How Successful Managers Ensure Successful Communication with Employees

The problem with communication…is the illusion that it has been accomplished. - George Bernard Shaw.

Many attempts to communicate are nullified by saying too much. - Robert Greenleaf

We have two ears and one mouth so we can listen twice as much as we speak. - Epictetus

Communication is extremely important for those accountants who want to excel and advance their careers. It’s so important, in fact, that we’ve dedicated a two-part series to developing effective communication skills. Last week we discussed the following four tips in accomplishing that:

1. Determine your message
2. Select the most appropriate communication method
3. Ask for feedback
4. Listen with intent

To become a manager you must have excellent soft skills. Communication is absolutely necessary if you are to manage well. Perhaps as an accountant you thought developing those skills would never be a priority. They’re not, if you are content being managed by someone else.

This week we will cover the final four tips in developing effective communication skills as an accounting manager:

5. Speak up!

In order to instill confidence in those you are speaking with, you must speak with confidence. This requires you to speak up and speak clearly. This might take practice and a little introspection as you determine how you can project a more confident image when speaking with others.

6. Tackle difficult topics

Often we avoid those topics that need the most attention. It may be difficult to talk with an employee about objectionable behavior or address a team about their questionable approach. But in order to manage successfully you are required to tackle the difficult topics, to speak about that which most would want to avoid. It may sound ugly, but that’s why you’re the manager. That’s why you get paid the big bucks.

7. Practice presentation skills

Managers give presentations. They deliver proposals, reports, and even announcements in staff meeting. If you plan on becoming a manager you must practice your presentation skills. Perhaps this will require you take a class or practice in front of the mirror. Regardless of the method you choose you must become comfortable, or at least appear comfortable, presenting messages before groups of people.

8. Allow everyone the opportunity to voice opinions

Good managers make an effort to become familiar with their coworkers’ opinions. Not necessarily their political views or their food preferences, but what they think about the climate at work and how the company is handling projects and work flow. The manager who doesn’t listen to his/her coworkers is missing out on valuable information.

An Accountant’s Role

There are three business functions that must work well together in order to increase a company’s profitability. And you guessed it; accounting is one of these three functions. Accounting, marketing, and production are the three functions that must work well together to ensure success. If you would like to learn how to improve communication among these different functions while increasing your employer’s profitability you must read In the Black by Allen Bostrom, President and CEO of Universal Accounting Center.

This book will enable you to become a more valuable employee and, if you’re not already, a prime candidate for a managerial position. For less than twenty dollars you could advance your career while strengthening your employability. Order your copy of In the Black now!

Visualization is a technique used by athletes, politicians, CEO’s, and bank tellers alike to achieve greater success in their lives. In fact, you currently practice visualization yourself, although you may not be aware that you’re actually doing it.

When you imagine yourself sitting in that corner office with your name on the door, you’re visualizing greater success. And when you imagine yourself getting fired for a series of mistakes, you’re visualizing failure. So as long as you’re visualizing, you might as well do it right.

The brain can’t tell the difference between reality and your imagination. If you imagine yourself earning a promotion or getting a stellar job, you’ve tricked the brain into believing you’ve done that already, paving the way for reality. And the more you visualize it, the more the subconscious begins thinking and doing those things that will prepare you to actually accomplish what you’re visualizing.

The truth is we’ve spent years convincing our brains of one thing or another. If you’re a highly optimistic, successful person, chances are you think many positive thoughts. On the other hand, if you’re a pessimistic, downtrodden person, chances are you think negative ones. The great thing about visualization, however, is that by changing your thoughts you can begin to change your experiences, immediately.

Visualization

Visualization can be a fabulous tool for enhancing your career. But it first requires you to determine what, specifically, you want. Is it a promotion? A bigger and better job? Your own accounting practice? Once you decide what you desire you can begin visualizing your way to success.

The important thing about visualization is that you produce a clear picture in your mind of you achieving your goals. What does it look like? What does it feel like? What are you saying and thinking throughout? The more clarity you bring to your “visions” the more real they appear to your brain which can begin helping you manifest that vision into a reality.

And while visualizing what you desire one time is a good start, it’s not enough to bring that vision to life. Remember, you’ve probably been processing negative, self-defeating thoughts for a long time. It will take daily and focused visualization in order to combat those thoughts and develop new and improved habits of the mind.

