How To Get a Job as an Online Community Manager

How To Get a Job as an Online Community ManagerHow To Get a Job as an Online Community ManagerInterested in a career in online community management? Try unterstellung tips to get involved today.The field of online community management has grown rapidly over the past few years. The rise in popularity can be attributed to the growing belief that companies cannot survive simply by accumulating users. In todays ultra-competitive tech market, companies strive to build a community around their products, services, or mission. But what does a community manager do and what does building a community actually mean?The community manager is responsible for building and maintaining a companys digital brand and/or online presence. Community managers are on the front lines listening to users, managing digital content, encouraging growth and getting people together at meetups. And because everyone in a company works on building the brand in some capacity, community managers often have the opportunity to work with various teams throughout the company.Does a career in community management sound like the ideal fit for you? Here are some tips for looking for a job in this engaging and rewarding line of workBe part of the communityIf you want to work in community management, its imperative to read, browse, and participate in the discussion. Understanding the people and tone of a companys online community is the first step to understanding the brands digital marketing objectives.Make aya youve created an account on the target companys site before applying. If youre already an active member of the community, youre one step aheadRead the FAQs and send a support requestReading the FAQs beforehand will give you three huge advantages when interviewing for a community management position. First off, youll walk in knowing more about the site than expected. Second, youll be familiar with the communitys common issues and concerns. Last, youll understand peoples experience with the companys si te and what the community would like help with.Quick, frictionless support is one of the best ways to gain trust. A schwimmbad support experience is an easy way to lose it. Are there a lot of FAQs or just a few? Is it easy to send in a support request? Is the response time quick and personal? This is where youll make the most impact as a community manager, so its important to have an opinion on whats good, whats bad, and which areas can be improved.Read the guidelinesMost companies will have guidelines or rules about what is and isnt allowed on their site. Reading these rules will grant you insight into what kind of community they are attempting to build and how you can potentially fit into that scheme.One extra step I take involves using the Wayback Machine to look at a companys archived digital content to see how its evolved. With this information, you can ask what the target company has learned as their site has grown and how they envision their community going forward when inter viewing.Find the team pageBe sure to check out the companys team page on their website when researching a target company. This will give you an idea of the personality of the team and the corporate culture of the company whose community you could be managing.Look at the little thingsIts important for the community manager to understand the big picture of the brand. However, its a sites little features that help build the brands culture. The fact that I can reply on Twitter is nice. But its the little animations, the email after you follow someone, the share this feature, the notifications the recipient gets that make it engaging. These actions advocate online unity. Look for the little features of a companys site that fascinate you and start thinking about how you can make them better.As a community manager, youll put yourself out there in front of a lot of people and be responsible for innovating and promoting an online brand. If contributing to the digital culture of a company sou nds like the ideal fit for you, implement these tips to find your dream career today

