Monitronics Launches Alarm Response Center "Hero Award"

Alone in her home, choking on a piece of food and unable to speak or reach her nearby medical pendant, Monitronics customer Candace Lines needed help fast.

Thankfully, Lines had three guardians: a reliable security system installed by Monitronics authorized dealer Alliance Security; Monitronics’ 24-hour alarm monitoring; and her German Shepherd Samantha, who’s trained to assist Lines with daily tasks. Samantha recognized her master’s danger, reached for the medical pendant and pressed the panic button with her paw.

Monitronics Emergency Dispatch Operator Iliana Ibanez Rodriguez answered the call and took what she could hear on the other end as the warning needed to contact emergency personnel on behalf of Lines, whose husband was at work at the time. Had it not been for the family’s advanced 2GIG two-way voice keypad, Rodriguez may not have been able to clearly hear Lines’ need for help.

"I could hear the dispatcher asking if I needed help but I could not speak,” Mrs. Lines said. "When the paramedics showed up, I knew the quick response by Monitronics and Ms. Rodriguez saved my life. I can’t thank them enough for being there when I needed them most.”

For her immediate, thorough and professional response, Rodriguez received Monitronics’ inaugural "Hero Award” recognizing operators and dealers whose actions directly lead to a customer’s life being saved. As a CSAA-certified operator, she has completed more than 96 hours of classroom training and 8 weeks of hands-on mentoring that prepared her for these types of emergencies.

The Alarm Response Center presented her with a signed certificate of appreciation from Monitronics President &CEO Mike Haislip, Vice President Operations Bruce Mungiguerra and Vice President of Monitoring Operations Darin Anderson. She also received a new identification badge with the Hero Award logo and a polo shirt displaying the Hero Award logo.

"World-class monitoring and swift response times are hallmarks of the Alarm Response Center,” Anderson said. "Iliana proudly demonstrated Monitronics’ mission to protect our customers every hour, every day. We congratulate her on this award and use it as a shining example for our entire team of trained operators.”

Alliance Security, one of the nation’s fastest-growing home security companies, also received an honorary Hero Award plaque at their corporate office in Warwick, R.I.

Consistently among Monitronics’ top dealers, Alliance made Inc. Magazine's 2012 Hire Power Awards list spotlighting businesses that are adding jobs and rebuilding the economy. Alliance is also on Inc. Magazine's ‘Inc. 5000’ list of America’s 5,000 fastest-growing companies.

Source - http://www.esaweb.org/blogpost/703033/171731/Monitronics-Launches-Alarm-Response-Center-Hero-Award

Entrepreneur’s End Goal, Beyond the Profit

When undertaking a particular venture, the main focus when building and developing your company is to maximize your overall financial return. As much as we can turn quarterly profit into the yardstick when measuring the business’s overall success, true entrepreneurs recognize that the end goal of a company needs to go beyond the fiscal annual profit. The reason why really comes down to the underlying questions entrepreneurs ask themselves before jumping into the deep end: Why did you decide to start your company?

Elon Musk once said that, “If something is important enough, you should try it even if the probable outcome is failure.” For him, and for every entrepreneur, the idea of starting a business did not come about of wanting or needing to become a millionaire. Instead, the idea was birthed from the fire, drive, and passion of a topic. For Elon, that was science. For Mark Cuban that was sports. And for you, well, you know your own reason for starting your company. Like with any activity, you want to make sure you started your company out of passion. It is that passion that will allow you to spend those late hours at your desk or accept those financial sacrifices as something for the greater good. If, however, the goal becomes a number game, then your company can severely lose track of the uniqueness that makes your company exceptional.

Now I am not saying that you should not have financial goals. In fact, I encourage your company to set financial markers, especially quarterly to help measure the overall health of your company. But when it comes down to the long haul, financial success can only take you so far. That is why your end goal for your company needs to be bigger than itself. It needs to be its own living and breathing entity. That type of mentality and success is what will push and motivate its workers through the darkest of times. It is that overarching idea that will spark creativity and ingenuity amongst your company culture where workers are not just employees, but game changers for your company’s future.

So what should be an entrepreneur’s end-goal? How do you decide on something that will continuously trigger the transformative nature of growth and development?

For some, business leaders need to go back to the reason of why they initially started their business. For others, they need to find a new wave of inspiration that can capture their interest. Whatever is the case, you want to make sure that it is a viable, but reaching goal that can push you to your limits. Elon Musk did this after PayPal with Tesla and SpaceX. Similarly, Steve Jobs did this after his leave from Apple. Now while both were financially successful from their new ventures and decisions, the idea itself did not start with them looking to become multi-billionaires. Instead, it started with their passion and hunger in creating something great. It is that game changing mentality that allowed them to push for success and build successful companies that are true powerhouses today.

