Bombay Bicycle Clubs first tour since 2014 has been pretty seamless so far, says guitarist Jamie MacColl. Besides the British indie bands ride.

The wheels did fall of our bus literally three days ago, MacColl says before a show in Toronto. The last three days have bee quite stressful.

The wheel-challenged bus will roll into Brooklyn for two shows at Brooklyn Steel Monday and Tuesday. Mondays show had sold out, but a few tickets opened up as of press time.

After five years off the road, a band cant predict the demand for tickets when it returns.

I just feel so grateful to be able to do this, the guitarist says. Were very lucky to be able to do this and just even luckier that people care about it. For my generation, the way people are consuming music streaming, Spotify, whatever people carry on listening to you. Youre always there on a playlist. So I dont think people quite forget about you as they might have done 20 or 30 years ago.

Formed in London in 2005, Bombay Bicycle Club took a hiatus after 2014, their most successful year, which saw their fourth album, So Long, See You Tomorrow reach No. 1 in the UK and the band sell out hometown Earls Court Exhibition Centre the final show at the famed, 20,000-seat, London venue, which featured a guest appearance from Pink Floyds David Gilmour, a MacColl family friend.

If anything, the process has been much easier than in the past since reconvening, says MacColl. I think it was good for us to have a break away from it. When we started in a band we were all teenagers, we were 15, and for 10 years it was all we knew, so it was good to have some time away and do some personal development that you can bring back to the band.

Some of the members of the band which includes Jack Steadman (lead vocals, guitar, piano), Suren de Saram (drums) and Ed Nash (bass) worked on solo material, but MacColl did a lot of weird things. He earned degrees from Kings College London and Cambridge war studies and a masters in international relations, respectively and worked at a think tank in Washington, DC, and as an intelligence analyst at a social security company.

When the band started playing live again, I was less used to it than the others were, he says. It was newer and fresher to me. I think outside of that, it also made me realize that life being a touring musician is all Ive known since I was a teenager, but life for the most part is incredibly different to that, and it probably made me realize I had to grow up and develop.

Bombay Bicycle Clubs fifth album, Everything Else Has Gone Wrong, will be released Jan. 17. The first single, Eat, Sleep, Wake (Nothing But You) was released in August. The album is broadly about finding solace in music, MacColl says, when everything around you is going to st, whether in your personal life or politics or kind of whatever you perceive is going wrong.

For Bombay Bicycle Club, the New York shows represent a return to the soil that spawned much of the music that inspired the group.

Really formative stuff, a lot of the New York bands like LCD Soundsystem, The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, MacColl says. That was incredibly cool to us as 13-year-olds in London and still is now. But I think even then we were really at the start of the streaming generation, where I think it was probably like those illegal peer-to-peer, file-sharing sites like LimeWire and Napster, and that just meant you felt you had so much music available to you at your fingertips. I think we were eclectic even as 13-year-olds.

When I speak to teenagers now which doesnt happen that often Im always surprised that they jump around from different genres so much. Theyll listen to like rap music and emo and everything in between.

Link:
Bombay Bicycle Club gets back on the bus - New York Post

Degrowthers argue that, on a planet of finite resources, endless growth is impossible and harms not only the world around us, but also our wellbeing

Author: Sophie Perryer

7 Oct 2019

In every sphere of our commercialised, consumerist world, growth and success are seemingly inseparable. From national economic expansion to personal development, growth has become a proxy for obtaining health and wealth through constantly striving for bigger, better and more.

Yet, according to proponents of the degrowth movement, our environments can only support this consistent upward trajectory for so long. Degrowthers argue that, on a planet of finite resources, endless growth is impossible and harms not only the world around us, but also our wellbeing. Instead, they advocate a transition away from growth and towards a more equitable and sustainable society that fulfils all of its economic actors.

The radical nature of degrowth principles has historically inhibited their spread outside of left-leaning academic circles. In recent years, however, with environmental issues becoming increasingly difficult to ignore and confidence in traditional economic markers such as GDP declining, the movement is gathering pace.

Sustainabilitys sisterThe term degrowth was first proposed in the 1970s by the Franco-Austrian philosopher Andr Gorz, but it did not emerge as a movement until the late 2000s, when the first international degrowth conferences were held in Paris and Barcelona in 2008 and 2010 respectively. These were landmark events that cast this radical movement onto the global stage, Brendan Gleeson, Director of the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute, told European CEO.

