Summer 2011
Ed's Letter
It's better to be a little bit frightened and try something new, than comfortably miserable and stuck in a career you hate.
Contributors
This issue, we welcome N L Nunez, Zabrina Way, Susan Keenan, M Kimbrew, B I Peters, James Rothwell, Cassie Damewood and Currie Jean to BizMojo's cohort of contributors.
Acknowledgments
Acknowledging the supporters and suppliers that make BizMojo the Webzine possible.
Viewpoints
In Theory, “On the Road to Success, Beware the Comfort Zone!” by N L Nunez
Not everyone wants to be a thrill-seeker or daredevil, but everyone should be prepared to push the boundaries if they don’t want to become trapped in their comfort zone. By aiming to improve yourself through the taking of calculated risks, you’ll extend your horizons and improve your life.
In Practice, “The Best Steps to Increase Your Creative Talents” by Mario Carini
Surviving and thriving in a world of constant change and uncertainty means being prepared to improve yourself and be creative at all stages of your career and life. Releasing the “inner child” by using your curiosity, testing, experimenting and learning is the secret to expanding your horizons.
Scenarios, “Create a Personal Journal for Business Success” by Zabrina Way
Sometimes we can improve our lives simply by taking a moment to step back and contemplate things. But by recording our thoughts, feelings and ideas in a journal, we can turn the ritual of ‘stepping back’ into a powerful life improvement tool.
Mystery Shop, “A History of Innovation” by Bonnie Conrad
No matter what industry you work in or how traditional your role, you can still find ways to be creative and innovative. The experience of watchmakers shows how considering your consumers and your product can lead to incremental yet standard-altering improvements.
ViewPoints Resources
Having great information and advice is essential to navigating uncharted waters. Where can you go to get it?
CareerJuice
Learn for Life, “Knowledge Gaps: A Lesson from Entrepreneurs” by Angela Baca
Entrepreneurs know how to approach learning as a valuable activity in itself, by understanding that skills learnt today often come in handy in the future. Considering entrepreneurial approaches to learning can help anyone identify their opportunities.
Big Wigs & Great Gigs, “Norman Borlaug: Father of the Green Revolution” by Susan M Keenan
The man known as the Father of the Green Revolution, the late Norman Borlaug, has been credited with bringing agricultural innovations such as high-yield crop varieties to the world, saving millions of people from starvation.
Worldview, “Mental Illnesses/Unique Hurdles” by M Kimbrew
Mental illness is much more common than people realise, and is much more life-limiting than many imagine. With stereotypes and fears limiting workplace opportunities for people suffering from mental illnesses, it is vital for everyone to know how to separate fact from fiction.
Career Compass, “Is It Time for an MBA?” by B I Peters
The Masters of Business Administration is a well-known and popular coursework post-graduate qualification for people moving towards senior roles. How do you know that the MBA is for you?
Culture Vulture, “German in the 21st Century” by J K Llewthor
Australia has a less-than-stellar level of multilingualism. But we’re not alone: in the UK, perceptions about the commercial and cultural value of knowing German is leading people away from learning this complex language and ironically, improving the prospects of those who are still putting in the effort. And for Australians who want to work in Europe, knowing German remains a valuable career skill.
Work It!
Work Style, “Temping as a Job Search Strategy” by B E Conrad
Temporary work was once the domain of entry-level jobs that were short in duration and poorly paid. But with more employers using temporary staffing as a way to gain fast access to work-ready employees, it is a great way to get your foot in the door to a new career or as part of a job search strategy.
Winning Networks, “Creating Your Personal Brand” by Joy R Calderwood
The idea of having a personal brand is popular but what does it really mean, how do you go about establishing your own... and is it worth all the trouble?
Vocational Pursuit, “Lead Investigator: Crimefighter” by Cassie L Damewood
If you have a strong sense of justice and are prepared to have a job that’s both complex and potentially risky, then taking out a job in crime-fighting may be for you.
Fighting Fit, “Exercises to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome” by Currie Jean
The threat of carpal tunnel syndrome looms in the back of most minds. Anyone who uses a computer for even a few hours each day, typing or simply using the mouse, is at risk of developing this work-related injury.
Protocol Actually, “Professionalism In, Drama Out” by Angela Baca
Working with people forty hours a week means that you learn to confide in each other... but how much trust is too much? If a happy workplace is one with a certain level of professional distance, learning to find the right boundaries is essential to keeping the workplace a pleasant place to be.
ETC
Review, “Get a Pay Rise... but Lose the 'Tude” by Clayton Jan
Asking for a pay rise is something that everyone wants to do at some stage, but few feel confident enough to do so, or if they do, understand how to present a pay rise proposal to their manager in a way that will achieve the desired result. The book, “How to Get a Pay Rise: Everything you need to know to get more” by Medine Simmons and Merryl Naughton provides people who are new to the workforce with simple, straightforward advice on how to prepare to make a pay rise request, how to make it, and how to follow it through.
Career Diary
A listing of the various major activities that are occurring throughout 2011.
Awards Roundup
An overview of a few of the year's awards opportunities and outstanding achievements by people who work.
Research Roundup
A small selection of major research-based publications that have been released in the last year.
Your To Do List
Quizzes, videos and places to visit.
In this issue...