As an entrepreneur, begin by reflecting on your personal and professional goals for your business. Ask yourself those overarching questions of what you want to do and what you want to see from your company. It is these answers that will guide you to your true company vision that will engrave your company’s legacy into the future.

Source - http://jgotra.com/entrepreneurs-end-goal-beyond-the-profit/

Domestic Violence Awareness Month : Get Off the Bench!

Part of the mission of the Ten Men organization is to provide non-violent men with information on how to stop domestic violence every day. And this month will be no different. However, throughout the country, October is designated as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” bringing even more attention to this critical issue.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month originated from a day of unity held by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence in 1981. Subsequent to that day in October nearly 35 years ago, advocates for ending violence against women and their children have expanded this kind of focused awareness to last the duration of the month.

While the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence is active throughout

the year when it comes to issues pertaining to domestic violence, this month marks the launch of a new campaign. RICADV’s new campaign focuses on  athletes asking others to join them in the battle to end domestic violence by speaking up and speaking out.

The “Get Off the Bench!” campaign speaks directly to athletes, student athletes and college students on the quest to put an end to the pervasive issue of domestic violence by encouraging the people in those communities to take an active stand against it.

RI CADV will disseminate this message throughout the state through a variety of mediums including outdoor posters, digital ads and PSAs that run both on TV and on the radio.

Although awareness for this issue is highlighted during the month of October, it is a year-round issue, and RI CADV and other advocates work tirelessly to share this message of prevention, intervention and cessation.

To learn more about the “Get Off the Bench!” campaign, or ways that you can help end domestic violence, visit nomoreri.org .

See the video clip below to learn more about the campaign and the broader mission of the organization.

Source - http://jaygotra.org/domestic-violence-awareness-month-get-off-the-bench/

Home Security 101 : Doors and Windows

It’s true, the stats are troubling. Roughly 2 million home burglaries are reported each year in the US alone. Of these burglaries, thirty percent of the perpetrators entered through entry points (ie doors or windows) that were left open or unlocked. Summer is the worst time of year for this type of crime, and homes that don’t have security systems are by far the most vulnerable. Those homes without the added protection of a social security can be three hundred times more likely to be burglarized than those homes that have this sort of protection. These statistics make plain the fact that all homes – (both those that have been rented and those that were purchased by the homeowner) are extremely vulnerable.

However, these statistics also reveal the fact that a few simple steps can severely decrease the likelihood of burglary. Below are 10 steps to help secure your home and prevent burglary.

Doors and Locks

Equip all exterior doors (ie those that open to the outside of the building, and to common hallways in the case of apartments or condos) with locks…and make sure that you lock the doors! As for locks, make time to research the strongest deadbolts that work with your door. Take the time and money necessary to invest in this…your safety is on the line here.

The best kinds of doors to use are those that are made of metal or have an extremely durable core. This is more difficult for potential burglars to maneuver or cut into.

As for the type of lock, a hefty deadbolt with a 1” throw bolt is a great choice.

As for the doorknob, many people often select these based on either convenience or aesthetics. However, this is another area to spend some time researching. Look for a high quality and weighty knob-in-lock set. Ensure that this high quality set is equipped with a sturdy dead latch mechanism as well. Additionally, when installing this set, don’t forget about investing in the strike plate too. This may seem like a small thing, but you don’t want there to be any gaps in quality when it comes to selecting your door and its associated components. Use three inch screws when you install a heavy duty strike plate. Also, don’t forget to install a wide angle peephole in order to get the best view of the area outside of your door. And most importantly, ALWAYS install new locks when you move into a new place. Whether this is an apartment or a new home that you have just purchased, change the locks ASAP. And always keep in mind that front and back doors are the most common point of entry for burglars in the case of residential theft.

When it comes to doors there are other things to consider. While sliding glass doors look great, they are very vulnerable. However, inserting a wooden dowel into the track or installing metal track blockers are great options.

Windows

In summer, or in warmer months, windows are an extremely common point of entry for burglars, therefore make sure to invest in secure windows, and to exercise caution when leaving them open. With this in mind, make a point to lock windows, install secondary locking devices outside of the latches. As for ventilation, leave no more than a four to six inch window opening.