Schedule 20 to 30 minutes a day when you can relax and visualize your desires. Select a quiet and undisturbed location so you won’t be interrupted or distracted. And while it may feel silly at first, concentrate and imagine your desires becoming part of your life, filling in all the details to make your vision as specific as possible. Each day add to these details and try to conjure those feelings you would have realizing your dreams.

Affirmations

In addition to visualizations, practice positive affirmations. Affirmations also help bring more positive things into your life as you convince your brain that you are indeed a competent and successful person. These affirmations should be in present tense and only accentuate the positive. For example, if you want to lose weight, rather than say, “I am losing weight,” you should say, “I am healthy and slender.” The first statement focuses on the weight that you’re trying so hard to lose while the second only focuses on the end result you’re trying to achieve.

Make a list of affirmations you could repeat throughout your day. It’s not a bad idea to carry them around with you until you have memorized them and they become part of the audio track that entertains your brain. You’ll find that after a few days of repeating these affirmations you’re feeling more positive and confident.

Change Your Path Today!

Every day you can take steps that will bring you closer to the realization of your dream. Take one step today!

If you wish to enhance your skills or prepare yourself for self-employment as a contract accountant, you should consider UAC’s Professional Bookkeeper Program. Designed to train individuals in small business accounting, this course will enable you to boost your employability, your chances for promotion, all while preparing you to start your own bookkeeping service, if that’s what you desire.

Begin visualizing today. Order our DVD “Introduction to the Professional Bookkeeper Program” now and see just how much this course can enhance your career. Or watch it online and begin changing the course of your professional future.

Moving up the Corporate Ladder

Perhaps you’ve been working in your current position for awhile and are ready for a change including new challenges, an increase in responsibility and a higher salary. If so, it may be time for you to prepare for promotion.

While asking your boss to promote you is a great step, it shouldn’t be the first one you take to advance your career. Here are some things to consider before asking for that promotion:

1. Talk to your boss

It’s important that you know what your boss expects of you. Schedule a one-on-one meeting where you can ask him/her how you might improve your performance and prepare for new responsibilities. Not only will this provide you with valuable information, and from the individual who has the power to promote you, but it also demonstrates your interest in advancing your career while contributing more to your employer’s success.

2. Act professionally

Promotions are often lost around the water cooler. While you may be a fine candidate in your cubicle, your social behavior can cost you your career. Act professionally. This means you should avoid gossip, petty squabbles with coworkers, and loud, raucous behavior in the office.

Also be sure your attire complies with the office dress code and projects a promotion-worthy image. And never be late or develop a habit of leaving early. In fact, when possible you should arrive early and leave late-your boss will notice and attribute the long hours to a strong work ethic.

3. Go beyond the call of duty

Employees who fulfill their obligations, just barely, rarely receive promotions. Those who move quickly up the corporate ladder are proactive and do more than is required. Read through your job description and determine how you might excel at each of those requirements. Take the initiative and go beyond the call of duty.

4. Take on additional responsibilities

You’ll attract positive attention when you volunteer for additional responsibilities. This may be as simple as joining a committee, giving a short presentation at staff meeting, or acting as a liaison with another department. Whatever it is, volunteer wholeheartedly and fulfill the responsibility completely. Not only will this show your willingness to contribute to the company’s success but it will demonstrate your ability to manage additional responsibilities with ease.

5. Be a team-player

Never degrade a coworker. While you may view some as competition for certain positions, talking negatively about your peers will only make you look bad. Willingly join teams and contribute to the team’s success, even if that means praising a teammate for a job well done. Never try to commandeer a team, but when possible lead the team to success. Your positive role on a winning team will help you earn that promotion.

6. Acquire new skills

This is one tip where you can’t go wrong. Not only will acquiring new skills increase your value with a current employer, but it will make you more appealing to prospective employers. Acquiring new skills is a personal investment that will produce big returns in your career. It also displays a continual interest in self-improvement for yourself and your employer. What boss wouldn’t be impressed by the proactive employee improving his/her skill set?

