tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50944223639432243882024-03-13T14:21:12.356-04:00HireEffectMotivating Musings in these challenging times.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01720689670231867813noreply@blogger.comBlogger303125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094422363943224388.post-15947034499552485812012-03-20T08:29:00.000-04:002012-03-20T08:29:52.144-04:00Pondering Spring CleaningSo, on this first day of spring, I am once again inspired to write! I've been pondering Spring Cleaning. We started last weekend. It was beautiful on Saturday, and we spent the day outdoors clearing out what winter left behind. It was nice to see some of my son’s yard toys return and the “snow sticks” go away. I thought about “doing the closet”, but frankly, I’m a bit afraid of Murphy. You know Murphy, right? The one the “law” is about…. The one that ensures that as soon as I put my sweaters away it will turn cold again…<br />
<br />
I heard a radio host yesterday morning discussing Spring Cleaning as well. Surprisingly, clearing out closets and drawers fell FOURTH on the list of “what people clean” during this time of year. That got me thinking… Why does Spring Cleaning only have to be about bins and closets or windows and drapes? <br />
<br />
What if we could clean out our <b>selves</b>? What if we took a cue from nature and had our very own rebirth of sorts? I don’t want to be presumptuous, so I’ll just talk about me. <br />
<br />
I would like a fresh start. I would like to have an excuse to change a few things. (I know I don’t NEED a reason to do this, but just like New Year’s Resolutions, it’s nice to have a milestone…) Today, I will get back to basics; go back to the roots. I will remember that it’s OK to crawl before I walk, and walk before I run. I will remember to sound it out and take it slowly. I know that the sun will shine and turn the bulb buried deep into a beautiful, bright, colorful flower. <br />
<br />
Today I will give myself permission to dust off the good habits I’ve formed, but have since forgotten. It’s time for them to come out again. <br />
<br />
How will you celebrate spring?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01720689670231867813noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094422363943224388.post-33400187327870794222011-11-30T09:33:00.000-05:002011-11-30T09:33:11.640-05:00When The Only One You’re Hurting is You“We are accountable only to ourselves for what happens to us in our lives." ~~Mildred Newman~~<br />
<br />
Accountability is a curious thing to me. It’s easy to be accountable when there is an external expectation. If a customer is waiting for something from you, you get it to them, and you get it to them on time. If a client is in need, you help them in any way that you can. You are accountable to your customers and clients, and likely to your family and your friends. But how often do you hold yourself accountable for the things that are important only to you? Do you hold yourself accountable for things that are not perceived as requirements to achieve success? I can write about completing a <a href="http://hireeffect.blogspot.com/2011/11/performnace-management-for-rest-of-us.html">performance review</a> for yourself or your business, and you can think it’s a great idea, but do you do it? Or, do you plan to? What if you forget? Things like that slip through the cracks all the time. You know it’s a good idea. You believe it can help further your success, but it’s for you, and you alone… and so maybe someday you’ll get to it… <br />
<br />
Do you hold yourself accountable for the things you say you’re going to do when nobody really is expecting anything from you… except you? <br />
<br />
Here are some ways that I believe will help me hold myself accountable to ME. <br />
<br />
1. Engage an accountability partner. I have learned that when I have someone who can help nudge me along the way (who is not my spouse!) when I’m not meeting my own expectations is very helpful. I don’t like to admit failure. I don’t know anyone who does. So, if I create the person who IS expecting something form me, I get it done. I’m not talking about a daily thing, maybe not even a weekly thing, but someone who truly helps you stay accountable for your actions, whether for work or for job search, can be extremely helpful. <br />
2. Become part of an accountability group, or create one. This can be especially useful if you work independently, or are in job search. Put together a group of people who have similar needs or desire similar outcomes, and help each other stay focused and on track. Meet as often as you need to, maybe by phone, likely better in person, and keep your meetings productive. Set guidelines, and make sure that everyone in the group understands its purpose. <br />
3. Write down weekly goals along with daily to-dos that will help you achieve those goals. Set timelines, set deadlines, and stick to them. Maybe you can even share your list with your accountability partner or group. And, practice integrity. Do what you say you’re going to do, and create a consequence for not holding up your end of the bargain. Likewise, reward yourself when you do. Celebrate the small successes along the way. The little stuff adds up! <br />
<br />
If you have other ideas, let me know! Accountability really is a curious thing to me. And, I need as much help with holding myself accountable as anyone else out there!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01720689670231867813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094422363943224388.post-83538328804586337902011-11-29T07:30:00.001-05:002011-11-29T07:33:15.684-05:00Performance Management For The Rest Of Us“It's not what if, it's what now.” ~Author Unknown<br />
<br />
<br />
It has been far too long since I’ve written a blog post. I went looking this morning for an old post to reference, and I was completely inspired to write! So here goes! <br />
<br />
It’s that time of year again. There’s a chill in the air, Christmas lights are popping up everywhere, the shopping mayhem has begun… And at work, it’s likely time for performance evaluations. Performance management is a necessary practice in human resources. Making sure you have the right people doing the right jobs at the right time for the right price is critical to business success. So, why do we as people not employ the same practices? Isn’t it possible that evaluating our own performance could be critical to our own personal success? I think so. I wrote this <a href="http://hireeffect.blogspot.com/2011/03/goals-doing-math.html ">post</a> about goals and priorities changing over time and how giving myself a quick evaluation was an eye-opening experience. And I haven’t done another since… <br />
