Job Search Magic Pill vs. Eat Right and Exercise

Job Search Magic Pill vs. Eat Right and Exercise A couple of weeks ago I was on a webinar where I once again promoted Michael Webbs job search program as the most solid program Ive seen. Its simple. But its really hard to implement (until you just DO IT). After the webinar, I was thinking about his system, and why people wont do it. They spend tons of time and effort and money and thinking on other systems that seem more simple, and promise at least the same results. I started to think about health, and comparing it to this issue.  Michael Webbs system is like eating right and exercising, which is a pretty solid plan to get healthy (lose weight, etc.). But we (collectively) dont want to do that.  Its too hard.  We want the ab machine from the commercial.  Or we want the pill, or the spoonful of whatever.  We want the shortcut. How does that shortcut work out? Thats right. So go for the solid program, not the fad diet. Im not saying Michaels is the only solid program I have partners and colleagues that have solid programs.  They are out there. But Im telling you, if you are looking for the short cut, you might see quick results that tend to fade quickly. Job Search Magic Pill vs. Eat Right and Exercise A couple of weeks ago I was on a webinar where I once again promoted Michael Webbs job search program as the most solid program Ive seen. Its simple. But its really hard to implement (until you just DO IT). After the webinar, I was thinking about his system, and why people wont do it. They spend tons of time and effort and money and thinking on other systems that seem more simple, and promise at least the same results. I started to think about health, and comparing it to this issue.  Michael Webbs system is like eating right and exercising, which is a pretty solid plan to get healthy (lose weight, etc.). But we (collectively) dont want to do that.  Its too hard.  We want the ab machine from the commercial.  Or we want the pill, or the spoonful of whatever.  We want the shortcut. How does that shortcut work out? Thats right. So go for the solid program, not the fad diet. Im not saying Michaels is the only solid program I have partners and colleagues that have solid programs.  They are out there. But Im telling you, if you are looking for the short cut, you might see quick results that tend to fade quickly. Job Search Magic Pill vs. Eat Right and Exercise A couple of weeks ago I was on a webinar where I once again promoted Michael Webbs job search program as the most solid program Ive seen. Its simple. But its really hard to implement (until you just DO IT). After the webinar, I was thinking about his system, and why people wont do it. They spend tons of time and effort and money and thinking on other systems that seem more simple, and promise at least the same results. I started to think about health, and comparing it to this issue.  Michael Webbs system is like eating right and exercising, which is a pretty solid plan to get healthy (lose weight, etc.). But we (collectively) dont want to do that.  Its too hard.  We want the ab machine from the commercial.  Or we want the pill, or the spoonful of whatever.  We want the shortcut. How does that shortcut work out? Thats right. So go for the solid program, not the fad diet. Im not saying Michaels is the only solid program I have partners and colleagues that have solid programs.  They are out there. But Im telling you, if you are looking for the short cut, you might see quick results that tend to fade quickly.

