How about some FREE online backup space?!

As everyone knows, I'm a huge proponent of "paying it forward". And, in the spirit of paying it forward, I thought I'd share this with everyone.

Did you know that Mozy (an EMCCorporation) is giving away 2GB of FREE online backup service? It automatically backups documents, spreadsheets, images,whatever you choose from your PC when connected to the network. Well, it encrypts it first (DUH!), so nobody but you can have access to it. There are NO setup fees, no credit cards, no monthly payments, no expiration.

To access your FREE 2 gigs of backup, click on the link below:
https://mozy.com/?ref=6A4B9L

Happy backing up, everyone! And, remember, PAY IT FORWARD IN 2008!!

Regards,

Mary Stewart McGovern
Stewart McGovern Enterprises
www.stewartmcgovern.com

*****Coming soon... CLEVELAND CAREER GURU. End the Brain Drain!

Study: Lose weight, gain productivity

I came across the article below on The Cincinnati Enquirer's website. Not sure if I truly believe it (I've represented, and worked with, several obese people and they were some of the hardest working people I've ever met), but I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Regards,

Mary Stewart McGovern
President
Stewart McGovern Enterprises
http://www.stewartmcgovern.com/

*************************

Study: Lose weight, gain productivity
THE ENQUIRER

Workers who are moderately to extremely obese have reduced productivity on the job even when compared to overweight or mildly obese workers, according to a University of Cincinnati researcher.

Donna M. Gates measured productivity in a random sample of 341 manufacturing employees.
Most of the workers were overweight or obese, and the study found that employees with moderate to extreme obesity had increased health-related absenteeism compared with other workers. The number of days employees are at work but performing at less than full capacity was also higher.

Health-related losses in productivity averaged 4.2 percent for workers with moderate to severe obesity and 1.8 percent higher than for all other employees, the study found. Based on an average hourly wage of $21, the annual cost for moderately to extremely obese workers working at less than capacity was nearly $1,800—about $500 higher than for other workers.The study's results found that a weight loss of 10 percent would bring substantial health and economic benefits."Even modest weight loss could result in hundreds of dollars of improved productivity costs per worker each year," Gates reported in a press release on the report.

The study was published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

WOMEN ADVANCING WOMEN OF CLEVELAND TO PRESENT “NETWORKING 101: THE MOST IMPORTANT CLASS THEY DON’T TEACH AT SCHOOL” SEMINAR.

Women Advancing Women of Cleveland is pleased to present a free seminar by top executive recruiter/networking expert Mary Stewart McGovern, president of Stewart McGovern Enterprises, entitled Networking 101: The Most Important Class They DON’T Teach at School.

This seminar will help women learn the “how’s” and “why’s” of professional networking, and how developing a solid network can boost your confidence and advance your career.

Ms. Stewart McGovern’s seminar is being presented January 30, 2008 at the offices of Smith Barney, 100 North Main Street, Suite 300, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022. Registration and networking starts at 5:30pm, and the seminar begins at 6:00pm.

In order to attend this free seminar, participants must register with the Women Advancing Women website (http://www.womenadvancingwomen.org).

Women Advancing Women is a Cleveland, OH-based organization that seeks to help professional women in the Cleveland community achieve success through education and relationship building.

For more information on Women Advancing Women, please contact Andrea Shea (andrea.m.shea@smithbarney.com.) For more information on Stewart McGovern Enterprises, please contact Mary Stewart McGovern (mary@stewartmcgovern.com.)

My way to help eradicate Cleveland's "Brain Drain"

Everyone knows that Cleveland is experiencing "brain drain." However, every day I am bombarded with resumes and requests for contact from local people, looking to make a career change. These same people are the ones who, when they aren't able to find an ideal job here, will leave and *thus* add to "brain drain."

With that in mind, I entered a contest at www.ideablob.com. Should I actually win the $10k prize, I would use the money to advance my recruiting business.

So, I'd like to *blatently* ask for your help with this...

Please click on this link and vote for my idea: http://www.ideablob.com/ideas/1158-Expand-my-recruiting-coaching-b.

I'll be sure to keep everyone posted on the status of my entry.

