Kristin Swain reports:

"A letter concerning an accident at work provides written documentation of the incident. This type of documentation may be necessary for your Human Resources file, management review of the accident or your union representative, if applicable. Being able to write a letter about the accident allows you to give an accurate, detailed description of the events without influence from outside sources, such as other coworkers or management...Any letter that you write needs to be composed and submitted as soon as possible after the accident occurs. This allows you to address the issue in a timely manner while also recounting [the] event while the details are fresh in your mind and can be easily remembered accurately. A copy of the letter should be submitted to all applicable people including members of management, HR, your supervisor and your union. Make sure to sign all copies and keep a copy for yourself. You can also submit the letter via email, using your email address and the time stamp in lieu of your signature...Correctly documenting the accident is extremely important to any investigation into the incident or worker's compensation claims that are opened as a result of the incident. When you begin to structure your letter, create a short introduction that tells who you are and how you relate to the incident. Also give the date and time that the accident occurred. Use the body of the letter to recount the events leading up to the accident in as much detail as possible, starting at the beginning. Only include relevant information, such as the location of the accident, what caused [it and] if there was any company property involved, such as machinery or office equipment...Make note of anyone who was in the immediate vicinity when the accident occurred. Document their full names, locations, what department they work with and what they were doing at the time. Write down anyone who was also involved in the accident and what their role in the events was. By doing this, management can contact any witnesses to the incident if they need a statement, or to ask questions, as a part of the investigation into the accident...Note any injuries that you personally sustained as a result of the accident. You can name others that you believe were injured, but leave it up to them to report the nature of their injuries to management, unless you are writing the letter as a witness...List any remedies that you are considering for help with damages, such as an intention to file for worker's compensation or if you are considering a lawsuit to cover the cost of resulting medical bills. Do not admit fault. Simply state the events of the incident as they occurred from your point of view. If necessary the company may launch an investigation to determine fault."

Kim Borwick reports:

"Teaching kids about money when they’re young lays the foundation for responsible money management later in life. Children whose parents emphasize the importance of financial literacy and encourage them to spend and save thoughtfully develop a healthy perspective on money. It’s never too early to begin teaching your kids about money. But doing so is not as straightforward as you might assume. Some parents don’t feel confident enough in their own knowledge of financial matters to be comfortable teaching their kids about money. Others believe it’s inappropriate to burden young children with conversations about money or think, mistakenly, that children are too young to understand financial concepts...Children as young as 3 years old understand basic economic concepts, and by age 7, kids have developed permanent financial habits. This is a good time to start explaining that material goods cost money. Give them a piggy bank, or better yet, help them establish spending and sharing jars, which will allow them to see what happens to their balance depending on the decisions they make. Talk to your preschooler or kindergartener about sharing with others. Show them how to set financial goals and how to meet those goals. And remember, parents have the greatest influence over children’s money habits, and at this age, your kids are looking to you to set an example and guide them...At this age [6 to 14], you can let your child help with the grocery shopping, walking them through your decisions to shop at certain stores, seek coupons and sales, and select certain brands according to pricing and your budget. You should also begin discussing big-ticket items with them. Koblinger included an example of how a friend of hers used car shopping as an opportunity to teach his 10-year-old 'smart ways to save, how to see through clever marketing, how to negotiate prices, and how to avoid the pitfalls of loans.' You can even teach children this age about compound interest, using real data as opposed to trying to explain the concept in the abstract...By the time your child reaches high school, he or she should be capable of understanding more sophisticated money management concepts and have a level of financial literacy that includes knowledge of earning, saving, spending and sharing at the very least. Credit card companies target college students, so you’ll also want your child to be aware of the dangers of maxing out credit cards, how interest works, credit limits and the importance of building credit responsibly. Talk to your teen about the value of money. This includes emphasizing the difference between wants and needs and making sure they know your values when it comes to money. These conversations won’t be easy, especially when they see their friends wearing designer clothes and whipping out their parents’ credit cards when they go out. Just remember, you’re not alone. Every parent who cares about their child’s financial well-being and wants to instill positive values must say no to their kids at some point. And, just as your parents told you long ago, it’s for their own good...There’s a fine line between preparing children to be financially responsible and tarnishing their relationship to money. Miata Edoga, president of financial education company Abundance Bound, told Parentology, 'We don’t want our kids to be afraid of spending, be afraid of managing credit. We want them to feel confident in their ability to negotiate successful financial lives, to come at money from a place of power, rather than fear.' The information age ushered in new media teaching platforms and introduced the world to the 'digital native.' New educational apps for kids are launched regularly. These technological tools use interactivity and gamification to make financial concepts fun for children and teens. In addition to educating kids about core personal finance topics, these apps simulate the digital-era experience of using credit and debit cards, mobile payment methods, digital wallets, online banking and one-click shopping...While it can be a bit intimidating to teach kids about money, the rewards for both you and your child will far outweigh any frustrations the lessons may cause. And, fortunately, now more than ever, parents have a host of resources at their disposal, from apps and simulations to good old-fashioned discussions and real-life scenarios. The most important thing is to convey the need for smart money management and allow your kids the chance to practice these skills in their daily lives."

