The Business Card Gets Creative
Like wearing gloves to a cocktail party, the standard rectangular business card has had its day, at least in some industries. Instead, odd-shaped cards that stand out are breathing new life into the old business convention.
(from oddstuffmagazine.com)
People who want to make a statement with their cards are getting creative. The owner of a business development firm hands out a version of a Rubik’s cube with his name on it. A security-training firm’s card is metal and contains lock-picking tools. From odd sizes such as trapezoids to surprising materials like plastic, these unusual marketing tools have one thing in common: the attempt to make the recipient remember the person handing them out.
Although some are irritated by smaller than usual cards or cards so thick they won’t fit into a wallet, proponents of the oddball leave-behinds claim that most receiving the cards hold onto them, which is, of course, the point.
Cultures outside of the U.S. and some industries such as law and finance show no signs of giving up the traditional rectangle, and experts warn young job seekers to stick to the standard.
From the Wall Street Journal
Here’s Why Workers are Unhappy
Americans are not happy, at least at work, according to a new survey conducted by Mental Health America. The research found that fewer than one-third of U.S. workers say they are happy in their jobs, costing American businesses billions of dollars in productivity.
The results from the survey, which measured attitudes of over 17,000 employees, found that only 25 percent of workers felt they were adequately paid. Seventy percent were actively seeking new employment. Other reasons for worker misery included insufficient recognition, tight deadlines, cranky colleagues, and demanding bosses.
The key factors that influenced happiness were perks and flexible workplaces. Of those employees who reported being happy at work, 52 percent said they had flexible arrangements, and three-fourths noted a relaxed work environment. In a surprising finding, happy employees preferred professional recognition over salary.
The industries with the worst records for having happy employees included manufacturing, retail, and food and beverage. The industries with the best records were healthcare, financial services, and non-profits.
LinkedIn Profiles à la 2018
With 90 percent of employers using LinkedIn to find and vet new employees, it pays to keep your LinkedIn bio updated. Below are some tips geared to catch an employer’s eye.
Must haves
- Education details
- Professional-looking photo
- Creative headline
- Compelling 40-word summary statement
Must dos
- Engage with contacts regularly.
- Personalize messages to unknown new contacts.
- Hit the right tone by adding personality to your bio.
- Avoid rehashing your résumé as a narrative.
- Update often with examples of work.
From Business Insider
