tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65005416393023671942024-03-14T00:21:49.534-07:00KnowledgeCity.com Online Training TutorialsKnowledgeCity.com Online Training Tutorials News blog features new courses, developments, and company news from KnowledgeCity.com.knowledgecityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421607545965526811noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6500541639302367194.post-4709813098498503842015-01-27T14:40:00.001-08:002015-01-27T14:49:18.663-08:00Become a Marketing Guru<div class="MsoNormal">
Why is Marketing important?
According to an article in the Houston Chronicle, <a href="http://smallbusiness.chron.com/importance-marketing-success-business-589.html">The
Importance of Marketing for the Success of a Business</a>, Marketing is the
heart of business success. Marketing is
essential to business growth. An understanding of Marketing and relationship building
is crucial for delivering a company’s values and mission, defining and “speaking”
to the target audience, and establishing a strong customer base.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphen6O1crEn4zGBj4ysH0_oR1DQg6PcmwkI0SHcV5XxIi7u0bUXQl4L-tB_RWwynCqCOBG60EyJwR24CDYXWG0Dlvzr2rkua2HVZmFrc3IE6QYqERLuGNcZqCBbhZ18dGfTvfZ_WU1v2PU/s1600/BUS1084-030-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphen6O1crEn4zGBj4ysH0_oR1DQg6PcmwkI0SHcV5XxIi7u0bUXQl4L-tB_RWwynCqCOBG60EyJwR24CDYXWG0Dlvzr2rkua2HVZmFrc3IE6QYqERLuGNcZqCBbhZ18dGfTvfZ_WU1v2PU/s1600/BUS1084-030-6.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h4>
Marketing vs. Advertising</h4>
<h1>
<o:p></o:p></h1>
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Advertising is only a small part of marketing. Marketing encompasses: defining the product,
the manner and strategy of sales, conducting market research, manufacture and
distribution logistics, public relations, customer support and, yes,
advertising. Marketing is about building
a relationship between an organization and its consumer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Company Reputation</span></h4>
<h1>
<o:p></o:p></h1>
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The success or failure of all business rests on the
foundation known as Reputation.
Marketing helps companies communicate with their targeted audiences. It is a way to convey the values and mission
of the company. It sets an expectation
that will be delivered to the consumer and when the expectation is met or
exceeded—reputation and business grows.<o:p></o:p></div>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Find what Works</span></h4>
<h1>
<o:p></o:p></h1>
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Sounds simple enough, but it requires forethought and strategy. According to Udemy, <a href="https://www.udemy.com/blog/importance-of-marketing/">The Importance of
Marketing: 10 Reasons You Can’t Afford Not to Market Your Business</a>, there
are many ways to market and while testing the marketing waters, you will not only
build a social asset for your business, but you will discover what really works
for your business, as well as, where to
invest your time and money.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<h4>
Ready to become a Marketing Guru? Give our Marketing
Principles course a try! </h4>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Recently added to our course library, Marketing Principles explores
the ways in which marketing has developed over time. If you want to learn the
various facets of marketing and how marketers accomplish their goals, this is
the course for you. Discover how to locate the target market, do customer
research, identify the components of the product, and promote that product.
Gain the necessary tools to market your products and your brand more
effectively.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To see the entire course outline <a href="http://www.knowledgecity.com/BUS1069-Marketing-Principles">click here</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ready to Sign Up? <a href="http://www.knowledgecity.com/signup.html">Go NOW</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Watch a free lesson: <a href="http://youtu.be/cM6Upqi43tE">http://youtu.be/cM6Upqi43tE</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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knowledgecityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421607545965526811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6500541639302367194.post-73220138114117452172015-01-09T09:39:00.001-08:002015-01-09T09:39:36.581-08:00New Business Course: Human Resources Management<div class="MsoNormal">
Human Resources, at its core, is a foundation that supports
a business. Employees are human
resources and an organization’s most valuable asset. To be successful a business must utilize the
skills and the ingenuity of its employees.
For a business to be high-performing, it depends on the productivity of
its employees. </div>
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<a href="http://www.knowledgecity.com/BUS1086-HR-Management">Human
Resources Management</a> is a field that establishes a system to manage not
only the needs of the business but the needs of the employees. Here is a short list of how Human Resources functions
in business:</div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li>Strategic Planning</li>
<li>Legal and Ethical Business Management</li>
<li>Job Analysis</li>
<li>Benefits</li>
<li>Training</li>
<li>Recruitment and Selection of Employees</li>
<li>Negotiations</li>
<li>Motivation</li>
<li>Analyzing Business Needs and Trends</li>
</ul>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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To be effective leaders, managers should be trained in <a href="http://www.knowledgecity.com/BUS1086-HR-Management">Human Resources Management</a>. Every manager at some point in their career will have to deal with some aspect or issue of Human Resources Management and should have some basic knowledge of the laws and procedures that govern their organization.</div>
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<a href="http://www.knowledgecity.com/">Knowledgecity.com</a>
has introduced a new Business Course: Human Resources Management. The course covers key areas including: Human
Resources Management Process, Motivating Management, Employee Relations, Job
Analysis, The Selection Process, Training, Performance Evaluations, Career
Development, Improving Employee Morale, Behavior Modification Theory and
Supervision Techniques, Techniques of Group Leadership and Decision Making,
Management by Objectives (MBO), Organizational Development, Analyzing and
Simplifying Work Process, Payroll Cost and Control System, Wage and Salary
Administration, and Fire and Safety Programs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Watch a Free Lesson:</div>
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To see the course including lessons in each of the key areas
visit the Human Resources Management course page: <a href="http://www.knowledgecity.com/BUS1086-HR-Management">http://www.knowledgecity.com/BUS1086-HR-Management</a></div>
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Ready to start training? GO NOW for a FREE TRIAL: <a href="http://www.knowledgecity.com/signup.html">http://www.knowledgecity.com/signup.html</a><o:p></o:p></div>
knowledgecityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421607545965526811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6500541639302367194.post-74529563635050732392014-12-31T14:14:00.001-08:002014-12-31T14:14:38.637-08:00How to Win Great Employees<div class="MsoNormal">
Did your company make it into <a href="http://www.glassdoor.com/Best-Places-to-Work-LST_KQ0,19.htm">Glassdoor’s
Employees’ Choice Awards</a>? No? Well don’t worry, the New Year is here and
what most people do every year is make resolutions. If you recognize your company needs change
this year, make your resolution to achieve a culture that your employees can
thrive in. If you are wondering what
kind of culture employees thrive in, the kind that wins awards and has
employees singing your company’s praises, then check out some of the perks from
the top five companies on the list:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.google.com/">Google</a> was listed as
number one according to the Glassdoor’s Employees’ Choice Awards. As reported by employees, some of the perks
of working for an internet giant include: Retiree Health and Medical, On Site Health
Care, Flexible Hours, Work from Home, Free Lunch or Snacks, Paid Holidays, Gym
Membership, Pet Friendly Workplace, Childcare, Dependent Care, Company Social
Events, Professional Development and Training.
These are in addition to the basic medical insurance and 401K or other
retirement plan.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmNJobsfH6qt1QIfMQbX3VzBIs6UEHk4rPVCGG1inlDXZwXnAZhcU_qoGqBVZLuCgQQ1H1b3WqCjapJBqz2Uz11kzzjcNAiVmRCUbeokl_765hbjWM7e8oiZ5ihslvj9z_90f31YM5rg/s1600/299f550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmNJobsfH6qt1QIfMQbX3VzBIs6UEHk4rPVCGG1inlDXZwXnAZhcU_qoGqBVZLuCgQQ1H1b3WqCjapJBqz2Uz11kzzjcNAiVmRCUbeokl_765hbjWM7e8oiZ5ihslvj9z_90f31YM5rg/s1600/299f550.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="http://www.nestlepurina.com/">Nestle Purina</a> Pet
Care Company and <a href="http://www.bcg.com/">Boston Consulting Group</a> employees
reported <a href="http://www.forbes.com/2010/08/24/sabbatical-leave-work-leadership-careers-advice.html">Sabbaticals</a>
as one of their many perks. <a href="https://f5.com/">F5 Networks</a>, developers of network management
platforms, offers employees 3 weeks of paid vacation in the first year of
employment and “Beer Fridays”. Most of
the top five offer Free healthcare, free snacks and a work from home option.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What is the one thing they all have in common? They all have
the desire to invest in their employees in ways that benefit the employee
professionally. Tuition Assistance and
Apprenticeships were highly prized benefits.
