DO YOU WANT 2013 TO BE A GREAT YEAR FOR YOUR BUSINESS? Spot your top talent!

Great employees are reliable, dependable, proactive, diligent, great leaders and great followers... they possess a wide range of easily-defined—but hard to find—qualities. A few hit the next level. Some employees are remarkable, possessing qualities that may not appear on performance appraisals but nonetheless make a major impact on performance. If at the end of 2012, you are looking for how to identify your top talent in order to know who you need to carry along in order to make your business great in 2013, it is important you look inward. Top talent may not reside in your managers or your team leaders but may be found in a wide range of contract/permanent/and even your non skilled staff. As 2012 comes to an end, its important you identify these people and carry them along in your change initiatives both as drivers and implementors. These people will be your biggest cheerleaders, they will shout down all the doubters, they will carru out your plans diligently and tirelessly, and they will comfort you when you encounter obstacles that you struggle to overcome. Ok, you might say this all great but are currently mumbling under your breath that you aren't a magician. (Wink) so here are eight(8) qualities of remarkable employees: 1. They ignore job descriptions. The smaller the company, the more important it is that employees can think on their feet, adapt quickly to shifting priorities, and do whatever it takes, regardless of role or position, to get things done. When a key customer's project is in jeopardy, remarkable employees know without being told there's a problem and jump in without being asked—even if it's not their job. 2. They’re eccentric... The best employees are often a little different: quirky, sometimes irreverent, even delighted to be unusual. They seem slightly odd, but in a really good way. Unusual personalities shake things up, make work more fun, and transform a plain-vanilla group into a team with flair and flavor. People who aren't afraid to be different naturally stretch boundaries and challenge the status quo, and they often come up with the best ideas. 3. But they know when to dial it back. An unusual personality is a lot of fun... until it isn't. When a major challenge pops up or a situation gets stressful, the best employees stop expressing their individuality and fit seamlessly into the team. Remarkable employees know when to play and when to be serious; when to be irreverent and when to conform; and when to challenge and when to back off. It’s a tough balance to strike, but a rare few can walk that fine line with ease. 4. They publicly praise... Praise from a boss feels good. Praise from a peer feels awesome, especially when you look up to that person. Remarkable employees recognize the contributions of others, especially in group settings where the impact of their words is even greater. 5. And they privately complain. We all want employees to bring issues forward, but some problems are better handled in private. Great employees often get more latitude to bring up controversial subjects in a group setting because their performance allows greater freedom. Remarkable employees come to you before or after a meeting to discuss a sensitive issue, knowing that bringing it up in a group setting could set off a firestorm. 6. They speak when others won’t. Some employees are hesitant to speak up in meetings. Some are even hesitant to speak up privately. An employee once asked me a question about potential layoffs. After the meeting I said to him, “Why did you ask about that? You already know what's going on.” He said, “I do, but a lot of other people don't, and they're afraid to ask. I thought it would help if they heard the answer from you.” Remarkable employees have an innate feel for the issues and concerns of those around them, and step up to ask questions or raise important issues when others hesitate. 7. They like to prove others wrong. Self-motivation often springs from a desire to show that doubters are wrong. The kid without a college degree or the woman who was told she didn't have leadership potential often possess a burning desire to prove other people wrong. Education, intelligence, talent, and skill are important, but drive is critical. Remarkable employees are driven by something deeper and more personal than just the desire to do a good job. 8. They’re always fiddling. Some people are rarely satisfied (I mean that in a good way) and are constantly tinkering with something: Reworking a timeline, adjusting a process, tweaking a workflow. Great employees follow processes. Remarkable employees find ways to make those processes even better, not only because they are expected to… but because they just can't help it. Ok, these are the 8 qualities. As your companies open back from the holidays. Walk around, interact with people, and looking beyond your team leaders/managers/HR personnel and hopefully you'll find that you have remarkable employees. So plan a strategic retreat, share your vision for 2013, invite your managers/leaders/remarkable people and lay out your plans. Set up review and monitoring monthly meetings and ensure you have systems that back up your plans. If you're fair, honest, diligent, and proactive, I guarantee that as you step in 2014, you'll step in with success you had previously only dreamt of. Culled from http://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/the-8-qualities-of-remarkable-employees.html

