Now that 2010 is coming to a close, you're probably coming across a lot of material over the Internet and elsewhere touting New Year's resolutions and goal-setting (or better yet, goal-achieving.) That's great and all. But quite honestly -- as I reflect over the past year and all the things I managed to accomplish in the last three hundred and sixty-something days -- I personally think I'd find relief in reading a piece that encourages me to do more along the lines of "slow down," "take the … [Read more...]
What to Do When Job Searching Takes Longer Than Expected
Even the most talented, educated and experienced job seekers have a difficult time finding a job in today’s economy. Most people hope the transition between jobs or finding a job after college graduation lasts only a few weeks, the reality is that many job seekers spend months, or even a year, trying to secure work. This delay can wreak havoc on a job seeker’s confidence, motivation and sense of pride—all of which are characteristics that need to stay in tact in order to build … [Read more...]
Unemployed? Don’t Be Afraid to Talk About It
I've never been fired or laid off from a job (thankfully), but I certainly know a few people who have. And in this tough economy, I'm sure you do as well -- if not yourself. While I can't personally relate, I can certainly empathize with the uncomfortable feeling of trying to explain your current job situation when there is none. Thankfully, one author offers tips on how to overcome that uneasiness. When faced with a sudden job loss, many people are "so overcome with shame and … [Read more...]
Yours Truly, Desperate for a Career Change
Every once in a while, I get an email from readers seeking advice. Recently, I got this message from a young mother of two (and wife), living in Atlanta. Her name is Nicole. As you'll soon read, this young professional is at a crossroads, and as I've shared in my own personal career challenges here, I can completely understand her dilemma. With her permission, today, I'm sharing her story with you all. Afterward, is my advice to her. But here's the thing, I want you to weigh in in the … [Read more...]
Tweet This! Create an All-Star Brand & Woo More Followers on Twitter
At a time when it seems like everyone and their grandmother is on Twitter, you're probably wondering what types of tweets will help you stand out from the crowd while remaining professional. You're in good company. A couple of career-transition experts have been thinking the same thing. They've distilled the best tips related to business uses of Twitter, into a practical new book entitled Find a Job Through Social Networking (available on Amazon). Career management consultants Diane … [Read more...]
Stuck in Your Ways? Change It Up, Say Experts
If you want to feel good about yourself -- and I would argue, move ahead in your career -- then change your behavior and start acting differently. That's the premise of a new study out of Wake Forest University, which found the idea of "being true to yourself" often means you must act against your normal personality traits. Too many professionals and working-class individuals are bound up by what they feel is "appropriate" behavior, or they feel too shy to open up and be themselves. But … [Read more...]
Personal Branding Made Easy
Last night, I had a great opportunity to address a group of young professionals at the I Heart Social Media in DC event, on the topic of personal branding. Leading up to the event -- as I was preparing for it -- I kept telling myself to keep it simple. After all, we've got enough on our plates. And I knew this crowd would be more interested in unwinding after a hard day's of work, rather than taking notes. (By the way, I sprinkled pics from the event throughout this post.) A couple of … [Read more...]
Getting to First: Interview with First Female White House Press Secretary
I recently had the privilege to interview Dee Dee Myers, the first female White House press secretary. She's currently on tour to promote her latest endeavor as the empowerment ambassador for a new Jones New York women's empowerment campaign. This is a woman who believes that you can do anything, and her passion for helping other women (and men) is evident in how she describes the role of women in the 21st Century workplace today. Part of the “Empowering Your Confidence” movement depicts … [Read more...]
Need a Mental Detox? Plan An Easy Getaway
Dinner needs to be cooked. Doctor's appointments need to be made. Bills need to get paid. The child needs to get picked up from daycare by 5:30 p.m. That assignment needs to be filed by tomorrow afternoon. Your spouse needs your undivided attention. Your toenails are screaming for a pedicure. Your blog hasn't been updated in a week. And the list goes on and on and on. If your to-do list looks anything like mine, then you're probably feeling pretty overwhelmed right about now, or at least … [Read more...]
Expert Tips on Career Change & Social Media
I recently had an opportunity to interview Kimberly Bishop about changing careers. Kimberly is a recruiter and job search expert on high-growth career fields, and speaks extensively on the importance of leveraging your existing experience to transition into and land a new job. Did you know that most people change their careers several times over the course of their lifetime? I've heard that some professionals switch gears in their career as many as 8 to 10 times. And considering the current … [Read more...]
Tough Choices: Going Back to School. Is it Worth the Time & Expense?
It's no secret that the economy and people all over the world are still reeling from the economic downturn. In fact, we're finding more and more professionals are opting to go back to school with hopes to reinvent their careers in this tight job market. Indeed, some college students are pursuing higher degrees simply to delay entering the Real World altogether and perhaps with hopes of getting ahead later. That's all fine and dandy. But let's not forget that attending college for the average … [Read more...]
Job Lessons Learned From Steven Slater: How to Avoid Emergency Slides
By Ronn Torossian Businesses are accustomed to regular employee horror stories, yet CEOs worldwide must be terrified by the recent response to JetBlue flight attendant Steven Slater’s choice of how and when to resign. Many have come to his defense, stating, “It’s hard working daily with people” and “you easily get agitated by constant traveling and servicing annoyed passengers,” but did anyone ask if he still cashed his paychecks? Launching a foul-mouthed tirade on the plane's PA system, … [Read more...]
Inside Look: Neo-Soul Music Artist Dionne Discusses Fear and Her ‘Aha’ Moment
I'm not going to sit here and pretend I'm a music reviewer. I simply like and appreciate quality music that's soulful, timeless, inspirational and that I can vibe to. Texas-born neo-soul, singer-songwriter Dionne delivers just that in her upcoming CD, Unrealistic, which debuts this summer. See Dionne Perform Dionne is a classically-trained graduate of the Arts Magnet School in Dallas, an institution known best for cultivating such musical acts as Erykah Badu, Norah Jones and Kirk Whalum. … [Read more...]
