SavvySugar

Mentor Wanted Ad Posted on eBay by TeamSugar Member

SavvySugar — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:30:36 -0700

If thinking outside the box and taking chances are what it takes to get the things you want in life, then TeamSugar member tphilli may be able to teach us a thing or two. Following suit of those who have used eBay in non-traditional ways like finding a wedding sponsor, tphilli is using the site to try and find a mentor. Starting at $0.99, the bidding war to become a mentor to tphilli is open, but there haven't been any bids just yet. Here's a glimpse of the ad.

I have pursued jobs in various arenas relating to my interests and hobbies and none have proven lucrative, in fact some of my favorite jobs have been little to no pay. I have read numerous books, been to countless seminars and watched videos of successful millionaires and entrepreneurs all leading me to the conclusion that I need a personal mentor.

You can find the eBay listing here. Good luck, tphilli, and keep us updated on your mentor search; I hope you find the guidance you're seeking.

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Your Two Cents: Do You Have a Mentor?

SavvySugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:00:48 -0700

A mentor could be someone at work who is willing to share their knowledge with you and show you the ropes, or it could be someone in your personal life who you rely on for career guidance. Do you have anyone in your life who qualifies as a mentor?

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Your Two Cents: Are Women Better Managers Than Men?

SavvySugar — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:30:09 -0700

In a recent interview with the New York Times, Carol Smith, who is senior vice president and chief brand officer for the Elle Group, said women are "hands down" better managers than men. She even went so far as to add "There’s no contest."

In my experience, female bosses tend to be better managers, better advisers, mentors, rational thinkers. Men love to hear themselves talk. I’m so generalizing. I know I am. But in a couple of places I’ve worked, I would often say, “Call me 15 minutes after the meeting starts and then I’ll come,” because I will have missed all the football. I will have missed all the “what I did on the golf course.” I will miss the four jokes, and I can get into the meeting when it’s starting.

As a woman, the bold stance intrigued me, particularly having just read about Shari Storm's Motherhood Is the New MBA: Using Your Parenting Skills to Be a Better Boss. Do you think it's true?

Women Who Turned Passions Into Profits

SavvySugar — Tue, 26 May 2009 13:30:12 -0700

Turning a bright idea into a viable business isn't impossible, and to prove it the June issue of Country Living profiled women who turned their passions into profits. The Today Show spoke with the magazine's editor in chief, Sarah Gray Miller, about some of the steps women should take before jumping into self-employment head-first. She says this economy might actually be the best time to think about starting a business; even though layoffs are problematic, it could give women the opportunity to pause and ask themselves if they could make a living doing what they love.

Miller says the first and most important step is to educate yourself about what it takes to run a small business and develop a business plan. The website sba.gov is a user-friendly resource and will answer most of your questions. She recommends finding a mentor who has already started their own business; locate one at score.org. Her final tip is to start small and be prepared to work hard - there will be many late nights, but you're doing what you love. Get inspired by three self-employed women in the video below.

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Forbes Names 10 Worst Cities For Jobs

SavvySugar — Mon, 04 May 2009 04:30:16 -0700

We're used to hearing about unemployment statistics on a national scale, but jobs are also relative to local economies. When Forbes came up with its list of the best places for business and careers, it couldn't help but realize the worst cities, too. After all, some places had to fall to the bottom of the list. You might think twice before attempting to set up shop (or cube) in one of the worst big cities for jobs.

Detroit-Livonia-Dearborn, MI
Providence-Fall River-Warwick, RI
Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, OH
Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA
Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA
West Palm Beach-Boca Raton-Boynton Beach, FL
Sacramento-Arden Arcase-Roseville, CA
Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, MI
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA

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Turning Your Hobby Into a Business

SavvySugar — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 15:27:26 -0700

Most of us could use some extra money in our purses, whether it's for paying everyday bills or extra spending money for fun. Signing up for a second job isn't for everyone and can be difficult to fit into an already inflexible schedule. If you spend your free time engaging yourself in a hobby, why not try and turn it into a business? While turning a hobby into a business takes time and commitment, you're working around your own schedule and aren't constricted by someone else's hours. And if your business generates enough income, you may eventually be able to make it your primary job. Bankrate published this checklist of the 10 most important things to consider when thinking about taking your hobby to the next level.

Determine if a market exists: Reading books, searching online, and getting involved in discussion forums can help you figure out if your hobby has a chance to make money in the real-world marketplace.
Don't limit your market: Find out where your product is in demand and establish a presence there. Your product may not sell locally in a down economy, but may sell well in more affluent areas.
Don't overlook mail order: If your customer base is geared toward people who may not be internet savvy, try reaching them via traditional mail.
Test market your product beyond friends and family. Seek out sources that will give you honest feedback about your product or service to see how much appeal it really has.
Don't waste money on high-priced marketing gimmicks. Utilize the internet and read books to acquire inexpensive marketing knowledge.

There are five more on the list so just read more.

