have already started thinking about their resolutions and all they want to accomplish for the next year. I find it a challenge to stay organized, so I have made it one of my personal goals to get better at keeping track of appointments and managing my budget. I always seem to make a great start but by the time the end of year rolls around, I find myself struggling to remember everything I have to do. If you're like me and always on the go, it helps to rely on the use of mobile apps to stay organized. There are numerous great apps designed for those of us with busy lifestyles who need help keeping track of it all. Here are a few of our favorites:

13 Useful Apps For Organization and Productivity (Download Free eBook)

Day 23: Songs that Will Put You in a Good Mood

A female perspective:

It was hard to narrow this list to only 10 because music is such a huge part of my life. I turn to music whether I am happy, sad, or just want an escape from everything going on in the outside world. While putting my list together, there were a few obvious choices. Others were not so easy. After careful consideration, here are the 10 songs that made the cut:

1. Happy – Pharrell Williams: It’s a bit predictable but the song lives up to its name for sure. With its sunny lyrics and infectious clap-along beat, it is one of those songs that can turn any bad mood into a good one instantaneously. Mission accomplished, Pharrell!

2. Eye of the Tiger – Survivor: Yo, Adrian! This song makes me feel like Rocky Balboa running up the 72 steps outside the entrance to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Every time I hear it, my adrenaline starts pumping and I feel like I can accomplish anything. If that isn’t the ultimate mood changer then I don’t know what is!

3. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor: Girl. Power. Anthem. Enough said.

4. Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) – Kelly Clarkson: Another girl-power themed song, only a modern day version. I probably relate to the lyrics a little differently than intended, but it gives me a sense of empowerment nonetheless.

5. Dancing Queen – ABBA: I don’t know what it is about this song but it always manages to put me in a great mood. This 80’s classic is a must have on all of my playlists. I mean, who doesn’t want to get up and dance when they hear it? Especially at weddings. Just me? Okay then….

6. Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson f. Bruno Mars: A throwback to the old-school brand of James Brown funk, this chart topper succeeds at getting me to dance in my chair whenever I hear it. If you have not yet subjected yourself to this contagious, funktastic masterpiece, I suggest checking it out immediately. It’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a groove in your step!

7. We Will Rock You – Queen: This fist-pumping anthem helps me get through a tough workout. If I’m feeling sluggish, I’ll turn on this song to give me the burst of energy needed to push myself to keep going.

8. Ice Ice Baby – Vanilla Ice: “Alright, stop. Collaborate and listen.” No song list is complete without a little Vanilla Ice.

9. Friends in Low Places – Garth Brooks: My karaoke jam! Which is precisely why it made this list. It reminds me of a night of fun out with friends and never fails to bring me to my happy place.

10. Keep Your Head Up – Andy Grammer: Keep your head up, let your hair down, and don’t let life’s challenges get you down. The positive message of this song reminds us that everything is ultimately going to be okay.

A male perspective:
Set the tone for a new year with a couple feel-good songs from decades past. Here are ten “guy” songs to get your new year off to a happy start.

1. Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks

A song about having fun with your rowdy friends is always good to lighten the mood. This monster 90’s hit is sure to get the glasses raised high and the whole room singing off-key.

2. One Love by Bob Marley

Just about any Bob Marley song can put you in a good mood. “One Love” is no different. Pleading for a day when the whole world can live together in harmony, Bob was optimistic about the future of humanity. And while we all wait for peace on earth, we have gems like these to paint the picture.

3. My Way by Frank Sinatra

Hitting the scene 20 years before the Beatles landed on Ed Sullivan; Ol' Blue Eyes blew the bobby socks off teenage girls all across the nation. But this song about one man’s rocky journey through life is more for the grown-ups. My Way lets us know it’s all right to fall in life, just as long as you get up swinging.

4. Sunday Morning Coming Down by Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash spent a good part of his life alone on the road and this song gives us a little peek into that world. This inspirational song reminds us even the greats, maybe even especially the greats, didn’t have it easy on their way to the top. It also condones drinking beer for breakfast. So there’s that too.

5. Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffett

Out of all the parrot-head party songs, this might be the most recognizable. Jimmy Buffett and his Coral Refers spread cheer all summer long with his tropical paradise themed tours and his enthusiasm for tequila-based cocktails.

6. Eye of the Tiger by Survivor

Nothing gets the blood flowing like watching Sylvester Stallone prepare for a fake fight. And “Eye of the Tiger” was the second perfect song for the soundtrack. Since Stallone couldn’t get the original song he wanted, Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust,” he had to settle with this one. Sometimes not getting what you want pays off.

7. Sunny by Bobby Hebb

After Bobby Hebb lost his brother the same day of the JFK assassination, he weathered the storm by writing this song in two days that followed. That’s the sad part. But the song that came out of it is about staying positive in dire situations, proving that the sun can shine again even after heavy storms.

8. I’m a Believer by The Monkees

Who cares if they didn’t write their own songs? Now-a-days, few artists do. So in a way they were pioneers. But The Monkees knew how to have a good time and they’ve got the songs to prove it.

9. Sitting on the Dock of the Bay by Otis Reading

When you think you have nothing to live for and nothing seems to go your way, pop on a little Otis Reading, and watch your troubles fade away. At least that’s Otis reading cure for the blues with this timeless feel-good classic.

10. Cheers Theme

Sometimes you want to go…“Where everybody knows your name –dun-dun-dun-duh. And they’re always glad you--” You get the picture. Being one of the most watched sitcoms of all time, the cheers theme song is still strongly embedded in the head millions even today. Probably not on many playlists but guaranteed to lift any mood.

There you have it. Ten songs, in no particular order, to get your new year started off right. Enjoy!

Day 24: Tips For Getting Your Life Organized

During the holiday season, it can be extremely challenging to stay on top of everything you need to do. For a lot of us, struggling to stay organized carries on throughout the rest of the year, too. We hope you enjoyed the eBook with a list of helpful apps for productivity and organization. Here are a few more ideas to help you start organizing your life today.

25 Ideas to Start Organizing Your Life Today

Download a complimentary 2015 calendar to help you keep track of your future events in the upcoming year.

Happy Holidays from Allied Schools!

Day 25: Friday Inspiration

As we finish 2014 and begin 2015, it’s good to remember the things that really matter in life like family, friends and the time we spend with loved ones. These are the things that are irreplaceable.

Happy Weekend!

Day 26: Pay It Forward

There's always room to give back. For Day 26 of our 30 Days to a New You series we encourage you to "Pay It Forward" this weekend.
Share with us what you did and leave a comment on our Facebook page. We'd love to hear about how you paid it forward.

Day 27: It's Never Too Late

We always look back and think about what could have been, what we could have done differently. Regret can sometimes be a difficult thing to live with. However it’s always important to remember that we don’t have to be a slave of our past. What matters is what we do now that will take us to where we want to go. Since we are living in now, it’s never too late to shape what happens later. And you can start today!

