So you have a great business idea in your head? Want to start your own venture? Here is how!

Have you ever sat at your cubicle and asked yourself, what am I doing here exactly? Is this really what I want to be doing for the rest of my life? These are only a few questions many of you ask yourselves on a daily basis. As kids, we would dream of what we would really like to become when we grow up. Some wanted to become dentists others wanted to become businessmen. Whether you actually followed your dreams or not, you must understand that it is never too late to do so!

With that being said, it seems like almost everyone who is stuck in a cubicle is dreaming of quitting their steady job to start their own thing and get rich immediately. If you’re reading this, then there is a good chance that you’ve always wanted to launch your own venture too. As much as the idea of being your own boss appeals to you, you must understand that it may take a lot of hard work and much more than a great idea to launch a successful project. While starting a business involves some risk, working for a traditional employer is not risk-free as well. The dream of starting your own company can become a reality if the proper steps are taken and the proper research is conducted. Akhtaboot will help you decide whether to trade your valuable years of traditional experience for your new business dream.

Come up with the Winning Business Idea

Coming up with an outstanding idea is one of the hardest parts of starting a business. But don’t assume that you have to come up with a brand new idea that hasn’t been tackled before in order to succeed. Although being the first market mover will give you an edge over future competitors, you can still approach the issue by finding something that is already being done that needs improvement. The best place to start is to think of the things that you’re already good at and how you could use your existing knowledge to create a successful business.

Research Your Dream Industry

Starting a new business requires knowing almost everything about the industry as a whole. Fortunately, the Internet is packed with resources and useful information for the entrepreneur-to-be. Take notes, and write down questions that arise while reading. Any new piece of information that you learn, will definitely bring you closer to being ready to tackle your dream. Another good method to learn about the industry is to find a mentor who works within your desired field. As soon as someone agrees to be your mentor, arrange a visit to their workplace where you can observe what he does on a daily basis, take notes on all you see and hear, and don’t forget to ask questions. Remember that those who are willing to invest the time will definitely find the information they need.

The Solid Business Plan

One of the biggest mistakes that you can make during your journey to build a new company is to neglect the importance of writing a solid business plan. When it comes to business planning, there is no single approach more useful than addressing the risks of a new project with a detailed, written-out thought process. Even if you believe that you have the business plan carved out in your head, your idea will not become a reality unless you first put it into writing. If it’s only in your head, then that’s where it will stay!

Surround Yourself with the Right People

Bring in people who complement your skills to fill in the gaps. Remember that you will not succeed on your own; you have to surround yourself with the right people who you can help you in reaching your goals. One excellent way to start is to team up with someone who has demonstrated success in the market of your interest. Akhtaboot is the place to find high caliber candidates for your new venture. Just go to http://www.akhtaboot.com/employers to find out more on how you can fill your job vacancies and attract the right talent to your company. A successful team member is someone who has actually launched a similar project or worked with a company in the industry you are launching your new company in. Keep in mind that the best way to attract the right people is to show real passion for your idea and exude a confidence that it will succeed.

Secure Appropriate Financing

One of the major obstacles that people face when starting a business is the security of appropriate financing. People often think that the only place to obtain the money they need to start a business is the bank. However, there are several options to take into consideration when looking for financing such as friends, family, investors or even your personal savings. Make sure to maintain a cash cushion to live on for at least six months, since you likely won’t generate any substantial income in the beginning. Keep in mind that it’s easier to raise money before you launch your new venture than it is after you’ve failed to meet your financial targets.

Being new to the business world can definitely be risky; you may be thinking about whether you will become successful or whether you will go nowhere. You must understand that people are risk-averse by nature, especially when it comes to losing something they already have, such as their secure job. This may cause people not to live up to their full potential, including starting up their own business. It is important to note that there are also a lot of people who start up their own business and fail. Having setbacks is expected in any new business. But a setback or even three should not slow you down or affect your self-confidence! It’s always better to try and learn from your mistakes than to have never tried at all. Remember that living inside the box might seem safe and comfortable but bigger things might be waiting for you on the outside!

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It’s Never Too Late to Become an INTERN!

