The What When Where How and Why of Decisions

Welcome to another article. This time I'll be talking about “The What, When, Where, How, and Why of Decision Making.”

Decision-making is like a two-pronged fork and it generally involves either being against or for a particular line of thought, idea, or concept.

What?

To give you a little perspective, a decision is something that you make or take when you are given with more than one choices or opportunities. It involves you looking at the pros and the cons of a situation or opportunity and go with either one based on what you have inferred and how you have inferred it. To put it crudely, it basically involves taking sides and being on one side or the other.

When?

Taking a decision generally involves the element of thought and being able to review the pros and the cons. Taking as a decision can happen at any time in your life and as many times as there are choices to be made. Every single day, you are provided with numerous opportunities and situations (be it small or big) where you have to make a decision. There are no set rules as to when you will make or take decisions.

Where?

There are so many opportunities and situations in your life that you make or take decisions consciously or unconsciously. You may even make or take decisions in your sleep. There is no specific place where you can, may, or will take decisions. As there are many stars in the night sky, there are numerous possibilities on the locations where you will take them.

How?

Taking a decision is a thought-provoking process. You have to know both the pros and the cons of your decisions to make a decision. You have to be well versed with the content matter in which you are taking the decision. You apply your mental prowess to the various and numerous thoughts, opportunities, possibilities that are in front of you and choose the best one based on their respective pluses and minuses and go with the one that you feel is the best one. It is basically thinking about what would be the best outcome of your decision and how you would plan on going ahead with it after you have taken it.

Why?

You basically take a decision so as to satisfy the parties to their respective thought processes. It is basically like saying I will be with you or with you for this reason, and this is the reason why I am doing this. You are basically telling them why you have chosen one over the other and why you have done so. It is like giving an explanation to a question.

Conclusion

No matter in what stage in life you are, where you are, how you are, or what you’re you will always have to make decisions that influence you and your surroundings and the ripple effects will go a long way in shaping your life. Whenever you make or take decisions, make sure that you think thoroughly and effectively on how, why, what, where is it that you’re making the decision.

You do not want to be in a situation later, where the decision that you have taken or made comes back to haunt you and you regret making that decision. Always try and look at both sides of the coin and choose whether you want heads or tails.






#Ideas #Decisions #Decision #Situation #Conclusion #Marketing #SocialMedia #SocialMediaMarketing #Content #ContentMarketing #GoodReads #Articles #Blog #Blogs #Blogging #WordPress #Writing


[ABOUT: Devesh Prabhu is an avid blogger and has been blogging posts and rants on many subjects through his various blogs. He has been associated with the blogosphere for the past 8/9 years and inadvertently left the blogging scene albeit to concentrate on his personal life, but his desire to be among his readers brought him back.]

[NOTE: The article "The What When Where How and Why of Decisions" first appeared on the "All About Profession Blog."

[DISCLAIMER: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. These terms and conditions of use are subject to change at anytime and without notice.]

[AVOID] How to avoid Email Recruitment Scams [TIPS]

I still remember the day I created my first email address. It was a fad, then, to have an email address and a person not having one was, well, considered an outcast in a subliminal sense.

Over the past many years since opening my first email address and then many from various providers and giving it out, I've become infuriated with the amount of SPAM I receive daily most of which are people wanting to donate money to me, Banks giving me my lost relative's inheritance, winning various lotto/lotteries or sweepstakes many times over to simple recruitment scams.

Had I accepted the lotto/lotteries or sweepstakes, by now I would be the richest person on earth.

Today, I'm going to talk about email recruitment scams and the things to look out for and avoid them when you see these red flags.

Most of the times your email provider will filter them out and stop them from reaching your inbox altogether, but in the event that it does reach your inbox you should check once, if necessary, (unless you have hordes of them in your inbox) and delete them without remorse.

RED FLAG TIP # 1:

Always check from where the email came from (check out the email sender).

I have highlighted the places in red where the emails are not even generated from the company address. Do not, and I repeat, do not reply to these types of email address and they will get your information and would put it to bad use.

To see the actual email address press the small drop-down arrow box circled in green in the image above.


RED FLAG TIP # 2:

Secondly, recruitment companies will never ever ask you to pay their accountant any personal money for recruitment. Many of the MNCs that are doing recruitment never ever ask for money at all.

I have highlighted in red where they ask for money upfront for recruiting you as an employee in their concern as a "refundable" security deposit.

Believe me, it is only for their security that they are asking the money to be paid and that too to their accountant. Rest assured, when you go there or even phone them about this the company shall deny all this and tell you flat out that they are not indulging in these types of things.

Also, note that the email address and phone number of the recruiting officer are not provided. Even if they are provided, always check and verify the information in TIP # 1, the originating and reply-to email address.

In the above screenshot, the email of the recruiting officer or the reply-to email address should end with an "@amec.com" address, but for fooling you and making you think that this is a legitimate email address that has originated from the company, they have provided the full details. This is a big NO, NO and a big RED FLAG as to the reply-to address being of another company other than the original company's own email address.

Hope these Tips have helped you in gauging how to check your emails and see how these online fraudsters gone at great lengths to trick you into paying them money by various means.

Do not fall prey to these methods and save yourself from losing yours or your family's hard-earned money by just giving it to an unknown person or group who tell that they will get you employed or are calling you for interviews at a long off place.

Best of luck for a prospective and bright future!

Image Source: FreePik


[ABOUT: Devesh Prabhu is an avid blogger and has been blogging posts and rants on many subjects through his various blogs. He has been associated with the blogosphere for the past 8/9 years and inadvertently left the blogging scene albeit to concentrate on his personal life, but his desire to be among his readers brought him back.]

[NOTE: The article "[AVOID] How to avoid Email Recruitment Scams [TIPS]" first appeared on the "All About Profession Blog."

[DISCLAIMER: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. These terms and conditions of use are subject to change at anytime and without notice.]

What Does Your Handwriting Mean?

If letters slant to the left: Indicates introspection and a lot of emotional control.

If letters slant to the right: Reveals a person who’s outgoing, friendly, impulsive, and emotionally open.