Seasons Greetings Dear Readers

From all of us at Insiteful Solutions and Consult Nig LTD and from me Nkoyo aka nikky (your HR agony aunt) here is wishing you a wonderful christmas and glorious new year. 2013 is fast approaching and may God grant us time to achieve in '13 what wasn't accomplished in '12. Take care y'all

Desperation will not get you a job but following these tips will

As I stared at my phone in shock at 2:00AM while a job seeker's number flashed as the caller, I realized some of us have lost our common sense to the stronger emotion of desperation in our pursuit of paid employment. The free advice I have today is #stalkingwillnotgetyouajob There is a right way to communicate with potential employers and recruitment agencies and that is following the principles of business networking with purpose. Further details are as follows: 1. Elevator speech- instead of aggressively introducing yourself to anyone and everyone, be prepared for the elevator speech which is you composing a 15 second description of yourself focusing on your competencies/skills/job desires. Describe yourself concisely and impressively. 2. Be different- Differentiate yourself. Aim high. Be best at something and let that stand out. If you have nothing to offer that's different from the norm, you may not get your foot in the door. 3. Help others- Help others and you will be helped. Its not all about you demanding without having anything to offer in return. If you are branded a user, people are not interested in helping you. Offer your skills, experience, and help when it is needed/required. 4. Personal integrity- Integrity, trust and reputation are vital for networking. 5. Relevant targeting- target groups and contacts relevant to your aims and capabilities. There is no point harassing the secretary to death simply because you think your harassment will make him/her help you. If they are not a decision maker, you are wasting your time. 6. Plan your networking - and know what you want. Scout for events in your area and go. Go for meetings, learning events, training, business seminars. Anything free, attend. Don't be shy, come out of your comfort zone and interact. In time you'll forge the right relationships and highlight events for follow up. 7. Follow up- Following up meetings and referrals makes things happen and do it in a polite way. Work with your referrals time frames and timetables. 8. Be positive- Be a positive influence on everyone and everything. No need to get on the phone and start crying that you're starving. Pity only works on people with empathy. Stay positive. 9. Sustained focused effort- Be focused - and ever-ready. Your breakthrough can come at any time and you must always be prepared. 10. Be respectful - no one owes you anything and business is just what it is - business. Respect boundaries, don't take rejection personal, and always remain polite. Have a great sunday y'all.  

How to Gain Employment in Nigeria without any experience

The truth of the matter is that higher institutions in Nigeria churn out hundreds of thousands of graduates on a yearly basis with millions currently looking for work. HOWEVER, getting a job is not about settling nor is it about having a sponsor/backer/connection in the job market but by knowing what type of job you want, what category of job seeker you are, and aligning yourself with the right skills/competencies you need for your chosen career. Its also important that you maintain a healthy dose of patience/determination. Below is a link to an article containing practical steps job seekers without work experience should follow and some important points you must always remember. http://blog.jobberman.com/jobs-in-nigeria/2012/04/how-to-get-a-job-without-experience/ Read, share, and do not hesitate to contact me for further info or to just share your thoughts/ideas. Take care y'all!!!

