You may believe that your career is all about accounting; therefore, you aren’t expected to perform any marketing tasks. That’s simply not true. If you want to advance your career you must continually market yourself. This is often a difficult task for accountants who are typically described as introverted and numerically driven. But even it is uncomfortable, the success of your career depends on your ability to promote yourself to current and potential employers.

In order to help you accomplish this, we’re devoting two newsletters to this topic. This week we’ll touch on the first five of ten tips on marketing yourself:

1. Focus on your soft skills

In order to make an impression on people, you must develop your soft skills, specifically the way you communicate with others. You need to practice being yourself, interacting in an inviting and personable manner that says you would be easy to work with. This may not be easy at first. Consider topics of conversation that draw people in. Just about everyone likes to talk about themselves. Ask about their families, what they do for a living, what they do for fun, where they live, where they’re from. It’s important that you show interest in what they share; often this encourages people to keep talking and helps them feel more comfortable with you.

2. Develop an elevator speech

An elevator speech is like a quick infomercial about you and your skills that can be delivered in the time it takes an elevator to carry its occupants to their floor. It’s 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. A good elevator speech should be under 30 seconds long and should accompany your business card, which you must carry with you at all times. You want to provide your listener with just the right amount of information without overloading them or appearing overbearing.

3. Leave your comfort zone

Sometimes you must leave your comfort zone in order to truly excel and meet those individuals that will strengthen your professional network. Get in-the-know regarding professional community events which might expose you to different businesses and opportunities. And often the most rewarding events are those that are completely unrelated to business. Sometimes you meet the most valuable individuals on a flight, at the gym, or in the line at the grocery store. Always be willing to step from your comfort zone in order to take advantage of these chance meetings.

4. Keep your resume current

You never know when or where opportunities might present themselves. You are best prepared with a current resume. It’s important that you continually note your achievements and add them to your resume; you don’t want to be caught unprepared without having noted the specifics of your career accomplishments. You may think that you would never forget, but put enough time and experience between you and those achievements and they’ll be difficult to recall. Record them now before you forget.

5. Develop a 5-year career plan

You don’t know what the future will bring, but a 5-year career plan will give you something to shoot for, enabling you to make wise choices that will bring you closer to your goals. Many accountants would like to someday own their own accounting practices, where they call the shots and determine just how high their own salaries are. If you’re one of these individuals, now is a good time to think beyond marketing yourself to consider what it would take to market your own business.

Universal Accounting Center, with over 25 years training individuals in small business accounting, knows just what it takes to effectively market those skills. For less than ten dollars you can learn more about the Art and Science of Getting Clients! This will expose you to proven marketing techniques that will not only teach you how to better market yourself, but prepare your to market your own accounting practice. If this is something you’ve included in your 5 or 10-year career plan, learning more about this now will only help you reach that goal. Order your copy today!

Join us next week when we’ll talk about the final five tips in developing an effective marketing campaign, for YOU!

Been Thinking of Starting Your Own Business?

Here are 10 Start-Up Tips That Will Help (Part One of a Two-Part Series)

Are you hesitating to start your own accounting practice simply because you’re not sure where to begin? We know how intimidating starting a new business can be. You may feel like you’re forever sitting on the shore of your real life, too timid to leave your beach towel to test the waters. Often a little knowledge can empower you with the confidence to move forward and get started. Here are five of 10 start-up tips to help you do just that. Come on in - the water’s fine.

1. Name Your Business
Some suggest that when starting a diet, you should start by fasting; seeing pounds come off quickly inspires dieters to continue. Naming your business can be like that dieter’s fast; creating the name of your business could be just the inspiration you need to move forward (and it’s less painful than food deprivation). Will your name be part of the business name? Will you include a motto or slogan?

Recognize that naming your business is just the beginning of creating a brand for yourself. Before you brainstorm a business name, ask yourself the following questions:

• What are your competitors calling themselves, and how can you differentiate your services and stand out? (see #3).
• Who are your potential clients and how do you want them to view you?
• Will you limit your ability to expand by localizing your name?
• Will your name be memorable and easy to refer?
• Will your business name excite and inspire you?

2. Choose a Business Structure
There are many business structures to choose from when starting your own business. The entity you choose depends on your objectives. If you’re partnering with a friend or family member, you’re looking at different structures than those going into business by themselves. There are many factors to consider when deciding which structure is best for you. To learn more, read our article on “The Pros and Cons of Different Business Entities.”