If letters are straight up and down: The sign of someone who’s ruled by the head, not the heart.

Letters that slant in more than one direction: Indicates versatility and adaptability.

An erratic slant: Usually means a lack of flexibility.

Heavy pressure writing (like you can feel the rib made on the back of the paper): The writer is agitated.

Moderate pressure (the writing is dark, but you can’t feel the rib on the other side of the paper): Shows ability to deal with stress.

Light pressure: Indicates someone who seems to take life in stride.

Tiny letters: Indicate the writer is has somewhat low self esteem but is intelligent.

Small letters: The hallmark of quiet, introspective types – they’re generally detail- oriented and have good concentration.

Large letters: Sign of a confident, easygoing individual.

Huge letters: Indicate someone who’s theatrical, usually loud, and needs to be the center of attention at all times.

Wide letters (their width and height are about the same): The mark of someone who’s open and friendly.

Narrow letters: Show someone who’s somewhat shy and inhibited but very self- disciplined.

Letters that don’t touch: Indicate an impulsive, artistic, sometimes impractical free thinker.

Some letters connecting: Means the writer’s personality blends logic and intuition.

All letters making contact: The sign of someone who’s highly cautious.

A curved first mark: Shows a person who’s traditional and plays by the rules.

A straight beginning stroke: Reveals someone who’s rigid and doesn’t like being told what to do.

A final stroke straight across: The writer is cautious.

An end mark that curves up : Reveals generosity.

Perfect penmanship: The hallmark of a communicative person.

An indecipherable scrawl: Indicates a person who’s secretive, closed-up and likes to keep his thoughts to himself.



Via: Facebook: Useful Info

Image source: FreePik


[ABOUT: Devesh Prabhu is an avid blogger and has been blogging posts and rants on many subjects through his various blogs. He has been associated with the blogosphere for the past 8/9 years and inadvertently left the blogging scene albeit to concentrate on his personal life, but his desire to be among his readers brought him back.]

[NOTE: The article "What Does Your Handwriting Mean?" first appeared on the "All About Profession Blog."

[DISCLAIMER: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. These terms and conditions of use are subject to change at anytime and without notice.]

5 Uncommon Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs

We have heard many successes stories of entrepreneurs with gut wrenching risk taking abilities who possess the virtue of fearlessness. But every successful entrepreneur possesses a handful of uncommon traits that hardly take a place in the books on entrepreneurial lesions but are essential for success. And people who identify these hidden traits or possess these uncommon qualities are sure to become successful entrepreneurs.

• Curiosity: Curiosity should be counted as the best trait of an entrepreneur as it's that never-ending thirst to know the positive and negatives or the ups and downs of business. Curious entrepreneurs always look for answers - how things work, why there is a decline in buying, what triggered an increase in business etc. Entrepreneurship curiosity ignites innovation. Innate curiosity drives their ambition to creative innovative products and services. In fact, many great entrepreneurs like Twitter Co-Founder, Jack Dorsey have testified that its curiosity that cleared the path of entrepreneurship before them.

• Pragmatism: Pragmatism is a synonym for a successful entrepreneur. They choose to work on their self inspiration earned through personal observation and develop ideas for what they feel is in need around them. So they build a concrete plan and they are very practical in terms of getting there. Successful entrepreneurs never compromise on their vision and they do not set goals to test realization, but only to achieve. Being practical does not mean to be overly cash sensitive rather have a great sense of the reality and plan up appropriate actions needed to achieve the goals. Smart entrepreneurs work on their plan, may change it as they progress but never loses their focus from getting a good return.

• Impatience: Patience is undoubtedly a virtue, but for an entrepreneur, impatience is a virtue that drives them to achieve their ambitions as soon as possible. They may not be looking for shortcuts, but rather are in search for faster routes than the traditional ones. In the world of entrepreneurship, smart people take different priorities and values to achieve what they dream of. It's all about pushing a bit too hard, test the limits, and learn what their real threshold is. It requires the entrepreneurs to place themselves out of their comfort zones, gain great confidence in their abilities, and make things happen. They realize that life is too short to sit around and wait for things to happen. 

• Non judgment: It's a great quality of successful entrepreneurs to abstain from judging themselves. It's impossible to survive as an entrepreneur for long without any failures. The greatness of successful entrepreneurs is that they make it a learning experience than negatively judging it as their fault. They go on to find what they have learning from these mistakes than why they have failed. 

• Calculated Risk Takers: Smart entrepreneurs are not gamblers but people who take calculated risks. They do not shy away from risks, they understand that not taking risk is a huge risk. Hence, they crucially analyze the opportunities offered and possess the confidence that something worth can be made of the opportunity before they get into it. They try to limit the ultimate risk by letting go of a bad idea. They do not wish to lose out in a business deal by impulsive decisions rather they take responsibility for their actions. They prepare themselves not to be carried away by emotion, temptation or reflex but relay on their experience and knowledge.

• Need around them: So they build a concrete plan and they are very practical in terms of getting there. Successful entrepreneurs never compromise on their vision and they do not set goals to test realization, but only to achieve. Being practical does not mean to be overly cash sensitive rather have a great sense of the reality and plan up appropriate actions needed to achieve the goals. Smart entrepreneurs work on their plan, may change it as they progress but never loses their focus from getting a good return. 

• Impatience: Patience is undoubtedly a virtue, but for an entrepreneur, impatience is a virtue that drives them to achieve their ambitions as soon as possible. They may not be looking for shortcuts, but rather are in search for faster routes than the traditional ones. In the world of entrepreneurship, smart people take different priorities and values to achieve what they dream of. It's all about pushing a bit too hard, test the limits, and learn what their real threshold is. It requires the entrepreneurs to place themselves out of their comfort zones, gain great confidence in their abilities, and make things happen. They realize that life is too short to sit around and wait for things to happen.

• Non judgment: It's a great quality of successful entrepreneurs to abstain from judging themselves. It's impossible to survive as an entrepreneur for long without any failures. The greatness of successful entrepreneurs is that they make it a learning experience than negatively judging it as their fault. They go on to find what they have learning from these mistakes than why they have failed.

