Saturday, December 28, 2019

How to Fire Yourself and Hire a Replacement

How to Fire Yourself and Hire a Replacement How to Fire Yourself and Hire a Replacement This doesnt have to mean dislocating yourself from the organization but it can mean relinquishing the supreme control that founders/CEOs often retain over every part of the business. There are several ways to do it.For example, you could split the CEO role in two and retain control over the parts that you excel in, which could be the more technical or product related areas of the business, and perhaps an external professional could focus on operations, sales and marketing. Or vice versa.Alternately, you could move out of day-to-day operations into a board role or perhaps more of a strategic consultant role so you can focus on what you do best, which could be ideas, innovation or thought leadership.The beauty of it is that having built this great firm you can choose to cherry spielblttchen the role you want, to a degree, as long as it can fit into a sensible operating structure. And after its all done, you might even feel relieved. And of course, just because you dont excel at something you dont necessarily have to relinquish control as long as you can adapt and develop skills in those areas.So, as you can see, there are many quite palatable options and scenarios around voluntarily firing yourself as founder/CEO. And if it is something you are ready to do, one of the first things you should do is take an honest look at your own strengths and weaknesses and begin to develop a range of potential abdication scenarios much like I have described above. Each scenario should constitute, at the very least, an organization chart showing your role and duties in the new structure and the role and duties of the incoming CEO and other key executives. And it goes without saying that you should try and focus your role around your strengths and relinquish areas where you are weak.Having completed this exercise you can go to the market and search for CEO or high-level management talent. Its vital to be flexible, which is why I suggested a range of scenarios, as you can never be sure what talent is available and you may wish to adapt your internal structure in order to fit in a particularly promising CEO candidate.Of course, this is a highly simplified outline of the process and principles of founder/CEO abdication, and in reality, this would be a long consultative process requiring input from a range of key stakeholders.Good luck with your enterprise.

Monday, December 23, 2019

Creating a Telecommuting Strategy

Creating a Telecommuting StrategyCreating a Telecommuting StrategyCreating a Telecommuting StrategyTelecommuting. Employees long for it, but many employers still have their doubts. For some employers, the obstacle to embracing telecommuting stems from a lack of trust in employees about flexible work arrangements.For others, trust isnt the issue, but a lack of experience in how to approach this arrangement is creating the roadblock. However, with the right strategy in place, implementing a telecommuting program for your company can be a step in the right direction for all parties and can helpimprove employee engagement.Where Should You Start?First, outline a document with the reasons for the companys decision to consider telecommuting as an employee option. Create a list of the benefits associated with telecommuting. This is the easy part. Among the many employer/employee benefits are the potential for reduced commuting, improved staff morale, etc.Next, create a list of each change t hat is necessary for the company to launch its telecommuting program, i.e., what policies are necessary, what equipment will have to be purchased, which management issues need to be addressed, etc. Set guidelines regarding acceptable investments in equipment and office supplies as well. Its Policy TimeYes, even something as progressive as a telecommuting strategy requires policy and procedural guidelines. Your first step should be to define what telecommuting means for your organization. This isnt as easy as it sounds, since the definition of telecommuting will vary (at least slightly) for each company.Next, create a Telecommuting Request Form that you can use to consistently evaluate each employees fit (and cost) as a telecommuting candidate.Its also important to create a Telecommuting Agreement that eligible employees should review and sign. This agreement will include the followingA definition of the telecommuters work scheduleAn outline of the probationary period, if applicableA list of all work-related items provided by the companyYour Telecommuting Agreement should also include acknowledgement that the employeeWill take precautions to protect company items from damage or theftWill return all company property upon termination or resignation of employmentIsresponsible for addressing legal or tax-related issues that arise from his or her use of the home as a place of businessWho Gets to Telecommute?Once youve determined that telecommuting will work for your organization, how will you decide which employees are good candidates for telecommuting? Begin by establishing a series of standards that you will apply to every telecommuting request you receive.First and foremost, the type of position the employee has will be the primary factor in determining whether telecommuting is a viable option for them. Many positions will quickly be eliminated from consideration because they require too much supervision or daily involvement at the office to be practical for tele commuting. However, other positions may be ideal for telecommuting.Each job description should be analyzed to determine the feasibility of an off-site work arrangement. The suitability of a home working environment should also be assessed. In order to work effectively, the telecommuting employee will need a home-based office area with proper lighting and office furniture.Next, an employees tenure with the company can be used as a criterion in your decision-making process. Many companies require a minimum number of months of consecutive employment in order for employees to be eligible for telecommuting. By doing so, employers reward loyal staff and feel more confident that these employees will succeed in this type of arrangement.Finally, employers place a great deal of trust in employees who work off-site. For this reason, employees with disciplinary problems should not qualify for telecommuting privileges. Establish a time period during which an employees discipline record must be c lear prior to telecommuting eligibility.Similarly, employees with an above-average job performance history should be considered strong candidates for telecommuting. And, generally speaking, the most successful telecommuters are those who can utilize phone, email, and in-person communication with colleagues for erleichterung and guidance.Workplace SafetyAs the trend for shrinking office space andtelecommuting increases, and more workers dream of trading suits for bathrobes and sensible shoes for fuzzy slippers, the need for best practices in this area is clear.Taking the time to carefully craft a telecommuting strategy that meets the needs of both employee and employer will lay a strong foundation for shared telecommuting success.Typical elements of a telecommuting policyProcedure to request a telecommuting arrangementStatement that telecommuting is an employee privilege, and is not appropriate for all employeesStatement of compliance with existing and future OSHA and workers compens ation regulationsTimekeeping and compensation guidelinesGuidelines for required communication by phone and email with supervisors and managersStatement of employers ability to discontinue telecommuting arrangement with notice