Practical Tips for Landing Your Dream Job in Nigeria

So you want to get your dream job? The satisfaction of getting that job we always wanted is a great feeling and since we spend a lot of time at work, there is no need for us to be miserable. But know this - Getting your dream job is a process that requires determination, personal investment, patience, and the ability to grow. How lengthy this process is depends on how sincere you are with yourself and how willing you are to do the hard work involved and go the extra mile. Follow the steps below and you are on the path of getting that job of your choice. Prepare a great CV More often than not, this is your first contact with your prospective employer. Your CV tells the story of who you are and what you have to offer. Your CV has to make a good first impression. Keep your CV relevant, interesting, and up to date. Remember, Nobody has the time to read stories, especially H.R personnel that have a truck load of CVs to scan through. Promote Yourself After turning out a great CV,the next step is in marketing yourself. This is where a lot of people develop cold feet. You have to first of all believe in yourself, and what you have to offer. Utilize your existing network (friends, acquaintances, church, old school mates etc) to distribute your CV. Post your CV online. If you have the experience, don’t be scared of closing dates, send in your CV. The worst that can happen is, they through it away, or keep in view. A lot of company sites have vacancy/career links. Post your CV in season and out of season; that is if they do employ people in your field of study/experience. Some vacancies come up at short notice, and people with CVs already in the system are considered first. Employment agencies are also a good place to register with and upload your CV. HOWEVER, remember this is marketing, it doesn't mean you are automatically entitled to help/automatic job offer so do no harrass or try and brow beat contacts into helping you. Build relationships and offer services/help that is relevant to your contact. If you build a relationship and give free help/advice/consultancy (within reason) you stand a better chance of being recommended for vacancies/jobs. However, do not fall into the trap of being taken for granted or used. Only offer help up to a limit and within your comfort zone. Stay Current and Up-to-Date Stay current with what is happening in your sector of the economy. There have been a lot of advances in virtually every sector. Most offices use computers and sofwares to do their job. If you cannot use a desktop computer in the 21st century, you are semi-literate. Brush up your computer/software skills, even if you have the experience. For example, if you are a chartered accountant with 15 years experience and you don’t know how to use any accounting software, you are at a disadvantage. Be confident know that you have something to offer. Employers are looking for you. They have a problem while you have the solution. They are not doing you a favor. Believe in yourself. After all said and done, have faith in God. Let him lead and direct your paths. It is not a matter of if, but when. Take care y'all!!

The law of multiplication in business

Here's the truth...Whatever the reason you got into business, if you don't sell your product or service, you'll probably not be in business for long... Statistics have shown that customer who receive EXCELLENT customer service will tell about 20 people, but if you mess up they may tell 20 other people...who may then tell 20 others... :( So starting tomorrow, take care to show excellent internal and external customer service to build a positive image of your, your brand, and your company. Have a great evening!

10 Ways to Use Hashtags for Your Business

If you’ve seen something that looks like this on Twitter – #awordorphrase – and aren’t sure what it’s all about, it’s a hashtag, and it’s meant to organize the stream of billions of Tweets into categories. Let’s say you see #SMB and you click the link. You’ll find all the most recent tweets using this hashtag. These are likely people interested in small business. Hashtags can be anything. #Entrepreneur and #FF (Follow Friday) are examples of widely used hashtags, but there are plenty of lesser-known ones that Twitter junkies or businesses create themselves. Here you’ve got 10 ways you can start using hashtags to your benefit: 1. Create a Hashtag. There’s no rule saying you can’t create your own hashtag for a promotion or event. Let’s say you sell recycled paper products. You could create #HowIRecycle to encourage your followers to share their own recycling tips. The more people use it, the more others will latch onto it. 2. Use it For a Contest. Holding a contest online? You can tie a hashtag to it. Simply require entrants to send a tweet with the hashtag to enter. For example: I just entered to win @recycleco’s N1 million giveaway with my #HowIRecycle tip! 3. Find Others to Follow. Those that are using a hashtag you’re interested in may be good people for you to follow. Find hashtags that relate to your industry or your target audience’s interests. For example, if you sell dog supplies, find dog lovers to follow by searching #dogs. 4. Host tweet chats. Tweetchats (also known as Twitter chats) are a great way to build a following around both your hashtag and your brand on Twitter. A Twitter chat is simply a designated time for people who share an interest to tweet about a topic. Sometimes you’ll have an expert or panel sharing tips, with others asking questions and chiming in. Choose a hashtag for the chat, or simply use the one you’ve already established. Choose a topic for your event (using the recycling example, you could host a Tweetchat about ways offices can recycle and reduce their carbon footprint) and publicize it. Don’t forget to let participants know the time (accounting for time zones) of the event, as well as the hashtag they should follow to participate. Anyone who includes your hashtag will be included in the Twitter chat stream. 5. Attend Twitter chats. You can learn a lot from other people’s Twitter chats, not only about the subject they cover, but also how to host a Twitter chat in general. You’ll also meet other likeminded people to follow on Twitter. 6. Get Educated. If you don’t have time to read a dozen blogs, check the hashtags you follow to see what’s happening in your industry. You’ll often find links to news blurbs and blog posts, and can be selective about what you read. 7. Jump in the Conversation. People are already talking about topics you’re interested in. By following the corresponding hashtags, you can jump in with your own expertise. 8. Categorize Your Tweets. If you’re already tweeting a lot, adding hashtags to the words you talk about frequently can help others who follow these hashtags find you. For instance, if you tweet about “small business” often, simply replace the words with #SMB in your tweets and all the small biz folks who follow that hashtag will now see your tweets. 9. Keep Your Tweet Stream Organized. If you use Hootsuite or similar tool to organize  and filter the tweets you view, having columns set up for certain hashtags can help you easily access the tweets you want. 10. Sparingly. Hashtags are great, but don’t go overboard! People have started making up their own hashtags, but Twitter may consider these spam, so it’s not a practice I’d recomend. Use them when appropriate, and keep them simple and short if you’re making them up. Posted by Susan Payton on June 11, 2012. Categories: Social Media