How the founder of Shadowbox is making the brand a success

How the founder of Shadowbox is making the brand a successHow the founder of Shadowbox is making the brand a successThe feeling of needing to move your body around and lets just be honest, punch something repeatedly after a long day at a high-pressure job is something many of us can relate to. That is how Daniel Glazer, once a busy New York City trader and now the CEO and Founder of boutique fitness boxing studio Shadowbox, released his stress after a long day of work (with a punching bag at a gym that is.) But instead of returning to his desk, he saw an opportunity to give other people that same release.I saw an opportunity to share the benefits of boxing with others who were just like me - overworked, looking for an outlet, but maybe less likely to walk into an intimidating fight club. I became dedicated to creating an experience that was approachable and elicited an emotional response, but didnt endanger the authenticity of boxing, Glazer told Ladders.However, his timing for quit ting his steady, lucrative job to start a boxing gym was notlage the best. He made his decision to start Shadowbox a week before his wife told him she was pregnant with their second child. But then again, when making a career pivot, timing may never be right.Hook, jab, start a new careerWhen she dropped the news, my first thought was Well there goes that idea But its a huge credit to my wife Jessie that she supported everything without hesitation. Others tended to scratch their heads at first. Once we opened the first Shadowbox studio in May 2015, people could touch and feel the idea for the first time, and things really started happening after that, he said.And they have kept happening since opening the first Shadowbox in 2015. The company currently has two studios (one in New Yorks Flatiron and one in Dumbo) and will soon be expanding toChicago, Austin, Los Angeles and Dallas, in addition to its next studio in Tribeca.Though plenty of competitors entered the mix (Rumble, Box Flow , Dogpound) Shadowbox has flourished (it brought in $3 million in 2017 according to Forbes, allowing for this upcoming major expansion.) We make boxing a meditative, sweat-dripping experience that focuses on cardio and body-weight. Its massively cathartic. Theres a unique demand right now for exercises that are both mentally and physically rewarding. Boxing is the tip of the spear leading the fitness industry of yesteryear into the much larger wellness industry of tomorrow.No mora boys clubThe brands success is also due to Glazer tapping into an underserved audience in this space and catering to them.Weve put a focus on creating and fostering an inclusive environment for everyone of all genders, and women seem to resonate with Shadowbox because its an environment separate from the boys club that boxing once was. This is hands down the topic from which I glean the most pride, as we were promoting gender and pay equality before the movement really became part of modern vernacular. Now adays, if you arent doing this - youre a dinosaur.Shadowboxproactively hires women for top corporate positions as well as for training positions like Creative DirectorAnnah Kessler, Glazer noted. When you walk in a studio it also just feels so much more welcoming with its white walls and gloves (perfectly Instagrammable, a requirement for any popular workout these days) than your stereotypical boxing gym image from every movie which, lets face it, had no women, a bunch of old angry guys in sweatshirts and one ceiling fan with a light. Shadowbox also has candlelit boxing classes and sometimes holds classes at trendy boutique hotels like the William Vale.Shadowbox stands apart by always striving to bean inclusive and approachable environment. We truly encourage people of all fitness levels to join the movement. Were also unique in the fitness and especially the boxing world for offering a meditative experience and a focus on overall wellness physical and mental, Glazer told Ladders.A s for taking a major career risk with a pivot focus like this Glazer says, My advice would be its never too late to do what youre passionate about, and theres always a way to make a business out of doing something you love. And if a lot of stress comes along with it or any job he says, Spending time with my wife and kids is my favorite outlet. Seeing life through a kids eyes is a great way to find the absurd in any seemingly important matter.And if that doesnt work, Punching the sh*t out of a heavy bag is a close second.