Mary Dowd reports:

"Internship openings, including application directions, are typically posted online to attract qualified students from around the count[r]y. Generally, you will be asked to mail or upload a letter of intent that explains your interest in the internship position. In addition to a letter of intent, you will likely need to provide a resume and letters of recommendation...Follow the standard business format to write your letter of intent. A professional image is important. The top of the page should include your name and contact information. You may center the text to make it stand out or type it flush left. Consider adding your email. Skip two lines and note the date of your letter...A letter of intent focuses on what you intend to learn and how it will help you achieve your long-term career goals. Start by expressing enthusiasm for the internship position. Mention your relevant academic achievements, pertinent coursework and reasons why you are eager to apply...Write two or three paragraphs diving into the details of what makes you uniquely qualified for the internship. Describe any related jobs, leadership roles, volunteer work, skills and research projects. Don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of directly related experience – that is what internships are for. The letter of intent is your chance to shine a light on your drive, passion, enthusiasm and limitless potential just waiting to be tapped. Briefly discuss how the internship will help you succeed in your field of study...Recap your reason for seeking the internship. Express appreciation for the opportunity to have your materials reviewed. Mention the best times of reaching you, preferably during normal business hours...Ask a friend with an eye for detail to proofread your letter. Fix any errors, sign the letter and submit."

Mary Dowd reports:

"Losing a coworker can be especially painful when you knew each other well and felt like family. Paying tribute to a deceased coworker shows respect and acknowledges the sadness that may permeate the workplace. Taking time to celebrate the life of the coworker offers an opportunity to share memories and recall stories of how the coworker made a difference in the lives of others. Tributes can be small or large depending on the circumstances and the wishes of those closest to the coworker who passed away. Some companies extend an invitation to family members of the deceased if they live in the area. Mutual support during the grieving process can facilitate a sense of closure and acceptance of the loss...Management should take the lead in promptly informing employees of the death of a coworker. In some cases, employees may have already heard about it on the news if the coworker died in an automobile accident or plane crash, for example. Other times, the death may have followed chronic illness and hospitalization. Regardless of the circumstances, an announcement should be made to all those connected to the coworker, including vendors and other individuals outside the organization who had a close working relationship with the deceased. The announcement should be brief and include information on services, if available...The timing of the tribute is very important to discuss. First, consider the circumstances under which the coworker died. If the death was unexpected such as a heart attack or fatal accident, employees may need time to get past the initial shock of hearing the news. Employees may have difficulty focusing and doing their job if a beloved coworker died violently. Many companies offer referrals to employee assistance or on[-]site counselors and offer information on the grieving process. Stanford University stresses the importance of dispelling rumors, clarifying facts and talking about feelings following a traumatic loss. Secondly, discuss whether to hold a tribute soon after funeral services or at a later date. For example, you may wish to hold a tribute after the holidays if the death occurs in December. Or you can wait until the weather outside is amenable to a large, outdoor service...A farewell tribute to a colleague who passed away can take many forms. A tribute can be a few words spoken at a memorial, written acknowledgment of the loss in a newsletter, a company luncheon or memorial gathering, a gift to the family, planting of a tree or all of the above. Written tributes should be very personal and written by someone who had close ties to the coworker who died. One of the biggest faux pas is when a tribute could describe almost anyone in the company who worked hard and did their job. Discuss possible ideas for a tribute consistent with any protocols the company may have in place. For example, some companies send a bouquet of flowers to the funeral home or make a donation to a charitable cause like the American Cancer Society in the name of the deceased. If the coworker was well[-]known and active in the community, a scholarship might be created to honor the coworker’s interest in expanding opportunities for underprivileged youth, for example...The deceased worker’s supervisor or a close friend from work may be asked by the family to give a eulogy tribute at a memorial service. Include specific examples of how the coworker helped others and contributed to the success of the organization...Sample Posts suggests mentioning the specific roles the coworker played at the company and briefly describing important accomplishments. However, the tribute should avoid sounding like a recitation of a resume. Focus more on the personal qualities that helped your coworker achieve success...Memorial tributes are an excellent way of commemorating the life of a deceased coworker. A tribute can also be uplifting and offer reassurance that the deceased coworker's contributions and legacy will live on, according to AARP. A farewell tribute to a colleague who passed away is best organized by friends of the deceased. The program might include live or recorded musical selections, slide show, eulogy, candle lighting, readings and an open mic for anyone wishing to say a few words about their departed colleague. A reception with food and beverages often follows...If your deceased worker was part of your small, close-knit group, consider taking a trip in their honor...University Health Services (UHS) at UC Berkeley suggests finding ways of honoring the deceased coworker that benefit others...When deciding how to pay tribute to a deceased coworker, consider the precedent that is being set. Having guidelines in place for memorial tributes can be helpful to ensure that all employees who pass away are appropriately acknowledged, not just those who are high up in the organization. Also consider the wishes of the family when planning services. Some families may appreciate a big company-hosted memorial service, while others would prefer to grieve privately with their immediate family and close friends."

