Although most of the world see a new year as a time to make massive changes in their lives, it’s the daily choices that lead to lasting change. That’s why New Year’s Resolutions are so ineffectual. This year, you can start and finish strong by making better choices each day. Here are some tips for making sure this is your best year ever.
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1. Break It Down—whether you want to save for a dream home, start a business or get healthier, you need to recognize it’s going to take time. Our desire for instant gratification can lead us to give up before we even really get started pursuing our goals. Chose the one big thing you want to have by the end of the year and then break down the steps you’ll need to take to make it happen. Then break them down even further. Come up with small tasks that you can complete daily in only 10-30 minutes. That will not only help you see the goal as a journey (so you don’t give up too soon), but it also makes the goal easier to tackle.

 

1. Track Your Time—we’re all busy. But many people use busyness as an excuse for keeping the status quo, even when they say they want to change. One simple way to find “wasted time” in your schedule is to track it. For at least three days, keep track of what you do all day long. You can use an app, spreadsheet, or a simple notepad to keep track. You’ll soon start to notice you spend more time watching TV, playing games, and checking social media than you would have thought. Once you are aware of this wasted time, chose you instead. Use that time to research career programs, enjoy a hobby, or spend more time with family. Whatever your goal is this year, choosing to spend your time working on it each day will make sure you end the year where you want to be.

 

1. Redesign Your Life—Most of us sleepwalk through life more often than we care to admit. If you want to live a happier, more fulfilling life, take stock of what makes you happy. What brings you joy and makes you feel alive? Now, redesign your life to make sure those things are a part of it. Look back at your time-tracking list (from above). What obligations and expectations can you modify or delete entirely, so you live a life full of joy and purpose. Make a conscious decision to choose living life to the fullest every day.

Source: ​https://www.market-connections.net/blog/living-your-best-year-in-2022

Here is a new video to show a Nurse Resume Example.  The video demonstrates a two-page nursing resume sample, a cover letter, and a Reference Letter. If you are a Nurse or have a related position in the healthcare industry, come to https://www.market-connections.net for a medical resume that will help you stand out from the crowd. 

This resume is designed for:
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• Registered Nurses (RN)
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
• Travel Nurses
• Nurse Practitioner (NP)
• Medical-Surgical Nurse
• Emergency Room Nurse; Operating Room Nurse (OR)
• Home Health Nurses; School Nurses
• Cardiovascular Nurse
• Pediatric Nurse
• Radiology Nurses
• Nurse Manager…

Source: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/Nurse-Resume-Example

​At first glance, LinkedIn.com seems a little more complicated than some other social media networks. But, in reality it's simple. LinkedIn.com provides a straight forward way for individuals and business owners to hire, market and sell in an innovative and new way. It's a step up from Facebook in that it's a site for professionals. You will find a different quality of posts on LinkedIn. Overall, the content on LinkedIn has a more professional tone and is a little more conservative than other social media platforms. Once you become more familiar with what LinkedIn is , it is more than likely that you will also see it as an excellent platform to cultivate professional relations and business connections. You may just need to practice and learn how to use LinkedIn.
 
As a newbie, you want to get started using this tool fast, so here is the lowdown on using LinkedIn.com.

At least at first, there is no need to upgrade your account to a paid LinkedIn.com account. The free version provides more than you'll need until you become accustomed to and use all the features the free version has. With a free account you can:
 

• Create a Professional Profile
• Build a Network of Connections or Contacts
• Join Other People's Networks
• Participate in & Create Groups
• Search for Companies, Jobs & People
• Send Messages & Get Answers
• Make Comments on Posts
• Use Various Applications
• Set Up Personalized Searches

 
The paid or Premium version has all those features plus, you can send emails to people who you don't know. In addition, you get priority customer service, more search results, and more. Plus, you get access to other users’ full name in their profile.
 
You can upgrade at any time, so until you are accustomed to the vast features of the free account there is no reason to get a Premium account from the start. Joining is quick and easy. Go to the Home Page and look for the Sign-Up window to register. Fill this out using your full real name and the email address you use most. Be cautious about using your work email unless you own the business.

