Career resolutions you should make in 2013

 

 

 By: Lori McMullin, APR

Director of Business Operations & Communications
Center for Business Excellence

 

New Year’s resolutions…most of us have made them at least once in our lives.  What about resolutions specific to our careers?

I found and article suggesting five we all should make – even if we are happy in our current positions.

For the suggestions, follow the link below and hit the “continue to slide” button on the top right-hand side of the page.  Oh, and Happy New Year!

http://www.forbes.com/sites/dailymuse/2012/01/04/5-career-resolutions-everyone-should-make/

Advice for the New Year

Posted by:  Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC

                  Training Coordinator

This is my last post of 2012 and with the New Year just around the corner I wanted to offer these suggestions for a successful New Year.

One, if you’re a job seeker and the methods you’ve been using haven’t been working for you consider trying some different methods. Keep in mind Einstein’s definition of insanity. For those of you who may not know his definition, “Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”.

Two, mistakes you’ve made in the past are in the past unless you choose to bring them forward with you. I’ll grant you that a leopard can’t change his spots; however, you’re not a leopard. People can change (within limits) if they choose to change. Take inventory of your life. Figure out where you are, how you got there and where you want to be. Once you know where you want to be you can figure out how to get there.

Let me leave you with this quote from Samuel Butler, “All the animals except man know that the principle business of life is to enjoy it.”

Whatever your belief system ,here’s hoping you have a wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

 

 

The Times They Are A Changing

Posted by:  Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC
                  Training Coordinator

Some of you may wonder why I continue to point out the obvious and repeat the same topic for posts. The answer is simple. There are still a great many people that don’t get it. Social media, LinkedIn in particular, is the new way to get found for a job.

I recently attended a workshop on Social Media for Job Seekers. The presenter told us that the majority of recruiters and headhunters she has spoken with recently tell her that 70% of their time is spent on LinkedIn.

Here’s a link to another good article on this topic.

Click here for the article.

Is there a softer side of strong leadership?

 

By: Lori McMullin, APR

Director of Business Operations & Communications
Center for Business Excellence

I recently saw the movie, “Lincoln,” and it got me thinking about his leadership style. By the way, it is an excellent movie – go see it.

This article is an interesting read -- reminding us there IS a softer side of strong leadership:

http://www.fastcompany.com/1823211/learning-softer-side-leadership

Is The Force With You?

Posted by:  Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC
                  Training Coordinator

I just read an awesome article about ‘job searching’ for the over 40 and unemployed group. The truth is that regardless of your age, it’s still a great article.

Click here to read words of wisdom from Yoda.

 

 

Charitable giving without breaking the bank

 

By: Lori Mcmullin, APR

Director of Business Operations & Communications
Center for Business Excellence

 

So many of us have a philanthropic soul -- and an increased fiscal conscience after living thorough the recession.  So, how do you marry the two up these days?

Yes, the old adage, “give until it hurts,” has merit, but does it still hold up in this new economy?

I have to say, I was more than a bit turned off when I recently received a solicitation letter from an organization I am involved in suggesting I give a MINIMUM of $1,000.  Really?

Was the organization implying that anything less would not be needed or appreciated? As a former fund-raising professional, I ask, “Is that the tactic an organization should take in this day and age?” 

Needless to say, I was pleased to find a link with simple ideas/reminders of how we all can make a big impact in the community without breaking the bank.  I hope you find it both inspiring and refreshing:

http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/08/28/25-ways-to-give-without-breaking-the-bank/

Overused Words In Your LinkedIn Profile

Posted by:  Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC

                  Training Coordinator

With the New Year just around the corner now is a good time to update your LinkedIn profile and get rid of the clichés and overused words.

 
Click here to read a good article on some of the most overused words.

The greatest beauty tip

By: Lori Mcmullin, APR,

Director of Business Operations & Communications

Center for Business Excellence

 

During this holiday season, many people struggle with how they look.  Maybe, they’ve put on extra holiday pounds and feel guilty.  Perhaps, they are working out extra hard to look more toned in that sparkly, little holiday dress.

