What to Look for When Hiring a COO for Your Startup

What to Look for When Hiring a COO for Your StartupIf you want to continue growing your startup and have a valuable business, it is important to know the next steps required to ensure the continued success of your startup.Randy H Nelson, author of The Second Decision, points out that one of the key things you need in your business is a solid right hand leader to help implement structure and processes within your startup.When youve reached this step in your startup, you need to think about hiring a COO to help in the day to day leadership responsibilities while you stay focused on the strategic side of the business.Hiring your COO is a big step and it is important that you know what to look for in that individual. There are 5 key traits to search for in your COO 1. Leadership QualitiesOf course, the first thing you need to look for in your COO is strong leadership skills. Look for individuals who have prior leadership experience. This experience doesnt necessarily have to be within yo ur industry.When you are einstellungsgesprching candidates, ask creative interview questions about their past leadership experiences and how they would handle certain situations that may arise within your startup.2. Patience with a Sense of UrgencyYour startup likely needs to operate quickly in the business if you want to stay ahead of bigger competition. That means that your COO must be able to quickly make the right decisions when it comes to day to day operations.However, at the same time you need someone who is patient and understands that it takes time and effort to grow a successful company. Having a leader on your team who is patient but also operates with a sense of urgency is detrimental to your startups success.3. Ability to Hold the Team AccountableA key responsibility of your COO will be holding your team accountable and ensuring that the day to day operations are most effective.If you want a COO who can hold your team accountable, you will need someone that your team wi ll look up to as a leader.Some of the top ways that leaders earn the respect of their team is by understanding each part of the business. You will want a COO who is not afraid to get his hands dirty and be involved in many of the day to day tasks that your team is responsible for. When your team knows that their leader is just as knowledgeable in each part of the business, they will have a new found respect for him.By having a hands-on leader, it will be easier for him to keep the team on track and know exactly how the business should operate.4. Ability to Implement New Processes and ProceduresYour COO will be someone who has previous leadership experience in small companies. When you have an individual who has been involved in developing and implementing processes in similar environments to your startup, they should be able to do the same in your startup.This is a necessary skill in order to further grow and develop your startup.5. Understands and Believes in your einbildungPerhaps one of the most important things to look for in your COO is the understanding and belief in your vision.Having a right hand person on your leadership team who stands behind you and your vision is instrumental to your startups success. Your COO will need to be working with you in the same direction, towards the same goals.When searching for the right COO for your startup, pay attention to the individuals passion, desires, and ultimate goals. If these fall in line with yours, then you are on the right track.What are some other things that you are looking for in hiring your COO?

How to use the first 5 minutes of networking to impress

How to use the first 5 minutes of networking to impressHow to use the first 5 minutes of networking to impressAnyone who saw the news story about the Facebook data breach likely had the same reaction.Sigh, of course that happened.Who today is surprised at a massive data leak? Maybe the Target credit card debacle gave you pause. Or the Equifax breach. But now? Security breakdowns are so common we can only shake our heads.Excuse me while I seek credit monitoring tafelgeschirrs forever.The predictable is painful. That goes for data breaches and how we interact with one another. You know what happens at a happy hour when you talk and talk?Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreThe other people stand around and think Sigh, of course that happened. They become bored while you dominate the conversation.Thats why, in the first five minutes of any conversation, the smartest networkers do what n o one expects they only ask questions.Yep, the best small talkers play the role of reporter and ignore their own back-stories. How? They use the six most powerful words in networking. I include two of those powerful words in bold down below.Smart networker Where do you work?Person Im a sales rep for iHeartRadio.Smart networker Oh, cool. Whats it like to work there?Person Its a pretty cool place. We often get tickets to free concerts and access to new music.Smart networker Thats pretty sweet. What shows have you seen recently?Person Well, lets see. Back in December I saw You ask a question. And then another. And then another. Youll get to your own life soon enough. Stay in the moment.Watch what happens as the conversation ensues.Smart networker Wow, you get to see all kinds of cool concerts. Do you have to work at the shows too?Person Yea, at the show in December, I had to work the merchandise table because the company who usually handles that service dropped the ball at the last mi nute, and now were looking for another partner.Smart networker Oh, interesting. You know I work for a staffing agency and we provide employees for short-term gigs like that.Person Oh, really? Email me tomorrow and Ill put you in touch with our HR director.Do you see my point? If you remain laser focused on the other person, you will take the conversation WAY beyond Whats your name? and Where do you work? Now youre in the opportunity realm where a meaningful conversation can lead somewhere substantial.OK. Times up We reached five minutes into a networking conversation.Now what?If you want talk further, you have two options1. Wait for the person to say OK, enough about me. Tell me about you. Thats always best. You spent ample time in question mode, and now its your turn to dish out some answers.2. The person might NEVER say Tell me about you. Weve all met that guy or girl. Clueless to the world. When the person gives you a break in the conversation, interject with your own info.Thats a cool story. It reminds me of a situation at my job Heres the bottom lineWhether you have the chance to tell your lifes story or not, you already got what you came for, so to speak. You (nicely) interrogated someone else, gained knowledge you didnt have and perhaps found a way to network further.All from the first five minutes. All because you asked questions.Thiscolumnfirst appeared onDannyhRubin.com.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Short-Term Disability Benefit Basics

