Image courtesy of Chris Metcalf.

We constantly hear people say they want “job security and career advancement opportunities.” The good news is that you have taken the first step toward this lofty goal as you enrolled in the Ashworth College Small Business Management program designed for entrepreneurs. Starting and operating your own business is one way to take control of your future. Is it possible to become indispensable in today’s workplace? As you recognize your strengths, you will also build confidence, realizing that you have what it takes to market yourself and your new business; yes, you can become indispensable!

The term, indispensable means that which is necessary or essential. In other words, if you are to become indispensable, then you must become necessary or essential to the marketplace. As we consider what this means for you and your new business, let’s consider your strengths. Hopefully, your strengths include what I like to call, “The 9 E’s to BEcoming Indispensable:”

1. Enthusiasm
2. Effective communication skills
3. Ethical work habits
4. Effective employees
5. Effective problem solving and decision making skills
6. Endearing customer relationships
7. Energetic work habits
8. Education
9. Experience!

Let’s take a quick look at each of these important aspects which may catapult you to becoming indispensable. There is a reason why the word, “Enthusiasm” is first on the list. Enthusiasm is contagious! If you are enthusiastic about your abilities, your company, and your product, others will “catch” the excitement, too. Don’t you just love to be around someone who is excited about their work? It isn’t necessarily the words they use; instead, it is their non-verbal language which conveys the energy and enthusiasm they have.

Effective communication skills are vital to the success of an entrepreneur. Not only must you have a good command of the English language, you must effectively practice communication skills through writing and speech. I’ve written two helpful books which have been published by Pearson Publishers of Boston. “Going from Stress to Success,” published in 2007, is a public speaking textbook. “Basic Writing for Business: A Technical Approach,” published in 2008, is a textbook which details the basic skills of business writing. A combination of the two texts should help you to become proficient in writing and in speech. Other books are available on the market. If you feel you are deficient in your writing and speaking skills, take a course or purchase a book which will help you to develop your communication skills.

Job security is out there for people who exhibit ethical work habits. Think before you say or do anything. Make sure that your actions are consistent with business principles of moral conduct. Just remember that your work should be of the caliber that you would be proud to sign your name to it at the end of the day. (more…)

Ashworth College was honored to be joined by motivational speaker, U.S. Olympic team sports psychologist, and Ashworth College Sport Psychology for Peak Performance instructor, Dr. Nicole Detling Miller on our latest Habitat for Humanity Home Build.

In this video, Dr. Miller discusses her motivation for being part of such a great cause and why she’s so excited to be the Keynote Speaker at the 2010 Ashworth College Graduation Ceremony.

If you saw my online education chat a couple months ago, you remember a theme that kept coming up—the need to differentiate yourself in an increasingly competitive job market. You all are ahead of the game by taking the initiative to complete this Ashworth College pharmacy technician program, but what else can you do?

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, brought the topic of emergency preparedness to the forefront of everyone’s mind.  The anthrax incidents that followed forced re-thinking of how the Strategic National Stockpile, then known as the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile, should be deployed.  These events plus Hurricanes’ Katrina and Rita served to spark sweeping changes in the way our nation prepares for disasters.

Perhaps you are wondering what you can do to increase your value during a time of emergency.  If so, read on…

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) was founded after President Bush’s 2002 State of the Union Address, in which he asked all Americans to volunteer in support of their country.

MRC units are community-based and function as a way to locally organize and utilize volunteers who want to donate their time and expertise to prepare for and respond to emergencies and promote healthy living throughout the year.  MRC volunteers supplement existing emergency and public health resources.

MRC volunteers can choose to support communities in need nationwide. When the southeast was battered by hurricanes in 2004, MRC volunteers in the affected areas and beyond helped communities by filling in at local hospitals, assisting their neighbors at local shelters, and providing first aid to those injured by the storms. During this 2-month period, more than 30 MRC units worked as part of the relief efforts, including those whose volunteers were called in from across the country to assist the American Red Cross (ARC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Find opportunities in your community by visiting the MRC web site.

Susan is a student in Ashworth College’s online program in Nutrition, Diet, and Science.

In this candid video, Susan discusses how she’s applying the knowledge gained through her coursework to stay motivated and live healthier.

Christopher Snyder is the lead singer of the up and coming rock band, KrimZen, who proves that even a busy rock star touring around the world can still find enough time to earn his college degree online with Ashworth College.

We’re honored to recognize Christopher as a graduate of our Ashworth College Associate Degree Program in Psychology.

As leaders in the online education field, our faculty and staff here at Ashworth College believe it’s very important to continuously innovate dynamic ways to communicate with our student community. Our Ashworth College “Live” Events initiative has proven to be quite a hit and has helped us take our vision in exciting new directions, which is why we continue to exponentially increase the number and frequency of these events every month. These events are terrific opportunities to interact with Instructors on the cutting edge of their field and gain career advancement insights that only a true expert can provide.

In addition to our career training oriented chats, we host weekly student orientation chats that are open to existing students and anyone else simply interested in learning more about what Ashworth College is all about. The orientation chat allows you to get all of your questions answered and issues resolved by an Ashworth Student Advisor via “live” video stream. You don’t even need a web cam to participate—just show up and gain plenty of valuable personal, educational, and career advice to help you get ahead!

We’re adding new events on a daily basis, so please check out the Ashworth College Event Calendar for the latest information. Thanks everyone!