Regards,

Mary Stewart McGovern
President
Stewart McGovern Enterprises
http://www.stewartmcgovern.com/

*****Check out Mary's new ebook, I've Graduated from College. Now What? Or, How to Go About Starting Your Career and Not Finding Just Another JOB. Now available for purchase on our website, http://www.stewartmcgovern.com/!

I need your input on my new eBook subject

Earlier today, I had a conversation with another person regarding how to properly search for the next position in your career. While talking, I had some ideas for new lectures and/or eBooks, and I would like everyone's opinion on these topics.

Would you, or someone you know, be interested in attending lectures or reading about either of these topics:

1. How to use the power of networking to help you get into your first-choice college, and to help you decide on your dream career? (targeted to ages 15 to 20)

2. How to tap your existing personal and professional networks, to help you if you have been downsized out of your existing position, when you are particularly close to retirement? (targeted to ages 50 and above)

I've already written an eBook and deliver lectures on how to network your way into the career of your dreams (I've Finished My MBA. Now What?) What about the people who have been established in their careers and are looking for one last "hurrah" in their career that their current position doesn't allow? Or, what about the high school student who wants to attend an Ivy League school but cannot unless they either win scholarships, incur tremendous debt (via student loans), or know "someone"?

I'd think that either of these two scenarios would benefit from either of my two lecture ideas.
So, folks, I'm asking for your honest opinions. Would you or someone you know be interested in either attending a lecture or reading a book about these topics? Or, is there another topic that you think would be useful to your particular career? Tell me!! Send your emails to: info@stewartmcgovern.com.

And, as my way of thanking you for your help, I'm going to give a FREE, AUTOGRAPHED copy of Keith Ferrazzi's book, Never Eat Alone, to ONE lucky responder! Keith's book has been a constant source of inspiration to me and it's one I highly recommend to everyone. The drawing will be held September 01, 2007 and we will notify all entries the name of our winner!

Also, 5 lucky responders will be chosen at random, to receive a copy of my eBook, I've Graduated from College. Now What? Or, How to Go About Starting Your Career and Not Finding Just Another JOB, just for participating!

Kind Regards,
Mary Stewart McGovern

President

Stewart McGovern Enterprises

http://www.stewartmcgovern.com/

*****Check out Mary's new ebook, I've Graduated from College. Now What? Or, How to Go About Starting Your Career and Not Finding Just Another JOB. Now available for purchase on our website, http://www.stewartmcgovern.com/!

The Martha Rules

The other day, I finally got around to reading the copy of The Martha Rules, the book Martha Stewart wrote when she first was released from prison back in 2005. Mind you, this book has been sitting on my bookshelf, gathering dust, for at least a year and a half. I never read it before because I figured it was your typical ghost-written celeb crap that tries to be a "serious" book. Boy, was I wrong!

Martha (or whomever she may have had as a ghost writer - if she had one at all) put together an excellent primer for anyone who is considering starting their own business. Her rules are pretty straightforward, sometimes obvious in their simplicity.

Below are her 10 essentials for being successful in business:

1. What's passion got to do with it?

Build your business success around something that you love - something that is inherently and endlessly interesting to you.

2. Ask yourself, What's the Big Idea?

Focus your attention and creativity on basic things, things that people need and want. Then look for ways to enlarge, improve, and enhance your Big Idea.

3. Get a telescope, a wide-angle lens, and a microscope.

Create a business plan that allows you sto stay true to your Big Idea but helps you focus on the details. Then remain flexible enough to zoom in or out on the vital aspects of your enterprise as your business grows.

4. Teach so you can learn.

By sharing your knowledge about your product or service with your customers, you create a deep connection that will help you learn how best to build and manage your business.

5. All dressed up and ready to grow.

Use smart, cost-effective promotional techniques that will arrest the eye, tug at the heart, and convey what is unique and special about your business or service.

6. Quality is everyday.

Quality should be placed at the top of your list of priorities, and it should remain there. Quality is something you should strive for in every decision, every day.

7. Build an A-team.

Seek out and hire employees who are brimming with talent, energy, integrity, optimism, and generousity. Search for advisors and partners who complement your skills and understand your ideals.

