4 Ways Employers Can Build Big Career Pathways in Small Companies

4 Ways Employers Can Build Big Career Pathways in Small Companies 4 Ways Employers Can Build Big Career Pathways in Small Companies Small organizations can seem likecareer dead ends to employees and candidates, and thats a problem for small businesses. Its hard toengage and retain employees when78 percent of workers say they would be willing to stay with their current employers if they knew what their career paths would be.The good news is that there are many ways that small employers can and should build attractive career pathways for workers, andI have outlined some of themhere1. Create an Entrepreneurial PathwayThis is perhaps the best kind of career pathway you can build in a small company, although it cant be theonly one you build.notlage everyone is suited to this careerapproach.However, if you have lots of creative, itchy-feet types in your business, you may want tocreate an entrepreneur policy which enables staff members to pitch ideas for new products, duties, tasks, etc., which they themselves can take forward. Why not schedule an Ideas Day on your calendar every quarter when staff can book time with decision makers to pitch their new business ideas?2. Outline a Vision for GrowthNot all of your workers will respond to the entrepreneurial career pathwaysome will simply want some kind of pathway set out for them.You cant set out career ladders that dont exist, but you can set out realistic future growth plans which include increases in headcount and the creation of new and exciting roles that will present opportunities for career progression and growth within your business.Of course, youll need to deliver on these plans. Dont just string employees along with promises of development set out a clear vision, and then make it a concrete reality.3. ImplementaJob RotationProgramIt may not always be possible for an employee to move upward, but there may be opportunities for them to move sideways to widen their skill sets and revitalize themselves. Job rotati on can simply mean rotating between jobs within a particular function to broaden experience, or itcould even mean movingacross functions.Job rotation is considered beneficial by early-career workers they see it as agreat way to enhance their skills. Additionally, rotating staff members between jobs will not only make them more skilled and engaged, but it will also make them more promotable by preparing them to be flexible and adaptable.4. AdvertiseYour Business as a Stepping StoneAs a small business, you have tobe realistic about your career pathways. You simply may not be able to offer the kind of career progression that is going to satisfy amore ambitious worker for four or fiveyears.That being said, you may be able to offer an ambitious worker the next best thinga stepping stone to their next upward career move. As a small business,you can offer highly talented employeesthe ability to gain experience and develop their skills so that they can move on to another employer in a few y ears time.This can be a win-win strategy for employees and employers employees receive support and development opportunities, and employers find a way to engage high-flying talent for a period of time.Small business owners need not feel as if major corporations have all the advantages. Even with limited space, a limited budget, and a tiny staff, a company can build and offer the kinds of career paths that attract the best and the brightest. All it takes is a little ingenuity.