Changing Fields Advice from a Career Coach

Changing Fields Advice from a Career Coach Todays career dilemma is  addressed  by Chrissy Scivicque, founder of eatyourcareer.com. Dear Chrissy,   I love your blog and the career advice you give, so I felt you were the perfect person to ask about my career dilemma.   I currently work in the financial world and am eager to make a switch into marketing.   Although I dont have any agency experience in marketing, for the past few years I have been doing online marketing and social media consulting.   I also have a blog, have taken online classes on the subject and have a decent online presence.   Would you recommend that I focus on increasing my freelance clientele or do you think its better to get some corporate experience in marketing before going out on my own? As always, thanks for your advice! -Carrie J. First off, congratulations on all of your career success so far. Don’t get so bogged down trying to figure out your next move that you lose sight of all you’ve accomplished. Take a minute to celebrate your victories! Okay, now, let’s look at your dilemma: To stay in corporate America soaking up experience or head out on your own into the world of Marketing “2.0”. Big question. Certainly there is something to be said for learning the ropes of an industry before setting out on your own. However, it sounds like you’ve been doing that for a little while nowâ€"quite successfully, in fact. Even though you’ve been working in the financial world, you’ve been out there learning on your own and physically implementing your marketing knowledge. Sounds like you’ve been holding down two jobs…which can get exhausting, I know. There are pros and cons to staying in the corporate world to gain some hands-on marketing experience. Just like there are pros and cons to going out on your own. So, you need to evaluate your goals and where each option fits in with your goals. I’m going to outline some questions I’d like you to think about. If you were to stay in the corporate world, what specific experience would you hope to gain? How would it serve you when you eventually do head out on your own? How long are you willing to spend getting that experience? Do you feel financially secure enough to go out on your own now? If not, how much would you like to have saved? What appeals to you about being self-employed? If you went out on your own now, what struggles do you think you would have? What can you do to help minimize those struggles? What has been your experience with your freelance clients thus far? Did you feel adequately prepared to meet their needs? Is there a service that you’d like to offer to your freelance clients that you can’t because you don’t know enough about it? In my experience, I’ve seen that effective, energetic and experienced marketing professionals are in great demand. In this field, building your online presence and network appear to be more important than building your resume. Of course, a corporate/agency marketing job would offer you many things you just can’t get on your own, including valuable industry contacts, so you’ll need to weigh the importance of these things.   Going into business for yourself requires more than simply knowing your field and the job. You have to market yourself, sell your services, track and manage your income and expenses, and a whole host of other things that aren’t always fun. With your background and experience (and your obvious intelligence) I have no doubt that you could do it very successfully if that’s the road you choose. Surely there will be stumbles and fears, but there’s no avoiding that when you’re carving a path of your own. My Recommendations Review the questions I listed above and be honest in your answers. If you choose to stay in the corporate world, focus on gaining experience, expanding your network, and saving some money. But give yourself a finite period of time. Make it one year, two years, whatever you need. Outline exactly what you want to accomplish in that time frame and then make your move. Also, look for other options. You outlined an either/or scenario: You’re looking to either increase your freelance clientele or find fulltime employment in marketing/PR/digital media. Might there be a middle-road that you haven’t considered? These days (with the economy fluctuating so much) many companies are hiring part-timers and contractors. Could you possibly find a part-time or contract role in marketing that would allow you plenty of time to increase your freelance client load at the same time? Look for ways to break out of your limited thought patterns and find new opportunities. Unfortunately, I can’t just give you a simple answer. This is something that requires your full commitment, whatever you choose. So the decision has to be yours. Focus on your career needs and how each of the various options will help you meet those needs. And seek one-on-one career guidance for more in-depth assistance.

