Mind the gap. The IT gap that is.

The rapid creation of technology-driven jobs has created a gap between the demand for qualified IT talent and the available resource pool. This widening deficit, if not bridged, can lead to a dangerous mix of stagnation and outsourcing. That’s where a team of community based initiatives come in to save the day! The Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance, Hillsborough Community College and Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, to name a few, are developing strategies to help you take advantage of the gap. We’ve knocked out the top 4 benefits below.

1. Market Demand. We are flying into the future faster than Marty McFly. Research conducted in Hillsborough and Pinellas county show that companies are concerned about IT related positions and are facing challenges finding entry level talent. Projections put IT job growth ahead of occupational job growth through 2019 with a regional contribution of 16 BILLION to the GDP annually. That means a continued demand for IT jobs for years to come!

2. Competitive Earnings. Since the industry is constantly updating, anyone in the field has to be a lifelong learner. An advantage to this continued career development is an ever increasing salary with greater marketability with time. IT jobs with the appropriate training and continued career development had an average earning anywhere from $46,000 for a Computer Support Specialist to $70K for Network and Computer Systems Administrators.

3. Community Interest. Thanks to the combined effort of Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance, Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, Hillsborough Community College and others; a comprehensive strategy has been put into place based on research and collaboration with Tampa bay companies. Grow Tampa Bay Tech is working to do just that, grow IT jobs in the area, through real world training, streamlining internships, innovative career development, recruitment and retention practices, and regional and external marketing. With a full force of committed partners to IT job growth in the Tampa Bay area, anyone looking to go into the field has a myriad of resources and support available.

4. FREE Training. Research in the Tampa Bay market has identified key program areas where the skills gap is greatest including Java, cloud computing and sales engineers, CRM, security and SharePoint. To better bridge the gap, the Tampa bay Hi-Tech Training (HITT) program provides funding for training in Information Technology and Telecommunications fields. A partnership with Hillsborough Community College and the Institute for Corporate and Continuing Education has made this a reality through certifications for Network Administrator, Engineer or Specialist, Security Administrator, PC Support Specialist, Help Desk Technician and more. Priority services exist for veterans and the unemployed.

The IT gap can work for you. A huge demand, high earnings, community support and comprehensive training make now the right time for a job in the IT industry.

Thanks to the hard work and dedication from a collaborative of area workforce and educational organizations, the road to bridging the IT gap is paved in gold. For more information on what programs like Tampa Bay Hi-Tech Training can do for you go to www.WorkforceTampa.com.

For questions regarding HCC’s IT certification programs, or about HCC’s enrollment requirements, please contact Courtney Bowersox at cbowersox@hccfl.edu or (813) 259-6545.

Need to check the weather? Pull out your phone. Need to check the news? Pull out your phone. Need to order the latest fashion trend? Pull out your phone.

Get the idea?

In 2012, we live on the go. A recent study showed that we have now reached the 50 percent smartphone market saturation line equating to over 115 million users, each with an average of 41 apps. And these numbers are only rising.

Each app on a smartphone means another opportunity to directly market to a consumer and gather valuable information in the process.

So this raises the question, what is your company doing to break into the market? Here are 7 questions you should ask yourself before developing a mobile app.

1. Who is your demographic? The first step to any promotion is to figure out to whom you will promote. Does your audience use smartphones? What kind of expendable income do they possess? This is where some good ole fashion market research comes in to play.
2. What kind of content would appeal to your target audience? The next step is figuring out what your audience wants to see in an app. Where do they get their news? Do they subscribe to social media? Are they more visual or content based? Seeing what other types of content they subscribe to is a great starting point.
3. What do you want to push to your consumers? Figuring out what your company wants out of a mobile app is just as important as what the user wants. What kind of information do you want to collect? What end action do you want consumers to take? Are you looking for a purchase or relationship building?
4. What do you want the “face” of your app to look like? Knowing how you want to push information to consumers is the fun part. Do you want to engage through visual graphics like games? Do you want to focus on content publishing? The look of your app and how it functions can make or break it.
5. Do you have the time, staff and/or money to commit? Like all business moves, it all comes down to money and resources. Do you have the staff to dedicate to constantly updating the app? Can you afford to outsource? Are you willing to take the time to develop an app? Remember, the key to a good promotion is flexibility. Creating an app and walking away will ensure a slow painful death as content becomes outdated. The “now” is king.
6. Where would you promote your mobile app? Now that you have an idea of what your app will do and who subscribers will be, where do you want to promote it? A mix of physical and online promotions is a good cocktail for success. Free promotions, special offers and app only exclusives are great ways to get an initial download.
7. Are you in it for the money or the relationships? Finally, and this is a big one, are you really looking to make money on this venture?  Statistics show that most people do not spend money on apps. That mean revenue must be generated through 3^rd party players like ads or direct sales. Relationship building promotions can help to build trust and confidence in your business but may not produce immediate returns.