If you’re interested in improving your skills and earning a professional certificate to go along with it, enroll in Universal Accounting Center’s Professional Bookkeeper’s Guide to QuickBooks. Not only could you earn a QuickBooks Specialist designation, but you will master a software program used by more than 85% of small businesses today. Talk about a resume-enhancing skill! Add QuickBooks Specialist and see what a difference it makes in your career.

We teach you how to do the basic transactions, how to reconcile accounts, where the data goes, and a basic understanding of fundamental accounting principles. We have also included about 18 hours of bookkeeping instruction and a complete, detailed presentation of QuickBooks fundamentals. You may as well call it a lifesaver. The newly released 2008 version of the PBG beats out other QuickBooks training programs by offering the following:

• Training targeted for all user types
• 16 CDs with over 30 hours of training
• 4 full-color manuals with over 800 pages of instruction
• Six months of follow-up email support
• Accounting 101 Review
• 30 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) in most states
• An iron-clad guarantee

A bright career is full of possibilities. Increase your possibilities now by enrolling in our PBG program!

When searching for a job it’s important to have everything you need to succeed, like a toolkit with all those items prepared that will enable you to secure the perfect position. That way, you’re never taken off-guard and required to throw something together for a potential employee. And everything from your resume to your email address communicates a level of professionalism and dedication. So you can’t wait until the opportunity presents itself to get your toolkit together. Now is the time to gather your job search gear.

1. Resume

It’s important that you update your resume periodically. If you wait too long, you will forget significant achievements and responsibilities that will appeal to potential employers. And while you should revise your resume to cater to the position for which you are applying, it helps to have current information to work with.

2. Application-at-the-ready

While filling out a job application isn’t rocket science, it does take a certain amount of time, energy, and recall ability to complete successfully. Depending on the application, this may require you to sort through old documents listing previous addresses, employers and their corresponding contact information, as well as starting and ending salaries. Save yourself some time by making copies of old applications to keep on file. That way completing an application becomes a matter of copying information from one form to another.

3. Cover letter template

Most jobs require you to submit an application package which requires a thoughtful cover letter stating your intentions. While each cover letter you write should be unique to the job for which you are applying, having a standard template will help you compose the letter more quickly.

4. Elevator speech

An elevator speech is like a quick infomercial about you and your abilities that can be delivered in the time it takes an elevator to carry its occupants to their floor. An elevator speech is something you hone and practice so that at opportune moments you can network effectively, explaining what you do and why you do it so well that everyone deserves to hear about it.

5. Portfolio

Most professionals can demonstrate their expertise with samples of their work or specialized certification. All these things should be collected in one place for easy access. Then you have a portfolio prepared should a potential employer ask to see it.

6. Professional email address

While you may think smartdude28@email.com is a great email address, it doesn’t say much for your professionalism. When selecting an email address for the purpose of a job search it’s important the you choose one that will project a positive, professional image.

7. Power suit

When interacting with significant contacts and potential employers it’s important that you dress the part. You should have at least one power outfit to wear for interviews and networking occasions.

Add Universal’s DVD 4-Pack to Your Toolkit

Included in your toolkit should be strategies to increase your skills and expertise. Universal’s DVD 4-Pack is designed to introduce you to all the valuable programs we offer, each and every one of them intended to enhance your accounting career. This power pack includes:

Introduction to the Professional Bookkeeper Program

Learn how becoming a Professional Bookkeeper will improve your accounting skills, enabling you to expand your business and become a full-service financial provider.

Introduction to the Professional Tax Preparer Program

Learn how becoming a Professional Tax Preparer will improve your tax skills and help you earn a professional designation that will evidence your expertise.

Start Today and Have Your Own Bookkeeping Service

Learn how to make over $80,000 per year working from home while getting more clients than you can handle. Know how to charge your client so you can afford to take that next vacation while they get such a great deal they will be telling all their friends about you.

The Art and Science of Getting Clients

Learn how to get more clients by using our proven methods.

Not only will these programs enable you to bolster your resume and enhance your career, but if you’ve ever considered starting your own accounting and tax practice, these DVD’s will help you get started. Order now and complete your job search toolkit!

6 Tips in Taking Charge of Your Professional Future

How many individuals lose sight of their career goals because they became “stuck” in a position they don’t enjoy, working for an employer they don’t like. Many take jobs they view as a transitional position, a placeholder that will pay the bills while they get their real career on track. Some anticipate working up the ladder to greater success, responsibility, and fulfillment. Others expect to gain education or skills that will help them find a better job elsewhere. While others still aren’t exactly sure where they’d like to end up ultimately and take positions that will buy them some time while they sort things out.