Find a Professional Mentor in Accounting

Find a Professional Mentor in Accounting Find a Professional Mentor in Accounting There’s lots of buzz around mentorships today. High achievers across many fields, from technology to professional sports, enlist the help of trusted guides as part of their journey. It’s the same if you want to find a professional mentor in your finance and accounting career. Eighty-six percent of CFOs interviewed for a survey said having a mentor was important for career development. However, only 26 percent of the workers we polled actually have a professional mentor. Among female respondents, the number was even lower: a mere 18 percent. A veteran in the field - someone who understands its unwritten rules and who knows you - can help with your professional goal setting, regardless of the stage of your career you’re in. If you’re ready to find a professional mentor in accounting and finance, read these seven essential tips: 1. Know thyself Before you approach possible mentors, you should be able to articulate specifically what you’re looking for. It’s not enough to just think having a mentor is cool; you need to ask yourself why you want a mentor in the first place. What do you hope to gain from the relationship? Perhaps you have questions with regard to career development programs, or maybe you’d like extra support from someone you can relate to in your field. Figure this out before preparing your pitch. Keep getting career advice by subscribing to the newsletter. 2. Decide whom you want to emulate Of the CFOs we surveyed, 48 percent said the main benefit of having a mentor is the ability to learn directly from a person who’s in a role to which they aspire. This is good advice, but don’t let that be your only criterion. Let’s say you have your eye on the C-suite. Does that mean the only options you have for mentors are chief-something-officers? Not at all. A common mistake in finding a mentor is to look only at those who do exactly what you want to do someday. A smarter strategy is to consider the overall person and not just the position. Do you admire his skills in leadership and consensus building? Are you comfortable with the way she treats direct reports? Do his values align with yours? You’ll need these tools on the way up your career ladder. 3. Choose someone you already know To find an accounting mentor, you may be tempted to contact the energetic keynote speaker from the last conference you attended or the hotshot tax manager you read about in a trade magazine. But that may not be your best bet. Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s chief operating officer and an activist for women in leadership, warns against asking a stranger to serve as your mentor. Why? The most productive mentoring relationships spring from a mutual connection. Potential mentors are unlikely to invest their limited time on someone they don’t know. Our recruiters can help you find a job with a company that will give you the professional mentoring you need. SEARCH FOR JOBS SEND US YOUR RESUME 4. Demonstrate your worth (without stalking) Sandberg advises would-be mentees to “work hard to get noticed.” As with networking, the best connections grow organically. By cultivating rapport with individuals within the accounting industry, you’ll develop strong bonds with people who could potentially serve as a mentor. So, if you have someone in mind, don’t pop the question right away. If they are in your company or professional group, volunteer for the projects they lead and give thoughtful input. Join the discussions they participate in, both online and off. You don’t have to be stalky about it. Just try to demonstrate your work ethic and drive. And when you approach them to help guide your CPA career path, that will seem like the next natural step to take in a relationship that has already been developing over time. 5. Find a mentor through a formal program An easy way to get matched with an adviser is to look in-house, if you work for an organization with an established mentorship program. The obvious advantage of a formal program is that potential mentors have already expressed an interest in helping fellow employees and don’t have to be convinced of the value of mentorships. To be approved for the program, they likely also have the institutional knowledge and internal connections to propel your career trajectory within the firm. The disadvantage is you may not have much say in choosing your mentor. Another possible drawback is you’re limited to people within the company, which could be problematic and awkward if you’re thinking about switching employers. 6. Make the most of professional memberships Many accounting organizations, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and state-level CPA groups, offer online and/or in-person mentorship programs. These initiatives match up-and-coming professionals with established accounting and finance specialists through a structured framework. If you’re already a member of professional groups to take advantage of their CPE courses for continuing professional education, as well as conferences and other resources, the opportunity to find a professional mentor is icing on the cake. Whether formal or informal, mentorships are one of the best ways to take your accounting career to the next level. After you find a partner, make the most of this valuable relationship by being prepared for meetings, accepting honest feedback and respecting your mentor's time. Then one day, pay it forward by serving as a mentor yourself. 7. Choose companies that value mentoring relationships If you’re a job seeker, make sure you look for companies that will invest in your career growth. Location, job title, industry, salary and benefits are top concerns, of course, but corporate culture and professional training is important, too. That’s the fuel that keeps your career in finance and accounting moving forward.

