I think about creating value all the time. I mean ALL the time. It didn't used to be that way. The status quo was that I worked hard toward project goals, got my paycheck every two weeks, had my weekends off to do as I liked, and waited to see what the percentage raise was going to be. Anyone identify with this?

Continued ...

In today's difficult global economy many companies are facing the prospect of corporate layoffs. Following a workplace violence shooting in Santa Clara last Friday, we have had many requests for information on how companies can better prepare for Reductions In Force ( RIF 's), how to recognize the Warning Signs for Violence, & ways to minimize Workplace Violence.

Continued ...

I know you are probably banging your head and asking, why do I need to be doing anything special to get visibility other than doing my job? Don’t we wish that was the case. I was raised like so many women today and was told if you work hard and do a good job you will naturally get the promotion and the raise. Well guess what? I tried that and it didn’t work. I had that college girl mindset, get a good grade and the grade will speak for itself.

Continued ...

Create a Top 20 List. This list can be made of: Companies you would like to work for and respect; Companies that are geographically desirable; Companies that you have identified an opening that fits your background; and Companies that can leverage your skill set.

Continued ...

For many years, the "c" word struck fear in the hearts of many of us; My sense is we have become so used to people getting cancer that we have become numb to the fact that it is a clear and present danger to our health. So, in my quest to encourage you to stay vigilant and safeguard your own health and the health of the people you care about, here are some good reasons to incorporate beans into your diet/recipes at least twice per week!

Continued ...

I want to include a variety of tips and information in my healthy choices blog that can help you make healthier choices without sacrificing the joy of eating delicious satisfying food. In fact, I am going to share in this column my very favorite Vegan and EASY recipe that is so delicious that whenever I make it, everyone wants it again and again and again.

Continued ...

Most of us have come to realize that we need to invest for our retirement. The days of company-paid pensions are long are gone for the most part. Knowing that, the government has introduced some new incentives to make saving for retirement more attractive. Consequently, there has been a great deal of buzz in the news lately about Roth conversions and with good reason.

Continued ...

In the last article, I discussed the advantages of goal setting and suggested a three-tiered approach. Tier One is the "doing" level of goal setting and deals with the "what" of our goals. This is the level we are most familiar with and operate in most of our lives.

Continued ...

Ms. Tama Ruiz holds the position of Vice President Information Systems at GEICO. She launched her career with GEICO in 1993. She holds a bachelor's degree in Behavioral Social Sciences from University of Maryland and attended the executive education program at Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. She is a Certified Systems Professional and Life Office Management Association member.

Continued ...

This is the second in a series articles dedicated to the successful woman entrepreneur who, through her hard work and sharp wits, has successfully grown her enterprise to the point that it is salable. Selling a business, just like starting one, does require a thoughtful plan.

Continued ...

Let me warn you right now that some of you may not like this article - because what I am about to say may run counter to everything you have heard, or believe, is the secret to success and happiness. This article is meant for those of you who are exhausted from all of the pushing, striving, goal setting, and focusing you force yourself to do each day in search of self improvement and perfection. It is a glimpse into an alternative perspective that exposes the dark side of trying too hard, and provides some guideposts onto a path towards greater peace and less pressure.

Continued ...

We all have multiple identities - not just objective personal and professional roles we fulfill (wife, husband, friend, corporate vice president, entrepreneur, business owner, homemaker, artist, engineer, etc.) - but very personal emotion-infused identities that define how we view ourselves, how we show up in the world, and how others see us.

Continued ...

In today's challenging economic climate, I am of the opinion that we're hearing too much about the pain IT Managers face and not enough about solutions. With the spotlight on high unemployment, lack of infrastructure investment and employee training reductions, many assume that it's okay to simply maintain status quo to ride out the tough times.

Continued ...

I get asked a lot about widgets: what are they, what do I DO with them? I'm sure entire books are being written on the subject, but I've learned a lot in the process of working on Microsoft's TechNet widget and thought I would share some of the basics in hopes of shedding some light on this relatively new medium.

Continued ...

What do you want to see when you look back at your own life? Within 3 minutes on the news last week, I listened to a review of Eunice Shriver's extraordinary contributions and service to our country - and an announcement that Michael Vick was hired by the Philadelphia Eagles. The contrast was stunning - I was so inspired listening to all that Eunice Shriver had done; then I wondered how many people will attend Philadelphia Eagles games and, at the same time, try to tell us how much they love dogs.

Continued ...

Remember when women weren’t allowed to vote? Of course you don’t, neither does your mother. But a hundred years ago, Susan B. Anthony was one woman who was fighting for that right ... and won.

Continued ...