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

How To Double-Check Decisions for Gender Discrimination

How To Double-Check Decisions for Gender DiscriminationHow To Double-Check Decisions for Gender DiscriminationSocietal norms are the reason why we see some jobs as gender-specific. While changing societys perspective on gender roles in the workplace is a lofty goal, HR can still make an effort to increase gender diversity by the way it hires. Here are ways to avoid gender discrimination throughout the hiring process. Job Requisite RecruitingThe first place to stop gender discrimination and to promote gender diversity in the hiring process is the job requisite. The jobs major responsibilities should be scoured for gender-specific words. According to Times Study Women Do Not Apply To Male-Sounding Jobs, these words sounded too masculine and deterred women from applying for jobs assertive, independent, and analytical. In Evidence That Gendered Wording in Job Advertisements Exists and Sustains Gender Inequality, some female-associated words were understanding, supportive and interperson al. A way to avoid gender discrimination when picking applicants to move forward on and interview is to remove the names on the resume and choose the applicants that will best fit the job.The Interview and Deciding on the Right CandidateBefore the interview, HR should be included to review the questions that are going to be asked. Like a job posting, there can be subtle gender-biased words in the interview questions. During the interview, the potential candidate should be interviewed by different members of the team to offer different perspectives. Another tip is to document or transcribe answers to interview questions so you can review later to avoid discrimination. Something helpful would be creating a scorecard of desired attributes and score candidates. This will prevent inadvertent subconscious bias, and the hiring will be based on objective qualities versus a subjective feeling. After Hiring the Candidate After the hiring manager has vetted all of the potential candidates and decided on the right person, make sure that the manager and new hire have completed all of their training on gender diversity issues. Offer quarterly check-ins so they can come to HR in private with any issues. Something that should happen throughout the year is evaluating if the companys culture is really aligned with diversity. How do the companys workforce diversity reports compare to companies in the same industry? Keep up with how other companies are tackling the diversity issue and learn from their mistakes as well as their beneficial strategies to make gender diversity a priority.

