Viewpoints Industry Reviews the Jobs Skills Gap in America

America has always been a place where the people think they have all the information they need in order to do the job they are hired for. Others think this is not so much true. Viewpoints Industry reviews the job skills gap in America.

Yes, America, we have a job skills gap. While most millennials believe they have all the skills they need to get the job done, they lack specific ones badly needed in the workforce: social skills. Social skills are those that help people get along with other people such as showing respect, being courtesy to others and loyalty to the company. Other skills needed are those specific to the job, the product or the service. Only 43% of Baby Boomer workers believe they have all the skills they need to do the job. ViewpointsIndustry TV knows that no one is too old to learn a new skill. Once we think we are too old to learn something new, we will make ourselves obsolete. Take time to enroll in a free online course in a subject which is interesting and useful. Sign up for a nearby workshop in a topic that moves you. No one is too young, too smart or too old enough to not learn a new skill to use now and later. Why wait?


——————————————————- 
Follow Viewpoints Industry TV on Google+ 
Visit the Viewpoints Industry TV Pressroom
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on Facebook

Viewpoints Industry Reflects on How to Run a Successful Business

Business owners who run successful companies may tell how they were able to overcome the obstacles to get where they are and stay there. Others will keep their secrets to themselves. But those who are most successful have specific mottos and methods of practicing business. Viewpoints Industry reflects on how to run a successful business.

Truett Cathy was the founder of the very successful Chick-fil-A fast food franchise. His method of running the restaurants was pretty simple: they are open for six days a week and closed on Sundays so workers can relax with their families. Every person brought one of these franchises knew this. Some protested saying they needed to be open Sunday in order to make a better profit. But Cathy believed and made it happen – the company as a whole made just as much money six days a week as its competitors made in seven days. According to the company’s website, by early 2013, annual sales topped $5 billion dollars. Viewpoints Industry TV learns that in a book about him, Cathy credits his business success to “setting priorities, being courteous, cautiously expanding a business and not being burdened with debt.” These are a few thoughts about how one very successful businessman made it before passing away in his early 90s. Ask others what makes them successful.


——————————————————- 
Follow Viewpoints Industry TV on Google+ 
Visit the Viewpoints Industry TV Pressroom
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on Facebook

Viewpoints Industry and Why Americans Feel Poor

Anyone who follows the news knows the unemployment statistics seem to get better, but the jobs created and the wages that go with them are low. Viewpoints Industry investigates why Americans feel poor.

Working Americans find that their wages are stagnant but their costs keep rising which leaves them feeling poor. Getting ahead both financially and in a career seems nearly impossible. The American Dream has faded away a long time ago.

Those out of work may find that there is no middle ground for a decent paying job. There are low-paying jobs or those on the much higher end of the pay scale. According to the National Employment Law Project, there are now 2.3 million more low-paid workers than at the start of the recession, and 1.2 million less jobs in the mid and high range industries. The median hourly wages have declined across most income levels. The Viewpoints Industry TV show notes that while household expenses keep going up, wages are not moving thus leaving American to feel like they are only working to pay the bills.

There are ways the working American can feel a bit better about their financial situation. Saving for emergencies can be done with as little as $20.00 a month. Sure it takes longer. But it beats not having anything saved at all. Keep looking for a better paying job while working in the low-paying job. This alone can help one feel more empowered.


——————————————————- 
Follow Viewpoints Industry TV on Google+ 
Visit the Viewpoints Industry TV Pressroom
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on Facebook

A Viewpoints Industry Fist Pump for Healthier Ways to Greet Someone

The standard way we know to greet someone is to shake their hand. But there are several reasons why this normal business and personal greeting is no longer the healthiest way to say “nice to meet you”. Viewpoints Industry examines other ways to in which to show respect and be friendly.

