This week I attended a luncheon hosted by the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, where Tim Templeton, Executive VP of Locallife, challenged us to apply the 1% rule. This means looking inside our businesses, examining each process, and finding a way to make the processes 1% better or more efficient. A process includes everything from the way we answer the phone to the way we follow up with business leads. He advised us to make a list of each process we engage in, which should include over 100, and focus on solutions to improve each one. While this task sounded a bit overwhelming to me, since I usually am scrambling for more hours in a day, I decided to take it slow. This weekend and next week I will create the list. Then pick one process per week to improve by 1% (or more).

Here is an example, or at least this is my interpretation, of the applying the 1% rule. Process: the way I answer the phone. I usually say, “Bolt PR, this is Anne.” I try to always sound upbeat. Now, how can I improve this to make the caller feel like I have been looking forward to speaking with him or her? Perhaps I can add in “Thank you for calling…” or remember to smile when speaking.

The 1% rule reminds us to be purposeful in our actions. I don’t always consciously think through each process I engage in because everything becomes second nature. But how much more effective will I be when I label each process and aim to improve?

Posted by: Anne Carr, anne@boltpr.com

NextWork, a career transition organization helping individuals identify personal strengths to discover a fitting career path, have noted that the changing economy and the rising unemployment numbers have forced job seekers to discover new tactics to really stand out. However, what new job searching methods are almost too unconventional and leave the wrong impression with potential employers?

An article published by CNNMoney.com on February 14 (http://money.cnn.com/2009/01/14/pf/unconventional_job_searches/index.htm?postversion=2009011413), explored this question further and identified individuals exploring the good and the bad side of standing out from competing job searchers.

Most experts, including NextWork, agree that attending networking events is still the best approach in proactively searching for a job. Experts also note to expand upon face-to-face networking and to incorporate the wonderful world of online socializing by utilizing such sites as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn (see we keep gabbing about these outlets because they truly are the great wave of the future!). A couple of years ago these tactics were not so widely used, but now many individuals use these approaches and job searchers still need to take their approach a step further and try something unique.

A Web developer profiled in the article distributed an email to his family and friends with his job search objective and resume. He asked all of them to pass the information along to any appropriate contacts and even offered a $150 incentive to anyone who led him to a job opening. Utilizing friends and family can really help you gain the support you need during a job search and is a great approach.

Another tactic discussed in the article was one practiced by a private duty registered nurse and a marketing manager, who both wore printed t-shirts with their Web site, contact information, resume and cover letter. This is a very easy approach that can lead to discussions with strangers that may have a tip to get you in the right direction.

On the flip side, the article noted that while creativity is appreciated, 52% of marketing executives and 26% of advertising executives see unconventional job-hunting methods as unprofessional. One example that was mentioned was an individual who mailed a shoe, noting that the candidate was hoping to get a foot in the door.

The rule of thumb is to absolutely explore your creative side, but to be mindful of what is appropriate for your given industry. For more tips on job searching methods, call NextWork at (760) 420-8444 or visit www.nextworkservices.com.

Posted by: Monica Kenney, monica@boltpr.com

We’ve all heard the old panda in a café joke:

A panda walks into a café. He orders a sandwich, eats it, then draws a gun and proceeds to fire it.

“Why?” asks the confused, surviving waiter, as the panda makes towards the exit.

The panda responds, “I’m a panda. Look it up.” The panda produces a poorly punctuated wildlife manual and tosses it over his shoulder. The waiter turns to the relevant entry in the manual and, sure enough, finds an explanation. “Panda. Large black-and-white bear, native to China. Eats, shoots and leaves.”

The value of clear, concise and strategic communication cannot be emphasized enough. Too often, we send emails in a hurry, type up documents in a flash, or prepare materials for meetings, all without thinking twice about our language, style, flow, context and clarity.

Every single word you write or type should be evaluated. Any communication you send to clients, customers, bosses, colleagues and even friends, should be proofread. The more often you do something, the more habitual it becomes. Thus, poor communication skills only become worse if not corrected. Ask yourself the following to ensure you’re communicating as effectively as you possibly can:

1. Is there another, more concise way to make my point? Can I tighten up my sentences while still getting my message across?

2. Is my grammar perfect? Do all of my nouns and verbs agree? Have I included commas where appropriate?

3. Have I misspelled any names, titles or companies?
Tip: When typing a person’s or company’s name, perform a quick Google search to ensure that you’re spelling the name correctly.

4. Will my recipient understand the context of what I’m sending to him or her? Do I need to provide any additional background or information?
Tip: Remember to make your sentences clean and concise, but make your communication thorough.

5. Have I structured my sentences in the best way possible? Is there another way to order my words so my message is better communicated?

6. Am I using “power” words? Are there any words I can replace with a “power” word?
Tip: Check out these “power” words on CareerOwl.com: http://www.careerowlresources.ca/Resumes/Res_Frame.htm?res_power.htm~right

If you have more tips to offer, feel free to leave a comment and I’ll add them to this short list. And remember, your words are a direct representation of you. Make them the best they can possibly be.

Posted by: Caroline Callaway, caroline@boltpr.com