The Daily Machete

Q & A Flashback: Is Grad School for Me?

Mike Thomas — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:09:30 GMT

Those who go to grad school usually fall into one of two camps: 1) they go right after earning their Bachelor's; or 2) they go several years afterwards to jump start their careers. But if you haven't gone on to grad school, should you? A reader asked this question a year ago and we answered it in this post:

Q & A: Should I Go to Grad School?

Q & A PODCAST: What to Do If You're Blackballed

Mike Thomas — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:09:23 GMT

Anyone who has been fired and had a tough time landing an interview has, at one point or another, suspected their former employers of giving bad references. In other words, they've suspected their old bosses of blackballing them and giving bad references. How do you know if you're blackballed and what can you do about it? Download today's podcast or listen to it on your home computer.

Q & A: Ten Businesses You Can Start on a Shoestring

Mike Thomas — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:09:20 GMT

In last Friday's post, a reader wrote in asking what to do when you can't move and the local job market is the pits. One of the suggestions The Daily Machete provided in that post was to start your own business. In this post, we'll detour from the normal Q & A format to piggyback - and expand - on that answer by providing ten businesses you can start on a shoestring.

You really don't have to spend huge money to start a business. The old saying that you have to have money to make money is still true, but in many cases, the ratios have changed. That is to say, you don't necessarily have to already be rich or go into deep debt to get a business up and running. You really can start a business on a shoestring. In fact, here are ten that you could start today:

1 ) Your own product line. Yes, you can start your own product line business on a shoestring. In fact, you can even start your own product line for less than a shoestring. All you need is some creativity and a broadband Internet connection. Head over to CafePress or Zazzle and you'll be able to design your own shirts, hoodies, calendars, mugs, plates and more. The nice part, here, is that you don't even have to carry - or ship - the inventory yourself. They'll do it for you.

2 ) Hot sauce. You can start a hot sauce business on a shoestring. There are a couple sites that provide "private label" services. Think of a "private label" hot sauce like a department store credit card: you pay to have your label put on their product, then you sell the product and keep the profit (this is how department stores make extra profit off their cards). I wrote a piece a while back for Associated Content about how you can start a hot sauce business on a shoe string and score some pretty nice money in the process. While HotSauce.com is mentioned in that piece, you can also try FireGirl.com, too.

3 ) Gift baskets. Yes, you can start a gift basket business on a shoestring. There are a number of ways to do this. One way to start a gift basket business on a shoestring is to follow Tori's two-part advice on PaidOpps on how to make money off totally free samples and how to turn free samples into dollar bills. Another great way to start this business on a shoestring is to buy closeout items on the cheap, then repackage and sell them for a profit. There's a well thought-out post on how to do just that here.

4 ) eBay. You just knew you'd find this online auction site here, didn't you? It's how a lot of people start a business on a shoestring. Even with eBay's fee increases for sellers, it's still a great way to have a business without a lot of overhead. eBay attracts tons of shoppers, after all. In fact, that's how I started making money online years ago. While there are a number of other sites you can use that charge fewer fees - and you should experiment with a number of them - eBay attracts the most shoppers. Start by selling your own stuff, then pick up more stuff to sell at garage sales.

5 ) Rock and roll all night. If you can sing and/or know how to play a musical instrument, then you can start a band - which is one of the most simple ways to start a business on a shoestring. Most have been to bars where there's a house band. Most have also gone somewhere where there's just one musician who also sings. These singers and musicians started their music business on a shoestring - and so can you. Pitch your act to bars, coffee shops, party houses and for weddings and other functions.

6 ) Party everyday. There are a lot of people who party for a living - and started their business on a shoestring. They help organize parties to sell products like Avon, Amway, Princess House and more. If you're an outgoing, creative person, then you'll be able to develop many ways to sell the products. There are tons of people making very good money out there (think of how often do you see a high-performing Mary Kay seller driving a pink Cadillac) - and they all started their businesses on a shoestring. Seriously. In many cases, they started their businesses for $100 or less.

