What’s Cool?

Free Learning from MIT

I realize this is old news for many connected individuals around the world however I wanted to add to the clutter. Free learning is offered online from MIT and millions of people worldwide are taking advantage…

Grown Up Digital

Hey Net Generation!
Please, please, please show this video clip to your parents and pick up a copy of Don Tapscott’s new book: Grown Up Digital. Do your parents a favour and leave the book around the house – spark some interest in their old unexercised brains. Educate them! After seeing the documentary Us Now, I tried to discuss with my parents the impact that facebook, youtube, twitter and delicious was having on the world at large… They thought I was speaking a different language. Here are two educated professionals that make good money and have no idea the opportunity that surrounds them. And as far as I’m concerned… they don’t care!

Did you know?

Here is an eye-opening video that was originally created by Karl Fisch, Scott McLeod, and Jeff Bronman. For more information check out

http://shifthappens.wikispaces.com/

Enjoy!

Is your glass half full or half empty?

After getting stung by the travel bug, I decided it was time to cross the pond (i.e. the Atlantic). I had the opportunity to check out 14 countries over 8 weeks and had the time of my life…

With this in mind I would like to share with you an experience I changed my life, or at least my perspective.

In Germany, I visited one of the last operating Nazi concentration camps known as Mauthausen-Gusen Concentration Camp. This specific concentration camp was not only responsible for the mass murder of approximately 300,000 people but was also notorious for torture and slave labor.

At Mauthausen I learned about “the stairs of death” where prisoners were forced to carry heavy rocks of granite up 186 uneven stairs from the quarry below. It was documented that the heaviest rocks were 110lbs or approximately 50kg and the prisoners were forced to carry these above their heads. This would be quite the task for a healthy and nourished individual. Keep in mind that the average male weighed approximately 88lbs or 40kg and were fed 4 spoonfuls of “soup” every 3 days. The tour guide mentioned that a domino effect would occur sending hundreds to their death.

Take a look at some photos…

I wanted to share this experience for one reason. Whenever you are having a bad day just remember there is always someone out there that has it just a little bit worse than you do. When thinking about optimism and pessimism or a glass that is half full or half empty, be happy you have a glass… Do whatever you have to do to make that glass half full.

YouTube – Going Educational?

I came across a little contest today. YouTube is asking fans to make a video that is actually worth watching. Interesting concept. I am quite curious to see what the 10 judges consider actually worth watching. Also, don’t be surprised if YouTube introduces a new tool bar titled “Actually Good.” This is new… Oh yeah, forgot to mention… 100,000k goes to the winner. Figure it’s worth a shot. Check it out:

Find your passion.

Okay, so I’m at the stage in my life where I have to start selling myself. I also need to find my passion. Where the hell do you look for your passion? I’ve looked everywhere!

I spoke with a rather established gentleman who happens to be a colleague of mine and he told me that I just have to jump in to something and see what I think. If it sucks, move on. Life and work is all about experiencing things for yourself. I guess that’s what I have to do.

So, with that in mind, my advice to me is this:

- DO NOT listen to anyone else but yourself

- Do you homework. Everyone that has experienced something for themselves have their own opinions – both good and bad. Generate your own opinions based on your own research.

- Get started. Get on the phone, email people, get involved and ask lots of questions. But do it now, today, right now!

Before I go find my passion and start doing some research I will leave you with this video. A friend of mine sent it to me and I was blown away. This guy is awesome.

A $1540 MBA

A few years ago a friend sent me a document titled The Personal MBA. Cleaning up my computer I came across the document and started surfing.

The Personal MBA is a way of mastering business without business school. The concept of the PMBA outlines 77 books that help with the following: quick start, productivity and effectiveness, psychology and communication, design and production, marketing, sales and negotiation, entrepreneurship, management and leadership, strategy and innovation, finance and analysis, as well as personal finance.

I realize I am not going to have a plaque on my wall after reading these books. However, with the plans of making some money and travelling for the next year, why wouldn’t I invest $1540 on a Personal MBA? It will give me a solid foundation and help create a business mind so that when the time comes, I will be locked and loaded. And where else am I going to get an education with such a collaborative effort from the likes of Guy Kawasaki, Tim Ferriss, Donald Norman, and Garr Reynolds?