The system will guide you through the steps to complete much of your profile. Keep in mind that in most cases you can go back and edit later, but why not fill it out as accurately as possible now? This will eliminate the need to edit later. You should fill everything out as completely and as honestly as possible in a professional manner.
 
Currently there are several parts to your profile:
 

• Your Name – This should, of course, be your real name that you use in business. Don't try to be clever and use a fake name. This is your online professional identity and you must be yourself.
• Your Headline – This will appear under your name, and should describe what you do, not where you work. Think in terms of using keywords and keyword phrases separated by the pipe symbol instead of a sentence or phrase.
• Your Photograph – This should be a photo of your face without a distracting background. People want to see the real you that includes your eyes, nose, and mouth. This is not the time to put the photo of you downing giant margaritas, this is the time to demonstrate your most professional image.
• The ABOUT section – The “ABOUT” section of your LinkedIn profile is a vital part of your LinkedIn presence. You have 2,000 characters to give readers a brief snapshot of who you are. (LinkedIn is currently rolling out an expanded character count for the About section — all users will have 2,600 characters when it’s fully rolled out). When looking at the LinkedIn profile on a desktop computer, first 2-3 sentences of the profile will be visible with a “see more” link. When someone is using the LinkedIn app on a mobile phone or device, only the first six words of your About section will appear. So, the first 2-3 sentences need to instantly entice your prospects to read the rest of your profile.
• Your Work History / Experience – Include every aspect of your work history that relates to your goals with your LinkedIn.com account. For instance, if you used to be a Bookkeeper 20 years ago and you have had a career change since that time, then you may want to keep your audience more focused on the present and no so much on what is not relevant to you anymore. It’s ok to list that experience; however, not with too much detail.
• Extras – You'll notice on LinkedIn.com that within the profile are some extra little spots that you can add information to such as videos, images, and documents. You can add these later if you're not ready.
• Education – This is self-explanatory. We must use this section to include our education and any certificates or additional professional development that adds value to our profession.

 
There are other important parts in your profile like the Recommendations or Endorsements sections. But to start, let’s just focus on the above. This is only to get you started.

​Now that you have your profile up, it's time to make some connections. Start with people with whom you've worked at any of the jobs you've listed in work history, and any fellow students at the schools you've attended.  Connect to them, and ask for recommendations right away. Send them personalized requests though, don't send them in bulk as it helps to remind the individual what you did with and / or for them in the former position to get a more targeted recommendation.
 
Next, join a few targeted groups consisting of your target audience. Your target audience is dependent upon your goals for using LinkedIn.com. If you're using it to expand your business you will need to join groups that consist of potential buyers. If you are using it to network to help you move up in your career you want to join groups that have potential colleagues. Once you join the groups, participate in the groups to get the full benefit.

​As you get accustomed to using LinkedIn.com you'll find more ways in which it can expand your reach and increase your connections. Keep going, and it will pay off.

SOURCE: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/LinkedIn-Is

Of course, you’re on LinkedIn, it’s a no brainer, right? LinkedIn is the top professional social media platform, and the first place recruiters look. So, you keep your profile up to date and maintain an active presence, building up connections and being seen.
 
According to Jobvite’s 2021 Job Seeker Nation survey, most workers find out about job openings from friends (45%) and professional connections (31%).  This guide will provide LinkedIn tips for jobseekers and will help you consider different strategies to use LinkedIn as tool for your job search project.

Did you know that LinkedIn can be a great networking tool?  The key is in how you use it.

• Don’t wait until you need a job to build your network. You should constantly be building — and strengthening — your connections with your network. One of the easiest ways to do this is using LinkedIn. Do something to build your network each and every day, whether that’s sending an email to someone you haven’t talked to in a while, or identifying someone new you want to connect with.
• Ask for help. Most people will be happy to help you — but you need to ask!
• Be specific in what you’re asking for. A specific request for assistance (“Does anyone know someone who works in the accounting department at Company X?”) is more likely to be fulfilled than a general request (“I need a new job! Help!”)
• Prepare for networking. Prepare your pitch. Write a professional networking cover letter, if you can.
• Follow up. If a networking contact gives you advice, a lead, or information, follow up on that information — and then also get back to that person to let them know how it went. Remember etiquette rules and don’t forget thank those who have or are helping you.
• “Give to Get.” By helping people who ask you for assistance, your network will be stronger when you need it.