7 ) Blog. Yes, blog. The Daily Machete wouldn't still be around if it didn't make money, and neither would most other blogs that have been around for as long as the one you're currently reading. Blogging is perfect for those who want to start a business on a shoestring because you can start a blog for free with services like Blogger. Even if you decide to "do the dot com," you'll only pay a nominal fee per month. And you can make money many different ways: paid posting services (e.g. PayPerPost, Sponsored Reviews, etc.), advertising (like Adsense), and though affiliates (such as Amazon.com).

8 ) Make it up as you go. Summer's ramping up. And when summer hits, there are tons of fairs and festivals, where people sell their wares in booths. If you like making crafts, you could be one of them. Selling at festivals is a great business to start on a shoestring because you've probably already made tons of crafts (or jellies, mustards, paintings or whatever) that you can showcase. If so, then you already have the materials you need to start your business. Your expenses will include your supplies, as well as the cost of renting a booth for the weekend. To really ramp up your earnings, sell everywhere there's a festival within an hour's drive, sell from a website, sell at consignment shops and sell at flea markets.

9 ) Cater. If you can cook well, then you can cater - and it's a great business to start on a shoestring. Some caterers handle events, some only cater for families, and others just make one item (cakes, for instance). Even with the expected increase in food prices, your supplies will be cheap enough for you to pull a profit because you won't buy them until a customer places an order. And, if you have a number of orders or a large quantity to make, you may be able to buy your ingredients in bulk to save money - which makes your profits even higer.

10 ) What's that behind your ear? Magicians can easily make $100 per birthday party performance - and easily do three birthday parties on Saturdays and another three on Sundays. That's $600 per week - or $30,000 per year on the side. The best part is you can start this business on a shoestring. Go to the library for a couple books on magic and run a few Internet searches to find a few illusions. If you practice until your tricks are flawless and you develop an on-stage persona, you could be well on your way to a solid part-time business. And, so long as you use common, everyday items as props in your act, you can start this business on a shoestring.

IN THE CARAVAN: You don't have to spend a lot of money to start your own business. You can start all ten of these businesses on a shoestring.

LATER TODAY: What to Do If You're Blackballed (Podcast)

NEXT FRIDAY: How Can I Find a Job When I'm Pregnant?

Check out last Friday's posts:
Q & A: How to Get Blood From a Stone
Q & A Podcast: How Do I Fill Seasonal Employment Gaps?

INTERVIEWING Flashback: Using Larry Kings Techniques

Mike Thomas — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:19:00 GMT

Larry King knows how to conduct an interview. His conversational skills and natural curiosity serve him - and his interview subjects - well. Many of Larry King's techniques, in fact, can be used by job seekers during job interviews, too. We looked at how in a post from one year ago. Check out the full post here:

INTERVIEWING: The Larry King Technique

INTERVIEWING PODCAST: Bad Interview Questions and Answers

Mike Thomas — Thu, 15 May 2008 10:08:00 GMT

No matter how bad your interview went, somebody else has had a worse one. No matter how bad the questions you have been asked, and no matter how bad your answers were, there have been worse. Others have had to endure more ridiculous hiring managers. Others have performed more poorly than you. Don't believe it? You will after you download today's podcast or listen to it on your computer.

INTERVIEWING: Professional Coyness

Mike Thomas — Thu, 15 May 2008 06:14:53 GMT

Desperate job seekers interview poorly.

Think of it this way: you're in the market for a date. Would you want to date anyone who's desperate for a date - any date - any date at all?!?

Probably not. After all, how can you respect someone who's desperate?

Employers are the same way. Most hiring managers don't want to hire people who don't have any other options and are desperate for a job - any job - any job at all. Of course, we've all witnessed what happens when an employer hires someone desperate and those who begin dating the desperate: the disrespect becomes overt.

And who wants to be on the receiving end of that?!?

