Innovation has pushed technology and productivity in our daily lives for years. It is something that we have all been accustomed to seeing, accustomed to buying into, and something that we expect. Lifestyle advancements have come down to something new and better or bust for all of us. The moment a company invests in a product that isn't "new" or "usefull in a way no other device can compare" they risk backtracking to their competitors.

One of the most recent Innovations we are all aware of is touch screen gestures. For those of us who are tech savy and use smart phones, touch screen gestures may be second nature to us since we use it in out daily lives. Innovationg this would be adding it to our daily lives in an aspect that does not include smart phones. Imagine a world where you can open up a route to work with the swipe of a hand and a pinch of two fingers. Highly unlikley; however, in this generation, I'll go ahead and bite my tongue in regards to my doubts.

I recently came across an article that showcases Gabriel Meldaikyte, a student working towards her Masters in product Design. Her work called "Multi- Touch Gestures" exhibited the "simple" touch screen gestures that we know about. In her piece she transfered these simple gestures in simple products. Although these products may have no use in our technology derived society, the creativeness is worth noticing. Constructing products to physically react in ways that we have completley left up to technology is pretty impressive. Here! Take a look-see.

To read more about the article. Please click on this link >>> Click here <<<

Sometimes, finding your needle in a haystack is easier than you think! In today's economy, we all know that working minimum hours at a minimum wage job can be considered lucky. Any person who gets paid with a decent cashflow should be grateful! But what does that say about those who are left unemployed? Nothing negative at all; unless that individual allows themselves to think so. 

Entering yourself into a job hunt can be very stressful. As an applicant, you never know what exactly an employer is looking for. A person applying for a position has to find the balance of being both perfect and human; easier said than done. The cliche "Just be yourself" is fitting in this situation, but only at a certain point in the job hunt process. 

I thought I'd use this post to help give advice on finding a job. First, I'll share some of my experiences. Second, I'll share an article consisting of 49 different advice packages. My ways are not perfect, and may not be orthodox, may not even be valid for a 6 figure salary position; however, it has helped me thus far and I have high hopes that it may help you. Here is a list based on my own experiences:

1) Choosing A Job - When choosing a job, the first thing you want to consider is your future in this position. You'll want to take some time to imagine yourself being hired and putting in work at the establishment in mind. You HAVE to enjoy your thoughts. If you dont, you can ask yourself: "Is this something that I can eventually get used to?". Simply put. DO NOT apply for any job you don't want in the first place. Otherwise, this will lead to a short stay and a terrible blemish on your resume. 

2) Give A Name & Get a Name - After you have chosen a position to apply for, you have to keep in mind that if you may apply, so may anybody else. On paper, what sets YOU apart from everyone else? At this stage of the employment process, you are the same Times New Roman, Size 12, Black font on white paper as the person on the next application. Essentially, you need to give yourself an edge. Your employer will see this : "Applicant A, Applicant, B, Applicant C, Applicant D, and so on....". You must get them to see " Applicant A, Applicant B, YOUR NAME, Applicant D, and so on...". Assuming you do not know the employer personally, this task is a VERY important step. This difference between getting noticed in this step is the difference of having your application on a "to be hired" stack or discarded in the trash. 

3) Resume - This one is short and simple. Because it may be one of the least important of the job hunt. (Keep in mind, the least important, is still fairly important). Depending on your job history, the resume should typically be limited to one page or as close to one page as you can get it. Minimize blank spaces and repetitive words. Keep descriptions simple but still descriptive. Here is a link to GREAT key words for a resume. >>>Click Here. <<< In most interviews, the resume is used as a guideline,  to learn where the person has worked before, but the resume is no place to over advertise yourself. It should consist of "Objective, Skills, Education History, Work History, Activities and Affiliations" ( I know, this segment was not so short and simple)

4) Face It! Now that you have filled out an application, double checked, tripple checked, and quadruple checked your resume. Its time to put a face to the name! As a rule of thumb for me, ALWAYS personally deliver your application. Even if it is an online application, you want to print out a hard copy and deliver the packet yourself. Do not give it to just anybody, request for a manager (hiring manager if possible), and personally give them your name. Match it with a handshake and smile! You've just set yourself apart form a few other people. This process shows your devotion to the pursuit, ability to be present at the location, and taking the initiative to let your self be known. At this point, you have broken through the "Times New Roman" barrier, and you are officially a real person in the eyes of the employer. This step is not just about handing your application and leaving, don't forget to engage! Tell them why you're there, ask a couple of questions, and get their name! Have a personality! For those who REALLY cannot make a personal delivery, (maybe you are applying out of state, over seas, or possibly just out of reachable location unless hired. I would recommend investing in a good headshot and attaching your picture to your resume. This is not very personal, but at least you have just included a face to the name. 

5) Follow ups - Sometimes, the follow up process can be difficult. As an applicant, you have to constantly remind a busy hiring manager about your interest in the position; however, as a human being you do not want to annoy them. My suggestion is fluctuating the amount of days between calling. The personal meet and greet should be immediate. After that,  I would allow two days between the first 3 follow up calls to reach the manager. After reaching the manager (this could happen within the first 3 calls) wait a week, and give them time to settle down and allow them to make a decision to interview you. After that, ask about a time table for further information and abide by that. 