• Calculated Risk Takers: Smart entrepreneurs are not gamblers but people who take calculated risks. They do not shy away from risks, they understand that not taking risk is a huge risk. Hence, they crucially analyze the opportunities offered and possess the confidence that something worth can be made of the opportunity before they get into it. They try to limit the ultimate risk by letting go of a bad idea. They do not wish to lose out in a business deal by impulsive decisions rather they take responsibility for their actions. They prepare themselves not to be carried away by emotion, temptation or reflex but relay on their experience and knowledge.

VIA EMAIL: MumbaiHangOut

Image Source: @freepik

Learn to Admit Your Mistakes, Errors, and/or Shortcomings

Many of us are individually guilty of error. We do not like to admit to ourselves our mistakes, errors, shortcomings, or ever admit we have been in the wrong. And because we will not see the truth, we cannot act appropriately.

Someone has said that it is a good exercise to daily admit one painful fact about ourselves to ourselves.

Look for and seek out true information concerning yourself, your problems, other people, or situation, whether it is good news or bad news.

Adopt the motto - “It doesn’t matter who’s right, but what’s right.”

Admit your mistakes and errors but don’t cry over them. Correct them and go forward. In dealing with other people try to see the situation from their point of view as well as your own.

VIA EMAIL: Chumma

Image Source: @freepik

50 Common Interview Questions & Answers

Review these typical interview questions and think about how you would answer them. Read the questions listed; you will also find some strategy suggestions with it.

1. Tell me about yourself?

Answer: The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present.

 

2. Why did you leave your last job?

Answer: Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons.

 

3. What experience do you have in this field?

Answer: Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.

 

4. Do you consider yourself successful?

Answer: You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others.

 

5. What do co-workers say about you?

Answer: Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific statement or a paraphrase will work. Jill Clark, a co-worker at Smith Company, always said I was the hardest workers she had ever known. It is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview herself.

 

6. What do you know about this organization?

Answer: This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?

 

7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?

Answer: Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.

 

8. Are you applying for other jobs?

Answer: Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus on this job and what you can do for this organization. Anything else is a distraction.

 

9. Why do you want to work for this organization?

Answer: This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term career goals.

 

10. Do you know anyone who works for us?

Answer: Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought of.

 

11. What is your Expected Salary?

Answer: A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, That's a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position?

In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.

 

12. Are you a team player?

Answer: You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag, just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.

 

13. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?

Answer: Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I'd like it to be a long time. Or as long as we both feel I'm doing a good job.

 

14. Have you ever had to fire anyone?

Answer: How did you feel about that? This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. At the same time, you will do it when it is the right thing to do. When it comes to the organization versus the individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the organization. Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in force.

 

15. What is your philosophy towards work?

Answer: The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done?

Yes. That's the type of answer that works best here. Short and positive, showing a benefit to the organization.

 

16. If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?

Answer: Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. Do not say yes if you do not mean it.

 

17. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?

Answer: If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying negative things about the people or organization involved.

 

18. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization?

Answer: You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.

 

19. Why should we hire you?

Answer: Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other candidates to make a comparison.

 

20. Tell me about a suggestion you have made?

Answer: Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then considered successful. One related to the type of work applied for is a real plus.

 

21. What irritates you about co-workers?

Answer: This is a trap question. Think really hard, but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. A short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great.

 

22. What is your greatest strength?

Answer: Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples: Your ability to prioritize, your problem-solving skills, your ability to work under pressure, your ability to focus on projects, your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, your positive attitude

 

23. Tell me about your dream job?

Answer: Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you are contending for is it, you strain credibility. If you say another job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with this position if hired. The best is to stay genetic and say something like: A job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and can't wait to get to work.

 

24. Why do you think you would do well at this job?

Answer: Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.

 

25. What are you looking for in a job?

Answer: See answer number 23.

 

26. What kind of person would you refuse to work with?

Answer: Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization, violence or lawbreaking to get you to object. Minor objections will label you as a whiner.

 

27. What is more important to you: the money or the work?

Answer: Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer.

 

28. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?

Answer: There are numerous good possibilities: Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise, Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver

 

29. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor?

Answer: Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former boss, you may well below the interview right there. Stay positive and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.

 

30. What has disappointed you about a job?

Answer: Don't get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include: Not enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction Company did not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility.

 

31. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.

Answer: You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.

 

32. Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?

Answer: Probably this one. Do not give fuel to the suspicion that you may want another job more than this one.

 

33. What motivates you to do your best on the job?

Answer: This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are: Challenge, Achievement, Recognition

 

34. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights / Weekends?

Answer: This is up to you. Be totally honest.

 

35. How would you know you were successful on this job?

Answer: Several ways are good measures: You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your outcomes are a success. Your boss tells you that you are successful.

 

36. Would you be willing to relocate if required?

Answer: You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself future grief.

 

37. Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own?

Answer: This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about the deep ethical and philosophical implications. Just say yes.

 

38. Describe your management style?

Answer: Try to avoid labels. Some of the more common labels, like progressive, salesman or consensus, can have several meanings or descriptions depending on which management expert you listen to. The situational style is safe, because it says you will manage according to the situation, instead of one size fits all.

 

39. What have you learned from mistakes on the job?

Answer: Here you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. Make it small, well-intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. An example would be working too far ahead of colleagues on a project and thus throwing coordination off.

 

40. Do you have any blind spots?

Answer: Trick question. If you know about blind spots, they are no longer blind spots. Do not reveal any personal areas of concern here. Let them do their own discovery on your bad points. Do not hand it to them.

 

41. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?

Answer: Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have.

42. Do you think you are overqualified for this position?

Answer: Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well qualified for the position.

 

43. How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?

Answer: First, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about, bring that up: Then, point out (if true) that you are a hard-working, quick learner.

 

44. What qualities do you look for in a boss?

Answer: Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of humor, fair, loyal to subordinates and holder of high standards. All bosses think they have these traits.

 

45. Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute?

Answer: Between others. Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem-solving technique and not the dispute you settled.

 

46. What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?

Answer: Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out.

 

47. Describe your work ethic?

Answer: Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to get the job done and work hard but enjoy your work are good.