We have become a society of smartphones. If you don’t have an app, then you’re missing out. It’s like a party going on and you’re the guy sitting in the corner!

ICCE offers classes that teach you how to develop an app, taking these questions in to mind. For more information about this and more, go to www.Tampatrainnig.com.

So get this, according to the EPA if every household installed water-efficient appliances like ENERGYSTAR dishwashers, the U.S. would save over 3 TRILLION gallons of water a year! That translates to over 18 billion dollars savings in water bills!

And water isn’t the only thing you could be saving. As the population rises, so does the need for a relatively limited amount of potable drinking water. Battles are already being waged right here in the U.S. over drinking water and it’s only going to get worse. Using energy efficient appliances can save lives… no joke.

Dishwashers aside, according to the EPA, the kitchen is one of the best and easiest ways to use less energy and save more on your bills. With some help from the EPA, here are 7 ways to make your kitchen greener.

1. Dishwasher. As we discussed, installing an ENERGYSTAR rated dishwasher can help you save big on your water bill. And remember, scrape your dishes, don’t wash. Washing your dishes before the dishwasher can use as much as 20 gallons of water.

2. Stove. Natural gas has become the ‘greener” fuel of choice by many. While arguments persist for both electric and natural, there’s no doubt natural gas burns cleaner and is much cheaper than coal. According to the EPA, natural gas produces half as much carbon dioxide as coal-fired generation. Natural gas stove tops and ovens can range greatly in price, but chefs around the world will contest to their cooking abilities. No matter what you choose, make sure it’s inspected by a professional so it’s performing at its best. Inefficient appliances waste energy and your money.

3. Refrigerator. The biggest energy consumer in the house, these babies run 24/7. Choosing the right ENERGYSTAR rated appliance is crucial to your electric bill. When selecting a refrigerator, be realistic about your storage needs. Bigger isn’t always better.

4. Cabinetry & countertops. Know where your materials come from. Recyclable materials are always a good choice choice, but when choosing stone or wood, research where the wood was grown or the stone was mined. Many rainforests have been obliterated for pretty cabinets and entire mountains have been leveled in the name of contemporary styling. Salvaged pieces and sustainable materials made from recycled glass, ceramics and porcelain make your home greener and a unique design flare.

5. Flooring. As with cabinets, know where the wood is coming from. Also, keep the seasons in mind. Stone is much more reactive to the immediate environment whereas wood keeps a more steady temperature. Vinyl produces hazardous chemicals in the production process and should not be used.

6. Insulation. Windows that are not properly installed can run up your electric bill faster than any single appliance in your house. A professional can quickly tell you how much leakage is occurring and what steps should be taken to fix the issue. Also keep in mind how much sun your windows will be getting. The better insulated your windows are, the greener your kitchen will be.

7. Cleaners and pesticides. The deaths of two young travellers in a hotel room in Cambodia were recently linked to the possible use of pesticides in local agricultural practices. This shows just how hidden these chemicals can be until it’s too late. Knowing how to use and store household bug killers is important not only to your health but the health of the surrounding environment. When purchasing chemicals read the label for proper usage and disposal. Try chemical free solutions to getting rid of pests like properly storing food, setting traps, sealing entryways and keeping the floor free of food debris.

We are living in an ever-crowded world. Each of us needs to do our part to ensuring that the quality of life many of us have earned stays that way. The kitchen is one of the most impactful ways to make your house “greener” but it can also be the most difficult without a trained professional.

