By Sarah Maple

For those of you who are unfamiliar with microblogging, I would be utterly surprised if you have not at least heard of Twitter. Twitter has established itself as the leading microblog platform - a means for users to post 140 character “tweets” (thoughts, opinions, links to websites/pages, etc) for the benefit of their followers. There are numerous microblogging platforms, but they are essentially doing the same thing - pushing content/information to those who want to read it. So how can it be used in traditional, blended and distance learning?

First and foremost, microblogging is increasingly being seen as an efficient means of communication. Available on any computer and mobile phone with internet capabilities, students and lecturers can therefore update each other on course meetings, news that is related to their subjects, new books at the library, and even direct questions regarding work in and out the classroom. David Parry, professor at the University of Texas sums up its importance simply (casesblog.blogspot.com): “The walls of the classroom no longer apply, and the institution as a whole is really conservative and it keeps trying to maintain those walls…for our students those walls don’t exist.”

As a communication aid, the benefits of microblogging are quite simple - but there is a vast difference between information and knowledge. So how can twitter help students learn? Steve Wheeler, at the University of Plymouth, posted his ideas on his blog (steve-wheeler.blogspot.com) in January yet the ensuing discussion carried on for months. In one point, Wheeler highlights the importance a microblogging platform can have for its users to exercise ‘academic discipline’, especially when it comes to “summing up” complicated texts and discussions with a limit of 140 characters. Microblogging forces us to use our language in a refined and acute manner - and this is an increasingly important skill online.

Many forward-thinking lecturers and teachers have incorporated Twitter and microblogging into their teaching, despite the conservative institutions striving to contain themselves within their walls. But how have students found “tweeting”? The most interesting responses I’ve found have been published by Nicole Melander, a teacher at the Kogod School of Business in Washington D.C. Over two weeks she enthusiastically forced Twitter upon her students and got responses ranging from confusion (”If you don’t need to get out of jail and don’t witness an accident or catastrophy, what is the point about Twitter?”) on the first day, to outright love (”Twitter is easy to use.I like the links.People are actually sharing content,even if they still feel like u should know what they’re eating.”) a fortnight later.

As content and information becomes increasingly digitised and free to access, even courses that were traditionally offline are discovering that using Web 2.0 and e-Learning technology can enhance the learning experience. Microblogging is another means to find content, have content find you, and learn about how we can succeed online - as communicators and part of the wider world.

Sarah Maple is writing about online study and how to find the best online degree courses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Maple

By Pat L Anderson

Time management is crucial in achieving the goals you have for your success. When you learn to manage your time well, you will see yourself moving step by step closer to fulfilled dreams and goals. Learning to manage your time involves some basic steps but more importantly, diligence to follow through with action on those simple steps will bring you the results you desire.

7 Basic Steps to Time Management:

1. Plan your day, the evening before. When you sit down at the end of your work day and view tomorrow you see a fresh, clean slate. You have more clarity to plan your actions for the next day than you do when you just allow life to happen and you plan according to what is coming into your life at the moment.

2. Plan your priorities into your day. Know your priorities. What goals are you striving for? Each goal you are working toward has priorities that you must accomplish in order to achieve your goals. Plan those priorities into each day.

3. Know your most productive time of day. Schedule your most important priorities around those times.

4. Plan blocks of time for each area of your life. We have many different responsibilities in the key areas of our lives. Schedule blocks of time into each day when you will work in each key part, focusing on your responsibilities in that area. Stick to your time frames for each area and accomplish more in every important sphere of your life.

5. Follow systems for each area of your life. As a Mom, have a system for your children’s needs; your household needs; your business needs. Follow your system for each key area of your life.

6. Be flexible. Life happens, it’s inevitable. Learn to adapt and get back on the track of working towards your goals.

7. Celebrate. Celebrate the accomplishments. Live your life now. Do not wait for the future when all your dreams have come true. You have this very moment - celebrate the good things about it. As you accomplish great and small things, each and every day, acknowledge those victories and learn to celebrate them with joy and thankfulness.

And now I would like to offer you FREE instant access to my 3 Success Strategies for Work At Home Moms. You can download them by going to http://www.patandersontoday.com/3-wahm-success-strategies

From Pat Anderson - Inspiring Work At Home Moms to make a difference!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pat_L_Anderson

As a website owner, getting your site listed and placing well in the search engines can turn into a full time job. Search engine optimization is the process of altering your site so it appears in the top listings of the major search engines. You can hire someone to do it for you and pay out thousands, or you can be “web savvy” and learn how to do it yourself.