As the job market becomes more and more competitive, job seekers are going to great lengths to set themselves apart from the crowd in order to stand out. But how can you, as a recent graduate, develop the essential marketable skills and build up your CV while testing the employment waters?

For fresh graduates and job seekers trying to gain entry into the industry of their interest, an internship can be the only means to try out a new job and gain hands on experience in a wide variety of career fields without making a permanent commitment that you might regret later on.

Whether you take on a position in the same company you interned at or not, working with professionals will not only help you build your career network, but it also offers many useful references and information about future job opportunities. Akhtaboot unveils a number of useful tips that will help you make the most out of your internship and to pursue the right career path for yourself.

Choosing the Right Internship

Research companies in the career field of your interest. Whichever way you contact these companies, be sure to mention that you’re looking for an internship and not a full time job. Let them know that you’re looking for any kind of experience in the industry, whether it’s through an internship or a more informal arrangement such as volunteering. Many online job websites such as Akhtaboot (www.akhtaboot.com) include internship listings as well as company profiles and other helpful information.

Take Initiative

What is most important for you as an intern is to stand out; performing above and beyond what is expected of you will help you gain the respect of your boss and coworkers. When something needs to be done in the office and nobody seems eager to do it, offer to work overtime or during the times when you don’t have anything else to do. But remember, do your required tasks first before you volunteer to take on any new projects.

You Are Still an Intern After all

During your internship period, always keep in mind that you are still an intern; nobody expects you to be an expert in everything. In fact, your coworkers are the ones responsible for your career training. Feel free to ask questions when you are faced with any difficulties. You will learn more this way rather than assuming how things work. One of the biggest mistakes an intern can make is to walk into an organization thinking that they know everything and have everything under control.

Forget About the Money… For Now

Internships don’t usually pay in the same way that full-time jobs do. Don’t let your need to earn money distract you from your main goal, which is gaining the necessary experience. If you choose a career only for the money but don’t have the required skills to do the job, chances are that you won’t hold that job for long, assuming you even land one to begin with. Keep in mind that this isn’t just a job; it is actually an educational experience as well. Be sure to master what you’ve learnt and money will definitely follow when the time is right.

It’s Not Just About the Experience!

Internships are not just career help programs from the company’s point of view, they are actually an effective way for employers to identify and cultivate employees for their company or other companies in the industry. Interns who understand this fact give their best effort and make sure that they learn everything they can about the business. Knowing how to position the experience that you’ve gained is key. Potential employers won’t necessarily care if you interned at a certain company; they’ll be much more impressed with the skills that you gained and the projects that you worked on.

Flaunt Your Networking Skills

The number one advantage of an internship is the relationships you build with the professionals you meet during that short period of training. This network can be of great value to you throughout your career, but you have to work on it. Make sure that you stay in touch with those who might be able to help you in the long run. Since you are the one leaving after the internship is over, following up is definitely something that you need to do.

It’s never too late to apply for an internship program in order to gain experience in the field of your interest. Many recent and not-so-recent university graduates arrange their own internships after graduation.

While most internships offer good learning experiences; some will fall short of your expectations. Make sure that yours provides an excellent learning experience by asking specific questions about what you will be learning and doing. Most companies provide interns with a detailed description of the internship before they agree to accept the position.

Even if your internship doesn’t work out, your career will not be affected. Internships are always a good way to discover if you find yourself in a particular industry. Whatever the case might be, consider it a learning experience. It’s always better to discover certain things as an intern rather than during a full-time position!

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So You Got Fired, Now What?

Getting fired is definitely not an ideal situation for a career oriented person like yourself, but it is certainly something that you can survive if handled properly. You might feel anger and hatred towards your boss or you might even feel like cursing out your boss. As much as this might sound appealing at the spur of the moment, you need to handle the situation in a completely different way. It’s totally understandable if this is hard to accept and maybe you feel rejected at the moment, but it will certainly get easier over time. You need to understand the reality of this situation; people lose their jobs for many different reasons; while some of these reasons are within your control such as poor attendance, lack of productivity or being unable to get along with your coworkers, others have nothing to do with your performance. Whatever the case may be, the end result is the same. Here are a number of helpful tips that will help you dust yourself and get back on your feet.

