Up Scales Your Career with Cisco Certification Program

Information technology has affected every area of our lives. IT has been described as the fastest growing and most dynamic industry in the world. Significant advances in Communications technology, most especially the Internet, have introduced dramatic changes in the way we do things. IT affects the way we live, work, interact and socialize.

Before, PCs changed radically how businesses are run, but today, computers deepest impact is felt in the merging of Communications and Information. The emergence of the World Wide Web and the explosion of Internet usage are having far-reaching effects on all aspects of society.

Information Technology is a vibrant field that offers boundless opportunities to the innovative people who make up its ranks. It is an excellent choice for anyone interested in a rewarding, well-paid career.

Are you interested to carving your career in IT? But you're not quite sure how to get started? Or are you already in IT and want to know what it takes to advance your career and take advantage of opportunities in the digital age.

Today IT education is not for the user only. The evolving scenario is one of a growing complexity of computer systems and businesses dependence on them. Qualified and competent IT professionals are needed to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of computers. The widespread effect of the Internet can also not be overlooked.

Cisco certification program has helped many people do many different things on their career paths and all is about upgrading, even upgrading their life. You can start your IT career, plan your IT career, and advance your IT career without wasting your time and money.

The widely respected IT certification programs available through Cisco Career Certifications bring valuable, measurable rewards to networking professionals, their managers, and the organizations that employ them.

In addition to the career certifications noted above, networking personnel can enhance their core knowledge by achieving specialist certifications in technologies such as security, IP telephony, and wireless. So, don’t miss Cisco community by joining The Cisco Learning Network.

A Glimpse at Competition in Logistics Business

What is new in Courier and logistic services? This business are indeed not new in Indonesia. Developments in this business sector have been significant as evident in the many players, both domestic and international, who are no doubt attracted by the potential US$1 billion.

According to the annual spending, covering transportation services, warehousing, warehousing management and efficiency in the flow of products from producers to consumer, the experience of advanced countries shows that logistic spending (the dispatch of goods) may reach 10 percent of a country's gross domestic product (GDP). If Indonesia's GDP stands at Rp 2.761 trillion, the turnover in the logistics business at home may reach Rp 376trillion. This is indeed a lucrative figure!

The domination of express and logistics services is found in nearly every country with vast potential in this respect, with Indonesia being no exception. Indeed, in terms of potential, the logistic market in Indonesia is quite big. As a result, world-class logistic players are eyeing Indonesia, with five global logistic playing having developed networks in Indonesia, namely DHL, CEVA, FedEx, Evergreen and UPS. According to the Indonesian Association of Express Courier Service Companies (Asperindo), there are 800 domestic logistics companies, and the number keeps rising. There are 123 companies operating in Jakarta, Bogor, Tangerang, and Bekasi.

Every year, the turnover of these business players grows by an average of 10 percent. As a result, competition among operators has become increasingly keener.

There are also other companies that are not members of Asperindo. As a result, it was only a matter of time before a war of rates erupted. These days, some companies charge a mere Rp 1,500 per document, where as the average rate is Rp 4,000 to Rp 5,000 per document.

For this reason, many courier companies have expanded their businesses to the package dispatch sector. Compared with the dispatch of letters and documents, the package dispatch business is more stimulating. And what's more, it is still wide open.

Although this segment sees some foreign operators supported by strong capital, the package business is indeed a better choice than the cargo business. If you take up the cargo business, you must be prepared to handle dispatches of goods in large quantities. Certainly, this requires quite a big infrastructure. Newly established courier and logistics companies dare not come close to this particular area. The cargo business has become a grave yard for domestic players. In the past year alone, many domestic cargo companies have gone bankrupt.

Competition in the business lane of express and logistic services is quite tight. Just take a look at PT CEVA (an Indonesian Logistic Company previously known as TNT International Express), which has five gateways in Indonesia:Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Balikpapan and Batam. Ceva has also invested a lot in the business. It has built a depot with all the necessary facilities and other supporting equipment.

CEVA is an experienced company that provides business-to- business express dispatches. In addition, CEVA provides time-guaranteed services and door-to-door services for the dispatch of documents, parcel and large packets. Globally, CEVA is supported by 40,000 personnel and 43 aircraft, 1,000 depots and an overland transportation fleet of some 20,000 vehicles.

In the same way, DHL also shows strong domination in the local andinternational scenes. DHL has five specialized divisions, namely DHL Express, DHL Freight, DHL Global Forwarding, DHL Exel Supply Chain and DHL Global Mail.

