Getting ready for your first day at work can mimic your experience on your first day in a new school. As butterflies roam your stomach, your first day in a new school is both terrifying and exciting. You walk in the grounds of an unfamiliar hallway with a schedule in hand. You try your best not to trip or to embarrass yourself in front of other kids. Years later, those similar emotions can be felt as you show up to a new workplace.
You do not know what expect! The first couple of months can be confusing, exciting, and terrifying. These months can make or break your time at a particular company. Start adjusting to a new job by preparing for your first day.
PREPARE FOR YOUR FIRST DAY
Use the weeks leading up to your first day wisely by preparing yourself mentally and physically. Accomplish as many errands as possible such as medical checkups, car maintenance, and visits to relatives. Get adequate amount of sleep and renew your fitness regimen. If time permits, you may freshen up your mind by taking a short staycation.
Prepare for the position by researching about the company and its business press. You can search through its social media accounts to get a grasp of their branding. You can also request for a list of readings from your future boss. He or she will be impressed that you want to start work well-informed and educated.
MAKE A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION
Your first impression counts. Show up on your first day well-dressed and with enthusiasm to work. Come early and put your mobile phone away to stay focused on the tasks at hand. Take notes on the tasks and the people around. What are their names? It is important to write them down. You can learn a lot from these people.
ASK A LOT OF QUESTIONS
It is easier to assume that we know what to do. Sometimes, we are just too afraid to admit that we cannot do something. However, asking for assistance is the best way to resolve an issue. You are in a new environment. Admitting your lack of knowledge in certain realms may show your eagerness to learn. Take notes.
DO NOT COMPARE THINGS TO YOUR PREVIOUS JOB
No matter how skilled you were in your previous company, it is unpleasant to brag about it in your current working environment. Instead, let your actions speak for itself. Take this opportunity to learn new things, to contribute new ideas, and to share your experience with your co-workers. Find the right platform to air your concerns.
LISTEN TO CULTURAL CLUES
To help you get a grasp of the company’s culture, listen and observe at all times. Building rapport with your new co-workers is important because it lets you assimilate to their culture faster. Be wary. Do not let your desire to fit in encourage you to engage in gossip. You do not want to employ socially destructive behaviors. Listen to cultural clues, but avoid gossips.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
You are the new employee. Smile and make the effort to reach out to them by offering coffee or lunch. This way, you will be able to break the ice.
Investing is the act of allocating your money in the hopes that you will achieve a profit in the future. The money generated from your investments can provide income and fulfillment of long-term financial security.
Now is the ideal time to start investing! Allow me to convince you with these “6 Essential Reasons Why You Should Learn To Invest”.
#1: WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER
Many people do not think about investments until they are well into their 20s or 30s. Although opportunities to invest may come before that, investing is not something that is automatically embraced by all. Do not panic! You can become an investor at any age.
The sooner you open an investment account, the better it will be for your financial future. Take advantage of the greatest asset of all – time. Investing while you are young gives you the chance to work smarter. Would you rather save a considerable amount of money every year or save a huge amount of money later in life? Think about that.
#2: GET MORE EARNING POTENTIAL
Investing your money allows you to grow your wealth. Most investment vehicles such as stocks and bonds offer returns on your money over the long run. The return allows your money to build over time.
The money you build can be used to create a business or expand your existing one. Many investors support entrepreneurs and contribute to the creation of new products and new jobs. The more successful entities you have backed up, the stronger your returns will be.
#3: SAVE FOR RETIREMENT
Let us face it! You need to be prepared for your retirement. You should save money for retirement as you are working. You can put your retirement savings into a portfolio of diversified assets such as real estate, precious metals, stocks, mutual funds, and bonds. As soon as you retire, you will be able to live off from the funds that you have earned.
Base your personal tolerance of risk on your age and lifestyle. You may employ greater risks to increase your chances of earning greater wealth in your younger years. Becoming more conservative with your investments as you grow older can be wise.
#4: POWER OF COMPOUND INTEREST
Learning about investments will enable you to know the power of compound interest. Compound interest allows your money to make more money for you. It pays to invest early and often. The longer your money can benefit from the power of compound interest, the higher your gains will be as time goes by.