A LinkedIn connection shouldn’t just be a collection of people who you’ve ever met or worked with. When you connect, you should focus on developing a professional relationship that will benefit both of you. This means making quality connections. It’s not a good idea to use the Invitation feature to try to sell anything to anyone.  

You may also consider reviewing the tips under 5 Strategies for Effective Online Networking.  
 
You can import your email contacts, search for people you know who are already on LinkedIn or check out the recommended ‘people you may know’ section and try to build a quality circle of connections.

Be selective in who you invite to connect. Make sure there is already some relationship no matter how slight. It could be someone you met at a conference or a trade show or someone you went to college with. It could even be your neighbor, or even someone you share connections with.
 
Don’t forget to mention the connection in your invitation. If you’ve met in the past, remind them of who you are and how they know you – give them a few clues to jog their memory

Give your LinkedIn relationships time to grow before you ask for favors or referrals. Don’t keep asking for appointments, Zoom calls, etc. If you know a connections’ work, you can endorse them for particular skills. Like and share their posts. If you are at the same conference or meeting, arrange to meet up for a chat.
 
Make sure you contribute to the larger LinkedIn community by writing posts and articles. Join in conversations and participate in groups. Demonstrate your value to your network. 

Be strategic about whether you decide to accept invitations to connect. You don’t have to say yes to everyone. Make sure you check them out first. Take a look at their LinkedIn profile and see if they could be a meaningful connection.
 
If you accept an invitation from someone in a company or industry you’re interested in, send a message as well telling them how pleased you are to connect. Maybe ask them more about their job and start a conversation. But please, do not impose. Let people remember you for good reasons.

A healthy, active LinkedIn network can be a tremendous asset in your career. Take the time to build relationships and watch that effort pay off.​ For similar content, visit LinkedIn Tips for Jobseekers.

If you haven’t read the book (and you should), Carnegie describes techniques that make people want to be with you.

In the end, it's about building GREAT RAPPORT with others. Below are are a few simple techniques to establish rapport with those who cross your path.

One is the simple technique of using somebody’s name. This requires that you remember the name when a person is first introduced to you. But once you know the name, be sure to use it whenever you come in contact with that person. People value their names more than you could possibly imagine. The next time someone says your name when speaking to you, pay attention to how that makes you feel. It is likely to make you feel a connection with that person on a level that you probably took for granted in the past.
 
Another technique that Carnegie describes is to pay attention to other peoples’ likes and wants. If you know somebody that is into elephants, for example, when you come across items related to elephants, make that person aware of it. Carnegie goes into much greater depth about this, but you get the general idea. Take a genuine interest in others and you will find them drawing towards you more and more.
 
The techniques described in the book really are common sense, but they work. There are several other techniques that are described which can really give you those influencing abilities you want to acquire. What’s great about his techniques is they are not difficult to incorporate into your life and yet they have a tremendous impact in how you are looked upon by others. It is almost magical at how well it works.
 
It should be noted that Carnegie wrote the book to help salespeople sell better. The book was actually a byproduct of a course he developed with the same motivation. You do not need to be a salesperson to take advantage of the techniques contained in this book. 

​Becoming confident is a big step in being more influential. When you exude confidence, that will show through to others. They will have no choice but to see you as someone that has a handle on situations.
 
The good news is confidence is not something you are born with. Sure, some people naturally are confident and it is easier for them to be that way. Confidence is something that can be learned. It may take rethinking some of your beliefs but it is possible.
 
The first step towards being confident is to learn as much as you can about the situations you are in. Knowledge is power. If you have the necessary knowledge, you will be in a position to answer questions that arise. This makes you authoritative in the minds of those that are not as well versed. Few can argue with you when you have that authority.
 
Next up is to define what you want to accomplish. Know what the desired end result should be and work back from that. Many people try to wing it and go with the flow, thinking that the results will come to them naturally. While that can work once in a while, usually, it’s more effective when you know what you want right from the start.
 
After you determine what you want to accomplish, you can map out a plan in the form of goals and milestones. By breaking down the process into smaller tasks, it becomes more manageable. This will easily add to your confidence levels because those smaller tasks will be easier to complete. It’s also a great feeling each time one of those milestones are met.
 