In any case, we should take time to check ourselves when it comes to aesthetics and heed the advice the timeless, elegant Audrey Hepburn once gave.  Good stuff:

“For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his / her hands through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. People, more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed, never throw out anyone. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others. Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

-       Audrey Hepburn

Update and Maintain Your LinkedIn Profile

Posted by:  Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC

                  Training Coordinator

Regardless of your employment situation you should make sure that your LinkedIn Profile is complete and up to date and that it stays that way.

If you’re employed you may think you don’t need to maintain your profile and keep up with your LinkedIn network but nothing could be further from the truth. You may have a job today; however, that offers no guarantee that you’ll have a job tomorrow. Job searching is so much easy and faster if you already have a network of people to help you. So stay in touch with that network, offer assistance when you can because you never know when you may be the one needing assistance.

Below is a link to an article with 3 good reasons to complete and update your LinkedIn Profile.

 

Click here to read article.

How to remain productive at work during the holiday season

 

By: Lori McMullin, APR

Director of Business Operations & Communications
Center for Business Excellence

 

Most of us have been there.  It’s the holiday season and you are on a deadline at work.  A couple of your co-workers come by your office singing holiday songs and acting altogether too jolly for your current state of mind.

What do you do?  Give in and slack off the entire season?  Get in your best, “Bah! Humbug!,” mood?

Maybe, there’s another solution.  Check out this link to find out:

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/how-to-maintain-your-productivity-throughout-the-holiday-season.html

What Are You Thankful For?

Posted by:  Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC
                  Training Coordinator

Thanksgiving may have its roots in religion but today it’s more of a secular holiday. Whether you’re a devout follower of some religion, an agnostic or an atheist is irrelevant. There are still many things for which we all have to be thankful.

Regardless of your circumstances there’s always someone whose situation is worse than yours. This is not a time to play the ‘I’m worse off than you are game’. This is a time to be thankful for all the good things and people in your life.

Personally, I’m thankful I’m not the main course. On a more serious note, I’m thankful for all the positive people in my life and my good health.

 

 

Live like Jay

 

By: Lori McMullin, APR
Director of Business Operations & Communications
Center for Business Excellence

On election night, my husband and I decided to take a break from all of the political tension and see a movie.  At first, I wasn’t too thrilled with his choice, “Chasing Mavericks.”  I mistakenly thought it was a horse movie (oh, joy, I am not 12), and when I found out it was a surfing movie, I wasn’t that much more excited.  I was wrong.

Yes, there were awesome waves and surfing action for those who crave the excitement.  However, this true story had far more significant meaning.

The story revolves around a father/son-like relationship between local surfer and family man Frosty Hesson and his pizza delivery kid neighbor Jay Moriarty.  Moriarty, raised by his troubled mother, finds sanctuary surfing in the waters off the coast of Santa Cruz, CA with a board his absent father left behind.  Although, he is quite good, he is no match for the seasonal, nearby Mavericks waves.

What are the Mavericks, you ask? After a strong winter storm in the northern Pacific Ocean, Mavericks waves have been known to crest at over 25 feet and top out at over 80 feet. The break is caused by an unusually shaped underwater rock formation.

Getting back to the point of my story, Hesson reluctantly agrees to prepare Moriarty to take on the Mavericks.  One would think preparation would primarily involve surfing, but this is further from the truth.  Hesson gave Moriarty a, “Four Pillars Challenge,” which he had to agree to. 

This involved mental, emotional, physical and spiritual (whatever that meant to Moriarty) components.  Moriarty had to write essays on what he observed while preparing for the Mavericks. He learned to hold his breath for four minutes.  He also had to face unresolved feelings about his father. You get the idea.