3. Get to Know Your Competition
Knowledge is power. This is the perfect example of how a little knowledge can catapult you to the front of the race. Find out what your competitors are calling themselves, what services they offer, and who they’re marketing to. You can only stand out from the competition when you know who your competitor is and what they’re about.

4. Be Legal-Minded
This is somewhat related to number 2. It’s important to start your business off on the right foot. File the proper papers and pay the required fees. It’s also not a bad idea to consult with a lawyer to ensure you’re headed in not only the right direction, but a law-abiding one. Also, as you begin working with clients, document your correspondence and save your files.

5. Tread Lightly (financially, that is)
Perhaps you’ve been saving money to use when you start your business. Perhaps you’re on a shoe-string budget and don’t have much wiggle room. Regardless of how fat your pocketbook is, you should be frugal, especially at the birth of your startup. Prioritize your spending, and avoid buying things you don’t need.

Don’t overwhelm yourself. Take your time and do it right. If you get anxious and move too quickly, you might miss an important and crucial step. But remember, procrastinating your future, procrastinates your success.

Return in two weeks when we will cover the final 5 startup tips:

6. Pick and Prepare a Business Location (even if it’s just in your basement)
7. Create a Business Plan
8. Begin Marketing, NOW!
9. Hire Well, Fire Quickly
10. Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

Universal Accounting Center Can Help You Prepare

Are you ready to start your small business today? Consider how earning $80,000 a year with your own accounting practice might contribute to a wonderful and bright future for you and your family! Would you like to learn how Universal Accounting Center can help? Order our video, “Start Today, and Have Your Own Bookkeeping Service” for just $9.95 and discover what your future could hold! For less than $10 you can change the course of your life and start living your dream, today!

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.

Interest in Older Employees Rises as Seniors Confront the Need to Work

By Brad Foss — AP Business Writer

After her husband’s death, Doris Pease needed time to grieve and piece together her life as a widow.

She sold her house in Nevada, paid off her husband’s medical bills and bought a mobile home in Pocatello, Idaho, to be closer to her brother. Pease, now 68, dug into her hobbies — reading, gardening and embroidering — but after about six years the funds from the home sale, and her peace of mind, began to run out.

“I was getting so depressed sitting around the house that I needed to get back to work,” she said.

For many older Americans, retirement is not a viable option; many are postponing retirement, while others are going back into the work force, driven by personal or financial reasons.

The trend is evident in the number of older workers — the number of people 55 and above in the work force rose to 22.7 million in May, up from 22 million in 2003 and 20.7 million the year before that, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The increase in older workers coincides with a shift in employers’ attitudes — while there has long been an aversion in corporate America to hiring seniors, who were deemed expensive or difficult to train, that view is changing somewhat at a time when the government is forecasting a significant labor shortage by the end of the decade.

The need to work can be explained in part by money problems — AARP estimates that 1 in 10 Americans age 65 and over lives below the poverty level, explaining at least part of the phenomenon. Though most seniors aren’t technically poor, many nonetheless struggle to make ends meet because of limited savings, expensive medications to buy or the loss of a spouse.

Others find employment critical to their mental well-being — contrary to how they expected to feel in their golden years.

“The money helps, don’t get me wrong, but that wasn’t the ultimate goal,” said Ray Clark, 68, of Springfield, Mass., who took a part-time job at the Basketball Hall of Fame because he found retirement boring.

Clark, who spent much of his life as a machine operator for a company that makes corrugated boxes, said he would stick with his current gig — a minimum wage job — “until I can no longer do it.”

While older workers are well-known for such commitment, there is also the perception among would-be employers that they require considerable training, particularly in the area of technology, according to labor experts.

That’s why organizations that advocate for the elderly sponsor job training and placement services through a federally funded program called Senior Community Service Employment.

It was through this program, authorized by the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funded by the Labor Department, that Pease landed a job at Idaho’s Department of Health and Welfare, gaining experience in health care and general computing skills.

Today she is employed by the American Red Cross, where she works scheduling blood donations and organizing events in the field.

“Basically, I think they wanted somebody reliable that they could depend on,” Pease said.

That, it turns out, is what many U.S. employers are looking for these days and, to help find it, they’re turning more frequently to the growing pool of older workers, according to human resources executives and job-training specialists.

Home Depot Inc., CVS Corp., Anheuser-Busch Cos. and dozens of other major corporations have partnered with or contacted AARP, which recently started a program to identify job-seeking seniors and match them up with the right employers.