Say you invest S$1,000 this year and you earn a 10% return on that. This means that you will end up having S$1,100. If you do not contribute anything next year, you will still make money through the compound interest. Instead of earning another S$100, you will earn S$110 because you are getting 10% from a balance of S$1,100. You will have S$1,210 by the end of next year.
#5: DIVERSIFY YOUR ASSETS
You need to diversity your assets as your investments make one part of your financial picture – not all of it. You should not keep all your money in cash, in your house, or in your car. Instead, invest in a variety of categories to cushion unforeseen losses. It makes more financial sense to keep your emergency fund, your house (real estate), your hard assets (e.g., car), and your portfolio of investments.
#6: REACH YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS
Image credits: pixabay.com
Learning how to strategically invest your money allows you to reach your financial goals. If your money is earning a higher rate of return than your savings account, you will be able to earn more money within a faster period. This return on your investments can help you reach your financial goals such as buying a car, starting your own business, or putting your children through university.
Do you know what an elevator pitch is? Want to make a smart guess? As its name suggests, it has got to do with a pitch you can make if you were to meet a valuable contact in a lift ride.
According to the Cambridge dictionary, an elevator pitch is “a short but effective explanation that is intended to persuade someone to buy a product or accept an idea”. It could also be “a short description of a product or business idea, especially one given to a possible investor”.
If you’re reading this while waiting in queue to get your daily takeout, you might want to type this down on your phone somewhere. For those who are sitting at your desk right now, reach out for a pen and paper. Then, write down just one sentence why you think you’re worthy of entering XYZ company.
This move will help you get started on revolving your elevator pitch on that one idea. In other words, it’s the crux of your talk. It should be confident, optimistic, showcases your strengths, and reveals how your previous experience can assist you to be a top achiever in the new position.
Here are some examples for your consideration:
I’m a sales executive with extensive retail experience of the kind this role requires.
As a CFO in three consulting firms, I bring substantial industry experience to this crucial role.
I have a strong track record in HR, and I believe my accomplishments will be an asset to your firm.
#2: Craft an opening
Image Credits: unsplash.com
Once the heart of your elevator pitch is ready, it’s time to move on to craft an opening. Ideally, one that is warm and has the potential to build rapport with the contact you’re speaking to.
Should you be using this opening pitch at an interview session, then your opening to your recruiter could be something like: “I’ve studied this position at your company, and I am excited by what I see.”
If you’re meeting an acquaintance who’s working in the same company you’ve applied to, and you’re thinking of gaining a tip or two, maybe you can try saying: “It’s nice to meet you here. I’m getting ready for an interview at your company and wondering if there is any advice you can give on how I can land the job I’ve applied in the HR department.”
#3: Get into the specifics
Image Credits: Freepik
By now, you should have your core message and an opening all written down. Great work! Now, moving on to the halfway mark. In this step, you will want to go into the specifics. By that, we mean the experience and successes you’ve had in your job positions.
To prove that you’re serious about contributing to the company because you’ve done similar tasks at your previous one, list it. Give a few concise reasons why you think you should get the contract.
Here are some for your reference:
My track record includes administering our benefits program.
It also involved designing and overseeing an employee satisfaction program.
Finally, I have led a team of 12, and we have surpassed all our targets.
Job seekers who have been through several jobs can still get into the details by chronologically listing down your achievements from one position to the next.
#4: Add a call to action
Image Credits: Only Simchas
Marketers would know this very well. A call to action (CTA) is a marketing strategy that involves using words or phrases to induce immediate actions from the target audience. This is crucial for job seekers because you’re now attempting to market yourself to your potential employer.
It’s not an easy task, either. Let’s say you happen to meet a useful contact who’s working in the same firm you’re planning to apply to. In this case, your CTA might be for that particular individual to provide you with a reference email or call to be made on your behalf.
For interviewees, your CTA after a seemingly pleasant conversation should be something like: “I love what I’ve heard, I’m looking forward to next steps, and I trust that you will be in touch soon. When can I expect to hear from you?”
#5: Customise according to situations
Image Credits: Freepik
So you’ve successfully created your personalised elevator speech. Now, it’s time to string them together and check for coherency. Be mindful that you can customise the different sections based on the situations you’re in.
Also, lest you think you have to deliver the entire script word for word, do not misunderstand. In a conversational context, especially an impromptu meeting, time may not necessarily be on your side. But having a written elevator pitch can provide you with a narrative thread at the back of mind for you to retrieve when the opportunity presents itself.