It’s time. I can’t possibly set appropriate goals for next year without evaluating what I’ve achieved (or not yet achieved) this year.<br />
So, whether you’re a job seeker, a business owner, a homemaker, or an employee, here are a few questions you can ask yourself to get started.<br />
<br />
1. What have I accomplished so far this year? What goals have I achieved?<br />
2. What have I been proudest of? (Or, what made me the happiest?)<br />
3. What should I continue to do next year? <br />
4. What should I NOT continue to do next year?<br />
5. What goals have I not yet achieved? What stopped me? Will achieving them still take me down my intended path?<br />
6. What goals can I set for next year? What should I start doing that I have not yet started? <br />
7. What resources do I need that I do not yet have? Where can I get help?<br />
<br />
Knowing (or at least pondering) the answers to these questions will most certainly get you started down the goal setting path for 2012. And there’s no time like today to get moving! <br />
<br />
“Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. That's why we call it the present.” ~Babatunde Olatunji, a similar version is also attributed to Alice Morse Earle (<a href="(http://www.quotegarden.com/live-now.html) ">http://www.quotegarden.com/live-now.html</a>)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01720689670231867813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094422363943224388.post-44842798497798013112011-09-02T08:00:00.001-04:002011-09-02T08:02:36.978-04:00Create The Good“It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.” ~~Leonardo da Vinci~~<br />
<br />
<br />
This has been a tough year for a lot of people. Between the aftermath of Irene, the earthquake, the floods… the unemployment, the economy, the debt… it’s hard for me to sit here and tell you that everything happens for a reason. <br />
<br />
Personally, I have to hold on to the notion that there’s a greater plan, and that I can’t possibly begin to understand that plan, but that’s not the practical advice that “you can use today” that I’ve become known for. <br />
<br />
What if, instead, we look for ways to make something good happen from every situation? <br />
<br />
Irene, like many of the recent weather issues, created a need for communities to come together in a way I have not witnessed in a while. Families helping one another, even those they don’t know; municipalities offering free services to entire towns in some instances; it has made room for the possibility of everyone actually working as a team moving towards a common goal. <br />
<br />
I had a client tell me yesterday that his recent unemployment has given him the time he has not made in a while to take care of himself and get a few things off of his to-do list. He’s been to the doctor, fixed a few things, did some preventative maintenance… and in light of the recent weather, some of this may have saved his house… <br />
<br />
I had another client tell me that her (more long-term) unemployment has given her the opportunity to volunteer. As she tries to stay busy and be useful (as well as keep the gaps off of her résumé) she has been working hard in her town to increase the amount of food in the local food pantry and raise awareness about the hunger issues very close to home. <br />
<br />
Even in my own family, since the recent passing of my grandmother, my Dad is spending much more time with his father, and creating happiness in his life he hasn’t seen in the last few years. It’s been awesome to hear joy in my grandfather’s voice again, despite the loss of his partner and wife of 68 years!<br />
<br />
On Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, total strangers are reaching across the globe to help others in need. From encouragement and support to resume writing and career help, to fundraising for little-known but highly valuable causes… the world is getting smaller in these times…<br />
<br />
I’m not going to pretend that this will always be easy. It will not. I can’t tell you that I always find a silver lining the first time I look. I don’t. But I know that there is one, or at least the chance to create one. <br />
<br />
I challenge us all to find a way to make something good happen every day, in every situation, no matter how difficult. <br />
<br />
Today I will spread positive energy served with a smile everywhere I go. What will you do today?<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01720689670231867813noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094422363943224388.post-35752029787965950482011-08-26T08:06:00.000-04:002011-08-26T08:06:57.004-04:00On Being Committed“There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when it's convenient. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses; only results." ~~Kenneth Blanchard~~<br />
<br />
It takes a lot of will power to be committed. Will power is not something that comes easily to all. It if did, there probably wouldn’t be a name for it… I’ve written many posts about not going it alone. I often talk about the importance of networking and of getting and giving help. Being committed to being committed is a prime example of when your support system can, well, support you! Ask for encouragement. Ask to be held accountable. Ask for help in recognizing when your commitment starts to waiver. Just because it’s YOUR commitment doesn’t mean you have to do it by yourself. Rally your friends, your family, your coach, your colleagues, the twitterverse… Let people know what you’re up to. <br />
<br />
Let’s get the world committed to your success. <br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01720689670231867813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094422363943224388.post-42912720335932781352011-08-25T07:53:00.001-04:002011-08-25T07:57:09.721-04:00The Power is in the Pen"Knowing where you're going is all you need to get there." ~~Frederick (Carl) Frieseke~~<br />
<br />
The Power is in the Pen. Well, maybe not the pen, but definitely in writing it down… An interesting thing happened to me early this week. In preparing for the first meeting of my accountability group after summer’s hiatus, I spent some time thinking about my goals between now and the end of this year. I recognized again that goals and tasks are not the same, so I actually spelled out – wrote down – 7 different goals. One business development goal, one public speaking goal, one job seeker social media client goal, etc. I also wrote down a recurring to-do list, things like a daily blog post, daily candidate sourcing; things I need to do every day to help me achieve my goals. Literally within hours, I had a new social media referral from a boutique outplacement firm that seemed to have also taken the summer off. By the next day I also had two referrals / introductions form colleagues to potential new clients, and an inquiry about my <a href="http://www.hireeffect.com/linkedin_webinar ">LinkedIn Webinar</a>. It felt great! <br />
