Employees Expect Transparent Communication. Are You Leveraging Your Intranet?

Employees Expect Transparent Communication. Are You Leveraging Your Intranet?

When your office workforce pivoted from onsite to remote was it difficult to make sure employees received the same detailed communication? Did employees realize that all of the information they had when they were onsite wasn’t readily available when they were remote? Did your new employee receive a laptop, but there was little to no training documentation for him/her?

If your organization relies on share drives, hard copy documents, and copious emails, then you’re not taking advantage of your intranet. An intranet is a great one-stop-shopping tool to improve internal communication and collaboration (and potentially build a more transparent and positive culture). Relevant information can be posted on the intranet providing numerous benefits such as making announcements timely, centralized storage of data, and sharing best practices with others. For example, have a CEO/president’s blog where they can post every 1-2 weeks with informative and engaging content.

7 Things To Consider When Building Your Company Intranet

When building or upgrading your intranet, you’ll have a site map but don’t forget to define the processes and practices. Seven (7) key considerations are:

1. SharePoint is one tool—especially if employees are already using and are familiar with the Microsoft toolset; there are specific widgets for calendars, picture galleries, real-time feeds, social media links, etc.

2. Design and customize the intranet to appeal to all employees (from baby boomers to Generation Z). Ask the employees what type of widgets would make it more relevant and meaningful for them—maybe a blog, podcast, Craig’s List, and/or Wiki. Employee engagement will lead to better adoption!

  • A CEO/president that consistently shares valuable insights in their blog will show employees that he/she is authentic, open, and accessible
  • Give employees a voice and the ability to collaborate and post content too

3. Create naming conventions for documents, forms, etc. (such as using a department prefix). Encourage unique document names that are intuitive for employees to find them. Using a date stamp in the footer and turning on versioning will identify which is the current version.

4. Create online forms (if possible) and automate workflows (if possible). Online forms with a workflow (such as a PTO request) will automate processing including approval/rejection, and escalation if the supervisor is out of the office.

5. Don’t make security overly complicated. Start off by giving everyone read-only access, and then restrict access for specific sites, pages, libraries, etc. as needed.

  • Decentralized site ownership—train at least two individuals from each department to be department site administrators; same for project and community sites—train at least two individuals to be site administrators

6. If you have shared drives and want to eliminate them:

  • Review all of the existing drives/documents
  • Purge if drives/documents are old and not needed, duplicates, or past retention schedule date; an exception is any documents on legal hold for pending litigation
  • Otherwise, if the document is current and relevant, move it to the intranet (following the naming convention)

7. And last but not least…

  • Set up kiosks so that employees who don’t sit at a desk can access the intranet
  • Have a contest asking employees to give the intranet a name; give the winner a prize
  • Have a scavenger hunt when you go live to help employees get familiar with the intranet layout; give the winners prizes

An intranet that is well-designed will be well-adopted and benefit the entire organization—specifically improving communication and collaboration. Employees will appreciate the organization having more transparent communication which will promote a more positive culture.

For more information on using your intranet to improve communication and collaboration, follow me on LinkedIn!


How To Be Assertive In The Workplace

How To Be Assertive In The Workplace

Are you assertive in the workplace? Assertiveness is one of the many qualities that makes a good leader. Without this trait, leadership can be a challenge.

So, what if you’re not a naturally assertive person but want to move up the ladder? Or, what if you’re not confident enough to assert yourself in the workplace? Here are some tips from some of our approved career experts:

Focus On Leading

Woman tries to be more assertive as she leads her team at work

“The important thing to do is to stand up for yourself in a manner that doesn’t trample on other people,” says Bud Bilanich, author of Climbing The Corporate Ladder. “This is a good working definition of being assertive.” Bilanich stresses that if you’re in a leadership position, you have the right and, more importantly, the responsibility to direct the actions of others. “Don’t focus on being friends with the people you lead,” he advises. “Focus on leading them.”

So, how do you do this? Set goals with them and review their performance frequently. Provide them with positive, encouraging feedback when they do well, and redirect their behavior when they get off track.