The trick in interviews, then, is to remove the stench of desperation by being professionally coy. You want to express interest in the jobs for which you're applying, but you don't want to express too much interest, for fear of coming off as desperate. Here are a few tips on how to be professionally coy in job interviews:

It seems to fit me. There's a world of difference between saying, "my skills fit the job" and "the job seems to fit my skills, but I'd like to learn more." The former shows that you're willing to morph yourself for a job, the latter shows you know what you bring to the party and that you're a little choosey. The latter also shows that you have confidence in yourself. And this professional coyness born of confidence is attractive to employers (and potential dates).

Side step. Employers will often ask a question ahead of its time. They may, for instance, ask about your desired salary discussing the job itself. Instead of answering the out-of-order question, be professionally coy and side step it. You might, for instance, say, "that's a great question, but I'd like to hear a little more about the position before we discuss income." This demonstrates that you're interested more in the functionality of the position while letting the hiring manager believe that you're not financially desperate. And employers, like potential dates, find those who are financial comfortable very attractive.

Reschedule. Rescheduling an interview is a great way to demonstrate professional coyness - and make employers want you even more. After you schedule a date, time and location for an interview, wait a day. After one day, call the hiring manager and tell him/her that "another commitment came up" and that you'll need to reschedule the interview. Since you won't be specific about what the other commitment is, the hiring manager may conclude it's to interview for another job. And, just like when you're dating, nothing is more irresistable than someone who has options.

IN THE CARAVAN: Professional coyness can make employers want you more than your competitors. Show interest, but don't throw yourself at hiring managers.

LATER TODAY: Bad Interview Questions and Answers (Podcast)

NEXT THURSDAY: Recession Salary Negotiation Tactics

Check out last Thursday's posts:
INTERVIEWING: Positive Attitude, Positive Answers, Positive Results
INTERVIEWING: Turning Negatives Into Positives (Supplemental)
INTERVIEWING PODCAST: How to Get a Second Interview

ADDING VALUE Flashback: Getting Through a Busy Day

Mike Thomas — Tue, 13 May 2008 18:31:39 GMT

Some pieces of advice come out of the blue when you least expect it.

And sometimes, it's exactly when you need it.

One year ago, life was crazy. Maybe you can relate. The Daily Machete was consuming large quantities of my time and attention, a lot of job seekers were contacting me for one-on-one coaching, home projects were in full swing, I was training for a marathon and The Lady of the House had a nasty flu.

In short, life was really, really hectic. That's why I was so happy to read a Slow Leadership post that provided some great advice on how to get through - and survive - a busy day. Check out The Daily Machete's review of the post here:

ADDING VALUE: Review of Yesterday's Slow Leadership Post

ADDING VALUE PODCAST: Build Your Skills for Free

Mike Thomas — Tue, 13 May 2008 18:31:32 GMT

Whether you're a job seeker, business owner, freelancer or even stay-at-home parent, keeping your skills up to date is important. Additional skills can help you get a great job, be promoted, and enjoy yourself more. Skills are great, but building your skills for free is even better. Find out how to build your skills for free by downloading today's podcast or listening to it on your computer.

ADDING VALUE: Cross-Discipline Skills You Can't Live Without

Mike Thomas — Tue, 13 May 2008 18:31:29 GMT

Employers, trying to get the best bang for their buck, often have employees doing several different functions in addition to their core responsibilities.

That means today's workers need to have strong cross-discipline skills to survive. The thing is, most employers won't take the time to teach new hires the additional skills - they expect them to have these cross-discipline skills already.

While there are many skills that are cross-discipline, most of them boil down to the "three C's:"

Computer. Knowing how to use Microsoft Office is all well and good, but it's becoming increasingly important for job seekers to know more. It's a good idea to learn a little HTML (hypertext markup language) because many employers require prospective employees to be web savvy - no matter what occupation you're in. It's also a good idea to learn an accounting package (like Money or QuickBooks). Knowing a few popular open source software programs (like OpenOffice and Audacity) may also be the cross-discipline skills your desired employers want.