This effort came about because executives identified a dearth of younger workers, particularly in the areas of retail, health care and transportation, according to Jim Seith, national director of the AARP Foundation, a sponsor of the Senior Community Service Employment program.

Moreover, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there could be a 3 million-person shortfall in the labor force by 2010 — when the oldest boomers could conceivably begin retiring.

At Toys “R” Us Inc., executives are eager to bring more older workers for two key reasons, according to Jim Gorenc, director of staffing for the company in the United States.

The first is the aging of the U.S. population. Having older workers “opens up a channel for customers to be serviced by someone like them,” said Gorenc, noting that 10 percent of Toys “R” Us employees are currently 50 or older.

The other factor, Gorenc said, is that “there is a work ethic from a mature worker that is very strong,” and not as easy to find among younger generations.

Charlotte Lee, the director of Senior AIDES in Springfield, Mass., a municipal job placement program for older workers, said such private sector interest in the senior labor force couldn’t have come at a better time.

She said those seniors who most need to work face stiffer competition than ever before as retirees — stung by recent stock market losses — return to the workforce and many baby boomers make plans to work well into their 60s and 70s.

Billy Joe Brady, 60, of Norton, Va., never intended to leave the labor force. But he lost his job in 1998 when the local coal company moved out of town and the thought of hunting for a job for the first time in 25 years frightened him.

Instead, Brady collected $1,300-a-month disability checks for a couple of years, while his wife, Linda, went to work for a nearby Holiday Inn. “We were doing pretty good,” he said, referring to their financial needs.

But gradually Brady’s self-esteem began to deteriorate. “I kind of felt like I was sliding into nothingness and that didn’t sit well with me,” said Brady, who works at a non-profit organization that assists people with disabilities to live independently.

“It feels good to get up every morning to say, ‘Well, I have to go to work,”‘ Brady said. “I have a purpose every day. Not every day when I get up do I feel the best in the world, but I feel that if I get up and get started, that kind of goes away.”

Better Jobs = Better Retirement

It is a fact that one of the best perks of working in a successful career is a good retirement plan. Especially for companies that want to attract employees with more experience, a rewarding retirement plan remains one of the best hooks to get the most seasoned workers. However, many of the positions with the best retirement benefits are far from entry-level jobs. The more that an employer pays you, the more that they will match in 401k programs, so getting the top jobs really pays off when you retire.

The Professional Bookkeeper program will give you the practical skills to compete for Accounting and Bookkeeping jobs that may have passed you by in the past for lack of certifiable training. If you are one of countless workers that have concerns for their own retirement, the job security that the Professional Bookkeeping program will help you to secure will be of great value to you now and when you retire.

Learn How Professional Bookkeer Certification Is the Fastest Way to Advance Your Accounting or Bookkeeping Career

News Flash: Resume Length No Longer Set in Stone!

Once upon a time, the golden rule of resume length was one page: no more, no less. Recently Accountemps, a temporary staffing agency for accounting and financial professionals, reported on two national polls showing that not only is resume length increasing, but a large number of executives expect resume length to be longer than one page. In fact, of the 150 executives surveyed, 53% said they prefer to receive one-page resumes from those applying for staffing positions; 44% prefer two pages. Just ten years ago 73% of executives preferred one-page resumes; only 25% preferred two pages. The survey was conducted by an independent research firm and developed by Accountemps.

While this may appear to offer applicants more freedom in their resume writing, it really requires more thought and craft, because length should be determined by both the position you’re applying for and a combinations of your background and experience. Marnie McCown-Guard of Profile Career Services explains, “I have written one-and-half-page resumes for senior-level people with 20+ years of experience, and I have written a three-page resume for a recent college graduate.”

So how do you determine the length of your resume? Here are a few things to think about:

Consider the One-Page Resume if . . .

• You’re applying for an entry level position.
• You have less than 10 years experience.
• You’re changing careers, and past experience doesn’t apply to the position.
• You’ve only had a couple jobs with one employer.

Consider the Two-Page Resume if . . .

• You have more than 10 years experience.
• You’re applying for an executive-level position (the above survey showed more than 60% of executives, 10 years ago and presently, expect two-page resumes for executive-level positions).
• You’re applying for a position requiring technical skills and need the space to prove your expertise and experience.

Consider the Three-Page Resume if . . .

• You’re applying for an executive-level position and have a long history of crucial leadership roles and experience.
• You’re applying for an academic position and must include a list of all your publications and presentations (generally applicants are asked to submit a vita rather than a resume).

