Les Brown is definitely one of my inspirations. Possibly more than any writer or speaker. Each time I apply for a job that I want or if I really want something that seems to be impossible, I think of Les Brown's story.
I remember reading about him in the past but I never paid much attention until I worked in real estate for a while. Our boss back then showed us his video and then I never forgot about him ever again. His name might slip my mind every now and then but his story will always be an inspiration.
He wanted to become a disc jockey and wanted it too much that he went back to the radio station so many times until the manager finally gave him a job. He was willing to start small and worked his way up.
This is how our attitude should be. First we should know what we really want to be. Don't think of what your parents want you to be or what you should be because of so many external factors like your education, financial status, etc. If you will be doing what you really want or love, most likely you will succeed and exceed even your own expectations. But you have to work hard for it. Don't be too proud of yourself. Be willing to start at the bottom. Remember, to be able to climb up the stairs, you'd have to take the first step first. One more very important thing, you must really want something to get it. Create that desire within you that is unbreakable by anyone. Not because someone discouraged you, or if you saw someone who failed, you lose your desire. This desire must not be broken or shaken by anyone.
VERY IMPORTANT: It's not enough to just think about it. Practice. Do something that will bring you closer to your dream! Then I can assure you, whatever happens, no matter how long it takes, you will get what you want.
Here's a short video of Les Brown. Listen to him tell his story. This is what "hunger" must be like. Enjoy!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Jobs and Criminal Record
I found a very interesting article on Wikihow. So how do you really get a job when you have a criminal record? All the jobs I've ever had, including some of my home based freelancing writer jobs, required me to present either an NBI or Police Clearance.
As a student, I experienced visiting prisons here in the Philippines. There were also a few times I've been to the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (for non-criminal reasons) and I've seen prisoners waiting for their turn for their cases to be heard.
I do not own this photo. Grabbed from http://fruitfulharvest.net No copyright infringement intended.
I can't help but think on what happens next after they get through this. How do they live? How do they find jobs? It would probably be hard to convince their families that they have become better after serving their sentence, considering the situation in Philippine prisons, what more convincing companies to give them a job.
In one of my school's outreach programs (this was about 7 years ago), I got to talk with one of the prisoners in maximum security of the Bilibid Prison. He told me that while in prison, they are given a chance to study. Student prisoners actually have more benefits and he mentioned that they have more comfortable accommodation compared to others.
Let's say they got education there so that when they get out they can find jobs, but how do they do that exactly? This article below contain tips and some words of encouragement too. Please share this to people you know who have records so that they have a second chance in life. Being an ex-convict shouldn't mean the end of the world to someone. They still have a chance to reach their dreams! That's why there's an "ex-" before convict because it's in the past. God forgives and we don't have the right to judge these people.
Here's the link to the article: How To Get a Job with a Criminal Record
This video discusses about US law but can also serve as a guide, just an FYI:
How does a criminal record affect employment?
Thursday, March 24, 2011
The Call Center Experience
Without a doubt, BPO's are probably one of the biggest provider of jobs in our country. Thousands of applicants turn to call centers with hopes of higher than the usual salary and a five-day work week. It's true call centers provide this and more. By experience, I know for a fact that they offer more benefits than most jobs advertised. HMO, overtime pay, night differential, bonuses, commissions, insurance, etc. The package is complete!
The business of call centers in recruitment alone is already so huge that there are plenty of companies offering services to train to become a call center agent. A lot of people are given the impression that getting a job in a call center is hard. Come application or interview day, some applicants become so nervous and think that those who are experienced or got trained in advance have an edge already and it would be too hard for them to get accepted. What happens is that even if an applicant passes the written or computer-based exam, when it's time for their speaking skills to be evaluated, they stutter and sometimes just completely shut up.
I think that getting a job in a call center is quite easy. If you practice and try to follow my tips, I can guarantee you'll get that job offer instantly! I've been in that industry for over four years in four very different companies so I can guarantee that the information I'm about to say is true. Before I continue, I would like to make it clear that even if I believe that self confidence is the key, make sure you know at least the basic skills required. Practice speaking English out loud. If you can, try speaking ONLY the English language at least 24 hours before your interview. There are IQ tests online, try taking those tests. If you type slow, go to one of my favorite websites for practice: http://typingtest.com. Believe it or not, I've seen people who apply in call centers without knowing basic computer skills, especially the Internet. You must at least know how to access an e-mail account or Google information. If not, then learn it first.