A Weatherization Auditor’s sole purpose is to make your house more efficient through greener practices. Becoming an auditor can be a fulfilling career that truly changes the lives of those being helped, as well as our greater society. For more information on weatherization click here or go to www.TampaTraining.com.

Benjamin Franklin once said, “Speak little, do much.” Well he obviously didn’t live in today’s society.  Success, wealth, confidence, wit, and intelligence are all words people associate with a good public speaker in our modern world.

Public speaking was once considered a soft trait; a non-essential skill to have in the business world. Today, gaining vital skills in public speaking can change your life and here’s why.

1. Enhance Speaking Abilities. A speaking class will teach you the tricks of the trades for better writing and delivering speeches, debates, even conversations. Knowing when to pause, when to emphasize, the pace to speak, etc. will make a big difference in your daily life; from talking with your boss to talking with your spouse.
2. Boost Confidence. Public speaking is considered the #1 fear in the U.S. even over death. Knowledge is power, and having the power to conquer public speaking will give you a major confidence boost. And as we all know, when you have confidence behind you, you can do anything!
3. Enrich Resume. A good speaker, in this society, can do anything. Having that training (and proving it) listed on your resume will help you gain the upper hand in the next round of promotions. Showing you take initiative to work on traits important to the business world and your employer will help you get on the path to an executive position.
4. Improve Relationships. Speaking is the essence of communication and as we’ve all experienced, communication is key to any relationship (both personal and professional). Learning to better convey information to people and interpret what you hear will lead to improved relationships in all areas of your life.
5. Higher Quality of Living. When you combine all the above life changing benefits to a public speaking class; enhanced speaking abilities, a boost of confidence, an enriched resume and improved relationships you create an overall higher quality of living. Even better, happier people tend to take things much more in stride then those who are stressed, have low self-esteem, etc. meaning the bad really just doesn’t seem that bad.

Taking and really learning from a public speaking class can be a life changing event. In a society that raises up those who can speak, having that ability can lead to higher paying jobs, more opportunities and improved inter-personal relationships.

Courses in Public Speaking can range from 60 minutes to 6 weeks, depending on what you want to cover and how well you really want to develop these skills. For more information about taking a Public Speaking class, go to www.tampatraining.com today.

Image from the U.S. Energy Information Administration

The U.S. is currently experiencing the worst drought since 1956. According to NOA  (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), approximately 55% of the U.S. is in a state of moderate to severe drought.

So??

Your AC still works, you can still hop in the pool or chug a cold glass of water before you soak up some rays. So what does that drought mean to you?

Well, a lot actually. Three big players are planning to wreak havoc on your finances and as we’ve all experienced, things get real when it effects your pocketbook.

1. Corn. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), as much as 30% of the corn harvest could be lost. Ethanol (made from corn) is a mandatory product in mobile gasoline, making up 10% of its volume. A lack of corn means its price will go up, raising the price of gasoline. These hikes will expand to other industries including transportation, coal based energies and even beauty products. On the reverse side of that, there will be less corn available for the U.S. food market, raising the price of everything from corn products to turkey and beef.
2. Water. Many cities run off hydroelectric. A huge drop in water levels means this form of energy isn’t producing its full capacity. Supply and demand kick in, raising the price of energy.  Right now the supplies for many of the hardest hit areas in the Midwest remains above average from snow fall and rain water melt earlier in the year. But, officials warn ongoing drought into next year will reduce output. Water restrictions brought on from drought conditions will mean that expensive Bermuda grass yard will turn from bright green to dull brown in a New York minute.
3. Heat. As the hotter temperatures persist into late summer and fall, the power supply will see a lingering surge in usage. This surge will then go right into winter for many states, increasing the overall need for electricity. Coupled with the two factors above, the supply won’t be at prime levels, causing the price to rise.

Drought isn’t just a problem for the birds. It has a long lasting effect on all of us that can ultimately reach deeper in our pockets than we think. Reducing your overall energy usage through efficiencies is the best protection from energy price hikes in the coming months.

And believe it or not, there is actually an entire job that seeks to make your home and office more energy efficient. Weatherization auditors are certified professionals who are trained to find areas that lead to higher energy bills including windows, doors, insulation and household appliances. For more information about Weatherization Auditors and how you can become one for FREE, click HERE.

