When the job market falters, many employees try to stay below the boss’s radar for fear they might be next on the chopping block. However, it’s far wiser to take the opposite approach. Now more than ever it’s especially important to be noticed (though for the right reasons, of course), explains Tina Chen, a director of permanent and temporary staffing firm Carlisle Staffing in Illinois.

“When companies trim staff, they will save the people who stand out because they manage their managers well,” says Chen. “There are also more temporary workers now who could manage upward to get hired.”

So instead of being the good-enough team member who the boss has trouble remembering, use these tricks to become noticed and indispensable.

1. Understand Your Boss

“Managing upward requires empathy,” says Aaron Nurick, professor of management and psychology at Bentley University in Waltham, Mass. Nurick believes that the key to success is being able to see the world from your manager’s perspective.

Instead of becoming frustrated by the boss, observe her work style and communication preferences and then adapt. You may be flooding the boss with e-mails while she finds it easier to speak via phone. Subtle adjustments on your part will make her job easier–which makes you look better.

You should also read your manager’s reactions to the way you present information, says Nurick. For example, you may work for someone who loves numbers and has little patience for more abstract thinking. In that case, try presenting your boss with a quantitative analysis first, and then succinctly explain its impact. Notice, too, if your boss prefers being asked questions or given answers. Decide if you should cut to the chase or soften your opinion by adding, “Would you agree?”

2. Stay Three Steps Ahead

Staffing expert Chen says that dealing with a boss can be like a game of chess. “Always stay three steps ahead of your opponent, and take the lead,” she advises. Employees who anticipate their boss’s needs beforethey arise will be seen as leaders and problem solvers.

Once you understand and start to think like your boss, you’ll be in a better position to take initiative. Let’s say, says Chen, you’re asked to find a person’s contact information because your boss is working on an insurance policy renewal. Respond by saying, “Yes I have his information, and would you like me to follow up with him regarding the renewal?”

“For every action there’s a reaction and then another action to follow,” Chen explains. In other words, anticipate additional questions or requests and handle them before you’re asked.

3. Be The Better Half

Become indispensable by learning your manager’s weaknesses and complimenting them with your strengths. Perhaps your boss is a brilliant visionary but impossibly disorganized. Rather than griping about how difficult she is to work with, make up for what she lacks by taking on the role of organizer. Suggest deadlines, remind her of appointments and follow up on items she’s forgotten. Not only will you have gained your boss’s trust, you’ll become the most valued member of her team.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up

Career expert and co-author of Crucial Conversations, Kerry Patterson, says most employees are afraid to approach their managers about issues with their work style. In a survey he conducted, 50% of employees said they’d left a company because of a disagreeable boss, but only one in five had spoken with the boss about their concerns.

Patterson says the most common frustrations that employees face are micromanaging bosses and absentee bosses. Yet they rarely speak up. “People think it’s risky to address these problems, but if it’s handled professionally it increases your boss’s opinion of you,” he says.

When initiating a tough conversation, Patterson suggests that you offer an example of a specific behavior, explain how it made you feel and then ask for the manager’s perspective.

Here’s an example of what you might say: “Last week you checked in three times on a routine project. It made me feel as if you didn’t trust my ability to handle it. Is that the case?” This formula opens the door to an honest conversation without the manager feeling attacked. Patterson emphasizes that it’s important to point out specific behaviors and not characteristics of your manager, so that he doesn’t take offense.

5. Ask For More Responsibility

If you want to ensure a path to the top, Chen says you should make an impression with the even higher ups–your manager’s managers. Allow yourself to shine but don’t overstep your boundaries, she warns. Your immediate boss controls your projects and promotions, so you need to maintain his trust.

A great way to gain an audience with company leaders is to ask for more responsibility. Identify a big project that you’re confident you can handle, and then pour yourself into it to show what you can do. Another handy trick: Offer to head up an initiative. Maybe you become the resident expert on new software or organize a company event. Suddenly, people come to you with questions and view you as a leader.

Ultimately, make yourself valuable. Not only will you receive respect, but you may be in line for a raise.

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There are lots of ways to save on food. Some will be appetizing to you, some won’t. But there are few things in life tastier than paying off debt and achieving your monetary objectives. Stacy Johnson from MoneyTalksNews.com shares his tips for saving dough at the supermarket.

1. Cook from scratch: Making meals from scratch is probably the single best way to save on food. Because the more prepared the food, the more it costs. Ironically, less expensive home-made is also normally better for you as well.