Some of the ideas associated with the degrowth movement have since entered mainstream socioeconomic debate, particularly in connection with sustainability. For example, Sara Fromm, a sustainability activist and member of Research & Degrowth, has noticed the term being used by the Spanish media in reference to mass tourism in Barcelona. [Their reporting] probably doesnt cover everything that the degrowth movement wants to express with this term, but it still encompasses a lot of the values that those in the movement want to touch upon, particularly in terms of aviation, she said.

The degrowth movement pushes for a total redefinition of the way we live, centred on the rejection of expansionist economics

The degrowth and sustainability movements certainly share common ground, particularly with regards to reducing consumption. Taking fewer flights, eschewing fast fashion, purchasing less packaged food and committing to growing produce at home are all examples of mutual initiatives. Degrowthers, however, recognise that these individual changes, while valuable in contributing to wider environmental goals, will not achieve the sort of systemic change that they believe is necessary.

Most sustainability advocates, including policymakers in government, still seem locked into the growth paradigm, holding on to hope that technological advances and green policy will be able to achieve sustainability without transcending the growth paradigm, said Gleeson. Degrowth does not accept that techno-optimistic faith.

Less is moreThe degrowth movement pushes for a total redefinition of the way we live, centred on the rejection of expansionist economics. This extends beyond lifestyle and into political activism, along with a radical shift in working culture. Degrowthers argue that to transition away from growth we must reduce our working hours and dedicate more time to voluntary, community-led activities that promote fulfilment through non-consumptive means. This does not mean committing to an impoverished life, but rather to finding joy and pleasure and satisfaction in new non-consumerist ways, said Gleeson.

This is something that Fromm has grappled with since engaging with the degrowth movement. She is currently a part-time consultant on sustainable projects, but dedicates the rest of her working week to voluntary work, spending time with family and advocating for the degrowth cause. However, she has found that her decision to eschew the traditional working week raised eyebrows among her peers. I have certainly experienced people being confused about the choices I made because they have a different understanding of how to live your life and how much money you need to [sustain that], she said.

Fromm believes that part of this scepticism can be attributed to social attitudes surrounding part-time work. From my perspective, when it comes to enterprises, it is still not a very common thing, she said. [Part-time workers] can be regarded as possibly a bit less important, not in leading positions, or oftentimes women that are caring for children. I would like to see it become accepted and implemented not only for those people but for anyone [who] has decided, for any reason, that they dont want to spend as much time on paid labour.

All or nothingChanging peoples perceptions of work, however, is just one hurdle to overcome: theres also the financial aspect, which, in an inflationary society, presents a greater challenge. Degrowth theorists present two solutions to this issue: first, they suggest heavily investing in basic services such as healthcare and education to close the chasm that lower incomes will create. They argue that this would also help tackle social inequality by ensuring everyone has access to the same care and support.

The second, more controversial, proposed solution is the provision of a universal basic income (UBI), paid by the state to every citizen over the age of 18. This would allow people to do more work within their communities and be among friends and family, said Fromm. The concept is not a new one, but it has gained traction in recent years and has been trialled in Canada, Uganda, Kenya and, most recently, Finland.

During the two-year Finnish programme, participants were given 560 per month, no strings attached. While UBI was not found to affect the participants ability to find work, it did have a positive impact on the health, stress and concentration levels of those receiving it compared with those in the control group. Those in the test group were also considerably more confident in their own future and their ability to influence societal issues, noted the researchers who carried out the study.

The wellness-boosting aspect of UBI certainly fits in with the degrowth movements overall ethos of turning away from expansion in favour of more holistic markers of success. Paradoxically, the fact that the UBI did not have an impact on the participants ability to find work also supports the argument that individual degrowth policies will not prove successful on their own. Introducing a UBI in a society that is still geared towards growth will not work as the two are fundamentally at odds with one another. For the UBI to bear fruit, it must form part of a systemic shift.