Day 28: Ways to Increase Happiness

Happiness has the ability to change our life for the better at any time. Science has proven you can increase your happiness exponentially by making small changes to your daily routine. By following these 10 simple steps, you should notice immediate results in your overall well being.

10 Proven Ways to Increase Your Happiness

Day 29: Try Something New

A whole new year is approaching, 365 days for us to shape and make the most of. What will you cross off your bucket list in 2015? Let’s face it, there is limited time and so much you may want to do and see. If you make a list or at least keep in mind some of the top things you’d like to experience for the year, you are probably more likely to complete them then if you didn’t even think about a list at all. To help you with some ideas, here are some suggestions for new things to try short term and long term. Hopefully they will inspire you to go out of your comfort zone and take a few risks. Trying something new can be more difficult for some than it is for others but we encourage it because it opens the door to new discoveries and likes that you may not have otherwise been aware of. As Benjamin Franklin would say, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained!”

10 New Things to Try – Short Term

1. Take a different route to work.
2. Try a new restaurant or type of food.
3. Get a new haircut or try a new hairstyle.
4. See a comedy show or play instead of a movie.
5. Try a new cocktail that you haven’t had before.
6. Take an indoor rock climbing class.
7. Add a new accessory or color that is missing from your wardrobe.
8. Text, email or write someone whom you haven’t spoken to in over a year.
9. Introduce yourself to someone you see often but don’t know personally. (i.e. at work, school, park, post office, store etc.)
10.Take a class to learn a new skill.

10 New Things to Try – Long Term

1. Climb Mt. Whitney, the tallest mountain in the contiguous US.
2. Book a trip to somewhere in Southeast Asia.
3. Try fresh durian, century egg, natto and vegemite
4. Go to an authentic Robata bar in Japan
5. Go to an Open Mic Freestyle night
6. Go rafting on the Colorado River
7. Drive cross-country and stop along the way
8. Run a marathon, half marathon, mud run, paint run, sweater run, or any other type of run
9. Forgive someone
10.Fall in love (If you only do one thing in life, let this one be it.)

Day 30: Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions

It’s December 31^st and we’re less than twenty-four hours away from a fresh, new calendar page. The New Year is a great time for self-reflection… What mistakes you made, what you did well, and perhaps what changes you’d like to make for the next year. Making the decision to change a habit is great, but how often have you made a New Year’s Resolution and actually stuck to it? Don’t feel guilty, because most people encounter the same difficulty this time of year. With the following few tips, we’re confident that 2015 will be your best year ever!

Step One: Decide

Don’t choose to make a lifestyle change because someone else told you to. Make a change because YOU have decided to. Taking a brief poll among the Allied Marketing Department, we found that most people’s New Year’s Resolutions relate to two main topics: Health and Finances. Let’s assume that your goal is to shed some unwanted pounds. Are you choosing to lose weight because you want to, or because someone told you to lose weight? Unless the choice is yours, you won’t have your own buy-in. You’ve got to own your goal, and you have to want to change more than others. This is a key first step in order to make any positive change in your life.

Step Two: Be S.M.A.R.T. about your goals

People generally quit attempting their goals if they get discouraged, overwhelmed, and hopeless. This is typically because people choose to be unrealistic about their own expectations. We aren’t encouraging you to sell yourself short. You should instead choose to make S.M.A.R.T goals:

S = Specific - Say your goal in the present tense: “I weigh 150 pounds” or “I save 10% of my paycheck” versus “I want to lose weight,” or “I want to save more money”.

M = Measurable – In order to achieve success and stay on track, you must be able to follow your progress. Detailing a measurable goal such as a specific weight you’d like to be at, body fat percentage, dress size, or dollar amount saved allows you to know exactly when you’ve hit your desired mark.

A = Attainable – Make your goals reachable. Be sure that you can create goals that you can actually attain, otherwise you’ll just quit on them!

R = Realistic - If you’ve never saved $100 in a year, don’t make it a goal to save $10,000 in the same time period. You’d simply be setting yourself up for failure. Instead, start smaller and work your way up. Start by saving $25… Then make a new goal for $50… Then $75… and so on. The same goes for weight loss. If you’re fifty pounds overweight, make your initial goal to lose ten pounds. As you see results, you’ll gain momentum and will be excited about what it will feel like to keep going!

T = Timely – Author Harvey MacKay says “A dream is just a dream. A goal is a dream with a plan and a deadline.” If you want to achieve a goal, you MUST attach a date to it! Compare the following two resolutions:

Plan A: My new year’s resolution is to lose weight in 2015!

Plan B: By June 30, 2015, I weigh 150 pounds with a blood pressure of 120/80 (and I feel fantastic!)

Which of these two would give you more direction? Obviously, Plan B is the one which would give you the most direction and focus. Assign a date to everything you want to accomplish, and you’ll see your success rate skyrocket!

Step Three: Hold Yourself Accountable

Want to ensure that you’ll stick to what you start? Tell somebody! Better yet, find someone you know that wants to accomplish some goals in the New Year and keep each other accountable. Simply knowing that someone else is going to call you once a week to check in on you could be enough leverage to make sure you’ll actually do what you say what you will. Want to head to the gym three times a week? Tell a friend to hold you to it. Do you want to find an accountability partner? There are many great online forums where you can find like-minded people that are probably seeking encouragement and accountability as well. Ask on Allied’s Facebook Page… Maybe one of your fellow students is seeking to be kept accountable!

Finally, keep your head up. We all stumble. Life can be tough sometimes, and you’ve got to give yourself grace for mistakes. Did you eat that donut when you swore you wouldn’t eat sweets on weekdays? Shake it off, and get back on track. Don’t allow minor setbacks to derail your goal. Instead, focus on those daily, weekly, and monthly steps which will ultimately allow you to hit your end goal. Thomas Edison said, “If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.” With that being said, let’s get to it! Tell us on Facebook what S.M.A.R.T. goals YOU are planning to achieve in 2015. We’ll be cheering you on!

Referrals Pay -Off In Your Real Estate Career

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 16:20:00 +0000

Referrals Pay -Off In Your Real Estate Career

In the real estate business, referrals are your best friend and one of the most important sources of new business, leads and customers. Receiving referrals also means others are thinking of you as a go-to when asked, “Do you know someone who can help me sell my home?” Additionally, referrals are a sign that your reputation is credible in the industry and that your personal brand is becoming known. It’s best to keep it this way, because once trust is broken and a reputation tarnished, it is no easy task to earn them back.

Bring On the Referrals

In many sales environments, cold calling is an integral part of doing business. However, within the real estate sales world, salespeople and brokers more often than not refer rather than cold call. Because real estate professionals are willing to go the extra mile to provide value to clients, they draw word-of-mouth referrals simply because they offer a valued service.

