When you first move to a new town or a new country, it can be quite lonely. Whether you are moving for adventure, a job, or other reasons, it’s hard to leave your social network behind and start again. Developing friendships takes time and it will be several months before you feel fully connected with your new community. However, there are some things that you can do to make forming friendships in your new home easier. Here are a few important tips to remember about making friends when you move: Get involved in the community. The more you join in at local events, classes and functions … [Read more...]
It’s Time for Spring Cleaning!
In some places the snow is starting to melt, the sun is starting to come out of hiding and the birds are starting to sing in the trees. Soon the flower buds will begin to open and the grass will transform into a lush carpet of green. Spring is on the way and this time of rebirth and renewal is a great time to give a “spring cleaning” to all aspects of your life. You might do a spring cleaning on your home every year, getting rid of clutter and brushing away the cobwebs. However, have you ever thought about giving a metaphorical spring clean to your lifestyle? Taking some time to … [Read more...]
How to Avoid the Awkward Moment When You Forget Someone’s Name
Dale Carnegie, author of “How to Win Friends and Influence People” said that a person’s name is the “sweetest and most important sound in any language.” Whether in a business networking situation or a friendly party, being able to remember people’s names is an important skill for your career and your social life. Here are a few tips for cementing those names in your memory so that you never have to be embarrassed again: Use Their Name Right Away As soon as someone introduces themselves to you, try to use their name naturally in the conversation as soon as … [Read more...]
You’re an Idot! How to Argue Your Point Respectfully…
Every so often you will be on an internet forum, sitting around the dinner table, or at a cocktail party, and someone else will utter an observation or an opinion which will be so completely misguided and wrong that it will make you want to smash your head against the table and weep for the future of humanity. You might be tempted to call them a ridiculous and ill-informed idiot, but wait! If you resort to name calling and personal attacks, you will be perceived as a complete jerk no matter if people are swayed by your counter argument or not. There is another way that you can express your … [Read more...]
How to Follow Up After a Job Interview
Do you ever wonder what the best way is to follow up after a job interview? Is email to impersonal? Is snail-mail too slow? Will the interviewer even notice or care? Well, one thing is for certain. If you don't follow up at all, you're quite sure that they won't notice at all. In fact, so few people follow up in any way you might just set yourself apart and make the difference in being considered for the position. By reinforcing your interest in the position with a friendly follow up you will push your name to the forefront of the hiring manager’s … [Read more...]