Friday, December 13, 2019

Accountant-Turned-Recruiter Discovers His True Calling

Accountant-Turned-Recruiter Discovers His True CallingAccountant-Turned-Recruiter Discovers His True CallingSteven Fields was an up-and-coming public accountant at a major accounting firm after graduating at the top of his class from the University of Maryland. If youd asked him then what he thought of job recruiters, he would have shrugged his shoulders. He had no idea what they did.Then one day, he decided to pivot toward a very different career path, one where he found himself using his accounting expertise, drive and interpersonal skills to help other professionals.Today hes a father of three, with 8,500 LinkedIn connections and the title of senior vice president at Finance Accounting. Hes spent the last 25 years as a financial recruiter, and he couldnt be happier.When I started in the Washington, D.C., market, there was a severe downturn and a lot of people were out of jobs and needed help, says Fields, remembering his early days. I got so much satisfaction by helping them secu re their first jobs out of school and watching their career progression - in some cases all the way up to working as controllers and beyond.Hes based now in Raleigh, N.C., where - like many cities - its companies that need the most help.With the accountant unemployment rate being what it is, the desperation is coming from my clients - managers and employers who cant find the right people to work for them. Its rewarding to find candidates who go on to flourish at their companies and to hear what a difference their contributions have made.One hiring managers success storyOne of the people Fields got to know when she was looking for a job herself is now a manager at a company that experienced a rapid turnover in its accounting department, just as she was taking the reins. She needed to hire staff accountants, controllers and financial analysts, and she didnt have time to wait for applicants to respond to her job postings.She needed to get her jobs staffed with the right people - q uickly, Fields says. Her career depended on it, and she had to rely on professionals she knew and trusted. We helped her hire a number of people for her department, and Im happy to report that its been a big success story.His advice for others like herThe hiring process requires a great deal of planning and recruitment before companies can interview for finance and accounting positions.You cant go window shopping these days, says Fields, referring to that time in his career when there were more professionals out of work than companies looking to employ them. Here is some of the guidance he gives those looking to hireFind out what top candidates desire most in a job, and address that in interviews.Budget the right salary for the position, based on market rates found in the Salary Guide for Accounting and Finance Professionals.Make the right offer the first time, from compensation to employee perks.Enlist the help of a recruiting firm.The services provides in terms of our screening an d interviewing are all incredible time-savers for companies, he says. Time is money, and if we do our jobs right, we can save a lot of time - bedrngnis to mention avert the aggravation of going all the way to the end of a process of hiring a top-notch professional and having the person turn down the job. We work to make sure that doesnt happen.Ready to hire? Tell us your hiring needs, and get a leg up on the competition.

Monday, December 9, 2019

The Untold Story About Curriculum Vitae Meaning You Really Need to Read

The Untold Story About Curriculum Vitae Meaning You Really Need to Read The Fundamentals of Curriculum Vitae Meaning Revealed The work ad itself may supply the fruchtwein specific details. If youre still struggling, the National Careers Service CV building tool functions as a wonderful platform to construct your brand-new CV Resumes may be used for a number of reasons, but most often theyre used ghostwriting service page to. Scannable resumes need specific page designs because computer scanners cant read certain products. Using Curriculum Vitae Meaning When applying for certain positions in the united states, in addition to jobs internationally, you might be asked to submit a studienplan vitae in place of a resume. If youre pursuing any of them then you must start from that point. If youre asking for a job where teaching biochemistry is just one of the requirements as mentioned in the job ad, then you better be certain you let them know you wish to teach biochemistry. Th eres a science to teaching. The standard of your curriculum vitae will make or break your odds of getting job interviews, and is very likely to be one of the most significant documents you ever write in your life. If you anticipate writing a curriculum vitae, for instance, you would notlage have to change information and details as you might have to set it uniformly for your readers. Finally, a cover letter is intended to show more of who you are to the employer so he or she is able to get a fuller view of the sort of worker and person youre. You will also have to craft a strong cover letter to make sure your curriculum becomes opened when you apply for roles. While both are tools that might help you land a particular job position, an individual must know the difference to distinguish which to use in various job application circumstances. You may want to take advantage of our readily made available digital curriculum vitae sample so that you wouldnt have a rough time searchi ng for the exact ones that are entirely different from a resume. As you go on, a great deal of relevant information could nevertheless be added to it. If you are in possession of a very long collection of vita experience, only place the experiences related to the job youre applying for. The Pain of Curriculum Vitae Meaning Sending your CV is also often the very first bit of contact you will make with a prospective employer, therefore its important to use it in order to earn a decent first impression. Tailoring your CV is vital and thus the more effort that you put into it the better. The CV or Curriculum Vitae is a candidates very first chance in creating a very good impression in front of a possible employer. You wish to have a compelling CV thats well-organized and simple to read, yet accurately represents your greatest accomplishments.You do not have to follow along with the format used here, but it is suggested to tackle the categories covered here somewhere in your CV. Do not incorporate any information on your CV which might be deemed controversial. Formatting your CV is vital to make your document clear, professional and simple to read. Its possible to find out more about what to have in your CV from our mechanical engineer CV example. Employers may wish to understand more about you and how you are going to fit in their team. Resumes may be used for a number of reasons, but most often they are accustomed to. Your CV is just one of the very best ways of advertising yourself to an employer. When it has to do with sending in applications, after that you can tailor your CV to underline the skills you know prospective employers are looking for. Most employers have a tendency to swiftly scan resumes, searching for the most pertinent info to choose if youre qualified or not. Prospective employers will be searching for skills that complement all regions of their workplace. The Key to Successful Curriculum Vitae Meaning 4 Professional awards at t he base of the curriculum vitae offer further achievements created by the candidate. A CV may also include things like professional references, together with coursework, fieldwork, hobbies and interests applicable to your profession. Curriculum vitae are ordinarily used curriculum seekers settle for free internet. Technology vitae are another illustration of resources which have the capacity to influence curriculum. The Downside Risk of Curriculum Vitae Meaning These samples are collected from a selection of reliable career resources to provide you with a notion of what a strong CV should look like in various formats. With the targeted CV, youre tailoring yours to the position and making it simpler for them to track down the keywords they will need to find out whether youre fit for the job or not. A CV is a detailed expert document highlighting an individuals experience and accomplishments. The skills-based CV permits you to concentrate on the skills you have developed in ma ny regions of your life. Also, CVs and covering letters ought to be composed in your words. VisualCV If you would like to fit everything on a single page, the space-saver CV is easily the most suitable format to select, particularly for students.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