Just take a Look at the Sunter Spare Parts Center for Indonesia's Ford motor, which is under the management of the Customer Service Operation (CSO). This spare parts center is located on a plot of land measuring 6,000 m2. The CSO team is in charge of two divisions, namely the Parts Supply and Logistics (PSL) and Service Operation Development. PSL handles the supply and logistics of spare parts as well as their distribution domestically and overseas in cooperation with DHL

Meanwhile, FedEx is also eyeing the market in amore prudent and careful manner. The reason is that many new players have sprung up with equally lucrative offers. However, the position of FedEx is indeed very difficult to shake as the company has many years of flying experience. At present, it possesses close to 650 aircraft and 80,000 vans. The fact that FedEx Group is close to its vendors makes this group capable of quickly responding to changes.

According to M.Kadrial, the secretary-general ofAsperindo, as quoted by SWA magazine, there are four categories of logistic companies. First, Port to Port, which is at the lowest level of the pyramid. This type of company uses no information technology as this business offers only shipping services. Second, Door to Door, in which there is a basic mastery of IT skills (information on the position of goods). This type of business usually handles distribution services (tracking). Third, Logistic, which uses an integrated IT system and handles a number of logistic services, such as warehousing, distribution and clearance. Fourth, Supply Chain Management (SCM), in which an integrated IT system allows planning, supply and distribution to end customers.

According to Asperindo data, some 80 percent of Indonesian Companies are still at the door-to-door level. The remaining 15 percent are found at the logistic level and only 1 percent has reached the SCM level. Why? Agains, it is technological backwardness that has placed domestic companies in the lower positions.The reason is that huge capital is required for the application of sophisticated and integrated IT systems.

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10 Business Success Tips for Young Entrepreneur

From Demir Barlas

Some of the world's most famous and profitable businesses were started by students. Microsoft began in Bill Gates' Harvard dorm room, Google got its start on the Stanford campus as the computer science project of doctoral students Sergey Brin and Larry Page and thousands of other student companies thrive in every industry.

Even if you're not aiming to be another Bill Gates - maybe you just want to earn some extra cash with a summer landscaping business - you'll have to navigate some unique challenges as a young entrepreneur testing the business waters. Here are 10 success tips for young entrepreneurs.

1. Do what you love
   All successful teen businesses have one factor in common: Their owners love what they do - so choose a line of business that aligns with your interests, no matter what they are.
   
2. Know what you want
   Are you willing Are you willing to leave school if your business takes off? Or do you envision your business as a side project? Being able to answer questions like these will help you organize your time and priorities.
   
3. Be radical…
   In your late teens and early 20s, your thinking is fresh, original and full of energy. Don't be afraid to try something no one's ever done, create an off-the-wall product or shake up an existing market by changing factors (such as a service or delivery model) that established companies take for granted.
   
4. … but follow the rules
   Being a young entrepreneur doesn't exempt you from registering your business, keeping records and paying taxes. Following these simple rules now will save you from legal and administrative headaches later.
   
5. Manage your time
   Running a business while going to school is stressful and difficult. Understand what is required of you in your separate roles as a student and a business owner, and employ planning and organizational tools - for example, a well-maintained appointment book, Microsoft Outlook or an online time/project management system – to make the most of your valuable time.
   
6. Use school resources
   Being a student isn't a handicap in business; on the contrary, it can be an advantage. Your campus offers free computers and Internet connectivity, a host of potential employees and/or volunteers and the expertise of professors who would be happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. You're literally surrounded by people and resources, so make the most of your situation.
   
7. Final a mentor
   Buddy up with a local entrepreneur or business leader with a record of achievement. Your mentor will help you understand the risks and challenges of business, provide a sounding board for your ideas and help you find investors for your company.
   
8. Exploit online resources
   Your computer can connect you to resources for young entrepreneurs. Immerse yourself in these resources; they'll help to inspire, direct and motivate you.
   
9. Be good to yourself
   Regardless of how organized and enthusiastic you are, some days will overwhelm you. Don't be afraid to step back from work and do whatever relaxes you. Whether it's the endorphin rush of exercise, the lively company of good friends or a quiet day of meditation on the beach, take advantage of opportunities to invigorate yourself and balance your responsibilities with relaxation.
   
10. Check your mentality
    One of the problems that can afflict young entrepreneurs is a mental block against, as Nike might say, just doing it. We've all been raised on stories of Internet billionaires, wealthy young actors and other tales of spectacular overnight success. Knowing how well other people have done in business and how quickly they've scaled the mountain is demotivating. It can make some young entrepreneurs feel as if they don't want to get started on a business unless it's going to be the next YouTube. This is a self-defeating mentality. Combat it by reminding yourself that you're not competing against anyone but yourself. Do whatever it is that you can do today, whether that means tutoring, designing T-shirts or building online communities. The important thing is to get your feet wet - not to take over the business world.
    

The bottom line is that your student days are ripe with entrepreneurship opportunities. You may never again have the energy, resources or motivation to start your business, so get to work.

LifeWire, a part of The New York Times Company, provides original and syndicated online lifestyle content. Demir Barlas has nearly a decade of experience in business writing and editing, marketing communications and online community building. He holds a BA from Cornell University and an MFA from UCLA Film School.