Professional Development and Training programs are used to provide
opportunities for employees to enhance or learn new skills. F5 company employees believe the company’s
training program is a valuable asset. <o:p></o:p></div>
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While you may not be able to bring pets into work or offer
completely free medical to your employees, you can give them something that
employees themselves say is more valuable than free snacks: an education. Helping your employees with professional
development is an achievable goal for the New Year.</div>
<br />
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Knowledgecity.com offers corporate training for Business, Computer
Software and Safety Compliance. With
convenient online training courses that can be taken anytime and anywhere, set
your resolution in motion and offer KnowledgeCity training to your employees. We are adding new courses all the time. Visit our website for a <a href="http://www.knowledgecity.com/signup.html">FREE TRIAL</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
knowledgecityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421607545965526811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6500541639302367194.post-30268454708736286922014-12-16T11:08:00.000-08:002014-12-16T11:08:39.434-08:00When it’s Time for a Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZul4FccEBXIrHoI5r4elCKz5mA3-21yJkJU5OD31lrZuDdXNmH1g6zBggtJ3GTG6yhV09yF88qy-U2-kyChnkxgSwBwjoSO_G3YP9cozmRmcDPEJLigJ34OxAwDkcvMGaGJSxZ0KOUS4/s1600/change.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZul4FccEBXIrHoI5r4elCKz5mA3-21yJkJU5OD31lrZuDdXNmH1g6zBggtJ3GTG6yhV09yF88qy-U2-kyChnkxgSwBwjoSO_G3YP9cozmRmcDPEJLigJ34OxAwDkcvMGaGJSxZ0KOUS4/s1600/change.png" height="270" width="400" /></a></div>
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With 2015 fast approaching most individuals naturally begin
to reflect on what has come to pass and start thinking about changes they want
to implement in their lives for the coming year. Change is inevitable whether we want it or
not. The same is true in business. Technology changes so quickly it is obsolete
before it hits the store shelves.
Customers wants and needs change at the drop of a hat. The economy booms and busts with fluctuating
fanfare.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To challenge the status quo businesses need to know when it
is time for a change and embrace it.
Why? To stay competitive, explore new opportunities for growth and to
meet the needs of their customers and teams.
Whether you resist change or roll with it will determine how many bumps
and bruises your company will endure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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According to an article in the Houston Chronicle, <a href="http://smallbusiness.chron.com/change-important-organization-728.html">“Why
is Change Important in an Organization?”</a> organizations who ask “Why?” often
discover the answer in new ideas and innovations that can in the long run
impact the productivity of employees and the company’s bottom line.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So how do you know when it’s time for a change?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><b>Your business
has hit a plateau.</b> Your team has given all they can and used every facet of
their skillset. Much like the New Year’s
diet and exercise resolution, it hits us hard.
We are struggling against a current and find the shore no closer. It’s time for a change. Maybe you need to add to your team—some new
blood to invigorate—or perhaps you need to develop the team you have with <a href="http://www.knowledgecity.com/">training</a>.</li>
<li><b>Your competitors
have shaken things up.</b> Competition is never a bad thing, but it may be time for
a change. When the going gets tough the
tough focus on what they do best and evaluate the situation. What are your Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities and Threats? The SWOT
analysis can lead to important changes that can keep you competitive.</li>
<li><b>Your financial
projections are amiss.</b> When your financial picture looks askew, it’s time for a
change. Ask yourself these questions: Are
your original projections accurate? What forces, both external and internal,
are affecting these projections? When you have the answers to these questions
you can work to fix what is possible to fix and make plans to work around the
unfixable.</li>
<li><b>Employee morale
has plummeted.</b> It’s time for a change. Have you ever conducted an exit interview? Have you ever polled your staff for
feedback? These are good ways to test
the waters and see where the spoke in the wheel has become unhitched. Sometimes employees leave and never tell you
the real reason why. Don’t wait until
the wheel is broken and the support is gone.</li>
<li><b>Loyal customers
have jumped ship.</b> Now, consumers can be
fickle and it may not be a thing but when your biggest fans walk away—it’s time
for a change. Number one, ask your
customer for feedback. Research reviews
on your business. Ask your sales team
for their insights. Re-examine your
product(s). We can’t all be WD-40, some
of us will need to change.</li>
</ol>
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The best way to embrace change is to educate—yourself and
your team. Knowledge is power. <a href="http://www.knowledgecity.com/">Knowledgecity.com</a>
has some courses for you to consider in the New Year: <i>Managing Change, Building
a Successful Team, Marketing Principles, Strategic Brand Management, Managing
Assets, Managerial Budgeting, HR Management, Consumer Behavior, </i>and <i>Operating a
Business</i> are just a few of the courses that can help your business manage
change with ease.<o:p></o:p></div>
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knowledgecityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421607545965526811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6500541639302367194.post-81317523501247134382014-12-12T15:13:00.000-08:002014-12-12T15:14:04.022-08:00Leadership is A Skill You Can Learn<div class="MsoNormal">
What is a leader? A
leader is a multifaceted style that encompasses more than managing people. According to Kevin Kruse in an article for Forbes,
“Leadership doesn’t automatically happen when you reach a certain pay grade.” (<a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinkruse/2013/04/09/what-is-leadership/">What
is Leadership?</a>) It is a learning
experience all its own.</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Leadership scholars define a leader as a person who sets
attractive goals and has the ability to attract followers, or constituents, who
share those goals. Above all, a leader must be trusted and respected. Trust
between a leader and constituent’s opens up two-way communication, making it
possible for them to realize their common goals."</span> (Marvin Bower,<a href="http://www.mckinsey.com/insights/leading_in_the_21st_century/developing_leaders_in_a_business">
<i>The Will to Lead</i></a>)</blockquote>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the most important aspects of leadership is good
communication skills. Whether it is
coaching or delivering performance evaluations, leaders need to have the
ability to communicate effectively.
Leadership and communication skills can be taught. The ability to communicate and build teams is
important for emerging leaders to be able motivate groups of people toward a
common goal—the goal of the business. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In an article, <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/mikemyatt/2012/01/12/businesses-dont-fail-leaders-do/">Businesses
Don’t Fail – Leaders Do</a>, Mike Myatt writes: ”Why do businesses fail? If
you’re willing to strip away all the excuses, explanations, rationalizations,
and justifications for business failures, and be really honest in your
analysis, you’ll find only one plausible reason—poor leadership.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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In our new course series, Management to Leadership, instructor
Dena Loverde explores the differences between managing people and leading
them. Not everyone is a leader, but with
the skills learned in this course anyone can learn to be one. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
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Take a sneak peek at the lesson: Leader as Goal Setter, from
the course Defining Leadership which will be posted live on our website: <a href="http://www.knowledgecity.com/">www.knowledgecity.com</a> in the coming
weeks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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knowledgecityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421607545965526811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6500541639302367194.post-78040276956963084722014-11-26T15:17:00.000-08:002014-11-26T15:46:42.008-08:00Increasing Productivity in the Workplace<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-yT5TRt0pt6zrsymAqi404HJd9hpzfmKod2g9cDV7KE4vFHAbICGNmlclf7FrJiD1lkBVbDOp8a1eZOQhID-_qNR8w3r-0_eR0-4MV8_oGWF_E8sYkpTBYr29b_R45GDp46m47MDn_A/s1600/Productivity.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-yT5TRt0pt6zrsymAqi404HJd9hpzfmKod2g9cDV7KE4vFHAbICGNmlclf7FrJiD1lkBVbDOp8a1eZOQhID-_qNR8w3r-0_eR0-4MV8_oGWF_E8sYkpTBYr29b_R45GDp46m47MDn_A/s1600/Productivity.png" height="640" width="196" /></a>Highly engaged employees were found to be 26 percent more
productive than their disengaged peers. How
does this affect the bottom line for companies? One study found an increase in
total returns of 13 percent. Increasingly
employees are looking for value and meaningful recognition that has no price
tag.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So what exactly is motivating employee productivity? Recognition, Opportunity and Relationships.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Recognition:</b>
Positive feedback is instant recognition you can give to an employee that will
give them a sense of pride. How does
this help productivity? Your employee knows that you appreciate their
efforts. According to the USNews.com
article, <a href="http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2013/06/06/how-to-give-positive-feedback-at-work">How
to Give Positive Feedback at Work</a>, identify how your employee’s efforts
made a positive impact on the team and the organization. One study suggests that <a href="http://www.amanet.org/training/articles/Accentuating-the-Positive-to-Improve-Productivity.aspx">recognizing
employee’s strengths</a> encourages their team to thrive. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Opportunity:</b>
Giving employees the opportunity to use the skills they have helps them develop
and take their skills to the next level.
Encouraging a lifelong learning culture can take your company a long
way. According to the smallbusiness.chron.com
article, <a href="http://smallbusiness.chron.com/effects-training-employee-performance-39737.html">Effects
of Training on Employee Performance</a>, training enhances morale on the job
and can even increase employee loyalty—two important motivators of
productivity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Relationships: </b>Leadership
is not always easy. Engaging employees
can be a challenge. The key is finding
ways to inspire your employees.
Communication has been and always will be a major component of all
relationships from top level management to individual team members. Open, honest communication must be a priority
in business. Once you have your
communication down, how do you get your team to adopt your goals? According to the study, <a href="http://www.latec.uff.br/mestrado/sg_qualidade/Artigos%20Turma%20-%20segunda/science35.pdf">Management
Leadership and Productivity Improvement Programs</a>, management needs to focus
on goals that matter. Management support
for Education and Training, Empowerment, and Reward Systems can be used to
motivate employees and employees who feel that their leadership cares are more
productive.<o:p></o:p></div>
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knowledgecityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421607545965526811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6500541639302367194.post-16071982634440450982014-11-20T11:19:00.000-08:002014-11-20T11:21:53.156-08:00Employee Engagement & Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs<div class="MsoNormal">
Employee engagement is a workplace mantra. Managers around the globe are starting to think about how to create a culture where employees thrive and become committed members of the team. When a company is able to inspire its employees to adopt its goals through engagement, the company will see the benefits in productivity. One way of doing this is to start with understanding how we as humans are inspired in the first place. What do we need to become committed and how do employers meet that need? If you could ask noted psychologist, Abraham Maslow, he might tell you meet their hierarchy of needs.</div>
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<b>Who is Maslow and
what is his Hierarchy of Needs?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Abraham Maslow proposed in a paper he wrote, “A Theory of
Human Motivation” published in Psychological Review in 1943, that people’s
motivations are unrelated to rewards or unconscious desires. He theorized that people are motivated by
what has become known as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. The hierarchy is depicted in a pyramid that
contains five levels. These levels
include: Physiological Needs, Safety Needs, Social Needs, Esteem Needs, and
Self-Actualization.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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According to <a href="http://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html">SimplyPsychology.com</a>,
people are motivated to achieve each of the needs in the pyramid. After people fulfill the needs at one level
they move on to the next. To progress up
the pyramid each lower need must be met.