Referrals, however, should be given without reciprocity. While sometimes it is beneficial to mutually refer to one another, by sending a client over to your colleague (or vice versa), you should expect nothing in return. This way, positive relationships are built without clouding them up with referral fees and wondering when you’ll receive a referral from the relationship.

Building Base

After completing your Allied Real Estate Schools training and have received your real estate license, it is time to build your referral base. However, you should take into account several things when doing so.

Look to Vendors – The buyers and sellers you take on will almost always need some kind of home improvement. This means you’ll be in touch with service providers on a daily basis and need to know which ones are there for you and which ones are not. The service providers you refer to are like an extension of your reputation and brand, so it is wise to have the best available to keep things on the up and up. To gather a stable of reliable vendors, let them know you will think of them when a client needs a repair or other home improvement, and ask your colleagues who they use for such services.

Check Expectations at the Door – Be generous with your referrals because those you refer will remember. Plus, referring business to someone you trust to do a great job is almost as good as providing the valuable service yourself. Having no expectations but all the generosity to refer puts you in a good light, and your clients will be grateful that you cared enough to send someone to get the work done well and on time.

Quality Business Starts With Quality Referrals – Many successful real estate businesses have the foundation of a wide referral network. Being able to refer someone for every little thing involved in buying a new home helps you to become a one-stop shop and a respected real estate professional in your community.

A Win-Win for Your Real Estate Career!
In today’s world, it’s really who you know that can benefit your career. And it’s no different with referrals. Take the time to cultivate relationships and create a mutually-beneficial two-way street. Once you refer homeowners to people who can reliably meet their service needs, these vendors will also refer business to you – and the happy homeowners will too! It’s a win-win for your real estate career.

Allied Takes a Look at Its History

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 21:23:00 +0000

We all start somewhere, and for Allied Schools the journey began in 1992. Along the way we expanded into key areas of study, attained our accreditations, and delivered new and innovative ways to offer a quality educational experience. See a History of Allied for yourself with this cool infographic.

Copy and Paste the Code Below

5 NEW Inspiring, Educational, and Non-School Books to Read This Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 14:32:00 +0000

Online career training is very flexible, so the concept of a traditional summer doesn't really exist. Plus, as you know well, our families, work, and online courses fill up our schedules pretty easily. But we do have time here and there. So we thought it would be nice to put together a list of 5 books we wanted to read, and that weren't related to school work. After all, it’s good for the brain. We hope you enjoy our summer 2013 reading picks!

1. The Astronaut Wives Club by Lily Koppel

As America's Mercury Seven astronauts were launched on death-defying missions, television cameras focused on the brave smiles of their young wives. Overnight, these women were transformed from military spouses into American royalty. They had tea with Jackie Kennedy, appeared on the cover of Life magazine, and quickly grew into fashion icons.

(Source: The Astronaut Wives Club Book Description on Amazon.com)

2. A Matter of Life by Jeffrey Brown

After the acclaimed indie film Save the Date and the bestselling all-ages humor book Darth Vader and Son, graphic novelist Jeffrey Brown (Clumsy, Unlikely) returns to the autobiographical work that first made his reputation. In A Matter of Life, Jeffrey Brown draws upon memories of three generations of Brown men: himself, his minister father, and his preschooler son Oscar. Weaving through time, passing through the quiet suburbs and colorful cities of the midwest, their stories slowly assemble into a kaleidoscopic answer to the big questions: matters of life and death, family and faith, and the search for something beyond oneself.

(Source: A Matter of Life Book Description on Amazon.com)

3. Super Boys: The Amazing Adventures of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster –the Creators of Superman by Brad Ricca

Drawing on ten years of research in the trenches of Cleveland libraries, boarded-up high schools, and secret, private collections, and a love of comic books, Brad Ricca's Super Boys is the first ever full biography about Superman's creators. Among scores of new discoveries, the book reveals the first stories and pictures ever published by the two, where the first Superman story really came from, the real inspiration for Lois Lane, the template for Superman's costume, and much, much more. Super Boys also tracks the boys' unknown, often mysterious lives after they left Superman, including Siegel's secret work during World War II and never-before-seen work from Shuster.

(Source: Super Boys Book Description on Amazon.com)

4. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, Oliver Jeffers

Poor Duncan just wants to color. But when he opens his box of crayons, he finds only letters, all saying the same thing: His crayons have had enough! They quit! Beige Crayon is tired of playing second fiddle to Brown Crayon. Black wants to be used for more than just outlining. Blue needs a break from coloring all those bodies of water. And Orange and Yellow are no longer speaking—each believes he is the true color of the sun. What can Duncan possibly do to appease all of the crayons and get them back to doing what they do best? Kids will be imagining their own humorous conversations with crayons and coloring a blue streak after sharing laughs with Drew Daywalt and New York Times bestseller Oliver Jeffers.

(Source: The Day the Crayons Quit Book Description on Amazon.com)

5. Claudia Silver to the Rescue by Kathy Ebel

In this gutsy debut novel, flawed but unsinkable Claudia Silver cuts a wide comic swath through 1990s New York City in her misguided attempts to find love and happiness. Estranged from her bohemian Brooklyn family and fired for an impropriety at work, Claudia Silver is officially in over her head. When her younger sister lands on her doorstep urgently in need of help, twenty-something Claudia desperately wants to offer the rescue that she herself has longed for. But Claudia missteps dramatically, straight into a disastrous love affair that disrupts three very different New York households. Ultimately, she discovers the resilient nature of love where she least expects it—among her own family.

(Source: Claudia Silver to the Rescue Book Description on Amazon.com)

What are you planning on reading for fun this summer? Leave your book choice in the comments! And, as always, please give us a call if you have any questions about our real estate, medical billing, or business career training at (888) 501-7686.

Top 5 Career Training Courses for Busy Moms

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:46:00 +0000

Just a couple of days ago it was Mother’s Day: the day moms across the country are treated to well-deserved pampering, flowers, and peaceful moments away from crying children. For some moms, Mother’s Day is an opportunity to take a little break away from their busy careers. For other moms, Mother’s Day may be the perfect opportunity to resume or start a new job.

In the Business Insider article “What Your Mom Really Wants for Mother’s Day: A Job,” the author, Lee Rose Emery, explains that “What is supposed to make Stay at Home Moms feel validated for all their hard work in reality serves as a cruel reminder of how much Moms are still not valued in the work force or at home.” She goes on to say that some mothers left high-paying jobs to take care of children, and some simply haven’t had that chance yet.

We’re here to say that you can have that chance. Even if you’re a military spouse. Because all of Allied’s career training courses are online, you can study and receive your education in the comfort of your own home, favorite coffee shop, or library. Plus, we place an emphasis on flexibility and convenience. We want our students to focus on the quality of the education, not on the gas wasted driving to class.