True search engine optimization does not involve tricks or search engine spam, but techniques that help websites become more search engine friendly and therefore rank better.

So how does a novice learn what search engines find important, let alone which search engines to optimize for? The answers to these questions and much more can be found online in discussion forums. Discussion forums are a valuable resource and a fertile learning ground for anyone with the motivation to learn. Hang out a while and read the posts and you’ll soon absorb so much new information that you may become an expert yourself.

So where do you find these forums? If you want to learn from the best, you’ve got to know where the best hang out. I’m going to save you the research time by introducing you to the “cream of the crop.”

1) HighRankings Forum: http://HighRankings.com/forum/  

This discussion board, run by the acclaimed search engine expert Jill Whalen, is priceless. The forum is broken down into categories ranging from optimization tips and techniques to link building and copywriting techniques. You’ll need to choose a user name and password and confirm your new account by email before using the board. Jill really knows her stuff, and I highly recommend her free newsletter as well.

2) Best Practices S.E. Forum: http://IhelpYouServices.com/forums/  

You’ll find this forum to be a very busy place. Nice variety of topics broken down by individual search engines so you can pick the exact engine you want to study. You’ll also find information on pay per click search engines, link popularity and much more. Again, you’ll need to register before using the board.

3) SiteOwners/ Webmasters Forums http://SiteOwnersForums.com  

Not specifically a search engine board. Topics are for website owners, but if you look closely you’ll see a category titled “search engine optimization,” with a lot of activity. You’ll find a range of topics and general questions on how to achieve a better ranking. As with the others, you’ll need to register first before posting.

4) Search Engine Marketing Forums: http://SearchEngineForums.com  

Offered by JimWorld.com, this forum is a great example of everything an informative board should be. You’ll find a real sense of community here. Topics are broken down by categories like “search engine optimization,” organic and pay per click search engines, Net marketing strategies and more. At the time of my visit, there were over 5,000 topics posted in the optimization category alone. JimWorld offers many excellent resources like free website templates, tutorials, helpful tools and again, a great ezine.

5) Cre8asite Forums: http://www.cre8asiteforums.com

Covering topics like usability, web design and search engine optimization. You’ll need to drill down to find the category you need. Some of the categories had well over 4,000 posts when I visited, so there are a lot 

of goodies to be found here.

Who said there’s no such thing as “a free lunch?” Search engine forums are literally a goldmine of information, and they won’t cost you a dime. By spending some quality time in these forums, you’ll find your knowledge base increasing daily until you become one of the “experts” yourself. When that happens, you can start posting responses and helping other newbies yourself.

Forums are a community of people, so if you benefit from them it’s always a good idea to give something back by reaching out to other participants. Remember, everything you need to improve your search engine rankings is out there; it’s your job to go and get it. See you at the “top.”
Merle (just Merle, thank you) is an experienced Internet Marketer/Promoter Consultant. She knows what it takes for business websites to be successful. She has been online for over five years and has three websites to her credit: MC Promotions http://www.MCPromotions.com  - Merle’s World http://www.MerlesWorld.com and Ezine Ad Auction http://www.EzineAdAuction.com  

Merle lives in a suburb right outside of Cleveland, Ohio with her two dogs, Teddy Bear and Dakota, and her fiance. Her hobbies include reading (especially anything Net-related), writing and publishing her three ezines, MC Promotions Press, Merle’s Mission and Ezine Ad Auction Authority. All 3 publications have a combined subscriber base of well over 11,000. Feel free to contact her with any questions.

By Janet G. Daughtry

Bill Montgomery once said that one of the most important things in life is to decide what is the most important thing? That is sound advice. How many people consider what really matters or take the time to give it any thought? Many of the difficulties we face in life are because we have not taken the time to decide what is really important to us and what we value. Therefore, we do not know what our values are and our life reflects the disconnect.

I often remind women to honor their values in the decision making process. Why? I believe that values are like a road map. If you do not know where you are headed in life, you are not likely to have a very productive or fulfilling life. Values provide the structure, direction and even security that we need to live a life that is in sync with who we really are and what we want to be in this life. They provide the basis for knowing what to say yes to and what to say no to. They also become a guide that we can refer to over and over again when we have to make the really tough choices and decisions of life. In fact, I would have to say that the difference between living a mediocre life and an exceptional life is one that is principle driven or value driven.

