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Entrepreneurs

Top 15 Entrepreneurship Resources to Boost Your Success

The 21st century has brought great new opportunities for entrepreneurs. The digital revolution has completely changed the way we live -- and the landscape for aspiring CEOs and innovators. However, the world is also moving faster than ever, and the competition is thick, so you have to gain every advantage you can get to turn your passion or idea into a sustainable business. Entrepreneurship requires an unvanquished spirit of curiosity, an openness to learning, a letting go of OldCo so you're free to create NewCo. – Michael E. Gerber This is where this guide comes in. We've outlined the 15 best resources on entrepreneurship to help you acquire the tools and knowledge you need to start your entrepreneurial journey (and keep it going). Whether you're looking to work remotely as a freelancer or want to turn your passion into a career, the resources below will help you get there. 1. Personality Traits that Successful Entrepreneurs Value More than all Others If you want to know what the absolute most important traits and skills are to develop as an entrepreneur, look no further. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, this will tell you everything you need to know about what makes a successful entrepreneur tick. Read here: 5 Personality Traits that Successful Entrepreneurs Value More than all Others 2. How To Find Your Passion If you haven’t yet found your calling, it’s important to do that first before venturing off into any long-term business effort. That’s not just because you shouldn’t settle for anything less than doing what you love (after all, why become an entrepreneur if you’re doing that?), but also because you’ll never be able to maintain the energy and motivation to get passed tough challenges without this passion to drive you. Read here: How To Find Your Passion 3. Dangerous Misconceptions About Entrepreneurship That You Should Know About If you’re relatively new to entrepreneurship, there are some dangerous misconceptions that can hold you and your entrepreneurial efforts back which won’t be immediately obvious. Learn what those misconceptions are and how to keep from falling victim to them by reading this. Read here: Dangerous Misconceptions About Entrepreneurship That You Should Know About 4. How to Build a Brand in the Digital Age — An Entrepreneur’s Starter Guide With social media, building a strong brand is more important than ever before. But if you don’t know anything about what it takes to build a brand, don’t worry, this will help you figure out everything you need to get started. Read here: How to Build a Brand in the Digital Age — An Entrepreneur’s Starter Guide 5. Things You Need to Know If You Want to Be an Entrepreneur If you want to be an entrepreneur, there are a few things that you really need to know. I can’t stress these points enough– if you have dreams or plans of becoming (or are already) an entrepreneur, you need to read this sooner than later. Read here: 6 Things You Need to Know If You Want to Be an Entrepreneur 6. The 3 Questions No Entrepreneur Wants to Ask (but You Must) If you want to build a long and fruitful self-employed career, there are three critically important questions you must ask yourself. This is yet another thing you really can’t put off, as it affects your entire path through entrepreneurship in several critical ways. But, the good news is, if you can be ready for these things ahead of time, you’ll be far better prepared. Read here: The 3 Questions No Entrepreneur Wants to Ask (but You Must) 7. With Grace and Grit: A Guide to Sticking it Out for Entrepreneurs If you haven’t already figured it out yet, entrepreneurship is tough -- really tough. You need to have the right amount of toughness to get through the inevitable challenges you’ll face along the way. Building resilience is key. Read here: With Grace and Grit: A Guide to Sticking it Out for Entrepreneurs 8. Why Entrepreneurship Is an Effective Path to Happiness (and How to Get Started) Aspiring business leaders have more opportunities than ever, but the path to success is also very different from what it used to be. People who might not otherwise have considered themselves entrepreneurs are now deciding to take this path because starting a business gives them the opportunity to do what they love and live on their own terms. Read here: Why Entrepreneurship Is an Effective Path to Happiness (and How to Get Started) 9. Entrepreneurship and the Architecture of Success: Setting Smart Long-Term Goals Entrepreneurship is a long-term game. If you hope to find success in your chosen endeavor, you need to have a well-defined plan and the structure to make that plan a reality. Read here: Entrepreneurship and the Architecture of Success: Setting Smart Long-Term Goals 10. Hacks Highly Successful Entrepreneurs Use to Stay Laser-Focused Are you a seasoned entrepreneur looking for some extra tips for staying focused? Making your vision a reality is hard and requires a laser focus over a very long period of time. Fortunately, there are some simple hacks that can help you keep your eyes on the prize. Read here: 5 Hacks Highly Successful Entrepreneurs Use to Stay Laser-Focused 11. The Best Free AI On The MarketThis seems to be a more brazen suggestion as there is all sorts of controversy surrounding this new TOOL that has been released. However, technology is constantly improving and just as the phone became an essential part of life, so will AI. If you want to truly level up your game you need to learn how to do the unexpected before its expected of you.Read here: How to efficiently make prompts and utilize artificial intelligence12. Trello: The Perfect OrganizerStay organized and boost productivity with Trello! Manage projects, collaborate with your team, and track tasks effortlessly. With its easy-to-use interface and powerful integrations, Trello keeps everything in one place, helping you work smarter and faster. Try it today!Read here: The main site and number one recommendation for team organization Man working his way up 13. Canva: Make Advertisement EasyCreate stunning visuals effortlessly with Canva! Design professional graphics, social media posts, presentations, and more—no design skills required. With easy-to-use templates and powerful tools, Canva helps you bring your ideas to life. Start designing today!Read here: Make Advertising Easy And Effortless14. Google Analytics: It's the perfect observer of success, see where you struggle and where you thriveUnlock powerful insights with Google Analytics! Track website performance, measure traffic, and understand user behavior to optimize your online presence. Make data-driven decisions and grow your business with ease. Start using Google Analytics today to boost your success!Read here: Google Analytics Lets You Look Into Your Weak Points And Work On Them15. Hootsuite – Manage and schedule your social media posts across multiple platforms in one place.Simplify your social media management with Hootsuite! Schedule, track, and manage posts across multiple platforms all in one place. Save time, increase engagement, and streamline your strategy with powerful analytics. Try Hootsuite today and elevate your social presence!Read here: Schedule Your Posts And Manage Your Releases, Get To The Top And Stay There