Real Career Girls Allison OKelly, founder and CEO of Mom Corps

Real Career Girls Allison O’Kelly, founder and CEO of Mom Corps Before diving into Allisons story, let me just say I am very excited to bring back the #RealCareerGirls section of MsCareerGirl.com! As a part of the process of creating the best version of yourself, it truly helps to have role models that you can look up to and take notes from.    Do you have a real career girl whom you feel should be featured n Ms Career Girl? Tweet us @mscareergirl or email us at [emailprotected]! Meeting women who are able to keep a great balance between life and career can inspire anyone to want to do the same, but meeting someone who actively  encourages  others and makes it possible for the women around her to live a well-rounded and balanced life is  nothing short of  awe-inspiring. Allison O’Kelly is that woman. It is already a feat in itself to keep a healthy equilibrium between your own personal and work life. Imagine having the influence and drive to make the same happen for more women out there!  Allison is the founder and CEO of  Mom Corps, a national professional staffing firm with a focus on flexible work. Launched in 2005, Mom Corps has helped champion the view that flexibility is a benefit to not only professionals but to the companies that employ them. Mom Corps also is helping professional women take control of their careers, finances, and health and wellness through  Mom Corps YOU. Many women struggle with the idea of “following your heart” when it comes to their careers. Allison explains how her business is sparked by answering that very call. Unexpected career  beginnings: “I was working in management at Toys “R” Us when I had my first son.   The Toys “R” Us team was great to me â€" trying to work out a schedule that worked for both my career and my family â€" but I quickly realized that it just wasn’t working.   I started my own contract accounting practice, and as the business grew, I found I had no trouble finding CPAs who were looking for better work-life integration to take on some of the work.   At the same time, my business experience showed me that companies were struggling to find qualified employees.   That’s when I decided to start Mom Corps â€" to help match these companies with the wide pool of talent looking for a better way to work.” Allison also talks of one of her first milestones, making her first hire, Maria Goldsholl.    Having a background in business and not staffing made her understand the need to learn more about the industry and  to hire  an expert.  â€œMaria has a strong background in talent development and work-life program implementation â€" she was my first hire, and remains our COO to this day.   Surrounding yourself with great people is definitely one of the keys to success.” Allison on the  fulfillment  she gets from her work.  Since starting Mom Corps, Allison has helped hundreds of women and has been given recognition for it.  In 2013, Mom Corps was named as one of Inc.’s 500 fastest growing privately-held businesses.  Allison adds, “Not only is that an achievement for Mom Corps, but it also shows that we’re making an impact in the business world as a whole â€" helping employers realize the benefits of implementing flexible work programs.”  Earlier this year they also launched  Mom Corps YOU, an online community helping professionals take their careers into their own hands with job search tools, career advancement seminars and access to leaders in the flexibility movement. With all these accomplishments, she still says that there is one thing most fulfilling about creating Mom Corps: “Knowing that I’m helping to create a win-win for employers and their employees.   Some people may think of workplace flexibility as a concession to employees, but employers are seeing real benefits, including improved retention and recruitment and decreased costs.” On Being Superwoman One of the greatest challenges of taking on an entrepreneurial journey is keeping that balance between personal life and business. So we asked Allison, how does  a woman like her keep it together? “I admit to myself that I just can’t do it all!   I get help when needed (house cleaning, child care…), and I have learned to say “no!”   I focus on what’s the most important to me, and I’m willing to let the rest go.   In terms of a routine, I look at my day as a 24-hour clock â€" each hour could be work, family or for me.   Each day is different, and I’m ok with that.” When asked about her motivation, I am reminded of how much we women naturally relate to and help lift each other. She responds: “My three boys and the idea that all parents should be able to be there for their kids and have careers too.” What I find really amazing is how she remains one of the girls despite all her successes. When asked, what’s her favorite ever ensemble? She responds that she’s a self-confessed beach bum. “Flip flops and a cover up, which means I’m at the beach … my happy place.” Looking Into Starting Your Own Business? Having experienced starting from the bottom up when it comes to her business, Allison shares some valuable advice to women who want to take the same path as she did. “As an entrepreneur, I would say just go for it!   You’ll never know what might be if you don’t give it a try.” Fresh graduates have some wisdom to take from her too â€"  â€œYou are the future of the American workforce.   Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need to make yourself happier and more productive at home and life.” Ultimately, the biggest question for many of those considering the big move away from a steady paycheck is â€" How do I know? Allison shares that if the itch to move careers is there,  just  heed the call despite the fear of the future. So how did she know it was the right path for her? “I didn’t!   I started my career in accounting, but as I began searching for my own work-life satisfaction, I encountered countless other women looking for the same thing and saw an opportunity to change how America does business.” At the end of the day the biggest lesson I’ve taken from this wonderful role model is to be two  things in life â€" BRAVE and INSPIRED. And in the words of Thomas Edison, also  a mantra she lives by, I leave you dear reader with a last valuable piece of advice:  â€œMany of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” Learn more about Allison and her mission for all women  by checking out    Mom Corps  and tweet us @mscareergirl about what you think!

