On Reputation, Brand, Integrity, Character, and Happiness

On Reputation, Brand, Integrity, Character, and Happiness Two posts on social prompted this post today. First, this post on Twitter, which I clicked through (but didnt read): The Four Keys To Accelerating Your Happiness At Work https://t.co/k5hbbfGUZc by @williamarruda on @LinkedIn â€" Scott Borden (@ScottBordenLPC) October 3, 2019 Happiness at work. What a concept. I just posted on Snowfly about employee satisfaction you can read it here. The other social post was on Facebook (John Wooden was a famous basketball coach): The Wooden quote stuck out because in the career space we talk a lot about personal branding, which is essentially reputation. I love the idea of personal branding, and creating your own brand, and leading with your brand, and understanding your brand. But I dont think that brand trumps character. Without character, and integrity, your brand is a facade. I have worked with people who have the character of a wet napkin but have very strong personal brands. It isnt until other people get to know them that they understand just how horrible of a person they are, even though the brand was there. So there you go: perspective on branding (very important for your career) and character (way more important than brand). I advocate working on BOTH. Regarding happy at work look, if you arent going to be happy outside of work, why do you think you get to be happy in work? Work on YOU, and figure out joy and happiness. Then, even if you have a bad day at work, even if your boss is an idiot (their idiocy might not be temporary, but that they are your boss is most definitely temporary :p), even if you are working for a promotion, you can be happy where you are (while working on something better). If you wait to be happy until some change happens, after the change youll have a new reason to wait to be happy. Figure out how to be happy now. Side note: when I started JibberJobber and had some appearance of business success people would ask if I was happy. I would respond with Im happy, Im just not satisfied. This reframing of happiness helped me understand that its okay to be happy even while I knew there was more to come and changes in the air. How about you? Are you happy? Are you happy with your character? On Reputation, Brand, Integrity, Character, and Happiness Two posts on social prompted this post today. First, this post on Twitter, which I clicked through (but didnt read): The Four Keys To Accelerating Your Happiness At Work https://t.co/k5hbbfGUZc by @williamarruda on @LinkedIn â€" Scott Borden (@ScottBordenLPC) October 3, 2019 Happiness at work. What a concept. I just posted on Snowfly about employee satisfaction you can read it here. The other social post was on Facebook (John Wooden was a famous basketball coach): The Wooden quote stuck out because in the career space we talk a lot about personal branding, which is essentially reputation. I love the idea of personal branding, and creating your own brand, and leading with your brand, and understanding your brand. But I dont think that brand trumps character. Without character, and integrity, your brand is a facade. I have worked with people who have the character of a wet napkin but have very strong personal brands. It isnt until other people get to know them that they understand just how horrible of a person they are, even though the brand was there. So there you go: perspective on branding (very important for your career) and character (way more important than brand). I advocate working on BOTH. Regarding happy at work look, if you arent going to be happy outside of work, why do you think you get to be happy in work? Work on YOU, and figure out joy and happiness. Then, even if you have a bad day at work, even if your boss is an idiot (their idiocy might not be temporary, but that they are your boss is most definitely temporary :p), even if you are working for a promotion, you can be happy where you are (while working on something better). If you wait to be happy until some change happens, after the change youll have a new reason to wait to be happy. Figure out how to be happy now. Side note: when I started JibberJobber and had some appearance of business success people would ask if I was happy. I would respond with Im happy, Im just not satisfied. This reframing of happiness helped me understand that its okay to be happy even while I knew there was more to come and changes in the air. How about you? Are you happy? Are you happy with your character?