Thank Your Boss

Weird as this may sound, you need to thank your boss for hiring you in the first place. You need to say this in the most sincere way possible. Sit down with your boss and go over the things that led to you being fired. Doing so will definitely help you avoid doing the same mistakes all over again. Remember that there might come a time in the future when this person will be in a position to recommend you for another job. Try to know in advance what your former boss will say about your termination. Doing so will help you address the issue in interviews as a “teachable moment”.

The CV Dilemma

There is no requirement that says that you have to have a reason for quitting your job on your CV, but in this case, there might be a time gap you have to explain. All you have to mention is the period of employment, a brief job description, and the name of the company that employed you. Leave the discussion of why you got fired for the interview and take time in advance to prepare what you will say if asked. Remember that your CV should only reflect your competencies and what you did well throughout your career, and since there are no rules that require you to write the reasons for leaving your last employment; it is usually understood that you left for a better opportunity.

The Interview

It is best to be frank and honest in explaining the reasons for your dismissal during the interview, so it is advisable to be prepared beforehand. Lying about your past job history or badmouthing your previous employer will only make you sound like a bitter ex-employee who is still unable to move on. Taking accountability demonstrates maturity and professionalism that the interviewer is looking for in a potential employee. As much as you try to hide the fact that you’ve been dismissed, it is likely that it will be discovered in a reference check. While some companies do not go into details on why you left your previous job, others do have a column asking “reasons for leaving previous job”. When faced with the direct question, do not lie about it, just tell the truth.

Get Back into the Job Market

Whatever the reason that led to you being fired might be, you must adopt a positive attitude towards your job search. If you loved your last position and the industry you worked in, then you can move on within the same field. But if you weren’t happy, now is the time to consider a career change. Akhtaboot, The Career Network, is certainly one of the easiest online job-search tools available and it will definitely help you a great deal in choosing the most appropriate position and in giving you valuable advice and hints for a successful career. Once you’ve completed your profile, you can start applying to any and all jobs you like on Akhtaboot.

You must know someone in the company you work for who thinks that they are doing a fantastic job, when in fact they actually aren’t. That someone might actually be YOU. Being fired might seem like a catastrophe at first, but it can open up the door for unlimited professional possibilities and can actually increase your job prospects. Maybe you were just waiting for a good reason to start looking around for a better paying job with a more comfortable working environment. If your former company didn’t appreciate your qualifications then other companies will, just change your status to “Looking for Job” and become an active job seeker on www.akhtaboot.com.

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Time to Get the Raise You Deserve? Here’s How!

There is no question that money plays a major role in our lives, yet few of us were ever provided with good examples on how to approach this topic. Remember your first interview when everybody you know warned you not to bring up the “salary discussion”, so in an effort to appear “polite” you avoided the whole money conversation?

Salary negotiation can definitely be overwhelming, especially for those without a great deal of previous work experience, but there are situations when it makes common sense to go over to your manager and say, “I believe I am worth more to this company than I am being paid at the moment; I would really appreciate a raise.”

Before you rush into your manager’s office to discuss the possibility of a raise, consider the following three consequences: One, you may get the raise you truly deserve. Two, you may find out you are not nearly as good as you thought you were; so you might as well forget about it. Or, three, you could lose your job since you made your boss focus on your weak performance.

There is no “acceptable” approach to ask for a raise since it’s something that we are not trained to do, and it’s rarely discussed. So how about we go through the following techniques that will definitely bring a better outcome than doing nothing or approaching this matter in the wrong way.

Ask for Extra Work

Get yourself in a position to ask for a raise. One effective way to approach this is to ask for extra responsibilities and link it to the pay raise you want, if not right away, then in the future. This is a mature approach that employers respond to better than if you simply asked for a raise without a solid argument to back it up.

Another smart approach to tackle this is to ask for a performance-related increase based on your achievement of better outcomes than your previous or expected levels. This will also be perceived positively by your employer because it shows that you are not just asking for more money, but you actually deserve it.