8. So the pie isn't perfect? Cut it into wedges.

When faced with a business challenge, evaluate or assess the situation, gather the Good Things in sight, abandon the bad, clear your mind, and move on. Focus on the positive. Stay in control, and never panic.

9. Take risks, not chances.

In business, there's a difference between a risk and a chance. A well-calculated risk may very well end up as an investment in your business. A careless chance can cause it to crumble. And when an opportunity presents itself, never assume it will be your last.

10. Make it beautiful.

Listen intently, learn new things every day, be willing to innovate, and become an authority your customers will trust. As an entrepreneur, you will find great joy and satisfaction in making your customers' lives easier, more meaningful, and more beautiful.

- Comments welcome.

Mary Stewart McGovern
President
Stewart McGovern Enterprises
http://www.stewartmcgovern.com/

*****Check out Mary's new ebook, I've Graduated from College. Now What? Or, How to Go About Starting Your Career and Not Finding Just Another JOB. Now available for purchase on our website, http://www.stewartmcgovern.com//!

Overtime

How many of us currently work (or have worked) where the company policy on overtime is: No overtime will be paid unless management approves the request for overtime hours and pay.

Another question: How many of us currently work (or have worked) where you end up working more than the "standard per the handbook" 35 hours per week (40 hours less 5 hours for lunch breaks)? (Okay, people, stop laughing... we know that most of us don't work 35 hour weeks unless we took a day off without pay. Just go with me here on this, okay?)

Okay, one more question: Did you know that your employer is required by law to pay for any overtime worked regardless of what the company policy says?

Yep, folks, you read that right. So, if you have one of those bosses who runs out at 5:15pm, saying "See ya later" as they go home, while you are checking out the take-out menus, for yet another dinner at your desk *grr*, they may be in some trouble.

According to the law, your boss isn't as safe as he/she may think. He/she may think that, because the policy states overtime isn't paid out if it wasn't approved in advance. Not so. If it's a reasonably known fact that you and your dinner companions/coworkers are working late every night, then the law is on YOUR side. And it can be very harsh to your employer.

Oh, and those smaller, growing firms who think that their employees can give up their "overtime rights"? Just because the firm is small and everyone gets along like one big happy family doesn't mean that you, the employee, are able to give up your legal rights to overtime compensation. (BTW... I come from a big family and most of the time we're at each other's throats. So where did this expression really come from? hmm...)

"Some smaller firms may be financially strapped or have limited resources, so employees might volunteer to work late," says Joseph M. Sellers, a partner and director of the civil rights practice group at the Washington D.C.-based law firm of Cohen, Milstein, Hausfeld & Toll. "The owner thinks to do so is a reflection of their loyalty by giving up the rights to overtime. It can't be done. The whole reason the law is set up is the government recognizes that employers have enormous leverage with employees. Employees may feel pressured to give up the overtime. The employer may have the best or worst of intentions when they ask an employee to help out, but it doesn't matter."

But what about the companies who offer comp time in exchange for your overtime? You, the employee, can opt for comp time instead of overtime pay, but the law is pretty strict about it, as well.

According to the law, any comp time must be used during the SAME pay period as when the overtime was worked. The law states that it must be handled exactly the same way that overtime pay would be - that is, paid out during the same pay period the overtime was incurred.
For example, all the public accounting administrative assistants who work all those insane extra hours during tax season and are planning on taking comp time in May and June. Guess what? Doesn't work that way. It's in direct violation of the law.

So know you are all probably asking yourself, "Well, Mary.. who's eligible for coverage under this law?" I know I would be storming into my HR office if I wasn't self-employed. Basically, any employee who has supervisory responsibilities or such a high level of independence in their job duties probably isn't covered. But, then again, it's up to the employer to prove that the employee isn't covered.

Many employers think that, if they classify an employee as a "manager", they are safe from the overtime rules and regulations. But, turns out, it's the nature of the job - not the title - that determines eligibility. For example, if employee "A" is a supervisor but has no one directly reporting to them, employee "A" is most likely entitled to overtime even though the employer thinks the position is "management."

