Archive for the ‘Careers’ Category

Reflexology Practitioners

  • Filed under: Careers
Tuesday
Mar 25,2008

Author: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd .

Reflexology practitioners have the unique opportunity to help in healing through natural and noninvasive ways. But before you jump on the bandwagon to practicing this ancient healing art, there are a few necessary steps you need to take in order to achieve your certification as a reflexology practitioner.

First, learn about the field of reflexology. While relatively “new” to modern American culture, the relaxing benefits of this touch therapy are well known by clients who have had the opportunity to experience a session administered by one of many reflexology practitioners. To get a general idea about how this natural therapy feels and what it can do for you, the best thing to do is to schedule an appointment with your local reflexologist or massage therapist who offer this service.

The first thing you will notice is that this is no ordinary bodywork. Qualified reflexology practitioners will begin using firm and gentle hand, thumb or finger pressure along “reflex zones” on either the soles of your feet, your ears, and the palms of your hands — or in combination. These reflex zones are traced to specific parts of the body and organ systems. When depressed with gentle but firm touch, it is believed that these reflex zones can improve health and self-healing mechanisms in the affected regions. While research is still underway, promising results demonstrate that reflexology might be helpful in reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and in pain relief.

What training do reflexology practitioners need?

Visit your local massage therapy school or reflexology clinic to find out what educational pathway is right for you. Though there are a number of massage schools that offer reflexology as part of their curricula, there are a growing number of reflexology schools and programs that concentrate entirely on the art of reflexology. In most cases, you can complete your reflexology training within three to six months. Upon successful completion, reflexology practitioners are either awarded with a diploma or certificate.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about these or other programs in massage, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, naturopathy, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore the field of reflexology practitioners and similar career studies near you.

Reflexology Practitioners
© Copyright 2008
The CollegeBound Network
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NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

About the Author:
Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for reflexology practitioners, Massage Therapy, and other healing arts programs.

The Life of Flight Attendants

  • Filed under: Careers
Tuesday
Mar 25,2008

Author: Wolfgang Jaegel.

Flight attendants’ jobs are one of the most sought after careers in the aviation industry. A flight attendant, alternatively known by different names such as air host / air hostess or steward / stewardesses, is simply a member of a flight crew whose prime role is to ensure comfort as well as safety of the passengers in flight.

In other words, flight attendants are responsible for the safety of passengers. The demand for flight attendants is now greater than ever before. The prime reason for their increased demand is due to explosive number of passengers that opt to take air travel. Another key reason for their demand is due to

During the early days of aviation, the role of a flight attendant was just to ensure the physical security of passengers, but now it is beyond that. Today’s flight attendants are adept in almost all facets of air travel, such as, airport as well as aircraft security, aircraft technical knowledge, operations in connection with airlines, reservation as well as ticketing processes, coordinating crew, providing first aid services, recognition of medical conditions, procedures in handling passengers in times of emergencies, sea and desert survival training, foreign languages, training in handling special types of materials, hospitality training, radio communication, and excellent customer service.

The responsibilities of a flight attendant also cover to whether the seat belts are fastened both at the time of take off and landing, serving meals and beverages, assisting passengers with carry-on items, and ensuring that all of the essentials as per the regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are complied with. Further, depending upon the duration of the flight, flight attendants operate audio and movie systems and sell and serve beverages. In some instances, they provide assistance in caring infants. Eventually, on reaching the destination, they help passengers via inspecting their cabin. In short, flight attendants have now become an inseparable segment of air travel industry.

Based on the nature of the airlines for which they work, there are different types of flight attendants. One of the prominent categories of flight attendants is those working with global carriers or major airlines. When working with these airlines, flight attendants could travel almost all parts of the world. Additionally, they could travel in a number of aircrafts, ranging from Boeing 737 to the DC 10. Likewise, flight attendants working with these airlines have relatively good pay, and they usually cover medical and dental insurance, pass benefits, and sometimes even profit sharing.

Another popular category of flight attendant is one working with national airlines. However, the pay offered by these airlines is relatively less when compared to that paid by the major airlines. Different types of flight attendants also include those working regional class of airlines. Flight attendants working with charter airlines and corporate flight attendants are the other prominent categories of flight attendants.