Research Salaries in Your Field

Get a clear idea of what your job typically pays, but don’t forget that salaries vary from one industry to another. Your performance evaluation combined with the research you’ve done on current industry salaries will determine the fair market value that you deserve. It’s really important that you watch your tone when you discuss this issue with your manager; instead of you shouting “You’re Underpaying Me!” try to tackle this subject as if it’s a career-related discussion in which you’re presenting a research paper.
Don’t throw a tantrum if your request gets rejected; instead, ask what you can do in the next couple of months in order to make this discussion have a successful outcome the next time.

Be a Good Sport

Whatever happens, keep your attitude and conduct professional at all times. Whether you get the raise or not, stand up and smile, shake hands and express your gratitude for your manager’s time when the discussion is over. One of the most important rules of career advancement is that you have to be able to live with a NO. Unless you are prepared to leave your job, adjust to the current circumstances until you find a better opportunity.

Don’t Quit Just Yet

If you can’t get the raise you seek right away, you’ll likely find it by switching jobs. This doesn’t mean you should quit right away and start applying randomly for any job you find on www.akhtaboot.com. Looking out from the rock-solid base of a current job will always get you more job offers. And when it comes to job satisfaction, one thing is for sure; financial compensation isn’t the only factor that influences your job contentment, so don’t let this minor setback stop you; achieve your goals and try again. A better opportunity will definitely come your way later on, if you really deserve it.

In our culture, money represents a lot; it reflects how successful, smart and powerful we are. Being able to determine your worth at work is a good thing, it will not only help you increase your monetary compensation, but it will also provide you with better self awareness about your role within any company you might join.

If you focus on your passion when choosing a career, you’re more likely to select the kind of career path that will lead to the best career salaries. Money shouldn’t be your only goal; you want to be known as the best in your field. Make that the goal and the money will come along the way. Always remember that the best-paid careers are those that pay off not only in cash, but also in satisfaction and happiness.

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Getting Along With Your Co-Workers

Each year, thousands of students graduate from university, yet there are few qualified candidates out there. Remember the days when a university degree guaranteed instant success? Well, those were the days my friend! In these changing times, candidates are not hired solely on the basis of their academic accomplishments; a degree might be a basic requirement nowadays, but employers are looking for a wide range of other skills when it comes to hiring and retaining a certain candidate; and since this will continue to be the case in the near future, you will need to work on a number of other necessary non-academic attributes. One of the main skills employers look for in a potential candidate is “interpersonal skills”, which is basically the ability to communicate well with others and to maintain good working relationships.

Your relationship with your coworkers is really important for your job improvement and can definitely make for an exceptional career, it can also help you do your job better and turn your everyday job into an enjoyable experience. However, this is not always easy to achieve. As a matter of fact it can be very difficult at times especially if you have to deal with many colleagues of different backgrounds and personalities.

So, how about you try these helpful tips in order to improve your interpersonal skills?

Wearing the same shirts doesn’t make you a team

“Team Player” is now the buzz term for companies in all fields. Just take a look at any job posting on www.akhtaboot.com, most probably you’ll find the term “Team Player” as one of the main requirements for the position. Being a team player is an essential interpersonal trait of outstanding employees. It involves the ability to communicate clearly and to share your knowledge and expertise with your coworkers. Although some employees might be hesitant to share their knowledge for fear that once their knowledge is spread, they might no longer be considered indispensable. It’s really important that you understand that knowledge hoarding is for the weak. The more you share your knowledge, the more valuable you become.

A good listener is not only popular, but after a while he actually knows something

Being a good listener is the most important, yet the most forgotten, communication tool that we have. You can find many courses on how to speak but not even one on how to be a good listener. Effective listeners don’t simply hear what is being said but what is not being said as well. Always listen with an open mind and be receptive to new ideas even if they go against your own. This will create an atmosphere of cooperation in the company and will help you as a group in achieving the company’s goals.

They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel

Just like you, coworkers like to be treated with respect, and respect is not given, it is actually earned. Always give credit to those who come up with new ideas, others will do the same for you and your good ideas. Make sure that you maintain a positive and cheerful attitude at work. Being negative not only brings you down; it also brings down the team as a whole. Do whatever it takes to reduce your stress level. If you still find yourself in a bad work situation and you can’t help but spread the negative energy, consider a job change.

The bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you refuse to take the turn

Gain a reputation for being a flexible employee, be open to new ideas, and put your need to “be right” on the side, even if for a while. Don’t jump to conclusions before you’ve heard the whole thing. While team conflict is unavoidable, it could be both healthy and productive, if properly managed. In order for your coworkers to view you as a competent mediator, you should be flexible and inventive when in comes to solving problems and handling conflict.

Now that you’ve read all of these tips, you must have noticed that they all have one thing in common, “Selflessness”. In order for you to thrive in your career, you’ve got to learn to put others first. It might seem like a backward way to achieving your own goals, but it works for sure. Show your supervisors and your colleagues that you are all about the common interest, and you will be rewarded with career advancement no matter where you find yourself working in the future. Working well with others involves understanding and appreciating individual differences. It is all about using these differences to your best advantage.

If you find yourself constantly being accused of being an uncooperative team player this is an early warning for you to seek out a company where individual performance is rewarded. Better yet, why don’t you start your own business and hire only people who are not team players!

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Looking to make a career change? Akhtaboot is here to the rescue!

Many of us get caught up in the daily routine of going to work without assessing their progress on the job or carefully managing their careers. Remember the times when it was a good thing to hold on to your job for the rest of your working life even if you were unsatisfied? Well, those days are long gone. Considering a new career direction has become an option that a lot of people are thinking about and exploring as we speak.

Making a major career change is not as easy as it sounds, since we all have responsibilities and bills to pay. Worry no more; Akhtaboot is here to help you move up to the next level and to take your career in the direction you want to take it.

But how can you be sure that you want to change careers rather than just get a new job? Any job has its ups and downs; we have all had days when we were not excited about our jobs. But if you find yourself constantly reading articles such as this one, asking friends in other careers questions about their jobs or even attending “career change” events, then most probably you are ready for change. Let us discuss the steps that you should follow in order to make a smooth transition into your new career.

Likes and Dislikes

Think about your previous jobs, what were the things that you liked and did not like about them? This will give you a clearer idea about what you might be naturally good at, which will eventually lead you to the career path that leverages your strengths. Of course, having the chance to do what you like most is not always the case, but if you have your clear career path in sight then you are more likely to get to it. Akhtaboot’s MBTI Personality Test will provide you with some insight into how you should approach the process of managing your career and hunting for jobs. It can also help you identify potential pitfalls and blind-spots that might hinder your professional progress.

Researching Careers

It is vital, at this stage, to research the careers that interest you the most. By doing so, your career path will gradually become evident to you. There are many career research methods. One excellent method is to turn to friends or mentors for advice, especially if they were working within the industry of your interest, they will definitely help you get established in your new career. Another important method is to do some actual research. Visit job websites such as Akhtaboot (www.akhtaboot.com). Check out the job descriptions, employment opportunities and the required education and training. In other words, learn the language of the industry that you want to enter into and make your new career in.

Tweak Your CV

So you have identified your strengths and done your homework, now is the time to work on your CV. It is true that few companies will hire you as a Marketing Manager if your CV highlights your 10-year experience in Finance! You can’t just present your old CV since it will only emphasize your old career path. Try to draw attention to the aspects of your past experience that matches the current needs of the new industry you want to enter into. A CV writing service might be just what you need at this point, and there are plenty out there to choose from. Akhtaboot’s professional CV writing team will help you create the perfect CV that will help you get noticed by prospective employers. To learn more about Akhtaboot’s CV writing services visit: www.akhtaboot.com/career_center/cv_writing

Test-Drive Your New Career

Now you can test-drive your new career before you take the plunge and switch careers. It’s really not easy to walk away from your old job and start over, but there are many other options that can help you gain the necessary experience in your new career field before you quit your current job. Find an internship program, volunteer, or find a part-time job within your new career industry. This will not only equip you with the required knowledge but will also provide you with the confidence and contacts that you will definitely need along the way.