The all-or-nothing nature of the degrowth movement makes it somewhat intimidating, but Gleeson argues that the first and most important step is persuading people that a non-materialistic life is a more fulfilling one. Consumer culture promises people that the path to happiness lies in increasing material wealth but this is just a flawed conception of the good life, he said. We need to structure our societies to ensure that everyone has enough, but our systems and cultures should then redirect energy away from materialistic pursuits and promote the good life through non-materialistic sources of meaning and happiness. In short, less (but enough) stuff, but more time and freedom.

Radical actionThis culture change is already underway in some countries. In May this year, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced a new wellbeing budget for the country, with billions in new funding allocated to mental health services and measures to reduce child poverty.

Ardern said at the time: Were embedding that notion of making decisions that arent just about growth for growths sake, but how are our people faring? How is our environment doing? These are the measures that will give us a true measure of our success. Bhutan has taken this philosophy further still by adopting gross national happiness instead of GDP as the ultimate social goal. Its arguably an example of a post-growth society, said Gleeson.

Unquestionably, degrowth is a radical philosophy but we live in a time that requires radical action. Every environmental marker points to the fact that our world as we know it will not exist in 50 years if we continue at the current rate of resource consumption. Ultimately, an economics of sufficiency is needed if we are going to live within the sustainable carrying capacity of the planet, Gleeson concluded. There is no alternative.

Read more from the original source:
Cutting back: how the degrowth movement could save the planet - EuropeanCEO

To achieve success, as per your own definition of this abstract thought and feeling, if it is considered by you as a matter of destiny or the consequence of toil, labour and hard work, will determine your outlook towards self development. While stars, fate, and fortune have a role in our lives, hard work and the resolve to get where one wishes to go is equally critical. Here, I shall dwell only upon hard work, attitude and courage to improve oneself. Once armed with these, even Dame Fortune, is forced to befriend, you.

There is no person, who doesnt wish to succeed in life, regardless of the vocation or pursuit. All the new joiners at the entry level aspire to be the president/ CEOs of the company they start their career with. Some make it by hard work, while some dont, largely due to lack of personal attention and focus.

A university degree gets you to open ajar or break upon the latch to the world of opportunities -a first class degree does not guarantee numero uno position on the hierarchical chart. So, what is it required, beyond the university degree, to achieve success? Stated simply it is, personality development. And how does one explain and achieve personal development?

In this piece, the focused addressees are those readers, who are in the age band of 25years to 50years -a limiting factor of 50 years of age is clamped only to indicate, that if until that age an individual has not clarified to his/her self, of what they want from life, then the task to reset life is arduous and difficult, but not impossible. Recall, Ronald Reagan, the great communicator, became President of USA at the ripe age of 72 years. And in history, such examples are aplenty.

So, what exactly should this age group concentrate on for attaining a personality, that is found ready, willing and able; appropriate and appealing, to the board for placement as say, the managing director; fine, since such positions are a few, so let us focus on the desire to being, manager of people and business.

The attention has to be on few fundamentals. I am identifying only a few here; there may be numerous others that will give an enabling environment, for personality growth and success in the corporate sector and per se at the job assigned.

The most formidable of traits required is the development of the habit of reading. It allows you to remain abreast with the latest developments in the market and enables opportunities for improvement in skills. The knowledge you acquire must be of relevance to the assignment and not general in nature. Reading maketh a man".

All leaders have to be dreamers, first. So is true for the manager. The destination has to be in mind. Again have a plan and strategy in place to get where you wish to go. Develop with clarity the blueprint of a well-thought out vision, preferably that is timeless. If the goal posts are not known, team members will make a spectacle of themselves, not knowing which side of the arena they are playing. Strategy, goals and targets are set by dreamers. Be a dreamer, with faith, in your potential and abilities. This confidence dawns only where there is self-belief. This belief must not be imaginary, but has to be for real. You must have an attitude, sans arrogance, and you will find that colleagues and team members begin to acquiesce. In doing so, it is important to discover the seen and the unseen of the colleagues personality. What must not be obscured from any analysis of an individual is that a man of action will possess a strong dosage of pride, egotism and an air -no harm, only if it is confined within the traits self-restraint. In the improvement of personality, the element of smart approach, hard work and application, cannot be underestimated. In life there are no short cuts. The midnight lamp has to be burnt all through the night. Hard work and its results are usually in sync. One has to learn to do, rather than be in mere possession of knowledge, on how to execute. Execution is the crux of the usability of any knowledge. You can do, only if you think, you can.

