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Dec 30, 2024 | 
thevalleybusinessjournal.com | Ted Saul
My November article provided suggestions for developing a career plan. For some, it may be a proactive exercise to be ready for change while for others now is the time to seek a new role and move forward in a career. Whichever, here is a simple outline of how to write and what to put into the career plan. First, list your accomplishments and where you’ve worked in the past.
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Nov 29, 2024 | 
thevalleybusinessjournal.com | Ted Saul
Each year the tech industry provides consumers with a long list of gift ideas. The number of choices can be overwhelming so I’ve categorized some of the fasted growing technologies. Solar powered. Small panels that can be easily packed and transported are now attached to most any device requiring power. For example, a solar powered oven can be used on a picnic or camping trip to prepare your favorite hot meal. Use them to bake, slow-cook, dehydrate or most any task completed in your own kitchen.
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Nov 1, 2024 | 
thevalleybusinessjournal.com | Ted Saul
Like a business plan, a career plan can be a guiding document for the journey through your work life. Years ago it may have been your supervisor or manager who developed the path of your career. In this day of shifting roles, companies coming and going and resources available to learn a new “trade”, planning can help transitions go smoothly. When do you need a career plan? Here are some suggestions for when they may become most helpful. In school or entering a new level of education.
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Sep 30, 2024 | 
thevalleybusinessjournal.com | Ted Saul
According to the SBA, 99.9% or over 37 million businesses are considered small in the US. Small business is the backbone of our economy. Have you been thinking about starting a business? Here are some essentials to consider moving forward in the process. The products or services to be sold and your target customer base. Sounds obvious but I have been approached for coaching to start a business with an unknown product. Is there a retail gap in the community that you wish to fill?
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Sep 2, 2024 | 
thevalleybusinessjournal.com | Ted Saul
Publishing your own book may seem like an intimidating and costly task. In today’s age of book writing tools and self-publishers it can be accomplished rather inexpensively. Having a book to showcase your expertise and share knowledge with others can help grow your brand and reputation. It’s also a good way to share your legacy with family.Start by organizing your thoughts. Write down the goal of the book and what you wish to communicate.
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May 27, 2024 | 
thevalleybusinessjournal.com | Ted Saul
One definition of motivating is “to stimulate interest in and enthusiasm for doing something”. For many, the belief is that money is the only motivator for doing a good job. While it does play a part, there are other non-monetary methods to bring out the best in your employees grounded in appreciation. Here are some ways to show your appreciation. Start by getting to know your team members individually to understand their job aspirations. Listen to what drives them to do a good job.
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Mar 31, 2024 | 
thevalleybusinessjournal.com | Ted Saul
An Emotional Intelligence test will reveal how your emotions affect the way you relate to those around you. One study area is “interpersonal relationships.” This score indicates how well you develop and maintain relationships. A higher score is valuable when working with management staff, company executives, and employees. You want to be known as level headed and not reaction-based person who owns their emotions and properly uses them.
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Mar 1, 2024 | 
thevalleybusinessjournal.com | Ted Saul |Annette LaRocque
A definition of quality is “the standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind”. When thinking about quality we often think how a product performs or if a service provided value. Terms like Black Belt, SCRUM, and Six Sigma can enter the conversation too. But there is another application of quality that can take a business above and beyond its competition with no training or certification. I call it personal quality.
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Jan 31, 2024 | 
thevalleybusinessjournal.com | Ted Saul
When preparing to find your next job, consider the Five W’s of Career Management. A little proactive work may save you from making a wrong decision and ending up in another bad experience. Think about your career and where you were really happy and content. Create a check list as you consider future opportunities and employers. Start by drawing a table with three columns and five rows. Title the first column “My most favorite employer” and the third column, “My least favorite employer”.
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Jan 1, 2024 | 
thevalleybusinessjournal.com | Ted Saul |Andrea Shoup |Craig Davis
In the news recently a city in the valley announced that it’s working on attracting employers with high-wage jobs that require high-skilled employees. No doubt other cities in the area are and have been doing the same. This is good news for the workforce and it’s never too early to start preparing for opportunities. Here are some steps that can be taken now. Start by researching what types of job may be coming.