 

48. What has been your biggest professional disappointment?

Answer: Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. Show acceptance and no negative feelings.

 

49. Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.

Answer: Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organization.

50. Do you have any questions for me?

Answer: Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive and What type of projects will I be able to assist on? are examples

And, finally, Best of Luck! Hope you will be successful in the interview you are going to face in the coming days.

 

"Never take some one for granted, hold every person close to your heart, because you might wake up one day & realize that you have lost a diamond while you were too busy collecting stones."

 

Remember this always in life!

Image Source: @Freepik

Dr Kalam on Success & Entrepreneurship

'A clear aim, knowledge, hard work and perseverance spells success'

A vibrant octogenarian -- that's what describes Dr Kalam best. For a man of 80 summers, Dr Kalam is extraordinarily full of life even at 8.15 pm when we sat down for a freewheeling chat, nay an experience. We ask him about his famous 'thinking hut' at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

"It is a great place," he says. "Two books came out of there. Here, I don't have sufficient area -- but everywhere I capture thoughts." His infectious enthusiasm overpowers us all as we hear him talk about how to live a life to its fullest possible potential. Here are the excerpts of his interaction with Team Careers360.

Q. Sir, you always say that we must dream big & follow our dreams. What makes one follow one's own dreams?Parents, access or commitment?

A. Dreams are finally nothing but goals or mission in life. In my case I had great teachers in various phases of life. And also my parents, my father & mother were very useful teachers to me throughout their lives. I was the only fellow in the family studying, & their commitment to me was absolute. The spiritual environment at home shaped me. You should convert your goals & mission to success in spite of problems. That is my lifelong commitment.

Q. Sir, what is more important, the ability to handle failure or the ability to respond to failures?

A. Of course, I have myself gone through many successes & a few failures. And I have also met a number of successful people throughout the world wherever I have gone, & when I discuss with them, they reveal how many problems they have encountered, what kind of failures they have had. So, I have come to the conclusion that great success has some element of failure also. I still remember Prof. Satish Dhawan, he gave me a project in 1973, were you born then?

'...if you don't do any work, you don't experience any problem'

Q. I was born in '73.

A. (A burst of laughter) He gave me the SLV Project in 1973, & named me the Project Director. I found that there were a lot of senior people above me, you know, experienced people, they should support me & there were a number of youngsters with high technical knowledge. So, I had to bring them all together to succeed. At that time I was in my thirties, 39 or 40. So, I was frightened, whether I can do it. It's a great job, how can I do it for the first time, how to build a rocket, to make a satellite, & it's a big vision and how can I do it?

Q. And the nation's expectations were on you?

A. A lot of expectation. So then Prof. Satish Dhawan, the chairman saw my hesitation. He called me and gave me some advice, famous advice. He said, "Kalam, if you don't do any work, you don't experience any problem." Even in media, if you don't report there is no problem. If you report, problem starts. (He laughs heartily at this). So, Prof. Dhawan said major programmes are always coupled with major problems. But don't allow problems to become your captain, you should become the captain of the problem. Defeat the problem & succeed. This advice he gave me in 1973, even now it's true. It is true for politicians, educationists, media people, it's true in every area. So, the message I'm giving is we should take control of the problems, okay?

Q. Sir, why do we find 2/3 of India's engineering graduates unemployable? What do you think is the underlying problem?

A. During my recent visit to Canada I visited a University called Waterloo. For an engineering degree students are taught in the classroom for one year, the next year they go to the industry. So two out of four years they spend in the industry. And in the industry they learn to work within the system, it may be the software system or the hardware system, machine system, electronic system, or chemical system. But they learn to apply what they studied at the university. So when they graduate there is good demand for them. They can hit the ground running.

'It taught me the value of planning, of teamwork, of time'

Q. So, it is lack of integration between real-life work & academia that is the problem?

A. I want to share with you my own experience. In 1957 I studied aeronautical engineering in Madras Institute of Technology. It was a difficult discipline to get into & we were only 9 students. Now, Prof. Srinivasan gave us a six months project in our final year. The project was to design low-level (low altitude, he clarifies) attack fighter aircraft. So, having studied, aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, control, etc., here we have to put them together into a workable aircraft system design. I was the Project Leader for that. I was the ninth, so eight other people are there, someone would give propulsion, some other aerodynamics etc. So, after four-and-a-half-months of study, I was there in my laboratory. The teacher, my guide comes. At that time we did not have computers, I was using the design board for drawing the design of the aircraft & my friends were all around me. So, he comes and sees and says, "I'm completely disappointed with your work; I am going to stop your scholarship if you don't complete the design in two weeks time." (Dr Kalam laughs.) It was a very costly education, if my scholarship stopped, I had to return home. I talked all kinds of things, gave him excuses, told him we had worked so hard, all of us are suffering etc. But to no avail. And so, finally all of us joined together day & night, Saturdays, Sundays; we didn't even go to our hostels. And we designed the fighter aircraft. On a Sunday evening Prof. Srinivasan came, exactly one day before the deadline. He saw the design, he was very happy. Then, he gave us Madras coffee in his house. (Dr. Kalam laughs again as he remembers).

It taught me the value of planning, of teamwork, of time. But what we learned most out of that is that in the education system, while we study mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering etc. we should also have a clear understanding of how it all fits into a larger system, a productive system. So students must also be taught system design, system integration, system management, since that is what the industry wants. Our educational system should promote that.

Q. Why, sir, is entrepreneurship and skill development very important to you?

A. We add seven million people every year at 10+2 level & three million graduates every year. So, we inject ten million people into the society every year as employment seekers. This is because entrepreneurship is not taught, either in the secondary school education or in higher education or university education. Entrepreneurship is not part of the curriculum, neither is acquisition of usable skills. That's why I'm saying if 30 per cent people have to procure their skills, that training should be started during the period of education itself.

Q. Sir, what would be three qualities which you think one requires for success in life?

A. I will say four qualities, okay. Number 1, a clear aim in life, without it you will be going in all directions. Second, you should acquire the knowledge. You acquire knowledge in multiple ways. Great books should be your friend, great teachers should be a friend, & even home environment & parents can help you gain knowledge. The third aspect is hard work with devotion. I am saying since your work is towards your mission, it should be permeated with the devotion to that mission you have in mind. And the fourth one is perseverance. Persevere continuously. You do these four things & you can become anything. All these four things you have, work for it, you will achieve anything.

