Ask The Expert Fred Coon, Outplacement and Job Search Expert

Ask The Expert Fred Coon, Outplacement and Job Search Expert My call with Fred Coon was awesome.  There were a lot of gems throughout this call.  I have two regrets: We didnt have more time.  It seems like Fred just skimmed the surface on an 8-step plan I think we could have talked for hours more.  BUT, what he was able to share in 90 minutes was a great foundation for anyone. I asked Fred, impromptu, to provide a little banjo music in the back while I wrapped it up.   He did, I wrapped up, and I mistakenly stopped the recording when I was done instead of when he was done.  Ive never been banjod before it was very cool Below is our conversation.  I encourage you to take notes, and if you want, let us know what impacted you most, and the minute mark of that impactful moment, so we can get to it easier. Enjoy!  (vimeo provides a full screen option comes on after you click play, but there is no visual you can put this on while you do something else (like take notes?)) See past Ask The Expert recordings here. Ask The Expert Fred Coon, Outplacement and Job Search Expert My call with Fred Coon was awesome.  There were a lot of gems throughout this call.  I have two regrets: We didnt have more time.  It seems like Fred just skimmed the surface on an 8-step plan I think we could have talked for hours more.  BUT, what he was able to share in 90 minutes was a great foundation for anyone. I asked Fred, impromptu, to provide a little banjo music in the back while I wrapped it up.   He did, I wrapped up, and I mistakenly stopped the recording when I was done instead of when he was done.  Ive never been banjod before it was very cool Below is our conversation.  I encourage you to take notes, and if you want, let us know what impacted you most, and the minute mark of that impactful moment, so we can get to it easier. Enjoy!  (vimeo provides a full screen option comes on after you click play, but there is no visual you can put this on while you do something else (like take notes?)) See past Ask The Expert recordings here.

4 Ways to Create a Habitat for Happiness at Work - Classy Career Girl

4 Ways to Create a Habitat for Happiness at Work You’ve probably seen picturesâ€"or at least heard rumorsâ€"of the Google “campus,” the workplace nestled in Mountain View, California that offers perks to its employees such as massage rooms, yoga sessions and all-you-can-eat sushi. For those of us who have worked in more traditional offices, this may sound skeptical to productivity, but Google’s primary goal is “to create the happiest, most productive workplace in the world.” Beyond the initial wow-effect of places like Google, creating a habitat for happiness is the key to sustaining employee engagement for the long run. Creating that habitat takes internal focus and participation from every individual to come to fruition. There are several ways that every working woman can create this positive company culture, no matter what title you hold. Here are four ways to help you create a habitat for happiness at your workplace: 4 Ways to Create a Habitat for Happiness at Work 1. Strategically Unplug The constant barrage of communication we receive on a daily basis can be exhausting. From our phones to our emails, texts, and instant messages, it can be difficult to find time to focus on one single task. It might not be realistic to completely unplug in today’s working world, but stepping away from technology, even briefly, can increase your focus. Eliminating the distraction of technology leads to a 57 percent increase in more effective collaboration, an 88 percent increase in learning effectiveness and a 42 percent increase in socializing effectiveness. If you have the flexibility to do so, consider setting up a short-term auto-responder explaining what you are doing and when you will be back (i.e., I’m stepping away from my email to finish this project. I’ll be back in one hour). Finding ways to strategically unplug will make you more attentive, which is beneficial to everyone. 2. Infuse Your Workspace With Meaning Many people see work as a place they must drag themselves to, counting down the hours when they can return home to their “real lives.” In order to feel happier, your workspace should be a place you make your own. I mean, you do inhabit it for at least 35 hours a week, if not more! Whether you have a cubicle, a shared space or an office with walls, take the time to find little ways to connect your home life with your work life. This could be with photos or art on the walls, books or journals from home, or even a plant to lower stress and breathe easier all day long. [RELATED: How To Create An Office Space Your Employees Love To Work Out] 3. Breathe Life Into Your Workspace One of the best and most productive ways to start your day is to meditate. Finding a quiet place to meditate at your workplace first thing in the morning will help shape how you feel in that environment. Meditating early in the morning helps boost happiness and decrease stress levels throughout the rest of the day. You could also consider meditating during lunch time. Find a few minutes to carve out time for silence and concentrated breathing. 4. Create a Culture of Connection There are lots of working women who eat lunch by themselves during the day. In many cases, people eat lunch on the run so that they can get home quicker, but did you know that social support is just as predictive of how long you will live as obesity, high blood pressure, and smoking? It’s true! Look around your office and think about the social script your company is writing. Is it one that feels accepting? Do you know the names of your cubicle neighbors? Does your office provide activities to participate in as a group? Consider starting a regularly recurring post-work happy hour. Invite a co-worker to lunch, learn the names of all the employees in your vicinity. and make a practice of saying hello to others in the building. It doesn’t matter if you’re a manager, the head of your department, or someone on an individual team. Anyone can implement a culture of connection at their workplaceâ€"you just have to take the initiative to start. It is up to every one of us as working women to create a company culture. Whether you are a manager or a front-line employee, each of us has a choice to shape the environment in which we work through our mindset and our actions. By following the strategies outlined above, we can take small steps to creating healthy, happy work habitats.

