Many people believe in the law of attraction and of course there are many courses out there to help us obtain our wants and desires. They say that Einstein only used a 10th of his brain power and that the rest of us use around 6% can you imagine what we could accomplish if we knew how to harness the power of the mind?

Does the world we live in effect us or is it the opposite way around, do we effect the world around us? We know that if we concentrate hard enough and think positive thoughts that we can indeed reach our goals and desires, but of course they aren’t just going to appear out of thin air we have to actively do something to make it happen.

Do your actions make you think or are your actions caused by your thoughts? Are you in control of your fate? Most people think before they act, but not all, some are very impulsive and take action before they have thought about what the consequences might be for that action. I certainly believe in positive thought and that the results of our actions are determined by our thoughts.

Whether they’re conscious or not, our thoughts do determine what and who we are. I have always heard that if you can think it then you can achieve it and If our thoughts cause us to act and not the other way around then that action results in helping us to obtain our goal and not some disastrous result that we hadn’t even considered by acting first and then thinking.

Okay I’m giving myself a headache from thinking and I’m starting to confuse even me so I’ll leave this post at this point for the time being and thank Ann of Snap Edit Scrap for passing the following award to me.

One of the biggest and most popular business networking site is of course Linkedin and they have somewhere around 12.5 million members. This social networking site is designed to give registered users a way to maintain contact with people they know so those within the connection can use it to find business opportunities, find jobs and new contacts as well as review or recruit potential candidates and they’ve been around since 2003.

The most socializing I do these days is through Entrecard because it serves my purposes best. When I first started online I got involved in a small chatroom and it became like a small family and many of us actually met up in real life. I would say we were very lucky because there are a lot of psychopaths out there that use that medium to prey on unsuspecting people. Of course now that I’m older I would never choose to meet anyone offline, but that’s just me.

I guess I’m just not as ambitious or as social as I use to be. Many online businesses have events each year where all the posters get together and have a great time. They get to know each other by posting in the forums and commenting on the various blogs so they already feel like they know these people and I think that’s great and it always sounds like they have a wonderful time. Conventions and other huge events held in a public place are much safer than planning private meetings, just keep that in mind.

Social Networking has really come a long way from the days of chatrooms, instant messaging, and just e-mail. You should always be very careful about the information you put on your personal profile when you join these social sites. I know everyone knows the dangers of ever posting their social security number, address, phone number or where they go to school or work.

I actually had a big shock once when I told someone that I considered a friend online where I actually worked and they showed up unannounced. Now that was a creepy experience and I realized how stupid I had been later. Of course I felt like I had a stalker and I learned a very valuable lesson about giving too much information. Some people haven’t been so lucky especially young people that have problems and end up being someones prey.

I have met up with many old friends through MySpace, Facebook,  and Classmates and it’s always fun catching up on everyone’s life and what they are doing now, but I detest reunions so I’m quite sure I wont be going to any. Many people enjoy these social networking sites and make use of them because they’re usually free and more marketers are utilizing this free form of advertising for their businesses.

I personally find that too much involvement in all these social networking websites tend to lessen real interaction between people, but they have their uses, but use them wisely. I know people really love networking because most of us are very social beings, but many can’t interact in real life, so online becomes a way to be the social people we really want to be. Online people can write and say what they please with out looking anyone in the eye.

This is my last word on social networking because I’m certainly not good at it online or in my real world, apparently I am not a social being.

I wholeheartedly recommend that everyone watch the 20 minute video if you have a chance. It’s called “The Story Of Stuff“ believe me it will totally blow you away.

I know we all want to do our part to help make the world we live in a better place for everyone and you’ll find many resources on the website above to help us do just that.

I know you’ll enjoy the interactive video as much as I did and it may give you a new perspective on our consumer consumption habits.

If you haven’t watched it before I wholeheartedly recommend you do so now.It’s been around since 2007 so if you have never seen it I’m sure maybe your children have because they are using it in schools now.

Talk with them and see what they know, I’m sure you may be surprised. We really can make a better world for ourselves and our children if we work together.

The link wasn’t a very nice link and to think I almost let it slip pass really ticks me off at how sly people are getting with their spam comments. I’m sure in future they may come up with something that will slip past and that’s a shame because most people don’t even check something like a smiley and I have no clue why I did this time, but from now on when I see one I’ll be sure to run my cursor over it. I’ve been getting so much spam lately that I”ve just been hitting delete.

I use to go through and check for legitimate comments, but with all the trash I see I stopped not that I’m a prude, but it’s so boring to see all the repetitious crap. It would be so nice if it would stop, but I doubt it ever will. There for awhile I was getting funny spam, but that seems to have stopped. I can’t believe how many spammers actually take the time to register for this blog because they think they will be able to post comments. I usually go in and delete all those periodically.