The Ultimate Resume Writing down Day Events Trick

The Ultimate Resume Writing down Day Events Trick You may choose to note that theres no single ideal way to structure a resume. The primary goal of the week was supposed to draw attention to the critical food issues facing the world these days, for example, prevalence of corn in our food. There are a few things you shouldnt include in your resume. Your resume may be screened by somebody in human resources who does not have any idea what it is that youre speaking about. Resume Writing down Day Events Features Once you have sufficient inspiration, go right ahead and get started writing. Cover letter writing is a number of the absolute most difficult writing you could possibly do. Resumes are tricky its sometimes hard to know exactly what things to include. The resume sample has a strong ability to keep a readers interest over the span of the whole document. In the auffhrung the info is directly relevant (i.e. an ordained minister looking for one more ministry), include it o nly if youre certain the info isnt going to create bias. You are going to need a certain quantity of people skills to entice clients, but the results will matter much more than how friendly and personable youre. What the In-Crowd Wont Tell You About Resume Writing down Day Events Make it simple for them to find you by including the URL to your profile at the peak of your resume. It is possible to check targeted jobs to find out what keywords are appropriate, and people in your area. So ensure its pithy and punchy. Spend a couple of hours combing through online listings and youre sure to find tons of jobs you could feasibly do. You dont need to incorporate every job that youve held, especially when you have many years of expertise or have worked in unrelated fields. The Benefits of Resume Writing down Day Events Setting unrealistic goals for your job search is only going to disappoint you and produce the process feel a good deal longer than it has to be. The aim of your C V isnt to secure you a job, but instead to secure you an interview. You are able to also see Proofreader Resume. There are a lot of basic forms of resumes used to make an application for job openings. Choosing Resume Writing down Day Events Is Simple Utilize theresume summaryif you have lots of event management experience. If youre not content at your present job, look at changing it. Bear in mind an employer will receive dozens of resumes every single day and have a limited time to examine each resume. You construct and keep the technical method to attain all company targets. The Basic Facts of Resume Writing down Day Events Alternately, by frequenting local small business events or skilled networking events its possible to make personal introductions and demonstrate your capability to possible hiring managers in person. Past success is a great predictor of future success, which is the reason why you wish to concentrate on outcomes instead of daily duties. Learn from you r mistakes, and youll improve with each occasion. Remember that not all events require the same kind of attire. Resume Writing down Day Events Secrets Event coordinating is a substantial undertaking. Utilize theresume objectiveif you have minimum event management experience. In addition, you can look for event coordinator jobs on Monster. To find out more on what it requires to be an Event Coordinator, have a look at our complete Event Coordinator Job Description.