'Report the success story of a fisherman, an agrofood processor, a farmer, a craftsman'

Q. Sir, would you then say, that it finally boils down to focusing on one mission in life?

A. No, it is finally that the goal should be in front of you. That is my experience. We are always tempted to do many things simultaneously. But if you start doing one thing, have one goal & put all your efforts into that, then definitely you will succeed. Of course, you have to win! A problem always appears here & there but you have to face the problem & defeat the problem.

Q. Sir, how do we, at Careers360 add better value for our readers?

A. You should not become just like any other magazine. You see 700 million people are living in the rural area, you are reporting about 300 million people. So you should report the success story of a fisherman, an agrofood processor, a farmer, a craftsman. The message is become the magazine of a billion people population.

Q Sir, one last word to our readers.

A. They must think in a big way. I remember 2000 years back, there is a famous saying in Thirukural by Saint Poet Thiruvalluvar -- Vellathanaythu Malar Neetam Mandartham Ullathanaytu Uyarvu. It means that, just like the height of the water in a pond determines the height to which a lily would grow, it is the heights of thoughts that determines the heights to which you could aspire for. So as human beings they should have great thoughts, great aims, & when thoughts become transformed into actions performed with perseverance & devotion, success has to follow. Thank you very much sir.

17 Management Funda's

1. "We will do it" means "You will do it"

2. "You have done a great job" means "More work to be given to you"

3. "We are working on it" means "We have not yet started WORKING on the Same"

4. "Tomorrow first thing in the morning" means "Its not getting done "At least not tomorrow!"

5. "After discussion we will decide - I am very open to views" means "I have already decided, I will tell you what to do"

6. "There was a slight mis-communication" means "We had actually lied"

7. "Lets call a meeting and discuss" means "I have no time now, will talk later"

8. "We can always do it" means "We actually cannot do the same on time"

9. "We are on the right track but there needs to be a slight extension of the deadline" means "The project is screwed up, we cannot deliver on time."

10. "We had slight differences of opinion "means "We had actually fought"

11. "Make a list of the work that you do and let's see how I can help you" means "Anyway you have to find a way out no help from me"

12. "You should have told me earlier" means "Well even if you told me earlier that would have made hardly any difference!"

13. "We need to find out the real reason" means "Well I will tell you where your fault is"

14. "Well Family is important; your leave is always granted. Just ensure that the work is not affected," means, "Well you know..."

15. "We are a team," means, "I am not the only one to be blamed"

16. "That's actually a good question" means "I do not know anything about it"

17. "All the Best" means "You are in trouble"

Famous Quotes by Great Minds

Famous Quote #1
‘People are just about as happy as they make up their minds to be’ - Abraham Lincoln

Famous Quote #2
‘Everyone has problems, some are just better at hiding them’ - Unknown

Famous Quote #3
‘If we did all the things that we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves’ - Thomas Edison

Famous Quote #4
‘Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it’ - Dennis P. Kimbro

Famous Quote #5
‘Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy’ - Thich Nhat Hahn

Famous Quote #6
‘Life is not lost by dying; life is lost minute by minute, day by dragging day, in all the thousand small uncaring ways’ - Stephen Vincent Ben't

Famous Quote #7
‘Only by going too far can one possibly find out how far one can go’ - Jon dyer

Famous Quote #8
‘People only see what they are prepared to see’ - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Famous Quote #9
‘Don't be afraid to fail because only through failure do you learn to succeed’

Famous Quote #10
‘It’s true that we don’t know what we’ve got until we lose it, but it’s also true that we don’t know what we’ve been missing until it arrives’

Famous Quote #11
‘Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself’ - Chanakya

Famous Quote #12
‘The tongue weighs practically nothing, but so few people can hold it’

Famous Quote #13
‘It takes only a minute to get a crush on someone, an hour to like someone, and a day to love someone; but it takes a lifetime to forget someone’

Famous Quote #14
‘Always put yourself in the other’s shoes. If you feel that it hurts you, it probably hurts the person too’

Famous Quote #15
‘The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything they just make the most of everything that comes along their way’

Famous Quote #16
‘Many people will walk in and out or your life, But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart’

Famous Quote #17
‘To handle yourself, use your head, To handle others, use your heart’

Famous Quote #18
‘He who loses money, loses much; He who loses a friend, loses more; He who loses faith, loses all’

Famous Quote #19
‘If someone betrays you once, it’s his fault. If he betrays you twice, it’s your fault’

Famous Quote #20
‘God Gives every bird it’s food, But he does not throw it into it’s nest’

Perseverance, Persistence, & Determination Story

Perseverance, Persistence, and Determination Story
(Never Give Up in life...)

In 1867, a creative engineer named John Roebling was inspired by an idea to build a spectacular bridge connecting New York with the Long Island. However bridge building experts throughout the world thought that this was an impossible feat and told John Roebling to forget the idea. It just could not be done. It was not practical. It had never been done before.

John Roebling could not ignore the vision he had in his mind of this bridge. He thought about it all the time and he knew deep in his heart that it could be done. He just had to share the dream with someone else. After much discussion and persuasion he managed to convince his son Washington Roebling, an up and coming engineer, that the bridge in fact could be built.

Working together for the first time, the father and son developed concepts of how it could be accomplished and how the obstacles could be overcome. With great excitement and inspiration, and the headiness of a wild challenge before them, they hired their crew and began to build their dream bridge.

The project started well, but when it was only a few months underway a tragic accident on the site took the life of John Roebling. Washington Roebling was injured and left with a certain amount of brain damage, which resulted in him not being able to walk or talk or even move.

“We told them so. Crazy men and their crazy dreams. It's foolish to chase wild visions.”

Everyone had a negative comment to make and felt that the project should be scrapped since the John Roebling were the only ones who knew how the bridge could be built. In spite of his handicap Washington Roebling was never discouraged and still had a burning desire to complete the bridge and his mind was still as sharp as ever.