The same concept applies for leadership as well. I believe the difference between leadership that is mediocre and exceptional has a lot to do with values or the lack of them. How many times have we seen leaders come and go because they lacked integrity or honesty? A leader who is value driven does not worry about opinion or get swept up with their own emotions, fears, anxieties or public opinion. When the rubber meets the road and tough decisions have to be made, a higher principle kicks in. Value driven leadership basis their decisions on a set of principles and values. An effective leader can make decisions quickly and decisively because they are value or principle driven. Those values become the basis for their decisions time and after time.

So thank you, Bill. I believe you have it right! The most important thing in life and leadership is to decide what really is the most important thing? What about you? How does your life and leadership reflect and honor the things that matter the most to you- your core values?

Prep for the Top 10 Interview Questions

Author: Carole Martin, The Interview Coach

Too many job seekers stumble through interviews as if the questions are coming out of left field. But many interview questions are to be expected. Study this list and plan your answers ahead of time so you’ll be ready to deliver them with confidence. 

What Are Your Weaknesses? 

This is the most dreaded question of all. Handle it by minimizing your weakness and emphasizing your strengths. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits: “I am always working on improving my communication skills to be a more effective presenter. I recently joined Toastmasters, which I find very helpful.” 

Why Should We Hire You?

Summarize your experiences: “With five years’ experience working in the financial industry and my proven record of saving the company money, I could make a big difference in your company. I’m confident I would be a great addition to your team.” 

Why Do You Want to Work Here? 

The interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you’ve given this some thought and are not sending out resumes just because there is an opening. For example, “I’ve selected key companies whose mission statements are in line with my values, where I know I could be excited about what the company does, and this company is very high on my list of desirable choices.” 

What Are Your Goals? 

Sometimes it’s best to talk about short-term and intermediate goals rather than locking yourself into the distant future. For example, “My immediate goal is to get a job in a growth-oriented company. My long-term goal will depend on where the company goes. I hope to eventually grow into a position of responsibility.” 

Why Did You Leave (Or Why Are You Leaving) Your Job?

If you’re unemployed, state your reason for leaving in a positive context: “I managed to survive two rounds of corporate downsizing, but the third round was a 20 percent reduction in the workforce, which included me.”  If you are employed, focus on what you want in your next job: “After two years, I made the decision to look for a company that is team-focused, where I can add my experience.” 

When Were You Most Satisfied in Your Job?

The interviewer wants to know what motivates you. If you can relate an example of a job or project when you were excited, the interviewer will get an idea of your preferences. “I was very satisfied in my last job, because I worked directly with the customers and their problems; that is an important part of the job for me.” 

What Can You Do for Us That Other Candidates Can’t?  What makes you unique?

This will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and traits. Summarize concisely: “I have a unique combination of strong technical skills, and the ability to build strong customer relationships. This allows me to use my knowledge and break down information to be more user-friendly.” 

What Are Three Positive Things Your Last Boss Would Say About You?

  It’s time to pull out your old performance appraisals and boss’s quotes. This is a great way to brag about yourself through someone else’s words: “My boss has told me that I am the best designer he has ever had. He knows he can rely on me, and he likes my sense of humor.” 

What Salary Are You Seeking?

  It is to your advantage if the employer tells you the range first. Prepare by knowing the going rate in your area, and your bottom line or walk-away point. One possible answer would be: “I am sure when the time comes, we can agree on a reasonable amount. In what range do you typically pay someone with my background?” 

If You Were an Animal, Which One Would You Want to Be?

  Interviewers use this type of psychological question to see if you can think quickly. If you answer “a bunny,” you will make a soft, passive impression. If you answer “a lion,” you will be seen as aggressive. What type of personality would it take to get the job done? What impression do you want to make?

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interviews-articles/prep-for-the-top-10-interview-questions-509065.html

About the Author:
Carole Martin is a celebrated author, trainer, and mentor. Carole can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Get a copy of her FREE 9-part “Interview Success Tips” report by visiting Carole on the web at  http://www.interviewcoach.com  Visit her new free Job Interview Coaching Center at  http://www.jobinterviewcoachingcenter.com

Can’t you tell when somebody wants something from you? I certainly can. And it usually feels inconvenient and intrusive.

