12 Saturday Jan 2013
Posted in Business
In May 2012 I moved to Germany and started working in Luxembourg.
I have threfore the regret to announce that my amazing blogging adventure with Barnatalent comes to its end as I am not living in Barcelona any longer.
Thank you for your feedback and support.
31 Monday Dec 2012
Posted in Business
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
4,329 films were submitted to the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. This blog had 20,000 views in 2012. If each view were a film, this blog would power 5 Film Festivals
02 Sunday Dec 2012
Posted in Business
Corporate social responsibility emerged mainly because of the confluence of two processes: the awareness and commitment to resolve problems that affect society and a growing impact of businesses’ activities on society in general. Society now considers that the different players need to commit to managing and resolving problems that affect it and requires that they come up with not just the economic terms and conditions but also a range of social and environmental responsibilities.
Corporate social responsibility is where companies choose to integrate social and environmental concerns and the guarantee of human rights into their commercial operations, and in terms of their relationships with agents and stakeholders. Corporate social responsibility aims to combine and reconcile an organisation’s growth and economic competitiveness with a commitment to social and environmental development, so that the company’s activities are aligned with sustaining its immediate surroundings.
Formalising social responsibilities policies involves and benefits an organisation’s stakeholders – that is, the people and agents that make up the company and interact with it: workers, consumers and members of the public that are affected by the activities of the company, competitors, government organisations and social agents with jurisdiction in the company’s area of influence.
Implementing a social responsibility plan offers a source of competitive advantage for the company and is a strategic factor in its business success, reflected both within and outside the organisation.
Internal advantages include:
Conclusions
Webography
24 Sunday Jun 2012
Posted in Business, Careers, Networking, Personal Branding
Tags
Business, Career, Careers, Entrepreneurs, Family Business, freelance, Human Resources, International, Internet, Job Market, Job Seeking, Jobs, LinkedIn, Networking, NTIC, Personal Branding, Recruitment, Skills, social media, Social Networks, Startup, Talent, Technology, Twitter, Web, Web 2.0, Work
Everything on the internet about a person forms part of their profile and their virtual or digital identity. Many people back up their digital identity with a blog in which they write articles on topics that they are interested in or they specialise in. In today’s economic situation, we are even seeing many unemployed people setting up blogs and virtual communities to share their previous experiences as well as provide solutions and advice on getting back into work.
Thus, on the one hand, websites with blogs, digital CVs and portfolios can be used to publicise oneself and become more visible within the job market. On the other hand, there are specific applications for creating and maintaining contacts, known as social networks. These have a double aspect: publicise yourself but also extend your network of contacts.
All of these tools can be used effectively to provide good positioning of a person’s digital identity through personal marketing strategies. Equally they can work against the person and generate a bad digital reputation.
Beyond being an exceptional way of meeting different people, social networks can be used as a source of information given that they offer access to details and knowledge of the members of the network. They enable you to find out more about the companies, the profiles of the people that work for them, and trends within the market, through instant or electronic messaging services, forums and debating groups, newsletters, publication of events and other applications used for social interaction.
The main value of these social networks is based on their capacity to expand your network of contacts through your contacts’ contacts. This exponential factor demonstrates what is known as the theory of six degrees of separation. According to this theory, any two people anywhere on the planet are separated by less than five people that know each other.
Today, these networks have become HR databases, which companies have started using to learn more about professionals and attract them. These days almost all recruitment consultants use this resource for finding new candidates and/or checking their profile. Without going into more detail, this is a tool that is revolutionising the recruitment process.
New internet-based social networks are cropping up every day and therefore it’s important to find the ones that are of most interest to you. It also means watching out for new sites.
There are generic social networks with specific groups of interests as well as specific social networks. Examples include:
Twitter deserves special mention. It is a micro-blogging tool that has a range of applications for finding offers of work – all of which are in English. It is based on mobile telephone technology, given that the messages that can be sent are up to a maximum of 140 characters. However, they are published openly, meaning that anybody connected to the website can read the messages. The objective is to get messages followed by as many “followers” as possible. Today, Twitter is one of the most heavily used personal marketing and digital positioning Web 2.0 tools.
