What to Know About Throwing an Office Baby Shower - The Muse

What to Know About Throwing an Office Baby Shower - The MuseWhat to Know About Throwing an Office Baby Shower Your colleague just announced his wife is pregnant. Or maybe your teammate just sent an email letting you know shes expecting.Either way, your co-workers start talking about possibly throwing the person an office baby shower. And yet you have so many questions about the protocol of the whole thingDont fret- we talked to several working parents and employees whove thrown one before so youll know everything you need to make the event worthwhile.How Do You Even Know if You Should Throw One?This is the ultimate question, right?Well, after informally surveying 20 working parents, the answer varies. Some told me they were thrown one, yet they didnt want it. Others said they were glad they had one. And even others told me they werent thrown one and wish they had been.What I did discover is that if youre really unkoranvers if the person wants it, its best to ask. Because yes, surpris es are fun, but they could lead to making someone uncomfortable, or point attention at them when they dont want it, or highlight their pregnancy when theyd rather not get into specifics.And doing this also ensures you throw the right kind of anlass. One of my co-workers who recently planned one was glad she brought it up beforehand because she knew the mom-to-be was more introverted Finally, it helps to know if the person will even be available that day.Who Throws It?At some companies, HR plans all celebrations- meaning they may take the lead on any baby shower.But if this isnt the case at your organization, its usually the persons closest friend, manager, or direct report. If you fall into any of those three buckets and dont want to do it alone, loop in the other two people listed in that sentence above and see if theyd like to work together.Graphic by Tyler Tamulinas.Who Do You Invite? Men, Too?This also depends on your companys culture as well as the guest of honors personality. Like the above example, your colleague may be more introverted, and therefore, uncomfortable having a big, blowout party.So keep the person in mind- do they tend to like attention, or shy away from it? Do they like to spend time with everyone in the office or only with a small group?And again, it doesnt hurt to ask- and in terms of whether or not you should invite your male colleagues, thats also up to the person, what theyre comfortable with and who theyre close to at work. Where Do You Have It?If you want to have it in the office, make sure youve checked with your office manager to make sure you can reserve a spot. Of course, keep in mind if you have it at work, youre more likely to exclude people who werent invited- which is why if you want to keep it small, go elsewhere.The benefit of that is that going to a restaurant makes it feel less like a work event and more like a celebration.When Do You Have It?For the most part, baby showers occur before the baby is born so the parent c an celebrate before they go on parental leave. That said, make sure it doesnt conflict with the parents schedule (both in and outside of the office), and also that the parent and their baby is healthy. Planning a party when theyre going through a tough period may do more harm than good (which is another reason to ask the person before you plan it).And, if youre having trouble finding the right time, its definitely not off the table to throw it after the babys born- after all, its better late than neverWho Pays for It?For most baby showers, teammates chip in collectively for the event. You shouldnt expect your company to pay for it (especially if they havent in the past), but its worth asking HR or your own manager if there is budget for these types of events.Can Dads Have One, Too?Yes In fact, we believe that celebrating soon-to-be-fathers is an important reminder to everyone that men are parents, too. With that said, all the same rules above still apply (namely, making sure the per son wants it).Anything Else?Yes, a few final notesThink beyond the party You can still celebrate without making it a big deal by having the team pitch in for a nice gift instead. This is a great way to keep things simple and still show you care.Make sure the event isnt patronizing, inappropriate, or overly gendered. Be respectful of the parent, their situation, and their decisions (also, because this is a work event, you should respect your colleagues regardless). This means staying away from games that can be insulting or presumptuous.Keep conversations light and impersonal- and keep your parenting advice to yourself (even if youre a parent yourself). The shower should be about celebrating the person and having some fun during the work day, not an ask me anything on being pregnant.Baby showers can be an incredible opportunity to show your co-workers you care about them as more than just co-workers. Many of the parents I spoke with were pleasantly surprised and grateful for having b een thrown one.And, even pitching in on something on their registry or taking them to a nice lunch goes a long way in making them feel more at home at work.

High-Tech Startups Its About the Business

High-Tech Startups Its About the Business High-Tech Startups Its About the Business High-Tech Startups Its About the BusinessSteve Blank, co-author of The Startup Owners Manual, who also co-launched a course at Stanford University on starting a high-tech company, says one of the biggest mistakes engineers make is celebrating that they have a great product. It brings up that old question of why McDonalds blows away most fancy steakhouses in sales. Because its not just about the productits about the business.Having a technology idea is not the saatkorn as having a company, Blank says. Theres often a disconnect between engineers and scientists and what commerce and capitalism is about. These people are often the smartest but you dont get paid for being the smartest in the world in a start-up. You get paid for being the one who put it together the right way.Steve Blank, co-author of The Startup Owners Manual.In my class the real shock to the system is that I throw them out of class the f irst day, says Blank. You have an idea? Well get out and start talking to the potential customers. Call up your peers and friends and start testing key assumptions. Find out who would buy your product and how much would they pay? How much will it cost you to produce it?And some of the answers may even be in their eyes. Look for their pupils dilating, for that excitement, he says. Or for eyes glazing over and knowing you missed your mark. Until you get a reaction, you dont know where you stand.Understand Your CustomerThe Startup Owners Manual, co-authored with Bob Dorf, describes discovering who your customer is in four phases 1) The authors break down the business model into product, customers, channels, demand creation, revenue models, partners, resources, activities, and structures. They recommend writing a page for all hypotheses and deciding on the research to find out if theyre correct. 2) Test the hypotheses. 3) Try out a solution through a minimum viable product for customers . 4) Analyze the experiment results to assess if you understand the customers problems, passions or needs, confirm the value proposition for those saatkorn three things, and decide if you would have enough customers who will buy at a price point that will allow for profitability.Take Feedback SeriouslyRemember, you dont have to complete the product to find out valuable information. Keep building your product as you get feedback on part of it, Blank says. People dont need to see everything to get excited. Get earlyvangelists, people who will offer money for the product even before its done. This happens all the time.Now are you ready to scale? Does your research show that this product deserves a sales force, a formal training department, and can you raise the money for this because you have proof of need? Blank asks.Proof of need is vital. In The Startup Owners Manual, the authors mention Webvan, an online grocery store company that raised around $400 million and had $8.5 billion in market cap the day of its initial public offering, but went bankrupt less than three years later because, in the authors opinion, it tested less and grew more.But even if youre sure the business model fits, the brde key can be among the hardest to master staying with the process. Sometimes the same people who are great at starting something arent the best at the day-to-day, Blank says. They get bored. You need to keep policies in place, make the sales numbersthats why most founders dont end up running their companies but hire people who can. Its important to be honest about your personality.Eric Butterman is an independent writer.You have an idea? Well get out and start talking to the potential customers.Steve Blank, author of The Startup Owners Manual