This may be hard to believe but some call centers are not so critical about English speaking skills. I met so many people in this industry with "just okay" English speaking skills. Writing skills even worse. What almost everyone has in common is conversational English skills. Most call centers provide lengthy trainings and it's almost impossible for a normal person not to be able to learn. What I'm trying to point out is, even if an ad says that a call center is looking for someone with exceptional English speaking skills and you don't think your exceptional, apply anyway. For as long as you show confidence in your interview, you'll make it. Not arrogance but confidence.
If you think that working in a call center is hard, it is in some ways. The recruitment staff are experts and will be able to determine on what level you can work. You will be trained. Think of it this way: you have a new mobile phone, a different brand from your old one. First day you have it, even sending SMS is just too hard. Next day, you're using it like a pro. Weeks passed, you can operate your phone even without looking at it! That's just how it goes. Let me tell you that when training starts and when you begin taking calls or calling out, you and your colleagues who started with the company at the same time are all equal. You all share the same knowledge that was taught in training. Account-sensitive information are not taught in any call center school at all! You only have access to that information once you are in production training.
Same goes for other jobs as well. My first month working in a hotel was difficult. I didn't even want to talk to guests because I might say something wrong. On my second month, I was working on my own. Third month, I was an expert!
I'm writing about this because it's common knowledge that the unemployment rate in the Philippines is high. However, if you check on job ad sites and Sunday newspapers, thousands if not millions of jobs are available. Working in a call center has improved millions of lives and provided enough, sometimes even more than enough income for a family. Some call centers do not even require a degree, a high school diploma is fine. Some people just don't even try applying thinking they are under-qualified. There is no harm in trying. Just do it! You'll never know unless you try. And if you try, give it your best shot! If you fail the first time, there are plenty more companies where you can apply. Just keep on trying!
So I say to you: Keep asking, and it will be given you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened for you. Luke 11:9 (International Standard Version)
The business of call centers in recruitment alone is already so huge that there are plenty of companies offering services to train to become a call center agent. A lot of people are given the impression that getting a job in a call center is hard. Come application or interview day, some applicants become so nervous and think that those who are experienced or got trained in advance have an edge already and it would be too hard for them to get accepted. What happens is that even if an applicant passes the written or computer-based exam, when it's time for their speaking skills to be evaluated, they stutter and sometimes just completely shut up.
I think that getting a job in a call center is quite easy. If you practice and try to follow my tips, I can guarantee you'll get that job offer instantly! I've been in that industry for over four years in four very different companies so I can guarantee that the information I'm about to say is true. Before I continue, I would like to make it clear that even if I believe that self confidence is the key, make sure you know at least the basic skills required. Practice speaking English out loud. If you can, try speaking ONLY the English language at least 24 hours before your interview. There are IQ tests online, try taking those tests. If you type slow, go to one of my favorite websites for practice: http://typingtest.com. Believe it or not, I've seen people who apply in call centers without knowing basic computer skills, especially the Internet. You must at least know how to access an e-mail account or Google information. If not, then learn it first.
This may be hard to believe but some call centers are not so critical about English speaking skills. I met so many people in this industry with "just okay" English speaking skills. Writing skills even worse. What almost everyone has in common is conversational English skills. Most call centers provide lengthy trainings and it's almost impossible for a normal person not to be able to learn. What I'm trying to point out is, even if an ad says that a call center is looking for someone with exceptional English speaking skills and you don't think your exceptional, apply anyway. For as long as you show confidence in your interview, you'll make it. Not arrogance but confidence.
If you think that working in a call center is hard, it is in some ways. The recruitment staff are experts and will be able to determine on what level you can work. You will be trained. Think of it this way: you have a new mobile phone, a different brand from your old one. First day you have it, even sending SMS is just too hard. Next day, you're using it like a pro. Weeks passed, you can operate your phone even without looking at it! That's just how it goes. Let me tell you that when training starts and when you begin taking calls or calling out, you and your colleagues who started with the company at the same time are all equal. You all share the same knowledge that was taught in training. Account-sensitive information are not taught in any call center school at all! You only have access to that information once you are in production training.
Same goes for other jobs as well. My first month working in a hotel was difficult. I didn't even want to talk to guests because I might say something wrong. On my second month, I was working on my own. Third month, I was an expert!