18 Friday May 2012
Tags
Barcelona, Career, Careers, Job Market, Job Seeking, Jobs, Recruitment, Work
Finding graduate work in Spain is currently very difficult as unemployment is extremely high. In February 2012 it passed 23.6% giving the country the highest unemployment rate in the euro zone. You will be competing in a large market of Spanish graduates. Foreign graduates may find it easier to secure work in Spain’s consulting, industry and computer science sectors. These sectors are undergoing a huge process of globalization and offer opportunities to graduates fluent in Spanish and English.
18 Friday May 2012
Posted in Business, Events, Networking, Personal Branding
Tags
Barcelona, Business, Entrepreneurs, Events, Family Business, freelance, International, Internet, Marketing, Networking, Personal Branding, savethedate, Skills, SME, Startup, Talent, Training
The European Chambers of Commerce in Spain serve the interests of every industry and every size of European business, reaching over 6.000 members. Their project is to take action to enhance and affirm the presence of other European countries in Spain, by promoting the cooperation and the connection of their members through events, lunches, dinners, business drinks and other activities.
The European Chambers of Commerce in Spain organize an informal business gathering in Barcelona on Thursday, May 24th in Barcelona. It will be an opportunity for improving and developing new business contacts in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Location: Restaurant 1881 Plaça de Pau Vila, 3 – Barcelona. (Museu d’Història de Catalunya)
Date and time: Thursday, 24th May 2012 07:00 p.m. 09:00 p.m.
Registration is essential: attendees can register with their own national European Chamber of Commerce on their page here
More information: http://www.camaraseuropeas.com/encuentros.htm
06 Sunday May 2012
Posted in Business, Events, Networking
Tags
Barcelona, Business, Entrepreneurs, Events, freelance, International, LinkedIn, Networking, savethedate
May will see Barcelona Guiri Business Drink back. This business networking event had over 75+ members last month in Barcelona.
Guiri Business Group invite you to join them at the MEAM museum to network while viewing the artwork and enjoy free wine through the kind support of Bodega Jean Leon (for first hour and while supplies last).There will also be wine, beer and soft drinks to purchase later.
- Where? MEAM, el Museu Europeu d’Art Modern de Barcelona
- When? May 09th 19:00- 21:00
- How much? Entrance to the business drinks is 10€ but FREE for LinkedIn Guiri Business group members.
- IS RVSP required? Yes it is.
For more information: http://linkd.in/ISoD75
Guiri Business Group is primarily on LinkedIn, where they host discussions and post most of our information and tips. It mainly consists of English-speaking, Spanish-based, foreign professionals – many of them self-employed – that become member for business networking purposes.
The group eases professional networking through the exchange of information, knowledge, jobs and business opportunities. Guiri Business Group offers useful resources, Business drinks & Business community contacts in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao, San Sebastián, La Coruña, Seville and Granada.
06 Sunday May 2012
Posted in Business, Careers, Events, Networking
Tags
Barcelona, Business, Career, Careers, Entrepreneurs, Events, Family Business, freelance, Human Resources, International, Marketing, Networking, savethedate, Skills, SME, Startup, Talent, Training, Women, Work
Isabel Anthony Torres co-owner of Se Ese Uno and trainer of several business and comunication courses, presents us her next training session of The Business Formula.
“Isabel Anthony Torres: In the current economic times, all entrepreneurs must face huge challenges in order to survive.
Running our own business is a way to generate income, experience freedom, fulfilment and contribution. But is is not at all easy!
If you are a freelancer or small business owner, and you have a good product or service but lack the business skills that will help you and your company thrive, The Business Formula will give you the tools you need to get extraordinary results in 2012!
You need the right formulas and strategies in order to grow your business and increase your profits.The Business Formula is a one-day training and networking event in Spanish that will help you boost your business. Imagine what kind of success you would have in your business if you would know the right strategies.
What will you learn in The Business Formula?
