Six Ways To Increase Your Summer Cash Flow

By Valerie Nam on June 30, 2010

It's summer break. You don't necessarily want to work, but you need the money to support your social life. If you're not cute enough to run that little lemonade stand like you used to, then it's time to find another way to improve your summer cash flow. Luckily, there are numerous opportunities for you to make some side money. And you can do this by using the skills you already have!

I met my good friend Valerie my freshman year of college, and I remember her telling me how she got paid for making company advertisements using her expert Adobe Photoshop skills. Here are some other clever ideas to earn some extra cash:

1. Social Marketing Consultant: So it sounds like a fancy job title, but in reality, you can simply use your Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, etc. skills to help companies with their marketing efforts. If you're going to be on Facebook anyway, why not get paid for it?

2. Write Product Reviews: If you want to complain or rave about something you bought, write about it! Voice your opinion while typing reviews for places like Epinions.com or ReviewStream.com.

3. Sell Stuff on eBay or Have a Garage Sale: Mom and Dad must have some kind of junk lying around in the house. Turn that clutter into profit! It wouldn't hurt to find that old box of toys you used to play with either. The neighborhood kiddies would definitely appreciate them.

4. Take Online Surveys: You can complete surveys through legitimate online survey sites, and get paid for it. Sounds easy doesn't it?

5. Take Pictures and Sell the Photos: Keeping it strictly PG, you can make money as a photographer. Lots of sites are looking to buy digital photos such as Shutterstock.com or 123RF.com.

6. Tutor: Are you a math or science whiz? Many parents are willing to pay for someone who can help their child develop skills and succeed in certain academic areas. Opportunities can range from designing web logos to joining a focus group.

These are just a few ideas out of the endless possibilities… Do some research and earn yourself some cash this summer!

"Lemonade stand" courtesy EvinDC via Flickr Creative Commons

The Power of Staying Positive

By ConnieMcD on June 29, 2010

Hi there ThinkTalkers! My name is Connie and I am currently a senior Media Studies Major at CUA. During my time here at ThinkTalk, I will be blogging about my experiences and lessons learned in the work place in order to give you guys some tips and advice on what to expect and prepare for at your own internships.

Every morning of my internship I usually run through the same routine. I wake up, get ready, grab the largest cup of coffee known to mankind and then make my way into Washington D.C. On the way in I usually think about what I should write about that day and then catch up on the daily news on my phone. Today however, I couldn't really think of something to write about so I decided to read the news instead.

Immediately the first headline I saw was "10 Attitudes of Successful Workers". Ahha! A possible theme for my blog! After reading through the article, I knew it was something I had to write about and share.

The article, by Kate Lorenz, explains how staying positive can help you not only stay healthy and live longer, but also help you succeed at your job. The article also reveals that positive people can make more money! Lorenz offers ten ways in which any person can change their attitude in and out of the work place:

1. I am in charge of my destiny. If you spend your entire career waiting for something exciting to come to you, you will be waiting a long time. Successful professionals go out and make good things happen. So commit yourself to thinking about your career in an entirely different way. You will make it to the top, and you are in charge of making it happen.

2. Anything is possible. Think that there is no way you will ever be at the vice-president level? Then you definitely won't. Remember: If you think you can't, you probably won't. Adopt the attitude of The Little Engine That Could -- "I think I can."

3. No task is too small to do well. You never know when you are going to be noticed. That is one reason to take pride in your work -- all of it. One public relations executive in Chicago said that her first task in the PR department of a ballet company was reorganizing the supply closet. She tackled the project with gusto and was immediately noticed for her hard work and attention to detail. Remember this the next time you feel like slacking because you are working on a menial task.

4. Everyone is a potential key contact. While you do need to be aggressive in the workplace, you can also go far by being nice to those around you. Do you think it's unimportant to establish a good rapport with your boss's secretary? Well, just try getting your meeting squeezed onto the schedule when you really need it. Be courteous to those around you -- you never know when your past contacts will play a role in your future.