I'm writing about this because it's common knowledge that the unemployment rate in the Philippines is high. However, if you check on job ad sites and Sunday newspapers, thousands if not millions of jobs are available. Working in a call center has improved millions of lives and provided enough, sometimes even more than enough income for a family. Some call centers do not even require a degree, a high school diploma is fine. Some people just don't even try applying thinking they are under-qualified. There is no harm in trying. Just do it! You'll never know unless you try. And if you try, give it your best shot! If you fail the first time, there are plenty more companies where you can apply. Just keep on trying!
So I say to you: Keep asking, and it will be given you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened for you. Luke 11:9 (International Standard Version)
Job Hunting Tip #2
Once again, let me say that having a job is an essential part if you want to become rich. Having your own businesses or investments will give you your millions but if you need financial stability, you have to have a job. If you don't have the money yet to build your own business or buy your own investments, then get a job first! Businesses, stocks, etc have seasons of ups and downs. But if you have a job, no matter what happens, whatever the situation of the economy, by law your employer will have to pay you. You can only stop working a day job once your businesses or investments are already stable, or if you have a bank account that is good enough and you're feeling secure your family will not go hungry.
I mentioned in another blog entry Money Machine Part 1 that the road to riches may only be reached by feeling, looking, talking and living rich. The same concept goes when job hunting for your perfect or dream job.
Feel, talk and look like you're perfect for the job
(even if you know that there are more suitable candidates than you)
Once again, it's all about the packaging. I'm not telling you to pretend that you know so much about a job when in fact you know very little or nothing at all. Let me share a few experiences:
For the past six years, I have worked for four different industries: BPO, hospitality, real estate and journalism. In the BPO industry, I've covered three different services: customer support, technical support and sales. I've worked for both American and Australian accounts. I've worked both day and night shifts. In the hospitality industry, I've worked for both Front Office and Sales/Reservations.
Getting the BPO job was easy. I was a fresh graduate when I started. The call center business was just beginning to boom. They were trying to get as many new hires as possible. I remember coming to the interview wearing a very formal business attire, with black stockings! There were even some applicants who thought I was the boss! That time I felt I was overdressed. It is very common to see applicants for call centers wearing jeans and a shirt or blouse. This is not right especially if you have no experience or if you think your skills are not enough! Just by dressing up the proper way, you are giving the impression that you are professional. You make your interviewer think that you can be a future boss. This is what they are looking for. People who will last a long time and with potential to be promoted. Thousands of people applying in call centers everyday doesn't mean we are given the right to take this for granted. Everyone gets noticed! Every single applicant gives their potential employers an impression. If you don't think your skills are enough, try your best to stand out.
I applied in a hotel with no experience at all with hospitality, tourism or even face-to-face customer service! Again, self confidence was the key. I made sure that the interviewer knew that I was sincere when I said I'm willing to learn and I do learn fast! I didn't even have any idea during that time what I was getting myself into, I didn't even know if I can learn hospitality in a short period of time. But I was determined, I eventually made it and I think I did quite well with my job.
I admit without shame that real estate is not a thing for me. I lasted in this industry for less than three months! I never made a sale. But how did I get accepted when I applied? How did I make my former bosses think I can do the job? I dressed well, I spoke well, I was honest. I spoke from the heart. I told them my dreams, my achievements and even my failures. I came into their office determined that by the time I leave that same day I already had a job offer. Once again, I did it.
By the time I was trying to pursue a career in journalism, it wasn't easy to convince companies that I am qualified because it's been more than five years since I graduated college. Even if I studied a great deal of journalism in college, they assume that by this time, I've already forgotten everything I learned in school. My writing experience was never professional until this year. How did I convince them to hire me? Pure confidence and nothing more. In my first writing job application, I didn't even have formal writing samples to present! I still got accepted.
Please don't get me wrong. I'm talking about being confident but please know how to differentiate that with just pure arrogance. Be careful in doing this. It is important that you do not give the wrong impression. I learned that the hard way, I was rejected in a few jobs in the past because I gave the arrogant impression rather than the confident impression even if I didn't mean it that way. One more thing, BE HONEST. Do not pretend about having certain skills or knowledge when you don't. You'll never know if you'll be put on the spot. That would just be super embarrassing.
I mentioned in another blog entry Money Machine Part 1 that the road to riches may only be reached by feeling, looking, talking and living rich. The same concept goes when job hunting for your perfect or dream job.