<br />
I was reminded again yesterday about the power of writing it down. One of the participants on my last webinar sent me an email, which I have excerpted below: <br />
<br />
Dear Jennifer,<br />
<br />
I want to tell you a funny (peculiar, not ha-ha) story about what happened to me after I attended your LinkedIn webinar on 28 July.<br />
<br />
On Tuesday, 2 August, my latest newsletter was sent out. With that done, I went back to musing as to how I would implement the to-do list I created while listening to you. Top of the list – how to get recommendations. On Wednesday I received notification that someone had endorsed me.<br />
<br />
When I asked this client why he had suddenly written the referral, he responded by saying that he had never written a LinkedIn referral before, but when he got my latest ‘newsletter’, he thought “if I ever write a referral, then it would be for this guy”. And then, he said, he suddenly thought, “Why not now?”. And he did.<br />
<br />
So, I put it down to your lessons being in my mind sending out thought patterns to the Universe who then nudged someone to act on it. You have a better explanation?<br />
<br />
To which I replied: <br />
<br />
I love hearing this stuff! And, I do NOT have a better explanation. I am a huge believer of writing things down, putting thoughts out into the universe, and letting the magic happen! There’s no such thing as coincidence in my book…<br />
<br />
My take-a-way… Write it down. Put it out there. Know your intentions. Make them real. By the way… when I was writing down my goals, I also wrote down some affirmations. I even taped them to my wall right next to my computer! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01720689670231867813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094422363943224388.post-350770187600370112011-08-24T08:07:00.000-04:002011-08-24T08:07:59.901-04:00Jealous Therapist Syndrome“Some people like my advice so much that they frame it upon the wall instead of using it.” ~~Gordon R. Dickson~~<br />
<br />
During an Accountability Group meeting yesterday we discussed what one of my partners called the “jealous therapist syndrome”. I Googled it… I think she may have coined the phrase. Basically the point is that it’s often easier to help someone else than it is to help yourself. We have clarity of thought when we look in from the outside. We can give great advice to others, but we don’t always follow our own. We can see what can work for someone else's situation, but have trouble plotting out our own path. A colleague of mine, <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/edmhan">Ed Han</a>, even posted about it in <a href="http://edmusesupon.wordpress.com/ ">his blog</a> a few weeks ago as it relates to resumes, and how hard it is to write your own, while being so easy to give opinions on others. In his post, Ed challenges us to “Imagine what more any of us could learn if we had more input from people whose views we trust?” I like the idea! It’s why there are mastermind groups, power lunches with like-minded people, job clubs, and a whole host of other networking opportunities where we can share information and get input from people we trust and respect. Research has shown that job seekers who are members of job clubs land new roles more quickly than those who do not participate in such networking events. Another colleague of mine, <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/donnasvei://">Donna Svei</a>, aka Avid Careerist, a resume writer who also writes a <a href="http://www.avidcareerist.com/ ">great blog</a> for job seekers, strongly encourages job seekers to “show up” and “get yourself out with people” in her post <a href="http://www.avidcareerist.com/2011/06/20/3-gotta-be-places-for-job-seekers/ ">HERE</a>. So – what are you waiting for? Get out there, ask for ideas and input. Seek assistance… but beware the naysayers and the doom and gloomers. Not all advice is good. <br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01720689670231867813noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094422363943224388.post-90334600587969480602011-08-23T09:30:00.000-04:002011-08-23T09:30:55.541-04:00Getting Back on Track“Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.” ~~Will Rogers~~<br />
<br />
Staying focused seems to be one of my biggest challenges. And, from what I read on a regular basis, it’s clear that it’s not just me! My post yesterday (<a href="http://hireeffect.blogspot.com/2011/08/using-time-wisely.html">here</a>) describes a planning tool I use to help stay organized and make good choices about how to use my time… but it doesn’t always help me stay off the web, and focused on more critical (or more lucrative) tasks. I’ve described techniques in the past; <a href="http://hireeffect.blogspot.com/2011/05/focus-taking-targeted-approach.html">Aligned Thinking</a>, and <a href="http://hireeffect.blogspot.com/2011/04/focus-productivity-experiment.html">Celestine Prophecy-like focused energy</a> to name two… and when I’m in total “production mode” these work and work well… but what happens when distractions get the better of you? What happens when you’re not feeling motivated and you’d rather spend some time on <a href=" http://www.zappos.com">Zappos</a>, Twitter, or Facebook? I want to know what works for you. How do you maintain focus and stay productive especially when you just don’t feel like it? Do you use a self-reward system? Do you listen to loud music? Do you allow yourself the distraction knowing that you’ll pick back up soon? Is it easy for you to recognize, or admit to yourself, that you’ve lost focus? And, once you’ve realized you’re not focused, how do you get back on track? Thanks in advance for your comments! Let’s help each other out! <br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01720689670231867813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094422363943224388.post-44862497051806759392011-08-22T11:50:00.000-04:002011-08-22T11:50:41.668-04:00Using Time Wisely“Better three hours too soon, than one minute too late.” ~~William Shakespeare~~<br />
<br />
Using my time wisely sometimes involves making tough choices. The things I want to do are not always the things I need to do in order to keep appropriate forward momentum. The things I need to do are not always the things other people want me to do. Regardless of who wants me to, or whether or not I want to, I know what I need to do to get the job done! <br />
<br />