As part of personality development, to keep time management in focus, is of critical significance. Set, your schedule every day, with definite key results to achieve. Those who cant master their control over time are bound to find themselves being captive to a rudderless and listing life. Because of its inelastic nature, one has to develop ability to pack 25 hours of productivity in a twenty four day. This requires a regime of following strict discipline. Apportion your time wisely, between investing in the future and enjoying the pleasure of present time. The past has value, limited in nature, it is to be looked at only to ensure, the errors of past arent repeated.

The speed of technological revolution is a thing to contend with. Spend enough resources to keep yourself aligned with the latest developments on how to improve ones productivity through the use of the platform of technology. This scribe does not believe that being active on the mostly ridiculous social media apparatus is akin to being proficient technically. In fact, it is a major distraction to many -and such dont realise, until it is late in the day. Acquire knowledge and expertise in new software and hardware that allow you to catapult into being a higher source of productivity.

To succeed, you have to be courageous. Courage is the most lethal attribute of a great leader. A person possessed of courage and character is always a formidable competition to all. Bravery is not possession of knowledge of the cowardice of colleagues; it is about compassion and ability to utilize others strengths, without compromising ones own values. Courage is the antidote of fear. Those possessed of fear will fail in taking new ventures with confidence. The vulnerability that strikes through fear leads to the undoing of the resolve.

A man is known by the company he keeps. Choose your friends with caution. People generally judge by the adage, birds of a feather flock together. If you spend time in the company of losers, you will soon be classified as one. The habits of successful people are deadly contagious, that is possible, only if you consciously make an effort to befriend them.

Develop, with consciousness, a pleasing disposition. At the workplace or otherwise too, exercise strict control over stress and anger. Laugh often -it helps in keeping good health too. The blood pressure remains in the normal range, helping you to keep your clam even in the tensest situations. It creates happiness in the environment; increases immunity to viruses of diseases, both of medical nature and corporate viruses.

Be of a forgiving nature. Holding retaliation, especially when possessed of power to do, is a great personal victory, over the negative self. Let forgiving be your nature. It is no sign of weakness. Only the brave forgive. Expunge fear from your dictionary. Let the self-propelling wheels of internal motivation override feelings of fear. Fear is an enemy of innovation, creativity and action. Bid it good-bye. Remember, no fence of fear, separates between the greener and the less green grass. Failure is never irrevocable. The revocability of all factors is the most important belief to be had for attaining success. Retreat is not defeat. Learn to demonstrate strong ethical, moral, and cultural standards.

The writer is a senior banker and a freelance columnist

Original post:
Be prepared - The News International

JERUSALEM, Israel - A sprawling 5,000-year-old city dubbed the "New York" of the Early Bronze Age was discovered in northern Israel's Ein Iron area.

The massive city was uncovered during excavations funded by the Netivei Israel Company that have been in progress for two and a half years. Experts say it is one of the first and largest cities of the ancient Near East.

Thousands of teens and student volunteers uncovered the settlement, which spans over 650 dunams (160.6 acres) and would have accommodated around 6,000 inhabitants.

"There is no doubt that this site dramatically changes what we know about the character of the period and the beginning of urbanization in Israel," said Itai Elad, Dr. Yitzhak Paz and Dr. Dina Shalem, directors of the excavation on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority.

The city, which operated at the end of the 4th millennium BC, was surrounded by a fortification wall, with streets, alleys, and residential and public areas.

Archaeologists discovered a temple in the public areas of the city, pointing to the spiritual life of the inhabitants.

The temple had a courtyard and a large stone basin used during religious rituals. Researchers also found burnt animal bones - evidence of animal sacrifices. They also found rare figurines in the temple facility.

The directors of the excavation said the city is evidence of how the inhabitants of Canaan were consolidating their identity in newly established urban sites.

"Such a city could not develop without having behind it a guiding hand and an administrative mechanism. It's impressive planning, the tools brought to Israel from Egypt found at the site, and its seal impressions are proof of this. This is a huge city a megalopolis in relation to the Early Bronze Age, where thousands of inhabitants, who made their living from agriculture, lived and traded with different regions and even with different cultures and kingdoms in the area," said Elad, Dr. Paz, and Dr. Shalem.