Any time there is a failure to meet the needs at a lower level it
disrupts the person’s ability to progress.
Life is unpredictable. As
situations arise these experiences can cause an individual to move back and
forth between levels.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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According to Maslow,<span style="background: white;"> only one in one hundred people ever become fully
self-actualized. This is mainly due to our society which primarily rewards
motivation based on esteem, love and other social needs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white;">How Does </span>Maslow’s
Hierarchy of Needs Help Us Understand Employee Engagement?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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To understand how Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs relates, we
need to see the bigger picture. Let’s
start with Gallup’s <a href="http://www.gallup.com/services/176708/state-american-workplace.aspx">“State
of the American Workplace”</a>. According to the report published last year,
only 30 percent of employees are engaged.
Another 52 percent are disengaged and 18 percent are actively
disengaged. What exactly does that mean?
It means that 70 percent of the American workforce is not committed to
their organization’s goals and values.
They are not motivated to contribute to the organization’s success. These workers are emotionally disconnected
and less productive.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwBFN77x8Mm2DJXCWKLNLVOvuVsUOZo_qLpW6vpt0dhatZg2yNz8ea9hyphenhyphenyDaXbLEKT7X-eRyTp1XtuWduJge11tH6x9crpGvBMd8PR0Tk5gx5PDY517Q4YqUun-urTlaHBYQtSjZ0sP4/s1600/Presentation2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwBFN77x8Mm2DJXCWKLNLVOvuVsUOZo_qLpW6vpt0dhatZg2yNz8ea9hyphenhyphenyDaXbLEKT7X-eRyTp1XtuWduJge11tH6x9crpGvBMd8PR0Tk5gx5PDY517Q4YqUun-urTlaHBYQtSjZ0sP4/s1600/Presentation2.png" height="640" width="213" /></a>According to an article in Forbes, <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/victorlipman/2013/09/23/surprising-disturbing-facts-from-the-mother-of-all-employee-engagement-surveys/">“Surprising,
Disturbing Facts from the Mother of All
Employee Engagement Surveys”</a>, the leading factor that
influences employee engagement is the relationship the employee has with their
managers. Choosing the right leaders
significantly impacts the workforce.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“Outstanding
leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If
people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish.” —Sam
Walton</blockquote>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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According
to a study by Delloitte.com, <a href="http://www.deloitte.com/assets/Dcom-Namibia/GlobalHumanCapitalTrends2014_030714.pdf">“Global Human Capital Trends 2014—engaging
the 21<sup>st</sup> Century Workforce”</a>, 65 percent of executives rated “overwhelmed
employees” as an urgent need that must be addressed. The “always on” employee was built by mobile
technology. We are always connected
24/7. The new “workaholic” lifestyle
just increases with seniority and income.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In
addition to employees being overwhelmed, some other reasons for disengaged
employees are: workload is too high, companies that do not invest in talent
development, no advancement opportunities for high performers, non-inclusive
culture, transitions in leadership.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“People
leave managers, not organizations.” —Anonymous</blockquote>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The key
to engaging employees, motivating your team, and increasing productivity in the
long run is to invest in your workers.
Re-design the position, add benefits that matter, change the work
environment and develop your team and leadership. It is not always easy to re-engage a
disengaged employee, but people aren’t motivated by the bottom line. They are motivated by the things that meet
their hierarchy of needs.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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knowledgecityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421607545965526811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6500541639302367194.post-66819051877256196472014-11-11T13:53:00.000-08:002014-11-11T14:34:11.412-08:00Business & the Future of Social Technology<div class="MsoNormal">
There are 1.5 billion social network users world-wide. According to a global survey conducted by <a href="http://www.mckinsey.com/insights/high_tech_telecoms_internet/the_social_economy">McKinsey&Company</a>,
businesses can, not only benefit from social media, but actually become more
productive in the process. </div>
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By utilizing
web 2.0, as social media is often referred, businesses can virtually eliminate
the wait time created when using traditional methods of business communications
such as e-mail and instant messaging. In
fact according to the survey, 72 percent of the companies reported that they
used some form of social technology in their day to day business. 90 percent of these businesses reported a
benefit from the use of social networking technologies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Who is using social networking? Not as many people as there
should be. The highest percentage of
social technology users were middle managers at 65 percent. Frontline users were not far behind at 60
percent. As businesses begin to utilize social networking technologies as a way
to connect with their customers, it is fast becoming the trend in marketing and
customer service. According to the survey, 35 percent of businesses are using
social networking for customer service.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Depending how much Web 2.0 technologies are integrated into
the infrastructure of the business, the benefits can range. What can be said about using social network
technologies in business is that the more “networked” a business is, the more
benefits they will see—internally as well as in their customer base. Customers are way ahead of businesses on the
social networking front and businesses have a lot of catching up to do.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Using social networking both internally and externally in business can increase the speed at which information is obtained—as much as a 30% improvement according to the survey. It can also reduce communication costs, decrease travel costs, reduce operating costs, and increase the effectiveness of marketing.</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkPmIoNA3s246rS5V-8_RstJgjLkrfywGuliiV21_TyjM7oQWopHVhqc0XOp7763WdkTxOrhMWOAJg1JKvKQE8jIukmeW3Y8zJsCfoxtSPPNXngj1bYbXN5tbU_lrWTNvNVHMJQY9UVg/s1600/socialMedia2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkPmIoNA3s246rS5V-8_RstJgjLkrfywGuliiV21_TyjM7oQWopHVhqc0XOp7763WdkTxOrhMWOAJg1JKvKQE8jIukmeW3Y8zJsCfoxtSPPNXngj1bYbXN5tbU_lrWTNvNVHMJQY9UVg/s1600/socialMedia2.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
knowledgecityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421607545965526811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6500541639302367194.post-38444560150917955042014-11-07T09:52:00.000-08:002014-11-07T09:52:22.170-08:00Sneak Peek! Adobe Creative Cloud Photoshop: Introduction<div class="MsoNormal">
Creative opportunities abound with Adobe’s Creative
Cloud. Last year, Adobe announced that it
would no longer release new versions of its Creative Suite. The plans for a cloud based software service
that was first suggested in 2011, became a reality.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The Creative Cloud has many of the same features as the
suite version, but there are new features as well. There are also new mobile apps that give the
end user more power and mobility in their creative expression.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Adding to our extensive library, we have recently completed recording
on courses for Adobe Creative Cloud Photoshop: Introduction and Adobe Creative
Cloud Photoshop: Advanced. These courses
will be available in the coming weeks on our website: <a href="http://www.knowledgecity.com/">www.knowledgecity.com</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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Enjoy this sneak peek:</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/EARBnIPoOEQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Want more sneak peeks of our courses? You can view the first three lessons of any course for free at our website. Want to be the first to know when we post a sneak peek or post a course live? Follow our:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-courses-at-knowledgecity"> New Course Showcase Page</a></div>
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knowledgecityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421607545965526811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6500541639302367194.post-18575190770382407002014-11-05T14:03:00.000-08:002014-11-05T14:05:02.067-08:00Multitasking: You’re not as Productive as You Think<div class="MsoNormal">
Mobile technology enables us to be hyper-connected to the ever
expanding network of social and business worldwide. It enables us to multitask like never
before. According to a <a href="http://www.pewinternet.org/2012/02/29/main-findings-teens-technology-and-human-potential-in-2020/">study
on technology and human potential</a>, the negative effects of this “always on”
mentality is an increased loss of patience and the need for instant
gratification.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOHtpjPdexc8UL4WQAFXhcYGG79EbjA0Lu_VoIqWBXuZhNC13OQ-4-BUhz11r7vs6_f6hTT1J5t1TMkH-yZkvmFGUgFbs0bWISo5e6a_cpRSAmRaVsiXBURbEEivZFjEk0xfV0VGV4Xo/s1600/Multitasking.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOHtpjPdexc8UL4WQAFXhcYGG79EbjA0Lu_VoIqWBXuZhNC13OQ-4-BUhz11r7vs6_f6hTT1J5t1TMkH-yZkvmFGUgFbs0bWISo5e6a_cpRSAmRaVsiXBURbEEivZFjEk0xfV0VGV4Xo/s1600/Multitasking.png" height="640" width="226" /></a>As technology advances it creates avenues for getting things
done. Working on multiple projects,
doing multiple tasks all at the same time—but what are the results? In our new inpatient world, we may be
watching television, while checking emails; and at the same time: surfing the
net, texting with friends, scheduling appointments, and even throwing in a game
of Candy Crush—after all there may be a few seconds of lag time between texts,
commercials, and webpage loading. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The
question is: How much attention are we giving to each of the projects or tasks
we are doing? Are we really being that productive?</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“When we talk about multitasking, we are really talking
about <b>attention</b>.” --Christine Rosen, <a href="http://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/the-myth-of-multitasking">The
Myth of Multitasking</a></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One study estimates that <a href="http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/study-organizational-multitasking-costs-global-businesses-450-billion-each-year-221154011.html">multitasking
costs global businesses 450 Billion each year</a>. The research shows that people who engage in
multitasking actually end up wasting 40 percent of their productive time switching
between tasks. They also have a higher
susceptibility to distractions. Why is
this? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
According to a study on distracted drivers, <a href="http://www.nsc.org/safety_road/Distracted_Driving/Documents/Cognitive%20Distraction%20White%20Paper.pdf">multitasking
is a myth</a>. In this study it was
revealed that the brain does not perform two or more tasks at once—what we like
to believe it can do when we multitask.