Feel, talk and look like you're perfect for the job
(even if you know that there are more suitable candidates than you)
Once again, it's all about the packaging. I'm not telling you to pretend that you know so much about a job when in fact you know very little or nothing at all. Let me share a few experiences:
For the past six years, I have worked for four different industries: BPO, hospitality, real estate and journalism. In the BPO industry, I've covered three different services: customer support, technical support and sales. I've worked for both American and Australian accounts. I've worked both day and night shifts. In the hospitality industry, I've worked for both Front Office and Sales/Reservations.
Getting the BPO job was easy. I was a fresh graduate when I started. The call center business was just beginning to boom. They were trying to get as many new hires as possible. I remember coming to the interview wearing a very formal business attire, with black stockings! There were even some applicants who thought I was the boss! That time I felt I was overdressed. It is very common to see applicants for call centers wearing jeans and a shirt or blouse. This is not right especially if you have no experience or if you think your skills are not enough! Just by dressing up the proper way, you are giving the impression that you are professional. You make your interviewer think that you can be a future boss. This is what they are looking for. People who will last a long time and with potential to be promoted. Thousands of people applying in call centers everyday doesn't mean we are given the right to take this for granted. Everyone gets noticed! Every single applicant gives their potential employers an impression. If you don't think your skills are enough, try your best to stand out.
I applied in a hotel with no experience at all with hospitality, tourism or even face-to-face customer service! Again, self confidence was the key. I made sure that the interviewer knew that I was sincere when I said I'm willing to learn and I do learn fast! I didn't even have any idea during that time what I was getting myself into, I didn't even know if I can learn hospitality in a short period of time. But I was determined, I eventually made it and I think I did quite well with my job.
I admit without shame that real estate is not a thing for me. I lasted in this industry for less than three months! I never made a sale. But how did I get accepted when I applied? How did I make my former bosses think I can do the job? I dressed well, I spoke well, I was honest. I spoke from the heart. I told them my dreams, my achievements and even my failures. I came into their office determined that by the time I leave that same day I already had a job offer. Once again, I did it.
By the time I was trying to pursue a career in journalism, it wasn't easy to convince companies that I am qualified because it's been more than five years since I graduated college. Even if I studied a great deal of journalism in college, they assume that by this time, I've already forgotten everything I learned in school. My writing experience was never professional until this year. How did I convince them to hire me? Pure confidence and nothing more. In my first writing job application, I didn't even have formal writing samples to present! I still got accepted.
Please don't get me wrong. I'm talking about being confident but please know how to differentiate that with just pure arrogance. Be careful in doing this. It is important that you do not give the wrong impression. I learned that the hard way, I was rejected in a few jobs in the past because I gave the arrogant impression rather than the confident impression even if I didn't mean it that way. One more thing, BE HONEST. Do not pretend about having certain skills or knowledge when you don't. You'll never know if you'll be put on the spot. That would just be super embarrassing.
Job Hunting Tip #1 was published right before this entry so you may want to check that out too.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Job Hunting Tip #1
I'm back with another "Part 1". Job Hunting is such a general topic and will require such a huge space in this blog. I shall be dividing this into smaller parts to make sure my readers are still entertained.
Once again, I do not consider myself an expert in this topic. There are many blogs and websites offering tips, however, my difference is that I experienced this FIRST HAND and these are RECENT events. Meaning, this is not old school advice! If you follow these tips carefully, you will be led to the job of your dreams.
Before I continue, you may be asking why is the awesomemoneymachine writing about job hunting when people who usually advise on how to become truly rich with tons of money would recommend going on business. Well, I believe that there are more people like me who have obligations and in urgent need for financial stability. I agree that being an employee seldom provides a millionaire life, especially if you're far from the retirement age. But if you do not have money to start a business, you better get a job first. Soon, your money will be working for you.
Here are a few tips and experiences I'd like to share:
Do not stop applying until you find the perfect job.
I graduated college 6 years ago and my resume already shows that I have a total of 6 companies listed in my work experience. On top of that, I have a few home based and part time jobs, professional and unprofessional listed there as well. This is not a good thing for most employers. I actually have a choice of not declaring some of the other companies I have worked for, like some applicants do, but I like it that way. I had what I would consider valid reasons for leaving each one of them. I was never fired so why hide it? For each single job, I had a purpose, I learned new things so I have to be proud of all of them.
I just thought that if my first or second job was already the perfect job for me, I would have exerted more effort to keep the job no matter what the circumstances were. It's not true that there is a lack of jobs. There are plenty and you are free to check all of them out. Our generation is very lucky because most applications can be sent out online, and employers pre-screen your application before asking you to come for an interview. Saves you so much time and money!