8 Decluttering Tips to Help You Organize Your Home
Skills

8 Decluttering Tips to Help You Organize Your Home

Every night, when a child or young adult lies down and sleeps, their brain begins a process that is known as “synaptic pruning.” According to Healthline, synaptic pruning is when the brain eliminates extra synapses, which are internal structures that allow neurons to transmit electrical or chemical signals to each other. “Synaptic pruning is thought to be the brain’s way of removing connections in the brain that are no longer needed.”In other words, synaptic pruning is the brain decluttering itself, keeping only what it needs and getting itself into the best possible shape to guide you through the world in the future. The less clutter in the mind, the sharper the focus, the more space to store items, the faster the learning, the more attentive the thinking, the stronger the memory, and on it goes. In short, decluttering in the brain creates a more organized space, and is arguably the one space you need to declutter the most! If it works for the brain, it can work for your home(Getty)Just as it is with our amazing human cranium, decluttering one’s family room or work space is a great way to improve overall quality of life. Whether it’s a closet space, a coffee table, a cluttered room or a kitchen, one that is clutter-free and organized lends itself to better living. An office without stacks of paper on the floors and files littering the desk usually yields better professional productivity. A neat and tidy classroom will lead to better educational outcomes. A decluttered bedroom can lead to less stress and better rest. Even when it comes to decor, a well-organized wall space will provide a more elegant look!Humans love patterns – it’s why we enjoy music, games, many types of artwork, and so on – and we naturally retreat from chaos. When we allow our living spaces to descend into some version of the latter, into the chaos of clutter, we are allowing conditions to exist in which we cannot enjoy our own best existence – and indeed we are creating those conditions. Though clutter does seem to just appear out of thin air at times, it is caused by our own hands.If your home has become consumed by clutter, don’t give up and accept it, and don’t worry too much about decluttering. Sure, it may seem like an overwhelming prospect to start decluttering, but many people find the process not only tolerable but even enjoyable once they are underway.And if you don’t find that applying to you, you can always turn to a professional organizer – the job exists for a reason, and there’s no shame in acknowledging you need the help! Also, don’t worry that decluttering your residence will make it feel less like your home. In fact, it will refresh the love you once had for the space. Clearing Clutter Is Good for the Household, Not Just the Home(FG Trade / Getty)The definition of the word “household” is, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary:“those who dwell under the same roof and compose a family, also: a social unit composed of those living together in the same dwelling”See the critical difference between “household” and house or home? It’s not a household without the people. Sure, when you declutter your home it means less dust, more space, clean shelves, organized closets, and the like, but frankly, your house does not care if it is cluttered or not, it’s the people who care. Proper decluttering is not so much about getting rid of things, but about accentuating the things you do keep. When a playroom is clutter-free, the most cherished kids' toys can be easier to find and there is more space to play with them. When flat surfaces are cleared, they provide the opportunity to be used for art projects, puzzles, games, and other enjoyable activities. When a living room is neat and organized, it is more inviting for living. In short, your living spaces should be organized spaces because it makes them more welcoming; they should be accessible and ready for use, and the less clutter that’s about, the more you and your family can enjoy your home. Remember, there is a difference between messiness and clutter. A mess is, by definition, temporary, and provided it is cleaned up when play time or dinner prep or art projects are concluded, a mess is no problem at all. Clutter is persistent; it is part of the space itself until you consciously, proactively deal with it.The Opposite of Clutter Need Not Be Spartanism(Getty)If when you picture an uncluttered room you think of bare walls, empty shelves, simple furniture, and not a toy or book or coffee cup in sight, your mind’s eye is taking things a bit too far. Clutter is, by its definition, a buildup of too much excess stuff, it’s not the existence of any stuff.Take, for example, the Scandinavian concept of “hygge,” pronounced “hoo-guh,” that in essence means a sensation of coziness, warmth, and wellness. An environment that promotes hygge may involve throw pillows, blankets, a stack of books, a favorite piece of artwork or two, and so on. It involves consciously chosen and placed elements that you will enjoy and appreciate. Creating a hygge-ready space necessitates the presence of things, but things that are in their proper place and not crowded out by clutter.Now tie in the concept of “Scandinavian design” which was developed in the mid 20th century and is informed by products and architecture with simple, clean lines, functionality as heavily considered as form (looks, e.g.), and an overall fitting together of all elements of a space. Does Scandinavian design have to feel cold and sterile? Not at all – it just can’t be cluttered.You will find these good character traits of décor and organization prized in Japan as well, and in Midcentury Modern American design, and in many other places, too. Maybe even in your own home once you clear the clutter? Which it’s time for us to start doing now, thanks to these eight action steps you can take. When it’s finally time to declutter your life, here are the things to keep in mind as you clear the clutter. Take each decluttering tip to heart - it could really improve the way you feel!1. Make a Plan: The Decluttering Checklist(Getty)The longer you have let clutter build up in your home, the harder it may be to start the decluttering process. And far too often when people do “declutter,” they are really just moving things from one place to another, transferring a mess from a shelf into a messy drawer, a pile of clothes from hall closet floor to a closer stuffed with hanging items that are just as inaccessible, and so on. If the clutter situation in your home is a pretty bad one, don’t start with the stuff at all, start with pen and paper. (Or phone and note app, computer and Excel, whatever works for you, of course.) List out the problem areas, the spaces available to store things you want to keep, an action plan for things to be jettisoned. There will be trash piles, stuff to give to friends, things to donate, some to sell. Decluttering may have some cash value – so create systems for where and how you will keep those things that are currently clutter but deemed worthy of being kept.2. Reduce Redundancy All Around the House(Getty)One of the biggest causes of clutter is redundancy. We have an old blanket draped over the couch, we get a newer, bigger, warmer, softer blanket but… the old blanket stays, too. We put up a charming piece of artwork a child painted… then she paints another. And another. We had a set of six drinking glasses, two broke, so we got a new set of six… but kept the four old ones in the kitchen cabinets, too. And so on. As you work to declutter your home, identify those things of which you have multiple similar versions and only keep the best and/or favorite versions. There are exceptions, of course – got two fire extinguishers? Stick the older one behind the newer one as a backup.3. Use Tools to Help Maintain the Order(Baloncici / Getty)There are dozens of tools and gadgets out there designed to help with home organization (alright hundreds, but many are pretty worthless) and you can and should put them to work for yourself. These can be things like drawer dividers that help keep a drawer logically organized and tidier, hanging rods that create more storage space and allow for better organization of a closet or large cabinet, bins that can be labeled and stacked, file drawers or file boxes, and on the list goes. You can use hardware that fits into your existing furniture or storage spaces and you can also acquire new furniture that will allow for better organization, such as a dedicated media and entertainment credenza, ottomans with storage space for blankets, a garbage can and recycling bin caddy, and so forth.4. Toss Used Household Items That are Easily Replaced(pacawaca / Getty)Take a look at the storage space under your sink, on the laundry room shelves, in the cabinet space in the garage, and in any other storage spaces where you allow yourself to stash disposable items such as cleaning supplies, office supplies, hardware such as tacks and nuts and bolts, and ask yourself, honestly, when was the last time you used this or that nearly-empty spray bottle, those neon-colored sheets of printer paper, that baggie of screws and dowels that came with your DIY assembly furniture, and so on. There are almost surely dozens if not scores of little items like all around your home that you are keeping because some day you just might need them. If they are quite easy to replace with a quick trip to the hardware store or an order online, toss them out. If ever that time comes where you do need one or two of the things later, remind yourself of just how much clutter you managed to clear in the purge and spending two or three dollars on its replacement won’t seem such an issue.5. Create a Few Spaces for Clutter(Getty)It’s not only OK to have a few spaces in the home that will be cluttered, it’s actually a good thing. Just make sure they are out-of-the-way spaces. These are things like the junk drawer, the attic bins, the artist studio, and so forth. They are the spaces you tuck away those little objects you want to keep but that really don’t have a logical home. This is that one room you consistently leave a mess because that project is ongoing, and so forth. Also, it’s a good idea to establish a memory box for every member of the household so they have a place to put sentimental keepsakes without a need to justify the keeping of the item. Make sure a memory box has plenty of free space initially, it will fill up fast. And it’s OK to get rid of something even if you once thought of it as a keepsake; the memory box can serve as a litmus test – each time you go through it, see if you still want to hold onto this, that, or the other.6. Be Realistic as You Establish a New Order(Getty)If you are an inherently untidy person, don’t aim to have a home that looks like a picture from an IKEA catalog. Set your own standards for an acceptable level of clutter so that you will actually maintain them and won’t feel frustrated with yourself. And by just the same token, if you are an inherently neat and tidy person that thrives on organization, you need to accept the fact that not everyone in your home may be the same; don’t establish a new baseline for a decluttered existence that will be hard or impossible for others to consistently meet or you invite friction, not stress reduction.7. Declutter in Stages, Not Fell Swoops(Mariakray / Getty)Unless you have an entire week of vacation time free and you are OK with spending all of said time decluttering your home, it’s better to break the process into stages than to try to go about it all at once.You can start with your closet, or with all closets if you’re feeling ambitious. Then move to the kitchen. Then the garage. Or focus first on drawers all around the house. Or on toys and kid stuff one day, yard and gardening clutter the next. Not only does breaking the work into steps like this make it more approachable, it also gives you a logical way to shift to another part of the process as needed – no sense decluttering the playroom while the kids are sleeping or clearing excess stuff from the nursery while the baby naps, e.g.8. Set Up a Rotation of Stuff(nito100 / Getty)Most of us put away our sweaters in the summer and our swimsuits in the winter, but what to do if you have seven or eight swimsuits? And a dozen sweaters? Even when clothing is in season, you can rotate in and out garments on a regular basis, relegating some to the attic or under the bed while others are in the mix, so to speak. You can rotate in a dozen toys that were high up in a closet and shelve a dozen in which the kids are losing interest. Put snow shovels in the attic or shed in summer and tuck away rakes in winter. And on it goes. You don’t have to get rid of things to get them out of your way.Beware of Compulsive Decluttering(DonNichols / Getty)The act of clearing unneeded objects from your home can indeed be a satisfying, stress-relieving, and even a cathartic experience, especially when it follows a major life change, like a child departing for college, a relationship changing (whether ending or growing stronger with a partner moving toward cohabitation), a death or a birth, and on the list goes. So too can regular decluttering be as good for the soul as it is for the residence (or office space). There’s a reason or ten that spring cleaning became a thing, after all.But it’s also important to know when your tendency to clear the clutter – or in this case the perceived clutter, more likely – is just too much. Just as hoarding can be a sign of a mental health needing some support (indeed compulsive hoarding is a clinically-diagnosable medical disorder), so too can an insatiable need to declutter the home indicate underlying issues that are matters of your health and wellness, not a matter of your stuff. If you regularly clear clutter yet can’t seem to find a point at which you are satisfied and can stop, or if your tendencies toward excessive decluttering are negatively affecting other people in your household, it’s time to stop focusing on the shelves and drawers and closets and cabinets and start looking inward, and perhaps with some support.