Likewise, in order to become a flight attendant, a person should necessarily possess certain vital qualities such as excellent judgment, tactful, ability to interact comfortably with strangers, superb interpersonal skills, nurturing as well as caring disposition, ability to handle stressful situations, excellent service orientation, good communication skills, polite and friendly nature, physical agility, and ability to assist customers as well as their luggage.

Additionally, all flight attendants must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA.) The certification would be provided only on the successful completion of training, covering fire fighting, evacuation, and safety procedures.

However, the job of a flight attendant is demanding, both emotionally and physically. One of the key challenges of the job of a flight attendant is that they have to remain all the time pleasant as well as courteous, despite any fatigue or stressful situation. A flight attendant must also be prepared to work at any time or at any day of the year.

In addition, a flight attendant must be willing to work at any time of a day, sometimes early morning or late night. Al though an air host or steward could enjoy the maximum benefits of traveling as well as excellent remuneration, he may have to face several other difficulties. Sometimes, he may be even required to stay away from home for weeks. In other words, a flight attendant must be prepared to work any hour, day, week, and sometimes even on holidays.

About the Author:
Launched in Hong Kong on 26 October 2006, Oasis Hong Kong Airlines pioneers a fresh approach to flying. We are now flying daily between Hong Kong, London and Vancouver

How To Avoid Acting Career Potholes

  • Filed under: Careers
Tuesday
Mar 25,2008

Author: Bob Fraser.

One of the downsides of choosing to earn our living as actors is the number of people who want us to give it up. Quit. Throw in the towel.

You know, when your friends look at you like you’re nuts, or when your family or significant other starts talking to you, quietly, about considering another line of work. There are even teachers, coaches and authors of ‘helpful’ books who eagerly tell you, that what you are doing with your life is a ‘crazy dream’ (as if they knew you well enough to have an opinion).

Believe me, if you listen to these people - you are not going to get where you want to go.

Here are a few folks you should listen to instead:

“Don’t tell me not to fly, I’ve simply got to. If I take a spill, it’s me and not you. Who told you you’re allowed to rain on my parade?” ~ Lyrics from Funny Girl

“How much time he saves who does not look to see what his neighbor says - or does - or thinks.” ~ Marcus Aurelius

“Life is short, but it’s long enough to ruin anyone who wants to be ruined.” ~ Josh Billings

This is what these pretty smart people are saying about listening to other people with regard to your dream: It’s me, not you. Who cares what you think? You can only ruin this if I let you.

Those people, the ones who are telling you to give it up, may be perfectly well-intentioned - they don’t want to see you get hurt, let’s say - or they just want to make sure that you are safe and secure in the challenging world of retail shoe sales.

Or, it’s possible they are just mean-spirited bozos with nothing better to do with their time. Their life is a disaster and they can’t bother trying to fix it, so they have plenty of spare time to give you the ‘facts of life.’

But this is YOUR decision.

This is YOUR life.

YOU are the one who has to DO what has to be done.

I hope I’ve convinced you that you should never, ever, substitute someone else’s beliefs (sometimes erroneously called thoughts) for your own.

Okey dokey, now that we’ve gotten past all the people who are standing in our way - we’re ready to ‘go for the gold’ -right?

Not so fast. There is one other person who simply refuses to get out of your way. I think you know who I mean. I think you know what I’m going to say next …

Oh yeah … it’s YOU!

The only person who can actually stop you from realizing your dream is you.

Do you know why you’re the last person standing in your own way?

Psychiatrists have loads of different answers to that question but I only have one: We tend to stand in our own way because we’re afraid.

What are we afraid of A lot of things: Failure. Rejection. Finding out we’re not talented. Success. Finding out what other people think of us. Showing up our family or friends. Not being accepted by our peers. Being embarrassed. Being wrong. Being laughed at. Being the goat.

All of these fears and many others are out there waiting for us, but, in my not so humble opinion what we’re really afraid of - what really keeps us from the success we want - what builds these seemingly insurmountable walls of fear is … CHANGE.

Human beings don’t like change, so we try to play it safe.