Fast H.R tips for job seekers and new hires in Nigeria

As a job seeker, it is important you know that a job is not your birth right and neither do you need to KNOW someone to qualify. However you have to know that a job is earned thru demostration of skills and aligning yourself with the organization/hiring manager's idea of the staff they are looking for. Even when you are hired, you will need to be untop of your game always. Here are a few fast H.R tips for both job seekers and new employees: #FASTHRtip Dress how you want to be ADDRESSED. Dress smartly and in accordance to company guidelines. #FastHRtip You WILL be asked why you left previous job(s) & to defend any salary you ask for. Lack of justifiable answers = failure #FastHRtips Its not easy to be patient when one is waiting for their employer to reward their efforts and sometimes it means planning to take the next step in a different direction #FastHRtips Research, save, and start your biz venture and I believe soon, you'll be at the next level of your career #FastHRtips If you are reading this, you are 1 of 6 billion able to access the internet & all the information it holds. Learn how to use it to grow yourself #FastHRtips There is no excuse for ignorance when it comes to becoming an expert in your field, if you can read this, you can also study. Visit www.bookboon.com to download free e- books.

Common sense HR tips for Managers in Nigeria

Hi folks, In this day of too many workers and too few jobs, many managers have made the mistake of under utilizing their staff and turning into corporate bullies simply because staffing has become less of an issue. However, we lose millions each year in possible earnings when we refuse become effective leaders. Effective leaders recognize and appreciate our people. Becoming an effective boss doesn't mean you become a push over or over emotional, it simply means you start utilizing your staff properly in order to improve productivity, increase income, and stop wasting hours used to manage unhappy staff. These are a few tips you should keep in mind to becomee and effective boss in 2014. #HRtipsforbosses Organizational success is not determined by your fastest learners, but your slowest. Be a leader #HRtipsforbosses your workers are not mind readers, make your plans known and disseminate goals to the last level in your organization. #HRtipsforbosses people can't reach for the stars if they don't know where the sky is. Let your people know what you expect from them. #HRtipsforbosses Nepotism will kill your business from the inside out. If you must hire family, ensure their skills align with your need. #HRtipsforbosses Don't think because the unemployment rate is so high you can treat people unfairly. Your bad reputation will speak louder than any sales efforts and will eventually drive away both staff and customers. #HRtipsforbosses treat people fairly and be honest. #HRtipsforbosses you have to walk the talk. Be an example to your staff or hire an MD who will. #HRtipsforbosses if you know you can lead a business, but not people, hire a manager who can. Not all leaders make effective bosses. If as a manager, you want to discuss any of the tips further, do buzz me at insitefulsolutionsconsult@gmail.com Have a great day everybody!!

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