Unknown to many people, a simple fist pump with another person spreads far less germs (one-twentieth) than a handshake. A high-five spreads half as many germs as a handshake. Hand shakes are a very common greeting in all facets of business and in nearly every part of the world. But it is also a very efficient way to spread germs. Health experts recommend washing your hands or using a sanitizer on hands after shaking someone else’s in a hospital, urgent care center, health clinic or with a food worker. A more sanitary way to greet someone might be to offer a small bow, or a smile. In the U.S., younger professionals might view the fist pump as a cool way to say “job well done” or “nice to meet you”.  Viewpoints Industry also knows that handshakes will always be the norm, and with a little good hygiene, can be less of a germy way to introduce oneself. 

——————————————————- 
Follow Viewpoints Industry TV on Google+ 
Visit the Viewpoints Industry TV Pressroom
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on Facebook

Viewpoints Industry and Why Low Cost Airlines Have Fans No Matter What

Southwest Airlines is a favorite for many regional fliers as it usually offers low fares and great customer service. It seems, however, that even though those fares are rising, its fans are still buying tickets. Viewpoints Industry provides some background about why low cost airlines have fans no matter what.

Great customer service is always appreciated. From friendly reps on the phone to always positive flight attendants, Southwest can’t go wrong here. Jet Blue is another low cost airline which its customers love no matter what.  Both airlines fly specific routes and are easy to work with if a flight needs changing and bag checked. It is easy to see on their websites what the total cost of a fare will be including all ancillary fees. Other airlines offer rock bottom fares but charge for the things every passenger wants: overhead space, a bottle of water or a can of soda, a pillow and perhaps one checked bag.

Viewpoints Industry TV notes that many business travelers will take the same airline to and from their desired destination and earn rewards with frequent flier clubs. Some use the regional low cost carrier of their choice for weekly commutes. These airlines have mastered the art of customer service and have earned the loyalty of consumers. And this is why they rank at the top of best low cost airlines lists.

——————————————————- 
Follow Viewpoints Industry TV on Google+ 
Visit the Viewpoints Industry TV Pressroom
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on Myspace
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on About Me

How the Older Generations are Finding a Job from Viewpoints Industry

It is hard for everyone from age 21 and up to find and land a new job these days. Yet, it seems harder for the older generations to gain employment. Viewpoints Industry reviews the different tactics the older generation can try to find a job.

It is hard to sit across from a job recruiter who is in their 20s or 30s when you are 40 plus years old. Every smirk, half smile and comment seems to say “too old for the job”. But there are ways to nip those perceived prejudices in the bud:

Get on LinkedIn and juice up your profile. Choose a great headshot of yourself. Review all the job entries you made on it and tighten then up. Add volunteer work and any projects which were successful. Search for companies you’d like to work for an follow any news they update. Ask questions. Be active and alert.

Improve skills or add new ones by taking free and low-cost online courses in your field. There are a plethora of great educational opportunities available. Take time and research them. Ask friends, mentors, former co-workers for recommendations. Add them to your resume. It shows that you have not been sitting around waiting for a job to land in your lap.

Your image matters. Viewpoints Industry TV learns that a positive attitude and a clean and put together appearance speaks volumes about how well a recruiter thinks you can handle the advertised job. Be a can-do applicant. Don’t snub your nose at a lower salary. Negotiate for more days off, flex time or work from home days. Finally, be willing to accept a temp or contract job until something more permanent becomes available. It helps pay the bills and helps keep skills fresh. Take charge of your job search with these tips and maybe, something good will come from it.

——————————————————- 
Follow Viewpoints Industry TV on Google+ 
Visit the Viewpoints Industry TV Pressroom
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on Myspace
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on About Me

Viewpoints Industry on How to Make a Tablet Your Go-To Device

The days are gone when a desktop computer was used for everything done on the Internet. Today, people are switching to tablets for almost everything from taking HD photos to getting their work done. Viewpoints Industry offers tips on how to make a tablet your go-to device.