The Importance of Using Symbolism In Fiction Writing

The Importance of Using Symbolism In Fiction WritingThe Importance of Using Symbolism In Fiction WritingIn literature, symbolism is used to produce an impact, which it accomplishes by attaching additional meaning to an action, object, or name. Symbolism takes something that is usually concrete and associates or affixes it to something else in order to give it a new and mora significant meaning. In other words, symbolism allows a writer to convey something to their audience in a poetic way instead of saying it outright. This indirect approach allows an author to create nuance and complexity. The caveat for authors is thatthe entire context of the story needs to support the symbols meaning. For example, in Harper Lees Pulitzer Prize-winning 1960 book To Kill a Mockingbird, the bird symbolizes innocence and beauty. Lee chose the mockingbird because its without guile. A mockingbirds only purpose in life is to sing- it doesnt want to harm anyone. Because of this, killing a Mockingbird is considered an act of senseless cruelty. 5 Different Types of Symbolism, with Examples MetaphorA metaphor is an implicit comparison of one thing to another without the use of a commonly known sign or equation. For example, a metaphor does not compare something using the word equals. One familiar example of a metaphor is Edward Bulwer-Lyttons expression The pen is mightier than the sword. English playwright and poetChristopher Marlowes famous quote Was this the face that launched a thousand ships? is another example. A subcategory of metaphors is personification, attributing a human characteristic- or emotion- to an animal, object, or concept. An example can be found in T.S. Eliots work Prelude, where he says, The winter evening settles down. SimileA simile differs from a metaphor in that a simile is not implied- it explicitly denotes a comparison. A simile very often uses either the word likeoras. Two examples of similes are,My love is like a red, red rose, and, As strong as an ox. AllegoryAn allegory is very similar to a metaphor in the sense that something- usually something abstract or religious- is implicitly articulated in terms of something else that is concrete. The difference between an allegory and a metaphor is that when an allegory is employed, the comparison reflects the entire work- or a large part of the work. The best example is The Pilgrims Progress. This book by John Bunyan uses characters to present a universal picture of Christian lifeand isthe second-best-selling book in history, after the Bible. ArchetypeThe plot of a piece of fiction- or the central element in a piece of fiction- that recurs in cross-cultural myths is called an archetype. Perhaps the best example of an archetype is the literary description of the devil in various works as a cloven-hoofed, horned humanoid. MythA myth is a close cousin of allegory in the sense that it is almost always symbolic and extensive. Myths can include an entire work. While the creation of myths has evolved over time- in the sense that theyre no longer specific to one culture- they are still considered communal or cultural in nature. One of the most famous myths is that of Icarus. In Greek mythology, Icarus tries to escape from Crete by fastening wings to his back made from feathers and wax. According to the myth, Icarus foolhardily flew too close to the sun- and fell into the ocean. This myth prompted the saying,Dont fly too close to the sun. Orson Welles Approach to Symbolism Filmmakers often attribute emotional significance to objects. These visual symbols help draw attention to a characters motivations, which was the case of Orson Welles film classic Citizen Kane. In that movie, a sled ultimately works as a symbol of the main characters innocence and idealism, which he left behind in pursuit of money and power. The sled is one of the most famous symbols in film history. Why Writers Like to Use Symbolism Its hard to identify a work of literature- from short poem s to epic plays- that lacks some kind of symbolism. Authors like to use symbolism in their work because it accomplishes the following Helps readers visualize complex concepts and follow central themesAffords writers the chance to relate big ideas in an efficient, artful wayFosters independent thinking among readers as they go through the process of interpreting the authors textAdds emotional weight to the textHelps to conceal a theme that may be too controversial to approach openly