So you can understand, then, why potential clients will often run for cover when your cold call is only about “making the sale.”

Most people sense that cold calls are self-serving to the person calling. You can almost hear the unspoken thought, “You want something, right? Otherwise why would you be calling?” This triggers almost immediate resistance.

For cold calling to be done in a non-intrusive way, we must shift the perception away from “you want something,” into “you are being helpful.” When our cold calls do not feel intrusive, people naturally are more open to talking with us.

Shifting this perception in others is all about shifting a perspective within ourselves.

Focusing on being helpful takes us away from the traditional sales mindset. In the old mindset, we talk about ourselves and our product or service. In this new approach, we’re focusing on potential clients and what may be helpful to them.

To be perceived as helpful, we must actually be helpful. If we try to use “being seen as helpful” as just another sales technique, people will sense our hidden agenda and react with suspicion. Be sincere in your approach and desire to help the other person.

 Here’s how to stop being intrusive and start being helpful:

 1. Make It About Them, Not About You

We’ve all learned that when we begin a conversation with a potential client, we should talk about ourselves, our product, and our solution.

But this self-focus almost always feels intrusive to the other person and shuts down the possibility of a genuine conversation.

Instead, step directly into their world. Open the conversation with a question rather than a sales pitch. For example, “I’m just giving you a call to see if your company is grappling with unpaid invoices issues?”

Never let the person feel that your focused on your own needs, goals, or agenda. Communicate that we’re calling with 100 percent of your thoughts and energy focused on their needs.

2. Avoid the Artificial Salesperson Enthusiasm

People feel pushed along by artificial enthusiasm. This triggers rejection because it feels very intrusive to be pushed by someone they don’t know.

Artificial enthusiasm includes some expectation that our product or service is a great fit for them. Yet, we’ve never spoken with them before, much less had a full conversation with them. We can’t possibly know much about them or their needs.

And so to them, we are simply someone who wants to sell them something

It is better to modestly assume you know very little about them. Invite them to share with you some of their concerns and difficulties. And allow them to guide the conversation, even when it means getting “off track” a bit.

3. Focus on One Compelling Problem to Solve

Don’t go into a pitch the way you would if you were operating out of the traditional sales mindset. Make what you say about them, not about you. Try to keep in mind that who you are and what you have to offer are irrelevant at this moment.

The key is to identify a problem that you believe the other person might have. Depending on your business or industry, here are some examples of what you might say:

 I’m just calling if you’d be open to looking at any possible hidden gaps in your business that might be causing sales losses?

I’m just calling to see if you’re grappling with problems of employee performance related to a lack of training support?

I’m just calling to see if you’re open to looking at whether any department in your company might be losing revenue due to vendor overcharges?

Address one specific, concrete problem that you know most businesses experience. Don’t make any mention of you or any solutions you have to offer. Remember, it’s always about them, not about you.

4. Consider “Where Should We Go From Here?”

Let’s say the initial call turns into a positive and friendly conversation. The other person feels you’re offering something valuable, and wants to know more. Both of you feel there may be a match.

Rather than focusing on making a sale at this point, you can simply say, “Well, where do you think we should go from here?” This question reassures potential clients that you’re not using the conversation to fulfill your own hidden agenda.

Rather, your giving them space and time to come to their own conclusions. You’re helping them create their own path, and you will follow.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sales-articles/how-to-stop-cold-calls-from-feeling-intrusive-4-key-ways-to-be-seen-as-helpful-while-cold-calling-236858.html

About the Author:
Ari Galper, founder of Unlock The Game, makes cold calling painless and simple. Learn his free cold calling secrets even the sales gurus don’t know. To receive your 10 free audio mini-lessons visit   http://www.UnlockTheGame.com/”>www.UnlockTheGame.com” target=”_blank”>www.UnlockTheGame.com”>http://www.UnlockTheGame.com/”>www.UnlockTheGame.com

Author: Thomas Turner

All people have goals they need to achieve in either their career or their personal life. A quality found in any productive or successful person is setting personal goals, as well as having a plan to follow in order to achieve them. One of the most powerful success secrets is the ability to set goals and the drive to follow through with them. 

Having definite goals is essential to getting the most productivity from your life and work. Steady production requires a sense of purpose. You can increase your productivity by having a clear idea of tasks, a process of bringing those tasks to fruition, and the organization and analysis to get it done. 