The best way I have found so far in making sure I get the most out of the hours in the day is simple planning. I, personally, have returned to the handwritten planner. Outlook, or some other calendar, day timer or notebook would work just fine. Here’s what I do. <br />
<br />
1. I set up categories – sections for each activity in which I am actively involved. I have 3 different sections for work, as I wear many hats. I also have a section for the non-profit I am a board member for, a section for my SendOut Cards business, a section for a networking organization I help run, and a section for personal items. <br />
2. I set up a system where I can identify things that need to happen within each category, and assign them a priority. High, not as high (because nothing is ever a low priority, right?), and things to keep in mind. <br />
3. I have a section for phone calls I need to make/return and a section for non-specific follow up, as well as room to take notes. <br />
4. At the top of the page I determine what my major goal is for the week, and then I make sure that the things I put in the high priority section will help me actually achieve that goal. When those are done, I can move on.<br />
<br />
Since I know what my goals are, and I know the tasks and action steps required to get to closer to my goals, it’s easier to make the tough choices. It’s clear where I need to spend my time and put forth the most effort. And, the best part about it is that when I see I have achieved a goal, and am able to cross something off the priority list as an accomplishment, I have a small success to celebrate, which helps keep me motivated! <br />
<br />
What tools do you use to be sure you use your time wisely? <br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01720689670231867813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094422363943224388.post-68816664684265524602011-08-19T07:23:00.000-04:002011-08-19T07:23:25.489-04:00Motivation: Today is Also Your Day!Baby you’re a firework; Come on let your colors burst; Make ‘em go, oh, oh, oh; You’re gonna leave ‘em falling down. Boom, boom, boom; Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon; It’s always been inside of you, you, you; And now it’s time to let it through! ~~Lyrics From Firework by Katy Perry~~<br />
<br />
We often feel adrift when our confidence is low. When we’re on what I called yesterday, “an inadequacy kick”, nothing we do seems good enough, or smart enough, or innovative enough… So, it’s time. Today is also your day! (see previous post here: http://hireeffect.blogspot.com/2011/08/today-is-your-day.html) Your moment is waiting! <br />
<br />
Embrace your inner firework! Be proud of what you have accomplished. Only you could have done it! Only you could have taken your exact circumstances, paired them with your exact skills and timing and sense of know-how! Only you could have achieved that exact result at that exact moment! So shout your value from the roof top. Strut your stuff. Let your individuality and experience come through. <br />
<br />
Think about your value proposition. Who are you in regard to a role? What do you bring to the table that nobody else does? What are the recurring themes of your results and achievements? What are you known for? Or, what do you want to be known for? Write it out. Re-write it. Read it out loud. Practice it. Learn it. Know it. Live it. You are a firework! Let yourself shine! <br />
<br />
Complete Firework lyrics: http://www.directlyrics.com/katy-perry-firework-lyrics.html<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01720689670231867813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094422363943224388.post-12518714491830452472011-08-18T07:40:00.000-04:002011-08-18T07:40:34.060-04:00The High of Helping"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." ~~Henry Ford~~<br />
<br />
You don’t have to do it alone. You’ve heard that “it takes a village”? I had, many times, but I’m not sure I really understood the meaning until recently. Things like Ego and Fear or Embarrassment can get in the way of asking for help or advice. So we go it alone. We try to trudge our way through what feels like uncharted territory and make it up as we go along. Well, like yesterday, today is your day! Your goals are waiting. Today is the day to empower the village to pull together. Today is the day to take action steps to overcoming the ostensible need to do it alone. If you’re feeling shy, or feeling scared, then start by helping someone else! You’ll see how good it feels to be the one to help pick someone else up off the ground. You’ll understand intrinsically why it’s human nature to assist others. You’ll feel the natural high of being able to offer something you didn’t even know you had (or didn’t think was all that special) that helps someone turn their life around. Maybe then will you see that by asking for help you’re actually doing someone else a favor! <br />
<br />
I haven’t been out there as much lately. Sure, I’ve still been helping some. It’s what I do. Teaching job seekers how to think like a recruiter; leveraging social media; networking tactics… it’s what I do. But I haven’t really been out there lately. I miss the face-to-face networking that brings me so much joy. I miss being out there helping people connect with others who can help them even more than I can. And, I miss recognizing the proverbial light bulbs going off when someone sees a way that they can help me. Networking is a two way street, and it starts with you, and it starts today! Who can you help today? Who can you reach out to today? And who do you think may be able to help you get one step closer to your goals? <br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01720689670231867813noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094422363943224388.post-67577341611503391752011-08-17T07:19:00.000-04:002011-08-17T07:19:38.479-04:00Today Is Your Day“Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way.” ~~Dr. Seuss~~ <br />
<br />
The best time to start is today. In fact, the best time to start is right now. It doesn’t matter why you stopped. It doesn’t matter how long of a break you took. Even the number of times you’ve stopped and restarted is irrelevant. If you want to get going again, get going now. <br />
<br />
Life is full. You can label that fullness however you’d like. Inconveniences, setbacks, and disappointments; or surprises, opportunities, chances, and blessings… However you label them, the circumstances don’t change. You just need to change the way you think about them, and how you react to them. Whatever they are, whatever you call them, they’re there. And sometimes they’re valid, real reasons to take breaks.<br />
<br />