Professional opinion The business of breaking up a partnership

Professional opinion The geschftsleben of breaking up a partnershipProfessional opinion The business of breaking up a partnership*Written anonymously to protect the NOT so innocent.I remember sitting there, just highlighting, highlighting and highlighting, so many numbers, so many charges, so much money- just gone. When we started the company together, it was thrilling. We were young, ambitious, hungry and starting something with a potential magnitude we didnt know or could even fathom. Thats how a lot of companies start, as an idea, a collaboration. Then all the sudden, youre in it.The co-founder,business-boss-gal-pals model is popular- see Gilt, Rent the Runway, Birchbox and Proactiv- and it makes sense why. Everyone loves a partner in crime, you can do double the work and have double the fun, and that feeling of leid being alone is, well, a good one. Partnering up with a friend can work out amazingly. Or it can notlage.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboa rd covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreCut to a few years into your business, employees, money and tensions run high, and while you may think your roles are clear as can be, your word means nothing unless its in writing.Breaking up with a business partner might just be the most painful breakup you can go through- because this one comes with a price tag.My story is not unique, but when it happened to me it felt like the world was crashing in. It was hard to breathe, difficult to believe that someone I trusted, and even cared about, could be taking money from a company that we had built together from the ground up. My gut had been telling me for months that something wasnt right, but I assumed it was more a personal issue and that no matter what was going on between us, we were both equally invested in the business.Wrong.It eventually came to light that not only was my partner not managing our finances, but actually manipulating them. This include d racking up unrelated business expenses, disregarding all things tax related, and straight up embezzling money.I was devastated, and what was worse, I had no idea what to do next. I felt ashamed and scared to talk about it- I thought it had to be a reflection on me and how I operated a business. It took me a few years and several conversations to get over it, and through it all, I realized that I wasnt alone. One business partner taking advantage of another happens, and it happens a lot. Partnerships split up and morph all the time and for all kinds of reasons. Being able to step back back and realize something isnt working is a part of being a mature business pro.The hardest- and yet ultimately most helpful- thing for me to accept was that it was NOT my fault. Trusting someone is not a flaw but a positive characteristic. It takes trust to build a business, and had I been skeptical and suspicious from day one, we would have never gotten off the ground.Moving on and away from a part ner does not have to mean the end of your business, and often, it will actually turn out to be the beginning of something great.I hope this never happens to you, but if it does, here are my tips for pulling through, and maybe even coming out on top.Dont overreact.When I found out, I wanted to freak out, confront and deal with it head on, but cooler heads prevailed. Take a deep breath, and assess all the details of the situation to 100% ensure you are in the right before initiating a confrontation.Get your team in place.I was lucky enough to have an incredible lawyer and forensic finance team that helped shape my case and bring to light things I would have overlooked. Beyond that, they were able to deal with the personal communication that I wasnt emotionally prepared to handle.Handle clients and employees with care.The business of breaking it to your employees and clients is extremely crucial. I personally called each client to explain that my partner and I were parting ways. I foll owed up with an email of how the transition would work and assured them we were ready to take on the challenge. When you do all of this, resist the urge to talk bad about your former partner and keep the details of why youre splitting to a minimum.Tune out the I told you soOne of the hardest things was hearing from many friends, family, business contacts and clients who swore that they saw this coming.I acknowledged that they meant well, but just tuned it out. Beating myself up wasnt going to help me move forward, and I had to focus on what was right in front of me.Revise and renewAs roles and responsibilities change in your partnership, update your operating agreement. Even when everything is smooth sailing, it is crucial to know who is in charge of what.Move on and UPI was nervous about keeping the same business name and dealing with the How is so and so? questions,but it gets easier and YOU get better. When someone asks a question about the past, politely change the subject to so mething in the future that youre really excited about.This article originally appeared on Create and Cultivate.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

More than one in three people worked as freelancers last year

More than one in three people worked as freelancers belastung yearMore than one in three people worked as freelancers last yearFreelancing there are just as many reasons to do it (more control over your life) as there are not to do it (taxes, buying your own healthcare, instability). Upwork and the Freelancers Union just released its fifth annual Freelancing in America study, commissioning Edelman Intelligent to survey 6,000 working adults (one-third of them freelancers). The most salient finding is how the freelance workforce has grown. Now 56.7 million people are considered freelancers, which means the freelance workforce has grown by 3.7 million since 2014. More than one in three (35%) Americans worked for themselves this year.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreNot everyone freelances full-timeNot everyone is freelancing full-time, however. Respondents said that 50% were freelan cing consistently, while the other 50% said that their freelancing was intermittent to regular. And 42% percent worked for themselves less than weekly.However, 60% of people who left a job to freelance full time said they now earned more.The main reasons that people who were full-time freelance made the jump were being their own boss, schedule flexibility, working from where they wanted, avoiding sekretariat politics, to have a schedule that allowed them to pursue their passions outside of work, and to be able to choose their own projects.More are choosing to freelanceWhile its true that some people are pushed into freelancing due to layoffs or a poor economy, the study found that over the last five years, people are increasingly choosing to freelance. When survey respondents were asked if they started freelancing out of choice or necessity, 61% of freelancers said choice. Thats a significant contrast from 2014 when respondents answered choice by only 53%.Half (51%) of freelancers s ay no amount of cash would convince them to take a regular job. And 42% of freelancers say that that type of work provides them with necessary flexibility that theyre unable to get from a regular employer but sorely need things like health issues and childcare.Still, its not all making your hours and working from home. Freelancers are the backbone of our economy, but this crucial segment of Americas workforce faces unique challenges, including access to affordable healthcare and workforce development training to update skills in a competitive environment, said Caitlin Pearce, executive director of the Freelancers Union.Freelancers proactive on trainingTraining is something that freelancers pay attention to, lest they fall behind those working out of the home office. However, its cost keeps out 53% of them from participating usually because they have to pay for any training themselves, instead of having their work ante up. Still, 70% of full-time freelancers participated in skills training in the last six months, in comparison to 49% of full-time workers who are not freelancers.Instead of Sunday-night scaries, tax and insurance anxietyWhile freelancers seem happy to be where they are and see an upward trajectory both career-wise and financially in being self-employed, they did reveal specific apprehensions that come with working for yourself. Sixty-three percent felt anxious about the things they had to manage themselves, like money, taxes, and insurance. An additional 63% worried about the unpredictable nature of their work. And about half (53%) found that freelancing could be isolating.