Instead the brain actually performs these multiple tasks very quickly in
a sequential order. This “attention
switching” gives us the false feeling of doing more in less time. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
While the brain attempts to juggle the tasks
it is given, it must also juggle the focus and attention to each task, this
results in a reaction time or delay.
These delays may be a few tenths of a second or more. That may not seem like a lot, but they do add
up. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we multitask we are also prone to making mistakes,
which then we need time to fix.
Multitasking ends up making us ineffectual.<o:p></o:p></div>
knowledgecityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421607545965526811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6500541639302367194.post-11185136934996082042014-10-20T13:30:00.000-07:002014-10-20T13:35:40.448-07:00Take Our Online Course Poll!<h3>
How many online courses have you taken? Submit your response in our Poll:</h3>
<div id="qp_main155165" style="background: -moz-linear-gradient(top, rgba(117,122,129,1) 0%, rgba(91,95,103,1) 10%, rgba(69,72,77,1) 23%, rgba(0,0,0,1) 100%); background: -ms-linear-gradient(top, rgba(117,122,129,1) 0%,rgba(91,95,103,1) 10%,rgba(69,72,77,1) 23%,rgba(0,0,0,1) 100%); background: -o-linear-gradient(top, rgba(117,122,129,1) 0%,rgba(91,95,103,1) 10%,rgba(69,72,77,1) 23%,rgba(0,0,0,1) 100%); background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, left bottom, color-stop(0%,rgba(117,122,129,1)), color-stop(10%,rgba(91,95,103,1)), color-stop(23%,rgba(69,72,77,1)), color-stop(100%,rgba(0,0,0,1))); background: -webkit-linear-gradient(top, rgba(117,122,129,1) 0%,rgba(91,95,103,1) 10%,rgba(69,72,77,1) 23%,rgba(0,0,0,1) 100%); background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(117,122,129,1) 0%,rgba(91,95,103,1) 10%,rgba(69,72,77,1) 23%,rgba(0,0,0,1) 100%); background: rgb(117,122,129); border-radius: 6px; border: 1px solid rgb(150,150,150); filter: progid:DXImageTransform.Microsoft.gradient( startColorstr='#757a81', endColorstr='#000000',GradientType=0 ); margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding: 10px; zoom: 1;">
<div style="background: -moz-linear-gradient(top, rgba(255,255,255,1) 0%, rgba(229,229,229,1) 100%); background: -ms-linear-gradient(top, rgba(255,255,255,1) 0%,rgba(229,229,229,1) 100%); background: -o-linear-gradient(top, rgba(255,255,255,1) 0%,rgba(229,229,229,1) 100%); background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, left bottom, color-stop(0%,rgba(255,255,255,1)), color-stop(100%,rgba(229,229,229,1))); background: -webkit-linear-gradient(top, rgba(255,255,255,1) 0%,rgba(229,229,229,1) 100%); background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(255,255,255,1) 0%,rgba(229,229,229,1) 100%); background: rgb(255,255,255); border-radius: 6px; color: black; filter: progid:DXImageTransform.Microsoft.gradient( startColorstr='#ffffff', endColorstr='#e5e5e5',GradientType=0 ); font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 10px; zoom: 1;">
<div style="padding: 10px;">
How many online training courses have you taken in the past 2 years?</div>
</div>
<form action="http://www.poll-maker.com/results155165xb1087aE4-6" id="qp_form155165" method="post" style="display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">
<div style="border-radius: 6px;">
<div style="clear: both; color: white; cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;">
<span onclick="if((!event.target?event.srcElement:event.target).tagName!='INPUT'){var c=this.childNodes[0];c.checked=(c.type=='radio'?true:!c.checked);}" style="display: block; padding-left: 30px;"><input name="qp_v155165" style="float: left; height: 18px; margin-left: -25px; margin-top: -1px; padding: 0px; width: 25px;" type="radio" value="1" />1 course</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; color: white; cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;">
<span onclick="if((!event.target?event.srcElement:event.target).tagName!='INPUT'){var c=this.childNodes[0];c.checked=(c.type=='radio'?true:!c.checked);}" style="display: block; padding-left: 30px;"><input name="qp_v155165" style="float: left; height: 18px; margin-left: -25px; margin-top: -1px; padding: 0px; width: 25px;" type="radio" value="2" />2 courses</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; color: white; cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;">
<span onclick="if((!event.target?event.srcElement:event.target).tagName!='INPUT'){var c=this.childNodes[0];c.checked=(c.type=='radio'?true:!c.checked);}" style="display: block; padding-left: 30px;"><input name="qp_v155165" style="float: left; height: 18px; margin-left: -25px; margin-top: -1px; padding: 0px; width: 25px;" type="radio" value="3" />3 courses</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; color: white; cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;">
<span onclick="if((!event.target?event.srcElement:event.target).tagName!='INPUT'){var c=this.childNodes[0];c.checked=(c.type=='radio'?true:!c.checked);}" style="display: block; padding-left: 30px;"><input name="qp_v155165" style="float: left; height: 18px; margin-left: -25px; margin-top: -1px; padding: 0px; width: 25px;" type="radio" value="4" />4 or more courses</span></div>
</div>
<div style="clear: both; padding-top: 10px;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfWcvEP0DynUUK5zUZTENFvZkzJz2NnX5KWXRaF9M-6pdtyRB-Y01ijDVOGxTPMUV3aHH6IfG3olrIGSVKPwycmEKSeaiGJniQYG68dDdxdc370jOq0jMSfHKwr5PETpXPeawRuOKbvY/s1600/Election_presidentielle_2007_Lausanne_MG_2761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfWcvEP0DynUUK5zUZTENFvZkzJz2NnX5KWXRaF9M-6pdtyRB-Y01ijDVOGxTPMUV3aHH6IfG3olrIGSVKPwycmEKSeaiGJniQYG68dDdxdc370jOq0jMSfHKwr5PETpXPeawRuOKbvY/s1600/Election_presidentielle_2007_Lausanne_MG_2761.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> KnowledgeCity.com is a state-of-the-art website created to improve employee productivity through our detailed online training platform. With over 7000 tutorials in Business Skills, Computer Software and Safety Compliance, we guarantee users will learn new or updated skills that will improve their productivity.<br />
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KnowledgeCity is the number one way for organizations to train their departments effectively and efficiently.knowledgecityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421607545965526811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6500541639302367194.post-87851058088550182722014-10-17T11:27:00.000-07:002014-10-17T11:32:45.389-07:005 Reasons to Learn Windows 8, Despite the Fact We Hate It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjWRyozqx3tujEHujHlS3P7znhI_iebOMaYfTLMBeQh-ZU-0Fn2KAq7nWQ7KpVeF4njETapulSPRjBMxhZeLBm8RkOFJP1tGd6xk4ZipNQgBy35wHBVTgKds3GnyQzfZCyozIcO-fyZA/s1600/WIN8.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjWRyozqx3tujEHujHlS3P7znhI_iebOMaYfTLMBeQh-ZU-0Fn2KAq7nWQ7KpVeF4njETapulSPRjBMxhZeLBm8RkOFJP1tGd6xk4ZipNQgBy35wHBVTgKds3GnyQzfZCyozIcO-fyZA/s1600/WIN8.png" height="195" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So you purchased a new computer or upgraded your operating
system and, low and behold, you see a screen full of funky squares and
rectangles with various icons which someone thought would be user “friendlier”
than the old way. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But we like the old
way,” You say, “and wait a minute. How do I get in this thing? Where is the
start button?” Surprise! There isn’t one in this new “Metro” style user
interface. Despite your current anxiety,
you fumble through trying desperately to figure things out. It takes some getting used to, yes it
does. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then you hear there is a new
Windows in the works and you think, “I’m saved!” Guess what? The next Windows
version is jumping straight from 8.1 to 10, but features of Windows 8 are not
going away they are being integrated into the 10. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t worry; you will get a
start button and other great features.
So despite the fact we all want Windows 8 to go away, the fact remains
in its entirety or in its parts it plans to stick around. So let’s make the best of it. Here are 5 reasons to learn Windows 8:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ol>
<li><a href="http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/meet"><b>Gone but Never Forgotten</b></a>—For Windows 10, the integration of
live tiles and apps that were new in Windows 8 are a couple of the features
that will be integrated in the new OS. The
Windows 8 start screen actually does have some cool features, so new is not
necessarily always bad and if pieces are going to remain maybe we should learn
how they work.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.computerworld.com/article/2497232/microsoft-windows/estimates-peg-59m-windows-8-devices-in-use.html"><b>59 Million Devices running Windows 8</b></a>—that’s
right, 59 Million. There are potentially
59 million users scratching their heads wondering, “What’s this Windows 8 mess
and what have you done with my start button?”