Used Business Loans to Avoid Cash Run-Out

Why you need a Business Loans? Financial is one of the most important things in business. To build your business you will absolutely need cash. Financial/business experts may say that you not need money to have a business. In fact it's just another way of statement that you can build a business even if you don't have money, because you can borrow the money for it, or you can trade your professionalism or expertise with a business' shares. For the business it self still needs the money.

In fact, financial management hold important role to make your business survive. Your business cash flow is like blood in your body. If your business runs out of money than your business could be died. Even if can make high profit on the business.

Unfortunately it is not that easy to get the money when you need it. You can borrow some money from the bank. Are you or your business bankable enough to get a Business Loan?

Is it not that easy to get the money?
Try AfsLoansOnline and you will assisted by Accommodative Financial Solutions Expert Loan Consultant to determine how much you can qualify and find the best interest rates for your Unsecured Business Loans with no application fees nor hidden charges.

AfsLoansOnine can give approval within 24-48 hours and your business will funded in as quick as one week.

An "Unsecured" Small Business Line of Credit May be exactly what you are looking for:
Think about it. When expanding your business, you don't always need all of the money in one lump sum, but you need to know that your capital it is available and that you have easy access to your money when you need it. That's what AfsLoansOnline.com is all about, tailoring your financing needs and finding the lenders that will assimilate your needs with their financing. Maybe one month you need extra working capital to hire on additional employees, while you need other unsecured financing the next month to buy new office furniture or medical equipment. Why pay interest on a loan if you don't have to. With an unsecured small business line of credit, you can pay interest only on the money that you've used and not the funds that are still in your account waiting to be used.

What if I need all of the money up front to purchase equipment, what then?
Under these circumstances an unsecured business loans would be just right. Other times AfsLoansOnline can satisfy you by finding you a lease to apply for. That way you can obtain all of the money upfront to purchase the equipment that you need, without having to put your home up as collateral and lease then equipment and get the instant write off without using your own capital. AfsLoansOnline can help you get an unsecured loans, leases and credit lines necessary to buy that much needed piece of equipment so that you can keep making profits without having to use your home as collateral.

Public Speaking: Know Your Audience!

If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the results of a hundreds battles"
Sun-Tzu

The quote from the General Sun Tzu, famous for his Art of War strategies tells us that if we know enough about the enemy and ourselves, we will win our battles. And interestingly, "knowing the enemy" comes before "knowing ourselves"; perhaps because after identifying the enemy's strengths and weaknesses, it's easier to create a winning strategy for ourselves.

Connect with the Audience
The same applies to public speaking – it is only when we have sufficient knowledge about our audience that we are able to connect and get our message across to them. One way of connecting is to speak their language.

If your audience has no financial knowledge, and you have to talk about financial planning, using complicated lingo will throw them off. Instead, use simple, layman's terms to get your point across.

Another way to connect is through the use of relevant examples. Most people find it easier to understand your message if you use anecdotes or stories they can relate to, to illustrate or explain your points. This not only keeps the speech interesting, it also holds the attention of your audience.

Know Your Audience
But before you can think of connecting with your audience, you must first know your audience. In fact, you must know as much about your audience before you even start preparing your speech! Here are some key aspects you should know:

1 – Their age group
An audience of 20 year olds will generally have different preferences when it comes to food, music, clothes and styles as compared to those in their 50s. Quoting a line from a Beatles song will have a much greater effect on 50 year olds than it will on those in their 20s.

2 – Male/Female ratio
It's no secret that men and women generally communicate (and listen) differently. Men are more logical whereas women are more emotional. Selling car to women may require you to emphasize on color and elegance rather than engine-capacity and fuel efficiency for men.

3 – Profession/Education
If you're communicating with a group of CEOs, you may want to keep your presentation short and precise, so as not to waste too much of their time. However, when speaking to housewives or school children, you may speak about a few general topics before diving into your main message so you don't come across as too serious.

4 – Ethnic/Origin backgrounds
People from different ethnic backgrounds speak, think and even eat differently. If you research and discover certain traits that will bring about an instant connection, not only will they listen to your message, they'll also remember you!

5 – Motivation: Why are they here?
Lastly, to be effective, you must know why they are part of the audience. Re they here to learn, have been forced to listen, or are just there to be entertained or pass the time? With this knowledge, you can prepare accordingly.

Getting Your Message Across
What distinguish a great speaker from a mediocre one is not how well they communicate with certain group of people; it is how well they are able to connect with different audiences.

And one of the most impressive and successful ways of doing so is to first know your audience, and secondly customize your communication to suit them.

Gulshan Harjani
The writer is a business consultant, trainer and personal coach who run Communicating @ the Workplace – A question and answer column in The Jakarta Post. If you have any questions you want answered, you may e-mail him at gulshan@success-workz.com

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