Questions to Ask in an Interview
Skills

Questions to Ask in an Interview

The central purpose of a job interview is hardly a mystery from an employer’s perspective: it’s to figure out whether or not a prospective job candidate is the right fit for the job. However, that’s not all there is to it. From an employee’s perspective, the job interview is about more than what the job entails - it is also one of the best – if not the very best – times to decide whether or not the company at which he or she is interviewing is a good fit for them.After all, just because someone offers you a job doesn’t mean you have to take it. The interview process is very much a two-way street, and at the end of that street may well be a great new position, or, if you’ll permit us to extend the metaphor, it might be a fork in the road at which you and the company part ways.A two-way streetDuring a job interview, the hiring manager (or executive or potential boss or whoever is conducting the session, which can vary based on organization type and size) is going to ask you a lot of interview questions. But in almost every single job interview you are ever likely to take, at one point the interviewer will ask if you have any questions.It may come in the form of the classic: “So, what questions do you have for me?” asked at the end of the interview. Or maybe the interviewer will tell you early on to ask any questions you have during the process. And in fact, the interviewer may never specifically prompt you to ask them questions, but if you pay attention, you’ll spot the moments at which they’re opening the floor to you. Whether that opening comes at the end of the session, or is left to you to figure out, just make sure you don’t go through the entire interview process without making at least a few insightful queries.You could write a mountain of literature about the questions hiring managers ask. Today, we’re not focused on questions you’ll be asked, but are instead focused entirely on questions to ask in an interview if you want to give yourself a real shot at landing the job.Before we get to the types of questions you should be ready to ask, let’s talk about a critical practice you should employ throughout the process: active listening.Practice active listening during job interviewsActive listening is one of the most important communication skills you can develop. It not only helps you genuinely hear and understand what the party with whom you’re speaking is saying. It also ensures that when it comes time for you to speak again, responding to a question or taking up the thread of the conversation, you will be responding to what the person was really saying, not just in a manner you had planned while waiting for your turn to talk.As noted, a professional interview process is about you learning about the company – about the work environment, the day-to-day responsibilities, the career path potential, how the company measures success, and so on. But it is about them learning about you. Even when you’re not asking specific questions, you can be learning volumes about a company based on what the hiring manager is saying, and even how he or she is saying it. (Do they seem to be trying to sell you something, or does it feel more like they are cheerleading for a cause they care about, e.g.)And when you have practiced attentive listening, you can help yourself avoid one of the cardinal mistakes interviewees make: asking a question that the interviewer has already addressed. Doing so can show a lack of focus and perception, a lack of flexibility as you stuck to questions you had pre-planned, and, likely, it will lead to the lack of an offer.10 questions you absolutely must ask during a job interviewNo two job interviews you take are ever going to be the exact same. (Frank and Helena / Getty)As such, there is no concrete list of questions you simply must ask. More to the point, there are myriad questions it would be outright wrong to ask in one interview in some cases. Asking about travel accommodations when you are applying for a warehouse management role, for example, probably wouldn’t make much sense.But in almost every interview, a variation on these 10 questions, a few of which have follow-ups to consider based on the reply you get, will almost always be applicable and advisable.1. What are a few of the most important functions of this job, both in a typical day and bigger-picture?You should, of course, already know the answer to this question to a large degree. Knowing the answer to most of these types of questions in advance will most often align with the hiring manager’s expectations. After all, you should have done your research before applying, and the list of responsibilities is usually listed in the job posting. Still, it’s a topic you must understand fully before taking any job, so don’t be afraid to ask, perhaps with a qualifier like “in your opinion” at the start of the query or “that someone on the outside may not know fully” at the end.2. What is the work-life balance and the company’s culture like? How is the value of work-life balance demonstrated and protected?If the interviewer is demure in their answer to questions about the work-life balance and company culture, that’s a red flag. If they outright state that work will occupy much of your life, then at least you can make an informed decision. And if they seem genuine in stating that the company values your time and happiness beyond work, that speaks volumes about the organization’s corporate philosophy, and how you can chart your own professional path there. 3. Why is this job opening available now?Whether you’ve found yourself in the interview room through an executive search firm or through your own initiative, if the position you’re gunning for is a new position, ask why it was created, and how it will be integrated with the rest of the team and the company. And if it’s available due to being recently vacated by a departing employee, it’s perfectly alright to inquire about the reasons for their departure, within reason. .4. What would be the most important projects I could tackle in the next 30, 60, or 90 days?Asking a question like this can not only help you understand what work you may be jumping into, but it also demonstrates a thoughtfulness on your part and can help the interviewer start to envision you as one of the gang with the company’s future already at heart.5. What are a few examples of the skills, attributes, and experiences someone in this role would be best served by having?This type of question can open the door for you to showcase yourself some and, by equal measure, may well be the inquiry that proves to you (and potentially also to the HR person across the desk from you) that this really isn’t the job for you, after all.6. How does this company evaluate success and how often is performance reviewed?No execs at your (potential) new company are going to expect you to hit peak productivity on day one. But depending on how demanding an environment is, you may have little time for professional development and growing pains and such. If you go into a role knowing how your work will be assessed on an ongoing basis and when the company more formally measures success, you have milestones on your career path by which you can monitor your own progress.7. What are the opportunities for growth, both within this position itself and within the company beyond it?Never come into an interview with a mindset that you’re too good for the job on offer or that you’ll only be in it for a bit before you bounce out or clamber up the ladder – hiring managers can smell that attitude a mile away, they hate it, and they’re right to. On the other hand, also never consider joining a company where a growth mindset seems verboten. Any company that wants you should also want you to succeed and grow and move upward and will help you do so just as soon as the timing is right.8. What are some of the biggest challenges a person in this role tends to face?It’s OK to acknowledge that things aren’t always going to be hunky dory at work – it is called work, after all. You can ask about specific issues past holders of the job have faced, about the challenges experienced between teams in the company or in dealing without outside vendors, clients, and contacts, and on it goes. Pretending there is never strife will not prevent the strife, in short, but it may establish a fault in communications between you and the human resources team who very well may soon be a part of your work life.9. What brought you to this company?It’s entirely acceptable to ask your interviewer about her own experience with the company and to inquire further what keeps her there – what keeps her satisfied. Again here you must pay keen attention both to what the person says and how she answers: does she seem to be trying to convince you of her overall job satisfaction, or is she genuinely telling you about being satisfied there?10. What have we not talked about that we should have?Provided you have already asked a few good questions, it’s perfectly alright to ask a thoughtful question about what else you should have asked. One of the best ways to do this is to pose this question to your interviewer:“What is the best question a job candidate has ever asked you?”Why aren’t we making that our #10 question itself? Simple: it’s not always going to sound just right – in fact, it could come across as a bit cocky to the wrong person. But some take on this query – some way to ask what you should have asked – shows that you are not so arrogant as to think you thought of everything and demonstrates a keen willingness to learn.Six questions to never ask a hiring managerOK, we’ve done the good; now it’s time for the bad and the ugly all rolled into one. There are a few questions you could utter during a job interview that are so out of line that they will all but ensure that two-way street scenario turns into a dead end with a roadblock thrown up just for good measure.1. What are the duties for this job?Don’t worry about the responsibilities of the job if you ask this question, because you won’t be getting an offer. You should already know what will be expected of you in the role for which you’re applying and, if by some strange circumstance you do not, don’t make that painfully clear by asking – fake it and figure it out later!2. What is the compensation for this job?Information about salary, benefits, vacation time and the like is all third-rail stuff during an interview – you just don’t touch it. This info, and the negotiation that goes with it, comes after an offer has been extended, not before. You will come across as haughty and short-sighted, not to mention inexperienced, if you ask about such at the wrong time.3. Are the hours flexible?Or “when can I start taking days off?” or “can I work from home?” (though the COVID-19 pandemic has changed things there) or any question that seems to be inquiring about doing less work or doing it on your terms has no place in an interview – land the job, do good work and secure it, and then later look for the flexibility.4. Will I get my own office?If you’re applying for an executive level job, you probably know the answer to this question is yes. In all other cases, just don’t ask unless you have some certifiable reason that you need an office, such as a hypersensitivity to noise or other distraction, and be ready to take what you get and appreciate it. Also, if you just look around some, you can probably figure out the logistics of how most people work in the offices (or other type of workspace) at which you may soon be employed.5. Do you want my references/do you check references?Offering up references can seem desperate and, what’s more, can seem dishonest, as you may seem to have planted people at the ready. On the other hand, asking if references are checked can make it seem like you’re worried. Hiring managers know they can check a candidate’s references and if they want them, they’ll ask. You need only know your list and leave them at the ready but unmentioned.6. So, where did you…As a general rule, just don’t ask your interviewer personal questions. Don’t ask where they grew up, about their families, about their past jobs, or any of it. There are exceptions, such as if they have a college’s banner prominently on a wall of a picture of their kids right there on the desk – these are openings for that more personal chatting, but still keep it light and basic and read their cues, and when in doubt, keep the talk all to the shop, so to speak.Wrapping it up: Questions to ask as the interview endsA good movie can be ruined by a ban ending. So too can a solid interview be spoiled if it fizzles out as it comes to a close. Thus it’s critical you have a few questions to ask people across the desk from you at the end of your time with them. (Morsa Images / Getty)So right before the handshakes and parting smiles, consider asking one, two, or all three of these great questions to end an interview.1. How do I compare with your ideal candidate for this job?And if the answer is anything other than “perfectly,” you can follow up asking something like “Do you see the potential for me to grow into the ideal fit?” If the answer is a clear no, at least you’ll know now and you can move on.2. What makes people stay with this company for the long run?This gives your interviewer one last chance to sell the company and its mission and values to you, and by asking it at the end, you leave them with a last impression that they were trying to win you over, not the other way around.3. Did I answer all of your questions fully enough?This open, honest query gives your interviewer one last shot at getting to know you, and it may help seal the deal if they were on the fence.You’ve got this! Good luck at the interview.