Writers Need to Promote Themselves, or Go Unread - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Writers Need to Promote Themselves, or Go Unread - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Writers hate marketing. Or most of them do. They hate promoting themselves, talking about themselves, or drawing attention to themselves in any way, any time, ever. Ev-ver. Writers â€" for the most part â€" are humble, and dont like to brag about themselves. Of course, they equate bragging with telling people they just published a book, got a new article accepted in a magazine, or in some cases, that theyre even writers. If youre a closet writer who doesnt want to tell other people youre a writer, youre not a writer; youre a typist, a scribbler, a journal filler. You need to get over yourself. If you believe you shouldnt promote yourself because your work should speak for itself, then I have one very important question for you: Could you put whipped cream on my medium mocha? If youre not promoting yourself as a writer, youre not going to be read by other people. Its that simple. No one is going to randomly knock on your door and ask if you have a collection of short stories or articles they can read. No one is going to start randomly click links around the Internet in the hopes of finding the next great novel. Writers write, not so they can fill up a page with funny squiggles. They write to be read. They write so other people can share in their thoughts and ideas. And writers who hide behind Im a writer, not a marketer wont be found, except by accident and a little luck. But my work should be judged on its own merit, not whether I pimp myself to other people, the reluctant marketers say. Fine, Ill be happy to read it and judge it on its own merit. Tell me where to find it. Amazon is filled with plenty of book authors who think their books should be judged on merit and not on marketing. In fact, Amazon keeps track of over 8 million books and ranks the authors. They rank the authors based on sales, not merit. Not writing quality. Not the principled stand the author took against telling a single person about their book. Its all about the money for Amazon, and for the authors. If youre writing only for yourself, then I commend you. Its great that you can pursue this as a hobby strictly for pleasures sake. But if you want to be a professional writer, you need to promote yourself. Just like every other business venture, marketing makes money. Not-marketing loses money. And if you want to make money as a writer, youre going to make money from telling people about your work, not hiding behind artistic purity. I write this column, not just because I have some knowledge I want to share, but because I want people to know who I am. I joined Twitter not just to communicate with other people in the social media realm, but so I could find readers for my blog. I promote my blog, not so I can feel like a big shot, but so I can get customers for my business, or get people to hire me for speaking engagements. But if I didnt do any of that, my original blog would still be pulling in 20 readers a month, all of whom were either related to me, or me. I wouldnt have books, I wouldnt have readers, and most importantly, I wouldnt be doing what I loved. If youre a writer, you owe it to yourself and your passion, to tell people who you are, to find readers and fellow writers, and let them get to know you. If they know you, theyll like you. If they like you, theyll read you and buy your books. Ergo, the more people who know you, the more books youll sell, and youll start to make a living doing what you love to do. And if youre not willing to do that for yourself, then I only have one thing to say to you. Can I get a pumpkin muffin too? Author: Erik Deckers is the owner of Professional Blog Service, and the co-author of Branding Yourself: How to Use Social Media to Invent or Reinvent Yourself. His new book, No Bullshit Social Media: The All-Business, No-Hype Guide to Social Media Marketing, which he wrote with Jason Falls, will be released in October 2011.