So you want to further your career but you’re now sure how…

Taking a certification program could be an option but you’re just too busy for such a large commitment and work isn’t willing to pick up the tab.

Night classes could be tempting, but you really don’t want to drive all the way to the local college or community center.

A one-time weekend program sounds appealing, but you are the kind of person who needs multiple classes to get the information engrained.

Have no fear, online classes are here!

Ok, ok so that might be a little cheesy, but you get the idea. When the 3 options above don’t work, online courses can be a great solution. To help you get a better sense of what an online course is and how it can benefit you, here is the good, the bad and the super awesome.

The Good. Online course are done on your schedule on your turf. As long as you’ve got access to an internet connection, you are ready to start learning. The traditional online course takes advantage of an online tutorial divided into sections complemented with assignments from a textbook. Believe it or not, even online classes have a professor… they are just a little hidden.

The Bad. For some, doing work on your own schedule can be a good thing. But for most of us, not having a steady schedule of “do this, then do this, followed by this” can mean playing catch up the last few days before major assignments are due. This doesn’t help anyone. Cramming all the information just helps you pass the test, not learn anything.

The Super Awesome. Finding an online course just makes life easier. They are relatively affordable and you learn on your terms. If you have trouble with a particular subject, you can review it multiple times. No pace is set. If you already know a section, you can get through the highlights and move on. Online courses take the bureaucracy out of learning and make it fun again.

Finding an online course that works for you is like finding the right pet. It can be frustrating at times, but the payoff is just too good to pass up. While these types of courses can present some challenges like working on your own schedule, the ultimate life lessons in discipline and hard work win out.

For more information about online course and other ways to further your career, go to www.tampatraining.com.

It’s amazing what a little bit of love can do for the soul. From pet visits at children’s hospitals to church groups at a nursing home, love has been a proven healer. Showing someone that they are important, that their well-being matters can completely change even the bleakest of outlooks.

It’s no difference for employees.  Investing in your employees is one of the best ways to show someone that their well-being is important; that they aren’t just another worker ant.

Show your employees the love. Here are 3 benefits to employee education.

Increased Performance. The most obvious point, teaching employees new skills or expanding on existing ones will ultimately increase quality and efficiency. Education courses can range from advanced certification programs that last months to a few simple excel classes. Either way, building upon base skills and creating new ones will bear fruit. When looking for courses for employee education, include the employee on the discussion. Is this something they want to build upon?

Increased Satisfaction. When you invest money into an employee’s education, it shows they have a future with the company and it’s going to be important. Feeling like you’re part of something important is what drives us and it will lead to higher employee satisfaction. Remember, a happy worker is a productive worker.

Decreased Drama.  Employee education can almost be equated to a share in the company. Having a stake in where you work means it becomes a part of who you are, and we all love showing ourselves the love. So… employees with a stake in the company are generally going to be more appreciative and less accepting of petty office drama. At the very least, they will be more likely to side with the company verses self-interests.

Showing your employees the love through education will do wonders for your business. Through increased productivity, increased satisfaction and decreased drama you will be on the road to work place Shangri-la in no time.

For more information on employee education courses and certification programs, visit www.tampatraining.com.

Politics can breed hate, heighten stress and lower performance… and I’m not just talking about the presidential race.

Office drama puts a tax on everyone and resolving these issues can be as complicated as a rubic cubic. Unfortunately, the true reasons behind conflict often go unseen and problems persist.

But don’t fret! Here are 5 tips to help you better understand and resolve issues at the office.

1. It’s not always a personality clash. The classic line from many managers sounds something like, “they just don’t see eye to eye,” or “she just doesn’t like him.” In reality it’s often so much more than that. Why do these two people conflict? These are often rooted in their role in the company and personal goals.
2. Look at the office environment. Are there factors that foster conflict?  Get a gauge on what kind of topics may come up during office conversations and the dynamics that exist.
3. Be honest and be specific. Let each employee know exactly what behavior is affecting the office and be honest about it. Resolving conflict takes two, but that doesn’t mean it permeates from two. Speaking in generalizations does nothing but create confusion for the parties involved.
4. Find Common Goals. Two employees working together towards the same goal can learn to work with each other and foster a better team mentality.
5. Practice What You Preach. Show your employees just how conflict should be handled. Consistency and stability permeate from the top down and displaying these traits when dealing with office conflict will lead to a happier office. And now for the obvious, NEVER play favorites.