Maybe you took some time off to de-stress a little. Maybe you took a much needed vacation. Maybe you had a family situation that required your full attention. Maybe you simply lost the drive and motivation to keep going. Maybe you just needed to take a break…again. And, maybe, just maybe, now you’re just finding it hard to get back in that saddle. There are still just a “few more things” that need your attention and you’ll start tomorrow… Sound familiar? It’s a little close to home for me! And I choose, right here, right now to get back on that horse. <br />
<br />
Life is full of forgiveness. Forgive yourself for the break. But don’t forget that life is for living, and only you can make it happen. <br />
<br />
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go.” ~~Dr. Seuss <br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01720689670231867813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094422363943224388.post-90753885332523045152011-07-25T10:28:00.000-04:002011-07-25T10:28:47.938-04:00There’s Nothing Routine About a Job Search Routine“The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine.” ~Mike Murdock<br />
<br />
There’s nothing routine about routine. Having a plan, and sticking to it, may be the secret to success. I’m not suggesting that you hide from innovation and creativity. I am all about trying new things and reaping fruits of inspiration. Yet, I have also learned that having a routine can significantly increase your chances for triumph. Now, I get that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing you have always done the way you have always done it, and expecting different results. So again, I am not suggesting that you stick to a routine that is not creating benefit. I am suggesting, however, that sticking to a routine can help you realize benefit. <br />
<br />
I just got back from a wonderful vacation, and there was not one of the 23 of us who stuck to a routine. Vacation is the perfect time to deviate from routine, right? Well, it depends on what your goals are… There are so many tools available to us these days which we can use to keep up with our routines that I wonder if deviation is really the answer, or if it just causes more stress. For me, not sticking to my work routine, especially when I can automate things like sending tweets and posting Facebook updates, had me going through social media withdrawal and actually feeling guilty for not engaging online. Not staying on top of emails and at least spending a few minutes each morning and afternoon reading and responding to messages had me in a panic by last night. Not sleeping normally and eating normally and…well my body certainly has had more physical stress, but I totally understand the phrase, “I need a vacation to recover from my vacation”. Vacation may be an extreme example… how about in everyday living?<br />
<br />
How about in job search? What if you created a weekly routine which ensured that you spent the right amount of time on each part of a full career campaign? It is my belief that if you followed said routine, at least most of the time, you would feel more productive and in fact actually accomplish more. <br />
<br />
So let’s break it down. I believe that a full career campaign consists of research, communication and networking. Research includes things like identifying resources, networking opportunities, target companies, and people inside those target companies, as well as finding job postings to which you can apply. Communication includes phone, email and snail mail, and includes reaching out, responding, saying thank you, and following up. Networking includes professional industry and function specific events and conferences, job search specific networking, online networking and one-on-one meetings and conversations. Yes, that’s a lot. Yes, that’s a huge time commitment. People aren’t joking around when they say that looking for a job is a full time job. So, wouldn’t having (and following) a routine make fitting all this in a whole lot easier? <br />
<br />
What if you committed to 10 hours a week of research, 10 hours a week of communication in various forms, and 20 hours a week networking? Do you think it’s worth giving that a try? How will you set up your weekly routine? Let me know what your plan is, and how you feel at the end of a few weeks. I look forward to your reports back. And as always, let me know how I can help.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01720689670231867813noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094422363943224388.post-70553248705511746202011-06-24T07:56:00.003-04:002011-06-24T08:01:32.214-04:00Motivation: We all have it in us.“They are the weakest, however strong, who have no faith in themselves or their own powers.” ~~Christian Bovee<br /><br />Even when we know things work for us, we don’t always do them. Even though we know there are certain behaviors, actions, activities, rituals and practices that make us feel energized, whole, accomplished, happy… we don’t always remember or take the time to participate in them. Even when we have the tools… we don’t always use them. We’re an interesting species, us human beings.<br /><br />I had a rough morning yesterday. It seems, in all honesty, that I’ve been a bit off balance for the last few weeks. I’ve been fine; happily working, feeling good about my accomplishments, enjoying my family… just a bit off. But yesterday morning I was particularly unbalanced, and frankly, it was uncharacteristic. So, I decided to take action. (Sometimes us human beings need a swift kick in the pants to take action!) I did some research (read: a quick look through an old notebook) and remembered a meditation I have had great success with in the past, so I took some steps to be prepare for the attitude adjustment I so desperately needed. Thankfully, I already had a fantastic “power breakfast” planned with two colleagues and friends, and that got me off on the right foot. I came back to my office, worked for the rest of the day knowing that it was all going to be better soon. I went to the store and bought a few things that in my past have helped me achieve the most out of the meditation I was planning – a green candle and some new Tigers Eye tumbled stones (that’s a whole other post!) – and just before dinner I found 30 minutes of quiet time. I lit the candle, meditated, did some visualization, and BOY! It was nice! I then had a relaxing evening, and went to sleep knowing that things were changing. <br /><br />And, change they did! I woke up this morning 40 minutes before my alarm, and I feel great! So, instead of asking myself what took me so long (which believe me, I started to do!) I am grateful that I have the tools I need to get out of my own way and re-energize, motivate and achieve! <br /><br />And, I ask you – what can you today to get back on track?