Returning to the Workforce After Battling Addiction

Returning to the Workforce After Battling AddictionReturning to the Workforce After Battling Addiction1Returning to the workforce after battling addiction can be intimidating. The optimism that comes with new opportunity is often accompanied by an urge to rejoin the workforce at maximum capacity, stepping right back in stride with your best professional self. And although that is admirable, there is also value in honoring where you are right now- in a transitional place with great potential for growth. Set yourself up for success by preparing for a return to the workforce that supports continued progress by coming up with a plan that covers the how, when, and why of returning to work during recovery.Returning to the Workforce After Battling AddictionThe Decision to ReturnA primary concern of returning to the workforce is the potential to feel triggered by the associated stress or even just the danger of feeling entitled to relax at the end of a long workday. There can also be a sense of needing to overcompensate job wertzuwachs to make up for lost time or to prove to yourself or others that you can still get the job done. Although it may be true that you can, this can also lead to burning out quickly and a desire to self-medicate or fall back into addictive behaviors.The H.O.W. of sobriety is a good way to establish a solid foundation for returning to the workforceBe HonestKeep an Open MindBe WillingHonest Be realistic about your sensitivity to stress and both the importance of putting recovery first and the time you invest into doing so when returning to the workforce. Dont assume you can handle pressure the same as you have in the past. Ask other sober individuals in your support community about their return to the workplace experiences and honestly evaluate your own strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.Open Mind Youll have to change many things in your life to accommodate sobriety, and your professional expectations may temporarily land on that list. Con sider part-time jobs, freelance positions, or work-at-home opportunities as you ease back into the working world after battling addiction. Stairstep your way to success in a way that supports your growth and allows you to build some professional confidence again. Allow yourself a gradual return to your full potential. Start with part-time projects or remote work or at a skill level slightly below your average to give yourself room to grow.Willing A lower pay rate may be a fair trade for lower stress levels over a short, transitional time period. Dont feel defeated or embarrassed by what may seem like a professional setback. Remember that this is part of your recovery plan, that each and every step counts as a success as long as you are sober, and that youre really just leaving that much mora room for potential. Be willing to do what it takes to support your recovery at all costs. As they say in recovery fellowships, If you dont put your sobriety ahead of your job, you will lose both .The Search for WorkTo stay sober after battling addiction, you just have to changeeverything. Simple, right? Although it doesnt feel like it, giving yourself the gift of a blank slate for the next chapter of your life is imperative to your success. parte of that is avoiding the people, places, and things that were connected to an addictive lifestyle. Look for jobs that support that, too.Stay away from working with people who arent supportive of your sobriety, and choose appropriate work. For instance, bartending or hospitality work is likely not appropriate for those in recovery.In terms of how to address gaps on your resume or time spent away, the less said, the better. If youre returning to a previously held position, you are under no obligation to disclose anything. If coworkers ask about your absence, you can say that you were on medical leave but youre doing better now.If youre applying for a new position, dont bring it up at all. If youre asked about it, explain that you took some personal time to deal with a family matter. Treat your leave in a discreet, matter-of-fact way like the health issue that it is, and move the conversation along to your current availability.Supporting YourselfDont forget that recovery is a job, too. Continue to work on a lifestyle that supports your sobriety outside of work. Research by the N.I.A. found two key factors associated with staying sober for 12 months or moreDeveloping a robust sober support network that includes active weekly engagement in a recovery fellowshipMaintaining close, open, and honest relationships with people to whom you feel accountable. Part of your work now involves making time for support groups or treatment options and making an effort to connect with the kind of friends you would like to have moving forward. Take up a hobby or interest that will help fill your downtime with good people and healthy fun.Focus primarily on achieving small, incremental daily goals in early recovery. Thinking about nev er drinking/using for the rest of my life is overwhelming, so focus on staying sober for one day at a time- its much more emotionally manageable. Its also important to remember that addiction is a chronic medical condition like asthma, diabetes, or hyper-tension. Similarly, while there are no cures for these conditions, their symptoms can be successfully managed with proper treatment and ongoing aftercare and monitoring. The work of recovery does not end, but neither do the rewardsFrame your return to work as part of your self-imposed treatment plan with a strategic approach that supports your personal and professional growth. Find appropriate, low-stress positions, stay open-minded about new possibilities, and be willing to make changes that will help you reach your ultimate goal of a healthy and successful life free of substance abuse. Do a good job to lead a good life, both on and off the clock.Dr. Rod Amiri specializes in addiction psychiatry. He has received the Patients Choice award every year since 2008, representing less than 5% of active physicians in the U.S. He serves patients atMalibu Hills Treatment Center, a luxury rehab facility located in Malibu, California.

