If we know the definition of marketing right -it is a means of creating a favourable climate for the acceptance of the product or service offered and to acquire customers.

I wonder if HR does anything different to that...

In the end, marketing is always about networking - it's who you know, and who knows YOU that counts. While we may buy lunch at a restaurant we've never heard of or go to a movie we know nothing about, most of the time we do business with people we know and trust. It always comes back to that.

And even those lunches I mentioned - how often have you stopped at a McDonalds not because you love the food, but because you know and trust the brand? It always comes down to familiarity, predictability and trust.

Here are four strategies that have worked for thousands of business owners. They are not "quick fixes", and they will require more of you than merely buying an advertising campaign, but they are likely to produce better results:

If the following are good for Marketing it is equally valid for HR

1. Let people get to know YOU.
Join organizations you believe in. Work for worthy projects, and leter for causes, donate your time to charities and civic groups. You'll be helping your community, you'll know your customers, and more importantly, they will know and appreciate you.

2. Communicate in every way possible.
Instead of buying a radio ad, why not be a guest expert and answer questions? Instead of buying an ad in the local paper, write a column. Instead of mailing brochures, send a newsletter filled with practical information, community events - and a coupon.

3. Make your website a true resource.
A website that is merely an electronic brochure will have limited value. Provide resources folks can use! Have a link to the local conditions such as weather, traffic reports or the stock market. Give people a reason to use your site, and to return regularly.

Branding is always about YOU. Yes, branding your company name is helpful, and branding your goods and services is a nice idea. But the more people who know and appreciate you, the more business you'll do.

In the end, marketing is about networking, and so is HR.

The word itself relates to stress but has more significant meaning and comprises of several stress (internal/external) related factors.

How effective shall it be if we were to recognize the 'burnout' at the early stages, but for that we need to be alarmed with the warning signs.

So how do you know if you are suffering from burnout? Here are the early warning signs.

1. Chronic fatigue - exhaustion & tiredness
2. Anger
3. Self-criticism for putting up with the demands
4. Cynicism, negativity, and irritability
5. A sense of being besieged
6. Exploding easily at seemingly inconsequential things
7. Frequent headaches and gastrointestinal disturbances
8. Weight loss or gain
9. Sleeplessness and depression
10. Shortness of breath 

Take a close look at yourself. Sometimes a simple change at work can help you avoid many (if not all) of the early warning signs of burnout.