Office drama affects everyone. It stifles productivity and burdens the human psyche. Finding the roots to these issues can be difficult and frustrating, but is possible. The Institute for Corporate and Continuing Education offers seminars on finding positive solutions to office drama and problem employees. For more information click HERE.

Businesses have risen and fallen over a glass of wine. From the ancient romans to modern Fortune 500’s, wine has served as the grease that gets the wheels of corporate America moving. Knowing what to do and what not to do when ordering and tasting wine can make or break a good impression and ultimately aide in deal making.

Here are some do’s and don’ts of wine etiquette.

Do ask a sommelier for a recommendation. Even the most experienced of wine experts still ask the resident sommelier for some assistance. They know the food and the best pairings for the restaurant.

Don’t ask a waiter. While a waiter might have a working knowledge of the menu, they typically aren’t going to know the intricacies of a good white or sophisticated red.

Do swirl the glass when tasting. This aerates the wine, bringing out its flavors.

Don’t sniff the cork. This will not help you tell if the wine has spoiled plus it just looks silly.

Do enjoy a glass or two with dinner.

Don’t enjoy a bottle… by yourself. In business dinners, allow yourself no more than 2 glasses of wine an hour. This will keep you from crossing the “you’ve had a little too much” line. Remember, this is dependent on body weight. The smaller you are, the less your body can handle.

Do order wine by your taste profile. If you like a heavier wine, try a red. If you like something a little sweeter or lighter, go for a white. Don’t equate vintage and price to better quality.

Don’t order an expensive wine just to impress. You might end up picking something that might not be the best fit for your taste.

People dedicate their entire lives to learning the ins and outs of wine. In most cases, just having a basic knowledge of what to do and what not to do can get you far in the business world. To learn more about wine, check out Wine 101 at the Institute for Coporate and Continuing Education. Here is a quick video to help get you started.

It sounds like something out of a Ridley Scott movie; a planet populated by 3 headed aliens with a hunger for human flesh or maybe a time traveling space ship captained dashing young cadet and blond haired, vivacious co-pilot.

In all reality, Six Sigma is something so much more.

What – Six Sigma is the name given to a methodology that minimizes mistakes while maximizing value. This is done through specific steps that find, measure/analyze and design or improve on processes. Six Sigma can be applied to both managerial and technical components of a corporation. Projects are implemented from the Executive staff down, with key employees hired full time to run the project at various levels. Titles include green belts, black belts and champions.

Who – Motorola is credited with its birth in the 1980’s. Back then, an increase in quality was thought to have a direct correlation to an increase in production cost. Internal and external criticism caused the company to take a look at their production, mistakes, costs of mistakes, and overall inefficiencies. A scientific method was put to the managerial and technical aspects of corporations, who often experience tremendous growing pains that linger. The company so dramatically turned around that in the late 1990’s other large manufacturers began to wonder what had changed. The process was duplicated at companies like Texas Instruments and General Electric, who also began to see results. By 2000, many of the world’s Fortune 500’s had begun Six Sigma initiatives.

When – Projects are often implemented by consulting firms, and theoretically may never end (methodology argues there is always room for efficiencies). Certifications range from a few hours to months of coursework, depending on the level e.g. black belt, green belt.

Where – Six Sigma projects are ongoing at many Fortune 500’s companies at some level. Certification courses are offered at many colleges and universities.

Why – Mistakes cost money. Plain and simple. Finding these mistakes and using scientific processes to minimize these issue while maximizing value (quality) can save a company major bucks. Some reports have put Motorola’s long term savings from Six Sigma in the millions.

As with any methodology, there are criticisms. What works for one company may not necessarily work for another. Consulting firms, by nature, seek fault and find ways to fix it; this may not always be done in the most honest of manners.

Despite the controversies, Six Sigma is a major player in some of the biggest corporations in the world. Certifications equal job security in a market that demands more verified positions. The Institute for Corporate and Continuing Education offers certification and training programs in Six Sigma and its affiliate. It may not be the next science fiction fascination, but it is launching careers and changing how companies do business. For more information go to www.tampatraining.com.