Shop Your Closet!

Shop Your Closet! By, Nicole Crimaldi In preparation for my spending boycott in the month of October, I summoned the absolutely fabulous Whitney Middleton of fauxshionable.com to come throw a party in my closet. I started a new job at the beginning of October, so the temptation was strong to go out and spend money on new work clothes. Thanks to Whitney, I dont plan on spending a dime. Whitney came over and pulled out pieces and put things together that I wouldnt have thought of before. She has a serious talent for rehabbing a girls closet (ok, and spending addiction). If youre participating in the Dont Go Over in October challenge and starting to feel the urge to shop, consider summoning Whitney or another friend to shop your closet instead! I was quite impressed! Check out the looks she created for me at fauxshionable.com.

Sharing for Profit - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Sharing for Profit - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Peter Shankman of HARO (Help a Reporter Out), has an interest in SnapGoods, where you can sign up to rent out your rarely used electronics. Robin Chase of ZipCar is profiled in Inc. this month because she founded BuzzCar, a service that allows French people to rent their cars to neighbors. In Santa Monica, Writers Junction co-owners and siblings Jay Gibson and Eileen Gibson Funke wanted a quiet place to write but dreaded the isolation inherent in the profession. So they created a shared workspace they rent out by the day. It’s ideal for writers who need a real place to go once the coffee shop thing gets old. Plus Jay and Eileen can host profit-making events for their community. I recently spoke on personal branding to their screenwriter “tenants” and will do it again this coming Sunday. Strength coach Jon Torerk at BioMechanix in Los Angeles wanted to build himself an elite facility to train in. So he created an industrial/zen-style super gym where contract trainers pay a small fee to bring their clients. It’s got the exact equipment that professional athletic gyms have, plus video games, movies, a conference area, kitchen and even a place to nap. And, Jon can work out whenever he wants. This is a new take on “follow your passion.” It’s more like “share your passion.” Or, build it and they will come. “They” according to Seth Godin, are your tribe. The basic concept is seeing that your taste, desires or stuff are probably really attractive to other people like you. Whats great is that you can afford more and better stuff when you share. And, there’s a fun quotient here. Something good happens inside and out, whenever you are with your tribe, even if just one aspect of your lives brings you all together. Warning: this is not a business concept for only children or people with poor boundaries. You have to be able to play well with others. You must set clear rules and standards for the behavior of your clients. You also must have the right apps or check-in/check-out procedures to keep track of what’s going on. And, make sure you are making money. Good people skills Your personal brand plays into this business scenario. You must have good people skills. You must be generous in nature. You must be able to bear the bent edges or spilled coffee, or whatever dings are going to happen in a shared environment. You like-ability is going to be part of the sell as well. Successful shared services, equipment or space business begin with positive buzz from people you know. In this business model, without others you are nothing, or at least you make nothing. Elliot Erwitt is a photographer and filmmaker who was getting lost in Los Angeles until she found that sharing her home with other people’s dogs was the ticket to a great business concept. She’s someone you like instantly. It helps that she sends home professional quality photos of your dog at play and rest. Her business Citizen Kanine has a great Facebook page that documents the field trips and activities of her pack. She also alerts a very large group of followers about dog-friendly and dog-saving tips. For example, oleander is poisonous and a lot of it grows in the neighborhood. So, look in your closet, bookshelves, garage and backyard. Think about what you have and would like more of â€" or better. Consider what your friends always admire about you (or what they borrow). Spend some time appreciating yourself. Maybe youre really patient with grandparents and they love how you play piano. Or teenagers always come to you for advice. A clubhouse concept may fit perfectly in your living room. Something is bound to bubble up that you can put on loan, for hire or in some way share for profit. Given the current financial markets roller coaster ride, it really might be best to invest in yourself and the stuff you like at this time. You might find out what youve got is as good as gold. Maybe better. Author: Nance Rosen is the author of Speak Up! Succeed. She speaks to business audiences around the world and is a resource for press, including print, broadcast and online journalists and bloggers covering social media and careers. Read more at NanceRosenBlog. Twitter name: nancerosen