Need Extra Cash? Try These Online Jobs and Side Hustles for Teens
Skills

Need Extra Cash? Try These Online Jobs and Side Hustles for Teens

If you’re a teenager looking to make money, now is an ideal time to find the right gig for you. With job openings at a record high, there’s a lot of work to go around if you’re looking for an in-person side hustle. The pandemic has also opened new opportunities, like running errands for at-risk people and new avenues for virtual work.One thing to note about finding side hustles is that some gigs may require you to be 18 or older in order to sign a contract. This applies if you were to become a delivery driver with UberEats, for instance, or if you were to sign up for gigs on a site like TaskRabbit. But working for yourself - or for people you know - typically doesn’t come with any age restrictions. Ready to find the right part time job for you? Let’s dive into the best side hustles for teens. Side hustles while you're still in school: from local fast food restaurants to running social media accounts Having a part time job can come with a number of benefits. First, there’s the financial part. Earning extra money can help you (and your family) feel more financially secure, give you opportunities to save up cash and allow you to buy fun things that your allowance doesn’t cover.Having a side hustle also gives you something to do. Sure, playing video games, scrolling through YouTube videos on your phone and chilling with friends is great. But if you’re looking for something more to fill your hours because you’re feeling bored or uninspired by life, adding in a part time job can give you a renewed sense of purpose. With the right motivation and creativity, instead of watching videos on YouTube, you could be creating YouTube videos for yourself or an influencer, and building important skills that are in high demand!Side hustles can help teach you responsibility. Having to be somewhere on time, complete certain tasks and generally be accountable are important skills to learn and practice before you head out into the so-called real world. Getting the hang of these skills as a teen will set you up for success as an adult, whether that is as a college student or a young worker. Having a side hustle early on is a good starting point, and will help you get ahead in the game of life. Side hustles in your neighborhoodWant to make more money? Good money, serious money? Become your own business. One way to make money is simply through helping out people in your neighborhood. While there’s definitely a ceiling on how much you can make—your customers are limited to people you know or to those who live around you—working for people in your ‘hood is a great way to start out with side hustles. You can either literally stack the cash, or build a bank electronically in a PayPal account. Especially if you’re a younger teen, working for people you know (including family members or neighbors) can be a good option because you don’t need to worry about any official age limits or contract stipulations. You’re just getting paid cash to do work people need. To get started, you can print up flyers explaining your new venture and tuck them into people’s mail boxes or deliver them door to door. You can set an hourly rate yourself or ask people what they are willing to pay you. (Either way, you’re sure to make money.) Here are some options you can try:Walking and watching people’s petsIf you love animals, consider dog walking or pet sitting. While there are pet daycare centers and dog walking apps, many people would rather trust their fur babies to someone local who they know. This is a fun way to make money and help people out at the same time.CaretakingIf you like kids, working as a babysitter could be a great option for earning money, especially if you’re willing to work nights so parents can go out. If your neighborhood skews older, you could also be an elderly caretaker and keep older people company by reading to them, having meals with them or helping them around the house. Plus, doing this can provide good experience if you want to be a camp counselor a little later on. Who knows!LandscapingIf you know how to mow the lawn (or you’re willing to learn), can shovel snow, rake leaves or pull weeds, you can earn money taking care of people’s yards. You can also offer to help with holiday decorating (or removing decor), painting, cleaning the garage—anything outdoors that neighbors could need help with. Running errands for peopleWith the ongoing pandemic, this side hustle has become even more in-demand. Offering to run errands for older neighbors and those with kids in particular can be really helpful to them and a lucrative way to make money for you. You can do it in person, or use the power of the internet and skip the trip to the store by shopping online. In person side-hustle jobsWorking for local businesses is another way to make money. These more official side hustles for teens are great additions to your resume because they show commitment and dedication to a traditional job. Your employers can also provide legitimate references for getting into college or for your next gig. Here are four options to think about:CashierMake a list of your favorite stores, from boutiques to tech outposts to food purveyors. Then, check to see if any of them are hiring. If you can, it pays to work somewhere you like to shop because employees can sometimes receive discounts. These local businesses may need more help than ever with the pandemic creating a service industry labor shortage. Food serverLikewise, think about which restaurants you enjoy eating in and see if there are any food service jobs you can apply for. From fast food to fine dining, there are a lot of options right now in particular for work. You can sometimes enjoy free meals on your shifts, which is another perk of these gigs.Tutor or coachIf you’re gifted in a particular school subject or sport, consider helping younger students with their skills. You can look for tutoring jobs through your school or the other schools in your area, or you can reach out to the parents of young people directly by posting on physical job boards around town or on Craigslist. Set an hourly rate that sounds like a reasonable price for your services.InternInternships are a great way to learn skills in an industry you might want to have a career in one day. Any legitimate business will pay its interns, giving you an hourly wage or a stipend. If you’re skilled at understanding social media, many companies look for young people to handle their accounts and this could be a great place to start. You can go from building a social media presence as an intern to becoming one of those social media managers yourself!Easy online side hustle jobsIf you have a computer, you can also make money right at home doing remote work. There are a number of online gigs and websites that need virtual workers, and it’s a popular business model for a reason. Check out these opportunities to see if one of these ways to earn cash would work for you:Working as a virtual intern or assistantIf you’re interested in interning, you don’t always need to be in-person to assist someone with their business. As a virtual intern or assistant, you can take calls, upload content to social media, take notes during Zoom meetings—you name it. This kind of job can also give you valuable experience in a field you want to break into as an adult. Creating contentThere are so many ways to create online content these days. You can start a blog and monetize it with ads. You can apply to magazine and website jobs looking for teen writers and create articles and social media content. You can start a YouTube channel about any topic you’re interested in. Finally, you can use social media directly and create content for Instagram and TikTok. While making money through these avenues isn’t guaranteed (save for a magazine or website gig), with hard work and constant hustle to create new content, you may just become the next big influencer in your free time.Designing printables and clothing If you’re talented at graphic design, you can list your designs on websites like Etsy. You can earn what’s called passive income by creating printable materials that people can pay to download digitally and then print out themselves. (Art for their homes, calendars, labels and stickers, etc.) You can also offer print-on-demand goods like mugs and t-shirts. Set your items at a reasonable price so you’re compensated for your time but also so people can afford your designs. You can use social media to promote your work, which can help you find more ways to make money through word of mouth.Reselling clothes, toys and home goods Selling any clothing, furniture or collectibles you no longer need or use can be a great way to make money. Sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are great for selling furniture, while Poshmark is good for selling your clothes. You can put up toys and collectible items on sites like Mercari or eBay. If you enjoy fixing things up and reselling them, you can even shop garage sales or Goodwill for great pieces and then resell them online. Selling photographsThere are a number of stock photo websites through which you can earn extra money for your photographs. If you have a talent for taking pictures, you can share your snaps on these sites and, when people want to use your images, you get paid a commission. The more photos you take, the higher the chance that you’ll be able to sell one of them. Plus, you’ll be able to build your portfolio while you make money. Doing odd jobsIf you only have time here and there for picking up extra work, you can use websites like Mturk and TaskRabbit to search for random jobs that people need done. By working on your own schedule, you’ll be able to complete the jobs you take on, meaning that you’ll make money without overextending yourself. Teaching virtual classes If you’re an expert about a certain subject or super passionate about a particular topic, you can teach a class and upload it to a website like Udemy. This is a good option if you’re not finding any in-person tutoring options in your area but you want to share your expertise. (FG Trade / Getty)Since these classes can be watched again and again (for a fee that gets paid to you), you just need to take the time to plan them and film them.Giving language lessonsYou can sign up to be an online language teacher, which is a great side hustle that almost anyone can do to earn money. Some websites look for English speakers, while others need bilingual speakers. Typically, you work with a student via webcam to help them hone their conversational skills, making this gig both fun and social, all from the comfort of your home. Transcribe interviews or videosYou can get hired by the hour to type meeting notes, interviews, videos, podcasts or any audio that someone needs to have a transcript of. All you need to do is be a fast and efficient typer and you’ll receive an hourly rate for your work. You can post on Craigslist that you’re available for work or search online job boards for people looking for a transcriber. Sometimes journalists and writers will need fast turnarounds, meaning that sometimes you can take on a gig and get paid on the same day. Taking surveysThrough websites like Survey Junkie, you can get paid for giving your opinion in various market research questionnaires. You won’t get paid a lot of money, but these surveys are easy to complete and can be done quickly. Be sure to check the age limit and other restrictions before you get started. What to use your side hustle money forThe aforementioned side hustles for teens can bring in varying amounts of money. But no matter how much you make, you’ll want to think about what to use that cash for. Here are some options that you should think about to make the most of your extra money:Taking responsibility for everyday expenses Many teens have side hustles simply to pay for their lives. If your family doesn’t have a lot of extra money, as is the case for many, many families, your side hustle will contribute to your family’s overall well being. This extra cash could be instrumental to making sure everyone in your home has enough food to eat and clothes to wear. There’s really nothing more important than being able to help provide for your loved ones. Adding to your college fundAs previous generations know all too well, student loan debt can be crushing. High interest rates and long repayment periods can keep people owing tons of money long after their graduation days. If you can help it, don’t plan on taking out loans for college. Use your extra money to create or add to a 529 college savings account. These accounts offer tax benefits, allowing you to pay for college, or even schooling before college, so you can hopefully avoid taking out loans. Investing any extra money If you’re looking to simply save money in a general savings account, look for a no-fee account that offers a high interest rate so you can earn money while your extra cash stays in the bank. You could also try your hand at the stock market in a very low-stakes way by putting money into bonds or low-risk mutual funds. This allows your money to grow while you’re not using it.Saving for something bigMaybe there’s something you really want: A car, a new laptop, a TV, a cool pair of sunglasses. Whatever it is, you can devote a portion of your paycheck to this item and save up to buy it. When you purchase something important for yourself, you’re more likely to really cherish and appreciate it. Paying off debtIf you have any current debt—a loan from your parents, credit cards or a car loan—you should use your extra money to try to pay off what you owe ASAP. If possible, you don’t want to start your adult life off with debt and getting this cleared to zero will help you start out with a clean slate.How to balance your side hustle with lifeWhen it comes to making extra money, you don’t want to work to overrun your life. You’re still technically a kid, after all. Sure, most teens can’t wait to grow up and enjoy all the benefits and freedoms of adulthood but—trust me—you’re going to miss the days of being able to use your age as an excuse to do less.So, when you choose to get a part time job or side hustle, make sure that you still have time for your homework and school responsibilities, because you don’t want your grades to slip after taking on too much at work. And try to build in some leisure time for yourself or with friends so that you don’t get burnt out. Being a teen can be exhausting and you don’t want your job to get so overwhelming that you can’t enjoy this unique time in your life. That said, building a side hustle can be a great advantage later in life, because those that can do it early will be able to more easily tap into that sense of motivation later in life, when you have more time to use it. The bottom line? When it comes to side hustles, balance is key. Hustle enough to make some extra cash and feel the sweet sense of accomplishment. But don’t hustle so much that you’re exhausted and can’t muster the energy to get your schoolwork done or hang out with friends. After all, you have the rest of your adult life to work and make money.

