Communicate Like a Billion-Dollar Entrepreneur

Communicate Like a Billion-Dollar EntrepreneurCommunicate Like a Billion-Dollar EntrepreneurWhether youre running your own show or dream of a business venture, take a hint from Salesforce.com CEO Marc Benioff on entrepreneurial communication.Salesforce.com CEO Marc Benioff created a billion-dollar business and started a software revolution from a San Francisco apartment. And he did it by telling great stories.Benioff found success by creating software for salespeople to keep track of their customers and envisioning an entirely new software-delivery model called Software as a Service (SaaS) or cloud computing. But his ability to communicate his vision to investors, customers and employees welches the prime mover of his companys success.Communication is probably the most essential part of my job, he told me in an interview to promote his book, Behind the Cloud.Communication was also the most essential part of his partieal success.You can apply Benioffs communication strategy to drive y our own success. Below are six tips that can help you communicate the vision behind the ultimate brand of all yourself.Be responsive. Benioff responded to my requests for an interview directly and within 24 hours (despite the fact that he was preparing for a large customer conference). He was also gracious with his time when I contacted him later with follow-up questions and always responded immediately. Responsiveness is a common thread among great business leaders and successful job candidates. Benioff said that by quickly responding to e-mail, you show your customers that you care about them and value their time. If youre a job candidate, think of yourself as a brand and recruiters and human-resources executives as your customers. Consider the image you want to project. If you cant respond to their e-mails or correspondence in a timely manner, why should they expect you to be responsive to the needs of their clients or customers?Embrace social media. For Benioff, the future of c ommunicating with customers rests in engaging with them through every possible channel phone, e-mail, chat, Web and social networks. Customers are discussing a companys products and brand in real time. Companies need to join the conversation. As a job hunter, you need to join the conversation as well.If you perform an world wide web search for Marc Benioff, you will find him quoted in thousands of articles because he makes himself available to reporters, whether they are writing about his company or not. He made a decision early in his career to be part of the conversation. Today you can participate in your industrys conversation as well by blogging, tweeting and being socially connected. You might think its a waste of time because only two people are reading your posts. Well, if one of those people is potentially your new boss who did a Google search on your name, you have just reached the most important reader of all. He or she doesnt know that the only other person reading your b log articles or Twitter posts is youTell classic stories. Most reporters dont care about a tiny startup, and thats why Benioff never positioned himself as such. He told a classic David-vs-Goliath story.We gave the media something different. We always positioned ourselves as revolutionaries. We went after the largest competitor in the industry or the industry itself. We made our story about change.Benioff is a classic storyteller. Stories are important and appeal to a persons right brain, his or her emotional core. Decisions are often made by emotion, not logic. You might look equal to another job candidate on paper but will you stand out emotionally? Stories can help you cross that threshold and stand out.If youre in a job interview and the interviewer asks you to recite some of your significant accomplishments, turn a few into good stories. Tell the story of how you landed that multimillion-dollar account or saved your company $100,000 in expenses. Every brand has a story, and so d o you.Act confident. Benioff learned several things from his former boss, Oracle CEO Larry Ellison. One of these lessons was simply to act confident even when youre not.Recent research shows that 63 percent of the impression you leave on another person involves body language and facial expression. That means your skills and experience all those great things you can do for a new company are not quite as important as how you say something and how confident you look when youre saying it.Become a better presenter. Want a job at Salesforce? Youd better be a good presenter. Some candidates are required to give a presentation in plus-rechnen to answering tough questions.Presentation skills are key, Benioff said. People who work for you represent your brand. You want them to present themselves, and represent you, in a certain way. Whether employees realize it or not, everyone in a company interfaces with customers in one way or another, and their attitude will affect the brand. Thats why we work so hard to make sure we have the right people representing our brand, and that everyone is in alignment once they get here.Have a big dream. Benioff believes in dreaming big.I believed that all software would eventually be delivered in the cloud. I had to believe in it passionately and be ready to constantly defend it.Inspiring communicators are passionate about their mission they believe it to their core and speak with conviction. As a brand, you need to have a big vision for yourself and what you can accomplish. Keep that vision in mind at all times better yet, write it on a card, laminate it and stick it in your wallet or pocket. Benioff did so for Salesforce.com, laminating cards for himself and each of his employees that read, The end of software, which became the companys mantra. Get yourself a mantra and own it.