When I am asked to go to a scheduled interview, I check on the location and other companies in the area so if I finish early I won't be wasting the rest of the day. You can always walk in and drop your resume. Not because you got rejected for a job in the morning, you'd have to dwell on that for the rest of the day. Some companies would also tell you they'd call you in 24 hours or in a week, but if they find a more suitable candidate, they don't really call. It's your job to follow up. In that case, you don't have any assurance. Don't waste your time waiting because it could be for nothing. You better start looking for another option. You can actually turn around the situation that instead of employers choosing you, you get to choose them. This is when you already have so many job offers in front of you. You now have a choice of which company you would like to work for and all other important things like the location, schedule and the salary offered!
If you have finally chosen a job and you would have to turn down other job offers, it is always nice to write them a letter. There will be times that you would have to do this in person, through the phone or even through SMS. But it is always better if you write a letter because you have a chance to double check on the things you would have to say. Make sure you don't sound rude or arrogant just because you did not choose their company, because it is always possible for your paths to cross again. One more thing, if you really like a job and a company but you're thinking of turning down their offer for some reason, ALWAYS TELL THEM WHY. Or simply ask them if you would like something else or something additional. They might just say yes. In all those times I asked, I got a YES.
Good luck to your job hunting and watch out for Job Hunting Tip #2!
Once again, I do not consider myself an expert in this topic. There are many blogs and websites offering tips, however, my difference is that I experienced this FIRST HAND and these are RECENT events. Meaning, this is not old school advice! If you follow these tips carefully, you will be led to the job of your dreams.
Before I continue, you may be asking why is the awesomemoneymachine writing about job hunting when people who usually advise on how to become truly rich with tons of money would recommend going on business. Well, I believe that there are more people like me who have obligations and in urgent need for financial stability. I agree that being an employee seldom provides a millionaire life, especially if you're far from the retirement age. But if you do not have money to start a business, you better get a job first. Soon, your money will be working for you.
Here are a few tips and experiences I'd like to share:
Do not stop applying until you find the perfect job.
I graduated college 6 years ago and my resume already shows that I have a total of 6 companies listed in my work experience. On top of that, I have a few home based and part time jobs, professional and unprofessional listed there as well. This is not a good thing for most employers. I actually have a choice of not declaring some of the other companies I have worked for, like some applicants do, but I like it that way. I had what I would consider valid reasons for leaving each one of them. I was never fired so why hide it? For each single job, I had a purpose, I learned new things so I have to be proud of all of them.
I just thought that if my first or second job was already the perfect job for me, I would have exerted more effort to keep the job no matter what the circumstances were. It's not true that there is a lack of jobs. There are plenty and you are free to check all of them out. Our generation is very lucky because most applications can be sent out online, and employers pre-screen your application before asking you to come for an interview. Saves you so much time and money!
When I am asked to go to a scheduled interview, I check on the location and other companies in the area so if I finish early I won't be wasting the rest of the day. You can always walk in and drop your resume. Not because you got rejected for a job in the morning, you'd have to dwell on that for the rest of the day. Some companies would also tell you they'd call you in 24 hours or in a week, but if they find a more suitable candidate, they don't really call. It's your job to follow up. In that case, you don't have any assurance. Don't waste your time waiting because it could be for nothing. You better start looking for another option. You can actually turn around the situation that instead of employers choosing you, you get to choose them. This is when you already have so many job offers in front of you. You now have a choice of which company you would like to work for and all other important things like the location, schedule and the salary offered!
If you have finally chosen a job and you would have to turn down other job offers, it is always nice to write them a letter. There will be times that you would have to do this in person, through the phone or even through SMS. But it is always better if you write a letter because you have a chance to double check on the things you would have to say. Make sure you don't sound rude or arrogant just because you did not choose their company, because it is always possible for your paths to cross again. One more thing, if you really like a job and a company but you're thinking of turning down their offer for some reason, ALWAYS TELL THEM WHY. Or simply ask them if you would like something else or something additional. They might just say yes. In all those times I asked, I got a YES.
Good luck to your job hunting and watch out for Job Hunting Tip #2!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Money Machine Part 1
This is just Part 1 and I would most probably not write about this topic consecutively so please follow my updates.