6 Lessons You can Learn from an Unsuccessful Internet Entrepreneur CareerMetis.com

6 Lessons You can Learn from an Unsuccessful Internet Entrepreneur Original Image Source â€" Depositphotos.comFailure and setbacks in any area of life are the most challenging part of anyone’s journey. Some people remember this phase later as the darkest phase of their lives, while some smile and thank all the challenges that served as a ladder for them to reach their goals.Every successful person has a journey to share where they not only talk of their fruitful endeavors but also mention their failures.Today, TedTalks and so many other discussions around the world are giving life to the right kind of attitude â€" people are beginning to accept their failures and the dark phases of their lives rather than continue dwelling in a state of victimhood.evalAll you need to be able to reach out to others engaged in an effort to survive their rainy days and become part of the experience-sharing is a dependable internet connection; we have been in the industry for over a decade now and the internet has always been our savior.No doubt entrepreneurial failur e is hard to digest, but failure is an integral part of the business at some level or the other.If you learn the correct lessons at the right time, failure can come to serve as the foundation of your future success.A number of successful entrepreneurs have witnessed massive failures before manifesting their dreams. Therefore, some people understand disappointments are part of the game and almost a prerequisite for reaching their goal.If anyone out there is feeling miserable by the thought of failing, they must view the following lessons learned from entrepreneurial disappointments and stand reintroduced to hope and positivity:1) Redefine your vision and reset the focusevalAnswer the below-mentioned questions to help redefine your vision and refocus yourself:a) What are the central beliefs of your business? Write some regulatory policies that define who you actually are as a group of individuals. This enables attracting compatible individuals to the business.evalb) What is the main a rea of concentration? Make a report and enlist essentials that help you stay focused on your objectives.c) Where do you see your business in the next 3 or 5 years? What is your roadmap? Examples of 5-year goals: Reach 25% of the target market, or expand to 2-4 countries. The 5-year aim should be thorough and achievable â€" one that has the power to encourage you and your workforce until it is achieved.d) What is the marketing plan? Describe the target audience and how you intend to tell your audience why your business is exceptional.e) What are the challenges? Pinpoint the possible obstacles that could probably stop you from achieving your objectives, and talk over how you will resolve them.evalThe world of internet is tempting and once you have the necessary skills, you will feel the drive to work on multiple tasks and manage more than one business online. People in fact do that.However, this is not recommended when you are an internet entrepreneur â€" it is best to focus on one th ing and build that first. If you have more than one idea, that can be incorporated or worked on later.2) Don’t procrastinateThis point is for every one of us â€" almost â€" but as an internet entrepreneur, you have to follow the trends and get your ideas out without falling behind.The digital world is very competitive and keeping up with online trends can be a challenge if you do not stay on your toes nearly always.What you want today and your plan to execute your strategy may require some tweaking or alteration/modification in some areas tomorrow â€" simply due to new updates and rapid shifts which tend to occur frequently in the wide world of internet.It takes around 6 days to get the domain name registered, an additional 7 days for setting up the blog, a few more days for the design and another week to write and publish the first blog post. Whether you are an influencer, blogger, vlogger, affiliate marketer, or digital strategist, the scenario is quite similar for all.If only t he internet entrepreneur does not procrastinate â€" a lot of time and already invested effort can be saved.3) Get a MentorEveryone needs a teacher, rather