Communication. Humorist Dave Barry used to teach executives and other people in business how to write clearly. He has admitted it was futile. Many can't write clearly, which, as you might expect, causes confusion. No matter the industry, solid writing skills are near the top of every employer's requirements for new hires. Ditto for the ability to speak in public. Clear communication is also a good indicator of clear thinking - which is a hallmark of good leadership.

Calculation. On the other side of the brain from writing and speaking clearly lies math. A recent survey indicates that a large percentage of recent high school graduates have insufficient math skills. Given this, it makes sense that those who do have good math skills have a leg up on those who don't. Even writers, PR reps, human resources reps and brick layers need math skills. But having superior math skills will cross all disciplines and make job seekers more in demand.

IN THE CARAVAN: Develop skills that cross disciplines and concentrate on the "three C's:" computer, communication and calculation.

LATER TODAY: Build Your Skills for Free (Podcast)

NEXT WEDNESDAY: Two Steps Forward and One Step Back

Check out last Wednesday's posts:

ADDING VALUE: Brain Builders

ADDING VALUE PODCAST: Having an "A" Game

NETWORKING Flashback; Networking Quick Tips

Mike Thomas — Mon, 12 May 2008 21:57:07 GMT

Earlier today, we looked at how to build your network from zero. That topic ties in quite well with a post from one year ago, one in which we looked at a few tips to ramp your networking up to speed. When taken in tandem, the earlier post works quite well with last year's post, which you can check out here:

NETWORKING: Four Networking Tips

NETWORKING PODCAST: Grow Your Network From Zero

Mike Thomas — Mon, 12 May 2008 21:57:03 GMT

You know that networking is the highest percentage method of finding work. The thing is, networking is not an overnight method. It takes a little time. But what if you don't have a network in place? What if you've moved to a brand new city and don't know anybody? Relax. There are ways to grow your network from zero. Find out how by downloading today's podcast or by listening to it on your computer.

Great Job Search Site for College Students

Mike Thomas — Tue, 13 May 2008 21:27:23 GMT

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE COLLEGE CLASS OF '08 !!!!

You've studied, sweat and worked very hard to get your degree! Now go out there, celebrate, have a great career and do some good in the world!

Of course, if you're still a college student, then you most likely want to Find College Internships or, if you've already done a couple internships, then you're probably interested in looking for College Jobs Online. And who can blame you? I mean, college students need jobs, too.

Luckily, AtCollegeJobs.com (which is sponsoring the content of this post) can help you find the job you're looking for - whether that be an accounting position or if you're conducting a College Marketing Jobs Search. You literally can find a job that matches your skills and interests in just a couple seconds. AtCollegeJobs.com is also different than the other job search sites that advertise during the Super Bowl, World Cup Soccer and NASCAR because they have jobs specifically for college students like you. And they don't require you to sign up to use this awesome free job search site, either.

So if you're still in college and are looking for a gig, you might want to give AtCollegeJobs.com a try.

NETWORKING: How to Deal With Soured Contacts

Mike Thomas — Mon, 12 May 2008 21:56:58 GMT

There are two sad truths most of us learn as children: 1) you can't like everyone and 2) not everyone is going to like you.

A cousin truth most of us learn as we grow up is this: not every friendship is forever. People change and grow in different directions. Who we are now is now who we were five years ago, nor who we will be in five years. As a result of all of this growth, it's only natural for people to grow and drift apart. This holds true with networking, too. Those we counted upon as professional contacts a decade ago may not be now.

Sometimes the bipartisan growth and drifting apart causes antimosity and ill will. Does this mean our former contacts are lost to us forever? Not necessarily. Here are a few ways to deal with soured contacts:

Reach out. If time and growth has created a rift between you and a contact, then you might want to speak with him/her. During your reconciliation chat, bring up some memories you share. Offer assistance on a project s/he is working on. Offer some information. It's a wonder what a little reaching out will do to clear out the baggage two soured contacts have.