5. I was made to do this job... and the one above me. If you spend your days feeling like you are not cut out to do the work you are responsible for, your performance will suffer. Your job may not be the perfect fit, but successful workers act like they are in their dream job, no matter where they are.

6. It's not just what I know, but who I know. Successful workers understand the importance of networking, both in and out of the office. You need to proactively establish professional contacts. Invite a colleague out to lunch. Go to the after-work happy hour. Join your professional association. Do your part to establish a networking path for your future.

7. What else can I do? Since you are in charge of your destiny, it's your job to look for ways to improve your professional self. Volunteer to take on an extra project. Learn a new skill that will make you more marketable. Stay late to help your co-workers. Successful workers don't just complete the job and sign out -- they look for additional ways to make their mark.

8. Failure will help pave the way to my success. While it seems like some people never experience setbacks, the truth is everyone fails from time to time. The difference between successful and unsuccessful people is how they deal with failure. Those who find success are the ones who learn from mistakes and move on.

9. I am my own biggest fan. Have you been waiting for someone in the office to recognize your talents and efforts? Maybe it's time you start tooting your own horn. Step up and talk about your accomplishments and what you have done for the company. Successful workers know how to point out their achievements without sounding boastful.

10. My opportunity monitor is never turned off. Yes, there will be days when you will want to just be happy with the status quo. But remember that successful workers are always on the lookout for opportunities to improve. Keep your eyes, ears and your mind open to new opportunities -- you never know when you will discover the one that will change the course of your career!

These easy little steps can help change your life in a big way! Not only could they help you live longer but you could be getting the promotions you only once dreamed of! Don't forget to keep on track and stay positive!

"Joy.Youth.Sky.Blue.Sun.Shine. Sunshine.Happiness" courtesy irina via Flickr Creative Commons

How to Ace Your Phone Interview

By Valerie Nam on June 25, 2010

Congratulations! You've applied to that job or internship position that you've been working towards and have made it over the first obstacle. Someone at the company or organization has reviewed your cover letter and resume, and has contacted you to schedule an interview - a phone interview. You don't even have to wear that uncomfortable suit!

In today's world, it's not unheard of for companies to conduct telephone interviews in order to rule out unqualified or inferior candidates. Long gone are the days when managers granted every job candidate an hour of their time to discuss potential placement in their company. There just isn't always enough available time, resources, and funds to do so.

Full interviews are now conducted via telephone (or even through webcam for which you would have to dress properly), and so it goes without saying that you should carefully prepare for the interview. Let's face it, if you don't pass the phone interview, you simply won't get the job.

To make the best impression possible, here are a few tips:

1. Take the phone interview seriously

The time you have to talk to your interviewer is your only chance to position yourself as the best candidate for the job. It's your few minutes to express yourself in the best possible light.

2. Prepare and succeed

Review your own credentials: Remember that application you sent it? Take a few minutes to run through your resume and refresh your memory about all the great stuff you've done. What are some successful stories? Outstanding achievements? Without a doubt, your interviewer will be asking lots of questions about your background and skills. Make a list of key points you want to make. If you prepare for this, you will be ready to answer any question the interviewer may throw at you.

Conduct research about the company: Get acquainted with the company. Use any information that may be listed on the Internet to your advantage. The company is bound to have it's own website and it's important to know the facts.

Make sure you have all the necessary resources to conduct a phone interview: Using a cell phone? Make sure you have a charger nearby. The last thing you want to happen is for your phone to die- a silly nono. To be safe, make sure that your cell phone is fully charged. Also, plan ahead and ensure that you are in a location that is quiet and free of distractions. Yes, that means turning off the TV and leaving your barking pup in the other room.

Make a list of questions you have about the position: Prove to your interviewer that you are acquainted with the requirements of the job. Ask specific questions that were not answered through your own research. Show interest!

3. The Phone Interview

Listen and answer: Carefully listen to the interviewer and focus your attention on the question being asked. Take a few moments to compile your thoughts, and then answer. You'll sound more confident and in control if you don't ramble.

Sell yourself: Speak in a straightforward, confident tone. When people are nervous, they tend to talk too fast and with a higher tone. Try to relax. You've got this.