For instance, we actors often fall into a comfortable routine of classes, showcases, mass mailings, networking opportunities and relationships where our predetermined outlook is not examined, questioned or challenged. To be blunt, our careers fall into a rut. Our headshots are three years old. We hold down jobs we hate to pay for our ‘habit.’ We’ve seen the inside of more dingy little theatres than a 100-year-old fire inspector. And we keep doing it this way because we don’t like change.

But, if we don’t change, guess what? We end up like Wile E. Coyote, constantly buying into the latest “Acme” product and hoping that this new gimmick will work. And like that crazy coyote, we generally end up going over the cliff - ker-floop - onto the canyon floor.

It gets old, real fast.

We all know, instinctively, what our behavior really means: Actors who keep doing the same thing over and over again - expecting to get different results - probably need the help of a mental health professional, not another pay-for-play showcase.

As an example, many of us obstinately keep using a headshot that doesn’t work (get us called in) and insist that the problem lies in the behavior of agents and casting directors. The facts elude us because we have the sympathetic ear of other Wile E. Coyotes. No matter what you’ve been told, it’s NOT a numbers game - it’s a face game.

Or we attend workshops religiously without any forward progress, network like insurance salesmen at a retirement village, hoping for the brass ring - do unpaid gig after unpaid gig, hoping against hope that Spielberg will show up in the audience, one lucky night, and carry us away to the stardom we so richly deserve - because we want it so much.

After a couple of years of this merry-go-round, we get weary. And, unfortunately, sometimes, we get cynical. It’s the path of least resistance.

The irony is that this weary cynicism, which we adopt without complaint, is … CHANGE.

Unfortunately, this kind of change will cost us our love of what we do, our commitment to our goal, our self respect, and, worst of all, the company of other actors who know that cynicism is the career killer.

My opinion? If you want better (different) results, get comfortable with change.

Because it’s going to happen, whether you like it or not.

About the Author:
Bob Fraser is an actor, writer, director and producer whose acting career courses are in use by 1000’s of actors all over the world. http://www.youmustact.com

Tips for Writing Persuasive Cover Letters

  • Filed under: Careers
Tuesday
Mar 25,2008

Author: Craig Travis.

the difference. First impressions count. Your cover letter is designed to complement your resume in selling your professional background and experience to the employer so you can be seen and interviewed. It formally introduces you and quickly tells your story.

A well written cover letter is crucial to getting attention and I have now made the writing tips available online for no charge through our website: www.sequencestaffing.com. The vast majority of cover letters are poorly written and can cost the job seeker that all important career opportunity.

The cover letter allows you to tailor-make your presentation to the specific job and employer by highlighting critical information from your resume and from your professional background that’s important for the employer to see and to know about. This is your opportunity to underscore the key achievements in your career that match up with the employer’s needs and help you land the job interview.

Job seekers would gain more interviews by customizing their resume and cover letter to address the specific skills each employer is seeking. The employer is always more interested in their needs than yours, so ask yourself what would make you the perfect candidate for this job. Try to find out what they really need and want; then write your cover letter to address these points. I also suggest reviewing the job description or ad for key words and including them in the cover letter.

Of course, at Sequence we also offer our professional cover letter and resume writing services. If you prefer professional assistance, we can help you. Our team of professionally skilled writers will make your cover letter and resume standout in the crowd and will help you get that critical interview.

What makes Sequence standout among other employment job sites offering similar services is our in-depth knowledge of the construction, environmental and light industrial industries, giving us the leading edge in offering cover letter writing tips for those industries. Other leading sites, Monster.com, Hotjobs.yahoo.com and Caljobs.ca.gov don’t have the industry-specific expertise of Sequence.

Sequence, a premier executive search and staffing firm for the construction, environmental and light industrial industries, is dedicated to supporting the core industries responsible for building and maintaining the nation’s infrastructure, natural resources and environment by recruiting and placing field, management and executive-level personnel in temporary, temp-to-permanent and direct-hire positions. For more information, go to: www.sequencestaffing.com.

About the Author:
For over 25 years Craig Travis has successfully been marketing people with his keen insight and wit, and is aptly noted for his highly effective and commanding communication style that is as bold as it is innovative. He has redefined the way candidates are marketed and knows how best to help his clients capture the finest jobs in their fields. Today, he is the foremost writer producing exceptionally powerful resumes and persuasive cover letters for Sequence, a premier executive search and staffing firm for the construction, environmental and light industrial industries. Sequence is dedicated to supporting the core industries responsible for building and maintaining the nation’s infrastructure, natural resources and environment by recruiting and marketing personnel to work for the finest organizations throughout the United States. For more information: www.sequencestaffing.com.

