Q101 The Alternative
Q101 (formerly on Chicago radio @ 101.1 FM) The Alternative - Chicago's New Rock Alternative - Everything Alternative - Chicago's Alternative - Gen X - Generation X
If you’re hungry for the big $$, just become a CEO.
Profits at big U.S. companies broke records last year, and so did pay for CEOs.
The head of a typical public company made $9.6 million in 2011, according to an analysis by The Associated Press using data from Equilar, an executive pay research firm. But it’s not ALL in cash payouts.
Companies trimmed cash bonuses but handed out more in stock awards. For shareholder activists who have long decried CEO pay as exorbitant, that was a victory of sorts.
That’s because the stock awards are being tied more often to company performance. In those instances, CEOs can’t cash in the shares right away: They have to meet goals first, like boosting profit to a certain level.
That was up more than 6 percent from the previous year, and is the second year in a row of increases. The figure is also the highest since the AP began tracking executive compensation in 2006.
READ MORE
http://www.suntimes.com/business/12764112-420/typical-ceo-made-96m-last-year-study-finds.html
Get more done…get more organized…more…more…more.
“It’s really quite simple,” were the famous last words of my college physics professor.
“Say what you will do, then do what you say.”
This is a basic premise of a certain Quality Control system used in industry.
Let’s try another tactic to get our daily tasks completed. “I’ll make a list and as I do what needs to be done, I’ll just cross it off.”
Making a to-do list is only half the battle. Following through on it is a much larger hurdle, according to a LinkedIn survey released Tuesday.
Of 6,580 professionals polled around the world, 89 percent of respondents said they could not accomplish all the tasks on their daily to-do lists, largely because of distractions by email, impromptu meetings or phone calls.
What is the solution? You could:
a. Work smarter
b. Rearrange your schedule to accommodate these distractions
c. Complain that there is too much to do
d. Chuck the list
If you have the magical solution, please let me know. I’ll put it on the list of things I need to read.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-linkedin-survey-finds-office-todo-lists-seldom-get-finished-20120522,0,1997996.story
If fancy cars impress your new date, car sharing from Zipcar could be the way to create a memorable experience that will help cement a budding relationship. Does that sound materialistic? Shallow?
Well, maybe it is, but just think of pulling up to the curb in a nice, shiny new red BMW convertible versus a tan Ford Taurus with one hubcap missing. Even if you already own your own car, this would be an impressive maneuver. Additionally, since you are car “sharing”, there are no hefty monthly payments to worry about.
The “wow” factor of that first impression could mean the difference between your date pondering ”Is it over yet?” and “Wow, that car makes me want to…spend more quality time with you.”
Scott Griffith is the chief executive of Zipcar Inc., the Cambridge, MA company that in a few short years has signed up nearly 700,000 members and has become profitable in recent quarters operating the nation’s largest car-share program.
In Southern California, Zipcar operates at many college campuses, including some of the smaller schools such as Chapman University and Occidental College. It also has rental cars in Hollywood, West Hollywood and Santa Monica.
Renters need to be at least 18 years old. Gas and insurance is included in the hourly rate, which starts at $8 in Southern California but requires both an application fee and an annual membership charge.
Jerry Hirsch of the Los Angeles Times recently interviewed Scott Griffith about car-sharing through Zipcar.
READ THE INTERVIEW
http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/la-fi-autos-zipcar-20120421,0,4721020.story?page=1
How does one QUIT a job properly? Tell the boss to “shove it”? Brood darkly, muttering “this place sucks!!!” while throwing picture frames, paperweights, and half dead cacti into a box? Walking out the same day you resign?
A new survey by OfficeTeam, a staffing service that specializes in placing administrative professionals, reveals some of the strangest reasons why employees gave notice at companies. Some of the doozies included leaving the company because an employee “lost her cell phone too many times at work,” or a worker “quit to participate in a reality show.”
Other reasons included quitting because the employee didn’t like the office’s odor, disliked the cafeteria food, wanted to watch a soccer tournament, had to stay home to feed a pet, or disagreed with the lighting and wall color choice in the office.
When leaving a job, OfficeTeam suggests giving proper notice, supplying written instructions to team members on pending projects and assignments, staying positive when saying goodbye to colleagues, wrapping up as many projects as possible before exiting, and honestly participating in an exit interview. Maintain a positive attitude.
HOW you leave a job is just as important as how you GET one. You never know, twenty years down the line the dude you insulted or demonstrated stupidity to could be an even bigger influence in your field of work than when you started. The saying ”It’s A Small World” applies especially to the working world.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-survey-employees-get-creativity-when-giving-notice-20120515,0,3382902.story
Your money, that is. There’s a right time and a wrong time to make certain purchases. Depending on the season and your ability to wait for the best deals, you could save as much as 75% if you time your purchases right. What’s good for May?