100 Of The Best Questions To Ask People To Get To Know Them
Skills

100 Of The Best Questions To Ask People To Get To Know Them

Sometimes you meet someone, and you instantly click. There are no awkward pauses or lulls in the conversation – you feel like you've both known one another for much longer than you have.But for those less seamless instances where you're looking to get to know someone, knowing the right questions to ask people to get a conversation started is key. Maybe you're new at work and need conversation starters for a fun way to foster connections with coworkers. Or perhaps you're headed to a party where you don't know many attendees, and want to have some funny random questions to introduce yourself and set the mood. What kinds of questions to get to know someone are the right ones to start with? In her book Take Your Marriage from Good to Great, Terri Orbuch, Ph.D., suggests beginning with 'getting to know you' questions that are what she refers to as "breadth questions." These questions aren't overly personal, but also aren’t hypothetical questions either. Instead, they are questions that focus on a person's biological story: such as their family history, chosen career path and marital status. For example, you can ask what their favorite holiday is, or what the one food they could eat for rest of their life is. You can also ask what the best gift they ever received was, or even about the most ridiculous outfit they've ever worn. RELATED: The Most Powerful Questions to Ask Your Partner to Connect on a Deeper LevelYou can't expect to know every detail of someone's entire life, but these fun questions to ask people are a great place to start getting to know them. This article will also cover questions to ask people in the workplace, funny questions to ask people, random questions to ask, and questions to get to know someone fast.Whether professional or personal, platonic or romantic, present or past, relationships teach all of us valuable lessons, so it's worth our while to try to develop them. No matter what social outing you're headed to next, these “get to know you” questions to ask people will help you turn new acquaintances into friends. 20 Starter Questions To Ask People(ljubaphoto/Getty)These "get to know you" questions work well in just about any setting. An open-ended question invites more than just a one-word response and helps identify shared interests between those partaking in the conversation. Here are some questions to ask that encourage deeper dialogue within a group. Try asking these questions to get to know someone at an upcoming event or social gathering. If you had the option to live anywhere, where would you choose?What was the last movie you saw in theaters?What's your biggest pet peeve?How would you spend an ideal Sunday?Would you rather take a vacation to Alaska or Hawaii?What’s your most hated household chore? If you could hire someone to help with yard work, cleaning or cooking - which would you choose?What's your go-to karaoke song?What motivates you?What’s the most interesting thing about your current career path?If you won the lottery, what kind of crazy stuff would you do?RELATED: You’re Making Friends Wrong – Here’s How to Do It RightWhat's your favorite zoo animal - and are you a cat person or a dog person?What was the last book you read?Did you ever have a favorite family tradition that no one else does?Who do people say you look like?Do you have any siblings? What are they like? If a genie could grant you three wishes, what would they be?What's the worst gift you've ever received?If you could time travel, would you visit the past or the future?What's the strangest food you've ever tried, and what’s your favorite food? What's the worst hairstyle you ever tried?Workplace “Get To Know You” Questions(Ezra Bailey/Getty)Asking “get to know you” questions at work has plenty of benefits. Whether you're managing a team or working your way up the ladder, knowing and appreciating the interests and background of your co-workers can help foster teamwork, and creates a stronger team dynamic. It also makes showing up to work every day a little bit more bearable. Here are some get to know you questions to ask in the workplace that can go a long way in creating camaraderie. What's the worst job you had in your youth?What's the funniest thing that's happened to you at work?What's the one professional skill you learned the hard way at a past job?Are you an early bird or a night person?What's one job no one could pay you enough to do?What’s the best compliment you ever received?Who has been the best mentor during your career?What's one piece of advice you learned at work that's stuck with you?Who was the worst boss you ever had?What was the most complicated task you've had to handle at work? How did you accomplish it?RELATED: 3 Steps to Dealing With a Toxic Boss or Coworker ProductivelyIf you could change career paths, what would you do instead?What do you wish you could do more of in your current role?What show are you currently watching?Do you consider yourself creative? How long is your commute?What's your favorite way to celebrate your birthday? (Then, casually ask when it is and remember it!)Do you have any pets? Do you live with someone, and if so, which one is the clean or messy person? Are you more extroverted or introverted?Do you work better in an open office environment, or do you prefer closed-door concepts?Funny Questions To Ask PeoplePhoto by Eliott Reyna on UnsplashDid you know that making someone laugh makes you more likable? Laughter releases endorphins (those hormones in our body that make us feel good). When you make a person laugh, they associate you with these positive feelings. Comedy can be a helpful tool in establishing new friendships. Here are a few “get to know you” questions to ask that are sure to earn a good laugh – and lead to engaging conversation.Is cereal soup?Is a hot dog a sandwich?Are dumplings ravioli?What's the funniest pet name you can think of?How would you defend yourself during a zombie apocalypse? If animals could talk, which would be the rudest?What body part do you feel like humans are lacking?What's the most useless invention of all time?Who's the most underrated fictional character?What cartoon pizza do you wish you could eat?RELATED: Are You a Good Friend? These Tips Will Help You Become an Even Better OneWhat's a TV show from your childhood no one remembers but you?Would you rather have no hair on your head or an excessive amount of hair on your body?Have you ever fallen in public?What's the weirdest snack you've tried?What's the worst pickup line you've ever used or heard?What's a candle scent that should never be invented?Would you rather be a dragon or own one?How many 7-year-olds do you think you could fight off before they'd overpower you?What's the grossest food you ate, just to be polite?What's a strange family tradition you have?Random Questions To Ask(Petri Oeschger/Getty)If you've hit a lull in the conversation or want to change up the trajectory of the topic at hand, these are the questions to ask. Here's a list of random “get to know you” questions that are funny and telling. These questions to ask people might just make you the party favorite, so be sure to use them wisely. 1. What's the craziest thing you've eaten for breakfast?2. What's your most embarrassing story as a teenager?3. What's something you haven't been able to cook?4. What's your favorite way to spend time alone?5. Who was your best friend in school that you don’t see anymore?6. What hidden talents do you have? Or what is your most useless talent?7. What do you never leave the house without?8. What's the best thing that's happened to you this month?9. What's the best purchase you ever made?10. If aliens offered to take you back to their planet, would you go?RELATED: 6 Ways to Build New, Meaningful Friendships as an Adult11. What’s your favorite board game?12. What does your favorite wardrobe item look like?13. What's the oldest piece of clothing you have in your closet?14. What would your superpower be?15. If you could wake up with an unlimited supply of anything, what would it be?16. What name would you have chosen for yourself?17. If you could get away with a crime, which would you commit and why?18. If you could teleport, where would you go?19. Would you rather be the funniest or most intelligent person in the room?20. Would you rather lose all of your photos or all your money?Questions To Get To Know Someone FastPhoto by Jarritos Mexican Soda on UnsplashWe've asked interesting questions that can be asked in any setting, questions to ask people in the workplace, funny questions to ask people and random questions to ask people. Now, let's take a look at questions to ask to get to know someone fast. These open-ended questions may seem casual at first glance, but the responses will reveal more than you may think about the person you're getting to know.How would your friends describe you?It can be challenging to talk about ourselves or see our best qualities clearly. Asking these type of personal questions helps get to know a person through the lens of their friendships and gets them thinking about how others who value their time and presence perceive them. What advice would you give to your younger self?This “get to know you” question reveals a lot about someone's personal growth and development and can show how far they've come in their journey. What personality traits do you share with your family?Not only does this help you get to know someone's family makeup, but it also reveals how a person feels about the traits they share with a particular family member. This question opens up the possibility of a deeper conversation, depending on whether or not they're happy they've inherited this trait or are working to correct it. What are you most proud of this past year?Asking a get to know you question focused on recent accomplishments shows what a person values most. Putting a time frame on this question keeps the conversation relevant. RELATED: How to Build Strong Foundations in Order to Attract Friends of ValueWhat makes you feel accomplished?This is a great question to ask following the one above. We all have different motivators for what makes us feel accomplished, and finding out what generates that sense of accomplishment helps us gain a deeper understanding of what drives a person. What are the essential traits of a good friend?Whether you're asking this “get to know you” question to a new acquaintance, coworker or even someone you may already know pretty well, this question reveals the crucial values to a person regarding their relationships.What's the most effective way for someone to earn your trust?Trust is earned. If your end goal of getting to know someone is to establish a long-term friendship or relationship, having this information up front will help you strengthen that bond.What's on your bucket list?This question helps you get to know someone by taking a glimpse into their interests. Bucket list items could be financial goals like owning a home, traveling to an exotic place or adrenaline-inducing experiences like skydiving. Knowing the answer to this question helps you learn more about a person's hobbies and interests. What do you regret not doing this past year?We all have something on our list that we just haven't gotten around to doing. Asking this interesting question helps get to know what's important to a person and what their current barriers are to achieving what they wanted to over a year. Who are your newest family members? Whether it's by way of a wedding or a new baby, welcoming new members to your family is an exciting topic to talk about. This question helps you get to know a person's current family dynamic. RELATED: Social Exchange Theory: Psychology’s Most Powerful Relationship Hack, ExplainedWhich member of your family are you closest to?This “get to know you” question can inspire deeper conversation depending on the context behind why a person is closest to a particular family member. Perhaps they grew up in a single-parent household or were an only child raised with lots of cousins. Do you believe in second chances? Why? How a person responds to this question, when phrased this particular way, can be very telling. Maybe this person was offered a second chance, and it made a huge difference in their life trajectory. Or they offered someone a second chance, only to end up regretting it. When you're wrong, is it easy for you to admit it?No one likes to admit when they're wrong. But this “get to know you” question helps reveal a person's self-awareness on how they react when they realize it. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?We all have our insecurities, but how we face them says a lot about us. Ending the question with "and why?" invites the person to share how this trait may have held them back or impacted them in life, which can help build intimacy between two people.What's something spontaneous you've done recently?If you're getting to know someone who you'd like to spend time with again in the future, this is a great question to ask that will help inform future plans. If this person struggles to identify a recent time where they did something without planning it, you may want to ask and establish a plan to spend time with one another in advance, rather than reach out spontaneously.RELATED: How to Turn a Toxic Friendship Into a Healthy BondWhat's a movie or book that speaks to you, and why?Taste in movies and literature is subjective. This is an interesting question that will likely reveal a particular experience that the person shares with the plot or characters in the film or book, which can help you get to know them on a deeper level. Who's someone you can talk to about anything?Having a support system is crucial. Hearing a person talk about the go-to individual in their life who will listen no matter what helps to understand their personal relationships better. What are you most grateful for?This “get to know you” question helps you get to know what's truly important to a person, what they value and why. What's the most exciting thing that's happened to you recently?The answer to this question might be something small - like finding $20 in an old jacket - or tremendous, like an engagement or new job. If the person you ask this question to responds with "nothing ever exciting happens to me," encourage them to dig deeper.Growing up, who was your favorite teacher and why?Having a favorite teacher is a universal experience we can all relate to. This “get to know you” question may bring up a funny story from childhood or an impactful life lesson that has stuck with the person. In ConclusionSocial connection is essential to our overall health and well-being. Studies have shown that solid relationships correlate to a higher rate of happiness. However, as we get older, fostering new friendships and relationships tends to feel more difficult. Dale Carnegie, the author of How to Win Friends and Influence People once said, "You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you." Talking about yourself at a party or group setting will only get you so far, but expressing genuine interest in the lives of others goes a long way in establishing new social contacts, expand your network and grow your social circle. This is why having "get to know you" questions ready to ask can be beneficial. Asking “get to know you” questions can help get you interested in others to make new connections and grow relationships. Keep this list of questions to ask handy the next time you find yourself in a scenario where you'll be meeting new people – or have the potential to grow your social connections. You can make somebody else feel heard, and that curiosity will go a long way! Seize the moment.KEEP READING:50 Friendship Quotes to Appreciate the Value of a Real Friend