Don't forget the thank you! Thank the interviewer for taking the time to speak to you and re-iterate your interest. Follow up with a thank you e-mail.

Overcome the phone interview hurdle with these tips and you've landed the job. Good luck!

Hump Day Movie Day: Michael Moore on Capitalism, A Love Story

By Mindy on June 23, 2010

Welcome back to ThinkTalk's Hump Day Movie Day. Every Wednesday we're going to pull a favorite interview from the archives. This week, our feature showing is a Director's Cut interview with Michael Moore, the famous documentary filmmaker. This is the first part of an hour long, Town Hall style Q&A Moore. ThinkTalk host Zack Sherwood talked with Moore at an event at George Washington University in conjunction with the GWU College Democrats- you can watch the rest of the show here. The students came fully prepared and peppered Michael with questions about his new film, Capitalism: A Love Story, his thoughts on the US economic crisis, health care, and partisan politics.

Michael Moore's other works include Bowling for Columbine, Fahrenheit 9/11, and Sicko. His latest film, Capitalism: A Love Story tells the story of the U.S. financial collapse and the corporate greed that caused it.

What Employers are Looking for in Future Employees

By ConnieMcD on June 21, 2010

Hi there ThinkTalkers! My name is Connie and I am currently a senior Media Studies Major at CUA. During my time here at ThinkTalk, I will be blogging about my experiences and lessons learned in the work place in order to give you guys some tips and advice on what to expect and prepare for at your own internships.

With the current state of the job market finally on the mend, I thought that now would be a great time to set up a list of attributes that your possible future employers have in mind when looking to hire someone new. Competition in the job market is incredibly tough, so following through with these tips could give you the step up that you need to land that perfect job. CNN.com offers the following list of characteristics that you should be aware of before your next interview:

1. Long-term potential

Why it's important: Employees want to see their future within a company so they are motivated and excited about their career path, the company's future and their role in it, says Celia Santana, president of Personal Risk Management Solutions. From the employer perspective, you want people in your organization to work their way up. It is best to have someone who is multidimensional and can grow with the company.

2. Ability to work well with others

Why it's important: "We spend a lot of time at work; there is nothing worse than someone who cannot get along with others," Santana says. "[It's] so important and involves being helpful, understanding the unwritten rules, being respectful, reliable and competent."

3. Ability to make money

Why it's important: Hiring managers want people who can prove that they will increase the organization's revenues or decrease its costs, Rothberg says. "During a recession, revenues are difficult for organizations to generate and employers have typically already cut their costs about as much as they can. Their emphasis is on increasing their revenues."

4. Impressive resume

Why it's important: "A resume is a person's billboard; a reflection of the applicant in the eyes of the reader," said Jay Meschke, president of EFL Associates. "First impressions are lasting ones and a resume is often the vehicle to either make a good impression or a poor one."

5. Relevant work experience

Why it's important: "Experience levels generally allow a person to hit the ground running without a lot of hand-holding," Meschke said. "Managers do not have time to mentor and train people as in the past."

6. Creative problem-solving skills

Why it's important: "Employers know that in business, the chessboard changes daily. As soon as we think all is fine, the economy changes or the competition makes a surprise move and the company's own strategy must change," said Mark Stevens, author of "Your Marketing Sucks" and CEO of MSCO, a global marketing firm. "A person who gets locked into a set way of doing things finds it difficult or impossible to adjust. They are a drag on the business as opposed to an asset for it."

7. Strong online presence

Why it's important: "Social networking has become the primary way that people communicate. But it is a double-edged sword. Employers have access to your personal life, likes and dislikes, political views, good and bad behavior. Because of that exposure and the speed at which information is distributed, it is important that you be digitally dirt-free, especially when job hunting," said Chris Laggini, vice president of human resources for DLT Solutions.