The Debate Over Accounting Resume Examples

The Debate Over Accounting Resume Examples You can take advantage of particular metrics in your resume to highlight the reach of your professional experience. If you dont locate the specific resolution you are interested in, then go for a native or greater resolution. In addition, in the event where ones belastung job reference wasnt the best one, an individual might need to select the assistance of a functional resume template. A top quality sample accounting resume will contain all the key terms and phrases an employer will be searching for a number of times throughout the resume. Lies Youve Been Told About Accounting Resume Examples The amount of your experience will establish if you set a resume objective at the peak of the webpage or a qualifications summary. Utilize our accounting resume samples to find a clearer idea of the information employers could possibly be searching for from you. It is essential to mention only that experience thats linked to your professiona l sphere. Avoid using generic materials for each and every job that you apply for. Accounting Resume Examples Secrets A sample resume is the secret to writing a good resume. Reviewing a case of good resume writing can result in a better comprehension of what resume writing tips attempt to inform you. If you need assistance writing your resume, it is going to be our pleasure to aid you. The best resumes are a reflection of somebody, NOT merely a group of words on a sheet of paper. Type of Accounting Resume Examples Accountant position in US its a wide position, which might call for distinctive responsibilities. As soon as its almost a given that any possible applicant will have accounting program experience, you still need to list each of the relevant applications on your bookkeeping resume. Keep in mind, a resume headline can incorporate details such as your education and abilities. There are various Resume Career Objectives on the site, and youll be able to check them out . Computer skills on resumes are becoming more and more vital for accountants. Accounting resumes arent any different than every other professional resume. Accounting Clerk Resume Your accountancy abilities and strengths should be displayed in a user-friendly format. An associates degree in accounting is the most frequent requirement. Bookkeeping is a stable career choice that could often provide flexibility with regard to hours and contracts. Just take the opportunity to check at as many resume examples as possible to help you produce an expert accounting resume. In 7 minutes, youre know precisely how to compose a job-winning accounting resume. If an expected employer officially declares certain values that the provider adheres to (for instance, supporting a wholesome lifestyle), you can specify sports preferences and so on. Let it be a reflection of the possible benefits you are able to bring to a certain job. Each business and profession has specific key terms. If yo ure looking for jobs as a bookkeeper or in any other region of expertise, your success will be dependent on your willingness to take the perfect actions. The War Against Accounting Resume Examples Naturally, each job will call for unique abilities and experiences, so make certain you read the job description with care and concentrate on the skills listed by the employer. The important issue is demonstrating your wisdom and skills as a bookkeeper. Hard skills are skills youll be able to learn through study or skills that you can readily quantify. Any extra skills its possible to add will offer your resume a boost. Characteristics of Accounting Resume Examples 1 general weakness of lots of resumes, is they include a laundry list of job duties instead of accomplishments. In addition, the letter ought to be dealt with to some specific individual, the man who gets probably the most sway to shield you in the meeting room. Beneath, youll find out when to include your own cover le tter and which type of letter youve got to send to find a particular partie or company. Obviously, you could even compose your own original cover letter. Things You Wont Like About Accounting Resume Examples and Things You Will If youre really attempting to land work, we recommend taking the opportunity to tailor your resume to fit certain positions. Accounting might look like a by-the-numbers job but the decent ones understand how to exercise a little bit of creativity to provide you with a more accurate description of business performance. If youre searching to boost or target your career, you should pick a path. Making a career out of being an accountant is well worth considering if youre good in the area of mathematics and statistics amongst others. If you are searching for a job as an account executive, your resume needs to demonstrate you have the wisdom and experience essential to advise clients and manage finances. Moreover, its great to understand how your resume reads. The Lost Secret of Accounting Resume Examples If you step through the very first, you are going to get a bookkeeping resume that shows all of your work experience. In that instance, you may require a bookkeeper resume instead. Youre going to observe an ideal bookkeeper resume sample. Bellow, youll locate a bookkeeper resume sample that youre able to download and edit depending on your experience and strengths.

6 Cheats to Help You Rocket Up the Corporate Ladder

6 Cheats to Help You Rocket Up the Corporate Ladder Although the goalof being a manager is not as popular as it once was, studies show that 34 percent of workers still aspiring to leadership positions. Even though the not-so-ambitious are bailing out of the corporate rat race in swarms, it hasnt exactly becomemuch easier for the remaining workers to climb the organizational ladder. There still remain millions of workers all over the world competing for the limited number of elite management positions at the top.Climbing up the management ladder is as hard as its ever been, so I thought I would outline some hints and tips to help you get an edge on the competition1. Get an MBADespite what the skeptics might tell you,it seems that MBAs do confer upon their holders a number of benefits.Post-MBA starting pay is 50 percent higher than pre-MBA pay for full-time students, and part-time MBA graduates also see incremental boosts in pay. The payback period for an MBA is about four years on average.So, the message is simple getting an MBA seems to be a very effective way to accelerateyour careeradvancement.2. Be Adaptable and FlexibleWhen your boss asks you to do some tasks that are outside of your job description, resist the temptation to say, Thats not my job. Why? Because 71 percent of employers see this lack offlexibility and adaptability asa red flag, one that could prevent you from getting a promotion.If you want to be seen as a promotion prospect, and you shouldalways be willing to take on work outside of your job description.3. Become the Managers FavoriteA survey from Georgetown Universitys McDonough School of Business found that 56 percent of senior executives had favorites for internal promotions before interviews even took place, and that 96 percent of these executives ended up giving the promotions to their favorites. That means that, regardless of whether or not it is fai r, one of the best ways to climb the corporate ladder is to become the managers favorite.This may be easier said than done, because you may simply not be your managers type. However, there are somethings you can do to get into your managers good graces. Go above and beyond the call of dutyat work, and be sureto showan interestin your bosss hobbies.Do you and your boss both enjoy endurance sports? Thenuse that to your advantage and bond with your manager over that marathon you just ran.4. Take an Overseas AssignmentMercers 2012 Worldwide Survey of International Assignment Policies and Practicesshows that one of the top five reasons for international assignments is to support career development. In a global geschftlicher umgang world, research shows that multinational employers favor management candidates who have international experience. Having international experience on your resume is a great way to boost your promotion potential. The next time you see an opportunity for a not-so- glamorous role overseas, jump at the chance to take it. View it as a freestepping stone in your career.If you cant get an overseas assignment, consider learning a second language, preferably in a country where your company or industry commonly does business. This should also increase your attractiveness as a potential manager.5. Start Your Own Business and Build Your Management SkillsIf you are struggling to be seen as promotion material, one option is to leave your company and start your own business. This will enable you to develop skills in sales, marketing, finance, people management, customer relationship management, and customer satisfaction. After gaining a few years of experience, you can either continue on your self-employed path or rejoin the working world at a higher level, thanks to yourvery impressive resume.6. Wear Professional AttireAsurvey developed by OfficeTeam found that 80 percentexecutives agreed that clothing choice can affect an employees chance of earning a p romotion. It seems that something as simple as presenting apolished appearance, wearing a suit, and dressing so that you look like management material is a great way to make yourself more promotable.If yourequesting to reach the top of the corporate ladder, these tips should help give your journey a little boost. They may not solve all of your problems, but theyll definitely make you more promotable and give you some serious advantages over your competitors.

