Top 3 Crucial Interview Questions

As we're looking toward the sky for the best possible candidate, we think "he (or she) may look good on paper, but what're they really like in person?" Do they have a good sense of direction? Well, these aren't what interviewers use, but they do seem to be stuck in interviewers head. But, what I'm talking about here is the top three interview questions to ask candidates. Let's roll right with the list:

1. How did you know about this particular job opening?
   
   By asking this question, you'll find out real quick how difficult their job search was, who they're connected with (because networking is important to landing a good job), and how possibly long they've been searching. At least you'll want to know this information in your head, so it's good to ask this open-ended question in the interview.

Become a MUCH better leader in 10 steps

Being a better leader in your business or personal life is highly important and attributable to success. Too often people lose sight of their leadership potential. However, it can be retained by following the best principles that leadership employs.

1. Be a good listener!  First a quote from a trusted author: "When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen." - Ernest HemingwayIn order to maintain any good relationship, listening is the greatest foundation. You need to listen to your customers, prospects, friends, workmates, etc. Listening more will help people realize that you don't bloat your importance, you don't be selfish, and that you are open to what they have to say.
2. Be a great storyteller. Let people hear some of your life's work, especially if you can successfully engage their attention. But make sure that you are telling the right stories, ones where people can act on. British author, Karen Armstrong said it well: "Storytelling is fine as long as you can encourage people to act on the stories."
   
   I think she's right on the money there. You don't want to tell stories that are foolish. But, rather, tell stories that reflect wisdom. It's a great way to put ideas to good work.
   

Working at Home? Structure your day well

Technology workforces all across the world are doing remote work opportunities for employees, which can help boost employees morale, and create better products. However, if not done right, working at home can become a major problem for some companies. For some companies, Yahoo! for example, have chosen not to do remote work for its potential risks on payroll, marketing, and company morale.

Now, let me stop right there. There's a difference between company morale and employee morale. Some companies want the morale of the business to be better than the morale of employees. Other companies have it the other way around. Many speak that if you treat your employees well, they'll create better products. However, others speak that if you successfully lead a company, then employee morale won't matter very much.

Back on topic...remote work is something almost every employee would love, however, it does have ways to make a person lazy, repeat project problems, and cause other issues. But, we want to focus on how to structure your day well, when working from home.

Being more flexible is the biggest benefit of working from home. So, rule #1, always be flexible!

Running a startup can be fun, no matter what

Some people realize that running a startup can be highly stressful. It's complicated to try and complete many of the tasks that are needed to be done in a startup. However, many people, even if failed, can say that startups can be fun.

So, what's the real risk behind starting a company? Money is the main one. Stress is another one. But, what if you reverse your thinking into realizing that it can be fun. Admit it, you enjoy business. If not, then why're you even bothering to run a business. If you don't enjoy business, and are just doing it out of necessity - where will your success be.

I'll admit, it's rare to see founders not enjoying what they do. Only because the founders I'm talking about run successful companies. Most founders of successful companies don't want to leave a company, because - a. they were the one who founded it, so they get all the royalties, and b. they enjoy the work.

Yes, the odds of scoring a really big IPO payoff are against you. But, what if you enjoy the work so much, that you made the right risk at the right time, and the IPO got the victory for your company?

Be likable: top habits of likable people

When you meet someone new, do they like you at first, you think? What if you realize that a lot of people don't like you? What if you suck at the small talk?

It's best to realize that the first five minutes of meeting someone is the most important, you'd want to tweak yourself a bit to become much more likable.

Here are some tips:

• Always talk about something genuine. Don't make every conversation about business. Be yourself, but in a business-like way. You don't want to reveal personal details too much in a conversation that might involve a potential business clientele.
• Also, realize that everyone is probably better than you at something. Don't be insecure, but rather let them be better than you.
• Humble yourself, and allow people to talk about themselves as well. Let them be better, and avoid the ego.
• Don't be afraid to show some vulnerability, kind of like being humble. When people realize you have soft spots too, they won't mind warming up to you!
  

Five Steps to realizing innovation

Innovation...what you need to make a difference in the business world...right? People want innovative products as long as they come with a sense of consistency, a need, or a problem solved.

Here are five steps to realizing innovation:

1. Most people deny that innovation is required. This is why people don't succeed to their maximum. How can you succeed to your maximum? Don't go with the flow...instead of imitating someone else, do your own thing! Give it your own approach. If everyone is creating social networks like Facebook, go and create your own type of social network. Don't be afraid to step outside the box!
2. Many people seem to deny that innovation, in general, is effective. However, innovation is the key component to developing an awesome business plan, solving a problem, and making a difference. It's not only effective, but one of the key things someone must do to make their business much more successful in the long run. Apple didn't get far by copying others...they got far by putting in the time, innovating, and pleasing customers. Do the same, and the word effective will always be in your vocabulary.