Sounds like a teaching moment.
Learning Windows 8 could benefit the masses, well, maybe some of the 59
million anyway.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.wpcentral.com/windows-8-uphill-battle-os-ahead-its-time"><b>New is Bad! Or is It?</b></a>—Windows 8 may
just be an OS that is ahead of its time. If the net share results have any say,
and you may think that I’m crazy, but <a href="http://www.cnet.com/news/windows-8-continues-to-crawl-up-the-os-food-chain/">it
has actually gone up since last year</a>.
So either people are settling, or they have learned how to use it and
discovered how awesome it is. See for
yourself the stats don’t lie: </li>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="570" id="na635490998772242000" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="" width="550"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">document.getElementById("na635490998772242000").src="http://www.netmarketshare.com/report.aspx?qprid=10"+String.fromCharCode(38)+"qpcustomd=0"+String.fromCharCode(38)+"qpsp=2014"+String.fromCharCode(38)+"qpnp=1"+String.fromCharCode(38)+"qptimeframe=Y"+String.fromCharCode(38)+"qpf=16"+String.fromCharCode(38)+"qpwidth=600"+String.fromCharCode(38)+"qpdisplay=1111"+String.fromCharCode(38)+"qpmr=10"+String.fromCharCode(38)+"site="+window.location.hostname</script>
<li><b><a href="http://www.informationweek.com/software/operating-systems/windows-8-learning-curve-two-customers-speak/d/d-id/1110052?">It’s
Easier to Learn than You Think</a>—</b>unfortunately the integration of a dual
purpose desktop <a href="http://www.nngroup.com/articles/windows-8-disappointing-usability/">didn’t
work out too good</a>. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>It’s
a tablet and a PC—how convenient—not. But
that doesn’t mean you should not learn Windows 8. There are some who believe that Windows 8 has
a lot to offer, but was really designed for touch. The live tiles are great on a tablet; not so
much on a PC. Still, according to an
article in InformationWeek, there is only a moderate learning curve and most people
should be able to pick up basic navigation in 10 minutes.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2411451,00.asp">Windows 8
is not All Bad</a></b>—According to an article on PC Magazine’s website,
Windows 8 is not all bad. It does have
some very appealing features: faster start-up, access to skydrive, apps and
better security than its predecessors. </li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
knowledgecityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421607545965526811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6500541639302367194.post-2901594132454793662014-10-13T11:06:00.000-07:002014-10-13T11:12:29.467-07:00Learn the Fundamentals of Photoshop using the Creative Cloud<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">KnowledgeCity’s new course, Adobe Creative Cloud Photoshop:
Introduction, will be available soon.</span></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaMuCvRDIvjOZXEiqvITgzG7ILB8qmYJmpdp2D2bZrtfhMczcKWGolIuQu6uAg2nWdSiMADIBLP8ktmtIHAYUKe64eGCQ1ucVUeRRJhBdAJCZybfv8hhy-3A_y1gVuhslC9-P6-u_CEM/s1600/Ps.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaMuCvRDIvjOZXEiqvITgzG7ILB8qmYJmpdp2D2bZrtfhMczcKWGolIuQu6uAg2nWdSiMADIBLP8ktmtIHAYUKe64eGCQ1ucVUeRRJhBdAJCZybfv8hhy-3A_y1gVuhslC9-P6-u_CEM/s1600/Ps.png" height="242" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Adobe Creative Cloud Photoshop: Introduction is a beginner’s
course which introduces students to the fundamentals of Adobe Photoshop, a
pixel-based image editing software application, using the Creative Cloud. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is
the same software used by professional graphic artists and photographers to
create and modify images for use in print, multimedia and web design.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This graphic
design training course includes topics on: working with the tools and the user
interface, using brushes, making selections, masking, layer basics, repairing
and colorizing photos, correcting and enhancing digital photographs and much more.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The course is taught by Carolyn O’Barr; a certified
Adobe Education Trainer. She is a freelance graphic artist and instructor. She
has taught media arts and technology at colleges and universities for 15 years,
and is proficient in numerous software programs in the Adobe Creative Suite.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
Carolyn works with students of all levels, from the computer novice to
professionals in the workplace. She is patient and very good at taking complex
topics and explaining them in a clear and concise way. She is responsible for
nurturing many students who have become award winners and successful
professionals.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you are using an older version of Photoshop we have courses in CS3 and CS4 too!</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you would like to be notified when this course
goes live, follow our <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-courses-at-knowledgecity?trk=company_name">New
Courses Page</a> on LinkedIn and be the first to know!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
knowledgecityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421607545965526811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6500541639302367194.post-49481247426766677882014-10-07T14:47:00.001-07:002014-10-07T14:47:32.807-07:00Freelancers: The New Face of the Workforce<div class="MsoNormal">
According to <a href="https://fu-web-storage-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/content/filer_public/7c/45/7c457488-0740-4bc4-ae45-0aa60daac531/freelancinginamerica_report.pdf">Freelancing
in America: A National Survey of the New Workforce</a>, 40 percent of the
workforce—21.1 million people—are independent contractors. Another 5 percent—2.8 million people—are freelance
business owners.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KwuQc-HdayulwxNnaeC-WL3XrwC40II5jZ03A5MubhvJ_OnYWkXUkCybcKNtAypgq8fOyy919nsPLZfQRQXZdHSCOru-BNiA3gIDS5eWyqspoKjtWvMKCyxG7Jt0YOWvjdw-AgsXBro/s1600/The+TOP+10.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KwuQc-HdayulwxNnaeC-WL3XrwC40II5jZ03A5MubhvJ_OnYWkXUkCybcKNtAypgq8fOyy919nsPLZfQRQXZdHSCOru-BNiA3gIDS5eWyqspoKjtWvMKCyxG7Jt0YOWvjdw-AgsXBro/s1600/The+TOP+10.png" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When faced with the prospect of underemployment or temporary
employment many workers have decided to freelance and the number of <a href="https://gigaom.com/2011/12/08/mbo-partners-network-2011/">freelancers is
expected to grow to 65 to 70 million</a> over the next decade. This would mean that over half of the total
workforce will be freelancers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are a freelancer or considering making the switch
here are the top ten skills that are in demand as reported in a surveys
conducted by <a href="http://press.freelancer.com.s3.amazonaws.com/2013-08-22%20Freelancer.com%20unveils%20the%20top%2050%20fastest%20growing%20online%20jobs%20for%20Q2%202013.pdf">Freelancer.com</a>
and <a href="https://www.elance.com/q/online-employment-report">Elance.com</a>:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ol>
<li>IT & Programming</li>
<li>Design and Multimedia (These include: Illustration,
Photoshop Design, Banner and Logo Design)</li>
<li>3D Rendering, Modeling and Animation</li>
<li>Android and iOS Development</li>
<li>Social Media</li>
<li>Presentations (PowerPoint and Report writing)</li>
<li>Accounting</li>
<li>Writing and Translation</li>
<li>Marketing, Strategy and Public Relations</li>
<li>Business Management</li>
</ol>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Looking for freelance gigs? Here are some sites where you
can find jobs just for your skill set:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.freelancer.com/">https://www.freelancer.com</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.craigslist.org/">http://www.craigslist.org</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.odesk.com/">https://www.odesk.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.elance.com/">http://www.elance.com</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.peopleperhour.com/">http://www.peopleperhour.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Need to update or obtain new skills to launch your freelance
career? <a href="http://www.knowledgecity.com/">KnowledgeCity</a> has courses in Business
Management and Computer Software. Try
the first 3 lessons of any course for free!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
knowledgecityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421607545965526811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6500541639302367194.post-44711281877945735652014-10-02T12:08:00.000-07:002014-10-02T12:08:44.191-07:00Business Word Processing<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933336257935px;">“</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2666664123535px;">Word processing refers generally to the creation, editing</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">, </span><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2666664123535px;">formatting, storage, and output of both printed and online or electronic documents. Word processing is undoubtedly the most-used business application for personal computers…” </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></i></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2666664123535px;"><a href="http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/word_processing.aspx#sthash.oRYLrm7v.dpuf" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2666664123535px;" target="_blank"><i>Encyclopedia of Business and Finance, 2nd ed. | 2007 | Young, Ray</i></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Word Processing involves understanding how business documents and correspondence are formatted. It is a skill that is used to enhance the effectiveness of business communications. From letters to agendas, forms and presentations; word processing keeps the business world moving.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/K1rg60wLAmI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">View a Sample Lesson</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From our Business Course:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Business Word Processing—This lesson focuses on keyboarding techniques. You will learn tips to good keyboarding as well as the correct finger placement for keyboarding. Also includes some keyboarding drills.</span></div>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">KnowledgeCity Presents: </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Business Word Processing</span></h3>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Course Description: </span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">Learn the standards and etiquette for: professional documents, emails, correspondences, and reports.