How to Decline a Job Offer With Grace 6 Tips for Success

How to Decline a Job Offer With Grace 6 Tips for Success How to Decline a Job Offer With Grace 6 Tips for Success Heres the good news Youve just been offered a job.But, heres the bad news You dont want it. Youre going to decline the job offer.Maybe youve already been offered a different opportunity that youre more excited about. Perhaps you just dont feel like a good fit with that company and want to wait to find something more suitable. Or, maybe you were disappointed with their initial offer and know youll never be able to compromise.Regardless of your specific circumstances, theres one thing that hold true declining a job offer can be difficult for both parties. You know you need to be upfront and honest, but you also dont want to burn bridges or tarnish your name and credibility.Believe it or not, even if you dont accept a job offer with this company right now, you may wind up vying for another of its jobs down the line, says Brie Weiler Reynolds, a senior career specialist and c areer coach at. Being tactful with your rejection will help these folks remember you positively, which might help in your future career moves.Fortunately, theres a way you can decline a job offer with your relationships and your reputation intact.Here are six tips on how to decline a job offer with grace.1. Choose the medium that makes you most comfortable.The first thing you need to figure out is how youll break the news. Should you show up at the office? Give them a call? Send an schmelzglas?Different communication methods have their benefits and drawbacks. So, I think this is the best golden rule to follow when turning down a job offer use the same method they used to extend it.If they called or left you a voicemail, then it shows the most professionalism to return their call. But, if they sent the offer via email, then its perfectly copacetic (and oftentimes less nerve-racking) to type out a thoughtful glaubenszeugnis for your rejection.Ultimately, when declining a job offer, it s up to you to consider your unique circumstances and find the method that suits you best. If youre convinced youll become too panicked on the phone, for example, then a polished email is probably better than stammering through a painful phone conversation.its worth noting that if you decide to turn down a job offer through a call, sending an email may be requested so the company has something written on file. Even if thats the case, youll know that the email is just a formality and that youve done your best to handle the rejection politely and personally with a call.2. Start with a thank you.When declining a job offer, it can seem a little counterintuitive to begin your message with a sincere thank you, especially since you arent accepting the opportunity. However, its important to remember that theyve invested a lot of time, energy, and resources into the hiring process- there was the initial review of your application materials, phone screenings, and likely numerous rounds of int erviews.Once an employer has determined that you are the right candidate for a spot, its likely they assume youll feel the same way, so keep that in mind when turning down a position andbe as appreciative and thankful of their time and effort as you can.That investment is worthy of your gratitude, so make sure you preface your rejection with appreciation.What This Looks Like Thank you so much for this offer, and for the opportunity to get to know more about you and Company XYZ.3. Clearly state your rejection.Believe it or not, this is a part thats easy to skip when youre focused on being so complimentary and diplomatic. Too much sugar coating confuses your message, and the hiring manager is left wondering exactly what your intention is.When it comes to turning down a job, you need to be explicit about the fact that youre passing on the opportunity. That doesnt mean you need to be harsh or brutal- but, you do need to be clear that you arent accepting the offer.What This Looks Like Ho wever, I have to decline the opportunity to fill this role on your team.4. Give a brief (honest) reason.You might be tempted to gloss over any sort of reasoning in favor of getting your rejection over as soon as possible. But, the employer deserves some sort of explanation about why youre unable to accept the position. And, providing an honest reason is usually better than leaving them to make assumptions. That said, be honest, be brief, and be specific, and the people who interviewed you will probably appreciate it.You dont need to dive into all of the details of declining the job offer, but you should be prepared to highlight key points- whether youve already accepted a different opportunity, decided that the role wasnt quite the right fit, or have decided to stay in your current position.It also helps to mention some of the things that you liked about the company to help soften the blow.What This Looks Like I just accepted a marketing role with a different organization.5. Provide a recommendation.You wont always be able to provide a referral after turning down a job. But, if you know someone else whos currently job searching and could be a qualified fit for that open role, offer to provide their name and contact information.Maybe that employer wont even need it and will instead go with their second-choice candidate. However, making the offer demonstrates a certain level of care and consideration- rather than leaving them in a lurch. If you do go this route, be sure that the person you suggest is right for the position, as well as interested. The last thing you want to do is suggest someone else for the job who will then turn it down, as well. Reach out to any potential referrals before making the recommendation and be sure to discuss details with them.What This Looks Like If youre leise actively searching to fill this open position, I do know someone who could be a great fit. I would be happy to pass along their contact information.6. Express your desire to keep in touch.Finally, cap off your rejection by letting them know how much you enjoyed the process and that youd love to stay connected assuming you developed some kind of a rapport with your interviewer. Consider contacting the people you met with after a month or so to check in and potentially grab a coffee.The important next step? Actually do so.Send an invitation on LinkedIn so that you can keep in touch in a casual, low-pressure environment. In fact, its smart to do that for anyone you came into contact with during the hiring process- you never know where those connections might lead in the futureWhat This Looks Like Again, it was a pleasure to meet you and everyone else at Company XYZ, and I look forward to staying in touch. I just sent a connection request on LinkedIn, so definitely dont be a strangerDeclining a job offer will never be something that you look forward to. But, fortunately, there is a way that you can handle it politely and professionally- and make it a litt le less cringeworthy in the process. Put these six tips to work, and youll avoid damaging your relationships and reputation, and create a favorable image of yourself that leaves the door open for future opportunities.Looking for more opportunities?GET CONNECTED WITH OPENINGSThis is a version of a post that was