Start the Job-Hunting Process

It has probably been a while since you have had to look for a job. It is time that you re-used your job hunting skills. It’s OK if you are feeling a bit unsure or insecure; it is a natural part of the career change process. The Internet has simplified the way you search for jobs, and the way employers find employees. Akhtaboot.com has made the job searching process easier than ever; all you have to do is: complete your profile, upload your CV, and change your status to “looking for a job”. That’s about it! You can now apply to any job in the company that you really want to work for.

You must really understand that career transition is not easy, but if you know exactly what you want then follow a precise career plan, stay focused, and really believe in yourself and that your perfect job is out there and you will definitely find it. The whole process might require a lot of your time and effort, but ultimately, the reward of having a gratifying and inspiring career makes it all worth the hard work.

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Do you have what it takes to be a great Leader?

What is a leader? By definition, a leader is someone who leads others towards a common goal, influencing them to do things and creates an environment of trust, support, and teamwork.

Being a leader is not as glamorous as the job title may suggest; it takes tremendous commitment, dedication, and selflessness.

For centuries, people have debated whether leaders are born or made? Actually, there are several answers for this question and all of them conclude that leaders are both, BORN and MADE.

In today’s workplace, we have many managers and supervisors, but few of them are truly leaders. So what are the main characteristics that you should embrace in order to become a truly effective leader?

Think Big

A leader is someone with a vision; he looks at the big picture rather than just focusing on one issue at a time. A leader always has a specific plan according to the situation at hand while maintaining a considerable degree of flexibility that allows him to embrace change and experience new things together with the team.

Be Decisive

Being decisive means more than just making decisions; you should be able to take risks, listen to your intuition and act upon it. That being said; you must never forget that it’s not a one-man show but teamwork and coordination. Anyone who thinks he can make it on his own is doomed to fail. Involving other employees in the decision making process will definitely create an environment of cooperation, teamwork and loyalty, but keep in mind that eventually the final decision is yours to make.

Learn to Have Empathy

Empathy is the ability to put yourself in another person’s shoes. You should be able to understand other people, how they feel, what motivates them, and the best way to influence them. Showing sensitivity towards others means being receptive to both the verbal and non-verbal cues. The more you understand those who surround you, the more you can help them and help yourself. All in all, greater empathy gives you greater information.

Be Ethical

An ethical leader is someone with integrity. Defining your integrity and ethics gives you consistency in your actions and relationship with others. Being an ethical leader means that you must be able to take a stand when no one else is on your side. Exceptional leaders never say one thing and do another, they actually practice what they preach.

Growing Others

Before you become a leader, success is all about growing yourself. However, the moment you become the leader success is all about growing those who surround you. Invest your time in helping other employees overcome their weaknesses and encourage them to speak their minds; this will encourage them to return the favor through hard work and loyalty. Eventually, leadership is all about getting someone to do something you want done because they want to do it!

Be Consistent

Make sure you have a consistent leadership style, this will help you avoid any confusion or mis-communication in the future. Define the roles and responsibilities clearly and follow through with reasonable and consistent rewards for when goals have been met or exceeded. Being consistent will not only enable you to get through the situation, but you’ll gain the respect and trust of your employees.

Admit Your Mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes. However, making a mistake as a leader can be more serious since you’re the person everyone is looking up to. Admit your mistake, correct it on your own time and make sure you learn from it. The best thing about admitting your mistake is that it allows you to grow. Realizing that you are not the next best thing since “Mansaf” is a good thing. If you’re not making any mistakes then you’re not doing much.

People seek out leaders unconsciously, and leaders would never hesitate to step up to the plate instinctively. Leaders are recognized, not chosen. They have something within them that others just don’t possess. It is an intangible quality that can’t be explained, but when you come across it, you will recognize it immediately.

Some people are born that way and some need to work on their leadership skills in order to stand out. It’s not so much your technical abilities as it is about inspiring other people to become better at what they do. Anyhow, if you are suddenly put into a leadership position, and are lost for ideas on how to use your influence, simply recall those qualities you admired in others you previously followed.

Wanting to lead is not enough; you have to have the capabilities, the skills, the talents and the ideas. If you believe you got what it takes to stir the crowds and move up to a leadership position, promote yourself on Akhtaboot.com

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