someone who is more than just a teacher, more like a real-time guide who we can call a mentor. Most successful people have had mentors along their journey â€" and you can have more than one too. Having a mentor certainly pushes you to go that extra mile and accomplish more. It also saves a lot of time, money and energy because the mentee follows in the footsteps of an expert to achieve something productive.evalHaving a mentor can actually help avoid possible entrepreneurial failure and in case of failure is encountered, having a mentor can help you out effectively â€" it motivates you enough to turn that disappointment into a success story which goes on to inspire others undergoing something similar.The good thing is mentors can be found in all places. We can find them on the internet, digital marketing platforms or contact them d irectly through their blog.Successful people are constantly helping others in their difficult times and always ready to give back to society. Their leadership and expertise can take you farther than you might have originally planned.3) Choose Your Business Partner WiselyStart by writing the names and traits of all the people you relished working with some time ago and all the skills that you admired in them.Moreover, jot down technical or managerial skills as well as other qualities needed to run your business. For an online business, the core requirements differ from a conventional job. You might want your partner to look after the business and clients in your absence too.evalQuestion yourself about your business needs, look at what your strength is and where you need someone to assist you and think of who can you partner with.Don’t be too quick to make the decision while selecting a co-founder or a team. Observe that person for a while before you pledge, make an offer, analyze t he terms after the meeting4) Success Means Keeping Yourself MotivatedEntrepreneurship can be an emotional ride for some.One day you may feel like you have an incredible idea, and the next day you could find yourself questioning the practicality and sustainability of that idea, and whether or not the entrepreneur lifestyle is for you.Motivation is similar to any other assertive habit; we have to train ourselves on a daily basis, in order to keep going and eventually stop waiting for external motivation.The most popular practice is to listen to positive talks on podcasts or read something motivational on a daily basis. YouTube and Instagram are flooded with motivational content. Just google it when you need inspiration.Exercise, eat healthily, feed your mind positivity, and meditate to clear the mind. Write down the goals and display them next to your monitor screen or somewhere you can see frequently.5) Success Is Built On FailureFailure is without doubt disheartening and distressing , but not entirely bad.If it teaches a fruitful lesson or helps you take away something valuable, entrepreneurial failure can come to serve as the foundation for a successful endeavor.Becoming a successful internet entrepreneur usually doesn’t cost an arm and a leg like any other traditional business. There are some jobs that can be done online and others that can be outsourced. Work smart and figure out what can be added or subtracted from the previous plan.Focus on a positive approach, where you learn from your errors, and call upon your willpower in order to chase your business objectives â€" the essence of how anyone can get over failures or rough patches.6)The Stability of Your Career Is Under Your ControlSome people are scared of going the entrepreneur direction due to lack of stability and security associated with that. The repercussions are however somewhat manageable for internet entrepreneurs compared to those in conventional business.Wise and calculated decisions save f rom failure in any field though. Doing something someone is passionate about outside the boundaries of a conventional job can be a source of great confidence. As an internet entrepreneur, you will control the inflow of work.Entrepreneurs working online manage both advertising and customer satisfaction; they can change calculations and contributions in order to match supply and demand within the industry. They will be the ones to guarantee their own achievement.