A key factor in productivity is being able to maintain focus. Another term for this is staying on task, and this means doing work that directly leads to the goal and not being distracted by trivia or unrelated matters. An example would be in avoiding speculation about remote possibilities and instead staying on track with the most likely outcome. 

Productivity begins with an understanding of the desired goal and what steps are involved in achieving the intended results. The most productive workers find the most efficient means to achieving those goals with little wasted time or effort, but with the greatest possible outcome. 

You get more done when you are motivated. Those who do the most are the ones who are concerned with their aims and truly want to achieve them. Honest eagerness for a positive result keeps you going when things are hard or frustrating. That is also so with regard to life goals, and the importance of your own health, happiness, and success should motivate you to set your aims high. 

One of the most important factors when it comes to productivity is how you use time. A worker who is efficient with their time will be much more productive than a worker who does not use their time wisely. You might have to reevaluate your plan from time to time, tweak it here and there as you find what works better, but ultimately these reevaluations will produce far more efficient time management. 

The characteristics that work in the business world also translate into personal life. For example, a goal might be to buy a house. Achieving this would mean formulating a plan to have the down payment and closing costs and an income sufficient to paying a mortgage. The buyer would need to remain on task in their savings and earning plan and also maintain enthusiasm while working efficiently to reach the goal as soon as possible. The same steps and methods would hold true for any personal goal.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/goal-setting-articles/productivity-is-the-core-skill-for-success-811152.html

About the Author:

Personal goal setting and having a plan to implement those goals is one of the most powerful success secrets  that can make a person achieve beyond their wildest expectations.  Productivity begins with an understanding of the desired goal and what steps are involved in achieving the intended results. Efficiency is another factor of a productive life. An employee who keeps at the job, and works to where you can see progress is simply more useful than a worker who wastes time. This means monitoring the effectiveness of the work method, and changing those things that are not working in order to positive results.

In fact, this issue will be the last of its kind.  Next month we’ll be unveiling a whole new look and exciting new content.  The new look will coincide with the facelift www.teamdoubleclick.com is receiving this month and the new content will be extraordinary.  Next month we will be splitting the newsletter up for our two separate audiences - on-the-bench virtual assistants and those who are still considering working virtually or still making their way through the sign up process.  Each newsletter will feature different information, giving on-the-bench virtual assistants more information about getting more work from current clients and giving soon-to-be virtual assistants more generalized information about working virtually and how to get through the sign up and interviewing process.  Also starting next month, each of you will receive just one issue of The Virtual Voice each month instead of two.

 We’d love to hear your reaction to our new format and encourage you to let us know how we’re doing.  We’d also appreciate your content suggestions.  This week’s article on Twitter actually came from a reader’s suggestion to include more of this type of information in an upcoming newsletter.

 So please, write in and tell us how you like (or not) the new format and new content and by all means, send your suggestions to info@teamdoubleclick.com.

Twitter is still a relatively new social networking site, and there are still thousands of marketers who are not using it to its full potential. Some are not using it at all. As with just about any other social networking site you can mention, you have to put in the work at the start to establish yourself as a credible, helpful contributor who is there to do more than just give a sales message and win customers. Using Twitter is an art form all of its own, and is totally unlike anything you will do anywhere else.

The short length of the messages you are allowed to send means that you have to approach the task in a completely different way. The underlying principle does not change, however, and if you are looking to build a long term business presence, you will need to take a long-term view and work to build up your network of friends. These friends can see your twits on their Twitter home page, so it is well worth making the effort to cultivate as many as you can. You are allowed to put links in your twits, so you will need to restrain yourself from getting carried away and posting links too often.

As ever, it takes a bit of work and a bit of thought to use Twitter effectively. Make sure that your twits are of value and interesting. If you can keep abreast of breaking news, and the latest trends in your area of expertise, you can build up a reputation as being someone to watch out for. This will keep you on people’s friend lists, and give you the chance to broadcast an occasional message about your own website or profile which will encourage them to visit. Driving social network traffic is never quick or easy, but you can build up a reputation which will result in regular visitors to your site, who have every chance of becoming regular customers.

About the Author:

Nelson Tan is the webmaster behind Internet Mastery Center. Download $347 worth of FREE Internet Marketing gifts at http://www.internetmasterycenter.com

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