Source - http://jaygotra.net/home-security-101-doors-and-windows/

Alliance Security & Adopt-A-Family 2015

The ability to give back is a gift in itself. Alliance Security is proud of all of our employees who volunteered their time this Holiday Season to help with the Adopt-A-Family project! Alliance employees took time before and after work to shop and wrap gifts for over 50 children in Rhode Island.

Source - http://jaygotra.org/alliance-security-adopt-a-family-2015/

The Challenges of an Entrepreneur

The field of entrepreneurship has become an ever-evolving entity. What it was twenty years ago, even five years ago, is not the same of what it is today. For many, these new forces do not simply just make the game harder to play, but the overall chances for success that much more difficult.

To start off, many people have a very misinterpreted understanding of the reality of an entrepreneur. The glamour of the Silicon Valley tech bubble or the superstardom of business gurus like Mark Cuban forces the public to fantasize with the idea of being your own boss. As great as the title may be, the time, effort, and sacrifice needed to ‘be your own boss’ is something that is overlooked and unnoticed. It’s like what Mr. Cuban has said, “You need to work like there is someone working twenty-four hours a day to take it all away from you.”

As an entrepreneur, the challenges of building the foundation of your company take a large amount of effort and sacrifice. Starting off, the overall profession, in itself, can be isolating and lonely, especially during the beginning stages of your startup. While your friends and former co-workers have the luxury of leaving at 5 pm or attending happy hours after work, much of an entrepreneur’s time is dedicated in building and shaping their business. Their hours are not capped to that of society’s standards. Instead, every waking-minute is an opportunity for them to improve their company for their future. While it may seem like their business is a dark and troublesome obsession, the drive itself becomes more of a passion that is necessary in getting their startup over the hump of startup to company.

Now even when your company is over that hump, the overarching challenges do not stop there. Yes, some may pat themselves on the back for achieving a daring feat of making it this far. But for true business leaders and successful entrepreneurs, they look to the future. One of the biggest challenges that many entrepreneurs have at this point is the comparison syndrome. The comparison syndrome, to put it simply, is the act of evaluating and comparing your company with your competitors or other startup companies. This mentality often leads to mistakes and second-guessed decisions. While you should be aware of your competition, comparing your business success with others can be quite damaging for the mental and morale of an individual. As an entrepreneur, you need to be open-minded and strategic with your mindset. You need to go beyond the validations of others and look to create something based off of your vision and goals. Only then will you be able to see success.

But even if they are able to create an intuitive product, the question becomes how can you recreate and improve that product time and time again. Remember, this is still a business. You can only go so far with the same idea each and every time. Take for example Facebook. The entire design and interface of the site has changed dramatically since it launched in the early 2000s. It even continues to tweak and change its model every few months so that it can be up-to-date with the times today. As an entrepreneur, creating the company will always be your biggest hurdle. But your second biggest hurdle will be how you can recreate it again and again.

Now while these challenges may sound daunting, they should never prevent you from following your dreams as an entrepreneur. Remember, the only shots you miss are the shots you don’t take. While it will never be easy starting off, your grit and your drive will be the true game changer in creating a stronger and more impactful future.

Source - http://jgotra.com/the-challenges-of-an-entrepreneur/

What defines a Leader?

The definition of leadership is often subjective. Every business owner and CEO wants to of course exemplify the necessary characteristics of a good leader. But how can you be a good leader if there is no centralized definition?

The answer is simple and complex at the same time. Leadership does not have that one size fits all definition. Instead, it encompasses a variety of ideas, examples, and traits that make up a good leader. For many people, this can often times be confusing and downright vexing. But at the end of the day, it provides us with an understanding of who do we need to be at the workplace.

The one thing you need to note is that while it may be difficult conceptualizing a straightforward definition of a leader, we know a variety of examples of what a leader is not. The seniority or hierarchy of a company does not define a leader. Nor do a personal title, personal attributes, or managerial style embody leadership. Rather, a leader is a vision. They are individuals who see problems that need to be fixed and goals that need to be achieved. They manage with intent and attack with a clear target in mind. In doing so, they are able to educate, inspire, and motivate themselves and others to reach individual and company goals.

So what is a leader?

At the end of the day, a leader provides an inner sense of drive and commitment for their company. They are the ones who know how to optimize the strengths of their workers and improve upon the weaknesses of a company. They are the people that, at the end of the day, you can count on.

While the definition of a strong and transformative leader may vary, these individuals encompass similar traits that make them stand out amongst the crowd. These are individuals who have integrity and honesty. They see people and human beings and try to inspire and encourage them to move to the next level. These are individuals who are confident. They know how to make those hard-hitting decisions, but are methodical in their thinking. Last but not least, these are individuals who are positive. They understand the high moments and the low moments and the necessary steps to improve morale.