Be Proactive

Woman tries to be more assertive at work

According to Dorothy Tannahill-Moran of NextChapterNewLife.com, assertiveness is a crucial trait in a leader. But what if you’re not naturally assertive? “You need to look at where you aren’t asserting your opinion and direction, and think through those situations in advance,” says Tannahill-Moran. She suggests creating a “script” for yourself in advance. This approach allows you to work on your leadership skills in a proactive way.

Look for one opportunity each day to assert your opinions and direction—practice makes perfect! “Keep in mind that you are building a skill, which means it won’t feel comfortable or fluid at first,” she says. “But the more you do it, the better you will be.”

Map Out A Plan Of Action

Man tries to be more assertive as he leads his team at work

“Leadership is about directing people and you need to be clear about the expectations of the organization,” says career coach Roshni P. Kumar. Kumar suggests creating a plan of action. For example, if you need to reach your office, the first thing you need to know is its location. Then, you determine the most effective route and guide others (management). “Once you are clear about your destination,” she says, “then you can communicate effectively to your team—and that, my friend, is ‘assertiveness.'”

Being assertive in the workplace takes practice, but once you hone this skill, you’ll be better equipped to succeed as a leader.

If you’re struggling to move up in your career or find the right career for you, we can help. We know how difficult it can be to stand out at work and overcome office politics. We know how it feels to be trapped in a career that isn’t making you happy. That’s why we’d love it if you joined our FREE community where professionals like you are learning how to become empowered in their careers so they can finally find career satisfaction.

Sign up for our FREE community and become a Workplace Renegade today!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

#1 Rookie Mistake You Don’t Want To Make In Your Messaging

#1 Rookie Mistake You Don’t Want To Make In Your Messaging

Early in my career, I worked for a large consumer packaged goods company that was not known for innovation. To turn this around, I was a part of an innovation team that led the development of new platforms that would generate $200 million in sales.

One of the first initiatives we developed was a meal solutions platform that led to a complete meal in a box new product, which at the time was revolutionary; 5 minutes of prep, 25 minutes of oven cooking, and you were the hero, providing your family with a home-cooked meal. Research testing was through the roof. Consumers loved the many benefits of the product: convenience, a complete meal including bread, vegetables, and meat, easy preparation, and providing your family a home-cooked dinner. We were eager to launch this amazing new product into a number of test markets, rolling out an aggressive marketing campaign. Unfortunately, we broke the “too many messages rule,” requiring consumers to take in too much information when making their purchasing decisions in a matter of seconds.

From my learnings, here are a few strategies to ensure your brand messaging hits the mark with your audience.

Listen To The Article

Get To The Core Of It

Understanding your unique selling proposition (USP) can make your brand stand head and shoulders above the crowd. A USP makes a strong first impression with your customers, making it easy for them to purchase your brand over your competitors. Your USP is all about answering, “Why should I choose you?” Keep in mind that your USP is the core personality of your brand. It is the reason why people will spend their hard-earned money on your brand. Check out my article on How To Stand Out From The Crowd With A USP.

Keep It Simple Stupid

​It all starts with the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) principle coined by the Navy back in the 60s. With any marketing message, your goal is to educate, entertain, and engage consumers. Consumers are busy, so much so that they spend less than 20 seconds making a purchase decision. If your message is complex, overly communicated, or even inconsistently communicated, you can guarantee it will be ignored. No matter how complex or technical your messaging is, there is incredible value in the simplicity of your message.

Kantar Millward Brown, a research agency, showed that the more messages you try to communicate in an ad, the lower the likelihood of communicating any single message. Too many messages can dilute communication as our brains can only really think about 3-4 things at once. The more messages an ad attempts to communicate, the lower the likelihood any single message will be communicated strongly. Source

Ruthlessly Cut

When you start crafting your message, ask yourself this: “What is the essence of what I want to say?” Ruthlessly cut copy that is long-winded, repetitive, hard to understand, highly detailed, and uses filler words. Here is an example of ruthlessly cutting:

Bad Copy Example:

“It is my opinion that we should support the war.”

Okay Copy Example:

“I believe we should support the war.”

Better Copy Example:

“We should support the war.”

Best Copy Example:

“Support the war.”

Getting To The Heart

People buy emotionally, even if they don’t realize it, and then justify their decision rationally. In fact, 50% of brand experiences are based on emotions. Emotions influence a decision and urge people to act. That’s why it’s an effective marketing technique. Here are three reasons why getting to the heart of your consumers is so effective:

For steps on how to create a strong emotional connection with your brand, check out my article.

