Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Journal.

Small Businesses Can Make a Huge Impact Online
Small businesses succeed when they develop relationships with their customers, and they can take advantage of the fact that 80 percent of customers choose to connect themselves with brands on Facebook. However, to make a huge impact, it takes more than just a presence on social media sites to build their brands. It is vital that small businesses connect with potential customers and clients on a personal level to compete with the larger companies. The problem is, small business owners have more responsibilities because their business activities are not broken up among a board of directors or through a management team. They must use their time wisely to have an online presence and they need to keep things simple in order to not hurt their business.
By Rebecca Nedrow8 years ago in Journal
Why I Charge $2000 plus for a Logo Design and Branding...
Hello everyone— allow me to introduce myself. My name is Denny Kurien and I work as a designer in advertising. I'm now the creative director of my own agency.
By Denny Kurien8 years ago in Journal
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting a Retail Business
I started Lilly and Lynn's Bridal on a whim, my store is a retail and consignment store for formal wear. I came up with the idea at the same time I started the process of getting my divorce at the young age of 21. I needed a way to make money that didn't involve a normal 9-5 shift. So I began exploring my options and decided that opening my own business would be the best option. Little did I know that I had no idea what I was actually getting my self into. So I made this quick little list to help you out in your own endeavors.
By Laurissa Lewis8 years ago in Journal
The Beauty of Wattpad
As a young, aspiring writer, I can attest that it's hard to find ways to put your work out there—whether you want to be picked up by a publisher, or just for the creative outlet. The website is like a safe haven for writers who may not be fully confident in the work they produce.
By Stephanie Moscone8 years ago in Journal
Workplace Phone Etiquette
What you can’t do in a work phone call: Cuss Insult Yell Be pushy Have an attitude Street-read them What I mean by street-read is to tell someone exactly how pathetic they are and why, to an extent that would make some cry.
By Alexandra F8 years ago in Journal
How to Be an Amazing Server
This is a lot to take in at once, so I apologize in advance. Just try to take in what you need/want. First things first, they are guests in the restaurant, not just customers. Treat them like you would treat a guest. Give people a warm greeting as they enter the restaurant. Seat guests even if the rest of their party isn't there yet. If a person enters alone, don't make them feel bad for being alone. Simply ask if they have a reservation. If they don't have one, ask if they want to sit at the bar. Tables should be level before guests arrive. Try to fix this or any similar problems ahead of time. Try not to be biased towards tap water vs. bottled water. Both are fine. Don't just walk up to them and ask what they would like to order. First, start with something more simple, like asking them how they are doing that day. Be friendly, then ask what they would like to eat. Some places want you to announce your name, some places don't. I guess just ask your supervisor. Do not interrupt the guests' conversations. When the customer approaches, make sure to acknowledge them by greeting them nicely. Apologize for any wait, even if it was a short wait. Tell them about the specials that are on right now. Make it sound natural. Don't recite them like this is the 100th time you've said them today... even if it is the 100th time you've said them today. Don't mention your personal favourites when telling them the specials. I am personally guilty of this one and the guests will tell you they weren't looking for that information. Never say, "Good choice," because it implies that any other choices may be bad. Don't say, "no problem." Say, "you're welcome" instead. "My pleasure," seems to be a popular choice as well. Never mention what your favourite dessert is. They probably don't want to know. Do not compliment a customer on their hair, clothes, or anything else. You are insulting someone else. Do not gossip about co-workers or guests within earshot of any guests. Better yet, don't gossip at all. Ask the customer if they found everything all right. Handle glassware by stems and cutlery by their handles. Ask them "How is everything?" and fix the problem if there is any. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you don't know the answer to a question... this phrase will save you: "I'll find out." Never use the same glass for a second drink. Bring the cutlery before you bring the food. Don't let a glass of water sit empty for too long. But don't make the same mistake I did and fill a glass of water every two minutes... It either makes them nervous or annoyed. Don't blame the chef, or the hostess, or anyone else if something goes wrong. Just make it right. If someone wants to know your life story, keep it short. Never deliver a hot plate without warning the guest. Try to let the guest know you are out of something before they look at the menu. Never acknowledge one customer more than any other. All guests are equal. So, no favourites. When bringing the food, don't ask whose food is whose. Know who to give it to before you approach the table. Do not go to work smelling like perfume or cigarette smoke. Never remove a plate full of food without asking them what was wrong. Obviously something went wrong. Do not eat or drink in view of guests. Do not turn on the charm when it's time to get your tip. Keep your amazing service consistent throughout the entire time. Ask the guest if they want coffee with their dessert. Or just a coffee after the meal. Never bring the check until someone asks for it. Then bring it to the person who asked for it. Do not stop giving excellent service after the check is paid. Here is something I have messed up on. Remember that the music is for the guests, not for the staff. If they want the music turned down, you can turn it down a little... or ask the supervisor to turn it down a little. Give them a bag with their take-out. This one takes time to figure out. Don't hover over a customer too long because it can make them anxious, especially when they are dealing with the bill or trying figure out how much 15 percent of the bill is. Don't wear too much jewelry. You know it is too much when people comment on it. Know the Menu! Ask what they want for their side choice (if the meal comes with a side). Sign your name with a heart on the receipt. I guess this really only works if you want to be flirtatious... which you're not suppose to be ... Don't say anything after a tip except "thank you" and "thank you very much." If they don't tip, don't say anything at all.
By Test8 years ago in Journal
I Failed at a Gaming Company
My name—my real name—is Iain O'Shea. You probably know me by my pen name, Patrick Lain. This isn't my usual content as in my description it says horror is my niche. I wanted to write this because before I was into trying to write all my life, I was an aspiring game developer. Keyword... was. Now, I will say I still love game development and design; it is something great and I encourage those who are interested in it to go forth and try it, but I encourage you to read this first and learn from my mistakes.
By Patrick Lain8 years ago in Journal
Be the Best
Business is a competition, and anyone who tells you anything different is lying—probably so they can beat you. In today's environment, kids are given participation awards just for showing up. That attitude is beginning to find itself in the workplace, as professionals are increasingly expecting advancement just for occupying a chair.
By Pete O'Neal Jr.8 years ago in Journal
I'm Still Looking for a Job
As it is, I’m still looking for a job. Something part-time and out of the house. Preferably retail. It is possible where I live to do this. I applied at a pretzel shop at the mall, and a health foods store at the mall so far. There is a 711 in my neighborhood. I plan on applying there, if I can. Ideally, I want to be able to walk to work. I do need the extra income since I have to buy some pagan supplies like gemstones and herbs. This will eventually happen. I found a sweet insurance gig, which means that I can work very part-time and that’s okay by them.
By Iria Vasquez-Paez8 years ago in Journal
Careers for English Majors
The struggle is real when you are about to graduate and embark on a journey after an English degree. However, many of us English majors are asked, "Oh so you wanna be a teacher, eh?" I cannot stress how many times that has come up in a conversation. So don't worry here is a list of things you can do.
By Ada Zuba8 years ago in Journal
Writing Tips and Techniques Found in 'Arabian Nights'
There are many things that can help to tell a story and improve your writing. In the movie Arabian Nights, there are many different examples. While watching this movie, you can learn new things by what the old storyteller tells Scheherazade, and also just by paying attention to how she tells her stories. Scheherazade tells five different stories, and from each story is an important writing tip.
By Morgan Levine8 years ago in Journal
Babysitting an Autistic Young Adult
I've been babysitting an autistic young adult for a few weeks now, and now I'm considering going to back to school to further this type of work. Taking care of someone else makes me feel important and needed. It's also super cool to be doing something I enjoy and getting paid for it at the same time.
By Test8 years ago in Journal