As a CEO and leader of my company, Alliance Security, I internalize the true meaning of leadership each and every day. In order to establish that efficient, effective, and consistent working environment, I try to be the person that my employees expect from me. Because of this, I am constantly changing as an individual and as a leader. I am constantly reflecting on the needs and objectives of my employees. For those of you who are looking to make that impact within your work environments, recognize the importance of these values and understand what you need to do so that you can succeed at your goals.

Source - http://jaygotra.net/what-defines-a-leader/

How to Build and Reignite Inspiration as a Leader

Inspiration. It is the passion that gets us up in the early hours of the day. It is confidence that compel us to do the impossible even when everything is against us. Last but not least, it is the reason why millions of profession individuals sacrifice their time, money, and happiness all for the single ounce of victory. When it comes to success, we have to understand how inspiration plays a role in every aspect of the day. For those who are cavalier about their career or company status, inspiration is nothing more than just a single word with hyped individuals behind it. But for those who are looking to go beyond their set expectations, inspiration is everything.

For many busy professionals, especially those who are entrepreneurs, it can oftentimes be difficult to set aside the time to think about the bigger picture. Yes, the idea of success will always be there. But with all of the minuscule details and objectives you need to complete within a day, seeing the overarching end-goal can be lost, or worse, forgotten entirely. When that happens, you need to begin reflecting on who you are and where you need to be. If it seems that you are one of those individuals who have seemed to lose that fire, take a look at some helpful tips below. Remember, there was a single and simple reason why you started your journey in the first place. Use that reason as well as the others below to help you find that inspiration.

Brainstorm

Whether you are creating a list or writing a journal-like essay, brainstorming your ideas is a perfect way to reignite that flame. Most case scenarios, people forget why they started a task or project. By brainstorming, you as an individual are able to reflect and internalize your thoughts in the most positive manner. There, you will be able to understand the overall projects and find various strategies to get you back on track both personally and professionally.

Seek Another Viewpoint

As much as internal reflection matters, seeking a fresh perspective from a fellow co-worker, friend, or family member can be incredibly beneficial in finding your drive. Many times, people get lost in their thoughts. This is normal. To prevent that from happening, try consoling your problems to a trust person. Discuss what is preventing you from moving to the next level and then plan your next steps to a positive future.

Learn from your Competitors

In the world of entrepreneurship, it can oftentimes be a dog-eat-dog world. The idea of establishing yourself within an already prevalent field can be taxing and downright emotionally draining. But that should not stop you. Instead, leverage your competitors in a more positive light. Try seeing what they are doing and what you can do to further your company.

Ask Thought-Provoking Questions

Sometimes you need to go to the extremes. For the business leaders out there, they had to constantly ask these hard-hitting thought-provoking questions that evaluate them both personally and professionally. What you want to do with that is to use that information to grow as an individual. Allow your answers to spark that passion. And most importantly, reaffirm your goals.

Do Something New

There may be times where you just need a new course and change within your life. Yes, change can be terrifying, but something that is absolutely necessary in motivating you each and every day. We have seen this with Elon Musk who left his PhD program at Stanford and sold his former companies to start Tesla and SpaceX. We saw this with Steve Jobs who walked away from Apple to cultivate Pixar only then to return to Apple. Regardless of where you are, sometimes going back to the drawing board can be your best option in finding your inspiration.

Sleep on It

Sometimes inspiration can come from a good night sleep. Rather than stress over everything, rest, sleep, and freshen up for the next day.

Source - http://jaygotra.net/how-to-build-and-reignite-inspiration-as-a-leader/

Alliance Security Takes on ALS Ice Bucket Challenge With a Different Approach

WARWICK, RI — Alliance Security has added its name to the list of participants in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, and is calling out the entire community to follow suit.

Here’s the twist: Alliance will take care of the $10 donation to The ALS Association (Rhode Island Chapter) on behalf of anyone who accepts the challenge. Participants are asked to share their videos on social media and use #AllianceSecurity and #IceBucketChallenge.

“We were planning on making a contribution in support of the cause, and figured tapping into the ice-bucketing craze would be a good way to get more people talking about this terrible disease,” said Alliance Security COO Brian Fabiano, whose family member was diagnosed with ALS six months ago.

On Friday morning, 150 of Alliance’s employees along with company executives convened in the parking lot of their Warwick location, and took on the challenge of pouring a bucket of ice water on their heads to raise money and awareness for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), which is commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

About his company’s unique approach to the cold-water dare, Fabiano continued, “More participants who step up to the plate means increased awareness among their friends and loved ones, and that’s what we care about.”