Learn How to Start an Animal Rescue or No-Kill Shelter

Learn How to Start an Animal Rescue or No-Kill Shelter Learn How to Start an Animal Rescue or No-Kill Shelter Starting an animal rescue or shelter requires proper planning, facility preparation, and dedicated fundraising efforts. Initial Considerations The first step is determining what type of animals you want to rescue, and how many animals you can adequately provide care for at your facility. Since animal care is a 24-hours a day, 7 days a week responsibility, you will likely need to enlist the help of either volunteers or full-time employees (or both). You will need to come up with a good name for your rescue, as well as design a logo for advertising purposes. Brochures and business cards will useful advertisements and should feature your logo prominently. You will also need to set up a dedicated phone line, post office box, and website to facilitate adoption efforts. Experience and Training Even if you have extensive experience working with animals, it is wise to take the time to volunteer at local shelters or rescues to learn how they operate. A working knowledge of animal health, pet first aid, and pet CPR is beneficial. Location It is important to check the zoning regulations for the land you plan to use for your rescue facility. Also, you must evaluate whether the structures on the land (if they are pre-existing) can be converted for your purposes, or if new construction will be necessary. The facility needs to have sections available to separate dogs from cats, nursing mothers with offspring from the general population, small animals from large animals, and young animals from adults. Isolation areas are also necessary to quarantine new additions so any infectious diseases are not transmitted to healthy animals. Legal Considerations If your rescue group can qualify for non-profit status (also known as 501(c)3 tax-exempt status), donors will be allowed to write off their contributions of money, food, and supplies. After filling out the proper paperwork with the Internal Revenue Service, it can take three to six months (or more) to obtain non-profit status. You should check into the licenses required by your city and state. You will likely need a business license, and some localities also require a kennel license. It is important to have release forms drafted for use when an animal is dropped off or adopted out. It is also wise to have volunteers or those providing a foster home to also sign a basic release form. Fundraising Donations A membership program can raise regular funds from animal lovers in the community. A website and email newsletter should be available to your members to demonstrate what is being accomplished with their support. Be sure to send acknowledgments for donations. Other fundraising activities include applying for grants and endowments, hosting benefit events (dinner, fashion show, or art show), asking local animal businesses to keep a donation jar on their desk, seeking publicity from the media, and selling items such as tee shirts and hats featuring the rescue’s name and logo. Donations of goods and services are often as important as financial contributions. Pet food companies may provide discounted or free bags of food. Hotels may provide old bedding and towels for use in cages. Newspaper stands may donate unsold papers. Local pet photographers may agree to take photos of your animals for your website or brochures. Veterinary Assistance Establishing a good relationship with a local veterinarian is critical. Many dogs and cats that are turned in to rescue groups need spay and neuter services, basic vaccinations, and medication. Some vets may agree to discount the cost of medical services for rescue animals, or even do the work pro bono. Record Keeping Accurate records must be kept at all times. Donations should be carefully recorded for tax purposes. Detailed cage cards and files should be kept for each animal. All release and adoption forms should also be filed. Insurance You will need to obtain an insurance policy that covers liability and other needs. The coverage will protect you in the event that someone is bitten or injured by an animal or is otherwise injured on the premises. Coordinate with Other Rescues and Shelters It is important to establish relationships with other shelters, humane societies, and animal control offices. Let them know what type of animals you will be willing to accept into your rescue program, and set up regular visits to check their populations for potential rescues. Additional Sources of Information Information on starting a shelter may also be found at the website of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

4 ways to get work done after hours

4 ways to get work done after hours 4 ways to get work done after hours You’ve already had a packed workday, but that huge project is still due at the end of the week, and you feel like you still have to make a lot of headway. Or maybe you’re trying to launch a side hustle, but you’re just so drained from your day job you don’t know how to chip away at it once you get home.Here’s how to stay productive after the clock strikes 5 p.m. (or later!), whether you’ve already left for the day or are still holed up in the office  - even if it’s the last thing you want to do.Approach it like you would  a regular shiftWhile early-morning and/or overnight shifts are the norm in some industries, there are steps you can take to get through after-hours periods of work when you’re a lot more used to a 9-5 lifestyle.Set yourself up for boosted productivity by getting enough sleep in advance, packing food that will help you stay focused, dressing so you’re warm or cool enough, and packing a portable cellphone and laptop charger.Commit to whatever block of time you need to get the job done, and don’t torture yourself with thinking about all the Netflix binging you could be doing or all the Facebook posts you could be reading. You’ll only feel distracted and resentful of the time you’re taking away from your recreational activities.Get the tough things out of the way firstAfter taking a brief break, dive right in at the deep end, Alyse Kalish, Associate Editor for The Muse, writes.“Take advantage of the second wind you got from quick break by tackling the most urgent stuff first - that means the tasks that are due tomorrow or that your boss emphasized they need ASAP. Then, cover the more challenging stuff. You know, the stuff that takes the most brain power. You may not get to it all, but starting to lay the groundwork now will make it easier to finish later on (and if you know you won’t get it all finished in time, here’s how to break the news to your boss),” Kalish writes.Get through your work one assignment at a ti me, but powering through the challenging stuff can make you feel a little lighter afterward.Make 10 minutes your goalProve that you can make meaningful progress for at least this small amount of time.Alan Henry, former Lifehacker Editor-in-Chief,  writes in Lifehacker about a trick the media outlet’s Editor-in-Chief (as of 2012) used to get ahead:“Lifehacker Editor-in-Chief Adam Pash gives himself  10 minutes in the evening to work on his pet projects, sometimes more, never less. If he can drag himself off the couch for 10 minutes of focused work, that’s a success - and at the end of that 10 minutes, if he feels like working some more, he does. If he feels like closing up shop and going back to the couch, he does. The important thing here is that he makes himself get started, and even on those nights when he doesn’t feel like doing anything, he at least gets 10 minutes of progress towards his goals,” Henry writes.Once you clear your resistance to getting started, you’re most of the way towards your goal. Pash explains that even though he has the option to return to not doing work once the 10 minutes pass, “the beautiful thing is, I almost never do.” He also said that this “isn’t a new idea by any means.”Our hope is that you’ll keep working, too.But remember not to overdo itWe know that putting in too many hours isn’t always good for us, so be sure not to use up too much of your after-hours time on work-related tasks.So set some boundaries by limiting yourself to tackling work after the day is over only when you really need to.