Josh Fredman reports:

"Speech writing in politics is a difficult art, and it's not for everyone. A good speech has to optimistically appeal to all the right constituencies, avoid unintended controversy, yet be provocative and eloquent enough to make the news, all while catering to a middle school reading level. Since the job is also very competitive, it isn't enough simply to be good at it. You also need to make friends and work your way in...Zippia reports that these days, a bachelor's degree is all but mandatory to get into the world of speech writing. Having a degree suggests that you're serious, disciplined and capable of following through on a commitment. The type of degree doesn't really matter, though some politicians and their staffs prefer a related degree, like political science or English. Don't quit college while you're there, either. Your speech-writing job will eventually end, but the degree will stay with you for a lifetime...Political speech writing is a niche industry. According to Indeed, in order to make it as a speech writer, you have to get politically involved. This means doing a whole lot of volunteering at first. Register with your local political party chapter and help out. Join political campaigns and volunteer with them[,] too. Assist with elections. Get involved in the later stages of elections, such as caucuses and conventions. Overall, aim to attach yourself to a specific politician in hopes of eventually getting a paid staff job...A complement to volunteering at political activities is to join a political nonprofit or activist organization that works on issues you care about. These groups have frequent contact with the politicians who represent them as well as with ideologically friendly politicians, which can provide a means for you to work with those politicians' staffs. Many people eventually parlay that personal familiarity into a paid political job...Politicians are much likelier to hire a writer with an extensive body of political writing publicly available to scrutinize, such as on a blog or website. Long before you try to get a political speech-writing job, hone your writing and work on building an audience. If you can show that your writing resonates with people, that makes you much likelier to eventually get a speech-writing job."

Ruth Mayhew reports:

"Running your own business is an admirable challenge, but if you're looking for a job, your resume should contain a work description with adequate details about your self-employment. Make sure you illustrate expertise and commitment to your responsibilities. Reviewing differences between the way you list general duties of employers and self-employed persons will help yo[u] make a better presentation...When your work history includes both employment and self-employment, a chronological resume format can clearly define when you worked for other entities and when you worked for yourself and help you come up with small-business job descriptions...If you use a functional resume – the kind that showcases your professional competencies but doesn't necessarily include a defined career path in chronological order – a recruiter or hiring manager might be confused about how long and when you were self-employed. Listing your self-employment in chronological order, especially when you have more than one stint at business ownership, can make more sense to recruiters screening your qualifications...Many job postings indicate that the ideal candidate has entrepreneurial vision, particularly for sales and leadership positions. But the truth is, some employers are cautious about hiring candidates who've been self-employed. They think this way for two reasons: They don't know if you really owned your own business, freelanced or are just trying to cover up that you were unemployed. Another reason some employers are reluctant to hire a former business owner is because they want someone who isn't going to try to take over operations without regard to the organization's processes already in place. These are two fine reasons to describe your duties as a self-employed professional just as you would any other job you've held...List your company name, its location and your title – the same way you would for your other previous jobs where you were an employee. For example, write, 'NYC Concessions; CEO/Founding Partner; New York, NY.' If you have been a solopreneur, avoid using big titles like president or CEO. Stick with a title like owner or consultant instead, recommends Top Resume.com. Describe your primary job duties but omit the part about how you formed your company. The recruiter or hiring manager likely will ask you why you decided to branch out on your own and why you're now interested in employment. Save an explanation of the whys, hows and backstory of your entrepreneurial venture for the interview...Granted, running your own business is itself an accomplishment, but remember that you're competing with other candidates who might describe accomplishments directly related to their job responsibilities. Instead of simply relying on owning and operating a business successfully as your major accomplishment, list approximately three achievements – in bullet fashion – that capture the reader's eye."