Short-Term Disability Benefit BasicsShort-Term Disability Benefit BasicsWhether an incident takes place on the job or after hours, everyone bears some risk of becoming incapacitated, unable to work, and in need of assistance from short-term disability insurance coverage. This coverage provides financial support to replace lost income while you take time off to recuperate at home. While becoming injured or ill does happen at home and other places, a surprising number of disabling incidents happen in the workplace in any given year, creating a substantial need for disability insurance coverage. An annual report released by the union organization AFL-CIO has reported its findings on the safety of the American workplace. Called Death on the Job The Toll of Neglect, the report advises that each day approximately 150 workers die on the job, and some7.4 million to 11.1 million worker injuries take place each year, often going unreported. According to the Council for Disability Awareness, ar ound one-quarter of todays 20-year olds have a gunst der stunde of becoming disabled at some point in their career before retirement. Some peoples disabilities will require more support than the amount provided by short-term disability insurance. On average, long-term disability incidents last about 34.6 months, meaning almost three years of lost work and foregone income. Short-Term Disability Benefits Employer-provided short-term disability (STD) insurance pays a percentage of an employees salary for a specified amount of time, if they fall ill or get injured, and cannot perform the duties of their job. Generally, the benefit pays approximately 40 to 60 percent of the employees weekly gross income. Independently-purchased short-term liability insurance works relatively the same, offering a range of partial to full income coverage, depending on the policy level and premium you choose to pay. Disability income may or may not be subject to income tax, depending on whether the poli cy was funded with pre-tax or after-tax dollars, among other considerations. When Coverage Begins Coverage usually starts anywhere from one to 14 days after an employee suffers a condition that leaves them unable to work. The time of coverage may vary from 9 to 52 weeks from eligibility. Many times, employees are required to use sick days before short-term disability kicks in if its an illness that keeps them out of work for an extended period of time. Employers often have other types of insurance that cover workplace injuries, such as workers compensation, with different rules and requirements, versus disability insurance for those injuries that occur off the job. If an employee must be out of work for longer than the short-term disabilitybenefits coverage period, then either a long-term disability plan or permanent disability kicks in. This may happen at 10 to 53 weeks from the date of eligibility. Determination for long-term disability is provided by the insurance companys te am of doctors and insurance analysts who carefully monitor each case. Who Pays for Short-Term Disability Coverage? A short-term disability policy can be an employer- or employee-paid benefit. Generally, though, employers offer short-term disability coverage as a benefit. Companies do have a choice of having employees pay for coverage, with certain tax implications. Each state sets its own requirements as to whether employers must carry short-term disability insurance and the mandated limits of basic coverage amounts. States can also dictate the amount of the weekly cash benefit limits. Group coverage for short-term disability can be attained in the following ways Contract agreement through an insurer that covers disability.Through a self-funded plan agreed upon by the employer directly. (Two popular providers include Aflac and MetLife.) Policy Terms and Responsibilities As an employer, you can create a policy dictating that employees use sick days before going on short-term disability for an extended illness. You can also require documentation from a doctor to prove an illness or injury. During the time that an employee misses work, the employer may also request that the employee visit an approvedmedical provider or an occupational medicine center for regular updates on the progress of the employees health. A third-party claims administrator will be in charge of managing these aspects while the employee takes time out of work. Employees must report any changes in their status immediately. These rules are in place to help prevent insurance fraud, a problem that costs employers billions of dollars annually. Various short-term disability plans dictate different terms for qualifications. The main terms typically include Employees need to work for the employer for a certain amount of time before coverage kicks in.Employees need to work full-time, usually 30 hours or more a week. The following components may be included in a short-term disability plan benefi ts package Percentage of weekly salary paid out (typically between 40 percent to 60 percent of weekly salary).Duration of short-term disability benefits (typically between nine to 52 weeks).The maximum amount of time covered under the disability program (up to 52 weeks) Its also important to know the rules of the states in which employees reside. While most states do not have a mandated short-term disability requirement, The Society for Human Resource Management advises that five states including California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and the US territory of Puerto Rico do have mandatory coverage guidelines. Employers may want to also consider offering a voluntary benefit option for a long-term disability program that takes over once an employees short-term disability ends.