In the end, we adjusted our messaging for our new product. Our new product was a success selling over $125 million across four test markets, driving share for the category up 10%, and was the best new product per IRI allowing us to roll out nationally, earlier than expected. Remember: get to the core of your messaging, use the keep it simple stupid (KISS) principle, ruthlessly cut copy, and get to the heart of consumers by emotionally connecting with them. Start building your brand leadership today. You’ve got this!

5 Things Successful Job Seekers Do Before Applying For A Job

5 Things Successful Job Seekers Do Before Applying For A Job

There are very few things that a job seeker can control in the job search, but choosing to apply for a job is one of them.

The positions you choose to apply for should be calculated and focused. Applying for every job on a company’s career site gets you a label: “serial applier.” You do not want to be a serial applicant. It is a quick way to enter the deepest, darkest, blackest location of the application black hole.

You really want to be discerning about the roles you apply for. To do that, here are a few tips and tricks to try to make sure you are really applying for the jobs that can get you closer to career success.

1. Know What You Want

Before any big life change (and changing jobs is a big life change), it’s key to know what you want. Because you cannot find what you want unless you know what you want. This is going to include a deep understanding of your professional goals and personal needs. You should try to document these things and keep them close by. Look at them before you apply for a job and re-read the job description to be sure there are no red flags in the marketing-speak of the position listing. Do not apply for a job that will not help you meet your professional goals nor force you to sacrifice your personal needs.

2. Get Feedback On Your Accomplishments

Man talks to a coworker

When I am applying to jobs, I like to write really tailored disruptive cover letters that tell a few stories that are aligned with the job description and explain why I feel connected to the company. These stories also highlight my strengths and accomplishments.

The best stories come from people I’ve worked with. I like to gather feedback from people who I reported to as well as people who reported to me. I like to talk with teammates to see what they thought about our work together and I ask them to share with me what I did well and where I could have improved. And now, I have already answered the “strengths and weaknesses” questions in the interview because I have stories from others to back up what I am saying. You can also use this feedback to see where you may or may not shine against the job description.

3. Know What You Can Deliver

Woman applies for a job

You know what you want to achieve in your career and what other people think you rock at. Now, you should figure out what you can really deliver to a new company. I always focus on accomplishments and achievements. They’re measurable and quick and easy to communicate.

To demonstrate your value to employers in the hiring process, quantify your work experience on your resume. This way, they’ll clearly see how you could make or save them money (and you’ll successfully justify the cost of hiring you to do the job). And when you know your value and what you can deliver, and the stories that back them up, it makes the application and interview process a much more focused and engaging experience because people love stories! At the end of the day, it’s all about storytelling.

4. Network With Companies That Fit

Man applies for a job

You should be focusing your job search on specific companies that align with your values. You should not be looking at companies that are not family-friendly if you are a mom re-entering the workforce. Research companies to create a list of employers who align with your values, needs, and passions. This is called your interview bucket list. Study up on them and then start networking with them on social media. Find people you may know who work at these companies and then set some time to chat with them or meet for coffee. Finding a job that’s right for you starts before submitting your application. It starts with conducting a targeted job search so you can apply to companies that are really aligned with what you need and can deliver.

5. Get Your Stories Together

Woman applies for jobs

There are countless ways to stand out to recruiters and it doesn’t need to be gimmicky. You can reach out directly to recruiters to learn more about the company and the job. You can use your connections to become a referral because those are a top source for employers. You should consider visual ways to stand out. Tools I’ve referenced in the past were: Word Clouds, SlideShare, LinkedIn, CredHive, Prezi, Adobe Voice, and Haiku Deck. You can use these tools to share your story in a more visual and compelling way.

What do you think? What do you do before you apply for a job? If you’re not doing all five of these things in your job search, it’s a good time to start! You can and will find your next job. And if you need more job search tips and advice, we’ll be here to help.

If you’re feeling trapped in your career, you’re not alone. We get it. We know what you’re going through. Feeling frustrated, lost, or unappreciated at work is not how it’s supposed to be. The good news is that you can find career satisfaction sooner than you think.