Have a nice hump day and make sure you check those smileys before you approve your comments. I now have comments set so that after the first approved comment that person can now leave unmoderated comments. I’m hoping no one leaves a nice comment the first time then starts spamming if that happens then I’ll just switch back to moderating every single comment. If you leave comments and don’t see them then that means they slipped into Akismet somehow and got deleted.

If your blog doesn’t load fast enough you may be losing a lot of visitors. We are an impatient lot or at least I am because when a blog takes too long I simply close the tab even if it was something I really wanted to see. Of course if you are doing EC drops and opening numerous tabs at the same time you can expect a delay with some of the blogs and because everyone likes all those fancy doodads and ad units they will sometimes stall your browser and then you have to reboot.

I don’t really have a lot of widgets compared to many blogs and I did remove a lot of useless garbage awhile back it now loads in 9.1 seconds and for those of you that don’t know where to test the loading time of your blog or site you can use the tool at Pingdom and the following is how they describe the tool. “The Full Page Test loads a complete HTML page including all objects (images, CSS, JavaScripts, RSS, Flash and frames/iframes). It mimics the way a page is loaded in a web browser.”

I’m sure you will find this to be a useful tool, I know I did so now I need to test all my other sites and blogs to see what I can get rid of. Happy faster loading and blogging.

Okay, you put your application in and now you’re going for the interview. How you prepare yourself for that interview is very important and can be very stressful and you will be feeling nervous and want to make a good impression. Always be prepared for some tough questions. Try to keep the following tips in mind and go over the checklist below so you will be ready for the questions most likely to be asked.

I know sometimes my mind goes blank when asked a direct question even if I know the answer, but if you know what may be asked you can be more prepared.

1. What can you tell me about yourself?
2. What are your strengths?
3. What are your weaknesses and limitations?
4. Why are you seeking employment with our company?
5. Why are you seeking this type of position?
6. What previous experience do you have that relates to the job here?
7. If I called your former employer what will they say about you?
8. How have you shown initiative and willingness to work in the past?
9. What are your plans for the future and do you intend to stay here longer than 6 months.
10. What wage are you expecting to make?
11. Tell me why we should hire you?

Also be prepared for the one question you are afraid of that might be asked and try to think of a positive answer that the potential employer might accept. Be prepared, I can’t stress that enough cover all your bases.

I know most companies use pretty set questions so be prepared and write your answers down so you can have them ready in your mind, but don’t repeat them as if you had memorized the answers. Try to speak in a relaxed manner without rushing your answers, but don’t keep rambling on and on and always make eye contact.

Provide complete answers and show some enthusiasm. Ask questions, but never try to interview the person that is interviewing you. Answer questions clearly and try not to be vague. Know the position you are applying for and don’t give the impression that you don’t know what you want to do.

I always like it when they make a decision straight away, but if they don’t, ask them when they will make their final decision and thank the interviewer for their time and be sure to shake hands with the interviewer before and after the interview. I have never sent a thank-you letter, but depending on the type of position you are seeking it would be appropriate to send a thank-you letter as soon as the interview has been concluded.

When filling out an application it should be as neat as possible and always completely filled in, never leave any empty lines or spaces. If something doesn’t apply to you simply put N/A (Not Applicable). Always use ink, blue or black is acceptable and print or you can type all information if possible.

Always try to answer the questions as honestly as possible because when you sign that application you are attesting to the fact that all information given is true and correct. Companies can and will terminate your employment if they find out you have falsified any information on your application.

Carefully read and follow all instructions and never give more information than is asked for in any question, such as your health status and any disabilities, any criminal records and the reasons for leaving your last job. Try to put a positive spin on it and not a negative one. Avoid using negative words, such as, problems, personality conflicts, quit, and fired or terminated.

Never use the term will discuss or will discuss at interview on your application more than twice, it would be better to use it only once. In some cases it would be better to put this in especially if there is not enough space to explain something potentially damaging to you such as, a health or disability problem, a felony conviction or reasons you were terminated from your last position.

When asked for the salary you desire try not to use a specific dollar value use instead open or negotiable because you don’t want to sell yourself short nor do you want to price yourself out of the running.

If you are confronted by a question that you know is being asked illegally on the application either put N/A or go ahead and answer it if you don’t mind the company having this information, but never leave it blank.

If you don’t actually have much work experience in the job field use all the space provided to list any volunteer work done for your previous employers and list all positive and relevant information.

Ask the secretary or receptionist how long applications are kept on file and who will be looking at your application and unless the company states that it discourages phone calls then call back in about a week to the specific person looking at your application if at all possible. That at least shows a desire for the job with the follow up call.

I totally hate filling out applications and especially interviews because they use to make me a total wreck and I always felt physically sick, but after I took this job seeking workshop I at least knew what to expect during an interview and how to prepare myself. We even had mock interviews that showed us what to expect and it’s always a great idea to have a fact card of all the information that you will need. I suggest a 3 by 5 index card.