How to Give Advice Without Seeming Patronizing
Skills

How to Give Advice Without Seeming Patronizing

It’s tempting to offer words of wisdom to those in your closest social circles, but it can be a delicate balance between giving advice and sounding like a “know-it-all.” Even if your advice is encouraged or welcomed, it still can be tricky to pick the right message without seeming patronizing. It’s even more complex to offer your advice if it’s not requested.We’ve asked communications pros and relationship experts to share strategies to get your advice across without the message coming across as demeaning. Here's how to give advice without being patronizing:1. Ask permission firstThe first is to respectfully ask the person if they want your advice. “This is an example of boundaries,” says Carrie Krawiec, a licensed marriage and family therapist at Birmingham Maple Clinic in Troy, MI. “Asking permission also gives the other person the power to accept or decline.” Furthermore, asking for permission conveys empathy and willingness to help, but also an awareness that your help may not be welcome and there is a dilemma in sharing. “Be aware of the others body cues like eye rolls, sighs or disinterest and stop when you can see it’s unwanted,” Krawiec adds. If you are told “no,” it’s best to respect that and not offer your advice.2. Make sure you’re giving advice for the right reasonsBefore diving in to help, it’s worth a pause to make sure your intentions are in sync. Are you giving advice to be supportive or is it a response to your own emotional reactivity? If you realize you truly want to help, then move forward with your thoughts. “I find once we feel our emotions the idea of giving advice transforms into offering unconditional guidance,” says Sherianna Boyle, author of Emotional Detox: 7 Steps to Releasing Reactivity & Energizing Joy and Emotional Detox for Anxiety.3. Be mindful of your toneIt’s not just what you say, it’s also how you say it. When you're giving advice to someone, tonality and body language are often just as important as the message being delivered. “You'll want to keep the tone light and have the conversation flow casually as any other one would, to keep the recipient from becoming defensive,” suggests Beverly Friedmann, content manager with ReviewingThis. “If your tone comes across as either pitying or judgmental, you'll likely come across as patronizing.”4. Drop the judgmentThe topic at hand can vary but when you give advice or help to someone, it's extremely important to remain free of any judgment, says Friedmann. While most of us don't think of ourselves as judgmental, we all hold certain biases (conscious or not) that may impact how your conversation goes. “If you give advice using judgmental phrases or tonality, your recipient will not only never get the message you may very likely come across as patronizing as well,” she adds.5. Avoid Psychoanalysis Try and keep the advice exchange on point. “Even if you have a background in psychology or are a licensed therapist, it's important to make a distinction between psychoanalysis and personal advice,” continues Friedmann. If you're offering guidance to a friend or family member, it's best to keep it light and try and avoid speaking to their "inner child" or about potential past traumas. Sticking to the topic at hand and your points without passing any judgment or attempting to analyze them will ensure you don't come across as being patronizing. “Therapy is best limited to the professionals in an in-office environment,” she adds.

