Dear !*FIRST_NAME*!

If you subscribed during the last month or so, you wouldn't be aware that I rearranged the subscription process to a double opt-in process managed by Site Build It! There were two reasons I did that. First, it's more efficient and relieves me of most of the work. Also, the new subscription process enabled me to take any email addresses off my site thus reducing the loads of spam I receive. Thanks to those who have been loyal subscribers for a while and who re-subscribed. It's lovely to have you on board again. A few people left and already I've had some replacement subscriptions. It's an ongoing process of attrition and subscription ... that's life!

During the last few months I've been beautifying and updating my sites, especially the Desert Wave Enterprises site which had become terribly out of date. It's a very labour intensive job if you do it yourself or quite expensive if you get someone else to do it. Just after I had spent three weeks doing the update I discovered a software program designed especially for Internet marketing. It's the most ingenious product I've seen for a long while. I've cut some of my development time by about 60% and it will be an excellent tool for future work, especially when I build numbers of mini-sites each dealing with a single product. For a preview look here. 

Major articles in HRD Alert! are now linked to our Human Resources Development Centre or Desert Wave Enterprises site, Go Articles or Ezinearticles sites. The latter two are available to the public and mean that I don't have to store articles in several places unless I really want to. You can click on the link while online and print an article or read it on screen. Go Articles and Ezinearticles can be accessed by email if you want a copy sent direct to your desktop. The advantage for me is that my articles are viewed by a much wider audience. Additionally, I'm recruiting some articles from other writers that might provide more interesting coverage than just my view of reality. I hope this new arrangement suits everyone. And remember, if you have the desire to write an informative article, send it to me and I'll consider putting it in HRD Alert!

Until next issue, yours in HRD

Robin Henry
Principal Adviser/Publisher

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DESIGN AND DEVELOP A TRAINING ACTIVITY? 

That's a question often asked on one or two of the fora I visit occasionally. Unfortunately, most of the respondents seem to give wildly inaccurate responses. This article, which I have placed at Ezinearticles discusses some of the variables that impinge on an accurate estimate and suggests how estimates might be made more reliable.

Read the full article here and see if you agree with my opinion. (This will open in a new page. When you close it, this page will still be in your browser)

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SUCCESSFUL PUBLIC SPEAKING - A SHORT GUIDE

Most people find giving a public speech a daunting proposition. Jake Mayer is a speech coach who gives us nine tips towards making a successful public speech. This is an opportunity that can boost or hinder your career path. When the day comes to provide a public presentation, will you know what to do to create and present an effective speech? By following these nine steps, you will shine in the spotlight.

Read full article here. (Opens new window)

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WORTH A LOOK

Higher Colleges of Technology (United Arab Emirates)
The UAE has a very young political system, but has been around as a society for many millenia. Thirty years after the UAE was formed and everything started to develop, it now has one of the most respected post secondary and tertiary systems in the world and is a leader in new technologies. Well worth a look.

Massachesetts Institute of Technology Open Courseware
Everyone has heard of MIT, but did you know they have an open courseware program providing free educational resources for anyone, anywhere? I'll bet not. Courses are available across a wide range of interesting disciplines. If you're into self development but don't like the idea of paying course or other fees, visit MIT.

CiteHR Human Resource Management Community Knowledgebase
A fun resource board dedicated to Human Resource Professionals, Consultants and Students. This forum is maintained to foster the exchange of ideas and community support. CiteHR not only provides an easy way to keep up to date with industry practices it also gives you an easy interface to network with your peers. When you feel like an invigorating chat, visit CiteHR.

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