Mattresses. For the past two years, DealNews has seen deep discounts on mattresses in May. A mattress can be a good gift for a college grad, who will appreciate a real bed to sleep on rather than a worn-out futon.
Gym memberships. As the weather heats up and people head outside to exercise, gyms often try to lure customers back inside. They usually offer discounts on initiation fees or the first few months of membership. But DealNews recommends haggling to get more discounts.
Outdoor gear. Retailers mark down camping, fishing and hiking gear in May.
For more of what to buy (and what NOT to):
READ THIS
By Cameron Huddleston, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/yourmoney/sc-cons-0510-moneytips-may-bargains-20120511,0,5746359.story
Getting a top executive job is not just for those with an MBA or higher degree these days. So what DOES an employer really want when trying to fill an executive-level position? Most hiring managers stated “relevant experience” was necessary, although about a third are open to those with no experience in the industry.
Not surprisingly, employers are looking for executives to fill roles where opportunities to expand the business and increase revenue are primary goals. Business development leads the list of in-demand executives, with 24 percent of employers looking to fill those roles. Following close behind are information technology with 23 percent, sales with 22 percent, and both marketing and accounting/finance at 19 percent.
Anthony Balderrama’s article in the Chicago Tribune says when evaluating characteristics of potential executives, hiring managers say they want someone:
With a proven ability to address problems with effective solutions — 62 percent
Who is adept at motivating others — 54 percent
Who can act with speed and agility in a changing market — 47 percent
Who is creative — 43 percent
Who has emotional intelligence — 38 percent
With experience in different areas — 37 percent
http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/jobs/chi-executive-recruiting-20120504,0,7084956.story
Your pockets are always empty. You missed the opening weekend of the Avengers because payday isn’t until the 11th. When your friends see you coming, they run for the hills because they think you need to “borrow a couple of bucks” until payday. What is wrong with this picture? Scratching your head, you ponder.
“I work. Hard. I need MORE MORE MORE money!”
Everyone THINKS they need more, and some truly do. The bottom line? Live within your means. It’s easier said than done. Carolyn Bigda of the Tribune has some great suggestions for getting ahead of the game. With just a WEE bit of discipline, you will be rolling in the green in no time at all.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/yourmoney/sc-cons-0503-started-20120504,0,4818612.story
The latest reported national unemployment rate is 8.2%. Are you in that group and wondering just where you can find work?
Grab a pick axe and head to South Texas, Oklahoma, or North Dakota where you can mine for oil. Why mining? There have been vast improvements in how to extract difficult-to-reach shale oil, horizontal drilling and hydraulic “fracking,” which pumps water, sand and chemicals into the well at high pressure in order to break porous rock apart and release oil and gas.
If that doesn’t ignite your job search desires, Social Media is also a hotbed of employment. ”The social media movement is hot,” says investment blogger Andy Nyquist, “and it’s now just starting to take off.” Labor demand for computer and mathematical science workers jumped from 19,200 to 582,600 last month, according to recent data from the Conference Board helped by jobs for computer systems analysts, software engineers and systems engineers.
Other growth areas can be found here:
http://www.smartmoney.com/plan/careers/5-hot-sectors-for-job-seekers-1328289250503/#tabs
Need a place to work your startup digital business? Get your rental applications in to 1871, a 50,000-square-foot work space for digital entrepreneurs at the Merchandise Mart. The name 1871 is derived from the resurgence of Chicago after the great fire of 1871.
The space on the 12th floor can accommodate up to 500 people, or more than 100 startups, who are seeking flexible terms and a collaborative environment. The spots will cost new startups between $125 and $400 a month and include a bunch of great benefits such as conference rooms, storage space, use of A/V equipment, mentorships, access to classes and seminars, and more. There is even an Intelligentsia coffee bar. The calendar for May is already booked with events such as “hack nights” for female software developers and workshops on contracts and marketing.
Story by Wailin Wong
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-05-02/business/ct-biz-0503-1871-opening-20120502_1_local-startups-hub-chicagoland-entrepreneurial-center
READ MORE HERE
What is a pro gamer? Well, a pro gamer plays video games in competitions FOR MONEY. A pro gamer relies on his or her gaming winnings as their main financial support.
Anna Prosser is one of a growing number of women rising to the top of the pro gaming world. Prosser gained national attention last year when she won the beauty pageant crown as Miss Oregon USA. The 26 year-old Portland native graduated magna cum laude from Oregon State University with dual degrees in International Studies and Speech Communication with a minor in Spanish.
The lifelong gamer entered eSports during college as a video reporter covering the growing pro gaming scene. She currently serves as manager for the Portland-based pro gaming team Evil Geniuses and travels to eSports events around the world, giving her an insider’s perspective on the evolving landscape. Most recently, she’s vying for the Maxim Gamer Girl online competition.
Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/johngaudiosi/2012/04/28/team-evil-geniuses-manager-anna-prosser-believes-more-female-gamers-will-turn-pro/
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