5 Careers for Moms:

1. Medical Coding

Medical coding is a great place to start for busy moms. First, it’s a career that requires strong communication skills. Most moms would say that communication is an extremely important part of being an effective mom. Second, medical coders do a lot of recording keeping, which requires a good sense for organization. Busy moms know the importance of organization very well. Read about how you can prepare for your medical coding certification exam and your externship opportunity!

2. Medical Billing

Similar to medical coding, medical billing is a career that can be done from the comfort of home. The program is short, affordable, and can be done at your convenient pace, while your kids are at school or the baby is napping in the crib. Plus, you’ll get live student support and a one-year professional membership with the Medical Association of Billers (MAB).

ALLIED Student, Dallas Washington w/ daughter

3. Real Estate Salesperson License

Real estate makes sense for busy mothers, as it is a career that is self-managed. You make up your own hours, manage your clients, and get out of the career what you put into it. Mom duties can conveniently integrate into a real estate career. Plus, you have the opportunity to take advantage of the recent resurgence in the industry!

4. Pharmacy Technician

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to increase by 32 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations.” That’s good news for mothers that want to delve into the growing healthcare field. With our interest-free payment plans, Pass or Don’t Pay Promise, and flexible online learning environment, the pharmacy technician program is great for even the busiest of mothers.

5. Administrative Assistant

One of the most flexible of the bunch, an administrative assistant career is one that allows moms to be moms. Our 100% online program prepares you to become an important contributor to the success of any business. Plus, the basic administrative skills you were learn will help your career in business going forward, if you choose to go that route. With our budget-friendly payment plans, it’s a no-brainer for busy moms.
If you have any questions about Allied’s mom-friendly career training, please let us know by calling us at (888) 501-7686 or contact us on our website: www.alliedschools.com.

3 Online Vocational Courses That Will Make You a Savvier Business Person

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 May 2013 18:17:00 +0000

In today’s world, diversification matters—for your personal life and your work life. The more you diversify your knowledge and your talents, the better off you’ll be. As an example, consider the following two résumés: the first is very well-written, perfectly designed, but it focuses on a single skill; the second resume is also well-designed and written, but it covers a wide range of skill, talent, and experience. The second résumé will give you a better chance to succeed. Skill diversification within a particular industry is incredibly important.

So, with that being said, here are 3 online courses that can help you specialize and diversify your career skills:

1. Professional QuickBooks® Course

Many small businesses throughout the world use QuickBooks® software. It is a comprehensive and affordable accounting piece of software designed to help small businesses bring organization and clarity to their finance management. If you work in an office environment, whether you’re looking to become an administrative assistant or small business owner, learning QuickBooks® could help your career going forward. Even if you don’t work in an office, QuickBooks® can teach you about the essential principles of managing money, which is something we all need.

2. Introduction to the Principles of Small Business Management Course

We’re going to go out on a limb and say that you've probably worked for, worked with, or purchased goods/services from a small business. Of course you have. They are everywhere. Most of the businesses we work for are of the “small” variety, which is why it’s important to learn about their components. You get that with the Introduction to the Principles of Small Business Management course. With this course, you will learn about business development, accounting, finance, marketing, and much more. Existing small business owners, future small business owners, and managers would benefit greatly.

3. Administrative Assistant Course

The neat thing about our online course for administrative assistants is that the concepts learned can be applied to other areas of business, whether you are pursuing a career in administrative assisting or not. You will learn a broad range of skills, including essential computer and typing techniques, accurate record keeping, and the proper way to greet clients. All of these skills are relevant to any (or most) office jobs. So, if you want to become an administrative assistant or secretary, you can. But if you are also looking to expand your role in an administrative setting of any kind, this course can help you too.

Take a look at some of our other professional online career training programs. If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to call us at (888) 501-7686. Also, don’t forget to connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+ for a wealth of relevant tidbits for your career.

Top 5 Ways to Train and Improve Your Memory

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:53:00 +0000

As a student, you know very well how important memory is to learning. Without the capacity for forming and maintaining memory, we’d all struggle immensely, in school and in our personal lives. The good news is that there are ways to train our memories so that they remain reliable throughout our studies in school and beyond into old age.

Here are a few ways you can train, improve, and preserve your memory:

1. Get Moving

Exercise! That’s right; your favorite. Not only do our muscles and bones benefit from exercise, but so do our brains. For instance, regular exercise helps our blood vessels maintain a healthy, consistent flow of blood to our brains. If we don’t regularly exercise, our vessels slowly begin to lose their ability to effectively pump blood, which limits the amount of oxygen and nutrients that are sent to your brain. That’s not good. We need our brains to fire on all cylinders in order to provide the best possible environment to foster and preserve memory.

But you don’t have to be a marathoner to receive the memory-boosting benefits you want. You can take short walks, sign up for a ballroom dance class, or swim laps at your local community pool.

2. Play Games

Did you know that you can have fun while increasing your memory power? It’s true. Studies have shown that activities such as jigsaw puzzles, word games, and trivia quizzes all help improve memory. So, next time you have friends over, or you want to spend a couple of hours with your family, try a game! Our favorite memory-boosting games include Pictionary, Words With Friends, and the Fit Brains Trainer app.

Plus, here are “5 Apps That Help Improve Memory and Cognition Overall.”

3. Eat Fish

If you don’t like the taste of fish, you can still get the memory-improving benefits of fish by taking omega-3 supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids are fats commonly found in marine and plant oils and have been shown to promote brain and heart health. In fact, a new study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh shows that omega-3 supplements can help boost memory. Fish rich in omega-3s include salmon, mackerel, anchovy, sardine, and rainbow trout. Happy fishing—or supplement hunting!

4. Try Chunking

Let’s be clear about this: we’re not putting you down. Chunking, as coined by Cambridge neuroscientist Daniel Bor, is “a kind of cognitive compression mechanism wherein we parse information into chunks that are more memorable and easier to process than the seemingly random bits of which they’re composed.” In an article from The Atlantic titled “Using Pattern Recognition to Enhance Memory and Creativity,” author Maria Popova gives us insight into the integral value Bor had placed on chunking:

Consciousness and chunking allow us to turn the dull sludge of independent episodes in our lives into a shimmering, dense web, interlinked by all the myriad patterns we spot. It becomes a positive feedback loop, making the detection of new connections even easier, and creates a domain ripe for understanding how things actually work, of reaching that supremely powerful realm of discerning the mechanism of things. At the same time, our memory system becomes far more efficient, effective -- and intelligent -- than it could ever be without such refined methods to extract useful structure from raw data.

If you’re confused, don’t worry. You can read more about chunking and pattern recognition here.