Accountemps offers more advice on resume writing, asking applicants to remember the following:

• List significant contributions you made to employers and how they impacted the bottom line.
• Include specialized certification or training you’ve received (for example, the Professional Bookkeeper Certification, the Professional Tax Preparer Certification, and/or the QuickBooks Specialist Designation).
• If possible, use the same terms included in the job posting.
• Detail software expertise.

Don’t:

• Write an autobiography. (Do: Keep personal information at a minimum, and avoid lists of hobbies, unless they apply to the position in some way.)
• Embellish your educational or job history. (Do: Be honest and accurate in everything you include on your resume.)
• Include a long list of your references’ names and addresses. (Do: Include a note that “references are available upon request.”)
• Include a lengthy objective. (Do: Be concise.)
• Use long, complete sentences. (Do: Use bulleted statements.)

Remember that employers often have stacks of resumes they thumb through in order to pick interview candidates. In order to stand out you should make sure that pertinent and strong points are easy to spot and close to the top. And don’t drone on simply because the one-page rule is out. Employers are still looking for applicants who know how to market their skills in a succinct way. Good luck and happy job hunting!

New Year’s Resolutions

Five Tips for Giving Them “Sticking Power” This Year

I’ve made some; you’ve made some. Chances are we’ve made several over the course of our lifetimes. What am I talking about? New Year’s Resolutions. In fact, if you’re like most people, just one month ago you made a handful that you vowed to keep in 2008. How is it going so far?

Our ability to keep resolutions can change the course of our lives. Social scientists have been studying this for years, and many more wonder what the trick is to not only making the right resolutions, but in keeping them. Here are a few tips on making those resolutions stick this year:

1. Write It Down
Writing down your resolutions gives them a voice and helps you envision the actualization of those resolutions. When it comes to your profession, it’s a must to write those professional benchmarks down; it becomes the standard by which you can measure your progress and then celebrate your success.

2. Reverse Engineer It
Pretend that you have already achieved your resolution. What does that feel like, sound like, look like? When you visualize the achievement of your resolution you can often see the steps necessary to get there. As that image becomes ingrained in your mind, it feels more natural to follow the path necessary to achieve that resolution. In essence, you pave the way to success in your mind first, in your life second.

3. Search out Examples
This step requires you to find others who have achieved what you hope to accomplish yourself. Some call this “modeling.” Individuals in the business world find Lee Iacocca or Jack Welch to be good examples. But it doesn’t have to be a larger-than-life character; it could be a former employer or a family friend that you admire. It’s important that you come to know “their story” regarding how they accomplished what they did. It helps you to visualize their success as well as your own.

4. Find a Mentor
When you have a mentor who has achieved what you hope to achieve, you have access to someone who can give you direction and help you avoid some of the mistakes they may have made. They can also advice you on how to most effectively move forward and achieve the success of which you dream.

5. Positive Reinforcement
When you reach a milestone you have set, or achieved a point where you can move forward to your next goal, reward yourself: give yourself a pat on the back, a little reward or treat that shows you have arrived. The reward should be something special, something you don’t experience everyday; it should be a true acknowledgement that you have achieved something significant and deserve to celebrate it.

Resolutions with Built-in Rewards

The best resolutions are those with built-in rewards. When you enroll in Universal Accounting Center’s programs, you increase your earning potential, impress current and potential employers, earn valuable certification, and, if interested, can earn extra money on the side - all on your own time and from the comfort of your own home. Here are two resolutions you should consider:

Our Professional Tax Preparer Certification will train you in the preparation of personal and business taxes. You can earn certification that will wow your employer and enable you to charge $100 plus an hour preparing taxes in your spare time. And tax season is upon us. Imagine, in just 30 hours you can earn enough moonlighting as a tax preparer to pay for the program 3 times over.

Over 85% of accounting opportunities are with small businesses. The Professional Bookkeeper Program is designed to help you serve this niche market in desperate need of a Profit Center Expert, a title that could easily be yours. Whether you’re a novice or expert accountant, this program is designed to train you to start a successful and lucrative business as a Professional Bookkeeper. And when you couple this training with the Professional Tax Preparer Certification, you could become a full-service financial provider in the New Year. Don’t wait another day to change the face of your career. Order now.

Bouncing Back is Key Skill in Workplace

By Carol Kleiman — Chicago Tribune

Resiliency: Ability to recover rapidly from illness, change or misfortune. Buoyancy. Elasticity.
- Webster’s New College Dictionary

Go with the flow. Thrive under pressure. Keep on keeping on.