Customize this Outstanding Community Marketing Manager Resume Sample

Customize this Outstanding Community Marketing Manager Resume SampleCustomize this Outstanding Community Marketing Manager Resume SampleCreate Resume Daniel Balsma100 Broadway LaneNew Parkland, CA, 91010Cell (555) 987-1234example-emailexample.comProfessional SummaryEnergetic Community Marketing Manager able to act as a resource for an entire region while also enacting recruiting and sales techniques to bring in mora revenue. Renowned for corporate networking skills, the ability to build up a district or region and a proven history of generating more revenue from year to year. An active professional with the necessary tools to build a strong sales network.Core QualificationsInterpersonal CommunicationCorporate NetworkingEvents PlanningSales RecruitingProduct TrainingTrade Show UtilizationExperienceCommunity Marketing Manager, August 2010 May 2015Sallys Home Sales New Cityland, CAMaintained contact with all existing reps and worked to find new reps.Became a resource for information for reps and clients.Held recruiting events throughout the year that were very successful.Community Marketing Manager, June 1994 September 2004Holly Sales New Cityland, CADeveloped a new training program that increased revenue by 20%.Increased the sales staff size by 15% for two years.Created an online resource for prospects that brought in more revenue.Education1994 Bachelor of Science, BusinessBeltway College New Cityland, CACustomize Resume

5 Job Search Taboos You Should Reconsider

5 Job Search Taboos You Should Reconsider5 Job Search Taboos You Should ReconsiderWhen youre job searching, youll inevitably receive an onslaught of advice. Some of it might be good (e.g., you should tailor your resume to the job youre applying for), but the rest of it? Well, lets just say that some advice might not be in your best interest.Below are five job search taboos you shouldreconsider1. Covering up employment gaps. Maybe you took some time off to raise your kids. Or maybe you had a string of uneventful jobs. Or maybe, just maybe, you (gasp) got fired from your job and dont want to list it on your resume. In any case, your resume has employment gaps that are as seemingly as big as the Grand Canyon. But before you convert your resume to a functional resume, or worse, invent some false work history, you might want to leave the gaps open for all to see. Employers dont look as negatively upon employment gaps as they used to, particularly if you had a good reason (i.e., you went b ack to school to get your degree or a certification).2. Stifling your true self.If you thought that your job application has to be bland and boring in order to fit in, think again. Hiring managers want to see your personality shine through. While you dont want to shine a spotlight on every single quirk and odd characteristic (e.g., your 500+ collection of ceramic cats), you should let employers get a feel for who you really are. After all, they will be better able to judge if youre a fit for the position- or not.3. Having multiple passions or jobs.It makes sense to think that if youre applying for a job as, say, an accountant, you would want your resume to reflect all of the work experiences youve had that relate to accounting. But lets say you worked as an English teacher for a while, too. Does that mean you have to skip over that part of your collective career? This is just one of those job search taboos that youll want to reconsider, since showing a wide sortiment of interests ca n be intriguing to a potential boss, and is not considered a negative any longer.4. Being weakness-free. Its one of those unfair job interview questions that virtually every job candidate gets asked at one point or another. When you were asked about a failure or a weakness youve had during a job interview, you might have been reticent to name one for fear of it negatively impacting your chances of getting hired. But its advisable nowadays to actually cop to a weakness, as it shows an employer that a) youre human, and b) that you have self-awareness to have gone through a mistake and learned from it.5. Being honest about your work habits.Sure, youve worked in offices for most of your career. But truth be told, you much prefer to work alone. So when youre asked during a job interview if youre a team player who likes to work in an office surrounded by your colleagues, youre not really koranvers how to answer. If you admit that you are more of a loner, youll surely lose the job, right? Not necessarily. Being honest and upfront from the get-go shows an employer that you know yourself, know what type of work style works best for you, and know why your personality might make you a prime candidate for a remote job.Find a flexible job that fits your work habits. Browse over 50 categories of telecommuting, part-time and flexible jobs hereThere are so many job search taboos that might be worth taking a second look at. After all, no employer expects you to have the perfect work history, sans employment gaps, have only work history that relates to the job youre applying for, and be without any sort of weakness. Show who you really are, and youll have a much better chance of getting the job you wantReaders, have you abided by these job search taboos in the past and are now reconsidering them? Let us know in the comments below