Excavators also uncovered an even earlier site dating back to the Chalcolithic period from 7,000 years ago underneath the city's homes.

The volunteers who uncovered the site were a part of the Israeli Antiquities Authorities Sharing Heritage Project, which aims to connect participants with the history and culture of the land.

"The challenges the archaeological excavation presented the students, and the uncovering of its findings, contributed both to their personal development and enriched their acquaintance with the country's landscape, its sites, and history," said Noah Shaul, a guide on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority.

Figurines found at the excavation site: Photo Yoli Schwartz, Israel Antiquities Authority

Figurines found at the excavation site: Photo Yoli Schwartz, Israel Antiquities Authority

An animal figurine uncovered at the excavation site. Photo: Yoli Schwartz, Israel Antiquities Authority

Now that the site has been uncovered, officials are working to protect and preserve its remains.

Excerpt from:
Israeli Archaeologists Uncover Massive 5000-Year-Old 'New York City' of the Middle East - CBN News

Sure, theres no shortage of great creativity-related podcasts out there heres a list of 40 of our favourites, if you missed it but a new pod on the scene called Method in the Madness uniquely looks to combine great design-related interviews with broader stories around personal development.

Method in the Madness is the creation of Gregor Matheson, who works on it as a side project outside of his role as head of design at the digital agency Signal. That personal development side was vital for Matheson; and he wanted to share his own and other peoples advice on how the successful tools, habits and strategies used within creativity and leadership can have a profound effect on other areas of your life.

This is because he says he witnessed them: he tells us that ten years ago, as a recent grad, he was "obese and felt stuck in a city and a job that made him miserable. After a stark wake-up call, he decided to take control of his unhealthy and unproductive habits and managed to transform his life: losing 45kgs in just six months, moved his life to a different city and found the fulfilling start in the creative industry that he was looking for, all in the same year."

Image courtesy of Gregor Matheson

So far, as well as insights from designers and creative industry types, guests on the show have included as inventors, typographers, creative directors, photographers, founders of businesses, a chocolatier and even an Antarctic explorer.

"My hope in all of this is that I can share insights, strategies and stories from interesting guests that will not just have a positive effect on the listener's work, but other areas of their life too," says Matheson, "The podcast is an opportunity for me to sit down with great creative thinkers from all over the world, pick their brains and find out the 'why' and how behind 'what' they do."

Its well worth a listen, and free to do so across platforms including Apple Podcasts,Spotify, SoundCloud, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Stitcher and YouTube.

Link:
The podcast combining design advice, productivity tips and a very personal weight loss story - Creative Boom

The biggest challenge I have faced in my life was

Every day has its challenges but preparing for two years of touring with Clannad and maintaining my health at the age of 67 is as big as it gets. We will embark on the In a Lifetime Farewell Tour next March and, although Im very excited about it, I know I will have to look after myself especially well to run the course.

The moment that changed my life was

When I met a photographer called Tim who came to Donegal to do an article on Clannad for New Musical Express in 1987. We have been married for 28 years now and being encouraged by my other half, especially when I started my solo work, was very important and continues to be.

Who I admire the most is...

Those people who dedicate their lives to helping others whether it be abroad in troubled zones or just at home with loved ones. Every time I see these things on TV or around me in everyday life Im humbled by their self-sacrifice. Having been to several African countries, including Congo and Rwanda, with Christian Blind Mission, this certainly includes them. But there are also a lot of unsung heroes in this world who well never know about.

The biggest influence on my career is

My mum and dad! My dad got me up on stage at a young age in the family pub, Leos Tavern, and my mum taught me all those old Gaeilge songs and encouraged our musical abilities and practice. Last year we honoured them by celebrating 50 years of Leos Tavern and next year Clannad will be celebrating our own 50 years on the road.

A practical thing I do to help my personal development is

I start every day with a time of meditation and prayer. Id be very lost without feeling its encouragement and a sense of knowing that Im not alone. It helps me through all things and I feel I can take on anything when God is part of my life.

My worst habit is

I do watch a fair amount of Junk TV and soaps. Its undemanding after hectic travel, touring and performing schedules. That doesnt mean its the only thing I watch!