Nothing is set in stone and there is room for change when you make up your plan. Part of confidence is knowing when something isn’t working and to have the courage to adjust. By doing this quickly, you will not lose face. In fact, when you make the decision to change you will show that you maintain the confidence needed. No one can be right 100% of the time. The key is to try not to be wishy-washy when altering your path. Be firm on why you are changing and make the decision quickly.
 
Taking the steps to becoming more confident is entirely plausible. Confidence will naturally lead to becoming more influential. It takes commitment and time. But the rewards are simply too great to ignore.

There are several resources that can help you become influential. Use them as a guide to learn and as resources to keep your influence intact.
 
Google.com
Although obvious, you should always start your search using this ubiquitous search engine. One trick that many overlook is to search beyond the first page of the results. You can often find some gems as these webmasters are trying to fight their way to the top of the search engine results. These gems are often resources that are less about selling and more about offering great value.
 
Book: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
This book needs to be singled out as it is essentially the bible on the subject. This belongs in everyone’s library and needs to be read multiple times to reinforce the lessons. It is available as a Kindle book and if you are a member of Kindle Unlimited, you can get a version of it as part of that subscription. There are even several summarized versions of the book for those that don’t want to take the time to read the entire book. The book is really easy to read, though.
 
Udemy.com
Udemy has several courses related to influence, charisma, etc. Some of them may seem expensive but Udemy runs sales on its courses often. You can also search online for “Udemy Coupon Codes” as instructors like to use these to lure learners to their courses.
 
Amazon.com
Amazon has several books on how to influence. What’s great about Amazon is you can usually tell which books are good by reading the reviews and choosing the higher rated ones. Another great way to use Amazon is to scan through the table of contents of the bestselling books in that category and then searching on those topics to see what you can find.
 
YouTube.com
It’s amazing how many people overlook YouTube when they are trying to learn something. YouTube has videos on just about any subject. You will have to do some digging and weed through the videos that disguise themselves as courses but are really just sales pitches for a product. But there are definitely some great videos that can help when learning how to become influential. Another advantage is YouTube is free for most videos. One tip when evaluating videos: read through the comments and stay away from videos that have high thumbs down rankings.

Let’s talk about rapport, building rapport, and rappot meaning. I’m sure you’ve heard about establishing rapport, but you may not have a clear understanding of what it is and why it’s important. We’ll start there and then spend the rest of this short report going over how to establish rapport and use it to create friendships and good working relationships.
 
Let’s start with a definition. Here’s what Merriam-Webster says about “rapport”:
 
"a friendly, harmonious relationship; especially:  a relationship characterized by agreement, mutual understanding, or empathy that makes communication possible or easy"
 
Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapport
 
To rephrase that definition, rapport gives you that instant connection, a feeling that you already know the other person, start to trust them, and are ready to move forward, wherever that future relationship may take you.
 
I’m sure you’ve experienced this in the past, without realizing it or paying it a lot of attention. Maybe you met a pretty girl at a bar and instantly clicked with her. Maybe you got a new co-worker at the office and the two of you hit it off right away after finding that you have a hobby or interest in common. Maybe you’ve had a boss or teacher in the past who was easy to talk to and get along with from the start. All of those are great examples of building rapport with another person from the start.
 
Once you’ve established rapport, it becomes easier to build a mutually beneficial relationship. That’s why it’s important to establish rapport in the first place. It gives you that instant connection that makes both of you feel like you’ve known each other for much longer than you have. This, in turn, creates trust and allows you to move on with whatever it is the two of you need to get done.
 
Maybe you need to establish rapport with a new co-worker or boss. It’s important to do so quickly, so you can get to work on the time sensitive projects piling up on your desk.
 
Maybe you’re making a new friend that’s interested in the same hobby as you are. With that instant connection and rapport, you will become fast friends. In turn, you can craft, run, workout, or shop together, learn from each other and enjoy your favorite past time together.
 
It’s easy to see through this handful of little examples from everyday life that being able to build rapport with others and to do so quickly is a handy skill to have. We are social creatures that have to figure out a way to work and live together. Being able to establish rapport helps us do that.
 