Resume Keywords for Software Engineers

Resume Keywords for Software Engineers Resume Keywords for Software Engineers If youre a software engineer looking for a new job, you should consider turning to resume examples as part of your research. Looking at the resumes of others can clue you in about where you stand compared to your competition- and how you can improve. For example, if youre a little rusty in a language thats listed prominently on the resumes of software engineers at your target company, you can take that as a sign to brush up.A programming language is just one kind of resume keyword you might discover when browsing resume examples. Tasks, skills, and credentials are also among the possibilities.That said, an individual job posting will always be the best source of resume keywords when customizing your resume. Pulling resume keywords straight from the job listing increases your chances of being ranked highly for that job by an applicant tracking system, or ATS. Echoing the keywords used for the job demonstrate s that you are a good fit for the role.An ATS is a software application used by employers to store, sort, and score resumes. An applicant tracking systems ranking of candidates is largely based on resume keywords. The higher you rank, the likelier it is that your resume will get noticed.The word cloud above was generated from the text from a dozen software engineer jobpostings. The larger the word is, the more times it appeared.Software engineer resume keywordsAgileApplicationsASP.NETBuildCCodeCollaborateDataplanDevelopmentEngineeringEnvironmentJavaJavascriptKnowledgeMobile.NETProductProjectsSoftwareSolutionsSQLTeamTechnologiesTestingToolsWebTargeting your resumeTailoring your resume for a specific job is easy when youuse the right tools. When you have a career management document to work from, its simple to select for your resume only whats relevant to a particular job. For example, you might have a couple dozen bullet points listed under each job on your career management document , then choose and refine only a handful for each resume you submit.Your career management document should also contain detailed notes on your projects, accomplishments, promotions, and more. Preserving the details while theyre fresh means you wont be scratching your head later on, wondering what you accomplished in the previous year. These notes can also serve as the basis for answers to interview questions.Once youve assembled a resume that you think is tailored well for the job you want, run it through the Jobscan resume analysis tool. Paste in the text of your resume and the text of the job posting for an instant score and feedback on how you can improve. Resume examples should definitely be part of your research when job hunting, but nothing compares to personalized feedback.?

Fraud, Deceptions, and Downright Lies About Resume Designs Templates Exposed

Fraud, Deceptions, and Downright Lies About Resume Designs Templates Exposed Get the Scoop on Resume Designs Templates Before Youre Too Late Resumes dont need to be boring. They do not have to take so much of your time but still should not be neglected. Both may be used to create chronological or functional resumes. The Appeal of Resume Designs Templates Youre now able to earn a terrific first impact with professional outfit and personalized appearance. The dark colors look really cool but you have to make sure you dont send it anywhere they must receive a print out of it. Ideal design if youre choosing a brief one-page resume. Big number of design style will guarantee you will come across a resume vorlage that fits with your taste.Also, usage of colours are contingent on the industry youre applying to. Use bold colours only as long as you are extremely sure it does not ruin the expert feel of the resume. You may change the colors if you want. Its fine to use bold, brigh t, and a number of colors. Getting the Best Resume Designs Templates The template can be used with Microsoft Word in addition to Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. It is available in PSD format. Each template gives structure, examples and tips so you dont need to departure from scratch when creating your resume. Utilizing a resume template is now an acceptable and smart practice for several factors.The very first template on the list features an elegant black and white modern resume design that could be used for any kind of job in any business. Light blue is utilised to accentuate headings for far better content hierarchy.Creative Resume Content Whichever creative resume design you plattl, the content has to be no problem to find and logically organized. A timeless style resume template is also simple to customize. Once you have decided on your perfect resume template from our selection, follow our totally free expert guidance about ways to craft the great modern resume. Exact ly like the Envato Elements library, there are many templates to pick from that it can help to have a collection of the best choices. Get exploring and you might be spotting something which you feel is going to earn an effect on your job seeking process. 1 day, you chance to find the call about your fantasy job. Ensure you didnt miss whatever could cost you the job that you dream about Folks use an assortment of resume templates which use different type of design approaches, but ultimately its always likely to come to the simple fact that your resume should convey a very clear message above your skills, your experience, and also why youd be the ideal candidate for the position. The distinction between both is a huge one. Theres no doubt that a resume which is both cohesive and professional will have a much better likelihood of standing from the crowd even supposing its made utilizing a template. As an example, a resume that resembles a playbill may be an intriguing concept for work at a theater. No matter whether youre a fresher and searching for your very first job or a candidate with experience in the area, a creative resume template will certainly enable you to draft a well detailed and an impressive resume. In truth, its not that hard as it might appear to be. All you need to do is point and click. Theres so many to pick from in his package that theres no use in describing a number of the features, since youll certainly be able to obtain what you need within. Sometimes all you will need is a traditional style template thats clean, clear and right to the point.