Pursuing A Masters In Psychology

  • Filed under: Careers
Tuesday
Mar 25,2008

Author: Scott Salter.

The importance of psychology in life cannot be taken for granted. Psychology is the science that deals with human behavior as well as that of the non human. Though the course is only 125 years old, it is needed in almost in all spheres of life. Its study has its roots in biology to sociology, trying to seek a relationship between the brain functions and the behavior or the relationship between the environment and the behavior. Since the subject is so vast, there is therefore a need for specialization. As mentioned earlier, psychology touches many aspects of life and so there are various fields of study. These fields are studied in detail at the masters level.

Since 1960, there has been an increase in the students who pursue a masters in psychology. There is competition for jobs which are psychology related and so more and more students are joining the courses. In fact, it has been observed that more than two thirds of the students graduating with a masters in psychology get jobs on field, which are outside psychology and only about one third are employed in jobs which are directly related to psychology. A large number of those employed after graduating with a masters in psychology work on data collection and analysis in various firms and institutions, both in the government circles and the private sector.

There are various subfields of psychology where one can specialize. For example, one can study masters to be a Clinical Psychologist. Here one can deal with emotional and behavioral disorders. There is also Cognitive and perceptual psychologists who study human perception, thinking, and memory and often work closely with behavioral neuroscientists to explain clearly the bases of perception or cognition from the biological perspective. One can also study to be Developmental psychologists to be able to solve issues dealing with the psychological development in people throughout their lives. Educational psychology is another field which is quite popular today. Here you learn how to enhance teaching and learning.

Other areas one can do a master include Engineering psychology, Evolutionary Psychology, Experimental psychology, Forensic psychology, which tries to solve legal issues by applying psychological principles and Health psychology which is a study of how biological, psychological, and social factors affect health and illness. There is also industrial & organizational psychology where one can learn how to improve productivity in areas of work by employing psychological principles and research methods. There are many other areas too.

There are many universities in the USA which offer masters in psychology and one can opt for the course within the preferred specialization. The course normally takes two years. One should be a graduate holding a bachelors degree with a related subject. Some universities may enroll any student from any faculty but it’s always advisable to take a masters in psychology if you have a related bachelor’s degree.

About the Author:
For detailed information on pursuing a Masters of Psychology and the best schools to apply to for any given psychological field go to http://www.masters-psychology.com

A Guide To Finding Work In New Zealand

  • Filed under: Careers
Tuesday
Mar 25,2008

Author: Thomas Pretty/

In terms of settling into a new country most would agree that finding work is the key element in the overall success of your move. Without a job you not only lack an income and financial security, you feel as though you can’t set firm roots in your new home and are not able to settle within a community. Your job is so much more than a weekly or monthly pay packet, it is where you spend the majority of your time, it can be the source of stress or satisfaction and it is a focus for social bonds and friendships with colleagues.

The New Zealand Immigration Service has carried out considerable research in to immigration policy and the effective assimilation of new migrants and they are agreed that the key factor to successful migration is employment. If you are unable to find suitable employment in your new home, or your skills are unrecognized or not required, then despite all your efforts this will only ever lead to failure.

The ability to find relevant employment makes a new migrant a valuable, contributing member of the community. This is why the Immigration Service has designed the current immigration policy to reflect the importance of employment. The weight given to a job offer, relevant work experience and skills in shortage areas makes employment the deciding factor in the success of most residency applications.

Consequently, for many migrants securing an offer of employment is the key to their residency application. Even those who have sufficient points to gain residency without a job offer often want the security of a job offer before they pack up everything and make the big move to the other side of the world. Looking for suitable employment while still overseas can be an extremely daunting and disheartening process as you are at an immediate disadvantage compared to all New Zealand based applicants.

It may take a lot of preparation and resolve to undertake this process, however it is certainly possible to succeed. Your potential success in obtaining such an offer is largely dependant on two main factors - your occupation and your attitude.