2. Generics: Sometimes generics aren’t as good as name brands. In those situations one might choose name brands. But for things like flour, sugar, salt, bleach or virtually dozens of other items you find in the grocery store, the only discernible difference is price. Paying more for an identical product is more than extravagant; it’s stupid.

3. Lists: Writing down what you came for and ignore everything that’s not on your list. This will save you money. It will also save time and fuel expense by preventing repeat trips to the store for things you forgot.

4. Stoop and bend: Smart merchants place the most profitable items at eye level and on end-caps. Stoop, bend and look around for the best values.

5. Coupons: For decades, coupons have been a shoppers best friend. These days online coupons have made them easier to find and use. If you haven’t used a coupon search engine yet, do so. It’s a new routine. Internet first, then store.

6. Warehouse stores: The savings you can find at warehouse stores are well-documented. Here’s a story we did on the five best deals.

7. Salvage grocery stores: these are harder to find, but if you happen to live near one, the savings are huge: up to 50%. Here’s a story we did on salvage stores and here’s a list of them by state.

8. Don’t shop hungry: It makes you buy more.

9. Shop alone: Kids, and spouses who act like kids, will often whine, cajole, or otherwise try to influence you into impulse buys. Leave ‘em at home.

10. Always overcook: then freeze. That saves the time you need to be able to cook from scratch.

11. Substitute cheaper ingredients: for more expensive ones.

12. Weigh pre-weighed produce: Use the handy scales in the produce department to weigh pre-weighed bags. For example, if you’re buying a 10-pound bag of potatoes, weigh them. Some will be 9 and a half pounds, but some might be 10 and a half for the same price.

13. Repackage: Put small quantities of leftover sour cream or other perishables in smaller containers; they’ll last longer. Cookies, crackers, and the like will also last longer if stored in glass jars.

14. Grate savings: You pay more to have someone else grate your cheese for you. You’ll also save by cutting up whole chickens, slicing your own pickles, slicing meat for cold cuts, and using a blender or rolling pin to make your own bread crumbs.

15. Save on starch: Fancy boil-in-bag or flavored rices routinely cost 10 times the amount of the old-fashioned kind. All it takes to make rice is the ability to boil water! Bags of smaller potatoes are often half the cost per pound of big baking potatoes. Bake two little ones instead of one big one. Your stomach won’t notice.

16. Save on protein: The simple proteins found in beans are better for you and obviously much cheaper than the complex ones in meat, fish and poultry. In other words, eat less meat!

17. Milk your budget: Milk about to expire? Freeze it. You can thaw it out and use it later. Same with things that might be rotting in your vegetable drawer: onions, parsley, tomatoes, garlic. Not only will freezing keep it from rotting, it will keep it from stinking.

18. Butter up the cheese: Lightly buttering the edge of semi-hard cheese makes it less likely to form mold or dry out.

19. Extend yourself: Adding cottage cheese to hamburger will enhance the flavor, add protein, and allow you to increase servings from four to six per pound.

20. New life for old bread: Leftover bread and rolls can be toasted in a toaster oven and chopped up into croutons.

21. Alter your recipes: Nobody will sue you if you alter your recipes a little. You can substitute cheaper veggies (sliced carrots) for more expensive ones (zucchini). You can also probably reduce the cheese or sugar in your baking slightly, without noticeably altering the taste. Keep in mind that recipes will often “round up” ingredients to make them easier to measure. When you read a recipe, look for ingredients that might just be included to enhance the color instead of taste, and try eliminating them. There are ways of stretching just about everything. Make your cookies and muffins a bit smaller and make more of them. Add a little more water to your concentrated juice. Add extra potatoes, beans, etc. to stretch casseroles and soups.

22. Make your own salad dressing: Mix 1/2 cup of vinegar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of dry mustard, 1 minced garlic clove and 1 cup of salad oil. Voila! Delicious salad dressing at a fraction of the cost.

23. Grow your own! Next time you buy fresh garlic, save the four inner cloves. Plant them about 1/2 inch deep. In less than six months, you’ll be in garlic city! There are many other herbs and vegetables that you can grow yourself, so check ‘em out.

24. Don’t buy water. Ever. The fact that people pay for water is further proof that enough advertising can make people do just about anything. If you really have concerns about water quality, buy a cheap water filter and fill your own bottles.

25. Be a migrant worker: If you live near an area that grows fruit, vegetables or produce, go to a pick-it-yourself farm for bargain prices, fresh air, and a reminder of why you work in town.