According to The ALS Association, approximately 5,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year. “That may seem like a small number in the grand scheme of things, but I can tell you that ALS has touched me personally, so it’s important to know that we’re all at risk,” added Fabiano.

Alliance Security—which operates in 35 states throughout the country and is headquartered in Rhode Island—has helped protect homeowners and their loved ones through the installation and monitoring of home security systems over the past 11 years. For more information, visit www.alliancesecurity.com.

Source - http://www.risbj.com/alliance-security-takes-on-als-ice-bucket-challenge-with-a-different-approach/

The Sacrifices of a Leader

Being a business leader can be a rewarding experience. But it can also be filled with various challenges. At times, people have this false assumption that these individuals can fulfill the ‘hero’ role in various situations. As much as we can believe that, we need to be tangible and understand that a true leader is someone that is able to handle difficult tasks. It is these sacrifices that truly represent a strong business leader. Without it, the success, goals, and overall vision of a company become lost.

Let’s start off by examining the arduous decisions business leaders need to make on the day-to-day basis. For many people, they are unable to conceptualize the risk of putting thousands, maybe millions, of dollars all solely on a deal. For business leaders, especially CEOs, decisions like these aren’t just asked, but decided almost each and every day. To do this, they spend an inordinate amount of time and a tremendous amount of energy making choices between equally attractive options in everyday situations. The main problem of course is the tradeoff, or ‘catch’ if you will. No matter what, you cannot have your cake and eat it too. Because of this simple childish slogan, business leaders need to be well aware of the ramifications their decisions make on their company and their employees. One simple mistake could impact the livelihood of hundred and thousands of people.

Outside of making decisions, business leaders need to be reflective. For many people, they go to their jobs each and every day without a care in their minds. For true leaders within the work place, they go into their companies with the intention to resell their visions to their employees, especially if the company is going through big and drastic changes. For any type of changes, even minor ones, you will always find backlash from some of your employees. The worst mistake business leaders can make is if they ignore it. True leaders acknowledge the problems and weaknesses of their business. They understand the negative perspective of their employees and try to spark that fire once again. While of course it is easier said than done, the task to inspire and reinvigorate your company’s values is something that takes a strong amount of effort.

Now of course, there will always be individuals in the workplace who will always and forever follow you into the dark. As much as business leaders can provide them with more leeway, they, as leaders of a company, should always avoid favoritism. This idea can be particular difficult, especially if family or friends are involved. But for a company to succeed, a business leader need to make sure that everyone is playing their role. While some portion of favoritism can be motivational, other points can be a killer at the workplace. Make sure you are aware of your actions. This itself can provide the overall place you are looking for when cultivating a strong and conducive work environment.

Now a business leader isn’t a true leader if there is no balance within authority. While you may be the boss, you want to make sure that you are respected and open-minded to your workers. At times, many CEOs or supervisors have been criticized to be too authoritative with their workers. This leads to low work morale and a low retention rate. To benefit your company, try and find that balance. True business leaders make sure to listen and respect their employees. Just because you have a higher title does not mean you cannot learn from those under you. Remember, a true leader is one who is humble enough to admit their flaws. To inspire action and success, you need to become more than just the authority. You need to be the voice that echoes their future.

Source - http://jaygotra.net/the-sacrifices-of-a-leader/

Coalition, Alliance team for home protection

WARWICK – The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Alliance Security, a company that installs and monitors home security systems, are teaming up to offer home protection to domestic violence victims.

The nonprofit and the company are introducing a Friends of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence program that provides victims of domestic violence with installation, professional monitoring, and maintenance of Alliance home alarm systems for a year at no cost.

In order to participate, individuals must be a victim of domestic violence and referred by the coalition or one its member agencies (Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County, Elizabeth Buffum Chase Center, Sojourner House, Sisters Overcoming Abusive Relationships, Women's Center of RI, or Women's Resource Center).

Initially, the Friends program will focus on transitional apartments and homes operated by these member agencies.

“The fact that domestic violence touches so many people has infuriated us,” said Alliance COO Brian Fabiano on the motivation behind his company’s partnership with the coalition. “But we knew that resentment wasn’t enough and wanted to turn compassion into action, so we reached out to RICADV and simply asked how we can help.”

Earlier this year, Alliance made a $10,000 contribution in support of the nonprofit’s education and awareness efforts for Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month in February.