Certain industries frequently have the need to hire staff from overseas, such as Teachers, Nurses and tradesmen, and consequently they are familiar with the immigration process. They are used to accepting applications from overseas based applicants and are happy to tailor start dates to tie in with travel arrangements.

If your occupation is recognised by the New Zealand Immigration Service as being in an area of skill shortage you should be able to successfully search for a suitable position while still overseas. In these instances potential employers are usually happy to conduct a telephone or video interview and this will be sufficient for them to make a decision.

Other industries and professions in New Zealand may have had no prior need to hire overseas staff, such as sales, marketing and administration, and consequently they are cautious of offering a position to someone who is still living thousands of miles away. Many of these occupations require local knowledge oand contacts or they need to be filled immediately which means employers cannot wait for residency applications to be completed. If you work is such a field then you could experience problems obtaining a job offer while still overseas.

The second, and equally important factor in finding a job whilst still overseas, is your attitude. It may seem obvious that you want to come across to potential employers as positive, flexible and committed person. However, what you believe you are doing and how you are actually coming across may well be two different things. At every step of the process you need to be conscious of how you are portraying yourself and what your actions are saying about your attitude.

For example, if a potential employer wants to arrange a phone or video interview you need to take it upon yourself to organise this from your end with the minimum of fuss. If you are unwilling to be interviewed late at night (as is often required due to the time difference) or are unavailable on the days they suggest you are unwittingly giving the impression that you are not prepared to go the extra mile. This will make a potential employer begin to doubt your commitment and dedication.

Your job is such a vital element in your life and it can influence your happiness in so many ways. It would be short-sighted to underestimate the importance of employment in the immigration process. Not only does your job provide you with stability and a steady income, it also provides you with a ready made social circle and a new network of colleagues and friends. As you formulate your emigration plans ensure that you make finding work a priority - it can be the key to successful settlement in your new home in New Zealand.

About the Author:
Migration expert Thomas Pretty looks into finding work abroad and how the New Zealand immigration service sets out to help potential migrants.

Tuesday
Mar 25,2008

Author: Alex Baumm.

jobs are challenging jobs that demand great degree of care, diligence and patience. This is one of the reasons why it is said that translation is not for the person who lacks certain degree of discipline.

Another thing about translation jobs why other people do not engage in this profession is the degree of technical skill and intellectual ability necessary to be able to produce a product of superb quality and one that meets client’s specific standard.

When engaging in translation jobs, aside from the behavioral and professional requirements, the person so engaging should find it necessary to update oneself to the new developments that happen in the languages he or she is specializing in.

This is one of the important things that must be placed in proper perspective to be able to survive in the profession.

Nevertheless, a person engaging in translation can make his or her work a lot easier if the following things will be adapted:
1. Update yourself with the use of technological software like computer dictionaries. With the present features of most computer dictionaries it is more convenient to use them as compared to printed dictionaries.

They are even made more accessible because these computer dictionaries are mostly compatible with major operating systems like Mac and Windows.

2. Allot regular time for your translation jobs. This has been proven to be more effective than not allotting specific time because it has a sort of conditioning effect.

3. Designate and come up with your very own workstation.

4. Explore the Internet every once in a while to see resource pages for translators and translation jobs.

5. Allot time to proofread works for possible unintentional errors like typographical and spelling errors.

By bearing in mind and putting into practice these rather practical tips, you will discover for yourself how much easier your translation jobs will become. You will find your translation jobs more enjoyable than before because of the considerable degree of difficulty that could be possibly lessened by doing these simple tips.

Translation jobs are quite flourishing job opportunities today. They can be performed on full-time or part-time basis depending on your choice. With the still increasing number of organizations and persons needing the expertise of translators, people who are into translation would most likely find wide market where they can offer their services.

However, it has been observed that there is likewise increasing number of translators offering their services to this market. This makes it necessary for you to be highly competitive and for your skill to be more marketable.

This in effect leads us to the conclusion that the only thing that you can possibly do to survive the new and ever-increasing competition among translators is to be more capable in what you do best - translating! The skills you have right now may be sufficient to keep you alive for the meantime.

But, staying alive for a lot longer time is another matter. One thing is for sure in this regard, you cannot survive if you will not improve your translation skills and if you will not make yourself more competent as a professional translator.

