You're planning an event, and you're up to your neck in your daily tasks along with trying to decide on a venue. So, is it really worth taking time out of the office to go on a site visit, when you can get all the details from the venue's brochure or website?

It may involve taking precious time away from the office, but when you're planning an event a site visit is always a good idea, whether you're checking out a venue that you've already selected, or if you're trying to choose between a few options.

"The big advantage of a site visit is that it lets you actually stand in the venue and soak everything up - experience is everything," says Cecilia Slinn, MD of Slinn McCarthy Strategic Business Events. "Something can look great on paper, but just walking around gives you an opportunity to pick up so many details. You could have picked a fabulous five star hotel, but maybe the car park is too small for all your delegates, or you have to walk through an undesirable area to get to it. These are the kind of things that won't be in the brochure."

To read the rest of this article, and to download the ultimate site visit checklist to help you record everything you need to know about a venue, Click Here

Whether you're going for promotion at your current company, or moving on, the dreaded interview stage will be looming on the horizon. Nothing is more likely to trigger a blank mind, stuttering and sweaty palms. But as they say, forewarned is forearmed, so we've got a sure fire list of top tips to make sure you go into that interview cool, calm, and collected. Tips include:

Ask questions
A recent survey revealed that leaving a lasting positive impression after an interview is of extreme importance. According to 38% of UK HR managers, the best way to do this is to ask questions at the end of the interview. "Asking questions shows initiative, genuine interest and a desire to learn, meaning that in a workplace context you have the right skills to succeed - asking questions is the key to learning!" says Claire Howell, regional manager for OfficeTeam.

To read the rest of the top tips from specialist recruitment company, Office Team, Click Here

Have you got yourself a coach yet? No not the automotive variety, but the type of coach who will help you reach your goals in your career, and life in general.

"If you know what you want out of life, but want to achieve your goals faster than you would if you were working on them alone, enlisting the help of a life coach is a great way to move forward your way," says Tim La Haye, change management consultant at Future Perfect Coaching.

A coach won't give you advice, but will ask you the right questions to help you confirm that the goals you set yourself are right for you, and help you work out the best way forward for you. Coaches are impartial, independent motivators and supporters; they work to your agenda, and will help you overcome any barriers or obstacles that might get in the way of your goals becoming reality.

You don't need to have set goals in mind to take on a coach; they can help with any of these scenarios:

• I'm in a rut and just can't get out of it
• There must be more to life than this!
• Surely there must be another way to look at this problem.
• I could never do that. Could I?
• My work-life balance is really out of line. I need to change it.
• I've got this dream and I'd love to make it happen. But how?

To read the rest of this article by DeskDemon's career expert and trained life coach, Sally Longson, and find out how to choose the right coach for you, Click Here.

Kate Adie speaks Swedish and Turkish and Sir Paddy Ashdown speaks Mandarin Chinese. You don't need to have a grasp of such exotic tongues, but with seventy percent of British companies boasting contacts abroad, there's no doubt that learning a language can be of benefit to your career. As renowned business consultant Sir John Harvey-Jones says: "Dealing with other nationals through a translator or interpreter is no substitute for direct discussion."

So, if you've decided that learning a language could be a boost to your career, how do you find the method that suits you?

From courses and formal study to vocabulary treasure troves on the internet, Sara Goodwins explains how to pick a course of study that suits you, and fits into your busy lifestyle - and you can even test yourself without stepping back to school and into the exam hall! To read the rest of the article, click here.

We've got a packed month to help see you through the January slump. As well as the great selection of informative articles already posted on the site, we've got a few more up our sleeves for you before the month is out, plus a new feature.

Your Letters: We're launching our brand new letters page, to give you a chance to have your say. Whether it's a comment about the site, both good and bad, or just a general rant about office life, write in and let us know. The star letter will win a fab prize each month. In the run up to Valentines Day, we'd love to hear your stories about office romance. Did it all go sour for you or a colleague, or did you even end up marrying the boss? Let us know (anonymously if you prefer) by writing to editoruk@deskdemon.com

Spotlight on London: A guide to events venues in London, whether you're planning a small meeting or a mammoth exhibition

Travel Rewards: Award-winning journalist Cath Janes takes a look at the rewards that are on offer for travel bookers, and how to manage them.

Updating your CV: Career guru Sally Longson finds out how to bring your curriculum vitae bang up to date

New Year - New Desk: We take a look at some of the latest accessories to brighten up your desk, and more importantly, get it in order for the New Year!