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01720689670231867813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094422363943224388.post-52226494802007976872011-06-15T08:54:00.001-04:002011-06-15T08:56:32.723-04:00The Evolution of Success“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” ~~Ursula K. LeGuin~~ <br /><br />Success is a moving target. It keeps evolving. As I achieve a goal or reach a destination, I find there is always more that can be achieved and reached. The way I achieve said success, then, needs to evolve as well. My destination keeps changing and therefore so must my path. <br /><br />I often write about enjoying the journey. So, it seems fitting that today, what would have been my “attitude” day, that I was inspired to write about this. It’s sometimes hard to keep that positive attitude when you feel overwhelmed by change. But, since I strongly believe that it is “mission critical” to stay positive and rise above the stress I work hard to maintain that attitude. <br /><br />I also strongly believe that change is good. It keeps us moving, helps keep us motivated, and often drives us to be the best we can be. Change keeps me on my toes, keeps me sharp, and enables me to adapt, learn, and grow. While it can be scary, when you trust your instincts, believe in yourself, and do your best, it can also be very empowering.<br /><br />So, here’s to change! Here’s to the evolution of success! Here’s to enjoying the journey! <br /><br />I’ve been doing a lot of research on transformation lately. Transformational Leadership, Culture Transformation… so I thought I was going to be clever and coin the phrase “Transformational Success”. Turns out others have already done that… but I am going to adopt the phrase. I look forward to where it will take me, and I look back with pride at how far I’ve come. <br /><br />I urge you to look at your path. How have you defined success for yourself in the past? Is it still the right definition for you? If it is not, how can you transform the definition to better suit you? And, how can you alter your path? I believe you’ll find the evaluation enlightening, freeing, and exciting! <br /><br />Note to my readers: I haven’t written in a while. I am contemplating changes to this blog as I contemplate changes in my own journey. I will always write to motivate others. That’s my passion. That being said, if there is anything that you would like to see more of, less of, or not at all, please feel free to let me know. I value your input and thank you for the support over the last few years.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01720689670231867813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094422363943224388.post-69562807832043390192011-05-27T08:24:00.001-04:002011-05-27T08:25:27.592-04:00Motivation: Are you living your life?“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.” ~~Judy Garland~~<br /><br />Being yourself, when you’re not really sure who that is, is not an easy task. I’ve been participating in a lot of conversations around this topic lately. It seems more than worth exploring. Who are you? <br /><br />Who are you in regard to a role? Who are you in regard to a job? Who are you in regard to your family? Do those things really make up who you are at all? Maybe the better question to ask is, “Who are you in regard to yourself?” <br /><br />I was finally able to articulate something yesterday that has been on my mind for a while now… Who I am is evolving. Not only do we evolve as a species, but we evolve as individual people. Who I am today is not entirely who I was yesterday, and that’s a good thing. We are “continuous learners”*. We change, adapt, adjust, learn, grow, and do it again. Our dreams change. Our goals change. Our priorities change. And, as a result of all of this change, the lessons we have to share with others become greater, and more helpful. <br /><br />So many people have been discussing Oprah’s last show. What stands out for me the most is that she gave her viewers a call to action. She challenged us to go do what we were put on this earth to do; to accomplish what we were born to accomplish; to share our knowledge and our passion, and fulfill our purpose; to live our lives. <br /><br />Are you living yours? <br /><br />*Great quote attributed to Margo Rose, founder of #HireFriday, and so much more.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01720689670231867813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094422363943224388.post-52874179175967840422011-05-24T09:36:00.002-04:002011-05-24T09:39:51.823-04:00Focus: Taking a Targeted Approach“We have more ability than will power, and it is often an excuse to ourselves that we imagine that things are impossible.” ~~François de la Rochefoucauld~~<br /><br />I’ve spent a great deal of time over the last few weeks talking with job seekers about the importance of being “targeted” in their search. You need to know who your target audience is and tailor your message to them. You need to be targeted in your networking efforts, targeted in your conversations and you need to target your value proposition, your cover letter, and even your resume. Of course, that got me thinking about myself and my approach to my own business and, frankly, my life in general. <br /><br />I know that staying focused is critical to my success. I know that there are so many things I want to do, and it is so easy to get distracted. I can spend hours on twitter in the name of organizing my lists believing that will help me be more productive later… and while that is absolutely the truth, it is likely not the best use of my time in the middle of my work day… What if, instead, every conversation, every email, every internet search, every Facebook post, every tweet, (read: every effort) was targeted and focused on one single desired outcome? <br /><br />What if you took a few minutes each morning to decide what you would like to achieve, and then focus all of your efforts for that day on achieving it? That could be really powerful! First step: figuring out what you want to achieve…Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01720689670231867813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094422363943224388.post-75920544028758961562011-05-23T10:07:00.003-04:002011-05-23T10:14:31.793-04:00Preparation: Choices Made from Lessons Learned“You may not be able to prepare for everything, but you can certainly be prepared for anything!” Jennifer Scott<br /><br />I have a shining example of the importance of preparation as evidenced by my 5 year old yesterday morning. He decided he wanted to paint. This was a big decision and required many little decisions to be made before he could begin. First, he needed to have enough forethought about his end product to determine what kind of painting he wanted. Was it to be large, or small? Was he going to use white paper or manila? Was it going to be a gift? Was it to hang on the wall? And, perhaps most importantly, what type of paint was to be used? <br /><br />You may be wondering why exactly this was all so important. Let me rewind for you… The last time my son decided he wanted to paint he did not think things through. Lessons learned were many. Number one: Poster paint and water colors do not work the same way. Water colors blend and make pretty shades. Mixing poster paint makes mud. Number two: Manila paper holds more paint than white easel paper, which when wet, rips very easily. Number three: You have to be willing to part with a gift, or at least be willing to paint a second masterpiece. Number four: Paint spills easily.