INPUT ARTICLE: Article: When you're just learning how to spike, it's important to get the footwork down. Practice enough that you know the volleyball approach well enough to do it in your sleep. Remember to start behind the attack line and move toward the imaginary ball. Focus on mastering a fast, powerful approach. Follow through is essential for a powerful strike, because without it, you're forced to halt your hand's momentum before it has had the chance to really attack the ball at full speed. The key is to follow through without touching the net. Bend your elbow during your follow through so you can keep your arm close to your body instead of reaching into the net. Serious volleyball players do special exercises in order to build up the calves, abs, rotator cuff muscles and other muscles that allow them to jump powerfully into the air. Work with your coach to start an exercise routine that will help you jump higher. Here are a few exercises to try:    Do push ups. You can either start with your hands placed on the ground or on an exercise ball, which also helps your shoulder stability. Do three sets of fifteen pushups each, increasing reps as you gain strength over time.  Do a two-hand overhead ball slam. Use a medicine ball (a heavy volleyball-sized ball). Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, use both hands to swing it up over your head, then slam it down on the ground. This works out your shoulders and arm muscles.

SUMMARY: Practice your footwork without the ball. Always follow through. Do strength training exercises.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Most beginner acupuncturists start out working with an established practice to gain experience and build up a client base. Acupuncturist jobs are typically easier to find in larger metropolitan areas than in small towns. You may have to start with an apprenticeship or an internship to gain more experience to make yourself a desirable candidate for an independent practice. It's not easy to make a living as an acupuncturist, and if you want to survive in the business, then you have to remember that your clients are everything to you. You need to be polite, learn a little bit about them and remember the things they've told you on previous visits, to be friendly and approachable, and to make sure they feel comfortable coming to your office time after time.  After each visit, make sure your clients book a follow-up appointment right away. This will encourage them to keep coming. Call up your clients the day before their appointments. This will greatly reduce the rate of no-shows and will show them you care. You can also get referrals from your clients. Ask them if they have any friends who would be interested in your practice. This is a great way to get even more clients. If you want to succeed, you can't just stop with your license to be an acupuncturist. You should take night classes at a community college or pursue another master's degree in a relevant field such as Acupuncture Practice Management, Marketing, or Business Success Principles. Many practitioners get into trouble when they focus only on healing principles and techniques and don't think about the business end of things. If you really want to help your clients, then you have to gain skills to help you keep your business afloat. Attending any continuing education courses can give you valuable experience, even if they aren't business-related. Just as in any field of medicine, acupuncture treatments are constantly evolving. Pursue continuing training to learn new strategies, improve your techniques and keep your skills current. Your certification from NCCAOM will need renewal every four years. You will need to fill out a form, and document your participation in Professional Development Activities (PDA). You will need a minimum of 60 points worth of PDA to qualify for recertification. You should mail your application materials to the NCCAOM at least 60 days before your certification is due to lapse. To prepare for recertification, read the handbook posted on the Council's website. If you miss these deadlines, your status will be considered "Lapsed" or "Inactive," and require additional work to regain certification. Once you've gained some experience, understood the business side of things, and have developed a client base, you should consider starting your own acupuncture business. With your knowledge, you can become a business owner and have your clients follow you to your new practice. The more connections you have in the field, the better. If you know a few acupuncturists who would want to move to your business with you, you already have a leg up.

SUMMARY: Get a job as an acupuncturist. Develop meaningful relationships with your clients. Continue your education. Maintain your certification. Consider starting your own business.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Society is in a digital age, so if you want to attract attention, you need to be an active part of the digital world. You should have a website or blog, at the very least, as well as various social media accounts.  Sign up on every social network you can think of, but focus on the main ones including Facebook and Twitter. Linkedin is good for professional purposes, and Instagram can be a great way to share sample photographs. Regularly update your blog and other social media accounts. Make sure that you support and interact with other artists whose work you appreciate. Building good relationships with other photographers will help you more than hurt you. These people might be your competition, but they can inspire you, give you advice, and send clients your way if they lack the time or the specialized knowledge. Instead of seeking out a few individuals within the industry, look for online communities of photographers. If you only have one or two contacts within the industry, your connection gets cut off as soon as your contacts get too busy to keep in touch. Before someone hires you to photograph an event or a subject, that person will want proof that you are a good photographer. A portfolio will provide potential clients with the proof they need. A portfolio should consist mostly of photographs that represent the work you want to specialize in. For instance, if you want to specialize in family and personal portraits, your portfolio should not consist of pages upon pages of food photography. Aside from online advertisements, you should also consider using various forms of traditional print advertisement. At the very least, you should design and print up business cards that you can pass along to potential clients as you meet them. Aside from business cards, you can also place ads in newspapers or print up fliers. As with many small businesses, one of the best ways to get the word out is simply by asking the people you know to help you spread it. Be prepared to do a few sessions for free, too, just to build up experience and a reputation for fine work. Word of mouth goes much further if someone unrelated to you can praise your work to other potential clients.

SUMMARY:
Make use of social networking and online advertising. Network with other photographers. Build a portfolio. Use print advertisements, as well. Rely on word of mouth.