6) The Interview - Once you have schedule an interview, take a deep breath and smile. You have just accomplished the hardest part of the job hunt process. The hardest part was to get the employer to choose you in a pile of papers. At this point, if they are calling you for an interview, they are obviously interested in something. (The importance of the truth in resumes is that, you dont have to lie at this point. Because that "Something" that they are interested in, is truly an aspect of you). When going into an interview remember to dress for the job you want (the one you are applying for). Clean and Iron your clothes. For men: be clean shaven. For women: Keep your hair well maintained. This is your one shot at advancing to a hire interview, or possibly even being hired on the spot, you don't want a skid mark on your shirt to ruin if for you. Above all...BE CONFIDENT! Don't forget that leverage has changed at this point, and in your favor. The employer already has a slight interest in hiring you, now you need to capitalize. (Dont forget to thank them for their time!)

     *The interview should be intimate and warm. Never leave an interview room without leaving everything on the table. Give personality, and give character. Engage with the interviewer by smiling, and carrying a conversation. At the end, when asked for questions, ask as many questions as you can. (Hint: Do your research and ask questions about the company or even your position)

7) The Waiting Game - At this point, you'll want to refer to the follow up segment once again. IF the interview didn't scare you away and you are still interested in the position, you should let them know by being eager to be hired! I would follow the rules in segment 5, until I might not have gotten the position. 

8) The Results - Here is what you have been waiting for. You can hear a version of one of either "Congratulations, we have decided to extend an offer" or "We regret to inform you...". If in fact, you receive that latter of the two, DO NOT BE UPSET. Lingering on a news such as that, is a waste of time. You are wasting time that could be dedicated to finding yourself a different and better job. It would be useless to sulk in news you may find negative. Start back at 1, and erase mistakes you may have made. It is okay to ask the employer why you were not chosen. Learn form you mistakes to learn it into a lesson. If it is the first of the two, give your self on the back. Celebrate! you've done it. You've finally accomplished something on this long journey. BUT YOU HAVE NOT REACHED THE END. After being accepted for a postion, its all about proving your self from here. Maintaining and surpassing their impression of you is essentially your way of constantly applying for a higher position in the company. DO NOT let them regret their decision to hire you. 

So, I hope that cluster of words was able to help you. This is a structure I would abide by, plus a few side tips in include depending on the hiring process. Always remember to add character to your image, be hardworking & diligent  and be a human being. 

Here is a link that inspired me to write this piece. This link also give 49 advice packages that I think is EXTREMLEY usefull in the job hiring process. Check it out! and thanks for stopping by! >>>>>>> 49 TIPS. 

Scenario: A question is brought up to you, and you have know idea what the answer is. What is your first move? Maybe you'll refer the question to someone who might be more knowledgeable about the topic. But what if there is no one else around? If you were me, I'd use my resources. I would pull out my phone or get in front of a computer and log onto the all knowing...Google.com!

Google offers many solutions to various problems or answers to many questions. In my case, when searching for business ideas, Google brought me to a website called Kickstarter.com. Here I found a page that I wanted to bring to light through the use of this blog.

Minimalist™ by CAPSULE™: The Definitive Essentials Wallet By Robert Sha + Capsule

This wallet, appears to be a solution for some things that are sacrificed by obtaining a thinner wallet. The fact is, we are turning to a minimalist, cash-less, society; however, as Robert said, we WILL need to carry cash every so often. My personal take on the product? I have always had issues with the money clips because I never enjoyed having my cash visible every time i took out my wallet. In this case, the band seems to be big enough to cover most of the surface of the cash, however thin enough to still appear well designed. I had a chance to email Robert a few questions, to which he kindly responded. His advice is very much appreciated and I will continue to support his product. Stop by kickstarter.com and search for the "Minimalist Wallet by Capsule", to see how you can get yours!

Here are a few more pictures of the product itself:

Originality is very important. What sets you apart from your peers? I'd like to believe that creativity comes easy, but we all know that it does not. Some of you may have heard the saying "If it aint broke, don't fix it", well sometimes, If it aint broke, break it! Even if your mind is going, always progressing, and maybe creating new thoughts, sometimes you just need to take a step back and have a different approach at your task. Who knows, maybe you'll surprise yourself and come up with something so original, you wouldn't believe its something you've produced. Here are 10 ways to recharge your creativity. [Taken from Adam Singer. Via "The Future Buzz". Article Written in 2007]. For a more in depth look at each tip, please visit the article page on The Future Buzz.

1. Exercise
2. Hit up the local coffee shop
3. Try a New Genre
4. Seek out a mentor
5. Add something new to your repertoire
6. Share your work with someone new
7. If you're a musician, read. If you're a writer, listen to music.
8. Break your routine
9. Go to a show, art gallery, etc.
10. Find a new form of art.

All these tips focusing on straying from the norm. So if you feel lost, try it out! Stay creative, stay original, be fresh.
Taken from : http://thefuturebuzz.com/2007/11/23/10-tips-to-recharge-your-creativity/

I've always been interested in reading or hearing about things that would improve out future. Real or fake, its always entertaining learning about how simple or complex a change can be to make a huge difference in our daily lives. What is even more entertaining? Seeing how close we are to some of these ideas actually becoming a reality. Here are 32 innovations that can change our future; some good, some bad, some great!

FOLLOW THIS LINK HERE
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/06/03/magazine/innovations-issue.html

How bad do you want to be successful? I'm sure at this point every one has their own idea of what they want to be and the level of success they want to reach. In considering so, I'd like to share this video for everyone to watch and be inspired by.