Heres how much money 25 types of scientists really make

Heres how much money 25 types of scientists really makeHeres how much money 25 types of scientists really makeDepending on their specialization, scientists can earn a lot of money.Using the Bureau of Labor StatisticsOccupational Employment Statisticsprogram, which provides an annual guide to median pay in the United States, we found the 25 highest-paying jobs for scientists. Physicists, computer scientists, and paleontologists were among the most lucrative careers, earning six-figure salaries.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreHere are the 25 highest paying jobs in science, ranked in order of average annual salary, along with with the number of people employed as of 2018, as well as their job descriptions, according to the Department of LaborsO*NET occupational database.Miscellaneous mathematical science occupations make an average of $57,190 a yearTotal number of employees in the US2,010What they do,according to O*NETThis job category includes computer science, data science, control theory, actuarial science, and cryptology.Animal scientists make an average of $58,380 a yearTotal number of employees in the US2,530What they do,according to O*NETConduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals study effects of management practices, processing methods, feed, or environmental conditions on quality and quantity of animal products, such as eggs and milk.Conservation scientists make an average of $61,310 a yearTotal number of employees in the US22,200What they do,according to O*NETManage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing t o conserve soil and water in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.Zoologists and wildlife biologists make an average of $63,420 a yearTotal number of employees in the US17,860What they do,according to O*NETStudy the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.Soil and plant scientists make an average of $63,950 a yearTotal number of employees in the US15,010What they do,according to O*NETConduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralo gical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.Food scientists and technologists make an average of $65,300 a yearTotal number of employees in the US13,330What they do,according to O*NETUse chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein discover new food sources research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.Epidemiologists make an average of $69,660 a yearTotal number of employees in the US7,060What they do,according to O*NETInvestigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control oversee public health programs, including statistical analysis, health care planning, surveillance systems, and public health improvement.Environmental scientists and specialists make an average of $71,130 a yearTotal number of employees in the US80,480What they do,according to O*NETConduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.Microbiologists make an average of $71,650 a yearTotal number of employees in the US20,030What they do,according to O*NETInvestigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.Chemists make an average of $76,890 a yearTotal number of employees in the US84,560What they do,according to O*NETConduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control, or to develop new products or knowledge.Life scientists (all other) make an average of $78,190 a yearTotal number of employees in the US6,850What they do,according to O*NETThis job category includes botanists, ecologists, geneticists, neuroscientists, immunologists, and microbiologists.Hydrologists make an average of $79,370 a yearTotal number of employees in the US6,290What they do,according to O*NETResearch the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters and study the form and intensity of precipitation, its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and its return to the ocean and atmosph ere.Biological scientists (all other) make an average of $79,590 a yearTotal number of employees in the US42,640What they do,according to O*NETThis job category includes bioinformatics scientists, molecular and cellular biologists, and geneticists.Medical scientists (except epidemiologists) make an average of $84,810 a yearTotal number of employees in the US120,320What they do,according to O*NETConduct research dealing with the understanding of philanthropisch diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities. Includes physicians, dentists, public health specialists, pharmacologists, and medical pathologists who primarily conduct research.Statisticians make an average of $87,780 a yearTotal number of employees in the US39,920What they do,according to O*NETDevelop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable inf ormation. May specialize in fields such as bio-statistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.Geoscientists (except hydrologists and geographers) make an average of $91,130 a yearTotal number of employees in the US29,260What they do,according to O*NETStudy the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earths internal composition, atmospheres, oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, crystallographers, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.Biochemists and biophysicists make an average of $93,280 a yearTotal number of employees in the US28,500What they do,according to O*NETStudy the chemical composition or physic al principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further the understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.Atmospheric and space scientists make an average of $94,110 a yearTotal number of employees in the US9,310What they do,according to O*NETInvestigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radargert to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.Materials scientists make an average of $99,800 a yearTotal number of employees in the US7,730What they do,according to O*NETResearch and study the structures an d chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.Mathematicians make an average of $101,900 a yearTotal number of employees in the US2,580What they do,according to O*NETConduct research in fundamental mathematics or in the application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. Solve problems in various fields using mathematical methods.Astronomers make an average of $105,680 a yearTotal number of employees in the US2,160What they do,according to O*NETObserve, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.Physical scientists (all other) make an average of $107,230 a yearTotal number of employees in the US17,380What they do,according to O*NETThis job category includes geologists, paleontologists, chemists, physicists, and astronomers.Computer and information research scientists make an average of $118,370 a yearTotal number of employees in the US30,070What they do,according to O*NETConduct research into the fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.Physicists make an average of $120,950 a yearTotal number of employees in the US17,620What they do,according to O*NETConduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.Natural-sciences managers make an average of $123,860 a yearTotal number of employees in the US60,260What they do,according to O*NETPlan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.This article first appeared on Business Insider.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