<br /><br />So, choices made from lessons learned, and preparation continued. Next came set up. He decided to paint at the kitchen table. He needed the paper, his paints and brushes, water, and a roll of paper towels. We set him up and off he went. Sort of. My son is very particular... (I wonder where he gets that from…) He wanted to decide what the subject matter was to be before he began (another critical step in preparing for success demonstrated…) I won’t get into the end results in case there are any child psychologists reading… but suffice to say I have a beautiful painting now hanging on my office wall. <br /><br />What I was reminded of was that preparation for any task, large or small, work or play is an absolute requirement for success. If we hadn’t remembered the paper towels, for example, the blue paint which ultimately colored the river would have been the size of a lake, and on my kitchen floor instead of on the paper. Mental preparation (getting over the fear of the giant mess form last week), careful planning, and physical set up of workspace all came into play. If it’s so helpful to a 5 year old, imagine what it could do for me…Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01720689670231867813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094422363943224388.post-52094261936794969072011-05-17T08:48:00.006-04:002011-05-17T09:11:36.531-04:00Focus, Rest and Career Planning“Don't dwell on what went wrong. Instead, focus on what to do next. Spend your energies on moving forward toward finding the answer.” ~~Denis Waitley~~ <br /><br />It’s incredible what a good night’s sleep can do for you!! Well-rested and focused, we can accomplish anything! With even the best laid plans and preparation, as we know, life happens, and it doesn’t always happen according to our plans… so as soon as you are able, pick up where you left off, and get back on track. And that’s what I’m doing today! <br /><br />One plug for planning, and then I’m off to focus on today’s tasks…<br /><br />If you are a job seeker in the NYC Metro area, please check out <a href="http://planningonanapkin.com/">Career Planning on a Napkin!</a> HireEffect is co-hosting (with My ExecutiveCareerCoach.com) a spectacular day of job search strategy sessions, networking tips, stress management tools, and some of the best career advice around. I’ll be speaking about the job search / corporate marketing connection! I hope to see you Thursday!<br /><a href="http://planningonanapkin.com"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01720689670231867813noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094422363943224388.post-66288742881003987622011-05-12T11:24:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:30:41.735-04:00Goals Don’t Operate in Isolation“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” ~~Larry Elder~~<br /><br />During a recent strategy session for a new business venture something wonderful occurred to me. Well, really several things were brought to my attention that made this “occurrence” sort of hit me in the head! Goals don’t operate in isolation! <br /><br />Let’s assume for example’s sake that you have a desired outcome about something. You care enough about how this something is going to play out, so you write down your desired outcome. It becomes a goal. Achieving the goal should bring reward. Not achieving the goal will likely bring consequences. There likely exist some obstacles to achieving that goal, or you would have done it already. You need to identify at least those obstacles that you can see or predict. Then you need to determine several possible solutions to overcoming those obstacles. Once you actually identify both the obstacles and possible solutions, the obstacles themselves won’t seem so “obstacle-like.” Then you can take it even further. You can develop actual steps, tasks, to-do’s, whatever you want to call them that will help you reach the solutions, which will ultimately help you achieve your goals, get your desired outcomes and reap the rewards! <br /><br />Goals are not the end. They are a means to an end. And, while that may seem obvious to you, breaking it down like this has really helped me to feel good about the choices I make about on what to focus and on which steps to take first in order to reach the end.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01720689670231867813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094422363943224388.post-90963080556571265232011-05-11T08:28:00.001-04:002011-05-11T08:34:32.476-04:00Attitude: Your Public Face“Well we all have a face<br />That we hide away forever<br />And we take them out and<br />Show ourselves<br />When everyone has gone<br />Some are satin some are steel<br />Some are silk and some are leather<br />They're the faces of the stranger<br />But we love to try them on.” <br /><br />~~Billy Joel, “The Stranger”~~<br /><br />Have you thought about who you are in public? Are you different at home with your family than you are “in business”? Have you considered your online persona? Are you the same? As I talk to more people about the importance of an online presence in today’s marketplace I encounter many who don’t understand who they “should be” online. A few tips: 1. Be yourself. 2. Listen first to what’s going on around you, and then engage in conversation. 3. Add value and insight. And 4, which is the most important advice I can offer, stay positive. <em>No.Matter.What.</em><br /><br />It is becoming more and more apparent as online social networking tools increase in popularity that too many people still don’t understand the impact of negativity in public. Say whatever you want to at home behind closed doors, but when you’re out there, whether in person or behind a computer screen, please, I beg you, stay positive. Airing dirty laundry, complaining about your job (or lack of one), dissing the guy you just interviewed with in front of MILLIONS of people online, or otherwise being negative and whiny is just not going to help you. Not in any way.