5. Don’t Cram

We all procrastinate from time to time. Can we agree on that? Yes? Okay. It’s human. In fact, a little bit of procrastination can be a good thing. But cramming is another thing entirely. When you cram, you aren’t giving yourself enough time to process the information. In other words, you’re not going to remember everything if you cram. If you can space out your studies, you’ll have more success processing and remembering the information you need for your next test or term paper. If you are prone to cramming, don’t think you have to change at once though. It’ll take time, so start small: for your next test, try choosing two days to study as a start, and build out from there. Pretty soon you’ll find that you’ll be less stressed, your performance will improve, and your brain will be doing a happy dance.

Do you have your own tips and tricks for memory-boosting? We’d love to hear from you. Share your favorite memory-boosting games, exercises, and study tips by emailing Allied’s copywriter, Non Wels, at nwels[at]alliedschools[dot]com. Or you can tweet us at @AlliedSchools. If you have questions about our online career training programs, give us a call at (888) 501-7686.

'Lean In' to Your Career Aspirations and Educational Goals

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:56:00 +0000

If you've been anywhere near the news of late, you've probably seen stories about Sheryl Sandberg and her bestselling book, Lean In, which "dissects the roles of working women and shares her three biggest mistakes working women make," says The Huffington Post. Sandberg’s words are important, even in today’s age. The workplace has come a long way to address gender equality, but there are still certain cultural touchstones that perhaps still need to be discussed, debated, and delved into. This is all part of what it means to lean in.

Source: Huffington Post

But what does lean in really mean?

In a general sense, to lean in is to take time to think, share, and communicate the things you can change in your professional and personal lives so that you have a better chance of achieving your goals.
In a more specific sense, lean in can amount to many things: achieving the right balance between work and life by starting at home with the right partnership in a spouse or partner; finding the right way to combine success with likeability; sticking up for what you deem you are worth; and many other important lessons.

The "three biggest mistakes working women make" according to Sheryl Sandberg.

"Not believing in themselves." This is self-explanatory, but it’s something that we all should remind ourselves of. We need to believe in ourselves in order to make any true, genuine, worthwhile effort, whether that it’s in our personal lives or our careers. This is especially true for women, as Sandberg says.
"Not making their partners real partners." Real partners are those that can be relied upon. Sandberg makes a point of emphasizing that career success is easier to achieve if you have a reliable partner or spouse.
"Don’t leave before you leave." In other words, don’t look for an exit from your career before you are actually ready to make that decision. An example she uses is when individuals (women or men) don’t fully commit and exit a career prematurely "years before they have children."

What can you do to lean in?

To address the three biggest mistakes, you should believe in yourself; make your partner a real partner; and don’t give up before you start.
Don’t be afraid to jump in and get both feet wet. It’s scary, sure. But it can be very rewarding. You just have to be willing to try, and keep trying!
Communicate your value. Know your worth. Understand it. And fight for it. The more you do that, the more that we’ll succeed in limiting the power of those that want to take a limited, biased view of the world and workforce.
If you feel like you’re lacking in certain professional skills, be sure to educate yourself. The more tools you have, the better chances you have to flourish. Allied Schools has a variety of career-specific training for your careers in business, real estate, medical, and more.

Want to learn more about lean in? Here are a couple of links to get you started:

Sheryl Sandberg at TED: Why we have too few women leaders
Lean In Organization: "a global community committed to encouraging and supporting women leaning in to their ambitions"

So, we’d love to know: how are you applying Sandberg’s concept of leaning in?
If you have any questions about our online career training programs, please give us a call at (800) 501-7686.

Spring Cleaning For Your Career and Education

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:29:00 +0000

It’s spring! What does spring mean to you? Colorful flowers? Lots of sneezing? Overwhelming displays of pastel hues? How about the yearly purge we call “spring cleaning?” Spring cleaning, as you know, can be applied to the cleaning you do in your home: the dusting of your window blinds; the scrubbing of your floors; the organizing of your attic. But the concept of spring cleaning can also be applied to your life in general. Like, for instance, to your career and education.

For our purposes today, we’re going to focus on this type of spring cleaning: the kind that applies to your career and education.

Spring Cleaning Your Résumé

Whether you are in school or working full time, it’s important to keep your résumé up-to-date. For those that are happily employed, it’s still a good practice, as it gets you to actively recognize and evaluate the contributions you make to your company, which can be very self-motivating. For those that are in school or in between jobs, it’s important to keep your résumé as relevant as possible. You never know when a job opportunity is going to surface!

Things to keep in mind:

Don’t be vague. Vagueness on a resume is not your friend. You want to be specific and detailed.
Don’t undervalue yourself. The better sense of your value you have, the better you will understand how your skill set can be used—both in the workplace and outside of the workplace.
Don’t forget the specialty. Certifications and vocational training can help you take your résumé from solid to “wow” worthy.

Spring Cleaning Your Online Presence

To say that “we’re all online” is a major understatement. In fact, we’re always online, always connected. It’s part of our culture. It’s precisely why we have to stay on top of what we put out there. Our online, digital self is just as (if not more) important than the self we represent on our résumés. So, get on social media. Get on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus. Write a regular blog. Participate in social media chats relevant to your career. Just, simply, be involved digitally. It’ll help enhance your career immensely.

Spring Cleaning Your Education

Staying relevant to the industry is an important factor in your lasting power as an employee. One of the ways you can remain relevant is to ensure you’re aptly educated for the position in which you’re applying. Whether it’s preparing for ICD-10 with an online ICD-10 course, or adding to your office knowledge with a professional QuickBooks course, consistently honing and adding to your skill set will greatly benefit your career.

Here’s to spring cleaning! For more information about Allied’s career-specific training, please give us a call at (888) 501-7686.

The DOs and DON'Ts for Online Learners: An Allied Schools Infographic

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:15:00 +0000

Whether you are a current online learner or you are looking to become one, this informative, educational, and fun infographic is for you! Read, be informed, and have a chuckle. You deserve that.

Click on the image to make larger.

The Dos and Don'ts for Online Learners - An infographic by the team at Allied Schools

Embed The "Dos and Don'ts for Online Learners" Infographic on Your Website: Copy and Paste the Code Below

Top 3 Ways You Can Boost Your Energy Without Coffee

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 16:04:00 +0000

In biological terms, energy is what keeps us going. On a base level, it’s what we need in order to live. But on a grander scale, energy is the product or result of our physical and mental efforts. But these efforts need fuel. And sometimes, just sometimes, we don’t need to rely on the sweet, tantalizing pull of coffee to get us there.*

3 Ways You Can Re-Energize Without Having to Drink More Coffee

1. Snack regularly.

Numerous scientific studies have been done on snacking and the prevailing sentiment is that snacking is an important activity for both health and energy. But this doesn’t mean that you should lay waste to an elephant-sized bag of potato chips in between breakfast, lunch and dinner. While that may be tempting, it won’t help with your energy. Stick to smaller snacks (200-300 calories or so) like almonds, fruit, cheese and crackers every couple of hours. Your body will thank you for it, and your studies will benefit from all the focus and energy you gained! Find out what else you can eat to boost your energy here.