As a novice in the world of investments, it is important to know the basic differences between stocks and bonds. Stocks provide partial ownership in a corporation, while bonds are loans from an individual to a company or government.
One of the biggest differences between these two is how they generate profit. Stocks must appreciate in value and be sold later on. On the other hand, bonds pay fixed interest over time. Continue reading this article to know other notable differences between stocks and bonds.
STOCK MARKET VERSUS BOND MARKET
A place where investors can trade equity securities such as common stocks is called the stock market. Buying stocks (i.e., equity securities) entails that you are buying a very small ownership stake in a company. Equity holders purchase stocks in a company on a belief that it will perform well and that the value of the shares they purchased will increase. These stocks are traded on stock exchanges.
The key function of the stock market is to bring sellers and buyers together into a regulated, fair, and controlled environment where they can execute their trades. This regulated environment not only helps the investors, but also the corporations whose equity securities are being traded. The economy thrives when the stock market remains its robustness.
Let us move on to the bond market. The bond market is where investors go to trade debt securities (e.g., bonds), which may be issued by the governments or the corporations. The bond market is also known as the credit or debt market. Buying a bond or a debt security entails that you are lending money for a period of time and charging interest. You can compare the process to how banks charge interests to its debtors.
The key function of the bond market is to provide its investors with a steady, albeit nominal, source of regular income. In some cases, investors receive bi-annual interest payments. Many investors choose to hold bonds in their portfolios to save money for long-term needs such as retirement and their child’s education.
WHERE STOCKS AND BONDS ARE TRADED
Stocks are traded on exchanges, which are places where buyers and sellers decide on a price. Some exchanges are carried out on a trading floor or other physical locations. While, other exchanges are carried out virtually and are composed of a network of computers.
In contrast, the bond market does not have a centralized location to trade. Bonds mainly sell over the counter. As such, individual investors do not usually participate in the bond market. Those who participate include large institutional investors like pension funds foundations, asset management firms, and investment banks. Individual investors who wish to invest in bonds do so through a bond fund managed by the asset manager.
RISKS OF STOCKS VERSUS RISKS OF BONDS
Investors of stocks may be exposed to risks such as currency risk, liquidity risk, interest rate risk, and geopolitical risk. Moreover, stocks run the risk that the company could perform poorly or fall into bankruptcy and disappear altogether.
When it comes to bonds, investors are more susceptible to risks such as interest rates and inflation. When the interest rates are high and you need to sell the bond before it matures, you may end up getting less than what you paid for. If you are purchasing a bond from a company that is not financially sound, you are embracing the risks of credit. The bond issuer may not be able to make the interest payments, leaving itself open to default.
BOTTOMLINE
Image Credits: unsplash.com
Many people opt to invest in both stocks and bonds to diversify. The appropriate mixture of stocks and bonds in your portfolio must consider your tolerance for risks, personal timeline, and investment objectives. Typically, stocks and bonds do not fluctuate at the same time. Think about that.
As we all know, 2020 has been a whirlwind of a year. But don’t let that distract you from this fact: it’s beginning to look like Christmas!
Pandemic or not, it’s time to dust off the ornaments, set up the fir tree tucked away in your storeroom, and most importantly: start preparing your gifting list.
As we know, it can be tricky business shopping for loved ones. With different personalities, likes and dislikes, things can get pretty overwhelming. To help kickstart your festive planning, we rounded up a list of unique gifts for 4 types of ‘lovers’ you probably know. The best part? They won’t break the bank!
For the caffeine lover
From fancy oat milk lattes to traditional teh Cs, it’s safe to say that Singaporeans’ love for the brew knows no boundaries. Here’s our roundup of gifts you can get for your caffeine-loving pal. Be warned — you might end up getting a couple for yourself!
1. Hook Coffee Christmas Advent Calendar, S$50
Image credit: hookcoffee.com.sg
With so many brews, blends, and flavors in the market, trying them all might seem like an impossible task… until you get your hands on this calendar. With 24 different flavors, it’s perfect for those seeking a surprise in every cuppa.