5 CITY BREAKS EVERY CAREER GIRL SHOULD TRY

5 CITY BREAKS EVERY CAREER GIRL SHOULD TRY Being a career girl has its many perks â€" but it can be busy. Every girl needs her time to relax and get away from the work, and there are plenty of ways to do it. From spa days to nights spent dancing, taking a break is always fun â€" but every now and then, we need to get away from it all and escape the bustle and drama of the city. We’ve put together a list of five of our favorite ways to get away from city life and take a break from work. Whether you’re a hardcore explorer or a more laid-back traveler, there’s something here for you. So, pack your bags, turn off your phone, and let’s get going! #1: An Off-Road Adventure It’s amazing where modern transportation can take us. Planes can get us from one end of the world to the other in a matter of hours, and lightning-quick train systems are moving people across countries faster than ever before. This first city break, though, isn’t about getting from A to B â€" it’s about the journey. Off-roading is one of the greatest pastimes of the American Southwest, and offers the perfect combination of incredible scenery, adrenaline, and calm. Roads like the White Rim Trail, a remote 70-mile road in Canyonlands National Park in Utah, offer a three- or four-day getaway into the heart of canyon country, complete with redrock arches, desert sunsets, and plenty of time to relax. Off-road trips are a perfect way to see the world around you in depth â€" just make sure to stock up on camping gear, water, and emergency supplies. Oh, and if you don’t have a jeep â€" you can always rent one! #2: A Backpacking Tour For those who want a more physically demanding getaway, there’s no better way to connect with nature than backpacking. Setting aside even just one night to hike, think, and observe your surroundings is the perfect way to clear your head â€" and get in a little better shape while you’re at it. While the experienced will probably have no trouble planning a multi-night trek, those who want a little more laid out have plenty of options, too. Backcountry camps like those in Yosemite National Park in California come equipped with canvas tents and cots. Or, check out one of the hundreds of hike-in yurts and cabins offered to rent on many of National Forests â€" which often have even nicer amenities like wood-burning stoves. Backpacking is one of the best ways to get out into nature and get into your happy place, but it requires a little preparation. If you’re not sure where to start looking for the gear and gadgets you need, a peak at HikingMastery will give you all you need to know. Prepare before you go to make sure your trip is flawless. #3: A Mountain Retreat Mountains are beautiful â€" there’s no denying it. The last two vacations were a little bit on the adventurous side, but there’s no reason you can’t see the majesty of the mountains without taking it easy â€" really easy. From the high Alps in Europe to the Sierra Nevadas in California, the Colorado Rockies to the Highlands in Nicaragua, there are mountain resorts all across the world. You can take your pick of more rustic settings and minimalist cabins, or full-scale resorts with spas, restaurants, and live music. The one thing you’re always guaranteed is fresh air, peace, and a refreshing experience. #4: A Skiing Vacation Skiing is one of the most popular pastimes of people all over the world. Wherever there’s snow, you can bet that people will be strapping on their boots and getting to it, whether they prefer the downhill, cross-country, or backcountry variety. Next time you need a break from city life, bundle up, grab your skis (or rent a pair), and get out into the powder. Many ski resorts, like Solitude in Salt Lake City, are just a short drive from home, and offer flexibility for even a couple hours of escape. Or, if you’re the thrill-seeking type, seek out something more hardcore like heli-skiing in Banff National Park, just outside of Calgary, Canada. And yes, that’s where you ski down a mountain after riding a helicopter to the top â€" talk about adrenaline. If downhill isn’t your speed, plenty of areas offer groomed cross-country trails â€" you can even combine your ski trip with one of those cabins mentioned above and make a cozy, rustic overnight of it. #5: A Horse-packing Camp We won’t say we saved the best for last (because all these trips are, honestly, pretty great), but this vacation option is definitely up there. Horse packing offers the opportunity not only to experience horseback riding, but to travel deep into the wilderness to places inaccessible by car â€" without sacrificing comforts like hot food, warm bedding, and comfortable clothes. Guided trips into areas like the stunning Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana make plenty of time for riding, so you have plenty of time for exploring. When you gear up for a horse trip, you’ll want to make sure to grab a sturdy travel backpack so you can wander, fish, pick berries, and, of course, take a ton of pictures. On these kind of trips, the worst part is coming back home. Pick Your Get Away! Career girls are dedicated, strong, and committed to what we do. It can be hard to give ourselves time to get out of our routines â€" but it’s important to take a break from the city every now and then and take care of ourselves. Try one of these five city breaks next time you need an escape! Do you have a favorite destination outside of the city? Let us know in the comments! This   post was authored by Rebecca Crawford. Rebecca  lives in the USA, but loves hiking all over the world. Her favorite is Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal. It usually takes 16 days, but she likes to slow down, enjoy the mountains, the company of other adventurers and take more pictures, so it took her 28 days last time. Another of her passions is the ocean, so all short and long hikes along the ocean shore bring a lot of joy. She also writes for  HikingMastery.com.

