Archive for the 'Career' Category

Administrator
Jun 4th, 2007

Do You Know Your Value?

Many clients come to me, wanting to change professions. These women have or have had successful careers; but, sometimes have challenges knowing their value. In the past their value has been determined by their employers, not their necessarily their skill set. Most women underestimate their value.

What’s most interesting is that women make approximately 70% on the dollar compared to their male colleagues. So how do you know your value?

RUN!!!
Research – Your job description and check out websites, books, databases to find out what your colleagues are making in your field.

Update – Your resume, preferably functional. If you don’t what you’ve do, while this are going great, its difficult to see your value while things are challenging (A lay-off, firing, relocation for personal reasons, etc.

Network – If you are not a part of your professional community you will not know the business and salary trends of your industry (Example: IT Salaries are going down – Sometimes called a correction.

Tomorrow – Evaluate Your Personal Value

Administrator
Jan 9th, 2007

Take a Vacation and Discover a New Career

One of most requested goals I’m asked to work on with my clients on is Career Change.  It seems to be crucial to find a gratifying career to help an individual feel fulfilled in their life.  However, it’s very challenging for most, to dream of what they want to be, when you are a “grown up,” now that you are, a “grown up.”   Does this sound familiar?

I always ask my clients, what they would be doing as a career, if money, age, skills set, location, etc. were not an obstacle.  Most are frozen, when I ask that question.  Why?  Fear? Lack of Imagination?  There is no clear cut answer; but, most want me to tell them what they should do.  I can’t; because the answer has to come from them.  Yes, I can give assessments and other test, to help clients discover their aptitude, passion, core values and current skill set.  However, there is one more thing that might help, “Vocation Vacation.” 

Why am I suggesting this?  As a Life Coach, I’m always asking my clients to research opportunities through, informational interviews, networking, etc.  Now “Vocation Vacations” offers another to explore careers that you have an interest in; but are not sure, if it’s something you should go after.  “Vocation Vacations” allows you to shadow a person who has your “Dream Job” and you can see first hand what its like to have your “Dream opportunity.”  Remember it’s not just about making money; but, finding the rewarding career that fits you and makes you feel happy. 

Related Links

Administrator
Dec 6th, 2006

Do You Have a Goal Like “Dreamgirls?”

Did you know screenwriter’s Bill Condon’s fantasy goal was to write the script for the “Dreamgirls” movie?  However, it was a film that no one was really allowed to write or get off the ground because the producer of the Broadway show, David Geffen,  retained the film rights and didn’t feel anyone could do justice to the film version.  Also he was concerned the Broadway version’s of “Dreamgirls” reputation and his friend’s Michael Bennet the choreographer’s memory could be damaged? 

Wait, isn’t “Dreamgirls” the film that’s opening to all of the Oscar Buzz?  Yes!!!

Why am I writing about the movie “Dreamgirls” in today’s Blog? Well when I was reading the December 4, issue, of my New York Observer; I read the article “Dreamgirls Wakes Up.”  It stated the facts that  I mentioned in the first paragraph.  But, the most important fact, was Bill Condon, told his dream goal to a friend, Laurence Mark.  Condon was very specific about his dream and his friend Mark, a producer, was also a friend of David Geffen.  Mark, realized his friend, Condon, really wanted to do this film and Mark arranged a lunch with David Geffen.  Condon gave a 6 minute pitch, about a film, people have been trying to make for 25 years; but unable to and won Geffen over.  Condon will probably win himself an Oscar for it.  Have you heard this before?

Dream Goal -> Pitch -> Support Network -> Connection with a Decision Maker -> Realization of your Dream

What’s your Dream?  Make it happen.  Write your pitch and reconnect; it’s as simple as that.