All these terms describe someone who’s resilient — a trait especially needed in today’s stressful and rapidly changing workplace.

“Being resilient is critical today. People have come through the rah-rah ’90s — which were great for you, but also exhausting because you worked longer hours and had the relentless pressure of the global marketplace.

“Now you have to deal with the stress of economic conditions and uncertainty about employment. And, at the same time, the state of business today is that people have to perform optimally under consistently stressful and challenging conditions.”

That’s the observation of an expert on the subject, Karen F. Noble, senior consultant at WFD Consulting, a work/life consulting firm in Watertown, Mass. Noble, who has a master’s degree in psychology and has been in consulting since 1978, reports that a recent survey by her firm shows that only 52 percent of 1,249 workers said they are able to manage the daily pressures of their jobs.

Slightly more than half — 54 percent — asserted they can maintain their job performance during times of change; 25 percent reported being physically or mentally drained by the end of the day; and, only 42 percent responded that they “always have enough energy” to complete their responsibilities both at home and at work.

“Resiliency is the ability to bounce back from difficulties, to manage pressure and to adapt quickly to change while you continue to perform your work at a high level,” said Noble. “It means thriving in the face of challenge.”

The consultant has observed an increasing need for workers to be resilient.

“The train’s been on the track for the last six to nine years,” said Noble. “And now workers are beginning to bottom out. At the same time, many companies are starting to recognize this phenomenon and the need for their employees to be fully engaged for the business to compete at a high level.”

Being able to survive change is such a necessity in the world of work/life balance that Noble’s organization has devised a “resiliency survey” and a briefer “resiliency scorecard” to help companies identify practices that “deter elasticity.” Often, a key cause of stress — the opposite of resiliency — is lack of employer support.

As a result, Noble reports that some businesses that are trying to train employees to be more resilient are focusing on “habits, health, diet and time for yourself.” And, of course, flexible scheduling.

“One executive even established a committee for employees that created fun activities in the workplace,”the consultant said. “As a result, employee satisfaction increased and business results went up.”

I asked Noble where she ranks on the resiliency scale. “I’m pretty resilient, because my company is there for me,” she said.

In 1993, for example, when the consultant was a single mother with two children, ages 8 and 10, Noble was supposed to go to California — the opposite coast — for interviews with executives and to run a focus group for hundreds of people.

“But my babysitter literally fell off this planet,” she said. “I called my manager and he told me not to worry, just to do what I had to do. His understanding made all the difference. I knew if I couldn’t work it out and the meetings had to be canceled, I would never be punished.”

That support freed her to be resilient: “I was able to get on the phone and line up friends to baby-sit,” said Noble. “If I had feared I would lose my job, my stress would have been off the map, I would have been less able to solve the problem - and I probably would not still be at this company.”

Additional Resources

This site has many other Accounting Resources and Tips.

Click HERE For More Accounting Resources and Help

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.

Don’t Hesitate Another Day Procrastination for your tomorrow is doing you no good. Take control of where your career is heading, don’t allow it to be dictated by someone else! Click Here to enroll today in what will be the difference in your earning potential, your job satisfaction and the type of things you will have access in doing throughout your life with your greater earnings. Enrolling in the Professional Bookkeeper Program gives you what you need tomorrow… today!

Relocation 101: Finding a Job outside Your Residence

(Part Two of a Two-Part Series)

While most would admit it’s much easier to find a job when you search within the city where you reside, it is possible to find one outside your current residence. Whether you’re looking within a specific area or for “anyplace but here,” you can find what you’re looking for as long as you follow a few simple rules.

Here are 7 things you can do to increase your chances of finding work in another city:

1. Use online job search engines

The internet has made the world a much smaller place. Many companies post jobs to sites like www.monster.com and www.careerbuilder.com. In fact, there are even job sites that specialize in the accounting profession like www.jobsinthemoney.com and www.accounting.com. You should start searching these sites to see if you can find a good match for you.

2. Search want-ads

But not all companies use the internet when looking for job applicants. Many still post openings in the want-ads. And just because you live out of town doesn’t mean you still can’t access this valuable job-search tool. Here’s an internet site where you can find want-ads in just about any city: http://www.newspapers.com/

3. Consider working with a recruiter

Good recruiters are well-connected when it comes to job openings. They will be aware of more opportunities than you would find in the want-ads or through the internet. Unless they work for a specific company, you’ll need to pay them a flat fee to match your skills with the type of employer you’d like to work for.