Law enforcement is usually targeted directly at larger employers (i.e. more $$ to earn in fines from those not in compliance); however, anyone can file a complaint if they feel that they were improperly denied overtime pay. If a complaint is filed at any size employer, state and federal officials may chose to audit the firm's employment records. If the employer is found "at fault", they usually have to make up the unpaid overtime plus interest. If the officials find proof that the employer knew what was going on and still not paying, then they may have to pay double the amount. Plus the Dept. of Labor may add penalties to all this.

If, while investigating, the Dept. of Labor has any question about the unpaid overtime situation, they take the "worst case" scenario - the maximum unpaid overtime - and require the company to pay up.

Nowdays, it just makes sense for any and all firms (no matter industry or size) to usew time clocks. With the technology that's in place at so many firms, where they are able to track who entered which door at what time, it's not too much further "to go". Accurate time/attendance records can help employers minimize the risk and *ideally* reduce risk and fines.

"In the long run, employers want to be cautious," says Sellers. "They should either be training their human resources people to learn the basics of wage and hour laws or get legal advice. It's an area that requires legal compliance. It's not less or more important than the attention given to ensuring payroll taxes are paid, it's just another aspect of managing a work force. If you neglect it, it will become trouble."

So, if you are an employee and not sure if you "qualify" for overtime pay, contact your Human Resources Dept. or an Employment lawyer (if you are in Cleveland, I can make a couple of recommendations) for your own protection.

- Comments please.

Mary Stewart McGovern
President
Stewart McGovern Enterprises
http://www.stewartmcgovern.com/

*****Check out Mary's new ebook, I've Graduated from College. Now What? Or, How to Go About Starting Your Career and Not Finding Just Another JOB. Now available for purchase on our website, http://www.stewartmcgovern.com/!

Congratulations to Skoda, Minotti & Co.

Congratuations to Skoda, Minotti & Co. in Mayfield Village, OH for receiving one of the inaugural World Class Customer Service Awards presented by SmartBusiness Cleveland and Metro Lexus!

What's stopping YOU?

What's stopping YOU?
I was emailed the following and I thought it was worthy of sending along to my contacts.

Enjoy!

Mary Stewart McGovern
President
Stewart McGovern Enterprises
http://www.stewartmcgovern.com/
*****Check out Mary's new ebook, I've Graduated from College. Now What? Or, How to Go About Starting Your Career and Not Finding Just Another JOB. Now available for purchase on our website, http://www.stewartmcgovern.com/!
**********
Have you ever caught yourself saying something like the following?:

1. "Oh, I can't ask for that much!"
2. "That's too much to hope for!"
3. "I could never get that much!"
4. "They'll never pay me that much!"
5. "I'll never get that much in time to pay a bill that size!"
6. "I'll never get enough in time to pay all these bills!"
7. "I'm only looking for..."

Those things, those types of statements are "brakes".

Brakes are good things to have in our vehicles to keep us from running into
real-world walls but, even in the real-world, we can't always be applying
the "brakes" if we hope to get beyond where we are, now.

Yes, using brakes is a sane thing to do but, it becomes an insane thing to
do if you do it all the time. Some times we need to stop braking and start
accelerating.

And have you ever wondered why the above types of statements are so much
more "acceptable" more "natural" than statements like these (accelerators)?:

1. "Based upon the value I offer, I choose to ask for this much."
2. "I choose to believe that's not too much to hope for so, I'm hoping it
will start happening - today"
3. "I choose to believe that if I tie value into my asking price, I can get
that much - and possibly even more"
4. "I choose to believe if I present my true qualifications, they'll pay me
that much - and possibly even more!"
5. "I choose to believe that if I do everything within my power today, I'll
be able to pay my biggest bills."
6. "I choose to believe that if I use all resources available to me today,
I'll be able to pay all my bills."
7. "I choose to ask for a fair price based upon current market value and
future market trends."

The latter statements are not just about mere wishful thinking or
daydreaming but, rather, about choosing, acting, value, and asking - some of
the most fundamentally important constants for us to focus on in this
rapidly changing world.

Though the world has significant problems, there's never been greater
opportunities in human history to embrace this world's awesome abundance.

Don't be afraid to do so.

What's your E.T.A. to Embrace The Abundance?