4 Ways to Know Youre Ready to Bring in New Hires - Spark Hire

4 Ways to Know Youre Ready to Bring in New Hires - Spark HireSmall business hiring isnt as simple as having an opening and finding the right fit. You first have to analyze whether or not your company can support that new hire. Can you guarantee that the demand of your business will remain consistent? Are you certain that this position is completely necessary to the successful running of your business?A recent New York Times article discussed this conundrum that small businesses and startups face. However, it offered helpful insights as to when and how small business hiring can take place.1. Time. When demand for a product increases, many small businesses and startups make the mistake of overworking their current employees, the New York Times article points out. Instead, companies should think of creative ways to meet that demand.For instance, you can conduct a job candidate search for a new hire that could work seasonally or just temporarily. A new hire does not have to be a full-tim e hire. Meeting this need on a basic level keeps current employees working at a rate that they can handle, rather than overworking them. It also enables you to test out this new position against the demand. If the demand remains, you can establish this new role as a full-time position.2. Money. Again, you can get creative here with part-time or seasonal help. You donthave to splurge on a full-time salary. Assess the need, affordability and estimated length of employment and determine what your small business or startup can realistically provide a new hire.3. Demand. departure keeping track of trends in demand for your product. Does it occur atroughly the same time each year? Are you offering big discounts during different seasons? Keeping a record of your demand enables you to prepare for a job candidate search when the time arises.This isnt just good for small business hiring its good for your business, in general. Knowing the demand for your product, its increases and decreases, w ill better help you cater to your clienteles needs. And having the necessary staff on hand keeps everyone happier.4. Common sense. As the New York Times article points out, sometimes you just know when its time to invest in more hands. Unfortunately, they dont call it a job search process for nothing. It takes time to find the right job candidates. But by keeping close track of the demand, time and money of your product, youll be more efficient at getting new hires on deck when the business calls for it.How else do you predict small business hiring needs? When do you think its time to bring in new hires? Share in our comments now