Administrator
Nov 26th, 2006

4 Tips to Create Your List of 200-300 and Build an Effective Support Network

It is suggested that you have at least 200-300 people in your support network.  Why?  They can help you find out information, meet a mate, get a new job, find a new home, etc.  Remember, you are probably part of someone’s list of 200-300 contacts already.  Is your list there yet?  If not, here are 4 easy steps to building a network that is effective and connects you with people who can support you in “Living Your Best Life.” Here are the 4 steps:

  1. List all of the people you know.  Start with your inner circle.  These are people who know you.  They include: close friends, colleagues, people you would invite out for an evening or to a party.  Don’t forget to include family.  Sometimes, individuals in our family are people we communicate with the least.  Because of this, family is often accused of not being supportive of individuals in achieving their dreams.  Yes, this is possible; but, how can you support a loved one, when you don’t know what someone wants, needs, or they haven’t asked you for help yet?  Family relationships are often the most difficult in your network to manage; however, they could offer the best resources.
  2. Now add everyone you know professionally or socially that you may communicate with; but, not on a daily or even weekly basis.  This list includes services professionals, physicians, dentist, politicians you’ve met, stylist, insurance agents, realtors, etc.  Remember these are people who have provided you with a service and you may have supported them too, already.  These individuals know what is going on with you, or in your environment and are connected with people you don’t know.
  3. Don’t forget to include to the list, everyone you’ve been referred to or met through networking.  These contacts occasionally get dropped from networking or contact list.  Sometimes we make judgments for them and about them.  We don’t want to intrude or don’t feel they are interested as they were in us when we first met them.  Ask first.  Yes, you may be right; but, give these individuals a chance.  You might be surprised.  These contacts could be the great connectors to decision makers or experts, in a life change, crisis or career decisions.
  4. Finally, write down all of the decision makers and experts you know. These are the people who can help you get a job, loan, give you advice in a crisis.  They can also move you to the top of the list, to the front of the line, or make things happen. 

How big is your list, now?  I think you’re ready to start connecting.

Administrator
Nov 25th, 2006

Create and Maintain an Effective List

When I’m helping clients to reconnect, initially I assumed that making the pitch is the challenge and measuring expectations is difficult. But, for many, making and maintaining a list of people to connect and reconnect with is the test.

Many of us go through our rolodexes, phones and address books to find that we haven’t communicated with someone in so long none of the information is incorrect or we forgot how we knew them. So the first step I suggest is to make a spread sheet. It’s an easy place to capture basic information: 

  • Name
  • Title
  • Company
  • Address
  • Phone
  • Cell phone number, etc.

Also, a spreadsheet is a great place to capture comments or notes. It’s easy to upload the information from a simple spreadsheet to various email and communication management platforms. However, if you prefer the tried and true paper methods, don’t forget to make notes on the back of business cards, in address books, etc., and take the time to write details.

Do you have 200-300 people in you contact database? If not, don’t forget to check my next blog. I’ll give you tips on building your list.

Administrator
Nov 11th, 2006

Connect in 225 Words

It takes 225 words to connect, make friends and the get the support you desire.  These words are the 60 to 90 seconds that will communicate the highlights of your life, along with your aspirations.  It’s your elevator speech to success.  How do you structure it?  Write approximately:

  1. 8 to 10 sentences or 50 to 60 seconds of what you’ve been doing
  2. 2 sentences or 10 seconds of what you’re doing now and
  3. 3 to 5 sentences or 20 to 30 seconds of what you want, hope to do, or dream. 

The sentence suggestions are a guide; since, the average length of a conversational sentence is 15 words. 

Now, own it.  These words represent the most important highlights of your life along with the goals you desire.  This sound bite is valuable; impressions are made quickly. 

When sending emails, remember warm yet cryptic statements are better than journal entries; you’re trying to make an impression.  This also holds true when you’re meeting someone for the first time, socially or professionally.  Don’t bore them to death; you might not get a second chance.  Finally, pay attention.  It’s easy to miss read or hear what someone is saying; if you’re fixated on a certain outcome.  Respond appropriately to their thoughts.

Now get started; you can say a lot in 225 words. 

(This blog’s word count is 228 words.)

Links about Elevator Speeches

Administrator
Nov 1st, 2006

Forgiveness Will Help You Move Past the Emotional Baggage

I woke up last night, turned on the television, and found myself watching a dating show.  In the show there was a young woman who was tells her date, she doesn’t want to get married or even date really, because eventually men leave you. She felt that men were always looking for someone better, smarter, prettier, etc.  But the date wasn’t going to her expectations, the young man seemed interested in her and still wanted to connect with her.  He really wanted to find out more about her, her feeling and share his experiences with her, too.  But, that made her call him, sensitive and eventually confronting him by saying he wasn’t different than anyone else, and she ultimately told him he was probably a cheat, too.  Needless to say, the date didn’t go well.  Watching this woman’s reality moment, made me realize, the date would have been the same, even if it wasn’t television. 