We’d love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades. We like to see ourselves as the leader of the Workplace Revolution. And we want YOU to be a part of it.

It’s time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

5 Helpful Time Management Tips for Real Estate Agents

5 Helpful Time Management Tips for Real Estate Agents

As a real estate agent, you might feel compelled to be putting in more hours at work, especially if everyone around you is working 60 hours a week. You might even think it will benefit you and your team. The problem with this mindset is that those who work more don’t necessarily close as many […]

The post 5 Helpful Time Management Tips for Real Estate Agents appeared first on Jobacle.com.

How To Politely Decline A Job Interview (Plus Examples)

How To Politely Decline A Job Interview (Plus Examples)

Learning how to decline a job interview is something that everyone needs to do eventually. If you work long enough, there’s a good chance you’ll be put in this situation! Table of contents Reasons to Turn Down a Job Interview How to Politely Decline an Interview Sample Emails for Declining a Job Interview Fortunately, it […]

The post How To Politely Decline A Job Interview (Plus Examples) appeared first on Career Sherpa.

#1 Tip To Land That HOT Job You Want

#1 Tip To Land That HOT Job You Want

The job that you really want, that hot job with the great pay—everybody else wants it too. So, while there are lots and lots of jobs out there right now, the really good ones (the ones you want), are the most competitive, which means if you don’t stand out in the hiring process, you won’t get the job.

In order to stand out in the hiring process and get the job you want, you need to do one thing…

Focus On Interview Prep!

@j.t.odonnell #1 tip to land that HOT job you want! #edutok #interviews #interviewtips #interviewquestions #interviewprep #careeradvice #jobsearch #learnontiktok ♬ original sound – J.T. O’Donnell

The best way to stand out in the hiring process is by focusing on your interview performance, and that means you should make interview prep a priority. I’ve been a career coach for 20 years, and when people use my ultimate interview prep guide, they nail their job interviews. They crush the competition.

I built The Ultimate Interview Prep Course through the lens of a recruiter and a hiring manager. What that means is I explain to you what they’re looking for and why they’re looking for it. I want you to understand what a recruiter and hiring manager are doing, why they are asking certain questions, and what answers they’re looking for. When you understand these things, you can answer interview questions more authentically. You can be the real you, but still give them what they need. And that’s what my interview prep course teaches you to do.

Need Help Preparing For Your Next Job Interview?

Work It Daily's Ultimate Interview Prep Course

If you want to stand out to employers in your next job interview and land the job you really want, check out The Ultimate Interview Prep Course today!

When you purchase this course (or any other premium course), you also get access to my new FREE community. Work It Daily is leading the Workplace Revolution. We’re bringing together millions of people inside this private community and you will get access for free when you purchase any of our career courses.

The Ultimate Interview Prep Course is only $29 (one-time fee). Get instant access to the best interview prep guide and then join me in Work It Daily’s new FREE community. I hope to see you inside our platform soon!

Why You Need The One-Concept Method In Your Design Work

Why You Need The One-Concept Method In Your Design Work

Ages ago, when I first started at an agency, I learned a lot about working with clients on logos, mostly through trial and error. Once, after a client killed a perfectly good logo because he didn’t like the color green, I decided to always show the first round of logos only in black and white. Why? Because it allows the mark to speak for itself without bias or reliance on color. There were lots of those types of lessons when I first started. Quite frankly I am thankful for them; they have helped me hone a process for myself.

I love getting to work on logos and branding. It is my secret joy when the strategy sends me down a design rabbit hole. I get to dive in, and after lots of doodles, then trying this, trying that, and refining, and refining even more… I have it. (Chef’s kiss.) THE logo. And at this point, all I want to do is bring it to life. Anyone else with me? I want to put it on shirts or packaging and show the client what this logo-baby can really become. And then… (cue sad trumpet wah-wah sound) I remember that I need to make two more logos. Here is the thing, the second two, or four, logos are never as good. They just aren’t. But the convention has always dictated that the client needs options. But do they? Spoiler alert. No, they don’t. It is called the one-concept method and below is a bit about what it is and why you should be using it.

What Is The One-Concept Method?