We use a proven method called “Accelerated Learning” that will support you to make the most out of our teaching. The principle of this method is that students that are involved in the learning process will learn faster, remember more, implement more and have more fun. And one thing is for sure: you won´t be bored! And the best part is, once you complete this seminar, you will be firmly in control of your business. “
Useful information:
Isabel Anthony Torres
Blog: Se Ese Uno – Impulsa tu negocio
Twitter: @seeseuno
LinkedIn: Isabel Anthony Torres
06 Sunday May 2012
Posted in Business, Talent Pictures
Tags
Barcelona, Business, Entrepreneurs, freelance, International, Internet, Languages, NTIC, Skills, Startup, Talent, Talent Pictures, Technology, Training, Web
Today, in our Talent pictures Section, we will interview Alberto, Founder and Owner of “Alberto Profesor” an Online Spanish teaching project, based in Barcelona, but aimed to global students. With an experience based on over 3.000 hours of Spanish classes, Alberto Vara is a certified teacher of Spanish as foreign language, but also a passionate guy, that loves people, teaching and opening students the gates of Spanish culture and language. He is continuously developing material for high quality Online Spanish learning and he works to the production of some Podcast series.
Let´s him explain his business idea with his own words.
What is your business about?
“Alberto Profesor” is a project that tries to connect a professional Spanish Teacher with individuals and companies interested in Spanish training. This means that money doesn´t get wasted in language schools or intermediaries, and that students can get 100% attention from their teacher. The lessons are held online, using Skype software, so time wasting is also dramatically reduced. Busy people, who haven´t time to go to normal classroom lessons, can learn Spanish from their homes or offices. As a result, students get great private Spanish teaching at lower cost and less time wasting than in a traditional language school. A perfect deal! Alberto Profesor also offers a free Spanish blog, and some Spanish podcast that can help beginners to have their first steps in Spanish.
How did you get the idea of your business?
I was teaching Spanish for more than 4 years for different companies, until realizing that language teaching had to be done in a different way. During my experience as Spanish teacher, I met a lot of businessmen who complained about not having enough time to learn Spanish properly. They wished they could have lessons in their lunch time, or at home after they came back from work. Now, I work as a self-employed teacher, mainly using Skype and Internet resources. My teaching method allows people with little time to improve a lot their Spanish in a really fast way. Students don´t lose time, just learn. I´m also developing a great number of learning resources, such as different Spanish learning podcast and radio programs
What makes your business so special?
My lessons are interesting and engaging, and are focused on communication from the first second. I avoid too many grammatical terms or boring drillings. My lessons try to make a difference, and not doing what the student can do by himself The good thing is that it doesn´t matter if my student has to move to Madrid, London or Singapore, he can keep his Spanish studies using Skype.
What do you think your mission is?
My mission is to help people and companies to learn Spanish, and help them with any language related solution they may need. I like to have happy students, who don´t waste their time and money. Learning Spanish is easy if you put the effort and get the right teaching and method applied to you.
How did you start your business up?
After one of my lessons in the Spanish school a student approached me and told me that he had to come back to Poland, but he would like to keep having me as his teacher. I suggested Skype lessons… and it worked! He was the CEO of a big Polish company and asked me if I could train some of his workers, so that´s how I started developing my company and my Skype teaching system.
What were the main difficulties and best moments as a would-be entrepreneur?
The main difficulties are related with all the legal Spanish system, which I think is too complicated for entrepreneurs: too many papers to sign and it takes too long to start anything. Then, the best moment comes when you see how a guy who wasn´t able to speak a word in Spanish is suddenly having a 100% Spanish conversation with you.
Why did you choose Barcelona to develop your business idea?
Barcelona is a city with a lot of expats and foreign people who come here to start a new career. These people need to learn Spanish, and they want it to be fast and convenient. So I thought it could be a good idea to start here, and combine my Skype lessons with face to face lessons, to gain the trust of my students in the short distances.
Do you think that Barcelona is a good city to develop entrepreneurship?
Yes, I think so. Barcelona is such an international city, where anything you may want to sell will find someone willing to buy it. Furthermore, it is a really pleasant city to live, so it attracts all kind of people.
Would you recommend any mentorship program/resources for entrepreneurs in Barcelona to start a business up?
I found really useful to ask around the 22@ district, where the city government has its offices to help entrepreneurs .I would recommend anyone willing to start a business to go there and ask for help and information.