I learned in John Calub's Money Magnet Seminar and I've read in so many books and articles that the secret to gain tons of money is to feel rich, look rich, talk rich, live rich, etc. Let me just say that being rich is not evil. Let's not be drowned in the concept that the rich are evil and they just rip off the less-fortunate. Even the Bible says that God wants us to prosper. Money will not make you evil for as long as you did not earn it in an evil way and you do not use it in evil ways. Pay it forward and be generous once you have the wealth.
I know someone who earns more than a million a month in her spring roll (lumpia, a Filipino delicacy) business. She has a small stall in a posh mall and sells in bazaars too. This girl I'm talking about is younger than me. I'm 26. That makes her 25 or younger. More than a million a month. Spring rolls. Imagine! She studied culinary arts abroad which makes other people think that's how she made it. But I'm sure lumpia is not something she learned in school. I think she knows and she lives The Secret. She has recently purchased a unit in the most expensive condominium building in Metro Manila. She's 25 or under. So how does she sell? Aside from the obvious that her spring rolls must really be very delicious, it's in her packaging. Not just the packaging of the spring rolls but how she presents herself. Even if she's in a small stall in a bazaar or in the mall, when she comes to visit her store which is most of the time, she looks her best. She wears her best clothes and jewelry, she talks to customers in a very professional yet friendly way, she simply acts like a millionaire all the time. So the millions come to her non-stop! If she can do it, why can't we?
I used to work for the BPO industry for quite some time years ago. Dressing up is not really common in almost all the offices I've worked for. Just a shirt, jeans, flip flops or sneakers are okay. I can still remember a few people who come to work in jogging pants or shorts. This is not unusual in that kind of setting. You see people like this in the office everyday, and I was one of them. Those days, my mom would always tell me that I have to dress up more for work. She said that if you dress like a boss, you'll feel like a boss, then you'll become boss. I never paid attention. I wish I did. My mom knew better. She was Vice President of a big bank before she retired. Now I know what she means.
From now on, let us all feel rich, look rich, talk rich and live rich. We won't lose anything if we do that, right? Let's just make sure that we still know how to differentiate these acts from just plain arrogance.
I learned in John Calub's Money Magnet Seminar and I've read in so many books and articles that the secret to gain tons of money is to feel rich, look rich, talk rich, live rich, etc. Let me just say that being rich is not evil. Let's not be drowned in the concept that the rich are evil and they just rip off the less-fortunate. Even the Bible says that God wants us to prosper. Money will not make you evil for as long as you did not earn it in an evil way and you do not use it in evil ways. Pay it forward and be generous once you have the wealth.
I know someone who earns more than a million a month in her spring roll (lumpia, a Filipino delicacy) business. She has a small stall in a posh mall and sells in bazaars too. This girl I'm talking about is younger than me. I'm 26. That makes her 25 or younger. More than a million a month. Spring rolls. Imagine! She studied culinary arts abroad which makes other people think that's how she made it. But I'm sure lumpia is not something she learned in school. I think she knows and she lives The Secret. She has recently purchased a unit in the most expensive condominium building in Metro Manila. She's 25 or under. So how does she sell? Aside from the obvious that her spring rolls must really be very delicious, it's in her packaging. Not just the packaging of the spring rolls but how she presents herself. Even if she's in a small stall in a bazaar or in the mall, when she comes to visit her store which is most of the time, she looks her best. She wears her best clothes and jewelry, she talks to customers in a very professional yet friendly way, she simply acts like a millionaire all the time. So the millions come to her non-stop! If she can do it, why can't we?
I used to work for the BPO industry for quite some time years ago. Dressing up is not really common in almost all the offices I've worked for. Just a shirt, jeans, flip flops or sneakers are okay. I can still remember a few people who come to work in jogging pants or shorts. This is not unusual in that kind of setting. You see people like this in the office everyday, and I was one of them. Those days, my mom would always tell me that I have to dress up more for work. She said that if you dress like a boss, you'll feel like a boss, then you'll become boss. I never paid attention. I wish I did. My mom knew better. She was Vice President of a big bank before she retired. Now I know what she means.
From now on, let us all feel rich, look rich, talk rich and live rich. We won't lose anything if we do that, right? Let's just make sure that we still know how to differentiate these acts from just plain arrogance.