<br /><br />If you really can’t think of a way to spin it so it’s positive, if you simply cannot find that silver lining, just stay off the computer. You’ll be glad later that you made that choice.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01720689670231867813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094422363943224388.post-4530976341233357542011-05-10T07:24:00.002-04:002011-05-10T08:04:41.730-04:00Where Priority Meets Focus“I think in terms of the day's resolutions, not the years'.” ~~Henry Moore~~<br /><br />It’s not always easy to determine priorities. Sometimes you need to make tough decisions about what you’re NOT going to do. I was part of an interesting conversation recently about planning and focus that centered on people being prepared for the wrong thing or planning for something that never ended up happening. These were being presented as negative; as people wasting time or effort. I agreed to an extent at the time, but then I started to think about when it had happened to me. I’ve certainly had times that I prepared for something diligently that never came to pass. I’ve certainly experienced focusing a lot of energy and effort on what turned out to be less important than other things on which I could have focused. But each of those things helps make up who I am, what I know, and how I go into my next action. While I certainly could have been better served doing something else, I don’t believe that time was wasted. I believe there is a reason for everything even when we don’t know or see what that reason is. <br /><br />On the other hand, when you make those tough decisions, when you examine your goals carefully and plan specific action steps to achieve those goals, and then focus intently on those action steps, you are certain to succeed. When you can focus on the positive and not allow self-doubt or negativity creep in; when you can focus on the priorities and not let yourself get sidetracked; when you can focus on what you’re doing right now and not on what you need to do later, you’ve got a winning combination.<br /><br />On what will you choose to focus today?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01720689670231867813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094422363943224388.post-84093765355769259502011-05-04T08:35:00.001-04:002011-05-04T08:37:43.489-04:00Attitude: More Lessons From My Son“Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." ~~Antonio Smith~~ <br /><br />Do you remember when something as simple as getting to use an electric mixer was sure to be the start of an awesome day? How about when eating pancakes for breakfast was the Best. Thing. Ever. Or, when waiting a WHOLE WEEK until your birthday seemed like an eternity, and you couldn’t think of anything more important than who was coming to your party? Was life simpler then? I don’t think so. 5 year olds struggle enormously with peer pressure (yes, even at that age!), fears, uncertainty, and setting boundaries… That sounds a lot like what most adults suffer from too… so, what’s changed? Personally, I think it’s nothing more than attitude. Sure, the pressure is about more significant things, as are the fears and uncertainty, but you would think that since our power of deduction is also more significant, and our experiences are certainly much more vast, we would be able to handle the pressure as well as the little ones do… <br /><br />I want to go back to getting excited about the “small stuff”. (And, I’d go as far as arguing that these things really are NOT the “small stuff”!) So, here’s my Attitude Adjustment for today: I will rejoice in what’s REALLY important in my life! I know my day will be awesome because I made pancakes with my son this morning, and we had fun! I’m celebrating the fact that there’s a smile on my face, and one on his too.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01720689670231867813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094422363943224388.post-89914976422327072992011-04-29T08:01:00.001-04:002011-04-29T08:10:06.308-04:00Motivation and CelebrationAnother thing I learned from my almost-five-year-old son, well, actually from Raffi*… “All I really need is a song in my heart, food in my belly, and love in my family!” (All I Really Need – Baby Beluga)<br /><br />Celebrating the “simple stuff” instead of sweating the small stuff! What a Monumental Mind Shift!! A relatively easy modification, and yet so powerful and empowering! <br /><br />Today, I celebrate the things that *really* matter in my life! What will you celebrate today?<br /><br />*http://www.raffinews.com/raffi/worksAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01720689670231867813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094422363943224388.post-47948165019811242852011-04-28T08:02:00.002-04:002011-04-28T08:06:03.234-04:00Goals: A Path to Fulfillment“The more intensely we feel about an idea or a goal, the more assuredly the idea, buried deep in our subconscious, will direct us along the path to its fulfillment.” ~~Earl Nightingale~~<br /><br />I just completed the first module of a telecoaching / training program called “Aligned Thinking” given by Dr. Jim Steffen.* It’s a multi-session, weekly call that is said to help participants align EVERY action to the things they really want from life and from work. The first module is about setting a personal mission statement, and as I’ve started my work on the module, I’ve come to realize that while I have great goals, personally and professionally, I’ve never really thought about how they complement one another. I’m interested in seeing how this all plays out and am curious about whether or not I will change my work habits as a result of my personal goals. I think I’ve done a great job of creating a work/life balance, and the exercise of writing down my personal goals, just like I have with my professional goals, should prove to be very empowering. It’s an interesting process, and as I go through it, I’m likely to share more… <br /><br />Have you spent time thinking about how your personal goals affect your professional goals or your work habits? Have you taken the time to write down your personal goals, as well as your professional ones? Are all (and yes, I mean ALL) of your actions aligned with those goals? This is somewhat new for me… and I am excited about the possibilities. <br /><br />*For information on Aligned Thinking or Steffen, Steffen & Associates, please visit: http://www.ssainternational.com/Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01720689670231867813noreply@blogger.com2