5 Daily Habits to Steal From Ariana Grande, Including Keeping Her Ego in Check
Skills

5 Daily Habits to Steal From Ariana Grande, Including Keeping Her Ego in Check

You know her from her super-high ponytail and impressive vocals — but there’s definitely more to Ariana Grande than you realize. At the age of only 25, she’s considered one of the world’s top recording artists, with many of her hits topping the Billboard 200. What’s even more impressive is the fact she can do everything from pop to trap, and her fan base stays dedicated. Grande’s won Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album, alongside a Brit Award, two Billboard Music Awards and three American Music Awards. She also uses her voice for activism — speaking boldly and brazenly about women’s and LGBT rights. All of this superpower — on and off the stage — has landed her on Time’s most influential people in the world lists in 2016 and 2019. Billboard also recognized her as "Woman of the Year" in 2018. Did we mention as of February 2019, she’s the most followed woman on Instagram with 155 million followers? Her net worth of $50 million continues to grow. Here’s how Ariana Grande balances all of the magic:She manifests her dreamsAsk any new life guru, astrologer, or life coach and they’ll shout from the rooftops just how important it is to adopt a manifestation practice. As the name suggests, this is when you visualize (and, more importantly, believe and trust) that those things you want are on their way to you. Most of the planet’s most successful business leaders, athletes, and performers have perfected this way of thinking, and well-- the ducks seem to line up in a row for them. Grande is no different — in fact, she’s been a fan of this idea since she was a kiddo. “When I was 6 years old, I just kind of decided that’s what I’m going to do with my life, period,” says Grande, who grew up in Boca Raton, Fla. “I manifested it. I knew I would. There was never really a doubt in my mind,” she told Billboard. If you want to test it yourself, create a vision board by cutting out words and images from magazines that you inspire you. These should be different aspects you think are missing from your life — like a relationship, the career you want, traveling opportunities — that you can look at every single day, and manifest them. She stands her ground, when necessaryThere’s a difference between being someone everyone likes to work with — and being an egomaniac. Though women are often given a bad rep for standing up for themselves or taking authority, men aren’t given the same character label for doing the same. Grande, a feminist, doesn’t let anyone or anything stand in her way — but she does it professionally. As she told Billboard, it’s often a shock to those she works with, and it gives her the respect she’s earned and deserves. “I’ve politely walked out of sessions before. It has happened. I’m a small girl. People tend to underestimate that. And then I sit down and comp my own vocals and can produce my own session, and they’re like ‘Oh, I didn’t know you could do that.’ I’m like, ‘Believe it or not, there are plenty of tiny women that can do this.’” Perhaps Grande says it best when she urges other people to be who they are, and not what’s expected from them: “you can be adorable and brilliant. You can be friendly and silly, and yet strong and indestructible. You can be professional and present and also sexual and fun.”She ignores the norms — and does her own thingWhen you’re rising through the ranks of whatever industry you choose, there are certain steps that everyone has gone through. You start here, you move up there, you do this then, and then you do that. But just because there is a historical record of how things were that doesn’t mean they have to keep on being that way. Grande is the shining example of that: her dream was to be a singer but to put music out the way a rapper does. “I feel like there are certain standards that pop women are held to that men aren't. We have to do the teaser before the single, then do the single, and wait to do the preorder, and radio has to impact before the video, and we have to do the discount on this day, and all this shit. It’s just like, ‘Bruh, I just want to fucking talk to my fans and sing and write music and drop it the way these boys do. Why do they get to make records like that and I don’t?’ So I do and I did and I am, and I will continue to,” she shared in an interview with Billboard. She keeps her ego in checkConsidering she’s worth $50 million (and counting), it’d be easy for Grande to let money get the best of her. But while she’s confident, she also wants to ensure her ego never gets out of control. This keeps her humble, focused — and ready for every new stage of her career. To do this, she practices gut and mental checks to remain aligned. As she told KIIS 1065: “If things are upsetting you, make sure your intention is correct like “why is this bothering me? Am I giving into my ego? Or is this a real problem? It’s very stressful going from a person who loves to sing, dance, perform, and make music to a person who is literally material for people to write blogs and dissect you. If I were to worry about that, that would be me giving into my ego. I try to not see it.” She does what’s good for her mental healthIf her hit song "thank u, next" doesn’t illustrate her feelings toward dating, then consider this about Grande: she protects her mental space. This doesn’t just mean in relationships, but in every aspect of her life. Especially as a creative, naysayers can have a major impact on your sense of self and creativity. That’s why she thinks carefully about who is in her life — and who shouldn’t be. It’s the advice she gives her millions of Instagram followers, too: "I just wanted to say hi and remind you guys to protect your peace and your energy and to not forget to take care of yourselves and protect your space. I just want to make sure that you don't run yourself to the ground, exhaust yourself and remember to protect your energy and do things that are good for you."For more Daily Habits:Daily Habits to Steal From Keanu ReevesDaily Habits to Steal From Robert Downey Jr.Daily Habits to Steal From Kate MiddletonDaily Habits to Steal From Bradley Cooper

5 Daily Habits to Steal From Richard Branson, Including Accepting Failure
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5 Daily Habits to Steal From Richard Branson, Including Accepting Failure

You know him as Richard Branson, the iconic leader behind Virgin Airlines but his technical title? Well, it’s a mouthful: Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson. Nope, he’s not a royal — but pretty much as close as it gets. As one of the most well-known business powerhouses who takes a revolutionary approach to everything he touches, he’s earned his recognition. Believe it or not, his conglomerate — The Virgin Group — owns more than 400 companies, with his latest venture attempting to bring space travel to the masses. Branson's been an entrepreneur all of his life, initially launching a magazine at the age of 16, and then a mail-order record business post-college. His career took off when he opened a chain of record stores called Virgin Records in the '70s. By the '80s, he developed his airline and eventually, his music label.Buckingham Palace knighted the English-born Branson in the year 2000 for his "services to entrepreneurship," and in 2007, he was named one of Time’s most influential people in the world. With a net worth of $4.1 billion — he’s among the richest self-made billionaires on the planet. Here, a few of Richard Branson's habits, rituals, and values he abides by, day-in and day-out:He writes.In a blog for Virgin Airlines, Branson got nitty-gritty about his day. Though he definitely subscribes to some of the same regimes that the top leaders adopt, like getting up early and a structured day, he also lets his creativity flow freely. When he’s not responding to emails or taking calls, he catches up on the news, which inevitably inspires him to write blogs: “I find myself speaking out more and more about the things I cannot accept — like the failed war on drugs, mistreatment of refugees, prejudice against the LGBT community, or the fact that the death penalty still exists despite being proven to not deter crime. But my blog is not always filled with calls to action. No two days are the same: one day I’ll be writing about conservation, the next I’ll sharing family photos from Necker Island, and then the following day I’ll be offering business tips to help young entrepreneurs find their stride.”Even if you’re not leading a mega company — or a tiny one — getting your thoughts out helps you to understand your own mind. And it will lower your stress levels, improve your focus and give you power over worries or anxieties. He takes notes for everything -- on paper!If you ever showed up to a meeting early in your career without a pen-and-paper in hand, you may have been sent back to your desk by a manager. Sure, most work has gone digital these days, but there is still something effective — and satisfying — about physically writing notes. In fact, many leaders (including Sheryl Sandberg) are known for this ritual. Branson is one of ‘em. “Regardless of where I am or what I’m doing – perhaps with the exception of kitesurfing or swimming – I always have a notebook on hand. My secret ‘life hack’ has also been to write it down! I can’t tell you where I’d be if I hadn’t had a pen on hand to write down my ideas as soon as they came to me,” he wrote.He listens to everyone about everything.In an interview Branson's daughter Holly did with CNBC, she shared how her father is an expert listener. In fact, it’s something he taught her to value in her own career. He doesn’t just take notes from the wealthiest or the most successful — but literally anyone and everyone, even strangers. “Listen as much as you speak, or listen more than you speak. There are a lot of great things my dad has found by listening to everyone,” she continued. “If he is sitting on Virgin Atlantic he will sit and chat with the customers and ask, ‘Do you have any advice for me? Do you have any tips? Is there anything you don’t like today? What can I change?’” Branson's desire to reap feedback is tied to his ultimate goal: make the planet — and its people — better, happier, and healthier. As he wrote on Virgin’s blog: “I feel that fulfillment and purpose are very closely linked. Most people feel the most fulfilled and happiest when they are having a positive impact on those around them. Business should be a driving force in creating a better world, so if you can combine your entrepreneurial skills with a social purpose, you can have a great effect on the world.”He focuses on living.To build an empire, create products and tools that make life easier for millions, and to always be photographed with a big ‘ole smile on your face, you have to love life. And that’s exactly what Branson tries to focus on: living each day. When you’re a billionaire, it definitely seems a bit easier to enjoy the ride, but more responsibilities add more pressure, and learning the fine juggling act of it all has proved instrumental for Branson’s psyche. “I don’t really separate work and play — it’s all living. This doesn’t mean I’m always working, it means I’ve learned the art of balance,” he wrote. “It’s so important to carve a little time for yourself to breathe. I find the best way to do this is to make a cup of tea and take ten minutes to reflect. Often this time sparks new ideas as your mind wanders, or helps you find solutions to problems that have been bugging you. I find that taking a break helps me rest rather than give up. If you burn yourself out, you’re no good to anyone.”He believes mistakes are a part of the game.You may or may not remember 1994, but here’s a refresher on one of Virgin’s biggest failures: Virgin Cola. Doesn’t ring a bell? That’s because it was a major flop. As Branson wrote on Virgin’s blog, they drove a tank through the streets of New York, smashing through a wall of Coca-Cola cans, making for some headlines. They thought they could drive sales far past Pepsi and Coke — but they bombed. In fact, he said it was one of the biggest mistakes in the company’s history. Does Branson let it get him down? Nope, he takes it as a learning opportunity — and smashes forward. And he hopes to pave the way for others to do the same. "Perhaps the biggest positive to come from Virgin Cola, however indirectly, was the launch of Innocent Drinks. Co-founder Richard Reed, a former employee at Virgin Cola, was inspired by his experience, and later started selling his own smoothies with a couple of friends. He now heads one of the biggest, most purposeful drinks brands in Britain. And it’s very satisfying to know that he got his start at one of our Virgin businesses,” he wrote.