Washington Roebling tried to inspire and pass on his enthusiasm to some of his friends, but they were too daunted by the task. As he lay on his bed in his hospital room, with the sunlight streaming through the windows, a gentle breeze blew the flimsy white curtains apart and he was able to see the sky and the tops of the trees outside for just a moment.

It seemed that there was a message for him not to give up. Suddenly an idea hit him. All he could do was move one finger and he decided to make the best use of it. By moving this, he slowly developed a code of communication with his wife Emily.

Washington Roebling touched his wife’s arm with that finger, indicating to her that he wanted her to call the engineers again. Then he used the same method of tapping her arm to tell the engineers what to do. It seemed foolish but the project was under way again.

For 13 years Washington Roebling tapped out his instructions with his finger on his wife’s arm, until the bridge was finally completed in 1883. Today the spectacular Brooklyn Bridge stands in all its glory as a tribute to the triumph of one man's indomitable spirit and his determination not to be defeated by circumstances.

It is also a tribute to the engineers and their team work, and to their faith in a man who was considered mad by half the world. It stands too as a tangible monument to the love and devotion of his wife who for 13 long years patiently decoded the messages of her husband Washington Roebling & told the engineers what to do.

Perhaps this is one of the best examples of a never-say-die attitude that overcomes a terrible physical handicap and achieves an impossible goal.

Often when we face obstacles in our day-to-day life, our hurdles seem very small in comparison to what many others have to face. The Brooklyn Bridge shows us that dreams that seem impossible can be realized with determination and persistence, no matter what the odds are.

Moral: Even the most distant dream can be realized with persistence & determination. Never take some one for granted, hold every person close to your heart because you might wake up one day & realize that you have lost a diamond while you were too busy collecting stones. Remember this always in life.

[VIA Email: Syed Hassan Ali]

5 Positive Leadership Strategies

These are uncertain times. Employees are questioning how their industry and job will be impacted by the current economy. They’re unsure about what action to take. Unfortunately this uncertainly creates what I call a VOID and my theory is that where there is a VOID negativity will fill it.

When there is a void of clear and positive communication people start to assume the worst and act accordingly. At the root, it's all about fear. When we are uncertain, fear and negativity creep in and dominate our thoughts, behavior and actions. This leads to a lack of trust, decreased productivity, poor focus, uninspired teamwork and sub-par performance. Instead of taking positive actions to thrive our teams go into survival mode and just try to survive.

That’s why I believe now, more than ever, is a time for positive leadership. Now is a time to stop obsessing about the recession, get back to basics, create a plan of action, and inspire, encourage and empower your teams. Why? Having worked with countless leaders over the years in businesses, schools and professional sports I’ve realized that great leadership is first and foremost a transfer of belief. So often the difference between success and failure is belief. Positive leaders share their belief, optimism, vision, purpose and plan with their organization and in the process they inspire and empower their teams to believe, act and execute. Positive beliefs lead to powerful plans and actions and this leads to significant results.

However, positive leadership requires more than inspirational speeches. It is a process and there are several steps you need to take to get your team on the bus and moving in the right direction.

1. Make Your Culture a Priority:
Negativity and fear are knocking your people off balance. It’s time to regroup, refocus, and unite them to create a winning culture and team environment. Remember, you win in the office first. Then you win in the marketplace. With a winning team you create strength on the inside that can withstand the negativity, naysayers and adversity on the outside.

I saw this happen first hand with Atlanta Falcons last season. In the face of the Michael Vick scandal, Coach Mike Smith took charge and built a winning team by making the team culture, attitude and synergy his priority. I was brought in to help with this process and we saw and immediate and powerful impact.

2. Share a Positive Vision:
It has to be clear, bold and simple so that that everyone in your organization can understand and rally around it. It also has to be relevant to the challenges you have faced and the direction you must go. As a leader you must share this vision every day with everyone in your organization and encourage your managers and employees to do the same. Invite everyone on the bus and energize them towards a common vision, goal and destination.

3. Develop a Fleet of Bus Drivers:
Once you share the vision and invite everyone on the same bus then it’s essential that each person in your organization understand how they can contribute to this vision. This empowers each person to drive their own bus and generates a fleet of bus drivers with your organization all moving in the same direction with a shared vision, focus and purpose.

4. Fill the VOID...Often:
Leaders, you must personally meet with your company and continually share your vision for the future and your fiscal status. Now is not a time to be in your office. Now you must be seen and heard and hear and see. Managers, communicate with your team. Let each person know where they stand. Talk about their fears. Listen to them. Explain your plan of action. Tell them how you plan to win in the marketplace. If you always fill the VOID with positive energy then negativity and fear can't breed and grow.

5. Turn Negative Energy into Positive Solutions:
Utilize your current challenges, problems and complaints as a way to generate new ideas, innovations and paths to success. Study history and you'll find that many successful companies, products and initiatives were born during recessions and downturns. Encourage each person in your organization to ask and answer the following questions:

1. What can we learn from these challenges?
2. How can we improve because of it?
3. What opportunities does it present?
4. What actions do we need to take now?

These are uncertain times and no one can predict what the future will look like but by filling the voids with positive leadership, positive communication and positive action there is one thing you can be certain of - a future where you are stronger, wiser and better than you are today.

Stay Positive!
Jon Gordon

101 Tips for Pageant Success

1. Smile, smile, SMILE!

2. While on stage, hold your head high and pretend that crown’s already on your head.

3. Scan the judges, scan the audience, then once again scan the judges.

4. If you find it difficult to look the judges in the eyes, look at their foreheads.

5. Remember – it isn’t the most talented girl who wins the talent competition. It’s whoever has the best stage presence.

6. Don’t compare yourself to the other girls, because you’re only being judged on you.

7. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to get a pageant winning dress. Search ebay or your local mall for sales. If it is elegant, sparkles on stage, and it makes you feel like a queen, then it could be your winning gown.

8. Swimsuit isn’t about who is the hottest girl on the stage. It is about who has the most confidence walking out on a stage in what can feel like underwear.