Be re-introduced. If the direct approach is a little too, well, direct for you, then you may want to have someone you know in common introduce the two of you. Yes, you already know each other, but this re-introduction almost forces two soured contacts to speak with each other and play nice. Once two soured contacts begin speaking, reconciliation is possible.

Speak no ill. If reconciliation isn't in the cards (again, not everyone is going to like you), then remember the old saying: "if you can't say anything nice about someone, don't say anything at all." There's wisdom in these words. When you speak badly of someone, you're actually lowering your own stock with the person with whom you're speaking. Besides - people talk. Word will get back to your soured contact, which will only foster his/her ill will toward you. With soured contacts, take the high road.

IN THE CARAVAN: If your relationship with a contact has soured, reach out, ask a third party to re-acquaint you, and always take the high road.

LATER TODAY: Grow Your Network From Zero (Podcast)

NEXT TUESDAY: Singing Praise for Others

Check out last Tuesday's posts:
NETWORKING: Facebook for Work vs. Play
NETWORKING: Facebook Hybrids (Supplemental)
NETWORKING PODCAST: How to Avoid Overusing Your Network

RESUMES Flashback: Putting Makeup On a Pig

Mike Thomas — Sun, 11 May 2008 22:44:06 GMT

Despite the advice given here, on The Daily Machete, as well as by other sources of work search wisdom, not every job seeker keeps his/her resume up to date. As shocking as it may seem, some only update their resumes when they get canned or laid off. Sure, updating it on a monthly basis can be a drag, but it's really the best way not to forget your accomplishments and achievements. But, if you haven't updated your resume right along and need to submit it for a job right now, there's no use crying over spilled milk. Just take the advice provided in this post from one year ago:

RESUMES: Put Some Lipstick On That Pig

RESUMES PODCAST: Are Resume Blasting Services a Good Idea?

Mike Thomas — Sun, 11 May 2008 22:44:02 GMT

Some job seekers - many, in fact - are lured by resume blasting services' claims that they'll send out hundreds or thousands of resumes to employers. Resume blasting services will often promise to email, fax and post job seekers' resumes and all but guarantee that employers will clamor for your you. But are resume blasting services a good idea? Do they work? Find out by downloading today's podcast or listening to it on your computer.

RESUMES: Are Your Verbs Working Hard Enough?

Mike Thomas — Sun, 11 May 2008 22:43:59 GMT

Like most professionals in the job search field, I've reviewed tons of resumes. Some are very good, some are very bad and some resumes - the lion's share - are somewhere in the middle.

What separates the somewhere-in-the-middle resumes from the good ones? Tough question - there are many answers. But one of the most common things that hold resumes back is the choice of verbs.

Verbs on resumes should convey action and be strong. They should work double duty whenever possible and they should never be passive. Unfortunately, too many job seekers use weak verbs. Review your resume. Do you have weak verbs? Here are a few weak verbs to look for on your resume:

Worked. Sure, "worked" seems like a strong enough verb, but it's not. If you have a bullet point that starts with "worked," then you most likely follow it with the word "on" or "as" - neither of which are any good. Choose a different verb to start and rearrange your sentence. If, for instance, your bullet reads, "Worked as line cook,"
then you can re-write it as "Prepared dinners and lunches according to customer requests." Simply starting with a stronger verb ("prepared") makes for a stronger bullet.

Did. Too many novice resume writers start their bullets with "did," as in "did inventory." But that's too vague to really convince hiring managers to bring you in for an interview. "Did" for one business may only be a fraction of the job for - or ten times more than - another. A better verb might be "tracked," as in "tracked supply use an entered data into proprietary inventory system."

Functioned. We all function as something or another. But on your resume, "functioned" is far from the most descriptive - or best - verb you could use. Invariably, it's followed with the word "as," as in "functioned as a data entry specialist." A better way to write the bullet might be to start with the word "entered," as in "entered security data into spreadsheet to highlight company strengths and weaknesses."