5 Daily Habits to Steal From Bradley Cooper, Including Going With His Gut
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5 Daily Habits to Steal From Bradley Cooper, Including Going With His Gut

Noted for his versatile and captivating performances, dedication to cancer-research, and his dreamy blue eyes, Bradley Cooper is one of the most beloved American actors and filmmakers. Recently, his acting, directing, and singing in A Star is Born has made him a household favorite — but he’s been blowing away audiences for decades. His films have grossed an impressive $7.8 billion worldwide with many iconic hits including Wet Hot American Summer, Limitless, The Place Beyond the Pines, Silver Linings Playbook and American Sniper. He takes a break from dramas from time-to-time to take the lead in comedic favorites like Wedding Crashers and The Hangover. To date, he’s been nominated for four Academy Awards in three years — becoming only the tenth actor to ever do so. With an estimated $100 million net worth and a long career ahead of himself, there’s no doubting this star is, well, just being born. Here, some of Bradley Cooper's daily habits to consider for your own lifestyle:He takes his work personallyCooper is often praised for his believability as his characters by completing encompassing and emobiding their quirks, ticks and dynamics. To act convincingly and with ease, he tries to get as close as he can to the character. As he told the New York Times — it’s personal. “Once you get that fire inside you to tell the story, everything’s personal. So, you have to bring up everything. Whenever you create a character, at least for me, you have to find anything you can to tell the truth, right? So, yeah, you’re always working off of yourself.” One way he makes sure he’s fully investing is imagining his role as if it were real. This makes it easier to connect and to commit to the lines, the scenes and the experience. When asked his trick for success by 60 Minutes, Cooper explained: “By believing I’m him. That’s how I do it. If I’m acting like I’m him or I don’t quite make that leap of faith, there’s no way you’re going to believe it.” What’s the lesson for professionals who aren’t on camera? Go against the traditional advice — and make your job personal. Find what makes you passionate and connected, and make it your investment. He shows others what he’s capable of — not the other way aroundWhen you’re hired for a new job, you know your job description. This includes what’s expected of you on paper, but doesn’t really illustrate who you are or how you’ll perform. When Cooper is selected for a role, he knows the character, the pay, and so on — but he makes a point to do it his way. As he sees it, no one tells him who to be — that’s his choice. And frankly, every professional’s. “People don’t really know how to look at a person. “Because you’re like, ‘I have these big dreams, and I feel these things.’ Is that all wrong? Like, shame on anybody that’s going to tell you who you are. That angers me. It’s like, someone’s going to tell you who you are, what you’re capable of. Like, what?” he told The New York Times.He betters himself so he can be better at workCooper has been outspoken about his struggles with drugs and alcohol — and has been sober since 2004. The breaking point was at a party when he bashed his head in, not once, but twice. After spending the night at the hospital, he realized how much he needed to recover and change his life — and he’s never looked back. He makes every effort to become a better person every single day, thanks to his sobriety. "In the way that if— the one thing that I've learned in life is the best thing I can do is embrace who I am and then do that to the fullest extent, and then whatever happens, happens. The more steps I do to not do that, the farther I am away from fulfilling any potential I would have,” he told GQ.He goes with his gutBlame it on growing up, going through difficult periods, or frankly, growing tired of keeping up with the Joneses, but everyone reaches a point where they listen to that little voice inside of them. For Cooper, it’s his gut — and it’s something that he never ignores. “... just go with your gut... The loudest voice that's a contrarian is usually me, and all these little moments of confirmation, that voice should just shut up, allows you to just do what you're supposed to do while you're here,” he told Fandango.He invests in the future while remaining presentFor many professionals, staying in the moment feels impossible. After all, those who chase after success try to think one step ahead so they’ll get there faster than everyone else. For Cooper, though, being able to remain in the present with a forward-thinking attitude has served him well. In fact, investing in longer-term projects have been more fulfilling. As he shared with NPR, he spent four years on his hit movie with Lady Gaga. “And the one thing that I know in the future is: It's worth all the time to dedicate, even if one piece of art comes out of it in a half a decade, that would still be incredible as long as I can feel like it's the movie I wanted to make, which is this movie. So I guess having a child, and having a family of my own — which is a miracle and something I've always dreamt of — has opened me up even more, I guess, to the day, and to be present.” For more Daily Habits:Daily Habits to Steal From Keanu ReevesDaily Habits to Steal From Robert Downey Jr.Daily Habits to Steal From Kate Middleton

5 Daily Habits to Steal From Keanu Reeves, Including How Tragedy Motivates Him
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5 Daily Habits to Steal From Keanu Reeves, Including How Tragedy Motivates Him

There’s something about Keanu Reeves, don’t you think? Lovable on camera, no matter what role he’s portraying, he’s been beloved by men and women since the 1990s. This actor, director, producer, and musician is best known for his work in The Matrix series, as well as the Bill and Ted franchise and the John Wick series, and thrillers like Point Break, Speed, and The Devil’s Advocate. He’s frequently praised for his versatility and his believability across many genres and sectors. Surprisingly, this household name has never received a nomination from the Golden Globes or the Academy Awards — but he continues to produce, act and create art in many mediums. With a networth of $360 million, he’s definitely doing something right — and has some habits to match his genius that you can steal:He gives in returnWhen you reach a certain level of wealth, like Reeves, there are a few ways you can go about finances. While some invest in their future or in the generations behind them to come, others try and give strangers or charity a helping hand. Reeves chooses the latter, spreading his wealth whenever possible — even at a hotel, according to an interview with Rolling Stone. The humble star is frequently seen riding the subway in New York and is known to make his charitable donations through a private charity so as not to call attention to himself. In April 2019, Reeves made headlines for assisting fellow passengers during a grounded flight.Reeves also made headlines for his approach to his payment for The Matrix sequels: he renegotiated his contract so that crews got a share of his fee — costing him tens of millions. When he performed in The Devil’s Advocate, he took a pay cut so producers could hire Al Pacino. While having an influx of dough makes it easier to give back, it’s a smart lesson in understanding how much you actually need versus what is killing your joy. He owns his quietnessReeves has a reputation of being quiet on set — something many actors have talked about after working with him. Not only is he extremely dedicated, but he tends to keep to himself, improving his craft without the input of others. Constantine director Francis Lawrence shared with Time his experience working with Reeves: “Do I really know Keanu after working with him? No. I know things about him: he's hardworking, he's generous, he's a sweet, sweet guy. But it's all just sort of on the surface." Even his manager, Erwin Stoff, who has been managing his career since Reeves was 13 years old, describes him as a shy person. He has a way of keeping himself away from other people. You may be like Reeves — more of an introvert, rather than an extrovert. Or you could be the opposite. Whatever the case, the lesson here is indulging in the quiet and learning how to spend time in your craft by yourself. You never know what wonders you’ll find there.He’s self-determinedIt’s pretty much a given that to be successful, you have to be able to hold yourself accountable. Reeves is a testament to this truth, considering he’s often labeled as persistent and of course, stubborn. The Matrix stuntman and John Wick co-director Chad Stahelski clearly likes working with Reeves. Stahelski says his level of dedication is incredibly rare. “It has nothing to do with being lazy or work-shy. It's a choice. It's about what level of commitment an actor or an actress is willing to make for a project. Keanu's all or nothing. He's willing to give up six months of his time to train for a role. Some people would try and get another film in, or work two. When I first met him he'd had surgery and he was doing kung-fu in this big, cold warehouse with a neck brace on. I knew he was a serious guy. That set the standard for the rest of our relationship. That YouTube footage is four months' worth of three-gun training. In a non-movie way, what Keanu is doing in that video is competitively impressive. Real guns, real bullets, hitting real targets. If you told him to go learn how to crochet, he'd go and be an expert in that. That's just what he's like,” he told Esquire.He lets death — yep, death — motivate himIt might sound a bit morbid but the truth is, we’re all going to pass one day. And for Reeves, that is reason enough to live big right now. As he put it in an interview with Men’s Journal: “You’re gonna die — make stuff.” Reeves has seen more than his fair share of personal loss in his life, including his girlfriend and their baby two decades ago. It took Reeves a while to understand that like everyone else, he’s aging — and if he wants to "keep on, keepin’ on," he has to push forward, no matter what. “I'm all of the clichés, and it's embarrassing. It's all of them. It's just, 'Oh my God. OK. Where did the time go? How come things are changing? How much time do I have left? What didn't I do?’” he told Esquire. He always fights for his careerOne of the most important career lessons to remember is the importance of being your own biggest fan. Since ultimately, you’re responsible for yourself, this is a powerful mantra to have — and one that Reeves embodies. He’s had plenty of disappointments, but he stands up for what he knows he deserves. "You're always fighting for a career," Reeves told Esquire. "I mean, there's a few people who [don't have to worry]…No: you're always fighting for a career."