10 Ways to Gain Fans on Facebook (and Twitter followers too)
This is an article I wrote for one of my job applications. It was a small company but very promising. Their goals are the same as mine. The books they read are the same books I love to read. The thing that captured my interest the most is that they make their employees play Cash Flow! That's a game by Robert Kiyosaki, author of the book Rich Dad Poor Dad. I'll just write about that in another blog entry. I applied even if I know I wasn't qualified for the position, I knew very little about the job, but it's something I'd love to do even for the rest of my career life. I got accepted, but I didn't sign the contract. They wanted me in the company, but for a different position. I didn't take it. Anyway, I just wanted to share this article for those who might be interested.
Note: Most, if not all the information I have placed here come from various websites that resulted from my search in Google. Sources will be listed at the end of the article. I have inserted some of my own opinions as well. These formulas/ways on how to gain Facebook fans are not arranged in chronological order since I have not tried and tested most of them, so I’m not very sure how much each of these actually works.
- Like/Be friends with people or subjects of the same interest.
In this way, they can see your profile if you have made a comment or posted something on a certain fan page. It also helps if you post interesting comments on other people’s pages so that if their viewers like what you posted and becomes somehow curious about you, they will click your profile and would probably like you as well.
- Interact with your Facebook fans.
Fans would usually appreciate responses on the comments or posts they place on a fan page. They would most probably respond again in the future, and more likes and responses on a post would definitely show the post on User Feeds. It would also bring up the post on Google when someone searches about something related to it.
- Insert RSS feeds of your blog into your Facebook page.
By inserting RSS feeds from your blog or website into your Facebook fan page, every time a new update or entry is added in you blog or website, this will automatically appear on the Facebook page as well.
- Update the Facebook page regularly.
Placing updates on your Facebook page regularly, preferably some that are exclusive only to Facebook will maintain interest of current fans. They may share your post or link in their own pages or suggest it to friends. If the page is also regularly updated, it will continuously appear on fans’ User Feeds.
- Set up contests that would require people to become a fan of your Facebook page.
I have personally liked several fan pages which was at first not my interest, but eventually became interesting as well because of this reason. For example, a gadget store will ask you to place your best photo about a certain subject and the photo that gets the most “likes” will win a gadget. The people who have entered the contest will suggest this to their friends and will request them to like their photo, which will also require their friends to like the fan page first. It is a cycle that has been proven effective.
- Integrate the Facebook account with a Twitter account.
Gaining followers in Twitter is way easier that gaining fans on Facebook. Information placed on Twitter is also easier to spread out just by placing hash tags on interesting subjects or probably find a way to add in your information to become related to the current Trending Topics. Asking famous people or celebrities to re-tweet something is also easier and faster than asking them to do the same in Facebook. It is also proven that placing links on tweets going to your Facebook fan page will gain your page wuite a number of fans.
- Twiends.com or other similar websites.
Twiends.com is an amazing website which I only discovered upon researching about this subject matter. I never paid attention on how many Twitter followers I have however when I tried this, I gained more than 20 followers in under 5 minutes. That number I usually gain after several months on Twitter. The site also has a tool that can gain Facebook followers, I tried it for a couple of fan pages I administer and gathered more than 10 fans under 5 minutes. I checked the people who started becoming followers and fans and most of them seem to be real people and not computer-generated accounts. Twiends.com from what I understand about it is somehow also a social networking site, where you can place in your interests and people with the same interest appear on a page where you can click to like their fan page or follow their Twitter account. Your own page also appears on other people’s screens so they also get to like you. Liking a page also gains Twiends credits for someone and in turn gives other people credits when they like you. So it’s also like a cycle that just goes on as long as you also like other pages.
- Try to get a few popular people to share your page.
If you know someone influential, credible, a friend who has thousands of Facebook friends or Twitter followers or possibly a celebrity and get them to share your page, you are guaranteed to get a number of additional likes on your fan page. Some people just want to like what their “idol” likes; it is a very common attitude especially with social networking sites.
- Place links to share your website or blog entries in Facebook, Twitter, etc.
It is very important to place those buttons to click on for a site to be shared on Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites. This makes it easier for people who find your site/blog interesting to share with their friends. It is also include a link to like your Facebook page. Some people would prefer liking you on Facebook so that everytime you have an update, it will appear on their User feeds and they no longer have to check your website all the time.
- Buy advertising space on Facebook.
This may be the most effective among all of the ways to gain Facebook fans, however will involve an extra cost. Ads on Facebook usually appear on pages of people who have a common interest with what your page is about. It is very visible and with a good picture and catchy caption, you are sure to gain fans.
Sources:
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