Best Communication Skills for Workplace Success

Best Communication Skills for Workplace SuccessBest Communication Skills for Workplace Success You might be a put-your-head-down-and-get-things-done kind of employee, but no matter your work style, you cant avoid communicating at the office- on a screen or in rolle. In 2019, we Slack, ping, text, Zoom, email, call, and meet face-to-face, says Jill Jacinto , a millennial career expert. But, she adds, no matter which method you use, youll need to need to develop an appropriate method to interact with your coworkers or employees. But beyond having to communicate in the office, honing your communication skills can influence your career- and your daily success at work. According to career coach Hallie Crawford , How well you communicate impacts efficiency, effectiveness, trust between employees, your brand and how you come across as a professional, and much more. Here are seven essential communication skills every employee and boss needs to hone. Being respectful of otherbei peoples space and time is important- especially if you need to talk about a touchy subject, says Crawford. And while we may not think of showing respect as a communication skill, it is, because respect comes down to how we talk and listen to people. Avoid talking down to someone, this does not foment a positive environment at work. Respect the other persons feelings and strengths and perspective, says Crawford.Active listening is an essential part of any job, says Jacinto. Being a bad listener- such as someone who interrupts or doesnt make eye contact when another person speaks to you- can compromise your position at work. If you dont listen well, You might not understand the full objective for a project or the tool you were just trained on, she says.3. Displaying positive body language. You may not realize it, but your body language communicates more than words, Crawford says. So, Crawford encourages you to be aware of the overall energy you emit with actions and movem ents. Ask, are your arms crossed, or do you avoid eye contact? Crawford says. If you do, try to correct these behaviors by uncrossing your arms and making eye contact. When youre a new employee at a company- or if youre a recent college graduate - you might be afraid of asking questions of coworkers or your managers. But the ability and willingness to ask questions is a crucial communication skill. Asking questions helps to clarify things at work, whether you are talking about a project or a problem with a coworker, says Crawford. If youre a leader at work, this applies to you too Instead of giving direction, try asking questions to guide someone to a correct conclusion, she says. In 2019, most of the communication we do is via email or another online platform. Theres always that one person who is too detailed and sends a novel back to you, says Jacinto, who adds, dont be this person. Know how to break up an email, add bullet points, and be concise. Jacinto recommends asking yourse lf, does the receiver need all this information, before hitting send, or even, would this be better as a phone chat instead? Jacinto says.Staying open-minded is a very important communication skill- especially for entry-level employees, Crawford says. If an employee is an entry-level or new to their position, its important for them to be able to connect with his or her coworkers and understand the corporate culture of the organization, Crawford explains. How do you do that? Be open to new ways of doing things and dont shut down if your new team members have a different process or methodology for completing a task than you are used to, Crawford instructs. 7. A willingness to give feedback . This communication skill is important for senior-level employees to help their employees and business to grow, says Crawford. This doesnt always mean correcting mistakes- it could be commending someone for a job well done. But what about when you do need to call out someones mistake? If you do need to correct mistakes, make sure to commend an employee first, Crawford says. This makes it easier to accept any negative feedback .

How Elephants Uses Their Tails to Chase Away Mosquitoes

How Elephants Uses Their Tails to Chase Away Mosquitoes How Elephants Uses Their Tails to Chase Away Mosquitoes How Elephants Uses Their Tails to Chase Away Mosquitoes When an elephants tail swats a mosquito on its back, it generates enough torque (350 newton meters) to accelerate a car. But why does it take so much energy to swat a mosquito or a fly?The question arose during a conversation between Marguerite Matzu sichne, a Ph.D. candidate at Georgia Tech, and David Hu, who heads the Laboratory for Biolocomotion at Georgia Tech.Matherne, who grew up riding horses outside New Orleans, met Hu when she took his fluid dynamics class as an undergraduate. I really liked when he talked about his own research, like how honeybees use their fine hairs to clean themselves, she said. It welches not only interesting, but it gave me a really different perspective on mechanical engineering.Although I applied to other graduate schools, I decided to stay because this is the area thats interesting to me she added. I also like the labs mission, which is to reverse engineer what evolution does well and apply it to make our lives make better.For You Autonomous Vehicle Industry Races to Fill Big Engineering Talent GapThe type of fly repellent fan used in the research. Image ShooawayWhen she started the Ph.D. program, Matherne had to pick an initial research project. Hair, honeybees, and horses helped her decide.We started talking about hair and honeybees, and then how horses use their tail to shoo away flies, she said. David asked me how that works, and I realized that I did not really know.To answer that question, Matherne went to a local zoo and horse farm and filmed animals swishing tails. She used video software to track the motion starting at the joint where the tail extends out from the body, where the tail bone ends and the hair begins, and at the end of the hair.When she began reviewing her video, she realized that she could model the tail accurately as a double pendulum. T hat led her to expect that it move at the speed of a gravity-driven pendulum, the type found in a grandfather clock or metronome. Instead, she found that elephants, zebras, and horses all swished their tails three times fasterand used 27 times more energy when they did.That was a surprise, she said. At first, I was stumped. They were obviously putting a lot of energy into this, but why?She initially believed animal tails knocked bugs out of the air. So, she went on Amazon and bought a stick with horse hairs glued to the end and tried swatting flying mosquitoes with it.We totally missed the mosquitoes, she said. But they took off as the hair flew past them. They had plenty of time to see it coming but didnt move until the tail passed and the wind disturbed them.That suggested the tail swish was not designed to kill mosquitoes, but to chase them away. To find out, Matherne designed an experiment to test her hypothesis.She released mosquitoes into a container topped with a ShooAway fly fan and slowed it down to the saatkorn speed as an animals tail. The mosquitoes naturally began to move upward. Yet half retreated back down the container when they felt the fans breeze.The other half pushed through the top. If the mosquitoes landed on the animal, it would have increased the energy behind its tail movement, turning a swish into a swat to smash bugs where they landed, she said.Her conclusion Animals swish their tails to chase away bugs and swat the ones that get through. This uses less energy than swatting every bug once it lands.She also discovered that ShooAway and other fans designed to keep insects from landing on food and people are probably moving too fast. That could lead to more sustainable fans in regions prone to mosquito-borne malaria.We could spin those fans more slowly and get the same results, she said.Read More Ice Stripes Could Mean the End of Frost on Airplanes, Cars, Wind Turbines Synthetic Ice GetsCloser to the Real Thing Cockroaches Inspire Tiny Robots that Fly, Walk, Swim, Dive For Further Discussion