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJBkSSoMpFLXqdmkk1gZssYkkMu7hXFM4qUS6MU_8Y78kgAeKW_l6fxl0daizwPYtyEAhcPhsJr23Om02lRs2X2T5Nsu9TaUX9zVpNRcfl55OJmG2mxAEVSKVBNxeRyqzFSj_OCZnL28/s1600/web1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJBkSSoMpFLXqdmkk1gZssYkkMu7hXFM4qUS6MU_8Y78kgAeKW_l6fxl0daizwPYtyEAhcPhsJr23Om02lRs2X2T5Nsu9TaUX9zVpNRcfl55OJmG2mxAEVSKVBNxeRyqzFSj_OCZnL28/s1600/web1.png" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">This course starts with an overview of Microsoft Word 2007, continues with a description of the skills required for effective word processing, and progresses to more </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">in-depth applications of word processing.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIFcP98frQvPeUpg9OchcKmox2MeTQ81Y2NO0bU965AMVoxyD1EyxIEGyH3feaTM9vcU1KL2Lg05quHMfU6Qo_6QsW86Zxf7tEwFQbMlKBR_ATSPyyO9tKc4GzhTLdjYepzll1PoL2YY/s1600/web3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIFcP98frQvPeUpg9OchcKmox2MeTQ81Y2NO0bU965AMVoxyD1EyxIEGyH3feaTM9vcU1KL2Lg05quHMfU6Qo_6QsW86Zxf7tEwFQbMlKBR_ATSPyyO9tKc4GzhTLdjYepzll1PoL2YY/s1600/web3.png" height="130" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">This </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">course also touches on the process of compiling career portfolios, writing business plans, and more advanced topics such as using mail merge, designing newsletters, and editing with proofreader marks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">Learn to correctly format business correspondence, use templates such as: invoices and reports, and create a company newsletter. Click the thumbnails to see screenshots from the course.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Visit <a href="http://www.knowledgecity.com/">www.knowledgecity.com</a> for this and other great business courses!</span></h4>
</div>
<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"></span>knowledgecityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421607545965526811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6500541639302367194.post-83316929950365543032014-10-01T13:06:00.000-07:002014-10-01T13:06:27.931-07:00Discover the New Face of Training<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9p-xaw_fdXs/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/9p-xaw_fdXs?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/v/9p-xaw_fdXs?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.8999996185303px;"></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.8999996185303px;">KnowledgeCity.com is a state-of-the-art website created to improve employee productivity through our detailed online training platform. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.8999996185303px;">With over 7000 tutorials in Business Skills, Computer Software and Safety Compliance, we guarantee users will learn new or updated skills that will improve their productivity. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.8999996185303px;">Our library offers a unique format that breaks down the topic into sections so the user will thoroughly grasp the training. All courses are taught completely online by industry experts, so anyone taking the courses can do so anytime and at their own pace. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.8999996185303px;">In addition, all users can receive a Certificate of Proficiency upon the successful completion of their course. KnowledgeCity is the number one way for organizations to train their departments effectively and efficiently.</span><span style="line-height: 16.8999996185303px;"> </span></div>
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<br />knowledgecityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421607545965526811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6500541639302367194.post-31309299178823764312014-10-01T09:56:00.001-07:002014-10-01T09:56:07.186-07:00Volunteering: Helping a Cause and Your Career<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">As we move closer
to the holidays many of us will consider volunteering for various
organizations.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">If you have never
volunteered before, you should.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Not only
does volunteering make everyone involved feel good, but while you help a good
cause, you also have an opportunity to add to your resume or enhance your
current position.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2rMxC2NLNgQJvzTipwE5F14B1vjZtc8TbQATQ2S3TWuLK0IRhmUHzgiwMHHAzz-rhflEeBZf4JYC1jZQN5TH5dmmjG6R7gmRWzVuiBT7tFrxt8FDhhM_HlUGPfyUzjX87ZknJyLjSv4/s1600/dreamstime_s_41494726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2rMxC2NLNgQJvzTipwE5F14B1vjZtc8TbQATQ2S3TWuLK0IRhmUHzgiwMHHAzz-rhflEeBZf4JYC1jZQN5TH5dmmjG6R7gmRWzVuiBT7tFrxt8FDhhM_HlUGPfyUzjX87ZknJyLjSv4/s1600/dreamstime_s_41494726.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When
volunteering you can choose to donate your time in an area related to your
current position, where your skills and expertise can be useful, or you may
choose an entirely different area where you can develop new skills, abilities,
knowledge, and work experience.
Volunteering is an opportunity not just to serve the greater good, but
to explore other interests. It can also
be a way to learn and develop leadership skills.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You also
have an opportunity to expand your network.
Volunteering exposes you to other organizations, businesses and employment
fields. You never know who you may meet
while volunteering. The people you meet
during your volunteer experiences will come from all walks of life. Networking with these people can be an added
bonus to your service. Building
professional contacts as well as social relationships with other volunteers can
lead to employment leads and opportunities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the
Forbes article, <i><a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2013/06/24/proof-that-volunteering-pays-off-for-job-hunters/">“Proof
That Volunteering Pays Off For Job Hunters”</a></i>, Nancy Collamer stated, “...<span style="background: white;">when you volunteer, you gain access to
people you might not otherwise meet, creating opportunities to develop positive
relationships outside a traditional work environment.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In a study published last year by the Corporation for
National and Community Service, it was reported that volunteering was
associated with a <a href="http://www.nationalservice.gov/sites/default/files/upload/employment_research_report.pdf">27%
greater odds of employment</a>.
Volunteerism can be used as a strategy to obtain new job opportunities,
especially for recent graduates and others who are re-entering the workforce.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The reason is suggested by another study conducted by the
Center for Economic and Policy Research, <i><a href="http://www.cepr.net/documents/publications/volunteer-2013-06.pdf">“Does
It Pay to Volunteer? The Relationship Between Volunteer Work and Paid Work”</a>
</i>which concluded that “The volunteer experience conveys information to
potential employers about the job applicant’s abilities, such as motivation,
initiative, creativity, and reliability. This makes volunteering particularly relevant
for job applicants with limited prior employment experiences, such as recent
graduates entering the job market, and individuals who are re-entering the
labor market after a longer break.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">So as the holidays near, look for the opportunity not only to
help in your community, but to help in your career. It is a win-win.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Find volunteer opportunities here:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.volunteermatch.org/">https://www.volunteermatch.org/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.idealist.org/">http://www.idealist.org/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
knowledgecityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421607545965526811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6500541639302367194.post-66208319066374181072014-09-29T09:06:00.000-07:002014-09-29T09:07:53.056-07:00Need Training? Stay Up-to-Date on Our New Course OfferingsKnowledgeCity has a new <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-courses-at-knowledgecity?trk=company_name" target="_blank">LinkedIn Showcase Page</a>. To keep up to date on all the new courses coming to KnowledgeCity over the next few weeks log in to your LinkedIn account and follow us.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-ljr7b-f34Oh5gzC3UeuSkr74r_3mplPmHY2GFXOkdJbkRVKdB9MTiy7Vn3sQmUiMgDwhhuBDxbjzTw0laNdG7h3cS_UQiZ-7OLnJmEFqeNJu6bDxcQcMMG8Gbol3Op1uJol41H5Yek/s1600/linkedpic1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-ljr7b-f34Oh5gzC3UeuSkr74r_3mplPmHY2GFXOkdJbkRVKdB9MTiy7Vn3sQmUiMgDwhhuBDxbjzTw0laNdG7h3cS_UQiZ-7OLnJmEFqeNJu6bDxcQcMMG8Gbol3Op1uJol41H5Yek/s1600/linkedpic1.png" height="346" width="400" /></a></div>
Some of our upcoming courses include: Microsoft Excel 2013: Introduction, Microsoft Word 2013: Introduction, Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud: Introduction, and Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud: Advanced.<br />
<br />
Do you need to learn how to use the new tools in Excel? Would you like to restore an old family photo?<br />
Do you want to learn how to communicate effectively with your team?<br />
<br />
If you are looking for courses to update your skills, or even if you are wanting to learn something new, <a href="http://www.knowledgecity.com/" target="_blank">KnowledgeCity</a> has courses for everyone.<br />
<br />
For a quick and easy way to stay connected to all the latest and greatest courses we have to offer follow our <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-courses-at-knowledgecity?trk=company_name" target="_blank">New Courses Showcase Page</a> on LinkedIn. This page will let you know what courses are in the works, what courses will be available in the coming weeks and alert you when a new course is available on our site.<br />
<br />
If you need to train your staff in a cost effective and efficient way, look to KnowledgeCity. With over 7000 training videos, expert instructors, administrative and training needs analysis tools, and the convenience of 24/7 access from any location or device; KnowledgeCity is your solution.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
knowledgecityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421607545965526811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6500541639302367194.post-66637145136650194472014-09-25T11:56:00.000-07:002014-09-25T13:30:24.924-07:00New Features of Excel 2013: Tools that Make Life Easier<div class="MsoNormal">
When you first open Excel 2013, right away you see how much
more visually appealing the program is. Microsoft has also created <a href="http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/excel-help/what-s-new-in-excel-2013-HA102809308.aspx" target="_blank">new features</a> that help save time and increase productivity.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the <b><i>Backstage View</i></b>, you can choose a regular sheet or choose from the
many template options. If you have been
