Good Writing Skills are an Essential Part of any Professional Development By: Kyle Danowski
By Guest Blogger | February 19th 2015
What do a nurse, an electrician and a security guard all have in common? The answer is that at the end of the day they all need to have well-developed writing skills to do their jobs correctly. In fact, you could really say this about any job—from a nuclear physicist to a custodian—and it would remain true, because even if a job doesn’t focus on writing, there’s almost a certain guarantee that an important aspect of doing the job right includes being able to communicate well through writing.
“But I can’t write very well!”
Most people realize their dislike, love or indifference to writing in a high school English classroom and unfortunately, it’s usually determined by the grade they got on their first big essay.
Create a Personal Learning Network in 2015
By Kris Powers | February 10th 2015
What is a Personal Learning Network (PLN)? A Personal Learning Network (PLN) is an informal learning network of professionals, industry thought-leaders or organizations. Building a PLN allows one to connect with others who create, curate and/or share valuable information with the intent to educate others in their community. PLNs allow two or more people, who might not know one another personally, to come together to exchange information.
“The Personal Learning Network fosters connections and can be a rich source of professional development and learning.” (Online Learning Insights)
The Value of Certifications
By Kris Powers | November 18th 2014
As careers become more specialized and the business world grows more complex, the demand for individuals with industry approved credentials will continue to grow. Obtaining industry recognized certifications is one of the best ways for individuals to demonstrate their commitment to professional and personal growth. Companies value professionals who proactively seek opportunities to develop their skills and expertise. Earning certification not only positions you as a leader in your industry - it’s an investment in yourself and your long-term career.
Certification can help by:
5 Benefits of Continuing Professional Development
By Kris Powers | August 26th 2014
As a professional, it’s important to maintain your knowledge and skills by frequently pursuing Continuing Professional Development opportunities. Benefits include:
1. Developing new skills and gaining a competitive edge
It’s never a good idea to become complacent about your professional development. Employers value those who strive to keep their skills current with workforce needs.
2. Keeping up-to-date with your industry
Staying current with new developments in your industry is invaluable. From new regulations to techniques and methodologies, it’s important to stay abreast of the newest information.
3. Refreshing your memory and relearning old techniques and theories
5 Reasons Why Professionals Prefer Online Learning
By Kris Powers | July 29th 2014
Professional Development is an ongoing process that should continue throughout one's career. It’s necessary to stay up to date on the latest trends and information in your field in order to remain capable and competent in your position. Many professionals find that online learning is a perfect fit for them and their development needs. Why?
Flexibility and Convenience. Online learning can be done from your office or home at your own pace. In this flexible learning environment (wherever, whenever), you set the pace. Open scheduling also allows you to take the courses you need whenever it best suits you and your schedule.
Networking. Online courses allow you the opportunity to network with your peers all over the country. In addition to connecting with mentors via email to address concerns or questions, an online student center gives you the opportunity to interact with others through discussion boards, etc.
Self-Marketing
By Kris Powers | June 3rd 2014
A phrase caught my eye the other day, “whether you know it or not, you are marketing yourself each and every day.” How true! We are sending messages about ourselves in everything we do – every action we take, every word we speak, every email we send. From holding the door for a stranger to how we treat the customer service representative on the other end of the phone – we are showing others who we are.
The more we are aware of the image that we are projecting, the more we should try to focus on intentionally sending the right messages - putting our best self out there - and making sure that the image we are portraying is the one that we want others to see.
The three big steps in self-awareness and self-marketing:
Prepare - Know your value and establish goals:
Excellent Customer Service
By Kris Powers | August 27th 2013
We’ve all experienced it one time or another. Whether on the phone or in person – we’ve all most surely encountered customer service agents who are not effective at their jobs. It can be something as simple as their not understanding their own product well enough to walk or talk you through a problem. Or it could be that they are completely ineffective at diffusing a situation and offering an acceptable solution. Whether offering a product or service, companies and industries that provide excellent customer service have a clear competitive advantage over those who do not.
Corporate Training
By Kris Powers | August 8th 2013
A few months ago, CertifyMe.net released eLearning industry information for 2013. Shift eLearning had reported the same statistics and more back in the winter of 2012. After reviewing both the reports and the infographic; here are some highlights with regard to Corporations and online learning:
1. 77% of American Corporations use online learning for training on the job.
2. Corporations now use eLearning as their second most important training method. Why? It cuts operational costs and is cost efficient.
3. Corporations save 50-70% when they replace instructor-based training with eLearning.
4. Online classes tend to be approximately 25-60 percent shorter than traditional, instructor-led classes.
5. According to the National Research Business Institute, nearly one quarter of employees leave their jobs because of the lack of opportunity for training and development.
What is Emotional Intelligence?
By Kris Powers | July 9th 2013
Emotional intelligence (EQ) refers to the skills of self awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management as they pertain to emotions. Understanding what emotional intelligence is and learning how to use it is a critical step in becoming successful and in reaching your personal goals. “Your EQ is the level of your ability to understand other people, what motivates them and how to work cooperatively with them,” reports Howard Gardner, a Harvard theorist. Learn to identify and manage your feelings so that you can conduct yourself appropriately in social situations.
1. Self awareness is the ability to recognize emotions as you are experiencing them in addition to recognizing the effect those emotions are having on yourself and others around you. Practicing the art of self awareness allows you to tune into your true feelings.
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