26. Creative leftovers: Nearly every meal ends up with a few odds and ends that aren’t eaten. Keep two lidded plastic containers in your freezer. After every meal, put veggie bits in one and meat bits in another. You can then periodically sprinkle the bits of meat on your pizzas, or combine the two and make a great soup!

27. Keep lettuce longer: Wash your lettuce thoroughly, then go outside and swing it around in a pillowcase to get rid of the excess water (and to amuse your neighbors). When you’re done, put it in an airtight container and it will last at least two weeks in your refrigerator.

28. Remember, you are what you eat. Which would you rather be: an apple or a candy bar? One of the best things about saving on food is that what’s cheaper is often the same as what’s better for you. Apples cost less than candy, are more filling, and are much better for you. Water is not only healthier than soda, it’s nearly free (from the tap). Legumes are a cheaper source of protein than meat, and better for you as well.

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1. Eat before you leave. In many theme parks, you’re unable to bring in food and beverages. Makes sure that your family has a well-balanced meal to stay energized throughout the day.

2. Try to keep a stash. You know how your parents did it back in the day! Ladies, keep the big purse handy with small snacks for the kids while you’re on the go.

3. Find AC areas. Scope out locations that have fans and/or air conditioning. Being outside in the heat for a long time can slow little ones down and make them sick. Taking a 15 minute break in the AC can go a long way. Remember to have them drink LOTS of water.

4. Keep a travel-sized First-Aid kit with you. Unpredictable “boo-boo’s” happen. Mend scrapes and bruises on-site. However, if you have a serious accident, seek out the medical facility at the theme park.

5. Establish rules. Tell your children to stay close, don’t wander or talk to strangers. The last thing your child wants you to do is bring out your inner Madea. You know Madea doesn’t play, and neither should you!

6. Dress your family in bright-colored clothes. That way, you can always spot each other in a crowd of people. A mom has to keep tabs on her little ones. Make it easy!

Holly Robinson-Peete is known not only for her great acting ability, but for her role as the leading lady at home. Read more about Holly’s new radio show featuring other celebrity moms!

According to the Associated Press, this fall, CBS is replacing the soap opera As the World Turns with an hour-long daily talk show with six co-hosts — all women, all mothers.  

Those hosting the as-yet untitled daytime show include Sharon Osbourne; Sara Gilbert of TV’s Roseanne fame; Broadway actress Marissa Jaret
Winokur; Leah Remini of The King of Queens; Julie Chen, who hosts CBS’ Big Brother and The Early Show, and our very own Holly Robinson Peete from Celebrity Apprentice.
 

CBS said today that the new show will take a moms’ view of entertainment and news stories.  And it looks like it’ll be rivaling its fellow woman’s roundtable discussion show “The View”.

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Thanks to everyone for all your votes! The nomination process was a great experience. I am humbled by your support! You all are amazing!!!!!!!!!! However, I wasn’t chosen as a semi-finalist in this year’s “Women of Radio Search.” With my transition from Miami to Cleveland the same week…God knew it was best for me to focus on my family. So I will be packing the up truck and driving cross country. With a stop to my favorite magical place on the way. (*hugh smile) I’ll miss you Miami and will never forget my wonderful 9 years in paradise.

We have another year to regroup and recharge. Next year….Regis…it’s me and you. LOL

Need helping staying organized? Here are a few tips on how you can make that perfect ‘to-do list’ while you’re on the go!

wOw’s Question: How do I make a to-do list?
Julie’s Answer: One of the most common mistakes people make when creating their to-do list is generating an endless inventory of everything in their heads – which is not particularly practical for getting things done. The secret sauce is creating what I call an “intelligent” to-do list, which goes way beyond just asking “what” we need to do; it addresses how long each item will take, and when we are going to do it — so that we can make realistic plans for each day.

The W.A.D.E. formula is a practical plan for sorting through your to-dos, making wise decisions and feeling the unbeatable sense of accomplishment that comes with checking things off your list.

Try applying my W.A.D.E. formula to properly manage your to-dos.

W — WRITE IT DOWN. Record every meeting, appointment, to-do, call and project in one place – whether using an iPhone, Google applications, the Julie Morgenstern Balanced Life Planner, Outlook Task List or just a simple notepad. Once you get into the habit of consistently writing everything down in a single location, you’ll stop worrying that you’re forgetting something and will be able to actually concentrate on getting things done.