Moriarty made it to the Mavericks that season and lived life to the fullest until his untimely drowning in 2001 just one day shy of his 23^rd birthday. He owes much of who he became to a man who grew to become his real father – Frosty Hesson.  As Hesson’s wife said, “Some sons are born to you…others occur to you."

In conclusion, “Chasing Mavericks,” was a fantastic movie – a modern-day, “Karate Kid,” but even better.  Ironically, Elizabeth Shue plays Moriarty’s mother in the film.

So, as we approach a new year, we can all take on our own pillars challenge, whatever it may be!

Is Self-Employment For You?

Posted by:  Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC
                  Training Coordinator

Can’t find a job? Don’t like working for someone else anyway? Have a great idea for a business of your own?

Being self-employed isn’t for everyone. Below is the link to a blog post of 13 signs that you’re meant to be self-employed. If you think it’s for you make sure you read the post.

 
Click here to read post.

Job search during the holiday season? You bet!

 

By: Lori McMullin, APR
Director of Business Operations & Communications
Center for Business Excellence

So, the holiday season will soon be upon us.  It can be hard to schedule personal and professional get-togethers, meetings, etc., as many enjoy spending this time of year with friends and family in down-time mode.

However, don’t think the business cycle ceases.  Now’s the perfect time to job search.  Follow this link to an article to find out why:

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/networking/a/holiday.htm

You Are a Business of One

Posted by:  Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC

                  Training Coordinator

In today’s world each and every one of us needs to look upon ourselves as a Business of One. While this new phrase is growing in popularity some folks aren’t sure just what it means.

My understanding is that you need to think of yourself as a business and the services you provide to an employer are the services your business provides.

With that thought in mind, do a mental review of the success or lack of success you’ve been experiencing in your job search. If your success has been minimal then perhaps it’s time you tried a new method of marketing your Business of One. Remember, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

Read the article and watch the video, perhaps you’ll get some ideas on how to change your tactics for better results.

 
Click here for the article.

Grieving and dealing with it in the workplace

By: Lori McMullin, APR

Director of Business Operations & Communications
Center for Business Excellence

 

Today’s blog post is just because… Hope this link is helpful:

http://www.haplecrone.com/portal/showthread.php?t=642

Are You Getting Interviews But Not the Job?

Posted by:  Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC

                  Training Coordinator

If you answered yes, to the title question you should read this article about the 3 qualities employers want to see exhibited when they interview.

 

Click here to read the article.

Emotional vampires…how to identify and slay them

 

 

By: Lori McMullin, APR

Director of Business Operations & Communications
Center for Business Excellence

 

Life can be stressful enough without added drama, right?  I’m not talking about the occasional guilty pleasure, like watching something on Bravo, for a brief escape from reality.

No, I’m talking about routine interactions with people who seem to push your buttons for some reason.  Even further, we may be pushing someone else’s buttons.  Hmmm…

I found this interesting link about the various types of emotional vampires.  Check it out:

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2009/10/27/5-emotional-vampires-and-how-to-combat-them/

Best Questions to End a Job Interview

Posted by:  Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC
                  Training Coordinator

Answering questions during an interview is hard enough and then they expect you to ask them questions. Personally, I always found trying to figure out what to ask them to be the hardest part of the interview. Well, not any more. Click here and read a wonderful article with four great end of interview questions.

Is your gut or brain more important in decision making?

 

 

By: Lori McMullin, APR

Director of Business Operations & Communications
Center for Business Excellence

 

In real-world scenarios, which is more important in the decision-making process – your gut or your brain?

In business, you don’t want to make a mistake by not doing your homework first.  However, often, time is not a luxury and there is zero tolerance for waffling.

About 15 years ago, I worked for ARAMARK as a public relations and marketing coordinator.  We had a saying, “Manage Your Destiny.” We were expected to make mistakes along the way, but in the end, it should all balance out if we were well suited for daily challenges and opportunities.  I still really like that mantra. 