8. Multitaskers who thrive on variety of projects

Why it's important: "Business today moves at supersonic speed, and effectively managing a variety of different projects simultaneously is essential," said Susan Stern, founder and president of Stern + Associates, a public relations and marketing communications agency. "If an individual demonstrates a passion for learning new things and enjoys a variety of work, chances are she is also ambitious and inquisitive -- two qualities that are critical to success and advancement."

9. Enthusiasm and initiative

Why it's important: "If you show consistent enthusiasm and take initiative on the job, you can count on being noticed and rewarded. Every business looks to put their most enthusiastic people forward with important clients and customers," Stern said. "By taking initiative, you convey a true team spirit and illustrate that you are not someone who simply meets the criteria of a job description, but who goes above and beyond what is required to help the business succeed."

10. Good cultural fit

Why it's important: Recruiters are pressured to find the right match for a company; applicants are under pressure to creatively differentiate themselves and demonstrate a desire to succeed, said Jenny Floren, founder and CEO of Experience Inc., an online recruiting community. "Hiring managers are particularly interested in how a candidate is going to adapt to their unique organizational culture."

Career Reading for Your Weekend

By Mindy on June 18, 2010

Happy Friday ThinkTalkers! We want to help heat up your job hunt this summer, so take a look at these articles over the weekend for some expert advice. We'll see you back here Monday!

The Personal Branding Blog Helps Your Fix that Boring Resume Objective: You've spent hours tweaking and manicuring the perfect resume, so it's frustrating to realize how little time hiring managers take to look at it. You need to grab their attention as quickly as possible. One of the best ways is to wow them with your resume objective turned branding statement. Check out these tips!

Movin' On Up Picks the 5 Questions You Have to Be Ready For: While every interview will be different, there are definitely some go-to questions that most employers will end up asking you. Find out what they are and why you should be prepared.

Bob Sutton Offers Strategies for... Swearing in the Office?: This article responds to the question, "Is it ever appropriate to use [swearing] as a bonding device or a way to motivate people?" The number one rule: If you aren't sure, then don't do it. But Sutton has some interesting thoughts.

Keppie Careers Has Ten Ideas to Help You Find a Job Now: My favorite tip: "Talk to people you do NOT think can help you. Just because someone isn't in your field doesn't mean they don't have useful information for you."

The Student Branding Blog Teaches You to Reverse Google Before the Interview: Have an interview coming up? More than likely, the hiring manager will Google you. So why not "reverse Google" your interviewer to help you prepare some relevant questions? There are some good ideas of things to look for in profiles or articles and how to turn them into leading questions.

"Sun" courtesy jasonippolito via Flickr Creative Commons

The Benefits of Taking Summer Classes

By Valerie Nam on June 16, 2010

June, July, August. Those three months of bliss when you can finally unwind from the stress of classes and those pesky final exams. It can be the perfect time to focus on your social life or find relaxing time for yourself. Read a book, get a tan, travel. Who knows? You might even be motivated enough to find a summer job or an internship to earn some extra spending money.

OR, you can do something that will benefit both your education and future. Enroll in summer classes. Okay, so you can call it summer school, but really, how bad can taking a class or two be? Especially when there are so many advantages in doing so!

1. Suffer a whole semester vs. suffer a short amount of time

Most summer classes last about five weeks and meet two to three times a week. If you know that there is a class that you will absolutely dread sitting through for an entire semester, why not take it early? Summer learners also benefit in that they are not distracted by the rigmarole of school year obligations. They do not have to simultaneously worry about extracurricular activities and social obligations. You can focus all your attention on that one class and earn that A grade- no excuse! Balancing academics becomes easier when you have more leisure time, of course. And after you complete your educational requirements, you have the rest of the summer to go on those exotic vacations you've been waiting for.

2. Graduate sooner

Get a jumpstart on the school year and get those core classes out of the way. If you are looking to graduate early or plan to earn a double major, summer classes can prove invaluable. Dedicate part of your summer to a class, and then enjoy easier course loads during the semester. Also, whether or not you decide to stay in your college town or head back home for the summer, you do not actually have to take courses at your college or university to earn credit. Often times, your community college offers classes whose credits are transferable to a range of majors at your own school.