5 Fatal Flaws to Avoid When Pitching to the Media - Classy Career Girl

5 Fatal Flaws to Avoid When Pitching to the Media Dream of being featured in  a top national media news site? Want to see your name online at Forbes or Huffington Post? Even better, want to see your name in print in in a top magazine or newspaper? Wellyou are in luck because today we are sharing what NOT to do  so you can improve your chances in getting the feature you dream of. These fatal flaws were presented at Infusionsofts user conference, ICON, by Mikal E. Belicove, contributing author at Entrepreneur magazine. Hes writes for many sites and shared a total of 14 flatal flaws. I picked out the ones that I think are the most common and that I have made myself in hopes to help you not make the same ones! 5 Fatal Flaws to Avoid When Pitching to the Media 1. Not Doing Your Research. According to Mikal, you have to do your research. If you dont know what topics the author writes about and you pitch a topic that doesnt fit, you will be doing more harm than good. Do some research so that when you pitch your idea, its something that is clearly on topic with what they normally write about. Mikal also mentioned not to lead by sharing that someone else already covered the story, so he should write about it too! Think about this. Why would he want to write the same story as someone else? He doesnt. He wants something unique so think of a way that you can provide him something unique and different from the rest. 2. Pitching Without Cover. Dont tweet them publicly. Who knew! I know I am guilty of making this mistake and when Mikal explained it, it made so much sense.  When people share a story idea with the media, they want it to be an exclusive piece. When all know that social media is not secret so if you tweet them an idea, everyone will know what the author is writing about. Mikal said that if you do this, he will actually request that you delete the tweet. Wow! Do no tweeting and no pitches out in the open. Lesson learned! 3. Gorilla Distribution Of Your Press Release. Sites like PRNewsire is a top place to submit a press release. I know I have submitted a press release here before and thought nothing of it.  But, according to Mikal, this is not a good strategy and once again, it made so much sense when he explained it. If you submit to a site like this,  everyone gets the press release and he isnt able to create a piece that is exclusive. The better strategy is to submit a press release individually to the author you want to write about it and give him exclusive rights to the story. He shared that sites like PR Newsire really are known for pumping out press releases so that they can get some great SEO. 4. Refusing to Help Curate and Socialize Writers Content. Its helpful to know the behind the scenes world of writers in todays online world. Mikal said that there are more writers now than there were five years ago and a lot of different sites to compete against. Its actually hard to make money as a writer because these days writers get paid by word or by unique views of their articles. That means you have a big opportunity to promote as much as you can for the writer. Share the article anywhere and everywhere to support him or her and show that you appreciate them writing about your story. 5. Leading With Rhetoric and Hyperbole. Whatever you do, dont say you are a guru or a leading expert. It just sounds skeptical. Remember, you will be held in contempt if any information you provide is not accurate. The writer wants to know the facts. Give him or her the who, what, where, when and why and dont exaggerate. Provide supporting data and third party data if possible. Dont make things up and say that it is best selling or #1 if its just you that thinks so. Hope these tips help you improve your chances to be seen in that top media site you dream of! You can do it!

Best Resume Writing Services - How to Find Them

Best Resume Writing Services - How to Find ThemFinding the best resume writing services in Philadelphia PA is easier than you think. But there are a few things you should know before you make the decision to hire one. First of all, the company you are considering hiring should be able to meet your expectations and goals. Some will focus on just the resume and leave you wondering how they can help you with your other work.The only way to find out is to actually try them out yourself. If you feel that you can benefit from their services, then you need to check them out and make sure that they can handle what you need done. There are also some who can't really do much, other than getting your resume done, but at a much reduced price. It's the difference between a fast-food style service versus a gourmet restaurant.So, what exactly are you looking for in such services? Well, first of all, you will want them to write your resume by hand. For the average job applicant, a good resume writer can be as much as a year or more. It is in this length of time that it is essential that you find the best resume writing services in Philadelphia PA.Another important thing to consider is their ability to produce something that has been written by someone who has experience with what you are doing. There is a very good chance that a good resume writer will have taken some time to read about your situation and know what type of outcome would be most suitable for you. This gives them an edge over many of the other service providers out there because they are still offering you what you want.A resume should only be as good as the writing skills of the person who created it. This is where hiring a Philadelphia resume writing service can be helpful because they will be able to provide you with assistance throughout the entire process. Many service providers will create your resume for you, but it can still be up to you to follow the directions and ensure that it is optimized for you. T here are many other services out there that specialize in creating professional resumes for all of your needs, so it is good to know that there is someone else who can assist you through the entire process.The biggest challenge with finding the best resume writing services in Philadelphia PA is finding one that will actually provide you with assistance and a guarantee of some kind. The good news is that it is actually very easy to find a service that can offer all of these things. You will simply need to look around a bit and see what kind of companies you find that give you the level of support you want and need.A great service will create your resume to suit your specific career goals. They can also refer you to a number of potential employers by using the professional resume you provide them with. A resume writer that can work on your resume is almost a necessity in today's business world.Finding the best of the best resume writing services in Philadelphia PA is only a matter of looking for the right service. When you find one, be sure to check them out and make sure that they can do what you need them to do. This is one way to ensure that you end up with a resume that can be beneficial for you.