IN THE CARAVAN: Review your resume for weak verbs. If your bullets start with weak verbs, then use a stronger verb and re-write bullet.

LATER TODAY: Are Resume Blasting Services a Good Deal? (Podcast)

NEXT MONDAY: Sleeper Words

Check out last Monday's posts:
RESUMES: Less Work, Better Results
RESUMES PODCAST: Real Estate Techniques and Menu Enticements

Keep Bad Debts Low

Mike Thomas — Mon, 12 May 2008 22:42:51 GMT

There are good debts and bad debts and it's important for everyone - job seekers included - to know the difference.

Bad debts are those debts for disposable or short-lived items. If you buy groceries or gasoline on credit without paying the entire balance off, for instance, then that would be considered a bad debt. More broadly, if you have balances on your credit cards and only make payments, then they all would be considered bad debts.

Good debts, on the other hand, build your wealth. If you have a mortgage or home equity line of credit, for instance, they would be considered good debts because the value of your home will presumably increase in value. And, with any luck, the value of your property will increase at a faster rate than interest is accrued on your homeowner loans.

It all comes down to this basic economic rule: credit is meant to be used as a tool.

Of course, if you're under a load of bad debt, then you might want to consider switching it over to good debt. You could check out Netloans.co.uk (which is sponsoring the content of this post), for instance, for debt consolidation loans or even bridging loans so you only have one payment to make on your debts instead of a lot of smaller ones.

Another viable option to get your bad debts under control is to look at secured loans. When you secure a loan, you do so with collateral. Most non-real estate secured loans are secured by an equal or greater amount of cash. Lenders like this kind of loan because they know if the borrower defaults, they're not out the money they lent.

Everyone - including job seekers - should keep their bad debts low and their total debt load under control.

BEST OF THE WEEK: Know What You're Selling

Mike Thomas — Sun, 11 May 2008 12:14:00 GMT

When you're looking for work, it's important to know what you bring to the party.

In other words, you have to know what you're selling to employers. The job seekers who know what they're selling have a decided edge over those who are looking for anything that provides a paycheck. And the job seekers who really, really know what they're selling are freelancers.

Yes, freelancers. After all, they're constantly looking for their next job. They have to because they don't have full time employers. That's why it's a good idea for job seekers to learn a few job seeking techniques from freelancers.

To take this mentality, it's a good idea to read the Freelance Switch blog - particularly Thursday's post. In the post, writer Steven Snell points out the need to show your wares on a blog, have a killer portfolio and more. It's definitely worth a read:

What Are You Selling?

BEST OF THE WEEK: Excellence Comes From a Decade of Practice

Mike Thomas — Sun, 11 May 2008 09:21:00 GMT

You've no doubt heard that the road to excellence is paved with practice.

But how much practice is enough to be an expert?

According to Steve Rubel at the Micro Persuasion blog in his post on Tuesday, it takes ten years of consistent, deliberate practice. Now, there's no doubt that expertise does not come overnight, but does it really take a whole decade? It's an interesting question. Read his post here and decide for yourself:

Become an Expert with the Power of Deliberate Practice

SUNDAY FUNNIES: Chicken Gender Checker

Mike Thomas — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:32:00 GMT

The Daily Machete is a big fan of Mike Rowe on his show "Dirty Jobs." He's cleaned out waste treatment plants, worked on oil rigs, been an exterminator and more. You can pretty much guarantee that by the end of the job, he'll be soiled and probably have to deal with human or animal poo.

He takes on the dirtiest of the dirty jobs. You could call him a masochist, you might call him a well-paid temp worker, and you might even call him a glutton for punishment. But whatever you call him, you've got to admit Mike Rowe has a sense of humor.

He's worked quite a few amusing jobs, and it's always surprising to see what he's got lined up on each episode, because most of us didn't even some of these jobs even existed. Kind of like this one.

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