Where to get: TANGS
Address: 310 Orchard Road, Tang Plaza, Singapore 238864
Opening hours: 11:30am – 8:30pm daily
2. Bodum Stainless Steel Travel Mug, S$29.80
Image credits: bodum.com
Goodbye, soggy paper cups. Meet the new favourite companion: a sturdy, stainless steel coffee mug. Wrapped in a distinctive non-slip silicone sleeve, this travel mug is designed with convenience and comfort in mind. And as we know, nothing beats a piping hot cuppa to kickstart the day, so why not make sure your loved one gets only the best?
Where to get: TANGS
Address: 310 Orchard Road, Tang Plaza, Singapore 238864
Opening hours: 11:30am – 8:30pm daily
Not big on coffee? No problem. This local tea brand offers a wide variety of blooming tea that tastes as good as they look! From lychee to rose blends, these hand-threaded balls of tea might not look like much. However, once steeped in water, they slowly unfurl to form a gorgeous bouquet. Perfect for afternoon tea, and perfect for the ‘gram.
Beyond the reusable straws and collapsible lunch boxes, here are some eco-friendly items for your friends looking to take a walk on the green side.
4. Purple & Pure Plantable Graphite Pencils, S$19.20
Image credits: naiise.com
Say goodbye to the days where we’d throw away pencils once they get too short to write with. Made with recycled newspaper, these pencils come in packs of 10 and each with a biodegradable seed capsule so that you can watch your stubs turn into plants.
Studies have shown that it takes roughly a month to cultivate a habit, so why not make it a little more fun and interactive? For those with friends who are looking to up their eco game, this makes the perfect gift! Over a month, individuals will receive one prompt a day, each giving tips on how to incorporate eco-friendly habits into their lifestyle.
Instead of settling for the usual gag gift, make a (meaningful) statement this Christmas — you’ll thank us later!
6. The Little Drom Store Strangely Singaporean Weekly Planner, S$6.90
Image credits: thelittledromstore.com
A cutesy planner with a local twist, this weekly desk planner is perfect for those who love to jazz up their workplace with bright colors and fun prints. Each day of the week is accompanied by a hilariously fitting Singlish word depicting the mood. Available in 2 designs, this will make even the most disorganized person look twice — mai tu liao!
Where to get: TANGS
Address: 310 Orchard Road, Tang Plaza, Singapore 238864
Opening hours: 11:30am – 8:30pm daily
7. LUCKIES Smart-Phone Projector, S$45
Image credits: naiise.com
Designed for the homebody, this Smartphone Projector can turn every corner of the house into a makeshift cinema. Just pop your phone into the box, and you’re all set. Tip: If you’re gifting this, don’t forget to throw in a couple of snacks too!
While we wait for the day borders reopen, we can satiate that wanderlust by travelling the world via a map and uncovering places to add to the bucket list in the meantime. However, this map is by no means an ordinary one. Once you’ve travelled to a country, simply scratch off the gold foil top layer to reveal the beautiful detailing beneath it. How’s that for bragging rights?
If there’s anything the pandemic taught us, it’s our ability to adapt and improvise. With the Circuit Breaker came a slew of home gym set-ups, giving birth to a whole new tribe of fitspos. Why not use this chance to encourage your friends who have embarked on their fitness journey to continue doing so?
9. Fitbit Inspire HR Smart Watch, S$99
Image credits: courts.com.sg
The Fitbit Inspire may be an entry-level fitness tracker, but it gets the job done! It not only tracks your active minutes and number of calories burned but also your sleep cycle, while helping you set sleep goals. This device is perfect for those seeking to build healthy habits with the help of a smart device, without being too expensive.
Where to get: Courts Singapore
Address: Various locations islandwide. Click here to find your nearest store
Opening hours: Differs according to store.
Whether it’s a jog in the park or an afternoon at the gym, it doesn’t hurt to add a pop of colour and a whole lotta inspiration to your step — literally! These socks come with a motivational quote to help remind you to walk tall and with confidence.
Ready for your shopping trip? Use NETS Contactless ATM card at these establishments and stand to win S$50 every month! From now till 31 December 2020, simply spend S$30 in a single transaction when you tap to pay with NETS and be automatically enrolled into the draw.
Just look out for the NETS tap icon on your card, or sign up for a NETS Contactless ATM Card at participating banks.
For DBS/POSB, OCBC and UOB, only the above cards are NETS tap-enabled.
For HSBC & Maybank, NETS Tap icon is located at the back of the card.