3. Don't kick the habit

After a few months of zero academic responsibilities, it's always rough going back and readjusting to the school year. However, if you never fall out of the loop of learning, it will be a much easier transition for you. Plus, you forget the stuff you learn when you don't practice the material, so summer classes will keep you smart.

4. Make New Friends

Taking summer classes gives you endless opportunities to meet new friends before the school year begins and expand your social circle. The class sizes may be smaller and more personal as opposed to those huge lecture halls where you may not even spot the same person again for the rest of the semester. Trust me, it happens.

Remember that you can always use the summer time wisely. And it doesn't necessarily mean you have to sacrifice fun.

"A lot of school buses" courtesy wheany via Flickr Creative Commons

Don't Forget to Sleep!

By ConnieMcD on June 15, 2010

Hi there ThinkTalkers! My name is Connie and I am currently a senior Media Studies Major at CUA. During my time here at ThinkTalk, I will be blogging about my experiences and lessons learned in the work place in order to give you guys some tips and advice on what to expect and prepare for at your own internships.

Remember when your parents would tell you to get a good night's sleep before a big exam? Well even though it may sound cliche, its true about the work place too. Multiple studies show that adults should get anywhere between 6-8 hours of sleep every night and a lack of sleep can cause drowsiness and the inability to concentrate on regular activities, let alone the project which your boss is depending on you to complete. If sleep deprivation continues, it can even lead to mood swings, hallucinations, and other side effects which should not take place in an office environment.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) explains that even though scientists are still not entirely sure why we need sleep, they do know that sleep gives neurons used while we are awake a chance to shut down and repair themselves. Without sleep, neurons may become so depleted in energy or so polluted with byproducts of normal cellular activities that they begin to malfunction. Those neurons are what allow us to function and complete normal tasks. Unfortunately for all coffee and Red Bull fans, drinking caffeine during the day may help you stay awake long enough to make it through the work day without face planting onto your desk, but it actually can ruin your sleep cycle and make it even more difficult to get through the next days work load.

So before you get into some messy cycle of straining your neurons and depending on three venti coffees a day in order to keep yourself awake, remember that you can avoid all of this by getting some good shut eye. Not only will it save you money on overpriced coffee, it can also help you stay ahead of the game in the workplace.

"Library visitor" courtesy umjanedoan via Flickr Creative Commons

Saying Goodbye

By Sean on June 10, 2010

My name is Sean and I just finished high school. I'll be off to the University of Mary Washington in the fall but until then I plan to make the most out of the next couple of months, starting with this cool little internship. That being said, don't get too attatched; I'll only be here until June 10th. Until then, read and enjoy. By the way I live and breathe movies; I reviewed them for my school paper and I own 100+ DVDs. This means I might be throwing some obscure references around here and there, so consider yourself warned.

It's often said that good things come in threes (see: the Lord of the Rings trilogy, the original Star Wars trilogy, etc.), so I would like to supplement this with the presentation of my third and final blog post. That's right it's June 10th, my last day here at ThinkTalk. Yes, I'm just as upset as you are, but I'm still staying positive as I say my goodbyes to the fine staff here. It's important to remain upbeat when you leave an internship (or any job, for that matter) and keep in mind that there are better things on the horizon. Say, wouldn't that be a great topic for my last post?

As young job seekers, you'll spend a lot of time building your resume, which means you'll be in and out of a lot of different internships, odd jobs, etc. This means you'll have to get used to packing up and leaving a workplace (wherein you might have formed solid relationships with your co-workers) without turning on the waterworks. Sure, you can be a little upset, you're only human, but just keep in mind that your behavior on the last day will be the last impression you'll ever make on the people you've worked with. Do you want to be remembered as a calm, collective individual with a professional attitude and a positive outlook on his or her future or a weepy, dramatic mess? If you have to think about the answer, you've got bigger issues to figure out.