Partnership Agreement FAQ - United States

Partnership Agreement FAQ - United StatesPartnership Agreement FAQ - United StatesWhat is a mann an ihrer seiteship?What is a mann an ihrer seiteship?A partnership is a form of business organization in which two or more individuals manage and operate the business with a view to making a profit. Each partner shares a fixed proportion of the partnership profits and losses. Depending on the type of partnership, each partner may be personally liable for the debt and obligations of the company. One benefit of a partnership is that partnership income is only taxed once. Partnership income flows through to the individual partners who will be taxed on their partnership income. This contrasts with a corporation where income is taxed at two levels. Corporation income is taxed twice first as a corporate entity and also at the shareholder level where shareholders are taxed on any dividends received.What is the difference between a partnership and a joint venture?A joint venture can be distingui shed from a partnership where a joint venture is usually limited in scope to a single project or is limited in duration to a specific time frame. In addition although the members of a joint venture will share the burden of costs in the venture, profits will be managed by each member. For example Two related companies may work together in a joint venture to research and develop a specific product but once the product is complete each member will take the resulting product to their respective marketplace to be marketed and sold for the exclusive profit of that individual member. In this case each member would elend share in the profits of abedrngnisher member. Each member will benefit from their own ability to exploit the product within their respective marketplace. This differs from a partnership where partners share directly in a common cost and profit pool.Depending upon your jurisdiction there may be tax benefits for a joint venture over a partnership where a member of a joint ven ture may be treated differently from a partner in a partnership.Limited Liability Company (LLC)Is a Partnership Agreement good enough for my LLC?No. In a General Partnership, each Partner is liable for all debts and obligations of the Partnership. If one or more of the remaining Partners are unable to meet their obligations to the Partnership then the remaining Partner(s) are liable for the full debts of the Partnership. In the case of an LLC, each Member has limited liability and is protected in a similar manner to the shareholders in a corporation. In general then, an LLC would elend want to create and distribute ambiguous or misleading documents (such as a General Partnership Agreement) where clients and other business associates may rely on the liability characteristics of a general partnership and, if harm should result, then that reliance might be used in court to defeat the limited liability protection of the LLC.How are partnerships created?How are partnerships created?Partn erships can be created by contracts, such as this one. But even where no formal contract exists, the courts may find a partnership based on the characteristics of the relationship between the parties. All the relevant terms of the partnership should be expressly included in the partnership contract. If you do elend have a partnership contract in writing and the partnership breaks down then it will be up to the courts to create the terms of the partnership. unterstellung terms may not be what the parties intended. By using this contract, you are ensuring that the terms of your partnership agreement are what you intend them to be.How does a partnership end?The parties can expressly agree that a partnership will end at a specified date, or upon completion of certain tasks. In some jurisdictions a partnership may end on the death or bankruptcy of a partner unless the partnership agreement expressly states otherwise. Absent an agreement, partners can make a written submission to the other partners to have themselves withdrawn from the partnership. A partnership agreement should protect the partnership and remaining partners from the withdrawal of an essential partner. If the voluntary withdrawal of a partner offends a term of the partnership agreement then the withdrawing partner may be liable for any damages suffered by the partnership or remaining partners.Where do I file my General Partnership Agreement?You do not file your general partnership agreement. The general partnership agreement is simply an agreement between the partners. Only companies such as LLP, LLC, and corporations, where there is limited liability for the owners, are required to register. The partners in a general partnership have unlimited liability for the debts and obligations of the partnership.What are the different types of partnership?What are the different types of partnership?Partnerships can be either general partnerships, or limited partnerships. Limited partnerships consist of one or more general partners and one or more limited partners. A general partner actively manages the business and may contribute capital to the partnership. A limited partner will contribute capital to the partnership but will have no active role in running the business. A general partnership consists only of general partners who all have unlimited liability for the debts and obligations of the partnership. ur partnership agreement is intended for a general partnership and is not suitable for use by a limited partnership.What is a general partner?A general partner contributes money to the partnership, likely has a say in the day-to-day operations of the partnership, and has unlimited liability for the debts and obligations of the business. A limited partnership must have at least one general partner who will have unlimited liability for the debts and obligations of the partnership. All partners in a general partnership are general partners and all have unlimited liability.What is a limited partnership?Limited partnerships consist of one or more general partners and one or more limited partners. A general partner actively manages the business and may contribute capital to the partnership. A general partner has unlimited liability for the debts and obligations of the business. A limited partner will contribute capital to the partnership but will have no active role in running the business. The liability of a limited partner is limited to the amount of capital they contributed to the partnership. Our partnership agreement is intended for a general partnership and is not suitable for use by a limited partnership.What is a limited partner?A limited partner only contributes money to a limited partnership. They do not have any control of the day-to-day operation of the partnership. Their liability is limited to the amount of capital they contributed to the partnership. A limited partner that participates in management of the partnership may be exposed to the same liability as a general partner. A limited partner will have the right to participate in any decisions that affect their partnership interest such as amending the partnership agreement or admitting a new partner unless unterstellung rights are restricted by the partnership agreement. Their liability is limited to the amount of capital they contributed to the partnership. A general partnership will not have any limited partners.What is a managing partner?A partnership may have a managing partner who is responsible for managing the business. The managing partner will make all the day-to-day decisions of the partnership. The managing partner will have unlimited liability for the debts and obligations of the company. All partners in a general partnership will have the right to participate in the management and control of the partnership unless the management obligations are delegated to one or more managing partners in the partnership agreement.What is a partnership at will? A partnership at will is intended to continue for no fixed period of time at the pleasure of the partners. It may be dissolved by any partner without notice or with notice as expressly stated in the partnership agreement.Duties and obligations of a partnerWhat are the legal consequences of being in a general partnership?First please note that these consequences only apply to a general partnership where all partners are equal.The first major consequence of being in a partnership is joint and several liability for all debts of the partnership. This means that all partners are equally and personally liable for the debts from the business. In addition, if one partner is unable to pay their portion of a partnership debt the remaining partners will be liable for the unresolved debt.Another legal consequence of a partnership is that all partners are agents of the partnership and may bind the partnership and thus their partners to outside parties. This is because all partners are agents o f the partnership. This agency means that you will be responsible for all contracts created by your partners in the name of the partnership for activities normally carried out by the partnership. For example, a partner can bind you to a contract with a supplier but cannot bind the partnership for a family trip to Disneyland unless the other partners expressly authorized the expense for the Disneyland trip.A further legal consequence for partners, as with all types of businesses, is that partners can be held liable for the actions of their employees.Another consequence for partners deals with the taxation of a partnership. The partnership itself does not pay any taxes, though it may have to report its profits to the appropriate tax collection agency. The taxes are paid by the partners individually at their personal rate of taxation. This flow-through taxation also means that any partnership losses may