It’s really neat how you can apply to most companies over the Internet , but you need to be careful that it is a legitimate company. That’s what I did when I applied at Lowe’s and they called me for an interview within a couple days. I still think it is better to go in person because they could be in desperate need and you could be hired on the spot.

4 Tips To Remember

1. Always dress like you are going for the interview the same day you put your application in. You never know, you might get lucky and you need to look your best.
2. When you are at the company be very courteous to everyone you meet. Always put the best of you out there. You never know who you might be impressing in the parking lot.
3. Always be prepared and take a couple of the same colored ink pens, either blue or black.
4. Remember to carry that fact card with you. Below is the list of information you will need to have available for yourself so you will be prepared.

Fact Card List

1. Your name
2. Permanent address and telephone numbers
3. Social Security number
4. Drivers license number
5. Schools attended and the addresses if available. If the school no longer exists do not list the old address. Usually just the city and state is enough.
6. Last elementary school and the dates you attended
7. Last secondary school and the dates and when you graduated
8. All other classroom training like College or special vocational training and the dates you attended and graduated or completed. List all degrees, certificates, credits, and diplomas.
9. All other training such as workshops, seminars, internships, on the job training etcetera. Location of the training and the dates attended and completed.
10. Information about your last 4 employers.
11. Name of the company if you were self-employed write that “Self-Employed”
12. Complete address of the company with zip code and phone number. If the company has relocated try to get the new address and if it is out of business make sure you state that.
13. Your job title and a brief description of your job duties. Keywords will conserve space on your fact card and serve to remind you.
14. The dates you were employed mo/yr.
15. The name of your supervisor if it was more than one I always put down the one that I got along the best with.
16. Wage earned from start to finish date. If you can’t remember just make your best guess.
17. Reason you left the job and try to list the most positive one. If you were fired just write you “will discuss at the interview” that way you will be able to explain it better.
18. References of at least 3 people, with name, addresses, phone numbers, occupation, and the length of time acquainted. They may ask for either personal or business references, so be prepared with the home or business information required.
19. Military experience, list the dates you served, last duty station, last training you received and type of discharge.
20. Your last 3 previous addresses and dates or how long at each location. Employers are looking for stable people and they like knowing you will be around for awhile.
21. Last medical exam, list your doctor’s name, address, and date of examination.

I know in my lifetime I have gone through many changes so I know first hand how hard it can be. When starting a new job you need to be alert so your able to think clearly and be able to make decisions and carry them out with energy. You will likely be on probation for the first 90 days till you prove yourself and knowing that will cause a stressful feeling.

If you know what your going into before you start you can work on adapting your mental state to meet this challenge and make the transition easier. Every job I have ever had, the whole process has made me physically sick from all the stress.

I like to show by example so I was never good at telling people what to do. I worked as both waitress and bartender at one restaurant for 20 years and was given the responsibility of training them, both waitresses and bartenders, plus I was forced to fire a couple of people which wasn’t in my job description nor was I paid for assuming the role as manager. Working with the public is very stressful in itself, but to have to let someone go because my boss was a coward caused me to seek a career change.

When starting any new endeavor be prepared for feelings of fear and uncertainty and your personal life will need adjusting depending on the shift and hours you are expected to work. Your first priority will be to learn and get the lay of the land. Never be afraid to ask questions regardless if you think someone might think your stupid and if need be ask your questions over and over until you learn. This is where that energy and focus will come in handy.

A good boss will communicate well with their employees so you will know exactly what is expected of you and if they don’t then you should initiate some form of communication so everything is clear and do try to get to know your boss. You can learn transferable skills from any position you hold so never consider any job as dead end, the more skills you can develop the more you can offer if you ever change positions. Do your very best on every job so you can develop good references.

5 necessary skills for job survival are punctuality and that means in all things, getting to work on time, returning on time from breaks and lunch, your attendance at meetings, appointments and always make sure you plan ahead encase you need some other form of transportation.

Quality means how well you perform your job in all areas to keep the product up to standard or better so the consumer will be happy and buy more. Your company will not grow if the quality is bad so take pride in your job.

Productivity – You are paid by a company to produce a certain amount of work so it is best to develop a positive attitude and avoid any circumstances that would limit your ability to perform the duties that are expected. Production is always the end result for any company.

The ability to get along with fellow employees, the public, and supervisors is very important. You are always being evaluated by your actions so be cooperative, courteous, and show good work ethics. Steer clear of any problematic employees and be careful of the things you do and how you do them.

Loyalty is truly appreciated and valued by the employer and is usually rewarded. It encompasses all of the above skills. When you are working toward the common goal of improving your place of employment, you are not only making it better for the employer, but for everyone around you including yourself.