It is exactly what it sounds like. Instead of presenting five or even three logos to a client, you present only one. While I didn’t come up with this method—it was actually someone named Sean McCabe who did that—it has been a game-changer. Before I put it into practice, the idea of one logo was a little scary. I mean, what if they hate it? The flip side of presenting only one concept though is that you only show the best one. Because there is always one that is the strongest. Sean poses that “design is an iterative process” and that my job as a designer is actually not complete until I refine it to the one that best serves the project goals. Which actually makes a lot of sense. It is a far better solution than presenting five logos and then letting the client arbitrarily combine elements of them into a Frankensteined logo that meets no goals.

Why Clients Should Prefer The One-Concept Approach

As a client, you are paying for my expertise. You are investing in my services because while you know your business best, you also know I can translate all of your knowledge and experience as an owner into something that is both strategically sound and beautiful to look at: a branding package that is aligned with your company goals, personality, and ideal customer. If I haven’t distilled it down to the one best solution I can create, then I have not finished the task. Of course, there will still be refinements based on feedback as the process is collaborative. But diluting a single strong concept with five other options? Not a chance.

Why Designers Should Prefer The One-Concept Approach

Remember that logo rabbit hole I mentioned earlier? THAT is precisely why designers should love the one-concept method. It allows for a much deeper dive to create the best logo for the project goals and the time to really showcase how it can be used. All of that attention to detail that gets put into a logo, plus more context than a black and white logo on a page. You can show patterns, logo use variations, color palette, and other elements like custom icons. Because HOW it is used is what really gets clients excited. When clients can clearly see how the branding is all going to fit together in real-world applications is where the fun starts for them. Clients light up when they see their custom branded items using the logo brought to life.

A streamlined approach is certainly a win for this method, but another big win is that you are only showing one logo that you are incredibly proud of instead of one great one, and a few others you secretly hope the client doesn’t choose. Quality over quantity, right? In a business where your work IS how you get hired for other projects, why not only show work that will actually do that?

Overview Sunday: Issue #465

Overview Sunday: Issue #465

If you do the exact right things for the very right reasons, you can’ t go wrong around your career or on job search. Don’ to overcomplicate it. Keep that simple. All you’ lso are trying to do would be to present yourself as a new solution for a job. Just always take little incremental steps that will certainly eventually lead you that will […]

The post Brief summary Sunday: Issue #465 appeared first at Career Sherpa .

Are You Ready For The Workplace Revolution? Join Work It Daily’s New FREE Community!

Are You Ready For The Workplace Revolution? Join Work It Daily’s New FREE Community!

If you’re looking for a job, want to make a career change, feel burned out, or all of the above, our new platform is the perfect place for you to overcome your career struggles so you can find career happiness and satisfaction again. The Workplace Revolution is here, and Work It Daily is leading the way!

J.T. O’Donnell, Work It Daily’s founder and CEO, and a former staffing industry executive and 20-year career coaching veteran with over 2.6 million followers on LinkedIn and another 1.1 million on TikTok, says that many of the participants in the Great Resignation will struggle to find jobs that are better than what they had previously because they were never taught the “new career rules” for success.

“The pain and depression these folks are experiencing are real and deep. It’s not easy to break through your burnout without the right training and support,” says O’Donnell.

This is why we’re launching a new FREE online platform for those looking to find the answers they need to create career satisfaction on their own terms.

Feeling Burned Out In Your Career? Our New FREE Community Is For You…

Man joins Work It Daily's new FREE community

O’Donnell explains, “Our platform is built to provide the 3Cs for career success: coaching, courses, and community.” Ultimately, we’re leading the Workplace Revolution by providing a private place for frustrated workers to transform themselves.

When you join our FREE community, you get access to…

  • Exclusive Career Transformation Courses
  • Templates & Tools To Optimize Your Resume, LinkedIn & Personal Brand
  • Expert-Led Group Career Coaching Sessions
  • Inspiring Live Events & Networking Parties
  • Supportive Community To Discuss Career & Job Search Challenges

Sign up for FREE today and join thousands of other members who are becoming empowered in their careers and taking back their happiness.

Break Through Your Burnout: How To Go From Crisis To Career Satisfaction

Plus, to kick off the launch of our community, J.T. is hosting “Break Through Your Burnout: How To Go From Crisis To Career Satisfaction,” a 4-week FREE course that starts on Wednesday, March 2nd at 12 pm ET.