Unfortunately, too many individuals find that these transitional positions become their permanent positions, and the thought of finding something new becomes overwhelming and tiresome. Don’t let that happen to you. As stuck as you may feel, you can always devise a strategy that will enable you to get where you would really like to be. Here are 6 tips that may help:

1. Fulfill your position

Regardless of how much you may dislike your current job, the truth is it may determine whether or not you get a better one. Nothing looks worse than getting fired, but the runner up gets a poor review from a former employer. If you apply for other jobs you want your current supervisor to have nothing but good things to say about you. With this said, it might be a good idea to approach your employer and ask if you’re fulfilling the position as intended. Once you discover what your employer expects, you can prepare to receive glowing reviews by meeting those expectations.

2. Learn as much as possible

You may not realize it, but your current position is a training ground for the next one. Learning as much as possible from this job will only help you become a better applicant. So look at your current challenges and determine how you can grow from them. If you’re experiencing problems with your coworkers, how might you approach that challenge so that you grow and become a better employee for your next job? If you’re struggling with the workload, what can you do in order to better manage that workload so you can proudly share what you’ve learned from the experience in a future job interview?

3. Identify your “dream job”

In Lewis Carroll’s classic tale Through the Looking Glass, the Cheshire Cat informs Alice, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.” The same applies to your career. If you’re uncertain where you want to go, you can pick any path. There’s just no guarantee that you’ll like the final destination. That’s why it’s important that you decide exactly what it is you would like to do. That will enable you to take the path that get you there.

4. Advance your skills and knowledge

Just because you want to do something, doesn’t mean you’re qualified to do it. Once you have identified your “dream job,” take action to become the most qualified person available. If that means furthering your education, attending conferences and workshops, or earning certification, the best time to do those things is now.

5. Build your network

The best opportunities will most likely present themselves through your professional network. The larger your network, the greater the possibilities. And building a network will take time and attention; join professional organizations, attend community events, and frequent other businesses.

6. Research the possibilities

As you work to advance your career you must always research your options in order to discover new and exciting opportunities. When you become too absorbed in your “transitional” job, your career will quickly stall.

It’s important for every career-minded professional to know what their options are and how they might achieve true success. If you’ve been wondering what steps you might take to reach your goals, visit Universal Accounting Center and take our tour to see how we can help. From gaining professional certification to providing valuable training, Universal Accounting Center is interested in helping you succeed. Visit UAC today!

By Michael Crom

Question: I graduated from college last year and recently gained a job at a well-respected accounting company. I am a diligent worker and have never had a bad reference from any of my past employers. I do and always have done everything I am assigned to the best of my ability. My problem is, I don’t often take initiative to go beyond my job requirements. It’s not that I don’t want to or can’t, but simply that I don’t think about things until someone else has already done them. I am really happy with the company I work for and would like to have the opportunity to move up in the future. Do you have any suggestions for ways I could ensure a promotion?

Answer: Congratulations on realizing that you have some areas that you need help with. It’s great that your previous companies recognized you as a hard-working employee, however if you never push yourself, you’ll never exceed your own potential. Here are some things to look at in order to start climbing your way up the corporate ladder:

• See the bigger picture. Sometimes we get so caught up with the day-to-day tasks that we miss what the larger goal is. It is very easy for e-mail, memos and daily agendas to grow on your desk until you can no longer see what the company’s mission is, much less your own. Evaluate your company’s mission statement every month — even tape it in front of you. This way, you will be reminded every day that these short-term tasks are part of a long-term objective.
• See yourself in that picture. You said you like working for your company, and much of that reason probably has to do with the fact you respect what it does and why and how it does it. Now look at your own strengths and figure out what areas both you and the company could benefit from. Try to stop looking at the company and yourself as separate entities and see what you can contribute to the whole.
• Make others see you. While you said that you rarely see new opportunities before others do, it’s more likely that you just don’t voice your ideas when they appear. Start being more aware of yourself. Jot down that little thought that doesn’t seem like a big deal now. Noting key ideas, observations, or problems often amass to a revolutionary improvement later. Mention these ideas and solutions you came up with to your boss at a meeting, and he’ll definitely jot down good thoughts of you.