We also live in a complicated and fast-paced world, where speed matters. Being able to establish rapport quickly gives you a distinct advantage. It opens doors for you and helps you make the connections you need to make more easily.
 
In other words, being able to establish rapport quickly is a good skill to have. Let’s take a look at how you can do just that. 

Now that you have a pretty good idea of why establishing report is important, let’s talk about how to do that. More importantly, let’s talk about how to do it quickly so you can move on with the rest of your day and start cultivating that relationship. You don’t want to spend a lot of time courting and convincing someone that you’re a nice and trustworthy person.
 
Establishing rapport quickly isn’t just about saving time. If you can’t make that crucial connection in the first few minutes, you risk losing the interest of the person you’re trying to win over, and that’s not good. Let’s get to work to make sure that doesn’t happen.
 
Be Open
Start with an open mind and attitude. This will go a long way towards helping you establish rapport quickly. It will influence not only your mind (and possibly your heart) but with it also your body language, something we will talk about more a little further on. Check your attitude if needed and make sure it’s open and inviting. If not, adjust as needed. Remember, your goal is to establish rapport.
 
Listen And Observe
Next, spend a little time listening and observing the other person, before approaching them. You can learn a lot this way that will come in handy in the next step. It may at first glance seem like a waste of time, but trust me, it isn’t. A little investigative work is one of the best things you can do.
 
Find Common Ground And Make A Connection
Use what you’ve learned through your observation or what you already know about the other person to find something that connects the two of you. It doesn’t matter how large or small it is. You need to find some common ground or something you both enjoy, to make a fast connection.
 
Your Voice And Your Body Language
Pay close attention to your voice and body language. Make sure your body signals that you’re open to meeting the other person and that you are trustworthy. That means making and keeping eye contact, and having an open posture. Don’t hunch over or cross your arms.
 
To give the other person a sense of connection, it helps to match your tone of voice and speech pattern to theirs.
 
Be Kind And Smile
Last but not least, don’t forget to be kind, put on your best smile, and simply be a pleasure to be around. We are attracted to friendly people and if you do your best to be one, meeting new people and establishing rapport will go that much smoother. Do your best to make it a genuine smile. We are all very good at picking out a fake one. Find something to like about the other person and the situation you’re in and focus on that. Your smile will become genuine and that’s a very attractive thing. 

ou’ve established rapport with a new person. You’re off to a great start, but at the end of the day, establishing rapport simply gets you a foot in the door. What you do from here to take advantage of that is up to you.
 
Your goal should be to keep that connection strong and turn it into a lasting connection or friendship that will serve you well for years to come. Let me share a couple of ideas with you for doing just that.
 
Show an interest to connect or to stay in touch. Connections have to be nurtured and at the very least that means that you need to interact on occasion. Give the other person a call when you’re thinking about them, or simply to check in. Send a text message or share a link to an interesting article on social media. In other words, put in the time and effort it takes to nurture the connection.
 
Another great tip is to keep making it about them. At our core, we’re always interested in what’s in it for us and getting closer to our own goals is one of our biggest motivators. Use this to your advantage and keep strengthening your bond with others by focusing on what’s in it for them. Yes, you’ll also accomplish your own goals along the way, but what you talk about and share should be about how it will help them.
 
Keep using their first name whenever you talk to them. There’s a lot of power in a first name and we love hearing it. It’s a great way to establish rapport, but also works wonders down the road. That’s why it’s so important to get into the habit of remembering people’s names. It makes them feel important and that you truly care about them.
 
Other ways to nurture connections are to always be kind and friendly. Check your attitude if needed before you engage with people who are important to you. Being friendly and in a good mood (or at least appearing to be) will go a long way to open doors for you.
 
Of course, a little praise or a gesture of appreciation never hurts. If you’ve made a new business contact that could have a big impact on your bottom line, don’t be shy about sending over a gift basket or the likes to show you care and are very interested in a mutually beneficial relationship. If you’ve made a new friend who shares a hobby, send a handwritten note to let them know how much you appreciate them and that you enjoyed the time you spent together.
 
Above all, treat those around you with honesty and respect. It may seem very old-fashioned, but there’s a reason it’s worked for thousands of years. These virtues instill trust in those around us and trust is the best basis for a long-lasting relationship in all areas of your career and your life.