9. If at first you don’t succeed, try again. Most pageant winners have competed before, often many times.

10. It is good to exercise and eat well before a pageant, but there is no need to starve yourself because no matter what your size, your confidence and poise is what will take you on to the next stage of competition.

11. DON’T LIE ON YOUR PAPERWORK OR IN THE INTERVIEW. If you get caught in a lie, or one of the judges is an excellent poker player, your bluff will cost you.

12. Be true to yourself. The judges want to see girls who are real, not girls who sound rehearsed.

13. On your fact sheet, don’t give it all away. Make statements somewhat vague so the judges have something to ask about!

14. Practice, practice, practice. The more you practice, the more prepared you are, the better you’ll do.

15. You don’t have to have perfect grades or have something super impressive on your fact sheet to impress the judges. What will make you stand out is something unique that not many people have done or can do. Play the accordion? Race go carts? Breed hamsters? Write it down.

16. Have someone proofread your paperwork before you turn it in.

17. Perform your talent for as many people as you can. The more advice you can get, the better your performance will be.

18. Choose a platform that really means something to you, not just something you think will impress the judges.

19. Know your current events and important issues that are being discussed in the news.

20. Even if you don’t get the crown, you’re a winner just for competing so if you don’t win, don’t feel like a loser.

21. If you want to begin to eat healthier before the pageant, do some reading on proper nutrition. Surviving on tiny salads and diet soda will only slow your metabolism and you won’t lose fat that way.

22. Diet pills do NOT work. Enough said.

23. Every girl has a little "junk in the trunk". If you jiggle, don’t worry about it. Even the skinniest girls have a little jiggle room back there.

24. Cover any and all tattoos and remove any piercings other than up to two holes in your ear. You aren’t supposed to be judged on such things but unfortunately some people will. Sure, those people are stupid but there’s nothing you can do about it.

25. You don’t need to hire some expensive pageant coach to win. Anyone can do the same job and with a little reading and some research you can learn all you need to know about pageants.

26. Read up on some famous titleholders, especially if you’re competing in the Miss America or Miss USA systems.

27. On stage question is not as tough as it might seem. Often times the stage lights are so bright you can’t see the audience anyway so just pretend they aren’t even there.

28. If you don’t feel confident on stage, try and get some friends and family to be your "cheering section". This will definitely give you a confidence boost while on stage!!

29. In order to create a natural smile rather than a "plastic look", think of something funny before you go on stage. I kept a picture of David Hasselhoff from his Baywatch days backstage. This struck me as funny and kept my smile from looking unnatural.

30. The interview isn’t an interrogation, but rather a conversation where the judges can get to know you better.

31. Know your platform inside and out. You never know what you’ll be asked.

32. Be sure you understand just what the responsibilities of the titleholder are. You don’t want to win and discover that you can’t handle the job.

33. Don’t be afraid to ask questions in the interview if you don’t understand. The judges will be glad to clarify for you.

34. Try and think of all of your positive traits first before you write your paperwork. It’ll help a lot!

35. Never portray yourself in a negative light in any part of the competition. You want to be confident, not self-depreciating.

36. Does this pageant charge you to compete? Then forget about it. It’s only a scam.

37. Make sure your talent is not too long. If you have to change it the day before competition you might not perform very well.

38. Form opinions on EVERYTHING, from your opinion on the death penalty to what your favorite color is.

39. Use the bathroom before the interview and before the show. Trust me, you’ll appreciate it.

40. Keep your clothes organized and hung up so you can find things and they remain unwrinkled. When you have to change fast you won’t be stressing out about where you put your strapless bra or that your suit is wrinkled.

41. Don’t drink any carbonated drinks on competition day to prevent bloating.

42. Always maintain excellent posture. Shoulders back, chin parallel to the ground, and back straight, whether you’re sitting or standing.

43. Keep your walk slow and elegant during evening gown. Remember, it’s at this point the judges will be able to see who that crown will fit on best.

44. Search online for a good "pageant hairstyle". Look at pictures of all the current Miss America or Miss USA contestants for ideas. NO PROM UPDOS!! They just don’t work.

45. Don’t fuss with tons of jewelry. A large pair of rhinestone earrings can be all you’ll need. Search stores like Icing or Claire’s for cheaper accessories because when they have sales they mark some gorgeous jewelry down for dirt cheap.

46. Make sure your gown fits perfectly. This sometimes means waiting until a month or two before competition to buy it because if you lose or gain weight in the meantime, it may not fit right and you don’t want to find that out two weeks beforehand.

47. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars for a "pageant swimsuit", either. Stick with solid colors that compliment your skin tone and hair color. Something that has a touch of sparkle to it will look great.

48. Your evening gown shouldn’t look too much like your typical high school prom dress. Look at the type of dresses Miss America contestants wear. They are elegant, often with long trains, and they have at least a touch of sparkle. You can find these gowns among the many prom-type gowns but it can take a lot of searching to find the perfect one.

49. Do your research. There are lots of good pageant resources online, but finding them can be tough. Google will be your friend.

50. Talk to the current titleholder about what she does to prepare for competition. She’s already done it so she’s bound to have some excellent pointers for you.

51. Don’t do a pageant just because someone else wants you to. You won’t win and you won’t be happy. You have to want it.

52. Want a pretty crown? Buy one on ebay. Being a titleholder can often be a big responsibility, so be prepared.

53. Don’t spend thousands on cosmetic dentistry. Get some Crest Whitestrips if that will make your smile more confident. If you’re worried about the appearance of your teeth, see an orthodontist. Braces aren’t all that bad and you’ll be happy you had them because your mouth will be prettier and healthier.

54. Show your personality both in the interview and on the stage.

55. Get plenty of beauty sleep during pageant week!

56. Never get yourself down because you think the other girls are "better" or "prettier". We’re all more critical of ourselves.

57. You don’t to sing or play an instrument to win. Dancers and monologues do quite well, also. A unique talent will really set you apart, too. Are you a baton twirler? Juggler? Yodeler? Give it a shot because you’re bound to stand out among all the boring song and dance routines.