The major thing to remember is to just seize the moment. Every moment is a chance to succeed and move forward. Add this to your great work ethic and you’ll be climbing in no time.

Michael Crom is executive vice president of Dale Carnegie Training.

Are You Getting the Promotions You Deserve?

If you don’t feel like you get the recognition and promotions you should, ask yourself why others around you get the promotions while you get left behind. When you are just as competent, or more so, than those that rise above you, often the answer is simple. You just don’t get noticed. To get the best promotions where you work, you need to stand out from the crowd. If you work in accounting or bookkeeping, one of the quickest ways to get noticed is by getting additional training. Because the Professional Bookkeeper course is distance learning, you can fit in career accellerating training with the most hectic schedule. You owe it to yourself to learn how to get noticed and get promoted.

Learn How the Professional Bookkeeper Program Can Get Your Career In the Fast Lane

If It’s Accounting, It’s Universal:

Get to Know More About the Company That Will Change Your Career!

Universal Accounting is a company that is making a difference in the lives of their students! For those who are pursuing or looking into the possibilities of pursuing a career path into the Accounting, Bookkeeping and Tax Preparation services, you need to get to know more about what all Universal offers in their comprehensive training programs.

If you prefer onsite classroom study or looking for the benefits received on independent study, we have developed the programs that you will be able to get the one-on-one experience in your own home. The skills we have used over the course of the last 28 years, with the trial and error, the fine-tuning of accounting methods and strategies, and what we and thousands more have experienced running their own practices - we have provided to you the advantage to stay on top of your profession. Our coursework is designed to be exactly what you will be doing when you are servicing the biggest customer base available, the small business owner.

If you are looking for the knowledge, the skills, and the know-how to start or build your accounting or tax practice, or just looking to gain the essential skills to further your career in your place of business, Universal’s Programs are what you are going to need.

Click here to take the Video Tour of Universal and all that we offer to you, the accounting and tax professional to be the best in your field and to have the success in business and in your professional life that you are seeking.Our exclusive short term courses do just that!

Imagine staying on top of the latest in the industry and having access to the experts who can assist you through training? Imagine what you are learning can be applied the very next day at work? Imagine being able to keep the materials, and the reading for continued referencing as you take that path in Accounting, Bookkeeping and Tax Preparation? You don’t have to imagine too hard, because that is one of the many things you receive when you enroll in these specialized programs! Click here to get to know Universal Accounting.

Are You Ready For The Next Step?
Be in business for yourself, but not by yourself getting paid what you’re worth! Are you tired of thinking, “Why not me?” You have gotten this far in your search to do what you want to in your chosen career, take the next step. The time is now to be able to get the training and the change you desire in your professional life.

Be the Profit Expert Professional for Small Business! Don’t hesitate another day in getting the Accounting and Marketing Training that makes the difference. Click here to get more information on what you need to know about becoming the Profit Center Expert for small business accounting and tax!

Jump On That Promotion Escalator

(Part I of II)

There’s a lot of talk these days about workplace superstars. They seem to leap up the career ladder, baffling coworkers with their ability to please management, profit the company, and work well with others. They’re not freaks of nature, but they are deliberate career creatures who approach every project, interaction, and task with purpose. Want to know their secret? Here are 4 of 8 things superstars do that the average employee doesn’t:

1. Study the organization.
It’s important to know about the organization. What its mission, objectives, critical path? Superstars recognize that helping the organization (and/or the “boss”) accomplish its goals will catapult their own careers. But you can’t do that unless you’ve studied the organization.

2. Develop a strategy.
Superstars approach their workday with purpose, strategy. They look at their current job as a way to expand their portfolio of experience and skills. They’re proactive in their approach to projects, finding and selecting tasks that will boost their resumes. But remember, they’re also aware of what the company wants, so they hitch their personal objectives to the company’s wagon to simultaneously advance both the organization and their careers.

3. Take initiative.
When superstars look at their job descriptions they recognize the difference between fulfilling standards requirements and taking initiative to go above and beyond the call of duty. Taking real initiative requires that you first do your assigned job well. Then you must exceed those requirements in some way. Also consider how you might help others as you accomplish your tasks. And initiative generally requires taking some risks. Finally, you must see the task to successful completion.