And think about the amount of money you waste everyday on useless things. I bet if you wrote down how much money you spent on food and drink for 4 months, you would easily find the funding for your PMBA. Not to mention, you can always hit up the public library and deal with a few late fees.

PS I figured each book would cost approximately $20 each totaling $1540. Thats a pretty cheap MBA if you ask me.

 

Cradle To Cradle

A friend of mine picked up a pair of cradle to cradle nike shoes and they are pretty sweet. Check out www.thekevblog.wordpress.com for that story.

Anyways we got talking about a very well known architect, designer and author William McDonough. The idea of Cradle To Cradle is to remake the way we make things. In his Ted talk in 2005 he discusses how the world is kind of like a toilet that doesn’t flush. In a sense, fixing this toilet is the premise behind Cradle To Cradle. So, for example a child’s blanket is made with warning labels about how the materials may cause the child harm if ingested. Why not manufacture a blanket that when a child chews on it, it gives them nutrients. Then once the child is done with the blanket, the materials are 100% recyclable or biodegradable. It’s such a simple but great concept. Take a look at William McDonough’s Ted talk…

Time for an interview?

I have been speaking with a few of my amigos and they were wondering if I had any advice about how to prepare for an interview and ultimately how to be successful. After being given the opportunity to spend time on both sides of the interview table, I do have a little bit of experience and know what future employers are looking for. Here are my top three rules for a successful interview.

Rule # 1 – Be yourself

If you are not yourself in an interview your future employer will smell you from a mile away. Both parties will be counting down the seconds until the painful first and only interview is over. You will not get a call back, I promise!

Rule # 2 – Be interesting

When you work for a large corporation and you are the recruitment manager a majority of your job is spent finding the most interesting and appropriate people to fit a certain position. As someone applying for that position, be interesting. You have to be refreshing, entertaining and different. Nick Bontis, who was recently named MBA professor of the year at McMaster University, talks about inimitability. You have to be one of a kind.

Rule # 3 – Have fun

Personally, I love interviews. In a nutshell you are selling yourself. Relax. There are hundreds of opportunities out there and if you have to take a few interviews to understand your style and understand how to sell yourself – do it! There is no harm in that. However, please learn from your mistakes. Personally, if I interviewed someone and they were not a perfect fit for the position but they followed up asking what they could improve on, I would have absolutely no problem giving them a few tips. Life is a learning experience. With one step backwards make sure you take a few steps forwards.

After spending some time on monster.com, I have compiled a list of what I think are pretty entertaining interview questions. My advice, prepare answers for as many of these questions as possible so you don’t come across as a complete dud. Try your best to tailor your responses to the current position you are applying for (I have also included some basic answers to help with the writers block). Good luck!

If you are leaving a job

Why are you leaving your present job?

Refine your answer based on your comfort level and honesty. Give a “group” answer if possible, e.g. our department was consolidated or eliminated.

Why haven’t you found a new position before now?

Finding a job is easy; finding the right job is more difficult. Stress that you are being selective, and are looking for the right “fit.”

If I spoke with your previous boss, what would he say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Emphasize your skills, and don’t be overly negative about your weaknesses. It’s always safer to identify a lack of a skill as an area for improvement rather than a shortcoming.

Job Search Questions

Had you thought of leaving your present position before? If so, what do you think held you there?

Explain that your job is no longer challenging and that you feel your talents are best used elsewhere.

Would you describe a situation in which your work was criticized?

Be as positive as you can and emphasize what you learned from the situation.

Your Work Habits and Style

How do you resolve conflict on a project team?

Explain that communication is important, and that you would first discuss the issues privately.

What was the most difficult decision you ever had to make?

Try to relate your response to the prospective employment situation.

Salary Questions

How much are you looking for?

Answer with a question, e.g., “What is the salary range for similar jobs in your company?” If the interviewer doesn’t answer, then give a range of what you understand you are worth in the marketplace.

What kind of salary are you worth?

Have a specific figure in mind. Don’t be hesitant.

Personality Questions

Are you a leader?

Absolutely! Cite specific examples using your current job as a reference.

What is the toughest part of a job for you?

Be honest. Remember, not everyone can do everything.

How would you describe the essence of success? According to your definition of success, how successful have you been so far?

Think carefully about your answer and relate it to your career accomplishments.

Remember to be yourself, be interesting and have fun. Good luck!