A — ADD IT UP. Next to each item, write a time estimate of how long each task will take. Knowing how long things take is the No. 1 gateway skill to good time management. It takes the emotion out of our choices, and focuses on the math. To become better at time estimating – choose a few things you tend to procrastinate on, and time yourself doing them three times each. You’ll be shocked at how much you were underestimating OR, in many cases, overestimating. Years ago, I timed myself doing the dishes (which I used to procrastinate on for three hours) and discovered it only took seven minutes to do them! Upon adding up the tasks on your to-do list, you can determine if there is enough room in your day for all that needs to be done? If you only have four open hours, but have scheduled six hours’ worth of tasks, you need to make a few adjustments.

Christine Hohlbaum interviews ‘Multitasking’ Master Kathleen Matthews

D — DECIDE. Once you are looking at the real math, you’ll discover what you’ve feared all along: That you indeed have way more tasks than time. Have no fear, there’s a bailout strategy – it’s what I call the Four Ds. Take out your virtual hatchet and decide what you can Delete (don’t do at all), Delay (schedule for a more appropriate time), Diminish (design a shortcut that gets it done quicker) or Delegate (give it to someone else to do) to create a more doable plan. For those items that you will actually Do — decide when you will do them. A to-do not connected to a “when” rarely gets done. Therefore, for each to-do that made the cut, determine the specific day you will actually make the call, do the project or run the errand, and post it directly into your calendar for that day.

E — EXECUTE YOUR  PLAN. Of course, there’s no point in making a plan if you aren’t going to implement it. This means referring to your planner frequently and completing the tasks you set forth on the days you decided to do them. The secret, underrated technique for increasing your chances of implementing your plan is to review your list the night before, not the morning of. Too many people wait until the morning to review, or create their to-do list for the day. That’s way too late; the pressure of the day, and all its little interruptions are already crashing down upon you, and you have no time to be objective. Instead, conclude every day by planning tomorrow-plus-two (tomorrow plus two days beyond that). Having a three-day arc gives you context for each activity on your schedule, frees you from worry about what you might be forgetting and prevents you from getting caught up in unimportant urgencies.

10 Ways to Gain an Hour in Each Day

This formula will help you plan your to-do list intelligently and realistically so you feel excited, rather than overwhelmed. It will help you stay on track all day long, so you get the right things done and feel satisfied when you go to sleep at night.

What about you, reader? Do your tasks seem easier once you have them written down in one place? How are your time-estimating skills? What to-do system have you chosen for yourself: paper, electronic, sticky notes, notecards or the back of your hand? Share your systems, solutions and philosophies with your fellow wowOwow’ers or ask Julie your own ‘How do I?’

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Success can sometimes come at a cost… Here are a few tips to help you find that balance and reclaim control of your life!

There was a time when the boundaries between work and home were fairly clear. Today, however, work is likely to invade your personal life — and maintaining work-life balance is no simple task. Still, work-life balance isn’t out of reach. Start by evaluating your relationship to work. Then apply specific strategies to help you strike a healthier balance.

Married to your work? Consider the cost

It can be tempting to rack up hours at work, especially if you’re trying to earn a promotion or manage an ever-increasing workload. Sometimes overtime may even be required. If you’re spending most of your time working, though, your home life will take a hit. Consider the consequences of poor work-life balance:

• Fatigue. When you’re tired, your ability to work productively and think clearly may suffer — which could take a toll on your professional reputation or lead to dangerous or costly mistakes.
• Lost time with friends and loved ones. If you’re working too much, you may miss important family events or milestones. This can leave you feeling left out and may harm relationships with your loved ones. It’s also difficult to nurture friendships if you’re always working.
• Increased expectations. If you regularly work extra hours, you may be given more responsibility. This may lead to only more concerns and challenges.

Strike a better work-life balance

As long as you’re working, juggling the demands of career and personal life will probably be an ongoing challenge. Use these ideas to help you find the work-life balance that’s best for you:

