What's up?

[gijoe9]

Thought I would just post up this thread to find out was up with all of you. How is everyone doing? Life good? Life not so good?

For me it seems like there is less and less posting these days and I have seen it before it is the quiet before the next storm. Some of our members don't post much some are in school and getting ready for finals or writing them. Some of us need a little push now and then to get back into posting around here me to. I seem to get wrapped up in whatever project I am working on (Wiki right now) and forget there is a community here and that my current project is not the be all and end all that I think it is You know I forget to be a regular member once in a while with a little community spirit. So that is what's up with me right now. Please share what's up with you

[aquaswim47]

I think we're busy, but that it's interesting to see what people are posting. I'm working on becoming a stock broker. I am not sure which direction I will take, since I could become a CPA (just need to pass the exam) as well.

I am thinking of working for a couple of large discount brokers. I am currently working for an insurance company and really don't like the art of prospecting (which is why I'm now going for my stock broker's license).

Life has been pretty difficult. Despite three areas of expertise and two majors, I've had difficulty on about 40 interviews. I have a lot of nonverbal (minor social fau paux) issues that makes it difficult for many employers to look at the skills that I can bring to the company. They like the resume, just not the person behind it.

I am looking for any suggestions you may have. I believe I will get a 90 on the Series 7 exam since I scored an 85 and 81 on my insurance licenses and I scored an 88 on my Series 6 licensure.

[gijoe9]

Social skills are just that skills they come the same way any skill comes learn it practice it That said it is the fine art of being comfortable in your own skin in a situation like an interview (not cocky) that is harder to master. Self confidence is earned through mastering skill sets. How to listen how to talk how to communicate what you mean even when it is not what you said Being an effective communicator is a life long commitment that requires constant practice and learning. I have been passed over for promotions and jobs because I could not communicate effectively. I still consider myself less than polished when it comes to communications more like a cave man beating his chest and shaking a stick some days but I try hard to learn from my mistakes and carry on.

[aquaswim47]

I agree with you in that it only gets better with practice. That's pretty much any skill that I acquired in my life.

[anfern057]

Amazon.com: How to Win Friends & Influence People: Books: Dale Carnegie

Aqua, buy it, read it, practice it, make it 2nd nature. No joke this book has been HUGE for me, and I always reccomend it as a must read to anyone.

Anyways, I think the board has been quiet mainly because the markets have been pretty weak lately. Once things change pace the postings will pick up.

As for me, I'm loving my new job. Nothing better then working in Downtown Miami right on Biscayne Bay. My lunch breaks on the water feel like I'm chilling in a tropical resort. All I need is a Rum n Coke and I'm set. I can't wait for the markets to pick a direction so I can start making my money work for me.

[aquaswim47]

Too bad I read the book. Thanks for the heads up though. I read it back in 2002 and still remember the latent details, esp. always allow the person to talk about themselves as this makes them feel the greatest appreciation. Always show interest in themselves and you will be convincing. I really liked that book.

Thanks again. I personally like the current market, since there are no lost profits or lost short positions. It's truly an interesting and intriguing market. I personally like it; it's not a market where you've seen an advance or a decline so there is really an opportunity to profit from this market. Wait a month and let the market come in (I think there will be a fourth correction, Cramer thought only three). I think after the fourth correction, you can load up on stocks!!!!

The market believes in 2 myths: The Iranian crisis will be solved over the weekend. That's not going to happen. It also believes the FED will decrease interest rates. I think they will increase interest rates (since the FED) is obsessed about inflation being below 2%. I would short the market with an instrument such as SDS. You lost the opportunity to short real estate in SRS. You can short the Dow via DXD. Wait to the next recession before you short real estate; that's when the increased mortgage costs will factor into the market. This time homebuilders were conservative by cutting back inventory, thus the drop-off in price was not as staggering as the price drop-offs in Japan and Australia.

[anfern057]

Aqua, just wondering...what exactly do you mean by "social problem" when you talk about your trouble in interviews?

[drjake]

Life's doing good here. Just opened up a Scottrade Account. I'm nervous to pull the trigger on my first trade, however. aquaswim47 I am also studying to take my series 7. I am curious about which material you are using to study with and what you think of it.

Jake