Want to know more about “Alberto Profesor”? Have a look at these links:
Main page: http://albertoprofesor.com
Blog: http://albertoprofesor.com/blog
26 Thursday Apr 2012
Posted in Business, Careers, Networking, Personal Branding
Tags
Business, Career, Careers, Entrepreneurs, Family Business, freelance, Human Resources, International, Internet, Job Market, Job Seeking, Jobs, Networking, Personal Branding, Recruitment, Skills, social media, Social Networks, Startup, Talent, Web, Web 2.0, Work
Given that it is done by human beings in a social setting, all networking involves a range of psychological aspects that are related to a person’s mood, attitudes and principles. These have a direct impact on the development of social skills. Therefore it is as important to review them as it is to find the right moment to establish and maintain contacts. Competencies related to emotional intelligence also deserve special attention. These are decisive in how we relate to other people.
Four stages can be defined in the process of developing a network of contacts: classifying contacts; meeting people; contacting professionals within the sector that you are interested in strategically; and maintaining and exploiting contacts.
For each of these, there is a series of basic tips to get the most out of your network of contacts, and also expand it.
- Find the right format to collect the more important details about your contacts. On this, new technologies enable you to store this information on PCs and electronic mobile devices (mobile telephones, PDAs etc) With regard to software, there are online utilities that make it easier to compile and expand the details relating to your contacts – such as social networks and similar applications.
- Classify the contacts according to the most useful variable for you: type of contact (personal or professional), economic sector, field of contact (gym, university, work) etc. To recover former contacts and create new ones, you can find points of interaction between people that cross over more than one of these areas.
- Improve the descriptions for your contacts with keywords and meta tags) so that it is easier to find them and recall them when you need to.
- Have a clear contacts map based on relationship levels.
- Be open, accessible and confident in yourself. If you are not feeling like that, it’s better to leave it for another day. It is better to cancel an interview (with a company or contact) than go without being in the best frame of mind.
- Prepare a quick presentation of who you are and what you want to do – that is, a good elevator pitch.
- Seek out contacts that are very active in terms of networking; normally, they are people who connect naturally.
- Compile as much information as possible about your contacts: name and surname, contact details, place of work, company, role and responsibilities, training and experience, projects that they work on, etc.
- Make sure that you know your contacts well: make time to talk to them and shown interest in them – both through formal questions, for example what they do, where they work etc) and informal questions, for example about their family, holidays and so on).
- Remember specific details about your contacts: professional (customers, projects that they are working on etc) and personal (birthday, where they live, etc). Any information that helps you establishing a conversation related to their interests.
- Ask people that you know about other people they know who work in the industry or professional field that you are interested in.
- Attend events held within your industry or professional area: trade fairs, round tables, conferences etc.
- Become a member of professional associations and colleges, unions and working groups.
- Participate in groups or forums within the social networks and virtual communities.
- Watch out for changes taking place around you as well as new trends in your industry.
- Create a list of target companies where you would like to work.
- Find people who work or have experience in your industry, follow what they do, contact them and let them know who you are and what you are interested in.
- Build relationships with professionals who do your job in other companies.
- Update your contacts continually.
- Share your knowledge and make the most of other people. Think about the interests of the other party in this win-win relationship.
- Use social network and Web 2.0 applications mainly at the start and end of the day, which is when most people connect.
- When choosing your networking tools, think about how you will combine different platforms to find and maintain the contacts that match your objective.
- Take advantage of any opportunity to do something nice for your contacts and build your appeal among them.
- Involve others in conversations and social situations.
- Actively participate in social events.
- Connect people from different environments that you think could get on with each other.
- Request contributions, help and suggestions from other people and offer yours.
Conclusions
- Networking has no limits in terms of space or time. Our network of contacts can range from our more immediate environment (family, neighbours, colleagues and former work and study colleagues, friends and acquaintances) to people that have no direct connection with us.
- However, it requires a continual investment in time and effort. Just as human capital steadily develops through a person’s training and experience, social capital can also grow on a daily basis if you constantly feed it.
- Actively participating in social networks and the internet enables you to demonstrate your knowledge and contribute to strengthening your digital identity. It is not essential to find work but it helps to make you more visible and position you in the job market. In short, it can set your candidacy apart from other people with similar profiles.
- Networking however is not just an important tool for finding work; it has become a key aspect in career development. It helps you to promote your personal brand and knowledge of the context that you are working in and enables you to keep up-to-date and learn through other people. Networking activities help you get the most out of your human capital and maximise the opportunities for professional success.