“We commend Alliance Security for making an investment in the RICADV through both financial resources and employee engagement in the work required to end domestic violence,” said Deborah DeBare, executive director of the coalition. “Our foremost goal is victim safety, and through this partnership, we are able to add yet another component to the critical safety net of services and precautions that must be in place for victims of abuse.”

Source - http://pbn.com/Coalition-Alliance-team-for-home-protection,100128

5 Effective Ways to Increase the Employee Turnover

After ensuring that employee turnover is an important factor, in the success of the organization, so here are some of the ways, which can help you in retaining the potential employees in your company:

1. Employee Recognition:

Every employee seeks a valuable recognition. The manager can send the “Thank You” message to the employees or can call a meeting for appreciating the work, which they have done so far for the company. You can also ask for a feedback from them for the company culture or policies.

2. Share personal experiences timely:

It is not possible to have a daily communication with every employee of the company, so that everybody can know each other personally. So the best way is to have timely get together or meetings, where everybody can get the chance to share his likes and dislikes, where one can share what he had for dinner last night. In this way the relationship between manager and peers can be encouraged.

3. Avail them productivity tools:

No job is so easy, this is the reason they are called work. Every employee must have a tool through which he can ensure his productivity. The powerful hardware, software and apps must be provided at no cost to them, where they can track their billable hours easily. Even for a particular project, human resource documents and for sharing the documents, the employees must have the access to all of the utility tools.

4. Offer them the Competitive Benefit Packages:

Since we are here due to our employees, so offering them some of the beneficial and attractive packages can be one of the best ideas to retain them. The health insurance, flexible working hours, disability in life, etc. can make a huge difference in their performance.

5. Volunteer Commitment:

The company can ask to their employees, to stay for a certain period of time at their position in the company. Even by asking for such a favor where you can be assured as the guaranteed employee for at least aforesaid period of time, so as on the other hand the employee can also be ensured for his guaranteed employment without breaking certain mentioned clauses.

Related Article - http://pbn.com/Five-Questions-With-Jay-Gotra,94842

Source - http://providence.storeboard.com/blogs/employment/5--effective-ways-to-increase-the-employee-turnover/658475

Entrepreneurship 101: the Perfect Candidate for Your Team

Henry Ford once said that, “coming together is a beginning, staying together is a progress, and working together is a success.” Whether you are taking a managerial position or embarking on the journey as an entrepreneur, building success from the ground up is not an easy task. To help mitigate any conflicts or problems, it is vital that you establish a team that will support your goals and endeavors every step of the way. At the end of the day, unity is strength. When there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved. The one thing you can do to control this is the screening process for future employees.

When interviewing candidates, make sure you thoroughly analyze them personally and professionally. Prompt them to speak about their past achievements and professional work experience. In addition, have them highlight their strengths, weaknesses, and future goals, whether that is personal or professional. Do not be afraid to pry. Remember, you are looking for an individual who can work well within your cohesive and goal oriented culture. To make sure that happens, try asking various hypothetical and logical questions so that you can fully evaluate whether or not they possess the personal and professional drive that can lead your company to its goals.

“If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.”

Below, you will find five key characteristics a hiring manager should look for when finding the perfect candidate. Looking at these six will help you discovery certain game changers that can adapt, innovate, and drive your company to the next level.

1. Long Term Investment

When interviewing a candidate, try and gauge not just whether the candidate can perform at the expectations of the position, but also whether the applicant is willing to stay at the company for a long period of time. The biggest downfall you can see in any business is the turnover rate on a monthly and annual scale. As much as it can impact the company financially, such as the training cost and time used to coach new employees, it can also affect the company culturally. To prevent this from happening, try and understand the candidate’s professional experience and overall goals. Be sure to ask those overarching questions such as: Where do you see your self in five years? By asking these types of questions, it can make the difference from a person who will stay one year or the next thirty years.

2. Team-Player

At the end of the day, you want your fellow co-workers working as a well-oiled machine. Finding an individual who can represent the collectiveness, vision, and ambition within the workplace can make all the difference in every situation. Even if the position asks for the person to work autonomously, you want to make sure the person is still willing to help out for the betterment of the team. When interviewing a candidate, ask questions of how they worked in groups. Furthermore, dive deeper by asking specific situational examples of a time where they had a problem with an individual and how the problem was resolved. Remember, you want to make sure that the person is willing to put their pride on the side in order for the team to reach their goals. Attaining that, “all for one and one for all,” mentality will allow you to find an individual who can work not just independently, but also within a framework of a team.