About the Author:
Learn how to send your CV to more than 4800 translation agencies. Find Translation Jobs today. Go to Translator Jobs to find out what other translators think. Find Translation Work. Alex Baumm.

Tuesday
Mar 25,2008

Author: Art Gib.

So, you want to be like Tom Cruise in Cocktail? No, you don’t have to join a cult. What you do need to do is learn how to get people to hand over tips when you hand them their drinks — after all, you’re not living on your hourly wage. But what do people want from you, besides alcohol? That’s the question. To make sure you’re the bartender that everyone knows by name, you need to learn the drinks and then learn how people think.

Ask the Right Questions

Sure, it’s a stereotype that all bartenders do is mix drinks and listen to everyone’s problems, but it’s also true to a certain extent. The more time you take to listen to someone’s boo hooing, the more money you’ll probably make as a tip. All you need to do is make sure you ask if someone’s okay if they’re drinking alone. That usually gets the person started talking or at least aware that you noticed they were looking down. Don’t get too personal when you talk to them, but just get them to keep talking. This tactic works best when you’re in a smaller bar setting, rather than a loud club because in that smaller joint, you can actually hear what they say.

Notice Everyone, But Only Talk to Some

When you’re in a hopping club, the music is blaring and everyone’s having a great time. But when they want to hydrate, they’re coming to you. To make sure you’re the hot bartender in the middle of the action, you want to focus on noticing everyone who needs a drink. Make sure everyone gets what they want, but make sure you take time to talk to the VIPs and the attractive guests. This is going to make you seem all the more attractive yourself and it will encourage top notch patrons to frequent the bar. It sounds snobby, but ask any club owner if it works and they’ll just smile.

Freebies Make a Difference

If you can, and the boss isn’t looking, make sure to hand over some freebies whenever you get the chance. This might be an extra shot or maybe just a heavier drink for a client or two. Not only are you going to pocket the tips, but this is a client who’s going to keep coming back for more. Try giving out small things like pretzels and chips too or maybe sodas to those who aren’t drinking. These are cheap little freebies, but they’ll add up in tips you see in your jar.

Being a bartender is about more than just the bar supplies. It’s about being a person that people not only wish they could be, but someone who — from a distance — makes their night something special.

About the Author:
Able Kitchen (http://www.ablekitchen.com) sells bar supplies and other restaurant equipment online for great prices due to large bulk purchases. The author, Art Gib, is a freelance writer.

Thought about Teaching a Cooking Class?

  • Filed under: Careers
Tuesday
Mar 25,2008

Author: Art Gib .

Whether you’ve opened up a restaurant or you simply want to earn some extra cash, those cooking skills you’ve honed could be your ticket to success. While your friends and family have bee reaping the benefits of your cooking for years, maybe it’s time to turn your kitchen into your new office.

You can start finding out if your family and friends were just being nice by teaching a cooking class. With this experience, not only will you meet others who enjoy cooking as much as you do, but you will also begin to see how far you can take your skills.

What Can You Cook?

If you’re going to teach a cooking class, it’s best to teach something that you know a lot about. If you get up in front of everyone and try to teach them how to roll sushi, but you’ve only done it once, you’re not going to look like an expert — you’re going to look like a fool. Find something that you can cook and cook well each and every time. It doesn’t have to be anything really exotic either — a lot of people don’t know how to cook a decent chicken breast meal. Once you’ve gotten comfortable with this particular dish that you want to cook, then you can move onto things that are more complicated.

Fun things to each include:

- Pizza making
- Chinese dishes
- Baking and pastry making
- Candy making
- Family dishes you can make quickly
- Holiday dishes
- Sushi

Where Can You Teach?

Many restaurants and community centers have areas where you can teach a cooking class to others — all you need to do is ask. If you already own a restaurant, taking students back into the kitchen is a great way to drum up business for your place, while also giving them the backstage pass to your inner workings. If all else fails, you can also cook from your home — though things might get a little more crowded there if you don’t have a lot of space.

What’s the Point?

Teaching a cooking class is about more than just using a ramekin to show off the spices you will use; this is an opportunity to learn how to teach others and how to interact with others in relation to cooking. You can use it to advertise a cookbook you’ve written or the restaurant that you’re planning on running. Advertise your class in the local papers and online to see what kind of response you get.