But the cost is often well worth it. If they do work for a specific company, you need to realize that they’re working to fulfill the company’s needs rather than yours.

4. Post your resume and mention your desire to relocate

You’ll get even more exposure as a potential job applicant if you post your resume to the internet. This can be done on most job search sites. Potential employers that you would not have considered may contact you in reference to a position. This can multiply your options.

5. Get help from contacts, and network any chance you get

Now’s the time to look at everyone you know, professional and personal contacts alike. Let everyone know of your plans to change jobs and see what leads you get.

Also be sure you continue to network, especially when traveling for job interviews, etc. It will be the perfect time for you to meet other professionals who might be aware of job opportunities that match your interests.

6. Reduce employer risk

You become much more appealing to potential employers if you can reduce the risk they take in hiring you. Tell them upfront of your desire to relocate, and if you’re in the process of moving, let them know. This will assure them of your intention to move. And if you can afford it, let them know they need not reimburse you for the cost of the move. Many companies will offer a relocation package that will pay a certain amount of your moving costs. But this makes you the more expensive candidate and may deter some employers from hiring you.

7. Offer unique skills

One of the best ways to get a leg up on local competition is by having unique skills or job-related credentials. Consider ways you might enhance your resume, because employers will probably hire local applicants unless you have something more to offer.

UAC’s Professional Bookkeeper Designation Can Help

In less than 60 hours you can complete the Professional Bookkeeper Course which will train you in the practical application of small business accounting. The Professional Bookkeeper Program also offers you the opportunity to earn a professional designation, which will strengthen your resume, showcasing what might give you the lead on the competition. Don’t wait to increase your value to potential employers. Learn more about the PB Program today. Purchase our introductory video for $9.95 or watch online for free.

It is possible for you to get a job outside of your current residence, you just have to work a little harder to find what you’re looking for and to convince potential employers that you have more to offer than the candidate down the block. Don’t be intimidated by the challenge. Get busy and get hired!

Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation. - Oscar Wilde

Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything. - George Bernard Shaw

We’re one month into the New Year. Is it what you had anticipated? Are you happy in your job? Do you see yourself continuing to learn and grow and make more money? If you didn’t answer yes to those three questions, than you need to reevaluate your career and determine what changes may be necessary.

If you’re unhappy or dissatisfied with your current position the worst thing to do is wait it out, to sit in your cubicle, think about how frustrated you are and complain about it. We’re not recommending you make a rash decision and quit your job tomorrow. But we are suggesting that now is the perfect time to assess and determine the course of your professional future.

Reflect
There are three methods to gaining wisdom. The first is reflection, which is the highest. The second is imitation, which is the easiest. The third is experience, which is the bitterest. - Confusius

You need to take the time and assess your current position. What about it do you enjoy? What about it do you wish were different? Are you in the right industry or do you need to reconsider occupations? In order for you to best prepare for an ideal future you need to consider all your options, not just those that are most convenient. Think about starting your own accounting practice or earning additional income as a tax preparer. Reflect on those things you enjoy and explore all the career possibilities that exist within that field. And if necessary, do a little research. Talk to professionals in your industry of choice and see what advice they offer. It’s important that you not let your current “rut” determine the course of your career because the longer you stay in a job you don’t enjoy the more difficult it is to extract yourself from that dreary cubicle.

Refocus
Focus on your potential instead of your limitations. - Alan Loy McGinnis

Once you determine whether or not you want to stay in your current position you can refocus your attention. What do you need to do to accomplish your career objectives? Do you need to focus your energy and attention on earning a promotion, finding a new job, getting additional training, or exploring financing options for that accounting practice you would like to start? After considerable reflection you should be able to determine where next to focus your professional efforts. Consider making a To-Do list indicating what you must do in order to achieve your career goals.

Act
Never by reflection, but only by doing is self-knowledge possible to one. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

You can reflect and plan all you want, but nothing happens unless you act. It’s important that after you reflect and refocus you take the necessary steps to realize your goals. If necessary, make them small and simple. Pace isn’t as important as progress.

If you don’t take the time to evaluate your career, chances are you will keep plodding along at the same pace and in the same rut. You deserve to enjoy your life’s work, and now is the perfect time to reflect and assess your current position. Job satisfaction is a crucial element in your overall satisfaction of life. Take some time today to reflect, refocus and act!