Tablets are smaller, lighter and easier to use for almost everything done online. They are more convenient for reading and replying to email, watching TV shows and movies, game playing and paying bills. While the touchscreen keyboard takes some getting used to, there are third party keyboards and kick stands which make using it for heavy-duty typing easier. There are also many tablets available which run on both the iOS and Android platforms.

Apps for both platforms are readily available for the most often used programs from organizing photos to managing personal finances. People who use a tablet for work connect easily to corporate networks, are able to meet online and brainstorm and not be weighed down by a heft laptop. Tablets also come with a variety of cases and spare ports for plugging in USB drives, HDMI connectors and even printers. Viewpoints Industry TV encourages readers to take time to find the best tablet. Compare prices, features, platforms and apps to find the best choice. Tablets are the go-to device now. There are so many offered in a wide price range that finding one should not be too difficult.

——————————————————- 
Follow Viewpoints Industry TV on Google+ 
Visit the Viewpoints Industry TV Pressroom
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on Myspace
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on About Me

Viewpoints Industry Reviews How to Choose the Best Luggage

Summer is here and we are amped up to hit the road or the skies. Viewpoints Industry shares tips on how to choose the best luggage for your needs.

The little signs that it’s time to replace a suitcase are now flashing like road hazards signs: the handle is coming loose, wheels are falling off, or the fabric is ripping. Why do we dread shopping for new luggage? Perhaps because there is so much to choose from in a variety of price ranges. But it’s not really that hard to find the right piece of luggage. Just keep these points in mind:

What do you need it for? Business or pleasure or both? How much do you usually pack for a four day trip or a two week trip?

Will an overhead bag fit into the airline’s overhead bin? Does it meet the airlines’ size and weight restrictions? Can you life it over your head to place in the overhead bin?

Does a two-wheeled bag move more easily than one with four wheels?

How much interior room does it have?

Is the exterior fabric waterproof and rip proof?

Where do you want to buy your new luggage – in a local store or online?

Viewpoints Industry TV likes to buy new luggage locally because it allows us to test it in the store for both ease in movement, and to see if it’s easy to lift. When buying online, read about 10 reviews for a few items you like before purchasing. Remember to look for a lifetime warranty on luggage pieces if you travel a lot. Choosing the best luggage for your needs does not have to be a chore. Have fun with it.

——————————————————- 
Follow Viewpoints Industry TV on Google+ 
Visit the Viewpoints Industry TV Pressroom
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on Myspace
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on About Me

Viewpoints Industry TV on Where Women Entrepreneurs Thrive

Female entrepreneurs can be found across the world. But in some in countries, they are more prevalent and more likely to be successful. Viewpoints Industry shares where these business women live and run a business.

The United States is the top country for women business leaders. An annual report from the Gender-GEDI ranking, as commissioned by Dell, found that women aren’t just opening up a new business but are adding jobs, exporting out of the country and looking to expand the business they have. This is for the top five countries where women entrepreneurs are: the United States, Australia, Sweden, Germany, France and Chile (Germany and France tied). Rounding out the top ten are the United Kingdom, Poland, Spain and Mexico. The countries ranked specifics such as access to capital, business risk, legal rights and access to education for women and rate of female startup activity.

ViewpointsIndustry TV learns that even though the U.S. came in first, only 37% of its entrepreneurs are female. Start-up funding is still difficult to obtain also. The study surveyed 30 countries of which 75% failed to meet the basic recommendations for women to excel in business. The world has come a long way but it seems it still has a long way to go before more women open and run their own businesses. 


——————————————————- 
Follow Viewpoints Industry TV on Google+ 
Visit the Viewpoints Industry TV Pressroom
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on Myspace
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on About Me

Viewpoint Industry Shares the Best Career and Life Advice for Grads

An copy of the best graduation speech was printed in the national newspaper over Memorial Day weekend from Admiral William  McRaven. It reminded us of the small things we can do every day to be successful no matter what career choices we make. Viewpoints Industry shares some of the points he made.

