VIX and the Psychology of MarketsWe know that greed and fear rule the markets. But did you know that when investors gets too greedy, markets usually fall, and when investors are overcome with fear, markets usually rise. So how can when we monitor investors emotions and take advantage of investors emotional extremes?Welcome to the world of investor sentiment analysis.Investor psychology has been analysed for at least 250 years. Charles MacKay...more
If you are a loan officer or mortgage broker, and you are on the market for mortgage leads, you may want to consider buying them in "real time."Real time leads or fresh leads are for loan officers looking for quality in a lead, as opposed to buying quantity, otherwise known as buying in bulk.If you are buying your leads in bulk, you are undoubtedly purchasing very old leads that have been recycled from lead company to lead company several times...more
Bring LIFE into the strategic planning processFace it - you didn't go into business for yourself to give up all semblance of the life of your dreams! You had a great idea and/ or wanted to be your own boss. But you quickly found that you were sacrificing many things in your life - your workouts, your family, your yard, your health! Yes, you need to work very hard to jump start that business, but with thoughtful planning, it doesn't have to run (or ruin?) your life.Strategic planning is a purposeful process in which all successful companies partake. However, seldom is anything outside the confines of the corporation considered, and one of the beauties of being a small business owner is that you can bring your life into this process. It is here that you can find a balance between business and life.Start with your values. Values are the foundation of your life, and if you're not living by them, you will feel out of integrity and out of balance. Know your values, communicate them with those around you, be it at work or home, and make a commitment to yourself to live by them. Include them in your strategic plan for the year, so that you don't forget about them. Your personal...more
Any good job hunter needs a resume package. The cover letter and resume always go together and do the same basic thing in slightly different ways. A job hunter without both of them will probably not get very far in the search for a good career position. With that in mind, let's take a look at what these crucial documents should do for you. The...more
Here's a tip for cover letters to get more interviews. Use a bulleted format cover letter rather than a standard letter in paragraphs. The bulleted format is more eye catching, and is more likely to be glanced at by the hiring manager or other person assigned to sort through resumes. This format will help you get your resume seen by more people...more
A thank you letter after you accept a job offer shows good taste, gratitude, and in general shows a new employer that they made a wise decision in hiring you. Most new hires do not write one, so if you are one of the smart few people who do, your relationship with your new employer will get off to a great start.When you write this type of letter, the main goal you wish to accomplish is solidifying the new relationship. You can do this by re-stating the qualifications you have that will be beneficial to the company. Remind the hiring manager in this way of the reasons he had for hiring you. You are, in this way, congratulating him on his good sense, but doing so in a non offensive, and non-egotistical manner. Be matter of fact, and to the point, because that is businesslike and you and he are there to conduct business. With luck you two will have a very long and mutually rewarding relationship.If you are accepting a job in sales, marketing, promotions or a related field, then your letter should remind the hiring manager of accomplishments you've had in the past in sales or marketing. Tell the hiring manager that you are motivated and looking forward to working with your new...more
The exit interview is not a time to burn bridges with your old company. It has become a very common ritual throughout corporate America, and the idea behind it is to find out from departing staff members, when they no longer have to worry about...more
What are good questions to ask during an interview is a good question in itself, and one that always comes up when a conscientious person is preparing for a big job interview. The fact that a person even wonders that sets them apart from the crowd...more
Preparing for an interview over the phone is primarily a mental exercise, and something that is easy to prepare for. It is the second impression that you will make on a hiring decision maker - the first impression was obviously made for you by your...more
A sample letter to use as a guide when preparing your follow up letters can assist your job search, save you time, and make you look very professional. Take a look at the following, and use it as a guide when preparing your own follow up...more
A sample thank you letter that you use after an interview, as a guideline or template, will save you a lot of time when preparing this type of correspondence. Since you'll prepare it before the job interview when you are not nervous and have a clear...more
A sample job acceptance letter should be kept on the computer of job seekers to be customized for a new situation and used when it is needed. A job seeker should also know how to use it, and when to use it. With that in mind, a sample letter...more