3. Passion

This is often difficult to assess. At times, people have their own volition's of why they want a specific job. Your job, in turn, is to find the truth. When looking for an ideal candidate, try and gauge why they want to work for your company. Ask what excites them about the position and what they are looking forward in the future. Through these answers, try and assess the ones that show a high level of passion and enthusiasm. In any work place, passion and enthusiasm are two key components in developing the overall work culture at the office. People who come in with a positive attitude are often found to be more committed to the company and provide more to the work environment.

4. Drive & Ambition

“The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary.” Every business wants to hire driven and motivated professionals. It is these individuals that are willing to go above and beyond what is asked from them. Finding this type of caliber can be difficult in the sense that they are a demanding brand. Because of this, try and offer strong incentives such as salary or benefits to sway the person. For a business to thrive, you do not just want a person who can work the 9-to-5 grind, but a leader who wants to improve each and every day.

5. Results

When investing in a new candidate, you want to take into consideration the amount of time and money used to develop these individuals to perform the daily task asked at the most efficient, effective, and consistent level possible. Because of this, you want to make sure the person is able to deliver results. This does not simply mean succeeding at the average level. Rather this is the idea of putting skills into action. After the training learning curve, it is imperative that your new employee can meet those expectations. When questioning a candidate, ask about their success. Have them tell you their proudest achievement.

Source - http://jgotra.com/entrepreneurship-101-the-perfect-candidate-for-your-team/

The Mind of an Entrepreneur

Whether you have are launching your own personal venture or expanding on an already existing business, one of the most pressing priorities you will need to do as a business leader is to develop and strengthen your entrepreneurial mindset. As an entrepreneur, building a business takes a large amount of time, work, and sacrifice. While draining as it can be, the end result is always worth it. But for this to be done you need to develop an attitude that embraces the overall risk and initiatives involved when becoming your own boss.

So who do you need to become? What do you have to change when running your own business?

In reality, that question changes on a daily basis depending on the situation. But the overall holistic characteristicand definition of an entrepreneur is an individual who is a visionary leader that believes in the impossible and is willing to risk, aggravate, or influence a market with a passion in creating a new and opportunistic change into an already stale system. Furthermore, entrepreneurs face an innate ability to survive. For them, any decision, any choice takes time. They not only see paths and avenues of how it can benefit them personally, but also their company and their employees financially and individually. Regardless of what the outcome is, entrepreneurs accept and adapt to these challenging decisions and take full responsibility for better or for worst.

This might sound like an ambitious persona, but that is what it takes to a true and successful business leader within your company. Below, you will find five habits that cultivate the overall mindset of a successful entrepreneur. If this sounds like you, great! If not, that is okay. To be at this level takes time. All you need to do is learn from yourself.

Learn from Failure and Move On

“I haven’t failed. I just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” ~ Thomas Edison

One of my favorites says is, “Do not look at failure as a disappointment, but as an opportunity for success.” While failure and disappointment can be difficult, see this as a positive. Instead of being ashamed of the problem and mishap that you have made, seek valuable lessons from those events. Use those times as a foundation for you to learn from your mistakes. Bare in mind, many successful entrepreneurs have made the same mistakes as you. The only difference is what you are able to do with them.

Stand Out

No, you do not have to be the verbose extrovert you see with Mark Cuban or Steve Jobs. While those personal skills are beneficial, true successful entrepreneurs stand out by embracing their uniqueness. Celebrate what makes you and your company different. Stand out from the crowd and differentiate from your competitors. Think about Steve Jobs’ journey to success. While Windows already saturated a popular and loyal market, Jobs continued to follow his dreams. He even pushed the limits with the music and entertainment industry. If he did not do that, we would not have the innovative technology that is accessible to the public today.

Embrace Life-Long Learning

“If you stop learning, you stop creating history. Eventually you become history.”

The quickest way to stagnation is to be unopened and close-minded to new modes of thinking. As an entrepreneur, you are defined by your ability to adapt to change. To adjust to change is not accepting and moving on. Instead it is learning the new expectations that can lead to success under the new conditions. This is important because at the end of the day, the public’s interest today will be incredibly different from a year from now (five years from now, ten years from now). To succeed with your business, you need to reinvent yourself and in order to do that you need to be in a constant state of learning. This type of education will allow you to grow both personally and professions as you continue to impact your company in a variety of ways.

Set Short-Term and Long-Term Goals

“If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.”