2. Take short walks.

Exercise, generally speaking, is a wonderful thing and provides so many life-preserving benefits. But we don’t always have the time to drive to the gym or spend an hour being chased by the neighbor’s overconfident Yorkshire Terrier. But we do have time to take short walks. Ten, fifteen-minute walks, every so often throughout the day, can truly make a huge impact on your energy levels. If you live in an area where it’s too cold to go outside, try a simple 10 minutes of yoga or something along those lines. Your mind will be clearer for it. Plus, you’ll get the energy you need to finish your courses for the day.

Colorful Hiker in Calero County Park by donjd2

3. Get better sleep.

Sleep is probably the most important on this list, because without it, none of the other things are even in the realm of possibility. In other words, sleep is essential. There is an important distinction, however. Better sleep is not the same as more sleep. You may certainly need more sleep, but you need to know what’s right for you. You may need eight hours of sleep. You may need five. You may need to sleep on your side or on a firmer mattress or in a sleeping bag under the stars. The important thing is to know yourself, know your body, and make the decision that gives you the proper amount of sleep for optimal mental and physical health. If you can find that balance, your world will be chock-full of energy. Be more focused and effective with better sleep.

If you are able to snack regularly, take short walks and get better sleep, you will be a much more focused and efficient student. Adding on to that the happiness you can get from career training at Allied and you have a match made in heaven! Before we conclude, we’d love to hear from you. How do you bring yourself energy throughout the long work or school day?

For more information about Allied Schools, visit us at www.alliedschools.com, or call us at (888) 501-7686.

*We love coffee. But we also love a nice balance. :)

Black History Month Spotlight: The Education-Focused Booker T. Washington

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 18:48:00 +0000

Since it’s Black History Month, and since we are educators, we thought we’d highlight one particular African American hero who made a positive impact on education. This particular individual is Booker T. Washington.

In Washington’s famous 1901 autobiography, Up From Slavery, he described how he felt when he first heard about the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute in Virginia:

…it seemed to me that it must be the greatest place on earth, and not even Heaven presented more attractions for me at that time than did the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute in Virginia, about which these men were talking. I resolved at once to go to that school, although I had no idea where it was, or how many miles away, or how I was going to reach it; I remembered only that I was on fire constantly with one ambition, and that was to go to Hampton. This thought was with me day and night (Washington, Up From Slavery, 72).

Washington not only managed to become enrolled at Hampton by walking “about five hundred miles” to get to the school, he also graduated and eventually taught there (Washington 1901, Ch. 3). In 1881, Washington was selected to head a new normal school for African Americans at Tuskegee called the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, wherein he solidified his place as a genuine proponent of learning as a means for success. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica Online, over the next 34 years Washington had established “more than 100 well-equipped buildings, some 1,500 students, a faculty of nearly 200 teaching 38 trades and professions, and an endowment of approximately $2 million.”

He believed so strongly in education that he urged his fellow African Americans to temporarily put aside their civil rights efforts to gain the industrial skills that would afford them economic security and eventual respect among the white community. He spoke about this in his autobiography:

Many white people who had had no contact with the school, and perhaps no sympathy with it, came to us to buy bricks because they found out that ours were good bricks. They discovered that we were supplying a real want in the community. The making of these bricks caused many of the white residents of the neighbourhood (sic) to begin to feel that the education of the Negro was not making him worthless, but that in educating our students we were adding something to the wealth and comfort of the community (Washington, Up From Slavery, 97).

That is so wonderfully stated. Washington had a very clear understanding of the importance, as well as the practical consequences, of education. Through education, they were able to acquire the skills they needed to attain the jobs and build the careers that were in demand at the time. They were able to create wealth, garner respect and exist as the important, contributing individuals they most assuredly were. For this we thank Mr. Booker T. Washington.

With Allied Schools, you can acquire the skills you need for today’s in-demand careers. Learn more about our career-specific, flexible and 100% online real estate programs, medical programs and business programs. Or call us at (888) 501-7686.

Sources:

Booker T. Washington, Up From Slavery: An Autobiography (New York: A.L. Burt, 1901).
Encyclopedia Britannica Online, s. v. “Booker T. Washington”, accessed February 18, 2013, http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/636363/Booker-T-Washington.
Encyclopedia Britannica Online, s.v. “Tuskegee University”, accessed February 19, 2013, http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/610608/Tuskegee-University

Presidential Education and the U.S. Presidents Day Quiz and Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 15:36:00 +0000

Read the Blog Post, Take Our Fun Presidents Day Quiz to Earn a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Did you know that President William Henry Harrison was the only president to attend medical school? Were you aware that President Jimmy Carter dropped out of college twice before earning his degree at USMA West Point? Yep, that’s right. Today, since it’s Presidents Day, we thought we’d make a fun, learning-focused blog post out of it. Plus, earn a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card in the U.S. Presidents Day Quiz and Giveaway! Some of the answers you can find in this blog post. For some you’ll have to do a little digging elsewhere. So, pay attention, and good luck!

Even though the U.S. Department of Education didn't begin operating until 1980, education has always been one of the more important focuses in presidential history. Rewind 15 years and we have the Higher Education Act of 1965, which was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson as part of his Great Society domestic agenda. The Higher Education Act of 1965 was created “to strengthen the educational resources of our colleges and universities and to provide financial assistance for students in postsecondary and higher education” (Pub. L. No. 89-329). Before that, we have the pivotal Brown v. Board of Education (1954) decision, which was a major landmark in the fight for equal rights among races and important for the civil rights movement as a whole.

Education has, and will always be, an essential component in our development. We must learn and progress in order to live, to produce and to succeed—whether we’re learning in school or out of school. Suffice to say that our nation’s presidents, over the course of history, understood this. Not all of them earned college degrees (in fact, a total of nine U.S. presidents did not graduate from college), but all of them understood the value of education and learning as an important part of progress and success.

For instance, Abraham Lincoln, whose formal education consisted of one meager year, was very driven to learn through his own efforts. As described in a NY Times book review of Lincoln’s Virtue: An Ethical Biography by William Lee Miller, Lincoln had “embarked on a quest for learning and self-improvement. He read incessantly, beginning as a youth with the Bible and Shakespeare. During his single term in the House of Representatives, his colleagues considered it humorous that Lincoln spent his spare time poring over books in the Library of Congress.”

FUN PRESIDENTIAL EDUCATION FACTS:

7 U.S. presidents have earned law degrees
President Theodore Roosevelt was mostly homeschooled until he went to Harvard College
Harvard University (undergraduate) has produced the most presidents (5)
President Barack Obama is the only president to earn a degree from Columbia University
Famous writer Nathaniel Hawthorne was a friend to Franklin Pierce, who became the 14th President of the United States

At the other end of the educational spectrum, President Woodrow Wilson earned a PhD in history and political science from Johns Hopkins University. He’s the only president to earn a PhD. In 1902, he became the president of Princeton University, after serving as a professor there.