Ageism in the Workplace 2018

Ageism in the Workplace 2018 Ageism is a common term used to describe age discrimination in the workplace. Ageism is defined by Dictionary.com as a tendency to regard older persons as debilitated, unworthy of attention, or unsuitable for employment.Do you agree with the above definition? From my experience, I have noticed quite the opposite to be true. Ageism at work stems from the belief that younger, “fresher”, candidates can contribute more than older, “experienced”, candidates. I will explain why this is not true below.According to AARP.org, one in five workers in the U.S. (33 million) is age 55 or older. 64% of workers say they have seen or experienced age discrimination at work. 58% of adults believe discrimination against age begins among workers in their 50s. Personally, I have witnessed age discrimination begin among workers in their 40s. Why should you care? Unlike other forms of discrimination, age discrimination will almost certainly affect your life at some point in the future.Signs of Discr imination Against AgeHave you ever been told, “You are overqualified for the job”, “You are too senior for this job” or “You would not fit in with the company’s culture”? More often than not this is legal code for, “You are too old for the job.” If you have been told to trim down your background, remove work from your resume, and dumb down your experience, chances are someone is trying to help you appear younger. These are just a few of the signs you are experiencing discrimination against your age. If you can relate, there are companies like Find My Profession who can help combat these hiring objections based on age.Advantages of Hiring “Experienced” EmployeesThere are a plethora of reasons why hiring older employees is beneficial. For starters, older employees have more experience. They have gone through the trenches, made their mistakes, and learned from them. A company full of young employees is bound to make many of the same mistakes that these “experien ced” employees have made. This can be a huge expense financially as well as time invested fixing these mistakes.Experienced employees can act as mentors. Steve Jobs put it nicely when he said, “It doesn’t make sense to hire smart people and then tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.” Young companies/founders should not be intimidated by older employees. Instead, they should utilize their experience, knowledge, and professionalism that has been accumulated over the years.Age in Relation to Salary RequirementsMany companies think that the higher the age, the higher the salary they must pay. I am here to tell you that this is not always the case. And even when it is true, you cannot compare apples and oranges.First things first, do not rule a candidate out because you assume they will require a higher salary. Ask them! If they tell you that $125,000 is their salary requirements and that is perfectly within your budget, do not rule them out b ecause you are afraid they will leave for a better opportunity.Second, stop being such a stickler on the salary. If someone brings an extra ten years of experience to the table, do they deserve an extra $10,000? Absolutely! The experience they will bring and mistakes they will prevent you from making will pay for itself in the first month.Ageism in the Workplace ConclusionIt is a new year. 2018 is here and everyone can play a part in preventing age discrimination at work. Hiring managers, make a conscious decision to value “experienced” employees accurately. I can tell you from experience that hiring older employees is the way to go. Check out my viral LinkedIn post (15 million+ views, 10,000+ comments, and 175,000+ likes) on ageism in the workplace.