working on a file, the program now has a “recent” section that shows all the files
you have been working on so you can have quick and easy access.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrriY4fEsS28ZduHC2C7HOFxSRWzZZdLQ9Lb8d-xmcI-ODZKWpTcJfXm-yeCD3CFs2IuogcIuJ5amOfYCswkc6It3WF7DG6aHMe2WFegQ7WTJgyD7dvuqM3AgqulNiepRrHZ2Cxehyphenhyphenwwk/s1600/screen1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrriY4fEsS28ZduHC2C7HOFxSRWzZZdLQ9Lb8d-xmcI-ODZKWpTcJfXm-yeCD3CFs2IuogcIuJ5amOfYCswkc6It3WF7DG6aHMe2WFegQ7WTJgyD7dvuqM3AgqulNiepRrHZ2Cxehyphenhyphenwwk/s1600/screen1.png" height="227" width="320" /></a></div>
When working within a document with a large amount of data, <b><i>Flash Fill</i></b> saves time, by recognizing patterns in your data, this new feature
automatically fills in the information based on the pattern in the data.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recommended <b><i>Charts and Chart Tools</i></b> can help you display your
data dynamically. You can easily edit
the look and feel of the chart you choose with filters and pallets. There is also a preview that shows what your
data would look like in each chart.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Use <b><i>OneDrive </i></b>to save and share your files online and on any
device. You can even collaborate in real
time on the same document. There are
features you can use to lock sections of the document, as well as, permissions
and password protection features that help keep your document safe.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These are just a few of the useful productivity and time
saving tools that you can learn in our new course <b>Microsoft Excel 2013:
Introduction</b>. With all the new features,
you could play around with them and try to figure each out. Or you could learn from an expert in
Microsoft Excel.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Look for our new courses coming in the next few weeks:
Microsoft Excel 2013: Introduction, Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud:
Introduction, Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud: Advanced and many more on the
way!</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Visit <a href="http://www.knowledgecity.com/">www.knowledgecity.com</a>
to find these and our other great courses in Business, Computer Software, and
Safety Compliance.<o:p></o:p></div>
knowledgecityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421607545965526811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6500541639302367194.post-34399066077131264842014-09-24T10:08:00.000-07:002014-09-30T10:45:49.689-07:00Job Hopping, A Strategic Career Move?<div class="MsoNormal">
Job hopping. It may
seem like something you do when you are in your twenties. I mean, aren’t we expected to settle into a
career by our thirties? Think about our
future, put down roots in a company that has all we need for security, such as:
decent pay, health benefits, a retirement plan, and a solid foundation for
future growth within our field. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Job hopping was once a sign of instability. However, today it just may make you more
marketable.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to the <a href="http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/tenure.pdf">Bureau of Labor
Statistics</a>, in the <span style="background: white;">U.S. </span>t<span style="background: white;">he average number of years that workers
have been with their current employer is 4.6</span>. Younger workers aged 20-34 had a tenure
average of only 2.3 years. The reasons
people leave their jobs vary, but job hopping does not have to be seen as a
negative.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">Job hopping gives
you a diverse background. When you work
in different jobs you gain experience and knowledge in each. You are exposed to different people and ways
of doing things. It also allows you to
build a network of friends and colleagues that can be beneficial in your next
position.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">Another added
benefit of job hopping is that it allows you the opportunity to find a job that
fits you just right. When you experience
different jobs, you learn what you enjoy.
When you find one that is a good fit, you have the choice to make it
your career. Finding something you love
to do is a great reason for job hopping.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">There are potential
downsides, such as: potential employers may be hesitant to hire you because you
lack staying power. Employers do not
want to have to keep replacing employees. This means you have to prove yourself
time and time again as you move from job to job.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">In an article by
CPGJobs, <a href="http://www.cpgjobs.com/job-hopping-good-career-strategy/">Is
Job Hopping a Good Career Strategy?</a> job hopping can be used as a means to
obtain a promotion, increase your salary and expand your skillset.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">The key to job
hopping is to do it correctly. Do not
just randomly move from job to job; have a plan and try not to burn any
bridges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">Although the idea
of having a stable career that will last all your adult years is sound advice,
sometimes job hopping can be an asset if used correctly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
knowledgecityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421607545965526811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6500541639302367194.post-41974264873249261472014-09-08T15:34:00.000-07:002014-09-08T15:37:07.680-07:00The Future of Training: Moving from Learner Centric to Business Centric Model<div class="MsoNormal">
The future of Learning and Development is moving away from Learner
Centric, or employee needs model, and moving more towards Business Centric, or
business needs model. The reason behind
this trend is that the business needs of the company should be considered when
developing a training program. To have a
measureable effect on productivity moving to a Business Centric model is a
must.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyBvyDUJpOZk6Qq4RLBw7h93yGl4Xiqq5_Q_dD0MYTkVByA6Qpv27gkoJEh3CDAsL9ssHqG3p73T2ndz-5WkGj8n7eEFVy7fMq0-RPnK46QTa5ODpGzroYO33gJPltWkt3frIkVW2Kqs/s1600/BUS1084-011-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyBvyDUJpOZk6Qq4RLBw7h93yGl4Xiqq5_Q_dD0MYTkVByA6Qpv27gkoJEh3CDAsL9ssHqG3p73T2ndz-5WkGj8n7eEFVy7fMq0-RPnK46QTa5ODpGzroYO33gJPltWkt3frIkVW2Kqs/s1600/BUS1084-011-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>According to David Grebow, in his article <a href="http://www.trainingmag.com/future-ld-business-centric-learning">The
Future of L&D: Business-Centric Learning</a>, “Before the learners ever
see the content, it needs to pass the test of alignment with the business
needs.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As an example: If one of the
goals of the business is to increase and measure customer service; in the
Business Centric model, the Learning and Development team would design training
to address this goal of the business.
Courses might include: Customer Service Essentials, Retaining Customers,
Improving your Customer Service Skills.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a recent article in Training
Industry Magazine, <a href="http://www.cedma-europe.org/newsletter%20articles/TrainingOutsourcing/Key%20Trends%20for%202014%20-%20Shifting%20to%20Business-Centric%20Learning%20(Dec%2013).pdf">Key
Trends 2014; Shifting to Business Centric Learning</a>, Doug Haward stated that the
Learner Centric model “missed the mark on the most fundamental principle for
success: ensuring that training is aligned to the needs of the business first.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Learning and Development has been focusing on the skills
gaps for some time now. The trend is to
continue to evaluate what your staff knows and what they need to know to align
with the business needs of the company. An
important trend to this model is consistency.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a rapidly changing industry, training is in fast forward:
mobile devices, video integration, digital content, open source and flipped
classroom. Sometimes it’s hard to
decipher what content can be used or applied to a specific training program.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many businesses seeking to maximize performance are using
the Business Centric model with a virtual component. Moving to E-Learning allows companies to
create a training program that is across the board for all employees and yet
can give that element of Learner Centric while still meeting the Business
Centric model.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Training is made more efficient and effective by online education
companies like <a href="http://www.knowledgecity.com/">KnowledgeCity.com</a>, that
can create custom training paths designed to choose courses for each employee’s
skill level and job responsibilities—courses that are most relevant to the work
they do or need to be able to do to reach the business goals set by the
company.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
KnowledgeCity uses a proprietary algorithm and training advisors
to choose the best courses, and the employee’s own manager approves or modifies
the user’s final course list. By enrolling in the KnowledgeCity Training Need
Analysis program, a company ensures that their employees receive the best
training for their position in line with the company goals.</div>
<o:p></o:p>knowledgecityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421607545965526811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6500541639302367194.post-35135314119317681952014-08-22T11:14:00.000-07:002014-08-22T11:15:13.447-07:00How well is your training transferring to the workplace?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As companies
rely more and more on their team’s knowledge, skills and abilities; we have to
ask: How well is your training transferring to the workplace?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2sZ1NLujCtXUfgPwYm_0SM1dGYqKjfC9TbtUWrwQGyaw8SrbPmLTLrQQMJAqRXbf9rjC2A1mD5CVe_HqC6u9ljK7bwBcQ5_YxyOHx8O07-fAJ3SkX5xT87TdAJFU-8Aaze0AAtKDLHI/s1600/BUS1084-006-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2sZ1NLujCtXUfgPwYm_0SM1dGYqKjfC9TbtUWrwQGyaw8SrbPmLTLrQQMJAqRXbf9rjC2A1mD5CVe_HqC6u9ljK7bwBcQ5_YxyOHx8O07-fAJ3SkX5xT87TdAJFU-8Aaze0AAtKDLHI/s1600/BUS1084-006-1.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Here is the
scenario: You have just spent $1200 per
employee for learning and development training.
Your company spent time to develop the course, somewhere between 40-80
hours, for one hour of instructor-led training. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Your team spent time away from their jobs to obtain the training; factoring
in employee wages and productivity losses. You send them off into the workplace
hoping they learned something they can use in their day to day activities as
part of your team. Was it worth it? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How do you
measure the success of the training?