Before you leave the workplace, get all of your affairs in order. I know that sounds sort of morbid, but I'm only talking about little things. Stuff like finishing any little projects you may have started at the beginning, clearing any business with security (depending on what the procedures are wherever you work) or any and all sorts of administrative junk. For example, tidying up your workplace couldn't hurt. Try and make it look exactly as it was on your first day. Also, if you've been working on a company computer, the same rule applies. You don't want to leave a cluttered desktop filled with all your old word documents, charts, etc.

Another thing to keep in mind is making sure to take care of whatever you need to with your boss or mentor. Don't be afraid to ask if you can use him or her as a reference. The worst they can do is say no, and if they do it's probably your fault anyway. Also, be sure to thank them for everything they've done for you and ask for some kind of contact information. The same goes for any and all of the people you've worked with during your time there. Friend them on Facebook, get their email addresses or even their phone numbers (if you're still into that sort of thing). You don't have to be a creep about it, but just remember that somewhere down the line one of these people might be able to put in a good word for you when you're trying to find a job.

Once you've done that, take the next step and stay in touch with these people. Again, it doesn't have to be weird; it could be as simple as telling them where you're sending your resume or asking if there have been any major changes since you left.

One more note: avoid the theatrics. Big last day speeches or office-wide pranks are great for movies and TV shows, but they're a bit much in real life (for example, threatening to start your own company with a stolen goldfish may have worked for Tom Cruise, but he's more of an example of how NOT to go through life). Just like any other workday, the keyword for your demeanor during the last day should be professional.

Keeping these things in mind should help you out with the last day blues. Just know that you'll probably have to do it again five or ten more times after you leave. The important thing to remember is that you'll most likely be off doing bigger and better things, so act accordingly. Say your heartfelt (but not overemotional) goodbyes, keep your head held high and, if you really want a cliche but worthwhile treat, play "Don't You" by Simple Minds on your iPod and walk away with your fist in the air.

How to Use Facebook in the Workplace

By Mindy on June 10, 2010

Hi there ThinkTalkers! My name is Connie and I am currently a senior Media Studies Major at CUA. During my time here at ThinkTalk, I will be blogging about my experiences and lessons learned in the work place in order to give you guys some tips and advice on what to expect and prepare for at your own internships.

Addicted to Facebook? Need to find ways to use your obsession for good? Read through the following tips on how to use your Facebook account to accomplish networking with possible employers and businesses.

When Facebook first became popular, I had no interest in the site especially since I was still all about my MySpace page. After being convinced by a friend to cross over into the Facebook realm, I was immediately addicted. The social networking site helped me keep in contact with all of my high school friends that I had to leave behind when college began, and also helped me meet new friends my new school.

Ever since the school year ended, I have been debating whether or not to delete my page. I kept thinking that I really do not need any extra distractions and after hearing horror stories of people not being hired based on potential employers searching for them on Facebook, I really thought it was time to say goodbye to Facebook. However, I recently came across an article at WebWorkDaily which quickly changed my mind on deleting my page. The article goes through 23 changes you can make to your page to make it workplace and business savvy. They are pretty simple changes that can help you actually get a job. I listed a few of the helpful tips below, but check out the article to see all 32!

Fill out your profile completely to earn trust.

Establish a business account if you don't already have one.

Stay out of trouble by reading the Facebook rules regarding business accounts.

Keep any personal parts of your profile private through Settings.

Create friends lists such as "Work," "Family" and "Limited Profile" for finer-grained control over your profile privacy.

Post a professional or business casual photos of yourself to reinforce your brand.

Limit business contacts' access to personal photos.

Obtain a Facebook vanity URL so that people can find you easily.

Add your Facebok URL to your email signature and any marketing collateral (business cards, etc.) so prospects can learn more about you.

Post business updates on your wall. Focus on business activities, such as "Working with ABC Company on web site redesign."

Share useful articles and links to presentation and valuable resources that interest customers and prospects on your wall, to establish credibility.

Research prospects before meeting or contacting them.

Upload your contacts from your email client to find more connections.

Look for mutual contacts on your contacts' friends lists.

Use Facebook Connect to add social networking features to your web site.

Join network, industry and alumni groups related to your business.

"facebook" courtesy benstein via Flickr Creative Commons