Price it right: Account for your time and overhead when setting a price to ensure you'll have sufficient resources to grow the business.
Don't overlook the tax benefits: There are plenty of tax deductions available when you're self-employed and work from home. Consult a tax professional to see if you'd benefit from forming a business entity (partnership, limited liability company, S corp, or C corp).
Don't barter, even when tempted: There can be nasty tax consequences to bartering. Instead, cultivate business relationships where you refer business to one another.
Find a mentor: Most successful entrepreneurs have mentors, so find someone who has been in your shoes to show you the way.
Network: Talk to others who share your interests, in person or online. As you learn, you will naturally become a resource for others.

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Career Psychics and Coaches More Helpful Than Friends?

SavvySugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:01:51 -0700

There are times when we know that change is the answer but have no idea what type of change is needed. Careers may turn sharp corners at any point during our working lives and any big decision should be thought through completely.

We look to friends, boyfriends, parents, siblings, mentors, and career psychics to help us sort through the pros and cons. Wait, back up! Career psychics? Find out more about the roles played by various career counselors when you read more.

The New York Times explains some subtle differences: "Career counselors tend to explore psychological undercurrents with clients, and they often have a master’s degree in counseling. Coaches typically come from the corporate world and focus on goal-setting." Those who focus on counseling may translate their psychic or intuitive skills to help their clients "see their dream job."

Career counseling and coaching in general can help uncertain workers achieve a finer focus on their true goals and gifts, and they charge up to $400 per hour for their services. They've indicated that more new graduates are seeking out their help because of their mounting concern for finding work in a weak economy along with student loans hanging over their heads.

Would you consider career counseling, or do you think you'd have just as much success reading books with their recommendations? Is your own judgment along with the advice of those you trust enough when you're mulling over a big transition?

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I'm Asking: Are These Real World Clichés, Cliché?

SavvySugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 06:30:15 -0700

U.S. News & World Report published a list of "commencement clichés" for recent college graduates, and attempts to shed light on what's reality after you've taken off the cap and gown. I'm wondering if you think that the clichés they list, and the corresponding realities they've interpreted for each, are in fact cliché in your eyes.

Follow your passion. What they say: "To make money, pick a field that pays decently and has few liabilities. Chances are, that will lead to more career contentment than pursuing a long-shot dream as your career."
You've got to pay your dues. What they say: "Many higher-ups think of employees willing to do scut work as drones, even losers."
Make a difference. What they say: "The nonprofit and government sectors are notoriously inefficient. Working for an ethical business–or starting your own–may make a bigger difference to society."
Education pays. What they say: "Where possible, get your learning in the real world. Grad school is a must if you want to be a brain surgeon or a professor, but for many careers, you'll learn more of practical value on the job."
Be true to yourself. What they say: "Follow your internal compass, but seek advice from older mentors you respect and other people who know more than you do."

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Choosing References That Will Make You Look Good

SavvySugar — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 07:54:43 -0800

Whether or not you think it's okay to lie on your resume, chances are you won't have a reference to back up any details beyond innocent embellishment. If you're a recent grad, the best references are your supervisors from internships and mentors from your major's department at school - believe me, as an entry-level applicant an employer will surely give them a call. Once you've been in the working world for a while, employers will usually contact your references and you should always offer a prospective employer your sheet of references, even if they don't ask for it. The Wall Street Journal published a list of the qualities an ideal reference should have. To see what they are please read more

People who you are certain think highly of you.
People who will take the request seriously and be prepared and thoughtful in their answers, even if you don’t have time to brief them beforehand (though building in time for a thorough briefing is a wise idea).
People who understand the context in which the reference is being given.
People who will know, intuitively, how to present any of your potential weaknesses as strengths.
People who express themselves well - either verbally or in writing, depending on which type of reference they will be giving.

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Maxed Out: The Entrepreneur Who Isn't Self-Sufficient

SavvySugar — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 04:05:03 -0800

This episode of Maxed Out was about Laura, a young woman who reached out to financial guru Alison Griffiths to help her get her finances in control. Laura was nominated for the Top 100 Canadian Women Entrepreneurs, yet she's had all of her credit cards taken away and has collection agencies constantly leaving her messages - Laura says her life is all "smoke and mirrors."

What makes me really crazy about Laura is that she has no idea how much debt she actually has. But you'd have to open your bills in order to know the specifics about your debt, something Laura never does. At the rate she's going, Alison estimates that Laura will be almost $100,000 in debt in ten years. To see if Alison can help Laura come to terms with her debt and reverse the downward spiral just read more

Although Laura is working to build her business, she's been living below or at the poverty line for an urban center for years. She pays nothing toward her debt and borrows thousands of dollars from her parents each year. Alison instructs Laura to start paying attention to her bills, stop taking money from her parents, cut her cell phone expenses, and get a job that will allow her to pay off her debt - the business can wait.

Laura struggles to move from being an entrepreneur to an employee, so Alison and a mentor from Laura's line of work suggest that she try her hand at being an "intrapreneur." This is someone who manages her business within a company (like a hairdresser or real estate agent), and they have the security of being an employee with the freedom and incentives to build your own enterprise.

Laura finds a job that makes her happy and is able to make ends meet at the end of the show. Do you pay close attention to your bills and debt, or do you tend to ignore them like Laura used to do?

Photos courtesy of the Style network.