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Learn how to reach career nirvana; Journal is your one stop shop for advice about all things workplace, productivity and job success.

6 Tips for Making Your Next Cell Phone Store Visit Go Smooth
You may have preconceived thoughts about salesmen. Your ideas were probably taught to you by an adult figurehead. They would say things like, “Those people really don’t care about you. They just want to make a sale!” And yes, that is partially correct. I do want to make a sale, but I also want to make sure my customer is taken care of. I’m not in this game strictly for myself. I enjoy putting a smile on a customer’s face or helping someone get their bill lowered. I know I like my bill to be less. I assume you do as well. Why not share in that?
By Joel W.8 years ago in Journal
5 Steps to Finally Finishing Your Novel's First Draft
I have told myself since I was young that once day I would become an author of a book. I dreamed about the stories I would tell and the endless possibilities for writing. Throughout the years I have started novels on those rainy days when there is nothing to do. However, I would rarely come back to them. Life would always get in the way and soon I would lose interest. Despite this, my dream of being an author has been something that has never changed. I always come back to it as the only thing I could ever truly see myself doing. It is true, writing isn't always the easiest industry to break into. I eventually told myself that unless I actually complete writing pieces, I am never going to actually be a writer. Some time ago, I got inspiration for a novel and I knew that if I was going to become a writer, this would be the story I wanted to tell first. Recently after much self discipline, I was able to finally complete my first draft. Through the journey of writing a novel, I definitely learned some lessons along the way. Below are five things I learned when writing the first draft of my novel. If you are starting out this journey yourself, I hope what I learned will be helpful to you.
By Sarah Franchi8 years ago in Journal
How to Start Writing a Story/Book
Hello, fellow wordsmiths! Did you realize that there is a story needed to be told? Have you decided that you are ready to write your own story/book? Are you stuck on what steps to take? No need to worry. After reading this article, you will understand the important steps in creating your own story.
By Chatty Anya8 years ago in Journal
Writing the First Draft of Your Novel
I still remember the feeling of finishing my first draft. It’s an intense sense of accomplishment, like you’ve built a tower by hand. And while I wouldn’t consider the journey done (I’m still looking for a publisher) the reward of finishing is something I’ll always have.
By Martin Rombach8 years ago in Journal
Finding Your First Paying Clients Starting Out as a Freelancer in a New Industry
You have a skill that you enjoy and want to start making money off of it either full-time or as a side hustle to your current job.
By Carmen Smith8 years ago in Journal
10 Ways to Make Your Writing Stand Out
Ever had trouble writing because you just don’t know what to do or how to start? Here’s a list of 10 things you can do to get you started in make your writing better!
By Alice8 years ago in Journal
How to Make a Profit in Business
Teach. There’s the short, straight, no bullshit answer for all you busy entrepreneurs and workers trying to get a little ahead in the game! For those of you who want more out of business and life, let me take you on a journey. The company I work for, TherapyCable, is a video marketing company for the healthcare industry. For years, we had gone through different business models to try and turn a profit. We created plans and ideas that we THOUGHT our potential clients wanted rather than simply asking them. Does this sound familiar? I’m sure while starting your own business or venture you’ve come across similar struggles and hurdles to cross. Business is not easy by any means. It takes a dedicated and hardworking team to succeed. What finally worked for us? We realized that teaching and giving away all our knowledge for free is what our clients actually needed before contracting us.
By Austin Armstrong8 years ago in Journal
How to Get More Instagram Followers
With more than 400 million active users, Instagram has become a great place for companies to advertise. However, Instagram is often seen as one of the hardest places to gain followers for some companies in certain industries. So, how can you increase your following?
By Chloe Walton8 years ago in Journal
How To Write an Interview Thank-You Email
Now that you've made it through your job search and interview process, there's the selection process, which can go either way depending on how you respond. Some hiring managers will opt to select someone else if they don't receive a follow-up email, sensing that you're not interested. So crafting together a thank-you email is essential in locking down a job. This is how to write an interview thank-you email properly.
By Madeline Zenk8 years ago in Journal
How to Create a SWOT Analysis
First of all, what is a SWOT analysis? A SWOT analysis identifies internal STRENGTHS and WEAKNESSES and external OPPORTUNITIES and THREATS.
By Amanda Morgan MBA8 years ago in Journal
The Basics of Being a Waitress
First things first, from now on don't call the people you are serving customers ... call them guests. Make your guests feel at home and welcome. I usually do this by verbally saying they are always here, but there are probably better ways. With that said - you do have the right not to serve a customer if they are harassing you, drinking too much, didn't pay last time, etc. Know the menu! For example: if all burgers come with a side of fries, ask them if they want fries or a substitute. Know some drinks! If a customer asks for a mojito, it helps to know what a mojito is, if the bartender says she doesn't know how to make it .. Bring cutlery and side plates before you bring the food. I try to bring them just after they order to make sure I don't forget .. because that can be embarrassing! Management is going to want you to up-sell, so if it's dinner offer a dessert menu and coffee at the end. With that said - don't ask them if they want anything else while they are waiting for their food. If you have trouble remembering orders, it's okay to write them down. Smile. I hate saying this because I hate being told to do it, but it helps you get better tips. Look clean! Washed hair, washed finger nails, clean clothes, etc. Makeup isn't mandatory but it can help sometimes. It can also be fun. It is best to avoid perfume, some people are allergic to it. If you think you might forget a task that you need to do in ten minutes, it's okay to write it down. Check the order before bringing it to the table. If there is a mistake don't blame the chef or anyone else. Just apologize and fix it. Never complain about a bad tip. The only time you can mention a tip is if you are saying a simple thank you. Never sit around doing nothing. 'If you have time to lean, you have time to clean.' Stay neutral in arguments about who will pay. Ask if they would like water when they order coffee or alcohol. Bring extra cutlery for specific orders. If someone is getting a steak, grab a steak knife. If someone is getting a soup, bring a spoon. If someone is getting a coffee, put a spoon on the side. Don't set dangerous objects near children. If the parents order hot soup just try to keep away from the kids a little. If you don't have an apron pocket, you can consider buying one online. Familiarize yourself with the daily specials. I hate to say this but it's best to do it before your shift even starts. If someone is getting take-out, bring it in a plastic bag with plastic cutlery and napkins. Don't let it get to you if the other waitresses are being mean to you, they could easily just be jealous you are getting better tips or they are just stressed. Know the numbers of the tables, trust me it helps. Also it looks really bad if you don't know the numbers. Choose the music with some care. Don't play a whole album of the same artist. In the morning, play softer music and in the afternoon, play more energetic music. Perform unpleasant tasks without complaining. Keep the music a little low so that guests can still talk to each other. Want more tips? Good! Introduce yourself, make eye-contact and be friendly. Befriend the regulars. Remember their names and favourite drinks. Make them feel like they are coming to visit a friend: you! Don't gossip about customers, even if you think they can't hear you. Just don't risk it. Show up to work early. This is important to any job, especially if you are new.
By Test8 years ago in Journal
The Art of Great Coaching. Top Story - March 2018.
Many managers seem to cringe at the thought of coaching their employees when performance comes up short. I mean, after all, don’t they already know their jobs? Why in the world would they need coaching? I feel like I’m a teacher, counselor, career guru, and sometimes a baby-sitter! I just want them to do their jobs!
By Glenn Harriman8 years ago in Journal