I want you, to ask yourself a question?  Have you ever found yourself doing something similar in life?  Not necessarily on a date; but, when you are exposed to a new experience, get a new opportunity , or even accepting an invitation out for the evening?  Do you sometimes predict a pessimistic result?  Is this you?  Now think about it and fill in your blank.  Do you know what causes this?  Say it!  You know it!!   Baggage!!! 

Yes, I know its an ugly word and by the time you are thirty you’ve probably heard it at least once.  But, its real.  It can cause you challenges in life.  Why? It makes you project expectations from previous experiences and not look at the potential in the situation you are in. How do you change this?   You have to exorcize it.  Some remedies are, go to therapy, get a coach, or seek spiritual counsel; but there is a cheaper way, forgiveness. 

Forgiveness is a great way to let go of the emotional baggage that is keeping you from enjoying life and getting what you want.  Forgiveness will allow you to release yourself from resentment that has become a barrier in you life’s journey, to find a mate, new job or exploring your talents.  Remember, if you don’t address your emotional baggage, it can also affect your ability to live the life you desire.  It’s ok that you might not be aware of your baggage on the surface, but when you discover it, the benefits of forgiving and letting it go are huge.  So let me ask you, what’s keeping you from forgiving both, personally and professionally, to live your best life?

… and remember “When you hold resentment toward another, you are bound to that person or condition by an emotional link that is stronger than steel. Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve that link and get free.” ~~Catherine Ponder~~Links on Forgiveness

Books on Forgiveness

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Administrator
Oct 30th, 2006

Functional Resumes - a Great Tool for Midlife Career Change

A functional resume, is a great tool for the midlife woman, who is looking for a resource, to help her with a career transition and build a bridge to the opportunity she desires.  Why?  Well, this type of resume is a wonderful way to access your skills and really look at the transferable expertise you have.  This is because you can highlight, group and summarize your abilities and accomplishments, in a way you can’t in a chronological resume.  You will also be able to include talents, you have developed; but, were not paid for.  This will include; but, is not limited too:  volunteer work, hobbies, internships, and projects done on the job, that are not a part of your role. 

You still don’t see the benefits of writing a functional resume? Then, think about this.  A functional resume will give your work experience a cohesive voice that will also benefit you, when you start writing your mission statement, business plan or interviewing for your new opportunity. This resume will allow you to quantify, categorize, and validate your skills and knowledge not only to others; but, for yourself, too.  Finally, this resume will allow you to see where you may have skill gaps that you need to develop.  So after all is said, the functional resume is not just a tool to assist you in finding your next opportunity; but, a resource that makes you, much more effective in your quest for a career change.

Functional resume Links

Administrator
Oct 29th, 2006

Journal Writing Can Help You Discover What You’re Looking For

As a life coach, I hear my clients say, they want a new career, relationship, or life change; but, they are not sure what really want, or how to get it.  If this is you, you’re not alone.  But, you do know what you really want? Your challenges? And how to realize you dreams?  Yes, a coach can help you; but journaling is a great tool to get you started.    Why?  Just putting something on the page makes it a reality, releases stress and increases focus?  The reason, when we acknowledge by journaling, what’s important to us or how we feel about something, we give our thoughts, desires, frustrations and ideas, a voice, along with a place to reside.  

How do you start Journaling?

  • Get a journal or notebook that works for you and your lifestyle.  It can be digital or paper (Remember a computer journals can crash, so always try to save it to a jump or flash drive.)
  • Set aside a time in the morning or evening to reflect on your day, dreams and thoughts
  • Find a place to write. 
  • Write

Remember your journal is for you.  It can contain a to-do list, your life strategies, drawings, or discuss your dreams and frustrations. But remember the benefits are huge. Some examples of the pluses of journaling are:

  • Decreases stress
  • Increases focus
  • Develops creativity
  • Allow for reflection
  • Expands your inner voice
  • Helps you set clearer goals.

Yes, a coach can help you gain focus and clarify your goals; but, journaling will make this process much easier, too.  With all of these benefits, why are you not journaling? 

More Links on Journaling

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