The thing Im most proud of is

For many years playing with Clannad, I missed a lot of special occasions, birthdays and school events with my kids, Aisling and Paul. To now have them in my own band and, amazingly, as part of Clannad makes me so proud. The fact that despite their own musical influences they love playing with me is wonderful.

My motto for life is

I have taken on what my father said: It doesnt take much to be nice, and I try to remember this on a daily basis. I do try to see the good side of everything which has helped me when things havent quite gone according to plan.

Moya Brennan headlines a Concert in the Dark at Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin, Friday October 11th. concertinthedark.ie

In conversation with Una Mullally

See the rest here:
My father always said it doesnt take much to be nice. I think he was right - The Irish Times

Albany, New York, Oct. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a new market report pertaining to the globalsoft skills training marketpublished by Transparency Market Research, the global soft skills training market is projected to reach a value ofUS$ 38 Bn by 2027. The soft skills training market is projected to expand at a CAGR of~12%from2019 to 2027. Growth of the market can be attributed to the increased skill gap in developing countries, and availability of online training platforms.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to dominate the soft skills training market at a CAGR of~13%during the forecast period. In terms of revenue share, the soft skills training market is dominated by North America, followed by Europe. In 2019, the corporate segment is estimated to be valued at~US$ 7.7 Bnin the global soft skills training market, and see an opportunity of~US$ 19 Bnin terms of revenue from2019 to 2027, reflecting a CAGR of~12%during the forecast period.

Increased Skill Gap in Developing Countries Promotes Market Growth

MNCs are expanding their operations in developing economies due to the availability of low-cost resources. However, these businesses are struggling to find the talent required, and governments are seeing slowing innovation and economic growth. Soft skill trainers are trying to bridge these skill gaps by providing easy services through online and offline platforms. Soft skills provide overall personality improvement and help individuals handle global clients. The rising skill gap is one of the significant drivers of this market.

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Soft Skills Training Market: Regional Outlook

In terms of region, the global soft skills training market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America. The market in Asia Pacific is expected to expand at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Asia Pacific is expected to see increasing growth in the soft skills training market with increased investments in India, Singapore, and other major markets in the region. The soft skills training markets in North America and Europe are also expected to expand rapidly during the forecast period.

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The report provides in-depth segment analysis of the global soft skills training market, thereby providing valuable insights at macro as well as micro levels. Analysis of major countries that hold growth opportunities or account for significant shares has also been included as part of the geographic analysis of the soft skills training market.

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Soft Skills Training Market: Competition Dynamics

The research study includes the profiles of leading companies operating in the global soft skills training market. Key players profiled in the soft skills training market report includeedX, Inc., Pearson PLC, NIIT Limited, The Insights Group Ltd, Tata Interactive Systems, Skillsoft Corporation, D2L Corporation, Articulate Global, Inc., QA Ltd., New Horizons Worldwide, LLC, and Computer Generated Solutions, Inc.

Global Soft Skills Training Market: Segmentation

Soft Skills Training Market by Delivery Mode

Soft Skills Training Market by Soft Skill

Soft Skills Training Market by End-use Industry

Soft Skills Training Market by Sourcing

Soft Skills Training Market by Channel Provider

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Soft Skills Training Market to Reach a Valuation of US$ 38 Bn by 2027 New Report by TMR - GlobeNewswire

Dear Editor,

Thank you for publishing Dr. Shawn Healys piece on means of combatting lawyers stress (Under pressure, VLW, Sept. 30).

Members of our profession need to hear plain talk about a problem that besets us daily, sometimes with tragic consequences. But theres a glaring omission in his story, which presents six palliative measures to treat the symptoms but never even touches the underlying cause.

The cause is our collective inability to use the most empowering word in the English language: No. Lawyers have unwisely embraced the very scarcity mentality that Healy explores as it relates to our free time, but never touches when it comes to our incoming business. Too many of us think, in essence, I have to accept this new client because I might never get another one. We thus overload our schedules to the point that we dont have time to devote to the cases we already have, even as we suffer from the mounting stress.

It doesnt have to be that way. The judicious use of no is liberating. It allows you to have a life, including time for the precious sleep that Healy encourages.