8 Tips for Maximizing Your Job Search Productivity CareerMetis.com

8 Tips for Maximizing Your Job Search Productivity Work is an inevitable reality that most adults are faced with. We live in a world where if you don’t work, self-sustaining can prove near impossible. The only exception to the rule is those who have come across a robust inheritance or are unable to work and receive support. It is unlikely that an individual will have the same job throughout their entire work life. According to an Economic News Releasefrom the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median number of years workers have worked for their current employer is 4.6 years. This means that at some point, the average person may find themselves unemployed or looking for a new job.evalLooking for a new job is stressful, and it can be hard to find an opportunity depending on the sector you work in. To get back on your feet and employed as quickly as possible, it’s crucial that you job hunt in the smartest way possible. You’re going to find out how you can maximize your job search productivity below.1) Work on the GoevalAs the world becomes digital, people are becoming increasingly mobile. One of the ways this can be interpreted is that they can now do almost everything from their gadgets and devices. This impacts how you go about your job search because you can now do it on the go.A practical example of how you can do this would be to look for places that you can inquire about applications in between errands. If, for example, you’re looking for a managerial position at a grocery store, inquire every time you go food shopping. You could also bring along your laptop while you’re out and use your phone as a mobile hotspotso that you can send out your resume on the go.Keeping track of potential leads and writing down any ideas you come up with is another way to work on the go. Potential leads could include gatekeepers within prospective companies and lead from places that are hiring. The goal should be to be proactive when it comes to looking for work.2) Get New CertificationsNo matter how educated you are, th ere is always room to learn more. When in between jobs, it’s the perfect time for you to update your knowledge. The good thing is that there are various ways you can go about doing it.Some people opt to get a certification which can be a faster way of updating your knowledge. No matter what field you happen to work in, getting an IT certificationcould be useful as employers tend to like IT savvy individuals. It also creates an opportunity for you to develop new transferable skills.Another benefit of getting a certification is that it could help increase your pay. PayScale provided Monster with the best certificationsand the differences they made in annual pay. Most jobs saw a 25% increase in pay, which is an amount that makes acquiring a certification worthwhile.3) Develop Your SkillsevalSimilar to the last point, developing your skills could help you significantly when hunting for work. Seeing as you have more free time, use it to practice skills you’re going to need in your de sired roles. If, for example, you hope to get a job as a journalist, ensure you’re polishing your writing skills and working on creating engaging content.You may also need to develop other closely related skills such as how to use a CMS system like WordPress. If you produce any documents or projects while practicing, use a project management timelineto help you create a structure, allocate time limits for each task, and track milestones. This is not only a way to stay organized but it could also impress employers.Aside from developing technical skills, don’t forget to work on developing your soft skills too. Knowing how to communicate, deliver presentations, or handle stress will always be useful. Some employers even value these skills more highly than certain hard skills as hard skills can always be taught, but soft skills are more innate.4) Work Smart Working smart isn’t something that only applies to those who are employed. It is possible to use hacks that will make your jo b hunt less arduous and help improve your productivity levels. When you work smart, you focus on tasks that are going to yield the best results as opposed to just being busy for the sake of it.evalWhile looking for employment, you can work smarter by being specific about the type of job you’re looking for. There are likely thousands of job openings on the internet, so narrowing down your search will help you focus on the ones you actually want. Try filtering your search by salary, location, and company size.Additionally, think about the type of organization you want to work for. Doing research to find out what the experiences of past employers have been could help you avoid wasting time applying to a company you’ll end up hating. You should also take a close look at things like company values, work-life balance, as well as career progression. This is a great time in the process to also consider the possibility of starting your own small business, especially if you are a woman tr ying to break into the industry.If none of the jobs you’re seeking out or applying to are checking all of your boxes, that might be a sign that you should look elsewhere, including other entrepreneurial endeavors.These days, employers want to hire people who know how to navigate their way online. Creating an impressive online presence could make a world of a difference for this reason. There are multiple ways that you could do this, whether you’re a digital media wiz or not.eval5) Improve Your Online Presence A common way to do so would be to build a website where you can give more insight into who you are. This is also a chance to put your portfolio in one place so it’s easy for prospective employers to see all you’ve accomplished in your career so far. A personal websiteis a way to set yourself apart from other job seekers. Bear in mind that your personal website doesn’t have to be overly elaborate. The goal should be to cover the basics including images, work samples, c ompanies you’ve worked for and a summary of who you are. Use this opportunity to be creative remembering that it’s a chance for you to showcase your personality.6) Network Many times, jobs are circulated by word of mouth. This is why building a strong network of professionals is so critical. By doing so, you’re more likely to hear about job opportunities firsthand which increases your chances of landing your dream job.So, how do you build a professional network?Maintain positive relationships with people around you, especially those who work within your sector. If you don’t know many people, commit to meeting new individuals at conferences, networking events or social gatherings.As with any relationship, you have to maintain these connections by keeping in touch regularly. A simple way to do this would be by sending greeting cards or personalized messages to them during the holidays. It’s also good to add value to the relationship by passing on valuable information to them or supporting their aspirations in any way you can.7) Use Unconventional MethodsevalAlthough you can find success applying for jobs in traditional ways like through recruiters and job search sites, consider more unconventional routes. One would be through cold calling or targeting employers directly. The prospect of doing this may seem scary, but it could yield positive results.To begin, create a list of your dream companies and see where you would fit in and what value you offer. You’ll then need to draft up an irresistible pitch which shows why and how you fit into the company. Lastly, do some investigative work and find out the appropriate person to send your pitch to, which is typically a decision-maker such as the HR manager.It is possible that a job can be created for you if you’re outstanding enough and offer value. This is one of many reasons you shouldn’t be afraid of selling yourself to your dream companies. By doing this, you not only increase your chances of getti ng the job you want but you’re getting better at marketing yourself, which is an invaluable skill to have.8) Work on Your Resume This is probably obvious to many, but when hunting for a new job, it’s the best time to breathe life into your resume. As well as updating your skills and experience, there are other ways to make it worth stopping to look at. Seeing as employers only have a few moments to spare, you want it to get their attention quickly.Tailor your resume to each job you’re applying for instead of creating a one size fits all version. Another ingredient for creating the perfect resume is to focus on the words of your resume as opposed to the design.evalA study from job site Ladders also found that aligning the most important information along the left side of the page so that it creates an “F pattern” could help you hold recruiters’ attention for longer.If you have the right attitude and take the right approach, looking for work can be an opportunity for perso nal development.It’s about approaching it like a full-time job and making the best use of your free time. Hopefully, by doing so, you’ll come out on the other side as a better version of yourself.