In between those two presidents, there are countless instances in which education has taken the main stage, whether it is within the personal life of a president, or within their presidential life. In regards to the latter, President John F. Kennedy (Harvard graduate) kicked off his presidency with the “New Frontier,” as he called it. The New Frontier was his plan for the country, which comprised legislation and programs for a more prosperous economy, equal rights for women, and education, which included The Vocational Education Act (1953), The Educational Television Facilities Act (1962), and countless other plans for the benefit of students and teachers across the nation.

Education and learning are simple, plain and simple. As educators, we see the value and the impact of this every single day. No matter where you end up in your career, whether it’s in the White House or elsewhere, find the path that is going to bring you the most challenging, productive and enriching learning experience. If you do this, you’ll find both personal and career happiness and success.

Don’t forget to take the U.S. Presidents Day Quiz and Giveaway for a chance at a $25 Amazon gift card! Oh, and happy Presidents Day!

For more information about the online degree programs at Allied Schools, call us at (888) 501-7686.

Sources:

Higher Education Act of 1965, H.R. 621, 89th Cong., 1st Sess. (1965)
Lee Miller, W. Lincoln’s Virtues: An Ethical Biography. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2002.
Foner, E. “The Education of Abraham Lincoln.” NY Times. February 10, 2002. http://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/10/books/the-education-of-abraham-lincoln.html
Lepi, K. “A Presidential Education.” Edudemic. January 19, 2013. http://edudemic.com/2013/01/a-presidential-education/1209_prezinfographic1_02-2/

Top 5 Last-Minute Holiday Gifts for Online Learners

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 21:46:00 +0000

The holidays are here. You know what this means: gifts galore! To stick with the holiday, gift-giving theme, we have compiled our top last-minute gifts for online learners and students. But they could be great gifts for others too, including the nerdy, tech –loving and studious folks in your life. Take a look!

Fun USB Flash Drive: Whether you need to have additional data storage options, or you need to transfer data elsewhere, USB flash drives make it simple. And if you’re going to have a USB drive, why not store your data onto Captain America’s shield, or Albert Einstein’s head, or a delicious-looking ice cream bar? Store data here.
Washable Keyboard: Look, we’re at the computer for most of our day. We have to eat some time, right? Now you can eat messy ribs, or participate in a pie eating contest while at your desk! If you spill coffee or soda, no need to worry. Just wash it off! Get messy here.
Pillowcase Studies: That’s right. A pillowcase for every academic discipline, from economics and music theory to political science and biology! You can literally sleep on knowledge. Plus, your pillow fights will be so very educational! Rest atop the nerdiest pillowcase here.
Lightweight Headphones: For many, music can be the perfect companion to a great studying session. Make it a pair of top-rated lightweight headphones so you can abstain from duct-taping floor speakers to your head. Enjoy your tunes here.
Bed Desk: One of the great things about taking online college courses is that you can study anywhere: at the coffee shop, park, on a horse (it’s true) and in your bed. With the Bed Desk, you can study comfortable on your bed or anywhere else you like to sprawl out. Note: a bed cannot physically eat your homework, so you’ll have to come up with a better excuse! Get comfy here.

Happy holidays! And a happy New Year!

New Year's Resolutions for Online Learners

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 20:40:00 +0000

Resolutions. They are upon us once again. Whether you make a resolution every New Year or not, we all experience it on some level. We know it as a personal chance for goal-setting and growth; we know it as a way to motivate ourselves; we know it as a way to curb some silly habit; or, for some, we know it as something others participate in, but we couldn't care less about.

No matter how you perceive the annual New Year’s resolution tradition, even if you deem it silly and a waste of time, there’s a certain value in the concept: that is, the idea of creating a resolution or goal, in and of itself, is a positive thing.

Photo by Mattia Luigi Nappi (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)
via Wikimedia Commons

Setting goals is a wonderful motivator, and can be truly enriching to your life. The time of year doesn't matter. It’s the intent that counts. If you feel pressured into creating a resolution, don’t do it. You will only set yourself up for failure. But if you are open to change and have a drive to better yourself and your surroundings, the resolutions will come about naturally.

For those online learners that like to think about new resolutions every year, we've listed a few to get you started. For those that like a more natural approach to goal-setting, perhaps these can give you something to think about for later.

Resolution Inspiration for Online Students:

Expand your vocabulary. Doing so will help you in your studies and in your day-to-day writing and speaking; it will help you at school, in your personal interactions and in your job. Start by picking up a portable dictionary to keep with you at all times. Try to look up and learn a new word every week. Or, if that’s too much of a time commitment, try to learn one new word every two weeks. That’s only two new words a month. And 24 a year!
Do less sitting. Students sit a lot. Whether you’re in a classroom or at home or in a local coffee shop, most students sit when they study, take tests, be a student. One of the key distinctions between online and brick-and-mortar is that online learners (at Allied Schools, students have freedom of flexibly-paced programs) have the flexibility to take time to get up and stretch, or head outdoors for some fresh air and an afternoon run. This coming year, try sitting less by taking 5-minute stretch breaks, 20-minute yoga sessions, or invest in a standing desk or treadmill desk. It’s better for your back and overall health!
Learn a new skill. We can always learn more, right? That’s, in our minds, a wonderful thing. There’s so much knowledge out there; we just have to seek it out. Don’t feel like you have to learn something academic either. You can learn how to perform sign language, or build a website, or tap dance. You can learn the housing marketing with a real estate license, you can learn ICD-10 and delve into a medical coding career, or you can become an expert in solar technical sales. No matter what you learn, you’ll benefit from the knowledge and your mind will thank you.

Setting up a New Year’s resolution this year? Share it on Allied Business Schools’ Facebook page. From the Allied Schools family, wishing you a happy holiday and a wonderful New Year!

What We're Thankful For - From Allied Marketing

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 16:44:00 +0000

It’s a wonderful thing to feel thankful, isn't it? We should all do it more often. Every single day we interact with people that have the potential to bring us some level of insight or happiness or joy; we work with tangible tools and products we wouldn't have if not for the brilliant minds that pieced them together; we experience feelings and thoughts that motivate, inspire and encourage us.

We love that.

So we wanted to take a moment to express our own personal thankful musings. Here’s what we had to say:

Candice, Email Marketing Specialist:

I am thankful for the temperate climate in Southern California. In a given day, I've had the unique experience of waking up to surf some waves, driving to the mountains for an evening snowboarding session, then taking a road trip to the desert that same night for a weekend of camping and hiking.

Cameron, Marketing & Design:

I am thankful for being able to use my artistic skills for work and my ability to communicate with animals.

Heather, Marketing Manager:

I am thankful for my family, friends and neighbors, and also people who make going to work every day a fun experience. I am also thankful for strong coffee, reality TV and online shopping - all of which add a bit more color to life.