I hear the howls of protest building. Yes, but I dont want my clients to desert me; Ill go broke. Yes, but my firm requires me to bill 2,000 hours a year. Yes, but Im a Public Defender and I have no control over my incoming clients. Okay, for that last group, saying no is a challenge. But for everyone else, youre just making excuses so that you can continue to torture yourself, all in an effort to maximize your income. Know that doing so carries a cost: Youre minimizing your life, measured by its quality and maybe by its duration, to say nothing of your own personal development.

Our profession suffers from elevated levels of stress, depression, and suicides. We do so because too many of us surrender to their own Yes, but excuses. You can do better than that. You can be better than that. You have a choice. Remember that youre a person first, and a lawyer second. The word is pronounced no.

Steve Emmert

Sykes & Bourdon

Virginia Beach

See the rest here:
Letter to the Editor: The power of 'no' - Virginia Lawyers Weekly

RossHelen / Getty Images

Ever landed a job interview via selfie? A decade ago, you likely would have been laughed out of the office; these days, it's not so ludicrous. In June of 2017, McDonald's launched its Snaplications program, which lets job seekers start their application by sending in a 10-second Snapchat video explaining why they'd be a great employee. The idea is to give applicants a chance to showcase their personalities, which McDonald's feels is key to a customer-facing role.

Walmart has also gotten creative with its hiring practices, using virtual reality headsets to test prospective managers. It presents applicants with simulated real-life situations, like an angry customer or messy display, and then evaluates their real-time reactions.

Such unconventional hiring methods give companies an opportunity to appeal to younger generations and show their personalized, relatable side. But if you're thinking about getting in on this trend for your next job opening, you should tread carefully. Launching an unconventional hiring method takes careful planning and a deep understanding of your target candidates. You should think carefully about whether such an approach would benefit your company.

There are many ways to be creative in the hiring process, whether you're seeking employment or looking to recruit. The most important thing is to be mindful of what you are doing and why throughout every step of the process. For example, as an applicant, you wouldn't want to send a milk carton resume to a law firm. Likewise, it wouldn't be wise for a business to request a Snaplication for a CFO position.

Samantha Lambert, director of human resources at Blue Fountain Media, recalled an application for a marketing and design position where the applicant sent her resume in the form of a chocolate bar, with her experience and education printed on the wrapper. "She asked me to review her 'sweet' resume and experience. I loved it. It was definitely unconventional, but it showcased her creative side."

Social media can also be a very effective hiring tool when leveraged correctly. Many companies have launched recruiting efforts on social media to appeal to members of the digital generations.

"[We want to] meet job seekers where they are their phones," said Jez Langhorn, U.S. senior director of human resources for McDonald's, in astatement. Over 79% of job seekers use social media at some point in their search, so it is wise to implement it in your hiring process.

While the ways in which applicants and employers can market themselves on social media are endless, the nuances of social media can be difficult to navigate, particularly for companies attempting to reach young people. The danger lies in walking the line between innovation and trying too hard. Millennials and Gen Zers have a keen sense for the disingenuous, and any indication of a "how do you do, fellow kids?" approach will send them running. Follow these tips to help you strike the right balance.

If you are using an unconventional hiring method on social media, first make sure you have a demonstrated reason why and a specific goal in mind for what it will accomplish. Otherwise, it will be clear to applicants that you are being unconventional for the sake of being unconventional, which will make your business look inauthentic and out of touch.

"If the unconventional parts of the application process have nothing to do with the job performance skills, [there's no real] need for unconventionality," said Jessi Beyer, a speaker and personal development coach.

For example, McDonald's describes itself as "America's best first job," which means its target pool for employees is likely people between the ages of 16 and 20. With 90% of people between the ages of 13 and 24 saying they use Snapchat, that platform makes sense for the company's goal of recruiting young people.

To see what might work for your hiring process, examine various aspects of your company and your employee demographics, particularly in the departments where you plan to hire. Create a rationale from there by focusing on the skills or personality types you are looking for. This will guide your creative process for determining a hiring method.

When deciding whether or not to use creative hiring methods, Beyer said, companies should ask themselves what their culture looks like. "Are they trying to be a societal game-changer, or are they set in their ways because they know what's working? Millennials and [Gen Zers] are tired with the ways that things have been, and this is forcing companies to attract them in a new way."

