Advertising Trends

Advertising TrendsAdvertising Trends

Set Small Goals and Work Faster and More Efficiently

Set Small Goals and Work Faster and More EfficientlySet Small Goals and Work Faster and More EfficientlyMaking a list of things to do each day (or week or month) and checking off elements you have accomplished may sound like just another thing to do. When done properly, keeping a tally of completed tasks can help you work more efficiently and offer you small emotional rewards to keep you motivated. Think Small to Accomplish Big Things If all of your goals involve long-term objectives or your projects are large and involved, break them down into something you can do that you can check off on a daily basis. For example, you might make a check item work two hours on the Smith project. Checking off items as you go helps you feel like you are actually accomplishing something and getting closer to results. Kids countdown the days to birthdays and holidays for this reason - each step (day) that brings them closer to their goal offers some tiny emotional reward. Measuring progress in st eps is the most effective way to quit smoking or to lose weight. Smokers are not told to focus on quitting for the rest of their lives but to count one day at a time as a success. Dieters are told not to focus on the overwhelming task of having to lose large amounts of weight - a daunting task that can cause some to give up before even trying, and so are instead encouraged to focus on losing the first five pounds, and then another, and another. If you are having trouble meeting certain goals, do not let your negativity take over because you are simply looking at a picture too large to feel anything but defeated this will only cause you to feel even more ineffective and less powerful. Instead, look at your goals which may simply be too big or unrealistic. Create a new item(s) on your list that you can accomplish. Rather than focusing on shortcomings and failures reassess your goals and steps to make them more realistic and easier to accomplish. Getting the Little Things out of th e Way Can Offer Big Emotional Rewards Getting the little things out of the way can help you focus better on the larger tasks at hand When you let little things (like returning phone calls) pile up you will begin to feel overwhelmed when all those little things have suddenly combined into one big thing to deal with. Think about letting the laundry pile up for a week - a couple of pairs of socks does not amount to much by themselves, but when combined with a weeks worth of shirts, pants, towels, etc., your one small laundry load turns into two or three you have to deal with. Try to get one thing you dislike doing or that has been pressing on your mind out of the way early in your day. Then you dont have to deal with it weighing on you and you can more easily move onto the next project. An added plus you will feel really good about accomplishing something you didnt want to do. Remember, we all need certain psychological boosts and emotional rewards to feel good about ourselves, other s, and the things that we do. In the business world, kudos, praise, and thanks often go without being said. Setting goals and then accomplishing them is a good substitute because it will help you feel better about yourself and the world around you.

Write a Targeted Cover Letter for Every Job

Write a Targeted Cover Letter for Every JobWrite a Targeted Cover Letter for Every JobWrite a Targeted Cover Letter for Every JobTheres no getting around it You need to include a targeted titelseite letter if youre applying for a specific job (form letters wont cut it). As the name implies, a targeted cover letter speaks directly to the job youre interested in, using words and phrases that match the job description. Thus, no two targeted cover letters should ever be exactly the same. Its a pain in the butt to tweak your letter for every new job application, but its also one of the best ways to show youre willing toput in the extra effort to do it right.You dont have to rewrite your entire cover letter every time just rearrange and restructure it to fit the specific details of the job opportunity. And dont forget to change the title of the position, the name of the company, and the name and title of the contact person for each jobSo how do you actually write a targeted cover letter? T ake your cue from the job ad (and the company web site). See what keywords and descriptors they use, which qualifications they emphasize, and in which order they list their desired skills. Then mimic those in your letter.For example, below is an actual job posting for a Personal Banking Representative. I highlighted (in bold type) the words or concepts I would include if I were writing a targeted cover letter for this positionThe Job AdPersonal Banking RepresentativeProvides world-class customer service which meets and exceeds the customers expectations.Actively sells banks products and services.Analyzes and determines the financial needs of each customer, matches this need to the appropriate product or service grows profitable customer relationships based on customer satisfaction.Meets and exceeds personal schlussverkauf goals and actively participates in all branch sales and marketing activities.Opens new accounts, processes loan applications, and closes loans according to guideli nes.Demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of all consumer product and services.Takes personal responsibility for developing and maintaining knowledge required to fulfill job functions.Performs other duties as requested.May be asked to help out at a neighboring branch.May be asked to travel to meetings.Heres a sample cover letter using those highlighted keywords and phrases to target this employers specific needsThe Targeted Cover LetterDear Ms. BankerThe Personal Banking Representative position strikes meas an outstanding opportunity to contribute my four years of banking and customer service experience to an organization that shares my commitment to relationship-building, professional development, and continuous growth.As an Assistant Banking Representative at XYZ Bank, I have gained an in-depth understanding of how to sell the many products, services, and financing options available to branch banking customers, along with the associated regulations and guidelines. I take pride in pro viding service that matches the individuals needs, helping ensure customer retention and satisfaction.I am eager to build upon my sales and marketing skills to enhance your organizations profitability. I have earned an Associates Degree in finance, and I make it a priority to pursue continued training and professional development, not only to fulfill job functions but to maintain and develop my knowledge of this industry.I am confident that I can fulfill the role of Personal Banking Representative, excelling at both the official duties and those that arise unexpectedly, to become a valuable member of your team.Best regards,Your NameBy using the same terminology and explicitly pointing out the parallels between your qualifications and the employers business needs, the readercan easily see the similarities. This leads them into your well-written resume, where yourskills and accomplishments convince them youre a candidate worth further consideration.