Liquid Metal Batteries May Revolutionize Energy Storage

Liquid Metal Batteries May Revolutionize Energy Storage Liquid Metal Batteries May Revolutionize Energy Storage Liquid Metal Batteries May Revolutionize Energy Storage Battery storage capacity is an increasingly critical factor for reliable and efficient energy transmission and storagefrom small personal devices to systems as large as power grids. This is especially true for aging power grids that are overworked and have problems meeting peak energy demands. Companies are scrambling to develop scalable battery solutions that can stabilize these grids by increasing energy efficiency and storage capacity. The market opportunity for grid-scale energy storage is large, growing, and global, says Phil Giudice, CEO and president of Ambri, a start-up company in Massachusetts that is developing an innovative battery system that relies on molten metal for storing energy. The battery is based on research conducted by co-founder Donald Sadoway at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The system is different from other storage options on the market because it is the only battery where all three active components are in liquid form when the battery operates. Two liquid electrodes (magnesium and antimony) are separated by a molten salt electrolyte; the liquid layers float on top of each other based on density differences and immiscibility. The system operates at an elevated temperature maintained by self-heating during charging and discharging, resulting in a low-cost and long-lasting storage system. Early prototype units of the battery. The commercialized product will use a 6-inch square. Image: Ambri When a liquid metal battery cell is at operating temperature, potential energy exists between the two electrodes, creating a cell voltage. When discharging the battery, the cell voltage drives electrons from the magnesium electrode and delivers power to the external load, after which the electrons return back into the antimony electrode. Internally, this causes magnesium ions to pass through the salt and attach to the antimony ions, forming a magnesium-antimony alloy. When recharging, power from an external source pushes electrons in the opposite direction, pulling magnesium from the alloy and redepositing it back onto the top layer. Liquid electrodes offer a robust alternative to solid electrodes, avoiding common failure mechanisms of conventional batteries, such as electrode particle cracking, states Ambri on its website. The all-liquid design also avoids cycle-to-cycle capacity fade because the electrodes are reconstituted with each charge. Extensive laboratory testing on over 2,500 cells with a cumulative test time of 600,000 hours and 100,000 cycles shows that the all-liquid cell design avoids the main failure mechanisms experienced by solid components in other battery technologies. This enables our systems to have a projected lifespan of over 15 years with no degradation in performance, states Ambri. Other advantages of liquid metal batteries include: Modular design that can be customized to meet specific customer needs Negligible fade rates over thousands of cycles and years of operation Uses inexpensive, earth-abundant materials Can respond to grid signals in milliseconds Stores up to 12 hours of energy and discharges it slowly over time Operates silently with no moving parts, easy to install A Competitive Field The liquid-metal battery is an innovative approach to solving grid-scale electricity storage problems. Its capabilities allow improved integration of renewable resources into the power grid. In addition, the battery will hopefully improve the overall reliability of an aging grid and offset the need to build additional transmission, generation, and distribution assets. This is, however, a competitive field. Dozens of start-ups are targeting utility-scale energy storage with innovative systems that utilize compressed air, iron flow batteries, saltwater batteries, and other electrochemical processes. Ambri continues to improve the performance and longevity of its batteriessome of its test cells have been running for almost four years without showing any signs of degradation. The company is also exploring other elemental combinations, including calcium, lithium, and lead. Because of the simple design and easy-to-source materials, manufacturing the battery will cost far less than other storage technologies for an equivalent amount of storage. Ultimately, says Ambril, we envision working with global partners to build factories around the world, creating partnerships to serve regional markets. Mark Crawford is an independent writer. For Further Discussion The market opportunity for grid-scale energy storage is large, growing, and global. Phil Giudice, CEO, Ambri