How to Figure Out How to Pronounce Someones Name - The Muse

How to Figure Out How to Pronounce Someones Name - The MuseHow to Figure Out How to Pronounce Someones Name At least 75% of the people I meet get my anthroponym wrong. Theyll call me Alyssa even though my first name doesnt have an a at the end, and theyll tell me Wow, thats so cool your first and last name rhyme (They dont).And I know Im elend the only rolle who deals with this. I bet youve mispronounced someones name before, realized it, and experienced a long moment of awkwardness- a moment youd like to never relive.While I cant tell you theres some magic formula thatll make it possible to always get it right, there are some tricks that can help. Because even something as simple as butchering a name could cost you a client or a job offer. Heres what I suggest you do1. Look for a Recording or Find a Phonetic SpellingIf you have a scheduled meeting with someone, its always smart to do a bit of stalking beforehand. Use this time to figure out how to pronounce his or her name. The firs t stops always YouTube, in hopes of finding footage from a panel, speech, or interview. But to be honest, thats usually not a success. Next step Scroll through social media to see if he provides a phonetic spelling of his name (youd be surprised how many people do).Another options going to a site like Pronounce Names or How to Pronounce. Theyll both let you search the name and offer recordings and phonetic spellings in various languages, helping you to narrow down your options. 2. Phone a FriendDo you have a connection in common who you know well? Use it. Simply pick up the phone (no really, you cant text this one) and ask how to pronounce the parts name. As long as you keep it respectful and let the person know why youre asking (Id hate to go into the meeting tomorrow and offend our client, or Im a bit nervous for the interview and didnt get a chance to ask), he or shes probably happy to help out.3. Really Listen During the IntroductionThe best time to catch someones name is during your first interaction. So, be on full alert when you know the opportunity is coming, rather than focusing on other things, like how you look or what to say next.Then, as soon as you have a chance, jot down the pronunciation in your phone so you dont forget. Just make sure to do this casually- and not right in front of the person. 4. Avoid Saying the Name for as Long as PossibleIf youve met and spoken with this person several times already and youre still not sure, you probably dont want to embarrass yourself by getting it wrong.I come across this issue a lot. Im so focused on the conversation- especially when Im nervous in interviews- that Im never focused enough to take in the pronunciation. If youre one-on-one with the person, its pretty easy (and more natural) not to address the person by his or her name. Just make sure the next time he or she says it, you actually listen.5. Just Ask (Politely)While this is the most obvious option, so many people skip it. But heres the thing Ma ny people with unique names know it. So theyre unlikely to get offended if you straight up ask how to pronounce it.With that said, an uncommon name to you may be very common to someone else, so make sure youre approaching this correctly.That means you dont start with, Ive never seen this name before or Whoa, not even going to try to say your name.Instead be open and honest and try theseI want to make sure I get your name right- how do you say it?Can you tell me how to properly pronounce your name? Would you mind saying your name again? I missed it the first time because I was distracted by interesting thing the person was saying.Sorry, Im the worst, do you mind repeating your name?Its less likely someone will get upset if he or she knows youre trying to get it right, and not trying to be rude.Regardless of which approach you choose, know that the longer you wait to find out, the more uncomfortable the situation becomes. Because at some point, youll reach a certain level point that n ot knowing it could damage your relationship and reputation. So if you find yourself getting close to that point, address it. Itll be much easier to recover from the awkwardness of talking about it now than a huge slip-up later on.Photo of two men talking courtesy of Caiaimage/Paul Bradbury/Getty Images.