Julie B. Kampf, president of an executive-search firm called JBK Associates Inc recognizes that superstars take initiative. She lists ways superstars can be recognized for their initiative: “Bringing a new client to the firm that no one else thought of, or bringing a new product to the distribution channel, are ways to be recognized as a superstar. It’s about not just thinking of what’s current, but thinking above and beyond. If you currently sell to Wal-Mart or Target, for example, you think about selling to the Home Shopping Network or QVC, too.”

4. Enhance your skills.
Superstars are proactive in their approach to career development. They look for ways to build their skill set, becoming more valuable employees. Actively seek conferences and workshops you can attend, training you can take, and or designations you can earn. It will not only enhance your skills, but it will show just how serious you are about being a valuable employee.

UAC’s QuickBooks Training is a good place to start
Universal Accounting Center (UAC) has a training program that will teach you QuickBooks quickly, and painlessly. As an accountant it behooves you to know the most popular accounting software available. Being able to list QuickBooks mastery on your resume will boost your value to current and potential employers. UAC’s Guide to QuickBooks Pro is a self-paced program that enables you to become a QuickBooks Specialist, proving your expertise. Talk to your supervisor today and see if your employer can pay for your registration fees. Take your first step in becoming a superstar; enroll today.

You too can be a workplace superstar. All it takes is reflection on your current approach to your job and the implementation of a few necessary changes. These first four actions will help you get started. Come back next week to read four more:

5. Communicate.
6. Go beyond the call of duty.
7. Practice effective leadership.
8. Practice proactive followership.

Gain a Solid Reputation:

Building a Solid Reputation in the Workplace

The best way to impress your boss and coworkers often comes from being a stand-up person. Showing good character generates trust and will help you build a solid reputation in the workplace. Here are ten tips on making a lasting impression with your colleagues, supervisors, and those you come in contact on a daily basis:

1. Take responsibility for your mistakes.
You’ll waste too much energy trying to defer blame when you’ve made a mistake. Stand tall and admit responsibility where it’s yours. Apologize if necessary and take steps to repair any damage. It is always better to admit the mistake and take care of it quickly, instead of letting it fester and become an obstacle for you to do your work properly.

2. Share responsibility for achievements.
Nothing can be more frustrating for coworkers than when you grandstand. If you’re willing to admit when you’ve made a mistake, you must also be willing to give credit where it’s due; when coworkers contribute to a success, proudly state their contributions.

3. Never gossip.
Talking about coworkers when they’re not present can feel oddly satisfying, but in whatever form, gossiping is never a good thing. It usually gets back to the person in the end, hurting their feelings. And gossipers, regardless of how they might justify their behavior, never appear honorable in those sad, water-cooler moments. In addition, try to avoid those conversations that go into the grey area of propriety and tact. Show that when you guide your brain power to a positive influence you can also do that with your tongue.

4. Don’t say, “That’s not my job.”
It’s good to know when to say “no,” but that “no” should never come in the form of “that’s not my job.” Team players are always valuable, so when a coworker or supervisor asks for your help or wants you to contribute in some way, never reply, “That’s not my job.” Employees who only stay within the strict confines of their job descriptions are unable to learn and grow (and add new skills and experience to their resumes). They can also become annoying cubicle hobbits who don’t work well with others. Be amenable to assisting your coworkers when you can and they will take note of it.

5. Help coworkers with crucial projects.
This is another way you can be a team player. If there’s something you can contribute to a coworker’s success, do it. Be willing to share some of your time and energy in order to help coworkers succeed. Usually that type of favor comes back your way when you least expect it and need it most.

6. Ask for help when you need it.
Admitting that you need help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of your willingness to do whatever’s necessary to succeed. And because you’re not sloughing responsibility, usually those whose help you enlist will be proud of their ability to contribute. One mistake that is made is that you ask much too often of those around you. Make sure the time you ask, it’s something you absolutely can’t do by yourself.

7. Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know.”
We’ve all met people who apparently know everything and have done it all. Chances are many of those people are insecure and afraid to admit when they’re uncertain or don’t know. Sometimes pretending to know can get you into more trouble than admitting that you don’t.

