In Pursuit Of Higher Education Online

There is an up-and-coming trend in education called distance learning. This is a direct result of increasing use of the Internet as well as the fact that more people have to work during traditional school hours in order to make ends meet. You need to be cautious when researching schools, however, since there are many educational institutions that provide diplomas and certifications that have no value in the world of work.

When employers evaluate the education of a potential employee, one of the first things they look for is whether or not the school was accredited. These are periodically evaluated by the governmental agencies to ensure that their expectations, coursework, and diploma programs provide the best education possible. This is especially important when evaluating online educational institutions since ensuring that the efforts result in the position desired upon conclusion is important.

A further reason to ensure the program selected meets the endorsement requirements outlined is that if one wishes to pursue higher education later on, completed credits cannot be transferred to accredited institutions. What this means is that in the event a higher degree is desired, the education process would have to be started over. Instead of spending two years to earn a bachelors degree, for instance, four years would have to be expended.

Researching various options will help narrow the choices to only schools which have achieved accreditation. These can include regional locations, those specializing in distance learning, faith or academic based programs, or those that specialize in specific careers such as with legal careers. The best way to tell is to enter the school site and look for a tab that specifically discusses their accreditation status. Additionally, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) website also lists institutions who meet this criterion.

In order to know that the information provided meets mandates there are several things to look for. Both the US Department of Education as well as the Council for Higher Education will have a list of schools that meet the qualifications. Additionally, the Council for Higher Education has a database as well as a directory that will help individuals verify the schools status then direct them to the appropriate website.

Online schools can also earn endorsement through the Distance Education Training Council or through specific programs such as the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, Health Education Schools, or one of the many other disciplines. Regional bodies can also issue accreditation.

There is little more important than pursuing education beyond high school. Without a degree or certification in a specialized field, upward mobility in the workplace is limited and achieving financial freedom is almost impossible. Although some achieve success without it, these cases are rare. In order to ensure that any online coursework taken leaves the door open for continued education, it’s important to make sure that the school providing instruction meets the minimum requirements demanded of institutions of higher learning who provide services online.

How to Retire Early – Learn How a Home Based Business Can Help You Accomplish Your Goal

If you’re looking to retire early one of the best ways to actually accomplish your goal is going to be by joining a home based business. By being part of a home based business you’re going to be able to slowly build extra income on the side of having your job. By continuing to work and at the same time manage your business you’re going to slowly create some income for you that you can utilize to retire early in the long run.A home based business is going to grow slowly over time so you don’t have to worry about making money fast and take it slow since you can take care of the bills from the money that you make in your job and also by putting in the time necessary on a daily basis. The key to actually achieving the goal that you have set out for yourself to retire early is going to be based on how consistent you are in managing your business and growing it.You’re going to be very surprised at how many people end up quitting because they don’t see the business growing fast like they want it to. But the truth is that a home based business is meant to grow on the side slowly until it surpasses the income from your job.Someone that is smart and business minded is going to realize that by working and having the business on the side whatever extra money that is left from paying the bills can be invested into the business. The process of retiring early is going to take some time but I can guarantee you that it won’t be at the age of 65 when it usually happens in the corporate world.Always keep in mind that the key is going to be to stay consistent in doing the necessary things for your business on a daily basis.

Commercial Property Managers – What Skills Do They Need and Why?

In commercial real estate agency, the property management division is a key part of the agency performance. In real terms the successful division can bring in significant and stable income to the agency on a regular monthly basis. That being said, a good commercial or retail property manager is highly skilled and should be selected for the property management role based on key performance criteria and hands on experience.

Far too many real estate agencies have average or poor performing property managers. In real terms this is a real threat to the stability of the division income, and the quality of the service provided to the landlords. Unskilled property managers do not last in commercial or retail property; it’s that simple.

Cadets and Training Processes

There is a place for ‘cadets’ that learn the roles and the skills of complex property management. The process itself takes a couple of years during which time the person should be exposed to all property types and situations under the guidance of an experienced manager.

So what does a good commercial or retail property manager look like and what skills will they have? To a large degree they will need to bring to you as agency principal, the skills needed for the managed property type and local area.

If the property manager does not know much about managing the required property type, then do not let them manage it; the errors made can destroy your relationship with the landlord and ultimately the management appointment.

Different Skill Sets

There is a large difference in management style and skill required between retail, office, and industrial property; industrial property being the easiest to manage and retail being the most intense and difficult. The skills required in a retail property manager is diverse and deep; they are the best in the industry.

Generally speaking, retail shopping centre managers today are also the busiest in the industry. The role is very hands on and unrelenting in intensity. Here are some core skills of a well skilled and placed property manager:

The ability to read and understand leases and occupancy documentation for all property types.

The marketing of the property to the local community and customers will be a factor that is critical to retail property. It this way sales are encouraged for the tenants; this underpins the rental for the landlord.

Sound skills in financial analysis and reconciliation so a property performance tracking process can be set up for all managed properties.

Good communication skills are essential. Property managers must be accurate, confident, and decisive, in keeping with laws, legislation, and the instructions of the clients that they act for.

Attention to detail is required in all property negotiations and tenancy matters. Without good records and accurate information, the ‘wheels fall off’ the division and its services. Landlords soon see through mistakes and inaccuracy.

Marketing of vacancies happens all the time in larger properties; importantly the frequency of vacant space is minimised and the times without a tenant are lessened.

Income optimisation and expenditure controls are at the centre of property financial performance. The manager must know what is happening and why in all managed properties, when it comes to the cash flow and reporting to the landlord.

All reporting processes and communications to the landlords we act for today must be detailed and accurate. Property compliance and maintenance, energy consumption, lease and vacancy matters, tenant and landlord lease covenants, outgoings performance, and environmental matters are just some of the factors that are controlled and reported on each month.

Computer technology needs are increasing in the available property performance and management systems today. The property manager must be familiar with, and comfortable learning more about all the software and computer based technology that is used in the industry.

Work hard and with focus each and every day. The hours that a manager will put in the job are long and intense; however they are the experts and should recognise the value that they bring to the job.

Maintenance decisions and controls are made daily and should encompass the instructions of the client and the laws of property ownership and function. The manager needs to know what is required and should competently handle the decisions and communications with contractors, tenants, landlords, and fellow employees.
So how do you find one of these highly skilled people? They are out there and should be carefully sourced. They will be an asset to your agency function and performance.