Do your homework for a video job interview

Do your homework for a video job interview Welcome to the era of the video interview. Companies are increasingly using Skype, FaceTime or other apps to avoid the expense of ferrying promising job candidates to and from headquarters as part of the vetting process. When you boil it down, it’s similar to auditioning for an acting role â€" the way you look and how you respond to the unexpected (on camera) can make or break whether you get the part. In a recent Robert Half survey, senior managers recounted some funny video interview bloopers (you’ll seriously want to avoid these) and offered some helpful pointers, the most critical of which are: Be sure to do the interview in a place free of distraction and look your best with professional attire. : 1. Do rehearse (and dress) the part It goes without saying that you’ll want to be punctual in taking the call, but also able to roll with the unexpected (we’ll get back to this point shortly). Before the interview, try to minimize pre-interview jitters and tech glitches. Test your technology and, if possible, rehearse with a friend. At minimum, record yourself and listen or watch. Get to a point where you feel comfortable in front of the camera. Sit up tall. Look lively. Smile. Use hand gestures. Avoid overhead lighting. Maintain eye contact with the webcam. Speak naturally as if the interviewer were sitting across the table from you. Wardrobe note: Choose an outfit that projects confidence. During your video interview trial run, make sure clothing patterns aren’t distracting from your presentation. 2. Do your homework Unlike an actor’s audition, the job interview is not a time for improvisation. You’ll want to learn as much as possible about the company and the position. Review the job description. Read the company’s website, glance at reviews on Glassdoor, and research the company using the “news” button on Google or your favorite search engine. If you know the name of the interviewing manager, look at his or her LinkedIn profile. Practice video interview questions during your “audition” with a friend. Be prepared with brief stories about how you performed in previous positions, and for the probable job interview question, “Tell me about a time when you … .” Ask your friend for an honest critique about your performance. 3. Don’t forget: Keep it simple Avoid talking too much, or too little. If you do nothing else, be sure to cite examples of how you’ve delivered results in past roles, and explain how you’d be a great fit with the company culture you’ve researched. By now, you’ve already practiced maintaining eye contact with the camera, smiling, and speaking clearly and with confidence. When in doubt, remember my law of threes: For every question, say no more than three short things, then stop talking. (Too often we babble too much in interviews). If the interviewer wants to know more, she will ask. 4. Don’t dwell on it if you stumble If you happen to misstate the recruiter’s name or make another gaffe, apologize, compose yourself, and proceed with the task at hand. To err is human. The manner in which you recover will matter more than dwelling on your mistake. 5. Do be flexible, whatever the environment In an ideal world, you’d be able to do the video interview from the comfort of your home office. The fact of the matter is, not many of us have that luxury, and recruiters today know this and are willing to accommodate unconventional video settings. If you must take the interview from your car, or at a coffee bar on your lunch break, or before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. because you’re concerned your boss might find out, most employers will understand as long as you do it with poise and professionalism. To recap, you’ll want to have worked out all the kinks before the video interview. Test your technology beforehand, make sure pets are out of earshot, children and spouses know not to disturb you, alarms and notifications are set to silent and, of course, dress appropriately â€" from head to toe. And don’t forget to send a handwritten thank-you note and â€" please â€" spell the recruiter or hiring manager’s name correctly. With a little preparation, you’ll be set to nail your next video interview. Good luck! Join Dana Manciagli’s Job Search Master Class right now and immediately access the most comprehensive job search system currently available!

Workshop November 26+27 in Prague - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

Workshop November 26+27 in Prague - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog On November 26+27?I will hold an in-depth two-day workshop about happiness at work in Prague. We dont do a lot of these longer trainings, so this is a rare chance to get the complete scoop on how to create happy workplaces. Read more and sign up here. Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related