Chances are good that it’s going to be worthwhile to everyone. And don’t forget to charge for this. Everyone should pay a fee to offset your food costs as well as your time. Money for doing what you love — now that’s a tasty combination.

About the Author:
Able Kitchen (http://www.ablekitchen.com) sells restaurant supplies online for great prices due to large bulk purchases. The author, Art Gib, is a freelance writer.

The 7 Big Steps Of Show Biz Success

  • Filed under: Careers
Tuesday
Mar 25,2008

Author: Bob Fraser.

This week I’d like to pass along some words of wisdom from seven very sharp people who have all made their way up the ladder of Show Biz success by following their own advice (and probably the advice of each of the others).

First up is George Burns who made his living in Show Business for about 85 years (not a bad run), who reminds us of the first law of success in this timeless classic:

“I’d rather be a failure at something I love than a success at something I hate.” George Burns

This is crucial: You must love what you are doing if you ever hope to be successful at it. About 97.6% (Fake Statistics R Us) of actors do not have a problem here.

We all love it.

Next in the pantheon is Will Rogers, who is probably the most beloved American entertainer of all time. With his inimitable Oklahoma twang, he reminded us that loving it was not quite enough, all by itself. You also had to do something about it.

“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” Will Rogers

Like all great remarks, this one cuts right to the heart of most career problems. I don’t think I’m talking out of school when I suggest that most of us (actors) have a big streak of lazy. That is something we all have to work to overcome — if we want the big brass ring. I know I did.

This third bit of advice comes from Uncle Miltie (The Man Who Made Television). Milton Berle spent his whole life in show biz (his mother started taking him to auditions before he could walk) and he imparts another critical factor — a big piece of the puzzle:

“I’d rather be a could-be if I cannot be an are; because a could-be is a maybe who is reaching for a star. I’d rather be a has-been than a might-have-been by far; for a might- have-been has never been, but a has-been was once an are.” Milton Berle

This is about sticking to it.

If you think putting a time limit on realizing your dream is a good tactic, Uncle Miltie cleverly tries to convince you that you are taking a step up … on the wrong ladder.

But then there is this brilliant bon mot from the typewriter of the great playwright, author and screenwriter, Ben Hecht.

“Time is a circus … always packing up and moving away.” Ben Hecht

Oh, yes, it goes very quickly - so the sooner you get started the better off you are. Don’t let the grass grow where you’re standing. Do something right now. Well, finish reading, then do something. Time is moving away.

Now, comes one of my favorites of all time — from one of the classiest of the classic movie stars:

“Do your job and demand your compensation, but in that order.” Cary Grant

I love the fact that Cary Grant calls it a job and then he ties it immediately to the money.

For most of us, that is really the ultimate goal - acting for a paycheck. Keep that in mind every morning when you wake up.

BTW, complaining that it’s hard won’t make it easier. Making money will start to happen when you decide that’s what you want -and channel all your efforts in that direction. Getting paid to act is a big step up … on the right ladder.

If you are willing to learn from a school teacher, here’s one who became famous as a humorist some 50 years ago, who wrote books and was a regular presence on early TV:

“You must learn from the mistakes of others. You cannot possibly live long enough to make them all yourself.” Sam Levenson

What this means in simple terms is read books, watch biographies, make an effort to find out how others have succeeded - then “copy” their successful strategies while trying to avoid the pitfalls they stumbled upon before you came along.

The great thing about doing this part yourself is that you will only “copy” those methods that fit with your desires and needs. You won’t be in the position of having to accept someone else’s version of success. You can customize your plan for your own comfort level.

And this is my favorite exhortation by one of the great humorists and writers of more contemporary times:

“Contrary to popular opinion, the hustle is not a new dance step … it is an old business procedure.” Fran Lebowitz

Listen to Fran. Show Business is an old business. It’s a darn good idea to use those old business procedures to succeed at it.

Hustle.

Love it.

Work it.

Just Do It.

Try, try again.

Hey, I got a million of ‘em.

About the Author:
Bob Fraser is an actor, writer, director and producer whose acting career courses are in use by 1000’s of actors all ove r the world. http://www.youmustact.com