Friday, November 29, 2019

4 Ways Creativity Can Improve Your Resume - Enhancv

4 Ways Creativity Can Improve Your Resume - Enhancv4 Ways Creativity Can Improve Your Resume - With the stacks of resumes that recruiters have to go through each week, most spend only six secondsreading each one. Yours needs to be able to catch their eye within that short time frame. Using creative tactics like color, arrangement, fontand size can differentiate yours from the hundreds of others theyll read and boost your chances of moving on in the job process. Here are four different ways that creativity can improve your resumes appearance and ultimate potential.Capture attention with layoutAdding a splash of color or uniquely arranging your information is a great way to grab the readers attention. It breaks up the humdrum of the hundreds of other black and white, 12-point Times New Roman resumes that recruiters see. Try using a broad, bold nameplate at the top of your resume to immediately grab your readers attention. Then, follow up with interesting, but professional graphics like graphs measuring your skill levels or text boxes with descriptive information to draw focus down the page.Highlight important information with colorWith only a few seconds to communicate your qualifications for a job, your resume must highlight the important experiences and education that prepare you for the role. Adding color to job or category titles helps the quick-skimming eye of a recruiter find the relevant information in your resume. Just try to keep the background color white and make sure any color you use is dark enough to read. Sticking to a consistent color transportpalette based in cool hues will keep the page professional-looking.Boost readability with structureA few touches of creative structure can help break up the text of a resume and draw out important details. Separating sections with a line or segmenting short lists, like your skills section, into thirds across the page can make the resume seem much less overwhelming and dense without sacrificing any valuable i nformation. It also gives the page a satisfying look that is unique but methodic.Look modern with spaceA modern resume will show that youre a strong candidate who understands creative problem-solving is a crucial part of the current workforce. To prove your innovative spirit, use lots of white space and short sentences. Condensing lengthy language into impactful, short statements isnt easy but showcases your talent to communicate effectively. This should also avoid making the page look overcrowded or overwhelming and will display your understanding of powerful design.How to boost creativityIf you find yourself hitting a creative wall, dont be discouraged There are plenty of ways to boost your ability to think outside of the boxTake time away.If youve been staring at your computer screen with little inspiration, take a break Do something that interests you, or a quick exerciseto clear your head and then come back with a fresh mind.Go to bed.Sleep can restore your brains ability to th ink creatively. Put the resume down for the night and give yourself around nine hours of sleep on a comfortable bed and pillow. You should wake well-rested and be better equipped mentally to tackle creative projects.Ask for help.Its crucial to get a second pair of eyes on your work in order to improve your creativity and catch any mistakes you might have overlooked. Collaborative brainstorming, whether with a friend or career coach, can improve your writing approach and organization.The importance of keeping your resume standard is an outdated myth. Your resume is full of critical information, so you dont want it to fade into the noise of others A few splashes of creativity can brighten the page, highlight your important work and lengthen the time a recruiter looks at it. Consider adopting some of unterstellung tips, while still maintaining a professional tone, in order to improve your resume and land the job. Eric D. Halsey A writer with a passionate belief in the power of peer t o peer learning and storytelling to change lives. Wants nothing more than to spend a day cooking, reading books, playing board games, and discussing history and politics with friends. Also always up for an adventureLeave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *CommentName * Email * Website Subscribe now for moreSee more great content and inspiring examples of resumes done right each month. Subscribe Youre subscribed Latest posts See all posts by Eric D. Halsey The Resumes of Chernobyl by Katherine (Tori) LutzHow to Create a First Year Elementary School Teacher Resume by Tatiana Rehmova Top 20 resume tips and advice for 2019 with expert insights