Here’s a link to more information on decision making.  I hope you find it useful:

http://www.decisionstrategies.com/blog/2012/10/Brain-vs-Gut---Making-Smart-Decisions-in-the-Face-of-Uncertainty

3 Simple Ideas to Reduce STRESS

Posted by:  Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC
                  Training Coordinator

Are you stressed? Do you worry about __________________ (fill in the blank)? Are you aware that the majority of what we worry about never comes to pass? How much of your time and energy do you spend worrying about things that never happen? That’s time and energy that could be used in more constructive and positive endeavors.

Here are three simple ideas to help you reduce your stress.

1.   Stop watching the news 24/7 – When was the last time you heard some good news while watching the evening/morning/24 hour news? Every great once in a while they’ll have some feel good story but as a general rule the old adage is very true, ‘if it bleeds, it leads’. A lot of the time when I tell people this, at first they look at me like I just suggested they kill someone, then they ask me, “How will I know what’s going on in the world if I don’t watch the news?” Believe me, I haven’t watched the news in over five years and I know what’s going on in the world. Do I know all the details of the latest madness? No. If I did would it make a difference in the world? No! So why should I stress and depress myself by hearing about and viewing the insanity of the world in which we live? Instead, watch something that will make you laugh. Find a favorite old sitcom that’s in syndication and watch back-to-back episodes.

2.   Laugh – Yes, laughter is a wonderful stress reliever. Laughing stimulates several of our major organs, it stimulates our circulation and aids in muscle relaxation. Those are the short term benefits and there are long term health benefits as well. There’s even legitimate medical research to back it all up. If you’re interested in reading the details about laughter as a stress reliever click here to go to the Mayo Clinic.

3.   Take Deep Breaths – While laughing for no apparent reason might cause people to look at you strangely, you can do deep breathing anywhere and it’s virtually unnoticeable. Breathing deeply tells your brain to calm down. Your brain then passes that message on to your body. In addition to deep breathing there are other breathing exercises that can benefit you and reduce your stress and increase your alertness. Click here to read the details about multiple breathing exercises.

These are just three things can help keep your stress level under control. There’s no cost associated with any of these stress relievers. The reality is there are a great many things you can do to reduce and control your stress level and most of them are free.

Here’s a bonus piece of information. Research has shown that the majority of what we worry about never happens. So stop spending your mental energy and time worrying about things over which you have no control. Put that time and energy to a more constructive activity.

How to respond to rude emails

 

By: Lori McMullin, APR

Director of Business Operations & Communications
Center for Business Excellence

 

Whether it’s a work, family or other sort of email that makes you go, “Hmmm,” there are correct ways to handle the situation.

We see it all the time.  Sometimes, I think there are a few people out there who should be banned from emailing.  They truly have no clue their emails have “tone” and back and forth banter just becomes exhausting. 

Same thing on Facebook.  I cannot believe how some folks snipe back and forth on each other’s walls.  Take it offline and, maybe, pick up the phone or talk to the person face-to-face!  How about that?

In any case, here are some tips on how to deal with rude emails.  Hope they help:

 http://www.wikihow.com/Respond-to-Rude-Email-at-Work

3 Techniques to Fight Unemployment Stigma

Posted by:  Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC
                  Training Coordinator

For those of you that have been following this blog, I’m sure you’ve noticed that lately I’ve been posting links to a lot of articles at Careerrealism. There’s a reason for that. They have some really good articles.

I just finished reading the one about 3 Techniques to Fight Unemployment Stigma. Now it’s your turn.

 
Click here to read the article.

Why you need a mentor

By: Lori McMullin, APR

Director of Business Operations & Communications
Center for Business Excellence

 

In my opinion, having a mentor or mentors is a huge piece of the success puzzle.  Throughout the years, I’ve had mentors in my field but outside of my scope of work.  They helped me solve problems, embrace new challenges and make career decisions.