“This class will help people understand what is holding them down and making them feel unable to get out of their career funk,” says O’Donnell.

Sign up for this revolutionary new class and meet your fellow WID Renegades! We hope to see you there.

Join The Workplace Revolution For FREE Today!

Happy woman joins Work It Daily's new FREE community

The Workplace Revolution is here. We’d love it if you joined us in changing the world of work for the better.

6 Common Resume Mistakes You Must Avoid

6 Common Resume Mistakes You Must Avoid

Although a resume is the first impression job seekers get to make, it’s amazing how many people continue to gloss over errors. In today’s job market, you need to make sure your resume is going to be read rather than quickly scanned and thrown away.

You want your resume to impress the future employer reading it. So, do you know what your resume really says about you? Here are some typical resume mistakes job seekers make and how they translate to employers:

Forgetting To Proofread Your Resume

Typos, misspelled words, and bad grammar mistakes can make a hiring manager think you’re careless or won’t pay attention to details on the job. Show you are serious about the job opportunity and capable of doing the job by choosing words carefully and catching any mistakes.

Including Too Much Information

Man reviews his resume for mistakes

Including too much information can make employers think you aren’t able to write clearly and concisely, which has become increasingly important in today’s high-tech world. Your resume might not be read if it’s too long, either. For an effective resume, focus on white space, bullet points, and quantifying your work experience.

Your Resume Is Poorly Organized

Woman reviews her resume for mistakes

A busy, cluttered resume may make employers think you are unorganized and scatterbrained, and that those characteristics could carry over to the job. Make sure your resume formatting is consistent throughout the document and use headings and bullet points to organize information on your resume.

You Send The Same Document For Every Job Opening

Hiring manager reads a resume with mistakes

This shows you don’t care enough about the job opportunity to send a tailored/customized resume. It might also tell employers you aren’t great at adapting. Always customize your resume for each position you apply to. That way, the potential employer will see the exact skills and experience you have that are relevant to the position and realize you’re a great, qualified candidate who could help them reach their goals.

You Use An Inappropriate Email Address

Man checks his resume for mistakes

This will very likely make hiring managers skip your resume altogether. It’s unprofessional. Create an email account with some variation of your name for job-seeking purposes.

You Include Incorrect Or False Information

Woman checks her resume for mistakes

This can make the employer think you haven’t updated your resume for the job opening—or worse, that you aren’t being honest. Lying on your resume is never a good idea. Instead, learn how to properly demonstrate your value as a business-of-one.

Need more resume tips? Here’s how to spruce up your resume in just a few minutes:

  • Change all responsibilities to accomplishments you had at the position. Most people who’ll read your resume don’t want to hear about the general tasks you did, but rather how you benefited the company while you were there.
  • Eliminate anything that doesn’t pertain to the job for which you are applying. You want to show the employer you know what they are looking for and YOU are it.
  • Read your resume out loud or have a friend look it over. You will catch anything that sounds awkward and your friend can probably give you some suggestions you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.
  • Don’t bury important skills. If it’s important in your field to have extensive computer skills, write about that in your “Experience Summary” section (at the top) rather than burying it in a “Skills” section (at the bottom).

The lesson is to take your time to make your resume showcase the best “you.” Highlight those accomplishments. Update it when necessary. Make it concise, compelling, and error-free. Once you do this, you’ll be ready to apply for your dream job and find the career success you deserve.

If you’re feeling burned out in your career, it could be time for a change. Sign up for Work It Daily’s new FREE course “Break Through Your Burnout: How To Go From Crisis To Career Satisfaction.” It’s time to take back your happiness.


This article was originally published at an earlier date.


Hacks for Easier and Less Stressful Moving While Working Remotely

Hacks for Easier and Less Stressful Moving While Working Remotely

Do you find working stressful? Moving while working remotely can be even more stressful. Here are some hacks that have worked for me may work for you too. Start Planning Early Most people don’t think much about moving. It’s something that you only have to deal with when you need a change or a shuffle […]

The post Hacks for Easier and Less Stressful Moving While Working Remotely appeared first on Jobacle.com.