Sunday, November 24, 2019

A Guide to the Best Music Schools in the East

A Guide to the Best Music Schools in the EastA Guide to the Best Music Schools in the EastWhether you have a cellist, a bassoonist, a jazz drummer or operatic tenor, serious musicians look for undergraduate and grad schools with top-notchmusic programs. And just as universities are divided into tiers, with the Berkeley and Yales of the world at the top, and less competitive schools lower down, the stratification of music schools is even more extreme, with the best conservatories in the country nestled at the top of the pyramid.But for many musicians, the better fit is a conservatory on a college campus? or a university with a top-ranked music departement. Like a conservatory, the best of these music schools require auditions, concert and recital resumes and a very different application process from the typical college admissions experience.The key lies in finding amusic schoolthat fits the musicians skills, commitment, and passion. Every major university has a music program, but the colleges on the following pages represent some of the best music programs in the East. Turn the page to get started, or use the quick links below.New York universities, including Eastman and NYUNew England universities, including Longy and PeabodyMore Oberlin and beyond 01Eastman, Tisch & MorePhoto courtesy of John MerklNot every music school is a good fit for everyone, and thats clearly the case with the final two on this list of eight great university music programs. One is a terrific classical music training ground, the other particularly well-suited to jazz. If youre looking at music schools in this part of the country, then you probably already know all about Philadelphias Curtis and Ohios Cleveland Institute of Music, two excellent conservatories. But these two music schools are part of larger universities, which gives students a taste of classic college life, as well as superior music instruction.Oberlin Conservatory of Music This conservatory, which is part of Oberlin Colleg e, near Cleveland, Ohio, is the nations oldest, but thats not its only claim to fame. Its collection of 1,500 musical instruments includes 207 pianos and its students - who are mostly undergrads - have 150 practice rooms and five concert halls at their disposal. Admission is highly competitive - and, like Eastman, one can apply to the conservatory only, via the Unified App, or do a dual degree program with the university. (And if youre interested in this part of the country, be sure to check out the other top Midwestern music schools.)Boyer College of Music and Dance This music program, which is part of Philadelphias Temple University, offers classical, opera and vocal training, but its particularly noteworthy for its jazz studies department, which offers bachelors degrees in instrumental performance, jazz vocal, and jazz composition and arranging, a major well-suited to the demands of a career as a gigging musician. If your jazz musician ever vied for the prize in the Lincoln Cente rs annual Essentially Ellington high school competition, thats a Temple University-sponsored program.Still looking? Dont discount the West Coast, which is home to some dazzling music conservatories and excellent university programs in California and beyond.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

8 Ways to Get Your Employees Excited About Their Jobs

8 Ways to Get Your Employees Excited About Their Jobs8 Ways to Get Your Employees Excited About Their JobsHappy and satisfied employees are more productive, and engaged workers tend to stick around longer. We know that employee retention is a big deal for small business owners who dont have the budget to handle the costs of hiring and training new employees on a regular basis. This is whygood employees can be one of the greatest resources in your small business. There are many things you can do to help your employees manage stress, find job satisfaction and get motivated to work. Communicate Openly There may not be a quicker way to lose the loyalty of your employees than withholding important information or communicating in a way that is misleading. Of course you dont need to share every detail of running your business, but there are some things that are important for your employees to know so they can do their jobs effectively. Communicate this information to your employees on a regular basis. Listen Just as communicating down is important, it is also important for employees to be able todiscuss issuesand ask questions that will give them direction in their jobs. Give your team opportunities to talk about things that are important to them, then take the time to listen and act on what is discussed. Be Positive The day-to-day operationsof a small business can be stressful, but a can-do attitude can reduce the impact of the challenges. The best part is thatpositivity can be contagious. The more upbeat and optimistic you are in the office, the more your employees will see the glass as half full. Make Learning Part of the Culture Skilldevelopment opportunities are valuable for employees, not only so they can do their current jobs well, but so they can also prepare for career advancement opportunities. Share Successes Its amazing how much a pat on the back can do for morale in a small business. Let your employees share in the celebrations of big wins so they can see the results of their hard work, and be motivated to continue building the positive momentum. Bring Fun into the Workplace An enjoyable work environment can be a great motivator.Consider starting a friendlycompetitionwith your teamwith monetary incentives or a day off as the reward. Or bring in some amenities that will lighten the mood, like a popcorn machine or Friday afternoon pizza parties. Be Fair Just like a parent needs to be fair with multiple children, you need to treat each of your employees fairlyor feelings of resentment and jealousy will begin to develop.Hold everyone to the same level of accountability, with the same rewards or reprimands doled out across the board. Let Your Passion Show You started your business because you have a passion for your work. Let that excitement show so your employees can appreciate how much you have put into your business. If you show thatyou are excited about your job and simply love what you do, your employ ees are more likely to genuinely enjoy their jobs as well. It takes time and attention to develop a team that is highly motivatedand excited to come to work every day. Incorporating some of behauptung ideas into your business will help you become a better leader and a more successful small business owner.