Here’s a link to information emphasizing the importance of mentors and how to go about getting one:

http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2012/09/24/why-need-mentor-and-how-to-find-one/

8 Rules for Job Seekers

Posted by:  Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC
                  Training Coordinator

Here’s an article with 8 pieces of advice from a job coach with experience in all aspects of the job search.

Give it a read and maybe you’ll pick up an idea or two that can help you in your job search.

Click here to read the article.

What your co-workers want you to know

 

By: Lori McMullin, APR

Director of Business Operations & Communications
Center for Business Excellence

Have you ever felt out of place at work or noticed someone who wasn’t quite in the groove?  Here’s a link to information on what co-workers want us to know, but usually do not say to our faces:

 http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/snow-white-doesnt-live-here-anymore/201205/5-things-your-colleagues-want-you-know-are-afraid-te

Is Your Lack of Soft Skills Keeping You Unemployed?

Posted by:  Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC

                  Training Coordinator

Just like the diamond on the soft pillow is made to shine more because of its soft background, your soft skills will help your hard skills shine.

A lot of people seem to think that if they have the hard skills necessary to do the job they should get hired. In my workshops I do my best to disillusion those individuals. The reality is that if your soft skills are not up to speed, the hard skills, education and experience border on being irrelevant.

I recently read a very good article that outlines the value of soft skills. Even if you think your soft skills are above average, give it a read.

 
To read the article click here.

Successful people do things differently

 

By Lori McMullin, APR

Director of Business Operations & Communications
Center for Business Excellence

 

We’ve discussed the topic of success in past blog postings.  It may mean wealth to some, recognition to others and a balanced, happy life for yet more.

In any case, successful people do go about business and life in a different manner than most people.  What are their secrets?  Follow this link for 12 of them:

http://www.marcandangel.com/2012/01/22/12-things-successful-people-do-differently/

Get Aboard!

Posted by:  Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC
                  Training Coordinator

If you thought Social Media was a passing fad, think again. Five years ago a survey showed that 78% of employers were using Social Media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) to find talent (employees). The most recent study shows that number has increased to 90% of employers.

 
To read the entire article click here.

Tips on meeting deadlines

 

 

By Lori McMullin, APR
Director of Business Operations & Communications
Center for Business Excellence

 

This week’s blog topic is one a few of us around the CBE only know too well right now.  In addition to our daily responsibilities, we were given the monumental task of drafting a five-year, regional workforce plan.

Where to begin, where to begin?  The three of us rising to this challenge have our own unique styles.  Mine is to dive in, barely moving from my computer for days on end until I either have enough comfortably under my belt or feel delirious – whichever comes first.

In any case, we are managing to it and all deadlines in the timeline of this project will be met.  Cheers to you, Nancy and Christine!

On that ending note, I found this link on tips for meeting deadlines and thought it would be helpful:

http://www.brighthubpm.com/monitoring-projects/113292-complete-your-project-on-time-without-compromising-on-quality/

IS IT MY AGE OR MY RÉSUMÉ?

Posted by:  Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC

                  Training Coordinator

To answer the above question, if your résumé is giving clues to your age it could be a combination of age and résumé.

Click here to read an article that will help you fix your résumé so it doesn’t give those age clues.

Fabulous workplace fashion on a budget

By: Lori McMullin, APR

Director of Business Operations & Communications
Center for Business Excellence

Everywhere you turn, there’s a “door-buster” sale of some sort going on.  When it comes to shopping for work clothes, how do you really know you are investing your precious money the right way?

Here are some tips on how to look magnificent around the workplace without breaking the bank:

http://www.bettyconfidential.com/ar/ld/a/how-to-create-a-stellar-work-wardrobe-on-a-budget.html

Optimism for the Over 50 Job Seeker

Posted by:  Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC

                Training Coordinator

If you’re looking for some positive ideas on how to have a successful job search after 50, then you should read this article. It’s not pie in the sky, Pollyanna stuff. It’s realistic and offers links to some resources, as well as offering helpful suggestions.

Click here to read the article.