Brian, Web Development:

I’m thankful for things I take for granted that let me experience life without much thought (most of the time). I’m thankful for our military, which gives me peace of mind that our country is safe. I’m thankful for a fun job that allows me to use new technology to create a mobile website to keep our students informed and educated. And I’m thankful for the meditation center where I can go at the end of the day to reflect, relax and have good talk with friends.

George, SEO Specialist:

I am thankful for Nōn bugging me to be thankful about something. I am thankful for being employed with a great organization that allows me to express my creative ideas.

Kim, SEO Specialist:

I am thankful for all the blessings this past year. I am thankful for having Dwight, Nash and D’Antoni with the Lakers. And I am thankful for having the best teammates at Allied.

Ruben, Graphic Design:

I am thankful for our morning light, shelter at night, health, food, love and friends. Most of all, our independence, and that everything is well and good.

Doug, SEO Specialist:

I’m thankful for the wonderful circumstances that allow me the peace of mind to be thankful in the first place. Unlike so many of my fellow human beings, I’m not dodging bullets or missiles, losing the battle with starvation or crawling down the last leg of a terminal illness. With that in mind, perhaps what I am most thankful for are the seemingly endless personal and professional opportunities to pitch in, contribute, participate, give back.

Nōn, Marketing Copywriter:

I am thankful for words, their fascinating etymologies and the curious way in which we get to use them. I am thankful for licorice in all forms: red, black, laden with salt like the Germans do it, whatever. And I am thankful for an existence that requires us all to continue growing and learning and challenging ourselves in ways that benefit our wondrous brain spaces.

From the marketing team at Allied, wishing you a wonderfully thankful and happy Thanksgiving!

Genuinely,
Candice, Cameron, Heather, Brian, George, Kim, Ruben, Doug and Nōn

Flexible Career Training for Happiness and Success

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 15:25:00 +0000

Flexible. You’ve heard this term before. We say it. You say it. But what does it really mean?

Flexible means that you can receive the education you desire at the pace you deem best for your situation within the general structure given. For parents, it means that you can study and work around dropping your children off at school, putting your babies down to rest, in the evenings after you have kissed them goodnight and flipped on the nightlight. For military service members, it means that you can get started on your career while serving your country. Your studies are with you, so it’s simply a matter of finding the time to do it. An hour here, an hour there, it’s all up to you.
Flexible means that you can take your education with you. It’s portable. Wherever you are—at home, at the coffee shop, waiting in the car to pick up the kids at school, in military service or on the bus—your career pursuit is there with you for the journey. With the prevalence of free WIFI, you can study just about anywhere you’d like, in the comfort level that you think is best. Say goodbye to stuffy and stressful classrooms. Say hello to cozy offices, coffee shops and libraries.
Flexible means, above all, that you are in control of your education. We want you to succeed, so it doesn't make a lick of sense to attempt to force you into a tight schedule with not much room to move about. AAU establishes some general guidelines and an overall time frame for you so that you aren’t pigeonholed into specific times that may not be best for your situation. At Allied Schools, you are given the freedom to choose, you will be happier, less stressed and more focused, which gives you the greatest chance for career success. That’s what we want: happy, stress-free, focused and successful students.

Go with the flexible in one of our many career training programs at Allied Schools:

Pharmacy Technician
Medical Billing
Medical Coding
Real Estate
Business
Green Energy
Private Investigation
Property Management
And so much more!

For more information about our online career training programs, call (888) 501-7686 or visit us at www.alliedschools.com.

Finished Your Career Training Classes? Now It's Time to Earn What You're Worth!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 19:42:00 +0000

Are you being adequately compensated by your employer? Believe it or not, more than 50% of Americans believe that they are underpaid. Salary is one of the most important factors to consider when accepting a job. Whether you have recently finished your career training classes and are seeking a new position or already have a job, you can make sure that you get a salary that fairly represents what you are worth.

Be Prepared to Earn What You're Worth!

Get the right experience – Do you have the right training and credentials? Make sure that you are qualified for the position that you want. You can support your claim for a higher salary by being a well qualified candidate. Get the skills that will give you an extra edge through high-quality and relevant career training classes.
Conduct market research – Do you know the appropriate salary range? It is extremely important to do your homework, so you know what other people in similar occupations earn. Use the Internet and resource books to research the salaries by professions and geographic regions. You will be prepared when asking for a raise or receiving a job offer.
Know what you want – Do you have a specific salary in mind? It is important to have a firm idea of the salary you want to earn. Use the research you get to determine a suitable and fair salary based on your experience, skills, geographic area, etc.
Negotiate the right salary – Did you know you have some bargaining power when it comes to your salary? You don’t always have to accept the first offer. If you feel that you are entitled to a higher compensation, you should negotiate your salary with your current or future employer. Sometimes it is helpful to start with a higher salary, so that you can be sure to get what you want when the negotiating begins.

A salary is one of the most important factors when it comes to employment. It’s the reason that most of us work in the first place. Equip yourself with the information you need to successfully negotiate the salary or raise you deserve. Remember to research salaries for the career field and the geographic area you're interested in. If you are prepared, you will be able to get the results you want.

Start a New Career with Online Property Management Courses

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 19:34:00 +0000

Considering a career change to the real estate field? Check out Allied’s property management courses. Unlike a brick and mortar property management school, Allied’s training program is 100% online and self-paced with 24/7 access.

As a property manager, you will oversee and maintain property on behalf of the owner. Your responsibilities may include:

Establishing Rent Rates
Property Marketing
Competitive Research
Filling Vacancies
Maintaining Financial Records
Inspection of Property and Grounds
Managing Maintenance and Repairs
And More

Allied’s comprehensive property management education will prepare you to take on all of these responsibilities with tools such as the Property Management and Landlord’s Troubleshooter textbooks, a real estate dictionary and property management software. Also, you will receive a one year membership to the International Real Estate Institute (IREI), a respected association for property management professionals (upon successful completion of your program).

If real estate market concerns are a barrier to starting your property management career, do a little research, and you may discover that rental property in or around your community is in hot demand. For example, an April 2011 report released by Reis, Inc. stated:

With new jobs being added to the economy and more people choosing to rent, the nation’s vacancy rate came in at 6.2%, down from 6.6% in the fourth quarter and 8% in the first quarter a year ago
Increased demand for rental property has made is easier for landlords to cut back on freebies and increase rents

Another perk? Many property managers are self-employed. Once you establish a broad base of property management experience, you can start your own business and increase the number of properties you manage.

If you’re already working in the real estate industry, like as a real estate salesperson, adding a property management background to your career may be a smart way to reinforce your income.

Want to learn more? Check out Allied’s, online property management course. Preparing for a new career and enhancing your background doesn’t get more convenient than self-paced training on your schedule.