After a long cross-country road trip, Edward reflects on the noticeable economic and political differences from state to state. 

After a long cross-country road trip, Edward reflects on the noticeable economic and political differences from state to state. 



Continue listening to the full radio show to learn more&#8230; 



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September 2021 Update: The Pulse of the Nation

Investing in professional development improves your professional skills and has a positive carry-over into your personal life as well. 



When is the best time to invest your time and resources in professional development?



Answer: Throughout your entire life. 



Whether you are fresh out of college or getting ready for retirement, professional development and learning help you grow, thrive and excel in your professional and personal life. 



On today&#8217;s radio show, Edward and Mark discuss why it&#8217;s ALWAYS important to be developing yourself, personally and professionally. 



Listen to the full radio show to learn more.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Benefits of Investing In Professional Development</h2>



If you aren&#8217;t growing, you&#8217;re going backward. 



Thankfully, college isn&#8217;t the only place to get an education. You can invest in your professional development by taking a class in person or online (<a href="https://www.alliancecareertraining.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Like we have at Alliance Career Training Solutions</a>). 



Here are some of the biggest benefits of investing in professional development: 



<ul><li>Become a stronger communicator. </li><li>Sharpen your leadership skills. </li><li>Get better at conflict management. </li><li>Improve personal and professional relationships. </li><li>Hone your organizational and management skills. </li><li>Keep your mind sharper and extending your lifespan. </li><li>Manage stress and anxiety.</li><li>Prevent depression and/or decrease depressive symptoms. </li></ul>

Why Invest in Professional Development?

Do you prioritize creating happiness in your life? 



Many don&#8217;t know that there are some simple habits you can practice in your life that can actually make you happier!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Practical Habits for Happiness</h2>



Some of the top tips for happiness habits are: 



<ul><li>Eat Healthy: Happy body = Happy mind. You need premium fuel to not only function at preak performance, but also to obtain peak happiiness. </li><li>Exercise Daily: A happy body leads to a happy mind. Daily exercise is critical for daily happiness.</li><li>Sleep: This can&#8217;t be stated enough. Every major study over the last 10 years has pointed to the fact that sleep is the pillar of happiniess and overall health. </li><li>Build Meaningful Relationships: Meaningful relationships with positive people is esseential for happiiness. Cut those toxic and negative relationships out!</li><li>Find a Passion: Feed your soul and your happiness by finding a passion or making time for passions you already have. </li><li>Practice Gratitude: Take time to pause throughout the day to be grateful, for the big and small things in your life. Check out <a href="https://www.mindful.org/an-introduction-to-mindful-gratitude/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8220;How to Practice Gratitude.&#8221;</a></li><li>Take a Vacation: Not a staycation. Detach from work and technology so you can disconnect, relax, and be present. </li></ul>



On this episode of Business Cents Radio, Edward King (CEO of Alliance Career Training Solutions) and Mark discuss the value of structured rest and downtime in your work and professional life.



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Top Tips: Happiness Habits for Work and Life

On this episode of Business Cents Radio, Edward King (CEO of Alliance Career Training Solutions) and Mark discuss the value of structured rest and downtime, in your work and professional life. 



In our work and stress-driven environments, it can be difficult to take a break. When you don&#8217;t rest, your personal life and your work start to deteriorate.



Think about the last time you took a break or vacation from the stresses of work. and life. 



Even when you took time off, were you still plugged into the web? Your smartphone? Google? Social media?



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Continue listening to learn more about how disconnecting, unplugging, and resting can increase your productivity. 



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">News at Alliance Career Training Solutions</h2>



ACTS is now offering a 2-for-1 class and voucher special. When you buy two classes, you can get one free! 



Be sure to read the <a href="https://www.alliancecareertraining.com/august-update-whats-new-at-acts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACTS August Update</a> to learn more and Sign Up for the ACTS email list to be the first to know about future promotions and updates

Why Rest Increases Productivity and Elevates Learning

On this episode of Business Cents Radio, Edward King (CEO of Alliance Career Training Solutions) Edward continues on <a data-type="URL" data-id="https://businesscentsr.wpengine.com/setting-clear-expectations-for-your-employees/" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://businesscentsr.wpengine.com/setting-clear-expectations-for-your-employees/" target="_blank">how to set employee expectations</a>.



60% of employees don&#8217;t have a clear job description or believe their job description does not align with their work. 



Employees that have clear job descriptions and clear job expectations: 



<ul><li>Are much happier at work. </li><li>Are more engaged with their job, work, leadership, management and work community. </li><li>Enjoy their work more.</li><li>And stay at their jobs much longer than employees who are disengaged. </li></ul>



Managers must know how to set clear employee expectations in a way that is collaborative and supportive of their employees. Setting clear goals and expectations while ensuring your employees have the training and resources they need to do their job well are essential for employee happiness and retention, which are wins for both them and your organization. 



Listen below for the full episode on Business Cents Radio, and visit&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.alliancecareertraining.com/" target="_blank">Alliance Career Training Solutions</a>&nbsp;to learn more about leveling up you and your employees&#8217; career skills. 



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Businesses: How to Set Employee Expectations

On this episode of Business Cents Radio, Edward King (CEO of Alliance Career Training Solutions) discusses the value of meeting your employees&#8217; needs, primarily in collaborating with them to set clear goals and expectations. .



Consider these statistics: 



<ul><li>Only 43% of employees reported that they have a clear job description. </li><li>Employees with clear job expectations are 2.5 times more likely to be engaged at work.</li><li>Only 30% of employees report that their employer collaborates with them in goal setting.</li></ul>



Most employees agree that they have &#8220;loose&#8221; job descriptions, and were not or are not sure of what their job is going to be. 



If your employees don&#8217;t understand their role or expectations for their role ––– it&#8217;s on you as the owner, manager, or HR department to define those and work with them. 



Listen below for the full episode on Business Cents Radio, and visit&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.alliancecareertraining.com/" target="_blank">Alliance Career Training Solutions</a>&nbsp;to learn more about our employee training and development classes. 



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setting clear expectations for your employees

Setting Clear Expectations for Your Employees

On this episode of Business Cents Radio, Edward King (CEO of Alliance Career Training Solutions) discusses the value of learning, why knowledge is useless unless you use it, and offers some better ways for getting new knowledge and career skills to stick. 



We can get knowledge and new skills to stick better if we regularly ask ourselves these questions: 



<ul><li>How must I use this?</li><li>Why must I use this?</li><li>When must I use this?</li></ul>



Listen below for the full episode on Business Cents Radio, and visit <a href="https://www.alliancecareertraining.com/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.alliancecareertraining.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alliance Career Training Solutions</a> to learn more about leveling up you and your team&#8217;s career skills. 



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