8. Give compliments.
The workplace can often seem a competitive place where everyone is trying to get the edge on everyone else. You may be surprised at how good it feels to celebrate in the success of others. A well deserved but unexpected compliment either in the cubicle or in the conference room goes a long way in great to keep that good vibe in the office. When genuine, compliments always create good feelings.

9. Graciously accept compliments.
This tip is as simple as they come. Don’t minimize your achievements by explaining how easy the task was. But also don’t take the opportunity to ooze on about how difficult it was and how equal to the task you where. Say “thank you” and move on to your next great achievement.

10. Don’t let others give you their monkeys.
I once had this great boss who told me never to leave someone else’s office with their monkey on my back. When you’re a team player and are willing to contribute to others’ success, some might think they can take advantage of you by passing unpleasant tasks your way. Don’t let that happen. You are benefitting them nothing when you don’t allow them to have the responsibility that the project calls for. To do so requires that you look at what a coworker or supervisor is asking and measure whether or not they want your help or see you as an easy target. Good character is also shown when you know your responsibilities and can say “no” when others try to unload their difficulties onto you.

Building a solid reputation is a matter of consciously making the best choices you can for yourself and your coworkers. When you do that you’ll find that people trust your work and look to you as a leader.

Have the confidence to take on anything within your “circle of influence”. You will be surprised in what you know and the talents that you inherently have when you but forth the effort. Universal Accounting is all about supporting those who are looking to gain that confidence, solid, comprehensive training brings to a person’s career. Today is that day when you gain access to the training that will make the difference in your career path. Click here to find out more about Universal’s Professional Bookkeeping training.

Relocation 101:

How To Relocate Before You Find Another Job (Part I of II)

So you’ve decided that you want to work somewhere else. You’re tired of the local rat race and want a change of venue, new scenery, a fresh start. This article is for those who know exactly where they want to live, but have yet to find a job there. What’s the best approach to take in order to get the job you want in the city you’ve chosen?

First thing’s first. If you’ve already chosen a location, you should calculate its cost of living. Sometimes people find themselves in a bind when they haven’t done the math, and they’re in a new city with a higher cost of living without the salary to sustain it. Determine the impact cost of living will have on your move long before you pack the UHaul.

Which Comes First, the Relocation or the Job Offer?
It’s no secret that finding work in a city where you live is much easier than finding work in a city miles away. It’s easier to schedule interviews, research companies, locate job prospects, and network. But it can be difficult to fund a job search in your dream city when you don’t have a job, and the average job search can take anywhere from 3 to 5 months. So which comes first, the move or the job?

Funding Your Job Search
If you’ve chosen to move first, then here are three ways to pay the bills while you look for your dream job in your dream city.

Do temp work. Temp work has more advantages than you might imagine. First, you can earn money while looking for your dream job. Second, you can sample different organizations to get a feel for what you’re looking for in an employer while showcasing your skills. Third, you’ll have a greater opportunity to network. And fourth, you’ll have the flexibility to schedule work around your job search.

Freelance. Consider doing freelance work until you find a job. This could also provide you with networking opportunities while bringing in the money to pay your bills.

Study your spouse’s benefits. Sometimes employers offer employment assistance programs that help the spouses of relocated employees find new jobs. These programs often have access to exclusive job listings.

Tips for an Effective Job Search
Once you’ve figured out how to fund the hunt, you need to start looking. Here are three tips that will jump start your job search.

Establish local contact information. The first thing you should do after moving is obtain a local address and phone number to share with potential employers. It will be difficult for them to schedule interviews if they don’t have any contact information.

Find local accounting associations. Often cities will have accounting associations that can provide you will valuable leads.

Network. This should happen long before you move and the minute you pull into your first local gas station. Look for opportunities to meet with other accounting professionals so you can get those leads you’re looking for. Also be sure to tell your friends and family about your intentions; you’d be surprised at how many people know people in your dream city.

Once you figure out how to fund your job search, you can take the time you need to find the job of your dreams. Be sure to research local companies and hand-pick the employer you want to work for. And be patient; settling for a mediocre job may prevent you from the opportunities you would truly enjoy. Happy Hunting!

Come back next week to learn how to search for a job in cities outside your residence.

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