Self-Discovery Through Me Dates

Self-Discovery Through Me DatesSelf-Discovery Through Me DatesThe urban dictionary defines me dates as an enjoyable evening spent alone where one treats themselves as if they were their own date. I heard about the concept of me dates only a few months ago. During ur first date, my girlfriend told me she does them every now and then as a way to reconnect with herself. As she was telling me how shed take herself to a gallery or a dinner, I realized it wasnt something I do and I was feeling uncomfortable to do. I wanted to overcome this fear. I challenged myself to do me dates regularly and use them as a tool for my weekly self-discovery. Why I do me datesI go on a me date to slow down, mind myself, and listen to myself. That helps me to regain my sense of myself and to feel content. Ive done it to celebrate a professional win, such as fruitful discussions on lessons learned on our past hiring. Ive done it when I had moved to my new apartment and wasnt quite settled there yet. I do me d ates when I recognize a situation that requires time and space to reflect on the concerns, thoughts, or emotions it brings. When I look after myself, I also have the energy and focus to deliver at work, as well as the compassion and patience to help or mentor others on the team. BackgroundIts been a few crazy months now personally and professionally separating with my long term ex after 8 years togethermeeting my girlfriend and madly falling in love with herhaving a 4-day overlap between the previous and new personal chapters in my lifescreening for naming agencies to work on our rebranding launching a new products beta exploring Lisbon for a month with Volen, our co-founder, and COOcoming back to Dublin, moving to a new place introducing our co-founder CEO Georgi to the Dublin startup scene during his 3 weeks here What my last me date was likeLast week, both the post-breakup shock and the madly-in-love adrenaline were gone for the first time and it felt like a low point. All of th at had been taking a lot of my energy, like a full-time job, yet on the side of my real full-time job. On Friday I went home early, just after 4 pm and slept for a couple of hours. Then, I reviewed the summary of the first round of company name proposals as part of our ongoing rebranding. At 7 pm I was starving and wanted to focus on myself. I felt hungry for a me date, a solo experience, personal adventure, whatever you want to call it and I dressed up. I put a couple of things in my tote bag. My notebook where I put down my thoughts. My current read, a red book called What I Know about Running Coffee Shops by 3fes creator Colin Harmon.I love reads about businesses that have nothing or almost nothing to do with tech. They are not prescriptive, yet I find them insightful and inspirational. They allow me to draw parallels between existing challenges at work and how others solved them in the non-tech environment so I can come up with an alternative solution to the challenge Im tackli ng. My long term favorite is Let My People Go Surfing by Patagonias founder Yvon Chouinard.My plan for the me date was to go to the off license in Stoneybatter to discover a few new craft beers, then have a fresh nutritious salad with gorgeous saucy sweet tomatoes for dinner, and then chill at home. 30min later I sent the following to the team in our facebook inc group chat After the casual dinner and some reading at Cotto, I walked down to Smithfield and towards Capel street to rest at home. I didnt do anything extraordinary, but it felt extraordinary to enjoy the sunshine, discover new craft beers, read, take myself out for a walk, and treat myself as if I was my own date. The me date finished with a glass of Founders Frootwood beer as a dessert. What did I discover or realize that day? It was a reminder to myself that before you help others, you must first help yourself. After the me date I felt content. I had created and dedicated time and space to myself, to my thoughts and emo tions. I can only compare the feeling to the way a meditation restarts the body, the mind, and the soul to prepare them for the next adventures and challenges.Related articlesThe 11 tools you should use to create your personal brandFrom uninspired to proud. My self discovery with What stops us from changing careers?Tell me about your me datesWhat are they like? Do you call them a solo experience, a personal adventure or something else? Why and when do you do them? Feel free to post them as comments or email me directly at vessy.com. Im based in Dublin, so shout out if you are around for a coffee. Also, Im currently hiring here for a few roles