Four Essential Steps for Product Planning

Four Essential Steps for Product Planning Four Essential Steps for Product Planning Product planning can be a difficult process. Even deciding to give a potential creation more than a cursory glance is a major choice. Before its money, its your time. But how to begin this process and make it as smooth as possible?Jonathan Cagan, a lab professor in mechanical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, and co-author of Creating Breakthrough Products, looks at four gates in the product planning process, though he emphasizes some use as many as three or even more than 10.The Four GatesThe first gate is uncovering the needs and wants of the consumer. Once youve done that, the second phase is understanding the opportunity through research, defining the product, and deciding what its value attributes are. The third is the conceptual design. The fourth is realizing that opportunity by detailing the design and conducting the stress analysis.Cagan says if you miss any of behaup tung steps, your product could be in trouble, but the second is especially important. Mechanical engineers love to determine what theyll design and create but they dont stop to think about whether theyve really found the right product for the marketplace, he says. Its a complete waste of time unless you figure this out.Another key problem is not having a commitment from the group or company. If they dont have time to invest to achieve the valued product, then it can die as just another great concept. A further component of this is the discipline required for each facet of creation. Cagan says this becomes even more vital if youre creating a new technology as opposed to improving on what already exists. Its amazing when you dont have to invent something completely new, how quickly you can move, he says. We teach a semester class where you can get from a clean sheet to the patent stage in 16 weeks.Ask the Right QuestionsIts also vital to Cagan that you ask yourself these important que stions right from the startWhen getting to production do you want to patent it?Do you want to build a more refined prototype?How far do you want to go into the prototype process, or are you looking to go to the point of full tooling?Which brings us to Cagans last point It doesnt have to be all or nothing. Its better to have more money available than less, he says. But ask yourself if you can figure out whether its a go or no-go in a fraction of the cost. Maybe a final version would cost $5 million, but would $1 million tell you whether you can pull the plug?The bottom line is that product planning requires a vision you believe in because potentially, youll be living with it for long time. From planning to marketing, asking yourself if youre willing to go the distanceeven if that distance becomes extendedmay be the most important question of all.Eric Butterman is an independent writer.The bottom line is that product planning requires a vision you believe in because potentially, youll be living with it for a long time.