How to Avoid Common Job Interview Mistakes

How to Avoid Common Job Interview Mistakes How to Avoid Common Job Interview Mistakes Job interview mistakes can ruin your chances of a job offer - even if your resume and cover letter are in tip-top shape, and you're strongly qualified for the open position. If you don't have trouble landing an interview, but can't seem to get a job offer, maybe it's time to improve your job interview skills. Then you can show potential employers the real you and boost your chances of landing that dream job. To be at your best in your next job interview, review the following tips on how to avoid making five common job interview mistakes. 1. Being nervous Problem: You don’t come across as confident - or competent - because you’re so nervous. Solution: Job interviews can make you nervous for good reason. There’s a lot at stake. Luckily, you can often keep jitters at bay simply by being prepared. Know what’s required for the position. Familiarize yourself with the potential employer, its customers and some of its challenges. And find out all you can on the Internet and through your online network. Then practice talking about yourself and your qualifications. Expand your job opportunities with help from Robert Half, the world’s first and largest specialized staffing firm. 2. Getting distracted in phone interviews Problem: You’re uneasy with phone interviews, because you can’t see the interviewer - and get a sense of how you're doing. Solution: Since the interviewer can’t see you either, what he or she hears will shape how you're perceived. So speak clearly. And remove all noisy distractions such as barking dogs, the sound of kids playing, ringing cell phones and door bells. To help you focus, jot down important points as the interviewer talks. And have some questions of your own ready to ask. Smiling when you respond will help you come across as more energetic and positive - even if you can't be seen. 3. Being unprepared Problem: You get caught off guard by unanticipated questions. Solution: Do your homework on some of the most common interview questions and practice answering them. Here are a few to start: Can you tell me a little about yourself? Your answer should be brief. But quickly show the hiring manager how your relevant skills and experience could benefit the company. Why do you want to work for our company? Your response should make clear that you’ve researched the organization and know why the job is a good match for your skills. It can be helpful to mention specific projects or programs that have impressed you. What are your strengths and weaknesses? The first part of this job interview question is usually easier to answer. When describing weaknesses, make sure to name a specific weakness(not just “I’m a perfectionist!” or “I’m too committed to my work”). Then describe the steps you're taking to overcome it. Where do you see yourself in five years? Talk briefly about your goals for professional growth and career advancement. And explain how and why you see a future with that organization. Do you have any questions for me? Have specific questions about the company and the available position ready. Or ask the interviewer what he or she likes most and least about working for the company. 4. Being overly confident Problem: You don’t know the line between being confident and arrogant. Solution: You need to express confidence in yourself and enthusiasm for the position?. But do it chiefly by speaking honestly about your qualifications and letting your experience speak for itself. If you answer every question with bravado, you may come across as insincere. 5. Being negative Problem: You make a number of negative comments during interviews. Solution: This interview mistake can be highly damaging to your chance of getting a job offer. Even if you’ve just had a bad layoff experience, don’t speak critically about your former employers, colleagues or companies. It will simply make you appear petty. Also stay away from self-deprecating comments: They don’t help you show a positive image or demonstrate your competence or confidence. This post has been updated to reflect more current information.