Motivation

Clearly motivation is not a one size fits all deal. This is a question that you need to ask yourself no matter how many times you get it asked of you in interviews. If you know what gets you motivated and going towards your goals, you are much better off. Without any kind of motivation, things are not able to get done and it becomes pointless to do them anyway. If you are a business professional or in any other industry, this is one of the biggest questions that you have to know the answer to, second to know what you are passionate about. Do you want to be the best in your field or is it something along the lines of making a difference? The best part of is that no matter what motivates you, you can always find it. Sometime seeing progress can be motivating in itself so you can start by tracking your progress using mobile applications since we have our phones on us most of the time.

Germ Free Handles

Bathrooms are places for germs to grow and thrive. For those of us that a bit OCD about those germs, it can be an utter nightmare because the handles can be really gross. A study several years ago found that there are 19 different bacteria in public restrooms in just about every surface, including the handles. Let me give you a moment for that to really sink in. At a recent international science and engineering fair, two teens invented a door handle that eliminates bacteria completely. The secret is that it is coated with titanium dioxide and lights up. The energy for it to light up comes from the mechanical energy of the door opening and closing. The best part here is that it costs less than $15 dollars. The invention won second place in the material category. There has been a lot of progress as far as software development for communication and mobile devices but not nearly as much when it comes to the materials. Since studies have also pointed to the cell phone being dirtier than a bathroom, why not coat it with TiO2 as well?

Be Memorable

We all want to create a lasting impression on other people when we are networking. It is possible because it is something that is not written in our genes but we can definitely learn it. First of all when someone is talking to you, be all there. This means that you should not be checking your phone or mobile applications. It will make the other person feel important and valued and that can make all the difference. When you are talking, make sure that everything you say is positive and stay away from complaining. It will help and the person you are speaking with in the long run. Another great way to make an impression is to remember the name of the person you are speaking with and use it in the conversation. It is like a subtle compliment and says that they are worth talking to. Body language is also part of the conversation if not most of it. Make sure to be aware of how you are standing and that you are making eye contact.

Communication Secrets

Communication skills can be learned and even the most inept of us can be amazing speakers. This skill will also translate into great communication abilities over video conferencing. The very first thing that you should do is communicate with yourself. This means that you need to have confidence in yourself and your abilities. When you do speak, make sure that it is with sincerity. True communication means that you are not talking at a person but rather with them. You have to really listen to what they are saying because that also builds a connection. The ability to ask skillful questions and listen carefully to the responses is a huge factor in being a great communicator. While you are busy thinking about what is being said, pay attention to the language that is unspoken such as tone and posture. You should also practice what you preach because people that are listening to your presentation are also aware of your character and reputation.

Being Successful on the Weekend

As business owners, you know it is a never ending game to stay afloat and you are trying to keep up with the internet phone calls and emails over the weekend. There are probably even times when you are thinking why in the world you got into owning the business. I bet you did not know that there are ways to get yourself ready for the weekend and actually recharge. One of the first things that you should do is get up at the same time that you normally do on the weekends. It will make sure that your body will get the rest it needs and not sleep too much. You should also plan the weekend so that you do not lose the productivity from the week days. Although, it is important to plan some time for yourself. This means that your health, family and friends are just as important as work. Meditate, go for a hike, wash the car, or take in the theater. It is just as important to get your mind off of work. Lastly, take ten or fifteen minutes on Sunday to look at the week ahead and plan for it. That way, you will be able to hit the ground running come Monday.

Body Language: Take Note

Sometimes your body says more than your words and with video conferencing in full use, you will have nowhere to hide from it. If you are prone to slouching, just stop and straighten up. It communicates that you're bored and have no desire to be where you are. Same with looking at a clock, you tell the person that you are with that you would rather be doing other things. If you have folded arms or legs, it signals to the other person that you are not open to what they are saying and that you might be shutting them out. As far as facial expressions go, don't roll your eyes and and make sure that your eye contact is just long enough but not too long. The way we break contact sends a message, too. Glancing down communicates submission, while looking to the side projects confidence. Also, adapt your handshake to each person and situation, but make sure it's always firm. The bottom line here is that if you practice it enough, you will have a better idea of how to handle each situation and it will strengthen your relationships.

Decisions Decisions

Graduation is right around the corner for so many people. This is a time for some major changes and the shifting of responsibilities. Our decisions start to really impact the lives that we are making for ourselves and life does not come with an instruction manual. The first rule is to be present in the moment and pay attention. Just like people say that you never know when you are going to get hit by a bus, you still never know when opportunity might hit you in the face. Most likely you will not recognize it for what it truly is. You also need to learn how to be in touch with your gut and to trust it. Staying healthy will be one of the biggest decisions that you will be making. Yes people it is a conscious decision and will reflect on your life. And no, there is not miracle diet pill or mobile application that will do the hard work for you. If you want to have a mind that stays sharp, you need to feed it and take care of it. If you keep your body in great shape, you mind will just come along for the ride and function that much better as you age.