#8 Bored at Work Check Out these Fun Websites to Waste Your Time

8 Bored at Work Check Out these Fun Websites to Waste Your Time8 Bored at Work Check Out these Fun Websites to Waste Your TimeBored at Work? 8 brings you the finest selection of the websites worth of your paid working time. Buckle up9gag / ImgurThese two websites knows almost everyone who uses the internet. Content is made by millions of users and is either upvoted or not, based on its quality. This makes the content funny and worth it.ZoomquiltThis website is described as The infinitely zooming image. There is nothing much more to tell about it. Are you ready to have your mind blown?EssaytyperOh No Its finals week and I have to finish my _____________ essay immediately.This fun website allows you to choose the subject and pretend to write it. We promise it is more fun than it seemsTholman / Tholman texterTim Tholman is an Australian developer who works as a product engineer at Tumblr. His website is simply brilliant.Tholman texter is fun drawing editor, where you draw with text inst ead of lines. You can definitely welcheste a ton of time on both of the websites. ENJOYsource lilianarobis.blogspot.skTheuselesswebThe idea behind this website is simply genius. It is basically a useless-website-generator. Are you ready to visit some of the weirdest and funniest websites of the internet?SnapbubblesJust like anyone else in this world, you are addicted to popping bubble wrap. We know it. Can you imagine any better way to waste your time than popping more bubbles than healthy?Have you ever received a gift that came with bubble wrap and it was better than the gift itself? Now you can snap them all day long Enjoy, as you pop virtual bubbles at SnapBubbles.com. Snap AwayDo you like this story? Share it with your friends.Share Your Feedback or Ideas in the Comments

5 Tips for Surviving your Office Holiday Party

5 Tips for Surviving your Office Holiday Party 5 Tips for Surviving your Office Holiday Party 5 Tips for Surviving Your Office Holiday PartyNavigate your amtsstube holiday party with ease this season.Its that time of year again time for the much anticipated holiday office party. Youre excited and nervous all wrapped up with a tidy bow. Not to fear, your feelings are quite normal.While everyone loves a party, office parties are a bit different. Theyre meant to allow employees to kick back, get to know one another in a less formal setting, and enjoy the holiday festivities. The problem is that, just like at the office on an average day, your actions during the office holiday party will be under scrutiny by your peers and supervisors. The only difference is that at office parties theres alcohol involved and inhibitions are lower than normal.A holiday office party is no joke. Its important to play by the rules. Failing to do so can leave you starting a job search in the New Year. In buch en to stay gainfully employed and not ruin your career during this years holiday party, be sure to follow these simple office party etiquette rules.Rule 1 Dont skip it.If you receive an invite to your offices holiday party, be sure to attend. Not showing up to the party sends signals that you dont care, or you arent part of the team. It can also lead to awkward moments the following workday when your teammates are all laughing about something that happened at the party and youre left out. Attendance at your offices holiday party is especially important for new employees. An office holiday party is a great opportunity to connect with your boss and your peers, and show them youre mora than the responsibilities of your professional role. Once you establish a personal connection with your colleagues by engaging with them at the holiday party, theyre more likely to want to work with you, help you, and be engaged with you at work.Rule 2 Dress appropriately.Not sure what to wear to a compa ny holiday party? Be sure to check in with your co-workers to determine the appropriate dress code. If the theme is ugly sweater, then be sure to wear the ugliest holiday-themed sweater you can find. Its also a definite conversation starter. Not doing so, however, can result in conversations happening behind your back about you not being a team player.If the theme is more formal, make sure you take that route. Showing up with your ugly sweater to a suit and tie affair wont be considered funny. Be sure to follow whatever dress code is in place, and youll be off to a great start.RelatedA Guide for What to Wear to a Company Holiday PartyRule 3 Consume alcohol in moderation.In order to keep the momentum moving in the right direction, this next office party etiquette rule is of utmost importance. Many, if not the majority, of office parties tend to have free alcohol available. While this may be tempting, it can also spell disaster. Lots of otherwise model employees have been canned for n ot following this basic rule Dont overindulgeDrinking too much alcohol at your office holiday party can lower your guard and make you act ridiculous. It can lead to arguments, or you dancing on a table (or something worse). Dont be the person who drinks too much and then makes a spectacle of themselves. Youll never live it down. Your behavior will go down as legend, and you may even end up losing your job altogether.Rule 4 Stay away from sensitive subjects.Office flings are obviously a sensitive subject, but it isnt the only subject to avoid. Typically, workers in an office environment are most comfortable around their peers. Theyve developed a certain rapport where its understood which subjects are on- or off-limits.One thing to consider when attending a holiday office party is that the subject matter youve cleared as OK within your department, or between those with whom you work closely, may not be appropriate outside of that circle. Consider that everyone from the company will be invited. Theres a good chance youll be mingling with people with whom you dont frequently connect.Rule 5 Prep your elevator pitch.Youve got goals to move up in your company, but progress has been slow. If done properly, your office holiday party can offer a great opportunity to network and help you move the process along a bit faster.It isnt often that you get a chance to talk to the C-level folks at your company. The office party offers such a chance, so be prepared when the opportunity presents itself. As long as youve followed the rest of the office party etiquette rules up until meeting with those who can help you get promoted, youre in a good position.Yet, dont get caught making small talk about the weather and stumbling over your words. Put together an elevator pitch that presents you as a model employee and makes mention of your contributions, without coming across as bragging.Also, practice your pitch with a colleague or your partner. Get feedback from them to ensure you do nt come across pushy, and you get the main points across. Be personable during the conversation, and be sure to ask questions as well. No one wants to promote the all about myself employee, so show you care about others and be genuine in your communication.RelatedHow to Search for a New Job During the HolidaysBonus Rule Be serious about office parties, but have fun.While these office party etiquette rules might take some of the fun out of the party, they shouldnt stop you from allowing yourself to have a good time. As long as you do so within the confines of the rules above, youll make it through your party unscathed, and you might just enjoy it as well.Office parties are a great opportunity to anleihe with your co-workers, make new connections, interact with your boss (and their bosses) on a deeper level, and even position yourself for a promotion. Dont shy away from your office holiday party because of the potential pitfalls. Embrace it.Showing that youre interested in a deeper re lationship with the company and its employees can show your employer that youre a long-term asset to the company. Theyll see the dedication you have to being a part of whats going on, and you can benefit from it.Click on the following link for more advice on getting ahead.Need help with your resume? Take advantage of our free resume review todayRecommended ReadingHow to Make the Holiday Hiring Spree Work for YouHoliday Overload Steps for Balancing Work and LifeWays to Stay Focused at Work During the Holidays