David Sarokin reports:

"Although some small businesses manage to grow successfully without a formal business plan, creating a business plan for the short term serves two valuable purposes. The first is internal: A three-year or five-year business plan helps you focus on the steps you need to take [to] get your business up, running and growing. Second, the plan communicates to outsiders the nature and seriousness of your undertaking. This is especially important for fundraising purposes. A lender is unlikely to extend credit to a new business without reviewing a plan for the first few years of operation. Writing your three-year business plan is relatively straightforward and revolves around several major themes...Include a compelling description of what it is, exactly, you plan to do. This is more than a simple statement of goods or services, like, 'I want to sell office supplies' or[,] 'My company will make bicycles.' Lay out the features of your business that will help it to stand out in a crowded market and draw in customers who usually have plenty of other options to choose from. Make clear, to yourself as well as to others, what the competitive advantage of your business is (or will be). Include timing in your description. Your first[-]year startup operations will look different from a more mature venture during your third year. Lay out the key steps to your transition over time...Include your product line in the business description. But if your product is unique – a new invention, say, for which you hold the patent, or the world's best cupcakes – then create a separate section to highlight your product line...Who will be your customer base?...Be as specific as you can. If you plan to sell a product to schools, for example, describe the number and types of schools in your area and provide information on the amount of money they spend on external supplies and services...Getting the word out is an important part of any business strategy. Perhaps you plan on hiring an expanding team of salespeople. Advertising, social media marketing, local print and radio – there are almost endless variations of how marketing is carried out. Again, lay out your time sequence. First-year marketing of a brand new business will look different from third-year marketing for a more mature operation...A fact of life for most new businesses is that you have to spend money before you begin to make money. Your plan should carefully and realistically account for the anticipated expenses to start up and then operate your business, as well as the income you expect as sales begin and then grow over time. Your financial projections will form the basis of any requests you make to funders for loans or investments in your operations...Explain how your business will be organized and who the principle players are. This is an opportunity to really polish the resumes for yourself and your key managers: Describe what expertise they bring to the business, years of experience and so on. Don't be shy – you have to sell yourself just as ambitiously as you plan to sell your products...Your business plan can get lengthy, but try to keep it concise and add an Executive Summary for those who prefer a quick read."

Lisa McQuerrey reports:

"To inspire people, you need to have a clear concept of what the audience needs to hear. This means that you must know your audience. Before you get started with your writing, consider who will be listening to your words and what types of ideas might catch and hold their attention. For example, if you’re speaking to students who are about to enter the workforce, you might write words of encouragement that urge them to be confident, ambitious and enthusiastic about their futures. If you’re speaking to colleagues about coping with challenging transitions in the workplace, you may choose to write about the benefits of having perseverance, and about embracing change and forging new paths to better things. Understanding your audience will help you craft your message...Telling a story can help illustrate the points you’re making -- and when it’s a story of overcoming adversity, making a difference or beating the odds -- it can play to people’s emotions and inspire them to action. The story should be applicable to your overall message and should demonstrate the challenge, the approach and the outcome...Writing an inspirational speech that draws your audience in on a personal level can be very effective. For example, in a business environment, it might mean speaking about the organization’s achievements, or the impact the audience's work has on the people the company serves. You might accomplish this by incorporating testimonials or by providing an overview of statistical information...An emotional response is a necessary precursor to inspiration. In writing your speech, use language that paints a picture and elicits a visceral reaction...End your speech on a positive note so people will come away with a feel-good sensation that will encourage them to carry forward whatever mission you encouraged them to go on during your speech. Issue a call to action, offer a word of thanks, or challenge people to personally embrace your words and to continue to make a difference."