• Track your time. Track everything you do for one week, including work-related and personal activities. Decide what’s necessary and what satisfies you the most. Cut or delegate activities you don’t enjoy or can’t handle — or share your concerns and possible solutions with your employer or others.
• Take advantage of your options. Ask your employer about flex hours, a compressed workweek, job sharing, telecommuting or other scheduling flexibility. The more control you have over your hours, the less stressed you’re likely to be.
• Learn to say no. Whether it’s a co-worker asking you to spearhead an extra project or your child’s teacher asking you to manage the class play, remember that it’s OK to respectfully say no. When you quit doing the things you do only out of guilt or a false sense of obligation, you’ll make more room in your life for the activities that are meaningful to you and bring you joy.
• Leave work at work. With the technology to connect to anyone at any time from virtually anywhere, there may be no boundary between work and home — unless you create it. Make a conscious decision to separate work time from personal time. When you’re with your family, for instance, turn off your cell phone and put away your laptop computer.
• Manage your time. Organize household tasks efficiently, such as running errands in batches or doing a load of laundry every day, rather than saving it all for your day off. Put family events on a weekly family calendar and keep a daily to-do list. Do what needs to be done and let the rest go. Limit time-consuming misunderstandings by communicating clearly and listening carefully. Take notes if necessary.
• Bolster your support system. At work, join forces with co-workers who can cover for you — and vice versa — when family conflicts arise. At home, enlist trusted friends and loved ones to pitch in with child care or household responsibilities when you need to work overtime or travel.
• Nurture yourself. Eat healthy foods, include physical activity in your daily routine and get enough sleep. Set aside time each day for an activity that you enjoy, such as practicing yoga or reading. Better yet, discover activities you can do with your partner, family or friends — such as hiking, dancing or taking cooking classes.

Know when to seek professional help

Everyone needs help from time to time. If your life feels too chaotic to manage and you’re spinning your wheels worrying about it, talk with a professional — such as a counselor or other mental health professional. If your employer offers an employee assistance program (EAP), take advantage of available services.

Remember, striking a healthy work-life balance isn’t a one-shot deal. Creating work-life balance is a continuous process as your family, interests and work life change. Periodically examine your priorities — and make changes, if necessary — to make sure you’re keeping on track.

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Janet Jackson has gained much praise and scrutiny for her new ad featuring beautiful black mink created by BlackGlama fur firm. Although Janet is surely the right pick for the theme “What It Takes to Be A Legend Most”, PETA animal activists seem to think differently! Here’s a recent post from starpulse.com in reference to Janet’s new ad:

Animal activists have taken aim at Janet Jackson for signing on as the new face of fur firm BlackGlama. The pop superstar was announced as the brand’s new ‘What Becomes a Legend Most?’ spokes model on Thursday and she’ll model high-quality mink items in the ads – and PETA bosses have been quick to react. Spokeswoman Amanda Schinke says, “It’s amazing what celebrities will do when their careers are on a downslide, but we didn’t think that Janet was this desperate.” “Surely she knows enough about suffering and unjustified death to recognize that both occur in the production of a fur coat. We are asking her to think again and to donate these stolen skins to be used as bedding for animals orphaned by other human-caused disasters, such as loss of habitat.”

I beg to differ. Janet looks absolutely fabulous in this ad and the furs are AMAZING. However, we all have our differing opinions. Her words on “what makes a legend” are very touching. Check out the video for the photo shoot below…

Do you remember being that young sister who yearned for control and independence? In 1986 when Janet Jackson came out with the song “Control” it was our theme song. I’m all grown up, ready and ABLE to take on the world. Responsibility, relationships, school, work, family…I GOT IT. At that age it appeared so easy to be our “own woman.”

Once we have taken the “reigns of control,” we think we have won! We say to our parents (in our minds of course) HA! So why is it when we step out into the real world and begin to live life, we let others take the Control we so desperately wanted to claim? Whether it is your significant other, a manager on the job, a co-worker, or a so-called friend, these control grabbers are all around us. It’s time to put them in check!

When you allow others to have control, you are stifling your growth as an individual. Fears and hang-ups can stray you away from truly living the life you are suppose to lead. Instead of Gaining Control you Lose Control. Let me tell you, the only thing I want to lose are these last 10 pounds of pregnancy weight! OK, that’s another posting. Any whooo…

In order for you to have the life you are meant to have; you must reclaim control over your most valuable asset…YOU. Regardless of your situation, you can make a difference in your life today. Don’t let others dictate your importance, your thoughts, your time, your desires, your passion, or your career. You are perfectly capable of running the business of You, INC. As the chief executive officer of your life, put at the top of your to do list everyday; “I have the love and confidence in myself to make all decisions regarding (insert your name).” Girlfriend, it’s time for you to call your own shots.

Think back at being that young sister listening to Janet’s song “Control.” How did it make you feel: empowered, strong, confident, all of the above? Take those emotions and put them to work positively towards your better good. You are in the driver’s seat taking the journey of your life to greater heights. You have it going on, you are incredible, you are loved, you are fabulous, and by all means…you are in CONTROL!

Karen Vaughn is the founder of the Working Divas Blog. A lifestyle blog that is geared towards work/life balance for women.  She is an awarding winning Radio Personality who is currently the evening host on Star 99.7 in Charleston and has worked in Miami, Indianapolis, Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Follow Karen On Twitter @ www.twitter.com/karenvaughn