The Unexpected Truth About Create a Resume

The Unexpected Truth About Create a Resume For the fresher the likelihood of getting selected are also rather low and youll also wind up getting the decrease salary. Make sure you skew your information to the form of position youre going after and not what youve already been. At the help desk, you will be asked to manage all of the help desk related work. As everyone probably knows, resumes are intended to receive your foot in the door to sell yourself in person to the hiring manager or personnel guru who is attempting to acquire new and excellent talent for the organization. It is astonishing how many wonderful managers out there may run a profitable restaurant operation inside and out, but they havent any idea what things to write when it is time to shop for their next prospect. Employers lose millions annually from absentee employees and a person who shows up for work daily is worth their weight in gold to a lot of employers. When a provider opens a job requisite, its becau se they have an issue or an objective. If youre looking for a career in investment banking then it is quite crucial to compose an impressive cover letter. A fine small business letter shouldnt be more than one page. You must include your individual contact information whereby the employer might get in contact with you. You probably shouldnt be listing each and every job youve ever had. The entire page doesnt need to get crammed full. Who Else Wants to Learn About Create a Resume? Education The employers want to understand what your educational qualifications are. Developing a professional resume is the basic yet crucial requirement for virtually any work search whether youre a fresher or a seasoned jobseeker. Work experience Its also an extremely vital section of your resume. Work experience is also rather important. The aim of your resume is to secure you the interview. Resume writing isnt a simple endeavor. Achievements and Accomplishments Here you want to speak about all of the things you have achieved thus far in your career. Create a Resume Ideas There are scores of them. Aside from hospitality, lots of things are necessary for becoming a waitress. There are a quite a range of things which you must bear in mind when writing a resume. Resume writing may seem to be among the most daunting tasks, but the reality is it is not as hard as it appears. Writing a good resume is extremely critical since its the very first thing that gives you the capability to make an impression on your future employers. Ruthless Create a Resume Strategies Exploited You could discuss any particular degree that you possess. Dont be scared to speak about an extensive assignment or research beneath a professor in case you dont have a lot of experience. The fundamental job of a nursing student is to help the wellness professionals in various therapy procedures. If youve been in the job force for many years and your education doesnt apply to your upcoming job rol es and responsibilities, then its acceptable to put your education to the bottom. Theres a lengthy collection of font but you need to use the normal font employed for resume writing. You do not need to understand which format to utilize in order to schliff the steps in the outline below, though. You want to understand that an appropriate format is essential and you will need to follow it correctly. Thus formal format is extremely important to be used. The job of a company lawyer isnt in any respect easy. If your resume isnt formatted in an appropriate way then it would send a terrible signal to the work recruiter that youre not correctly organized. Your resume should have no mistakes whatsoever. When hiring managers publish work opening, theyre searching for qualified applicants. Likewise youll find out that the recruiters prepare the work description also. Once you will make an application for the work then youll be called by the recruiters.