58. Afraid to go to the beach in your swimsuit? Probably not. So why is the stage any different? Those heels are just like sandals and at least on stage you can wear some sort of body makeup, boob pads, and butt glue. That stuff won’t fly down in Daytona and I bet you wouldn’t let that stop you from having fun there, either.

59. Make friends with the other girls! Don’t be catty or talk behind backs. Miss Congeniality is an even more honorable title than Miss America.

60. Don’t stay out late the night before the pageant. Dark circles under your eyes can only be covered up to a certain extent.

61. If and when you win, you are representing a group of people. Be a good representative and don’t do anything you might regret later or that might force the pageant to strip you of your title.

62. 99.9% of your interview will probably be based on your fact sheet. Just FYI.

63. Even though most of your interview will be based on your fact sheet, still be aware of your current events just incase they pop one of those questions on you. Don’t know what’s going on in the world most of the time? Then fill up that fact sheet so they’ve got more things to ask you.

64. Keep your answers short and concise. If you’re asked, "Do you take criticism well?" don’t answer with a one minute speech about the time when you were criticized and it made you feel bad. No one word answers, though. The more questions the judges can ask you, the more they get to know you, and the better you’ll do.

65. A little extra padding can go a long way. I think that statement’s self explanatory.

66. Make sure you have extra nylons. You never know when you’ll get the runs.

67. Don’t be afraid to make the judges laugh a little! Sharing something humorous will lighten the mood and make them feel more comfortable.

68. The judges are often just as nervous as you are, or even more so. They have a huge decision to make that could change the lives of the girls competing.

69. Still feeling nervous? Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Deep breathing relaxes the body. Another thing you might try is listening to a favorite song or watching an episode of your favorite comedy on your ipod beforehand.

70. Only tell a story if it is relevant and doesn’t take too long to tell. Remember, you’ve only got a matter of minutes for these judges to get to know you.

71. Read books that are geared towards people looking to improve your job interview skills. A pageant is just like a job interview. You are being interviewed for the job of Miss Whoever.

72. Have your friends and family pop interview questions on you. The more practice, the better.

73. Is there a local title you really want to win but don’t have much experience? Try entering an open pageant (one in which anyone in the state can enter). The competition will be MUCH tougher and it will give you some valuable experience. The girls competing may be quite experienced and can give you plenty of advice.

74. Watch pageants on TV. See just how these girls do it.

75. Still don’t feel like a queen? Buy a plastic crown and wear it while you practice that evening gown walk. It may seem silly, but it can be a confidence booster!

76. You don’t need to be 5’9", blonde, and have a white gown to win. You can win no matter what your size, shape, color, or social status. The judges don’t know how much money you have or if that’s really your natural hair color or not.

77. Make sure you have tons of fun! If you aren’t having fun, maybe this pageant thing isn’t for you. It shouldn’t seem like a chore. You should enjoy it.

78. While working on your platform, make sure you know the names of organizations that are somehow connected that you can get into contact with. If you’ve got such connections it’ll be very impressive to the judges.

79. Search Yahoo or any news site for current events relating to your platform. If your platform’s cancer and someone very famous died of cancer last week, you might want to know this. If your platform is AIDS and they’ve discovered a new treatment a couple days ago and if you can include that in the interview, it’ll wow them.

80. The competition is a performance! Put on a good show. You want to entertain as well as impress.

81. You should use some sunless tanner to get some color in your skin if you’re very pale. The color accentuates your muscle tone and makes you appear to be thinner.

82. If you’re still feeling self conscious about something "jiggling", rub Preparation H on it. It tightens the skin temporarily so use it before you go on for swimsuit.

83. Use a shimmer lotion on the front of your legs and your arms for a slimming effect.

84. If you want to know how you’re doing, ask the pageant directors. Hopefully they’ll be honest with you.

85. I know it’s ridiculous, but… "BE THE CROWN!! You ARE the crown!!"

86. Wear heels everywhere. It’ll help your walk immensely.

87. Pump iron. Weight training along with cardio will keep you toned and burn more fat. If you’re in good shape you’ll be more confident!!

88. Remember that oftentimes the judges are at foot level. Have a nice, neat pedicure. Use a light pink polish if you are unsure as to what color to use. It looks classy and goes with everything.

89. Keep double stick tape and super glue in your dressing room. You never know when it’ll come in handy.

90. Your talent costume should be comfortable but also a little flashy. In the pageant world, a little sparkle here and there (or a lot of sparkle, whichever you like best) goes a long way.

91. Pageants are a great way to earn scholarships. Look for pageants that reward scholarships for all contestants participating so you’re guaranteed to get something back out of it.

92. Fake eyelashes are great for the stage, but don’t wear them in the interview. The interview is a much more professional setting so wear a nice suit, small earrings, and little makeup. Your makeup should be just as much as you might wear on an average day.

93. Whether you’re an A cup or a DD cup, you don’t need plastic surgery to win a pageant. Don’t be like those girls on MTV’s Tiara Girls who think they need lip injections to do well. Have you noticed that those girls usually don’t win?

94. Don’t scoff at first runner up. First runner up means you beat out everyone else except one, and that’s nothing to cry about!

95. You never know what’s going to happen. Don’t prepare to win or to lose. This set of judges might make one decision and another set of judges could make an entirely different decision!! A girl who was fourth runner up at a local pageant was awarded the crown when the winner was stripped of her title for some reason and the three girls ahead of her were ineligible because they’d already won other titles. This girl recently became Miss Kentucky.

96. If you make a mistake, try to act like it never happened. The audience may not notice and if the judges notice but see how quickly you can pick up your composure quickly afterwards they might be impressed.

97. Be on time. There is no such thing as fashionably late in the pageant world.

98. Not everyone is as nice as they appear. Be nice to everyone during the pageant and if someone turns on you don’t seek revenge. No matter what, always strive to be Miss Congeniality. It will take you far not only in pageants but also in life.

99. Be prepared for everything. I suggest bringing a large Rubbermaid container and pack everything but the kitchen sink because you never know what you might need backstage.

100. Don’t change anything during pageant week. Make all of your final wardrobe decisions beforehand and you’ll feel prepared and confident!

101. Last, but most certainly not least…HAVE FUN!