1. Always make your bed in the morning. This is the first, small task to complete that will propel you to complete all the tasks on your list.
2. Choose the right people to help you. By now, most grads know who is in their corner and who is not. Keep those who are supportive and helpful close and keep distance from those who seem to put you down or find some glee in your failures.
3. Attitude makes the difference. We didn’t say ego, we said attitude. A positive attitude is infectious and can be clearly seen by those who meet with you. The one thing that matters more than anything else is a good attitude.
4. Keep moving forward even when you get knocked down, laid off, or rejected. There are many times in life when we get bumped off course and soundly flattened on the ground. Make the choice to get back up, dust off and keep moving forward. Those who can rebound from failure of any kind are the ones most likely to succeed in whatever they do.
5. Face adversaries straight on and don’t back down. Foes can be bosses, co-workers and even friends. Take them face on. Be calm. Remind what you are made of.

ViewpointsIndustry TV encourages readers to find and read the full text of Admiral McRaven’s graduation speech to students at the University of Texas-Austin. Everything he said resonates in today’s business environment and life in general.  


——————————————————- 
Follow Viewpoints Industry TV on Google+ 
Visit the Viewpoints Industry TV Pressroom
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on Myspace
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on About Me

Viewpoints Industry TV – How Entrepreneurs Can Manage Workloads

New business owners and small business owners are often bogged down with work and self imposed deadlines. Viewpoints Industry TV offers ideas about how entrepreneurs can manage heavy workloads.

There are some days when it seems like the work on the desk will never get done no matter how long we work. But there are ways to make it more manageable without going crazy or missing important deadlines.

Prioritize tasks on the list. Assign them a number from one to five. Start working on the ones and then move to the twos. Move the others up at a later time when there is from free space.

Move deadlines. Unless there is a die-hard deadline to meet, move some of them out. Identify the most urgent ones and what’s needed to meet it, calendar it and then move down the list.

Delegate. There are tasks on the to-do list which others can easily handle and get done. Outsource those to people you know can get the job done.

The Viewpoints Industry TV show suggests taking two marathon work days to get the most urgent tasks completed. This may mean no phone calls, no replying to non-related emails, no visitors. Power through these two days deftly crossing off items on the list. When done, take a breather. Go outside and enjoy an energetic walk. Then onward to the next items.

——————————————————- 
Follow Viewpoints Industry TV on Google+ 
Visit the Viewpoints Industry TV Pressroom
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on Myspace
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on About Me

Viewpoints Industry Reveals Why Corporate Volunteerism is Important

In 2015, the Millennial Generation will make up the bulk of the working population. While most people think this generation is all about themselves, many of them donate time and money to charitable organizations close to their hearts. If businesses want to hire these new workers, they must step up their corporate volunteerism practices. Viewpoints Industry explains.

Giving back to the community or world is a quality many workers have and some participate in. But when the company they work for joins the cause, the benefits are plentiful. Employees feel more loyal to their employers and will hesitate to jump ship. Employers gain a better standing in their communities and maybe even a boost in respectability. Lower employee turnover is another benefit for companies. Workers are more likely to stay with their job during downtimes, according to Katherine Smith, Executive Director of the Center for Corporate Citizenship at Boston College.

Viewpoints Industry TV gives employees two paid volunteer days off per year. The charitable groups which benefited from them ran the gamut from clean water initiatives to sending needed items to wounded service members in an overseas hospital. The staffers reported feeling great about their “give back time” and the producers gained added loyalty from those who took advantage of the volunteer program. Corporate volunteerism is important for many reasons: it allows employees to follow their hearts, employers benefit from loyal and more productive workers, and the organization receives needed man power or essential items. This is a win-win-win for all.

——————————————————- 
Follow Viewpoints Industry TV on Google+ 
Visit the Viewpoints Industry TV Pressroom
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on Myspace
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on About Me