Networking For A Job 4 Types of People That Can Help - CareerAlley

Networking For A Job 4 Types of People That Can Help - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. A friendship founded on business is better than a business founded on friendship. John D. Rockefeller Sudy Bharadwaj is a co-founder and the CEO of Jackalope Jobs, a job seeker focused platform, making the job search social, fast and easy. Learn how Sudy and Jackalope Jobs obsess over job seekers by connecting with them on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Finding a new job can easily become a process akin to rinse, wash, repeat. It seems proactive at first, but over time you may see it hasnt made any of the significant results or gains you expected. If this scenario sounds too familiar to your job hunt, the good news is that you recognize it. However, its also a sign to make a change, or at least an improvement, to your job search strategy. But first, lets look at some job search statistics: 27 percent of hires are attributed to referrals making it the largest source of external hires For candidates who learn about a companys referral program, 82 percent were informed by current employee Looking at those numbers, its apparent a good portion of job seekers found employment from their networking connections. While many will flock to job sites, job boards, and social media, networking expands your career opportunities beyond your own means. It acts like a ripple effect with you in the center and your connections traveling outward to reach their own networks for you. At the same time, networking allows for a more direct and focused job search if your connections know what youre looking for, better job matches can be made. Its really that effective! Each person already in your network has the potential to help you land the job fit for you, but some will be of more help than others. Leverage your network for your job search by engaging with one or all three of these connections youve built on your own: Insiders. These are the connections that are currently employed at your target company. They are great to reach out to because they not only are familiar with the openings available and the hiring process, they can also offer a referral on your behalf. Referrals are ranked as one of the best sources of external hires by most companies, so having one by the connection that can vouch for you is a significant advantage over other applicants. Even if there are no positions fit for you at the moment, keep in touch with insiders on your job search progress. That way, when they see something opening up for you, youll be the first to know. Read More ==7 Tips for Small Town Networking Success Former Coworkers. Whether youve worked alongside others in an [easyazon_link asin=1607741687 locale=US new_window=default nofollow=default tag=caree07-20 add_to_cart=default cloaking=default localization=default popups=default]internship[/easyazon_link], full-time position, or even volunteering, former coworkers are the ones that will know your work-style, skills, likes, and dislikes the best. Reconnect with them in person over lunch or coffee and let them know of your job search theyll be happy to keep an eye out for you. Industry Professionals. The connections you made from your majors classes, clubs, and professional associations may be in the same boat as you, or at least can relate to the time when they were looking for employment. Inform them of your current situation and see if they have any helpful advice or possible job leads to offer. They even may refer you to a friend that can help you out if you politely inquire about it. Friends and Family. Just because they arent included in your professional environment doesnt mean they cant help you out. Its likely they are all aware of your job search already, so why not let them know how they can help. If they are able to offer assistance, make it easier for them by informing them of your experience, skills, or a specific job title youre aiming for. Read More == Recruit Your Friends to Help With Your Job Search You already have the people you need to make your job search successful. All you have to do is be the spark that ignites your network to help you. What do you think? What are some other people to engage in your network when job searching? How else can your network help you? Share your thoughts in the comments below! This is a Guest post. We are always eager to hear from our readers. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions regarding CareerAlley content. Good luck in your search,Joey Job Search job title, keywords, company, location jobs by

In-person networking tips and free ebook offer! -

In-person networking tips and free ebook offer! - For those accustomed to online networking, being face-to-face is a whole different ballgame! Dont worry, I have a lot of advice and tips for you! First, an offer for you! Ive written an ebook, Drive Your Own Career Bus -   Networking for Success, for FREE to subscribers to my blog at Keppie Careers. All you need to do is follow THIS LINK and follow the instructions to subscribe to my blog. Additional information and links for anyone preparing to network in person: Job seekers need to pitch what they offer, not just what they WANT Follow up that keeps you top of mind Looking for a job? Use an old-fashioned networking technique be where they are. (Or, what does networking have to do with deli meats?!) Review of Whos Got Your Back? Tell Me About Yourself? Storytelling to get jobs and propel your career Network for success dont be a bumper car Do something different for your job hunt talk to people who cant help you! In-person networking is absolutely key to your job search success. CLICK HERE to learn about an opportunity in Atlanta on October 29th!) Its a good idea to practice working a room whenever you can, especially if it does not appeal to you. In the long run, you will land faster and gain important communication skills. So what are you waiting for? I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?   If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While youre at it, dont forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on FacebookId be thrilled to have you as part of the community! photo by michaelheiss