Your employees have a certificate proving they attended the training, a
nice addition to their employee file, but did they walk away with new knowledge
that they can use? Did they retain
anything that was covered in the training? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The <a href="http://www.astd.org/Publications/Newsletters/Learning-Circuits/Learning-Circuits-Archives/2009/08/Time-to-Develop-One-Hour-of-Training"><span style="color: windowtext;">time it takes to develop a training program</span></a>
is often an overlooked factor in training budgets. However, developing a course and training
structure that will enable employees to utilize what they learned in the
workplace to increase their productivity, is profoundly important.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">With the
advent of E-Learning, Social Learning, and MOOCs, training seems to have gone
mobile and organizations are using this method at an increasing rate. According to a report by the <a href="http://www.astd.org/Publications/Magazines/TD/TD-Archive/2012/11/ASTD-2012-State-of-the-Industry-Report"><span style="color: windowtext;">Association for Talent Development</span></a>, </span><span style="background: #FAFAFA; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">technology-based training methods accounted for 39 percent of the
training methods employed for learning and development. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #FAFAFA; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #FAFAFA; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The great feature of E-Learning, and a well-developed
training program, is the ability to deliver the training anywhere, anytime, and
in smaller bite-sized chunks. The key to
retention is delivering engaging training, in smaller segments that can be
accessed anytime allowing for repeatability and reference.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #FAFAFA; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #FAFAFA; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">When your team is able to go back and repeat a
difficult segment of the training or reference that section at a later date
during the workday, the retention and utilization of the training is transferred
to the workplace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.knowledgecity.com/">KnowledgeCity.com</a>
is an online education company that specializes in helping businesses stay
ahead of the curve by offering online training courses. Our courses are designed with training retention in mind. Take a look at our Business, Computer Software, and Safety courses. Try the first lesson in any course for free.</span></div>
knowledgecityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421607545965526811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6500541639302367194.post-85787622724911510192014-08-13T16:36:00.003-07:002014-08-13T16:36:53.827-07:00Avoiding Training Tune Out<div class="MsoNormal">
You have never heard of “Training Tune Out”? It’s a real
thing. At least, we think it is. We have all been there. Sitting in a training meeting, the instructor
is lecturing on some topic that could be important to your career, but you’re
not quite sure because the voice in your head is going over your important
laundry list of life—and there you have it—Training Tune Out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwixhbiKB_eOyEVUP1qRKYA1mRIx4vOus-FCNwyoTiQZTRpOBaTnmtyL8HpEwQf-dq9ozP49PlycjKWdfgKgF5fMaQz5kQqP585Oasg-cOU14ZkcvitENAEO2X7wtYfRtnUf-j_vAlsHI/s1600/95770128-640x480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwixhbiKB_eOyEVUP1qRKYA1mRIx4vOus-FCNwyoTiQZTRpOBaTnmtyL8HpEwQf-dq9ozP49PlycjKWdfgKgF5fMaQz5kQqP585Oasg-cOU14ZkcvitENAEO2X7wtYfRtnUf-j_vAlsHI/s1600/95770128-640x480.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>Or perhaps you are the instructor, you look out in the
audience and see blank stares, yawns and maybe even a brave soul napping in the
very back. Yup, that’s Training Tune
Out; and yes, you may be the one to blame.
Do not get discouraged. If you
want to keep your audience from tuning out, keep them engaged.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Involve your team in the training. Ask them what challenges they are facing, and
what expectations they have. Tailor your
training to answer their questions, and brainstorm with them on how the training
they are receiving can facilitate their challenges and meet their expectations. Show them how the training is relevant to their
current situation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://ebooks.uosiu.info/eBooki/Umys%C5%82/The_Creative_Training_Idea_Book_Inspired_Tips_and_Techniques_for_Engaging_and_Effective_Learning_-_R.pdf" target="_blank">Get creative.</a> Tell a
joke, offer a funny scenario, break the ice and the tension with something creative
and relevant. Make a competition out of
the training. Nothing engages people
more than a little friendly competition. Plan activities that help facilitate team
building. Give them something to compete
for, anything can be a prize from a company logo t-shirt to a day off with pay.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.jcu.edu.au/wiledpack/modules/fsl/JCU_090460.html" target="_blank">Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic</a> are different ways that
people learn and feel more engaged. Use or
develop a variety of training tools that meet each of these needs and you will
be able to reach the majority of your audience. Here is where getting creative will benefit your training. Have team members act out a scenario, develop a cheer for an important point to remember, your motto is: Keep them active in the learning process. These simple tips may help avoid losing groups of your audience to training tune out and the enthusiasm and engagement created may carry over into their productivity.</div>
<o:p></o:p>knowledgecityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421607545965526811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6500541639302367194.post-25200704180857682892014-08-06T15:46:00.000-07:002014-09-30T10:47:02.398-07:00Team Building is an Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN05IIVS7PilKkujvRvgMTH6a2yWcWTnlYBuzCxvRNWO2x39Nhky1hutESyDZHGxnHfxfqIFAsiwEWhohd5h2uZMbez6HHPVaWFCQXj5ukRrT4HhxFekbzLhx9tqzK61hyphenhyphenKgnor7wARIE/s1600/299f550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN05IIVS7PilKkujvRvgMTH6a2yWcWTnlYBuzCxvRNWO2x39Nhky1hutESyDZHGxnHfxfqIFAsiwEWhohd5h2uZMbez6HHPVaWFCQXj5ukRrT4HhxFekbzLhx9tqzK61hyphenhyphenKgnor7wARIE/s1600/299f550.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Team building takes some human relation skills such as:
Motivation, Leadership, and Communications; all of which boost Morale. In
addition to an astute understanding of people and your team in particular; here
are five tools that you can use to inspire and build your team:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
</div>
<b></b><br />
<div>
<b><b><br /></b></b></div>
<b>
1. Clearly define goals, roles, and
responsibilities:</b> To get your team to become a more cohesive unit, it is
important to communicate not only the reason the team is in place, but also to clearly
define what roles each team member plays in the bigger picture. When we all know our place, it is easier to
contribute to the shared goals of the team.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Be a cheerleader:</b> Motivating a
team is often a difficult task. Why?
Because you must first build interdependence, respect and trust. When you take the time to <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/work-in-progress/2011/04/18/leadership-building-trust-means-better-listening/">listen
to your team</a>, such as through group brainstorming, you show them that their
opinions and knowledge are important to the group as a whole and the end
goal. When you take the time to build up
your team through encouragement and celebrating accomplishments, you build
self-esteem and loyalty.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Build the team you need:</b> Leadership
is a skill that is learned and there is always room for improvement. How is this accomplished? Teach leadership skills and provide
leadership opportunities, mentor and give support, provide training in areas
your team members need development. When
you invest in your team members; your team members become invested as
well.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Build a community:</b> A <a href="http://www.communiteam.org/cbinworkplace.pdf">community</a> is like a
well-oiled machine. Each team member has
a place and a function that contributes to the united whole. The community works as a whole to accomplish
more than either could alone; toward a shared vision or goal. Establish the community rules or code of
conduct. Encourage team members to participate
in the community building process. When
the going gets tough, you will be glad you created a community.<br />
<br />
<b>5. Become a mediator not a judge:</b>
Conflicts are inevitable within a community and a team. How you manage the conflicts will make or
break what you are trying to build. Create
a plan that encourages and respects the diversity of the members and their
opinions, views or ideas. Clearly define
it to your team. People matter and
finding a middle ground during conflict will help your team weather any storm.<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
knowledgecityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421607545965526811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6500541639302367194.post-12481016831007047802014-08-04T10:58:00.002-07:002014-09-30T10:47:53.023-07:00The Importance of Brand Management<div class="MsoNormal">
How your customer perceives you is very important. A brand is not just your company logo but
everything your company is and does.
From the logo to the website to how your team members react and respond
to your customers; a brand is all encompassing and it is critical to be
prepared. In the age of social media, what are customers sharing about your brand?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_rruArcrpeKViJBq-YBhwrIFSsVl5RguJpbFVOOinJUVIjRcOnLvATXnCjPMNZpKXWbnakP27yhF2LT_kiTdkv9Ae4jbRfX-iAZKkbgrTP5bAr_q_VQC7b3GqZdo9dZvYq6CF3jQ0nM/s1600/BUS1084-000-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_rruArcrpeKViJBq-YBhwrIFSsVl5RguJpbFVOOinJUVIjRcOnLvATXnCjPMNZpKXWbnakP27yhF2LT_kiTdkv9Ae4jbRfX-iAZKkbgrTP5bAr_q_VQC7b3GqZdo9dZvYq6CF3jQ0nM/s1600/BUS1084-000-2.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></a></div>
What does a brand do? According to <a href="http://www.functional-marketing.com/strategic-brand-management.html#axzz38Jkf1WBH">Functional
Marketing</a>, “Branding is defining what you want people to think, feel,
experience and believe about your company.”
It gives your company or product recognition. It sets you apart from your competition.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Depending on how you manage your brand, this
can be a good thing or a bad thing. It
can turn employees into a team and lead your company in a positive direction. A brand gives your business value.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Managing your brand requires some foresight.</b><br />
Establishing a
brand, planning and marketing the brand, measuring performance, and <a href="http://www.reputation.com/reputationwatch/articles/how-reputation-capital-can-affect-your-bottom-line">growing
and sustaining your brand’s reputation</a> are crucial to success. Where do you get started?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.knowledgecity.com/">KnowledgeCity’s</a>
Strategic Brand Management course provides an extensive and comprehensive
overview of the branding process. What
is a brand? Why is it important? What research do I need to do? How do I build
a strategy to get my brand recognition?
These are all questions that are answered in this course.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you want to get your company noticed and make a good
impression in the process, Strategic Brand Management is the course for
you. Entrepreneurs can learn the ins and
outs of branding, marketing, and managing brand awareness. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Instructor Lindsey Baker, a Professor at the
Art Institute of California, San Diego whose courses include: Branding,
Corporate Communication and Strategic Brand Management, will navigate you through
this course and teach you how to put these theories into practice.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">Branding is an ongoing process. It requires planning. KnowledgeCity’s Strategic Brand Management
course is designed to give you the tools you need to be successful in your
branding campaign.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
knowledgecityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421607545965526811noreply@blogger.com0