be deducted from the individual partners other sources of income.What sort of dut ies and obligations do I have with my partners?Partners owe each other, and the partnership, a fiduciary duty. You cannot compete with the partnership by having a similar business in the same geographical area, and you cannot take opportunities for yourself that the partnership may want to pursue, and you cannot act either willfully or recklessly in a manner that will harm the partnership.What other factors do I need to consider before entering into a partnership agreement?While there are many other factors that need to be considered, such as the trustworthiness of your partners, the single most important factor to consider is the future growth of the company. Partnerships are ideal for lifestyle companies, and slow progressively growing companies. However, if you have a great idea that has significant risk and if you want to limit your risk, then you may want to consider incorporating your company.How can I limit the authority of my partners to sign contracts that bind the partn ership?If you give notice to outside parties that the partner has no authority to make the contracts or perform any other actions that may bind the partnership then the partnership will not be bound by those actions. In a general partnership, limiting the authority of a partner to enter contracts on behalf of the partnership does not affect their standing as a general partner nor their joint and several liability for the debts and obligations of the partnership.MiscellaneousCan a partner transfer their interest in the partnership?Yes, a partner can transfer their interest in the partnership, if the partnership agreement does not restrict the transfer. If a partner incurs debts or becomes bankrupt then a third party may have a claim against the partners interest in the partnership. However, depending on the terms of the partnership agreement, the recipient of a transferred interest may not be given any power to vote or to participate in decision-making. The rights and obligations o f a recipient of a partnership interest may be limited to the profits and losses of the partnership. This is to ensure that the remaining partners are not affected by the extravagance or incompatible notions of a new partner who was not a participant in the original partnership agreement.Can a partnership own assets like a corporation does?Yes, assets can be acquired by the partnership. This is done either by a partner transferring property to the partnership, or the partnership using its profits and other assets to acquire more property. Property acquired by the partnership is held in the name of the partnership but is not property of the partners individually. If property is held in the name of a partner it may not be partnership property even if it is used by the partnership.Why should I use mediation or arbitration instead of going to court?Mediation and arbitration are superior processes when there is a long term relationship involved and the survival of the partnership is desirable. They focus on creating a mutually agreeable solution to a problem instead of the adversarial approach experienced in a courtroom confrontation. In addition to this, the process can be less expensive, and more expedient and efficient than the court process.What is the difference between mediation and arbitration?Mediation is a method of dispute resolution where the parties resolve disputes with the help of a neutral third party (mediator). The mediator does not have the power to make decisions or to enforce decisions against the parties.Arbitration is a method of dispute resolution where the parties agree to abide by the decision of an neutral third party (arbitrator).Do I need to register my general partnership agreement with the local, state, or county government?Generally no. While you are always free to register your partnership with the state government, only under some circumstances are you required to register your partnership with the local, state, or county gove rnment. The requirements differ for each state. Please contact the commerce department or section in your jurisdiction to determine if you are required to register your partnership.Why would the partnership want an initial period of prohibition on withdrawal?Partners in a partnership have a duty to function in the best interest of the partnership and each other. By enforcing a prohibition on withdrawal, individuals will be motivated to take their responsibility as a partner seriously and commit to at least a minimum period with the partnership. The other partners can then feel comfortable relying on the commitment of their fellow partners to the purpose and goals of the partnership.What is a Tax Matters Partner?The Tax Matters Partner prepares and submits all tax returns and reports as required by the taxation legislation.Issues requiring unanimous consentWhy would the partnership agreement require unanimous consent on some conditions but not others?In general, business decisions will be resolved by a majority vote of the partners. However where the impact on individual partners will be significant, the partnership may wish to resolve these decisions through a unanimous vote in order to protect the interests of individual partners. The partners may want to require unanimous consent for areas that are deemed critical to the success of the partnership, such as hiring/firing of employees or things that will affect the interests of all existing partners and their stake in the enterprise such as bringing on a new partner or acquiring or selling partnership assets or assuming substantial debt.Under the section Actions that require Unanimous Consent of the Partners, what is meant by the vorkaufsrecht Assignment of ownership rights of Partnership Property?Individual partners do not have property rights in partnership property. In order to protect the interests of all partners from unauthorized behavior involving partnership property, the partners may want to enhance the control over the use and disposition of partnership property by requiring unanimous consent on issues involving the use and assignment of property rights in partnership property.Under the section Actions that require Unanimous Consent of the Partners, what is meant by the option Incurring total Partnership liabilities over a fixed dollar amount?All partners are jointly and severally liable for the debts and obligations of the partnership. Where expansion of the partnership requires a significant financial investment involving a large debt load, the interests of all partners must be considered before proceeding with that risk. Where the risk is great and where an individual partner may lose some or all of their personal holdings then the partnership may wish to protect the interests of individual partners in the partnership agreement. Within the partnership agreement the partners can agree what level of liability(dollar amount) is acceptable. Any liability over that amount would require the unanimous consent of all partners. Any liability under that amount would only require the consent of a majority of the partners.Under the section Actions that require Unanimous Consent of the Partners, what is meant by the option Incurring single transaction expenditures over a fixed amount?All partners are jointly and severally liable for the debts and obligations of the partnership. Individual partners may be exposed to varying degrees of personal risk as the result of the failure of the partnership. A wealthy partner may be much more willing to accept substantial risk. A less wealthy partner may be risking all personal assets. To protect the interests of all partners, the unanimous consent of all partners may be required when making substantial purchases.Under the section Actions that require Unanimous Consent of the Partners, what is meant by the option Sale of a Partnership asset with fair market value greater than a fixed amount?Sale of significant partnership ass ets should require the unanimous consent of all partners so that the interests of all partners are protected. An individual partner cannot sell or otherwise dispose of partnership property. This option includes the situation where an individual partner cannot use partnership property as collateral for a loan (either a personal loan or a partnership loan) without the majority or unanimous consent of the partners where the property could be subject to seizure if the loan was in default. Ensure the fixed amount selected is practical for the size of the partnership. It may be an unnecessary administrative burden to require unanimous approval for the sale of nominal assets.Under the section Actions that require Unanimous Consent of the Partners, what is meant by the option Releasing any Partnership claim except for full consideration?Where the partnership has a claim against another person or business entity or where a debt is owed to the partnership it is in the best interest of the partnership and the individual partners if these obligations owed to the partnership are paid in full. Whenever an obligation is to be released for less than full consideration it is important that the interests of each partner is represented and each partner is allowed to provide or reasonably withhold consent to the transaction.Under the section Actions that require Unanimous Consent of the Partners, what is meant by the option Endangering the ownership or possession of Partnership property?Individual partners do not have property rights in partnership property. Where partnership assets are put at risk either by loaning to a third party or placing the asset in an environment where the asset is subjected to theft or loss affects the interest of all partners. In these situations the partnership may wish to require the unanimous consent of all partners.