It is unreasonable to think you can judge a candidate solely on one element of their application. Many companies that have unconventional methods use them in conjunction with traditional practices like phone screenings and in-person interviews. For example, McDonald's uses Snaplications as a first step to drum up interest and screen applicants; Walmart takes the VR test into consideration alongside multiple interviews and testimonials from higher management.

Beyer said she experienced a hybrid of unconventional and traditional methods when she was interviewing for a customer service position. "They had a traditional written application with standard questions, but they also had me call and leave a voicemail like I was leaving a customer service voicemail for a client." She said the combination made her feel that she was clearly showing her skills in a context that made sense for the position. "The process definitely made me more engaged. It's easy to copy and paste your experience over and over again without ever becoming invested in each application."

If you are looking to use social media to get a job and want to do something out of the box, try thinking of an approach that demonstrates your creativity while targeting the skills mentioned in the job description.

"One of my favorite applications was from a candidate who ran social ads targeted at those who worked at the company," said Jake Lane, director of growth at NuBrakes Mobile Brake Repair. "It created some buzz around the office and ultimately helped the candidate."

Try to do as much research as you can into a company's culture to make sure your creative application will land well, Lane cautioned. "There is a fine line between someone creating an effective application and being too much."

You should also be sure that your social media profiles are helping, not hurting you. Your profiles should give employers a sense of who you are and your professional background and interests. Showing engagement with your industry by sharing applicable posts or following industry leaders can bolster your credibility as well as lead to new connections. [Read related article: How to Brand Yourself on Social Media]

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Creative Job Applications - Business News Daily

Flipping houses is one way of making money in real estate, and renovating old homes to give them a new look can be very rewarding. Aside from earning a good profit, flipping houses can also contribute to your personal development as youll learn to hone your negotiating and time management skills. But before you can actually enjoy the benefits of successful house flipping, do you know how to do it? What kind of house should you invest your time, money, and effort in?

Successfully flipping a house can have many advantages, but keep in mind that there are also as many risks. Diving into the industry without any knowledge in the process can result in financial loss and stress.

Steer away from this direction by learning how to flip a house right on the first time. Aside from using comprehensive resources such as REFlipper.net, the following tips can help you flip the right way:

Flipping houses means you have to buy a house, renovate it, and resell it for profit. However, in order for you to become a successful investor, choosing the right house to invest in isnt the first stepunderstanding how your market works is.

When you know how your market works, creating strategies that allow you to haul in buyers will become a breeze. The easier you can attract buyers, the faster you can earn a profit from flipping houses.

For you to better understand how your market works, take note of the following tips:

Regardless of how small your first property is and how minor the renovations are, expect that flipping houses will always require a financial investment.

For beginners, its best if you research on your financing options and weigh the pros and cons of each. This information can help you assess the best financing option for your situation.

When flipping houses, you can usually pay for the investment through the following financing options:

The type of property you choose to flip can make or break your success as an investor. This is the reason why you should know how to find good deals.

To achieve this goal, be patient and look for a house that has below-market value. Doing this will allow you to afford a property with less financial capital, and youd still have money to pay for renovations.

The location of your fixer-upper is also an important deciding factor. Buyers would want to live in a neighborhood that will allow them to sleep soundly at night, not one that will cause them distress due to high crime rates. Check the neighborhood where the house is situated and make sure that its safe for buyers, especially if they have kids.

Aside from choosing a house to flip, you will also have to decide on what kind of renovations you should implement. Any renovation will have expenses so make sure that youre paying for renovations that can boost the value of the home and help you earn more in the long run.

Instead of doing some major renovations like adding another room or floor to the house, consider making small tweaks that can improve the houses functionality. Adding more cabinets are an affordable way to upgrade, but it will certainly boost the homes storage capacity. Many potential buyers will find this an attractive feature, especially if they own many belongings.

Continuous Learning Counts

If you want to make a career in flipping houses, learning should become innate to you. The real estate industry is fast-paced, so you should pour in time and effort to learn about trends and strategies. Knowing what your target market wants and what your competitors are doing are vital to becoming successful in flipping houses for the first time.

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Learn To Flip A House Right On The First Try - NuWire Investor