Here's to 2012

I have just read about the economic uncertainty ahead of us in 2012, house prices are said by many to be going to fall. Unemployment here in the UK is set to rise BUT it is NOT all doom and gloom. As I write this Google are hiring, they are actively looking for young people to join them. Other companies are reporting the same problem, they cannot get the right people. So what do you do?

Make 2012 your year of change. Set your targets to learn something this coming year. Buy a book a month as an investment in you and your education. There has never been a more urgent need to invest in your own skills and education. You are the CEO or managing Director of YOU Inc or YOU Ltd and now is investment time.

Do a SWOT analysis. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Make a personal plan, what are you good at and how can you enhance these skills/knowledge? What do you need to improve on? Where are they hiring and how can you get your name out there? What threats exist that can affect me in 2012?

Now set a monthly plan. If you have not done so, join your local library and maybe an academic library and set out to read 2 books per week in your field. Learn how to mind map and mind map each of these books. We have a Mega study course in development in the Mr Educator office so do keep in touch with us, we will be showing you how to study learn and pass exams in the second half of 2012. In the meantime look out for John Kennedy's Study skills book from Studymates.

Whilst I recognise it is difficult, you need to be optimistic for your own sanity. The economic woes will not last forever, they will pass and you can still prosper.

Good design is a good advert

I parked the car in the library car park in Abergele when I saw it. It was a beautifully designed Mercedes van. the design was breath taking. It was for a carpenter called Carl Hughes. I do not know him but if he is prepared to put such hard work in the design on his van, it shows that the quality of his work should be good.

This is the point, if you want to sell your products or services you have to be world class. With the internet, your customers could be anywhere, you need to consider that for your products and services.

There is a shop in the West Country of England who makes cheese and sells it..... In New York. That demonstrates what people are doing now, what could you do?

Good design sells well. That is why I always try and make the covers of my books look so attractive. A beautiful product gives pleasure to the owner.

Take a look at Carl's site, what do you think?

http://www.bespokejoinerysolutions.com/gallery/