Is Stress Keeping You Up at Night Heres Why and What to Do

Is Stress Keeping You Up at Night Heres Why and What to DoIs Stress Keeping You Up at Night Heres Why and What to Do1New researchhas revealed some interesting findings about who is losing the most sleep to work-related stress, and what they are worrying about at night while tossing and turning. When surveying 1,000 people about their job-related stress, the Sleep Judge found that middle managers are suffering the most from stress caused by work situations- even more so than geschftsleben owners and C-level executives.Just whats worrying middle management so much that they cant sleep at night? Quite a bit, it turns out, but a few areas stand out as particularly distressing for this level of employee. Project deadlines top the list, with nearly two-thirds (63%) of middle managers surveyed indicating this as anxiety-producing at bedtime. A close second is work drama, which generally means anything from office politics to insensitive gossip about colleagues. Middle managers also are more stressed and losing more sleep than any other level aboutGiving presentations (44%)Meeting with upper management (41%)Getting fired (27%)Business ethics and moral dilemmas (27%)And its bedrngnis just trouble falling or staying asleep thats an issue- one in three of those surveyed have nightmares about getting fired from their position, with middle management, once again, being the category most disturbed by bad dreams. The poor sleep-deprived middle managers also report that they are 15% more likely than C-suite employees to have business ethics and moral dilemmas become the stuff of nightmares.Try the tips below to clear your mind of whats happening in the office (or what youre afraid might soon happen) and get the sleep you need to perform at your best. Women may want to give special attention to the following solutions- while nearly half of both men and women fretted at night about deadlines, 12% more women than men were kept awake over workplace drama (57% of women, versus 45% of men).Plan as far ahead as possible.Nearly a quarter of participants at all levels listed meeting project deadlines as something that gave them literal nightmares- in fact, deadlines made the top three work situations that bring on bad dreams. While employees (even managers) might bedrngnis have freedom to create wiggle room on their deadlines, its still possible in many situations to schedule, plan, and calendar more effectively to help take the fear out of producing on-time deliverables.Setting your own interim deadlines offers one way to achieve this. Simply break up the project into several milestones, selecting your own deadline (well in advance of the final due date) for each interim step. This will help you and your team stay on track and reveal clear progress thats being made, which can help take the edge off of deadline panic.Stay out of it. It may be tempting to try to build alliances by listening in when gossip starts. It can be particularly challenging to keep your dis tance from office politics if you have a preference or agenda about something specific that you want to happen at work, or if you dont like someone involved. But be forewarned nothing good can come from spreading negative news or stories about people you work with.Avoid venting to coworkers when youre upset about something that happened in the office, and dont reisepass along something that you heard from someone who clearly has a political agenda. Simply change the subject or find a reason to walk away from the drama- having to get back to work, so that you can meet your deadlines, is always a good excuse.Prepare to succeed. Whether you have a presentation to deliver at a conference, a meeting with your manager, an upcoming performance review, or are worried about doing your best to get promoted rather than fired, it all comes down to preparation. Training, research, and other forms of improvement management can prime you to do well in whatever stressful situation youre currently f acing. Dont leave your results to chance- identify what areas you need to get better at, and take steps to up your game.With year-end reviews currently on the table or fast approaching, its important to be aware of these new findings, so that if youre someone whos affected by job-related sleep problems, you can take steps to rein in your worries. A good nights sleep is one of your most precious resources for career success and optimal performance, so do what it takes to regain control of your nighttime worries.