Cynthia Dearin, Your Career Podcast, Jane Jackson career coach

Cynthia Dearin, Your Career Podcast, Jane Jackson career coach Cynthia Dearin has over 18 years of international experience, she is the Founder and Managing Director of Dearin Associates, a consultancy that helps clients to access opportunities and capital in fast-growing international markets including The Middle East and North Africa, Iran, China, Malaysia and Indonesia.We have an interesting discussion about growing up with an international outlook, what it takes to be a Diplomat and a woman overseas and Cynthia’s secrets to success as an entrepreneur.Before founding Dearin Associates, Cynthia worked extensively internationally, as an Australian diplomat and a management consultant. She also spent three years as the CEO of the Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce Industry.Cynthia’s proficient in Arabic and French, both of which she uses professionally. She is an Australian-qualified lawyer and holds an MSc Middle East Politics from the School of Oriental African Studies at the University of London and a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Inter national Studies from the University of Technology, Sydney.She releases quarterly an International Business Accelerator, which is a 12-month, program that assists businesses to expand overseas. This is a comprehensive program which includes 1-on-1 coaching, referrals to relevant government agencies, tax specialists and other professionals who support your business, accountability partners to help you stay on track and additional support to ensure success for your business overseas and locally. To find out more, click the links below.Where to find Cynthia Dearin:Website:    www.dearinassociates.comInternational Business AcceleratorTwitter: @cynthiadearin

How to Create a Resume Model For Yourself

How to Create a Resume Model For YourselfWhen you are trying to figure out how to create a resume model for you, you need to understand that there are many different ways to do it. You should also remember that some of the methods are going to be more important than others and therefore, it will be a good idea to study up a little bit before you begin.First of all, you have to consider the style of writing that you want to do and the language that you want to use when you are talking about your accomplishments. Try to avoid using anything formal or detailed as you will not be able to get the job in the first place. Try to think like someone who is being interviewed, but you should not over do it either. Remember that a resume model is designed to help potential employers and not to make you sound like a sales person.Next, you should take a look at the company that you are applying to and try to think about how they may have hired other people. You can find out from past employees, wh at skills they might be looking for in an employee and then you can put this knowledge into your resume model. You should also note that if they have been using similar methods to help them with their applications, then this is something to consider as well.A resume model is something that you will use in order to ensure that you get the job. Therefore, you should not cut corners when it comes to putting one together. You should always make sure that the information that you include is going to be helpful and relevant to the position that you are applying for. You should also try to keep your resume as current as possible in order to show that you are aware of all of the changes that may be happening in the industry that you are working in.When you are trying to figure out how to create a resume model for yourself, you should remember that the people who actually know the current positions and the employees are those who are currently working and have information on the current empl oyees and current positions. If they know this information, they will most likely be willing to provide you with this information. However, you should take the time to interview them and get as much information as possible before you begin.In addition, you should always make sure that the information that you are putting on your resume model is something that is correct and something that will actually help you land the job that you are looking for. If you can get them to take a look at it and find out more about you and your capabilities, then you will have a better chance of getting the job. In addition, you should try to make sure that the information that you are providing is current and updated as well.When you are trying to figure out how to create a resume model for yourself, you should remember that the quality of the information that you are providing is very important. In order to be effective, you should not use any information that is not current or does not have relevan t information on it. In fact, you should make sure that you try to be as current as possible when it comes to the information that you are including on your resume. If you can find out where they found this information, then you should also make sure that you follow this same pattern.In conclusion, you should not go into the interview with anything less than full and specific information about yourself and your qualifications. This means that you should know exactly what you are applying for and that you should also know where they learned about this. In addition, you should never go into the interview with any information that you believe is not relevant and that you know is not current.