Save money on your cable bill

Whoa! It has been almost a year since my last blog entry! Here is a fresh tip. I recently decided I wanted to reduce my cable bill. So there are two choices: switch or negotiate a lower rate with current provider. I personally like my AT&T Uverse service. My bill for my package including premium channels was $150 a month. Do not call the regular customer service line. You need to call the customer retention phone number for who ever your cable provider is and use the following line:

"Hi (insert rep name here), I received a special offer from (insert competitor name here) and I am thinking about switching services. I enjoy my service, but want to make sure I am getting the best deal. Is there any special offers or rate you can apply to my account?"

I used this line and the rep said he would check and be right back. Sure enough, the rep comes back on the line and without a fuss or hassle said he could give me the same package I currently have, but lower my monthly bill after taxes to $100 for 12 months! That is a savings of $600 over the next 12 months for a 5 minute phone call!

Stop Chasing Jobs, Start Chasing Companies and Contacts

Stop Chasing Jobs, Start Chasing Companies and Contacts:

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Interviewing for jobs? Here is how to nail your second interview

Typically, you have to interview multiple times in the interview process. This article posted by LifeHacker helps you have a great second interview which can be crucial in getting the offer.

Check it out here

Social Media Plays a Major Role in the Hiring Process

A recent Careerbuilder/Harris Interactive study found that 34% of companies have rejected a job candidate because of the person's social-media activity. Makes you rethink posting that picture of you with the a keg at your college fraternity party.

The top four reasons those candidates weren't hired are as follows:

1) They posted inappropriate photos or information.
2) There was evidence of drinking or drug use.
3) They had poor communication skills.
4) They badmouthed a previous employer.

Be careful out there! For more tips on your online image, check out my article that was printed in Change Magazine: http://www.changemagazine.net/business/strategies-for-success/1600-establishing-your-popi.html

The Biggest Hiring Mistake You Can Make

Have you ever received a job application and never responded? Jeff Haden at Inc.com says that is a big mistake for the following reasons:

1) It's disrespectful to potential employees.
2) It's terrible PR.

Read more here including what you should do in the future: http://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/the-biggest-hiring-mistake-you-will-ever-make.html

Relaxed Customers Spend More

A recent article in INC Magazine was about a study done on customer's spending habits when they are relaxed versus neutral. The study showed that people were willing to pay an average of 11% more on products when relaxed.

Read the full article here: http://www.inc.com/magazine/201111/why-it-pays-to-help-holiday-shoppers-relax.html

Modern Day Business Etiquette

Just like at social gatherings, there are certain etiquettes to be followed in the workplace. Etiquette expert Eliza Browning had a few reminders for INC readers.

First, focus on the face, not the screen. How many times have you talked to someone and they never once looked away from what they were doing on their computer? It makes you feel like the least important item on their not-to-do list...

Second, curb your criticism. The workplace should not be the same an an online forum. It is best not to criticize other people.

And lastly, observe the elevator rule. What this means, do not talk about a person or people that you just met with until the elevator is on the bottom and you are leaving the building.

See those plus two others here: http://www.inc.com/eliza-browning/business-etiquette-rules-that-matter-now.html