Goal setting is another way for you to both inspire and challenge yourself in the future. But remember, for this to be beneficial, you need to set quality and tangible goals for both you and your company. Do not settle for simple goals you know you can hit. As a business leader, settings various goals or projections can only be beneficial because there is absolutely no downside to doing so. Yes, it can be disappointing to not hit them, but to see the passion, drive, and push from your workers can be almost everything. In reality, long-term goals and set visions can innovate your products, inspire and drive your workers, and enhance consistency all across the board.

To learn more about creating long-term beneficial goals, take a look at this article here.

Follow Through with your Goals

“If something is important enough, you should try it even if the probable outcome is failure.” ~ Elon Musk

No matter what the goal or the dream is, make sure that you always follow through. For millions of Americans, many people veer away from entrepreneurial field because of the high amount of risk that goes in to owning your own business. If you have an idea or you want to change direction for your business, do it! Just make sure that it is purposeful and beneficial for your company. Yes, there will be some hesitation in the decision. But that is normal. Just accept it and see where it can take you.

Source - http://jgotra.com/the-mind-of-an-entrepreneur/

Pro Tips for Securing Your Home While On Vacation

When you're getting ready for vacation, most of the time your family is planning what to pack, the activities you want to do when you get there, and the other exciting parts of getting away for a few days or so. What you might forget to think about is how secure your home and possessions will be while you're laying on the beach.

A burglar's goal is to get into a house, steal valuables, and exit as quickly as possible without being seen. A family away on vacation is a perfect opportunity. Instead of stressing about your home being burglarized, enjoy your travels in peace by following these pro tips for securing your home:

Talk to Your Neighbors

Communicating with your neighbors is key to making the neighborhood a fun and safe place to live for everyone. Get to know the people living around you so that you feel comfortable calling them before you go away to let them know. Create relationships where, if one of you goes away for a few days or so, then the others can keep an eye on the house. Here are a few other tips for how you and your neighbors can help each other out:

• Let them know that they can park in your driveway or have friends park there. This will make the house look lived in, and the more you can make it look like there are people coming and going, the less likely your house will be targeted.
• Grab the mail - A full mailbox indicates to burglars that there is no one home. Offer to get your neighbors' mail when they're on vacation, and they'll be likely to do the same for your family. A second option is to ask your post office to hold your mail for the days that you'll be gone, but sometimes it's easier to ask a friend or neighbor.
• Pay someone to plow your driveway or mow your lawn - An overgrown yard or snowy driveway tells potential thieves that no one has been home in a while.
• Ask a friend to check in - Have someone you trust stop by the house a few times while you're gone to check on everything.
• Report any suspicious behavior - Always have an open line of communication with each other. If anyone sees something shady in your neighborhood, have a system for telling each other and possibly notifying the police. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Tricking a Thief

There are a few other ways you can trick a burglar into thinking someone is home. Remember that burglars aren't looking for a confrontation - they want an easy job with little chance of getting caught.

• Set automatic lights - Put your lights (inside and outside) to go on and off a few times throughout the night and day, or install a motion sensor exterior light. Bonus tip: Check to see if any streetlights are out near your house. If so, contact your electricity company for a repair.
• Don't change too much about your home - A yard that normally has a hose, toys, tennis balls, and other things lying around should stay that way when you go on vacation. A would-be burglar might notice if suddenly your yard looks empty, the blinds are drawn, and the cars are out of the driveway.
• Hide all cash and valuables left at home - You should never leave anything valuable around the house where it's visible from the outside, but this is especially true while on vacation. Check out some of these unique secret safes you can test out.
• Install window break alarms - This won't necessarily make a burglar think you're home, but it will make them think twice about entering your home.
  
  

Keep Quiet on Social Media

Tempted to post a Facebook or Twitter photo of you and your family at the airport en route to Mexico? Or post a status update about how you're currently sitting on a beach in Spain with a strawberry daiquiri? Don't do it. Burglars use social media too.

Even if your photo doesn't explicitly say you're away from your house, anyone can look up the GPS coordinates of a posted photo. Try it out on one of your own photos to see for yourself. 

Set Your Home Security System

If you don't already have a home security system, you might want to think about installing one while you plan for your vacation. Even if you forget to do all of the above, and it's obvious that your family has left for the week, a security system can deter burglars from targeting your home. On the other hand, houses that don't have a security system installed are 300% more likely to be broken into. Don't give burglars the green light to break into your home.

Let your alarm company know that you'll be away. You should also check that you have a sign outside your home or in your window advertising that your house is protected by a security system.

Implement these pro tips and strategies the next time you go on vacation. Whether you're getting away for a weekend or a two week vacation, enjoy your trip worry-free!

Source - http://blog.alliancesecurity.com/pro-tips-for-securing-your-home-while-on-vacation